Tales from the Nightstand

Summer Reading List

2011-08-09T06:16:00.001-06:00

Entering 7th grade? No, neither am I but my daughter is and she had quite a task in front of her this summer. Her required reading this summer included 5 books - 2 of which she could choose from a short list and 3 that were chosen for her by the powers that be at her school!

She tackled the following books:

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - John Boyne
Walk two Moons - Sharon Creech
Of Beetles and Angles - Mawi Asgedom
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind - William KamKwamba
21 Balloons

I had read The Boy in the Striped Pajama's a couple of years ago. My youngest daughter picked it out from the book store because she liked the cover. The content was no where near appropriate for her, but she couldn't read either so it didn't matter!

I never saw the movie, but I loved the book. When I closed this book at the end, I sat in my bed and cried, and cried and cried...When Lauren closed this book last week she walked into my room, lower jaw quivering afraid to ask if what she throught was true. It was. She cried. We talked, we talked some more and while the back of the book specifically states it is not a book for 9 year olds, I can tell you that a 10 year old can take it in...I am very glad I had read it first though and was prepared to help her understand. I am not going to write a synopsis of this book, many have read it or seen the movie - I will simply say if you haven't - please read it.

the second book she tackled was Walk Two Moons, because I was nervous about content after the first one I decided I needed follow her through her summer reading and I downloaded this to my Kindle.

I have to admit, she blew right past me and was on chapter 14 before I had hardly hit next page twice. It was a super quick read, written in the voice of a young girl who moves to a new city with her father after mother leaves. She is traveling with her Grandparents through this book seeking the place her Mother went and following in her footsteps all the way there. As they go she tells the story of her friend Phoebe to her grandparents and shares with them secrets, fears and funny stories of the past year or so. In the end she finds what she has been seeking, though it may not be what you expected to read...This book is a smooth easy read, mostly fun, lessons are taught, adventures are had and reality lives within the pages of Walk Two Moons.

Next up - Of Beetles and Angels. When I read the synopsis of this one I groaned...I thought really - how intense does summer reading have to be? Then I started reading, and those of you that frequent my other blog already know this is not a groaner - at all.

This book makes you think about what you have and perhaps don't have and pry don't even need...I read Of Beetles and Angels by Mawi Asgedam in just one day - it was inspiring. So, Mawi and his family came to America from Ethiopia fleeing a war ravaged, terrifying fate and made their way through the throws of what America can offer. It is certainly not an easy task for a refugee. Their is so much here we take for granted, simple things like knowing how to turn on a faucet, more difficult things like finding the good in people when it seems there is none - either way, this book is a great quick read and even if it isn't on the summer reading list for your 10 year old, I think you should pick it up!

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind - The title had me stuck in a weird place, I couldn't help but think of the girl that kicked that hornests nest you know...But this book is nothing like that all.

This was the hardest one to read (for mom and daughter too) - it was a slow read until the very end, it was difficult to stay focused and keep reading but in the end the lessons learned on perseverance, making the most of what you have and life in general were priceless.

And last on the list was 21 Balloons. This was chosen by Lauren as one of her choices from the short lists they were supplied for their two option books.

This silly little story was short and quick and cute. It was completely fictional and not a bit believable but a great way to end an intense summer of reading. At just 186 pages (if memory serves me right) it fit the bill perfectly. A man sets off to sail across the world in a balloon, crashes near an island inhabited by families handpicked to live and remain there with their big secret about what the island has for them. Problem is, it is a volcanic island and nothing perfect ever lasts forever...I actually completely enjoyed this little book and recommend it for anyone looking for a fun quick read!

Phew - School starts in 2 weeks and she has been done with her reading for about a week now! In the meantime I also read The Wishing box and Then came you...reviews to follow soon!

Mirabelle At Beaver Creek

2011-01-31T02:56:00.003-07:00

If you follow my "other" blog you know we frequent a restaurant in Beaver Creek called Mirabelle...

A wonderful place to get all dolled up for (the girls love it)

The food is divine and from what I hear the wine menu is as well...

I know, I am not a food critic.

But I do love books, even cook books.

