January has gotten off to a great start reading wise. I spent a little time in Rhode Island, traveled to Israel, and explored pre-World War II Germany. Now I am about to visit London, stepping back into the late 1800's through the pages of Wilkie Collins' The Woman In White.I actually had not planned on reading The Woman in White any time soon, but one of my online book groups decided to tackle the book, and I thought to myself, "Why not?" I have a copy on my shelf, after all. I first heard about this classic thriller only two years ago. I cannot remember exactly where, but I am fairly certain it was somewhere out there in the blogosphere.
With the wind howling outside, it seems the perfect time to settle in with this hefty tome. Not to mention it provides the perfect excuse for joining this year's Chunkster Challenge.
What are you reading at the moment? Is it something you would recommend?
This next week, I am lucky enough to be a part of Jan Brogan's current book blog tour. She is the author of Teaser, a crime fiction novel that tackles the topic of an underage sex ring on the internet. Be sure and stop by tomorrow for Jan Brogan's guest appearance, which will be followed by my review of the book on Tuesday.
I am also excited to announce that on Thursday, January 15th, Anna from Diary of An Eccentric will be stopping by for my first official book blogger interview. I am still trying to decide on a title for what will become a monthly feature here on my blog. Right now I am tossing around "A Page in the Life." What do you think?
Enough of the blogging and onto the reading. I hope you all have a great week and happy reading!
Wecome back Wendy! Your blog is looking very nice. I've noticed quite a few people spiffing up their site, I guess the bloggers version of spring cleaning.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to mention that awhile back I read Wilkie Collins' "The Moonstone". Amazing stuff...classic mystery/thriller. I'll be excited to hear about this one.
I just started my Outlander series challenge on audio. Six discs down, two hundred to go! I also have just started Wuthering Heights, for the first time. Wow! I WAS warned, but what a dysfunctional group of people!
I like "A Page in the Life." It has a nice ring to it and is very clever.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a great time in London via "Woman In White." I'll have to check out the last few books you read and see where they take me.
This weeken I have been reading Curtis Sittenfeld's latest novel, AMERICAN WIFE, and I can honestly say that I am enjoying it. So far not too many slow spots and if they do come up they are gone pretty quickly.
Have a great week!
~K
Hi Wendy, I just wanted to let you know I have awarded you with the Premio Dardas Award. Please check my blog for more info...
ReplyDeleteHey Wendy, I really like your new look! Very precious picture in your header.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read THE WOMAN IN WHITE but have always meant to. Maybe this year. Looking forward to your upcoming events. "A Page in the Life" is clever.
I'm reading the 2nd book in Tasha Alexander's series, A POISONED SEASON, and thoroughly enjoying my visit in 19th century London. I was with Jane Austen earlier in the week.
Looks like you've been reading some great things this year. I'm going to join the Chunkster challenge, too. Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy,
ReplyDeleteStopped by to congratulate you in the Primio Dardas Award, and got caught up in your Sunday Salon entry. I'm reading The Sky Took Him right now by Donis Casey, so I guess I traveled back to Enid, Oklahoma in 1915. It is always interesting to see where people have "been" this week.
And, your blog looks great!
Oooo, extra glad I stopped by today, the new look is very cool!
ReplyDeleteI'm just about to finish The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister, and it's definitely something I'm going to recommend. The review is practically writing itself, and I'm already planning to lend it to my aunt as I'm convinced it's just the sort of thing she'll like.
Oh and A Page in the Life sounds perfect - it's got a very nice ring to it!
I really love the new look.
ReplyDeleteAnd, perhaps I haven't had enough caffeine this morning, but for a second, I thought you'd really been away in Israel!
Happy New Year!
I love the new little kitty in your header. A Page in the Life sounds like a great title for your new feature.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, Wendy - I love the new look!
ReplyDeleteAs for reading, I am actually back in the place and time where I grew up. History Lesson for Girls by Aurelie Sheehan is set in Fairfield County, Connecticut in the mid-1970's, and the two young female protagonists are just about my age at the time.
I'm looking forward to the start of your interview series. I think "A Page in the Life" is a great title!
Enjoy your reading day!
I love the new look Wendy, it looks really great! I'm reading a couple of books now but one I just started, My Splendid Concubine by Lloyd Lofthouse is really grabbing my attention. Hope you're having a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteHey there, love the new look! The kitty is super cute! I stared at it for like 5 minutes and tried to pet it at least twice! ;)
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about reading The Woman in White as well, after I learned about it from reading Drood. I didn't realize how long it is though...that's kind of a downer.
