Musings of a Bookish Kitty: April 2017

Sunday, April 30, 2017

Bookish Thoughts: The Devil Takes a Bride by Julia London (Audio)

At the end of the hunting season, before the winter set in, the Earl of Clarendon hosted a soiree at his London home for families of Quality that had come to town. ~ Opening of The Devil Takes a Bride

The Devil Takes a Bride by Julia London, narrated by Rosalyn Landor
Recorded Books (Audible) (HQN); 2015
Romance (Historical); 9 hrs, 45 min
Source: Purchased for my own listening pleasure.

Since I began reading romance again a couple years ago, I have a better idea of what I like and don't like in the genre. I tend to prefer what's called "sweet" romances--heavy on the romance, light on the sex. I also have found that historical romance is not among my favorite sub-genres of the romance genre, although occasionally one catches my fancy, and I decide to give it a try.

Add to that my being relatively "new" to audiobooks. I listened to six last year, my most ever, if that tells you anything. I am still working out what works best for me in that format, and so I thought I would dip my toe in a romance audio. I can't remember why I used an Audible credit for The Devil Takes the Bride, in particular. Maybe one of you recommended it on your blog? If so, thank you! It was a good choice.

There was much I liked about The Devil Takes a Bride. How often do you run into a historical romance novel that deals with mental illness? And not just in a secondary character, but in a main character. Not that I have read a lot of historical fiction recently, but it's certainly not something I've run into a lot.

Our hero, Jeffrey, the Earl of Beckington suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, which obviously wasn't well known as a disorder at the time. I thought the author showed sensitivity and compassion in her writing of the character as well as that of his heroine, Grace Cabot, and how she helped and coped with her husband's illness. Kudos to the author for not taking her heroine and have her sweep in to "cure" her husband.

The way the couple met could have hurt my opinion of the main heroine. And yet I found myself falling under her charm just as most everyone else in the novel. Besides how much of my feelings were related to modern thoughts as opposed to the limitations of the past? Women in her situation didn't have a lot of options, and she was feeling desperate at the time.

There was one scene in particular that bothered me in the novel. It's early on in the couple's marriage, and, okay, I'm going to spoil it right here. Highlight the bracketed text if you want to know anyway. [Jeffrey thought she was afraid of him the first time he had sex with her. He thought she didn't want him. Still, he proceeded. She wanted it as much as he did, sure, but the fact that he had sex with her thinking she didn't want to bothers my modern sensibilities quite a bit.]

In many ways, this was a novel in which certain misunderstandings or assumptions could have been circumvented if everyone would have just communicated with each other. However, Neither the hero nor heroine really knew each other all that well, and they each have secrets they are ashamed of. Secrets that would send most perspective suitors running in the other direction. It is no wonder they weren't so forthcoming with each other from the start.

Despite my problem with the one scene, I enjoyed this novel nonetheless. The author has crafted fully developed characters whom I grew quite attached too. There was depth to their individual stories and they felt real to me. I enjoyed the narrator's reading of the story. It was easy to lose myself and forget I wasn't part of the novel. And I admit, I'm now curious about the other Cabot sisters and their stories.

To learn more about Julia London and her work, please visit the author's website. You can also find her on Twitter.

To learn more about Rosalyn Landor and her work, please visit her on Twitter.

© 2017, 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.

Saturday, April 29, 2017

Sunday Post: April in Review & To Re-Read or Not to Re-Read

April In Review: April was an average reading month for me in terms of numbers, but it was a good month quality wise. I started out the month finishing Juliette Cross's latest, The Black Lily, a dark and fun fantasy romance novel featuring vampires and moved onto the more emotionally charged Etched On Me. I read two mysteries this month, one more of the thriller variety, The Girls Next Door (which was also my April TBR List winner) and a cozy set in England, A Killer Ball at Honeychurch Hall, which had me laughing out loud more than once. I also read the touching poems of Laura Foley about her father, called WTF: Poems.

My husband did a lot of reading with Mouse in April at her request. She usually gets to stay up a little later when he reads to her--which I think is part of her motivation. The other part being a break from me reading with her, I'm sure.

Solely For Me:

The Black Lily by Juliette Cross
Etched On Me by Jenn Crowell
A Killer Ball at Honeychurch Hall by Hannah Dennison
WTF: Poems by Laura Foley
The Girls Next Door by Mel Sherratt

Some of the Books I Read With My Daughter in April (many of which we read over and over and over again. And then again):

