Oh, how I love the rain! We got some rain this past weekend, a most welcome sight. My daughter was eager to try out the rain boots she had received for Christmas (she was not interested in testing them out earlier this year), and so, despite it being dark out, we let her explore our backyard in the rain, dressed in her boots and raincoat. The sky was overcast, but rain free enough for her soccer class on Saturday, which was a good thing given her best friend met her after for a visit to the library and park. The girls had a blast, playing on the swings and slides. Mouse's friend "read" to her on the couch at the library. It made for a fun weekend.
Then came the shoe shopping. I already do not like shoe shopping, but having to do it with my daughter is even more of a challenge. She hates new shoes. She gets very attached to her shoes, no matter how torn and small they may get. After announcing her dislike for every pair I showed her, threatening finally to buy her whichever pair I liked, she finally chose two--both the ones I initially said she might like. It would be so much easier to go shoe shopping without her, I know. It's hard to know though what size she wears when her feet are growing so fast. And I do like to include her when I can. Although, now that I think about it, I generally buy her clothes without asking her . . . Anyway, she has new shoes, and I tossed some of her old ones, although not her favorite pair. I'll let her keep them a little while longer.
On a completely different topic, I have been on a good reading streak as of late, my most recent endeavor being Anne Bishop's Written in Red, the first book in her Others series. Anne Bishop is one of those author's whose name I see, and I melt in anticipation. Written in Red is a dark urban fantasy novel set in an alternate world in which humans have migrated into areas belonging to the Others, supernatural beings with untold powers and abilities. The Others generally do not like the humans, viewing them as food, while the humans fear the Others, hoping they can live peacefully alongside them. In Written in Red, a young woman seeking to escape the compound she's been kept a prisoner in all her life, seeks refuge with the Others by taking a job as their human liaison. They have no idea who she is or what secrets she hides, not at first. The leader of the Others in that area takes a special interest in her. I devoured the 487 page book over the weekend (much to the chagrin of my daughter and husband--who I hope will forgive me) and will share the first paragraph with you below. I am now in a state of wondering what to read next but not quite being ready to jump into something else. I might just pick up the second in the series, Murder of Crows.
What have you been reading lately? Is it anything you would recommend?
Then came the shoe shopping. I already do not like shoe shopping, but having to do it with my daughter is even more of a challenge. She hates new shoes. She gets very attached to her shoes, no matter how torn and small they may get. After announcing her dislike for every pair I showed her, threatening finally to buy her whichever pair I liked, she finally chose two--both the ones I initially said she might like. It would be so much easier to go shoe shopping without her, I know. It's hard to know though what size she wears when her feet are growing so fast. And I do like to include her when I can. Although, now that I think about it, I generally buy her clothes without asking her . . . Anyway, she has new shoes, and I tossed some of her old ones, although not her favorite pair. I'll let her keep them a little while longer.
On a completely different topic, I have been on a good reading streak as of late, my most recent endeavor being Anne Bishop's Written in Red, the first book in her Others series. Anne Bishop is one of those author's whose name I see, and I melt in anticipation. Written in Red is a dark urban fantasy novel set in an alternate world in which humans have migrated into areas belonging to the Others, supernatural beings with untold powers and abilities. The Others generally do not like the humans, viewing them as food, while the humans fear the Others, hoping they can live peacefully alongside them. In Written in Red, a young woman seeking to escape the compound she's been kept a prisoner in all her life, seeks refuge with the Others by taking a job as their human liaison. They have no idea who she is or what secrets she hides, not at first. The leader of the Others in that area takes a special interest in her. I devoured the 487 page book over the weekend (much to the chagrin of my daughter and husband--who I hope will forgive me) and will share the first paragraph with you below. I am now in a state of wondering what to read next but not quite being ready to jump into something else. I might just pick up the second in the series, Murder of Crows.
