Alice Hoffman

I was first introduced to Alice Hoffman's work through her book Practical Magic. This novel was made into a movie starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. I honestly remember liking the movie but then again I was in middle school when it came out. I think a lot of people lump Hoffman's work into the genre of "chick lit" because of this movie. However, I think she is a cut above most of those type of books.

It was a few weeks ago when I finally got around to reading Hoffman's first published novel, Property Of. The story centers around an unnamed narrator and her involvement with a charismatic gang leader named McKay. McKay is president of a gang called the Orphans. This book will bring you to your knees. It uses lyrical language in a way that is so grounded in reality that you are at once totally involved with the story. Hoffman captures what it means to be in love and the dangers of all kinds of addiction.

My favorite novel by Hoffman so far is The Probable Future. The Probable Future centers around the Sparrow family, a group of women who all have extraordinary abilities. Here, I fell in love with the characters. I absolutely rooted for them. I highly recommend this book.

I have not had a chance to read her most recent book, The Story Sisters. Have you? I'd love to hear if you think it is good.

Revive

Hello.

Out of the many things Jillian and I have in common, a common constant is that we are always reading. So we have decided to refocus this blog on books.

I am a book junkie. Nancy Pearl is my role model. I can talk about novels I have read forever. I have been known to check out more books than I can carry. I am constantly awed by great reads - the classics as well as debut novels. I collect art books and signed first editions but mostly I buy used books -- so much cheaper!

I hope you check out our blog to find out what we are reading and to share your favorite reads.

Happy reading!

MIX CHALLENGE IV: I CAN'T FEEL MY FUCKIN' TOES MIX

Here it is:

1. follow the rules for each song!
2. only use each band/artist once.
3. use discretion with side projects/remixes of bands/artists already used.
4. also use discretion with soundtracks.
5. the whole thing must fit on an 80-minute cd-r.

let me know if you're doing this and then copy&paste the tracklisting/upload that shit! it's the holidays! sharing is caring! etc!

i love the onion

Disney Lab Unveils Its Latest Line Of Genetically Engineered Child Stars

Famous internet celebrities

This is almost as good as Francesca Lia Block liking one of my paintings. Yes that did happen. We are myspace friends. Jealous?

A question that my good friend asked has been answered on Pot Psychology. It's the second (and least horrifying) question.

I think I'll take a shower to clean off the aggregate shame of the past 24 hours.

Everything funny I type I stole from someone else.

welcome to gangsterville

What do you do when out-of-towners come to Gainesville? My friend Jason came to visit last Friday and I was sort of at a loss for what to do. I love Gainesville. It's a fun college town with lots of character. But Jason lives in Brooklyn. With last call at 2am and a lack of corner delis what do you do when a big city boy comes to town?

First we started off at one of my favorite places to eat, Cafe Gardens. The burgers there are delicious. The live music was decidely not good. We ended up going to the Top Friday night. I had too many drinks. Jason was shocked at the lack of things open past midnight. We ended up walking to Suncenter plaza in search of cigarettes. Katy drove us there but we walked home.

Saturday we went to the Butterfly Rainforest. No, I'm not kidding. I think it's totally worth it. A butterfly landed on me. Then we got gelato. The Gelato company is an awesome place to get lunch as well. Jason said it smells funny but I do not agree. Then we saw Kung fu Panda. I highly recommend it. Saturday night we had Satchel's pizza. They gave us free cake.

Sunday we were in a coma brought on by too much food. Mostly napping. We walked to Tim & Terry's in the evening. Katy came too. It was pretty dead so we ended up going to Copper Monkey.

Monday we got breakfast at Jeff's Deli. I finally got to meet Jeff. I love Jeff's Deli. They have breakfast all day and it is much more fun than IHOP. I highly reccomend it. Then I drove Jason to the airport and said goodbye.