Saturday, December 31, 2011

Merely Mystery Reading Challenge 2012 January Reviews


If you haven't already, please sign up for the Merely Mystery Challenge here!

One of my favorite parts of challenges is supporting and cheering on my fellow participants--not to mention all the great new-to-me book recommendations I come across! Please leave direct links to your January review posts for qualifying reviews for the challenge here. Participants without blogs can post reviews on general review sites such as LibraryThing, Goodreads or Shelfari. And if you have the time, stop by and check out some of your fellow participants reviews as well! I am sure they would love to hear from you!


Please include your name or blog name along with the title of the book you reviewed as well as a direct link to your review post (not just a general link to your blog). Thank you!




© 2012, 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.

Books Read in 2011

(Archive of books read in 2011, in alphabetical order)

Alt, Madelyn - The Trouble with Magic (2006) - Crime Fiction (Fantasy)
Bartlett, Allison Hoover - The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession (2009) - Nonfiction
Billingham, Mark - Bloodline (2011) - Crime Fiction
Briggs, Patricia - Blood Bound (2007) - Fantasy
Briggs, Patricia - Bone Crossed (2010) - Fantasy
Briggs, Patricia - Iron Kissed (2008) - Fantasy
Briggs, Patricia - Moon Called (2006) - Fantasy
Briggs, Patricia - Silver Borne (2011) - Fantasy
Butcher, Jim - White Night (2010) - Fantasy
Castillo, Linda - Sworn to Silence (2009) - Crime Fiction
Coakley, Lena - Witchlanders (2011) - Fantasy
David, Peter - Tigerheart (2008) - Fantasy (YA)
Fey, Tina - Bossypants (2011) - Nonfiction
Frost, Jeaniene - Halfway to the Grave (2007) - Fantasy (Paranormal Romance)
Gruley, Bryan - The Hanging Tree (2010) - Crime Fiction
Handeland, Lori - Any Given Doomsday (2008) - Fantasy
Harris, Charlaine - Dead Reckoning (2011) - Fantasy
Hyde, Catherine Ryan - When I Found You (2009) - Fiction
Kozak, Harley Jane - A Date You Can't Refuse (2009) - Crime Fiction
Kozak, Harley Jane - Dating Dead Men (2005) - Crime Fiction
Kozak, Harley Jane - Dating is Murder (2005) - Crime Fiction
Kozak, Harley Jane - Dead Ex (2007) - Crime Fiction
LePore, James - Blood of My Brother (2010) - Crime Fiction
Martin, George R.R. - Game of Thrones (2003) - Fantasy
Martinez, Michele - Cover-Up (2007) - Crime Fiction
Meeks, Christopher - Love At Absolute Zero (2011) - Fiction
Ness, Patrick - The Ask and the Answer (2010) - Fantasy (YA)
Ness, Patrick - The Knife of Never Letting Go (2008) - Fantasy (YA)
Ness, Patrick - Monsters of Men (2011) - Fantasy (YA)
Scheeres, Julia - A Thousand Lives: The Untold Story of Hope, Deception and Survival at Jonestown (2011) - Nonfiction
Sellers, L.J. - The Sex Club (2007) - Crime Fiction
Simon, Clea - Dogs Don't Lie (2011) - Crime Fiction
Smith, L.J. - Vampire Diaries: The Awakening (1999) - Fantasy (YA)
Sweeney, Leann - The Cat, the Quilt and the Corpse (2009) - Crime Fiction
Woodrell, Daniel - Winter's Bone (2006) - Fiction


© 2011, 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.

Friday, December 30, 2011

2011: A Year in Review

Two thousand eleven was the year for comfort reads. While I did read a few thought provoking books, I spent most of the year craving brain candy. When I look over the titles of the books I read this year, I can pinpoint what was happening in my life at that particular time.

The Man Who Loved Books Too Much was a fitting book to read as I gave away hundreds of my own books, preparing for my move. I read most of the Patricia Briggs's books, beginning with Moon Called, during my final days of pregnancy when I needed something fast paced and deliciously good to distract me from the million thoughts going through my mind. I read A Game of Thrones during those seemingly endless cluster feedings. Bloodline was the first book I read in our new house. And Harley Jane Kozak's Wollie series was what jump started my reading again when I was beginning to think I might never read again. Madelyn Alt's The Trouble With Magic saw me through right after my father's death. It's only been in the last few months I feel as if I have found my reading groove again--even if in a limited capacity.

I am breaking from my usual tradition of posting my stats and own special book categories this year. My record keeping fell by the wayside, and I haven't the energy or time to try and pull it all together at this late date. Instead, I am turning to an end of the year survey that is going around thanks to Jamie from The Perpetual Page Turner.


1. Best Book You Read In 2011?

Looking over the titles of the books I read this year, I an struggling over which book would take top honors. I read a little less than half of what I read last year, and so I hesitate to make a top ten list like I normally do. Instead, I will share the titles of a few books that most stood out for me:

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin managed to hold me captive despite it's length at a time when my attention span was shot because of sleep deprivation and constant interruptions. It is the first in an epic fantasy series. The characters got under my skin and I fell under the spell of the world so completely. The HBO miniseries based on the book was pretty awesome too.

A Thousand Lives: The Untold Story of Hope, Deception and Survival at Jonestown by Julia Scheeres was not only well researched but also extremely well written. I learned so much I hadn't known before about the Jonestown Massacre, and about Jim Jones and his followers in general. There is much more to it than what meets the eye.

While Patrick Ness's The Chaos Walking Trilogy amazed me in its detail and world building as a whole, the first book in the trilogy was by far my favorite. The Knife of Never Letting Go was much more than I expected in terms of depth and heart. There was one scene in particular that was heartwrenching--I nearly threw my nook across the room.

Witchlanders by Lena Coakley was so very good. The writing, the characters, the setting , and the story . . . There wasn't anything I didn't like about it. It definitely is among my favorites this year.

Linda Castillo's Sworn to Silence is perhaps my favorite mystery of the year. The protagonist is a complex character and her past played a particularly interesting role in this first in the series. I liked the setting, particularly the Amish cultural aspects and the conflicts that arose as a result.


