I got a bit quiet on here. I didn't even do my Sunday post! Mainly because I had a quiet week reading-wise and have too much on my mind life-wise. I am currently reading too many books, but I am hoping to read more in December than I have the last couple months. We will have to see what happens. I am still looking for a job and it is all a bit discouraging at the moment. Also, I think I am going to have a bit of a library-overload today because I haven't been there in a week. I wish some of my ILLs would start coming in, though. If I take the time to fill out the form it usually means I really want those particular books, but the wait is forever.
Anyway, just a reminder that the Virtual Advent starts tomorrow! There is still plenty of time to sign-up, so please do so. Otherwise, I look forward to reading all the posts. For those that are reading along you just go to the main website for the tour and it will share with you the links for each day. It is so much fun!
Also starting tomorrow is the mini-challenge I am hosting for the Dewey Reading Challenge. I am going to count the Virtual Advent as my contribution. It brings the community together, right? Plus, Dewey participated in a previous year. Another example is Chris and Nymeth are hosting a Graphic Novel Challenge for 2010. Once they have their post up they are going to include it for the challenge. (I hope they don't mind I used it asn an example...) These are just two examples. There are many ways in which you can honour Dewey's memory. Tomorrow I will post a Mr. Linky so that you can share with others. I hope people will join in!
I have been toying around with the idea of joining the GLBT reading challenge next year, but hadn't really made any sort of committment. Then, I was reading Eva's list and discovered that I owned several of those books! I read several GLBT books this year just for fun, so I don't think I will have any trouble with the challenge. A couple of the books I am reading right now could count for the challenge, actually!
The basic idea of this challenge is to read books about GLBT topics and/or by GLBT authors.
The challenge runs year-round, and there will be three levels of participation:
Lambda Level: Read 4 books.
Pink Triangle Level: Read 8 books.
Rainbow Level: Read 12 or more books.
You don't need to choose your books right away, and they can change at any time. Overlaps with other challenges are fine.
In January, I will put up a post for you to leave links to your reviews, if you like. Those links can help serve as a reference for others. That will also be how I track participants for prize drawings.
Prizes! There will be prizes, both for this main challenge and for various mini-challenges throughout the year. Keep an eye on the blog for details.
Books Read:
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green & David Leviathan
Luna by Julie Anne Peters
Rage by Julie Anne Peters
My Pool of Potential Reads:
Some books I own:
Melusine by Sarah Monette Life Mask by Emma Donoghue Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn Regeneration by Pat Barker The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters (for the author, not the book...) The Wars by Timothy Findley (for the author, not the book...) Naked by David Sedaris Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jacqueline Winspear The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon The Bone Doll's Twin by Lynn Flewelling American Gods by Neil Gaiman The Lions of Al-Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay The Privilege of the Sword by Ellen Kushner Magic's Pawn by Mercedes Lackey Inda by Sherwood Smith Sister Light, Sister Dark by Jane Yolen
I want to read some non-fiction, too, but the library has a terrible selection. So far nothing I have wanted to read is available!
Then, I know for sure that I am going to join the Flashback Challenge. The goal is to reread books. I plan to do that every year, but I am really quite bad at it!
The Flashback Challenge will run from January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010. If you're super-excited and want to reread a book before that, feel free, and let me know. If many people do so, then I'll do a December challenge linky post and you can all link to it here. Otherwise, we can hold them over to January.
You can sign up for the following levels: Bookworm - Up to three books Scholar - Four to six books Literati - Over six books
Within these levels, we have mini-challenges! These are:
1. Re-read a favorite book from your childhood
2. Re-read a book assigned to you in high school
3. Re-read a book you loved as an adult
I'm not sure how much I will manage to read. Like I said, I am rather bad at rereads, so we will see what happens! I would say a Bookworm (at least) if I want to participate in my own challenge for next year...
Some potentials:
Phantom by Susan Kay (Read as adult) The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield (Read as adult) A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith (Read in high school)
A series from my childhood: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle A Wind in the Door by Madeleine L'Engle A Swiftly Tilting Planet by Madeleine L'Engle Many Waters by Madeleine L'Engle An Acceptable Time by Madeleine L'Engle
These books are for the read-along I am doing with Nymeth, Amanda, Shannon, and now several other people! Then, there is the LOTR read-along. I am really up in the air about it, to be honest! It's a huge committment for someone that doesn't reread a lot, but I love these books... I don't think I will reread The Hobbit, but there is a good chance I will read the main trilogy. The good thing is that you don't have to read them in the months they are being discussed. I might have to stretch them out a bit. I used to read trilogies all in a row, and I have done that a bit this year, but generally the last few years I have a hard time doing that.
Then, there is the Woolf in Winter Challenge. It is basically to read four novels by Virginia Woolf in January and February. Instead, I am going to read one each in November, December, January, and February so I don't get burned out on her! The books are Mrs. Dalloway, To the Lighthouse, Orlando, and The Waves. I have a very hard time with Woolf, but I am determined to read her! I have read Mrs. Dalloway before, though!
Oh, and there is also The Classic Reads Book Club! The first book is East of Eden and then the second book is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I have been meaning to read more Steinbeck forever! Then, I can read Betty Smith for the Flashback Challenge. It is win-win!
