I am not sure what it was about this past weekend (probably because it was a long one--five days!), but I somehow managed to fit in three books after finishing Elizabeth Haynes Under a Silent Moon. It seemed like the perfect weekend for romance, and so I decided to give Vonnie Davis's paranormal romance A Highlander's Obsession and A Highlander's Passion a try. They are the first two books in what I believe is a trilogy about a set of Scottish shape-shifting brothers. Admittedly, I am not a huge fan of the men in kilts, but these were both entertaining books to read. I also fit in the popular thriller by S. J. Watson, Before I Go to Sleep, because Athira of Reading on a Rainy Day asked me if it was anything like another book I recommended she might want to try. I decided the best way to find out was to just read it. And so I did.
I am finally ready to settle in and re-read Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, I think. But I also am reading a crime thriller called Shady Cross by James Hankins that I just couldn't resist.
What are you reading at the moment? Is it something you would recommend?
I am finally ready to settle in and re-read Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, I think. But I also am reading a crime thriller called Shady Cross by James Hankins that I just couldn't resist.
What are you reading at the moment? Is it something you would recommend?
Every Tuesday Diane from Bibliophile By the Sea hosts
First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, where
participants share the first paragraph (or a few) of a
book they are reading or thinking about reading soon.
Here is a snippet from the opening of Shady Cross by James Hankins, a crime fiction novel about a small time crook who must make a choice: save an innocent life or keep the cash he's stolen.
"You just got out of jail? Seriously?"
Stokes heard nothing but curiosity in the guy's voice. No judgment no fear, just curiosity and maybe a slur from the alcohol.
"Didn't say I was in jail," Stokes said. He took a sip of Budweiser and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, the one that held a the bottle. "I said I was at the jail. They had me in for questioning. It was no big deal."Would you continue reading?
Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the lovely ladies at Broke and Bookish.
This weeks' Top Ten Tuesday theme is Ten Book Related Problems I Have. This is one that proved to be a little harder then it sounded like at first sight.
1) I never have time to read. I say this ALL the time. A friend told me the other day she enjoys reading but never has time to read--and so maybe she reads one book a year if that. Puts things in perspective considering how many books I read this past year, doesn't it? Not as much as many bloggers I know, but still a decent number of books. More than a book a week, on average. So, when I complain that I never have time to read, what I really mean is that I don't have time to read as much as I would like.
2) I love print copies of books. I do. I remember when I was very firm about the fact I would never like reading e-books. You can't smell them, or turn actual pages. They're cold and soulless. *Sigh* Now I sometimes buy e-copies of print books I already own because it's more convenient for me to read the book on my e-reader.
3) I have three e-readers. And I also have a pretty decent collection of print books still.
4) I hate it when someone says to me, "I only read for pleasure." And I don't just because I read a book that was sad or *gulp* a classic?
5) Conversely, I don't appreciate comments such as, "I only read books with substance." Because that paranormal romance novel I just finished in which the heroine had to struggle with recovery after a domestic violence relationship and two miscarriages clearly isn't serious enough.
6) Constant interruptions are a given in a house with a young child. Why does it always have to be when I'm so close to the end of the book especially? (My husband is good at interrupting me at this point too--I think he does it on purpose though.)
7) When I am in between books, I must have the next book picked out by the time I start my lunch break or else I spend my entire lunch period trying to decide. What a waste of precious reading time!
8) I have a list of rules I go over with anyone I loan a book to for books I hope to get back. It's not long, but after a few bad experiences, it became a must. Even then though, I have had people break the rules. I have never loaned them another book as a result. (They likely have no idea they are on my bad borrower list though.)
9) I really need to use my library more. For me. I use it for my daughter, but not for me. Sad, I know.
10) I own too many books. As my enablers, I know you probably disagree with this one, but really, I do. I actually do not buy books like I once did, rarely buying print books anymore.
What about you? What are some of your book related problems?
What about you? What are some of your book related problems?
Mouse's collection of books (sorry for the mess)
More of Mouse's collection of books (sorry again for the mess)
The shelf by my bedside (Notice the empty space? It's not so empty anymore.)
