Thursday, January 14, 2021

Where Is Your Bookmark? (A Peek Into My Current Read & What I Was Reading 5 Years Ago/ Nonfiction-Fiction Pairings / BBHOP)

I am nearly finished reading Ruth Ware's latest, One by One. As someone who lives in a part of the world in which the closest snow is on the distant mountain tops on the horizon, I have to experience a white winter vicariously through books.  Which is probably for the best since I do not like the cold very much. 

One by One by Ruth Ware 
Simon & Schuster, 2020
Crime Fiction/Thriller; 352 pgs
Source: NetGalley
A luxury mountaintop chalet
The opportunity of a lifetime
Until guests start to disappear… 

**The unmissable new thriller from the queen of the modern-day murder mystery.** 

Snow is falling in the exclusive alpine ski resort of Saint Antoine, as the shareholders and directors of Snoop, the hottest new music app, gather for a make or break corporate retreat to decide the future of the company. At stake is a billion-dollar dot com buyout that could make them all millionaires, or leave some of them out in the cold. 

The clock is ticking on the offer, and with the group irrevocably split, tensions are running high. When an avalanche cuts the chalet off from help, and one board member goes missing in the snow, the group is forced to ask - would someone resort to murder, to get what they want? [Goodreads Summary]



A weekly meme where readers share the first sentence of the book they are reading and say what they think. Hosted by the amazing Gillion Dumas of Rose City Reader.

I keep my earbuds shoved into my ears on the minibus from Geneva Airport. I ignore Topher's hopeful looks and Eva, glancing over her shoulder at me. It helps, somehow. It helps shut out the voices in my head, their voices, pulling me this way and that, pummeling me with their loyalties and their arguments to and fro. [first paragraph of One by One]

My initial thoughts: The novel is divided into two points of view, Liz's and Erin's. This particular section is from Liz's. From this opening, I immediately wonder what it is Liz finds herself in the middle of. Is it something significant or just a part of their relationship dynamics? 




A weekly meme in which readers share a random sentence or two from page 56 or 56% of the book they are reading. Hosted by the wonderful Freda of Freda's Voice.


"She came to my room last night, to try to persuade me not to sleep alone. When I asked why she was still awake, she said she had something on her mind, something she'd seen--I begged her to tell me--" She breaks off, her voice cracking. [excerpt from 56% of One by One]
My thoughts: Things have really taken off at this point, and one cannot help but wonder what it was "she" was trying to say. When I got here in the novel, I was on pins and needles wanting to know what she knew and did that play a part in what was happening. 


Does One by One sound like something you would enjoy reading? 

Originally a feature called Last Year I Was Reading created by Maria from ReadingMaria
I liked it enough to continue on my own, but have tweaked it
 to feature Five Years Ago I Was Reading. 
(I would have gone back ten, but I read so little in 2011)

It seems like this time last year I was reading another suspense/thriller, except then it was Gilly Macmillan's What She Knew, about a mother whose son goes missing one day while in the park. Looking over my notes on it, I noted that although I enjoyed it, the novel didn't quite sweep me off my feet, that I felt the end was a bit rushed. I have not quite reached the end of One by One to have an opinion on that one, but I do know that it's a different type of thriller. More of a locked room mystery.


In the eyes of others, we're often not who we imagine ourselves to be. ~ Opening of What She Knew


Do you remember what you were reading five years ago? 



Connect Five Friday is a weekly meme where readers share a list of five books, 
read or unread, or bookish things, that share a common theme. 
Hosted by the  Kathryn of of Book Date.

I like the idea of matching fiction books with nonfiction books and reading them either at the same time or at least around the same time. I know some of you do that already, but I often think of it long after the fact. I decided to think ahead a bit, however, and have come up with these nonfiction/fiction pairings, all books I already own and have on my TBR shelves. 



Love Wins: The Lovers and Lawyers Who Fought the Landmark Case for Marriage Equality
by Debbie Cenizper & Jim Obergefell is about the hard won fight for marriage equality in the United States. It will go nicely with David Levithan's Two Boys Kissing, which is based in a true story about two 17 year olds who attempt to break the world record for the longest kiss narrated by a host of gay men who died of AIDS. The novel touches on coming out and gender identity issues among other things. Maybe not an obvious pairing on the surface, but I imagine both books take on the subject of discrimination and identity. Not to mention love itself. 


