Musings of a Bookish Kitty

Saturday, March 05, 2016

Sunday Post: Disneyland & March TBR List Poll

The Sunday Post is hosted by the wonderful Kimba, the Caffeinated Book Reviewer, and gives us all a chance to recap our week, talk about what we are reading, share any new books that have come our way, and whatever else we want to talk about.

It has been a good weekend so far. I will be glad though when things go back to normal, however. I am an introvert through and through, and having a house full of people is exhausting. It doesn't help that I am not feeling 100% because of this darn cold I am fighting.

I will not be posting this coming week other than my Sunday Post. March is always an extra busy month for us, especially the first couple weeks. I will still be around here and there. I hope you all have a wonderful week!

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.

Do you tend to read more in the winter or in the summer months? (submitted by Elizabeth)

I don't know that there is really a difference in my reading based on the seasons. I live in a warmer climate where the seasons often run together. Summer and early fall can be rather hot, which keeps me indoors as often as possible, but, for the most part, because my work and home life do not really change all that much based on the seasons, my reading stays the same. How much I read is more dependent on what is going on in my life at any given moment--or the type of books I am reading. What about you? Do you find you read more at certain times of year?

What I Am Reading: I finished reading Delia's Shadow by Jaime Lee Moyer just in time for it to count towards my February stats. I am now reading Clea Simon's The Ninth Life. I admit to having some reservations about this particular mystery given it is narrated by a cat, but I have enjoyed the author's previous books and decided maybe a step outside my comfort zone was in order. I generally do not care for animal narrated books. I am captivated so far, which is a good sign.

What I Am Watching: Friday I was able to catch up with The Walking Dead. Another good episode. We have been watching more Doctor Who. My daughter is quite taken with River Song and Amy. She's been begging to watch the show every night this week. We are nearing the end of Season 6, which is where my husband and I stopped watching the first time around.

Around the Blogosphere:

Melody's review of The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon has me wanting to pick it up to read sooner than later.
My friend has started a book blog: Konekokimi in the Land of Kawaii. I hope you will check it out!
Discussion Post: BOOK THOUGHTS: THE UNSULLIED PLEASURE OF READING

What's Going On Off the Blog: With less than two months left to go before our annual passes expire, we decided to spend last Sunday at Disneyland. The weather was perfect, and we had a fun time.

"Take my picture, Mommy!"

The Disneyland Train -

It is sitting quiet for the next 17 months as construction on

Star Wars Land is underway.

The fountain outside the Haunted Mansion

It was my turn to be sick this week. Fortunately it wasn't a stomach bug like Mouse had last week; just your average cold. The cough has been the worst part. It came at a bad time too. We have family visiting from out of town this weekend. Everyone arrived Friday evening, and it's been nonstop since. Mouse is always thrilled to see her grandparents, as they are to see her. They got to see Mouse play soccer Saturday morning, and followed it up with a visit to the park. That afternoon we had a little family birthday party for Mouse's upcoming birthday with a princess themed cake.

We are thinking of going to see Zootopia today. So far it seems to be getting positive reviews. It sure looks cute from the previews.

Challenge Wrap Up:
Clean Out Your E-Reads Challenge (COYER) ~ Because of the The TBR Triple Dog Dare, I have been reading review books I received before the beginning of 2016 exclusively so far this year, which has played nicely into COYER. I wasn't able to get up all the reviews of the books I read by the end date (March 4th) that would have qualified for COYER, and since review posting is one of the challenge stipulations, I am not counting books I haven't yet reviewed in my final count. Did I clean out my e-reader? No. Did I make a dent? A tiny one maybe. I feel good about my progress just the same. While I would like to have read more, I read as much as is realistic for me.

Books Read for COYER Challenge: 12

The Evening Spider by Emily Arsenault
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald
Worlds of Ink and Shadow by Lena Coakley
The Girl in the Red Coat by Kate Hamer
What She Knew by Gilly Macmillan
My Sweet Vidalia by Deborah Mantella
*Slaying Dragons by Sasha L. Miller
Angels Burning by Tawni O'Dell
Moonlight Over Paris by Jennifer Robson
North of Here by Laurel Saville
The Night Parade by Kathryn Tanquary
Evergreen Springs by RaeAnne Thayne

Of the twelve books I read, there were hits and misses. Mostly hits, I am happy to say. I think I read a good mix of books too, even if all fiction. My favorite would have to be Kathryn Tanquary's The Night Parade. It is a book I can see myself reading again and again, not only for myself but hopefully someday with my daughter. Many thanks to Berls, Michelle, and Stormi for hosting the Clean Out Your E-Reads Challenge. I had a fun time!

