Bookish (& Not So Bookish) Thoughts

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Posted on December 19, 2013

Bookish & Not So Bookish Thought

is a weekly meme hosted by Christine over at Bookishly Boisterous, where we post things that are on our minds.

1. I did a good amount of shopping at Target over this past month, so when I woke up and saw the news, I was all-WTF!!! Nice way to start the holidays.

2. Over the last week and a half, we have had 4 winter storms. 4! There have been snow days and delayed openings galore. My son’s school actually called a “at home school day”, where from 10-3, the teacher posted work online and the kids did it and submitted it. That wasn’t so bad.

But seriously, the wrapping needed to be done. Remember I told you I am the sole holiday worker in this household?

3. I have been in such an awesome groove reading wise lately! I actually read a book (Reconstructing Amelia) in less than 11 hours yesterday. I simply could not put it down, ignoring all others until I finished. (Please, at 13 and 15, they were thrilled). I can’t wait to review it, but I need to give myself a few days. It made such an impression, that I kept having dreams about it last night!

4. Last week, I was dreading getting back out on the slopes- well, I did it!

This is what I looked like- yeah right.

No broken bones or anything though, but now hubby is trying to convince me I can move onto the next level slopes. I don’t think so.

5. I hate it when you think you are totally done with the shopping for gifts, only to realize after you have wrapped, that you forgot something. Guess I am hitting Marshall’s tomorrow.

6. Getting very excited for the holidays! We have a pretty cool tradition. We stay home on Christmas Eve, decorate our tree, and have a fancy dinner. This year my daughter insisted on lamb chops. Then we exchange one gift, usually a jokey gift, then watch Scrooged in front of the fire. Do you have any fun holiday traditions?

Please leave a comment- I love hearing from you!

Bookish & Not So Bookish Thoughts…

11 Comments

Posted on December 12, 2013

Bookish & Not So Bookish Thought

is a weekly men hosted by Christine over at Bookishly Boisterous, where we post things that are on our minds.

I am crazy busy, so I am not sure how many actual thoughts I will be able to string together.

1. With less than 2 weeks till Christmas, I am getting run down. Somehow, I am responsible for buying ALL the gifts- my extended family, his extended family, our children. Poor hubby? He has to wrack his brain to buy for me. Nevermind all the wrapping, baking and cooking. Now add to that a snow day this Tuesday, and going away this weekend and next for some skiing, and I am thinking that I am screwed. If I don’t watch out I am going to be grumpy mess for the holidays.

2. I gave in and borrowed a copy of The Bone Season from my library. I had heard many good things, but wasn’t sure if I wanted to start a new series-this is supposed to be the first of 7. Well, I read it. And loved it. Now I have to wait for the darn author to write the next 6! Hurry up already, I want to know what happens!!!

3. As I mentioned above, it snowed and there was no school for the kids. I actually sat in my chair with a lovely wool blanket as the snow started falling aground 7 am, and read as the snow fell. It was probably the best 2 hours of my week.

4. I started skiing last year, at the age of 40+. I survived. I’m supposed to go back and do it again this weekend. I know I probably won’t die, but the thought has entered my head. Often. I am afraid of breaking something or worse. This is why you should teach these sorts of things while people are really young. I have to start thinking positive. I will not fall. I will not fall. By the way, I tend to stick to the greens- the easiest slopes-with all the little kids and beginners.

5. My blogging and reviewing has slowed down a bit, but at the same time, I am read a lot and loving it. Plus, I have taken a step back from accepting ARCS for a while and I am only reading books that I am choosing. It’s all going pretty nicely. I am hoping to get back into more blogging after the holidays, but for now I am just going with the flow.

6. I am so looking forward to joining Leah at Books Speak Volumes in a few weeks for Jazz Age January! She has invited bloggers to join along in “reading books related to the Jazz Age- novels, written by Jazz Age authors, non fiction about the 20’s and contemporary fiction set during this time period.” I wrote my thesis in History in this time period, and have always loved the literature that came out of it. Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Stein, and then all the books that have been written about them and the decade.

