Monday, April 13, 2015

Where Is Your Bookmark? (04/14/2015)

A friendly lizard visiting our house

How are you today? It is days like these I hate being cooped up inside an office. I would much rather be outdoors, enjoying the sunshine and cool breeze. It was a pleasant weekend too. Mouse started another season of soccer. I recognized only one child from her previous class in her current one, but this class seems closer to her age. 

Last week I finished reading Diamond Head by Cecily Wong. I was too busy catching up on my magazine reading this weekend to start a new book right away.  Plus, I needed a little time after Wong's book before sinking my teeth into another. I am now reading Peace Like a River by Leif Enger, which admittedly had not even been on my radar before the book arrived on my doorstep last month. It is the second book I have received for my postal book club.  I am saving that for when I finish the book. I am really enjoying being a part of this group and look forward to seeing what comes in the mail next month. I have been good and have not yet read the previous two book bloggers' journal entries. 

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


Every Tuesday Diane from Bibliophile By the Sea hosts 
First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, where  
participants share the first paragraph (or a few) of a 
book they are reading or thinking about reading soon.

The blurb from my current book, Peace Like a River by Leif Enger:
Once in a great while, we encounter a novel in our voluminous reading that begs to be read aloud. Leif Enger's debut, Peace Like a River, is one such work. His richly evocative novel, narrated by an asthmatic 11-year-old named Reuben Land, is the story of Reuben's unusual family and their journey across the frozen Badlands of the Dakotas in search of his fugitive older brother. Charged with the murder of two locals who terrorized their family, Davy has fled, understanding that the scales of justice will not weigh in his favor. But Reuben, his father, Jeremiah—a man of faith so deep he has been known to produce miracles—and Reuben's little sister, Swede, follow closely behind the fleeing Davy.

It begins:
From my first breath in this world, all I wanted was a good set of lungs and the air to fill them with--given circumstances, you might presume, for an American baby of the twentieth century. Think about your own first gasp: a shocking wind roweling so easily down your throat, and you still slipping around in the doctor's hands. How you yowled! Not a thing on your mind but breakfast, and that was on the way.
When I was born to Helen and Jeremiah Land, in 1951, my lungs refused to kick in.
What do you think? Would you continue reading?  


I admit it took me a bit to get into Peace Like a River. I was not sold on it right away, but it has grown on me the more I read. I am quite attached to Swede and Reuben now.

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the lovely ladies at Broke and Bookish.

This week's Top Ten Tuesday theme is Top Ten Inspiring Quotes from Books (anything that inspires you, challenges you, makes you think, encourages you, etc.). This is a challenging topic for me given how I do not write down or remember quotes from books very often. I mean, I am really bad at jotting down or marking quotes. I will give it a try though!

1. From Broken For You by Stephanie Kallos:
"Less is less. Heartbreak is heartbreak. You think I'm sitting here gloating. Telling myself that my suffering beats yours? Hurt is hurt. You don't measure these things."

2. From Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë: 
"I do not think, sir, you have any right to command me, merely because you are older than I, or because you have seen more of the world than I have; your claim to superiority depends on the use you have made of your time and experience." 

3. From Who By Fire by Diana Spechler:
"Everything is a choice," I say, but I'm not even sure I've said it aloud, until Chaim responds, "Even guilt is a choice."

4. From The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness:
“Here's what I think," I say and my voice is stronger and thoughts are coming, thoughts that trickle into my noise like whispers of truth. "I think maybe everybody falls," I say. "I think maybe we all do. And I don't think that's the asking." 
 I pull on her arms gently to make sure she's listening. "I think the asking is whether we get back up again.”  

5. From The Way the Crow Flies by Ann-Marie MacDonald:
Afterwards, in bed with a book, the spell of television feels remote compared to the journey into the page. To be in a book. To slip into the crease where two pages meet, to live in the place where your eyes alight upon the words to ignite a world of smoke and peril, colour and serene delight. That is a journey no one can end with the change of a channel. Enduring magic. 

