It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?~March 25

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?  Presented by Sheila at Book Journey.  Let’s get started!

Boy am I out of things with reading lately.  Went to Florida and was very busy there with little time to read.  Then while I was there, I got very sick and didn’t feel like reading.  Came back to New Jersey to find out I had bronchitis. No reading for about a week.  Finally finished a book today.

I’m liking Lisa Scottoline, but this is one of her earlier ones and I think I like later ones better.  This was the first book I read on my Nook.  It does take some time to become comfortable reading on the Nook.  It’s just a strange feeling. This may have colored my feeling about the book.  I’m sure as time goes on, I’ll become more at home with it.  In general, I’m liking my Nook.

Having not really been reading lately, I’m not even sure what my next up will be.  I have no shortage of books here to start on.  I just can’t even remember what’s in the pile at the moment.  I realize that I am terribly behind in my book average for the year so far.  My plan is to read several short books to get myself back on track and pump up the average.

When my friend, Gail comes home from Florida, she’ll be bringing my bag filled with books that I got during our wonderful days of thrifting.  One of which is Le Miserables.  I was so excited to find a really nice paperback copy of it for 50 cents.  I couldn’t believe how inexpensive books were at some of the yard sales we found.  My friends were all laughing at me, knowing the collection of books I already have at home.

When all of the books get here, I’ll let you know what they all are…I can’t even remember!

That’s It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?  Be sure to visit Book Journey and check out some of the other bookie bloggers who link up.  I always get good ideas from them.  I could use an idea right now about where to start…I guess I’ll just dive in and hope the piles don’t smother me!    😉

Happy Monday!!

PS:  I started reading The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart.  last night.

Looks interesting so far!  Feel so much better now that I’m reading again!

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?~February 25

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?  That’s a question I did not get to ask last week so I didn’t want to miss the chance to play along this week.  This link up was started by Sheila at Book Journey and it’s fun to play along.  I love to see what everyone else is reading!

I’m on vacation in Florida and vacation is a funny thing.  I either read ALL the time or I get caught up in other things and don’t seem to have the time.  Then I’m too tired at night to even read in bed.

So far this vacation has been the second kind.  Not having much time to read during the day.  My other issue is that I’m using my Nook for the first time and it’s taking a while to get used to it.

This is what I’m reading…

The Witch’s Daughter by Paula Brackston.  It was a book I got on one of the specials that Nook offers, I think I paid $1.99 for it, good deal.

I’m enjoying the book so far.  The book is partially set in the 1600’s.  One of the best parts of using the Nook, when I come upon a word from the 1600’s that I don’t know, I touch the word and I can look it up!  Very handy and helpful, since I didn’t bring a dictionary with me!   😉   We went to the beach the other day to read and I must admit it’s a little tricky to read the Nook in the sun, but I can work with it.

I have been picking up some treasures in the way of books during my trip so far, but I’ll save those for when I post an update on The Great Thrift Store Tour. 

That’s it for me for It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?  Be sure to stop by at Book Journey to check out the other blogs that  are linked up.

Happy Monday! What ARE you reading?!

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?~February 11

It’s that happy time again, when I get to hang out with all the fun readers at It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?  Of course, this link up is the brainchild of Sheila at Book Journey.  Be sure to check out some of the other blogs when you’re finished here and leave a comment or two.  I’ll be there as soon as I finish here!

I started out the week with The Gilly Salt Sisters by Tiffany Baker.

I really enjoyed this book.  The characters were richly drawn and in my head I was involved with their lives.  As I read, I kept giving them advise, telling them to do or not do something.  I love  a book with a touch of magic in it.  Here you’re never really sure if there’s magic but it makes it more enjoyable to think there is.  Well worth the read, give it a try.

I jumped into The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis the second installment of the Chronicles of Narnia, although Goodreads calls it the first.

I’m enjoying the series.  I’ve said this about other books, I don’t know how I missed reading these books all these years.  Lewis weaves his characters in such a way that you either love them or hate them, as is appropriate to the story.  I didn’t realize when I read the first book, The Magician’s Nephew, but I believe it was true with that book as well.  I felt like he was there telling me the story rather than I was reading it.  Such fun…I have five to go now.  I’ll probably feel sad when I’m finished the series.