Cleopatra
by Stacy Schiff's cover is part of what lured me to buy a copy, but I have always been fascinated by the historical figure herself. And what a perfect pairing! Schiff's Cleopatra with Margaret George's Memoirs of Cleopatra. Both tell the story of her life, one nonfiction and the other fictionalized. If only I can  get over the intimidating size of George's novel.


I got excited when I first heard about Making the Monster: The Science Behind Mary Shelley's Frankenstein by Kathryn Harkup, and it did not take long to spend some of that gift card money on a copy. Doesn't it make a perfect pairing with the original novel of Frankenstein? I think so!


I had not connected my next two initially, but after some thought, I decided they would make a compelling side by side read: Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town by John Krakauer and Bear Town by Fredrik Backman. While one book focuses more on college culture and the other a small town, I think it's fair that some similarities can be drawn. Not to mention the issue of sexual assault itself and how it effects a small community. 


I was approved to read and review the historical novel The Invisible Woman by Erika Robuck which comes out next month and immediately thought of Sonia Purnell's A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II. Both of these books about the life of Allied Spy Virginia Hall. It is always interesting to compare notes when it comes to historical fiction and nonfiction, and I look forward to doing so with these two.


What are some nonfiction/fiction pairings that you have read or want to read? Have you read any of these?


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

How many posts do you schedule for your blog on a weekly basis? (submitted by Elizabeth @ Silver's Reviews)


Scheduling posts ahead of time is a must for me because of my other obligations and priorities. I rarely am able to post off the cuff. At the very least I like to have the outline of a post done ahead of time to make it easier for myself if I have to add time-dependent content (like Sunday Salon/Post). I would say I schedule to post somewhere between two to four posts a week. It can vary. Sometimes I post less or not at all, rarely more.

What about you?


 I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Be sure and tell me what you are reading and are up to!


© 2021, 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.

62 comments:

  1. The synopsis of One by One reminds me of And There Were None! Sounds like an interesting book

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eustacia - It was an enjoyable read. :-) Thank you for visiting!

      Delete
  2. Somehow I answered the wrong question for BBH! Here's my Friday post which includes what I was reading 5 years ago:

    https://collettaskitchensink.blogspot.com/2021/01/my-weekly-bookishness-1152021.html

    Colletta

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Colletta - It's easy to do but I enjoyed reading your answer just the same. :-) Thank you for stopping by!

      Delete
  3. Hellooooo! I loved One by One! Let me know when you are done with it, then we can chat.

    Love your Friday Fives, especially The Beartown one. Clever match ups!

    I did my Book Blogger Hop, but I'm still stuck in 2020 and did the one for this week last year......

    I try to schedule ahead in my diary, but I still haven't reached that point where I can write and schedule the posts on the blog! Maybe one day!

    Have a good weekend!

    Elza Reads

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mareli (Elza) - I am glad you enjoyed One by One. I enjoyed it too. My drafts folder is full of upcoming posts--or at least the skeletons of them. I'm trying to stay ahead as much as possible--even if little by little. Thank you for visiting!

      Delete
  4. I really need to read more by Ruth Ware! I read my first Ruth Ware towards the end of last year and enjoyed it. This sounds really good, and it sounds like a lot is happening at the 56% mark, even! Enjoy your reading!

    Here's my Friday post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sammie - This was my third by Ruth Ware and another good one. I definitely want to read her other books. Thank you for stopping by!

      Delete
  5. I totally agree! When I figured out that I could actually schedule posts it was a lifesaver! Now I spend a few hours on my weekend setting everything up for the week and it just makes blogging that much easier!

    http://thereadingdevil.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Penelope - Yes! Being able to schedule posts has been a lifesaver. I just don't have the time to do it regularly during the week. Thank you for visiting!

