2014

Posted in The Monday Check-In by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

Not a lofty, ambitious to-be-read list consisting of 100+ book titles. Just a simple plan for the upcoming week — what I’m reading now, what I plan to read next, and what I’m hoping to squeeze in among the nooks and crannies.

How did I do with last week’s agenda?

When Audrey Met Alice Archetype

I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing two new books right in time for their release dates last week:

When Audrey Met Alice by Rebecca Behrens: My review, along with the author’s guest post, is here.

Archetype by M. D. Waters: Suspenseful and altogether terrific. My review is here.

And then things went a bit astray, despite my careful planning…

The Fiery Cross (Outlander, #5) Instead of moving forward to the next ARC on my reading schedule, I decided to reread a truly massive book. So, for the past several days, I’ve been reading Diana Gabaldon’s The Fiery Cross — because I’m in the midst of an attack of Outlander obsession and felt the need to re-read the books I’m less familiar with in order to be ready for the upcoming new book in June. Sigh. I love it, but I’m also shaking my head at myself for starting a 1400 page book when I have so much else to read!

Fresh Catch:

Two very different books came my way this week:

Riot

Riot by Mary Casanova: I just received a review copy of this new book aimed at middle grade readers, set in 1989 during a labor dispute in Minnesota. It sounds quite interesting, if a bit outside of my usual reading topics.

Locke & Key, Vol. 6: Alpha & Omega I am completely thrilled that volume 6 of the incredible Locke & Key graphic novel series has finally been released! I think I need to hold off on reading #6, though, until I have time to re-read #5 (if not all of them), so that I can truly enjoy this final volume with all of the details fresh in my mind. I love these books!

What’s on my reading agenda for the coming week?

The Winter People See Jane Run The Time Tutor

Assuming I finish The Fiery Cross within the next few days (only 400 pages to go!), I’ll return to my regularly scheduled reading with:

The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon (which I started last week, then abandoned for my huge red book…)

See Jane Run by Hannah Jayne: I was intrigued by the premise of this new young adult novel, and will be participating in the blog tour next week.

The Time Tutor by Bee Ridgway: A prequel novella connected to The River of No Return — which was one of my very favorite books of 2013!

In addition:

House of Secrets (House of Secrets, #1) House of Secrets by Chris Columbus and Ned Vizzini: My son and I have practically stalled on our read-together venture with this book, but we haven’t quite abandoned it yet. We keep ending up with other things to do besides sitting down to read House of Secrets — which may be a sign that, despite being pretty fun so far, neither of us feels really grabbed by this book. We’ll keep going, and see if we get more into it this week.

The Outlander Book Club’s re-read of An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon continues! Coming up this week: Chapters 19 – 23. Want to join in? Contact me and I’ll provide all the details!

So many book, so little time…

That’s my agenda. What’s yours? Add your comments to share your bookish agenda for the week.

3Feb2014

The Monday Agenda 2/3/2014

Posted in The Monday Check-In by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

How did I do with last week’s agenda?

The Splendour Falls Midwinterblood When Audrey Met Alice

The Spendour Falls by Susanna Kearsley: Done! My review is here.

Midwinterblood by Marcus Sedgwick: Done! I’ve had this book on my shelf for almost a year now, and I’m so happy that I finally took the time to read it. An unforgettable book — no wonder it just won the Printz award! My review is here.

When Audrey Met Alice by Rebecca Behrens: Done! I just finished reading this terrifically entertaining middle grade novel about the life of a First Daughter who finds inspiration in the diary of a former First Daughter, Alice Roosevelt. Check out my blog tour post — today! — to read more about the book, hear some thoughts from the author, and get my take on it all!

Fresh Catch:

I was thrilled to receive these review books this week:

House of Glass The Serpent of Venice: A Novel

Two very different books — and I’m really looking forward to both!

What’s on my reading agenda for the coming week?