6. From The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern:
“Most maidens are perfectly capable of rescuing themselves in my experience, at least the ones worth something, in any case.”

7. From Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie:
“You must never behave as if your life belongs to a man. Do you hear me?” Aunty Ifeka said. “Your life belongs to you and you alone.”

8. From Every Day by David Levithan:
“If there's one thing I've learned, it's this: We all want everything to be okay. We don't even wish so much for fantastic or marvelous or outstanding. We will happily settle for okay, because most of the time, okay is enough.” 

9. From The Baker's Daughter by Sarah McCoy:
“I’ve never been fooled by the romantic, grand gestures. Love is all about the little things, the everyday considerations, kindness, and pardons.”

10. From The Translator: A Tribesman's Memoir of Darfur by Daoud Hari
“You have to find a way to laugh a little bit each day despite everything, or your heart will simply run out of the joy that makes it go.”

Have you read any of these books? What quotes from books have inspired or moved you in some way?


© 2015, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

66 comments:

  1. Judging from the opening, it does sound like a book that would take a while to get into. Sometimes I'm in the mood for that kind of story. Other times, I'm too impatient! So I'll add this book to my TBR list to read when the right mood strikes.
    Thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment.
    Sandy @ TEXAS TWANG

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    1. Sandra - I know what you mean. I can get impatient with books too. But the, in the right mood, I don't mind the slow starters and actually appreciate the chance to slow down a little.

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  2. Your current read sounds like it has lots of potential...and I wish I was part of a postal book club. What fun!

    My Tuesday post: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2015/04/first-chapter-first-paragraph-102.html

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    1. Catherine - Maybe we will have to make our postal book club. :-)

      I'm enjoying Peace Like a River so far. I don't know that I would have picked it up to read on my own, which I guess is what makes book clubs fun--the chance to read books we wouldn't normally gravitate towards ourselves.

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  3. The intro does reel me in...and I love the book cover, too. Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.

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    1. Laurel-Rain - It is a catchy intro. It was what followed that I was less enamored with--at least at first. :-) But it is an interesting story, and I am invested in the characters.

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  4. I would probably keep reading, but since I know so little about Peace Like a River, I might prefer to borrow it from the library or someone first instead of buying. Glad you are enjoying it. Thanks for the bookish quotes also!

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    1. Rita - It's gotten some great reviews from the looks of it. The library is always a good place to go for books. I need to use mine more!

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  5. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on Diamond Head, Wendy! And Peace Like a River sounds like a good read. The blurb definitely sounds interesting!

    You've some great quotes there! I've to say I don't have the habit of jotting down quotes. I rarely even jot down notes of the books I read. Maybe at some point I'll do that. ;)

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    1. Melody - My review of Diamond Head will post Thursday. I saw you posted your review, but have put off reading it until my review is polished and ready to post.

      I wish I was better at keeping track of quotes I like. It's easier with my e-reader because I can just use the highlight feature, but I so rarely go back later to see what I've highlighted . . .

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  6. I'm not entirely sure about Peace Like a River but that opening has caught my attention so I'd read a little more to decide. I like your quotes, the one from The Night Circus is my favourite. Here is my Tuesday post https://cleopatralovesbooks.wordpress.com/2015/04/14/first-chapter-first-paragraph-april-14/

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    1. Cleo - I love the Night Circus quote too. :-)

      Peace Like a River has grown on me. Like you, I liked the opening, but it did take a little bit for me to get into. The characters are hard not to like though and I am enjoying the book now.

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  7. Hm. I like the narrator's voice and the character of his father sounds interesting, so I'd probably keep going.

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    1. Suzie - The father is an interesting character. It's clear the narrator loves him and thinks a lot of him.

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  8. I love Every Day by David Levithan, and that quote is so awesome. :)

    Cucie @ Cucie reads

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  9. I like that intro a lot actually. I'd keep reading. Sadly, this is one of those books I had on my shelf years ago, and when we moved 6 years ago, it got donated unread -- sad I know.

