Musings of a Bookish Kitty

Saturday, September 03, 2016

Sunday Post: August Wrap Up & September 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.

Happy September! I wish I could tell you the leaves are beginning to fall from the tree, but it's still pretty green. Autumn will be here in another two and a half weeks or so.

How are you this weekend? What are you up to? Did you have a good August? What was your favorite August read?

August Reading Wrap Up:

Books Read in August:

The Sixth Idea by P.J. Tracy
When I Found You by Kate James
The Ninja's Daughter by Susan Spann
The Whiskey Sea by Ann Howard Creel
Love Anthony by Lisa Genova
Lost in Geeklandia by E.J. Russell

Favorite August Read: While Love Anthony came close, I have to go with The Whiskey Sea.

Reading Challenges:

COYER Summer Vacation - It was such a busy summer. I did not get to all the books I had hoped, and I definitely did not link them to the Challenge blog like I was supposed to. I also was unable to attend any of the Twitter chats. Oh well. I knew going in that was a possibility.
What's In a Name Reading Challenge - I haven't made much progress on this one, having only read books in three of the six categories so far. I'm still in the running for this one, so don't give up on me yet!
Nonfiction Challenge - I have managed to read one book for this challenge so far, which was within my goal of reading one to five books. I still plan to try to read more before the year is out.
August Comment Challenge - This wonderful challenge was hosted by Lonna of FLYLēF and Alicia of A Kernel of Nonsense, having ended August 31st. I was lucky enough to be paired with Nina from By Page or By Plane, I had such fun visiting with Nina this past month. She's insightful, and witty and has good taste in books. If you haven't, I highly recommend you check out her blog. She's worth following and getting to know!

New to My Shelves:

September's My Lit Box subscription arrived in the mail Friday. I was delighted by what I found inside. I recently read When the Moon is Low by Nadia Hashimi, one of my favorite books read so far this year. And so when I discovered A House Without Windows inside, I may have let out a squeal. There's even a signed nameplate inside! The theme this month is Home. Home comes in all shapes and sizes, and not all are safe places. For Zeba, home has become a prison cell while she awaits trial. The postcard and notebook with images of cameras are a reflection on one of the things we treasure most in our homes--photographs of our loved ones. And a mug for that warm drink to enjoy at home. The Out of Print Banned Books mug in particular is a reminder that not everyone enjoys or has access to the privileges and liberties many of us in the world do.

What I Am Reading: I recently finished reading Blame It On a Cowboy by Delores Fossen, which I will be reviewing for a tour next month. I am now reading Fractured by Catherine McKenzie--from romantic suspense to a straight up thriller. I am excited about what September will bring book wise.

What I Am Watching: What haven't I watched? I was laid up sick for a couple of days this past week and caught up on the fifth season of Orange is the New Black and finally was able to see the last half of Stranger Things. I enjoyed both quite a bit. My daughter and I are continuing to enjoy watching Once Upon a Time together. I tried to talk her into watching Ever After, one of my favorite movies, but she hasn't taken the bait yet. I will keep working on her.

What's Going On Off the Blog: I am so glad the long weekend is finally here. Work has been extremely busy, and then I have been sick. I tried to work through it, but it got the better of me. I'm still fighting it, in fact. The summer is the worst time for the flu.

Mouse started Kindergarten this past week, and seems to really like it. My husband is finding drop-offs hard though. Mouse hasn't made it a day yet without tears. She seems to be settling well into her new routine otherwise. She's made friends and seems to really like her teacher.

My husband's cousin is still in the hospital after having a heart attack. His 14 year old son saved his life, performing CPR before the paramedics arrived. He is in a medical induced coma, his condition very serious. It comes hot on the heels of a death in the family, and so you can imagine it wasn't the best week.