Also, check out this page because I passed on an award to you.
I've always wanted to read Woman In White - perhaps this year I will.
ReplyDeleteYour "A Page In The Life" feature sounds fantastic, can't wait to check it out!
So far this Sunday morning I finished up Joan Didion's "Year Of Magical Thinking" and I was blown away. I'm positive this will be one of my top reads for '09.
Happy reading :)
I've read The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins and enjoyed it. Women in White has been on my TBR list. Right now I'm reading The Gargoyle and Age of Innocence.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog. We have begun reading USA by John Dos Passos but fear that, as cats, we won't like long enugh to finish it :(
ReplyDelete- Emmy and Milly
I'll look forward to your thoughts on THE WOMAN IN WHITE; it's on a few of my own challenge lists.
ReplyDeleteI'm about halfway through THE ANGEL OF DARKNESS, an historical thriller that I'm enjoying very much.
i like the new look
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking to myself 'ooh, what a pretty header, I wonder when it was changed' and then I read all of your other comments! Ha!
ReplyDeleteI haven't yet read The Woman In White, but I'd like to someday.
I'm currently reading two books (something I rarely do) Tomato Girl by Jayne Pupek and A Mercy by Toni Morrison. Both enjoyable.
Apparently, The Woman in White it a common pick for book clubs because the book club I am in is reading it in February. I'm looking forward to reading it (even though it is quite lengthy!), and I look forward to reading your thoughts on it!
ReplyDeleteThe blog looks so pretty! I love it.
ReplyDeleteI plan on reading The Woman in White this year...can't wait to hear what you think of it.
I look forward to the interview with Anna!
I'll be looking forward to your review of The Woman in White since it's something I've been meaning to read for a long time, now.
ReplyDeleteYour new blog design is great! It's so much easier to read.
I'll be back to check out your other new features this week.
You're off to a great start too! Many great books and places to go to!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Welcome back! I love the idea of a Page in the Life...cool title!! I look forward to your interview with Jan Brogan.Interesting topic for her book and definitely one that needs more attention paid to it!!
ReplyDeleteHope you're hanging in there with all those winds!!
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and leaving me comments. I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate them!!
Love the new look, Wendy! And the kitty picture is just so sweet.
ReplyDeleteI loved Jan Brogan's book Teaser. It was a little scary for me, the parent of an almost 12 year old. I don't let her on the Internet without me supervising, but I know that could change...
I picked up The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo at the library two days ago and I'm immersed in it. All the hullabaloo about it is true: it's an addictive read.
I have Woman In White on my shelf but haven't picked it up yet. I'll be looking forward to your thoughts. Your blog looks great as well :)
ReplyDeleteGreat new header, Wendy! Am very interested in what you'll be doing. I haven't read Jan's "The Teaser" yet, but have heard great things. Read "The Woman in White" ages ago but don't remember a thing... maybe I should revisit it with you?
ReplyDeleteGreat new look, Wendy. It seems as though many of us are already spring cleaning--at least where our blogs are concerned!
ReplyDeleteI like "A Page in the Life", and I look forward to reading the interviews!
Your blog looks quite spiffy! I hope you were able to take advantage of the time to dive into one of your Chunkster Challenge books.
ReplyDeleteI am currently reading three books, maybe four if I get my butt on the recumbent bike in the mornings.
Purse book: UNDEAD AND UNWED - MaryJanice Davidson
Bedside book: HARM NONE: A Rowan Gant Investigation - M R Sellars
BOCD in the car: LIVING DEAD IN DALLAS - Charlaine Harris
Great new look! I keep hearing about The Woman in White lately but I've never actually read it.
ReplyDeleteI love the new look, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteI've The Woman in White in my pile so I'm looking forward to reading your thoughts on it soon.
Hope you've a great weekend! :)
Oops! I've forgotten to tell you on my previous post that I've also passed you an award! ;)
ReplyDeleteI loved The Woman in White when I read it last year! :)
ReplyDeleteI wonder if we heard about The Woman in White around the same time? I need to read it. I love Gothic fiction like that. I just have to make time. BTW, I love your new design! Very beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWendy, your blog looks different! I like it.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading The Time of My Life by Allison Winn Scotch, but I'm not far enough to recommend it yet!
Oh, I absolutely love your new look! I usually read through Google Reader, so don't click over every day.
ReplyDeleteI'm currently reading Lois Lowry's Gossamer, because my 12yo daughter read it and said, "You HAVE to read this one, Mom!"
