Nonfiction November & The Intimidating TBR Tag

When I saw that Nonfiction November was a thing for November, I decided that it was time for me to join in because I love nonfiction and really do not read it any more. Clearly, my reading plans this year have been derailed a lot because of life this year, but I may accomplish something, right?

What do I want to read?

1. The Promise of Canada by Charlotte Gray

2. Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay

3. Lab Girl by Hope Jahren

4. The View from the Cheap Seats by Neil Gaiman

And now, the first week discussion post:

1. What was your favourite nonfiction read of the year?

~ This is a tough one. It is either As You Wish by Cary Elwes or A Slip of the Keyboard by Terry Pratchett.

2. What nonfiction book have you recommended the most?

~ Probably the Pratchett. His fiction is awesome, but have you checked out his nonfiction?

3. What is one topic or type of nonfiction you haven't read enough of yet?

~ This is actually a sparse year of nonfiction in general. I would like to get more in general this year, but I have been trying to do better with essay collections and hope to get to a couple more before the year is out!

4. What are you hoping to get out of participating in Nonfiction November?

~ Book recommendations! I don't need anymore books, but recommendations can't help, right? lol

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I saw Jenny had done this, so I decided to as well!

1. What book have you been unable to finish?
~ Books that typically I start and do not finish are usually very long or short story collections. I am atrocious with both! This year there are a lot of books I have started and then not finished because my mind has been elsewhere most of the year. More recently I started The Round House because everyone seems to love it. It's good, but I haven't picked it up in like a week or more. If you are depressed to begin with, depressing books are not a good idea... I likely will put it aside for now and pick it up when my head is better.

2. Which book haven't you read yet because you haven't had the time?
~ ugh, so many. This is a complicated question when you have a TBR that is always out of control! There are many books I have wanted to read for months and just haven't got around to. I am really struggling with finding reading time... It just seems like there is always other things to do and reading takes the backseat. And, there is the mood thing. If the books are slower or depressing, I am just not interested this year. One that pops to mind is The Underground Railroad. It is a book that lots of people have loved and I just haven't had a chance to read it. And, right now, I am not sure if it will happen very soon because of my whole mood...

3. Which book haven't you read yet because it's a sequel?
~ Oh, me and sequels... I love series. I get really excited to find out what is going to happen next. And then... fizzle. I have never been good about finishing one book in a series and then immediately picking up the next one, either, so that doesn't help! One of my goals for the year was to read all of the Iron Druid Series and make a dent in my Lois McMaster Bujold books. Oh, and re-read Robin Hobb. At the beginning of the year I was all into this project... Then, it fizzled. And, it is a definitely a me issue. I just suck at series. I am trying to do the Lois McMaster Bujold on audio, so definitely won't finish that this year. And, I haven't read anything by the other two authors in months.

4. Which book haven't you read yet because it's brand new?
~ Amazingly, the newest book in my house is Promise of Canada by Charlotte Gray and I have all ready started it! It would be the newest released book I own at the moment, too. Before that, there is The Comet Seekers. I bought this on a whim because it sounded good when it got buzz around BEA, but then I really have not seen anything else about it. I still grabbed a copy, though, and it is patiently waiting for me to get around to it. (As well as so many other books...)

5. Which book haven't your read yet because you read a book by the same author and didn't enjoy it?
~ I don't read Isabel Allende anymore because I just do not like her newer stuff as much as her older stuff. Her early stuff like The House of the Spirits and Daughter of Fortune were both really good. I lost interest around Zorro and have hardly read her since. She used to be an auto-buy and I really should try some of her other stuff, but why are so many authors moving away so much from the stuff that made them famous?

6. Which book haven't you read yet because you're just not in the mood for it?
~ I suppose I should have read ahead on these questions. lol My issue is I just don't know what I am in the mood for lately. Even what could be a good pick isn't working well for me. I am also trying really hard to get caught up in reading to take my mind off everything else. It works when I have long periods of time to read, but it doesn't work so well when I am busy. I just don't make time for it. I think one that pops to mind is Homegoing. I know people really like it, but it starts kind of quiet and so I couldn't get into it. Hopefully soon, though!

7. Which book haven't you read yet because it's humongous?
~ ha. There are a few chunksters that have been hiding on my TBR for way too long... If I had to pick, I will go with Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. (Jenny mentioned it for a different reason in her post, so it is on my mind.) I suspect that given the chance, I will really like it, but with the exception of The Fireman earlier this year, my reading has been shorter stuff...

8. Which book haven't you read yet because it was a cover buy that turned out to have poor reviews?
~ As Jenny said in her post, this is a very specific question and really doesn't apply to me... I very rarely impulse buy anymore because I own so many books to begin with! So, I am going to change this to a book I have because of the cover and the reviews, but I am not sure if it is a 'me' book. That book is Bellweather Rhapsody. It sounds good, but it also sounds way out of my normal zone. I don't read as much out of my zone as I used to because I read too widely as it is. But, it comes recommended and everyone likes music. I am not sure when I will get to it because my reading is so slow lately, but we will see how it goes!

9. What is the most intimidating book in your TBR pile?
~ Typically, I would answer some sort of classic. But, when I bought my e-reader, I got rid of all my classics because it takes me forever to get to them and I was in the land of free e-books that were classics. (I even read some back then... Those were the days...) Now, I am not so sure I am intimidated by anything on my bookshelves. It is more about time nowadays. If it takes me like two weeks to listen to a 6 hour audiobook, just imagine how long it would take me to read a longer work! I will go with The Pillars of the Earth. It used to be on my TBR, but I got rid of it at one point. When my grandmother got rid of her books, I took her copy. So, now it is back and maybe I will read it this time!