I’m enjoying my current read, Think Twice by Lisa Scottoline.

I’ve said before that I had no idea Scottoline had written so many books in general and this one is number thirteen in the Rosato & Associates series.  I know I’ve missed a few in the series.  I’ve been reading them mostly (as Usual!) from Goodwill and thrift store finds.  A few months ago, I found four of them and I’ve been able to read at least this group in order which has been helpful to get  a real feel for the series.  Think Twice has really captured my interest.  In fact, I’d like nothing better than to spend this rainy day reading.  We’ll have to see how that works out!

Hoping that the weather improves because I do have some outdoor things I need to accomplish.  Why does it always rain on the day I want to go grocery shopping?!  Just my luck.

Don’t forget to check out all of the blogs linking up over at Book Journey.  I get the best suggestions over there!

Happy Monday!  What ARE you reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?~February 4

It’s fun to have the chance to catch up on books and Monday seems a good day for it.  Thanks to Sheila at Book Journey for starting this.  It’s fun and when I’m finished reading and commenting (hint-hint…) on many of the blogs that join this link up each week, I end up with quite a few books to add to my  to be read list.

I have to admit, I’ve fallen behind a bit in my reading.

I did finish Brooklyn by Colm Toibin.

I enjoyed it.  As I got closer and closer to the end, I thought the main character was going to make a choice that would have soured me on the book, but she made the decision I hoped for.

I’m currently reading The Gilly Salt Sisters by Tiffany Baker.  Sheila, yes That  Sheila recommended it and I’m glad I took her suggestion.

I’m really enjoying this book.  Strange thing though and I wonder if this is a problem for anyone else.  The copy I got from the library is the large print version.  For some reason, a large print book slows me down when I’m reading it.  You’d think with my bad eyesight a large print book would be better, but it’s not.  Curious if anyone else has this same issue.

I have one other thing that was book related.  Last week sometime, Ralph and I were out and we picked up the DVD of Hugo.

It was a wonderful movie.  I watched it somewhere around 4 am Saturday into Sunday after waking at 2:30 am.  It was worth staying up for.  Now it makes me want to read the book.

Have to keep my eye out for it at thrift stores and library sales.  Or I could actually buy it.  Oh, the horrors!!    😉

That’s what I’m reading at the moment.  Hope to put a good dent in The Gilly Salt Sisters today and then get on with my Chronicles of Narnia reading as I had intended.

Be sure to stop by at Book Journey to read some of the linked up blogs.  Leave some comments and add some books to your list!

Happy Monday!!

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

Before we get down to the task at hand, or perhaps maybe the book at hand,  I must brag just the tiniest bit.  I picked the winner in both of the football games yesterday.  We didn’t start out this way but ended up with a friendly rivalry going.  Ralph picking Atlanta and New England, Me picking San Francisco and Baltimore.  I won’t say anymore.  Now I just have to figure out who I’m rooting for at the “Big Game.”    😉

So, To Books!  Mondays are the day for It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading?  This is hosted weekly by Sheila at Book Journey.  It’s great fun and be sure to visit the other linkers when you’re finished here to see what they have to say.  Every week I find a book I’ve never heard of and must read now!

Last week I wrote about The Fault In Our Stars by John Green and the fact that I was about to read it.

I mentioned how sometimes I’m reluctant to read books just because everyone else is and how many times I’m disappointed.  That did not happen this time.  This was a wonderful book.  When I thought I would be crying and I wanted to cry, I found myself laughing instead.  The two main characters were struggling and facing mortality as teenagers, yet they could smile and enjoy themselves and even fall in love.  Now don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a Broadway musical and they don’t [SPOILER ALERT!!] live happily ever after. It’s not a comedy, it’s not all humor, but what the author does is make you love these characters.  I read books sometimes and when I’m finished I have a sort of hollow feeling because I’ve spent time with these people and yet have never come to care about them.  This doesn’t happen with The Fault In Our Stars.

If you have not read it, please do.  It is not just a Young Adult novel.  It is a Human novel.  I loved it.

I had seen The Moonflower Vine by Jetta Carleton listed in several catalogs and on several lists of books that must be read.

