Monday, July 27, 2015

Where Is Your Bookmark: (07/28/2015)

 (An Unbirthday Cake which easily could 
have been my blog's anniversary cake, 
now that I think about it.)

This past Thursday (07/23) was my ninth blog anniversary. I went back and read my very first post last week as I always do this time of year for nostalgia sake. Over the years, my purpose for this blog expanded from what it once was, although has still remained the same at its heart. Musings of a Bookish Kitty is simply a place where I can come to share my thoughts with you about the book I am reading (and other topics on occasion too). I had not realized the extent of the book blogging community at that time and was giddy with joy when I was welcomed into it. It's so much bigger today than it was back then. A lot has changed. And yet there is a lot that hasn't either. Book bloggers are still among the best people around, especially when it comes to getting book recommendations, discussing books, and finding support and acceptance for our more eccentric book loving tendencies and obsessions. Through all of that, many of us also have shared bits and pieces of our lives. We've seen each other through difficult times and the highlights of our lives.

My reading has changed over the years, both in part because of blogging and life events.  I am a more careful reader now, I think, than before I began blogging, and my reading has become more varied. I discovered reading challenges and accept books for review. I read books you have recommended, even ones outside my comfort zone. I still read for me. I still look for those connections in books between the story and characters and my own life, no matter how different we may seem. I read for pleasure and to learn and to feel and to hope and to grow. To be entertained and even escape. To understand. To reflect on life and also to expand my horizons. That has not changed. I am not a prolific reader like some of you, but I am no slouch either (as compared to the national average), but my love for books and reading has not diminished over my lifetime, and definitely not since I began blogging nine years ago.

I do not know what the future holds, other than I am determined to make it to my tenth blog anniversary. There are days I think that will be it for me and Musings of a Bookish Kitty, and other days when I cannot imagine giving up blogging at all.

Thank you for letting me into your lives and taking the time to visit my blog. You all are what makes blogging worthwhile.

Moving on to what I am reading (because isn't that why you are really here?) . . . This weekend I devoured Julia Heaberlin's The Black-Eyed Susans. Everyone who said it was good wasn't lying. Now I am reading Amy Stewart's Girl Waits With Gun, which I picked up to read after Shaina from Shaina Reads helped get me over my near panicked oh-my-gosh-cannot-decide-what-to-read-next moment. She chose the book because of the cover. I chose it because I felt it would be a bit of a lighter read after Heaberlin's book. I think we both made a good choice!


First Paragraph Girl Waits With Gun:

Our troubles began in the summer of 1914, the year I turned thirty-five. The Archduke of Austria had just been assassinated, the Mexicans were revolting, and absolutely nothing was happening at our house, which explains why all three of us were riding to Paterson on the most trivial of errands. Never had a larger committee been convened to make a decision about the purchase of mustard powder and the replacement of a claw hammer whose handle had split from age and misuse. 


Random teaser from Girl Waits With Gun at 10% on my Kindle

An engine rattled around the corner and I pulled Dolley toward me. Would they come after me? I held my breath and waited, but the machine rumbled past and its driver didn't even turn to look at me.


What do you think? Would you keep reading?  

What are you reading at the moment?  Is it anything you would recommend?


© 2015, 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.

68 comments:

  1. Happy 9th, Wendy...that is very impressive!! Hope you're enjoying Girl Waits With Gun. I've got a copy sitting on a shelf from BEA, so I'll be interested in your thoughts.

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    1. Catherine - Thank you! Nine years does seem like a long time, doesn't it? And yet the time has gone by so quickly!

      So far I am enjoying Girl Waits With Gun. I'm hoping to make more progress on the book tonight when I have a bigger chunk of time to read. I hope you enjoy it when you get to it!

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  2. Happy Blogiversary. May you have many more.

    At another time, I might be very interested in this, but for some reason, serious historical fiction isn't appealing to me at the moment. I suspect it might have to do with concern over current events which leave little concern for the past. Hope you enjoy it though.