This or That

I saw this on Diary of an Eccentric and thought I would play along!

Reading on the couch or reading in bed?
~ In the morning when I am the only one up, I will read on the couch with Mackie or Casey. The rest of the time I read in bed.

Main character: Male or Female?
~ It doesn't really bother me one or another as long as they are written well. I think I gravitate more towards women just because I try to seek books out that are about women. The men's story have been told for years in many genres, it is time for the women.

Sweet or salty snacks while reading?
~ I don't really snack while reading. Usually just drink my coffee or another drink. That's about it.

Trilogies or quartets?
~ Trilogies. Only because that is one less book in a series and I am atrocious at series. lol

First Person or Third person POV?
~ I will read both. I don't seek one out over the other really. It is all in the writer and if they can pull it off.

Night or morning reader?
~ I read when I get the chance. I do most of my reading in the morning, though, because that is the usual time I have the peace and quiet to do so.

Libraries or bookstores?
~ Bookstores. I love libraries, too, but never go to the one here because of its inconvenient location.

Books that make you laugh or books that make you cry?
~ I guess unintentionally I tend to read sadder books than books that make me laugh. I don't necessarily seek one out above the other, but tend to read more darker books than lighter ones.

Black or white book covers?
~ Not sure why this is a question because covers are many colours? If I judge a book by the cover, it is usually to appreciate the art. Like Charles de Lint or Patricia McKillip. They scored in the cover art department!

Character driven or plot driven stories?
~ In fantasy, I find that a lot of books tend to be more plot driven than character driven. But, again, I honestly do not have a preference when I pick out books. It is again all in how well the author does it!

7 'Interesting' Things About Me

Jenny at Alternate Readality did this meme of sorts, and since I am always looking for easy ways to blog... I thought I would, too!

1. | I am not a flowers, chocolates, and jewellery type. But, I did get flowers for my birthday this year that were multi-coloured and really have enjoyed using them for photo-a-day prompts. I could come around to this getting flowers thing!

2. | You probably know this, but I am atrocious at TV watching. There are so many shows that I have heard good things about and want to try. I watch an episode or two and then fall behind. The only two shows still on the air that I usually manage to catch-up on are NCIS and Bones.

3. | Autumn is my favourite season. I love the changing leaves and the crispness to the air. I used to love winter when I was younger, but it loses its appeal when you have to clean out your driveway or drive in dangerous conditions. Not to mention power outages in the winter suck!

4. | I rarely actually use my cellphone for any of the phone functions. I mostly use it as a little tablet... Although, I prefer to do any reading on the larger screens of my tablet (or usually dead, e-reader).

5. | I think you have probably figured this out lately, but I am very routine-oriented. If my routine gets thrown off, it throws off my day because I feel like there is stuff not finished when I get to the end of the day. It is why the summer is hard for me, the guys son is here a lot more and I lose my 'me' time in the morning.

6. | I like making lists and keeping track of things. I still do my day by day journal that I blogged about in like 2012. I think for 2017, I am going to take it one step further and get one of these Q&A a Day journals. If I can keep it up, it would be fun to see how I change over 5 years.

7. | I have a love/hate relationship with politics. I say I am going to ignore them and not comment on them, but as time passes I am spending more and more time glancing at the train wreck. I think Canadians need to pay more attention to our closest neighbours because what happens down there ultimately affects us... I just think we live in a scary world.

Not necessarily interesting, but it is what it is!

A Bookish Meme

I saw this on Jenni's blog and thought it would be fun to do.

1. | What book is currently on your nightstand?

~ Nothing. I keep putting things back because my reading has been so sporadic! My tablet rests there sometimes, though, and more recently I have been reading The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin on in.

2. | What was the last truly great book you read?

~ Nevernight was probably the most recent, but I have read a lot of really good books this year despite reading slumps... 

3. | If you could meet any other, dead or alive, who would it be? And what would you like to know?

~ Man, I have no idea. I have too many favourite authors to ever narrow down who I would like to meet about all others!

4. | What books might someone be surprised to find on your shelves?

~ Well, I don't think my reading is really a secret since I blog about it in some capacity... Most of my shelves are fantasy, science-fiction, historical fiction, and non-fiction. I suppose books that don't meet those genres? I have a bunch of J.D. Robb! I haven't read much from her in years despite efforts to try and get back around to her...

5. | How do you organise your personal library?

~ Currently, it is alphabetical by author. It used to be broken into genres and then by author, but that got too complicated. My TBR is mixed in with my read books, too. If I had more room, it would likely be more broken up. But, I can find books and that is ultimately the important thing!

6. | What book have you always meant to read and haven't gotten around to yet? Anything you feel embarrassed never to have read?

~ This post could go on forever if I discussed every book that I have been meaning to get to and haven't. I think one surprising thing is Sharon Kay Penman. I loved The Sunne in Splendour but have never read anything else by her! As to the second half of this question, there are so many classics that I have never got around to reading... And, I know there are many I would love. One day I will get to them!

7. | Disappointing, overrated, just not good: which book did you feel you were supposed to like but didn’t? Do you remember the last book you put down without finishing?

~  I know that lots of people love Pullman, but this trilogy didn't work for me at all. It sounded like a me book at the time, but I just only kind of liked it and have never felt any interest in reading the sequels. As to books I have put down? So many. I have started books all over the place the last few months. It is likely not the book, but me, so I won't name names.

8. | What kind of stories are you drawn to? Any you steer clear of?

