Saturday, April 02, 2016

Sunday Post: Reading Comfort Zones, Celebrating My Cats & My April TBR List Poll

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. 

March went out like a lion, thunderstorms and pouring rain. My husband was lucky enough to see a couple of rainbows two nights in a row on his drive home from work. Mouse and I settled for running between raindrops. The first of April brought sunshine and a pleasant breeze. It's carried through to the weekend.

 I received an e-mail from the Cat Hospital wishing our Gracie a happy birthday. I don't think anyone knows for sure if she was born in April, but it's a good a date as any, I suppose. She's about three years old, and was abandoned as a kitten along with her litter mates in July of 2013. We adopted her in October of 2013. We are also celebrating the anniversary of Parker coming to live with us later this month. It's been fourteen years. He's about 15 years old, we believe. I asked Parker if he wanted a big party this year, but his only response was to get up and leave the room. I guess that means no.


I hope you all will take time to vote in my April TBR List poll this week! I've had such fun with the monthly polls.

What have you been up to this week?

Book Blogger Hop

Every Friday Coffee Addicted Writer from Coffee Addicted Writer poses a question which participants respond on their own blogs within the week (Friday through Thursday). They then share their links at the main site and visit other participants blogs.


Have you ever ventured out of your comfort zone in terms of reading a genre you have never read? If so, did you get hooked on that new genre? (submitted by Elizabeth
I consider myself an eclectic reader, willing to try just about any type of book. I enjoy reading fiction, whether it be literary, commercial, historical, women's fiction, or what have you. I love crime fiction, including mysteries and thrillers, from light to dark, funny to scary. I enjoy a variety of different types of fantasy. Put mystery and fantasy together and I'm all over it. Horror is not a go to genre for me, although I read it occasionally. I do not read science fiction very often, but I can thank my husband for introducing me to the likes of Douglas Adams and Robert Heinlein. Both of whom are authors whose books I enjoyed.

Even though I enjoy writing and reading poetry, I still think of it as being outside my comfort zone. I'm not sure why exactly.  Maybe because I do not read a lot of it. Maybe because the idea of poetry intimidates me somewhat? I imagine that's probably it in a nutshell.

Then there is romance. I once read romance novels by the dozens, back in my teen years and into my early twenties. At some point I stopped reading the genre, going so far as to avoid stepping in the romance aisle at the bookstore. A few years ago, after my daughter was born, I decided to give romance another try. I began experimenting with different types of romance, discovering which sub-genres worked best for me. Romance has since found its way back into my regular reading life.

I like nonfiction from time to time. It really depends on the type of nonfiction. I used to read memoirs, whereas now I read less of them. I am not a fan of autobiographies or even biographies for that matter, although I have read a few in the past. Same goes for self-help books. I guess you could say these types of nonfiction are outside my comfort zone. More so, however, because of lack of interest than because they make me feel uncomfortable. Although, I suppose animal memoirs in which the animal dies at the end and books involving incest are rather uncomfortable reads for me, and ones I avoid more often than not. I am also rather selective in the books I read that touch on child abuse in general and alcoholism for the same reason.

I think it is fair to say it is not so much genre that keeps me from reading a book, but rather the book itself: the subject matter, whether the blurb attracts my interest, or, on occasion, who the author is. What about you? Have you ever ventured out of your comfort zone and gotten hooked on a new genre?


New to My Shelves: The Easter Bunny knows me well: books and chocolate.


The Secret History of Wonder Woman by Jill Lepore 
Ghostly: A Collection of Ghost Stories introduced and illustrated by Audrey Niffenegger



I Want My Epidural Back: Adventures in Mediocre Parenting by Karen Alpert 
(from publisher)



A Certain Age by Beatriz Williams
(from the publisher) 

What I Am Reading: March was a busy month for us. What with Mouse's birthday, family visiting from out of town, soccer, work, and everything else that life sent our way. I did not get much reading in, but, then, that is not surprising. March seems to be a month when my reading suffers a lot anyway. I only read three books all month (one of which was my March TBR List winner--review to come). I was hoping to finish Elizabeth Percer's All Stories Are Love Stories before the end of the month, but it was not meant to be. It is the first book I finished for April though, so the month is off to a good start, you could say.

