Free The Books! Free The Books!

I live in a itsy-bitsy town- basically a one-horse town.  For years, I bought books- but due to space problems, I was having to slow down my buying. Then my brother gave me a Kindle- which helps. However, I decided to go really old-school and just borrow some books from the library.

Anyway, back in April my friend Keetha began talking about this book Ready Player One by Ernest Cline and telling me I needed to read it. So a couple of weeks later, I put in a request at the library since they did not have it to borrow from inter-library loan.  Was told the book should arrive in a couple of weeks, and I’d get a call when it did. Weeks go by, I continue to check; but to no avail. Finally, the beginning of June and still no book. Come to find out the book was never requested officially.  So with great restraint (and because I’m thinking mistakes happen) I simply request the book again AND add the book The Rook by Daniel O’Malley (another Keetha recommendation). Again, I’m told a couple of weeks and the books will be here.

Today is July 10. The books are still not here. At this point, I’m going to be stubborn and not buy the books; because I should be able to request books and  have them arrive in a timely-fashion.

I’m not against libraries- I understand wait-lists, etc. I get that if I really wanted these books- I could go and buy them.  I’m standing firm on this issue, though. I’m getting these books through the inter-library loan OR some kind soul is going to drop them off for me in a fit of kindness.

So, my title is a bit cheeky- you see people waving protest signs over many other things (well I don’t because I live in a one-horse town; but I see it on TV). So while I’m not really the protest-type person, I’m waving my invisible sign that says “Free The Books! Free The Books!”

 

 

Literary Confessions…

I’m a huge fan of reading, but I have a confession: I’ve never read Jane Austen (or really any classics). I remember reading Tom Sawyer for school, which I enjoyed; but it was not an easy read at first. I also remember going home and telling my mom that the other kids in my class was getting the Cliff’s notes versions and why couldn’t I just do that because I had other books that were far more interesting to read than Tom Sawyer- which my mother told me that I’d do better on the test if I would just read the book (she was right- the questions were about more than the Cliff’s Notes version).

Back to the classics, though- I guess for me I’ve always equated the classics with a reader who is quite intellectual (think Ivy League- intellectual) and I felt not quite to that level of reading-skill.  I still have that view-point (to an extent), but I’m now more willing to explore some classics. I’m thinking Jane Austen will be a good place to start.

Now that I have about knocked the wind out of you from that confession- here’s another: I’ve never read The Great Gatsby (although seeing the previews for the movie has intrigued me). So I believe that I’ll be adding that to my list as well.

As you can tell from my 2 confessions, a book snob I am not. I don’t throw around the names of literary greats, I read what intrigues me because I want to read; not because of anything else. While I won’t call the books I read the equivalent of “reality- tv”, I’ll more liken them to great sitcoms, feel-good movies, and the like.

For me- reading is about good times and just letting the story go. I don’t usually try to figure out the bad person, I may make guesses as to where the story will head; but I’m not really trying- I just want to wrap myself in a cozy blanket and enjoy the characters.

Any literary confessions? Has everyone else read The Great Gatsby? Feel free to stop by with literary confessions- no judging on my blog!

Teaser Tuesdays (July 10)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

 

My Teasers:

I knew I liked her then, really liked her, this girl with an explanation for everything.

There’s something disturbing about recalling a warm memory and feeling utterly cold.

Gone Girl- maybe page 10- (I’m unsure as I read on my Kindle)

 

Reading Challenges….

Reading challenges- do you vow to read a certain number of books a year? A month? A particular author?

I’ve never really completed a reading challenge- I just read as much as I can; but make no vows as to how much to read. I lean more toward the thought that a “reading challenge” could be misconstrued as to make people feel forced to read; but I think it’s also a good way to keep track of books that have been read.

For me, I try to update my Goodreads as much as possible to help keep track of books I’ve read and books I want to read.

Other readers- fans of reading challenges? Do you keep track of books you’ve read through Goodreads or something similar?

 

First Literary Loves….

In hindsight, my first literary love was The Monster at the End of the Book. It’s such a cute kid’s book- Grover tries everything he can to keep you from turning the page to get to the end of the book- only to discover that he is the monster (albeit a loveable, furry monster).

I’d love to say that when reading this book- I was having all these thoughts like that the writer was pure genius, how groundbreaking the book was, and more thoughts like that- but the truth is: I was a kid. And no, I just loved the book. And loved having the book read to me. Full disclosure- this book still holds a prized place on my bookshelf- where real-estate is at a premium.

My next literary love is Ann M. Martin. Writing The Babysitter’s Club series- those books really solidified my love of reading. The girls of the BSC felt like best friends, the books were warm and comfortable- like a soft sweatshirt.

