April was another great reading month. I completed two more challenges: The Audiobook Challenge. This one went a lot faster than I anticipated. I attribute that to the new digital branch of our library. I can sit at home and borrow books on my iPod, love it. And I completed the What's In a Name 4 Challenge.
My favorite children's book this month, read for the Read To Me Picture Book Challenge was Wet Dog. What a fun little book!
I read my second Chunkster Challenge book for the year: Jewel by Brett Lott. It also worked for the Oprah's Book Club portion of my personal 5 x 4 Reading Challenge and was the final book needed for the What's In a Name Challenge 4. It provided an interesting look at how one family delt with a child with Down Syndrome in the 40s on up. It aslo provided a look into race relations on an everyday basis in rural Mississippi and California during that time period.
My favorite books of the month were Deeper Than the Dead and Secrets to the Grave by Tami Hoag closely followed by The Red Queen by Phillipa Gregory. My least favorite were The Devil's Right Hand and Against Medical Advice.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Top Ten Tuesday - Most Hilarious Book Titles
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This week the theme is REWIND! Go back and pick up a theme you didn't get to participate in. I have chosen to list book titles I thought was funny.
1. You Suck by Christopher moor. What made this really funny to me was that it was about....Vampires! I can always count on Moore for a laugh.
2. Stop Dressing Your Six-Year-Old like a Skank: And Other Words of Delicate Southern Wisdom by Celia Rivenbark. This woman cracks me up. Her books are collections of articles and essays she writes for a newspaper.
3. Hammerhead Ranch Motel by Tim Dorsey - I have followed this series for some time. Serial killer and all time Florida trivia champ Serge Storms blows from one end of Florida to another visiting places of historical significance, dragging his stoned sidekick, Coleman, with him. Along the way they find evil doers that just need killing. Some of them very creative to say the least.
4. The Sweet Potato Queen's First Big-Ass Novel by Jill Conner Brown - I haven't actually read this one but it is one my list just because of the name.
5. Tomb With a View by Casey Daniels - This cozy-ish, paranormal mystery series is really entertaining. The first one I read, Don of the Dead, hooked me, and I thought the title was pretty cute - a nice play on words - as the dead guy who came to Pepper for help was a mafia Don when he was alive.
6. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies - I re-read Pride and Prejudice before I read this just to be able to compare the two. It was great, offbeat reading fun.
7. To Fetch a Thief by Spencer Quinn - this is one of the Chet and Ernie mystery series. With a title like that you know the main character is a dog. I can't wait till the next one comes out.
8. Big Trouble by Dave Barry - Well the title isn't particularly funny but the book is hilarious! Get it and read it.
9. Tea Time for the Traditionally Built by Alexander McCall Smith - one of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books. Love the name, love the book.
10. So Long, and Thanks For All the Fish by Douglas Adams - This is the 4th book in the Hitchiker trilogy. What can I say? Though I didn't find It quite as funny as the first three, it was still a good read.
I just have to add these two:
11. Why Beulah Shot Her Pistol Inside The Baptist Church by Clayton Sullivan - This is one that I just knew I would like but was somewhat disappointed in. The title was so great, it made me laugh.
12. Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris - What a fun read this was! If you haven't read this you should at least check it out. This isn't a novel, it is a series of essays on his childhood and life in general.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Theme Thursday - Emotion
Love this new badge for Theme Thursday!
Theme Thursdays, hosted by Reading Between the Pages, is a fun weekly event that will be open from one Thursday to the next. Anyone can participate in it. The rules are simple:
•A theme will be posted each week (on Thursday’s)
•Select a conversation/snippet/sentence from the current book you are reading
•Mention the author and the title of the book along with your post
•It is important that the theme is conveyed in the sentence (you don’t necessarily need to have the word)
The theme this week is EMOTION. Mine comes from page 15 of Jewel by Brett Lott:
"Pastor had only nodded, took off his hat, held it with both hands. For some reason I thought I could see fear in his face, as though her merely meeting his eyes were enough to destroy him, or as though she'd suddenly become someone else, a woman with standing, bearing, a voice he knew he had to listen to. "
This book was published in 1991. It is a bittersweet read so far, the struggles these people really tugs at my heart strings.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
55 Question Book-Related Survey
I saw this 55 Question Book-Related Survey on Sara Says and decided to do it. Here goes....
