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?

Teaser Tuesdays

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 Teaser Tuesday is from The River Witch by Kimberly Brock (page 104)

The best part, the only part worth anything, I’d left in another box, buried in Dalton.

I couldn’t keep this up, and neither could she, but I had no idea how to keep her safe inside.

 

 

A weekend of reading

While the temperature was a billion degrees this weekend, I spent time reading and hydrating with water. It was a fairly enjoyable weekend!

I read Cursed by Carol Higgins Clark and finished The River Witch by Kimberly Brock. I also began (and have a good chunk read) of Sprinkle with Murder by Jenn McKinlay.

Cursed– my first Carol Higgins Clark book. She’s attempting to write in a similar style to her mother, Mary Higgins Clark, style. Not a bad book, but not edge of my seat like a MHC book, either. It was in the realm of light and fluffy mystery- but enjoyable.

The River Witch– I don’t want to give to0 many details as I’m planning on writing a blog post on it exclusively; but it was good. Magical. Mystical. Read!

Sprinkle with Murder– it’s a cozy that is right up my alley. I love a good cozy AND I love cupcakes. Win-win.

Other weekend notes: People Like Us– good, bit depressing at times; but ultimately a good movie. A tough subject matter, emotions all over the place.

Sad to report because company was over for Sunday, I did not get my Drop Dead Diva fix. Must catch it on Hulu!

 

I heart Bargain Books…

Walking in a store and seeing a stack of books on a table AND seeing a sign that declares them to be bargain books = me doing a happy dance! My happy dance continues as I actually find interesting books.

For me a bargain book section is usually when the power of the book cover will come in play (see here for a discussion on book covers). Sure, sure seeing hardcover books for less than 10 bucks (sometimes even less than 7!) is a big thrill and highly motivating for purchase; but the book cover plays a huge role. Truth be told, if I like the author- I’ll probably have the book already- it’s the authors that I’m unfamiliar with that bargain books are for. And they need a kick-butt book cover and a synopsis of book description that is enticing.

However, there are the times that I see the bargain book section filled with books that I love and have- so this is when my friends benefit. Seeing hardcover books for small amounts means I can give books to friends without much hurt to the pocketbook.

Bargain books are why my “to be read list” never seems to get smaller. Bargain books are also why I may have to invest in another bookcase. Three cheers for the bargain book, in my opinion!

What’s your opinion of bargain books?

Happy Reading!