I happened to find it at Goodwill for…say it with me…49 cents, a few weeks ago.  I was excited.  It is beautifully written and I feel it’s a book I may have to read a second time to feel its full impact.  Interesting, flawed characters live a bit of a chaotic life, it’s not always easy and they try to stick together under some tough circumstances both logistical and emotional.  Although I like to know what’s happening in a book as the story progresses, this doubles back to tie up the loose ends and it works for me in this book.  I can’t believe this is the only book Carleton ever published.  I was sorry to hear that.  Very interesting and I suggest that you read it if you can.

I’m currently reading Lisa Scottoline’s Killer Smile.

I like her novels.  She’s flippant and there are some things about her style that annoy me…No! “Yes!”  Stop doing that…but I digress.  Her plots are interesting and have good twists.  Exactly why I read a mystery/thriller.

Lastly, I’d like to mention something on a personal note.  Someone I know has written and published his first book and I’m very proud of him.

My best friend, Gail’s brother, R E Thorpe has written On Leave.

Ray knew nothing about writing a novel when he started, he just knew that he had a story he wanted to tell.  He joined several writers’ groups, he wrote drafts, listened to critiques and learned every step of the way.  I’m very excited for him.

At the moment, it’s only available through Amazon but I’m sure that as it’s popularity spreads it will be available through other books stores and web sites as well.  I’ve included the Amazon link above.  My copy is on order and I look forward to receiving it.  In a few weeks, you’ll see it in one of my It’s Monday! posts.  Read the blurb on Amazon and see if it’s your kind of book, then Order!  I’ll look forward to hearing what you think.

That’s it for me today, when you’re finished here be sure to stop over at Book Journey to see what everyone else is reading!

Happy Monday! Happy Reading!

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?~All The Popular Kids

Coming out of a weekend where I have felt a bit dazed and confused (so what’s new about that?!) I’m glad I have something like It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading? to get me back on track.  It’s the bookish link-up started by Sheila at Book Journey and I’m enjoying being part of it. So here goes.

Since I guess this makes me one of the popular kids now I have to confess something.  I’ve talked about this before.  I have a hard time getting revved up and into reading the popular books.  Part of that comes from having decided to read something in the past mainly because it is insanely popular.  Everybody’s reading it so why shouldn’t I?  Then I’m disappointed.  I so much more like poking around in used books stores coming up with things that look interesting to me.  Sometimes I make good choices and really enjoy a book or sometimes I pick out a stinker.

I don’t mind it when I’ve made the choice and it’s a dud.  I mind it so much more when Everyone who is Anyone says that this is a great book and I have to read it.  I tend to hold off on books like that waiting until my resolve is weak or I find it for 49 cents at Goodwill.  Trust me however, even if someone offered to GIVE me 50 Shades of Grey, I won’t be reading it.  I might, however consider 50 Shades of Dorian Gray which I saw at Barnes & Noble last week.  Now That would be funny.

That brings me to The Fault in our Stars by John Green.

No money changed hands on this one.  I’ve been trying to make more use of my local public library, and not just as a place where I can buy cheap books at their ongoing book sales.

I’ve only read the first page of it, not allowing me to tell you anything about it or whether I like it or if it’s annoying the bejesus out of me.  I’m approaching this with an open mind.  I’m just going to dive in and see where it takes me.  At least it didn’t win a Pulitzer Prize.  I guess that makes it a safe choice.

Let us all know what’s on your reading list this week.  Check out the link up at Book Journey and read some of the other blogs linking there.  We all love your comments!

Happy Monday!  What Are You Reading!

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?~In The Nook of Time

Happily, last week I decided to join in the meme (hmm…having trouble getting used to that word, but yes, meme) It’s Monday! What Are You Reading!  Hosted by the lovely Sheila at Book Journey.  I was excited, but the lovely Sheila forgot to post last week and I thought I was crazy when I kept trying to link up and couldn’t, not realizing until too embarrassing a length of time that I was attempting to link to the post from the previous week!!  That’s Ok, Sheila, we love you anyway, So here’s my second attempt!

My 2013 reading plan was Classics!  I would read one classic then read one book from my dangerously tipsy “to read” pile. (In truth, it’s now two piles plus the back seat of my car where most of my Goodwill finds stay until I remember them!)  Started with Pride and Prejudice.