I have big reading plans this month. My postal book group book being one of them.  I also need to get to Terrible Virtue by Ellen Feldman for an upcoming tour. And, of course, I want to finally read Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop, the fourth in the Others series.

What I Am Watching: One more episode of The Walking Dead to go this season. This past week's episode ended with a big cliffhanger (what else is new?). I am looking forward to seeing what is to come--while at the same time dreading it.  My husband and I were able to watch a couple episodes of Doctor Who. We are now into episodes neither of us has seen before. I also have seen a couple episodes of the second season of Daredevil on Netflix.

What's Going On Off the Blog: What a week it was! I had a feeling it would be too busy for me to spend much time both on my blog and just being out and about in the blogosphere. The staff appreciation event, which I helped put together and run, took a lot of my time and energy. It turned out well, I think. Everyone seemed to have a good time. I am glad it is behind me though. I finally feel like I can relax a little.

My husband picked up the kindergarten registration packet this past week, which I still need to fill out, and Mouse has a doctor's appointment this coming week to get her cleared to start school. So much is happening right now, and it seems like it is all happening so fast!

Thank you for all the supportive words last week. I checked out the on-site after school program with Mouse on Friday. I will have to make a decision soon about after school care. This is one of those times I envy stay-at-home or work-at-home parents who may not have to worry about such things.

Saturday was the last soccer class of the season. Mouse moves up to the next age group when class resumes in a couple weeks. She's both excited and nervous.




Challenge & Dare Update: 
  • The TBR Triple Dog Dare came to an end on April 1st. Whew. I managed to keep to the Dare as planned right up to the very end. My goal was to read only review books I had already had on hand before the first of the year. And that's exactly what I did. The only exception being my postal mail book, which I read in February. I think the hardest part came towards the end as I began to think about books I wanted to read that I couldn't touch during the challenge. That's when temptation seemed to be at the highest. I had hoped I would stay away from accepting more review books during the Dare, I never outright stated I would. Good thing too, because I would have failed at that. Still, I think I held back more than I might have otherwise. I am glad I took on The Triple Dog Dare. It helped keep me on task, clear our some of my review books, and I had fun while at it. Many thanks to James of James Reads Books for hosting the Dare!
And now that the Dare is over, I can concentrate on making any more progress on my other three challenges!

Upcoming on the Blog:
Monday - Interview with Rita Martinez, author or The Jane and Bertha in Me (National Poetry Month)
Tuesday - Where Is Your Bookmark?
Wednesday - Bookish Thoughts: All Stories Are Love Stories by Elizabeth Percer


Help me decide what book 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. 



I admit I threw this list together at the last minute. I thought though that it might be a good idea to choose books that might meet the Once Upon a Time Challenge. I even picked books that might fit into the different categories! What do you think? Which of these three titles would like to see me read for April? (Each cover is linked to the Goodreads page for the individual books if you would like more information before voting.)


The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi (Fantasy/Folklore) ~ An arranged marriage, an ancient mystery, reincarnation, and life-threatening danger--I'm intrigued!


Seraphina by Rachel Hartman (Fantasy) ~  Dragons, music, and murder--who could ask for more?




Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes (Fairytale/Fantasy) ~ A spin-off of the well-known Alice in Wonderland, this novel spins a sinister tale of treachery and danger for a princess and her future kingdom.






Thank you for taking the time to vote!  

I hope you all have a great 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.

80 comments:

  1. I'm voting for Seraphina. It is one of my favorite young adult fantasies. If it wins, I hope you enjoy it. In fact, hope you enjoy whatever book wins anyway. Happy reading!

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    1. Ani - I remember it being quite popular when it first comes out. I am glad you enjoyed it so much! I am sure I will too. :-) Thanks for voting!

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  2. When I was much younger I read autobiographies. Not so much any more.
    Sportochick’s Musings Answer

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    1. Teri - About the only time I have ever read autobiographies is when they were assigned reading. I'm just not drawn to them at all. Memoirs I can do though--although I don't read them as often as I once did.