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    1. Diane - I think the intro works well. I wasn't too enamored with what came after though. Luckily that part didn't last overly long. You can always check the book out from the library if you decide you do want to read it after all. :-) That's what I tell myself when I am culling my shelves.

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  10. Love all your quotes.

    Peace Like a River is a friend's all-time favorite book. I haven't read it yet.

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    1. Beth - Thank you! I think they are good ones.

      I have heard much praise for Peace Like a River, so I am hopeful I will continue to like it. :-)

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  11. I don't think that Peace Like a River is for me. Wasn't it an Oprah book in her first club? I think maybe so. Not that it matters. Oprah's books were good.

    Love the quotes. I've not read any of those books except Jane Eyre. I especially loved the last one about laughing a little every day and also the one about books being enduring magic. Yep. 'Tis so.

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    1. Kay - I don't remember if it was an Oprah book pick, but possibly. It seems like it fits her tastes. I know I liked many of her choices over the years.

      I am glad you liked the quotes. I do think laughter is an important part of our lives.

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  12. I had this book on my "to read" list for a long time, but never got around to it. My daughter enjoyed it and I think her copy is still around somewhere.I like the idea of a postal book club!

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    1. JoAnn - I had many books on that same shelf--some still are. LOL I am glad to hear your daughter enjoyed Peace Like a River.

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  13. Great list of quotes! Jane Eyre is such a great book, and so many great lines too! I think my favourite from it...and I think it was more of Jane's internal narrative than actually spoken out loud...was when she decided to leave and she ended her thoughts with "I must respect myself" or something along those lines. I thought that was really poignant.

    My TTT

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    1. Lianne - Thank you! Yes, Jane Eyre is full of great quotes. She's one of my favorite characters. My entire list could have been made up of favorite quotes from that one, but I decided to try to stick to just one.

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  14. 'Peace Like a River' sounds like a really fascinating novel! I think it's a genius choice to have such a main character because, and this is an assumption, he'd think about his words a lot, leading to beautiful prose! Also, the story sounds really interesting on its own. Thanks for sharing :) I hope you have a great week!
    My Tuesday post
    Juli @ Universe in Words

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    1. Juli - Reuben is a smart boy. :-) I am enjoying Peace Life a River. It's not a fast moving book in terms of action, but there's much more to the story--and characters--than that. I am curious to see how I like the second half of the book as I move into it.

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  15. Love your quotes. I think the Night Circus quote is my favorite. Glad you enjoyed Peace Like a River. I'd never thought of my first breath. I know that my mom was asleep, as they were in those days. Here's Mine

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    1. Paulita - I can't say I have ever thought of my first breath either. :-)

      The Night Circus was such a good book. So many wonderful quotes in that one.

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  16. I love that quote from Every Day. I'm reading it soon and very excited to get to it. :-) Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier.

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    1. Chrissi - It's a great quote, isn't it? I really liked that book. I hope you will enjoy it too!

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  17. I spent a good chunk of this weekend catching up on my magazines too. I like to spend the time between books on magazines. It's hard giving them priority otherwise.Peace like a River sounds interesting - hope you are enjoying it!

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    1. Athira - Sometimes you have to take a break between books, and magazines are the perfect way to do it. Like you, I don't give them priority any other time, and so they pile up.

      So far I am enjoying Peace Like a River. Hopefully it will continue to be good.

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  18. I love the cover and the title. The last sentence of the opening grabbed me. I'd have to keep reading! Also, what great quotes for Top Ten Tuesday! I don't make a note of quotes when I'm reading, either.

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    1. Monica - It's a really nice cover, isn't it? I like the title too.

      I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't jot down quotes as I read. I know so many people do. The times I've tried, it hasn't lasted long. I always end up forgetting and then giving up trying.

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  19. I'm not sure Peace Like a River is for me but you never know. I love the quotes you shared. I've read some of those books and the quotes brought back good memories of how I enjoyed them. I reading one called The Daughter by Jane Shemilt and its quote good.

