Friday, September 25, 2009

TGIF: Music, Wish Lists & Tears

This week Rebecca's Musings Monday question:
Do you listen to music while reading? Does this change if you’re reading in or out of your house? Do you have a preference of music for such occasions?
The soft snores of my dog or the gentle purrs of my cats accompany my reading in the evenings. Murmurs of conversation sound in the background while I read during my lunch break at the office. The music of life going on around me is what I listen to most when I lose myself in a book these days.

There was a time when I insisted on having music on when I read. I used to try and match the music to my book, as if creating a soundtrack. The older I get, however, the more I prefer the quiet and natural sounds as the soundtrack to my reading. It is not that I cannot read to music. I can--on the condition that the volume is reasonable. As it is, I tend to block out all sound when I am truly engrossed in a book.

I do like to listen to music when I am blogging or writing, however. I find it relaxing. Plus, it gives me an excuse to sing to my heart's content.





For this week's Tuesday Thingers, Wendi asks:
Have you explored/used the Wish list collection on Library Thing yet? If so, have you found it helpful? Do you have any other tips or uses for the Wish list collection? [Question courtesy of Caite of A Lovely Shore Breeze]
A couple of nights ago I was re-labeling books in my library collection that were a part of my BBAW giveaways. Ever since LibraryThing added the collection feature, there is no need for me to completely delete the books I give away (I use LibraryThing as a catalog for all the books I own and have read and reviewed). I simply switch the books from "My Library" to "Gave Away" and all is right in my personal library again.

I had seen the wish list feature before but had not really explored it. I still am not using it, but it is an option I am considering. At the moment I keep two wish lists: one with Amazon and the other is an Excel spreadsheet. There are crossovers, but neither is fully up to date. I have bits of paper here and there too with books I keep meaning to add to my wish list. I am always trying to be better organized, but it never quite seems to work out. Perhaps if I switch solely to LibraryThing's wish list feature it would solve my problem. I could keep better track of where I first heard about a book, search for other reviews to make sure it is a book I want to consider getting, and it would be easily accessible.



Hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine


The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova
Release Date: January 12, 2010

From Books-A-Million:
Psychiatrist Andrew Marlowe, devoted to his profession and the painting hobby he loves, has a solitary but ordered life. When renowned painter Robert Oliver attacks a canvas in the National Gallery of Art and becomes his patient, Marlow finds that order destroyed. Desperate to understand the secret that torments the genius, he embarks on a journey that leads him into the lives of the women closest to Oliver and a tragedy at the heart of French Impressionism. Kostova's masterful new novel travels from American cities to the coast of Normandy, from the late 19th century to the late 20th, from young love to last love. THE SWAN THIEVES is a story of obsession, history's losses, and the power of art to preserve human hope.
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova is one of my favorite novels. I first heard mention of the author's latest novel over at My Friend Amy's. I was too late to enter the giveaway unfortunately, but at least now I can make room for it on my wish list.



What’s the saddest book you’ve read recently?
The book I am reading right now is sad. And angry-making. It is called Tears of the Desert: A Memoir of Survival in Darfur by by Halima Bashir with Damien Lewis. Just from the title alone, you can probably guess what the book is about and why I would find it sad. It is even sadder still because it is a true story.

I find myself drawn to sad books now and then. I like books that bring out my emotions. Often the sad books I read offer some glimmer of hope, however small. Ru Freeman's A Disobedient Girl, which I recently read, was one such book, one of the character's stories was devastating. It was a heartbreaking. While the other character's story ended on a more hopeful note. I would offer the details, but I wouldn't want to spoil the story for anyone who has yet to read the book (and that's probably too much information, isn't it?).



Graphic courtesy of Tonya!
*Click on the image above graphic to get to the Friday Fill-In headquarters, hosted by Janet!*

1. One week ago we were celebrating BBAW.

2. You could often find me daydreaming when I was young.

3. Mama told me to smile and laugh often.

4. We are good bloggers, you and me.

5. Take your time when you read a book and savor every word.

6. If I am offered a book about wave particle duality, I will pass!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching the premiere of Flash Forward and Dollhouse; tomorrow my plans include running errands and enjoying my husband's company; and Sunday, I want to try out The Beatles: Rock Band.