The Pout-Pout Fish written by Deborah Diesen & Dan Hanna and illustrated by Daniel X. Hanna
The Last Day of Kindergarten written by Nancy Loewen & illustrated by Sachiko Yoshikawa
Beautiful written by Stacy McAnulty & illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
The Littlest Bunny in California: An Easter Adventure written by Lily Jacobs & illustrated by Robert Dunn
The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors written by Drew Daywalt & illustrated by Adam Rex
Pinkalicious and Aqua, the Mini-Mermaid by Victoria Kann
Peppa Pig and the I Love You Game by Neville Astley
Wolf! written by Becky Bloom & illustrated by Pascal Biet
Pet Parade by Daisy Meadows
Footprints in the Snow written by Cynthia Benjamin & Jacqueline Rogers
Mittens (My First I Can Read) written by Lola M. Schaefer & Susan Kathleen Hartung
Biscuit and the Little Pup written by Alyssa Satin Capucilli & illustrated by Pat Schories
Fancy Nancy: Spectacular Spectacles by Jane O'Connor and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser and Ted Enik
Ready for Kindergarten, Stinky Face? written by Lisa McCourt & illustrated by Cyd Moore
The Nian Monster written by Andrea Wang & Alina Chau
Pinkalicious: School Rules! by Victoria Kann
Fancy Nancy written by Jane O'Conner and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
Again! by Emily Gravett
Pinkalicious and Planet Pink by Victoria Kann
Pinkalicious: Pupstastic! by Victoria Kann
Pete the Cat: Pete's Big Lunch created by James Dean
Pete the Cat: Play Ball! created by James Dean
Pete the Cat's Train Trip by James Dean
Pete the Cat and the Bad Banana by James Dean
Pete the Cat: Snow Daze by James Dean
Pete the Cat; Sir Pete the Brave by James Dean
Fancy Nancy and the Boy from Paris by Jane O'Connor

My Favorite Book Read in April: It is a tough choice this month. Etched On Me by Jenn Crowell made quite an impression on me, but, admittedly, I couldn't help but wear my work hat while reading it at times. Still, it's very good, tackling difficult issues, not to mention an inspiring story. The Black Lily, the first in a new series by Juliette Cross though was a book I raced through, hanging on every word. A vampire Cinderella story in a way, but Cross definitely adds her own spin making it very much her own. When all is said and done, I would have to say The Black Lily wins out as my favorite for the month. I hope to have my reviews for both books up for you soon.

Mouse's Favorite Book Read in April: It is a tie between an old favorite, Andrea Wang and Alina Chau's The Nian Monster, and a new favorite, The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors by Drew Daywalt and Adam Rex. After reading Daywalt's latest book, Mouse and I played several games of Rock, Paper, Scissors. It definitely adds a new dimension to the game.

Books Reviews Posted in April (but not necessarily read in April):

This Week:

New to the Shelves: Saturday, April 29th was Independent Bookstore day, and I couldn't help but drag my family to our local indie store, The Cellar Door. I made sure no one walked out empty handed.

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch (Purchase for Anjin)
Doesn't this look good? I think I want to read it too . . .

Again! by Emily Gravett (purchase for Mouse)

and her new handmade bracelet, which she sweet talked, puppy-dog-eyed her dad to buy her.

Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

The Dinner by Herman Koch

A recent e-book purchase from my wish list because it was on sale:

The Immortals by Jordanna Max Brodsky

What I Am Reading: I am in between books at the moment. I am sure I will be starting another one soon, but I am in that "What should I read?!" phase that often leaves me a bit stumped if I don't have a book already lined up to read next. Am I the only one that happens to? I am leaning towards Murderous Mayhem at Honeychurch Hill by Hannah Dennison, but Beartown by Fredrik Backman sounds pretty good too. Or maybe Gone Without a Trace by Mary Torjusson. Then there's Holly Jenner's Arena. The problem is too many choices . . .

What I Am Watching: I am all caught up with Blacklist (I think). Somehow my DVR stopped recording the episodes some time ago and I missed four episodes. It was interesting to get more of a back story about Mr. Kaplan, don't you think (for those who watch the show)?

What's Going On Off the Blog: More dental issues. My new permanent crown came out just two weeks after it was put in. I hope it stays in this time.

I thought I would share a couple of photos from Mouse's Sunday gardening adventure from last weekend. Her plants are still alive, I am happy to say. For now, at least.

Mouse's Ladybugs

One of Mouse's plants ready to be planted.

It was your typical week in our household. Work, school, home and what not. Mouse is doing great with her school fundraiser readathon. She may not bring in a lot of money, but she's putting in a lot of reading time. As of right now, she's the top reader of all the Kindergartners in her school. The readathon ends on the 1st of May. Mouse still doesn't think she's a very good reader, but her confidence is definitely building. She bragged to a shop owner today that she can read Green and Eggs and Ham all by herself, but sadly not the Harry Potter books.

After soccer today, we spent some time in the library and came home with a stack of books. As I mentioned earlier, while out and about, we also stopped in at a local independent bookstore. We, of course, didn't come out empty-handed. I refrained from buying some of the independent bookstore day merchandise, but it was tempting. Mouse handed her dad a nicely packaged little square and asked him what it was. He quickly took it from her and put it back in the where she'd found it. I'm pretty sure he lied about what exactly it was (I was in line waiting to buy our books, and so was standing too far away to hear). It's one of those moments in which Anjin and I will be laughing about for years to come, no doubt.

Searching for a book

Gracie checking out Mouse's toys

This Week In Reading Mews:

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.

How many books have you re-read? If you have re-read books, please tell us the book's title and why you re-read it.

Does this include children's books? Because if it does, I cannot even begin to list the titles of all the books I have re-read in the last few years since my daughter's birth. Nor could I tell you how many times I have read them. A zillion each, some of them.