1. Favorite childhood book? The Black Stallion
2. What are you reading right now? Jewel by Brett Lott & Secrets to the Grave by Tami Hoag
3. What books do you have on request at the library? Electric Barracuda by Tim Dorsey
4. Bad book habit? I have way too many books in my TBR...I need to stop buying books and read the ones I have.
5. What do you currently have checked out at the library? Secrets to theGrave by Tami Hoag
6. Do you have an e-reader? Yes, I LOVE my Nook.
7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once? I'm usually reading one and listening to two at any given time. I listen to one in the truck on the way to and from work or town and there is one on my iPod (borrowed from the digital branch of the library) that I listen to while working around the house.
8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog? Yes, they have. I never before kept track of my books. Also I am joining challenges which have widened my reading range.
9. Least favorite book you read this year (so far?) Horns by Joe Hill
10. Favorite book you’ve read this year? I can't choose just one so I'll limit myself to 3: A Red Herring Without Mustard Corduroy Mansions A Prisoner of Birth
11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone? I don't read out of my comfort zone much, I, trying to read more nonfiction and within the last year or so I've started to read more YA but it is an uphill battle.
12. What is your reading comfort zone? I read lots of mysteries, urban fantasies, children's picture books, literature, most anything.
13. Can you read on the bus? No buses to ride around here, except the school bus. :) I can read in the car so I suspect I could read on the bus.
14. Favorite place to read? On the couch or in the bed
15. What is your policy on book lending? I don't generally lend books I really want to keep, I just give away some of my paperbacks. I have a few friends who are readers that I can trust with any of my books.
16. Do you ever dog-ear books? I always have a bookmark.
17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books? No
18. Not even with text books? Well, in text books I highlighted and wrote.
19. What is your favorite language to read in? English - can't read any other language
20. What makes you love a book? If it makes me care
21. What will inspire you to recommend a book? If I read a book I know a friend will like I'll recommend it, I don't have friends who read urban fantasy or sci fy so I don't recommend those. It just depends on who the people are.
22. Favorite genre? mystery thrillers, urban fantasy, fantasy....well most anything
23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?) Non Fiction, I'm making myself read more of it
24. Favorite biography? Born Naked about Farley Mowett. Loved it, love his books.
25. Have you ever read a self-help book? Lord, Teach Me to Pray by Kay Arthur
26. Favorite cookbook? The Recipe Hall of Fame Cookbook
27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)? Chasing Fireflies by Charles Martin - The dad's sacrafice was truly inspiring.
28. Favorite reading snack? Chips and a coke - yum
29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience. The closest to this would be Little Bee. The back of the book went on about how magical the book was. It was totally different than I expected. it was good, don't get me wrong, but it wasn't magical.
30. How often do you agree with critics about a book? I don't read many reviews
31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews? I don't like to do it, but I will tell how I feel and try to remain respectful.
32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you chose? Russian
33. Most intimidating book you’ve ever read? Crime and Punishment - whew!
34. Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin? War and Peace. I don’t know if I’ll ever even try that.
35. Favorite poet? Robert Service, T.S. Eliot
36. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time? 5 or 6
37. How often have you returned book to the library unread? Too many to count
38. Favorite fictional character? If I had to choose just one it would be Dave Robicheaux
39. Favorite fictional villain? Hannibal Lector
40. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation? Light fun reads like Janet Evanovich or Jennifer Crusie.
