Tag Archives: to read

Shelf Control #234: There There by Tommy Orange

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: There There
Author: Tommy Orange
Published: 2018
Length: 294 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

Tommy Orange’s wondrous and shattering novel follows twelve characters from Native communities: all traveling to the Big Oakland Powwow, all connected to one another in ways they may not yet realize. Among them is Jacquie Red Feather, newly sober and trying to make it back to the family she left behind. Dene Oxendene, pulling his life together after his uncle’s death and working at the powwow to honor his memory. Fourteen-year-old Orvil, coming to perform traditional dance for the very first time. Together, this chorus of voices tells of the plight of the urban Native American–grappling with a complex and painful history, with an inheritance of beauty and spirituality, with communion and sacrifice and heroism. Hailed as an instant classic, There There is at once poignant and unflinching, utterly contemporary and truly unforgettable. 

How and when I got it:

i found a brand-new copy of this book at a library thrift store about a year ago, and couldn’t resist!

Why I want to read it:

I read so many stellar reviews for this book when it was first released, and it’s either won or been nominated for some really prestigious literary awards. so it’s been on my radar for a while now.

I’m eager to read more Native American fiction, and the description of this book makes it sound really moving and very beautifully written.

What do you think? Would you read this book?

Please share your thoughts!

Balivernes


__________________________________

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 ~ 9/14/2020

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.

This has been the weirdest week. You may have seen news coverage of our crazy day this past Wednesday in San Francisco. This was the view from my back porch at noon:

I’ve just never seen anything like this. It was dark all day — we had to keep the lights on in the house, and everyone was driving with headlights. It’s still pretty bad air quality here, even days later, but at least the sky isn’t orange.

What did I read during the last week?

The White Coat Diaries by Madi Sinha: Not really what I expected. My review is here.

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman: A little too much whimsy for my taste, but still an enjoyable read. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I didn’t do a whole lot of TV watching this week, so I’m still on season 3 of Avatar: The Last Airbender (the final season) and season 2 of Supernatural.

But in other pop culture news, did you see the trailer for the new version of Dune???

Looks amazing! But it’s been DECADES since I read Dune, so I think I need to plan a re-read, stat. Anyone want to buddy read? I think I’m going to need some real motivation if I’m going to dig in.

Puzzle of the week:

This made my eyes hurt. Someone please remind me to never do another undersea puzzle!

So. Much. Blue.

Fresh Catch:

No new books. But hey, I finished all the puzzles in my house, so of course I had to get a few more.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I haven’t quite decided which of these two books to start next. Maybe I’ll just close my eyes and point.

Now playing via audiobook:

Glamour in Glass (Glamourist Histories, #2) by Mary Robinette Kowal: Making such tiny bits of progress, not because I’m not loving it (I AM!), but because I mainly listen to audiobooks when I go for walks or drive my car, and I didn’t do much of either this past week, thanks to the poor air quality and the needs to stay indoors. Ugh, now climate change is even affecting my reading!

Ongoing reads:

Outlander Book Club is re-reading Outlander! We’re reading and discussing one chapter per week. This week: Chapter 14, “A Marriage Takes Place”. Yay! I love the wedding scene.

Also this week, we’re starting a group read of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. Should be fun!

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #233: Mr. Kiss and Tell (Veronica Mars, #2) by Rob Thomas & Jennifer Graham

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: Mr. Kiss and Tell (Veronica Mars, #2)
Author: Rob Thomas & Jennifer Graham
Published: 2015
Length: 330 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

In the second book in the New York Times bestselling mystery series, Veronica Mars is back with a case that will expose the hidden workings of one of Neptune’s most murderous locations.

The Neptune Grand has always been the seaside town’s ritziest hotel, despite the shady dealings and high-profile scandals that seem to follow its elite guests. When a woman claims that she was brutally assaulted in one of its rooms and left for dead by a staff member, the owners know that they have a potential powder keg on their hands. They turn to Veronica to disprove—or prove—the woman’s story.

The case is a complicated mix of hard facts, mysterious occurrences, and uncooperative witnesses. The hotel refuses to turn over its reservation list and the victim won’t divulge who she was meeting that night. Add in the facts that the attack happened months ago, the victim’s memory is fuzzy, and there are holes in the hotel’s surveillance system, and Veronica has a convoluted mess on her hands. As she works to fill in the missing pieces, it becomes clear that someone is lying—but who? And why? 

How and when I got it:

I bought it because VERONICA MARS.

Why I want to read it:

The simple answer is, I’m a VMars fan through and through, and always will be. Yes, even after the less-than-inspiring season 3 (which I mostly choose to ignore) and the very upsetting ending to the recent season on Netflix. I love these characters, and will always be there for more.

