The third Friday of the month for Song of the Week features…..
Internet Music Find (Pandora, YouTube, etc).
NEEDTOBREATHE is a group that Robert found on Youtube. He shared his find with me, and I agree – they are so very good.
It was hard to choose one song to feature here on this post so I chose two out of many.
The Outsiders
Drive All Night
Is there a song you have found recently via Youtube, Pandora, Spotify, Last.Fm, etc.?
The second Friday of the month means my song of the week theme is…. Top Five Played Songs on my iPod in the past week.
1. Complicated by Bon Jovi
2. Novocaine by Bon Jovi
3. Princess of China by Coldplay
4. Don’t You Remember by Adele
5. It’s My Life by Bon Jovi
What are your top five most played songs for the week?
And I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, “If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.” p. 132
Read for....my
Back Cover: In a volume that is penetrating, introspective, incisive, and laugh-out-loud funny, one of the great men of letters of this age–or any age–holds forth on life, art, sex, politics, and the state of America’s soul. From his coming of age in America, to his formative war experiences, to his life as an artist, this is Vonnegut doing what he does best: Being himself. Whimsically illustrated by the author, A Man Without a Country is intimate, tender, and brimming with the scope of Kurt Vonnegut’s passions.
First Sentence:
As a kid I was the youngest member of my family, and the youngest child in any family is always a jokemaker, because a joke is the only way he can enter into an adult conversation.
My Thoughts: Have you ever read a book and say to yourself; “Hey, I could like this dude.” That is exactly what I thought while reading A Man Without A Country. Vonnegut has perspective, and while I may not agree with all he says - perspective he has which I greatly liked.
I am not much for memoir type books, and most certainly, non-fiction and I have a relationship that denies me satisfaction of reading said books to completion. But Vonnegut did not have that effect on me. Yes, the book is slim in size, but it is packed tightly with fabulous stories and thoughts on life. The stories flowed from one to another in a smooth and seamless manner. Each chapter transition grabbed my attention and pulled me into the next topic at hand. The quotes placed on each “chapter title” page did there job - demanded that I find out how the words would fit the context of the coming chapter. These short memoir type stories are not given to us in a chronological way, rather, the thoughts are scattered around. Even though scattered, they all made sense and contributed another layer to the life of Vonnegut.
I truly love his writing style; unloads whatever is in his head. His stories seemed to be Vonnegut’s way to relay life situations and understanding and truths as he sees them. And as I read one story to the next, I could not help but think that the man would have been very engaging. I think he most likely would challenge my way of thinking and at times maybe be a bit inpatient with my thoughts, but boy would I hang on to his words. Not that he would necessarily change my mind, but rather, he would deliver his opinion with intelligence and wit.
One thing that came through to me, almost within each chapter, was that Vonnegut had the gift to lace humor into serious topics. His humor was not the roll on the floor barrel of laughs, but almost the best kind - wittiest wit, dry, black humor. And that, is what has really sold me on his writing. He does not try to be funny, but it is there. He does not want to beat a serious topic to death, but his concise style of writing, along with his wit certainly gains my attention thus the topic is given consideration.
Vonnegut’s style of writing certainly agrees with my reading mind. So much so, that I really think that I could have liked this dude even though his politics did not line up with mine.
Bottom line: I truly enjoyed this entire book of mini-memoirs. I found all of Vonnegut’s thoughts to be of interest even if I did not agree with all his perceptions. Bored, I was not at all, quite the opposite.
Book Cover: Plain and simple - a drawing by Vonnegut with his signature. This simplicity draws me to the book, and does not distract from the words within. I like it.
Note Worthy Quotes:
Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven’s sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem. Do it as well as you possibly can. You will get an enormous reward. You will have created something. p. 24
The truth is, we know so little about life, we don’t really know what the good news is and what the bad news is.
p. 37
When I got home from the Second World War, my Uncle Dan clapped me on the back, and he said, “You’re a man now.” So I killed him. Not really, but I certainly felt like doing it. p. 131
Yes,this planet is in a terrible mess. But it has always been a mess. There have never been any “Good Old Days,” there have just been days. And as I say to my grandchildren, “Don’t look at me. I just got here.” p. 131
This is the first Friday of the month which means my song of the week theme is…. Most played song on my iPod in the past week.
Manhattan by Kings of Leon
I must admit, I was very surprised to see that this was my most played song last week. Especially since this is not my favorite on the album, Only By The Night. I listened to many songs so the hits were not high – listened to it 6 times. Last week was about the shuffle mode, and genius mix. I am loving my ipod features.
Which song do you think you listened to most during this last week?
“He's a better person when she's around, and isn't that what friends are for, to raise you up and keep you at your best?”
One Day
by David Nicholls
copyright: 2009
publisher: Vintage
format: paperback
pages: 435
source: own (giveaway win from 5 Minutes for Books)
Read for: 2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge and my Book Manifesto – the book was sitting on my shelf, and I was in the mood.
Finished Reading: February 3, 2012
Back Cover:
It’s 1988 and Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley have only just met. But after only one day together, they cannot stop thinking about one another. Over twenty years, snapshots of that relationship are revealed on the same day—July 15th—of each year. Dex and Em face squabbles and fights, hopes and missed opportunities, laughter and tears. And as the true meaning of this one crucial day is revealed, they must come to grips with the nature of love and life itself.
First Sentence:
’I suppose the important thing is to make some sort of difference’, she said. ‘You know, actually change something.’