41. The longest I’ve gone without reading. Hummmmmm
42. Name a book that you could/would not finish. I can't think of one....
43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading? the dogs, husband, house work,
44. Favorite film adaptation of a novel? Gone With the Wind
1. Favorite childhood book? The Black Stallion
2. What are you reading right now? Jewel by Brett Lott & Secrets to the Grave by Tami Hoag
3. What books do you have on request at the library? Electric Barracuda by Tim Dorsey
4. Bad book habit? I have way too many books in my TBR...I need to stop buying books and read the ones I have.
5. What do you currently have checked out at the library? Secrets to theGrave by Tami Hoag
6. Do you have an e-reader? Yes, I LOVE my Nook.
7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once? I'm usually reading one and listening to two at any given time. I listen to one in the truck on the way to and from work or town and there is one on my iPod (borrowed from the digital branch of the library) that I listen to while working around the house.
8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog? Yes, they have. I never before kept track of my books. Also I am joining challenges which have widened my reading range.
9. Least favorite book you read this year (so far?) Horns by Joe Hill
10. Favorite book you’ve read this year? I can't choose just one so I'll limit myself to 3: A Red Herring Without Mustard Corduroy Mansions A Prisoner of Birth
11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone? I don't read out of my comfort zone much, I, trying to read more nonfiction and within the last year or so I've started to read more YA but it is an uphill battle.
12. What is your reading comfort zone? I read lots of mysteries, urban fantasies, children's picture books, literature, most anything.
13. Can you read on the bus? No buses to ride around here, except the school bus. :) I can read in the car so I suspect I could read on the bus.
14. Favorite place to read? On the couch or in the bed
15. What is your policy on book lending? I don't generally lend books I really want to keep, I just give away some of my paperbacks. I have a few friends who are readers that I can trust with any of my books.
16. Do you ever dog-ear books? I always have a bookmark.
17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books? No
18. Not even with text books? Well, in text books I highlighted and wrote.
19. What is your favorite language to read in? English - can't read any other language
20. What makes you love a book? If it makes me care
21. What will inspire you to recommend a book? If I read a book I know a friend will like I'll recommend it, I don't have friends who read urban fantasy or sci fy so I don't recommend those. It just depends on who the people are.
22. Favorite genre? mystery thrillers, urban fantasy, fantasy....well most anything
23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?) Non Fiction, I'm making myself read more of it
24. Favorite biography? Born Naked about Farley Mowett. Loved it, love his books.
25. Have you ever read a self-help book? Lord, Teach Me to Pray by Kay Arthur
26. Favorite cookbook? The Recipe Hall of Fame Cookbook
27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)? Chasing Fireflies by Charles Martin - The dad's sacrafice was truly inspiring.
28. Favorite reading snack? Chips and a coke - yum
29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience. The closest to this would be Little Bee. The back of the book went on about how magical the book was. It was totally different than I expected. it was good, don't get me wrong, but it wasn't magical.
30. How often do you agree with critics about a book? I don't read many reviews
31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews? I don't like to do it, but I will tell how I feel and try to remain respectful.
32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you chose? Russian
33. Most intimidating book you’ve ever read? Crime and Punishment - whew!
34. Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin? War and Peace. I don’t know if I’ll ever even try that.
35. Favorite poet? Robert Service, T.S. Eliot
36. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time? 5 or 6
37. How often have you returned book to the library unread? Too many to count
38. Favorite fictional character? If I had to choose just one it would be Dave Robicheaux
39. Favorite fictional villain? Hannibal Lector
40. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation? Light fun reads like Janet Evanovich or Jennifer Crusie.
41. The longest I’ve gone without reading. Hummmmmm
42. Name a book that you could/would not finish. I can't think of one....
43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading? the dogs, husband, house work,
44. Favorite film adaptation of a novel? Gone With the Wind
45. Most disappointing film adaptation? The Hitchiker's Guide to the Universe. LOVED the book, not the movie 46. The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time? Around 60 dollars
47. How often do you skim a book before reading it? Never
48. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through? I find it frustrating when the author adds lots of little rabbit trails and odds and ends that do not help the story along, I've been temped several times on this account to just lay the book aside.