I read the first Veronica Mars book, The Thousand Dollar Tan Line, about a year ago, and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I’m not usually a fan of novelizations of movies or TV shows, but in this case, the show’s creator wrote a story that advanced the overall plotlines and felt really true to the characters and their world.

I’ve been meaning to read #2 ever since, and hope to dive into it in the next few months. And who knows, maybe I’ll be inspired to go back and do another re-watch. Because there can never be too much Veronica Mars!

What do you think? Would you read a book based on a favorite TV show or movie?

Please share your thoughts!

Balivernes


__________________________________

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 ~ 9/7/2020

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.

Ah, a three-day weekend! I mean, I’m home every day anyway, but having an extra day with no work and the ability to sleep in still feels like a treat!

This past Friday, we had our first dinner out in about five months. We went to a friend’s house, who set up separate tables in his backyard for each family. It was a little funny talking across a six-foot distance, but still felt great to socialize.

What did I read during the last week?

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides: Hard to put down, but also, super annoying. My review is here.

The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett: My 2nd Discworld book. I didn’t love it, although I’m always amused by the author’s gift with words. My review is here.

Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal: I loved this audiobook! My review is here.

The Ghost Tree by Christina Henry: 5-star horror! I loved this book (scheduled for release this week). My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Continuing with Avatar: The Last Airbender — on the 3rd (and final) season. It’s fantastic.

Puzzle of the week:

Another fun one! I love puzzles with lots of color and tiny details.

I seem to have finally finished every jigsaw puzzle in the house! What am I supposed to do now? (Well, other than waiting for the ones I just ordered online to arrive…)

Fresh Catch:

I bought one new book — a new paperback released last week. It sounds amazing!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The White Coat Diaries by Madi Sinha: Just starting!

Now playing via audiobook:

Glamour in Glass (Glamourist Histories, #2) by Mary Robinette Kowal: Since I enjoyed the 1st book in this series so much, I just have to continue.

Ongoing reads:

Outlander Book Club’s re-read of Outlander is underway. We’re reading and discussing one chapter per week. This week: Chapter 13, “A Marriage is Announced”. The action is ramping up!

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #232: The Guns of the South by Harry Turtledove

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 Guns of the South
Author: Harry Turtledove
Published: 1992
Length: 528 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

January 1864 –General Robert E. Lee faces defeat. The Army of Northern Virginia is ragged and ill-equipped. Gettysburg has broken the back of the Confederacy and decimated its manpower.

Then, Andries Rhoodie, a strange man with an unplaceable accent, approaches Lee with an extraordinary offer. Rhoodie demonstrates an amazing rifle: Its rate of fire is incredible, its lethal efficiency breathtaking–and Rhoodie guarantees unlimited quantitites to the Confederates.

The name of the weapon is the AK-47….

“It is absolutely unique–without question the most fascinating Civil War novel I have ever read.” –Professor James M. McPherson – Pultizer Prize winning Battle Cry of Freedom

How and when I got it:

I picked up a copy at a library sale, probably about 5 years ago.

Why I want to read it:

If you’re thinking this is an odd choice for me, you’re absolutely correct. I’m not a fan of weaponry or reading about battle strategies. So why would I have this book on my shelves?

It’s a personal story.

My father, age 88, has been living in a nursing home for the past several years. In his earlier retirement, after a lifetime of rarely reading, he suddenly became a voracious reader, picking up historical novels, personal stories, crime thrillers, and more. But, more recently, his eyesight and his cognitive skills have both been on the decline, and he’s no longer able to read.

The Guns of the South is a book that he read at least 10 years ago, and I remember how excited he was to tell me about it at the time. Now, when I visit him (only remotely these days), he still brings up this book every so often. He doesn’t read at this point, but whenever the topic gets around to books, he gets really enthusiastic about telling me about The Guns of the South and what a great read it was. Sure, each time he thinks he’s telling me about it for the first time, but that’s okay. I’m always impressed by how much of the plot and details he’s retained.

Do I want to read this book? If it were just a question of my own tastes in fiction, then I’d probably skip it. But knowing how much this book fired up my dad’s imagination, I want to read it after all. Even if it doesn’t mean much to him at this point, I think it’ll make me happy to know we’ve shared this experience.

What do you think? Would you read a book that might not appeal to you on its own, but has special meaning to a loved one? 

Please share your thoughts!

Balivernes
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 ~ 8/31/2020

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.

I bought a car! I’m so excited. We tend to drive cars forever in my family. My husband is still driving the “new” car I bought 18 years ago, but it’s on its last legs (last wheels?), so it’s time for our ritual passing of the vehicles. We’re selling his, he’s getting my 9-year-old car, and I get a shiny new one. It’s cute and it makes me happy… but now I have to learn how all the technology works. Silly high-tech car.