~ I would say my favourite genre is fantasy. It is definitely the type of genre that I can always find stories that I enjoy in it and it is where I am comfortable. As to what I steer clear of... Westerns. I don't think I have read a Western in the entire time I have been blogging.

9. | What do you plan to read next?

~ The Last Days of Magic will likely be my next audio. Have no idea what I will read with my eyes next, though!

*Note, if you plan to do this yourself there was another question that I skipped. Please see Jenni's post if you are interested!

Book Tag: Would You Rather...?

~I saw this at The Paperback Stash and decided it was fun.~

1. Read Only Trilogies or stand-a-lones?

~ Well, I mostly only read trilogies or series. I do get excited when I manage to actually read a stand-a-lone book, though. I am torn on the subject. I like how trilogies there is more to look forward to, but I am in the middle of so many series and trilogies that I know I will never finish most of them. 

2. Read Only Female or Male Authors?

~ I know that many people pay attention to this, but I just kind of read whatever looks interesting. If I had to pick, though, I would go with female.

3. Show at Barnes-n-Noble or Amazon?

~ This one is easy... I can't shop at Barnes-n-Noble in Canada. (Unless something has changed.) I used to shop from them, though. I would order used books and my step-father, a Texan, would collect them for me when he went home. This is how I have basically every Madeleine L'Engle book ever. The ones I didn't order online I bought on a trip to Texas at Barnes-n-Noble.

4. All books become movies or TV shows?

~ I am atrocious at watching either, but I find that TV shows give more chance to develop the books because they are not as limited by time. 

5. Read 5 pages per day or 5 books per week?

~ 5 books per week, of course!

6. Be a professional reviewer or author?

~ I think I would pick professional reviewer...

7. Only read your top 20 favourite books over and over or always read new ones you haven't read before?

~ I am a terrible re-reader, so definitely read new books.

8. Be a librarian or a bookseller?

~ I have always wanted to work at a bookstore but have refrained because I figured I would spend my pay cheque on books...

9. Only read your favourite genre, or every genre except your favourite?

~ Well, this is a hard question... I primarily only read fantasy most of the time, anyway, but I don't want to be limited by it. I think I would miss it if gave it up, though... I really don't think I could decide on this question. I don't like either option and think I would be unhappy with either choice.

10. Only read physical books or e-books?

~ If I had to choose, physical books all the way!

~~ I am not going to tag anyway, but feel free to join if you would like! ~~

The TBR Tag!

Andi and Heather did this and since we are having a snowstorm that will take a few days to shovel out from... I am, too!

This is our garage...

1. How do you keep track of your TBR pile? Um, I really don't... I keep getting in a mood to figure it out, but then I start and never finish... I honestly have no idea how many unread books I own! If I did know it would probably be a lot...

2. Is your TBR mostly print or eBook? Print. I do have e-books but they are out of sight and out of mind so they kind of get forgotten...

3. How do you determine which book from your TBR to read next? Mood! I try to make it that way, anyway. I don't set goals or commitments any more. Reading is supposed to be fun!

4. A book that's been on your TBR list the longest? I don't really have a list... My oldest book on my TBR pile is probably A Fine Balance...

5. A book you recently added to your TBR? The Just City by Jo Walton and First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen. (And Fairest by Marissa Meyer but I read it all ready!)

6. A book on your TBR strictly because of its beautiful cover. I am not actually sure... I love the covers for many of the books I own, but I am not sure if the cover is why I bought them...

7. A book on your TBR that you never plan on reading. I would love to read them all... I am not sure if that will ever happen!

8. An unpublished book on your TBR that you're excited for. I don't really do ARC lately...

9. A book on your TBR that basically everyone has read by you. That's a lot of books... Let's go with Gone Girl.

10. A book on your TBR that everyone recommends to you. Probably many... um... I don't know what to answer!

11. A book on your TBR that you are dying to read? First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen. The Just City by Jo Walton. And many many more.

12. How many books are on your Goodreads TBR shelf? 229. I didn't even know I had a TBR on Goodreads. lol

The Fives

(I stole this from Trish at Love, Laughter, and a Touch of Insanity.)

5 Books I've Recently Added to my TBR Pile:

The Unwritten - Volume 8: Orpheus in the Otherworld (Next in the series)
The Martian by Andy Weir (Michelle made me. haha)
Find Momo by Andrew Knapp (Review copy)
House of Mystery - Volume 1: Boredom & Rooms (Project to find new series.)
Her Smoke Rose up Forever by James Tiptree Jr (Curiosity)

5 Books I'm Planning to Read (In the near future):

Doll Bones by Holly Black (I actually started this and then got distracted)

The Martian by Andy Weird (Currently reading)

Kilmeny of the Orchard by Lucy Maud Montgomery (My next Montgomery)

Empty Mansions by Bill Dedman (Heard good things!)

The Truth About Stories by Thomas King (Heard good things!)

5 Books I Own but Still Haven't Read:

(ha... This is almost silly considering how little a dent it makes!)

An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield

Mary Poppins She Wrote: The Life of P.L. Travers by Valerie Lawson

The Clockwork Scarab by Colleen Gleason

Paris 1919 by Margaret MacMillan

S by J.J. Abrams and Doug Dorst

5 Books from Series I Need to Finish: 

(Another ha... There are so many!)

Five Hundred Kingdoms ~ I read the first two.

Skulduggery Pleasant ~ I am not sure what number I am to in this series.

Expanse Series ~ I have been reading book 3 for like a month!

Call the Midwife ~ I bought both sequels after reading the first one.

The Mortal Instruments ~ I read the first one!