      Delete
  6. I love the idea of pairing a fiction and non-fiction book. I've never considered it before and it's something I definitely want to try.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. E.M. - I really like the idea too and hope I can actually implement it--maybe starting with this list. Thank you for stopping by!

      Delete
  7. Your book beginnings and 56 made me want to grab this book right away. First I have to read The Turn of the Key, by this author, resting on my nightstand.

    Here are my excerpts: “RACHEL TO THE RESCUE”

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Laurel-Rain - I enjoyed Turn of the Key and hope you will too. Thank you for visiting!

      Delete
  8. I have no idea what I was reading 5 years ago. I would have to search my blog.

    I almost always have between 45 and 60 posts scheduled at any given time. The only posts I don't schedule ahead of time are the Sunday and Friday posts. Those are done at the end if the week since they contain stuff from that week. I takes notes when I read for reviews and write the review right after I'm done reading. I don't schedule any social media for the posts, I just post on social media about that days blog post sometime that morning... Usually if I remember. Lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary - I wish I was so prepared! I try to stay ahead, but sometimes it's just not possible. The most I can do is have skeletons prepared. Most of my blog prepping has to be done on the weekends in between my family time and other obligations. Thank you for stopping by!

      Delete
  9. I like that pairing of Missoula and Bear Town. They are both books I want to read. And One by One is on my TBR list as well. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lark - I hope you enjoy One by One when you read it! I look forward to reading Missoula and Bear Town as well. Thank you for visiting!

      Delete
  10. I can't wait to read the first two books you featured. Lots of other great titles in your post too. Happy reading!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I've been interested in A Woman of No Importance--now, maybe I'll get around to reading it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jenclair - I hope you enjoy it when you read it. It is one I am really looking forward to as well. Thank you for visiting!

      Delete
  12. Now you have overloaded my TBR list. I read a lot of nonfiction, but don't blog about it. Perhaps pairing it with fiction is the way to go!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Roberta - I think fiction/nonfiction pairing reviews would be really interesting if you do decide to give it a try! Thank you for stopping by!

      Delete
  13. I want to read this one! Happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Freda - I hope you enjoy One by One if you do read it! Thank you for visiting. :-)

      Delete
  14. Can't wait to read you review of the Ruth Ware book. And, love the Fiction/Non-Fiction pairings. I think some of those even the book covers look like they go together. And, yes, I try to plan at least what I want to blog about if not necessarily write a post but have some idea. Hope you have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Iliana - I noticed that about the book covers too. They do almost look like they go together. I hope you have a great weekend too. Thank you for stopping by!

      Delete
  15. Really interesting pairings! I like both Ruth Ware and Gilly MacMillan so good choices!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I loved One By One and I hope you like it!

    Lauren @ Always Me

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lauren - I enjoyed it quite a bit! I finished it last night. Thank you for stopping by.

      Delete
  17. I think I've read all of Ruth Ware's books but, I wasn't crazy about One By One - I did like the setting though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane - It certainly had me shivering! Thank you for visiting!

      Delete
  18. Ruth Ware's title and premise is definitely intriguing, and also unexpected -- the remoteness of it, and all these people stuck there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Verushka - It made for an entertaining thriller. Thank you for stopping by!

      Delete
  19. I have no idea what I was reading 5 years ago! I can remember the main genres etc but not specific books unless I look it up on goodreads. :)

    I'm a scheduler as much as I can be. I can have some posts done months in advance whereas others are done the weekend before they go live. If a post isn't scheduled by the Sunday, it's not gonna happen that coming week as I just don't have time during the week... It's interesting seeing the mix of schedulers and pantsers. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nicci - You and I have similar blogging prep styles. I've enjoyed seeing all the different responses too. Thank you for visiting!

      Delete
  20. I try to post 5-6 times a week but don't always get that many. I always schedule because I just don't have time to type or make a post the same day. I hope you enjoy your books and have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jamie - It's the same for me in that I cannot usually do same today posts either. I hope you have a great weekend too! Thank you for stopping by!

