Books, Music and Giveaways!

Sorry to have left you hanging for the last few days. I've been catching up on some reading and writing. In fact, I just finished The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway last night. For those of you who haven't read this book, it was originally published in 1952, and is the story of an man's struggle with old age, bad luck, and a giant fish.

This was actually a re-read for me, as I believe I took the novella quite literally when I was required to read it in college. After having read some more of Hemingway's work (in preparation for my trip to Key West in December!), I wanted to give The Old Man and the Sea another shot, read the way it was supposedly intended - as an allegorical commentary of his career as an author.

The second book I'd like to read this week is Bram Stoker's Dracula, which I surprisingly have never read. I am actually a huge fan of vampire fiction, and although Count Dracula was not the first vampire to appear in literature, he was certainly the most influential (until recently, what with Edward Cullen and all). This past weekend, I had the pleasure of watching Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula film with my friend T, and I got to thinking that I have probably missed so much detail in the story having only watched the movie three times instead of reading the book. I'm hoping to start it tonight.

Speaking of vampires, I love the band Vampire Weekend. I'm thrilled because they are releasing their second album, Contra, in January 2010. In the meantime, you can download their single, "Horchata," from their website for free! Vampire Weekend definitely has an original sound, and this new song is no different. I had to listen to it a few times before I started to like it, but now I love it.

In my attempt to bring my music collection up to date, I also stumbled upon the new Train album, Save Me, San Francisco. It's pretty snazzy. I especially suggest you listen to the tune, "Hey Soul Sister," which is quite catchy.

Okay, on to the third part of my post, GIVEAWAYS! I know this is what you were waiting for anyway. There are two I'd like to point out for you.

The first one is over at Life and Times of Laurie. She's giving away two bars of luxurious, hand made Stone Bluff Soap. The Stone Bluff Soap Shoppe is owned by her mother-in-law in Oklahoma, and is known for their heavenly smelling soaps in scents such as calendula, lavendar and gardenia. I think this is a wonderful giveaway and a unique opportunity to get your hands on a handmade product that isn't widely available. You've only got until tomorrow to enter in this one, so head on over to Laurie's blog, and leave her a comment!

The second giveaway I'd like to mention is the Sinfully Sweet Giveaway hosted by Leslie at A Blond Ambition. She is giving away a large bottle of one of three delicious scents of Philosophy bath gel! The lucky winner will get to choose between Red Velvet Cake, Coconut Frosting and Carrot Cake. Her giveaway is going on until November 15.