The challenge will start from 1 December 2009 and run through to 30 November 2010. There are several different levels of participation for you to choose from:
1-3 books - Cashier at Ankh-Morpork Mint 4-5 books - Guard of the City Watch 6-8 books - Academic at the Unseen University 9-10 books - Member of Granny Weatherwax's Coven 10-12 books - Death's Apprentice
You can either be reading the books for the first time, rereading, or even watching the TV adaptations if you like! As long as everyone has fun I will be happy! Please also do not feel limited to only reading the Discworld books as any books by Terry Pratchett will count for this challenge.
I will say I am aiming for Cashier at Ankh-Morpork Mint, but I am hoping to make it to Death's Apprentice! We will have to see what happens!
I am going to have to update my sidebar to keep this all straight!
It is hard to believe that a year has come and gone. I am left thinking: What do you say at a moment like this? I wasn't even sure if I should say anything because we didn't really know each other very well. I don't want to take any shine away from those that knew you well, but at the same time, several people have commented on these letters and how much they appreciate them. So, I am bowing to the masses and here I am again. This is a different conversation, though. In the past I was responding to your reviews, so it was almost like a conversation. There were a few times I used a letter to explain something, but this is really the first time I am writing a letter into the silence. It's a sad moment.
I think, in the back of our minds, everyone wants to have their five minutes of fame or to do something lasting. Not everyone will admit it, but it is there. I wonder if you knew just how lasting your voice was? Here it is a year later and in some ways it is like you never even left. You were gifted with wonderful blogging friends who continue to show their love for you through keeping the community alive. Did you think for a moment you would have that much impact on the world? It might be the virtual one, but it is just as important as the outside world. I doubt you did, because you struck me as very modest, but I hope you had a small inkling of just how lasting your voice would be and how many lives you touched just in the few years you were blogging. You had the heart and mind that people should aspire to.
It is a wonderful feeling to know that years from now, if there is a still a book-blogging community the things that you started will probably still be happening. It's a wonderful thought because things are a lot different now than they were when I started blogging. The blogging community is huge! Even those that never even read your blog will know who you are because you live on in the hearts of those that knew you well and the events that are done in your memory. It is a pleasure to be able to say I knew you, even if it was not as well as some. I believe you will always be missed.
Until next time... And, I promise, there will be a next time!
Not to take away from this post, but if you are interested in the rest of my letters here are the links:
A new stand-alone FABLES NOVEL from award-winning and wildly acclaimed author, Bill Willingham.
This story stars Peter Piper and his incorrigible brother Max in a tale about jealousy, betrayal and revenge. Set in two distinct time periods, prepare to travel back to medieval times and learn the tragic back-story of the Piper family, a medieval-era family of traveling minstrels. Then, jump into the present to follow a tale of espionage as Peter Piper slowly hunts down his evil brother for a heinous crime, pitting Peter's talents as a master thief against Max's dark magical powers.
Based on the long-running and award-winning comic book series FABLES, PETER AND MAX is its own tale. Readers don't have to be familiar with the comics to fully enjoy and understand this book.
Welcome to another buddy review with Heather! One of my favourite features on my blog at the moment. She is the red text. Enjoy!
So, what did you think of the first official Fables NOVEL? Did it live up to your expectations? Exceed them? No? Yes?
I loved it! I am still a bit iffy with graphic novels, I have to be honest. I enjoy looking at pictures, but I am a lot better with words. Even when I read graphic novels I have to keep reminding myself that the pictures tell the story, too, so I have to look at them! With a book only with words (predominately) I can read the story for what it is and not worry that I am not paying attention to the pictures. I was worried that I was too excited about this book and that it wouldn't live up to those expectations, but I have to say that I loved this book! Bill Willingham has taken one of my favourite things, fairy tales, and created a fantastic story that I demand more from now! I don't know if he can do any wrong... What did you think?
Oh, I loved it too! I love the graphic novels (even though I too have to remind myself to look at the pictures sometimes) but have always been left with the feeling I needed...more...at the end of each one. Peter & Max definitely gave more! I loved the richness of it, there was just so much to read and think about and enjoy!
Yes, it built on the story a lot more than the graphic novels are capable of doing. You feel like you really know the characters. There were still graphics in the book, but instead of being the main thing they were just randomly placed throughout. What did you think of the artwork?
I thought the artwork was gorgeous! I love ink drawings and Steven Leialoha's work in general, so putting the two together was marvelous. I thought it did a great job of not only connecting the book to the graphic novels, but connecting the book to the whole fairytale/folk tale universe. It felt very Arthur Rackham-ish to me. Very dreamy and timeless. What did you think?
I really liked it! It really added to the book, but it didn't take away from it. He really is gifted in creating a world that you get caught up in, but you also get to see the artist interpretation of the character and stories. On the same wave-length, what did you think about the cover?
I liked it! It's all menacing and evocative. It doesn't give very much away, which I usually like in a book covers. You?
I agree with you. I still think it is great, though. There is something appealing about it! I am glad I bought it in hardcover. There are just some books that should be bought that way, and this is one of them!
Definitely. So, what did you think of the story? Did you like the way Willingham used Peter and Max in their Fables? (Does that make sense?)
Yeah, that makes sense. You know, until I read this series I didn't know that the same characters were used over and over again like they are! Some are obvious, like Prince Charming, but others didn't even occur to me. So, I really learn a lot reading these books. I mean, he managed to tie in how Peter had a wife who lived in a pumpkin. I was pretty impressed with how he worked that out. I thought he wrote Max and Peter really well. I have read a couple books this year on the the Pied Piper fable, and I thought this was another excellent example of it. And, I loved how he wrote Bo in, of Bo Peep fame! What did you think?
