Saturday, January 09, 2016

Sunday Post: Off To a Good Start

The Sunday Post is hosted by the wonderful Kimba, the Caffeinated Book Reviewer, and gives us all a chance to recap our week, talk about what we are reading, share any new books that have come our way, and whatever else we want to talk about. 

We've had a couple of glorious rainy days (well, glorious minus the flooding, mudslides and car accidents); the sky is dark and gray with the occasional breakthrough of sunshine. These are the kind of days I wish I could be at home, curled up under an afghan, reading and drinking hot chocolate instead of being at the office. Alas, there are bills to pay and mouths to feed. How was your week? What have you been up to?

New to My Shelves:

The Secrets of Flight by Maggie Leffler ~ The story of an elderly woman who hires a 15-year-old girl to transcribe her memories of a young woman who took to the skies as a pilot during World War II. You can see why I couldn't resist this book. It is one I had requested in December from Edelweiss.



What I Am Reading: I was quite pleased with my first two reads of the year. A middle-grade novel about a young girl trying to lift a death curse she unwittingly triggered and the story of a down and out town that is injected with life by a bookish tourist from another country. Both Kathryn Tanquary's The Night Parade and The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald left me with smiles on my face as I reached their ends. I have moved onto something darker (as if a death curse wasn't), and am now reading Tawni O'Dell's Angels Burning, a literary thriller about a police chief who must confront her own past while investigating a heinous murder. It hooked me immediately, and I hope to finish reading it soon.

What I Am Watching: My husband and I re-watched Pitch Perfect and saw Pitch Perfect 2 for the first time. As a family, we have been watching Disney's Fairy movies, which everyone in our house enjoyed. There has also been more Doctor Who watching of which my daughter is now officially a fan. We are about mid-way through season two at the moment.

Blacklist is back after the mid-season break. As is Supergirl. I may not love the new Supergirl show, but I adore Calista Flockhart's character, even as annoying as she is sometimes. That woman has the best lines. And I am back into watching Haven. I have started watching season 3. I really need to read The Colorado Kid.


Around the Blogosphere:

What's Going On Off the Blog: My house is very quiet and empty now that the guests are all gone. We are still working on taking down the Christmas decorations. It feels a bit strange having a weekend without anything planned. It's nice, but strange. I had the luxury of laying in bed and finishing a book Friday morning, something that I haven't been able to do in awhile. And I woke up Saturday morning with a stuffed dog lying on my arm. My daughter had woken up early and decided I needed some company.

Mouse was not especially happy about going back to school after a week and a half off. It was easier for me since I didn't have the same luxury of a vacation. My husband and I started going through Mouse's books, deciding which to donate to her school and which to keep. Not many were donated, admittedly, but we are in the process of organizing her shelves--something long overdo.

I donated six big garbage bags of clothes and toys to charity earlier in the week. I had told them I would only have three. My de-cluttering efforts continue.

Challenge & Dare Update: I signed up for a couple more challenges. The Nonfiction Challenge and FitReader. So far I have read five books for the COYER challenge and have been good about sticking to The TBR Triple Dog Dare. I am kicking off FitReader this week with a bang when I roll out of bed "in the middle of the night" as my daughter would say. It's really only 4:20 a.m. That's really my biggest hurdle to jumping back on the exercise wagon. Having to get up so early. But I can do this. I need to.


This Past Week In Reading Mews:

Upcoming on the Blog:
Monday - My Bookish Thoughts on Paradise Drive by Rebecca Foust
Tuesday - Where's Your Bookmark?
Wednesday - My Bookish Thoughts on The Night Parade by Kathryn Tanquary



Thank you for helping me choose my next read from my TBR collection I should read next:

My TBR List is a meme hosted by the awesome Michelle at Because Reading. It’s a fun way to choose a book from your TBR pile to read. The 1st Sunday of every month, I will list 3 books I am considering reading and take a poll as to which you think I should read. I will read the winner that month, and my review will follow. While I will attempt to post my review that same month, I make no promises--it may go up the following month. 



The votes are in, and it looks like the winner is What She Knew by Gilly MacMillan!  Twenty-eight of you voted. The breakdown was 15 votes for What She Knew by Gilly MacMillan, 10 votes for The Great Zoo of China by Matthew Reilly, and 3 votes for Tina Seskis's One Step Too Far.


 I really want to read all three books, and so whichever won would not have been a disappointment to me. Many thanks to those of you who took the time to vote! I plan to start reading What She Knew next.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week. Happy Reading!


 © 2016, 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.