5 Soon to be Released Books That I'm Looking Forward to Reading:

Night Broken by Patricia Briggs (New Mercedes Thompson!!)

Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong (New series.)

Fables - Volume 20: Camelot by Bill Willingham (LOVE!)

Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson (Finally!!)

The Unwritten - Volume 9: The Unwritten Fables (Fables & Unwritten  CROSSOVER!!!)

Anyone else care to join in?

A to Z Survey

Author I've Read The Most Books From:  Oh, wow, there are many... Carol Shields. Susanna Kearsley. Isabel Allende. Kelley Armstrong. David Levithan. Charles de Lint. Bill Willingham. Jacqueline Winspear. Charles Todd. Jennifer Estep. Probably many others...

Best Sequel Ever: um... hm. I am sure there is something that will come to me after I click 'post'.

Currently Reading: The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson.

Drink of Choice While Reading: It depends on the time of day... I like coffee, orange juice, and maybe something alcoholic in the evening. 

E-Reader or Physical Book: I will read both, but I am mostly a physical book reader.

Fictional Character You Probably Would Have Dated in High School: hm, well, when I was roughly that age I was definitely an Anne of Green Gables fan and really liked Gilbert Blythe. I am not even sure who else fits the criteria. I never really was big on fictional crushes. 

Glad You Gave This Book A Chance: Oh, so many! Most recently I am so happy to have read Night Film. I loved it and am not big on thriller-type reads normally.

Hidden Gem Book: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. People that are not typically into fantasy should give it a try because it was awesome. I even read it twice. 

Important Moment in Your Reading Life: When I started blogging and discovered there were many other genres that I had never really read before and I really liked now. 

Just Finished:  Night Film by Marisha Pessl.

Kind of Books I Won't Read:  I am actually at a point in my life where I am pretty flexible on what I read. I still don't rush out and read like romance novels and westerns, but I have.

Longest Book I've Read: Oh, phew, I don't even know. I don't keep track. There have been some long ones.


Major Book Hangover Because: If I read too much I get tired of reading and need to take a break. I have read long books in one sitting before and then needed to chill afterwards. 


Number of Bookcases I own:  Probably like 7 or so? 


One Book I have Read Multiple Times: The Time-Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.

Preferred Place to Read: In bed. It is the most comfortable place to read.

Quote That Inspires You/Gives You All the Feels From a Book You've Read:  "You can never have too many books"


Reading Regret:  I wish I was a bit limited on my reading so I could feel a bit more accomplished. I read across too many genres and I have way too many books to choose from. 

Series You Started and Need To Finish (All the books are out in the series):  Ha! There are so many I couldn't even begin to tell you... I am terrible at finishing series!!

Three of Your All-Time Favourite Books:  The Time-Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle, and The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss.


Unapologetic Fangirl For:  This always seems to change. There are lots of authors that I make sure to always buy their new books, but I am not sure who is entirely leading the pack. There seems to be themes, though. I remember a year of Carol Shields, another of Isabel Allende, more recently I discovered Susanna Kearsley and read everything I could by her, and then this year I had to own everything by James S.A. Corey. 


Very Excited For This Release More Than All The Others:  There is new Fables out this year. I can't wait to see what direction The Unwritten is going to take. I am waiting for the Jim Henson biography to ship. That is just the ones off the top of my head. There are still many good books out this year.

Worst Bookish Habit:  Lately? Not making reading a priority. I am having a very quiet reading year and still books come into my house...

X Marks The Spot: Start at the Top Left of Your Shelf and pick the 27th Book: I can't do this right now. I am getting organized to move.

Your Latest Book Purchase:  I bought the Jim Henson biography last night. :)

ZZZ-Snatcher Book- Book That Kept You Up WAY Too Late:  Oh, so many! Recently I spent a lot of time reading Night Film. It still took me forever to read it, but I did stay up late many times trying. 

Top Ten Tuesday - Auto-Buys

In which I attempt to start blogging... I am not sure if there will be reviews right away. At least if I do the mindless stuff I can start getting back into a groove.

I decided to do my very first Top Ten Tuesday hosted at The Broke and the Bookish. The prompt for today is auto-buy. I am sure I can come up with 10 and then some...

1. Derek Landy. I love Skulduggery Pleasant! I think this series is original compared to other series out there right now and I enjoy seeing the direction the author continues to take. It's about a skeleton detective. So silly, but so fun at the same time.

2. Arthur Slade. I need to get some of his backlist, but since reading Jolted by him I have bought everything.

3. Jacqueline Winspear. I really enjoy the Maisie Dobbs series. I started out reading this series through the library and then I was able to get review copies of her later books after a bit. As a result I went back and got the earlier books and now have a complete set. New book out by her soon!

4. Kristin Cashore. I loved Graceling and the sequels (of sorts). I cannot wait until she releases something new!!

5. James Rollins. I am so behind with Rollins and I feel terrible about that, but I continue to buy his books whenever they are released. That being said it is mostly the ones he writes by himself and I have not read his young series.

6. Bill Willingham. FABLES!!! Anything to do with Fables... I would like to read all his other series, too, but I haven't branched into that financial avenue yet.

7. Brian K. Vaughan. I started reading him last year and have quickly gathered quite the collection. Anything new he comes out with I will buy for sure.

8. Susanna Kearsley. I went into Kearsley not expecting her to be my type of author. I was very very wrong. I love her and get excited for every release!

9. Melanie Benjamin. I loved both Alice I Have Been and The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb. I have her newest book, of course, and can't wait until more!!