Yes, I was impressed with how he worked in a lot of things. The pumpkin, the pickled peppers, the Pied Piper...all those Ps... And I loved how he worked in Bo Peep too. And I liked how he met different, familiar to the GN readers, Fables throughout the story, like Bigby, Snow White, Old King Cole, Ichabod Crane, etc. I thought that was really cool, to see those characters as they were hundreds of years ago. I especially loved the two extremely different flutes. I thought that was really interesting.
Heather has part two, so head over to her blog to read the rest!
I am starting to get ready to listen to Christmas music for the year. I have listened to a couple songs here and there, but I am slow with the Christmas spirit this year! Anyway, I thought I would share a couple songs that I really like at this time of the year.
This is not the version of this song I was looking for, but where it was in a movie it is all that I seem able to find...
Note to self, do not get really excited about reading weeks! The next week generally turns out to be rather bad after that... I have only finished three books this week. Count them, THREE! How depressing is that! It means several books are going to have to go back to the library unread, though, and that makes me sad!
I am still coughing from when I was sick. I get like this every year, but with the swine flu worries I feel like everyone thinks I am going to die! I really do get a bad cough every year... I mean, just ask the charming comedian! For our first date we went to the movies and I coughed for the first half and he kept asking me if I was okay. I was really regretting saying no to the drink, but he gave me gum and I managed to make it through the rest of the movie cough-free! That is probably why he just is my mini-pharmacy and doesn't complain... It is also why I am now required to have a drink at all movie viewings.
November Reading Challenge
I don't think there are any new reviews for my unofficial reading challenge, but if there are feel free to leave the URL in the comments and I will post about it next week! I hope to read at least one more book for the challenge, but I wouldn't hold my breath...
Virtual Advent
Can you believe that this starts in just over a week? I am so excited! There has been an amazing turnout of sign-ups and I can't wait to read all the posts! There is still plenty of time to sign-up and there will be a post soon with last-minute details. To sign-up, just head over to the blog! There are still some people I was hoping would sign-up that haven't... Hint, hint!
Dewey Reading Challenge
In December there will be a mini-challenge as a bit of a wrap-up to the challenge! It's all about doing things in Dewey's memory, so I hope that people will sign-up. There will be an official place to post your links in December, but for now you can read all the details on this post.
Other Challenges/Events
I have a big post scheduled for Thursday to talk about all the challenges I am planning to sign-up for so far in 2010, so be sure to check it out! In the meantime, I am hosting a read-along in 2010 to read The Time Quartet by Madeleine L'Engle. There has been a decent amount of interest so far, so I hope others will join in. I was just posting to see if there is any interest. Since there is, should I put up a place to offically sign-up or something?
Also, don't forget about The Alphabet in Historical Fiction that is being hosted by Historical Tapestry. The letter is 'A'. You still have another week to post for it. I know what my post is going to be, but I seem to have forgotten to post it. I will have to try and squeeze it in this week somewhere.
Weekly Reads
I read Peter & Max by Bill Willingham. I am reviewing this with Heather, so my review will be up on Tuesday! Then, I read Avalon High Coronation - Volume 2: Homecoming by Meg Cabot. This is manga series. Apparently there is a novel that they spin-off of and I have it from the library now, too. Lastly, I finished Ash by Malinda Lo. If you are doing the GLBT challenge next year this is a good book for it! It's supposed to be a fairy tale retelling, but it is not what you would generally expect...
It's not like I don't have good books on the go! I am reading Fingersmith by Sarah Waters, The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver, The Children's Book by A.S. Byatt, and Flappers by Joshua Zeitz. I just need to settle down, read, and finish something! That's the plan, anyway! Instead, I am thinking about all the books I want to be reading...
Avalon High Coronation - Volume 2: Homecoming by Meg Cabot (read) Day After Night by Anita Diamant (like the author) Truckers by Terry Pratchett (Terry Pratchett Challenge) Ash by Malinda Lo (read) Avalon High by Meg Cabot (carry on with series) The Passion by Donna Boyd (someone said I should try it...) Flapper by Joshua Zeitz (Maybe Women Unbound...) Princess in Pink (carry on with with series)
Twitter really is a wonderful place. You can credit it with the birth of a lot of things! Last night it inspired me to write this post, and since I could use some inspiration, I am going to take full advantage of it. One of my favourite authors when I was a young adult was Madeleine L'Engle. Over the years I have read most of her books and I encourage everyone to read her!
I was on the library website the other day (big surprise) and I saw that they had all of her Time Quartet in audio format. Since I hadn't re-read the series in a while, I was thinking about it and mentioned it to Nymeth. She has read the first book, but not the rest. Then, you get talking about it in a public forum and other people start noticing and mentioning they want to join in, too! Someone suggested it could be a read-a-long like some of the others that are going on next year, so I decided to write a post about it to see if other people were interested. I was thinking of a very easy schedule:
January - A Wrinkle in Time February - A Wind in the Door March - A Swiftly Tilting Planet April - Many Waters
Then, you technically should read An Acceptable Time. I consider it book five in the Time Quartet. (If Douglas Adams can turn a trilogy into a series; than L'Engle can turn a quartet into a quintet.) It seems to depend on who you listen to, though. (I was on her main web site and they have it as book five, so it is not only me.) There is also The Arm of the Starfish, Dragons in the Water, and A House Like a Lotus.