In other family news, my son is starting college today. It’s all remote and he’s still living at home until campus reopens, but still — my boy is a college student!

What did I read during the last week?

It’s been another slow reading week for me, so I only managed to finish one book. Luckily for me, it was a great one!

A Killing Frost by Seanan McGuire: The October Daye series is my absolute favorite, and this new book (#14!) does not disappoint in the slightest. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Continuing with Avatar: The Last Airbender — I’m almost done with season 2. It’s so good!

I also finished Indian Matchmaking on Netflix — which was fun, but also frustrating, since none of the main storylines get any closure. (I looked it up after I finished, and guess what? None of the matches from this show ended up staying together.)

Puzzle of the week:

This one was really challenging!

Fresh Catch:

I treated myself to paperback editions of two books I’d already read:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides: My book group’s book for August, so yeah, I’m a little behind. I’ve only read a few chapters, but it’s off to a good start.

Coming soon:

Tomorrow is September 1st, and you know what that means? It’s time to continue my Discworld journey! I’m starting a new volume in the series on the 1st of each month. Coming up for September, book #2:

Now playing via audiobook:

Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal: I’ve barely made any progress this week, but I like what I’ve listened to so far.

Ongoing reads:

Outlander Book Club’s re-read of Outlander is underway. We’re reading and discussing one chapter per week. This week: Chapter 12, “The Garrison Commander”. Thinking about this chapter in advance is giving me chills, because I can’t help thinking of the TV series episode of the same name, which included some of the most powerful performances of season 1.

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #231: What Should Be Wild by Julia Fine

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: What Should Be Wild
Author: Julia Wild
Published: 2018
Length: 368 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

In this darkly funny, striking debut, a highly unusual young woman must venture into the woods at the edge of her home to remove a curse that has plagued the women in her family for millennia—an utterly original novel with all the mesmerizing power of The Tiger’s Wife, The Snow Child, and Swamplandia!

Cursed. Maisie Cothay has never known the feel of human flesh: born with the power to kill or resurrect at her slightest touch, she has spent her childhood sequestered in her family’s manor at the edge of a mysterious forest. Maisie’s father, an anthropologist who sees her as more experiment than daughter, has warned Maisie not to venture into the wood. Locals talk of men disappearing within, emerging with addled minds and strange stories. What he does not tell Maisie is that for over a millennium her female ancestors have also vanished into the wood, never to emerge—for she is descended from a long line of cursed women.

But one day Maisie’s father disappears, and Maisie must venture beyond the walls of her carefully constructed life to find him. Away from her home and the wood for the very first time, she encounters a strange world filled with wonder and deception. Yet the farther she strays, the more the wood calls her home. For only there can Maisie finally reckon with her power and come to understand the wildest parts of herself.

How and when I got it:

I bought the paperback version last year.

Why I want to read it:

Forests and curses? Yes, please! I remember reading the description when the book was released — I love books that are dark and mysterious, with hints of magic in a natural setting. The family’s curse sounds like something I need to know more about!

What do you think? Would you read this book? 

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 ~ 8/24/2020

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.

Once again, I just didn’t do a ton of reading this week. No idea why — just busy and distracted, I suppose.

Oh, and remember about a month ago when I complained about creepy people on Goodreads? Well, another one popped up!

Actually, I do mind.

And please note how considerate I’m being by not posting the sender’s profile name and picture.

Blocked and deleted.

What did I read during the last week?

Bookish and the Beast by Ashley Poston: Loved it! This may be my favorite of the series so far. My review is here.

The Switch by Beth O’Leary: Sweet contemporary fiction. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

My son convinced me to watch Avatar: The Last Airbender, and you know what? It’s good! We just finished season 1.

Also, I randomly started watching Indian Matchmaking on Netflix, and got sucked right in.

Puzzle of the week:

Finished this one:

… and then started another that’s going to take me ages. But hey, at least it keeps me off the streets!

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

A Killing Frost by Seanan McGuire: It’s the new October Daye book (#14)! I’m thrilled beyond words.

Now playing via audiobook:

Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal: Reading this book (and the other four books in the series) was one of my 2020 goals, so I’m excited to finally be starting!

Ongoing reads:

Outlander Book Club’s re-read of Outlander is underway. We’re reading and discussing one chapter per week. This week: Chapter 11, “Conversations with a Lawyer”. Anyone who’s interested is welcome to participate, so just ask me how.

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #230: The Book of M by Peng Shepherd

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 Book of M
Author: Peng Shepherd
Published: 2018
Length: 485 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

Set in a dangerous near future world, The Book of M tells the captivating story of a group of ordinary people caught in an extraordinary catastrophe who risk everything to save the ones they love. It is a sweeping debut that illuminates the power that memories have not only on the heart, but on the world itself.