2. Most Disappointing Book?

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening by L.J. Smith wins this category hands down. I wanted to like it because the television show is a guilty pleasure of mine, but the book fell completely flat for me.


3. Best series you discovered in 2011?

I finally got around to reading Patricia Briggs's Mercy Thompson series and it quickly became a favorite. I am anxious to read more by the author.


4. Favorite new authors you discovered in 2011?

I think most of the authors I read this year were new to me. Among my favorites would have to be Patricia Briggs, Lena Coakley, Linda Castillo, Patrick Ness, and George R.R. Martin.


5. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

Hmm. I suppose I'll have to go with a book outside of my comfort zone on this one since I didn't tackle any new to me genres. Bossypants by Tina Fey--not only did I listen to the audio book (way outside of my comfort zone), but I generally avoid celebrity memoirs. I really liked Bossypants; I laughed all the way through it and have been recommending it to people right and left.


6. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2011?

Patrick Ness's Choas Walking trilogy had me from the first page. I began with The Knife of Never Letting Go, raced through The Ask and The Answer and devoured Monsters of Men.


7. Book you most anticipated in 2011?

I am afraid books were the furthest things from my mind when it came to anticipation. Baby. New House. These were things I anticipated. I did read several books that were published in 2011, however, all of which I enjoyed to different degrees.


8. Most memorable character in 2011?

Todd Hewitt and Viola from The Chaos Walking Trilogy captured my heart, but then, so did Arya Stark, the youngest daughter of Edward Stark, of A Game of Thrones. All three faced difficult times and were forced to grow up too fast. They each had an innocence about them and had good hearts.


9. Most beautifully written book read in 2011?

Tigerheart by Peter David probably comes the closest. I loved how the author wrote his novel in the spirit of J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan. It was poetic and fun. I felt myself transported right into the pages of the book, lost in the descriptions of places and characters.


10. Book you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2011 to finally read?

Moon Called
by Patricia Briggs was so good! I am still kicking myself for putting off reading the series all these years.



11. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers!

I wanted to talk about The Chaos Walking trilogy with a passion you wouldn't believe. Only, everyone who had already read it seemed all talked out and those who hadn't yet--well, I couldn't exactly talk to them about it, could I? Ho hum. I almost made my husband read it but then decided against it. With my luck, he'd hate it and then I'd feel bad.

Another book that had me chomping at the bit to discuss was A Thousand Lives by Julia Scheeres. I actually did talk about it quite a bit as I was reading it--to my coworkers, whether they wanted to listen or not.


Looking Ahead

Two thousand twelve will no doubt be an eventful year. Soon the finalists for the Indie Lit Awards will be announced, and I will be busy catching up with the top five mystery nominees before the final votes are tallied. I will be hosting my first challenge, the Merely Mystery Reading Challenge, and I hope to join a few others just for the fun of it.

I predict my reading will follow a similar pattern this coming year as it did this year. I have enjoyed reading books from my own stacks and so want to keep the review books to a minimum. Also, I imagine I will be too busy chasing a certain little Mouse all over to read quite as much as I might like!

What were some of your favorite books and authors read this year? Did anything stand out above the rest? What are your goals for this coming year?

Changes

I mentioned before I might try my hand at writing about more than just books and movies here at Musings of a Bookish Kitty. I hope to do some of that this coming year. I would love to hear your ideas about what you might like me to write about. I confess I am not the best at brainstorming on my own so could use a little friendly guidance. Pretty please?

Also, I am going to start referring to my reviews as my bookish thoughts. I have never been good at writing a formal review and, really, my reviews tend to be merely my thoughts and reflections about how a book touched me or what I thought of it. Saying it's just my "bookish thought" takes some of the pressure off as well--at least psychologically. It gives me a little more freedom, if you will. Semantics, I know.

Before I close, I want to say again how grateful I am to those of you who are still keeping up with my blog. My posts have been sporadic this year, sometimes few and far between. I have not been able blog hop the way I would have liked which meant a lot less commenting on my favorite blogs. I truly appreciate your support this year and look forward to being more involved this next year. Thank you and have a very Happy New Year!


© 2011, 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.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Review: Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
Avon, 2007
Fantasy; 384 pgs

As much as I enjoy urban fantasy, I can only take so much paranormal romance. The two are so intertwined these days that it is sometimes hard to tell where one begins and the other one ends. There's definite crossover and I imagine we could get into a real debate about the classifications if we wanted to. I can't say that I do though.

Jeaniene Frost's novel is set in a present day urban setting. Her protagonist is a rare breed--half human, half vampire. Out to avenge a wrong done to her mother, Cat Crawford has made it her mission to kill all vampires she comes across. She's doing a great job too--up until she runs into the likes of Bones, a centuries old vampire who is downright sexy and on a mission of his own. The two team up to track down a very dangerous vampire with powerful connections. There is no shortage of hot steamy sex--or good fight scenes.

I confess the book was a little too sexy for my tastes, but I did enjoy the story overall. I wasn't too sure about Bones at first, but he grew on me after awhile. I think, like Cat, I needed a little convincing to be sure of his intentions. Cat herself is an interesting character. She often uses her toughness to cover up her feelings of insecurity and internal conflict. I really like Cat and appreciated the growth she made as a person over the course of the book.

I wasn't sure I wanted to continue with the series, to be honest, but then near the end the book took an interesting turn that has me seriously reconsidering. Oh, what the hey. I have to find out where the author will take me next!


You can learn more about Jeaniene Frost and her books on the author's website.

Source: I purchased an e-copy of this book.


© 2011, 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.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Review: Witchlanders by Lena Coakley

Witchlanders by Lena Coakley
Atheneum Books, 2011
Fantasy (YA), 416 pgs

I first heard about Witchlanders on Twitter and, after reading a glowing blog review (wish I could remember whose!), I instantly added a copy to my nook for future reading. I had actually forgotten exactly what Witchlanders was about when I finally did open it up to read. I expected young adult paranormal romance or something similar. Instead I found myself reading a high fantasy novel, set in a different world. It wasn't quite what I was in the mood for, but once I stepped into the world of the Witchlanders and Baen, there was no looking back.

