Musings of a Bookish Kitty: June 2017

Thursday, June 29, 2017

Where Is Your Bookmark? (Trying Again/Friday Fun)

I must confess I have started Brave New World by Aldous Huxley a couple times over the years, the first being required reading during my freshman year at the university. It was the one book I was required to read that I couldn't finish. I tried again on my own a few years later. No such luck. Now I'm listening to the audio version. Because, why not? Maybe I will like it better this way and actually finish it this time.

A weekly meme where readers share the first sentence of the book they are reading and say what they think. Hosted by the wonderful Gillion Dumas of Rose City Reader.

A squat grey building of only thirty-four stories. Over the main entrance the words, CENTRAL LONDON HATCHERY AND CONDITIONING CENTRE, and, in a shield, the World State's motto: COMMUNITY, IDENTITY, STABILITY.

The enormous room in the ground floor faced towards the north.

My thoughts: Not much to go on, is it? At this point, it could go either way.

A weekly meme in which readers share a random sentence or two from page 56 or 56% of the book they are reading. Hosted by the wonderful Freda of Freda's Voice.

From page 108 of Brave New World:

Suddenly it was as though the whole air had come alive and were pulsing, pulsing with the indefatigable movement of blood. Up there, in Malpais, the drums were being beaten. Their feet fell in with the rhythm of that mysterious heart; they quickened the pace.

I haven't quite reached this point in the audio version (I chose a page randomly in my paperback copy to share), but I like this passage. It give me hope that the book may get interesting yet.

What do you think? Would you keep reading? Have you read Brave New World before?

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.

Name a book that changed your life.

Whenever this topic comes up, I always give the same answer about a book I read during my undergraduate studies, which helped give me perspective about my relationship with my father, which was often contentious. Although common sense in some respects, the book offered a message I needed to hear at that point in my life: I couldn't change my father, but I could change how I responded to him.

Throughout my life, it would seem like certain books find me when I need them most, whether to provide me insight, guidance or an all out escape when life's stresses become overwhelming. Books can have be that light bulb that instantly goes on in my head or they can be more subtle in their approach. Each can be just as powerful in their own way. That book I read for my college course, To Dance With Anger by Harriet Lerner, that led me to a new approach with my dad. Or the collection of Mercedes Lackey Valdemar books that my husband-then-boyfriend gave me one Christmas early in our relationship--a moment when I suddenly realized just how much he loved me. Books that had belonged to him--this from a man who hates giving up his own books. It took our relationship to an entirely new level.

The list of books that have impacted my life could go on for quite a while, even if not forever (I'm not that old. Okay. Just a little old.). I have to wonder sometimes how much of it is the book itself or rather my being open to whatever experience or message I am ready to hear.

What about you? What book has changed your life?

Every Friday Ellen from 15andmeowing.com and Ann from McGuffy’s Reader get together to host the Friendly Fill-Ins. You can be serious or funny--the idea is just to have fun.

1. My next project will be to update my book catalog in LibraryThing, which is where I like to track all the books I own.

2. Fireworks are already to blame for one fire in a nearby field, set off by teenagers playing. The city is coming down hard on violators of the no fireworks law--the parents of those kids are not only being fined, but also sent the bill for the fire department and police response.

3. "Freedom and justice cannot be parceled out in pieces to suit political convenience. I don't believe you can stand for freedom for one group of people and deny it to others." - Coretta Scott King

4. This week, I am thankful for my family, dark chocolate and good books.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Be sure and tell me what you are reading and are up to!

© 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.

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Bookish Thoughts: LaRose by Louise Erdrich

Where the reservation boundary invisibly bisected a stand of deep brush--chokecherry, popple, stunted oak--Landreaux waited. ~ Opening of LaRose

LaRose by Louise Erdrich

Harper, 2016

Fiction; 372 pgs

In a split second, everything can change. Landreaux Irons had been aiming for the deer when he pulled the trigger. Instead, he shot the five year old son (Dusty) of his best friend and neighbor. In this heart-wrenching novel about two families filled with grief, Louise Erdrich explores loss, justice and forgiveness.