One afternoon at an outdoor market in India, a man’s shadow disappears—an occurrence science cannot explain. He is only the first. The phenomenon spreads like a plague, and while those afflicted gain a strange new power, it comes at a horrible price: the loss of all their memories.

Ory and his wife Max have escaped the Forgetting so far by hiding in an abandoned hotel deep in the woods. Their new life feels almost normal, until one day Max’s shadow disappears too.

Knowing that the more she forgets, the more dangerous she will become to Ory, Max runs away. But Ory refuses to give up the time they have left together. Desperate to find Max before her memory disappears completely, he follows her trail across a perilous, unrecognizable world, braving the threat of roaming bandits, the call to a new war being waged on the ruins of the capital, and the rise of a sinister cult that worships the shadowless.

As they journey, each searches for answers: for Ory, about love, about survival, about hope; and for Max, about a new force growing in the south that may hold the cure. 

How and when I got it:

I picked up a paperback copy over a year ago.

Why I want to read it:

The timing may be a little off — do I really need to read about yet another pandemic or worldwide catastrophe right now? Probably not.

But timing aside, I’m always up for a good disaster story, especially one that has unusual twists and compelling characters to ground the bigger picture. I’m fascinated by the idea of global memory loss and what it might mean to people’s lives, especially to their intimate families and relationships.

I remember seeing a bunch of good reviews when this came out, which is probably why I bought a copy in the first place! I really like the sound of the premise, and I’m eager to see how it all pans out… just maybe not right now.

What do you think? Would you read this book? 

Please share your thoughts!

Literary Potpourri
Balivernes
The Book Connection



__________________________________

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 ~ 8/17/2020

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.

Blogging:

I’m been having a minor freakout (minor? well, depends what you’re comparing it to…) because my WordPress has been hating me since Wednesday. I’ve tried updating some posts — I get “updating failed” error messages. Tried to copy and create a new post — same thing.

I just logged completely out and back in, and I’m cautiously optimistic that I’m back in business. Fingers crossed.

Life.

My son turned 18! I’m no longer the mother of minor children! But he’ll always be my baby. (Don’t tell him I said that.)

On his birthday, he took his driving test and passed, and we helped him purchase the used car he’d been saving towards. So, all in one day, he’s a driver, a voter, and a car owner! Pretty sweet!

What did I read during the last week?

Peace Talks (Dresden Files, #16) by Jim Butcher: Finally finished! I didn’t write an actual review — it’s hard when you’re up to the 16th book in a series, right? What I can say about this book is that while it is totally entertaining, it feels very incomplete, like it’s only half a story. Which I guess makes sense, since the 17th book will be out next month. At this point, there’s no way I’m NOT going to read Dresden Files books whenever they come out, even though I fee like I need a crash course in Dresden history if I’m going to keep all the events and people straight.

Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer: This book is LONG. But I didn’t hate it. My review is here.

Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes: Finished with Part 1! My book group’s classic read of Don Quixote has been going on for months, and I finally caught up in time to reach the end of Part 1 with the group. Considering that Part 1 was originally published about 10 years before Part 2, and is about 450 pages, I feel like I’ve read an entire book already. We’re taking a bit of a break, but we’ll be continuing with the book this fall. Meanwhile, I’m happy to be able to put it aside for a bit.

The Unkindest Tide by Seanan McGuire: I finished my audiobook re-read, and loved it all over again. My review post from last year is here. Still a 5-star read! I love this series so much.

Pop culture & TV:

I went back to Supernatural this week, and am SO close to finishing season 1. Which means… only 14 more seasons to go? Sheesh. That’s a steep hill to climb.

Meanwhile, I watched the first few episodes of One Day at a Time on Netflix, and was completely charmed. Except for the laugh track. Why are comedies still being made with laugh tracks? It seems so archaic.

Puzzle of the week:

I got too wrapped up in my reading this week to get around to starting a new puzzle until Sunday morning, and I’ve barely worked on it — but here’s what I’m puzzling this week:

Fresh Catch:

No new physical books this week, although I did manage to load up my Kindle. How can I resist when good books keep being offered for $1.99 and then there are special buying incentives too?

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Switch by Beth O’Leary: I’m so happy to be starting this book! I shared an excerpt a few weeks ago, and I’m glad to be diving in. It’s off to a great start!

Now playing via audiobook:

Bookish and the Beast by Ashley Poston: I’m just about to start, and I’m so excited!

Ongoing reads:

Outlander Book Club’s re-read of Outlander is underway. We’re reading and discussing one chapter per week. This week: Chapter 10, “The Oath-Taking”. Anyone who’s interested is welcome to participate, so just ask me how.

So many books, so little time…

boy1