So, what are your thoughts? Is there an interest in a read-a-long? What do people think about the schedule? I know there is a lot going on next year, so I didn't want to make it too restrictive, but maybe it is too relaxed... Let me know!
I haven't really been inspired to blog this week. I have been reading, but not finishing anything, so I guess I don't really feel like I have anything to talk about. I am going to write a general post instead.
I am reading some really good books at the moment. I am about 200 pages into Fingersmith by Sarah Waters. It is really really good! Then, I am reading The Children's Book by A.S. Byatt. I like it, but I am not sure if I love it. This is my first time reading Byatt. I have been reading 50 pages a day, but I am going to have to start reading more soon! I will soon finish up Ash by Malinda Lo. It is pretty good. I have a couple other books started, but I haven't actively read them in a couple days. I am lucky I read period!
Don't forget to sign-up for the Virtual Advent! There are still a few people that have joined up in previous years that haven't signed up yet. I hope people will! There are about 11 days until the tour actually starts.
Lastly, don't forget about the mini-challenge for the Dewey Reading Challenge. You can read all the details on this post!
It is hard to believe that the reading challenge created in your honour is almost over with. Time has sure flown! I had meant to read and write more letters, but with your blog down it doesn't really work for my letter writing method. So, I am returning today with one final moment in your honour. It is the wrap-up mini-challenge for the Dewey Reading Challenge, which doesn't technically occur until December, but the challenge participants are welcome to begin whenever they want.
Your blog was all about community building and your influence is living on through the 24-hour Read-a-thon, Weekly Geeks, and other blog events. So now the challenge is for the members of your reading challenge to take a page from your book and do something for the good for the community. It could be something you would do anyways, like participating in Weekly Geeks, or it could be something new like starting your first reading challenge. The point is to either make difference in the blogging community or to start something new and then post about it. You can also do something in your own community; it doesn't just have to be the blogging one. It is not for me to tell you what to post, though. It is your decision if it fits.
I hope this post makes sense! It is one of those things that sounds right in my head, but I am not sure how well it conveys on the screen. Please ask if you have any questions!
The Wild Things — based very loosely on the storybook by Maurice Sendak and the screenplay cowritten with Spike Jonze — is about the confusions of a boy, Max, making his way in a world he can’t control. His father is gone, his mother is spending time with a younger boyfriend, his sister is becoming a teenager and no longer has interest in him. At the same time, Max finds himself capable of startling acts of wildness: he wears a wolf suit, bites his mom, and can’t always control his outbursts. During a fight at home, Max flees and runs away into the woods. He finds a boat there, jumps in, and ends up on the open sea, destination unknown. He lands on the island of the Wild Things, and soon he becomes their king. But things get complicated when Max realizes that the Wild Things want as much from him as he wants from them. Funny, dark, and alive, The Wild Things is a timeless and time-tested tale for all ages.
Today is another buddy review with Chris from Stuff as Dreams Are Made On... We haven't done one in a while, so it seemed fitting that we do one for the book that it was his fault I bought, right? I always enjoy posting with Chris.
Chris' Questions:
1. Have you read the original Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak and if so, how do you think this novelization compared as a translation of it? Okay, easy answer... No... If I read the original I was so young I don't remember it! I was always aware of it, but my early reading was dictated by what my parents bought me and then when I got older I thought I was too old. Nowadays, I do plan to get to it!
2. Did you like Max? Why or Why not? He annoyed me at times, but I think was a typical kid. He was cute. I enjoyed reading about his adventures and his time on the island. He had a great imagination and if he hadn't got mad at his mother and freaked out the story never would have worked out.
3. What did you think of the design of the book itself? I loved the design of the book! I do sort of wish I had got the furry edition, but this one was so nice! I liked the way it looked and appreciated the fact that it didn't have a paper cover. They did a really good job on the book to make it appealing.
My Questions:
1. Without giving anything away, what did you think about the ending? I liked the ending. I thought it was fitting. When I first finished it I thought more should have happened, but the more that I thought about it the more I decided that it worked. If it was too detailed it wouldn't have worked with the magic and imagination of the rest of the story.
2. Who was your favourite Wild Thing? Why? Katherine. I liked that she was sort of a do her own thing type of personality. She was really fun to read about and I liked what she added to the story. I felt really bad for her when it came to Carol, though.. There seemed to be a lot more going on there than met the eye.
3. What did you think the age range for this book was? I really think that this is a book for all the children that have grown up with the original. It isn't so much about how old you are. It is about the magic of the story and remembering what it was like to read the picture book. It just elaborates on a story that is well known and fills in the parts you always just wondered about before.
Summer appears to have arrived early in Australia. Adelaide has already had more than 5 days over 35C (95F) with last Saturday being a scorching 40C (105F) and it's not even December yet. Here in Melbourne, we have had our hottest start to November in many years, and to be honest, everyone is a bit jittery. The events of Black Saturday, 7 February 2009, when more than 200 Victorians lost their lives during terrible bushfires in the country just outside of Melbourne, are still too clearly in the minds and hearts of many Australians, and with the hot weather on it's way, people are starting to prepare for what happens if the conditions are as bad this summer. At the same time as Victoria was burning, people in Queensland were suffering in flooding that lasted for weeks in some parts.
