We are well and good into December. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend. The sun is shining here, Mouse and her dad are baking cookies, and my computer is acting up, but I am determined to get this post up if it is the last thing I do.
New to My Shelves: My Lit Box arrived in the mail this week, and what a book box it is! This month's book is Zadie Smith's Swing Time. A copy of The Color of Our Sky by Amita Trasi was thrown in for good measure, which I am also looking forward to reading.
What I Am Reading: I wish I could say I had been reading up a storm, but it was another week of little reading--at least of print books. I have been listening to my audiobook.
What I Am Listening To: I am close to finishing Here Comes the Sun by Nicole Dennis-Benn. It is not an easy book to listen to. It's heartbreaking.
What I Am Watching: I am all caught up with the shows I follow. I know quite a few are disappointed with The Walking Dead this season, but the last three episodes have helped me settle me back in a bit.
What I Am Watching: I am all caught up with the shows I follow. I know quite a few are disappointed with The Walking Dead this season, but the last three episodes have helped me settle me back in a bit.
What's Going On Off the Blog: I thought I was done with my Christmas shopping, but then I remembered the animals. I still need to get a little something for the cats and my mom's dog. I finally mailed out my holiday cards and picked up our mail (since it isn't being delivered to our mailbox right now). Mouse and I wrapped the Christmas presents she bought for our family at the school's holiday shop. She's so proud of her purchases. She wanted me to open the one for me right away, but I suggested we wait until Christmas--now she won't let me peek.
Someone attempted to break into my mailbox (it's a community cluster box) this past week, which means no mail being delivered. Not two nights later, someone ripped a mailbox a block away right out. Mail thievery is definitely at a height this time of year, sad to say. Years ago, when living at my old house, I had a post office box because packages were regularly being stolen from my porch. We haven't had that happen at our current residence, but I've heard from neighbors it is happening. All of this makes me wonder if it might not be better to look into another post office box. Ho hum.
Tomorrow Mouse and I will be attending a Daisy-Brownie tea party, and today we made Nuts & Bolts, as is our family tradition and did a little shopping. I have a Christmas breakfast one day later this week along with the usual work. Let the Holidays begin!
Tell me about what you have been up to! What are you reading, listening to and watching? How was your week? Do you have anything planned for this coming week?
Every Friday Coffee Addicted Writer from Coffee Addicted Writer poses a question which participants respond on their own blogs within the week (Friday through Thursday). They then share their links at the main site and visit other participants blogs.
At certain times, I feel more inclined to read one type of book over another (a light breezy book when I feel overwhelmed, a happily ever after book when I'm feeling particularly sad, an emotional book when I need to release those big feelings, or a thought provoking book when I want to be challenged or inspired, for example). Or it can depend on the setting--am I craving to go back in time, would I rather read something set in the here and now, or maybe I want to be in a completely different time or place, even in the future? Subject matter makes a difference too.
Occasionally I go through genre or author/series binges until I feel myself needing to move on. The two most obvious signs of this happening include slowed-down reading and wandering eyes (I look forward more to the next book I may read than the one I am reading). I learned the hard way how important it was to listen to the cues--lest I take another decades long sabbatical from a particular genre or author.
What about you? Do you tend to stick to the same types of books? Do you ever branch out to try something new? How do you know when it's time to move on to another genre or type of book?
There was little doubt which book would win this one from the start given the time of year it is, and at 66.7% (20 votes), you did not prove me wrong. White Christmas by Rebecca York will be my first Christmas-themed book of the year. Thank you for all who voted! Rebecca Chastain's Curse of the Gargoyles came in at 26.7% (8 votes) and Royal Enchantment by Lia Davis received 6.7% (2 votes).
I am really looking forward to starting White Christmas--hopefully tomorrow (Sunday). It's time I read something light and fun after all my recent serious reads. Thank you again for voting!
