Monday, September 07, 2015

Where Is Your Bookmark? (09/08/2015)

I am nearly finished reading Fredrik Backman's My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry, which I featured last week. This week I received The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin, a selection from my Postal Book Group.  I had actually been considering starting the audio version of this one, and so it was good timing. I have not yet begun either the paper copy (or e-copy because I have one of those too) or the audio version, but I have heard wonderful things about this little story. If you click on the cover, you will be led to a summary of the novel on Goodreads.


First Paragraph of The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry (which is a long one!):

On the ferry from Hyannis to Alice Island, Amelia Loman paints her nails yellow, and, while waiting for them to dry, skims her predecessor's notes. "Island Books, approximately $350,000.00 per annum in sales, the better portion of that in summer months to folks on holiday," Harvey Rhodes reports. "Six hundred square feet of selling space. No full-time employees other than the owner. Very small children's section. Fledgling online presence. Poor community outreach. Inventory emphasizes the literary, which is good for us, but Filky's tastes are very specific, and without Nic, he can't be counted on to hand-sell. Luckily for him, Island's only game in town." Amelia yawns--she's nursing a slight hangover and wonders if one persnickety little bookstore will be worth such a long trip. By the time her nails have hardened, her relentlessly bright-sided nature has kicked in: of course it's worth it! Her speciality is persnickety little bookstores and the particular breed that runs them. Her talents also include multi-tasking, selecting the right wine at dinner (and the corrdinating skill, tending friends who've had to much to drink), houseplants, strays, and other lost causes.


Teaser from 17% on my Kindle

A.J. has never changed a diaper in his life, though he is a modestly skilled gift wrapper. Back when Nic was alive, Island used to offer free gift wrap at Christmas, and he figures that diaper changing and gift-wrapping must be related proficiencies.


What do you think? Would you keep reading?  

I admit, at first I wasn't too sure about the opening. The run down of how the bookstore is doing as a business could easily have become boring, and yet by the end of the first paragraph, I was ready for more.

And the teaser, well, it gave me a good chuckle.

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

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

This week's  Top Ten Tuesday theme is my Top Five Finished Series I Have YET to Finish Reading. This topic took a little research on my part because most of the series I read are still ongoing, and many of which I am not caught up with yet. The five below are all series I enjoy very much and am looking forward to completing--yet with a tinge of sadness that they have come to an end. I only came up with five, but there are probably more I am overlooking. (I purposefully left out authors who have died that I could easily have listed: Agatha Christie, P.D. James, and Arthur Conan Doyle, for starters, all who wrote series I would like to complete at some point.)

1. Kim Harrison's Hollows Series ~ Urban Fantasy series set in Cincinati, Ohio about a bounty hunter witch, Rachel Morgan.

2. Kelley Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld Series ~ Urban Fantasy series that has a whole cast of characters, many of the books focusing on different women from the same world.

3. Colleen Gleason's Gardella Vampire Chronicles featuring Victoria Gardella Grantworth (which has a new spin off I'm not counting as part of the series) ~ Urban Fantasy series featuring a very fiesty Victorian lady who slays vampires on the side.

4. Jeff Lindsay's Dexter Morgan Series - Perhaps you have heard of the HBO series? This is the book series the character of Dexter is based on. I actually began reading the series before the television show came out--but somehow I have not gotten around to completing the series yet. I have seen the entire television series though.

5. Lisa Lutz's The Spellman Files Series - This really is more of a fiction series than a mystery one. It's about a family of private investigators. It's both comic and serious. And I'm cheating with this one because it's really just the end of Isabel's narration of the books per the author. Another character is slated to become the focus down the road.

What finished series do you plan to read to completion? I imagine at least a few of you will list ones I completely forgot that should be on my list . . .


© 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.

82 comments:

  1. I'm still not sure of The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry although I've heard good things about it. That opening isn't enough to capture my attention but I believe that might change if we read further.