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    1. Suzie - Thank you!

      I would hesitate to call Girl Waits With Gun "serious" although it is based on an actual person. It's actually pretty light fare even given the circumstances--at least from what I can tell so far.

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  3. I like the cover of Girl Waits With Gun, too, and the opening made me want to know more. Coincidentally, the book I'm featuring today was written in 1915 so it takes place in the same era as yours. Interesting times!

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    1. Sandra - It is a cover that catches one's eye. :-) I haven't read Of Human Bondage, but I think I might. It sounds like it would be interesting, and an interesting take on the time period it was written in.

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  4. Congrats and Happy Bloggiversary, Wendy! :) I just want to say I'm very glad to know you through this book blogging community, along with a few other bookbloggers who have also become my friends. :)

    I bought The Black-Eyed Susans this past weekend and I look forward to reading it soon. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on it as well as Girl Waits with Gun, too.

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    1. Melody - Thank you! I am so glad to know you too, Melody. You were one of my first book blogging friends. :-)

      I hope you like The Black-Eyed Susans as much as I did!

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  5. Happy 9 years!! I'm going to hit 7 in the fall. Hope you don't disappear after 10!!

    I can.not.wait. to read this book! I have a copy waiting to be read.

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    1. Beth - Thanks! Congratulations on your upcoming 7 years. Where do the years go?!

      I hope you enjoy Girl Waits With Gun. I couldn't wait anymore to dive in. :-)

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  6. Wendy, congrats on 8 years of blogging -- you were one of my most supportive readers when I began 7 years ago. I hope you stick around:)

    As for your intro, I likeit, by the cover alone, I would not have picked that book, but the intro leaves me curious.

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    1. Diane - Thank you, Diane. I can't believe it's been nine years already. I am so glad you have stuck with it too--I am glad to know you. :-)

      Girl Waits With Gun is proving to be a fun read. I don't know if it's your usual fair, to be honest, but you might like it.

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  7. A very happy 9th to you, Wendy! Love that picture of your little Mouse and her expression. Perfect! So glad we've been compatriots over the years.

    I think Girl Waits With Gun sounds like a lot of fun. We've been watching Miss Fisher's Mysteries on Netflix this summer with Phryne Fisher - set in 1920's Australia. That cover looks a bit like Phryne with her gun. Wrong hair though. LOL

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    1. Kay - Ah, thanks! Isn't that a great picture? I like it too. We were at the store last week and came upon the cake and decided, "Why not?" We even sang an unbirthday song--although not the actual one from Alice in Wonderland. :-)

      So far I am enjoying Girl Waits With Gun. Fun is a good word for it. :-) I haven't seen Miss Fisher's Mysteries, but it sounds like something I would like. I'll have to look for it!

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  8. Nine years- that's impressive! I like what you said about why you blog- it definitely resonates with a lot of bloggers, I'm sure.

    I heard The Black Eyes Susans was good...

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    1. Greg - Thank you. I love to read and enjoy sharing that love with others. Who said reading couldn't be a social activity? ;-)

      I really enjoyed The Black-Eyed Susans. I'm still feeling out how I felt about the end, but it was a book I had a hard time putting down.

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  9. Happy Anniversary to your blog. It will soon be 4 for me. I too love the support system that is prevalent in the blogging world. So many books I have been introduced to through your blog and those of others. Many I would not have read otherwise. I hope you don't decide to leave at your 10th. But lives change and sometimes you have to do what you have to do!

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    1. Judy - Thank you. :-) Your blog is reaching middle age there! Four years is a great accomplishment. Congratulations. Oh, yes! I agree. There are so many books I wouldn't have read if it had not been for other bloggers recommending them--some I'd never heard of. I will always be grateful.

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  10. Happy blogoversary! I like the teaser and would be interested in continuing the book. My teaser this week comes from Wolf Trouble by Paige Tyler. Happy reading!

