My review of Poppy Z. Brite's Soul Kitchen and D*U*C*K is up at Voices. If you haven't heard about this series then really you are missing something. Poppy really loves these characters and, of course, has her heart deep in New Orleans, and the combination is very very readable. They are just joy and fun from beginning to end and most recommended.

As I have written many times before, I do not write a review for the author - I'm respectful of the work, but not looking to kiss ass or anything like that. I am thrilled though when an author gives one of my reviews a response like this one - it means a lot that I was able to read deeply enough into the books to see what Poppy is trying to do with her stories. That's what I try to do with all this reviewing - give my opinion but also enlighten readers as to the work a writer has done.

Melissa Fay Greene is blogging at Powells this week and if you need a reason to feel good about the world today, then read her first entry. Oh how I love a happy ending!

As mentioned by Jenny D., Ernestine Gilbreth Carey passed away. Cheaper by the Dozen is one of my all time favorite books and Belles on Their Toes (the sequel) is quite well done also. I saw the Myrna Loy movie years ago on tv and I think I need to buy it. I adore Loy, and I could watch that movie again and again.

And the sad state of the Gilmore Girls has made it to the NY TImes:

For all these years, Lorelai in "Gilmore Girls� has been painful and surprising and exciting to watch — a marvelous high-wire act. How cruel that the new writer of the show wants to rub her face in conventionality, strip her of the speed that was her reason for being and transform her into another banal television lead.

But really, don't just blame the new writers. As all long time fans know, GG jumped the shark last season and it would take a miracle to save it now.

And finally, seriously, you need to vote today. I believe very strongly in voting - it comes largely from having a degree in history and knowing just how hard so many people had to fight for this right over the years. I can not abide people who do not vote, who think it is a waste of time, who bitch and moan about the President or Congress (regardless of the party in charge) and then don't take the time to do their job and make a difference. I don't care if you vote Republican, Democrat, Green, Libertarian or write-in your favorite Aunt for Senate. Just vote, and do the one most basic thing that is required to be a good American.

See ya on the flip side of the election - and my birthday......