What have you been reading lately? Is it anything 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 the opening of the first chapter Written in Red by Anne Bishop, which I just finished reading:
Half blinded by the storm, she stumbled into the open area between two buildings. Hoping to hide from whomever was hunting for her as well as get some relief from the snow and wind, she followed an angled wall and ducked around the corner. Her socks and sneakers were soaked, her feet were so cold she couldn't feel them. She knew that wasn't good, wasn't safe, but she had taken the clothing available just as she had taken the opportunity to run.I imagine if you are not a reader of dark fantasy and do not like shape-shifters and vampires, this book might not appeal to you, but if you do enjoy this type of fiction, I highly recommend this book.
Would you continue reading?
Katherine from I Wish I Lived in a Library tagged me for the Mustache You a Question meme (my husband is groaning as he reads the title, I'm sure). Thank you, Katherine! It was fun to do.
Four names people call me other than my real name:
Literary Feline
Mama (and all it's other variations)
Mouse's Mom
Wen
Four Jobs I've Had:
1. Receptionist
2. Circulation Desk Assistant/Supervisor
3. Recreational Leader
4. Social Worker
Four Movies I Have Watched More Than Once (too many times to count really):
1. While You Were Sleeping
2. Sleepless in Seattle
3. Ever After
4. Caillou's Holiday Movie (but only because I have to--I've probably see this one more than any other movie ever--and my daughter is only 3 1/2)
Four Books I'd Recommend:
1. The Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Soli
2. The Last Policeman Trilogy (Yes, I'm cheating and counting three books as one because you have to read all three!)
3. Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman
4. Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly
Four Places I've Been:
1. Niagara Falls (New York & Canada)
2. Kaneohe, Hawaii (lived there for three years)
3. Warren, Pennsylvania
4. Seattle, Washington
Four Places I'd Rather Be:
1. My comfy bed
2. London, England
3. Adelaide, Australia
4. Scotland
Four Things I Don't Eat:
1. Seafood
2. Hot Dogs
3. Beets
4. Sauerkraut
Four of my Favorite Foods (all bad for me):
1. Ice cream
2. Chocolate
3. Pasta
4. Pizza
Four TV Shows That I Watch:
1. Walking Dead
2. Scandal
3. The Voice
4. Blacklist
Four Things I'm Looking Forward to This Year (2015):
1. Maybe, hopefully, taking an actual vacation this year.
2. Getting in better shape.
3. Visiting the San Diego Zoo
4. Reading a lot of good books
Four Things I'm Always Saying:
1. "Do you think you should be doing that?"
2. "Do you need to use the restroom before we go?"
3. Come on, Honey, please try."
4. "Heavens!"
Four People I Tag:
Can I tag all of you? You should all do this meme.
© 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.
Just when I thought the sun is back for good, it poured yesterday when I was fetching my daughter from school. You can never tell about the weather isn't it. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI love wearing old shoes; they're so comfy. As much as l love new shoes and shoe shopping, that experience lessens when it comes to wearing new ones, lol. My youngest loves shoe shopping, though. She'll always try out those heels and imagine she's a grown up.
Written in Red sounds good! And I enjoyed reading all your answers to that fun meme.
Melody - So you are getting rain too! Mouse loves it. She was very unhappy this morning about having to go to school, but when she found out she could take her umbrella, her entire tune changed. :-) It's supposed to be sunny and warm again tomorrow.
DeleteYes, old shoes can be quite comfy. My daughter made my husband try on a pair of colorful heels at the shoe store this past weekend. I wish I'd gotten a picture. They were very high heels. LOL The things dads do for their children. :-)
Written in Red was so good! I want everyone to read it so I can talk about it. LOL
I would not have chosen this one from the title or cover, but from your descriptions and the excerpt, I found some things that appealed to me. I find escape from any kind of bondage a very enticing premise, and I want to know more.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog. I liked the answers to your questions, and I had to laugh at the movies you have watched over and over, as Sleepless in Seattle is one of my favorites.
Laurel-Rain - The cover isn't the best, I agree. I have some of the author's other books, and really liked them so took a chance on this one. I am glad I did.
DeleteSleepless in Seattle is one of my favorites too. :-) I love the soundtrack for it.
Based on just the opening paragraph, I thought this was a good start to a mystery/thriller. I'm not a fantasy reader, but I hope this was a good one for you.