Stop by if you are interested and sign up!

7. Last January, I signed up for the Goodreads 2013 challenge, and I set out to read 100 books in the year. I am at 94, and I think I am going to make it (fingers crossed).

8. This is all I want for Christmas- Jane Austen’s Persuasion Scarf. Or Pride & Prejudice. I’ll take either. But I will probably get pajamas.

And maybe a sweater.

Giving Thanks

3 Comments

Posted on November 26, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke & the Bookish. It’s awesome. Every Tuesday, the lovely ladies over there give us book bloggers wonderful and fun topics to create our lists! Check out what others have posted by going over there! http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com

This week’s topic is-

Top Ten Things I am Thankful For

I was going to skip this week for a few reasons- getting ready to host dinner on Thursday, a (still) bad back ache, general blogger malaise….

but I figured I would give it a go- so here are some things I am thankful for. I know some seem very expected, but read on.

1. My Husband

I met my husband on a blind date 22 years ago this December. I can honestly say that I love him more today than ever before, through all the highs and lows. I am in awe of this. Don’t get me wrong- it;s not all wine and roses. We are real people and we often screw up and disappoint each other. That’s why it amazes me that we are still in love. Life is hard. Marriage is hard. He is my anchor.

2. My Son

I could list all the great things about him. I could also list all the things about him that drive me crazy. But I am actually thankful that I have a son. I grew up in a family of all girls. My poor Dad was outnumbered and truly perplexed by us. I am glad to be able to see a boy grow into a man. Oh, and that phrase “boys will be boys”? Yup.

3. My Daughter

My daughter was never a pretty little princess. She was the one outside helping dad with car repairs and yard work. She also helped with the holiday baking and decorating. But now that she is a teenager, she is becoming a somewhat “typical” teenage girl. I crack up at the shocked face my husband ofter sports, when his buddy suddenly snaps at him, or rolls her eyes. I am lucky to get to relive the teen years. And thankful that I get to see my husband deal with a teenage girl.

4. My Mom

She inspires me. She worked hard her whole life. She was also lucky enough to marry a man who idolized her, and raise 3 girls with him. Just when they would have started to enjoy their next phase of life when the kids were all gone, she lost him. Yet she has survived.

5. Books

I have always read. I couldn’t imagine not be able to or wanting to read everyday.

6. My comfy reading chair

I love this new reading spot I have. The chair and ottoman are a microfiber, so they are very soft and cushy (not a word). The only problem is that it is a celery color, and bad dog thinks he is allowed to sit there- probably because I let him sit on every other piece of furniture. But I don’t want his brown hair on the light green chir, so I have to leave things on the chair- usually a few books, to the tv remote.

7. Music

I only just realized how much music has become a part of my life. I always have something playing- in the car, right now on the computer as I type this, in the kitchen while I cook.

8. Great authors

I could name so many, but I will give special thanks to one old favorite and a new find- Jane Austen and Stephen King. Have they ever been mentioned together in a sentence before? I love that I am still finding new genres and discovering authors I had never read before.

9. Heating Pads and Tiger Balm

As I said, damn, my back is killing me. And no, I have not gone to the Dr. That would have made sense, Instead I went for a run.

10. Blogging Friends and Wonderful Posts

I am very thankful that I have gotten to know so many wonderful bloggers (you) and have read so many great posts. I love reading the fun memes, and the well written reviews. I get to hear about books, that I might not have seen or picked up. And best of all, i have gotten to know some really GREAT people.

I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Bookish (& Not So Bookish) Thoughts

8 Comments

Posted on November 21, 2013

Bookish & Not So Bookish Thought

is a weekly men hosted by Christine over at Bookishly Boisterous, where we post things that are on our minds.

1. I am currently reading The End of The Affair by Graham Greene. I am actually rereading The Hunger Games series to get ready for tomorrow’s premiere, but I did start the other. Very excited about the movie- my daughter and I plan to watch the fist one tonight.