    I like series books but it's the waiting that is the most torturing; especially some authors who release one book annually or even two years. ;-)

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    1. Melody - I hope to start it soon. I was up way to late last night finishing my other novel. I hope the hype of The Storied Life doesn't weigh the book down with me. It's one of the reasons I hadn't read it yet. As I said though, I think I'm ready. :-)

      Yes, the waiting for a new book in the series is hard, especially if there's a cliffhanger. I kind of like finished series though--no more waiting. Just sadness that there will be no more.

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  2. I want to start THE SPELLMAN FILES. Thanks for the reminder. My TTT

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    1. Anne - I enjoyed the first book quite a bit (that's as far as I've gotten so far). People have complained the books are not as much mystery as they hoped, but that isn't something that bothers me.

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  3. I've heard exceptionally good things about The Storied Life of ..... and I like how you have it in every format. I didn't find the opening boring at all - I'd keep reading. Here is my Tuesday post https://cleopatralovesbooks.wordpress.com/2015/09/08/first-chapter-first-paragraph-september-8/

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    1. Cleo - I have too. I hope I like it! It's funny how it turned out that way--that I have the book in every format. I will likely read the e-book first.

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  4. I haven't read any of this series on your list this week. I suck at keeping up with series! My TTT!

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    1. Chrissi - I love series books, but I'm not the best at keeping up either. There are a ton of series I'm in the middle of, but with no end in sight.

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  5. I think I'd like to read more of The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry. I couldn't quite get into it. Maybe the first chapter.

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    1. Margot - I did read a little beyond the first paragraph, although not much yet--and it definitely picks up.

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  6. I really like the title, and I was drawn in by the opener far more than I expected. So I would give it a try.

    My opener is posted over here, if you're interested: http://www.bookpunks.com/so-it-begins-the-daylight-gate-by-jeanette-winterson/

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    1. Nikki - It's well liked among booklovers. If you do give it a try, I hope you like it!

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  7. I loved The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry. You really start to understand him and fall in love with him

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    1. Page - I am glad to hear it! I hop I fall in love with A.J. too. :-)

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  8. I've had THE STORIED LIFE on my list for a while now. I really should get to it. I liked the opener and the teaser.

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    1. Beth - I am glad to hear I'm not the only one who hasn't gotten to it yet. Hopefully I can remedy that soon.

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  9. I fell in love with this one as I read from the very first intro paragraph. Hope you love it Wendy.

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    1. Diane - I am glad to hear you loved The Storied Life, Diane. I hope I will too!

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  10. I would definitely keep reading because I've heard so many wonderful things about that book. I'm re-reading Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani in preparation for the movie.

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    1. Kathy - I haven't yet read The Big Stone Gap, can you believe it? I didn't know about the movie--maybe that will be my excuse to finally read the book. :-)

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  11. I absolutely loved The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, and hope you do also. It warmed my book-loving heart.

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    1. Catherine - I hope I love it too! I think I've only heard of one or two people who didn't love it. But it sounds like a book I will love.

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  12. I still haven't read The Storied Life, but it is still on my list. I really like the sound of The Spellman Files!

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    1. Jenclair - I enjoyed the first book of The Spellman Files quite a bit. I recommend it if you get the chance to read it.

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  13. I loved this book. I listened and read, so either way is great.

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    1. Nise' - I'm glad to hear you liked both! I may just end up giving both a try too. :-)

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  14. Though I tend to be drawn towards books about books/book shops etc I must confess that reading that synopsis I was worried that this would be a boring book with too much attention to mundane things. Pleased to read this wasn't the case and that you quickly found yourself drawn in.

    Hoping to read the Kitty books by Carrie Vaughn to completion but then who knows I'm only up to book 6 in what I believe is a long series. I also have the next few books in Kathy Reich's series by the end of which I'll have hopefully decided whether or not I'm going to continue with the series or not.

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    1. Tracy - It's too early to tell what I think of this one, but I hope it will be good.

