Random Thoughts

It's finally here!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 08 Oct 2013 18:11:00 +0000

Hurray!!!! Yipee!! I cant believe it has finally come out. After years of hoping and praying, after countless release date changes, it is here. The Republic of Thieves by Scott Lynch has been released!

If you are unfamiliar with the drama that I am referring to, let me fill you in. The first book in the series by Scott Lynch, titled The Lies of Locke Lamora, was released in '06. It was fantastic and lots of people loved it. The sequel, Red Seas Under Red Skies, is released the next year. I personally read both in '08 when I got my Kindle. It was then announced that the 3rd one was on its way. And then they pushed the date back. A new date was set. And then they pushed it back. And then another date was set. And then they pushed that one back. I can remember at least 5 dates the publisher promised us that didn't work out. That's right 5 at the least. And now after 5 years of waiting, I finally get to read the next book in this fanastic series.* (And it is fabulous so go read it.) So next time the Sherlock fandom complains that they have had to wait for the 3rd season for almost 2 years, tell them they know nothing of our pain.

*Note: This waiting should be not be seen as a criticism of the author. He had some personal problems to take care of and I'm glad he is working them out. It's mostly the publisher I am annoyed with. Don't promise something that you can't carry out.

Currently Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 19 May 2013 05:32:00 +0000

There may come a day that I might actually give an overview/reactions of things I've read. But, it is not this day. Here's a list of books currently being read.

Clash of Kings: I have been reading this forever now but I keep getting distracted. I think I am 3/4 of the way done so hopefully I will finish sometime this month.

The Accursed: Started this during the read-a-thon, no more progress yet.

Ireland: A History: Been reading off and on for more than a year, a nice overview of Irish history.

The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow: About to start, sounds promising. Basically, set in 1950's New Orleans and about a mute boy with fantastic hearing "who can hear flowers grow, a thousand shades of blue, and the miniature tempests that rage inside raindrops. He can also hear the gentle voice of his father, William Arrow, shot dead before Bonaventure was born by a mysterious stranger known only as the Wanderer."-taken from Goodreads

Start Here Vol. 2

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 19 May 2013 04:55:00 +0000

The people over at Book Riot put out a book Start Here Vol. 1, and it helps you decide where to start reading an author that you haven't managed to get around to like Margret Atwood and Jane Austen. (F ull list on the page on Amazon).

Now, they are writing the sequel and they are trying to get funding for the project on Kickstarter. Funding ends soon and they aren't quite there yet. So, please check out the page and donate if you think it sounds awesome. Because it is. $5 donation gets you an ebook copy delivered so its really more like pre-ordering!

Bookshelves

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 09 May 2013 03:28:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago I read this article about bookshelves organization, and I got to thinking about my shelves. The system I currently use, that I came up with a few years ago, organizes my books by favorites. For example, my Harry Potter books get their own shelf on my main bookcase with all my other top favorites, my second favorites on the other bookcase, and so on.

Fast forward a couple of years and a couple of moves (don't really like to talk about that nightmare but at one point we did live above a stripper who had the squeakiest bed ever) and I put my books in the same order just so I could remember where they were. (And yes I mean exactly the same order. I don't have a photographic memory but I tend to remember stuff that I see repeatedly. I am the type of person who could have a messy room and still know where everything is.) But of course now I have completely different favorites and many more new books. So the question is should I reorganize, and if so how should I do it?

If I do, I would probably stick with the favorites system since I like it and it's different than other peoples. Alphabetical is just boring and no fun and genre sorting wouldn't help since I own tons of fantasy and books that I consider multiple genres. I guess the question then becomes which books do I feel are my favorites now and do I still love the others on the main bookcase. And if I pick my favorites, won't I just have to do this again in a year or two? I guess I just slightly obsess over it considering I love my books and I would hate to have to re-do it all if I mess up. I'm off all weekend so if I ever get around to it I'll update on what I do.

The End is Upon Us...Or me at least

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 09:27:00 +0000

It's time for me to throw in the towel. Words are starting to blur. Overall, this read-a-thon went better than last time but I still hope to do much better next time. Here's to an awesome October and come back soon and I will try to post short blurbs about my thoughts on the things I read.

Stats:
Books finished: 1 -Crimson Warning by Tasha Alexander
Books Read: Clash of Kings, glanced at My Ideal Bookshelf, started The Accursed (way to detailed to read this late at night), and started Girl's Guide to Love and Supper Clubs.
Challenges: Only 1 I think

Yet Another Update

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 08:02:00 +0000

One book done! And I am seriously contemplating a nap but I will try to tough it out.