Chef Daniel Joly had his first cook book published last year and it full of mouth watering recipes and pictures straight from Mirabel!

These are Lauren's favorite two things to eat there...

Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Braised Endives and Pommes Galette

Chocolate Fondant

And both of these are in the book! Wonder if I will ever make them for her?

So anyway, if you love to cook or know someone who does...I HIGHLY recommend this book.

And this is totally worth watching...

Mirabelle Cookbook from Northstar Media on Vimeo.

I need a makeover

2011-01-25T02:25:00.000-07:00

I need a makeover on this blog. I can do the work...but I am at a total loss creatively.

So...I am begging you - send me some ideas. Send me some thoughts...if I use yours I will send you a book or do a little something for you on your blog!

Seriously. I am stumped.

Writers block?

All I know is it has to incorporate an owl somewhere (though it can be subtle) and needs to be fresh and inspiring and I am willing to recycle this one or completely throw it out...

Help?

Wanna Read what I Read?

2011-01-24T04:59:00.000-07:00

I know you do...

Anyway - now that we can loan Kindle books - for 14 days anyway...

I went through 7 pages of books that I have read on my Kindle and the following is the very short list of what they will let me lend. So if you want, I can loan you one. Perhaps in time more publishers will allow for lending...

We shall see.

When You Reach Me

Stead, Rebecca

A Scattered Life

McQuestion, Karen

The Karma Club

Brody, Jessica

By Reason of Insanity

Singer, Randy

Fireflies in December

Valent, Jennifer Erin

Four Blondes

Bushnell, Candace

Love the One You're With

Giffin, Emily

The Book Thief

Zusak, Markus

I am reading Terry Pratchett

2011-01-12T07:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, Yes I am and I am loving it! Thanks to a tip from sister in law (yikes, that title doesn't do her justice) - I should say from Anna, the best sister in law in the world!

Anyway, she told me about this wonderful author a couple of weeks ago. She mentioned 4 books specifically that she thought I should check out for Lauren.

I have just finished the first one and I am HOOKED. So, I will be reading young adult books for the next couple of weeks -

I just finished the first book in his Tiffany Aching series. Called "The Wee Free Men"

I struggled a tiny bit in the beginning, wrapping my little ole brain around the concepts involved but once I "got it" I really got it and I couldn't wait to finish this book and the minute I did, I opened book two

So that is where I am now.

I am going to wait to fully review these until I have read them all, but I will say that Anna was right - Terry Pratchett is a very talented writer and oh so creative. I just love what I am reading and can't wait to pass them on to Lauren!

A scattered life (Book Review)

2011-01-03T02:40:00.000-07:00

A Scattered Life
Karen McQuestion

This little book was a treasure. I downloaded it to my kindle simply based on the name. Nothing more. I read the book digital page by page in less than 24 hours (at scattered times of course, it did not take 24 hours to "read")

I was not the least bit familiar with Karen McQuestion. I had no idea what to expect when I clicked on the first page and I was greeted with this line "Skyla's earliest memories of Thomas was linked with the taste of beer and the smell of blood". Oh, man. What I have downloaded here?

I downloaded a new treasure. A quick read and a story that I loved.

The novel is narrated in three voices, Skyla, Audrey and Roxanne. Three women so different yet so connected. Skyla has never been grounded, always on the move until she meets and marries Thomas (Audrey's son). Audrey, prim and proper yet a bit of nosy busy body and Roxanne the new neighbor who at her best is an amazing friend while battling nothing short of a crazy life.

As you read you will find yourself inside all of there heads, living their lives, feeling their panic, their pain their triumphs. When you're done, you will pick up the phone and call you best friend. I promise.

Reading this week

2010-10-04T04:39:00.000-06:00

First, congrats again to last weeks winner - Lindsay - the book The Good Daughters will be hitting the road today on its way to you!

This week I am trying to read The Elegance of the Hedgehog.

This is a Europa book from France translated for those of us english readers. At this point in time, I am confused. I like the book, I am glad I am reading it but I don't get it yet. Perhaps it is over my head? Perhaps I just haven't hit the meat yet? Perhaps I will love by the last page!

Have you read it?

