Tag Archives: to read

The Monday Check-In ~ 12/14/2020

Posted in The Monday Check-In by

cooltext1850356879 My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

We’re halfway through Hanukkah, and despite COVID restrictions, so far it’s been a good one! We’ve had delicious latkes, played dreydel, and have done some creative family Zooming so we could light candles with our loved ones around the country.

Looking forward to being able to celebrate in person together next year!

What did I read during the last week?

The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones: Powerful, unique horror. My review is here.

The Wicked King by Holly Black: Finished book #2 in the Folk of the Air trilogy (an audiobook re-read). Just as great the second time around!

West End Girls by Jenny Colgan: Fun, light contemporary fiction. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I binge-watched all of season 1 and most of season 2 of The Spanish Princess this week, and got completely hooked. For the most part, I’m loving it — despite the ridiculous maternity armor. And also, isn’t maternity armor kind of awesome?

Puzzle of the week:

I didn’t actually work on any puzzles this week, but a terrific family member who apparently really gets me gave me a puzzle and a puzzle mat for Hanukkah!

Fresh Catch:

A couple of weeks ago, I attended an online event featuring Rachel Bloom and Yael Grobglas, and this week, the book that came with the ticket arrived:

I’m so excited! Can’t wait to start reading this!

(And PS – it was an awesome event! Here’s a screenshot, which doesn’t nearly capture how much fun it was to hear these two actors in conversation):

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig: I bought a copy a few weeks ago, and I’m just finally getting started. And what do you know — it’s the 2020 Goodreads Choice Award winner for fiction!

Now playing via audiobook:

The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black: Book 3! Such an amazing trilogy.

Ongoing reads:

Outlander Book Club is re-reading Outlander! We’re reading and discussing one chapter per week. This week: Chapter 27, “The Last Reason”.

Our current classic read is part 2 of Don Quixote. My book group is reading and discussing three chapters per week. Plugging along…

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #246: When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka

Posted in Shelf Control by
Shelves final

Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out my introductory post, here.

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. See the guidelines at the bottom of the post, and jump on board!

Title: When the Emperor Was Divine
Author: Julie Otsuka
Published: 2002
Length: 144 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

On a sunny day in Berkeley, California, in 1942, a woman sees a sign in a post office window, returns to her home, and matter-of-factly begins to pack her family’s possessions. Like thousands of other Japanese Americans they have been reclassified, virtually overnight, as enemy aliens and are about to be uprooted from their home and sent to a dusty internment camp in the Utah desert.

In this lean and devastatingly evocative first novel, Julie Otsuka tells their story from five flawlessly realized points of view and conveys the exact emotional texture of their experience; the thin-walled barracks and barbed-wire fences, the omnipresent fear and loneliness, the unheralded feats of heroism. When the Emperor Was Divine is a work of enormous power that makes a shameful episode of our history as immediate as today’s headlines.

How and when I got it:

I bought a used copy about 2 – 3 years ago.

Why I want to read it:

This book was a required summer reading assignment for my son right before his junior year of high school. No big surprise — he didn’t end up reading it. (I don’t think he’s clear on the meaning of “required”.) But once we had a copy in the house, I knew I’d need to read it eventually.

I’ve always been interested in learning more about the horrific treatment of Japanese Americans during WWII. I’ve read both historical and fictional accounts of the experiences of those sent to the internment camps. I know When the Emperor Was Divine is highly rated, although I don’t know anyone directly who’s read it.

I’m glad to have stumbled across our copy while looking for a Shelf Control book this week! I’m going to try to make it a priority in 2021.

Have you read this book? Would you want to?

Please share your thoughts!

Literary Potpourri


__________________________________

Want to participate in Shelf Control? Here’s how:

  • Write a blog post about a book that you own that you haven’t read yet.
  • Add your link in the comments or link back from your own post, so I can add you to the participant list.
  • Check out other posts, and…

Have fun!

The Monday Check-In ~ 12/7/2020

Posted in The Monday Check-In by

cooltext1850356879 My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

What do you know? This happened, and I wasn’t even aware that I was close:

Reading three graphic novels in a row on Saturday pushed me over the top!