10. So. Many. Others. I always get the new books by Audrey Nieffenegger, Lisa See, John Green, David Levithan, etc etc. And I am slowly trying to make authors like Terry Pratchett an auto-buy by attempting to catch-up on his backlist. I also always get Neil Gaiman's new books because while he doesn't always knock my socks off, I still am always willing to try...

A Bookish Q&A

Ana answered these questions and I decided to join in on the fun. I have been posting everyday in November, but did miss one day, and I am all for topics to not burn myself out. This was supposed to go up yesterday, but then I bought books and was excited...

What book (a classic?) do you hate?
- Well, I read North & South last year and I was not a big fan at all... I actually found it boring and annoying and skimmed more than read it. I know I am very much in the minority on this one... I tried the mini-series, but only got through the first part before giving up. I am just not a Gaskell fan it seems. I wanted to be part of that club, but it just didn't work out for me.


To what extent do you judge people by what they read?
- I don't think I really do. I am just happy to see people reading and that's about it. It doesn't mean I will rush out and buy that book myself. If a friend who rarely reads says 'You have to read this book', though, I will usually give it a chance. I get judged myself because I read fantasy and other things of that nature which is not necessarily 'mainstream'. So, I don't want to find that annoying and then turn around and judge other people.


What television series would you recommend as the literariest?
- I am not sure. I don't really watch a lot of television in general. And, actually, the sort of stuff I watch on television falls outside genres that I would normally read. It's strange.

Describe your ideal home library.
- Beauty and the Beast. Enough said, yes?

Books or sex?
- The good thing is that you don't have to actually choose.

How do you decide what to read next?
- ha, well, I haven't really been reading at all... Typically it is a combination of mood and commitments. I have always been a very moody reader; so I can bad with the commitments and things.  Sadly my current mood seems to lead to no reading.

How much do you talk about books in real life (outside of the blogging community)?
- Not very much, sadly. I do have two 'real life' friends that read, but we only talk in spurts and not always about reading. And, this is a new relationship. When we were younger I read and if they did, they didn't talk about it very much. So, this is why I blog. It is nice to talk to Vanessa about books, too, though.

Does blogging ever get in the way of reading for you, or does it enhance it?
- I think projects in general get in the way of reading. Right now I am trying to blog everyday in November (mainly because my blog died with my reading), joined Postcrossing, am getting things organized for Virtual Advent, co-hosting Where in the World are you Reading, co-hosting the Poetry Project, just did WWI Week at Historical Tapestry, Christmas shopping, getting Christmas cards started, playing Song Pop, etc. Plus the regular parts of life. I think I like projects a tad too much at times... And, there are others that I sort of 'fell of the wagon' with. When I do read, I don't really find it affects my blogging. Life just affects everything.

How often do you re-read books, and which have you re-read the most?
- I have always been atrocious at rereading... This has not changed. It has probably gotten much much worse... The two books I have reread the most are The Time-Traveller's Wife and A Wrinkle in Time. There are so many others I want to reread, but I am just bad at rereading.

Are there genres of writing that you won’t read?
- Not really... That has always been part of my problem. I have been known to dabble in everything... There are certain genres that I am drawn to, but there are always cross-overs and authors that bring me into an entirely different genre. Plus, as I said above, I will read what my friends suggest even if it is not my first choice.

When you go on holiday do you take a holiday from reading, or is your case full of books?
 - Books are part of vacation. Definitely!

 How do you shelve your books: alphabetically, fic and non-fic, or by theme etc?
- hm, well... At the moment most of my books are in storage. Normally I do alphabetical and by genre... The two shelves I have here, though, are well, not organized at all... It's a first for me... Last time I was organized it was by genre and alphabet, but I actually love rearranging my shelves and have had lots of different organization systems over the years.

 Tell me about an author you’ve recently discovered (whether new or old), and want to read much more of.
 - ... Man, I have no idea. 2012 has not been a great reading year for me. I have read a bunch of old favourites or authors I was aware of ages ago. I will have to think about it.

And finally for fun, what books do you want for Christmas?
- Well, I bought myself the 50th Anniversary edition of A Wrinkle in Time... So, have that one covered. Otherwise, I don't even know where to start... For someone not reading, my wish list doesn't show any signs of slowing down! I really wanted my own copy of Philip Pullman's new book and was floored when my sister told me she bought me a copy.

Reading Memories - Unearthing an Old Meme

I originally did this meme back in 2006. It was basically my first post that wasn't a book review... (I used to basically ONLY write book reviews... How things have changed!) Anyway, here are the answers from 2006:

Reading Memories

20 Years Ago:
-- My first word was book
-- People read to me, I am sure, but not like I remember!

-- 10 Years Ago: 
-- I read a lot, was reading at levels above my age.
-- Got bored of Anne M. Martin and the other series my friends were reading
-- Won awards in reading, and more often than not, read more than anyone else in my class

5 Years Ago: 
-- I discovered Madeleine L'Engle around this time, who I still love.
-- Got told by my teacher that I wasn't allowed to follow reading levels because the ones I was supposed to be reading were too easy for me
-- Began my fantasy obsession stage and read the entire Anne of Green Gables series

3 Years ago: 
-- Went through my Tolkien stage, read LoTR and Hobbit, as well as attempted some of his other works.
-- Became very interested in novels set in or about Canada.
-- Began my attempt to read more classics... did get through a couple, still need to work on it.

Last Year: 
-- I discovered losts of exciting second hand book stores
-- I branched out in reading, even reading Oprah book club selections, something I wouldn't have ever done before.
-- I read about 150 novels, which was an impressive feat considering I am in university.
-- Reread Madeleine L'Engle

This Month: 
-- I discoverd that I don't mind ALL romancy novels by reading J.D. Robb
-- Discovered lots of new authors that I look forward to reading more of.
-- Have read 15 books so far this month.