Archetype The Winter People

I’m excited to be reading:

Archetype by M. D. Waters

The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon

In addition:

House of Secrets (House of Secrets, #1) My son and I seem to have settled into House of Secrets by Chris Columbus and Ned Vizzini for our newest read-together book. So far, it’s strange and eerie, set in modern-day San Francisco but with all sorts of weird, occultish things happening already. And seriously, a family buying an old, supposedly haunted mansion in Sea Cliff for $300k? Clearly, something supernatural is going on!

The Outlander Book Club’s re-read of An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon is moving right along. Coming up this week: Chapters 14 – 18. Want to join in? Contact me and I’ll provide all the details!

So many book, so little time…

That’s my agenda. What’s yours? Add your comments to share your bookish agenda for the week.

27Jan2014

The Monday Agenda 1/27/2014

Posted in The Monday Check-In by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

How did I do with last week’s agenda?

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy The Swiss Affair Alienated (Alienated, #1)

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee: Done! My review is here.

The Swiss Affair by Emylia Hall: Done! My review is here.

Alienated by Melissa Landers: Done! My review is here.

Fresh Catch:

Just a few new books came my way this week:

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #1) Deep Secret (Magids, #1) Courtney Crumrin and the Night Things (Courtney Crumrin, #1)

Plus, a couple of new ARCs, but I think I’ll hold off on writing about those until I’m a bit closer to reading them!

What’s on my reading agenda for the coming week?

When Audrey Met Alice The Splendour Falls

When Audrey Met Alice by Rebecca Behrens: I’ll be participating in the blog tour for this new release in early February. The book looks terrific!

I’m caught up on all of my ARCs for January, so before moving on to the February list, I’m carving out time for a book from my shelf. I’m really can’t wait to read The Splendour Falls by Susanna Kearsley, whose books just never let me down!

House of Secrets (House of Secrets, #1) In the world of reading with my kiddo, we’ve had a tough time settling on a new book to read together. We started The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King, but it didn’t grab him. After that, we read the first chapter of Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones, which also went nowhere. Next, we’re going to try House of Secrets by Chris Columbus and Ned Vizzini. Third time’s the charm? We shall see.

The Outlander Book Club’s re-read of An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon is moving right along. Coming up this week: Chapters 9 – 13. Want to join in? Just let me know and I’ll provide all the details!

So many book, so little time…

That’s my agenda. What’s yours? Add your comments to share your bookish agenda for the week.

20Jan2014

The Monday Agenda 1/20/2014

Posted in The Monday Check-In by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

How did I do with last week’s agenda?

The Vanishing Dirty Magic (The Prospero's War, #1) Cruel Beauty Heartbeat

The Vanishing by Wendy Webb: Done! My review is here.

Dirty Magic by Jaye Wells: I read a few chapters, then decided it wasn’t for me — at least, not right now. It looks like fun urban fantasy, but I suppose I just wasn’t in the mood. Maybe another time.

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge: Done! My review is here.

Heartbeat by Elizabeth Scott: I just finished this book late on Sunday, with more than a few tears in my eyes. Review to follow.
Updated to add: The review for Heartbeat is up now, here.

Dinosaur Summer by Greg Bear: My kiddo and I finished reading this terrific sci-fi adventure story this past week. My thoughts on Dinosaur Summer are here.

Fresh Catch:

It’s a bonanza of books, some new and some picked up from the used bookstore:

The Splendour Falls Joe Golem and the Drowning City: An Illustrated Novel

The Haunting of Hill House Hollow City (Miss Peregrine, #2)

What’s on my reading agenda for the coming week?

First up, a couple of ARCs for January new releases:

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy The Swiss Affair

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee

The Swiss Affair by Emylia Hall

If I finish both of these, I’ll be caught up on review copies for the month, and can then indulge myself with a book or two just for me! The one I’m most looking forward to? The Splendour Falls by Susanna Kearsley! This is one author who has never let me down, and I’m really excited to read this new reissue of one of her older books.

My son and I are debating our choices for our next “together” book. Right now, we’re leaning toward The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King. So far, he’s liked the first few chapters that we’ve read, so this is looking like a definite maybe. My kiddo’s first Stephen King — what a great milestone!