The Manga and Graphic Novel Collection
The second part of my mass market paperback collection - double shelved to save room
(and some reference books)
My personal library shelves (empty space a result of the culling last fall--still empty, surprisingly)
More of my personal library shelves
(empty space a result of the culling last fall--still empty, surprisingly)
More of my personal library shelves
© 2015, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
I love your bookish pictures, you have some serious shelving in your house! My bookish problem is that I am short of bookshelves and have a problem deciding which books to let go!
ReplyDeleteCleo - I got really lucky when we moved into our current home in terms of having the space for the shelves. This is one of the very few times I have had room on the shelves for all the books. I kind of like seeing empty shelf space for a change, so I'm not anxious to fill it--at least not with books.
DeleteThree books in one weekend? You did have a good one. The opening paragraph was good. Already, I don't like the guy. Thanks for the pictures of your great personal library. You didn't say if those are all to-be-read. I hope a lot of them are. That makes you a rich woman.
ReplyDeleteMargot - It was a long weekend--five days! :-)
DeleteI have a feeling Stokes will be one of those characters that grows into a better person over the course of the book--or at least I hope so.
The books are a mix of books I have read and have yet to read. There's a good number in there that haven't yet been read though, so I'm good for a long while. :-)
I love your pics, Wendy! I've to say my daughters' bookshelf is messier as compared to Mouse, lol. I've been cutting down a lot on books buying but those shelving space still pose a problem. Plus, it's hard to part those books no matter how old or used isn't it. ;-)
ReplyDeleteMelody - Thank you. :-) Her shelves are usually even worse than that. LOL
DeleteI'm like you, Melody. I have cut way back on my book buying. I splurge on e-books now and then. but only if I can get a good deal (unless I really want to book). It is hard to part with books, isn't it? That's why when I get in the book culling mood every few years, I take full advantage of it. It's the only reason I have empty shelf space right now.
Great pictures of you bookcases. I think you have more than I do, but it might be close. I justified getting a kindle by counting it as another bookcase.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with your #3. I like real books, but I tried one in bed the other night and it was a pain coz with each page I had to readjust to catch the light. The kindle has spoiled me for reading in bed with the lights out.
Suzi - I like your reasoning of your kindle being another bookcase. :-)
DeleteThat is so true about reading at night in bed! Sometimes the positions I end up in to hold my book so it catches the light just so are uncomfortable after awhile.
I just did a massive cull but I still don't have any empty spaces. sigh. Shady Cross looks good.
ReplyDeleteBeth - We downsized in our number of bookshelves and so it was imperative I get rid of as many books as I could willingly part with. I was really ruthless this last time. It was hard.
DeleteI think I'll like Shady Cross. I'm still too early into the book to know for sure, but so far so good.
What great picks of your multi-multi bookshelves:) and you got rid of lots recently..LOL
ReplyDeleteDiane - I did! Haha The books were overflowing before. I had no room for anymore.
DeleteI don't know. Maybe I'm not in the mood for a guy just out of jail. I would rate it as fair for an opening.
ReplyDeleteTopazshell - At least he hadn't been arrested. ;-)
DeleteWendy, I so love your pictures of your books (and what mess - they look perfect). I totally relate to many of your "problems" and laughed out loud at #8. You'll have to read my confessions and how I constantly embarrassed my daughter when she was younger. Speaking of her when she was young, she mentioned recently how I used to always turn my paperback face down when she was little. She said, 'you used to read all these really scary books with creepy things on the covers'. I told her that I turned the book down because I'd found her several times staring at the cover of my book (she would have been about 4 or so) and I got into a habit of doing that. I still do it. LOL
ReplyDeleteKay - Thank you!
DeleteIf the book I am reading has a face on the cover, I have to turn it over so the face isn't looking at me. Same with those with author's photos imprinted on the backs. If there are faces on both sides, I have to cover the book completely. I'm not sure why exactly--it's not like I'm superstitious or think the person on the cover can actually see me. Still, it makes me uncomfortable.
You have it nicely organized. I've been through a thorough organization of my shelves about three times. I always have to go back and redo. I grab a book and put it back in the wrong place. I know you have more books than I have at my apt. I like how you have separated out the mass paperbacks. That's a really good idea.
ReplyDeleteTopazshell - Thank you! I'm always finding books out of place. I don't know if I did it or someone else who may have been looking over my shelves--or even my daughter who likes to randomly pull books off and tries to put them away on her own.
DeleteI used to not have the mass market paperbacks separated out, but when we moved to the new house, decided it looked better with them on their own shelves.