Australians are a generous nation whenever disaster strikes anywhere around the world. and once it became clear the magnitude of these disasters, the community rallied round, and everyone from sports stars to politicians to the normal Aussie in the street did what they could to support the people effected. At the time, I was working for a major charity and the response was amazing. Very early on it was announced that there would be a fund raising concert called SoundRelief and many Australian entertainers confirmed their attendance.
In the end there were two simultaneous concerts in Melbourne and Sydney on March 14 with the proceeds to be split between the fire and flood victims. There were big name international acts, as well as legendary Australian performers, and newer acts. When trying to choose what to post about for Music Monday, I knew that I wanted to focus on some Australian music, but then decided to revisit SoundRelief. I was lucky enough to attend the Melbourne concert along with about 80000 other people. If you are interested you can read my thoughts of the day here.
The hard part of this post is choosing which videos to include because there were so many amazing performances, but I will start with Jet, who are a Melbourne band, and so got a huge reception, despite the fact that we were absolutely drenched by that time! Both Jet and Wolfmother had a very busy day as they flew to the other concert and performed for both crowds.
One of the difficulties on the day was deciding when we wanted to eat because there were certain acts that we did not want to miss. We looked through the schedule and thought, hmm, Liam Finn. Famous family name, but we don't know any of his songs so that is when we will go and eat. We were standing in the food queue and I said to my friend, that sounds like Crowded House, and sure enough, Liam had been joined onstage by his dad and uncle, better known as Tim and Neil Finn along with Nick Seymour who were all part of Crowded House. Later in the night re-formed Split Enz performed. They were great live, but I didn't know as many of their songs as I do for Crowded House.
There was a certain amount of irony in that the sky was blue during this song. It wasn't really at many other parts of the day.
This happened in Sydney but we did get to see it on the big screens where I was in Melbourne. John Farnham is one of the biggest names in Australian music, and to see him perform with Coldplay was awesome. Among the other big international acts to perform were Kings of Leon, Jack Johnson and Taylor Swift. I am sure that I am missing some.
For me the two biggest highlights of the night were seeing the re-formed bands, Hunters and Collectors and Midnight Oil. It's hard to believe that these bands had played so little together over the years. Hunters and Collectors are a band that didn't really make it overseas, but they are Australian legends. This song in particular has been used in marketing for Aussie Rules football, and it is a song that nearly everyone would know here. The lead singer, Mark Seymour, is actually Nick Seymour's brother (from Crowded House)
The finale in Sydney was Barry Gibb and Olivia Newton-John, which would have been good, but in Melbourne we were treated to Midnight Oil, which was awesome! The lead singer of Midnight Oil, Peter Garrett, is now the Federal Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Arts (yep, a politician) so he doesn't get out in front of the band very often any more, but neither he nor the rest of the band have lost it yet! We all walked away hoping that we would never have to come together for another cause so tragic, but at the same time blown away by the performances we had seen.
Thanks to Kailana for allowing me to relive one of my favourite days of this year.
I was a bit slack with my blog posting this week! I missed yesterday because of writing emails for the Holiday Swap. I got a late start because of some technological issues, but then I wanted to finish because there are so many things I want to accomplish this week! Actually, there is so much I want to talk about in this post that I think I will do it in more sections than normal!
Virtual Advent Calendar
One of the most important things about today is that sign-ups have started for the 4th Annual Advent Calendar! It is hard to believe it has been four years. My blogiversary is coming up and I will have been blogging for four years at that time. Crazy how fast time goes! Anyway, it is hosted by Marg and myself again this year and I hope that lots of people will join up! The calendar officially starts on December 1. To sign-up just head over to the blog. I look forward to seeing what everyone comes up with this year!
November Reading Challenge
How is everyone making out with my unofficial reading challenge? I finished one book this week: Tatiana & Alexander by Paullina Simons. I even reviewed it! Nymeth read a book for it, too, and you can read her review by heading over to her blog. Anyone else? It is not too late to do so. The goal is to simply read a book that is related to World War I, World War II, etc in honour of Remembrance Day (or whatever it is called where you live!). Hope to see a few more reviews before the month is over with.
Dewey Reading Challenge
It was planned back at the beginning that I would do the mini-challenge in December for the Dewey Reading Challenge. I still plan to do so! There will be an official post about it on either Wednesday or Thursday. Basically, though, the point of the challenge is to do things you would likely do anyway. Dewey was all about the blogging community, and even her own community, so all you have to do is do something for either the blogging community or your own community and post about it. Easy, right? When I announce it formal I will set-up a Mr. Linky. I hope people will join in!
Other Reading Challenges/Events
I also just wanted to take a moment to mention Historical Tapestry. Believe it or not, I do still blog there! We have launched a new feature this week called The Alphabet in Historical Fiction. The details are as follows:
Each fortnight you have to write a blog post about an historical fiction book of your choice (it might even be something you already read before), but it MUST be related to the letter of the week.
You have several possibilities:
- the first letter of the title - the first letter of the author's first name or surname - the first letter of a character's first name or surname - the first letter of a place where an historical event took place
You just have to choose one of them and participate.