You were busy during your break. I love the new look and the kitty photo is adorable!
ReplyDeleteI read The Woman in White a few years ago and really enjoyed it. I've been meaning to read something else by Collins but haven't quite got around to it yet.
Right now I'm reading Kissing Games of the World by Sandi Kahn Shelton for a Pump Up Your Book Promotion tour later this month and am enjoying it.
I look forward to reading your first book blogger interview. :)
I love the new look, Wendy! The cat banner totally rocks!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your books!
Looks like you had a good reading time, never heard of 'The Woman in white' though. I am reading 'mommy, I'm still here' which is based on bipolar disorder and it is certainly i would recommend.
ReplyDeleteI loved The Woman in White! It's a terrific book, although I do think that The Moonstone is better. I'd recommend checking that out if you get a chance and you like this one.
ReplyDeleteI too love the new look, especially the kitten header. It's adorable!
I LOVE your updated blog. It looks amazing. (cat Lover here too). I enjoy your blog Wendy; it makes for great reading.
ReplyDeleteI liked Woman in White, the story held up better than The Moonstone, although I enjoyed that book as well.
ReplyDeleteNice new look!
I'm reading The Music of Pythagorus: How an Ancient Brotherhood Cracked the Code of the Universe and Lit the Path from Antiquity to Outer Space.
I love non fiction titles more than words can convey.
What a nice new look you got! Great way to start the new year :)
ReplyDeleteI'm reading lots of good books too right now and one of them is a bit of a chunkster so I'm sort of contemplating the chunkster challenge! Have fun and definitely looking forward to Anna's interview!
Sandy - Thank you! I was ready for a little something different and thought I'd give this template a try. It seems a little less cluttered looking than my last template--even with all the same features.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't until very recently that I heard about "The Moonstone". Wasn't that a movie too?
Yes, the Wuthering Heights' bunch are very dysfunctional! Haha! Good luck with the Outlander series challenge.
Karen (Planetbooks) - I am glad you like the title "A Page in the Life." I really struggled over what to call the blogger interview feature; probably more than I should have.
I've heard great things about "American Wife." I am glad you are enjoying it. I hope you have a great week too!
Kathrin - Thank you so much, Kathrin!
Kay - Thanks! I love that picture. It makes me melt every time I see it. :-)
I do love Jane Austen. I need to spend more time in her world. I am glad you are enjoyed Tasha Alexander's series. That's one I haven't tried yet.
Nikki - Oh, I hope you do! That Chunkster Challenge is too good to pass up, isn't it? Especially with all those hilarious options to choose from.
Lesa - Thank you so much!
How are you liking "The Sky Took Him"? That's a really interesting title!
Megan - Thanks! I've been looking for a new template for awhile now and this one popped out at me.
I love it when the reviews write themselves! The School of Essential Ingredients sounds like a wonderful book.
Lexi - Thank you!
Haha! No, I haven't made it to Israel yet, but maybe someday. Once things calm down over there, anyway. :-)
Kathy - Isn't she adorable? I love that photo.
I am glad you like "A Page in the Life". From the reception it's getting, I think that's what I'm going to end up calling it.
Florinda - Thank you! The new look is growing on me. :-)
I look forward to reading what you think of "History Lesson for Girls".
I didn't get nearly as much reading done as I had hoped. I'd say better luck next week, but I just found out we've got company coming. I guess I should be grateful I got a few days notice.
Dar - Thank you! "My Splendid Concubine" is an eye catcher of a title! I am glad you are enjoying it so far. I hope you have a great weekend as well.
ReplyDeleteLaza - Thanks! I want to reach out and pet the kitty too. :-)
You've got me wanting to read Drood even more now! It's actually not that long in comparison to War and Peace and Anna Karenina. Not even close. Think of it that way. ;-)
Thank you so much for the award!
Joanne - I'm really excited about the blogger interviews. :-) We can get to know each other better!
I've heard great things about Joan Didion's book and am glad you really liked it.
Kristy - I plan to read "The Gargoyle" soon. It's one of those that people have talked up so much that I'm almost afraid to try it though. I'll get over it though. It sounds too irresistible.
Emmy & Milly (& Steven too) - Ah, thank you so much! Yes, you cats can be fickle. :-)
Memory - I love those crossover books! :-)
"The Angel of Darkness" is a great title. It sounds like a good one.
Irish - Thank you!
Michelle - Haha! I figured coming back after my break was as good a time as any to update the look.