My thoughts: A sucker, I am, for stories such as One Day, so unsurprisingly, I quickly found myself hooked into lives of Dexter, and Emma. I was immediately captured by their relationship, and could not put the book down. Devoured it in 5 hours, I did. What appealed to me greatly was how the storyline grew with Dex and Em's relationship. It blossomed, and unfolded page by page – year by year. I was entranced. Not only that, the pace was quick. The story flowed smoothly as the relationship deepened over time.
Perfect is this book? Nope. There are some annoyances with the main characters, but ultimately that did not distract me from the pull I felt towards the story. And actually, those annoyances probably helped make their lives - their relationship feel real. While Dex and Em annoyed me at times, I could not get enough of their interactions. This drive to read more of what they were doing – together – found me skimming some pages at times when they were leading their own lives. Those parts were not necessarily boring, just that parts with Dexter and Emma together were far more exciting. Such life is – you need individual understanding of character in order to feed the relationship – the excitement.
One Day evoked emotions within me with the overwhelming one being that of anger. At one point in the story, I just could not believe what transpired AND I immediately felt anger for the situation and towards the author. I could not believe that he twisted the plot in the particular way that he did. Mind you, it was in wee hours so my emotions were easy to upheave, and stunned, I was. Several hours removed from the story, I continued to sense this anger but I was able to temper it because I gained an appreciation of life and how it can twist. Life is.
I went into the story not really knowing what to expect. And, what I was expecting was not how things occurred – which was just fine. I recommend that readers do read this story without prior plot knowledge so the full impact is felt, and appreciation gained. I now have a desire to see the movie – at some point in time.
Bottom Line: David Nicholls spun a beautiful story of an everlasting friendship, and love. Paths taken are not always smooth or what is hoped, but life is, and just one day can make a difference. I definitely experienced reading satisfaction with One Day.
The Cover: I am usually not one for movie linked covers, but I do like this one. It is slightly misleading, but I am okay with that.
Note Worthy Quotes:
The following was placed on the Part One section page.
‘That was a memorable day to me, for it made great changes in me. But, it is the same with any life. Imagine one selected day struck out of it and think how different its course would have been. Pause, you who read this, and think for a long moment of the long chain of iron or gold, of thorns or flowers, that would never have bound you, but for the formation of the first link on that memorable day.’
- Charles Dickens, Great Expectations
I did pause, and thought not of one memorable day, but of this concept in general.
From My Shelves Giveaway: I won this book through a giveaway so I would love to “pay it forward” to another person who like to read this story.
All you have to do is fill out this form.
Ends on February 29th.
Open to US/Canada mailing addresses.
Winner will be emailed and announced in the comments of this post.
“My idea of good company...is the company of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company.'
'You are mistaken,' said he gently, 'that is not good company, that is the best.”
Persuasion
by Jane Austen
first published: 1818
my edition published by: penguin Classics
my edition published in 1998
format: paperback
pages: 236
Read for: A Classics Challenge, 2012 TBR Pile Challenge
Finished Reading: January 20, 2012
Back Cover:At twenty-seven, Anne Elliot is no longer young and has few romantic prospects. Eight years earlier, she had been persuaded by her friend Lady Russell to break off her engagement to Frederick Wentworth, a handsome naval captain with neither fortune nor rank. What happens when they encounter each other again is movingly told in Jane Austen’s last completed novel. Set in the fashionable societies of Lyme Regis and Bath, Persuasion is a brilliant satire of vanity and pretension, but, above all, it is a love story tinged with the heartache of missed opportunities.
First Sentence:
Sir Walter Elliot, of Kellynch-hall, in Somersetshire, was a man who, for his own amusement, never took up any book but the Baronetage; there he found occupation for an idle hour, and consolation in a distressed one; there his faculties were roused into admiration and respect, by contemplating the limited remnant of the earliest patents; there any unwelcome sensations, arising from domestic affairs, changed naturally into pity and contempt.
My Thoughts: I am a Pride & Prejudice fan, but I would not call myself a Jane Austen fan. I have tried to love others works by her, but failed miserable in the effort with Emma, and The Northanger Abbey. They were such bombs for me that I was really left with no hope of liking any more stories by the beloved author of many. Still, I had Persuasion sitting on my shelf for a very long time, unread. And, I did decide to participate in the Classic Challenge. So, why not read Persuasion for the Classic challenge AND add it to my TBR Pile Challenge? Good idea, Deanna...and so I did. Those two motivators pushed me forward to opening the pages of this book. I am glad that I was nudge forward, because I wound up thinking this story was “most excellent.” Those were the first two words utter aloud upon finishing the book.. Now, is it a story without fault? No. Is it my favorite story of all? No. Favorite classic? Nope. Even so, I did enjoy this story greatly.
The storyline, itself, is not memorable. There really is a lot of lolling around. Not much in way of action, climax, and resolution. Granted, those elements DO exist in the story, BUT they are rather dull standing on their own, and like I said - not memorable. A couple weeks after finishing the book, I am searching my brain thinking; “what was this book about?” “what happened?” Hmmm. One thing, there is a good amount in way of exposition, and I rather enjoyed that part. While I was not blown away with the actual plot line, I must admit, it did indeed work for me. The reason? I do believe that would be due to Anne.
Anne was very compelling - she drew me into the story almost the instant that I felt her presence within the pages. She is not perfect. Actually, I am certain that there are those out there that would be annoyed by her willingness to play second or even third fiddle to her sisters. She did, frequently, let others take the lead while she quietly either followed, or tried to persuade them into other thinking. Her family could be considered superficial, and they certainly were to me. That fact could play a huge annoyance factor too, especially coupled with Anne’s docile type affect. However, while outward appearances persuaded many to choose the superficial path of life, and persuaded Anne to give up her love - the ultimate overwhelming factor for why I was drawn to Anne was that I did not feel she truly allowed herself to be persuaded into the same thinking that was amongst her surroundings. She had qualities of humbleness, and wisdom of her place in life and used her smarts in ways that reflected well upon her. She did her best to not allow herself to compromise again due to outward attitudes, expectation, and “need” to appear a certain way to others. Not saying that she tossed aside societies’ rules, but she just did not necessarily allow them to RULE her. At least, not to the degree they once did. That is the over all feeling I gained from Anne. In the end, she truly does win because she sticks to her guns, and maintained herself in a upright manner.