2. It is official. I have inherited the infamous “bad back” that runs in my mother’s Napolitano genes. My uncles, one aunt, and lots of cousins all have the same back issues. The lower left back has been “out” for almost a week. I am sure if I actually went to a doctor, they would tell me it is a slipped disc. I am old.

3. I just finished We Need to Talk About Kevin, and all I can say is WOW. It really was a wonderful kind of awful.

4. Every morning, my son leaves the shower curtain open, and every morning my dog goes in there and licks the soap. Not a big deal, but then he spends an hour or so making weird noises trying to lick the flavor off his tongue. Everyday.

5. I have finally given iTunes radio a try, and I am not too sure I like it yet. Does anyone use it? What are your thoughts?

6. My son is going on a class trip to Philadelphia. They are going to visit Gettysburg and the Eastern State Penitentiary- the oldest jail in the country. Think I can slip the teacher some $ to close one of those cells for a minute or two? Just kidding.

7. I have had three books sitting here, that I finished, waiting for me to write reviews. Why am I so lazy lately?

8. Can I do ALL of my Christmas shopping at Target? I think I can.

9. Thanksgiving is just a week away. We always host my husband’s family, except one year we all went to the Bahamas to celebrate the in-laws anniversary. We ate in a Chinese restaurant on Thanksgiving. Best Thanksgiving ever.

Bookish (& Not So Bookish) Thoughts

13 Comments

Posted on November 14, 2013

Bookish & Not So Bookish Thought

is a weekly men hosted by Christine over at Bookishly Boisterous, where we post things that are on our minds.

1. I can’t read – or do anything for that matter – if it is quiet. I have music playing almost all the time, except later at night if someone puts on the TV. I usually have on some sort of singer-songwriter station, or my old stand by of DMB. Nothing too loud or annoying. I am actually loving a little playlist of DMB, James Taylor, Springsteen, and Mumford & Sons.

Dot To Dot Fesival Various venues, Bristol 23 May 2009 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

2. My husband is away- just for one night, but I still can’t sleep well without him here. So now I am tired, have a headache, and he is in FLA. Not fair.

3. I read this great post over at Parajunkee about a perceived slow down in the blogging community. The comments were really interesting. What do you think? I definitely have seen less reviews/more promotional posts out there.

4. It has been a busy week for me. We finally painted the dining room- a great color called “wine glass”- and it is all ready for company. So is it terrible that I love the way it looks so much that I don’t want anyone to go in there? Ever. I yell at the dogs when they go in there.

5. We are settling into the cold weather here- had snow the other day, and I even ran yesterday when the wind chill was 15 degrees. I think I was way more proud of myself for that than I should have been. Shorter Days + colder weather = more hot tea. I think I rather this equation- long days + warm weather = sangria. I love to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea, but I really love the bask in the sun, read a book, and sip a fruity cocktail.

6. I have an addictive personality. I finally gave in and read a King novel (The Shining)- loved it so much that I read the sequel (Doctor Sleep)- then was about to grab another King book. I made myself read something else- and of course I was totally disappointed. Thankfully, the book I just stared is pretty good- and fast reading. Do you get really into one author and just plow through their work?

7. On a similar topic- I hate it when I see a book that I think looks really good, only to find out it’s like the 5th in a series. I have picked up lots of books like this at the library, and of course they never have the first books in the series. I have an awful feeling that I am missing out on some great books.

8. I have two dogs- a chocolate and a yellow labrador. If you know the breed, you know they always want to eat. Always. A vet once told me that a lab would never voluntary stop eating- they are the breed most likely to eat until their stomach bursts. I can attest to this. My yellow eats everything- rocks included, but not fruit or veggies. The chocolate will eat everything- EVERYTHING- except for celery. They eat in the morning and again in the evening. I aim for 5 pm, but Jack (the chocolate) has begun begging incessantly until I feed him. His begging is starting earlier and earlier every day. He is bad. I am a bad owner.