3 Favorite Reading Locations:
-- porch swing
-- in bed before I go to sleep
-- in a comfy chair or my futon

3 Reading habits:
-- If I am at an interesting part in a book and someone harasses me to pay attention to them I can be quite cranky at the interruption, normally I tune everyone out.
-- I set limits for myself so as to not read too long and forget about the rest of the world-
- I cannot read with the television on. I get too distracted. If I'm reading during commercial breaks I mute the T.V.

3 Things that distract me:
-- Television
-- Loud people
-- My exchange students

3 Characters I'd love to be:
um, no one, just myself

3 Three Characters I despise:
Good question... I don't know.

3 Favorite Book Bevrages:
-- diet pepsi/pepsi
-- French vanilla cap
-- orange juice

3 Favorite bookmarks:
-- receipts, pieces of paper, etc
-- book store bookmarks
-- Any of the actual bookmarks that I happen to encounter

3 Dead Writers I'd love to meet:
-- Jean Plaidy (Eleanor Hibbert)
-- Lucy Maud Montgomery
-- Marion Zimmer Bradley

3 Alive Writers I'd love to meet:
-- James Rollins
-- Madeleine L'Engle
-- Laurell K. Hamilton

And, now I am going to do it a little over 6 years later:

Reading Memories:

20 Years Ago: 
-- I think I had just finished grade 1?
-- I remember grade 1. We made 'reading worms' and mine was huge. I think I read the most books that year in my class. If not the most... a lot!
-- Somewhere in here I started reading chapter books because I remember being in the second grade discussing Ann M. Martin. I even remember who I had the conversation with!

10 Years Ago: 
-- I think I read Lord of the Flies. I hate that book. With a passion!
-- I was in a Canadian Literature course and discovered Carol Shields, Douglas Coupland, etc.
-- Somewhere in here I also read The Old Man and the Sea. HATED IT!

5 Years Ago: 
-- Such a great year! I discovered Robin Hobb. Michelle Moran released her first book.
-- I ventured into the romance section of the book store and read Colleen Gleason.
-- And, I read Brian Selznick which was basically one of my first graphic novels.
-- I saw the end of Libba Bray's Gemma Doyle trilogy and am still sad because her other books are not as good.
-- I read the Josephine B. Trilogy by Sandra Gulland and still consider it one of my favourite trilogies ever. And, it was one of the few times where I basically read a trilogy in a row!
-- I read my first Sarah Waters!
-- Decided I was never ever reading Philippa Gregory again...
-- Finally read Dragonlance!!
-- Read Kelley Armstrong for the first time and now I am finishing up that series!
-- Read Middlesex. I love love love Jeffrey Eugenides. (Still haven't read his new book, though.)
-- I could go on and on... Thanks to blogging I can just look back!

3 Years ago: 
-- This was another great year, so this could get long, too!!
-- DISCOVERED FABLES!! Read lots and lots of them...
-- Also read Bones and Maus.
-- Read Emma for the first time. Reread this year.
-- Read Fingersmith. Love that book!
-- Read John Scalzi, Sarah Addison Allen, Christopher Barzak, and Ali Smith for the first time.
-- Read Graceling that year. Finished that trilogy this year.
-- Read The Forest of Hands and Teeth.
-- Finally read Jpod... And lots of other great Canadian Fiction.
-- Read Melissa Marr for the first time. Finally read more Diana Wynne-Jones.
-- Read The Adoration of Jenna Fox.
-- Read John Green for the first time.
-- This is really quite fun being able to look back through my blog and reminisce!

Last Year: 
-- Read and loved The House at Riverton.
-- I finally read the Help. Loved it!
-- Read Little Princes. One of my favourite non-fiction reads ever...
-- Finally read The Woman in White!
-- Actually, I read lots of classics last year. It was impressive for me!
-- Read The Way of Kings. Can't wait until there is a sequel!
-- Read The Night Circus. Loved it!
-- Read A Discovery of Witches... Need to get to the sequel.
-- Read The Virgin Cure and The Rose Garden. Two great Canadian authors!
-- Reread Outlander. Still have not read any of the sequels.
-- Loved A Monster Calls and My Most Excellent Year. Surprised me!
-- Read a lot of Charles de Lint.
-- Finally read Haruki Murakami.

This Month: 
-- I am just reading when I want to read.
-- Read Seraphina. Will be on my best of list for the year.
-- Read Bitterblue and actually, this isn't a trilogy anymore, so I am not done.

3 Favorite Reading Locations:
-- In bed.
-- On the deck.
-- My futon... Still the same one!

3 Reading habits:
-- I absolutely hate it when people try to talk to me when I am reading.
-- I am horrible at keeping up with series and trilogies.
-- Sometimes the books I am most excited about reading are the ones that take me the longest to get around to.

3 Things that distract me:
-- Television
-- People talking to me.
-- Too many people...

3 Characters I'd love to be:
I hated this question then and still do now... um...

3 Three Characters I despise:
-- aw, man, I don't know. I really don't change!

3 Favorite Book Bevrages:
-- Orange juice
-- coffee
-- a beer here and there.

3 Favorite bookmarks:
-- Random index cards
-- Receipts
-- Occasionally an actual bookmark!

3 Dead Writers I'd love to meet:
-- Madeleine L'Engle
-- Lucy Maud Montgomery
-- Marion Zimmer Bradley
-- Carol Shields (I cheated)
--Sara Douglass

3 Alive Writers I'd love to meet:
-- James Rollins
-- Michelle Moran
-- um... so many possible choices! Robin Hobb, Neil Gaiman, etc etc.