Someone attempted to break into my mailbox (it's a community cluster box) this past week, which means no mail being delivered. Not two nights later, someone ripped a mailbox a block away right out. Mail thievery is definitely at a height this time of year, sad to say. Years ago, when living at my old house, I had a post office box because packages were regularly being stolen from my porch. We haven't had that happen at our current residence, but I've heard from neighbors it is happening. All of this makes me wonder if it might not be better to look into another post office box. Ho hum.
Tomorrow Mouse and I will be attending a Daisy-Brownie tea party, and today we made Nuts & Bolts, as is our family tradition and did a little shopping. I have a Christmas breakfast one day later this week along with the usual work. Let the Holidays begin!
This Week In Reading Mews:
- Bookish Thoughts: The Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum by Kirsten Weiss
- Where Is Your Bookmark? (& Top Ten New-To-Me-Series Authors Read So Far in 2016)
- Bookish Thoughts: Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward
Tell me about what you have been up to! What are you reading, listening to and watching? How was your week? Do you have anything planned for this coming week?
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Every Friday Coffee Addicted Writer from Coffee Addicted Writer poses a question which participants respond on their own blogs within the week (Friday through Thursday). They then share their links at the main site and visit other participants blogs.
What is your best guess that you won't be changing the genres you're currently reading?My reading tastes are fairly eclectic, and I like to mix genres to avoid burn out on any one genre. My reading tends to circle around fantasy/science fiction/horror, mystery/thrillers, romance, general and literary fiction, women's fiction, and historical fiction. I like reading books that celebrate diversity, and books set close to home or far away. I have a real soft spot for cross-genre novels. I enjoy both adult and Young Adult novels. I like to read the classics and more contemporary novels. I read the occasional poetry and nonfiction. Nonfiction, in fact, is probably where I get the most picky. I am generally open to trying something new. I like to push myself now and then to read outside my comfort zone.
At certain times, I feel more inclined to read one type of book over another (a light breezy book when I feel overwhelmed, a happily ever after book when I'm feeling particularly sad, an emotional book when I need to release those big feelings, or a thought provoking book when I want to be challenged or inspired, for example). Or it can depend on the setting--am I craving to go back in time, would I rather read something set in the here and now, or maybe I want to be in a completely different time or place, even in the future? Subject matter makes a difference too.
Occasionally I go through genre or author/series binges until I feel myself needing to move on. The two most obvious signs of this happening include slowed-down reading and wandering eyes (I look forward more to the next book I may read than the one I am reading). I learned the hard way how important it was to listen to the cues--lest I take another decades long sabbatical from a particular genre or author.
What about you? Do you tend to stick to the same types of books? Do you ever branch out to try something new? How do you know when it's time to move on to another genre or type of book?
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Thank you for helping me decide what book from my TBR collection I should read next:
My TBR List is a meme hosted by the awesome Michelle at Because Reading. It’s a fun way to choose a book from your TBR pile to read. The 1st Sunday of every month, I will list 3 books I am considering reading and take a poll as to which you think I should read. I will read the winner that month, and my review will follow. While I will attempt to post my review that same month, I make no promises--it may go up the following month.
There was little doubt which book would win this one from the start given the time of year it is, and at 66.7% (20 votes), you did not prove me wrong. White Christmas by Rebecca York will be my first Christmas-themed book of the year. Thank you for all who voted! Rebecca Chastain's Curse of the Gargoyles came in at 26.7% (8 votes) and Royal Enchantment by Lia Davis received 6.7% (2 votes).
I am really looking forward to starting White Christmas--hopefully tomorrow (Sunday). It's time I read something light and fun after all my recent serious reads. Thank you again for voting!
White Christmas by Rebecca York
I hope you all have a great week! Happy Reading!
The Sunday Post is hosted by the wonderful Kimba, the Caffeinated Book Reviewer, and gives us all a chance to recap our week, talk about what we are reading, share any new books that have come our way, and whatever else we want to talk about.
The Sunday Post is hosted by the wonderful Kimba, the Caffeinated Book Reviewer, and gives us all a chance to recap our week, talk about what we are reading, share any new books that have come our way, and whatever else we want to talk about.