This Past Week In Reading Mews:

Help me decide what book from my TBR collection I should read next:

My TBR List is a meme hosted by the awesome Michelle at Because Reading. It’s a fun way to choose a book from your TBR pile to read. The 1st Sunday of every month, I will list 3 books I am considering reading and take a poll as to which you think I should read. I will read the winner that month, and my review will follow. While I will attempt to post my review that same month, I make no promises--it may go up the following month.

I went with a theme this month. Our three choices this week are all first books in series I have been wanting to read. They are all review books I am embarrassed to say have been sitting on my Kindle for, well, a long time. Have you read any of them? Which would you recommend? (The book covers are linked to Goodreads.)

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith ~ I was excited when I first heard about this new mystery series featuring a disabled veteran working as a private investigator. I downloaded my copy to my Kindle via NetGalley. Then news broke that Robert Galbraith is a pseudonym for J.K. Rowling. Which, of course, meant everyone under the sun was reading and reviewing The Cuckoo's Calling. Suddenly, I found myself backing away. Not because I no longer wanted to read it. I just didn't want to get caught up in all the hype. With three books out in the series now, it's probably time I read it, don't you think?

Guilt by Association by Marcia Clark ~ My curiosity for this mystery series featuring a Los Angeles prosecutor, was piqued when the positive reviews started coming in. I admit to a bit of hesitation though because of who the author is. I remember the sensationalized O.J. Simpson murder trial quite well. Marcia Clark was a prosecutor on the case. Her name and face were everywhere in the news for quite a while earning her the title of celebrity of sorts. I am always a little wary of books written by celebrities turned authors. I believe there are four books in the series, and all have been well received. Yet another series I should finally get around to reading, right?

The Burning by Jane Casey ~ Unlike the first two, I really do not have a good reason for not reading this one sooner. Maybe it was because of the type of crime committed--the brutal murder of several women, a topic I have been reading less and less of recently. Or trying to. This is the first in a series set in London, featuring a young police constable. I have a soft spot for novels set in England, and I have heard wonderful things about this series overall. It's already up to it's sixth book. Every time someone mentions this author, I wonder why I haven't read her books yet. Maybe it's time!

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

© 2016, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Wednesday, March 02, 2016

Bookish Thoughts: Slaying Dragons by Sasha L. Miller

Devi was almost certain she wasn't going to be reprimanded at this outpost. ~ Opening to Slaying Dragons

Slaying Dragons by Sasha L. Miller

Less Than Three Press, 2015

Fantasy (Romance, LGBTQIA); 94 pgs
Source: From the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review

It is obvious what drew me to this particular story, just from that description alone. I enjoy novels about magic. Add in a dragon and two strong female leads, and it is obvious what made me pick this particular novella up to read. Devi is a Combatant assigned to fight dragons with the help of a mage. She does her job well but does not always play nice with others. Who would when the mages you are usually assigned to are cocky, out to make a name for themselves, or just plain dumb? Knowing she is facing a formal complaint from the last mage she worked with, Devi has reservations when assigned to work with yet another one for her latest assignment. Noeme proves to be both nice and competent. She is a little green, however, when it comes to going after dragons.

I enjoyed this particular novella for both its fantasy elements and its romantic ones. Devi can be gruff and puts on a tough exterior, while Noeme is more of a bookworm, kind and ready with a smile. They say opposites attract, and in this case the saying is true. Although it's clear the two women are attracted to each other from the start, it isn't an instant romance. Both are cautious and unsure of the other's feelings. I did not get a real sense in this book as to whether a same-sex relationship is taboo in Miller's fictional world. I like the idea that it isn't necessarily.

Even though the book is only 94 pages long, I felt the author did a great job with setting up the world Devi and Noeme live in, including their roles as combatant and mage and the societal hierarchy. The reader gets a good idea for what Devi and Noeme are up against and the people they help. The story itself is a good one, from the build up to the showdown with the dragon (although I could have used a little more dragon time), to the romance, and everything else that follows. I wouldn't mind reading more about Devi and Noeme or their world. I definitely hope to check out more of the author's work in the future.