Unlike, Pride & Prejudice, this was not truly a love story. Do not get me wrong, it is a love story, but for me it was not the main focus rather the catalyst for the theme. It was far more a story of Anne and her qualities and standards which are set apart from those who surround her. With that in mind, Persuasion reminded me of Jane Eyre. And like Jane, the falling in love, and building of a relationship was secondary to the story of the character - of her outstanding qualities that one would like to emulate. With that said, I will put out there that Jane Eyre is a favorite placed above Pride & Prejudice.
I will admit to one thing, Persuasion did feel a bit too perfect. Things occurred, consequences happened, people grew apart, relationships started, love bloomed, and through it all....Anne stayed calm (at least outwardly) and did not sway in her manners. Ummm...yeah, a bit too perfect. I do wish Anne, at times, had a bit more gumption and would not allow her sisters to stomp all over her. I set those feelings aside, and allowed the story to seep into my being, and remind myself for the time this story was written and the roles women were allowed to have in society.
Yes, I enjoyed this story greatly. It does not top Pride & Prejudice, by any means. I did not swoon over Mr. Wentworth, although, I was rooting for him and Anne. And frankly, it is not entirely memorable on a detailed level. Rather, it is memorable with the overall tone, feel, and theme. Will I re-read this book? I highly doubt it. But, it will remain on my shelves for others in my family to read, one day, if they so desire. Unlike Pride & Prejudice, I will not own multiple copies either.
Bottom Line: Persuasion was most definitely worth my reading time. It read smoothly, and quickly while I was anchored in by the character of Anne along with the added presence of Mr. Wentworth. I definitely was engaged throughout, and found it be such an enjoyable read that I could not help but express this book as “most excellent” for entertainment. I do recommend it to be apart of others’ classic reading list.
Side Note: Now that I have read Persuasion, I do believe watching the movie is in order. From what I understand, the 1995 Persuasion adaptation is the one most preferred. Have you seen the movie? If so, which adaptation would you recommend and why?
~ Is not, the first sentence of this book one of the longest sentences you have read? My gosh. Therein-lies the trouble with Austen, for me. Her long sentences are scattered throughout. Or, if not long, then sentences, at times, are full of nonsense. “Get to the point Jane. Get to the point.” is what I would think many times. Ugh. What usually happens when I start reading long sentences such as the first sentence of this book, I re-read. And, if re-reading fails to bring sense to the sentence then I gloss over thinking it of non-importance, or importance that will come to light sooner or later. This method has not really failed me yet. Granted, I am not reading these books to analyze. I will admit though, that first sentence really does set the tone for the character of Sir Walter Elliot. He is a shallow man.
~ Introductions that are placed in classic books are always of great fascination for me. However, I never read them before the story itself. They always contained spoilers. I do appreciate them greatly afterwards. They always tend to fill voids of understanding which then allow me to have room further reflection upon the story. The introduction for Persuasion in my Penguin Classics edition was no exception. I greatly enjoyed this part. Not only did I learn more about Jane Austen, I was able to better appreciate the story and its setting.
~ The Notes found in the back of the book were very helpful. I did not refer to them all that much, but when I did an “ahhh” of understanding came over me. The notes did help clarify words and phrases used in the early 1800s that are no longer used - or at least not used where I live. These clarifications did aide greatly for my understanding of a passage or topic at hand.
Note Worthy Quotes:
“How quick come the reasons for approving what we like.”
“We certainly do not forget you, so soon as you forget us. It is, perhaps, our fate rather than our merit. We cannot help ourselves.”
“How she might have felt had there been no Captain Wentworth in the case, was not worth enquiry; for there was a Captain Wentworth: and be the conclusion of the present suspense good or bad, her affection would be his forever. Their union, she believed, could not divide her more from other men, than their final separation.”
“She prized the frank, the open-hearted, the eager character beyond all others. Warmth and enthusiasm did captivate her still. She felt that she could so much more depend upon the sincerity of those who sometimes looked or said a careless or a hasty thing, than of those whose presence of mind never varied, whose tongue never slipped.”
This past Sunday, in my Sunday Post, I mentioned that I was participating in A Month of Letters. The concept absolutely excites me. I love letters. I love getting them in the mail, and I love sending them. The sad thing is, with the internet boom – accessibility, ease and quickness of email – the art of letter writing seems to be disappearing. I love history…. historical fiction, one aspect that intrigues me is the letter writing that was undertaken during the 1700’s (my favorite century). People required patience, and that virtue is escaping me these days.
Today, while reading my friend’s (Suey)post, In Which I Write Letters, it dawned on me that many of you may have not seen my mention of this fantastic idea. Why it did not dawn on me on Sunday is for another day where I analyze myself. So anyway, I decided to repost.
Like I mentioned on Sunday, I was reading The Sunday Salon at Memory’s blog - Stella Matutina. She wrote about a project called A Month of Letters, hosted by Mary Robinette Kowal. The idea is to dedicate February as the month to write a letter each weekday plus Saturday if you have mail service. This is 25 days of letters. I really like this idea, and very much want to give it a go.