Haha!! I used to have a list of rules for lending out books also (don't break the spine, don't fold pages or write in them, don't let sand get in them!)! This was back when I (and everyone else) read real live books. Now, I only read electronically, so I don't really lend out books anymore. I do pass on my old (and loaded with books) Kindles to my mom.
ReplyDeleteSarah - It isn't often I loan books out, but occasionally I do. Usually it's books I don't care if I get back. Those generally go to my mom who lives out of town and then she can pass them along to her friends when she's done. But there are times I loan out books I want back--and my number one rule is to return it to me. :-)
DeleteLove all your book shelves. Part of my problem is not having enough book cases, and not utilizing the ones I have properly. I realize that I'm making excuses here...
ReplyDeleteYou've been on quite a reading spree--how great--hope it continues.
My Tuesday post: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2015/02/first-chapter-first-paragraph-94.html
Catherine - Haha! No, I understand. I have been there more often than not. :-) I just love being surrounded by books.
DeleteI have done some major purging in recent months, but my shelves are still too full...but I'm not buying more bookshelves. If they get full, something else has to go.
ReplyDeleteGreat pics. Love that I'm not the only one who goes a little nuts around books...LOL.
I love the sound of your intro, too; want to know more!
Here's mine: “YOU CAN TRUST ME”
Laurel-Rain - Yeah, we don't have room for anymore bookshelves. You are definitely not alone when it comes to books. :-)
DeleteThe whole 'books with substance' argument is really annoying because each book can strike a chord with and be important to someone, even if you think it lacked something! I like the sound of 'Shady Cross' although I think I'd have to read a bit more before deciding on it! I hope you enjoy your reread of 'Jane Eyre', it is one of my faves! Thanks for sharing :) Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteMy Tuesday post
Juli @ Universe in Words
Juli - I find the substance argument comes up most often with romance and YA books I read, and it really does annoy me. I agree completely with what you said about a book maybe striking a chord with one reader and not another. It doesn't mean a book doesn't have "substance".
DeleteI hope you have a great week too!
wow! you have a lot of books! I'm impressed. I have one bookshelf and I limit myself to that. However I have almost 800 books on my kindle. Jane Eyre is one of my most favorite books. Enjoy your re-read. Kelley at the road goes ever ever on
ReplyDeleteKelley - Too many! LOL I blame my parents who also had bookshelves and bookshelves of books when I was growing up.
DeleteI love Jane Eyre too. I'm excited to be re-reading it again. :-)
I'm glad to see that my husband and I aren't the only ones with an overabundance of books! When we moved into our current house, we converted the office into a library with shelves on every wall. They're almost completely filled now!
ReplyDeleteShady Cross sounds like a book I'd enjoy. I like the striking cover, and the opening makes me curious about the two men.
My Tuesday post features ALL THAT GLITTERS.
Sandra - I bet it's heavenly! Our living room because our library when we moved into our current house. I love the feel of that room. :-)
DeleteI'm anxious to get back to Shady Cross during my lunch break.
:) Those funny people who are obsessed with books! We all have our reading preferences and our own snobby opinions (I love YA novels, fantasy, and science fiction, but avoid romance). Substance is a matter of opinion!
ReplyDeleteJenclair - We book obsessed people are pretty funny. :-) Yes, we certainly do have our own reading preferences, don't we? I just wish people wouldn't be so judgmental sometimes in terms of what other people are reading.
DeleteEnjoy your Jane Eyre re-read! I re-read it a few years ago and loved it. As for loaning out books, I've been burned too. I still remember the person who never returned my copy of Number The Stars in fifth grade! Grrrrrrrr....
ReplyDeleteA.M.B. - Thank you! I'm looking forward to it and also hearing what my husband thinks of it.
DeleteHaha! Yes, those who hurt or didn't return books I loaned them are people I won't forget anytime soon.
I'm kind of hoping some of those people that tell you they only read for pleasure mean that they don't want to study or discuss a book in depth. In regards to the substance comment, I've had that and, well, whatever. There's a place for light reading amongst substance and it's good to have that escape. The 'what to read' time suck, yep! I ended up getting another copy of a favourite book after a couple of years of waiting. Still not received the original back.
ReplyDeleteAnd oh wow your library! So many bookcases!
My current problem is trying to get back into reading. I really think I will have to force it this time.