Stats:
Books read-1 total, 100 pages of Clash of Kings, and flipped through My Ideal Bookshelf to-be read later
Snacks Eaten: I had a some grilled cheese and fries that were delicious
Breaks Taken:Quite a few-trip to library, work, and to watch Doctor Who

Back to Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 05:02:00 +0000

Home from work, which was boring as always(that's what I get for working retail) and I managed to get a few pages in on my break. Of course then I had to watch Doctor Who. Which was fantastic by the way. Don't you love that we got to see some of the stuff in the Tardis that they frequently mention like the pool or the library? I would run away with the Doctor just to see that library.

Update Again

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 20:02:00 +0000

My trip to the library went well, I picked up a few good books that I might add to my list today. Reading has to stop for a while now, work is waiting. Will be back in a few hours so don't have too much fun without me!

Time for an Update

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 16:28:00 +0000

So after waking up late I have made some decent progress. 100 pages of Clash of Kings done and I started Crimson Warning. No meme participation yet and just some tasty frozen waffles eaten. Time to head to the library!

The Starting Line

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 13:34:00 +0000

I love when it is time for another Read-a-thon! I have a feeling I won't get too much done since I have to work later and I am off to a little bit of a late start, but we will see how it goes. I have a short list this time because I procrastinated and didn't get my requests in at the library soon enough. Hopefully, I will have some books in when I take a trip there in a few hours.

To read list:
-Clash of Kings: George R.R. Martin-I am about halfway through so hoping to make some good progress.
-The Stockholm Octavo-Karen Englemann
-A Crimson Warning-Tasha Alexander-one of my favorite series for read-a-thons
-Royal Flush-Rhys Bowen
-The Accursed-Joyce Carol Oates

Opening Meme Questions:

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?-The lovely Ohio
2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?-probably The Accursed
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?-I never remember to plan out my snacks
4) Tell us a little something about yourself!-I started knitting in September and one of the first things I made was a scarf similar to the ones in Harry Potter. Ultimate Goal is to one day make a Weasley sweater.
5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to? -I will follow the same strategy that I have for the last couple read-a-thons, switch books when getting bored/tired, and take a few breaks.

So it's been awhile...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 09:28:00 +0000

I seem to only blog when it is time for a read-a-thon. I wonder why that is. Most likely, it's because I over think what to write and then procrastinate and don't actually get anything done (pretty much like I do with everything else in my life).

Unfortunately, my luck has run out and I have to work Saturday the 27th the day of the read-a-thon, which is what I get working retail. But, I will still try to read as much as possible and will even bring a book to work to read on break. I might post a rough list of possible reads at some point, and I may even write some other posts. Miracles do happen.

Update #6

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 11:43:00 +0000

While there is still half an hour until the end, I think this is where I stop. Not my most successful read-a-thon, but like always it was a lot of fun.

Stats:
Books finished: Just 1, Little Lady and the Big Apple
Books started: Fun Home(which I gave up on) and Seating Arrangements(about half way through)
Favorite snack:either the chicken pot pie or the pizza rolls
Mini Challenges completed:4 or maybe 5, I lost track at some point.

Looking forward to April to do this all over again!

Random side note: If you are a Doctor Who fan you should watch this. Warning! I did start to bawl like a baby.

Update #5

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 09:37:00 +0000

I'm making good headway into my second book but I don't think I will finish before 8. This ties my worst read-a-thon record but considering I have only participated 3 times I don't think I did too bad. I did do a lot more mini challenges than usual so some progress has been made.

Mini Challenge for Hour 20 was to show off your prized books. Of course, I love all my books but here are a few that I think are special.

This one was the first and only advance reader copy I have won. I don't really blog that much so I don't receive them like other people and I never win on Goodreads expect for this one.

Another book I love is my collectors edition of The Tales of Beedle the Bard that I bought on Amazon. The little book is a recreation of the original copies J.K. Rowling made for friends and it is stored in the bigger book. Isn't it just gorgeous?

Update #4

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 06:22:00 +0000

I took a nap and am back for more. I haven't read anything yet, but I have done a few mini-challenges. Here is my answer to one that was really fun.

My sentence:
As shadows fade, Sandman Slim hunted the Weird Sisters.