I have heard good things about Tomato Girl. Maybe someday I'll get a chance to read that one as well as A Mercy. I do like Toni Morrison. I am glad you are enjoying them.
Laura - It does seem to have come back into popularity recently. It's a bit slow going right now, but I am enjoying it.
Nymeth - Thank you! It'll be interesting to hear what you think of "The Woman in White" when you read it. I am enjoying it so far.
Linda - So far "The Woman in White" is good. I'm still not too far into it though.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words about the new blog design. I was hoping it would be a little easier on the eyes--less cluttered looking and a bigger font. I never really liked that little font I was using before.
Yvonne - Oh, yes! My books take me to many marvelous places. I hope you have a good week too.
Staci - Thank you! I think it will be a fun feature.
I agree, Jan Brogan's chosen a hot button issue that does deserve more attention.
I haven't blown away yet! The winds do seem to be dying down some, which is a good sign. I am not a fan of the Santa Ana winds.
Your posts lend themselves to comments! I can't help myself. :-) Thank you for visiting me here and leaving comments. Like you, I really appreciate it.
Karen O. - Thank you! Who would have thought I'd turn into such a cat person? Fifteen years ago, I would have sworn it would never happen. :-)
I really liked "Teaser" too. I imagine it would be especially scary as a parent, reading a book like that. The internet can be a very dangerous place.
I am eager to read "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo." I've only heard good things about it.
Samantha - Thank you!
Clea - Thank you! My Anya is lying across my arms right now while on my chest. I think it's her favorite position. Not the best one for my posture, but who can resist a kitty cuddles?
I enjoyed "Teaser" and am looking forward to reading Jan's other books if I can get my hands on them.
So far, I am enjoying "The Woman in White." The language takes a little getting used to at first.
Cathy - The weather here in Southern California feels like spring already so maybe that's what's gotten into me! I don't know what everyone else's excuse is. :-)
Vickie - Thank you! I took advantage of diving into one of my Chunkster books on Sunday, as a matter of fact. ;-)
I just introduced the Undead series to a coworker and she's head over heals for it. LOL It's a little too light for my tastes, but it is a fun series, just the same. Another series I need to get caught up in, as a matter of fact. Charlaine Harris' southern vampire series is one of my favorites.
Jen - Thanks! I've been wanting to read it since I first heard about it, but it's taken me two years to get to it. Kind of sad in a way. :-)
Melody - Thank you, Melody, for the compliment and the award! You're too kind to me! I hope you have a good weekend too.
Eva - I am enjoying it so far. :-)
ReplyDeleteJennifer - Thanks! I think it may have been around the time The Thirteenth Tale came out, the more I think about it. Were the two compared on occasion? Or maybe it was just Rebecca that I'm thinking of . . .
Shana - Thank you! I was ready for a change. I hope you enjoy Scotch's book!
Carrie K. (Books & Movies) - Thank you! I use Google Reader too, and sometimes don't get to see changes either, so I understand. :-) I just changed it, so you didn't miss anything.
Lois Lowry is a good author!
Nat - There's never a dull moment here. Well, maybe a few. ;-) I am glad you enjoyed "The Woman in White" when you read it. I've heard such good things about it.
I'm excited about the interview series. I hope everyone will enjoy it.
Alice - Thank you! Isn't that the most adorable kitty?
Eliza - I've enjoyed the time I've spent reading so far this year. I could always use more time reading though, but isn't that always the way?
I will have to keep an eye out for "Mommy, I'm Still Here." It sounds like an interesting book.
Meghan - Thank you! I am glad to hear you enjoyed "The Woman in White" so much. I will definitely be on the look out for "The Moonstone."
Diane - Thank you so much! I am quite fond of your blog too. :-)
Carrie K (Patience) - I am glad to hear it, Carrie! I'm enjoying it quite a bit so far.
And thank you for the compliment. I was worried the gray would be too plain, but I'm starting to really like it.
I love the title of the book you are reading! Haha!
Iliana - Thanks! I figured it was time for something different. You might as well join the Chunkster Challenge. There's enough levels that probably would fit into something without trying too hard. :-)
Hi wendy :)
ReplyDeleteI love your new blog, have to catch up on posts
Sylvie - Thank you! It's good to see you again. Welcome back!
ReplyDeleteI think your blog looks great! I'm excited about the interview post, too. Thanks for inviting me to stop by your blog!
ReplyDelete--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
Anna - Thank you for being such a willing participant!
ReplyDelete