Random Thoughts
I did something highly unusual for me this week. I pulled 7th Heaven by James Patterson off my TBR pile, read it, and then over the week also read the 8th, 9th, and 10th book. All in the same series! So, that means that I am caught-up on the series, which is rather amazing in itself, but what is the most amazing is that I read them all in a row. I am terrible for that. Normally it takes me forever to get around to the next book in a series. It helped that the Patterson books were pretty simplistic reads. If they were all chunskters or really in-depth it probably never would have happened, but that doesn't mean I am any less excited about it. I hope I can do that with a few more series this year. I admit I glanced in J.D. Robb's direction because I own that entire series and am stuck back on like book 13, but I was worried they were too similar to the Patterson books.
In other news. I had issues with my cell phone and decided to just get another one. I have the worst luck with phones... It is a Smart phone which confuses me a bit, but I am sure I will figure it out. I actually put book lists into my phone so if I am at a book store unexpectedly I have a general idea what to look for. I had to Google how to do that on this phone. They are just small lists... I always look for Charles de Lint, Diana Wynne Jones, and Terry Pratchett. Then I have a few other series where I am missing a book here and there. I also generally only read J.D. Robb and James Patterson used, so if there is a new book in either series it is there as a reminder.
Speaking of cell phones, I have international text messaging... If anyone is interested! Believe me, cell phone use in Canada costs so much money I am more than happy to actually use my phone to justify the expense. So, let me know if you are interested. I currently text with Marg in Australia and I think it is pretty cool!
Challenge News
Well, Songs of Love & Death had science-fiction stories in it. That sort of counts... Otherwise, nothing.
Weekly Reads
I really enjoyed this collection. You can read my review by clicking here.
I actually picked this up because I was having a hard time finding reading time and wanted something a bit quick and easy. I don't love this series, but it is good brain candy. And, I enjoy that it is a strong cast of female characters in powerful positions.
So, then I moved on to this book. I actually think I will post a review of all four books because there are a few things I want to talk about in general about this series.
I almost had to stop for this book. I could not find it used anywhere. I ended up buying it new because I wanted to carry on with the momentum. That is a big deal for me, but at least I read it right away.
The funny thing is I found this book no problem second-hand. It was actually finding it that made me think I really need to get caught-up in this series. Hopefully book 11 will be as easy to find come May.
Currently Reading:
I have no idea. My reading sort of went out the window this week...
Weekly Posts
Meme: I Was Tagged!
New Additions
Received:
The Carpenter by Matt Lennox (Harper Collins)
The Grave Robber's Apprentice by Allan Stratton (Harper Collins)
web of angels by Lilian Nattel (Random House)
Bought:
The 9th Judgement by James Patterson
Second-Hand Bookstore:
1421: The Year China Discovered the World by Gavin MenziesThe Ship of Brides by Jojo Moyes
You'll have to let me know what you think of 1421. I am curious to read it, but not in a particular rush.
ReplyDeleteI actually had it out from the library before and started it, but never had a chance to finish it....
DeleteOccassionally, I've read a couple of books in a row, but I don't think I've ever read for in a row. That's pretty good going!
ReplyDeleteIt's a bit strange for me, but I need to get some series out of the way.
DeleteGood stuff on the new phone. I have the kindle app on my phone, that way I can sync up between my kindle and my phone. But I never leave the house without my kindle so I rarely read on my phone. Maybe when I'm waiting for the kettle to boil at work and I'm alone in our kitchen. hehe
ReplyDeleteI have the Kobo app for the same reason.
DeleteOnce upon a time I used to read books in a series, one after the other, like that - Cadfael for instance. Not sure why I stopped, I think I like to spread them out a bit now, but that tends to mean I never do catch up so maybe your way is better.
ReplyDeleteI tend to spread them out too much and then never get back to them...
DeleteIt makes me laugh that these days we communicate via text, via email, occasionally on Facebook, sometimes on Twitter! About the only one we don't anymore is MSN!
ReplyDeleteI know I was a bit shocked at how long it has been since I read Pratchett, but it is even longer since I read Robb!
I know! lol I don't turn MSN on very often any more or we would probably talk there, too!
DeleteI read Robb about this time last year, I think.
Songs of love and death have made it onto my list. I love james Patterson but stopped at book 6. Guess I need to finish this series.
ReplyDeleteIt was really good! I am happy to be caught up in the series. I wish I could say the same about a few more series!
DeleteI have always wanted to read James Patterson but never make time for it. Good for you on reading all those in the series!
ReplyDeleteI have read a few other Patterson's over the years, but this is the only series I have bothered with.
DeleteYou will love your new phone once you figure it out. I'd be lost without my smart phone.
ReplyDeleteIt's a lot of fun figuring everything out!
DeleteI used to read Patterson's Alex Cross novels but haven't read anything by him for a few years. Too many other books out there calling my name. I think I've quit reading other book blogs just because of the sheer temptation to buy the books they recommend. you have a couple listed here that sound pretty good.
ReplyDeleteI have never read the Alex Cross books. I am not sure if I will start another series by him. One is enough in the midst of all the other books I am reading...
DeleteI was surprised to see a comment from you, but was happy you stopped by! Reading blogs does lead to a lot of temptation, though.
I checked Songs of Love and Death out from the library just for the Diana Gabaldon story, and I wasn't disappointed. I love getting more side story lines from the Outlander series.
ReplyDeleteI have only read the one book in the Outlander series...
DeleteWhat a great use for a smart phone! Do you know, I've only been in a bookstore *twice* since our Borders closed (and one of those times was in Japan)? Horrors. I just don't like any of the other options. I will likely order through my little indie store, if/when I get back to buying books (I'm on a husband-imposed book-buying ban, ugh). It's unfortunately too tiny to bother browsing. I have more books in my house than our local indie store has on its shelves.
ReplyDeleteOh, oh, oh! The Ship of Brides is wonderful!! I can't wait to hear what you think!
I tend to buy online unless I go to the second hand store. There are not that many other options...
DeleteI am looking forward to The Ship of Brides.
As Cath said, I used to read series in chunks, too, but somehow I lost the habit. Or, maybe I didn't lose the habit exactly, but there were so many books between the series books that it no longer even seems like I'm still reading them. I'd like to try that again; there's something very seductive about spending a chunk of time in that imagined world, isn't there.
ReplyDeleteIt has been working rather well so far. Not to mention the sense of accomplishment when I am actually caught up in something!
DeleteI don't think I've come to a series late in awhile, so I haven't had the chance to read straight through. I did start the Game of Thrones books, but needed a break between them before I started another one.
ReplyDeleteYes, I read the first Game of Thrones book last year. I need to get around to the second one... I don't think I could read them all in a row.
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