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    1. Kathy - Thank you! It's a fun story--and I love that it is based on a real person.

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  11. A lovely post! Congratulations on your bloggiversary! I've been curious about Girl Waits with gun, so I'd keep reading!

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    1. Monica - Thank you! I hope you get a chance to read it!

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  12. Wow, nine years! I just hit seven in April....and it felt as though time had flown over those years. Blogging has added so much to my life, too. Enjoy your tenth year...and many to come.

    I also loved Black-Eyed Susans, and the cover and excerpts from Girl Waits with Gun piqued my interest. Thanks for sharing.

    Here's mine: “DUNE ROAD”

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    1. Laurel-Rain - Thank you. It does feel like time has flown these past nine years. I can't believe it's been so long. Congratulations on your seven!

      Another Black-Eyed Susans lover! I read another of the author's books a few years ago and really liked that one too.

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  13. Happy blogoversary! 9 years is seriously impressive! I definitely agree that book bloggers are the best and it's been beyond wonderful to connect with other bookish people. I hope Bookish Kitty is here for a very long time!

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    1. Katherine - Thank you! I've met so many wonderful people through book blogging--like you. :-)

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  14. I've got this one waiting for me and have been looking forward to it! And, I liked the intro!

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    1. Sarah - I look forward to reading your thoughts on it!

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  15. Nine years! Happy Anniversary. Thanks for dropping by my blog, too. My blogoversary is this week. Best make a cake!

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    1. Anne - Thank you. Congratulations on your blog anniversary too!

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  16. What a lovely tribute to book blogging. Congratulations on nine years. I haven't been reading you the whole time. (I didn't start until 7 years ago.) I've enjoyed your thoughts on books and your daughter.

    I'd read Girl With a Gun for the cover too. It's stunning. Hope this inside is just as good.

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    1. Margot - Thank you so much! I've enjoyed getting to know you too. :-)

      So far, I am really enjoying Girl Waits With Gun. I can't wait to get back to it. Hopefully tonight.

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  17. I would like to read this one, "Girl Waits With Gun." After reading the Teaser Tuesday, I wonder what kind of machine. Automobile?? What kind? Jeep?

    Happy blogoversary!

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    1. Topazshell - I'm guessing a truck of some sort. She and her sisters aren't yet in cars--still using horse and buggy, so automobiles are still pretty rare. It's really good so far!

      And thank you!

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  18. Happy Anniversary! I, for one, am very glad you devote the time you do to this blog. I enjoy it very much, even if it makes my TBR list even longer!

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    1. Nicole - Thank you! That's nice of you to say. :-) I think we're both guilty of making each others TR lists longer.

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  19. Happy anniversary. I'd definitely keep reading this...plus love the cover!

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    1. Emma - Thank you! Isn't the cover great? I hope you do give it a chance!

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  20. Interesting beginning. I might read on to see where it goes and to see if the characters become involved in the politics of the time.

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    1. Harvee - I imagine they do get themselves involved in local issues to some degree. I'm enjoying it quite a bit so far.

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  21. Interesting. I might need to know more before I decided to keep reading or not Girl Who Reads

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    1. Donna - The novel takes off pretty quickly, but I know the first paragraph doesn't really describe what it's about. The novel (and future series) is based on the real lives of three sisters, one of which becomes one of the first deputy sheriffs in the nation.

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  22. Def keep reading - sounds fun. And congrats on your blogging to date !
    Posted mine for #ParisinJuly TT theme

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    1. Sharon - It is fun! I really like the three sisters. :-) And thank you!

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  23. That is the perfect picture to celebrate your bloggiversary! So happy to have found your blog years ago and share in the bookish life. Wishing you many more anniversaries! Oh and I like the book you chose because of that cover. Sounds fun and can't wait to hear more about it. Me, I'm deep in my Elly Griffiths latest mystery - love it.

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    1. Iliana - Thank you! We've been blogging friends for many years now, and I am so glad to know you. I think you'd like Girl Waits With Gun, Iliana. I am really interested in trying Elly Griffiths books one day. They sound good.