This Past Week In Reading Mews:

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 have books stacked in every room of your house or are you strictly a believer that books belong on bookshelves? (submitted by Elizabeth)

As I packed for our move six years ago, I had to let go of a lot of books. Over 500, several of which I had bought and lost interest in before I actually read them. I still ended up bringing 40 boxes of books with me. In our old house, I had books everywhere. Shelved. Stacked. Piled. Books were in every room. Our spare bedroom in particular was full of books. They covered the twin bed, every surface of the desk, inside the closet, on shelves, and covered the entire floor with the exception of a small spot I could sit down in if need be. The impending move proved a blessing in that it finally got me to go through those books more thoroughly and clear some space for my daughter as that was to be her room, even if only for a short time.

When we moved, I made a vow to myself that I would step back from book buying to both save money and not let my book collection overtake my house like it had at the old house. I have also tried to be better about giving books away after I read them unless I plan to read the book again, something that I find easier said than done sometimes. I love books. And I love being surrounded by books. But there is such a thing as too much. Last year I posted photos of my bookshelves; the only difference between then and now is that there are no empty spaces. We have bookshelves in just about every room, some double shelved. I have a few stacks here and there, but not too many.
.

What about you? Do you keep your books on shelves or do they overflow into piles and stacks around the house?

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.

Can you guess the common theme in this month's three choices? All are books I am eager to read. So much so, I hate that I have to wait a week to see which one you vote for. The covers link back to Goodreads if you want to know more about each book.

The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman ~ The first in a series featuring a professional spy for the mysterious Library that collects fiction from different realities. Her latest assignment turns up missing before she can retrieve it.

Murder at the 42nd Street Library by Con Lehane ~ The first in a series featuring a librarian, or more specifically, a curator in the crime collection, who uncovers secrets within the old library and reluctantly ends up on the trail of a murderer.

Wishing Cross Station by February Grace ~ A young college library page looking into a mysterious donation travels in back in time, finding the unexpected, including possibly love.

Have you read any of these? If so, what did you think?

I will not be posting this week, but will be back next week. In the meantime, have a wonderful week!

© 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.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Shelf Control: Midnight Never Come by Marie Brennan

Shelf Control hosted by Lisa of Bookshelf Fantasies "is all about the books we want to read — and already own! Consider this a variation of a Wishing & Waiting post… but looking at books already available sitting right there on our shelves and e-readers."

Midnight Never Come by Marie Brennan (Orbit, 2008; 400 pgs)

Goodreads Summary:

England flourishes under the hand of its Virgin Queen: Elizabeth, Gloriana, last and most powerful of the Tudor monarchs.

But a great light casts a great shadow.

In hidden catacombs beneath London, a second Queen holds court: Invidiana, ruler of faerie England, and a dark mirror to the glory above. In the thirty years since Elizabeth ascended her throne, fae and mortal politics have become inextricably entwined, in secret alliances and ruthless betrayals whose existence is suspected only by a few.

Two courtiers, both struggling for royal favor, are about to uncover the secrets that lie behind these two thrones. When the faerie lady Lune is sent to monitor and manipulate Elizabeth's spymaster, Walsingham, her path crosses that of Michael Deven, a mortal gentleman and agent of Walsingham's. His discovery of the "hidden player" in English politics will test Lune's loyalty and Deven's courage alike. Will she betray her Queen for the sake of a world that is not hers? And can he survive in the alien and Machiavellian world of the fae? For only together will they be able to find the source of Invidiana's power—find it, and break it…

A breathtaking novel of intrigue and betrayal set in Elizabethan England; Midnight Never Come seamlessly weaves together history and the fantastic to dazzling effect.

How I got it: A holiday gift swap

When I got it: December 2009

Why I want to read it: I love the genre and novels featuring the fae. Not to mention Marie Brennan is an author I have been wanting to read for ages now. Her books come highly recommended, and I love the sound of them.

Have you read this book? If so, what did you think? Should I move it up in my TBR pile?

