Some of you have probably heard about the new HBO series, "True Blood". If you have tried watching it and found it a bit too graphic, you will have a blast reading the series that it is based upon: The Sookie Stackhouse Novels by Charlaine Harris. It is often described as a Southern Vampire Mystery Series, but I found them to be a combination of mystery, fantasy, romance and absudity (and not nearly as graphic as "True Blood").
Normally, I am not drawn to vampire stories, but these are just absolutely fun to read. Sookie narrates her adventures as a barmaid and telepath when she becomes involved with vampires who have recently "come out of the coffin". She tells her story with a sunny outlook, Southern manners, and a sense of humor.
The stories get more and more wonderfully crazy, but these light reads are so entertaining, I couldn't read them fast enough. I don't want to say much more about the plot, because of the surprising twists and turns it takes, and the very interesting characters that become a part of Sookie's life.
If True Blood has piqued your interest (or you are a big fan), try the first book in the series, Dead Until Dark. I bet you will have to read the entire series to find out what happens to Sookie Stackhouse, a character you will wish you could meet.

Charles Darwin was not given to rash decisions. When he was nearly thirty and needed to decide whether to marry, he sat down, drew a line down the middle of a piece of paper and made a list of pros and cons. On the plus side, marriage would offer the benefit of children ("if it Please God") and an object of affection, "better than a dog anyhow." On the minus side, he would miss the "conservation of clever men at clubs" and might not be able to read in the evenings.