      I love Vaugn's series. Has she finished it? I am somewhere at the halfway mark in terms of books in the series that have been published so far. I never did try the Kathy Reich's books.

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  15. I've heard good things about this book and plan to read it eventually. I love the comparison of diaper changing to gift wrapping. Clever!
    Thank you for visiting my blog today.
    Sandy @ TEXAS TWANG

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    1. Sandra - I couldn't help but laugh at the comparision of changing a diaper to gift wrapping. It is clever. :-)

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  16. I downloaded The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry a while ago, but haven't yet read it. I actually enjoyed those opening lines, as I could visualize what might happen once the character arrives at the bookstore. I am definitely curious about Fikry, who sounds so quirky and interesting. Thanks for reminding me that I need to move this one up! And thanks for visiting my blog.

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    1. Laurel-Rain - Hopefully you will like it when you get to it! Fikry does sound quirky and I'm anxious to get to know him better.

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  17. I would like to visit "persnickety little bookstores."

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  18. I liked AJ Fikry, but didn't fall in love with it the way most others have. Still a good read - go for it!

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    1. JoAnn - I hope I do fall in love with it--but just liking it would be good too. :-)

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  19. This is one on my list to read. I liked the opening and the teaser, so I'd keep reading!

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    1. Monica - I am glad to finally be reading it. Hopefully we will both enjoy it!

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  20. I've heard good things about The Storied Life of AJ Fikry, but I haven't read it yet. Great choice!


    Here's my teaser.

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    1. Majanka - Thank you! I hope to dive into it more tonight before bed. :-)

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  21. lol @ your tease! I think it is pretty similar in a way although one is definitely easier than the other! trish - my teaser

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    1. Trish - Yes, changing a diaper has always been easier for me than wrapping a gift. LOL

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  22. Oh, my gosh; I haven't read this one yet and I really want to! I would definitely keep reading and I already love this opening!!

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    1. Tara - I've felt that way for awhile now. It's so hard to get to all the books we want to read when we want to read them, isn't it?

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  23. I enjoyed The Storied Life of AJ Fikry though I didn't love it as much as some people did. It's a quick read with great characters and I think I would've enjoyed it more if my expectations hadn't been as high. I have far too many series to catch up on. I try not to think about it too much though or I start getting dizzy! I will get them all read, I will get them all read...

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    1. Katherine - I hope to get more into it tonight--now that I've read the first paragraph. :-)

      I know the feeling. I'm in the middle of so many series, it's crazy. You reminded me though of one I should have put on my list--The Lucky Harbor books. I definitely want to read all of those.

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  24. I haven't read any of these but they all look good! Thanks for providing the links to the books! I'm really interested in the Hollows and Dexter series especially. Thanks for visiting my blog!

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    1. Kim - I hope you get a chance to read them. Both the Hollows and Dexter series are good ones.

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  25. I haven't read any of the books on your top ten list, but they all sound like great series! There is just too much reading to be done!
    Thanks for stopping by the The Local Muse

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    1. Mallory - I have been enjoying them all. I need to make them a priority--but then they'll be over and I'll be sad. :-(

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  26. Hope you are loving the Backman book! I liked The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry as well - so hope you like it too.

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    1. Athira - I enjoyed it quite a bit. I was up late reading it last night, which is rare for me these days.

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  27. can't wait to read Storied Life one day soonish lol My TTT

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  28. Dexter Morgan! That series has been on my TBR list for awhile now. I've only seen a couple of episodes of the show and thought it was interesting, but these days I'm much more likely to start a new book series than a TV series.

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    1. Zed - The television show diverges from the books, as you can imagine. I do recommend the books. Dexter is such an interesting character.

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  29. Great teaser!

    I have so many unfinished series that I can't even list them all. LOL

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    1. Yvonne - Thank you! I'm in the same boat. I don't think I could list all the series I'm in the middle of either.

