Weekend Photo Roll I

I have a lot of time to myself Friday and Saturdays on account of Isaac's work schedule. He works one in the afternoon till ten at night. This Friday and Saturday I decided to pick up a book I bought two years ago. Yes, two years ago ! That is how often I buy books and how often I can't keep up with my to read pile. I really wish I had read it sooner because it was so good. It's exactly the type of book I love. And it is a series and an anime so I think from now on this is what is going to occupy my time - reading the light novels and watching the anime. It's also a manga, as well, but I have never gotten into reading manga. I downloaded the whole light novel series. To my understanding, only the first four books have been translated into English. The others I downloaded have been translated unprofessionally but from what I read from the comments, their translations are even better than the professional ones so we shall see!

"Why was I dragged into this bizarre mess?" Kyon, a dry-witted sad sack of a high school student narrates this off-kilter but fun novel, published in Japan in 2003. The teenager's existence is thrown into turmoil when a new student, Haruhi, appears in his homeroom and makes a startling introduction: "I have no interest in ordinary humans. If there are any aliens, time travelers, sliders, or espers here, come join me." Though she initially rebuffs him (and the rest of the student body), Haruhi eventually decides that forming a club with Kyon-the SOS Brigade, dedicated to "searching for the mysteries of the world"-is the best way to break through the dullness that surrounds her. The story begins sluggishly, but takes off as the true identities of the other club members-an alien, a time traveler, an esper (psychic)-are revealed. Each is gravely concerned that Haruhi, unknowingly, has the power to destroy the world on a whim."

This little book might not be for everyone. It's a little weird, Haruhi is kind of a terrible person and does some awful things and it's very Japanese and manga-esque but if you like science fiction and Japanese humor, do look into it.

Isaac's Valentine's Day surprise came in this weekend, too, and I took this snapshot before I wrapped it up. I didn't get to take a photo of him with it yet but I will when I can.