The Outlander Book Club’s re-read of An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon is now underway! The goal is to read a chapter each weekday, from now until June, finishing just in time for the release of the next Outlander book, Written In My Own Heart’s Blood. Up this week in Echo: chapters 4 -8. Want to join in? Just let me know and I’ll provide all the details!

So many book, so little time…

That’s my agenda. What’s yours? Add your comments to share your bookish agenda for the week.

13Jan2014

The Monday Agenda 1/13/2014

Posted in The Monday Check-In by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

How did I do with last week’s agenda?

What Nora Knew

Snowblind Harrowgate

I read The Golem and the Jinni right at the end of 2013, but just posted my review this past week as part of the blog tour for the book’s paperback release. Plus, I had the pleasure of attending a reading by Helene Wecker this week as well, and it was wonderful! She even provided homemade macaroons… yum.

What Nora Knew by Linda Yellin: Done! My review is here.

Snowblind by Christopher Golden: Done! My review is here.

Harrowgate by Kate Maruyama: Done! My review is here.

Dinosaur Summer by Greg Bear: In the final stretch! The kiddo and I have about 30 pages left. Very intense! I should have a mother/son review up within the coming week.

Fresh Catch:

While I was at the author event for The Golem and the Jinni (held at one of my very favorite bookstores), I picked up a couple of additional books — one that I’d already read as a library book, and one that I just couldn’t resist:

Redshirts Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened

A few requests came in at the library this week as well. Now, to find time to read them…

After Dead: What Came Next in the World of Sookie Stackhouse (Sookie Stackhouse, #13.5) Vicious The Lucy Variations

Note: I’m glad I borrowed After Dead from the library. It took ten minutes to read. Completely unnecessary, IMHO.

What’s on my reading agenda for the coming week?

I’m trying to be very diligent about sticking to my schedule for all the ARCs waiting to be read. My next two review copies are:

The Vanishing Dirty Magic (The Prospero's War, #1)

The Vanishing by Wendy Webb

Dirty Magic by Jaye Wells

I’m nervous about whether I’ll be able to keep up my usual reading pace over the next few months, because starting this week, I have THIS coming up:

With Diana Gabaldon’s newest book, Written In My Own Heart’s Blood, due out in June, I know I’m in desperate need of a re-read of the previous one. The Outlander Book Club will be reading one chapter of An Echo in the Bone per day (weekdays only) from January 15th through June 9th. In case you’re keeping count, that’s 103 chapters! My copy of the book has 1,150 pages. So yeah, that’s quite a bit of additional reading I’ll be doing, on top of all the new and upcoming books I plan to read as well. (If anyone wants more info on the Echo re-read, just let me know! New members are always welcome!)

So many book, so little time…

That’s my agenda. What’s yours? Add your comments to share your bookish agenda for the week.

6Jan2014

The Monday Agenda 1/6/2014

Posted in The Monday Check-In by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

Welcome to the first Monday Agenda post of 2014! Kicking off the first full week of reading in this sparkly new year…

How did I do with last week’s agenda?

Runaways, Vol. 3: The Good Die Young (Runaways, #3) Perfect How to Save a Life

Runaways by Brian K. Vaughan et. al.: Done! Over the course of a day and a half, I did a binge-read of this entire series — and overall, loved it very much. The series is strongest from volumes 1 – 7, with Brian K. Vaughan at the helm. Once other writers take over, the series seems to lose focus, and I was much less impressed with volumes 8 – 11. Apparently the series was cancelled at that point, as #11 ends abruptly with a cliffhanger — sadly, never to be resolved. I feel disloyal even saying this, but even my adored Joss Whedon, who authored volume #8, can’t match the excellence and edginess of Brian K. Vaughan’s storytelling. Yes, I’m thrilled that I finally made time for Runaways — but could have lived without the last four volumes.

Perfect by Rachel Joyce: Done! My review is here.

How To Save a Life by Sara Zarr: Done! My review is here.

Dinosaur Summer by Greg Bear: My son and I have about 90 pages to go, and we’re right in the thick of the most exciting part of the book! It’s very hard not to peek ahead once my kiddo goes to sleep, but I’m being good. For now.