I sent out my first letter. It was fun. A thrill of excitement filled me with the knowledge that the letter will hit the receiver’s box in a couple of days. But guess what, I also realize as the letter was being picked up by our postman, that I sort of need to remember what I wrote. No going back to refresh my memory as is afforded with email. Do you think those in the 1700’s, 1800’s and 1900’s remembered what they wrote? I think back to my teenage years of writing letters, and I am fairly certain that I did remember, or at least more so than my brain seems capable now. So, I am thinking that letter writing has the added bonus of improving my memory. maybe. What do you think?
While my list is growing with names of people that I would like to write to, it is a list made up of people whose address I know. I would love to send YOU a quick note, a postcard, an interesting article I came across, share with you a quote that made me pause and think, a lengthy letter if so lead, etc. I cannot do that though if I do not have your address. If you would like to receive mail from me then please do fill out this form. Mail from me will arrive in the mailbox of all those who sign up. If you receive a letter from me, feel free to write back if you want. A Month of Letters has great fun potential. I do hope it will also help with my memory.
To read more about this fabulous idea, do check out Memory’s The Sunday Salon post. You can also go on over to The Month of Letters to get the official low-down.
“The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it” ― James Bryce
Here I am, adding myself to the book blogosphere masses with publishing my list of favorite books that I read during 2011. Albeit, I am late with posting my list, sorry. But, seriously, are you tired of reading such posts? No? I did not think so. Truly, we bookish people feed off of other book blogger’s lists. We eat them up. We discuss our likes and dislikes. We jot down titles of interest. It is our candy – these lists.
I have gone over my list of books read. That list is located on my handy bookmark which is featured in the photo above. This is a bookmark that I make every year. On this bookmark, I not only list the book read, I also give it a rating, and asterisk well liked reads, and circle the favorite for the month. I am unwilling to get all critical and analytical; I rate based on how well I liked said book according to my rating scale. I do not share my rating in my blog posts because I have found them to be very subjective, and not necessarily mean the same for each book even within a given rating year. Does that happen with you? XY&Z rates a 9 as does ABC but when I look at them both, I think, “They are not the same 9 rating – they are different – I like one better than the other – their audience is not the same, etc.”. I have that variety of conversation frequently. Yet, I do not change the rating because the rating stands with that particular book for its circumstance under which I read it, and for its audience. That is why I do not place rating in my posts. I hope what I say in a post will lead you to conclude if I liked the book or not and as to why. Not only that, I hope my posts help you conclude whether the book is for you or not.
Okay…okay…enough all that. Let’s get on with what this post is really about. Shall we?
….. My Bookish Year in Review - 2011 ……
My Top Ten Favorites for 2011
I read a total of 48 books. Not bad, but probably my worst year since 2008. Even so, with 48 only books read, it was a bit tough only choosing my top 10 books. My bookmark aided me greatly, but there are still a few more titles that I would add if 10 equaled 12.
The books are listed in order of when read; not by least to most favorite, vice versa.
The titles are hyperlinked to my reviews (where one exists)
The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin
Synopsis taken from Barnes & Noble:
Yeine Darr is an outcast from the barbarian north. But when her mother dies under mysterious circumstances, she is summoned to the majestic city of Sky. There, to her shock, Yeine is named an heiress to the king. But the throne of the Hundred Thousand Kingdoms is not easily won, and Yeine is thrust into a vicious power struggle with cousins she never knew she had. As she fights for her life, she draws ever closer to the secrets of her mother's death and her family's bloody history.
The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms blew me away when I read it last January. I was very much drawn into the story and captured with the allusion to Greek mythology, the gods, and the game of power. I liked the tale very much, and found many layers within this story. It did not rank high on the list of books I recommended last year, but recommend it I would.
Madame Tussaud
by Michelle Moran
Description from inside ARC:
When Marie Tussaud learns the exciting news that the royal family will be visiting her famed was museum, the Salon de Cire, she never dreams that the king’s sister will request her presence at Versailles as a royal. tutor in wax sculpting. As Marie familiarizes herself with Princess Elisabeth and becomes acquainted with both Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI, she witnesses the glamorous life of the court. It’s a much different world than her home on the Boulevard du Temple in Paris, where bread can only be had on the black market and men sell their teeth to put food on their tables. The year is 1788, and men like Desmoulins, Marat, and Robespierre are meeting in the salons of Paris, speaking against the monarchy; there’s whispered talk of revolution. Spanning five years from budding revolution to the Reign of Terror, Madame Tussaud brings us into the world of an incredible heroine whose talent for wax modeling saved her life and preserved the faces of a vanished kingdom.
I loved, loved Madame Tussaud, and came away from it with profound reading satisfaction. I went into knowing next to nothing in regards to the French Revolution. I came away enlightened. This is a well crafted, intriguing, and utterly engrossing story. I do not hesitate to recommend Madame Tussaud to anyone that I know who loves historical fiction. Actually, that would be true for anything written by Michelle Moran.
The Name of the Wind
by Patrick Rothfuss
Back Cover:
My name is Kvothe.
I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.
You may have heard of me.
Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Can a book rock your world with incredible story, and prose that also includes an amazing character? Oh yes a book can, and this was accomplished by The Name of the Wind. Let me say, I think I am in a bit of author love when it comes to Patrick Rothfuss. Seriously, I do not think that man will do no wrong in stringing words together that in some shape or form grabs and maintains my attention. Only problem, because I loved The Name of the Wind so well, I have yet to read The Wise Man’s Fear for no other reason than the fact this unwise blogger deals with fear that the follow-up to a book well loved will disappoint. Umm…stupid, I know. Especially since it has been well-received. sigh…2012 will be the year for The Wise Man’s Fear.