      Delete
  21. The Ruth Ware is on my list. I loved her first two and then was meh on the third and fourth and never picked up any of her newer books. This one sounds good and she is so good with atmosphere! I love pairing nonfiction and fiction. I know I'm reading a great historical fiction if I want to find out all I can about the real people/events that are represented!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Katherine - I have only read two of hers and enjoyed both, although one more than the other. I enjoyed One by One. I hope to select one of those pairs to read soon, but we'll see what I'm in the mood for. :-) Thank you for visiting!

      Delete
  22. I definitely try to schedule posts ahead of time. It just makes it so much easier and you can even write ideas for posts and schedule into the future to remind you of the good idea that you had some time ago.

    I am also happy to read about snow rather than live in it day in day out!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marg - Yes, it really does make things easier to schedule ahead, I think. At least for some of us. :-) Thank you for stopping by!

      Delete
  23. I really need to read a Ruth Ware book. This one sounds like something I'd really enjoy.

    I tend to schedule my posts at least a week ahead. I'm always afraid I'm gonna forget to do it, so scheduling is just easier for me.

    Hope you have a great week! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ashley - I've enjoyed the books I have read by her and hope you will too if you give her a try!

      I hope you have a great week too. Thank you for visiting!

      Delete
  24. Very impressed by those non-fiction/fiction books, it is interesting to see how the two genres approach topics. Both usually totally valid.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathryn - Thank you! I had fun coming up with pairs. Thank you for stopping by and hosting!

      Delete
  25. I really need to read more of Ruth Ware's work. One by One sounds like something that I would like. I liked your pairing of fiction with nonficton on the same general topic. Very interesting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carole - I hope you enjoy One by One if you read it. Thank you for visiting!

      Delete
  26. One By One sounds fabulous. I am trying to stay dedicated to whittling down my TBR pile, but it is so tempting to grab this one.

    I usually schedule 2 to 3 posts at my blog each week. I would love to do more, but I need to pay the bills, so off to work I go.

    Thanks for sharing your books and for visiting my blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cheryl - Good luck whittling down your TBR pile. That is always my goal too, but I am not very good at it.

      I know what you mean about needing to pay those bills. LOL Same here.

      Thank you for stopping by!

      Delete
  27. I have heard mixed things about One by One by Ruth Ware. The first paragraph does sound interesting though, so I might pick this up some time! I hope you enjoy it!

    I haven't read or heard any of the other choice so some are, definitely, going into my TBR ��

    I have to have a rough outline of all my posts too. Since I am mostly indoors these days, I get to blog more often but I bet once everything starts up, it'll be hard to keep up posting as frequently as now, and there's were scheduling will start.

    Happy reading! ����

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kitten - If you do decide to read One by One, I hope you like it!

      I know what you mean about being indoors more increasing your ability to blog. It's similar for me. Working from home most days and with all of my daughter's extra-curriculars being via Zoom, I have more time to spend on blogging than I would otherwise. It does make a different. I still need to prep posts ahead of time though due to my schedule.

      Thank you for visiting!

      Delete
  28. I've heard One by One has some tech oriented writing or something to that effect and that just isn't for me. I would try Ware's other books though. I really like your Frankenstein pairing. I think I rather read the nonfiction book rather than the classic to be honest haha (:

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Adriana - I don't know about tech oriented writing other than the novel features a tech company retreat. I am not up on the latest apps and such, but I just read the novel like it could have been any struggling business. That's just my take on it though.

      Making the Monster does sound good, doesn't it? :-)

      Thank you for stopping by!

      Delete
  29. I used to have a goal of posting 4-5 times a week but have had to back off because of other commitments. I've averaging between 3-4 a week now. I hope you enjoyed One by One. It took me a few chapters to really get into it but then I was hooked.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Suzanne - Other commitments and priorities keep me from blogging more than I do as well. We each do what works for us, right? One by One got off to a slow start, I thought. It wasn't Ware's strongest book, but I enjoyed it. Thank you for visiting!

      Delete
  30. Loved this post and I think Schiff's Cleopatra and Margaret George's Memoirs of Cleopatra sound like an interesting read! Hope you'll enjoy these books when you get to them, Wendy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melody - I think so too! I've had them so long on my TBR shelf. I really should try and read them this year. Thank you for stopping by!

      Delete

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