© 2016, 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 think I miss the sun already, we haven't seen it in a few days here and it's snowy and cold. Ha ha I think your weather is better than ours. :) I didn't read a ton this week. I have been liking the Walking Dead a bit more, the last few episodes, it still moves too slow for me but I like that things are kinda happening and if they get closer to offing Negan I'd be happy! I've also been watching Fear the Walking Dead since I never picked it back up after the midseason finale.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the mail! That's kinda crazy. We lost our mailbox too but it wasn't vandalism, I think someone hit it or backed into it or something. So had to put a new one up- that was irritating lol .
Have a great week!
Greg - I would send some of our sunshine your way if I could. I think my daughter would love it if it snowed here--even just a little. :-)
DeleteI am glad you are enjoying The Walking Dead more as well. I agree with you about it being on the slow side. I was surprised when they said the mid-season finale is coming up. This season barely started! I'm with you about Negan. I'm ready for him to go.
Ouch! I'm sorry to hear about your mailbox. I am hoping they'll either get ours fixed or replaced soon. I hear it can take a while. "They" being our HOA. We aren't allowed to have individual mailboxes at our house (Post Master decision), otherwise, I think many of us would go that route. Until it's fixed, I'll be driving out to the post office every Friday to pick up the week's mail. My hours and their hours (as well as the post office's location) make it impossible for me to go more often. :-(
Have a great week, Greg. Thank you for visiting!
I've been hearing some good stuff about Swing Time! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on it.
ReplyDeleteOh man, That's really crappy about the mail thing. Hopefully that gets better soon! Sometimes my delivery guy just leaves packages in the front stwo, thankfully nothing stolen yet. One time, he brought it all the way to the back porch. Took me a bit to find it but it was safe!
Happy reading!
Here's my Sunday Post & STS!
Cyn - I am glad you have been hearing good things about Swing Time. I admit to being a bit intimidated by Zadie Smith's books and so, although I own a couple of her earlier books, I haven't yet read them. This might be the motivation I need to give her a try.
DeleteUPS around here is famous for leaving my packages right in front of my door where the whole world to see. I hate it when they do that. I always worry something will be taken. People are so brazen these days about just walking up to your porch and taking them in broad daylight. I am glad you found the package that was left on your back porch! At our old house, when my dog was alive, the postman once threw a package over our fence. My dog proceeded to tear the box open and chew part of the book that was inside up. Luckily it was a gift from a family member I wasn't especially interested in reading. LOL
I hope you have a great week! Thanks for visiting! Congratulations again on your Masters!
The mailbox break-ins sound horrible! I've had a post office box for many years. When I lived in the foothills, that's all we had, and here, I decided to go that route because I didn't like the outdoor community mailbox situation.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your week, and the books you find to read. Sometimes it helps me to mix up my reading, too; changing genres can spark my reading.
Thanks for sharing.
Laurel-Rain - I'm not too fond of the community mailboxes we have. If post office boxes were a little cheaper, I think we'd go that route. There's a postal annex close by we'd probably use. The Post Office itself is way too far to make it practical to get one there. We'll see. If we pick up our mail every day, we may be okay.
DeleteOh, yes! That's a good point about changing genres sparking your reading. That happens to me too sometimes.
I hope you enjoy your week too! Take care, Laurel-Rain and thanks for visiting!
I hate it whenever my computer acts up too. At least you got some sunny weather where you are!
ReplyDeleteHere’s my Sunday Post!
Ronyell @ Rabbit Ears Book Blog and join in this week’s Book Photo Sundays!
Ronyell - I am hoping the computer problems will pass instead of getting worse, but I have a feeling it might be time to think about getting a new computer. I run my laptop pretty hard. :-(
DeleteOne of the advantages to living in California--sunny weather just about year round. :-)
Have a great week, Ronyell!
What?! Why would someone break into a mailbox?
ReplyDeleteAnd I totally hear you on the binge reading and not reading recently. Last week and this has/will be a presentation-based week, which means that I won't have that much free time >< And I go through reading binges too! Although I don't think I've had one lately :p
Eustacia - 'Tis the time of year. I imagine people are looking for money or gifts to steal--not to mention identity theft. It's really sad that it's become an epidemic--but it sure seems like that's what it is.