Judy Blume outranks Ann M. Martin, though in my total literary love. Her characters- Fudge, Peter, Sheila, Margaret, Vix, Caitlin, Allison, Rachel, and Stephanie (all from different books) were friends at various points in my life. And like old friends, I gladly welcome them back anytime.

Over the years, I’ve found many literary loves, lost some, replaced some. The author may change, but books are a pretty common staple in my life. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

So what authors are your literary first loves? Did your tastes change with age? Have you loved an author and then not so much anymore?

Two authors talk about their literary loves- Marybeth Whalen   and Kimberly Brock

Literary loves- an interesting thought. Does the first literary loves shape you as a reader? Or are they just the first brick in a yellow brick road that leads to untold riches as you embrace the love of reading?

Literary Friday ya’ll….

It’s Friday- so cue the sounds of trumpets trumpeting, turn the music up and know we are just hours away from a weekend!

Deep South Magazine is devoting their Literary Friday to William Faulkner. Whether you love him or can’t get into his books- you gotta admit that Faulkner was something else. If you ever find yourself in Oxford, MS- I highly encourage you to take a tour of Rowan Oak. Even just being on the grounds is a bit magical.

My current #fridayreads is Buttercream Bump-Off by Jenn McKinlay. Having recently discovered this cozy series- I’m loving the story of Mel, Angie and their cupcake store. If looking for a quick read, check the series out.

Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus will be soon on my list. I’m ready to see what the buzz is all about!

Karen White (Sea Change) will be in Jackson, MS at Lemuria Books July 13.

Having had the opportunity to guest blog, I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ll be guest blogging for another blog in a few weeks- details to follow and links will be posted once complete.

If you have any book recommendations, please feel free to comment. With so many great books out there, it’s hard to keep track of them all.

Happy Reading!

Audio Books- yay or nay?

Audio Books- I’ve tried and so far have not been able to get into them. I know by many they are well-liked and a welcome companion to a road-trip; but for me- just not my cup of tea.

The problem with audio books for me is this: Think about when you are reading a book and think that it’ll make a great movie- so you start picturing the cast. Then the cast is announced, and it’s ok; but not the dream cast in your mind. This is basically how I feel about audio books- I already have the idea of what the character should sound like in my head as I read, so listening to another person’s audio version kind of ruins it for me.

Does anyone else feel this way? Or have I just not met the perfect audio book yet?

 

Guest Blogging for Man VS Books Club- The Hunger Games Trilogy

The True GAMEMAKERS: The Hunger Games! Catching Fire! Mockingjay!

 

A few weeks ago, one of the Man VS Book Clubs members asked me to contribute a piece as a guest blogger. We discussed a few different options on which books, and decided The Hunger Games would be a good choice.

In the above link is my post as a guest blogger for Man VS Books Club- which I hope you will take time to read through- whether you are a fan of the trilogy or not.

But, because I believe in a spirit of “paying it forward” for good deeds- this post is mainly about why readers should visit the Man VS Books Club blog.  I came across the blog because I’m Twitter friends with Deidre (@Yankeefan2975). Deidre is a huge fan of books, and with help from others- decided to create a blog to generate interest in reading for men and to discuss books. Along with the other 7 contributors- Man VS Books Club blog was born. Between the 8 of them- a wide and varied interest in reading is covered (as well as physical location!) Each person brings a necessary ingredient to making this blog a “must-see”.

Stop by their blog, spread the word to other friends, and most importantly- tell the men in your life to look over the books they review and discuss. Reading books is not just for women- it’s great for both genders. Reading is cool- let the people of Man VS Books Club show exactly how great reading can be!

Oh Amazon you know me so well….

Oh Amazon- you know me so well. Based on my purchase of Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (which I loved) you recommended The Other Woman’s House by Sophie Hannah. Reading that book description makes me think the book is going to be a winner!

So Amazon, some days I’m unsure if the emails you send are a good or bad thing- whether I should be delighted or horrified that you know me so well. The jury is still out on this one. Honestly, I’m a fan of people knowing what I like for the most part- at times I’m such a creature of habit- it’s a bit scary.

So readers: what do you like? Amazon making recommendations on books you may like from past purchases? Wandering around a book store with a sense of anonymity, picking books up, putting them down being totally in charge of finding the next book you love? An independent book seller setting books aside that you’ll love? A friend making recommendations?

*Side note: When Amazon makes a recommendation and I don’t like the book, I don’t feel bad (online stores have no feelings!) However, when a friend makes a recommendation for a book that they think “I’ll just love” and I hate it- I feel conflicted as to what to say after. Thoughts?