You have two young men on opposite sides of an old rivalry. Their two people had once been at war and now have a begrudging peace held by such a thin fraying thread that it can't possibly hold. Ryder is a Witchlander. He is skeptical of his own people's beliefs in the Goddess and the blind faith the people put in the witches and their prophecies. Then there is Falpian, the Baen, sent to the mountains on a secret mission he is even anaware of under the guise of praying for his dead brother.

Ryder and Falpian's fates come together in an unexpected way when Ryder's village is threatened. Full of magic and conflict as well as confronting one's own beliefs and testing the limits of loyalty and friendship, Witchlanders has a little bit of everything.

The novel is rich in culture and heart. I cannot believe this is a first novel. It is beautifully written, the characters well fleshed out, the world amazingly crafted . . . What more is there to say? I could go into more detail, but you're wasting time here. Go read the novel. What are you waiting for?!


You can learn more about Lena Coakley and her novel on the author's website.

Source: I purchased an e-copy of this book.


© 2011, 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.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Review: Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris

Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris
Ace, 2011
Fantasy; 336 pgs

I nearly rushed out to buy and read Harris' latest Southern Vampire Series book featuring Sookie Stackhouse, but I didn't. The book came out during a time when I wasn't reading all that much. I kind of had my hands full with a newborn and a move. I did eventually get myself a copy of the book though and finally got around to reading it in November.

I had a little trouble getting into the book initially, but once I did, it felt good visiting my old friends again. Knowing the end of the series is near, I find myself speculating about how the author will end it. Who will Sookie end up with? I have my doubts about her current beau. I know who I want her to end up with. Although I changed my mind twice as a read Dead Reckoning. Not that there is any mention of her switching up mates in the book--it was just where my mind took me as I read.

In this latest installment, Sookie finds herself the target of a woman bent on revenge, trying to uncover the purpose of a hidden treasure left behind by her grandmother, and exploring her fae heritage. I was pleased to see a couple of favorite characters from another of Harris' series make an appearance in Bon Temps. As I've come to expect with this series, Dead Reckoning was light and entertaining. I am looking forward to the final book in the series with both sadness and anticipation.

You can learn more about the Charlaine Harris and her books on the author's website.

Source: I purchased a copy of this book.


© 2011, 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.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Happy Holidays!

May your holiday season be filled with
love, laughter and happy memories.
Have a Merry Christmas!


© 2011, 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.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Review: A Thousand Lives by Julia Scheeres

A Thousand Lives: The Untold Story of Hope, Deception and Survival at Jonestown by Julia Scheeres
Free Press, 2011
Nonfiction; 320 pgs

I wish now I had sat down to write my thoughts about Julia Scheeres' A Thousand Lives right after I completed the book. My mind was reeling as I read the book and there was so much I wanted to discuss about it. Alas, I decided I needed more time to think, and now, two books later, I am not sure what to say any more other than you have to read this book!

I had heard of Jim Jones as many of you have. I knew about Jonestown in Guyana. About the murder-suicides. I didn't know the details, however. I didn't know how Jones got his start, about how he dreamed as a child of being a pastor and how he wanted to bring whites and blacks together at a time when segregation and prejudice was running rampant. I could see how people were drawn to him. He was charismatic and full of passion. He was extremely personable. He took the time to get to know his congregants and reached out to them in times of need and doubt. He reached out to the underprivileged and gave them hope. He and his congregation did a lot of good for many people during those early years. At least that's the way it seemed on the surface.

It is unclear when Jim Jones' desire for power and adoration developed. Was it always there? Or was it something that grew over time, twisting into something ugly? I have no doubt Jim Jones was mentally ill, a condition exacerbated by drug use. I wanted to believe Jim Jones had started out with altruistic intentions, but given the amount of manipulation and lies, I have my doubts. The things he and those directly under him did . . . It's disgusting and appalling. I confess I am extremely skeptical of faith healings. I know about planting a supposedly sick person in the audience and then calling them up to have them miraculously healed. But reading about the lengths Jim Jones went to in order to create such an elaborate ruse, including drugging congregants without their knowledge and making them unwitting characters in his show made me sick.

In the beginning, the doors of his church stood open to all. As time wore on, however, those doors began to close. Jones reminded me of a domestic abuser. On one hand he could be extremely charming. On the other he was controlling and cruel. He moved his congregation from place to place, each time isolating his followers, getting them away from their families and friends. He made them completely dependent on him. He punished them just as he rewarded them.

His followers loved him initially. They would do anything for him. Jim Jones used that and twisted their faith and trust in him. The lie that was Jonestown, this supposed perfect socialist community, would become a grave for nearly one thousand people. Three hundred four of them were children, one hundred thirty one under the age of ten. The reality is that Jonestown was a living hell for most of the people there.

The sad thing is, this wasn't something that happened out of the blue. Jones had been building up to this for years. Many of the signs were there. He had such a grip on his followers, however, that many of them either didn't want to believe the worst or were too afraid or dependent on him to go against him. He made sure his followers knew to leave him meant certain ruin, possibly death. His threats were not idle.

I have said a lot about Jim Jones here, but the book really is about his followers. What is clear in the documentation and interviews with the survivors is that they believed in Jim Jones at one time only to be betrayed by him later. Scheeres does a good job of letting the reader into their hearts and minds, getting a better understanding of what his followers must have gone through. We never can truly know, of course. Even as horrible as it sounds on paper, I imagine the reality of it was even more terrifying.

A Thousand Lives is extremely well written and researched. I only wish we could have known more about what went on in the minds of Jones' top aides, those who participated in the deception and lies and eventual murder of so many people, including hundreds of children.

I haven't come close to expressing all of my thoughts about this book. I do think it's one worth reading and definitely is among my top reads of the year.

You can learn more about Julia Scheeres and her books on the author's website.

Source: I purchased an e-copy of this book.


© 2011, 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.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Review: The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening

Vampire Diaries: The Awakening by L.J. Smith
Harper, 1999
Fantasy (YA); 320 pgs

I bet you were beginning to wonder if my recent love for all books, faults included, was related to postpartum hormones. Maybe. Or it could be a result of sleep deficiency, joy at finding any time to read at all, and the inability to be too critical right about now. Regardless, I met a book even my postpartum brain couldn't grow to love--or even like.