Monday, August 29, 2016

Where Is Your Bookmark: Including Mouse's Corner Edition of the Top Ten Tuesday List (Mostly)

I am definitely in the mood for something light after reading Love Anthony by Lisa Genova. Here's a taste from the book I just started, Lost in Geeklandia by E.J. Russell, which about a woman who "has 30 days to turn her enemy into her boyfriend..." using a computer matchmaking computer program.

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.

The hotel ballroom doors whooshed closed behind Charlie Forrester, muffling the sound of wedding guests hooting at the groomsmen dancing to "Too Sexy for My Shirt." The lobby was mercifully empty, and she leaned against the wall, the silence easing her skittering nerves.

Weddings. Just shoot me now. This was the fourth one she'd sneaked out of in two months.

Every Tuesday, Jenn from Books And A Beat hosts Teaser Tuesdays at which time participants grab their current read, open to a random page, and share two (2) "teaser" sentences from that page while avoiding any spoilers.

Random teaser from 25% of Lost in Geeklandia:

Charlie sat on the edge of the sofa, afraid that if she sank back into the cushions while wearing her shrink-wrapped outfit, she'd never get out again. She clasped her hands between her knees, and her gaze snapped to the distracting color on her nails. Manicures. Nail polish. Nail extensions. Lord.

What do you think? Would you keep reading?

Charlie, our heroine, is clearly not comfortable in social settings, as we can see from the opening paragraphs of Lost in Geeklandia.

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 is a Back To School Freebie and so I thought I would share six books that have helped my daughter get into the Kindergarten spirit, and then, to top the list off, three books I am looking forward to reading now that the school year has started. Can you guess which are which?

1. The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing and illustrated by Julie Durrell is similar in vein to the well known Night Before Christmas story, only it is about children preparing for Kindergarten the night before their first day as well as their first day. One of my favorite scenes in the book is of the kids having a great time while the parents look on . . . sniffling and tear-filled eyes. That was me!

2. Ready for Kindergarten, Stinky Face? by Lisa McCourt and illustrated by Cyd Moore is a witty and cute story about a child who is afraid of going to Kindergarten. His mother counters all of of his worst fears by turning them into something fun, whether it be a sink only pouring out grape juice or a hungry armadillo chasing the kids during art class.

3. Hedgehog Goes to Kindergarten by Lynne Marie and illustrated by Anne Kennedy is about a Hedgehog who is afraid of riding the school bus for the first time. Making friends doesn't prove very easy given his physical form; he is rather prickly, after all.

4. Go to School, Little Monster by Helen Ketteman and illustrated by Bonnie Leick is the story of Little Monster's first day of school. I just love the Little Monster books and so does my daughter. Although so different lifestyle wise (we don't eat worms or ride on dragons during recess), there is much to relate to in these books. And the artwork is just beautiful.

5. Kindergarten, Here I Come! by D. J. Steinberg and illustrated by Mark Chambers, which offers children a look at what they might expect in Kindergarten.

6. Happy Halloween Mittens by Lola M. Schaefer and illustrated by Susan Kathleen Hartung is an "I Can Read" story about a boy and his cat. The cat who is always getting in the way proves he has a talent for helping decorate for Halloween. Such a cute book!

7. The Last Day of Kindergarten by Nancy Loewen and illustrated by Sachiko Yoshikawa, which is about a young girl remembering the fun she had in kindergarten and how excited she is to be graduating.

8. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen is just one of the Jane Austen novels I want to read, but it is the most likely the one of hers I will read next. It is described as a Gothic parody, and everything about it sounds intriguing.

9. Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyers has been on my to read list since I first heard about it and this year I actually plan to read it. It is a re-telling of the Cinderella fairytale, in a post war setting. It's got elements of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Dystopia.

10. U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton is the next in the Kinsey Milhone series I need to read. I am way behind, and would really like to catch up. This is one of my favorite mystery series, and so I have no good excuse.

Have you read any of these books? What books would make your back to school book list?

Kindergarten, here Mouse comes!

