From the Inkwell, From the Vein.....

I've been fleshing out the plot/character line-up for my newest project and I'm beginning to think that this story will become more psychologically dark than I originally anticipated--- not that it's a bad thing, it's just probably more than the teen genre will allow. I think the strongest dark element is my protagonist's young daughter being in possession of another child's soul and memories---a child who has been dead for five years, and whose soul is eager to rejoin her dead brother, even at the expense of another life. I never planned on the story skirting the edge of horror...I've never enjoyed being scared, but if this story decides to take over, I fear that's just where it is headed. To do the plot justice, I plan on amping up the research, everything from paranormal psychology to Jung's idea of collective consciousness. I'm a bit concerned about doing justice to everything I want to include and I'm also struggling with the number

Yes, I know I have a list of favorite books already in my profile, but I thought I'd add to the line-up: Most recently---- ATONEMENT by Ian McEwan --I don't know how the movie turned out and I really don't have plans to go and see it, but the book was really well done. As a warning though, most people I know (myself included) struggled with about the first 50 pages or so... almost to the point of putting the book down ----DON'T put it down. Fight through the first part because the book is totally worth it by the end. You will regret it if you don't keep reading. Not on previous list---- RUNNING WITH SCISSORS by Augusten Burroughs -- I'm not really sure why this one didn't make it on my original list, because it is so well-written and entertaining. It is definitely not for every reader, there are some intense and at times graphic scenes, but Burroughs is such an entertaining and descriptive writer that it is definitely worth trying. You almost look past

Just saw the sneak preview of "The Kite Runner" with several of my book club buddies. And though some aspects of the book were missing in the cinema production, I definitely have to admit the movie was just as moving as the book itself. It is a definite "must-see"!!!! So, the overwhelming question of this night, as well as the book discussion night, was that of redemption. Is it always possible to redeem oneself? Or are some things completely unforgivable? The idea of something being completely unforgivable is so powerful and frankly it's also emotionally terrifying. I can in no way imagine (and plan on never HAVING to imagine) what living with such intense life-long guilt could do to a person. What lengths would you go to just to alleviate the guilt? Even living the rest of one's life for the sole purpose of making amends may not ever be enough for some things. Back to the movie or book :).... did Amir ever finally redeem himself for his silence? What a