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  3. Nice looking cats! That's funny about Parker- I guess no big party for him huh? lol. Glad your weather is good- it snowed here today! But it didn't last...

    Enjoy TWD tonight. I have a feeling it's going to be pretty harrowing...

    I voted for Seraphina. :)

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    1. Greg - Thank you! Parker isn't much for parties, but he does like treats. :-) We may have a cake just for my daughter's sake. She likes to celebrate everything just about. Haha

      TWD didn't record like it was supposed to Sunday night! I'm so bummed. I hope to record an encore showing so I can watch it on Friday. From what I've heard though, maybe I should wait until October to watch it. That way I won't have to suffer for months before finding out what happened.

      Thank you for voting! I have a feeling Seraphina will be getting a lot of votes. :-)

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  4. They all look great! Have a great week :)

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    1. Maree - I think so too. :-) I hope you have a great week too!

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  5. I was interested to read your answer to the genre question. I tend to read really narrowly - crime fiction, thrillers, suspense, literary fiction and that's it. I stay away from non-fiction, historical fiction, fantasy (etc) and romance. But I'm the same as you - I once read a lot of romance and don't mind it now as a subgenre!

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    1. Deborah - I worry about burn out if I read too much of one type of book. It's interesting how our reading can change or evolve over the years. I find that where I am in life--what I'm going through--plays a big part in which books I end up gravitating towards at any given moment.

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  6. Seraphina is really worth a read. One of my favorite books.

    Sometimes it is hard to know when certain cats were born when we adopt them. For our Amigo we don't really have any idea how old he really is though with the vet we think he's over 10, maybe nearing 12 now? We celebrate his birthday on the day that he came home with us (which just means extra cuddles as he can't get snacks with his special diet). Our other cat is turning 4 in June. We got her when she was only 6 months so it was easier knowing her birth month.

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    1. Signourney - I imagine for cats who come in as strays it can be very difficult. That's mainly why we celebrate the anniversary of when they came to live with us also. Parker will likely just be getting extra cuddles on his day too. Like your Amigo, he's on a special diet because of health issues.

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  7. Can't wait to see what you think of I Want my Epidural Back - I really like her blog and have her other book (but never got to read it). I voted for Star Touched Queen! Have a great week!

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    1. Grace - I had never heard of her blog before seeing the book--but the book sure looks fun. :-) Thank you for voting! I am looking forward to reading Star Touched Queen. :-) I hope you have a great week too!

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  8. I voted for Star-Touched Queen because I love the cover, lol (there are worse reasons to choose a new book) and the blurb about an ancient mystery and arranged marriage. They all sound good though, to me.

    I loved your answer to the blogger hop question about genre. That is spot-on how I feel too. I do have my comfort reading zone, mysteries, crime fiction, and suspense, but I like to venture out of that based on the actual book, not the genre. Meaning I never say never about a whole category of books. That makes me a somewhat eclectic, and satisfied, reader :)

    You must be friends with the Easter Bunny! He brought a communal basket of chocolates to our house but no books for me :( Have a great week ahead!

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    1. Rita - Isn't that a great cover? I really like it too. :-)

      I don't like to say no to a genre or whole category of books either. You never know what you may end up reading and enjoying. I like the way you put it. :-)

      The Easter Bunny and I are very close. :-) I hope you have a great week!

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  9. Some year I'm going to participate in the Once Upon a Time reading challenge :) I love the cover of Seraphina (and the description is intriguing as well) - I'd vote for that one.

    I have never had an interest in romance literature, but I often wonder what I'm missing. I'd love to hear about the different sub-genres; maybe that is a way for me to ease into it.

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    1. Molly - I was surprised to discover I've only participated in it one other time! I was sure I'd participated more than that. I think it's the R.I.P. Challenge in the fall I have done more often.