The Good Daughters - Book Review - Give Away

2010-09-27T09:58:00.002-06:00

WINNER!! Thank you Random.org for helping me chose a winner from just 3 comments...ARGH!

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:1 (this means Lindsay WINS!)Powered by RANDOM.OR

The Good Daughters
Joyce Maynard

Ok, so last week I mentioned this book here - I wasn't real sure how I felt about it yet but I was ready to see. Let me just say I read the whole book that night. Ooops. I stayed up a little bit late. So anyway the truth is it started slow for me, and I had it all figured out really early on...so why did I keep reading? I had to see how it all came together for the characters that is why, and it did not disappoint.

There is Ruth and Dana, George and Edwin, Connie and Val and of course Ray. All tangled up in their own lives, living each with their own family, visiting, writing, mostly living.

Connie is married to Edwin and Ruth is their daughter, they live a simple life on a farm - Ruth has other sisters but she differs from all of them. She and her father have a special relationship, he understands her differences, encourages her artful zest for life and appreciates who she is.

Val is married to George and Dana is their daughter, Ray her brother. George is always off looking for his pot of gold, his slice of the pie while Val is home pursuing her artists zeal. Ray is the attractive big brother that has a way with girls. Dana, doesn't fit in, she is not sure who she is - but she knows she doesn't fit in.

The book follows these families from the day the Birthday Sisters are born all through their elderly years, through love and loss through discovery and disappointment.

All I can say now, is I am glad I read it.

So to you - I offer this book. Mailed to one lucky follower who wants to read it.

All you have to do is leave me a comment and promise to pass it on when you are done!
I will close comments sometime on Friday.

What I'm Reading

2010-09-22T06:48:00.000-06:00

Apparently I lied once or twice on this blog. I have said that I can't read two books at once, I have to do the cover to cover then move on. This week I am reading two books. Depending on my mood. Here they are...

The Good Daughters

I am only a couple chapters in, so I will refrain from comment.
But I am intrigued. I am ready to keep reading!

Yardsticks

This book, in general, discusses the classroom in America and the developmental stages kids go through. The importance of certain activities and learning opportunities at each age level.

So far I have found it to be super helpful in understanding behaviors of "ages" - I love some other books for this type of information too (Raising your spirited child) but in this case I really like the authors approach to what is normal, what to expect, how teachers see it and how parents see it.

A New Justin Matott Book...

2010-09-16T05:13:00.000-06:00

I ripped these words straight from the authors blog, because he told me I could....

Gabriel Peters and his friends set out to attain their positions in history between the pages of the coveted record book through many attempts at the absurd (The World’s Largest Spit Pool) to the simply unattainable (World’s Largest Frog Farm). Gabe and his friends are up to their usual mischief. Along with the attempts to get into the book, a whole bunch of other adventures are included; a new member to the Secret Brotherhood named T-Bone Garza, Glenn The Sea Monkey comics begin, the discovery of the neighborhood’s own “Cruella DeVille”, more Ghost Indian sightings, an Ultimate Dare-Off which places the boys overnight in a haunted schoolhouse, a newly formed Boy Scout Troup, fishing, camping and many, many other explorations which will assure that the ADVENTURES CONTINUE!

What could be more compelling, mysterious or interesting than the people and feats contained within The Guinness World Book of Records? The irresistible gawking, rubbernecking and wonder that comes from the athletic feats and other human endeavors are food for thought enough, then add records for spitting, burping, growing extra long, gross fingernails and the book becomes a page burner (when a book is so great it is described as a page turner, when read even faster it becomes a page burner).

This book is HOT off the presses and to get your very own FREE copy signed and mailed to you direct from the author all you have to do is...

Hop on over HERE and read the rules -

It's a Book - Lane Smith

2010-09-10T01:31:00.000-06:00

Bear with me, I promise this is going somewhere fantastic.

So I needed a birthday present for a friend. A really, really good friend.

I headed out to a favorite book store in town to get the book I wanted to buy for this really good friend.

Once inside I found a book.

Not the book I wanted, a different book.

But it was a really good book.

A really really good book for a really really good friend.

And it appeared to be the last copy. But I wanted the book for me too.

