It feels like this week has gone on forever!  I finally had a decent chunk of time tonight to sit and read – and ended up reading well over 150 pages and finishing Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson (and now don’t have enough time to watch an episode of Lost – oh bother).  First, let me say that the text in the novel seems to be a little larger than usual, and a lot of pages have a good deal of white space – so 150 pages is not the feat it really sounds like.  Second, I realized why I don’t read books like this – no matter what the ending is, I’m still upset that a dog died in the first half.  Really?  Did the dog need to die?  The rest of the sad things are bad enough!  I cried when the dog died.  Did I mention I was upset about the dog dying?  Saying that isn’t giving away a major plot point really, so I don’t feel bad going on about it.

However, I can see how and why my mom liked it.  The story is moving and has a good lesson to teach, even if it is a bit predictable (and at times, a little hokey).  Sometimes I guess you just get through rough times by knowing that there will be a little happiness at the end.  It is a pretty good way to get through some of the times that seem impossible to make it through.

I’m starting Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane tomorrow so I can hopefully finish it in time to go see the movie when it comes out this month.  It comes highly recommended by my friend Sarah, and it does sound really good – so I’m pumped to get started on it -  but after my mini-marathon this evening, I think I’m going to give my eyes a break when I go to bed tonight instead of reading a few chapters before turning the light out!

Oh and PS – My friend Sarah lent me The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly – so I can add that to the short list…er…pile… Yay!

2/5/2010 edit: I gave in and started Shutter Island last night before going to sleep…My eyes are angry today.