DeleteI wish you the best with your presentations! I had training last week and that played a part in my not having as much time to read. And my weekends from now until the end of the year are full. I don't think I'll get in much more reading, unfortunately. I will sure try though.
I hope you have a great week, Eustacia! Thanks for visiting!
We have a group box for our mail, too. Thankful no one has tried to steal it or break into it! Now that the mail lady knows I work from home, she often drops my parcels off to give her room in the mail slots for other parcels for people that are not home. So, at least anything that costs money is usually hand delivered should a problem ever start!
ReplyDeleteKelly - I am glad you haven't had an issue with thieves. Hopefully it will never be a problem for you. We get packages left on our porch often--there's only one package box in our community box and not every package fits in there. I do receive notifications whenever a package is delivered through USPS or UPS, but fat lot of good that does when I receive the notice early in the day and I can't get home until that evening.
DeleteI hope you have a great week, Kelly!
Very nice answer to The Blog Hop question.
ReplyDeleteI admire you that you can move in and out of different genres. I am stubborn and stay within my three favorite genres. :)
ENJOY your Sunday!!
Happy Hopping!!
Elizabeth
Silver's Reviews
My Blog Hop Answer
Elizabeth - Thank you! My problem is I like to read so many types of books that I feel like I'm always neglecting some over others. It's very frustrating not being able to read as much as I would like.
DeleteThanks for visiting and have a great week!
I'm so sorry for the problems with mailboxes and packages! I have been binge-reading lately--whenever my anxiety is high, I bury myself in a book. Temporary help, but it works. I finished The Ghosts of Belfast the other day, and I can't quit thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteJenclair - Thank you. Hopefully our mailbox will be fixed soon so I can receive my mail again. I'm grateful to the post office for holding it, but their hours and location are such that I can only manage to get there on Fridays. :-(
DeleteI could use some good binge reading right now, I think. The Ghosts of Belfast does sound good. I almost bought a Neville book for my husband for Christmas, but decided against it. He's so picky about what books he likes, and since I have never read Neville, I figured I might not want to take the chance.
I hope you have a great week, Jenclair!
It's so sad that people feel the need to steal from others like that. A lot of people around here have security cameras and someone was actually caught because of one.
ReplyDeleteChristmas is right around the corner and I'm close to being ready!
Kathy - A lot of people around us have security cameras too. My brother just got the Ring for his house. It's sad its come to that.
DeleteI am glad you are nearly ready for Christmas too! I just need to decide what the menu will be . . . Hubby's not willing to think about that yet. :-)
I hope you have a great week, Kathy!
Sorry to hear about the mailbox burglar. I was always afraid something like that would happen when we lived at our last house.
ReplyDeleteI read a wide range of different genres for the same reason.
Shandy Jo - Thank you. I figured it was only a matter of time before we were affected, given the rise in mail crime in the area. We really don't have a high crime rate in this neighborhood otherwise, but no community is completely immune, I suppose.
DeleteI hope you have a great week! Thanks for visiting.
We've seen a increase of mail theft and package theft in the area on the news. Tends to be a holiday trend I've noticed over the last few years. I think everyone is in a funk this week for reading, but maybe it's the weather. I hate when my computer doesn't want to work but after it died and had to get a new one earlier this year I thankfully haven't had any issues yet. Knock on wood lol. I bet the house will smell amazing with the baking cookies. I hope you have a great week! Happy reading or listening! My Sunday Post
ReplyDeleteMandy - I am sorry to hear it. There's definitely an increase in it this time or year, I agree. I was hoping the computer problems would be easy to fix, but I think it's more due to an old computer than anything else. I'm not quite in a position to buy a new one just yet, but it's something to work towards. I am glad your new computer is working well for you. We depend on them so much. Maybe too much. LOL
DeleteThe cookies are really good. I have eaten too many already. Haha
I hope you have a great week. Happy birthday to your daughter!