Fresh Catch:

No new paper-and-ink books this week, but I did get a new ARC and a couple of Kindle books that I’m excited for!

The Possibilities: A Novel Orphan Train Oh Dear Silvia

What’s on my reading agenda for the coming week?

What Nora Knew Snowblind

Harrowgate Parts & Wreck

I’ve just started What Nora Knew by Linda Yellin, which seems like good rom-com fun.

Next up, two books on the creepy side:

Snowblind by Christopher Golden
Harrowgate by Kate Maruyama

But, if I feel like switching things up a bit and going for light urban fantasy, I may give Parts & Wreck by Mark Henry a try.

So many book, so little time…

That’s my agenda. What’s yours? Add your comments to share your bookish agenda for the week.

30Dec2013

The Monday Agenda 12/30/2013

Posted in The Monday Check-In by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

How did I do with last week’s agenda?

The Promise of Amazing

The Promise of Amazing by Robin Constantine: Done! My review is here.

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker: It took me most of the week to finish this book, and I probably should have taken even more time to savor the gorgeous writing and storytelling. Wow. All I can say is wow. A beautiful, hopeful, passionate, wonderful book. I’m hosting a blog tour stop for this book on January 7th — so be sure to stop by! And — totally making my day — I just found out that the paperback release launch event will be held at one of my favorite bookstores next week, and I’m definitely planning to attend!

Fables, Vol. 19: Snow White (Fables, #19) Runaways, Vol. 1: Pride and Joy (Runaways, #1) Runaways, Vol. 2: Teenage Wasteland

In graphic novels, I had a terrific day tearing my way through three amazing books:
Fables: Snow White (Fables, volume 19)
Runaways: Pride and Joy
Runaways: Teenage Wasteland
You can see my raves about these books here.

What else happened in my bookish life this past week? Well, I wrote two end-of-year wrap-up posts, one focusing on the books I read, and one taking a look at my 2013 resolutions and seeing whether I lived up to them. (Quick spoiler: Yes and no!)

And in the realm of reading with my kiddo:

Dinosaur Summer by Greg Bear: My current read-aloud with my son. We’re soldiering on with this sci-fi read, but it’s slow going… especially during winter break, when there are so many other things to do besides go to bed on time!

Fresh Catch:

So many new books this week!

I picked up a used copy of a book I’ve been wanting, received an ARC in the mail, and won two bookish holiday giveaways!

The Far Side of the Sky After I'm Gone: A Novel

From Bookish, a book and matching tote bag. Cute!

From Little Brown, a box of books — some to keep for myself, some already claimed by friends and family. So cool!

What’s on my reading agenda for the coming week?

Perfect How to Save a Life What Nora Knew Runaways, Vol. 3: The Good Die Young (Runaways, #3)

Perfect by Rachel Joyce: A new book from the author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry! I’m looking forward to reading this ARC. The book’s release date is 1/7/2014.

How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr: I took this out of the library last week; better read it before it’s due!

If there’s time, then the next ARC on my list is What Nora Knew by Linda Yellin. And if there’s really time (or even if there’s not…), I think I’ll be continuing with my newest obsession, Runaways!

So many book, so little time…

That’s my agenda. What’s yours? Add your comments to share your bookish agenda for the week.

23Dec2013

The Monday Agenda 12/23/2013

Posted in The Monday Check-In by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

How did I do with last week’s agenda?

Gathering Storm The Firebird (Slains, #2) Dear Mr. Knightley

Gathering Storm by Maggie Craig: I read this wonderful historical novel the previous week, but posted a review and Q&A with the author just this past week.

The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley: Done! Loved it. My review is here.

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay: Done! My review is here.

What else happened this week in my reading life? Well, I freaked out a teensy bit about book genres. You can read all about it here.

And in the realm of reading with my kiddo:

Dinosaur Summer by Greg Bear: This sci-fi book isn’t the easiest for reading aloud, but my son and I are committed to seeing it through. It’s interesting, but not necessarily what we expected.