Erdrich's writing is beautiful, sweeping me up into her story set at the turn of the twenty-first century in North Dakota. Turning to Ojibwe tribe tradition, Landreaux offers his own five year old son, LaRose, to the Ravich family, to atone for his taking the life of their only son. The grieving father, Peter Ravich, wants to say no, but his wife, drowning in her own loss, accepts. To be in the shoes of either mother was heartbreaking. I cannot even imagine the pain Nola was experiencing, to lose her son to such a senseless death, and then for Emmaline to give up her beloved son to her estranged step-sister.

It is through this tragedy and this act of atonement that the two families become even more closely tied. My heart ached for LaRose, pushed away by his own family and sent to live with a family deep in grief. I felt for Maggie, Dusty's sister, who was put in such a difficult situation--not only grieving the loss of her brother, but to be a brother to LaRose--and to hold up her mother who was falling apart in every direction. Maggie's recklessness scared me. She was so lost. LaRose grounded her in a way as he did everyone. He gave Nola purpose and Peter hope that perhaps their family would be okay.

Landreaux, a recovering drug and alcohol addict, feels so much guilt over what he's done. His wife suffers in her own way. As to their children. I really liked LaRose's sisters. Through it all, even as the sadness threatened to overcome everyone, they still managed to see the light.

Outside but intertwined in the story of these two families is that of Father Travis who seems lost in his own way and yet a significant support for the families and Romeo who holds a childhood grudge against Landreaux and only wants to ruin the man's life the way Landreaux ruined his. There is also the story of the first LaRose, which is shared at intervals, through flashbacks, in the novel, connecting the past with the present, tradition with the new. LaRose is a name that runs in Emmaline's family and is highly regarded.

This novel could easily have been about revenge, and yet the focus is more on the characters finding peace within themselves and with each other. There is so much anger and sadness. And yet, as time passes, the families begin to heal. Their shared love and bond with LaRose help bring about forgiveness, both of others and themselves.

By the time I finished the last page of Erdrich's novel, I had tears in my eyes. What a beautiful novel. Tragedy turned to hope. I still worry about Maggie though.

You can learn more about Louise Erdrich and her books on Facebook.

Monday, June 26, 2017

Mid-Year Review: My Top Ten Favorite Books So Far This Year.

Can you believe the year is half over? With the Top Ten Tuesday theme this week being the best books that I have read so far this year, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to review my reading year so far.

I have read a total of 35 books (not including children's books, of which I have read over 90). I long ago surpassed my Goodreads goal of reading 13 books for the year (okay, so my goal was a bit of a joke this year). Looking back, I have read a lot of great books so far, and quite a variety. I decided it would be a year of no reading challenges, and so far I have stuck to it despite some very tempting ones. I avoided making any real reading goals, although I did make a list Top Ten Books I'm Looking Forward To For The First Half Of 2017, which I didn't fare to well with. But let's not focus on what I haven't yet read, rather what I did read from that list.

I read the book my husband recommended, Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie (review pending). I also read a book my daughter recommended, The Princess In Black Takes a Vacation by Shannon and Dean Hale and LeUyem Pham. Back in December I had asked you all to recommend a book for me to read during the first half the year, and I picked two winners the following month: Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal and Uprooted by Naomi Novik. Both of which I have read. My review of Kowal's book is pending, but I did enjoy it. Thank you to those who recommended those books!

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

This week's Top Ten Tuesday theme is Best Books I've Read In 2017 So Far. Considering most of the books I have read this year are children's books, I thought I would split the list--five of my favorite children's books read in the first half of the year and five of my adult favorites so far. I also included two honorable mentions because I couldn't help myself.

1. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell, illustrated by David Catrow is a favorite of mine and Mouse's. We both love Molly Lou Melon. Molly Lou tries to live by her grandmother's advice and it is soon put to the test when she encounters a bully at her new school. This book is about having confidence in oneself and celebrating our differences.

2. While in search for a book about the Chinese New Year, I came across this gem of a children's book, The Nian Monster by Andrea Wang, illustrations by Alina Chau. Yet another favorite Mouse and I share, this one about a young girl who goes up against an ancient monster using her wit and charm. I liked how the author incorporates Chinese New Year traditions into the story and the heroine's actions as the story unfolds.

3. Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine, illustrated by Kadir Nelson is a well written and thoughtful book that introduces children to the difficult subject of slavery. The author does not shy away from presenting some hard facts of the time, making this a good book for parents to read with their children in case they have questions or want to talk about anything and everything that happens to Henry.