So I took the book, and I headed to the counter to ask for more books.

and someone tapped me on the shoulder.

It was a local author.

A really really good local author.

Who just happens to have a new book coming out next week...

You can read his blog here -

We have met before, in fact we were emailing each other today...

He says to me "that better not be the last copy because that is the book I came to buy"

and then we got more copies of the book.

And we walked around the store, and we chatted and let me just tell you that walking around an Independent Book Store with a well known local author is a little intimidating...ok a LOT intimidating...

But it was fun.

and we got our books...and now you need to go get your copy.

I mean it.

Go buy it.

You have to.

it is 100 times better than this trailer that just happens to be pretty darn cool too.

Echo, Echo, Echo...

2010-08-21T06:50:00.001-06:00

Man it is quiet around here...what happend?

Life.

I have been reading. Have you?

Back in May I posted a list about my summer reading options...If your interested in comparing notes you can click HERE and go see my original list -

However if you prefer to just know what I actually read see below...

Teen Fiction:

The entire Geek High Series by Piper Banks (and I sure hope there is going to be a 4th book)

68 Rooms by Marianne Malone and Greg Cal

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

The Karma Club by Jessica Brody

The Magic Thief by Sarah Prineas

The Mysterious Benedicts Society #3 by Trenton Lee Stewart

The rest of the summer list:

19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

Mindset by Carol S. Dweck

Falling Apart in One Piece by Stacy Morrison

My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares

and Finally I am almost finished with A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick

So where are all the reviews?

I have no idea. Perhaps they are in my head. Perhaps they eventually make the blog, perhaps they wont....but I will tell there is only one book on this entire book that I really didn't like...want to guess which one?

Ok, this could be fun.

You get one guess per person.

The first person to nail it gets the book. YEAH YOU!

Put in your guesses, maybe even tell me why you don't think I liked it...

I will leave a comment back in comments when someone guesses correctly so everyone will know!

Author Contest Announcement

2010-06-20T06:09:00.000-06:00

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1016679907#!/pages/The-Works-of-Justin-Matott/213624096290?ref=mf

Message from Justin Matott:

There is a contest just announced on my Facebook fan page.
Forward this to EVERYONE you know. It is a bit of a scavenger hunt! Have fun! Thanks, J. M.

V.C. Andrews

2010-06-16T17:00:00.002-06:00

I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday With Jenny Matlock!

This Weeks Letter is "V"

V.C. Andrews

"Flowers in the Attic is the novel that began V.C. Andrews' extraordinary career, winning her an immediate, fiercely devoted world-wide following." - back cover of 1987 Flowers in the Attic reissue

This series (Flowers in the Attic) was a huge favorite of mine in my younger years - I was an avid follower of V.C. Andrews and each of her series. However, I haven't thought about them in a long time. Now I have come to a point where I wish these sets were among those that I kept rather than gave away - however I didn't - and I am thinking about picking them up again, one by one, for my daughters to read some day. Not to mention the fact that when I chose V.C. Andrews for my "V" post I realized I have NOT read all her books and well, I think I might just have to!

I found a neat little site that had this wonderful listing of her series titles, covers and dates and wanted to share them here. For reference to the site click here

I would love to hear if you have read any of these books? Did they touch you in any way? Do you wish you had read more?

Casteel

1. Heaven (1985)
2. Dark Angel (1986)
3. Fallen Hearts (1988)
4. Gates of Paradise (1989)
5. Web of Dreams (1989)

Cutler
1. Dawn (1990)
2. Secrets of the Morning (1991)
3. Twilight's Child (1992)
4. Midnight Whispers (1992)
5. Darkest Hour (1993)
Cutler (omnibus) (1994)

Landry
1. Ruby (1991)
2. Pearl in the Mist (1994)
3. All That Glitters (1995)
4. Hidden Jewel (1995)
5. Tarnished Gold (1996)

Logan Family
1. Melody (1996)
2. Heart Song (1997)
3. Unfinished Symphony (1997)
4. Music in the Night (1998)
5. Olivia (1998)