Update #3 Mid-Way

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 00:46:00 +0000

I finally finished a book! Hurray!!!! (I would dance a little with joy but I have no rhythm what so ever.)

Mid-Event Questions:
1) How are you doing? Sleepy? Are your eyes tired?-Not too sleepy yet, but I am contemplating a nap.

2) What have you finished reading?-just Little Lady, Big Apple

3) What is your favorite read so far?-same answer

4) What about your favorite snacks?-I had a delicious chicken pot pie that I bought from the store.

5) Have you found any new blogs through the readathon? If so, give them some love!-no new blogs yet but there are a few that I want to check out.

Update #2

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 22:45:00 +0000

No progress to speak of since last update. Going to the movies and the store really ate into my time. (Side Note: Frankenweenie is a pretty good movie. It had a classic horror movie feel without being really scary.) After I eat dinner I really hope to get some reading done because so far I am behind my goal to beat the number of books I read in April.

Update #1

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 15:52:00 +0000

It has been almost 4 hours since the read-a-thon began and I have gotten nothing done. I started 2 books, gave up on the first and am currently working on Little Lady, Big Apple. I will have to take a break in a bit because my sister want to go see Frankenweenie (she is a giant Tim Burton fan), but hopefully I will get some reading done in the afternoon.

Starting Line Read-a-thon

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 12:06:00 +0000

It's time for the reading to begin! I don't have an actual list this time, just a bunch of books from the library that I will pick from based on my mood.

Introduction Questions:
1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?-Ohio

2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?-Nothing specific but I am hoping one of my books on hold will be in at the library today.

3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?-I am planning on making some pretzels soon and hopefully they will turn about better than when I tried to make them yesterday.

4) Tell us a little something about yourself!-I have very recently been teaching myself to knit and am about halfway finished with a Harry Potter scarf (blue and silver for Ravenclaw). I also spend way too much time on Pinterest.

5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?-I plan on following the same plan as last time, switch books when getting bored and read easier books like YA.

October Read-A-Thon 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 08:40:00 +0000

What: The Dewey's Read-A-thon
Who: You! And any friends you can force to join!
When: This Saturday the 13th
Where: Anywhere you can take a book, your house, the park, the library, upside down on you bed, lounging in the backyard, at a restaurant, waiting in line.
How: Pick up and read as many books as possible in a 24 hour period. Go without sleep. Ignore your housework. Ignore your friends. Just read all day!

It seems that waiting until the last minute to join the read-a-thon is my tradition. Though to be fair, I work in retail and my schedule varies so I don't usually know if I will be off. And I am a procrastinator. Which of course means I am still tweaking my to-read pile. I am visiting the library later today so it will hopefully be in the final stages soon. Check back soon. Happy reading everyone!

New for October

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 08:17:00 +0000

After killing my computer (don't ask me what I did, I'm only ok with computers) and not finishing my summer challenge, I have regrouped to start posting again. My reading funk is mostly gone, for now at least, and I am looking forward to new things. First, let me catch up on things that have happened.

I ended the Semi-Charmed Life Summer Reading Challenge with 55 points. I managed to stick with it for 2 months which is sadly a record for me. I'm not sure if it was my funk or my lack of commitment that sabotaged me, but I think it was a step in the right direction. And it let me finally give up on trying to read Atonement.
I read Shadow of the Night which was completely disappointing. That's all I'm going to say on that.
The new Jasper Fforde book came out last week in the US. Hurray! Side note: The sleuthing contests that go along with the releases of all his books are always fun, but hard as I try I usually only get like half the questions right. Doesn't stop me from trying.
Read many more books that maybe I will finally get around to reviewing. We will see.

That is about the most of it. Now I'm just looking forward to this awesome fall weather with these beautiful leaves changing colors and the Read-a-thon coming up on Saturday. More on that in a separate post.

Reading Funk

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 08:49:00 +0000

I have been in a little bit of a funk lately. Not really sure why, but most of the books I read aren't really exciting me. Do you know that satisfied feeling you get after you read a great book that has just sucked you in, showed you beautiful things, making you relaxed and content? Or a book that made you the world in a new way, surprising you? Well, it has been a while since I have read a book like that. Don't get me wrong, I have read many perfectly adequate books that have amused me for the moment, but nothing that has sparked deep feeling. I even re-read The Night Circus but it wasn't as enchanting the second time (which I am really hoping is because I am in a mood because that book is awesome). Finding a slump buster is hard though. I have tired light comedies but the character's naiveté was grating. I have tried a sequel to a favorite book but it was disappointing. Maybe I will just take a break from books for a while and see if that works.