Sunday, August 28, 2016

From the Archives: A Blogging Retrospective - August 2006

[Post idea ~~stolen~~ ~~borrowed~~ inspired by Kay of Kay's Reading Life's Bookish Nostalgia and Stacy of Stacy's Books' A Look Back features. Thank you, Ladies!]

I spent less time amongst the pages of books this month than I have in the last couple of months, but my August adventures were no less worthwhile. I traveled the world and through time, ducked a few physical and magical blows, tracked down the bad guys, and breathed in the ocean air.

And so August of 2006 came to an end. After starting my book blogging career with a bang (16 posts in the later half of the previous month), I settled into what would become my average for the next couple months with 9 posts.

I cross-posted a couple reviews I had written for the website Front Street Reviews, which is no longer in business, as well as a few from Curled Up With a Good Book, mixing it up with books of my own. The one book I won from Harper Collins First Look Program, was my first DNF of the year. The book was Haweswater by Sarah Hall, a historical fiction novel set in 1936 England. While the prologue drew me in, I was soon bored, weighed down by description, and decided it best to set the book aside. I never returned to it.

I tried out a new mystery series called Targets of Affection by RG Willems featuring a veterinary technician, that tackled the heavy topics of animal and child abuse. Although at times on the slow side, I enjoyed the novel and getting to know the characters. The relationship between Shelby, the protagonist, and her husband, as well as her dog, Spin, especially stood out for me.

The Shattered Blue Line by Patrick A. Davis was a new to me type mystery, a military thriller, set at the Air Force Academy. Murder and politics always mean high stakes, and it proves true in this case too. Continuing with the thriller theme, I read and enjoyed my first George Pelecanos' novel, The Night Gardener. I had heard a lot about Pelecanos and was eager to give his work a try. True to expectation, the novel was dark and gritty, where nothing was simply black and white. While The Shattered Blue Line was more about guilt and atonement, The Night Gardener was centered around our actions and their consequences.

Stepping a little out of my comfort zone, I agreed to read a Christian thriller novel, the first in a trilogy by Lisa T. Bergren called The Begotten, in August of 2006. The novel has some fantasy elements and was overall an entertaining read. Not enough, however, for me to go on and finish the trilogy.

Catherine Chidgey's The Strength of the Sun stands out from my August reads that month ten years ago because it was the only book that I reviewed that didn't qualify as a mystery. The past and the present, as well as the characters lives, are woven together in a story about loss, love, and human connectedness.

That August, I revisited two series I enjoyed. It was good to visit again with protagonist, Melanie Vargas, a federal prosecutor in a series by Michelle Martinez. The Finishing School is the second in the series. Melanie is a great character, and it was interesting to see how she balanced motherhood with work, especially with such a demanding job. I ended the month visiting with my favorite wizard, Harry Dresden in Proven Guilty. I always feel a bit out of breath after finishing one of Jim Butcher's novels.

On a personal front, I discovered that month my request to change shifts at work was accepted. At the end of the month, I would move from the swing shift to the day shift, or so I hoped. My husband and I were enjoying the second season of Veronica Mars, and Parker and Riley were as playful as ever. And so concludes my August of 2016.

Have you read any of these books? If so, what did you think?

Do you remember what you were reading 10 years ago?

What was the last book you read that was outside of your comfort zone?

Saturday, August 27, 2016

Sunday Post: New Books, Soccer & Busy Times

The weather has been wonderful this weekend. It almost feels like fall is on its way; although, I suppose that will change quickly as another heat wave is on its way. Summer never gives up easily. And it's too soon for wishful thinking.

How have you all been? I hadn't meant to be away last week, but life has been crazy. It will probably be like that for awhile until our family settles into our new routine. Changes are afoot at work too, which means getting used to new routines there as well.

What are you reading this weekend? Have you watched anything you would recommend?