      I really like the cover of Seraphina too. I have been wanting to read that book for so long now! This may be the time to do so. :-)

      Romance literature is such a broad category. It goes beyond the books people most associate with the genre--the ones with the half dressed man or woman on the cover or who are paired in a passionate embrace. Pride and Prejudice is among my favorite romances. And despite my opinion of the author Nicholas Sparks, I really loved his book The Notebook. The Day the Falls Stood Still by Cathy Marie Buchanan was a wonderful historical love story. Maybe these last two don't fit the traditional romance novel mold, but the love stories are at the center of both books. If you want to give romance a try, starting with the sub-genres is a good way to go, I think. That's pretty much how I eased back into it. Maybe find a book in a genre or category you like with a romantic side story. Crossover books can sometimes make it easier to transition from one genre to another. I'm not expert on romance. I'm still discovering what works for me and what doesn't. I wish you luck if you decide to give it a try!

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  10. I read everything, but go through phases where one genre speaks to me more. Happy Birthday to Gracie! Hope the week ahead brings more sunshine!

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    1. Kim - That happens to me sometimes too. I tend to read whatever catches my fancy at the moment--sometimes that may be switching up books or it may be binging on one genre for a little while.

      Gracie says thank you. Or she would if she could talk. :-) It's actually turning out to be a summery week with a promise of rain the second half. Crazy weather! I hope you have a great week!

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  11. Your three books are all unknowns to me...I hope you enjoy whatever you pick.

    Finding after-school care was always a challenge for me over the years, too. With four kids at various ages, it was something that kept me awake at night sometimes.

    I'm glad you found something you feel good about.

    As for books outside my comfort zone, I participated in an eclectic reading challenge a few years ago, and despite my best efforts, I still don't enjoy Sci-Fi or urban fantasy. I still love thrillers, women's literature, literary fiction, and the occasional memoir.

    Enjoy your week, and here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES

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    1. Laurel-Rain - Thank you! I hope to read all three at some point. Hopefully they will all be good!

      And thank you for your words of encouragement. Children go in and out of day care all the time, but it's still hard when it's "my" kid. I know you understand. :-)

      At least you can say you tried those other genres and did not like them all that much. Of course, you may, at some point in the future, come across books in either or both and end up liking them.

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  12. I'm not sure why I love Lonesome Dove so much. It's definitely a book that is outside my comfort zone. So unexpected when that happens.

    http://readerbuzz.blogspot.com/2016/04/what-is-it-about-this-book-ten-reasons.html

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    1. Deb - I haven't yet read Lonesome Dove, but I do want to read it. I haven't read too many westerns. My dad swore by westerns, but it isn't a genre I've explored very much.

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  13. My comfort zone is pretty darn big. ;-) A lot of the time, which sort of book I reach for depends entirely on what else is going on in my life at that moment.

    As for what you should read, I read Queen of Hearts a couple of years ago. It was interesting but I think you need to continue on with the trilogy (?) if you read it because it clearly begs for a continuation and is very much concerned with setting up the world in it.

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    1. Kristen - That is often true for me too. My moods often dictate what I decide to read.

      That's good to know about Queen of Hearts. I figured it would turn out to be something like that. Hopefully I'll enjoy it. :-)

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  14. Gad you got a great Easter gift!! Those cats are cute! I choose Queen of Hearts because it looks yum!

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    1. Sarah - Thank you! I'm excited about my Easter books. :-) Queen of Hearts does sound good, doesn't it? I am looking forward to reading it!

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  15. What a busy week! I am glad the staff appreciation went well. I really have to focus on my review and galleys. I realized in my monthly wrap up that I haven nothing for one of my challenges. Eek! Happy reading!

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    1. Charlie - I am glad the event went well too. We tried to make it special for all the staff. Those challenges seem to slip by me sometimes. I need to focus on those a bit.

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  16. It definitely sounds like you had a very busy week. I’m glad to read your event went well. I hope you’ll be able to relax a little more.
    I voted for ‘The Star-Touched Queen’.. This just sounds like an interesting book and I love that cover.
    I hope you get your reading time this week.
    Happy Reading! ;)

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    1. Maureen - This week has been a little more routine at work, which is nice. Hopefully it will that way for awhile. I agree, The Star-Touched Queen does sound interesting. I'm looking forward to reading it!