ReplyDeleteMargot - I loved Written in Red. It was so very good. There is a mystery component and it most definitely falls into the thriller category, so you aren't wrong there.
DeleteI love all the answers to your four things but especially those four things you always say... I have automatic responses to many situations too!
ReplyDeleteCleo - I asked my husband for help with the phrases I always use and he came up with the bathroom ones. I was drawing a blank. LOL He's right though, I am always asking my daughter if she needs to go.
DeleteHm. I like urban fantasy but I'm more than a little burnt out on vampires and such, so I'm not sure which way to jump on this one.
ReplyDeleteSuzie - You might still like this one--it's very different from much of what is out there in the way of urban fantasy--at least what I have read. The vampires in Bishop's book are not the kind of vampires you would find in a paranormal romance. At least not typically. I wouldn't want to shake their hands, anyway.
DeleteI don't think I'd have gone for this one automatically but I like the opening and it makes me want to read on.
ReplyDeleteI don't like shoe shopping either, I usually can't find my size, so I love it when I do find a pair I like and that fit, and then I want them to never wear out!
I enjoyed your answers to the meme, I'd love to have a go at it sometime if I get chance. Happy reading :)
Lindsay - I really enjoyed the book and am curious what the next book will bring. I'm not sure I'm ready for it yet though. And yet, I really want to stay in the world Bishop has created a little longer. Decisions, decisions!
DeleteShoe shopping is the worst. I really have to be in the mood for it. I've been known to buy multiple pairs of shoes I fall in love with when they wear out, I have back up and don't have to go out shopping again any time soon.
I hope you will do the meme! I'd like to get to know you better. :-)
I haven't read urban fantasy in forever -- and it's a genre I used to love. Hum. I think I should correct that. I'm add this series to my list.
ReplyDeleteFun meme!
Beth - This is different from most of the urban fantasy I read. I really loved this book.
DeleteWendy, I don't think this one is for ,me -- hope you like it though. I am going to do this meme though -- tomorrow I hope. I loved reading your answers and learning little unknown tidbits about a favorite blogger.
ReplyDeleteHope Mouse learns to love her new shoes.LOL
Diane - I loved it, Diane! I hated for it to end and yet I wanted to know what would happen . . . At least I know there are more books in the series. :-)
DeleteI look forward to reading your responses to the meme!
I always love your Mouse stories. And little girls, umbrellas, and boots in the rain...priceless! I can remember shoe shopping with my girl. Sometimes good and sometimes bad. LOL
ReplyDeleteThe things that Dads will do for their little girls. I can remember one tea party that my hubby shared with our girl when she was very young. He sipped the "tea" and then told me about it. I said, "There was actually 'tea' to drink? I didn't give her any water. Where do suppose she got it?". He turned a little green as he contemplated. And he still remember that. LOL
Kay - At least she loves her shoes now. She was showing the pair she wore yesterday to school when I went to pick her up. :-)
DeleteThe story you shared about your daughter and her tea party with her dad made me laugh out loud. That is too cute. And funny. Poor dad.
Oh I hate shoe shopping and clothes shopping! I generally just do one big shopping if I have to and then I am set for a year plus. So I totally get what you and your daughter feel.
ReplyDeleteI love Walking Dead and Sleepless in Seattle too!
Athira - I put off shoe and clothing shopping as long as I possibly can. There are so many other ways I would rather spend my time--and money.
DeleteThe Walking Dead is such a good show, isn't it?
We will have to quite change your mind about Adelaide Australia. I can think of one place in Australia way better :) I agree with your four fave foods but I do like a good quality hot dog (yes there is a big difference!)
ReplyDeleteMandy - I don't think it would be that hard to change my mind given how little I know about Australia. :-)
DeleteI'm not a big meat eater, to be honest. I don't even eat hamburgers, but maybe once every 10 years or so.