9. I just got a notice from the library that 2 books that I requested have come in!! I put holds on We Need to Talk About Kevin and The End of The Affair– light reading? Anyway, I think I should feel more guilty than I do about not reading the ARCs I have lined up. Shouldn’t I?

Wow- I actually made it to 9!

Top Ten Covers I Would Change

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Posted on November 12, 2013

This week’s topic is-

Top Ten Covers I would Redesign

This was a challenge for me. I really don’t pay THAT much attention to covers that I don’t like. I have been known to pick up a book because I DO like the cover, but I usually don’t mind a bad one. I did however find a few that I didn’t care for. Here they are-

1. She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb

I just think this is weird. Why is half of her face floating above the water? A bit too “Dahli” for me.

2. Carrie by Stephen King

It might be in German-but WTF??

3. Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand

I know- looks like a cool cover- fun, beachy, friends. Totally fine until you know that the story is about a terrible car accidents that rips the lives of four teenagers apart. Not exactly what the cover conveys?

4. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

All I see is the Lion- wearing glasses? Why is he wearing glasses??

5. Bridget Jones’ Diary by Helen Fielding

It’s just weird.

6. The Same Cover-Different Books

Why use the same idea for different books? They’re not sequels, so why?

7. Movie Version Covers

I do not want to picture these people. I want to come up with my own picture in my head- exception to this rule was Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn. And Orlando Bloom as Legolas.

What covers do you wish you could change?

Bookish ( & Not So Bookish) Thoughts

20 Comments

Posted on November 7, 2013

Bookish & Not So Bookish Thought is a weekly men hosted by Christine over at Bookishly Boisterous, where we post things that are on our minds.

1. After having “house guests” who stayed for almost 2 1/2 years, we finally have the spare bedroom empty. Almost immediately, I had hubby move a nice big desk and my computer-which had been jammed into the living room- into the empty room, and take a big cozy chair and ottoman from the basement and put it into the living room. Now I have an AMAZINGLY wonderful reading spot, and an awesome office. More importunely, there is no guest room.

2. I just read an article on Book Riot about DNF’ing. I have been realizing that ever since I started reviewing books on this blog- especially since I have been getting books from all over the place- this has become an issue for me. And one I ma not proud of. I used to pick my books very carefully, and I usually didn’t stop reading any of them. It really bothers me when I read a review of a book I DNFed, and the reviewer really liked it. I have an awful feeling that I just didn’t stick with it long enough. On the other hand, there are SO many books out there-why stick with one that isn’t working for you?

3. My son got hit first term grades. He got a B- in Mandarin 3. I gave him a talking to, the whole time thinking- damn, I bet that s#@t is hard!! Sometimes not saying what you are really thinking is hard. Take for example this evening. My lovely 13 yr old doesn’t have school tomorrow, so her and her friends are making plans to hang out at one of their homes. At night. Doesn’t she realize that means I can’t have wine until she gets home??? Can’t she drive yet????

4. I finished The Shining (WOO HOO) and I loved it so much that when I saw Doctor Sleep in the no reserve shelf at the library the next day I grabbed it. I am 3/4 of the way done and I am loving it- but I have to admit I am not as scared as I was with the first! I think I need to take a break from King for a book or two though- I wont walk into a room with out the dog with me. And as you can see, he’s not much of a guard dog. (should have named him Doctor Sleep) Any suggestions though for my next King?

5. I want to start my holiday shopping soon- honestly I just wish I was done with it already. Another little fun fact they dont tell you before you walk down the aisle- you will now have to shop for at least twice as many people. And he will not help- even when he says he will. Do I hear a bah, humbug?

6. I have never taken part in World Book Night, and I was considering doing it this year. There are some good looking books- The Weird Sisters (great book), Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Where’d You Go, Bernadette?– and some great YA- Code Name Verity, The Bridge to Terebithia, and The Perks of Being a WallflowerThe Perks of Being a Wallflower. Some of them are in large print, and I know of lots of women whose eyes are starting to go. But the YA’s make me slightly uneasy- hanging around at some sports practices, trying to give things away to pre-teens. People in my town would probably call the cops on me.