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  17. Voted for Seraphina, I always wanted to read that book.

    If I didn't have my mom to get the kids I would have had to do after school programs too. I also wish I could have stayed home with them also.

    I hope you have a great week! Happy Reading!

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    1. Michelle - My mom did offer to sell her house and move down here to watch my daughter. :-) I'm not sure how practical that is--or if it's a good idea. She'd be so lonely and bored here. All her friends and her brothers are near where she is now.

      Thank you for voting! I can't wait to see which book wins!

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  18. We're having some pretty spring weather here at the moment. That's nice the cat hospital wishes your cat a happy birthday. That's great you adopted her after she was abandoned.
    I voted for Seraphina as my sister has read that one and enjoyed it. I heard lots of good things about it. I hope you'll have a great week!

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    1. Lola - Your weather sounds wonderful. We're expecting rain tomorrow, which is a good thing. Although I'd rather it not be a work day so I can stay home and enjoy it more. This was the first time we have gotten a birthday wish a cat from them. It was a nice surprise.

      Thank you for voting! I've heard such good things about Seraphina too. I'm looking forward to reading it.

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  19. I had to pick up the packet for 1st grade for the Tornado and was not happy about it. I'm not sure I'm ready for him to be a school for the full day yet!
    I love your Easter basket and have a little envy over the Beatriz Williams! It looks gorgeous. I think we're similar in how we read though I think I tend to go lighter than you. I wasn't a romance reader at all until I was in my early 20s than went for years where that was all I read and then stopped and am now mixing them in again. Have a great week!

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    1. Katherine - Tornado is 1st grade! It seems too soon. Mouse's kindergarten is full day. I think many of the schools with kindergartens in the area have gone that way. It'll be a change for all of us, I imagine.

      Doesn't A Certain Age look good? I just love that cover. I haven't read her work before, but I am looking forward to giving her a try.

      I hope you are having a great week too!

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  20. I have The Secret History of Wonder Woman on my TBR. I really must read it soon!

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    1. Kelly - I've been hearing good things about it. I can't wait to read it!

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  21. Great update! Looks like you got the perfect Easter gift!
    New Google Follower!
    Happy Reading!
    My Sunday Catch Up Post! @ Paulette’s Papers

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    1. Dani - Thank you for the follow! The Easter Bunny and I are very close. LOL

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  22. I can't believe Mouse will be in kindergarten in the fall! It'll be a big transition for all of you but I know she's going to rock school!

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    1. Kathy - I am still in denial. I keep putting off filling out the registration paperwork. I think she's excited about the prospect of making new friends most of all. :-)

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  23. I am voting for the 1st book--The Star Touched Queen. I've always been intrigued by reincarnation. Romance? I gave it a 25 year hiatus...but lately I've been breezing thru them and it's been fun! Starting school is--a life changer. Think of it as exciting. (but I know it's also hard/heartbreaking. Time just goes so fast!)

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    1. Debbie - Me too! The Star-Touched Queen sounds so interesting. Even if it doesn't win, I am looking forward to reading it.

      I've been enjoying reading romance again too. :-)

      So many changes. We knew they were coming, but it's one thing to know they are in the future and another to be in the middle of it. It is exciting--and scary. Haha

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  24. I voted for Seraphina too! Glad you got Secret History of Wonder Woman in print. The audio was so poorly read by the author that it ruined the book for me.

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    1. Beth F - Thank you for voting! The Secret History of Wonder Woman sounded like one that would best be taken in in its print format. Hopefully it will stand up a lot better than the audio.

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  25. Happy Sunday! I voted for Seraphina too. Not only is it intriguing but what a great cover! Love the pictures too :)

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    1. Iliana - I think it sounds pretty intriguing too--and dragons! Thank you for voting!

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  26. I am so nervous yet excited for tonight's episode of The Walking Dead. I have a feeling I will be emotionally wrecked afterwards though. I am trying to read more nonfiction this year. I am reading Brain is on Fire right now but I keep getting sidetracked by different other reads. Lol! Have a great week!