58 comments:

  1. First of all, I love your blog design! Its perfect. I also love the layout of your Sunday post. But enough of that fangirling, as they say. I hope you have a splendid week and enjoy your books.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. D Lynn - Thank you! I like too--kind of playful. My husband made the header (I have him change it up a couple times a year). I wish I could take credit for the design but it's all up to Blogger and their offerings. I hope you have a great week as well! Thank you for stopping by!

      Delete
  2. The Secrets of Flight by Maggie Leffler sounds good! I'll be anxious to hear your thoughts on it.

    What She Knew was an intense read to me; it was quite different from other psychological thrillers I'd read in the past so this one offers a totally fresh perspective and not to mention it has a well-written plot. I'd also posted my thoughts on it on my blog today. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did and I can't wait to hear what you'll think of it, Wendy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melody - I thought The Secrets of Flight sounded really good too. I love books set in World War II--and a female pilot? I hope it's good!

      I am waiting to read your review of What She Knew after I read it. I am glad to hear you liked it though. I just have to finish my current read. Hopefully today. :-)

      Delete
  3. I hope you got to relax a bit now the guests have gone and you had a free weekend. I'm sure things will get busy again before you know it.

    I've heard good things about Supergirl but it hasn't arrived at free-to-air TV in Australia as yet!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Deborah - Yes, there has definitely been some much needed relaxing as evidenced by the housework that needs to get done that has been neglected. Haha

      I hope you won't have to wait long for Supergirl to come your way. It's a fun show, I think, even if not without its flaws. I was hoping my daughter would show an interest in it (female heroine and all), but it hasn't won her over.

      Delete
  4. Yay for What She Knew! I'll be watching for your thoughts on it. Sounds like you had a busy week. Good luck with 4:20 rising schedule. You can do it!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kay - I am so not good about getting up that early. I was telling Sam over at her blog that I'm hoping my telling so many people my plan, it will make follow-through much easier. I'm really looking forward to reading What She Knew. I have been avoiding reviews of it this close to my reading it. Although I do know reception has been mixed. Keeps my expectations reasonable. :-)

      Delete
  5. I know y'all desperately need the rain but we've had so much the last 3 months, we're sick of it. This year is starting out rainy so far but we do have a little sun peeking through this morning.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathy - I am glad you are finally starting to share some of that rain with us. I know it's not all good given the concentration it's coming in--and the high winds. These storms are causing a lot of damage, unfortunately. I think a lot of us in California are hoping it will help with the drought though. I hope you get more sunshine, Kathy. You've already had to deal with so much weather-wise, I know.

      Delete
  6. I don't think I voted for that one but I hope you enjoy it :)

    My kids weren't happy about going back to school and they were even less happy about getting up early. It was a rough week of wake ups. They both kept asking for 10 more minutes. :)

    I just cleaned my sons room and have a bunch of bags but the kids want to torture me with a garage sale so maybe in the fall. I usually give it to charity but since they are agreeing to part with a lot of stuff I will help them make a little money to get more stuff. ;)

    Have a great week! Happy Reading! ox

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michelle - I plan to read the other two as well, so they all are winners in their own way. :-) We're lucky mine is still young enough we can just pack her in the car in her PJ's if we want and she can get dressed at her school. That will change this fall when she begins kindergarten. Not that we've actually sent her to school in her PJ's (well, except for PJ day). My husband gets to worry about all that though. I've already left for work by the time they have to get up. Sucks for my husband because he is NOT a morning person in any sense of the word.

      I don't envy you that garage sale. Ugh. My daughter asked us if we could have one, and I told her not this time. She still believes me when I tell her it's too wet outside for one. LOL

      I hope you have a great week too!

      Delete
  7. The Secret of Flight looks very good, and yes the kiddies always struggle those first few days back to routine. Sounds like you have been busy..I hope you relax a little today.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kimba - I'm excited about reading The Secerts of Flight. It's started off as a relaxing sort of day, thank goodness. I opened my eyes to a bright smiling face practically touching mine. Maybe a little earlier than I hoped. :-) Thanks for visiting!

      Delete
  8. I've been rewatching Doctor Who lately and am loving it! There's always little details that I didn't pick up on the first time through. I showed the Tornado the Dinosaurs on a Spaceship episode and I'm pretty sure he's officially a fan now! Good for you for getting up early to exercise! I love the idea but am not so good on the execution. Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Katherine - I'm noticing that too as we're re-watching Doctor Who. It's such a fun show. I admit I worried at first about Mouse watching with us. I don't want her to have nightmares, but she's taken such a liking to it. And so far no nightmares. She understands it isn't real though, and I'm sure that helps some.

      I know it won't be easy getting up so early to exercise, but I keep telling myself to focus on how it good it will make me feel once I do it.

      I hope you have a great week too.