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    1. Darlene - I'll let you know when I've finished it whether I think you might like it. :-) At the half way point, I think you just might.

      I am looking forward to reading The Daughter.

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  20. I read this years ago and loved the writing! It was on my favorite list for a long time.

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    1. Jenclair - I like the writing in Peace Like a River. I don't know that it will be a favorite, but I am liking it so far. I love Swede and her stories. :-)

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  21. I love your intro and especially your Jane Eyre quote!

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    1. Sarah - It's one of my favorite quotes from the book. :-)

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  22. I love the pic of the lizard! We tend to see a lot of geckos around here in the summer. Cute. Anyway, Peace Like A River - that one has really not been on my radar probably because of the setting. I actually don't know much about it until reading what you posted. Curious to hear your thoughts on that one. And, great quotes you posted - especially like the one from Half of a Yellow Sun. What a great book!

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    1. Iliana - Isn't he cute? We have a lot of those around our neighborhood. I saw a coyote the other day too, which ind of surprised me. I think they are getting braver because of the drought.

      I really liked Half of a Yellow Sun too. She's such a good author.

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  23. Peace Like a River sounds interesting but I don't think I'm quite in the mood for it right now. I seem to be reading only mysteries or romances though I have mixed in Great Expectations. I love your quotes and I'm not good at marking them either. I love the sound of the one from The Night Circus. That's a book I really need to read!

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    1. Katherine - Peace Like a River does seem like one you have to be in the mood for. I am in the mood for a mystery or romance next. Not sure which one I will pick.

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  24. The quote from The Knife of Never Letting Go makes me want to read it again!

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    1. Nise' - I do hope to read the books again. I really liked the trilogy.

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  25. I think that I have actually read Peace Like a River but it was a long time ago (pre-blogging I believe). As soon as I read that passage that you shared I started to remember it. Haven't a clue if I enjoyed it though...lol...it has been too long. Ah well, I will look forward to your thoughts instead.

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    1. Samantha - Haha! I know how that goes. My memory isn't so great either.

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  26. Love those quotes!

    I never heard of Peace Like A River, but I'm not sure it's for me.

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    1. Yvonne - Aren't those great quotes? I thought so. :-)

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  27. Love your list of quotes. Some of them I haven't heart of. Looking forward to checking them out soon!

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    1. Elin - If you do read any of the books, I hope you like them!

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  28. I love those quotes from Every Day and The Baker's Daughter! Both so very true!

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  29. I like the way the intro paragraph one way up to the last sentence. Then the last sentence turned me in a different direction. Beautiful writing.

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  30. Great quotes!

    I'm also having one of those days where I am bummed about staying inside. It's beautiful out. Finally!

    My bookmark is still stuck in the middle of the biography of Vincent van Gogh. It's going to take a while!

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    1. A.M.B. - Thank you. :-) I am glad you are enjoying such good weather too. I hope it lasts for you.

      I hope you are continuing to enjoy the biography.

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  31. I loved Every Day. My favourite quote from it is 'I try not to alter the lives I borrow for a day. But sometimes it can’t be helped.' Great list.

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    1. Sue - I like the quote from Every Day you shared as well. It's such a great book!

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  32. Elle gets such a kick out of finding lizards around the house. Ha! And spring is such a fun time, isn't it? Though I guess your weather allows for more outdoor activity all year round.

    I'll be curious of your thoughts on Peace Like a River. I've been meaning to read that one for ages! Enjoy it. :)

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    1. Trish - Some days I have a hard time getting Mouse outside even on a good day, but most of the time, she wants to be outside, even if it's raining. :-)

      I hope to polish my review of Peace Like a River soon and post it. I haven't been reading or blogging lately. :-(

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  33. I've read about this one and it sounds so interesting! I love the main character and the prose in the opening is stunning! I will have to put this one on my own TBR list now, since it seems destiny that it keeps popping up! Thanks for sharing :) I hope you have a great week!
    My Tuesday post
    Juli @ Universe in Words

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    1. Juli - I hope you like Peace Like a River when you read it. :-)

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