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  24. I think I'd want to know a little more before committing to the book but it definitely sounds promising!
    Happy bloggiversary!

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    1. Kim - Thank you!

      I thought it got off to a good start too. I'm enjoying the book so far. The three sisters have a lot of personality and spunk.

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  25. Happy blog anniversary! I don't comment alot but I enjoy reading your reviews/thoughts and also about your daughter, and fur kids.
    I also have watched the Miss Fisher mysteries on netflix, and read one of the books it's based on. The cover of your book does remind me of some of the artwork on the Miss Fisher website.
    I've been reading the Tumblebooks Book a Day. The link is on my library's website. They have a very short (4 or 5 minutes) read along book aimed at kids but I think it is fun too. You daughter might enjoy it. They have a different book each day.

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    1. Carla - Thank you so much! I appreciate you reading my blog and commenting when you do. :-) I know I don't talk about my furkids as often as I used to--but they are very much a part of my life still. :-)

      Another Miss Fitcher watcher! I definitely will have to give the series a try. It sounds like something I would like.

      I'll have to look for the Tumblebooks Book a Day. I think your right. Mouse would probably enjoy that. And it'd be something fun we can look at together. :-)

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  26. Happy Blogoversary!
    That teaser sounds intense. Enjoy!
    Sharon @ Sharon's Book Nook!

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  27. Happy Blogversary! An An Unbirthday Cake sounds like fun!
    It's nice to reflect back on how much has changed over the years in regards to book blogging, but how much is still the same. When I began book blogging the first time around, e-books were not as popular and I don't even think NetGalley was a thing yet.
    Here's to many more happy book blogging years!

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    1. Naida - Thank you! July seems to be the month for celebrating unbirthdays in our house. I was looking at old photos and found one from a couple of years ago of another unbirthday celebration. :-)

      Ah yes! When I first began blogging e-readers were rare. I think I even said on my blog how I could never see reading one on--and yet here I am all these years later reading mostly e-books.

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  28. Happy Blogversary! Cute cake.

    I would keep reading! Sounds exciting!

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    1. Sonia - Thank you! It is exciting. I had to stop today at a spot that wasn't a good stopping place because my lunch break ended. :-( I hate when that happens.

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  29. Congratulations on nine years - that's amazing!
    I love the cover of Girl Waits With Gun, hope to hear it's just as good on the inside.

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    1. Shannon - Thank you! The nine years have gone by so fast--it's hard to believe it's been so long.

      I am really enjoying Girl Waits With Gun so far. :-)

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  30. Happy Blogiversary!! I know blogging has enriched my life and reading tastes as well. Some days, I do want to throw the towel, but other days, I realize that my blog can be whatever I want it to be and therefore, I shouldn't want to close shop.

    Cheers for the wonderful nine years of blogging!

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    1. Athira - Thank you! Blogging certainly has its ups and downs. I've met so many wonderful people through blogging--like you! And you're right. Our blgs can be whatever we want them to be. :-)

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  31. Happy, happy blogiversary! I too was stunned and delighted by the breadth of the blogging community and how quickly and warmly they welcomed me into their ranks. I hope you'll continue to be a part of it for some time to come, but, of course, only so long as it still brings you fulfillment!

    Again, so happy my superficial cover choice brought you a good read. :)

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    1. Shaina - Thank you! The book blogging community has been so good to me. It isn't without it's issues, but overall I think it is one of the more supportive communities out there.

      I really enjoyed Girl Waits With Gun. Especially since it was based on real life people.

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  32. Nine years? Congrats! My reading has definitely changed more since I started blogging than it did in all of the years leading up to blogging. I think I'm definitely aware of a broader range of books. I've got Black-Eyed Susans on my iPad to read soon; glad to hear you liked it.

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    1. Lisa - It's hard to believe it's been so long. :-) I hope you enjoy Black-Eyed Susans!

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