The fact that you can reuse old posts is a very big draw for me. I might actually manage to participate! This week is brought to you by the letter 'A'. Sorry, I couldn't resist! Tell me you know where I get that from... At least, it is sort of quoted correctly. I haven't watched Sesame Street in a number of years... I also wanted to do some advertising for Marg and her reading challenge. She has decided to do a Terry Pratchett one. I have been working on Terry Pratchett this year. I read Nation, The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, and The Tiffany Aching trilogy. That means that it will be soon time to read the actual Discworld series. Since I plan to be reading it anyways it makes sense to make it a challenge! I actually have three Pratchett books on hold for me at the library, so I will just hold on to them until December 1 when the challenge starts. Head over to Marg's blog for all the details.
hm, I am starting to think I should have made this two posts!
Weekly Reads
At time of posting I managed to finish 8 books!
Wintersmith (Tiffany Aching Trilogy, Book 3) by Terry Pratchett - Speaking of Terry Pratchett, I finished the third book in this trilogy just this week! It was a fun book. I really enjoy Tiffany. I am also very happy to finish a trilogy! (This usually means I start another one... The sad thing is I did all ready. You will soon see!)
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession by Allison Hoover Bartlett - I read this book because it was blogged about a lot for a bit and I thought it looked interesting. It is about a man that is obsessed with stealing books and the people that book stealing concerns. Nothing ground-breaking, but it was a good read.
Let it Snow: Three Holiday Romances by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle - I read this because John Green has a story in it, of course! Although, I really like Maureen Johnson so far, too. I have never read Lauren Myracle before. I am going to be buddy reviewing this with Amy from My Friend Amy, so stay tuned!
Bone - Volume 2: The Great Cow Race by Jeff Smith - The second book in the Bone series. I am really enjoying this series so far! It is about time I got around to reading it. It's a lot of fun! I look forward to book 3 when it comes in for me at the library.
Tatiana & Alexander (Bronze Horseman Trilogy, Book 2) by Paullina Simons - I read this for my unofficial reading challenge. I have even reviewed it all ready! Go me!
Project Princess (Princess Diaries, Book IV and a half) by Meg Cabot - As I said last week, finishing up this series is a priority for me. I have too many series on the go! Mia kind of annoys me, that's why I stalled in this series, but they are still fun books... I have the next book on hold for me at the library.
Avalon High Coronation -Volume 1: The Merlin Prophecy by Meg Cabot - See? I finished one trilogy and started a series! It has Arthurian connections, though. I was looking for the book above and found this one and decided to give it a go. It is manga. Apparently there is a novel that is technically book one, so I have that and the next manga on hold for me at the library. I like Arthurian re-tellings...
The Father Christmas Letters by J.R.R. Tolkien - I love Tolkien, but yet I don't read him. I was looking for Christmas-related books and this one popped into my head. I had a total fangirl moment because one of the letters in the book mentions Nova Scotia! I live in Nova Scotia. I mean, Tolkien actually knew that Nova Scotia existed! That made me unnecessarily excited, but I feel the need to share. I even got the cc to read that letter! (The cc doesn't like Tolkien! Mind you, he has only tried to read The Hobbit, so I don't think he has given him a fair chance.)
Currently Reading: Peter & Max by Bill Willingham The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver The Children's Book by A.S. Byatt The Dragon Book: Modern Tales from the Masters of Modern Fantasy edited by Jack Dann and Gardner Dozois
The Good Women of China: Hidden Voices by Xinran (Women Unbound Challenge) Letters from Burma (Women Unbound Challenge) When I Was Puerto Rican by Esmerelda Santiago (Women Unbound Challenge) Blue Noon by Scott Westerfeld (Carry on with series) Prelude by Madeleine L'Engle (Finish off a trilogy) Avalon High Coronation -Volume 1: The Merlin Prophecy by Meg Cabot (Read) Project Princess (Princess Diaries, Book IV and a half) by Meg Cabot (Read) Curse of the Blue Tattoo by L.A. Meyer (Carry on with Series) Death Ship of Halifax Harbour by Steven Laffoley (Canadian) The Father Christmas Letters by J.R.R. Tolkien
Since this is all ready a really long post, I am going to skip Sunday Book Coveting for this week! Okay, I think I am going to go read or something because I just stared at the computer for a really long time writing this post!
The world at war … two people in love. Tatiana is eighteen years old and pregnant when she miraculously escapes war-torn Leningrad to the West, believing herself to be a widow. Her husband, Major Alexander Belov, a decorated hero of the Soviet Union, has been arrested by Stalin's infamous secret police and is awaiting imminent death as a traitor and a spy. Tatiana begins her new life in America. In wartime New York City she finds work, friends and a life beyond her dreams. However, her grief is inescapable and she keeps hearing Alexander calling out to her. Meanwhile, Alexander faces the greatest danger he's ever known. An American trapped in Russia since adolescence, he has been serving in the Red Army and posing as a Soviet citizen to protect himself. For him, Russia's war is not over, and both victory and defeat will mean certain death. As the Second World War moves into its spectacular close, Tatiana and Alexander are surrounded by the ghosts of their past and each other. They must struggle against destiny and despair as they find themselves in the fight of their lives. A master of the historical epic, Paullina Simons takes us on a journey across continents, time, and the entire breadth of human emotion, to create a heartrendingly beautiful love story that will live on long after the final page is turned.