Looking ahead, Hanukkah will be here Thursday night… and while we’ll be pretty low-key this year, it’s always a favorite holiday at my house. If you didn’t see the amazing Hanukkah video I shared a few days ago, check it out here — my entire family has been watching it over and over again.

What did I read during the last week?

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata: A strangely charming little book. Worth checking out!

Watch Over Me by Nina LaCour: Beautiful YA novel. My review is here.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black: I finished the audiobook! This was a re-read for me, and I loved it all over again.

And here are the graphic novels that got me to my reading goal over the weekend. Lumberjanes is a cute, girl-power series about best friends having wacky adventures at a bizarre summer camp. Charming — I need the next few from the library!

Pop culture & TV:

My royal historical binge-watching continues! I watched all of The White Princess this week, and while I was pretty often annoyed, it also made an impact — there are certain historical elements that I just can’t stop thinking about. Moving on to The Spanish Princess!

On a sadder note, I watched Diana: In Her Own Words on Netflix. It’s a very moving documentary, with recordings of Diana’s interviews providing the narration. She’s such a tragic character, and this made me quite emotional all over again.

Puzzle of the week:

Cute kitty alert!

Ugh, I can never get a decent picture of my puzzles. But you get the idea… so many kitties.

Fresh Catch:

I received a bookish gift – yay!

Meanwhile, I had an accumulation of gift cards and credits burning a hole in my pocket, so I treated myself (and went a little overboard):

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones: My library hold came in! I’m just getting started, but it’s grabbing my attention from page 1.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Wicked King by Holly Black: Continuing onward with my audio re-read of the Folk of the Air trilogy. I love these books!

Ongoing reads:

Outlander Book Club is re-reading Outlander! We’re reading and discussing one chapter per week. This week: Chapter 26, “The Laird’s Return”.

Our current classic read is part 2 of Don Quixote. My book group is reading and discussing three chapters per week. Plugging along…

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #245: Unmentionable: The Victorian Lady’s Guide to Sex, Marriage, and Manners by Therese Oneill

Posted in Shelf Control by
Shelves final

Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out my introductory post, here.

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. See the guidelines at the bottom of the post, and jump on board!

Title: Unmentionable: The Victorian Lady’s Guide to Sex, Marriage, and Manners
Author: Therese Oneill
Published: 2016
Length: 307 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

Have you ever wished you could live in an earlier, more romantic era?

Ladies, welcome to the 19th century, where there’s arsenic in your face cream, a pot of cold pee sits under your bed, and all of your underwear is crotchless. (Why? Shush, dear. A lady doesn’t question.)

UNMENTIONABLE is your hilarious, illustrated, scandalously honest (yet never crass) guide to the secrets of Victorian womanhood, giving you detailed advice on:

~ What to wear
~ Where to relieve yourself
~ How to conceal your loathsome addiction to menstruating
~ What to expect on your wedding night
~ How to be the perfect Victorian wife
~ Why masturbating will kill you
~ And more

Irresistibly charming, laugh-out-loud funny, and featuring nearly 200 images from Victorian publications, UNMENTIONABLE will inspire a whole new level of respect for Elizabeth Bennett, Scarlet O’Hara, Jane Eyre, and all of our great, great grandmothers.

(And it just might leave you feeling ecstatically grateful to live in an age of pants, super absorbency tampons, epidurals, anti-depressants, and not-dying-of-the-syphilis-your-husband-brought-home.)

How and when I got it:

I picked up an e-book copy of this book in 2017.

Why I want to read it:

I really don’t remember where I first came across this book, but doesn’t it sound amazing? As a fan of Victorian era fiction, I know I’ve found myself daydreaming about an idealized version of life in those times, with all the complicated clothes and social niceties and balls and courting rituals.

But oh, the reality! Just reading the description of this book makes me cringe (and makes me super thankful for running water, modern medicine, and the freedom to dress comfortably). I’m so curious about this book, and look forward to diving in and learning about the cold heart facts of intimate Victorian life.