7. It is a very warm and rainy day here. Perfect to curl up in my new reading spot and relax all day. On the other hand, I haven’t cleaned the house in over a week- a house with 2 labradors and 2 teens-gross. Clean it is.

8. I looked at the 10 day forecast for NJ- we will actually have snow next week. What the f*#k is wrong with the weather lately??? Did I mention it is 65 degrees today?

9. I might have to get my own Kindle after all(shudder). I had been borrowing my daughter’s, but when Allegiant came out, she made a big stink about how I had “taken hers over with ALL my books”. (did I get the tone across?) So, I said of course it is yours, I have plenty of books to read- I downloaded Allegiant and off she went. A WEEK AGO. What takes that long?? Read the damn book already. Now she is making noise about “giving” her kindle to me-and getting a better one for Christmas. My goodness.

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

1 Comment

Posted on October 14, 2013

It’s Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we discuss what we have been up to lately, and what we are looking forward to in the coming week. Stop over there and see what other bloggers have posted!

http://bookjourney.wordpress.com

I am in FLA hanging with the main mouse, Mickey himself-and enjoying the International Food & Wine Festival, but I scheduled this post before I left. Hopefully, I am relaxing by the pool, with a cool drink and a great book, but it’s more likely that I am sweating, waiting in a never ending line with everyone else trying to have a magical day.

Here is what’s been going on here-

Last week, I posted-

~a review of Diane Setterfield’s Bellman & Black

~Top Ten Best/Worst Series Enders

~reposted my review of The Girl You Left Behind, after She Reads announced it as their October Book Club Selection

I finished reading

Bellman & Black by Diane Setterfield

Before I Met You by Lisa Jewel

Currently Reading

Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead

Winn Van Meter is heading for his family’s retreat on the pristine New England island of Waskeke. Normally a haven of calm, for the next three days this sanctuary will be overrun by tipsy revelers as Winn prepares for the marriage of his daughter Daphne to the affable young scion Greyson Duff. Winn’s wife, Biddy, has planned the wedding with military precision, but arrangements are sideswept by a storm of salacious misbehavior and intractable lust: Daphne’s sister, Livia, who has recently had her heart broken by Teddy Fenn, the son of her father’s oldest rival, is an eager target for the seductive wiles of Greyson’s best man; Winn, instead of reveling in his patriarchal duties, is tormented by his long-standing crush on Daphne’s beguiling bridesmaid Agatha; and the bride and groom find themselves presiding over a spectacle of misplaced desire, marital infidelity, and monumental loss of faith in the rituals of American life.

Hilarious, keenly intelligent, and commandingly well written, Shipstead’s deceptively frothy first novel is a piercing rumination on desire, on love and its obligations, and on the dangers of leading an inauthentic life, heralding the debut of an exciting new literary voice.

(goodreads)

And coming up next-

He’s Gone by Deb Caletti

The Sunday morning starts like any other, aside from the slight hangover. Dani Keller wakes up on her Seattle houseboat, a headache building behind her eyes from the wine she drank at a party the night before. But on this particular Sunday morning, she’s surprised to see that her husband, Ian, is not home. As the hours pass, Dani fills her day with small things. But still, Ian does not return. Irritation shifts to worry, worry slides almost imperceptibly into panic. And then, like a relentless blackness, the terrible realization hits Dani: He’s gone.

As the police work methodically through all the logical explanations—he’s hurt, he’s run off, he’s been killed—Dani searches frantically for a clue as to whether Ian is in fact dead or alive. And, slowly, she unpacks their relationship, holding each moment up to the light: from its intense, adulterous beginning, to the grandeur of their new love, to the difficulties of forever. She examines all the sins she can—and cannot—remember. As the days pass, Dani will plumb the depths of her conscience, turning over and revealing the darkest of her secrets in order to discover the hard truth—about herself, her husband, and their lives together.

(goodreads)

What’s going on with your week? What are you reading?

Please leave a comment-I love hearing from you!