I rarely re-read books for my own reading pleasure. So many books I haven't yet read I want to read is my usual excuse. It is not that I am opposed to re-reading. Because I am definitely not. One of my reasons for keeping a book after I have read it is because I want to re-read it. Someday. Ones I do not see myself reading, I give away.

The small few books I have re-read for my own pleasure include Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, The Girl From the Limberlost by Gene Stratton Porter, and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. The Girl From the Limberlost was a childhood favorite I could not get enough of. I've been considering re-reading it again now as an adult to see if it still holds the same magic. At the same time, I worry that it won't. Pride and Prejudice I thought was rather dull upon the first reading in college, but many years later I loved it when I read it again--the second reading because I wondered if perhaps I missed something the first time around. Age, in this case, did make a difference. It's one of my favorite classics now. I loved Jane Eyre from the first moment I read it in high school. It was required reading. I fell in love with it again in college when it was required reading again. And I still love it--re-reading it for my own pleasure from time to time.

I listened to Naked In Death by J.D. Robb and liked it much better than I did when I read the print version years ago. It was one of those books I decided to revisit because it seemed everyone else loves the series, and I started to wonder if maybe I hadn't given it a fair shake. I did listen to Jim Butcher's Storm Front years after reading the book in print. I actually have a number of books in audio version that I read in print at one time or another. I am probably more likely to listen to a book I have read in print than I am to re-read these days. However, I am not a big audiobook listener, and so it's hard to say when I will get around to re-visiting a book that way either.

What about you? Do you re-read books? What are some of your favorites to re-read?

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.

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Bookish Thoughts: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

We slept in what had once been the gymnasium. ~ Opening of The Handmaid's Tale

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Anchor Books, 1986

Fiction; 311 pgs

Goodreads Summary:

Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She may leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to food markets whose signs are now pictures instead of words because women are no longer allowed to read. She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant, because in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are valued only if their ovaries are viable. Offred can remember the years before, when she lived and made love with her husband, Luke; when she played with and protected her daughter; when she had a job, money of her own, and access to knowledge. But all of that is gone now...

What a beautiful and sad book. The Handmaid's Tale is my second Atwood novel, and I liked it even better than The Blind Assassin. While I had been planning to read The Handmaid's Tale for some time now, the timing seemed fortuitous, given the current political climate in the U.S. I would like to believe that how quickly the government fell in the book version of the U.S. could not happen to us today. And yet, there are some eerie similarities that definitely give one pause. While I do not see a society like the one described in the The Handmaid's Tale becoming our reality--not exactly, anyway, it is food for thought. The Handmaid's Tale is certainly a cautionary tale, one deserving of its modern classic status.

Offred is not too young or too old to remember what life had been life before the current authorities came into power. She once worked and had a relatively nice life, living with her husband and young daughter. All of that changed seemingly rather quickly, however, when a more totalitarian theocracy slipped in to take over without too much protest or fight. Those leading the charge played on the fears of the society, wanting to "clean up" the amoral direction the society had seemingly taken. Suddenly, women were striped of their occupations and rights, no longer able to hold property or have bank accounts. They could not work outside the home. Eventually, they were no longer allowed to read, even just signs. In fact, a woman's value was, in many cases, determined based on her fertility. Women who couldn't have children, tried to take others' children.

Everyone has a role and place in the Republic of Gilead based on class and gender. Anyone who does not fall in line is either sent out to the colonies or killed, their bodies sometimes put on display for all to see--as a reminder. Offred is a handmaid, dressed in red. Handmaids play a special role in society and are both respected on one hand and looked down upon as well. They are the mistresses to the powerful with the job of reproducing and providing a baby for the elite, high up officials and their wives, many of who can no longer have children.

In Atwood's novel, fertility is a problem due to a toxic environment, something that has been proven by science to be true in the more polluted areas of our own world. The role of women also plays a large part in the novel. Are they victims to be protected? Are they the cause of their own misfortune (i.e. rape)? In today's society, a woman is judged by how short her skirt is or how much alcohol she drinks. When raped or assaulted, many would point to those things as the cause. In the Handmaid's Tale, it is that very view that helps perpetuate the stripping of rights of women. Our own Congress, in committees made up mostly of men, want control over women's bodies and their individual choices. They think they know better. In Gilead, the men would agree.

The bodies hanging on the wall reflect the lack of tolerance and acceptance of those who do not fall in line or fit in with the current regime's strictures and views. They are a message to everyone else the importance of following the rules: don't stand out, and maintain the status quo.

Offred documents her story by sharing her past and present. She remembers her life before, the freedoms and the family she once had, and the life she has now, careful of what she says and does, knowing anyone could be watching and listening. Reading is forbidden and you never know who you can trust.

Atwood's choice of narrator, a woman named Offred, who attempts to tell her story with as little emotion as possible, proves to be quite powerful. Offred certainly isn't unfeeling, but there is a matter-of-fact-ness in the telling that adds to the weight of the novel.