To learn more about Sasha L. Miller and her work, please visit the author's website. She can also be found on Goodreads, Twitter, and Facebook.

Monday, February 29, 2016

Bookish Thoughts: North of Here by Laurel Saville

North of Here by Laurel Saville

Lake Union Publishing, 2016

Fiction; 257 pgs

From Goodreads:

The sounds of unexpected tragedies—a roll of thunder, the crash of metal on metal—leave Miranda in shock amid the ruins of her broken family.

As she searches for new meaning in her life, Miranda finds quiet refuge with her family’s handyman, Dix, in his cabin in the dark forests of the Adirondack Mountains. Dix is kind, dependable, and good with an ax—the right man to help the sheltered Miranda heal—but ultimately, her sadness creates a void even Dix can’t fill.

When a man from her distant past turns up, the handsome idealist now known as Darius, he offers Miranda a chance to do meaningful work at The Source, a secluded property filled with his nature worshipers. Miranda feels this charismatic guru is the key to remaking her life, but her grief and desire for love also create an opportunity for his deception. And in her desperate quest to find herself after losing almost everything, Miranda and Dix could pay a higher price than they ever imagined.

Every Tuesday Diane from Bibliophile By the Sea 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. It is also where I share my first impressions about the book I am sharing.

As Miranda moved through the house, putting away a load of laundry, picking up the glass her mother left in the living room the previous night, straightening the magazines on the coffee table, removing a few dead flowers from a vase, she found herself glancing out of each window, her view of him coming and going, her perspective on him a bit different from each vantage point. He was like a man inside a kaleidoscope to her, fractured bits and pieces coming together and moving apart and then coming together again in a slightly different form.

Every Tuesday, Jenn from A Daily Rhythm hosts Teaser Tuesdays at which time participants grab their current read, open to a random page, and share a couple or more "teaser" sentences from that page while avoiding any spoilers.

Teaser from 50% on my Kinde:

Then he smiled and his entire demeanor altered, an actor slipping into character. Somewhere deep inside her, Miranda recognized that he was giving a performance, and yet she did not care. It didn't seem to matter. She was willingly transfixed by the play.

What do you think? Would you keep reading?

My Bookish Thoughts:

I found North of Here . . . unexpected. The above description is a fitting one, but the novel took a turn I hadn't expected--I feel it's safe to say that without spoiling anything. This really is a novel about the characters in many ways, about the way their lives interconnect, and the consequences of their actions and inactions.

Although it is never said, Miranda is clearly depressed, feeling helpless and lost after everything she has been through. Raised in wealth, she has never wanted for anything. With all that now gone, she is forced to re-evaluate her life, only she is not in the mental frame to do it. She doesn't know what she wants, not really. She isn't sure what she needs. Laurel Saville has created a character in which her feelings, her grief and sense of hopelessness, seem so very real. She is like a wounded bird you cannot resist but want to help.

I liked Dix instantly. I am not at all like him myself, but I wish I was. He gets things done. He fixes things. He respects the land and lives a relatively simple life. People think of him as just another local, uneducated and simple. They would be wrong. He is the local handyman who goes out of his way to help Miranda, taking her under his wing. Perhaps his biggest strength and also his biggest weakness is that he takes things as they are and doesn't often ask questions or sweat the small stuff. While admirable on one hand, it makes one wonder if it also meant a lost opportunity or two.

Then there is David, aka Darius, who is lost in his own way. Dropping out of college, he wanders aimlessly in search of a purpose. He stumbles on land and envisions building a life there--not just for himself, but for wounded people and troubled teens. Armed with the knowledge he has gained from self-help books and his own ego, he is sure he is the one who can save them. His good looks and charisma made me wary of him, but not so the other characters in the novel.

Sally was more of an enigma to me. I did not much care for her at first. She is a social worker by trade, and owns the land Darius wants to buy. She decides to stay on in the house with Darius, saying she wants to make sure he pays the mortgage. Perhaps loneliness drives her initially. That and Darius's good looks. I was disappointed in her as the novel continued, in her complacency particularly. She isn't dumb. She knows how the real world works, is a bit hardened because of her experiences, and obviously has a heart. By the end of the novel, she redeemed herself somewhat in my eyes.