I actually tried reading the first book of The Vampire Diaries a couple of years ago, right before the start of the television series. I got about ten pages in and couldn't bear anymore. My liking a main character isn't mandatory, but I do have to find something redeemable in them--something relatable at the very least. Elena just made me mad. I didn't like her one iota. And I wasn't all that taken with the story either.

Fast forward to November. I have only just started really watching The Vampire Diaries television show and am somewhere in the middle of the second season. The show is a guilty pleasure of mine, I confess. And so, given my state of mind and my enjoyment of the show, I figured it was time to give the book series another try.

Let's just say I finished the first book in the series this time. I still don't care for Elena. I know she's a teenager but I couldn't get past how egocentric she is--and how superficial. I really didn't care for any of the characters. Maybe it is because I wasn't the popular kid in school and boys and being the prettiest weren't on my priority list. As a result, I never completely lost myself in the book. I found it easier to poke fun at it, I'm ashamed to admit.

I did like Damon's character, Stefan's estranged brother. He was different from the others. And mysterious in a bone chilling sort of way. Another positive is that the book was short. It made for a quick read.

The story is your typical vampire romance story: teen girl meets centuries old vampire and has to have him. He tries to keep his distance for her own safety (he's a monster after all) but can't resist her charms. Meanwhile, people are being attacked, even murdered in town by something more vicious than an animal. Sound familiar?

The book is not the television show. The television show is loosely based on the books--and I mean very loosely. Except for the names and the feud between the brothers, I never would have guessed they were related in any way.

The Awakening ended with a cliffhanger, but I won't be reading more in the series. I think I'll stick to the TV show.

Source: I purchased an e-copy of this book.


© 2011, 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.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Reviews: Dead Ex & A Date You Can't Refuse by Harley Jane Kozak

I read Harley Jane Kozak's Dead Ex (Doubleday, 2007; 352 pgs) and A Date You Can't Refuse (Broadway, 2009; 340 pgs) back to back. Wollie had gotten under my skin, and I didn't want to say goodbye until I'd run out of books to read about her. Wollie, in case you missed my two reviews of the first two books in the series, is a greeting card artist, only it seems she rarely gets a chance to do much of that as it doesn't bring in enough money. In past books, Wollie has earned money dating men for research and being on a reality dating television show. Dead Ex follows suit as Wollie finds herself back on the little screen, dating celebrities. Her boyfriend isn't too sure what to make of it, but Wollie has to make money somehow. And it's not like she's sleeping with the guys.

Wollie's best friend Joey seems to be at the brunt of suspicion when Joey's (and Wollie's) ex turns up dead by gunshot. Another murder only adds to the suspicion of her guilt. Wollie doesn't believe it, however. Wollie takes more of a backseat to the actual murder investigation in Dead Ex. She has too much else on her mind. Although, that doesn't stop the trouble from coming her way.

In A Date You Can't Refuse, Wollie reluctantly accepts a job working for a media-training company, instructing the male clientele the intricacies of dating. She would have said no had a rather pushy FBI agent not twisted her arm in spying on her boss for him. She is tasked with getting close to the boss, his family and the other employees. She hadn't anticipated that she would have to move into her boss's compound. It's a minor complication . . .

I took to Dead Ex like there was no tomorrow. I normally don't like the Hollywood scene, but Harley Jane Kozak makes it fun with her eccentric characters and their hijinks. Although I liked A Date You Can't Refuse, it wasn't my favorite in the series. Perhaps because it didn't follow the same familiar formula or featured fewer of her friends. It was a little more over the top than the other novels, although that isn't saying much. It also got a tad political--although not at all in a preachy way. I appreciated the way the book ended though, bringing closure to the series. Not that there isn't room for more if the author decides to write more though! A cozy series worth reading? Absolutely! Give it a try.


You can learn more about Harley Jane Kozak and her books on the
author's website and the blog The Lipstick Chronicles in which she contributes.

Source: I purchased an e-copy of these two books.


© 2011, 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.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Review: When I Found You by Catherine Ryan Hyde

When I Found You by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Black Swan, 2009
Fiction; 512 pgs

I was drawn to the book, When I Found You, because of the subject matter: a newborn discovered abandoned in the woods by a hunter. The novel is about Nathan McCann, the man who found the child, and the child himself, Nathan (Nat) Bates, and how their lives intersect years later when Nat's grandmother leaves him on Nathan's doorstep. The novel takes the reader from that first day when Nat is discovered up into his adulthood.

When I Found You was a touching and thought provoking novel. Nathan is one of those characters I would love to know in person. Nathan is the constant, never wavering in his support of Nat, a child who, twice abandoned, is most in need of such love and support. Nat is not an easy child to raise. He is rebellious and finds trouble easily, sometimes even despite his best intentions. Nat is not a bad person. He is struggling to find himself and understand his place in the world. Nathan believed in consequences and Nat was not immune to them. Nathan's support of him was not to carry Nat, rather to guide and encourage him.

In my profession, I come across a lot of kids like Nat. They are labeled incorrigible and trouble makers. They are the ones who experiment with drugs and alcohol and get in trouble with the law. I couldn't help but wish that Nathan was a real person and that every child like Nat could have a person like Nathan in their life. It's all too easy to give up on kids like these when what they need most is someone constant in their life, someone who will be firm and stand by them even through the difficult times. It won't necessarily solve all their problems or even stop the bad behavior completely, but I do think it would help enough to make a difference, however small.

I do wish I could have gotten to know Nathan more, learn more about his past. As the book progresses, the reader does learn more about him. However, I never quite felt like I knew him quite the way I came to know Nat. Maybe that was intentional. The novel is more about Nat when all is said and done.

Catherine Ryan Hyde's When I Found You is definitely worth reading. I found it inspirational but not in a sappy or too sweet way. There is no sugar coating here. I fell in love with both Nathan and Nat. I only wish I'd had more time with them.

You can learn more about Catherine Ryan Hyde and his books at the author's website.