Charlie - I usually hear the "I only read for pleasure" line after I've told someone I'm reading something on the sad side or sometimes a classic or even literary fiction. It always gives me pause. I read for a variety of reasons, but ultimately, reading for pleasure is the main one. I wouldn't read so much if I didn't enjoy it.
DeleteI'm always on the verge of getting another copy of that book I loaned because I'm so sure the person won't return it. It's my own fault. I don't give due dates out. After a couple years, I imagine I would assume I was never getting it back either. :-(
I hope you do find your way back into reading. You need to find that magic book that will draw you in again. If only which book that would be was more obvious.
I love this post! I can identify with so many of your problems on your top ten list. Also, thanks for sharing your photos of your bookshelves. I've run out of space on my bookshelves! The intro to Shady Cross drew me in, and I would keep reading! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteMonica - I'm so glad to finally see empty space on my shelves. I didn't think I would like it, but I do. I don't know if it's relief that my shelves are no longer overflowing or happy that I have more room for more books.
DeleteI hope you have a great week too!
I have serious bookshelf envy right now! I was pretty anti-ebook for awhile but it is so convenient that I've gotten over that! I didn't think about it until you mentioned it but the I only read for pleasure/books with substance drives me crazy. Not every premise is going to grab everyone but to dismiss entire genres annoys me. The sweeping generalization about romance particularly irritates me.
ReplyDeleteKatherine - I'm so lucky my husband doesn't mind all the books. A number of them are his (especially the Manga and graphic novels), but most are admittedly mine.
DeleteI know not every reader likes every genre, and I imagine most people who make those comments don't mean to offend, but it's hard not to take it that way sometimes.
I have a 3 1/2 year old, so I know all about constant interruptions. Sometimes I buy eBooks when I already own physical a copy so I can read it when I'm in bed. I don't do book lights. I do prefer paper books though. You're shelves are so organized! I just have overflowing messes and stacks and piles. Great list!
ReplyDeleteMichelle @ Michelle's Minions
My TTT
Michelle - I don't especially like book lights either. Mine is always flopping down or falling off when I attach it to a book. Organized for that moment, anyway. :-) I'd just gotten threw shifting all the books and dusting the shelves from top to bottom.
DeleteGreat list! I definitely own way too many books and I've recently begun to run out of space... yet I keep buying more books! A personal book-related problem of mine is cover changes as well as waiting a year for a sequel. It really irks me!
ReplyDeleteKrystianna @ Downright Dystopian
Krystianna - It's hard not to bring in new books, isn't it? Some of them are just simply irresistible. I can be impatient about waiting for the next book in a series or trilogy too. And cover changes . . . yes, that one is annoying.
DeleteOoooh #7! It's hard! If I happen to have finished a book before I go to sleep, I can't go to sleep without having the next book in line. Argh!
ReplyDeleteBecky - I confess I often start thinking about what I am going to read next before I finish the book I am reading.
DeleteI love that you included how ridiculous the "pleasure v. substance" reading argument is. Just drives me nuts.
ReplyDeleteBecca - I does me too. I think genre fiction gets a bad rap sometimes.
DeleteWow, I am seriously ogling at your bookshelves - I love the stack! If you ever plan ti put your house up on Airbnb or vrbo, let me know - I will book a few nights just to sit beside the shelves, lol.
ReplyDeleteAlso, thank you so much for reading Before I Let You Go. I am relieved that it is not that similar to The Raw Shark Texts. I am looking forward to reading it!
Athira - Haha! I do like to be surrounded by books. :-)
DeleteI'd been wanting to read S.J. Bolton's book for ages now, so you gave me a good excuse to do so. The two books share the amnesia plot, but it's handled very differently, not to mention the stories are not at all the same. I really liked Hall's The Raw Shark Texts, but it is different--and I imagine not everyone who reads it will enjoy its . . .uniqueness.
I love all of your bookcases. Looks like a great home to me:)
ReplyDeleteSo I just started First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen and my mom came over to Gage-sit. I told her that she had to read the much beloved Garden Spells first since First Frost is the sequel, went to my shelves, saw all of the other SAA books, realized that my favorite was missing and was more upset than any grown woman should be :) Now I'm trying to figure out who I loaned it to because I have loaned it more than once. sigh. I will buy another copy, and I'm sure to loan it out with similar reaults again :)