It is always good when you host an unofficial reading challenge and actually manage to finish a book yourself! I have challenged myself to read a couple World War I, World War II, etc books this November. This book takes place during the Second World War and just after it, so I think it was a perfect choice.
I have read a lot of books this year, but you know, I haven't been blown away with as many as you would expect. I have only strongly disliked a few books I have read, but I just haven't 'loved to death and want everyone to read NOW' as many books this year as I was expecting. So, when I get really excited about a book, you must understand it is because I am still on the high from a great book AND because I have one more book to add to that very elite list of books you have to read NOW! Namely, this book. I read The Bronze Horseman back in 2007 and started this book right afterwards, but as seems to happen with similar authors (although, not so much this year) I didn't wind up finishing the book at the time. I am determined to decrease the amount of series and trilogies I have on the go, though, so I decided to make this trilogy one of my goals. I AM SO HAPPY THAT I DID!
I have to be frank. I don't like romance novels. I don't like books that are marketed as something else and have extreme levels of romance in them. This is not to say that there are not exceptions to this. This was an exception. In The Bronze Horseman Tatiana and Alexander met, fell in love, and all that came with that during the Second World War in a war-torn Soviet Union. This presented LOTS of obstacles that the couple had to face. Now, some time has gone by and the couple has been married and is expecting their first child. The only problem is (and it is a big problem) Alexander is an American living in Soviet Russia. The Russians think they know this and arrest him, which separates the two lovers. Tatiana is lead to think that Alexander is dead, but since the novel is told from her viewpoint and his, we know he is alive.
I tried to read this slowly. I thought about Marg, who recommended these books to me, and how she read The Bronze Horseman in one night, called in sick for work, bought this book, and then read it in a night. As much as I knew there was a strong possibility I would want to do this, too, I made myself read this book slowly. I limited myself to 50 pages a night. By the end, though, I HAD to know what was going to happen and I ended up reading 200 pages one night to finish it up. I did, when you think about it, limit myself because I started this book two years ago, but that is just so typical me we should ignore that factor! All I will say is that I loved this book! I think everyone who is looking for a good historical fiction novel, a good book set during the Second World War, or even a good romance novel has to read this trilogy!
I still regret that I never reviewed The Bronze Horseman. I loved it, too, though! Tatiana is a great, strong female character who is going through a lot during the war. She is living in New York with her newborn child. She thinks she is a widow, but she is not ready to move on in love. Then, there is Alexander who is still in Soviet Russia. The things that he goes through blow the mind. I loved both characters and thought that Simons wrote them really well! My issue at the moment is book three. I found that this book cleared everything up really well at the end, so I am baffled what there is to talk about in book three. I hope it doesn't take me two more years to find out!
Bottom line: READ THIS BOOK! It will make my best of list for the year. That is a guarantee!
In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them...
I don't usually do a Mailbox post, but since I got a little pile today I thought I would share!
Review Copies:
The Christmas Secret by Donna VanLiere
When a struggling young single mother saves the life of an elderly woman, she sets into motion a series of events that will test her strength, loyalty, and determination, all the while setting her on the path to finding true love. Christine Eisley is the mother of seven-year-old Zach and five-year-old Haley. Her ex-husband provides little, if any, child support and makes life difficult for Christine by using the children as pawns. She works long hours as a waitress to make ends meet, but her job is in jeopardy because she’s often late to work due to the unreliable teenaged sitters she’s forced to use. When Christine saves the life of a woman who works in Wilson’s department store, the owner of Wilson’s wants to find her, to thank her, but Christine has disappeared, losing another job once again. He sets his grandson, Jason, to the task of finding the mysterious “Christy.” Jason, an accountant by trade who has lost his job to downsizing, thinks he is “above” working at Wilson’s. Soon, he discovers that this new task gives him more than he bargains for. The Christmas Secret is a novel for anyone who wants to see how love is a gift that keeps giving back; that hope is a treasure that never runs dry, and that faith is a miracle that is reborn with each new day.
The Dragon Book: Modern Tales from the Masters of Modern Fantasy edited by Jack Dann and Gardner Dozois
Never before published stories by New York Times bestselling authors Jonathan Stroud, Gregory Maguire, Garth Nix, Diana Gabaldon, and others.
Whether portrayed as fire-breathing reptilian beasts at war with humanity or as noble creatures capable of speech and mystically bonded to the warriors who ride them, dragons have been found in nearly every culture's mythology. In modern times, they can be found far from their medieval settings in locales as mundane as suburbia or as barren as post-apocalyptic landscapes-and in The Dragon Book, today's greatest fantasists reignite the fire with legendary tales that will consume readers' imaginations.
With original stories by New York Times bestselling authors Jonathan Stroud, Gregory Maguire, Garth Nix, Diana Gabaldon, Tamora Pierce, Harry Turtledove, Sean Williams, and Tad Williams as well as tales by Naomi Novik, Peter Beagle, Jane Yolen, Adam Stemple, Cecelia Holland, Kage Baker, Samuel Sykes, Diana Wynne Jones, Mary Rosenblum, Tanith Lee, Andy Duncan, and Bruce Coville.