As the novel progresses, the relationships of the characters evolve, and not always in the best or even expected ways. Perhaps this is what makes them so very human and real. You see Miranda's depression grow worse and her need to fill a void in her life grow. She ostracizes the one person who offers her a safe haven, turning instead to the false promise of The Source, the community Darius has put together which is made up of women and the occasional teen or two.

The novel is told in third person, divided into three sections. The narrative winds slowly along at times and speeds up at others, jumping days and weeks ahead. This sometimes can bother me in novels, but I felt it worked well in this one. I found North of Here to be a quiet and unassuming novel, as well as quite compelling. I became emotionally invested in the characters and their stories. I have so many questions on finishing the book--about the characters, about the choices they made. I can see this one being a good one for a book club. There's certainly a lot here to discuss.

To learn more about Laurel Saville and her work, please visit the author's website. She can also be found on Goodreads, Twitter, and Facebook.

I hope you will check out what others had to say about North of Here on the TLC Book Tours route!

Many thanks to the TLC Book Tours for the opportunity to be a part of this book tour. I selected this book as part of Amazon's First Program for Prime Members.

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Sunday Post: Family of Readers & Goodbye February

February always feels like such a short month. I suppose that makes sense, since it is. While I did not get as much reading as I hoped to this month, I think it turned out okay. I enjoyed the books I read, and that's what matters most, right?

What are you up to today? I will likely not be around the blogosphere much today. With this irresistible weather, my family and I will be out and about. Please don't panic if you post a comment and it doesn't appear right away. I moderate all comments to keep out the spam and will approve them as I can. I will be sure and stop in and visit you in the next day or so.

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.

Do your children, siblings, or other family members enjoy reading as much as you do? (submitted by Elizabeth)

While no one in my family has taken reading quite to the level I have (making it a more social activity, for instance), I am surrounded by a family of readers. My husband likes to read as does my daughter. Although, I suppose it would be more appropriate to say my daughter likes to be read to at this point.

As for the rest of my family: my father was an avid reader during his lifetime and instilled in me a love of history; and my mom enjoys reading immensely, and ensured I would too with frequent library visits when I was growing up. My brother came into reading late in life--so there is hope for those who might not be into books at a young age. I have aunts who devour books like there is no tomorrow, although both are very particular about their book choices. One aunt feels so strongly about books that all gifts she gives to children in the family must be books. So, as you can see, my family is made up of readers. Some might say a love for reading is in my genes.

Even so, I do not really talk about reading and books with my family very often--with the exception of my husband. My aunts and I are not that close. And while my mom, who also lives a good distance away, will sometimes come bearing books when she visits, we do not really read the same books.

What about you? Does anyone in your family share your passion for reading?

New to my shelves:

Sisters of Heart and Snow by Margaret Dilloway ~ I couldn't resist this story of two sisters brought together to help their dad with their mother who suffers from dementia. It also is the story of a real life female samurai, Tomoe Gozen. (Received from publisher for review)

The Martian by Andy Weir ~ This was actually one my husband bought, but at my request. Yes, I finally broke down and may actually read it. I loved the movie. (Purchased)

Fractured Light by Rachel McClellan ~ A young adult fantasy novel that caught my eye recently. (Purchased)

What I Am Reading: I am nearly done with Jaime Lee Moyer's Delia's Shadow, and enjoying it quite a bit. Thank you to all who voted for it in my February poll! I am not yet sure what I will be reading next. I have a couple books I am considering. Clea Simon's latest cat mystery The Ninth Life or perhaps Within a Captain's Hold by Lisa A. Olech, a historical pirate romance.

What I Am Watching: This week's episode of The Walking Dead was quieter than the mid-season premiere, but still a good one I thought. Blacklist continues to be interesting. I never know which direction that show will take me next. Mouse has gotten me interested in a Heidi cartoon series, which has brought back memories of the original book. It was always one of my favorite stories as a child.

What's Going On Off the Blog:A stomach bug was going around my daughter's school this past week, and Mouse was unable to escape it. Luckily, it was short lived. She is feeling much better now, and just in time for soccer on Saturday. We spent that afternoon buying birthday supplies for her upcoming birthday in two weeks. She was excited to be able to help pick everything out.