      Delete
  9. I absolutely cannot wait to hear your thoughts on What She Knew!! It took a bit for my kids to get back into the school routine as well but I suppose that is to be expected. I have a copy of Angels Burning on my TBR pile as well so I will be looking forward to your thoughts on that one as well! Have a great week!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Samantha - Your review encouraged me to add it to my TBR pile. :-) I am enjoying Angels Burning so far. It's definitely got my attention. I hope to read more of it this afternoon. I hope you have a great week too!

      Delete
  10. Happy Sunday. "I wish I could be at home, curled up under an afghan, reading and drinking hot chocolate instead of being at the office..." You've read my mind with that one.

    We've had a rainy weekend here as well and lost power for a few hours last night during a storm.
    Enjoy your quiet weekend and reading What She Knew.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Naida - Thank you! Happy Sunday to you as well. :-) I am sorry about the power outage. I hope it didn't impact you too much. We've been lucky so far that we've avoided one of those. Some of our neighbors haven't been so lucky.

      I'm actually curled up under an afghan right now. :-) I did have a cat on my lap and a 4 year old cuddled up next to me, but they've both moved on. Mouse is making Valentine's Day cards.

      Delete
  11. I like all the TV posts and love that the shows are getting- there are so many out there now! I've been intrigued by Dr. Who but I know there have been several, and it's been around so long- not sure where to start. :)

    Are you guys needing the rain? I know parts of CA have had that drought... we've been pretty mild but we got snow overnight- so winter is here LOL.

    Thank you for the shout out as well!

    Enjoy your week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Greg - I probably watch way more television than I should. :-) If you have Netflix, they have a few of the older episodes including the reboot seasons. My husband has been a fan of the Doctor for most of his life whereas I didn't really start paying attention until the reboot. I would almost recommend you start there--with Chris Eccleston in the 1st season. And then maybe go back and watch some of the older episodes. My husband might tell you to start with the older ones. Unfortunately, many of the original episodes have been lost and recorded over because of the way they filmed shows back in the day. Just keep in mind the show is a bit campy.

      We desperately need the rain, yes. While our getting rain where I live is helpful (we're in drought here too), it's not where it's most needed to actually end the drought. We're mostly hoping for snow in the mountains.

      I hope you have a great week too!

      Delete
  12. I loved What She Knew...and now must read more from this author.

    The Secrets of Flight is going on my list. Thanks!

    I am excited to have Madame Secretary and The Good Wife back tonight.

    Enjoy your week...and thanks for visiting my blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Laurel-Rain - I am glad to hear you loved What She Knew. :-) I have never seen The Good Wife, can you believe it? I've heard it's a great show. I hope you have a great week too!

      Delete
  13. You are certainly off to a good start! I should take inspiration. I haven't finished a book yet but I may have finally gotten caught up with everything so hope this week is different. Also, I love love love love Haven! I cannot wait for the next season to start. It's been too long now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Athira - I hope things quiet down some for you. Are you home? How is your little one? I hope you had a nice trip! Haven is so good! I don't know how I couldn't have heard of it before this year.

      Delete
  14. What She Knew is quite suspenseful, a good read. Hope you enjoy it. I'm slowly decluttering too, and it's beginning to feel a lot better!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Harvee - I'm planning to start it today during my lunch break. I can't wait! I think once all the Christmas decorations are down, it'll be much easier to get back into the decluttering process. Right now I feel like there's clutter all around me.

      Delete
  15. What She Knew is on my list too. And Yay for your daughter becoming a Doctor Who fan! Definite parenting win.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stephanie - It seems like everyone I know is reading What She Knew right now or has read it. Hopefully we'll both like it! I'm pleased my daughter likes Doctor Who. She'll be so sad when a certain companion goes away though--she's quite attached.

      Delete
  16. Love Pitch Perfect!!! Glad to see What She Knew won. Love that one so much. Hope you enjoy it!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Grace - They are such fun movies. :-) I am looking forward to reading What She Knew. I can't wait to start it this afternoon.

      Delete
  17. Your blog looks beautiful! I'm always trying to come up with ways that I could be home instead of working but those stupid bills keep coming in...blah :)

    Hope you have a good week despite work :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yvonne - Thank you! Those bills just never stop coming, do they? To be able to work from home would be nice, but then I worry I'd be too easily distracted.

      I hope you have a good week too!

      Delete
  18. The guys in the house are glad Blacklist is back on. I'm waiting for a few more seasons to come to Netflix before I start watching it. lol My new year's goals have been a bit of a struggle, but there's a long road to go yet. I'll get there. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carol - That's probably smart to do. Then you don't have to worry so much about cliffhangers.