Tigana
by Guy Gavriel Kay
Goodreads Description: Eight of the nine provinces of the Peninsula of the Palm, on a world with two moons, have fallen to the warrior sorcerers Brandin of Ygrath and Alberico of Barbadior. Brandin's younger son is slain in a battle with the principality of Tigana, which the grief-stricken sorcerer then destroys. Years later, a small band of survivors, led by Alessan, last prince of Tigana's royal house, wages psychological warfare, planting seeds for the overthrow of the two tyrants. At the center of these activities are Devin, a gifted young singer; Catriana, a young woman pursued by suspicions of her family's guilt; and Duke Sandre d'Astibar, a wily resistance leader thought dead. Meanwhile, at Brandin's court, Dianora, his favorite concubine and--unknown to anyone, another survivor of Tigana--struggles between her growing love for the often gentle tyrant and her desire for vengeance. Gradually the scene is set for both conquerors to destroy each other and free a land.
GGK is an author of fabulous talent. He knows how to craft amazing fantasy with historical undertones and Tigana is no exception. The writing is beyond superb. The story has a pace of its own which lured me in and kept me; a drug of sorts that I yearned for every day.
I loved this book greatly, and do not hesitate to recommend it but for some reason I could not bring myself to review this book. Actually, I know why, GGK has such great talent and weaves amazing stories that I felt overwhelmed by this one to where I simply thought that I could not do the book justice with my own words. Suffice it to say, I did write a small bit about this book that really summed up well why you should read this book too. My thoughts are hyperlinked to the book title.
Fire
by Kristin Cashore
Goodreads Description: Beautiful creatures called monsters live in the Dells. Monsters have the shape of normal animals: mountain lions, dragonflies, horses, fish. But the hair or scales or feathers of monsters are gorgeously colored-- fuchsia, turquoise, sparkly bronze, iridescent green-- and their minds have the power to control the minds of humans.
Seventeen-year-old Fire is the last remaining human-shaped monster in the Dells. Gorgeously monstrous in body and mind but with a human appreciation of right and wrong, she is hated and mistrusted by just about everyone, and this book is her story.
Oh, Fire, how I loved your story. It took a bit to warm up to Fire’s story, but, warmed up I did. I very quickly found myself absorbed into her world with a rocking storyline, superb pacing, interesting and intriguing characters - Cashore has a fantastic gift for writing. Fire was a book that I thought of for several months before I figured out how best to express my thoughts – a letter to my friend. This review mode allowed me to share my enthusiasm for Fire in a way that my regular review mode would not allow. This book is seriously good.
Blackout
by Connie Willis
Inside Flap: Oxford in 2060 is a chaotic place. Scores of time-traveling historians are being sent into the past, to destinations including the American Civil War and the attack on the World Trade Center. Michael Davies is prepping to go to Pearl Harbor. Merope Ward is coping with a bunch of bratty 1940 evacuees and trying to talk her thesis adviser, Mr. Dunworthy, into letting her go to VE-Day. Polly Churchill’s next assignment will be as a shopgirl in the middle of London’s Blitz. And seventeen-year-old Colin Templer, who has a major crush on Polly, is determined to go to the Crusades so that he can “catch up” to her in age.
Blackout is a perfect example of how a group read can lead a reader – me – to a fabulous book that I probably would not have read otherwise considering it was not on my radar and I was not planning on WWII reading at the time. I am so glad that I went with my mood to read it. Blackout is truly unique in how it delivers historical information while immersing its reader into a fabulous crafted story. Blackout suited me so very well; a combo of time-travel and historical fiction blended together smoothly, and seamlessly. I look forward to reading in 2012 the next book, All Clear. Thank you CarrieK at Books & Movies for co-hosting this group read. While I was not a great participant, I did read the book and loved it.
Among Others
by Jo Walton
Inside Flap: Startling, unusual, and yet irresistibly readable, Among Others is at once the compelling story of a young woman struggling to escape a troubled childhood, a brilliant diary of first encounters with the great novels of modern fantasy and SF, and a spellbinding tale of escape from ancient enchantment.
Raised by a half-mad mother who dabbled in magic, Morwenna Phelps found refuge in two worlds. As a child growing up in Wales, she played among the spirits who made their homes in industrial ruins. But her mind found freedom and promise in the science fiction novels that were her closest companions. Then her mother tried to bend the spirits to dark ends, and Mori was forced to confront her in a magical battle that left her crippled--and her twin sister dead.
Fleeing to her father whom she barely knew, Mori was sent to boarding school in England–a place all but devoid of true magic. There, outcast and alone, she tempted fate by doing magic herself, in an attempt to find a circle of like-minded friends. But her magic also drew the attention of her mother, bringing about a reckoning that could no longer be put off…
Among Others frequently stood out to me on the bookshelves when I would visit my local bookstore. When it was on sale, I snatched it up. Not just because the cover appeals greatly, but also because one of my blogging friends loved it greatly – thank you Carl for bringing this book to my attention. If not for his review, I probably would have continued my bookshelf browsing admiration. I am glad that I did not because Among Others is simply a book not to miss. Walton crafted a multi-layered story which was delivered with intelligent thoughts, and dialogue. I tore through the book – breathing in the story while at the same time finding myself pausing over nuggets of truth as they hit me. This is an excellent story. Brilliant.
The Book Thief
by Markus Zusak
GoodReads Description: It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .
Markus Zusak's groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a young foster girl living outside of Munich in Nazi Germany. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she discovers something she can't resist- books. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library, wherever they are to be found.
With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, Liesel learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids, as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.
