Dibs in Search of Self by Virginia M. Axline

A number of months ago, a friend of mine handed me this book and told me to read it.  She said it was a quick read and really good, especially if you like happy endings.

Child psychology has never been a subject that I was likely to pursue.  I work with children on a daily basis and I've often thought it would be beneficial to put some studying in but for the most part my readings in psychology center on self help.  I was a little doubtful.  The first two chapters were slow but after that it really took off.

Dibs is the son of a scientist and an ex-surgeon.  His family has always values intellectualism.  Dibs, however, is different.  His parents have written him off as mentally retarded even though his teachers still have hope.  He does not talk at school.  He does not play with the other kids.  No matter what is going on he is always on the outside.

Axline is put in contact with his parents and takes Dibs into her care.  Using play therapy, Dibs begin to break down the walls that keep him so isolated from the rest of the world.  I keep catching myself talking to people like Axline talks to Dibs!

I never thought that I would love this book but I did.  It was wonderful to see a boy emerging so rapidly.  I highly suggest this book.

Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris

When I finished reading the first book in the Southern Vampires series, I wasn't sure as to whether or not I should continue.  I decided that I would try the second book and see how it went.  It went way better than I expected.  I even made those audible reading noises, gasps and giggles.  I hate that I enjoyed it so much, really, because that means that I'll have to read the third.

If you are a fan of True Blood, I would say that it is worth giving the books a chance.  They are similar enough to the show to feel familiar but different enough to keep you reading.  I spent a lot of time comparing season two to book two and discussing the differences with my boyfriend who is watching the show as well.

I really hate Sookie, though.  I am glad that she is not like Bella in Twilight.  She is special.  She's not just a mopey girl who managed to fall in with a vampire.  She even has a little more independence, though I would argue that she doesn't have much.  She is very strong, really.  She is brave and not just when it means saving the person she loves.  It is even when it means saving someone she doesn't really care for.  In this book, she sheds some of her innocence.  It actually gets a bit dirty in parts.

Another character thing that I noticed is that I really don't like Bill anymore.  He's just so greasy without meaning to be.  I prefer Eric who is greasy because he's Eric and makes no attempt to hide it.