Source: I received an e-copy of this book from the author for review. Despite my current ban from accepting reviews, I couldn't help myself. I had read the author's Pay It Forward years ago and just knew anything else she wrote had to be worth my time. Fortunately, I was right.


© 2011, 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.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Sunday Salon: This & That

The holiday cards and gifts are finally in the mail. The Christmas tree is up and the decorations set in their places. I have holiday music playing in the background. I am ready! Almost. I have yet to get to the bookstore to buy Mouse's books for Christmas. Likely it won't happen until next weekend at this rate. There's still time . . . I just hope I can find parking.

How have you all been? Are you ready for the holidays? Mouse, Anjin and I had plans to travel north to visit our families this past week but it fell through because of our recent illnesses. We hated to disappoint the grandparents and extended family--many of which have yet to meet Mouse. There will be other opportunities, I am sure.

As for reading, I am in the middle of a great fantasy novel called Witchlanders by Lena Coakley. It puts many of the young adult fantasy novels I've read in recent years to shame. I love the writing and the characters, not to mention the story. It's about two young men, one a Witchlander who sets out to find an assassin in mountains and a Baen who was sent to the mountains to offer prayers for his twin brother's death. The Witchlanders and Baens had once fought a vicious war and there are many hard feelings to this day. The book is full of music and magic, internal struggle, and grief. I hope it continues to enthrall me the way the first half of the book has.

I have been eying the reading challenges starting this coming January. So many sound good. And as much as I would like to dive in and join several, I am trying to be realistic. I don't anticipate my reading increasing back to what it was pre-baby for a while yet. Still, I decided to take the plunge and am hosting my own challenge this year. It's called the Merely Mystery Reading Challenge and the goal is to explore a variety of the crime fiction genre's sub-genres. If you are interested in, I hope you will sign up!

Also, now is the time to run--not walk--over to the Independent Literary Awards website to nominate your favorite books published this year. The following categories are being considered:

Select a genre to view and complete the 2011 nomination form!

Biography/ Memoir

GLBTQ

Lit Fiction

Mystery

Non-Fiction

Poetry

Speculative Fiction

Nominations are open until December 31st. Time is running out so nominate now! And please, please, please spread the word! The more nominations, the better!

That is it for my news. Do drop me a note and let me know what you're reading lately! Happy Reading!


© 2011, 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.

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Review: Dating is Murder

Dating is Murder by Harley Jane Kozak
Doubleday, 2005
Crime Fiction, 352 pgs

I had every intention of reading A Thousand Lives by Julia Scheeres after finishing the Chaos Walking Trilogy. I was in a certain mindset and figured the nonfiction book about Jim Jones and his followers was a good place to go next. Only when I sat down to begin, I suddenly felt like catching up with Wollie Shelley from Harley Jane Kozak's greeting card artist and amateur sleuth mystery series. And so I found myself reading Dating is Murder.

Dating is Murder is the second book in the series. Wollie is a contestant on a low rated reality dating show called Biological Clock, a show her friends talked her into participating in. Wollie is really only in it for the money. She isn't particularly interested in any of the male contestants and, while she does want to have a child, she isn't actually planning to do so if she wins. Things heat up for Wollie when a young woman helping out on the show who has also been tutoring her in math goes missing. The young woman's mother, who is in Germany, requests Wollie's help in locating the girl. Wollie can't refuse. She ends up stumbling into a whole lot more than she anticipated.

I could be extra critical and go on about how the male love interest in this second book wasn't all that much different than the one in the first (maybe Wollie has a type?) except by occupation. He, of course, is mysterious and over protective. Haven't seen that before, have we? Then there was the not so subtle warning to stop--of which our main character hasn't a clue what the warning could apply to. Yeah, I was rolling my eyes too.

And yet. And yet, I didn't care. I loved the novel anyway. It was fun. It was escapist. I enjoy spending time with Wollie and her friends. I was actually surprised by the ending, a definite plus in its favor. Like with the first book in the series, the author mixes humor and suspense together, in what turns out to be a fast paced and entertaining read.


You can learn more about Harley Jane Kozak and her books on the author's website and the blog The Lipstick Chronicles in which she contributes.

Source: I purchased an e-copy of this book. Reading on my Nook has proven to be a godsend in terms of getting any reading done these days!

© 2011, 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.

Monday, December 05, 2011

Merely Mystery Reading Challenge 2012


There is something about a mystery I just can't resist. If you think about it, all books contain some element of mystery. Only, the mystery might not involve an actual crime. Even so, crime fiction has a special place in my heart. It's the place I go when I am seeking out a comfort read or to be entertained. I turn to mysteries when I am looking for a good puzzle to solve or am wanting to further explore human behavior and motivation. There are different types of crime fiction to satiate a variety of my reading moods, whether I want to read something funny, thought provoking, heavy in atmosphere, lyrical, suspenseful, or serious.

There are those who snub their noses at genre fiction, including crime fiction. I think they just haven't met the right mystery for them yet. While crime fiction is known for being plot driven, it isn't always. Nor does a good crime fiction novel have to sacrifice well developed characters, a strong setting and good writing. The best, in fact, often include all of those qualities.

Yes, it's true. I am crazy. Just when I start to wonder if I should give up blogging, I decide to try my hand at hosting a reading challenge. As if there aren't enough challenges out there already. Maybe only one or two people join. That's okay. We'll have a great time and maybe discover new authors and books to try!

The focus of this challenge is to explore the different types of crime fiction out there. If you are new to the crime fiction genre, want to step outside your comfort zone and try another kind of mystery or are a mystery lover needing an excuse to join another crime fiction related challenge, here's your chance!

As sources go, there are a number of them that offer a wide range of sub-genres to crime fiction. For the purposes of this challenge, I've narrowed it down to the following because they tend to encompass the full breadth of mystery sub-genres. Within each sub-genre are even more categories (for example, add in a bit of romance or fantasy for good measure). So you have a never ending list of choices to choose from!

Sub-Genres:
The Whodunit: The classic crime puzzle. The story generally revolves around determine who committed the crime, and potentially apprehending them. Some Whodunits, called "fair play mysteries", will include all of the clues available in the text so that a careful reader can solve the crime on his or her own.