Last year was a great year for Suey to have influence over my book reading choices and music interests. Thankfully, she is a fabulous friend, and I like, very well, her musical and book tastes. Not only was she influential in tuning my ear towards a fabulous musical talent. That talent became my Favorite Artist of 2011. She also was incredibly influential in my choosing to read, The Book Thief. I am so ever grateful for her persistence that I would not be disappointed. She was so very right. No…not just right…beyond right. The Book Thief is a book that no one should miss. An excellent story with many layers – deep reaching, and soul penetrating. This is a holocaust story with such uniqueness that nothing short of respect was felt for the subject matter. You know how the Diary of Anne Frank is read over and over again in the school system? I deeply believe that The Book Thief should be read with just as much frequency and same revere. Powerful, this book.
Slaughterhouse-Five
by Kurt Vonnegut
Goodreads Description: Slaughterhouse-Five is one of the world's great anti-war books. Centering on the infamous fire-bombing of Dresden, Billy Pilgrim's odyssey through time reflects the mythic journey of our own fractured lives as we search for meaning in what we are afraid to know.
This is a surprise favorite. Over the last few years, I have been hearing about Vonnegut, and I did not think his writing would be for me. Yet, I wanted to read one of his books to say that I did – a bit of a snobby bookish bent on that, I will admit. But, ha ha, the joke is on me. Not only did I like his writing, I found his concise manner greatly appealing. With clipped sentences, and time-travel sequences, Vonnegut crafted a bizarre story that kept me wanting to know more. I was intrigued, to say the least. An impression upon me was certainly left. I will be reading more Vonnegut stories.
The Way of Kings
by Brandon Sanderson
Goodreads Description: Roshar is a world of stone and storms. Uncanny tempests of incredible power sweep across the rocky terrain so frequently that they have shaped ecology and civilization alike. Animals hide in shells, trees pull in branches, and grass retracts into the soiless ground. Cities are built only where the topography offers shelter.
It has been centuries since the fall of the ten consecrated orders known as the Knights Radiant, but their Shardblades and Shardplate remain: mystical swords and suits of armor that transform ordinary men into near-invincible warriors. Men trade kingdoms for Shardblades. Wars were fought for them, and won by them.
One such war rages on a ruined landscape called the Shattered Plains. There, Kaladin, who traded his medical apprenticeship for a spear to protect his little brother, has been reduced to slavery. In a war that makes no sense, where ten armies fight separately against a single foe, he struggles to save his men and to fathom the leaders who consider them expendable
Blown away, I was. The epicness of The Way of Kings amazed me, and not just because of its vast scope of story, but also for all the detail embedded. Sanderson has enormous talent; he magnificently wove the threads of this story together. I am in awe, AND this is just the tip of the ice burg. If The Way of Kings is any indication, this is the start of an incredible and amazing series. I am glad that I have not waited for the series to be complete before embarking on this journey.
Favorite Bookish Experience of 2010:
Author Event: Patrick Rothfuss, was by far, hands down my most favorite bookish experience for 2011. I travelled 1 1/2 hours on March 9th in order to listen to this man speak, to meet him, AND to have my book signed. It truly was a fantastic experience, and I urge anyone who has a chance to attend any of his book signings to do so. I wrote in length about the experience, if curious, check my post out – Author Event: Patrick Rothfuss.
Favorite Book of the Year - 2010:
The Name of the Wind makes it to the top of my list purely for the fact of how incredibly engaged I became with this story. I really felt the story become apart of me as I read. Every waking moment, I found myself wanting to read this book, and when I could not, I was thinking of all that was going on. Kvothe, almost a year later, is a character that has stuck in my mind – he still ranks as one of my most favorite. I must thank Logan at Rememorandom for suggesting and influencing me to give this book a read. If it were not for his enthusiasm, I would have missed out on my favorite read of 2011. Whew! Glad I did not miss out.
~ For much of 2011, I thought The Name of the Wind was a shoo-in for this top spot, but the last part of year found myself reading two other books that became heavy contenders for this spot – The Book Thief, and The Way of Kings. Alas, I went with The Name of Wind because I was simply more engaged and connected with the story and character.
Favorite Book of the Month
Like I mentioned, I keep track of my books on my bookmark, and I mark which book is my favorite read for the given month.
January: The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin
February: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
March: Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay
April: The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
May: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
June: Fire by Kristin Cashore
July: Blackout by Connie Willis
August: Did not complete one book
September: One book completed, not a favorite
October: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
November: Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
December: The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
If interested, my complete list of books read in 2011 can be found here, Books Read 2011 This is where my books are listed until I can get a books read page up on my blog.
2011 Stats
~ genres are subjectively assigned, and a single book could be assigned to more than one genre.
Books Read – 48
Own - 28
Library - 7
Publisher / ARC - 13
New to Me Authors - 32
Female Authors - 30
Male Authors – 12
Historical Fiction – 8
Fantasy – 23
Paranormal – 2
Urban Fantasy - 4
Science Fiction – 5 (however, they were not solid sci-fi)
Dystopian - 2
Graphic / manga – 1
General Fiction – 2
Short Stories – 1
Romance - 3
YA - 17
Middle Grade - 4
~ I read far more books that I own than I realized. However, I did not keep track of books read already owned versus bought thus owned. Also, I am a bit surprised that I read 13 books given to me by the publisher or via NetGalley. I thought that number was much lower. My library stat needs to increase during 2012. My male author number is much lower than I realized. I thought that I tended to read books authored by a male rather than female. My stats prove otherwise. Goodness, I read far, far more Fantasy than I thought. Although, that is not too surprising as I do gravitate towards that genre. What was surprising is the few books that I read in Historical Fiction…only 8 in my second favorite genre.