(I will definitely answer when I get back!)

Top Ten Books for the Fall

26 Comments

Posted on September 17, 2013

This week’s topic is-

Top Ten Books on My Fall TBR List

Seeing as the weather here is 100% autumnal, this is a perfect topic-going down to 38 degrees tonight-brrrr……

1. The End of the Affair by Graham Greene

It is one of those novels I have always wanted to read, but never have. I am determined to do it!

2. The First Phone Call from Heaven by Mitch Albom

Love this author, even though he usually makes me sad 😦

3. Seduction-A Novel of Suspense

I love suspense!

4. Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

This book sounds great- disturbing, but great.

5. Touchstone by Laurie R King

I read Bones of Paris, never realizing it was a sequel-so now I want to read the first!

6. We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver

I had’t heard of this until the movie came out not too long ago.

7. East of Eden by John Steinbeck

Again, one of the books that has been on my TBR list for way too long- going to tackle it this fall.

8. Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead

The other books are pretty serious, so I want a little comic relief!

9. The Secret History by Donna Tart

I have been hearing that this is a book I MUST read, so I am going for it!

10. The Stand by Stephen King

Ashamed to say, this will be my first Stephen King- very excited!!

That’s what I am looking forward to reading in the coming months-what about you?

Please leave a comment-I love hearing from you!!!

The Book Thief Read Along

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Posted on September 11, 2013

I was so excited to see Book-alicious Mama post that she had joined in a read along of The Book Thief, ahead of the November release of the much anticipated movie! I went to see the write up at It’s All About Books, and decided to join in too. Go on over there and check out all the links!

We read parts 1-3 and our first discussion began yesterday.

Here are the questions from Suey at It’s All About Books.

1. What’s your first impression of Death as a character/narrator?

2. What’s your first impression of the unique writing style?

3. Which character stands out to you the most so far and why?

4. What do you think the author is trying to say about the power of words?

5. How do you feel about all the foreshadowing that’s going on?

6. Also, how do you feel about all that German swearing?!?

7. What do you think about the relationship between Hans and Rosa?
8. What do you think about the relationship between Rudy and Liesel?

9. What are your feelings on the politics of the time that we’ve seen so far?
10. What images and/or symbols stand out for you in this story so far?

Great questions!

1. When I first picked up this book a few years ago, I was a bit put off by the whole idea of Death as the narrator. I actually put the book down, but came back to it a few months later. The second time, I really loved Death as a character. I love the first line-“First the colors. Then the humans. That’s usually how I see things. Or at least how I try.”

2. I love the style of writing-especially the asides and lists, such as -“HERE IS A SMALL FACT…You are going to die.”

3. Obviously, Liesel is an amazing character, but I think Hans is an my favorite character. He is so loving and kind.

4. I think the author is telling us that words are the most powerful thing in the world. They can heal, and they can kill. When Liesel thinks of her father, she only hears the word Kommunist- when she finally realizes what the word means, and all it implies, she is devastated.

5. I think the foreshadowing is really a wonderful part of the story, since Death is telling it from memory, therefore he knows exactly all that occurs. When he refers to something that will happen, I am itching to rush ahead and find out what happened.

6. Ah, the German Swearing-honsetly I love it. I speak German (or at least I used to back in high school-I was even an exchange student to Cologne) so I enjoy the parts that are in German.

7. I think their relationship is actually a lot closer than we realize.

8. Rudy and Liesel-what a great relationship. he has the loveliest crush on her, and I think she loves him and just doesn’t know it. Even better, they are best friends!

9. I think we are given a compelling glimpse into Nazi Germany from the point of view of many different people. It shows how divided the people were, just as the Huberman family is. We see how powerless regular German citizens were against the Nazi party.

10. Obviously-books. Especially Liesel walking away from the bonfire with the burning book up against her chest.

Rudy covered in charcoal.

Colors-the way Death describes the colors he sees.

Thanks for the great questions Suey. Stop by It’s All About Books and see some other thoughts!!