I haven't ever heard of this author so may need to have a wee nose. Ohh what a good meme, I love the walking dead :D brilliant show although everyone knows I love any zombies themed thing however, it is pretty great. If you like the rain Scotland is definitely the place to be ;P
ReplyDeleteLainy http://www.alwaysreading.net
Lainy - I really enjoyed Anne Bishop's Black Jewels books, which are more high fantasy. I definitely like rain, and green. Lots and lots of green. That's how I imagine Scotland. The Walking Dead is such a great show. A couple people I work with watch the show, but other than that, no one else I know in my face to face life really does.
DeleteYour book had me until you mentioned vampires and shape shifters. I'll keep it in mind for if I ever decide to venture in that direction.
ReplyDeleteMy Tuesday post: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2015/02/first-chapter-first-paragraph-95.html
Catherine - I know some people are turned off by that type of fantasy. It makes me sad in a way because there really are some good books out there that include those elements. I understand though. It's not like I run out and read celebrity biographies just because a friend says it's good. Okay, so maybe I have . . .
DeleteI read very little fantasy but I like the sounds of this one. And the cover did appeal to me. It was fun to read your answers to the Mustache Questions. I am going to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteJudy - I thought this novel was very well done. It kept me turning pages. :-)
DeleteI'm so glad you will be trying the Mustache Questions! I look forward to seeing your responses.
Shoe shopping for little ones is such a pain. I like shopping for myself (as long as I'm on my own. Shopping with the preschool set is not fun!) but getting them to try on shoes is like pulling teeth. The last few times we've had to at least take him to figure out what his shoe size is. I'm so glad you did the tag! I can definitely relate to the things you say and you need some serious chocolate for putting up with Caillou! Can't stand that kid!
ReplyDeleteKatherine - I thought it was funny how she went from hating all the shoes to liking a couple pair--both of which she said she hated when we first tried them on her. It really is like pulling teeth at first, I agree.
DeleteI could probably recite the entire Caillou movie. Ugh.
I like to buy new shoes but have trouble finding any since I have a narrow foot. Vance was like Mouse when he was young - his shoes would get so raggedy, it was embarrassing. He would tell people his shoes were "well loved."
ReplyDeleteWe got a little bit of snow today.
Kathy - I have the opposite problem since my feet are wide.
DeleteThat's how Mouse's shoes are--it's embarrassing. I made both my husband and Mouse get new shoes that day as they both had shoes that were falling a part. The store had a pair of the same shoes Mouse had on and I showed her the difference--she didn't believe they were the same shoes. I like the well-loved remark. That's cute. :-)
This isn't a book I'd normally read, but your enthusiasm makes me want to see what this book is like. Loved your answers to your meme. Yes, I'd rather be in London today, too!
ReplyDeleteHere's my post:
http://monicasbookishlife.blogspot.com/2015/02/first-chapter-first-paragraph-tuesday_24.html
Monica - Anywhere but here! Haha
DeleteI had a feeling I would really like Written in Red since it's a type of book I like, but I didn't realize just how much I would like it.
I hate cold feet. Nothing is more uncomfortable. I think she's in danger. I would keep reading.
ReplyDeleteTopazshell - Me too! Very uncomfortable. She's definitely in danger! Fortunately she spots a bookstore. Seriously. She does. Another reason to love this book.
DeleteI hate any type of clothing shopping...I can't imagine how much more difficult it must be with children!
ReplyDeleteI've heard great things about this book...haven't read urban fantasy in a while:)
Melissa - Me too. I hate the whole trying clothes/shoes on and especially the price tags. I don't want to even think about what it will be like when my daughter is a little older and I have to actually take her clothes shopping with me. I am sure some moms love it. I might. I don't think so though. LOL Shoe shopping is hard enough.
DeleteI love rain! I wish we had rain instead of snow here. I organize an early spring 5K fundraiser, and my fingers are crossed that we thaw out by then (that's the one day I don't want any rain at all!).
ReplyDeleteI'm reading The American Plate: A Culinary History in 100 Bites. It's perfect for the intermittent reading I'm doing these days.
A.M.B. - I would willingly share my rain with you if I could. Especially if you could sprinkle some of your snow on the mountains in Norther California to help with the drought.
DeleteI do hope your 5K fundraiser goes well and the weather cooperates. Mouse's birthday party is next week and looking at the forecast, she may end up being disappointed. She really wants a jumper, but if it rains, there won't be one.