Mouse with her ball and a flower she just picked.

Challenge & Dare Update:

What's In a Name? Reading Challenge ~ One down, five to go.
Nonfiction Challenge ~ None yet. At least I set a low goal . . .
COYER ~ My unspoken goal was to read and review at least 10 books for the Clean Out Your E-Reads Challenge, and by the end of the challenge on March 4th, I will have come in just over that at 12. I just need to get those two more reviews posted.
The TBR Triple Dog Dare ~ I am doing well here too, sticking only to review books I received before January 1st. I did evoke one of my exceptions, that being my postal mail club book, which I read earlier this month. It is getting much harder to keep this one going, but I am determined to hold out until the end. One more month to go.
FitReaders ~ February was not a good month in terms of my getting off my tush and get moving. Although my daughter and I have been dancing to her favorite tunes in recent days . . . March will be better.

This Past Week In Reading Mews:

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

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Bookish Thoughts: The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

If I was going to kill the Prophet," I say, not even keeping my voice low, I'd do it in Africa."
~ Opening of The Chosen One

The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

St. Martin's Griffin, 2009

Fiction (YA); 213

Polygamy and cults have long been an interest of mine. I had a college professor who used to talk about his days studying cults, observing them up close and from a distance, helping former members recover once they got out. A few years ago I read just about everything I could get my hands on that dealt with cults and fundamentalism. Somehow, The Chosen One didn't make it onto my radar. I was quite excited at the opportunity to read it now that it had.

This is the story of 13-year-old Kyra who is one of the Chosen Ones, chosen to marry her much older uncle who is an Apostle of the polygamist sect her family belongs to. Krya has never been the most faithful in her family, sneaking off to read forbidden books or just to be alone . . . and then there's the boy she likes. The last thing she wants to do is marry her uncle, who already has six wives. Not to marry him means certain punishment not just for her, but for her family as well. Kyra loves her family dearly and must decide whether to stay or try to escape the only life she's ever known.

The Chosen One is a heartbreaking story. I have read similar stories about groups of people living together in a closed community, shut off from the modern world which they view is full of sin and the temptations of the devil. Polygamy is a way of life, girls being married off to older men, sometimes their own close relatives, while teenage boys are sent packing--a very real phenomenon called the Lost Boys. It is no different in Kyra's community. The rules are strict, and what the leader, the Prophet, says is law.

Kyra's own family is quite large. She's lived a relatively happy life. Her father and mothers are kind to her. She looks after her younger siblings. Kyra is easy to like--and easy to relate to. She is smart and very independent minded. It makes living in a community that values obedience above all else a bit difficult for her, however. She often wanders outside the gates of their community despite being told it is forbidden. She takes advantage of a book mobile that drives by now and then, relishing every opportunity she can to read books, books other than the Bible, which is the only book she is supposed to read. As many of us know, books open doors and windows into new ways of thinking. They expose us to the world outside our own lives. To someone like the Prophet, they are dangerous. To someone like Kyra, they are empowering.

As I mentioned before, it was impossible not to like Kyra and to root for her as the novel progressed. I soon was engrossed in Krya's life and story. The author does a good job of getting us in Kyra's head and understanding what she is going through. She is in a difficult position. Everything in me screamed, "Run away!" But I also realized that it wasn't so simple a decision for her to make given the circumstances, including what it might mean for the family she would be leaving behind.

This is one of those books that sort of crept up on me. I wasn't too sure about the writing style, given the novel is narrated by a rather naive 13-year-old with limited experience. It reads like the Young Adult novel it is. While the writing style may give the impression this is a book on the lighter side, it deals with serious issues. There are some violent and difficult scenes to read; one in particular, involving a young child, had me wanting to throw the book across the room because I was so mad.

The Chosen One was an emotional read, but one that I think is very important. While this story is fictional, there are groups like this out there. I still find myself thinking about Kyra and her sister Laura, wondering how each are faring. This is definitely a book I recommend reading.

To learn more about Carol Lynch Williams and her books, please visit the author's website. You can also find the author on Goodreads, Facebook, and Twitter.

Source: Many thanks to Rebecca Taylor of I'm Lost in Books for sharing this book with me through our postal bookclub!