Dragons, Vampires, and Bears - Oh My!

I've decided that I must be part bear, Momma Bear, that is. After an extended period (October, November, December) of eating or foraging, all I want to do is retreat to my cave and hibernate (read and sleep).  Absolutely, no sewing going on here in my cave. I have great intentions each morning, but after a day of school, mywork,  I can just manage to lay on the couch and read with the help of my personal lap warmer, Rusty. 

So, I'm reading. Professionally, I am a librarian after all, I decided it was time to do my own research. It was time to read the "Twilight" books by Stephenie Meyer.  The series is not appropriate for my elementary students, but this is personal, professional development after all. After months of waiting for a copy at our outstanding county public library system, I received an e-mail that a copy was waiting for me. I was prepared not to like the book. I'm not into horror  stories or vampire tales. Imagine my surprise when I found myself liking Twilight, the first book in the series. It is a wonderfully, creative fantasy. I've  quite enjoyed the characteristics and talents that Ms. Meyer has graced upon her vampires. I do find Edward, the romantic-hero vampire a bit boring and "cold."  I found his "family"   more interesting. I finished the first book in the series last weekend. My co-worker had book two, New Moon so I borrowed her copy.Ms. Meyer's young werewolves in New Moon entertained and amused me. They were so like a normal pack of teenage boys (don't let my sons read this:)  I'm waiting to read the third book in the series. I must be thorough in my research. I actually think a copy is on hold at the Public Library. Great reading, ah I mean research, during our long holiday weekend.

My son is a huge fan of the Eragon book series by Christopher Paolini. I've started the first book, Eragon, three times, but wandered to other books. Michael insisted that I need to read the series so I decided to give it another try. This time I'm listening to the audio-book not reading the print version. The many invented names, places, and words in the fantasy world are what discouraged me from reading the actual book. Listening to the audio-book has actually been a delight. My drive home is about 45 minutes each day. I've begun to look forward to discovering what peril awaits Eragon and his dragon Saphira each afternoon. I'm not sure of the name of the actor who is doing the vocals, but he has done a wonderful job with adapting his voice to fit different characters. 

I'm just in the middle of book one, Eragaon, but will continue my "research" with book two, Eldest and book three, Brisingr.