This book has been targeted as anti-religious, but, like many others who actually read the book, I did not get that impression at all. Yes, those in charge in Gilead use the Bible to excuse their laws and behaviors, but this can be seen throughout history in one form or another. Religion used as a weapon. Those in power often use and manipulate religion, Christian or otherwise, to control the people. We see religion used by extremists today to excuse their actions all too often. While the party in power in The Handmaid's Tale is religious and has set strict laws in the name of religion--it is more symbolic than anything. Substitute someone like Hitler, and you could easily have a similar situation.

How easily human rights and freedoms can be stripped away in the name of protection and high morals! Just whose morals and who we are being protected from is the real question. The Handmaid's Tale is, indeed, a cautionary tale, one that resonates all too well today. Perhaps not in the same form or in the exact structure, but in just enough spots. Is anyone listening?

You can learn more about Margaret Atwood and her books on the author's website. You can also find her on Twitter and Facebook.

Monday, April 24, 2017

Where Is Your Bookmark? (04/25/2017)

I am in the middle of Hannah Dennison's A Killer Ball at Honeychurch Hall, the third in her Honeychurch Hall cozy mystery series. This is my first book by Dennison, but if this book is anything to go by, it will not be my last. I am quite enjoying getting to know Kat Stanford, antique dealer.

Every Tuesday Diane from Bibliophile By the Sea 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. It is also where I share my first impressions about the book I am sharing.

"You are absolutely not selling William Dobson, Rupert!" The dowager countess, Lady Edith Honeychurch, was furious. Even Mr. Chips, her tan-and-white Jack Russell, seemed to bristle with indignation.

Edith's son looked pained. "Do we have to go through this again, Mother?"

For emphasis, Edith slapped her riding crop against the side of her leather boot. "As long as I am alive, this is still my house!"

"Mother," Rupert hissed and gestured to where Mum and I were standing in the doorway. "Not in front of . . . "

"The servants?" Mum chimed in cheerfully. "Don't mind us. We're always arguing--aren't we, Kat?"

Every Tuesday, Ambrosia from The Purple Booker hosts Teaser Teaser at which participants grab their current read, open to a random page, and share two or more sentences from that page while avoiding any spoilers.

Teaser from 7% of A Killer Ball at Honechurch Hall:

"Don't! she cried and roughly elbowed me aside. I lost my balance and thrust both hands out to save my fall but fell heavily onto the top shelf.

There was a whoosh of air and I felt myself falling, falling, a sharp pain, a deafening crack and then - - darkness.

What do you think? Would you keep reading?

What are you reading at the moment? Is it anything you would recommend?

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the lovely ladies at Broke and Bookish.

I missed last week's topic which was the Top Ten Things That Will Make Me Instantly Want to Read a Book. It ties in nicely with this week's Top Ten Tuesday, which is is Top Ten Things That Will Make Me Instantly Not Want To Read A Book. I decided to do both--and couldn't stop at five with either one.

Top Ten Things That Will Make Me Instantly Want to Read a Book:

1. British/Scottish/Irish crime fiction~ Whether contemporary or historical, I enjoy a good novel set in the British Isles.

2. A World War I/II setting ~ There is just something about these time periods that draws me in.

3. A book with a character who shares my daughter's name ~ Silly, maybe, but for some reason, I can't help but take interest when I see a book mentioning her name.

4. Magic/Supernatural ~ Nothing attracts me to a book faster than the mention that it involves magic. Witches, shapeshifters, wizards, high fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal . . . I love anything involving magic or supernatural beings. Throw in mythology and folklore too, and I get even more excited.

5. Favorite authors or series ~ I do not even care what the book may be about. If it is by a favorite author or a part of a favorite series of mine, I instantly want to read it.

6. A banned or challenged book ~ tell me I should not read something and it makes me want to read it even more, especially if it's for so-called religious or moral reasons.

7. Emotional books (especially ones that make me cry) ~ Or what some might refer to as depressing books. These are often character driven books in which the main character faces some sort of traumatic event or giant obstacle and is forced to work through, overcome or accept it. The ending may or many not be a happy one. Sometimes it is ambiguous.

8. Books set in countries or cultures other than my own ~ I love exploring the world through books. Celebrating differences and yet also seeing how much alike we are in our experiences and thoughts and feelings. It's a reminder of just how small the world is.

9. Female leads who save themselves and possibly the day ~ There's nothing wrong with needing to be saved by someone else, including a man, but I really enjoy a story featuring a woman who is more than capable of getting herself out of tight situations more often than not.

10. When my favorite book bloggers gush and gush about a book and tell me I HAVE to read it ~ Because you know what I like.

Top Ten Things That Will Make Me Instantly Not Want To Read A Book (or at least give it a second thought before I do):

1. An animal/pet book in which the animal dies in the end.

2. Animal cruelty.

3. Excessive violence and gore. If I know ahead of time, a book will feature either, chances are I will give the books a pass.

4. Although I do read and enjoy a number of books featuring serial killers, I am finding myself turned off more than not these days by them when the victims are all women.

5. If a character wants to lose my respect fast, committing adultery or cheating is sure to do it. I tend not to like books that feature adultery, although it won't always completely turn me off of reading a book. I do tend to avoid them, however--at least unless convinced by you all it's worth my time. This is another instance in which I have read some really good ones despite my aversion to the topic in question.