Orphans
1. Butterfly (1998)
2. Crystal (1998)
3. Brooke (1998)
4. Raven (1998)
5. Runaways (1998)
The Orphans (omnibus) (1999)

Wildflowers
1. Misty (1999)
2. Star (1999)
3. Jade (1999)
4. Cat (1999)
5. Into the Garden (1999)
The Wildflowers (omnibus) (2001)

Hudson Family
1. Rain (2000)
2. Lightning Strikes (2000)
3. Eye of the Storm (2000)
4. The End of the Rainbow (2001)

Shooting Stars
1. Cinnamon (2000)
1. Falling Stars (2001)
2. Ice (2001)
3. Rose (2001)
4. Honey (2001)
Shooting Stars Omnibus (omnibus) (2002)

DeBeers
1. Willow (2002)
2. Wicked Forest (2002)
3. Twisted Roots (2002)
4. Into the Woods (2002)
Hidden Leaves (2003)

Broken Wings
1. Broken Wings (2003)
2. Midnight Flight (2003)

Gemini
1. Celeste (2004)
2. Black Cat (2004)
3. Child of Darkness (2005)

Shadow
1. April Shadows (2005)
2. Girl in the Shadows (2006)

Early Spring
1. Broken Flower (2006)
2. Scattered Leaves (2007)

Secrets
1. Secrets in the Attic (2007)
2. Secrets in the Shadows (2008)

Delia
1. Delia's Crossing (2008)
2. Delia's Heart (2008)
3. Delia's Gift (2009)

Heavenstone
1. The Heavenstone Secrets (2009)
2. Secret Whispers (2010)

What's on Your Nightstand?

2010-06-15T02:49:00.001-06:00

This week I was going to start Mindset but I was afraid I was not in the right frame of mind to tackle it so I picked up the Art of Racing in the Rain and I finished it in two nights, even after what I considered a slow and disappointing start...look for my review on this book next week!

So now, seeing that I have my Mindset on not reading Mindset yet I have opened The third book in The Mysterious Benedicts Society series and am hoping to love it like I did the first one!

What are you reading this week?

Geek High - By Piper Banks

2010-06-14T04:27:00.002-06:00

When it comes to reading books for the younger group I sometimes stumble upon a gem that I get so excited about I just have to tell everyone I know - The first was The Mysterious Benedicts Society, and then I really liked Georges Secret Key to the Universe but this past month I have been totally enamored with Geek High - and let me tell you, I read book 1, 2 and 3 in a row and am so bummed that I don't have a book 4 to dive into next!

Where did I find this series?

On Twitter.

YUP. I saw a tweet that simply said "New book geared towards gifted teens in high school"

and I clicked, and I read about it and I bought book 1 to test it out for my daughter

then I bought book two and book three followed two days later...

What a great find.

Miranda Bloom is a mathematically gifted young teenager who transferred to Geek High to be with other kids "more like her" - she finds herself still struggling to fit in while many of her classmates have multiple talents and hers seems to pale in comparison.

Miranda's best friend Finn writes an anonymous blog about the school exposing some deep secrets and ends up stirring up a fair amount of trouble for Miranda with the "popular group" and with her Head Master.

When Miranda's mother (a famous writer) jets off to live in Europe for a while Miranda is forced to move in with her father and her "evil" stepmother and step sister - yet another place where Miranda doesn't quite fit in. Will she find her place?

Through all three of the books the writing is consistant, the story lines are real and very believable there is love and lost love, their is controversy and lessons learned and they are fun.

Yes, most of all, these books are fun to read - so I say - if you know anyone between the ages of 10 and 17 this series would make an excellent gift!

Utter Chaos

2010-06-09T16:02:00.001-06:00

Utter Chaos....

Sometimes we feel as if we have no time to read
Sometimes our want to read pile is so large it is overwhelming
Sometimes our desire to read is overcome by the Utter Chaos of our lives

But Sometimes we feel amazing when we finish a great book
and Sometimes we can't wait to crack open the next one in the series
Sometimes slowing down to read can be just we need to keep going

SO - if you have found it hard to read lately, or don't know which book in the pile to start with I challenge you to pick one up, open it, slow down for just a minute and read a little - you just might surprise yourself and be glad you did!