What to say and not hurt anyone’s feelings?  I’ll suffice to say that I read and read and was only on page 155.  I felt I had been reading a month already.  I stopped.  I had chosen it so that I could read

Pride and Prejudice really wasn’t necessary because James gives a good synopsis of P & P at the beginning. This was not a satisfying read for me although I did finish it.  I’m thinking that time period is just not for me.  I guess I’ll have to give a few others a try to see where I stand.

Going along with my theme of reading books I Should have read I have dived into

Quite a few years ago, I got the entire set of The Chronicles of Narnia.  I knew  I should read it.  Since I’ve gotten into young adult fiction, teen fiction and some children’s fiction over the past year I thought this was a good idea.  I’m enjoying this so far and will probably finish it today.  Now my decision is~Do I read all seven in a row or intermingle them with other books.  I’ll have to think on that.

Now to my big excitement.  After over a year of saving up gift cards from birthdays and Christmases, last Thursday I finally took the plunge.

I am the proud owner of a Nook!  Do I know how to use it yet?  Not exactly…I’ve been poking around trying to figure things out.  Fortunately for me, Barnes & Noble offers classes.  I’m going to take one of them in the next few weeks so I can figure out what the heck I’m doing!  But this will be a big help for traveling, I won’t have to take an entire suitcase full of books.  It will also be a help once we move to New Mexico.  The library there is not very extensive and I don’t think there’s a county library system like there is here.  I’ll still be able to connect with the local library here (once I figure out how!!) and I’ll have all the books I want.

Stop by at Book Journey and see what everyone else is reading!

Happy Monday!  Read a Book!!

What Am I Reading~2012/2013

I’m involving myself with so many blog theme (or meme) days that I’m not sure I can keep myself straight!  Oh, of course I can, so here we go with one that is close to my heart.

Sheila at Book Journey hosts this each week.  I’ve been reading it for quite a while and I’m not quite sure why I haven’t joined in until now.  But here I go and I like the idea very much.

Those of you who have been reading BCDC for a while know that I love books and I love to read.  I’m going to tell you about what I’m reading at the moment and my reading plan for 2013.

At the moment…

Found this at Goodwill…where else?!  😉  It has really pulled me in but sadly I haven’t had much time to read it since I started.  I have my work cut out for me because I want to have it finished today so that I can start fresh on Tuesday-New Year’s Day with my new plan for 2013.  I’m enjoying this book and I’m excited that this book when finished will bring me to 84 books read in 2013.  I know all of this because of being part of Goodreads which I enjoy.  If you’d like to see what my books for 2012 have been click here.  When I started the year, I had no idea I could reach that number, but it’s been a great year for reading and I’m excited to have accomplished this.

So on to my challenge for myself for reading in 2013.  My plan is to get around to reading some of “those” books that everyone should read-classics, other people’s favorites, that sort of thing.

I’m starting the year with…

The copy I have is actually part of a set that I had given to my Mom some years ago, four Jane Austen novels.  I’m going to try to get to all of them throughout the year, IF this plan works.  Not sure I’ll be able to stick with it, but we’ll see.

Just for fun, I’ve decided that my second book will be…

Found this at a library book sale and then realized that it was based on the characters in Pride and Prejudice.  This book is the reason I decided to challenge myself to the classics.  I thought that this book would probably make So much more sense to me if I had read P & P.  The list began.

I have other classics on the list…Anna Karenina…Dune (is that considered a classic?) and as I was just informed by my friend, Debbie, I really Must read Les Miserables.  That will take a real commitment so I think I’ll save that for a little later.

In truth, I have such a huge stack of books I won’t need to buy any new ones to keep me busy for the year.  Of course, I hope to be purchasing my Nook soon so that will be a whole new world.  I hear that I can get a lot of classics on there for free so that will be a plus too.

So there you have a rather cursory plan for my reading or 2013.   My reading plan always seems to be in a state of flux so we’ll see what happens.

Be sure to visit Book Journey if you have time to see what everyone is reading and I’ll bet you’ll find some other reading plans for the year, probably a lot more organized than mine! 😉  Regardless of whether I’m orderly or not, you can feel safe in knowing that I will keep Reading!

Happy New Year’s Eve!  Be Safe and Enjoy!