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    1. Samantha - I haven't had a chance to see it yet. I even woke up early Monday morning so I could watch, but it didn't record. :-( Hopefully I can watch it this Friday somehow. I think my husband recorded an encore showing. I heard it's a big cliffhanger in the end and I've caught talk online and at work about what that was. It's hard to avoid spoilers when everyone around you is talking about it. I hope you have a great week too!

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  27. I wish we've more rains here! The weather forecast said to expect a drier weather in the upcoming weeks and of course the humidity and all is driving me crazy!

    Wishing Gracie a Happy Birthday! :-)

    Now I'm torn between Star-Touched Queen and Seraphina. Hmm. Hope you've a great week!

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    1. Melody - We need all the rain we can get--but I know you do too, if not more so. Are the fires still burning, do you know? I haven't heard about them in awhile.

      Gracie thanks you for the birthday wishes. :-) She's such a sweet kitty--but always getting into trouble. LOL

      I am looking forward to seeing which books wins the poll. I haven't looked, but it's tempting. I hope you are having a good week!

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    1. Jenclair - Doesn't it sound good? I can't believe I haven't read it yet.

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  29. It could've been worse, Parker could've given you that withering look cats have ;)

    Given what you've said I'd agree with you that in your case biographies and self-help etc don't match the question, but poetry does. I can emphasise with you there. I'm getting better at reading poetry but there's something about it that just stops me... understanding it, I suppose. I think it's the structure and arrangement and choice of words.

    Helping you decide what to read from that list is difficult - I scrolled down and thought 'oo, the Chokshi!' then saw Serafina. I'd have to say both... and then I've heard the Oakes is excellent, too...

    It seems I missed something in not being online much last week, so I'm off to read your last posts.

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    1. Charlie - Haha! That's true. Parker could have given me the look. :-)

      Yes, I think that's what it is for me too with poetry. I am afraid I will miss something, that I won't understand it.

      I really want to read all three books, so I understand your dilemma. :-) I look forward to reading all three at some point.

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  30. Oh wow so much to comment on here. As always I love your pics - Mouse, that gorgeous rose (never saw one like that) and of course your kitties - Happy Birthday to them. (we have 3 senior cats now - 2 are 12 and one is 13....I think.

    I Want My Epidural Back: Adventures in Mediocre Parenting ---what a funny title, made me smile.

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    1. Diane - Thank you! I love those roses. They are so pretty. :-) I'll likely get Parker and Gracie a new toy to celebrate, which Gracie will abscond with as she always does. Parker still likes to play, but not as much as he once did. He prefers lap cuddles.

      I thought the title of I Want My Epidural Back was funny too. Hopefully the book is just as funny.

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  31. I love the romance genre, too, but can't handle horror. As you know from my own post, it totally freaks me out!

    Nonfiction books can be very interesting. I do like self-help books, as well as more academic psychology books. As for memoirs or biographies, I only read them occasionally. However, I have been meaning to get to "I Am Malala", as that is a very important book for women's rights.

    BTW, I voted for "Seraphina" in your book poll. I've been wanting to read that one myself!

    How cute that Mouse is soon going to kindergarten! I wish I were going there myself, lol. Childhood is definitely the BEST part of life! And I hope Mouse has a great time with soccer!

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO GRACIE!!! How sweet that the Cat Hospital sent an email with birthday greetings, too! I love that picture of your cats. They are beautiful animals! Although my favorite animal is the horse, I can certainly appreciate how graceful and regal cats are.

    That book with the funny title, "I Want My Epidural Back" sounds like it will be very entertaining. If I had had kids, I KNOW I would have wanted an epidural every single time! Oh, but I wish the good Lord had sent me at least ONE child.....one as ADORABLE as Mouse!! :)

    Thanks so much for visiting and commenting on my own BBH post!! <3 :)

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    1. Maria - Horror is hit and miss with me. It really depends on the type of horror. I don't especially care for the bloody gory kind. But a psychological thriller I can do. They can be scary though, so I understand your not wanting to read them!