Have you read this book? Would you want to?

Please share your thoughts!

Literary Potpourri


__________________________________

Want to participate in Shelf Control? Here’s how:

  • Write a blog post about a book that you own that you haven’t read yet.
  • Add your link in the comments or link back from your own post, so I can add you to the participant list.
  • Check out other posts, and…

Have fun!

The Monday Check-In ~ 11/30/2020

Posted in The Monday Check-In by

cooltext1850356879 My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

Aaaah. There’s something glorious about a four-day weekend, isn’t there? Even without leaving town, it feels so heavenly to get those extra days to just rest, read, and be outdoors. Bliss!

I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving! We enjoyed our small little gathering (especially the pecan pie and lemon bars for dessert – yum!)

What did I read during the last week?

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab: Beautiful story, beautifully written. My review is here.

The Boys by Garth Ennis: I’ve been loving the series on Amazon Video, but the comic book version is just way too gross and graphic for me. I won’t be reading any further volumes.

Battle Ground (Dresden Files, #17) by Jim Butcher: I love the Dresden Files series, but this volume felt like all action and no story, and was a slog to get through. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I’m now half-way through season 2 of Virgin River, and it’s… exactly what you’d expect it to be. Beautiful scenery, kind of sappy but still strangely satisfying romantic elements, quirky townspeople… No major surprises, but really fun to watch.

Puzzle of the week:

Can I go here now, please?

Fresh Catch:

Hurray for a new Holly Black book!

And something else new that’s bookish, but not a book:

I ordered this wonderful bookmark pouch on Etsy, and it arrived this week. I love it so much!

You can get one too, in all different patterns and colors. Check out the link and discount code at Traveling Sisters Book Reviews.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata: As I write this post late Sunday, I’m just about to start this book, so I really don’t know anything about it yet, other than that it’s short (yay!) and comes highly recommended by a trusted book friend.

But wait! What about Discworld? After four months of starting a new Discworld book on the 1st of the month, I’m going to take a pass on December 1st. I have so much else to read, and honestly, I’m just not feeling it at the moment.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black: This is a re-read, and I’m loving it. Should be finished in the next day or two, and plan to listen to the other two books in the trilogy right afterwards.

Ongoing reads:

Outlander Book Club is re-reading Outlander! We’re reading and discussing one chapter per week. This week: Chapter 25, “Thou Shalt Not Suffer a Witch to Live”.

Our current classic read is part 2 of Don Quixote. My book group is reading and discussing three chapters per week. Plugging along…

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #244: The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth

Posted in Shelf Control by
Shelves final

Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out my introductory post, here.

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. See the guidelines at the bottom of the post, and jump on board!

Title: The Miseducation of Cameron Post
Author: Emily M. Danforth
Published: 2012
Length: 485 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

When Cameron Post’s parents die suddenly in a car crash, her shocking first thought is relief. Relief they’ll never know that, hours earlier, she had been kissing a girl.

But that relief doesn’t last, and Cam is soon forced to move in with her conservative aunt Ruth and her well-intentioned but hopelessly old-fashioned grandmother. She knows that from this point on, her life will forever be different. Survival in Miles City, Montana, means blending in and leaving well enough alone (as her grandmother might say), and Cam becomes an expert at both.

Then Coley Taylor moves to town. Beautiful, pickup-driving Coley is a perfect cowgirl with the perfect boyfriend to match. She and Cam forge an unexpected and intense friendship–one that seems to leave room for something more to emerge. But just as that starts to seem like a real possibility, ultrareligious Aunt Ruth takes drastic action to “fix” her niece, bringing Cam face-to-face with the cost of denying her true self–even if she’s not exactly sure who that is.

The Miseducation of Cameron Post is a stunning and unforgettable literary debut about discovering who you are and finding the courage to live life according to your own rules. 

How and when I got it:

I found a copy on the book swap shelf at work.