6. Incest/Sexual Abuse. It comes up in books I read and sometimes I have even sought out certain books knowing they tackled the subject (and they've been very good). Still, it's a topic I mostly avoid.

7. Books about or featuring American football, the sport or players.

8. Erotica. I prefer more story than sex in my novels. This is another area though where there might be exceptions--I just haven't had much luck with this sub-genre.

9. There are a couple romance tropes I do not like. Particularly rape to love and step-sibling romance. Both hold an ick factor I just can't get past.

10. Nonfiction titles I have absolutely no interest in. Like learning how to fly fish or (please don't hate me). . . cookbooks.

What about you? What things will make you instantly want to read or not read a book?

Sunday, April 23, 2017

Bookish Thoughts: Yes Please by Amy Poehler

I was in fourth grade and in trouble. ~ Opening of Yes Please

Yes Please by Amy Poehler

Harper Audio, 2014

Nonfiction; 7 hrs, 31 min
Source: Purchased for my own listening pleasure.

Goodreads Summary:

In Amy Poehler’s highly anticipated first book, Yes Please, she offers up a big juicy stew of personal stories, funny bits on sex and love and friendship and parenthood and real life advice (some useful, some not so much), like when to be funny and when to be serious. Powered by Amy’s charming and hilarious, biting yet wise voice, Yes Please is a book full of words to live by.

Also included? A one-night-only live performance at Poehler's Upright Citizens Brigade Theater. Hear Amy read a chapter live in front of a young and attractive Los Angeles audience.

Amy Poehler wasn't a name I was too familiar with until listening Tine Fey's Bossypants. After that, I had it in the back of my mind that I needed to read Yes Please. I am adding both Tina Fey and Amy Poehler to my list of celebrities I wish I could be friends with. Amy Poehler is funny, and real, and smart, and I wish she was my best friend. I like how honest she comes across, how genuine. I could relate to many of the stories she shared, especially about motherhood, love and friendship. I even didn't mind the Hollywood stories, and enjoyed hearing about her struggles as an up-and-coming comedian/actress, which I wasn't as interested in.

I had never watched Parks and Recreation before listening to this book, but hearing Amy Poehler's take on the show as well as her thoughts on her coworkers made me want to. My husband and I are only a few episodes into the first season.

Amy Poehler narrates her own memoir and I enjoyed the experience. She had a variety of guests, including Patrick Stewart, that made this an even more fun book to listen to. I now want to go out and see everything Amy Poehler has been in.

Saturday, April 22, 2017

Sunday Post: Spring Flowers & Reading Books That Clash With My Personal Beliefs

New to My Shelves:

Pinkalicious: and Aqua, the Mini-Mermaid by Victoria Kann
The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors by Drew Daywalt and Adam Rex

(bookstore purchases)

The Littlest Bunny in California by Lily Jacobs and Robert Dunn
Trolls (A Little Golden Book) adapted by Mary Man-Kong and illustrated by Priscilla Wong

(from the Easter Bunny)

Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye
(bookstore purchase)

What I Am Reading: I am in the middle of A Killer Ball at Honeychurch Hall by Hannah Dennison at the moment, a cozy mystery featuring antique dealer Kate Stanford who stumbles upon a long dead body--one that was possibly murdered. I am enjoying it so far.

What I Am Watching: The Voice is now in the live voting round stage. Not that it matters given I live on the West Coast and usually watch the show a day late. I am starting to pick out favorites as the performers are narrowed down. I am also keeping up with The Designated Survivor.

I have started watching Supernatural again. I cannot remember where my husband and I left off on the show, but it's been long enough I thought maybe I would start over with season one. I had forgotten how much I liked the show. As a family, we have sometimes been turning on Star Trek: The Next Generation to watch. I was quite fond of the show when it first came out, I remember. It's been fun to re-visit it, even as campy as it seems now. I was never a fan of the original series with William Shatner, admittedly, but I did enjoy the spin-offs that came later.

Movie wise, we recently re-watched Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Rogue One, and Trolls. All of which we enjoyed just as much the second time around. We also finally got to see the movie Moana. I was really impressed with it. Have you seen any of these?

What's Going On Off the Blog: Did those of you who celebrate Easter have a nice one? It turned out to be a whirlwind weekend for us. Mouse had soccer. This Easter Bunny had a lot of catching up to do to make sure everything was ready. There was the obligatory egg hunt, and then we spent the day binge watching the movies the Easter Bunny had given us in our Easter baskets. My husband and Mouse put together an island for our kitchen. I think it turned out pretty well. We are going to look for little baskets to put in the side cubbies for storage.

Our new island

Parker is responding to the new medication, thankfully. I took him to see the doctor Friday, and he has gained half a pound. He is not completely out of the woods, and we are still not sure of the cause of his recent decline--only the symptoms. We will go back in another month to check on his progress.

Parker and Gracie are Troll fans

After soccer today, we visited the nursery to look for a couple plants for Mouse to finish her garden project for Girl Scouts, and to celebrate Earth Day. She even made a friend at the nursery, the two girls swapping bug stories and something about lizards doing push-ups (because we watched a little one do just that). Mouse is looking forward to releasing the ladybugs we bought on my rose bushes tonight.

