And Now, Tax Deduction the Elder on Pets
TAX DEDUCTION THE ELDER: Mom, are the cats old?
ME: Yes, sweetie. They’re going to be 15 in July. That’s like a million people years.
TDTE: So they’re going to die soon?
ME: Well, I think they’ll be with us a while longer for us to love, before they go to God in heaven.
TDTE: Do you think that will be soon?
ME: No, honey. I’m sure they’ve got many happy years to look forward to with us.
TDTE: Oh. [PAUSES] But when they die, I can get a dog, right?
ME: …
TDTE: I hope they die soon.
ME: Honey, I have a question for you. Who’s going to walk the dog? Whether it’s raining or snowing or sunny?
TDTE:…
ME: And clean up the dog poop?
TDTE: Maybe we should get a dog when I’m older. Maybe when I’m 12. Or 20.
ME: We’ll talk about it then, sweetie.
TDTE: Thanks, Mom! You’re the best!
***
Separately, Sidhe Vicious reviewed ETERNAL LOVER! Whee!
Books I’ve Been Reading
In the past few days, I’ve read a kajillion books.
NINTH GRADE SLAYS by Heather Brewer. Did you think EIGHTH GRADE BITES rocked? Well, NINTH blows it away. Everyone’s favorite boy vampire is back and even better than before. Vlad still has girl problems (hell, he’s 14 — of course he’s got girl problems), not to mention a ruthless student photographer hell-bent on exposing him for the vampire he is, and a full-fledged vampire slayer hot on his heels. All this, plus the woes of being a high school freshman. I absolutely loved this book, and I can’t wait to read TENTH GRADE BLEEDS.
FROM DEAD TO WORSE by Charlaine Harris. For longtime Sookie fans, this one’s a major deal. Lots of storylines get neatly (and not so neatly; heck, some are downright bloody) tied up, and there’s a number of new ones that begin, which promise to be real doozies. This is a pivotal book in the Sookieverse, especially because it’s paving the way for major things to come. I laughed out loud numerous times (if I didn’t love my books so much, I’d go through this one with a highlighter to memorize some of Sookie’s gems), and I sighed over some of Sookie’s difficult decisions (and yeah, she’s got a boatload). Looking forward to what happens next.
POISON SLEEP by TA Pratt. I (heart) Marla. This one’s even better than BLOOD ENGINES, which I didn’t think would be possible. Terrific stuff. I’m insanely jealous.
BLOODSUCKING FIENDS, YOU SUCK, and PRACTICAL DEMONKEEPING by Christopher Moore. What can I say? I’m in a Chris Moore sort of place. If you haven’t read anything by him, I’d suggest starting with either BF or with LAMB (one of my all-around favorite books, period).
I also read a friend’s manuscript, which I suppose doesn’t count. But I read it in one sitting, and if there’s any justice in the world, he’ll get it published in a terrific deal. Fingers crossed for you, KC!
What have you been reading lately?
New Cat and Muse interview posted
Come on over to Cat and Muse and meet Ciara Griffin, the protagonist of Jeri Smith-Ready’s fabulous new novel, WICKED GAME.
More Hellish Goodness
So I checked email this morning to find this message:
Congratulations Jackie! Hells Belles has been chosen as one of May’s Joyfully Reviewed’s Recommended Reads.
Woot! (Yes, I’m doing my happy dance!)
Here’s the review. I’m quite thrilled.
Happy Monday, all!
Mother’s Day Blogging
Happy Mommy’s Day! I blogged over at the League of Reluctant Adults today. Booyah!