Then, I bought:
The Obsidian Dagger by Catherine Webb Breathers by S.G. Browne Peter & Max: A Fables Novel by Bill Willingham
The Eagles are the most popular, enduring rock band in America. With singles and albums hitting the top of the charts for a quarter century and a greatest hits collection that has sold more copies than any other recording in history, the Eagles have entered the pantheon of pop music. To the Limit is the unauthorized account of the group from its earliest years through the breakup, solo careers, and reunions.Blending the country and folk music of the late sixties with the melodic seductiveness of Detroit-style roots rock, the Eagles brought a new sound to a stagnant music scene. Under the brilliant management of David Geffen, the Eagles projected a public image of unshakable camaraderie-embodied by the cerebral, brooding Don Henley and the intuitive, self-destructive Glenn Frey-bolstered by the gorgeous harmonies of their songs. Behind the scenes, however, there was another story.At turns revealing, inspiring, funny, and shocking, To the Limit is the chronicle of a time, a place, and a group that succeeded in changing forever the world of popular music.
I love The Eagles. Eliot talks about the history of the band and their members. I learned a lot! I think I would like to read another book about them just to make sure that this book is correct. It does talk about their early life, their career, and the success of the band. If you are interested in learning the entire story of one of the more popular bands in the world than you really should give this book a try.
Instead of going on in great detail about the book I am going to showcase some of my favourite Eagles songs. Enjoy!
As I write this, it is Saturday night and I have decided to have a mini-read-a-thon because I feel like I hardly had time to read all week. I am trying to find a new job and it is really stressing me out! I mean, the holidays are almost here and I am unemployed. So, reading took a backseat to me freaking out. Tonight, though, I am going to read and periodically update this post. Hopefully I will finish a book or two to bring my numbers for the week up a bit. That would be nice! I think I am going to go back to reading more than one book at a time. This year I have been mainly reading one book at a time, but I am getting a bit bored of that method. We will have to see if the multiple book idea works.
Don't forget about the unofficial November reading challenge. The goal is to read World War I, World War II, etc books in honour of Remembrance Day (or whatever it is called in your country). I am currently about halfway through Tatiana & Alexander by Paullina Simon. I read the first book, The Bronze Horseman, a couple years ago and it is about time that I finished the trilogy. I love these books, too, so there is really no excuse for being so slow! So far I haven't finished anything, though. Cath read Not so Quietby Helen Zenna Smith. It actually sounds really good, but my library doesn't have it! Let me know if you finish anything and I will be sure to link to your reviews in these posts so that people can enjoy!
Weekly Reads
This was a nice read. I really need to read more Orson Scott Card because he really is a good author. And, yes, it is a Christmas read, but since it is a library book I had to read it when it came in! I enjoyed it, though!
I listened to the audio version of this and I have to say it was really well done! I wish my library had the rest of the books in this series in audio, but they don't... I am so glad I listened to it, though. The story was fun, too, and I plan to read the rest of the series, but the narrator really made the story.
I have been compiling a list of series that I have on the go. I came to Madeleine L'Engle and discovered that there were still a couple books in the Austin family series I hadn't read because they are for young readers. The library had this one, so I decided I might as well cross one off the list!
I told Chris if he read this and really liked it I would buy it with the gift card I received for my birthday. He really liked it (although, I found out yesterday I am finished and he is not...) so I bought it! Since he hasn't reviewed it yet we are going to review it together!
I have seen a few reviews of this book, so figured I should give it a try eventually. I have read a lot of comic books this year, so wanted to read what McCloud has to say about the history. It was interesting, but it was finished in I think 1992. Would be interesting to see what he says about the next 20 years or so since he finished the book.
Another series that I started a really long time ago and think I should get around to finishing. Mind you when I started it there were a lot less books! As I get my series-on-the-go post updated you will probably see more random books appearing so I can get the list down smaller. Mia still annoys me, but we will see what happens! After I finish this I want to try a few of her other series, but I have to finish this one first!
I think my only challenges that I am still participating in are the Japanese Challenge (read at least 1 book), the Christy Challenge (read 3-4 books), and the Women Unbound Challenge (haven't decided how many to read yet). I successfully completed all the other challenges I joined in 2009!
Library Loot
After Dark by Haruki Murakami (Japanese Reading Challenge) Let it Snow: three Holiday Romances (Buddy read with Amy from My Friend Amy) The Stupidest Angel by Christopher Moore (Recommended by Cat) The Children's Book by A.S. Byatt (My first Byatt!) The Twenty-four Days Before Christmas by Madeleine L'Engle (Read) The Great Women Superheroes by Trina Robbins (Women Unbound Challenge) Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud (Read) Princess in Waiting by Meg Cabot (Read) The Magicians by Lev Grossman (Lots of reviews of this one) Rose in Bloom by Louisa M. Alcott (About time I read this) Zanna's Gift by Orson Scott Card (Read) Heaven to Betsy by Maud Hart Lovelace (Carry on with the series)
Sunday Book Coveting
I have wanted to read Byatt for a very long time. I am about 50 pages into this so far. I have three weeks to read it, so figured I would try to average about 50 pages a day.
An author that I have a lot of on my TBR pile, but never seem to actually read. This is her newest book and it is really good so far! I am about 100 pages in... I am enjoying the weaving of history with fiction.
Yes, this book is still here. It was due back to the library yesterday, so I really must finish it. I am hoping to either finish it or read a good part of it today.
Going to be buddy reviewing this, so I need to try and read it soon!
And those are just some of the books I want to try and read in November! What about you? What are your reading goals for November? The year is almost over, are there books you have wanted to read all year and haven't got around to so you feel you should hurry up and get to them now?