Where in the World are you Reading? - A Monthly Themed Meme: Announcement Post

Where in the World Are You Reading is a monthly themed meme cohosted by Trish, Lisa, and myself. The Linky Post will publish the first Thursday of the month on Trish's blog (for July), and you can submit your link any time before the last Thursday in order to be included in the monthly wrap-up post.

Below you will find the dates the meme linky will post as well as the monthly theme and who is hosting. Grab the button and join the fun! Feel free to combine with any other memes you are currently participating in such as Saturday Snapshot, Wordless Wednesday, Sunday Salon, etc. Interpret the themes however you'd like but the goal and idea is to share a piece of your reading world through pictures and/or words.

July 5 - Local Bookstore - Hosted by Trish

August 2 - Library - Hosted by Kelly

September 6 - Waiting Reading - Hosted by Lisa

October 4 - Coffee shop or other cafe/eatery - Hosted by Trish

November 1 - Reading Companion - Hosted by Kelly

December 6 - Holiday Reading Escape - Hosted by Lisa

January 3 - Unusual reading places - Hosted by Trish

February 7 - Comfy Spot - Hosted by Kelly

March 7 - Used Bookstore - Hosted by Lisa

April 4 - TBD - Hosted by Trish

May 2 - A Drink - Hosted by Kelly

June 6 - TBD - Hosted by Lisa

July 4 - TBD - Hosted by Trish

Tuning in on Thursday, The 11 Questions Meme, Around the Blogosphere, and The Science-Fiction Experience

Tuning in on Thursday

My movie watching has been rather quiet lately. It is not that we don't have a lot to watch, but the guy tends to turn the TV on and watch random things on there. I am a bit picky. I hate watching shows/movies that have all ready started. I prefer not watching shows that are in like season 5 when I haven't seen anything before. He just watches whatever. We might as well have only 2 channels because we both only really watch The History Channel and The Space Channel. For me this means watching American Pickers, Pawn Stars, Canadian Pickers, and Star Trek. For him it means half the time he has no idea what he is even watching. So, the point is it was another quiet movie watching period.

Contagion: I wanted to see this in theatres, but it never happened. We finally watched it last week and it was good. It had a huge cast of famous people. Movies like this are always a bit unnerving, but that seems to be what is popular. I am glad we watched it. Good, but no need to keep.

Midnight in Paris: This movie has been making the blogging rounds, so when Suey and I were trying to decide on our next viewing experience I suggested this one. We even managed to be on Twitter to discuss it as we watched it. I think we are going to talk about it in a bit more depth, but I enjoyed it. The guy came home after it had been on for a bit and even he ended up watching it. I was very surprised! A keeper.

Any suggestions on what we should watch next?

The 11 Questions Meme

Kat @ No Page Left Behind tagged me. Her questions:

1. Do you have other hobbies besides reading? If so, what are they?
I used to think yes, but lately I am not so sure. I was trying to branch out this year and even all those goals are reading related. I think if we move some of my old hobbies would come back. I would love to have a garden, for example. I have all these cook books that I would love to try, but my kitchen is so small it sort of zaps my creativity. And, really, there are days where I don't get a chance to read at all, so when I have a chance to do something fun picking up a book is my go-to choice.

2. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
Dinner.

3. What is a trip that you are dying to go on?
Well, I would like to go to New York, New Orleans, North Carolina, Texas, Australia, Portugal, and a few other places.

4. What book do you want EVERYONE to read?
um, I think more people should read Robin Hobb's books.

5. What is (or what would be) your favorite karaoke song?
Well, considering I go to karaoke all the time, this should be an easy question. I don't actually sing, though. The guy does. I actually took videos the other night with my new phone and they turned out REALLY good! I am not so sure how posting them on here would go over, but there is one on my Facebook should you follow me there. If I actually sang I always say it would be 'You're So Vain' by Carly Simon. I have no idea why.

6. Have you ever had any nicknames? If so, what are/were they?
My grandfather was huge into nicknames. He had one for everyone. As I have two siblings he typically came up with famous groups of three. My father and his two siblings all have nicknames, though. Other than my grandfather I was never really all that big into nicknames.

7. What's your most favorite epigraph?
I have no idea.

8. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Inconsiderate people.

9. What is your favorite game (board games, cards, etc.)?
Monopoly or Clue.

10. Christmas or Halloween?
hm. I was never big on Halloween because I don't really eat candy. I like the whole dressing up thing, but I have yet to live anywhere that actually gets all that many trick-or-treaters. So, probably Christmas.

11. What does your dream home library look like?

Geeky Daddy also tagged me. His questions:

1.What is your dream vacation?
See above.

2. Are you spontaneous or do you like to plan ahead?
It really depends. We do spontaneous things all the time, but then there are also times where I like to have a plan. It very rarely happens, though.

3. Tell us one thing you want to do but don't dare do it.
Sky-dive.

4. What's your biggest phobia?
I don't like bees. I found a nest in the basement two summers ago and it was bad. There were dead bees all over the floor. Even though it was not a success for them, they tried again last year. If the guy doesn't do something to prevent it this year he is going to walk around in dirty clothes.

5. If you were stranded on a desert island-what three things would you want with you? (Not including your laptop or family)
Well, if this was things other than necessities like food, shelter, etc. I would say books, electricity, and running water.

