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 while! Though not for no reason this time, as it was on previous occasions. The husband and I are thisclose to closing on our first house and I say thisclose because it's been delayed by a week plus now. ~angry fists~ We were to close last Monday, which didn't happen because some of the pre-closing requests we had were not met, and then the Wednesday deadline didn't meet because in the post-Sandy situation, the mortgage company wanted to do a disaster inspection (if only we got some storm in the region), and we missed the Friday deadline as well, because although they did receive the inspection report, they do not do same-day closings. So now, our fingers are closed for a Tuesday closing that the banker is hinting on but is not confirming because understandably, they do not want to make any promises. I'm in the mental situation where I will know we have the house only when they actually give us the keys. I know this is a small nuisance compared to what Diane had been going through or what anyone in Sandy's path went through, but it's still a frustrating matter for me.
Speaking of Sandy, my brother was scheduled to arrive at my place three days after Sandy struck, and although he did make it by his original schedule, it took him two buses and two trains to get out of New York. It was saddening following the news of the massive devastation - I hope all who suffered bounce back soon. Both the husband's and my brothers were here this weekend, and we had quite a fun time overall.
Lately, most of my reading has involved going through links and articles regarding home decor. But when I'm not reading those, I've been reading a few books.

- American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis: Finally, I finished this book! I did finish it in time for the Dueling Monsters, but I didn't quite get the time to put up a post on my thoughts. I do concur with the general population that Patrick Bateman is a sicko who has made me queasy and jumpy for a few days after reading this book. Even though half the book contains a running commentary of what everyone and his dog is wearing, the other half dwells on his horrible (too mild a word) actions. Ugh!

- The Casual Vacancy by J.K.Rowling: Finally, I received this book last week and started thumbing through it. My first thought was that J.K. Rowling's typical writing style is very evident here - that's one of the things I loved in the Harry Potter books - a silent funny writing style, and that's very much present here. I've only read a couple of pages, so I can't wait to dig in.
Arrived for review
- Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver
Picked at the Library
- The Casual Vacancy by J.K.Rowling

Comments
I bought the Rowling book at the weekend. It's good to read that you're enjoying it.
Steph