Some Reading Suggestions I have seen this week that I am adding to my "To Read" list are:

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane

by Katherine Howe

Caught

by Harlan Coben

The Magicians

by Lev Grossman

My Name is Memory

by Ann Brashares

This post is linked to Alphabe-Thursday's letter "U"

What's on Your Nightstand?

2010-06-08T05:41:00.000-06:00

I am rapidly finishing the Geek High Series by Piper Banks and looking forward to reviewing it! Next up Mind Set - by Carol Dweck - I am not certain if I am looking forward to this book yet or not - but I am going to crack it open and read it!

What are you reading this week?

Toad

2010-06-02T17:26:00.001-06:00

Not just Toad- their was Frog too...

A series favorite of mine as a child - Frog and Toad

Simply put they were best friends, though they were total opposites. Frog had a way about him of bringing Toad out, and pumping him up when he was down and Toad, almost a father figure, serious by nature, a little grumpy but never mean. We all have friends like Frog and friends like Toad. I like to think I am a Frog kind of friend but sometimes I really am a Toad...how about you?

This post is linked to Alphabe-Thursday's letter "T"

Friday Reviews

2010-05-28T06:00:00.000-06:00

It's Friday again, wow - that snuck up on me! I am looking forward to reading Reviews around the Web this week! Link Up, share and discover!

Seriously Summer Reading

2010-05-26T17:18:00.003-06:00

Summer reading for kids can be a challenge. Some schools require it some don't. Some kids love to read, some don't. My daughter is entering middle school and they require it and boy do they! 10 books! Well, that should be some serious summer reading now shouldn't it!

Lauren's list looks a little like this (ok, a lot like this)

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan (required book for all new 6th graders)
100 Cupboards by N. D. Wilson
The Phantom Toll Booth by Norton Juster
Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl
With a Little Luck by Dennis Brindell Fradin
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
The Borrowers by Mary Norton
39 Clues Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan
Kensukes Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo
A Faraway Island by Annika Thor

I thought, well if she's going to read 10 books for school we might as well check out the summer reading challenges the books stores are doing and sign up while we are at it.

So we will be participating in the Barnes and Nobels 39 clues summer passport program (Grades 1 through 6) sadly Hailey can't play along.

and the Borders Double Dog Dare summer reading program - that does, in fact, allow incoming Kindergartner's to play along (yeah Borders!!)

Hailey's will be reading early readers of course as she is still learning (but doing wonderful with it) some of my favorites are

Dick and Jane
Any of the Margaret Hillert early readers
Step into Reading Step One Books

Each daughter will read their books and in August will be able to choose a free book from fairly decent lists at these stores as a "reward" for reading so much....though Reading in itself can be so rewarding.

Am I going to read 10 books this summer? I sure hope so - My list currently looks like this

Hex Hallby Rachel Hawkins
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
The Mysterious Benedicts Society #3 by Trenton Lee Stewart
MindSet by Carol Dweck
Good Influence by Daniel R. Heischman
68 Rooms by Marianne Malone
The Map by David Murrow
Summer of the Geek by Piper Banks
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
The girl who Kicked the Hornets Nest by Stieg Larsson
97 Orchard by Jane Ziegelman

but my list is ever changing...It might be fun to see what I actually read this summer and how it compares to my list today!

Do you have any summer reading plans?

This post is linked to Alphabe-Thursday's letter "S".

The World is your Oyster - A Book Review

2010-05-24T00:49:00.001-06:00

The World is your Oyster

Author: Tamara James

This is a book I will recommend to everyone I know. Parent's, Grandparents and even those without kids! Author Tamara James admits this is a book for people of all ages.

The witty words coupled with vivid, fun and slightly whimsical Illustrations really grab you by the heart and get you thinking.

The book takes many old sayings and turns them into a powerful, illustrated message. That message is simple - Some days life kicks you in the rump but you have the power to make it all OK, it is up to you.

My mom said it best when she wrote inside the book for the girls:

"Grab it, Crack it open, Make it yours,
and don't let it Slide by you"

When I read this to my girls last week they were mesmerized. Lauren said she could read that book everyday. I believe she could, because I know I could.