Oh, and on a different note, I have officially given up on Atonement. That book was just awful.

End of June Update

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 06:52:00 +0000

For some reason I've never been the greatest on following up on projects. I start with all the greatest intentions, but then I get bored or find something else fun to do. But, I have been trying to be better about that starting with this challenge. And yes, I know it isn't quite the end of June but I don't really care.

I am still part of the way through Atonement. I haven't attempted to read it lately, but hopefully I will find some strength to carry on.
I finished Little Lady Agency, the review coming soon. This has been on my to-read list since it came out and I guess I forgot about it until I saw it at the library.
I also finished A Surrey State of Affairs, which was fantastic.
Fried Green Tomatoes is still sitting on my Kindle. Should really get on that.

Crossed

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 01:45:00 +0000

By: Ally Condie

Rating: 4 stars

This is the second book in the Matched series, and I was a little hesitant about reading it. I did enjoy the first one but YA series tend to get boring for me. Thankfully, this one doesn't.

Things I enjoyed: It didn't wait the entire book getting Cassia and Ky back together. I really hate when authors do that just to keep the tension because it really just makes the book boring. You can still bring them together and have some conflict.

Things I didn't like: Nothing really. Looking forward to the next one.

I read this for the Semi-Charmed Life Summer Challenge and got 15 points for the Read a book in one day challenge. I am now at 20 points!

Challenge Update

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 29 May 2012 19:34:00 +0000

It has been a month since the Semi-Charmed Life Summer Challenge has started, and I have made terrible progress so far. 5 points. That is all I have earned so far. I am in the middle of a couple of other books but haven't made much headway. Here are the categories again and how I am doing.

5 points: Read a book chosen for the U.S. 2012 World Book Night.-Done only one that I have managed to do.
10: Read a book you were supposed to read in school, but either bailed on or Cliff-Noted. (If you were super studious and never did this, then read a book most people were assigned to read in high school but you weren’t.)-Still haven't picked a book yet.
10: Read a memoir or narrative nonfiction book. (Examples: Friday Night Lights, When the Game Stands Tall, The Devil in the White City, etc.)-I have this one ready to go, just need to start it.
15: Read a book in one calendar day. (Must be at least 150 pages long.)-This one isn't a problem, I just need to get it done.
15: Read a book that you've always wanted to read but haven't gotten around to yet.-my to-be-read list is super long so I haven't picked one yet.
20: Read a pair of books that have antonyms in the titles. (For example: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Boy in the Suitcase, or The Unbearable Lightness of Being and Heart of Darkness, etc..)-I have this one half done.
20: Read a book that is set in a place you've never been but want to visit.-Still need to pick one.
25: Find a book written the year you were born that was later made into a movie. Read the book and watch the movie; compare. Or find a movie released the year you were born that was based on a book. Do the same thing.-Have this one on my Kindle.
25: Go into a bookstore or library. Pick any bookshelf. Read the third book from the left on the fourth shelf from the top. (If it's not at least 200 pages, pick the next book to the right.)-Picked this one out the other day.
25: Read a book about which you’ve heard bad things. (Hey, you can’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it, right? And I’m upping the points to make it worth your while.)-Atonement is slowly killing me.
30: Read a trilogy (or any three consecutive books in a series). Total page count for all three books together must be at least 500 pages.-You would think that I would do this one first since it is the hardest but most of the series I read, I am caught up and I haven't picked one I want to start yet.

Bel Canto

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 19 May 2012 00:59:00 +0000

By: Ann Patchett

Summary from Goodreads: Somewhere in South America at the home of the country's vice president, a lavish birthday party is being held in honor of Mr. Hosokawa, a powerful Japanese businessman. Roxanne Coss, opera's most revered soprano, has mesmerized the guests with her singing. It is a perfect evening until a band of terrorists breaks in, taking the entire party hostage.

But what begins as a life-threatening scenario slowly evolves into something quite different. Friendship, compassion, and the chance for great love lead the characters to forget the real danger that has been set in motion and cannot be stopped.

Review: The blurbs on the jacket of this book describe the writing as having a lyrical style and I would completely agree. There is just something about it that draws you in and makes you want more. Even though it deals with a hostage situation, which never end well, I kept hoping everything would turn out okay. Spoiler alert: I doesn't.

I read this for The Semi-Charmed Life Summer Challenge and got 5 points for it!