Ha, I voted for the gargoyle book just to be contrary, but I'm glad you'll read a holiday book.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are knee-deep in holiday prep now, so good for you! And while you are kind of busy to read, you still mix in "diverse" titles which sometimes are heavier reads if dealing with serious subjects.
We live in the same county as you, though down at the bottom, and yep, in the community we just moved out of this past summer people ripped out our communal mail boxes and we got so sick of having to pick up the mail! A neighbor laid out $1600 to have a new one installed and we paid our smaller portion of that to get a key from her. Yikes, it's an epidemic of mail thievery in our county according to the mailman I spoke to 😣
By the way,I'm reading Bishop's Vision in Red and after a uncertain start, am loving it!
Rita - I'm glad you voted for the Gargoyle book. My husband did too. :-) He knows how much I want to read that one.
DeleteI'm ready to move on to some less serious reads, I think, for the rest of the year. I definitely won't get as many books in this year as I did last, but that's okay. I want to make a good effort though these final weeks. :-)
I'm sorry to hear you had problems with mail theft too. We're fortunate to have an HOA who will replace our mailbox, so it won't cost us out of pocket. Still, it's very annoying. Our designated post office is across town and so getting there can be a hassle, especially during the week. There's no way I can make it on work days. It really is an inconvenience. I just wish post office boxes didn't cost so much. There's a Postal Annex not too far that would work if we did decide to go that route, at least.
I am so glad you are enjoying Written in Red! I hope you continue to do so.
Have a great week, Rita. Take care.
I didn't read as much either. I hope to read more this week.
ReplyDeleteThat is awful about all the mailbox theft. Some people get desperate at this time of year. I try to have packages delivered to my work place as much as possible. Hopefully the perpetrators will be caught and you won't have to go to the post office.
That's nice that Mouse's school has a way for kids to buy gifts for their families. What a neat idea!
Hope you have a wonderful week.
Christina - I hope I am able to read more this week too. I am going to try to make a point of it. We'll see how that goes.
DeleteI wish I could have packages delivered to my office, but we're not allowed to request it. As it is, they open every piece of mail we receive, and so who knows if I'd actually receive it if I tried. I hope they catch the thieves too. :-(
I thought it was neat that her school did that too. They didn't have anything like that when I was in school--but then my husband's mom tells me that my husband's school did. I guess just not my school.
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Someone trying to steal mail is just horrible. I get so annoyed at all of the theft that happens. I do wish that people could just be kind and honest.
ReplyDeleteI am a lot like you in regards to genre reading. If I read too many books in just one genre, I find that I don't enjoy the books as much. I flip back and forth from mystery, ya, romance, fantasy, and anything else that sounds interesting.
Have a great week!
Carole - It really is. People must be really desperate and up to no good. :-(
DeleteI think jumping around from genre to genre keeps things interesting. I'm glad I'm not alone!
I hope you are enjoying your weekend!
It makes me sad that people are so greedy. When I was a senior and graduating, my dad's aunt and uncle who live way up north from us sent me a card with a check and it was stolen in mail theft in their own local post office. They knew it was the time, and the envelope looked right to be a graduation card. It is awful and unnecessary. I hope that the police find your mail thieves soon. Investing in a PO again might not be a bad idea.
ReplyDeleteCharlie - It makes me sad too. That's awful about the graduation check being stolen. Those thieves are smart, unfortunately, and know when they can get the most for their efforts.
DeleteI hope you are enjoying your weekend!
I am sorry about your mailbox troubles. We have an enclosed porch and I think that is a deterrence because people walking down the street can't see if there are packages on the porch. A friend of mine had a couple of packages stolen from his porch and he bought one of those fake surveillance cameras, and put it on his porch, and has had no problems since. The Daisy-Brownie teaparty sounds like fun. I love the fact that their are still Girl Scouts. Have a wonderful week. :)
ReplyDeleteLa La - Thank you. I wish we could have an enclosed porch. I don't think it would be allowed by our HOA though. We do have a pillar that the mail carriers can leave the package behind, but too often they don't bother and just leave them directly in front of our door. Luckily, we have neighbors who are home all day and so there's almost always someone out and about.
