I've recently read a ton of graphic novels and memoirs - some I loved and others not so much but were still a thrill to read. Guts by Raina Telgemeier I am always on the lookout for Raina Telgemeier's comics, so when I found Guts available at my library's Overdrive catalog last year, I had to request it right away. Her comics are always delightful, designed for the middle-grade audience, and written very well. Guts is a continuation of her Smile nonfiction graphic memoir series (see Smile and Sisters ) and recounts a period in her childhood when she experienced IBS for the first time. When Raina wakes up one night with an upset tummy, she just assumes it's a stomach bug as her mom is also showing the same symptoms. But when it doesn't go away soon but is instead influenced by the daily highs and lows of being a middle grader - good friends, not so good ones, and then the bullies, she realizes there's something else going on. If you have not read the previous

It's been a week since I did any reading or blogging, and that sure makes me one grumpy ole lady right now. I didn't log on to twitter or even glance at my two-weeks untouched Google Reader. shudder .. the numbers..
The good news is that the one week hiatus was worth it. I finally finished my thesis and can now get back to books, since my defense and hence graduation is still a good 3 weeks away! My two-week race to finish this mammoth report on my two-year discoveries in my lab was beginning to nauseate me thanks to my minimal sleep, but luckily I was finally able to sleep well last night, didn't bother with alarms, and just woke up as I pleased.
Yesterday, I met Kathy of Bermudaonion's Weblog, Jennifer of The Literate Housewife, and Jaime of Confessions of a Bibliophile at El Rodeo in Blacksburg! It was an amazing lunch get-together, and we had much fun joking, sharing juicy tidbits and talking about books! They were such wonderful ladies and I'm so glad I got to meet them! This was also my first meeting with any book blogger and it was the first time I was in the physical company of more than one person who loved, ate and breathed books! I sure can't wait to meet them again. Kathy was also generous enough to give each one of us a book, of which she had an extra copy, (I chose A Fierce Radiance) and you know how any of us feel of surprise books. I don't have any pictures yet of our meeting, but Kathy had taken some, so I will post them soon as possible.

Comments
Here is my Sunday Salon post!
I am somewhat jealous of the day you got to spend with blogging friends. I do not think there is anyone who lives close enough to me, which is why I hope I can attend BEA next year.
Also, that is so awesome that you got to meet some bloggers. Wish I could meet you and some others someday too!