Locked Room Mystery: Like the Whodunit, there is a puzzle (crime) to solve. However in this instance, the crime has taken place under impossible circumstances, such as in a locked room or on an island with no way to exit or enter.

Cozy: The nice person's mystery. Often the crime, particularly if it's violent, occurs off scene. Sex and language are on the cleaner side. Humor is a common feature of the cozy.

Hard-Boiled/Noir: Often cynical, bleak or realistic, hard-boiled and noir stories often focus more on the characters involved instead of the crime. Violence and sex are not downplayed.

The Inverted Detective Story: In this style of story, the person perpetrating the crime is known up front. The point of the story is to see how (or if) the detective goes about solving the crime and how the perpetrator reacts to the investigation.

The Historical Whodunnit: Simply put, this is a mystery set in a historical setting. Often the mystery has some historical significance and features detection methods that are appropriate for that era.

The Police Procedural: Instead of featuring a independent detective, the police are investigating the crime in these stories. They often focus on the actual methods that police officers use to solve crimes.

The Professional Thriller: This kind of mystery involves a professional who is not involved directly in law enforcement, such a lawyer or doctor, who nonetheless finds themselves investigating a crime.

The Spy Novel: Related to the other professional mysteries, spy novels focus on intelligence operatives as they work to prevent or avenge some criminal plot. Spy novels can feature either in fantastic or realistic settings.

Caper Stories: While other crime and mystery stories look at the aftermath of crimes, caper stories feature criminals as the lead characters. The story usually details the planning and commission of a crime.

The Psychological Suspense: In these stories, the detective story takes on a psychological component.

Spoofs and Parodies: Spoofs and parodies make light of crime fiction, often with the goal of commenting on the conventions of the genre. Many feature famous characters, e.g. Sherlock Holmes, James Bond, Philip Marlowe, or pastiches of those characters.

The Merely Mystery Reading Challenge will last the entire year (January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012), giving participants a chance to read at their own pace. In addition, to make things easy, participants can complete one of two levels. One is for those of you who want a more relaxed challenge while the other is for those more serious about exploring the various sub-genres:
Down on Her/His Luck Gumshoe - Read two or more books falling into any of the above sub-genres. Each book can be from the same sub-genre or can be varied among the different sub-genres. You pick the combination and the number of books.

Shamus Who Has Seen It All - Read at least one book from each of the sub-genres for a total of 12 books. If you are feeling ambitious, read more than one book from each sub-genre.

Making a reading list ahead of time is not mandatory, but it's fun--not only for you, but also for your fellow readers. Even if you don't stick to the list, we'd love it if you could share a few of the titles you are considering reading.

*Audio books and graphic novels are welcome.
*Crossover books from other challenges are okay.
*Cross-genre books are perfectly fine.

To sign up, please fill out the below form. The challenge is open to everyone, regardless of whether you have a blog. If you have a blog, please provide a link to your initial blog post committing to the challenge. Participants without blogs can post reviews on general review sites such as LibraryThing, Goodreads or Shelfari. I will be creating a post in which all participants will be able to link their reviews so that everyone can follow everyone's progress and perhaps get a few good mystery recommendations. [Edited to add: You can post your reviews following this link.]

Sign ups are open ended and so you are welcome to sign up at any time throughout the year.

There will be a prize! The biggest reward will be completion of the challenge, of course, but isn't it more fun when, at the end of the day, there's a drawing for a prize? For all those who complete the challenge, your name will be entered into a drawing for an as-of-yet-unspecified prize.

If there is an interest (and volunteers), I would like to feature guest posts from authors and readers on the topic of crime fiction throughout the course of the challenge. It won't be every day. Maybe once or twice a month at most, depending on volunteer interest (so, if you are interested, please let me know! Shoot me an e-mail).

I hope you will join me for the Merely Mystery Reading Challenge!



(*Let me know if I have forgotten something, please. This is my first time hosting a challenge, and I'm sure I missed something!)

Buttons:
(Before using, please save a copy to your own computer & upload from there. Thank you!)





© 2011, 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.

Wednesday, November 02, 2011

Review: Love at Absolute Zero by Christopher Meeks

Love at Absolute Zero by Christopher Meeks
White Whiskers Books, 2011
Fiction; 406 pgs

You wake up one morning and everything seems typical. It's just an ordinary day. You expect the worst only to be rewarded with a promotion--or in Gunnar's case, tenure. Suddenly, life is looking pretty good. Gunnar Gunderson has always been all about his work. He is a physicist, both a researcher and a professor. He is on the verge of a major break through in his research and suddenly and everything seems to be going his way. He is reminded, however, of the fact that he has no one to share his successes with, other than his research partners. Time is tight, however, and so Gunnar decides to try and find a wife during his spare time. He gives himself three days. He approaches the experience as he would a science project, sure science won't fail him. What comes next is a comedy of errors as Gunnar, so clearly out of his league, attempts to date and find the woman of his dreams.

Love At Absolute Zero is more than just a love story--or a comedy. It is the story of a man coming into his own. My initial response to Gunnar was one of sympathy. It was hard not to feel sorry for the guy as he bumbled his way through the dating process. While an expert in science, his social skills and knowledge of women left a lot to be desired. He sure tried though, it was impossible not to like Gunnar as the story wore on. I found myself cheering for him, wanting him to get the girl in the end.

While the novel's beginning was on the comical side, it grew rather serious towards the middle. It was a natural transition as the reader sees Gunnar grow and learn from his experiences. The author did a remarkable job capturing what it would be like for someone in Gunnar's shoes, being solidly ensconced in science to diving into love and all the joy and pain it can bring. I also appreciated the author's ability to describe the culture shock Gunnar went through, traveling from Wisconsin to Denmark under especially difficult circumstances.

Love At Absolute Zero was not only an enjoyable read but fit my mood well. It was humorous even while being serious. I was riveted to the story and couldn't wait to find out what would happen next to the protagonist, Gunnar Gunderson.

You can learn more about Christopher Meeks and his books at the author's website.

Source: I bought an e-book copy of this book for my own enjoyment.