Fresh Catch:

Two new books came my way this week — both of which I tracked down based on recommendations from other book bloggers. Plus, I picked up a Sara Zarr novel at the library, since I enjoyed Roomies so much.

The Fate of Mercy Alban Howl's Moving Castle (Howl's Moving Castle, #1) How to Save a Life

What’s on my reading agenda for the coming week?

The Promise of Amazing

The Promise of Amazing by Robin Constantine: I’m looking forward to reading this ARC. The book’s release date is 12/31/2013.

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker: I’ve been wanting to read this book since the day it came out last spring! And now, with its paper release coming up at the end of this month, I’m finally committing to reading it. Plus, I’m scheduled to participate in the blog tour in January, so all systems are go!

One of my winter TBR top 10 picks is the Runaways graphic novel series. I’ve been hearing about it for years! Time to give it a try — and if I love volume 1, I’ll probably end up just plowing on through.

So many book, so little time…

That’s my agenda. What’s yours? Add your comments to share your bookish agenda for the week.

16Dec2013

The Monday Agenda 12/16/2013

Posted in The Monday Check-In by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

How did I do with last week’s agenda?

Roomies Gathering Storm The Firebird (Slains, #2)

Roomies by Sara Zarr and Tara Altebrando: Done! My review is here.

Gathering Storm by Maggie Craig: Done! Historical fiction set in Scotland in 1743 — not as “romance-y” as it looks. I’ll have a review posted a bit later in the week.

The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley: Just started — but I’m so excited to finally be reading this one!

Dinosaur Summer by Greg Bear: My son and I are about 80 pages into this science fiction novel, which is a follow-up to the 1912 novel The Lost World by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The early chapters were a bit confusing for both of us, but now the action in Dinosaur Summer is picking up and we’re having a slightly easier time with it. The jury is still out in terms of whether this will ultimately be an enjoyable choice for the kiddo and me — but we’re hanging in there!

Fresh Catch:

No new paper-and-ink books this week — which is a relief, since I’m about to be drowned by my TBR piles! I did pick up a few Kindle titles, taking advantage of holiday season price drops:

The Luminaries The Goldfinch The Knife of Never Letting Go (Chaos Walking, #1) After the Golden Age (Golden Age, #1)

What’s on my reading agenda for the coming week?

The Firebird (Slains, #2) Dear Mr. Knightley The Promise of Amazing

The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley: I’ve only just begun… so I expect this novel will take up most of my reading time this week.

BUT… if I’m able, then I’ll plan to start two ARCs that are in my queue for December:

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherin Reay

The Promise of Amazing by Robin Constantine

So many book, so little time…

That’s my agenda. What’s yours? Add your comments to share your bookish agenda for the week.

15Jul2013

The Monday Agenda 7/15/2013

Posted in The Monday Check-In by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

This past week marked my 1st anniversary as a blogger! It’s been a blast! Don’t forget to enter my giveaway.

How did I do with last week’s agenda?

Joyland by Stephen King: Done! My review is here.

Mist by Susan Krinard. Still working on it. To be honest, it feel likes a bit of a struggle not to “DNF” it, but I’m hoping I’ll feel differently if I just give it a bit more time.

Reading with the kiddo: We started The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis this week. Our Narnia adventure continues!

Fresh Catch:

Two new books this week, one from the library and one to keep:

Gorgeous Bring Up the Bodies (Thomas Cromwell, #2)

What’s on my reading agenda for the coming week?

I hope to finish Mist by Susan Krinard shortly. I’m ready to move on!

I was looking forward to reading my review copy of The Book of Secrets by Elizabeth Joy Arnold — but due to either human error (blushing) or a technical problem (sure, blame the other guy!), it didn’t get “sent to Kindle” when I thought it did… and now it’s archived and unavailable. Le sigh. Trying to figure out how to get my hands on a copy.

Meanwhile, if that doesn’t work, I’ll dive into some YA fiction, starting with Gorgeous, and if there’s time, one of my summer TBR books — most likely Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys.

So many book, so little time…

That’s my agenda. What’s yours? Add your comments to share your bookish agenda for the week.