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  30. Awesome teaser I've been really wanting to read this book for a long time know. I heard nothing but great reviews about it. thank you for stopping by my blog. :)

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    1. Katiria - I have heard great things about it too. I hope I love it. :-)

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  31. A.J. Fikry is lovely! I hope you get to it soon. :)

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    1. Shaina - I hope to read more of it tonight before bed if I can stay awake. LOL

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  32. I've had this on my TBR for AGES!!! I really need to get to it! And great news about the Spellmans continuing but with a different narrator. I have my suspicions as to who it may be ... who I HOPE it is, anyway. I'm a couple of books behind on it but plan to do a whole series re-read/read soon! ("Soon" being sometime in the coming decade at the rate I'm going!)

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    1. Haha! Your mention of it taking you re-reading/reading the Spellman Files books in the coming decade made me chuckle. I could say the same about catching up with any of the series I listed above.

      I am glad for an excuse to finally get to Zevin's book. Hopefully, I will love it.

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  33. I keep getting recommendations for The Spellmen Files on Goodreads because I like the Stephanie Plum series. Is it a long series? I'm curious about it, but I'm kind of reluctant to start another series until I've caught up with the others I'm in the middle of.
    Thanks again for stopping by my blog.

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    1. Melissa - The Spellman Files is six books long, so not too bad. I'm not even sure what number they are up to in the Stephanie Plum series. The Spellman Files has its humorous side, but I don't know that the two series are all that similar. The Spellman Files aren't your traditional mysteries--and even the author has set she doesn't think of the books as mysteries, but rather books about a family of private eyes. It's worth checking out if you get the chance. Although, I know what you mean about not wanting to start a new series. I alway say that though and then I end up doing just that. Haha

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  34. The Spellman Files looks like a fun series! I may have to keep a look out for it.;)

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    1. Amanda - I've enjoyed what I have read of it so far. I hope you will enjoy the series if you give it a try.

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  35. A. J. Fikry is many people's favourite. It must be really good. I've read the first book in the Birthright series by Gabrielle Zevin and liked it. She writes well.

    Ronnie @ Paradise Found

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    1. Ronnie - I had every intention of continuing with it and then my birthday happened and now I'm reading the book my daughter gave me for my birthday. The best laid plans . . . I hope to get back to it soon. I am glad to hear you enjoyed the first book in the Birthright series. I hadn't even known Zevin had written anything else.

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  36. I admit that it took me a while to get into AJ Fikry, but once I was into it I really enjoyed it. It's the perfect cozy bookish read--hope you like it!

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    1. Trish - It will likely be that way for me, especially since I keep getting distracted. LOL

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  37. I had no idea that Dexter was based on a book series! I've been meaning to check out the TV show, but now I'd rather read the novels first. :-)

    Angela @ Angela's Library

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    1. Angela - I definitely recommend the Dexter books. I've enjoyed what I have read--although they are a bit disturbing. The show took several interesting turns, and while there are some similarities, it is also very different.

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  38. I read AJ Fikry last year and enjoyed it very much. It's a different type of read for me, but it was a good one if you are in the mood for it.

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    1. Rita - I'm glad to year you enjoyed Zevin's book! I hope I do too. It certainly sounds good.

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  39. LOL, not sure gift-wrapping and diaper-changing can be compared... especially depending on what is inside the diaper you have to take off before you take the new one on ;) Great teaser, Wendy.

    Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews

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    1. Lexxie - I am such a horrible gift wrapper, but I got that diaper changing thing down. Even the messy ones. LOL At least I did when my daughter was in diapers. I'm probably out of practice now. :-)

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  40. Aww, I like that teaser! I've never thought about changing a diaper is like wrapping a gift, haha. Great teaser!

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  41. I'm not familiar with that Colleen Gleason series - I'll have to check it out! I've been enjoying her Stoker and Holmes series.

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    1. Lark - I hope you do give Gleason's series a try. I really enjoy the books. I am really curious about her Stoker and Holmes books. Such an interesting twist.

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