      Good luck with your New Year's goals! It's still early yet, so you have time. :-)

      Delete
  19. I love your weekend updates Wendy. Sounds like you are making great progress with your decluttering. It is always a good feeling.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane - Decluttering is an ongoing process around here. :-) It does feel good though.

      Delete
  20. Not sure I could get up that early to get my exercise accomplished! I wish you much success. Looking forward to the TV shows beginning again after their Winter Break.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nise' - It's the best time I can fit it in, unfortunately. I call myself a reluctant morning person for a reason. :-) Thank you for the good wishes. I did good this morning, at least.

      Delete
  21. Yay for kicking off your FitReader challenge! That is a crazy early hour to wake up at so I'm impressed. I'm sitting here dreading the start of a new week. I feel like a kid all pouty and not wanting to go back to reality! haha... Can't wait to hear what you think of What She Knew!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Iliana - I didn't even hit snooze this morning. :-) I added some cushion in there just in case I did though. I have meetings all week, which I'm not happy about. At least none today.

      Delete
  22. Congratulations on your decluttering efforts. I did the 40 bags in 40 days last year and really made a huge dent on the house clutter. Happy New Year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anne - Thank you! Forty bags in forty days is amazing! My first thought is I couldn't possibly have that much stuff and then my second was, yeah, I probably do. LOL Happy New Year to you as well!

      Delete
  23. I'm terrible with tv shows. I loved the first season of the Blacklist, and then watched half of the second season, but I tend to forget when a show is on and then stop watching- that's what happened. I enjoyed Pitch Perfect and its sequel- such fun movies. I'm also (slowly) taking down Christmas stuff. George the cat was mad when I took down the tree- that was what he went for whenever he felt like being naughty.
    I also need to declutter- six bags is great! I'm sure whichever charity you donated to loved you!
    ~Litha Nelle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Litha Nelle - I record current shows I follow, so my DVR keeps track of when they are on for me. Although that doesn't always work out either. I much prefer watching TV on Netflix or Amazon now--no commercials and I can binge watch if I have time. My cats will be unhappy when we take down the tree. My daughter is petitioning we keep it up like last year and decorate for each "holiday". I told her to talk to her father. LOL

      Delete
  24. I got almost all done taking down Christmas decorations but I just cannot make myself take down the tree yet - so much work! And it's been way too cold to do the outside decorations. Glad to know I'm not the only one who hasn't finished!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lisa - It is a lot of work taking down all those decorations and the tree! I have so much in the way of decorations. I'm kind of hoping my husband will decide to do it since he's home by himself all week, but I doubt it.

      Delete
  25. The Secrets of Flight sounds fascinating...I've already added it to my wish list!

    I hope you enjoyed your un-planned-out weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melinda - I am looking forward to reading it. I sure hope it's good!

      It was a good weekend, although I feel like I should have been more productive.

      Delete
  26. The Secrets of Flight sounds really good! Sounds like you're enjoying your reading so far this year too. We still are taking down decorations too and hopefully that will be done in the next few days. I'm looking forward to more Blacklist as well. Such good acting in that one. Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!

    Tressa @ Wishful Endings

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tressa - I think it sounds good too. I am happy with my reading so far this year. I'm actually ahead of where I normally am, which is kind of nice. I doubt I will keep up this momentum though. I'm glad to meet another Blacklist watcher! I enjoy the show as well. I hope you have a great week too!

      Delete
  27. Wow! I don't know how you have time to do all of these things. I envy your energy. I love the TBR reading list meme.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Debbie - That's so nice of you to say. I don't feel so energetic most of the time. It helps that right now I have a husband who does all the house work since he's out of work.

      Delete
  28. Our week was also very rainy. I didn’t really mind spending the first half of the week in bed during the day, because of my nightshifts. It wasn’t a great week to be outside so sleeping seemed like a good thing.
    Awesome that you are going to read ‘What She Knew’, that sounds like a great read.
    Have a great week ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maureen - I like sleeping a little too much sometimes. Or rather being lazy in bed. It's my favorite place to read. :-) I hope your week of nightshifts went well. So far I am liking What She Knew. I can't even imagine being in the situation the mother in the book is in. So frightening! I hope you have a great week too!

      Delete
  29. LOL! Gage was so excited to go back to school :) You must be way more fun than me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stacy - I don't think that's true. :-) You are a great mom. I wish Mouse was more happy about going to school. I hope this isn't a precursor to her opinion of school in the future.

      Delete

Thank you for taking the time to visit Musings of a Bookish Kitty. Don't be shy! I would love to hear from you. Due to a recent increase in spam, I will be moderating all comments for the foreseeable future. Please be patient with me as it may take a few hours before I am able to approve your comment.