DeleteEnjoy your weekend!
I have not heard of the authors whose books you received in your Lit box, but I've already looked them up on Goodreads, and both novels look very compelling! The second book in particular looks like it will be very sad....so I definitely can't read it. As for the first one, I might give it a try. Hope you enjoy both!! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm shocked that your area has problems with mail thievery. Here in Miami, I've heard of such things happening, but I've been pretty lucky -- I've only had a package stolen once. How sad that, at this time of year, the bad guys are out there making things difficult for everybody else.... I think that you should definitely look into getting a P.O. box again!
I've never heard of a Daisy Brownie tea party. It sure sounds like fun! i hope you and Mouse really enjoyed yourselves! I'm also unfamiliar with Nuts & Bolts. Sounds like another fun activity, though!
As for your BBH answer, I can relate. I'm pretty eclectic, too -- to a point, that is, as there are two genres I definitely won't even come near -- horror and erotica. I'm not a huge fan of mysteries or thrillers, either, but I do want to start reading Agatha Christie, even though my favorite all-time detective is Sherlock Holmes. And I, too, enjoy reading both adult and YA books. Perhaps I tend to favor the latter, though. I feature classics, SF, literary fiction, and nonfiction on my other blog, MindSpirit Book Journeys, but haven't updated it in a while. I need to give the poor thing some attention, lol.
I can also relate to the fact that you read certain books according to your moods. Light, breezy reads are just the thing when you're feeling overwhelmed! You've mentioned poetry, reminding me that I haven't read a good collection of poetry in quite some time. Gotta do something about that!
Then there are the times I definitely feel like re-reading a favorite book. So I will probably re=read the entire Twilight Saga in the coming year! I might also re-read my favorite all-time classic, "Jane Eyre"! Lol.
I knew that "White Christmas" would win!! YAAAAAY!! Of course, given the time of year! I NEVER fail to read Christmas-themed books -- especially romance -- during the holiday season. I'm sure you'll LOVE this one!
Thanks for sharing!! Also, thanks so much for stopping by and commenting on my own BBH post!! <3 :)
Maria - Yes, I imagine you would want to stay away from the sad sounding book. Hopefully I will enjoy both when I get to them. :-)
DeleteI am glad you haven't had a problem with mail theft. It's unfortunately common around here. I think if we get our mail every day, we should be okay. The mail thieves usually strike at night.
Nuts & Bolts are like a trail mix, but homemade. It's lots of fun to put together and we enjoy snacking on them. It's one of our holiday traditions. :-) The tea party was a lot of fun. It was a Girl Scout event put on by one of the local troops.
I read White Christmas this past week and will be posting my review sometime this month. I plan to read all three of the novellas that were in the poll. I can't help myself. :-)
I hope you had a great week!
I'm sorry to hear about the mailbox thievery, Wendy. That's a horrible thing to do and with the festive season around the corner it's easy to know what the thieves are targeting. I'm thankful that our mailbox is built like lockers (I suppose that's the up side of living in a flat) so it's impossible to rip off everything. The only thing I worry is more about the postman's carelessness of putting the wrong mail, ha.
ReplyDeleteI'm like you when reading is concerned. I like to mix genres and and I do tend to lean towards certain books if the mood calls for it.
Have a great week, Wendy! :)
Melody - Thank you, Melody. Our mailbox was fixed this week, and so we are getting our mail again. We've made sure to check the box every day, so hopefully we won't end up with missing mail if they strike again. We have community boxes that include several mailboxes in the same metal unit. The thieves have started unbolting them from the ground and taking the entire units. It's crazy what they'll go through.
DeleteI hope you had a great week!
I am the same way I read different genres as well because I love reading out of my comfort zone. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog hop.
ReplyDeleteKatiria - It keeps our reading fresh and interesting to try new things, doesn't it? Enjoy your weekend!
DeleteYour Lit Box had good stuff!
ReplyDeleteLisa - I am really enjoying the subscription box.
Delete