Love the cover and your description of Written in Red!
ReplyDeleteJenclair - I am nervous about starting the second book because I'm afraid it won't be as good as this first one. :-S I need to decide soon though or I won't get any reading done at all during my lunch hour.
DeleteThe premise of this book is definitely not for me, but I did like the intro!
ReplyDeleteThis is a fun meme and I've done it! I enjoy learning a bit more about fellow bloggers other than their book tastes! And - I'm jealous you've lived in Hawaii - that would be amazing!
Sarah - I was very young, admittedly, but it's my claim to fame. Sort of. LOL
DeleteI've never read urban fantasy, but Written in Red must have been really good of you devoured a book that size in a single weekend!
ReplyDeleteJoAnn - It was sooo good! I probably should have put a book between it and the second book in the series, but I decided to read the second book right away.
DeleteI would keep reading. I like to hear about books that were devoured.
ReplyDeleteNise' - It's nice when a book just won't let go of me like Written in Red. I am so glad I decided to read it.
DeleteWell the shopping trip doesn't sound that fun but at least you were able to get some new shoes! And, at least you enjoyed a good read this weekend. I have heard of this author but haven't tried anything by her but I guess I should, right? :)
ReplyDeleteLove the tag! I may have to do that one!
Iliana - Yes, I am glad we were able to find shoes for her. Whew!
DeleteI have enjoyed the books I've read by Anne Bishop and do recommend her if you are in the mood for fantasy.
I'm not sure about Written in Red. I'm not much into that genre, but sometimes I will read a book in that genre.
ReplyDeleteYvonne - Sometimes it is good to read outside our comfort zones, isn't it?
DeleteThat's good you got some rain there! And seem to be on a reading roll. Good for you! I like the list of places you'd rather be. I think I'd like to visit: London, Adelaide, and Scotland too. Have a good week. http://www.thecuecard.com
ReplyDeleteSusan - Rain is almost always a welcome sight. We are supposed to get more this weekend. A friend and I were just talking about her upcoming trip to Scotland. I wish I could go with her!
DeleteUgh the going to the bathroom before we go. I've told her a billion times that this is a rule and mommy has to go too but it's still a fight (I don't ask her because she'll always tell me no). And it was so much easier before they formed an opinion on clothing, huh? Luckily Elle is pretty easy with shoes but I buy her clothes without her and have brought home some things she will not wear. :(
ReplyDeleteYay for rain! Love imaging Mouse traipsing around in her new boots!
Trish - I don't always ask if she needs to go because I know Mouse will say no too. :-( I imagine Mouse will be that away about clothes sooner than I want her to be. Luckily she's not that into clothes yet that she has to have a say. She does love to receive clothes as gifts though. (I'm really hoping family will give her clothes for her birthday and not toys. We need spring clothes. Not new toys.)
DeleteI really want to read the Anne Bishop. I was actually planning to start it this weekend but I can't find my copy! I will have to search for it later because it is not where it should be. :(
ReplyDeleteKelly - Oh no! You have to find your copy. It's a must read.
DeleteWhat? You loved in Hawaii for three years?! Please tell me about it since we're prepared for 4-6 MORE inches of snow tomorrow. This winter is killing me and as a Clevelander I never thought I would say that. In November the temp was 15-20 and Jason and I went to the movies (next to lots of hotels) and the man in line in front of me kept turning around to look at me. Finally he said something like "I wish I had my camera to take a picture, beacuse you Cleveland girls are tough." I was wearing flip-flops :) And now look at me, the winter has broken me!
ReplyDeleteStacy - Brr! I'd probably want to take your picture too wearing flip-flops in such cold weather. :-) The Mid-West and East Coast were hit very hard this winter. I wish I could send some of the warmer weather we've had a few days this month your way.
ReplyDeleteI was quite young when I lived in Hawaii. I do remember our last visit there and thinking how the humidity was killing my hair. LOL It's beautiful there and the weather is gorgeous year round just about. I used to love that it would rain at random times during the day, this soft misty type rain that we called pineapple rain.