49. Do you like to keep your books organized? They are loosley organized by genre
50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them? I keep most of the hardbacks and trade or give away the paperbacks
51. Are there any books you’ve been avoiding? Anna Karenina - I have been meaning to read it for years....
52. Name a book that made you angry. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle
53. A book you didn’t expect to like but did? Nights in Rodanthe
54. A book that you expected to like but didn’t? The Picture of Dorian Gray
55. Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading? Mysteries!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Top Ten Tuesday-Ten Books I'd Like to See Made Into Movies
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the This week the topic is:
The Top Ten Books I'd Like to See made Into Movies
It was kind of hard to stop at ten.....
*The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley This is the first book in the Flavia de Luce series and is such a lot of fun. I keep picturing kids to play Flavia. This would be sure to be a hit at the box office.
*The No1 Ladies Detective Agency - OK, I know this has been a special on TV but I haven't been able to see it. I read this several years ago and have kept up on the series, each book as lovely as the last. I would truly love to see it become a movie.
*The Three Miss Margarets by Louise Schaffer - This wonderful story of three women ageing gracefully together in the south while keeping a lifelong secret would make a great movie.
* Divine Justice by David Baldacci - This book was a thriller, a real page turner, so I think a movie would have to be an edge of your seat viewing treat.
*Thanks for the Memories by Celia Ahern - This was one of my favorite books in 2009, one that I will revisit. I think with it's touch of the paranormal and the right man to play the lovable and at times crabby father I'm sure this movie would be one I would re-watch.
*The Help by Kathryn Stockett - Great book...need I say more?
*Boneshaker by Cherie Priest - As popular as zombie movies are I think that this mix of steampunk type sci-fi with zombies would be unique and would find a large viewing audience. Very entertaining!
*Void Moon by Michael Connelly - The author himself said in an interview: "It is basically a caper story and a chase story. Hollywood usually can make these fairly well." I'll have to go with him, this has enough action scenes to make any action movie watcher happy.
*The Same Sweet Girls by Cassandra King - This is a favorite of mine. I read it several years ago and still rememmber lots of it. It is sweet and sad and would make the perfect chick flic.
*Blue Heaven by C.J. Box - This was a page turner with a bittersweet ending. "They" could make a wonderful action tear jerker out of this one. C.J. Box is one of my go to authors, I read anything he puts out.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Amazing Eagle cams
I found two places that have live cameras trained on nesting eagles! One eaglet hatched sometime last night and it looks just ...wonderful. I love these things. While I was teaching 1st grade a few years ago we were able to watch one of these eagle cams all season long and watch the eaglets grow up. The kids were anxious to check them every day.
Here are the links if you are interested:
http://www.kltv.com/Global/story.asp?S=14360982
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/eagle-cam
Here are the links if you are interested:
http://www.kltv.com/Global/story.asp?S=14360982
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/eagle-cam
Friday, April 1, 2011
March Reading Round-up
March was another busy reading month for but has taken a kind of funny turn. I joined two more challenges this month: What an Animal 4 and the Graphic Novel Challenge. Graphic novels are not something I get to very often so I was thinking this might not be very easy to complete, however I found 4 graphic novels at the library that grabbed me right away.
This month I completed the TwentyEleven Reading Challenge. YEA! I read two nonfiction books for my personal 5x4 Reading Challenge and 3 picture books (Read to Me Picture Book Challenge) by Dr. Seuss. I decided on Dr Seuss this month because his birthday is in March.
My FAVORITE book this month was Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck, one of my nonfiction selections. My favorite fiction was a toss up between Play Dead by John Levitt and The Glass Rainbow by James Lee Burke.
All in all I feel it was a productive reading month. Hope you had fun with your reading this month!
This month I completed the TwentyEleven Reading Challenge. YEA! I read two nonfiction books for my personal 5x4 Reading Challenge and 3 picture books (Read to Me Picture Book Challenge) by Dr. Seuss. I decided on Dr Seuss this month because his birthday is in March.
My FAVORITE book this month was Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck, one of my nonfiction selections. My favorite fiction was a toss up between Play Dead by John Levitt and The Glass Rainbow by James Lee Burke.
All in all I feel it was a productive reading month. Hope you had fun with your reading this month!
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