Why I want to read it:

I remember seeing positive reviews for this book over the years, and I know there was a movie version too. After reading Plain Bad Heroines this fall, I’m really interested in reading more by this author.

I haven’t been reading much YA this year, but this does sounds like a good one!

Have you read this book? Would you want to?

Please share your thoughts!

Literary Potpourri


__________________________________

Want to participate in Shelf Control? Here’s how:

  • Write a blog post about a book that you own that you haven’t read yet.
  • Add your link in the comments or link back from your own post, so I can add you to the participant list.
  • Check out other posts, and…

Have fun!

The Monday Check-In ~ 11/23/2020

Posted in The Monday Check-In by

cooltext1850356879 My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

Happy (almost) Thanksgiving! I hope everyone is staying safe and planning low-key holiday celebrations. Enjoy your pie and turkey!

What did I read during the last week?

The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware: My book group book for November. Meh. Just a 3-star read for me. My review is here.

The Princes in the Tower by Alison Weir: Fascinating history. My review is here.

Clanlands by Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish: I listened to the audio version of these two actors’ fabulous Scottish adventure. My review (and a fun trailer) are here.

Pop culture & TV:

I finished season 4 of The Crown, and loved it. But I’m sad that we’ve reached the end of this particular cast, as new actors will take over to portray the royals in seasons 5 and 6.

I’m also so happy that His Dark Materials is back! Season 2 is off to a great start.

Puzzle of the week:

Another fun one!

Fresh Catch:

It’s a new Seanan McGuire book! Always a reason to cheer.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab: I’ve read about 100 pages so far — dying to see what happens!

Now playing via audiobook:

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black: I read this book earlier in 2020, but I happened to see that the library had the audiobook available to borrow, and I think revisiting this terrific trilogy sounds like a great idea!

Ongoing reads:

Outlander Book Club is re-reading Outlander! We’re reading and discussing one chapter per week. This week: Chapter 24, “By the Pricking of My Thumbs”.

Our current classic read is part 2 of Don Quixote. My book group is reading and discussing three chapters per week. I solemnly swear that I’m going to try my best to keep up!

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #243: The City in the Middle of the Night by Charlie Jane Anders

Posted in Shelf Control by
Shelves final

Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out my introductory post, here.

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. See the guidelines at the bottom of the post, and jump on board!

cropped-flourish-31609_1280-e1421474289435.png

Title: The City in the Middle of the Night
Author: Charlie Jane Anders
Published: 2019
Length: 366 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

Would you give up everything to change the world?

Humanity clings to life on January–a colonized planet divided between permanently frozen darkness on one side, and blazing endless sunshine on the other.

Two cities, built long ago in the meager temperate zone, serve as the last bastions of civilization–but life inside them is just as dangerous as the uninhabitable wastelands outside.

Sophie, a young student from the wrong side of Xiosphant city, is exiled into the dark after being part of a failed revolution. But she survives–with the help of a mysterious savior from beneath the ice.

Burdened with a dangerous, painful secret, Sophie and her ragtag group of exiles face the ultimate challenge–and they are running out of time.

Welcome to the City in the Middle of the Night 

How and when I got it:

I bought this book in February 2019, as soon as it was released.

Why I want to read it:

I’ve read the author’s previous novel, All the Birds in the Sky, and loved it. I’ve also been a fan of her writing from the io9 website — so of course, I had to have this book as soon as it came out!

It sounds like a very cool world, with one city always in sun and one always in darkness. I really do want to read this, and there’s no real reason why I haven’t already, except for the age-old problem of too many books and not enough time.

Have you read this book? Would you want to?

Please share your thoughts!

Literary Potpourri
A Booklion’s Hideaway


__________________________________

Want to participate in Shelf Control? Here’s how:

  • Write a blog post about a book that you own that you haven’t read yet.
  • Add your link in the comments or link back from your own post, so I can add you to the participant list.
  • Check out other posts, and…

Have fun!

The Monday Check-In ~ 11/16/2020

Posted in The Monday Check-In by

cooltext1850356879 My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

It’s amazing to have a week not dominated by election-related fear. Besides working, I was able to go on a few long walks, enjoy family time, and plan a few minor home improvements with my husband.