Scrimmage

End of Class - Parachute Time

"I really want this plant, Mom!"

My rose bushes

Did you hear about the murder-suicide that occurred in San Bernardino the week before last? It was such a tragedy. Not only was a teacher shot to death by her estranged husband, but a child as well. Thank goodness the other injured child will be okay. Even though it was an isolated incident, many of the schools in the area, including my daughter's, have been re-evaluating their visitor and security practices. The lunch on the lawn event scheduled at my daughter's school this past week was even cancelled as a result. I cannot begin to describe the fear that went through my heart when I first heard there had been a shooting at a local elementary school. My heart goes out to the family who lost their son and to the family of the teacher who was also killed. Such senseless deaths.

It was quite a busy week at work. We had our mandatory all agency meeting, which is always a scheduling nightmare since my particular office has to be staffed 24/7. It is impossible for everyone to go, but we do what we can to get as many people there as possible. The guest speakers this time around were Azim Khamisa and Ples Felix from the Forgiveness Project. In 1995, Mr. Khamisa's son was murdered by a 14 year old gang member, the grandson of Mr. Felix. The two men came together to form the Tariq Khamisa Foundation, named after the murder victim. The goal of the organization is to stop teen violence. Both Mr. Khamisa and Mr. Felix's story is a powerful one. Instead of becoming angry and bitter over the death of his son, Mr. Khamisa found it in his heart to forgive the murderer and is working toward making the society that created such a young killer a safer place.

This past week our Girl Scout troop went to a ceramic craft and paint store and painted Daisy jewelry boxes. We hope to pick them up this next week. The girls had a great time. It just so happens the craft store is right across from the local independent bookstore, which of course we had to stop in to visit before heading home.

Mouse's school is having a fundraiser read-a-thon from now until the beginning of May. She's excited about participating. We set up her fundraiser page together, and she asked when she can have her own computer. I have no plans to participate in the upcoming Dewey's 24-Hour Readathon which is scheduled for April 29th, although it is tempting. The timing is never ideal, but I may try to fit in as much reading as possible. Will you be participating?

This weekend is the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, but we are unable to go. I am really sad about that. I was not able to go last year either.

My mom's dog, visiting over Spring Break

Around the Blogosphere:

Ramblings from the Stacks - When a Book Just Clicks - Katherine discusses what makes a book click for her--what makes a book click for you?

The Week Before Last In Reading Mews:

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?

Would you stop reading a book if an element of the plot strongly clashed with your personal beliefs, or would you continue reading until you finished the book?

One of the reasons I read is to be able to experience and explore worlds and ideas outside of my own limited sphere. I think it is important to venture outside of one's own comfort zone now and then. My way isn't always the right way--and especially not always the only way. And I like to understand where others are coming from, particularly when it comes to choices made, actions taken, and even beliefs that differ from my own. I like to read books that make me think, and sometimes reading books that question or challenge my beliefs is a good thing--whether it opens my mind to new ideas and ways of looking at things or solidifies my own position. I am also fascinated by human behavior (one of the reasons I got a degree in psychology and social work). I am a strong believer in being able to see multiple sides of an issue--even when you stand on one side or another. Problems are rarely solved if you cannot or are unwilling to take into account factors outside of your own life experiences and views. Even so, I have my limits when it comes to books.

Much depends on how the author presents the topic in question. If a novel is compelling enough, and I am invested in the lives of the characters, I do not necessarily have to agree with the choices made or even always the outcome to enjoy a book. For me, it isn't about whether I agree or not, but rather how it impacts the character and how that character reacts or evolves over the course of the book. I do not necessarily have to like the characters in books I read--as long as they are well-crafted and something about them draws me to their story. Sometimes the staying power in a book is the beautiful writing or an especially intriguing setting.

I do not like it when an author pushes their beliefs on me. Preach at me, and I will likely want to set the books aside. For instance, while I find religion of all kinds fascinating in a general sense, I tend to shy away from books that are too heavy in favor of any particular one. The same can go for politics. I do not like books that bash or disrespect other people's beliefs, including my own. But if an author is respectful and open to presenting all sides, I am more likely to continue reading the book even when it may conflict with my own beliefs.

Two instances pop immediately to mind when I think of books in which my personal beliefs got in the way and had me questioning whether I could finish them. One involved dog fighting (Jesmyn Ward's Salvage the Bones) and the other involved the rape of a woman by the main character (Lord Foul's Bane by Stephen R. Donaldson). In the first, the actions were normalized, and just a fact of life--but something I had trouble getting past because of my own strong personal views. In the second, well, I did not feel the character's behavior was adequately addressed, and was glossed over. I continued with both books, and feel they were worthwhile reads in the end, but my enjoyment was definitely impacted in a negative way.

On the other hand, I have also read books that have come up against some of my rather strong personal beliefs which I really liked, even as uncomfortable as they sometimes made me feel. They were compelling stories, well-written, and I was intrigued by the evolution of the characters with the turn of each page. Sometimes much to my surprise. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov, for example. Humbert being a despicable and disgusting narrator of the story. The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd is another, in which the main character commits adultery (I have a strong bias against cheaters). Or even Jeff Lindsay's Dexter Morgan crime fiction series, Dexter being a serial killer with a bit of a moral compass, which I enjoy despite my strong feelings about his criminal activities no matter what the intention.