© 2011, 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.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Sunday Salon Review: The Chaos Walking Trilogy by Patrick Ness

The Knife of Never Letting Go
(Candlewick, 2008 - Science Fiction YA - 496 pgs)

The Ask and the Answer
(Candlewick, 2010 - Science Fiction YA - 528 pgs)

Monsters of Men
(Candlewick, 2011 - Science Fiction YA - 608 pgs)


Have you ever finished a book and then had a hard time picking up another? You just aren't ready to let the last one go. The characters, the story and the world became such a part of your own life that you have trouble moving on. That is the way it has been for me and Patrick Ness' Chaos Walking Trilogy. I didn't rest until I had the entire trilogy under my belt--and the short story "The New World" (Candlewick, 2010 - Science Fiction YA - Short Story) set in the same world. I was glued to every page, unable to tear myself away, not completely, even when I wasn't able to read.

It is hard to discuss any aspect of the trilogy without giving something important away. The trilogy opens with The Knife of Never Letting Go and what a start it is!

From the author's website:
Todd Hewitt is the last boy in Prentisstown.

But Prentisstown isn't like other towns. Everyone can hear everyone else's thoughts in a constant, overwhelming, never-ending Noise. There is no privacy. There are no secrets.

Or are there?

Just one month away from the birthday that will make him a man, Todd unexpectedly stumbles upon a spot of complete silence.

Which is impossible.

Prentisstown has been lying to him.

And now he's going to have to run...

It is impossible not to fall in love with Todd. He is innocent and good. He is compassionate and smart. Even despite the community he grew up in.

As The Knife of Never Letting Go was full of hope even in the worst of times, the second book in the trilogy, The Ask and the Answer, was much more dire, much more horrible. All hope seemed lost. Both of the main characters have to make difficult choices, some of which there is no easy or good answer. I was reminded of Ugwu from Half of a Yellow Sun, who was put into an impossible situation--risk his own life by speaking up or be complicit in the rape of a woman and survive. Likewise, Todd was put into a terrible position, having to do things no man should. It was with a heavy heart that I read the middle book in the trilogy. Todd was no longer innocent. I didn't like some of the things he did, but I still felt for him. I still believed in him.

Monsters of Men is a fitting title for not only the final book in the trilogy but the entire trilogy. Throughout the series, we see the horrors that man can wreck on one another, both in the pursuit of power and survival. Even the most despicable of characters in the books are merely human. Flawed and vulnerable. With fears and doubts, just like everyone else. As much as I hated one particular character, by the end, I had to admit that even he was not entirely a monster.

If you have noticed that I haven't provided a synopsis for more than the first book, it is simply because I can't think of a way to provide one without giving away too much. There is much I would like to mention and discuss--the trilogy cries out for discussion, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone. What I will say is that the trilogy is all at once a coming of age story and a commentary about humanity in all its ugliness as well as beauty. Through his characters, Patrick Ness brings the ambiguity of morality to the forefront.

I vaguely recall complaints about the spelling and slang in the novels when I first heard about the books a couple of years ago. I hardly noticed it, being so immersed in Todd's world. Thinking back on it, I actually think such language choices by the author were quite fitting given Todd's inability to read and his lack of a proper education.

I cried. I held my breath. I found myself praying for a good outcome. When all was said and done, and I reached the final sentence in the trilogy, I wanted more. Not because the book didn't end well, but rather because I wasn't ready to let Todd go. I wasn't ready to leave the New World behind. Not yet.

You can learn more about Patrick Ness and his books at the author's website.

Source: I bought an e-book copies of these books and short story for my own enjoyment.


© 2011, 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.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

From the Archives: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez

I began keeping a reading journal several years before I began blogging. I find it interesting to sift through my thoughts of books that I read back then. My reviews were often brief and contained little substance, but I thought it'd be fun to document them here on my blog as well as share them with you. Here is one from July 2005:

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez
Harper, 1967; Fiction, 458 pgs

Gabriel García Márquez weaves a story about the rise and fall of the town of Macondo through the lives of one of the founding families, the Buendia family. It is a story about dreams, love, betrayal and family. Mr. Márquez is able to write in a lyrical style, telling a sometimes sad and at times humorous tale. The novel flowed well and was not hefted down by description, as some authors tend to do when writing in such a way. However, the story did not captivate me and several times throughout I considered giving up on the book. I felt as if I was unable to fully appreciate the book, as if I was skimming the surface and missing out on the deeper meanings hidden in the text. When commenting about the book to my husband, I wondered aloud if perhaps I was caught up in the praise of the book, expecting more than was really there. He asked if it was something akin to looking for the emperor’s new clothing.

The book covered a lot of territory time wise, spanning several generations, and Mr. Márquez successfully kept the novel’s length reasonable, avoiding turning it into a book of needless epic proportions. I found the characters hard to follow at times, in part because of their similar names. There is a lesson here in naming children repeatedly after ancestors, I think, especially if the family story is to be put to paper! I’ve read reviews suggesting this was a purposeful ploy by the author to further show the connectedness of the characters to their ancestors’ fate, but, however true that may be, it still was confusing.

My impression was that the novel demonstrates how history, even within a family, is likely to repeat itself, how our ancestors, even those we may never have met, have already played a part in who and what we will become as well as how we live our lives. Despite the sometimes arduous task of keeping the characters straight, I found the characters and their stories mostly interesting, my favorite being the matriarch of the family, Úrsala. With each character, came the realization that they were very much alone, left to their own thoughts, broken dreams, and lost loves, leading many to find peace in their solitude later in life.

I try not to go into a book with too many expectations, but I did have high hopes for this one. I was disappointed overall, finding reading it more of a chore than a pleasure, but in the end I am glad I did take the time to read and finish it.

Source: From my own personal collection, bought and paid for by myself.


© 2011, 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.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Review: Bossypants by Tina Fey

Bossypants by Tina Fey
Hachette Audio (book version: Reagan Arthur Books), 2011
Nonfiction

I tend to steer clear of celebrity memoirs, preferring memoirs by the "average joe". Stardom doesn't impress me much, although I do occasionally like the rags to riches stories. If they come with a good dose of humility and thoughtfulness. Anyhow, I had heard great things about Tina Fey's memoir Bossypants. Laugh out loud funny. Smart. Relatable. And after my husband endorsement of it, how could I not give it a try?