© 2009, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.
If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

29 comments:

  1. Your mom is a clever woman.
    Enjoy your weekend!
    My FFI

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  2. If I had to answer Music Mondays it would be exactly like your's with a few grammatical errors thrown in though :)

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  3. I like your new look!

    I prefer quiet or natural sounds while reading too.

    I have got to utilize more of LTs option.

    I work with refugees who have come to the US and are learning English and their stories break my heart.

    Enjoy your weekend.

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  4. I pretty much have to have silence when I read. I'm waayy too easily distracted.

    Have a great weekend!
    Lezlie

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  5. I was so bummed that Flash Forward is on at the same time as Bones! I'll have to catch it online or later on DVD, I guess, cause I'm addicted to Bones.

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  6. I love the idea of taking more time, and savoring every word. I've been in such a mad dash lately, I'm losing all the joy!

    I've seen a lot about A Disobedient Girl; I need to get a hold of that book.

    Also, I didn't know that Elizabeth Kostova had a new book out. Great, just when I bought Atwood's new book, Byatt's new book, and Ishiguro's new book. I'm running out of money. ;)

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  7. I JUST set up a Wishlist collection on LT yesterday. I was also inspired by this week's Thinger :-). I have kind of mixed feelings about doing it, since I've intended my LT collection to reflect books I actually have (or did, at one time or another), but I really needed to get a handle on this instead of scattering links across my Friday Bookkeeping posts!

    Can't wait to hear what you think of Beatles Rock Band! I'm not a gamer, but I am a Beatlemaniac, and I'd actually give this game a shot.

    I like the way you hit every day of the week this time :-). Nice roundup, Wendy!

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  8. Dang right we're good bloggers; all of us! :) Also, I watched the last part of Flash Forward last night (I was waiting for Grey's Anatomy, actually). It definitely looks intriguing, that's for sure! Have a good weekend!

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  9. I am happy about new shows and old shows coming back as well! The only bad thing is my reading has already slowed down and now with the return of shows, Tigers baseball and the Pennant Race, hockey returning, and the fantasy football league I joined with hubby, I don't know how I will fit it all in.

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  10. I like to have quiet when I read, but since my husband has to have constant noise I've had to learn to read and ignore the constant background sounds -- sigh.

    And I would pass on a book about wave particle duality also :-)

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  11. I like quiet when I read; no music for me.

    Looking forward to Kostova's new book also in January!

    Have a great weekend Wendy.

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  12. Mar - Yes, my mom is that. :-) I hope you enjoy your weekend too.

    Violet - LOL I am sure you could have said it much better than I did.

    Nise - Thanks! LT has so many great options. I'm still discovering them all.

    Refugee stories are so heartbreaking. I'm glad there are people like you out there who are working with and helping them.

    Lezlie - I'm becoming that way. I blame my job and constantly be interrupted. LOL

    Carrie (B&M) - You need a VCR, Ti-Vo or a DVR. :-) Hubby and I record all the shows we want to watch and rarely watch them at their actual air time. I hate commercials.

    Bellezza - I feel that way too. Life's been so crazy. It's hard to find time to sit and savor anything. I need to make time though.

    So many good books are coming out right now. It's hard to resist. :-)

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  13. Florinda - You've convinced me that I should set up a wish list too. I have the same reservations--especially since I use my LT account the same way you do.

    I'm not much of a gamer either, but my husband's really looking forward to including me in his game. He knew the Beatles would do the trick. :-)

    Dawn - Yes, we are good bloggers. The best! :-) I can't wait to see Flash Forward. I hope it's good.

    Kristie - Me too, Kristie. This time of year is always exciting TV wise, but it sure is a time stealer.

    Marie - I know what you mean. My husband likes to have music or the volume of games on--or he'll be listening to an podcast. These days I'll just move to another room or go to bed and read if the noise is bothering me.