Then there is Here Comes the Sun by Nicole Dennis-Benn, which deals with the topic of human trafficking in all its ugliness. While the author and I likely share the same opinion of human trafficking, some of her characters made choices that went very much against what I believe to be right. And I think that was part of the point. It was a difficult read, but so worth it. Reality is not always pretty and while some people may choose to only read books that skirt around or avoid reality all together (and there is nothing wrong with this--I like/need to read books for pure escape often myself!), I believe books like Dennis-Benn's bring much needed attention to subject matters that need to be addressed in our society today.

I generally only decide not to finish a book when I am completely and utterly bored with it or the writing is so bad I cannot get passed it. It's rare it has anything to do with challenging any strong opinion I have. There are certain books I may avoid reading at all because they support a topic or person I feel strongly opposed to--or even just carry certain elements that I do not like to read about--but that is an entirely different discussion for another day . . .

What about you? Would you stop reading a book that challenged or went against any strong beliefs you may hold?

I hope you all have a great week! Happy Reading!

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Bookish Thoughts: Monstress, Vol. One: Awakening by Marjorie Liu & Sana Takeda

It took three years to find a name. ~ Opening of Monstress, Volume One: Awakening

Monstress, Volume One: Awakening by Marjorie Liu & Sana Takeda

Image Comics, 2015

Fantasy (Graphic Novels); 202 pgs
Source: I purchased a copy for my own reading pleasure.

Goodreads Summary:

Set in an alternate matriarchal 1900's Asia, in a richly imagined world of art deco-inflected steam punk, MONSTRESS tells the story of a teenage girl who is struggling to survive the trauma of war, and who shares a mysterious psychic link with a monster of tremendous power, a connection that will transform them both and make them the target of both human and otherworldly powers.

It has been awhile since I last read a graphic novel, although I have several on my shelf I would like to eventually get to. Most are memoirs, true stories based on their author's experiences and life. Monstress, Volume One: Awakening is pure fiction and fantasy, however, and one that I treated myself to after it came recommended by several fellow book bloggers.

The artwork is beautiful. It's hard not to linger on each panel, taking in all the details. Dark and shadowy to match the tone of events, rich and detailed, each one. From the gorgeous cover to the simpler and somewhat comic lectures (chapter breaks) of Professor Tam Tam, former first record-keeper of the Is'Hami Temple, the illustrations are really what tell the biggest part of the story in this graphic novel.

The graphic novel opens at a slave auction with Maika Halfwolf up for the bidding. Maika, only 17, and with one arm, is taken in chains, along with several others, including a fox-girl, to Cumaea where she is locked in a cell. What follows is a whirlwind of activity from her escape to the chase, all of which does not go without confrontations and has high stakes. I especially liked how nuanced the story is, with unexpected turns and the level of world building.

The graphic novel's world is entrenched in conflict, various factions vying for power. The two main ones, outside of the gods themselves, are the humans and the Arcanics, which are a cross between human and gods. They all have some sort of magic on their side. The Arcanics wield a more natural magic while there are witches among the humans.

The author and illustrator take us back and forth from present to past as Maika's story unfolds. She is a survivor of a horrific war. We learn of her mother's death and Maika's obsession with finding out what happened as well as more about the monster she is linked to. Throughout the novel, Maika struggles not only with memories of her past but also with the monster within her, which she cannot seem to control. Its power and hunger put everyone around her in danger.

The little fox girl is so courageous, even when most afraid. I just adore her. She's one of those characters you want to hug and protect, and yet she very much can take care of herself as she proves again and again.

Cats hold an interesting position in the world of Monstress, and it's one I am looking forward to exploring more. Helping and, dare I say guiding, Maika in her escape is a two-tailed cat.

Marjorie Liu has made a good start with this first volume of Monstress. The novel is on the dark side and at times violent. There is good and evil, a definite power struggle, and yet there is also a lot of gray area as well. Not everything is as straight forward as it may seem. I look forward to seeing how everything plays out in future volumes.

To learn more about author Marjorie Liu and her work, please visit the author's website.
To learn more about artist Sana Takeda and her work, please visit the artist's website.

Monday, April 10, 2017

Where Is Your Bookmark? (04/11/2017)

I just finished reading reading Etched on Me by Jenn Crowell, and thought I would share a few teasers with you today.

Have you ever wanted something so much, it's not a desire so much as a beacon? Have you ever prayed for it so hard, your fingernails curl into your palms and your eyes squinch shut and your whole body just hums?

My daughter is that simple, shining thing. Taken away from me under bright lights in a white room, my stitches still raw. I fought so much they put me in hard restraints. I screamed so loudly they shot me up with sedative.

Teaser from page 48-49 of Etched on Me:

Dizzy now, I crawled to the stall door and pulled myself by its latch. Staggered out to the sinks, my gait wobbly. I couldn't look in the mirror. Couldn't look down at the dribbly trail I knew I was leaving. All i could do was yank paper towels from the dispenser on the wall. Stupid of me, I know--I mean, if thick work wasn't stopping anything, rough little paper scraps were hardly going to save the day. But still I pulled and pulled, dabbed and dabbed, until my knees buckled under me and I fell to the floor.

and from page 53:

"Waste of drugs." His face and his voice were one massive sneer. "She's obviously fine with pain."