~ For a neat, intricate yet simplistic way to keep track of books read, do check out Fyrefly’s Book Blog post - TSS: Track your reading!
I know many of you have shared your 2011 favorites, please do let me know if you posted your year in review. I would like to make sure to read your list.
“Get books, sit yourself down anywhere, and go to reading them yourself.” ― Abraham Lincoln
~ This post was written on Sunday ~
Quote of the week..... “This good day, it is a gift from You. The world is turning in its place Because you made it to. I lift my voice to sing a song of praise. On this good day.” - Fernando Ortega, This Good Day
Outside my window..... a sunny 28 degree day that feels around 19 degrees according to weather.com I have been outside, and it is pleasant...well, it would be pleasant if not for the wind that is rather crisp and very chilling to the bones. The 14 year old, however, still managed to be just fine only wearing her hoodie as we traveled the stores.
Kid events.... Last Thursday night, Elliana’s school band held a spaghetti dinner to help raise funds. We went, out of obligation, and left feeling great about going. I had a preconceived idea that the spaghetti dinner would be blahish, but boy was I surprised. Yes, it was your average meal, nothing fancy, but the way the event was organized is what led to an enjoyable experience. Our meal was served by band student volunteers. We ate as we enjoyed listening to various songs played by the different sections of the band. Elliana plays trombone, her section of trombones sounded great. Truly, all the sections were wonderful. This was a eat, enjoy and go event. Not a sit throughout the whole night and listen to all scheduled. It was crowded so we did not stay beyond Elliana’s band, but I am sure the symphonic band members sounded wonderful too. The video above is of Elliana and her fellow trombone players. El is progressing nicely with playing the trombone. She sits first chair in her section. We are proud of her dedication to learning of this instrument.
A Zine..... Talyawren is once again putting together a zine. L at omphaloskepsis started a zine project last year with her daughter N which led to the creation of Talyawren. Elliana contributed, and the zine turned out beyond amazing. For this year, they would like the edition of Talyawren to be a way to thank those who would like to help them give a monetary donation to Door to Grace. Talyawren put the call out for collaborators, and Elliana once again jumped on the idea. Well, jump would imply that she submitted her contribution for consideration already. That is not the case. However, she immediately took to the idea, and this weekend she wrote her piece. I will be submitting her short story tomorrow after I see if I can edit it down from 1100 words to 600 words. Hopefully El’s piece will be of use to the zine. There is still time to submit, if interested then please do check out Talyawren.
Music infusing my brain..... Last night, Saturday - January 28th, I was afforded the opportunity to see David Garrett once again. For those who do not know, David Garrett is a violinist, and one whom I have liked for several years now. We had a great time. I do plan on writing a post about this event as my thoughts are far to lengthy for the space provided here.
More David..... do remember, my mom is a huge fan of DG, and she has a group of friends who are huge fans too. They are meeting up in Washington DC to attend a concert together, and to also enjoy time hanging with one another. My mom wanted me to go, but events of life dictate that I stay home - a decision made several months ago. In my place, Elizabeth - my 14 year old daughter- will be traveling with grandma. I am very pleased that she will be able to experience DC and DG with my mom. I hope they have a wonderful time. I am sure I will mention her experience here on a later post.
Books..... reading has taken a serious decline this month. Well, not serious, but certainly not what I hoped. Regardless, the three books that I did read were fantastic - top rate books.
Currently, I am reading Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov for the group read hosted by Carl at Stainless Steel Droppings. I am not officially participating due to my reading unpredictability. But, I am following along when I can. To be blunt, if not for the group read I probably would not be reading this book now. I am glad that I am therefore glad for the group read. I also am starting The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley. Yes, I had this on my current read list before, but I really did not even start it. I am very much in the mood to see how well I will like this one.
I am writing..... letters. I was reading The Sunday Salon at Memory’s blog - Stella Matutina. She wrote about a project called A Month of Letters, hosted by Mary Robinette Kowal. The idea is to dedicate February as the month to write a letter each weekday plus Saturday if you have mail service. This is 25 days of letters. I really like this idea, and very much want to give it a go.
If you would like to receive mail from me - a letter, a postcard, a picture, an article clipping I found interesting, etc. then please do fill out this form. If you would like to send me mail then please indicate that on the form. I will send a letter to all who sign up. If you receive a letter from me, feel free to write back if you want. A Month of Letters has great fun potential.
To read more about this fabulous idea, do check out Memory’s The Sunday Salon post. You can also go on over to The Month of Letters to get the official low-down.
Recipe of the week ….. Broccoli Cauliflower Soup. Yum.Yum. Yum. I could eat bowl after bowl. This is definitely a keeper of a recipe - the whole family loved this one.
For my spiritual needs..... I have started my reading the entire Bible in a year journey. I am using a fabulous app - YouVersion - and following the Eat This Book reading plan. This is working out great. I am loving the simplicity, and the capability to read other reader thoughts and to write my own. However, reading the Bible via my iPad defeats my ultimate goal of reading my physical Bible, having it looked worn from reading with notes in margins and note cards of thoughts shoved inside....for my children, grandchildren to have an appreciation of my Bible....of reading the Bible through and through.
Links.....
Tar Heel Reader is an online “collection of free, easy-to-read, and accessible books on a wide range of topics”. Isaiah really enjoys these books at school, and we are starting use them with him at home on his ipad.
Fyrefly’s Book Blog posted TSS: Track your reading! I found the post to be informative and interesting. And, frankly, right up my keeping book stats alley. A book geek, I am.
Becoming Minimalist is a blog I stumbled upon. I like it and suits me well at this moment as I strive to keep stuff in proper perspective - minimal is good.
You have made it this far, congrats!