6. Name three blessings in your life.
Family/friends, health, having the fluff ball around to keep things entertaining.

7. What was your nickname in High School?.
Didn't have one.

8. If you could meet the President of the United States, what would you say to him?
Canada has its own problems...

9. If you could be any literary character, who would you be?
Man, I don't know. I really like Mercy from Briggs' series. Let's go with that.

10. What is your favo(u)rite quote?
Not sure.

Around the Blogosphere

We Be Reading is hosting a Diana Wynne Jones Reading Month. 

If I were to join in I have the following books by Jones:

Deep Secret

Howl's Moving Castle (would be a reread)

Witch Week

Mixed Magics

The Magicians of Caprona

Castle in the Air

Charmed Life (would be a reread)

House of Many Ways (would be a reread)

The Merlin Conspiracy

Reviews: Howl's Moving Castle. House of Many Ways.

Charmed Life. Enchanted Glass.

Science-Fiction Experience

My List:

1. Falling Free by Lois McMaster Bujold (Completed January 6, 2012) (review)

2. The Time Machine by H.G. Wells (Completed January 8, 2012)
3. Foundation by Isaac Asimov (Foundation Series, Book 1) (Completed January 12, 2012) (review - Part 1) (review - Part 2)
4. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline (Completed January 21, 2012) (review)
5. Cinder (Lunar Chronicles, Book 1) by Marissa Mayer (Completed February 9, 2012)
6. Star Trek: The Next Generation - A Time to Be Born (A Time to Series, Book 1) by John Vornholt (Completed February 19, 2012)
7. Star Trek: The Next Generation - A Time to Die (A Time to... Series, Book 2) by John Vornholt (Completed February 20, 2012)
8. Star Trek: The Next Generation - A Time to Sow (A Time to... Series, Book 3) by Dayton Ward & Kevin Dilmore (Completed February 22, 2012)

Thoughts: As usual I did rather bad in the reviewing department. I am hoping to read more in the Star Trek series, so I will probably just review them all together later into the year. I forgot I hadn't reviewed Cinder. I will have to do that and think of something to say about The Time Machine, too. I actually read a decent amount of books this year. Some years I am lucky to read one!

Last night I rearranged my bookshelves to have all my fantasy in one spot in preparation for the Once Upon a Time Challenge. I always look forward to it because fantasy is my favourite.

Saturday Snapshot - February 18, 2012 (And More Meme Fun)

Saturday Snapshot

This is a meme hosted by Alyce at At Home with Books.

This is what it looks like when you actually read your own books!

(Missing Fables: Volume 16, Foundation (because it is a 3-in-1 book), Shakespeare (because it is his collected works), and the Unwritten graphic novels.

Photo Credit

More questions! This time from Chris at Stuff As Dreams Are Made On:

1. What's the best book you've read so far in 2012?
Either Ready Player One by Ernest Cline or A Fault in Our Stars by John Green.

2. What's your most anticipated book of 2012 so far?
hm... That's a hard question! I am looking forward to River Marked by Patricia Briggs and 13 by Kelley Armstrong (even though it is the end and that makes me sad...)

3. What's your favorite song or album of 2012 so song (doesn't have to be from this year)?
Well, the last day or so I have been listening to needtobreathe. They are a pretty good band.

4. What's the best thing to happen to you so far this year?
Casey is all that comes to mind.

5. What's the worst thing to happen to you so far this year?
My cell phone broke again.

6. What's the best piece of news you've heard not concerning you so far this year? This could be a political event, a news item that made you smile, something that happened to a friend, etc.
Oh, I heard something last night, but I am not sure if it is common knowledge yet. Let's just say it is good for the local economy...

7. What's the best thing you've cooked/eaten/best recipe you've saved so far this year?
um, well, cooked is anything that actually tasted fine. Eaten was probably a pasta dish at a restaurant. And, saved, I am really bad for acquiring recipes and not actually trying them myself.

8. What's your biggest goal for this year and how's it working for you so far?
I have been trying to branch out more. I have read poetry, more essays, drama, listened to new music, and watched some of the popular stuff that I have heard lots about and never watched before. So, it is good well, but obviously it is hopefully going to include more things as the year goes.

9. Have you discovered any new to you blogs yet this year that you're loving?
Don't think I have started following any new blogs yet this year.

10. What's your favorite thing you've seen on the screen so far this year? This could be a tv show/music video/movie/documentary, etc.
I finally watched the BBC Sherlock Holmes. That was really good.

11. Do you plan on doing any gardening in 2012? 
I hope so. We have been discussing the options.

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Photo Credit

And, since I was doing this anyway, and I love Nancy, here are my answers to her open invitation questions:

1. What's the best book you've read, so far, in 2012?
Popular question. Ready Player One and A Fault in Our Stars.

2. Name a memorable event that made you gasp or which was so shocking that you remember exactly where you were and what you were doing.
Lots. The first thing that popped into my mind was 9/11.

3. Who is your favorite poet?
Emily Dickinson

4. Have you read anything by Simon Van Booy? What did you think?
Yes. I did enjoy the book I read by him, but reading it on my e-reader was a bad idea.

5. If someone offered you the money to go somewhere, but it had to be either Ireland, Italy or Australia, which would you choose?
Oh, evil question. I have always wanted to go Ireland, but Marg lives in Australia and I really want to visit her. So, Australia.

6. Fairy Tales or Folk Tales?
Fairy Tales

7. Do you have pets? If so, what kind of animals and what are their names?

Just the one cat named Casey.

8. How many bloggers does it take to change a light bulb?
1?

9. Are my reviews too long?
Nope.

10. Mountain retreat or sun-drenched island?
Mountain retreat.

11. What is the most interesting object in this photograph?

The 'old phone'. I love old phones!