What did I read during the last week?

The Children of Red Peak by Craig DiLouie: Really powerful and disturbing read. My review is here.

Mythos by Stephen Fry: A fabulous audiobook! My review is here.

To Have and To Hoax by Martha Waters: Light-hearted Regency romance. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

My new obsession is The White Queen on Starz. As of this writing, I have one episode left, and I have to force myself to go to sleep instead of staying up to an unreasonable hour just to finish. I love it. The cast is phenomenal, and I just can’t look away. I’m sure that I’m going to want to continue straight onward to The White Princess once I finish.

And by the way, this little book I picked up a few years ago has been invaluable! I’m not well-read when it comes to the War of the Roses and lines of descent, so I’ve kept this guide by my side through every episode:

See? TV is educational!

In other royal-related viewing, I’m so excited that the new season of The Crown is here! Can’t wait to dive in.

Puzzle of the week:

This one was hard work! It kept me good and occupied for a few days straight this week.

Fresh Catch:

When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes. (Desiderius Erasmus)

Okay, that’s not entirely true for me (I do buy food!), but it’s pretty darn close. I had some Amazon credits this week, and stumbled across books in their 3-for-2 sale, and well… just couldn’t resist.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware: My book group book for November. I’ve just barely started, but I’m pretty intrigued so far.

Now playing via audiobook:

Clanlands by Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish: You haven’t lived until you’ve listened to these two Outlander stars narrate their way along a whisky-infused road trip through Scotland. So much fun.

Ongoing reads:

Outlander Book Club is re-reading Outlander! We’re reading and discussing one chapter per week. This week: Chapter 23, “Return to Leoch”.

And dare I say it? It’s time for part 2 of Don Quixote. My book group is reading and discussing three chapters per week. Wish me luck!

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #242: Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner

Posted in Shelf Control by
Shelves final

Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out my introductory post, here.

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. See the guidelines at the bottom of the post, and jump on board!

cropped-flourish-31609_1280-e1421474289435.png

Title: Mrs. Everything
Author: Jennifer Weiner
Published: 2019
Length: 416 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

Do we change or does the world change us?

Jo and Bethie Kaufman were born into a world full of promise.

Growing up in 1950s Detroit, they live in a perfect “Dick and Jane” house, where their roles in the family are clearly defined. Jo is the tomboy, the bookish rebel with a passion to make the world more fair; Bethie is the pretty, feminine good girl, a would-be star who enjoys the power her beauty confers and dreams of a traditional life.

But the truth ends up looking different from what the girls imagined. Jo and Bethie survive traumas and tragedies. As their lives unfold against the background of free love and Vietnam, Woodstock and women’s lib, Bethie becomes an adventure-loving wild child who dives headlong into the counterculture and is up for anything (except settling down). Meanwhile, Jo becomes a proper young mother in Connecticut, a witness to the changing world instead of a participant. Neither woman inhabits the world she dreams of, nor has a life that feels authentic or brings her joy. Is it too late for the women to finally stake a claim on happily ever after?

How and when I got it:

I bought this book earlier this year, after its paperback release.

Why I want to read it:

First of all, the author: I haven’t read all of Jennifer Weiner’s books by a long shot, but I’ve loved the ones I’ve read!

Even more, I think the story sounds fabulous. I love a good 1960s setting in fiction, and the focus on women’s lives and how they interact with each other and with the major events of their era makes me really want to read this book.

(It doesn’t hurt either that there’s a Connecticut setting for at least part of the book — I’ve lived in San Francisco for a long time, but my a piece of my heart is still connected to my CT hometown!)

What do you think? Would you read this book?

Please share your thoughts!

Literary Potpourri
Reviews Feed


__________________________________

Want to participate in Shelf Control? Here’s how:

  • Write a blog post about a book that you own that you haven’t read yet.
  • Add your link in the comments or link back from your own post, so I can add you to the participant list.
  • Check out other posts, and…

Have fun!