The following part is a far more personal side of this post. You will not hurt my feelings if you choose to skip reading this last section which is lengthy. I thought about creating its own post - decided against that because while I am filled with need to post these following thoughts, I also somewhat want to bury them with intent that a lurker who otherwise does not really read my posts will not then read this.
Me and my blog….. you may have noticed that I have been somewhat out of the loop as of late. Very little in way of posting on my blog and almost non- existent blog reading and commenting. Or, maybe you have not noticed. Regardless, there are several things heavy on my heart. The last four months have been witness to several lows, and troubling issues for which I am not going to go into all here. This last month - January - has been a very trying month. And the issue at hand, I will speak of briefly.
As some of you may be aware, my 8 year old son (IJ, Isaiah) has special needs. Apraxia, PDD- NOS, ADHD are his diagnoses. While you may have an idea of what those diagnoses entail, let me tell you frankly, a diagnose description does not tell all. The description is the starting point. Isaiah is complex. Always has been and most likely will always be. He brightens a room, but he could also darken it too. He has much to offer this world. While he is an expensive child to educate, he is worth every single penny. He challenges understanding and patience on a daily basis, but even so, I cannot imagine my world without this child in it.
January has been a month of troubles with Isaiah in school. The school is surprised, we are not. For us, it was only a matter of time before his "family life" crossed over into is "education life". The two are not exclusive because Isaiah's troubles are a part of Isaiah's disorders. Now that the school sees these issues, I am greatly puzzled by their response. I feel that we...that Isaiah...has been pushed into a corner to a certain degree due to policy and procedures. I feel the intensity for which we are dealing with could have been avoided, or for certainly decreased IF Isaiah was afforded the proper therapy. While I am a rational person, and I look for sound, and evidenced based ideas - I recognize that I am emotional about this issue at hand. I doubt I will ever let go of the feeling that Isaiah has been hurt by the lack of resource available to him. Right now I am very much consumed by this troubling month. I woke up this morning with the full realization that was starting to enter my mind this past Friday - I think I am literally becoming sick due to the troubles with Isaiah. Mind you, not all day nor every day, but enough. He is not making me sick...it is the troubles. I have woken several times over the last week very sick to my stomach. I can cry at the drop of a pin. I am living with a ball of anxiety in my gut. I have headaches that come and go. All of this is nothing really huge, BUT it is the first time that a situation is causing me to physically feel off. Not since gestating each child have I felt nausea in direct relation to a child.
Anyway, I write all this to let my blogging friends know where I have been...why I have "dropped off the scene" so- to- speak. For those who are my family and in-person friends, you already know my troubles. Thank you for the Isaiah help you give to us (me), even with listening.
My presence with blogging, reading blogs, commenting, and even emailing will be hit or miss for a bit of time. My mood and attention fluctuates for blogging. My energy, time and thought process is pouring into what options are available for Isaiah - what are his needs - what can we do for him. I do, however, have a few drafted posts needing finishing touches, and a few unwritten ones in my head, I hope to get those up. Posting is certainly on the slow boat.
For those close blogging friends - you have my email address. If you would like to be pulled out of the vagueness of this last part of the post, then please do email me. Otherwise, let it be known, I am exhausted with the troubles already and have no desire to go any further with public writing on the matter...at least, not right now. This part has served its purpose for me - therapy of sorts.
For week four of every month, my Song of the Week post will be centered around Christian music. For 2012, I would like to be a bit more purposeful with my music listening, and Christian music certainly has its place in my life.
I was unable to find a video of This Good Day to embed, so I will have to be satisfied with sharing a link to the song.
PLEASE do click over and listen to This Good Day by Fernando Ortega, AND then come back to this post.
This Good Day is one of my most favorite Christian songs. Actually, Fernando Ortega ranks on my favorite Christian artists list, and quite possibly the favorite. No matter my mood, This Good Day is always a good song to listen to. A good mood, I am uplifted further. A bad or so-so mood, I am reminded that no matter my troubles…. “This good day, it is a gift from You. The world is turning in its place Because you made it to.” And so…. “I lift my voice to sing a song of praise. On this good day.”
Many years ago, about 11, I took my oldest son- Benjamin – along with my mom and sister to Breakfast with Moody that featured Fernando Ortega. He was present during the morning radio show, and played live for those who were able to attend. It was a fantastic experience. Fernando Ortega was simply wonderful to hear live, and to speak with during a brief album signing moment. I would love to see him in concert.
If you listen to Christian music – which song is your favorite? If you listen to Christian music – do you listen often? If you listen to other music music that feeds your spiritual needs, please share.
Trying to do something different with my Song of the Week posts. Not certain if my idea will really pan out into a good thing. Time will tell. Until proven as a not so good idea for this brain of mine, I am going to start theme weeks for this post.
Pandora week, this is. One week per month, I am going to feature a song that came to me by way of listening to Pandora. At first, I thought the song should be a new find, but I have concluded that it could be a familiar song that I have not listened to for a while but brought back to my attention through Pandora listening.
This you must know, Brandi Carlile is a favorite of mine. I absolutely LOVE her music. I have seen her in concert at least three times, she is fantastic and I blogged about her at least twice - Music Musings: Brandi Carlile and A Fantastic Show…Brandi Carlile. What occurred over the last year, in my quest to diversify my music, I did not listen to her much. What a shame. Upon listening to Pandora, I kept seeing my Brandi Carlile channel. I finally played it, and guess what…I miss listening to her music.
Have you Ever is a simple song yet has meaning. What that meaning is, I cannot tell you. But, I will say, for me, the meaning changes a bit with my mood and life, but it always resonates feeling.
Any finds this week for you by way of a radio service such as Pandora?