This is not a book to miss out on. Grab a copy, get one for a friend - pass it around - I dare you not to!

Friday Reviews

2010-05-20T14:36:00.000-06:00

It is that time again! Time to share with the rest of us what you have been reading and/or reviewing on your blog! Link up - do tell do tell

In Regards to Reading

2010-05-19T17:11:00.003-06:00

A reader recently asked me a slew of questions in Regards to Reading - In honor of today's "R" post I decided to answer Candi's Reading questions -

Q. How do you choose your books to buy and/or read?

A. It is simple really, I browse. I browse everywhere, I recently picked up a book I saw on Twitter, I see what Amazon is recommending - I read books that friends give me and that others are talking about. I am not real picky, any book read is a good book in my world. If I am at a stuck point I literally walk into a book store and start reading titles - (no I don't judge a book by its cover but I do judge it by its title) - if the title speaks to me, gets me wondering I buy the book!

Q. Do you read reviews on books first before buying them?

A. Sometimes! I read book reviews! Yes I do. I read them on book store sites and other peoples blogs. I subscribe to many review sites and I have picked up several books because I have read a review. However I do not seek out a review before I buy a book I might be interested in.

Q. Do you tend to stay with the authors or genre?

A. Oh, Boy - again I have to sometimes. I have a handful of authors that "anything they write I will read". John Grisham, Mary Higgins Clark, Dan Brown, Jennifer Weiner and Nicolas Sparks to name a few. In general though, genre and author play a very tiny piece in my reading journeys.

Q. Do you always finish a book even if you don't like it?

A. YES! Except, I would be a liar if I didn't tell you there is one book out there I received as a gift and still haven't finished. I am a reader, I read anything - I read one book at a time and I don't start a new till I finish the one I am in, even if I don't like it very much. BUT. The Life of Pi by Yann Martel got me. I know many people have loved this book. I will pick it up and finish it one day because it eats at me that I didn't.

Q. Do you keep all your books? Do you let others borrow them?

A. I used to keep them ALL. I think I had an emotional attachment to them. I still keep some. In the last two years though I have started "spreading the wealth of reading" - I pass just about everything I read/own on to someone else. If it is a treasure I want to keep I ask for it back, if it was just a "good book" I ask that person to pass it on when they are done. If I don't like it much I drop it off at Good Will.

Q. Do you read younger aged books, like ones that your daughter reads?

A. Do I have to tell the truth here? I suppose I do. I read them ALL! For one thing my 9 year old reads and comprehends WELL beyond her years and there is content I don't want her reading yet so I read every new book that comes her way. That said, I LOVE THEM. I just read Karma Club by Jessica Brody and am in the middle of Geek High by Piper Banks both geared for the 12 to 17 age group and both books/authors are simply wonderful!

Q. Do you have any favorite websites in regards to book reviews?

A. Yes. Of course this one is a personal favorite Tales from the Nightstand oh but you want others don't you? OK here is a list of some that I like - each has a different style and I like them for different reasons. I will say that for me a shorter review is better, I don't want to feel like I already read the book before I even open it!

Book Line and Sinker
The Tattered Cover
Beth's Book Review Blog
Bonnie's Books
Helen's Book Blog

Amazon
Barnes and Nobel

HINT: When I read reviews on big box sites like Amazon or Barnes and Nobel I only read 3 and 4 star reviews never less, never more. Why? Because the 5 stars are usually full of fluff. How many 5 star books have you really read? and the 1 and 2 star reviews are usually really complainy...I don't want to go into a new book with complaints in my head. I find the 3 and 4 star reviews to be the most real.

Thanks Candi for all your great questions in Regards to Reading! And for giving me something to post about for my "R" post this week!

This post is linked to Alphabe-Thursday's letter "R".

What's on your Nighstand?

2010-05-18T06:03:00.000-06:00

I finished Karma Club and this week I am reading Geek High and it's sequal Geek Abroad - want to know why? I saw a tweet about them. Yes I did. I think Lauren will love them, but I had to read them first - and I am so glad I am. I will tell you all about them next week!

What do you have your nose in this week?