    Diane - Seems like there are a lot more of us than I thought who prefer the quiet. :-) I hope you have a great weekend too.

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  14. I did not know about LT's wish list. It would be nice to have all of it in one place!

    The Swan Thieves sounds good.

    I recently read "Soft Spots" a memoir of a Marine with PTSS. It made me sad and mad.


    ooo, Flash Forward, I wonder if it got recorded?

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  15. Hello! I like you new blog look, and the snaps of your pup and cats are great!

    With regard to Musing Mondays, I don't like any background noise when I am reading. I can stand quiet background music but if the choice is mine I will do without it.

    I do however rely on the background breathing, sighing, scratching and yawning sounds of my pups and if they are ever away from home the quiet is deafening! An odd expression but I am sure any cat or dog owner understands, you get used to the background noise that animals make and it is a comfort.

    Happy Weekend to you!!

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  16. Can I come over for some Rock Band ? :)

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  17. Book Dragon - I agree. I think I will spend a little time adding to my wish list this weekend in fact.

    I can see why Soft Spots would make you feel that way. It sounds like a good book to read.

    I hope you got to see Flash Forward. Hubby and I recorded it and watched it last night. I can't wait for next week!

    Dancin' Fool - Thanks! Anya's much bigger now, but still adorable. :-) And, course, my other two are as cute as ever.

    I understand exactly what you mean about the background noises of our animals. When they aren't around, the house is way too quiet.

    I hope you have a good weekend too.

    Stacy - Sure! Come on over. :-)

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  18. Oooh, I got to play Beatles Rock Band last weekend! It was a lot of fun!!! I enjoyed singing and drumming the most...can't wait to hear what your favorite is.

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  19. I used to love having some classical music on while I was reading but I've stopped doing that - not even sure why/when.

    Hope you are having a great weekend, Wendy!

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  20. Lexi - We don't have the drums so I'll just be singing while hubby plays the guitar. :-) It'll be fun.

    Iliana - I'm not really sure when I stopped listening to music while reading either. I hope you're enjoying your weekend too.

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  21. I really like the answers to your Friday Fill Ins.

    "We are good bloggers, you and me." TOTALLY. LOL!

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  22. So, how did you like Flash Forward? I watched it with my daughter and then watched it again with my husband. I think it pays to watch that first one twice. I picked up a few more thing the 2nd time. I'm excited about it.

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  23. Alice - Thanks, Alice. I really enjoyed the lead ins this week. :-)

    Booklogged - I loved Flash Forward! I can't wait to see more of it. I hadn't realized my husband hadn't really wanted to watch it, but I think he's changed his tune. He's still a little cautious. Wants to see how it goes.

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  24. I actually got to hear Elizabeth Kostova speak this weekend and oh my gosh, is she ever awesome! I can't wait to read her new book either.

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  25. Kathy - Oo! How fun! I am glad to hear that Elizabeth Kostova is awesome. Now I can't wait even more to read her new book.

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  26. I haven't read The Historian yet but I know I want to get The Swan Thieves too!! :) Plus, I love the cover!

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  27. I tend to prefer quiet while I'm reading too. I've even been known to go read in the bedroom instead if H has the TV on a bit loud.

    Reading Tears of the Desert made me feel sad and angry too, but I'm so glad I read it!

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  28. For Thinger - I never thought of creating a collection for Gave Away!! What a great way to move your books around :)

    Thanks for stopping by and participating in Thingers last week! I've got the post up for this week in honor of Banned Books Week. ~ Wendi

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  29. Melody - I really like the cover too. :-)

    Nat - I will go in the bedroom and read too if my husband's game or podcast is too loud. Sometimes he'll follow me and bring a book with him. :-)

    I'm really glad to have read Tears of the Desert too.

    Wendi - It took me a while to settle on "Gave Away". I'm so bad with coming up with names.

    Thanks for the link to this week's topic. I'll have to see what banned books I have that match up with the Bannedbooklibrary.

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