My chin jerked from the tray to the doctor to Miss as my mind stuttered. Oh my God oh my God oh my God, they really are going to hurt me--.

What do you think? Would you keep reading?

This book has taken me through a range of emotions. I think you can see why from the opening and teasers shared.

What are you reading at the moment? Is it anything you would recommend?

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the lovely ladies at Broke and Bookish.

Author Emily St. John Mandel wrote an interesting article back in October called "The Gone Girl With the Dragon Tattoo on the Train", in which she discusses the trend of "girl" in book and movie titles. Not all books with "girl" in the title are mysteries or or thrillers, of course, but quite a few are. While not meant as an academic piece, it is an interesting read. Taking a look at Goodreads data, Mandel found

A number of patterns emerged in our analysis: The “girl” in the title is much more likely to be a woman than an actual girl, and the author of the book is more likely to be a woman. But if a book with “girl” in the title was written by a man, the girl is significantly more likely to end up dead.

Publishers are always on the lookout for ways to market their books, and having the word "girl" in the title seems to be one of the most recent selling trends the last few years. I have certainly read a number of books with "girl" in the title over the last several years.

I decided to go in my own direction for this week's Top Ten Tuesday, and make a list of all the books in my TBR collection (books I own but have not read) that have the word "girl" or "girls" in the title. There are a lot. More than ten. *hanging head in shame*

The Girl in the Flammable Skirt: Stories by Aimee Bender
The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes
The Burning Girl by Mark Billingham
Dead Girl Walking by Christopher Brookmyre
The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
The Lost Girls of Rome by Donato Carrisi
The Last Girl by Jane Casey
The Girl Who Fell From the Sky by Heidi W. Durrow
The Danish Girl by David Ebershoff
The Girl Who Came Home by Hazel Gaynor
Mercer Girls by Libbie Hawker

Gasa-Gasa Girl by Naomi Hirahara

When All The Girls Have Gone by Jayne Anne Krentz
Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok
The Girl Who Stopped Swimming by Joshilyn Jackson
The Girls Guide to the Apocalypse by Daphne Lamb
The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women by Kate Moore
The Tattooed Girl by Joyce Carol Oates
California Girl by T. Jefferson Parker
Girl in the Dark by Marion Pauw
The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Amanda Quick
White Collar Girl by Renée Rosen
Radio Girls by Sarah-Jane Stratford
The Girl With the Clock for a Heart by Peter Swanson

Now to read them all . . .

What other title trends have you picked up on over the years?

Sunday, April 09, 2017

Bookish Thoughts: The Burning Page by Genevieve Cogman

For the love of God, can't you give me anything challenging? ~ Opening of The Burning Page

The Burning Page (The Invisible Library, #3) by Genevieve Cogman

Roc, 2016

Fantasy; 368 pgs

Source: NetGalley

Goodreads Summary:

Never judge a book by its cover...

Due to her involvement in an unfortunate set of mishaps between the dragons and the Fae, Librarian spy Irene is stuck on probation, doing what should be simple fetch-and-retrieve projects for the mysterious Library. But trouble has a tendency of finding both Irene and her apprentice, Kai [...] and, before they know it, they are entangled in more danger than they can handle...

Irene’s longtime nemesis, Alberich, has once again been making waves across multiple worlds, and, this time, his goals are much larger than obtaining a single book or wreaking vengeance upon a single Librarian. He aims to destroy the entire Library—and make sure Irene goes down with it.

With so much at stake, Irene will need every tool at her disposal to stay alive. But even as she draws her allies close around her, the greatest danger might be lurking from somewhere close—someone she never expected to betray her...

I just love this series. Irene is braver than I sometimes expect her to be--which is silly given I've read both earlier books in the series and she is always brave. The Library is being threatened and Irene finds herself at the heart of it when the Library's arch-nemesis Alberich tries to draw her to his side. I didn't find this novel quite as intense as the other two, but I did like it. We learn a bit more about the Library and its role as well as the unrest within the Library itself.

Irene is sent to a realm high in Order (the last book she was in a high chaos world controlled by the fae) and she must retrieve a book that has proven to be quite elusive to other Librarians who have gone after it. She and Kai run into quite a bit of trouble, much of which they are able to get out of--but not without drawing attention to themselves.

We see a different side of Vale, the private detective both Irene and Kai are quite fond of in their assigned alternate London. He is suffering the consequences of events from the previous book. Irene wants to help him, but isn't sure how. She knows something must be done, regardless.

There is a particularly cry-worthy scene for those of us who love books--or rather one that might make you cringe--it did me. But maybe not. It really was the only recourse, sad as that may be.

Although not my favorite in the series, ultimately, I enjoyed The Burning Page very much and cannot wait until the next book. Like its predecessors, it is fast paced and a fun read. I really must know what the fallout will be after this last adventure!

To learn more about Genevieve Cogman and her work, please visit the author's website. You can also find her on Twitter and Goodreads.