Here's what I've been up to:

New to My Shelves:

Fractured by Catherine McKenzie

(from the publisher for tour review)

and

Peanut Butter and Cupcake by Terry Border
(purchased for my daughter)

What I Am Reading: I am behind in my reading. I still haven't started my August TBR book. And I'm slowly making way through Love Anthony by Lisa Genova for my postal mail group. It isn't that I am not enjoying it. It just touches on two topics I do not like to read about (infidelity and the death of a child). Not to mention I have been very busy as of late. Work has picked up considerably now that school is in session and with the start of school and the soccer season for Mouse . . . well, you get the picture.

What I Am Listening To: My cat purring.

What I Am Watching: A couple weeks ago I got the rare opportunity to catch a movie by myself in the theater. The Suicide Squad fit into my available time slot just perfectly, and I had been wanting to see it. I am not too familiar with comic villains, but I do love a good superhero movie. I thought it was entertaining and action-packed, even if violent and very dark.

Mouse and I have been watching the first season of Once Upon a Time (my second time around). She's quite fond of Henry's character and has added Emma and Henry characters to her imaginary play when she's playing with her princess toys (except in her world, the two are married--not mother and son).

I got the chance to see the latest episode of Fear of the Walking Dead now that the second season has resumed. The episode focused on Nick, and was quite good, I thought, portraying the suffering and desperation he was going through as he struggled to survive.

What's Going On Off the Blog: Mouse had her first soccer game Saturday. At this age, the teams don't keep score. It is obvious some of the girls have more experience than others. And even despite my daughter's own experience, she isn't the most competitive or aggressive. Of course, it's all about having fun at this age and just learning to keep the ball going in the right direction.

Before Game Huddle

It didn't help that Mouse was not feeling her best. Her allergies got the better of her and her swim lesson on Friday didn't help. She ended up with an ear infection. She's now on antibiotics and is feeling much better.

Mouse and I attended the meet and greet with her teacher Friday, and we got to meet some of Mouse's new classmates. There was a scavenger hunt so the kids would be familiar with the layout of the classroom. When we left the school that afternoon, Mouse couldn't stop talking about how she was looking forward to starting school on Monday.

Mixed in with all that was a stressful week at work and some bad news on the home front. I was feeling emotionally exhausted going into this weekend, and am so glad it is finally here.

The Past Two Weeks In Reading Mews:

Around the Blogosphere:

Nina of By Page or By Plane shares her thoughts on a classic I hope to read before the year is out. I'm so glad she liked it! - Classic of the Month ft. Northanger Abbey - A new book on my wish list thanks to Iliana of Bookgirl's Nightstand
People Who Knew Me by Kim Hooper - A new book on my wish list thanks to Iliana of Bookgirl's Nightstand
Kristen of Metaphors and Moonlight wants to know: DISCUSSION: Do Spoilers Actually Ruin Books? What do you think?
Trish of Love, Laughter, and a Touch of Insanity talks about Finding Our New Normal. Several of us book bloggers have kindergartners just starting school. So I know they can relate to this post as much as I do.
Lindsay of Lindsay's Library wants to know: Do You Have a Favorite Genre?

Can you say this sentence describes you? READING IS MY PASSION. (submitted by Elizabeth)

According to Merriam Webster's simple definition, passion means

: a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something

: a strong feeling (such as anger) that causes you to act in a dangerous way

Considering I have walked into a wall or two while entranced by a book that has me gripped in its thrall, I guess you could say my strong feelings for reading have caused me to act in a dangerous way. I also am able to tune everything out around me, which is risky when someone you love is trying to talk to you. Mostly though, my passion for reading falls under the "feeling of enthusiasm or excitement" category. I suffer withdrawals if I go without reading for long, my mind aching to read the written word. I like to always carry a book with me, wherever I go, even when I know I will not be able to read. I feel lost when I don't have a book with me. I cannot imagine my life without books. So, yes, reading is my passion. At least one of them, anyway.

Is reading one of your passions?

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