I found Bossypants to be all it was totted to be. Especially the more personal bits about her childhood and her own early experience with motherhood.

The story of Tina Fey turning the reversible Snow White/Sleeping Beauty Doll over so that Snow White was showing touched a chord with me. Her daughter would turn the doll to the other side, displaying the yellow haired beauty. Tina's effort to instill an appreciation for the dark haired beauty, which more resembled her daughter seemed to be for naught--even at her daughter's age of three. While my 7 month old doesn't have a reversible doll, I find myself favoring her dark haired dolls for the same reason.

The chapters about her father touched me as well. Our fathers come from the same generation, commanded the same respect and shared similar values. Tina frets that her daughter doesn't have that same fear/respect of parent that she had for her father and I had for mine, a quality we both see as having been a positive influence in our lives even if we didn't think so when we were growing up.

The book is hilarious and I found myself laughing out loud frequently. There were also tender and more serious moments, which I appreciated as well. I admit I didn't know who Tina Fey was until the whole Sarah Palin impersonation. At least not more than a general recognition of the name. I am not a fan of 30 Rock (never seen it) nor was I watching Saturday Night Live when she was writing and appearing on the television show. Somewhere in there though, I came to respect her and admire her work. Bossypants was an enjoyable book to listen to, and Tina Fey does an excellent job telling her own story.

Source: I bought this audio book on audible.com.


© 2011, 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.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Sunday Salon: Where is Autumn?

Outside my window: Autumn came and then went away again and now appears to be creeping back. I do hope the cooler temperatures will return soon. 100+ degree weather in October just seems wrong.

I am listening to: In my car, Mouse and I have been enjoying You'll Sing a Song and I'll Sing a Song by Ella Jenkins, a childhood favorite of mine. I sought out the album hoping to share some of my childhood favorites with Mouse as she grows up. It sure brings back memories! One day when I was picking up Mouse from daycare, her daycare provider noticed the CD case in the car and mentioned that she plays it now and then for the kids too. How cool is that?

I am watching: Anjin downloaded a few episodes of the first season of Community for us to watch recently, and so we have been getting a few laughs from that show. We watched the finale of The All American Handyman earlier in the week and are caught up with Supernatural. We are continuing to enjoy the 5th season of How I Met Your Mother.

I am thinking: It was a difficult week. October 11th marked the one month anniversary of my father's death. It seems like so long ago and yet only yesterday.

I really need to write a book review of a book I read recently. I am having trouble getting started though. Don't you hate it when that happens? I've tried all my usual tricks--free flow writing, starting in the middle, and reading a couple of other reviews (something I do only as a last resort as I hate to be influenced by another's thoughts). Right now I'm just waiting for inspiration. I liked the book quite a bit so that isn't the problem. Ho hum. How do you motivate yourself to write a book review when you are struggling to get started?

Also on my mind recently is whether or not there is a correlation between handedness and the preference for one thumb over another--obviously a question for (former) thumb suckers. I googled the topic, of course. If it exists, someone has researched it already no doubt. I found nothing conclusive. Both my husband and I were thumb suckers. He sucked his right thumb and is right handed; I sucked my left and am left handed. Mouse sucks her right thumb.

I am grateful for: Baby gates, Fridays, and baby diaper genies.

I am reading: I just finished reading The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness and have started The Ask and the Answer, the second book in the Chaos Walking trilogy. Let me just say I am smitten so far. Will it turn into love? Let's see how things progress through to the end.

Around the house: Anjin and I are continuing our efforts to baby proof the house. Yes, we should have had this all done earlier, but it's more fun rushing around getting it done now. Yeah, right.

The child this week: Last Sunday marked Mouse's 7th month birthday. Can you believe it? I can't! Her favorite activity right now seems to be making messes. It's so much fun! She also has discovered the stairs and is quite adept at climbing them. Thank goodness for baby gates!

Plans for the week: My mother is driving down for a visit the end of the week. She hasn't seen Mouse since she and my dad helped us move into the new house last April/May. I am really looking forward to seeing her and giving her a long overdo hug.

On the blog: You can expect my review of Bossypants by Tina Fey this week in addition to a "From the Archives" review of One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez.

I hope you all have a great week! Happy Reading!

Thanks to Suey from It's All About Books for sharing this format with me, and to Ibeeeg of Polishing Mud Balls for inspiring Suey's use of the format.


© 2011, 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.

Thursday, October 06, 2011

A True Story: The Otter Pop Bandit

It was a hot summer day in August. The temperature was hovering around 104 in the shade. Everyone, including Mouse, was trying to stay cool inside. Dressed in her lightest onsie, Mouse lay on her stomach in the middle of the play mat, propped up on her elbows.

Miss S was busy with Howler and Sunshine who were playing not too far away. That left Rosie, sitting pretty eating a red Otter Pop*. A mighty cool looking stick. In fact, as Mouse looked around, she noticed everyone was sucking or chewing on an Otter Pop, each one a different color. Why wasn't she given an Otter Pop? She was always being left out. At nearly six months old, she was just as capable as the rest of them. Hrmphf.

Well, she'd show them. Mouse took one last look around to make sure no one was watching and made her way on all fours over to Rosie. Quick as she could, Mouse snatched the cold wet stick out of Rosie's hands, intent on finding out what she was missing.

Rosie let out a howl almost as loud and painful as one of lil' Howler's cries. Miss S rushed to her aid, swiping the Otter Pop right out of Mouse's hand. Miss S called Miss C over and both were laughing. At what exactly, Mouse didn't know. All she knew was that it wasn't fair.

She eyed Rosie, who was now sitting on Miss S's lap on the other side of the play mat, with that irresistible red Otter Pop. Determined to get that Otter Pop one way or the other, Mouse half crawled, half scooted her way across the mat, right up to Miss S's leg. She pulled herself up onto Miss S's thigh and snatched the Otter Pop right back. Ha!

Peels of laughter came from both Miss S and Miss C, who was standing near the mat. Miss C took the Otter Pop out of Mouse's hand before Mouse could take a bite.

Foiled again.

*Otter Pop = Ice Pop = Popsicle



© 2011, 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.