      "I Am Malala" is one I really want to read too. She's an amazing woman.

      Mouse is excited and nervous about starting kindergarten. Hopefully it will be a good experience for her. I love the age she is right now. :-)

      Thank you for the birthday wishes for Gracie! I hadn't expected the hospital to send the e-mail. That was very nice of them. I think horses are beautiful animals. I would really like to see about getting my daughter into riding lessons someday. I think she would enjoy that.

      It was a couple weeks after I had given birth to my daughter when I met a woman in a bank who was bragging she had given birth naturally and hadn't relied on painkillers. And it really seemed like she was gloating about it--not just making conversation. I told her I had an epidural and was proud of it. Haha! I do admire woman who are able to do it completely naturally, but there is nothing wrong with the way I did it either. And thank you, Maria. I do feel so blessed. Mouse is adorable. I am so lucky.

      Thank you for voting! Seraphina does sound very good! I hope you have a great rest of the week!

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  32. I voted for The Star-Touched Queen for no other reason than I want to see your review. Your grey kitty looks just like my Sassy. Ahhh....The Walking Dead. I can't believe how the season ended. This is going to be a really long wait until next season.

    I am a whole lot like you when it comes to reading out of my comfort zone. I am willing to read just about anything. I don't really enjoy poetry or erotica so maybe they are out of my comfort zone?

    Have a great week!


    Carole @ Carole's Random Life

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    1. Carole - Thank you for voting. I'm eager to read that one. :-) I sure hope it's good! You have a Sassy! My mother-in-law does too. :-) That's such a great name for a cat. So many of them are sassy, aren't they?

      I haven't yet managed to see the season finale of The Walking Dead. I mentioned to a couple people that maybe I should hold off until October so I won't have to wait so long to see what happens. I won't be able to though. I'm hoping to watch it this Friday. I haven't been able to avoid all the spoilers, unfortunately, but there's a lot I don't know about the episode yet.

      I don't care for erotica either. I think that's another one that is probably outside my comfort zone. Some of the romance I read probably borders on it--and I admit I tend to favor the more clean romances when all is said and done.

      I hope you are having a great week too!

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  33. Oh my gerd - the Easter Bunny done real good!

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    1. Lisa - Yes, the Easter Bunny did. :-) It pays to have a direct line to him--or in this case her. LOL

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  34. Happy birthday to your cat! Oh I am so behind on Doctor Who right now, oops, haha. And chocolate and snacks is always a nice addition!

    Oh I recommend Seraphina! I need to read book 2 still, but I remember really enjoying the first one years ago, haha.

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    1. Cyn - Thank you! :-) I am nowhere near caught up with Doctor Who, so we both are behind. I haven't even met the new Doctor yet. Who, I suppose, isn't so new now. Haha

      I am glad to hear you recommend Seraphina. It does sound good! I have the second book for when I finish the first. :-)

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  35. Had to pick Queen of Hearts because I'm interested in it too. I would love it if you come vote on my TBR list also. I just posted the linky today.

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    1. Rachael - Thank you for voting! I do want to read Queen of Hearts. I've only recently become really interested in Alice in Wonderland spin-offs and re-tellings. This will be the first one I read.

      I'll be right over to your blog to vote! I can't wait to see what your considering reading. :-)

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  36. I voted for Seraphina. I loved that one and Shadow Scale.

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    1. Sarah - I am looking forward to reading both Seraphina and Shadow Scale!

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  37. I voted for Queen of Hearts. I like retellings and the cover is kinda cute too *shrug shoulders*

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    1. Bunnita - It does sound good, doesn't it? I am looking forward to reading that one. Thanks for voting!

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  38. I voted for Seraphina, because of dragons!

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    1. Shaunesay - Thanks for voting--Dragons are cool. :-)

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  39. I want to read I Want My Epidural Back! It sounds fun plus parenting essays are something I love reading. You will have to tell me how it sounds.

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    1. Athira - Doesn't that one sound hilarious? I hope it is. :-)

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