4. When I first read Let Me Finish! by Minh Le and Isabel Roxas to Mouse, I was nearing the end when she blurted out the big reveal that was coming (she had read the book at school, evidently). I guess she missed the message of the book. Those of you who don't especially like book spoilers will be able to relate to this book and the main character, a boy who just wants to read his book without someone giving away the ending. That doesn't seem like too much to ask for, does it? Evidently it might be . . .

5. Chalk by Bill Thomson is perhaps a cheat given it was a re-read for me. I fell in love with this book the first time I encountered it--an imaginative story told through illustrations about a group of children who find magic chalk waiting for them at the park. It's one of my daughter's favorites too. We have read it several times now and never tire of it.

6. The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See was not only the first book I finished reading in 2017, but it also earned my highest rating. That's quite a way to start the year! I have long been a fan of Lisa See's work, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan being one of my all-time favorite books. This one comes in right next to it. Lisa See is gifted at creating characters that get under my skin and in weaving history, tradition, and cultural issues into her novels. She is an auto buy author for me. I can't get enough of her books.

7. I picked up The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood to read for a read-along and because the timing seemed perfect. I had only read one other Atwood book in the past, which I enjoyed, but found a little intimidating. The Handmaid's Tale is beautifully crafted and such a sad, and, in many ways, frightening story. Especially given how easily it is to imagine the fiction in the novel becoming reality. I can see why The Handmaid's Tale is considered a modern classic.

8. Monstress, Volume One: Awakening by Liu, Marjorie & Sana Takeda is a work of art, both in the writing and the gorgeous artwork. While I enjoy graphic novels, I tend to gravitate more towards graphic memoirs, which tend to have more depth (at least in my relatively limited experience). However, the richness of the world and character building in this volume is amazing. I am anxiously awaiting the release of the second volume next month.

9. LaRose by Louise Erdrich was my first book by the author, but it will not be my last. I found her writing beautiful. She is extremely adept at drawing out the raw emotions of her characters as well as immersing me completely in their lives. I loved how well--and naturally--she incorporated Ojibwe tradition and history into the novel.

10. Uprooted by Naomi Novik was one of the books recommended to me in a poll I held last December. It was also a book I had been wanting to read for some time. It did not disappoint. Naomi Novik's world building drew me in instantly, and I especially appreciated the tie in to existing folklore.

Honorable Mentions:

I could not help but mention The Princess in Black series by Shannon and Dean Hale, illustrations by LeUyem Pham even though the entire series was a re-read this year for us. It remains a favorite for both my daughter and me. It is just so much fun. It's about a princess who has a secret identity. When she dons her black monster fighting attire, she becomes the Princess in Black. Whether hosting a fancy birthday party or beating up monsters, she is a fun character to spend time with.

I was a little nervous about reading Ancillary Justice (Imperial Radch #1) by Ann Leckie at first because of the mixed reviews, but I found it to be an extremely compelling and good read. It took a moment for me to get into because of the unusual narrative style, but once I did, I had a hard time putting the book down. Breq is such an interesting character, and I look forward to reading more about her in the next book of the series.

Have you read any of these? What did you think? What is your favorite book of the year so far?

Sunday, June 25, 2017

Mouse's Corner: The Nian Monster by Andrea Wang and Alina Chau

This past week Mouse got her very own library card! She also signed up for the public library's children's reading program. For every five library books she reads, she gets a stamp and a prize (a coupon for a free meal, free admission to the local kid's museum, i.e.).

The Nian Monster written by Andrea Wang and illustrated Alina Chau

Albert Whitman Company, 2016

Fiction (Children's); 32 pgs
Source: Purchased for my daughter's personal library.

Goodreads Summary:

Tong tong! The legendary Nian monster has returned at Chinese New Year. With horns, scales, and wide, wicked jaws, Nian is intent on devouring Shanghai, starting with Xingling! The old tricks to keep him away don't work on Nian anymore, but Xingling is clever. Will her quick thinking be enough to save the city from the Nian Monster?

When I was growing up, my mom always made a point of celebrating the Chinese New Year with us. I was excited when I found this book. It sounded like something Mouse would enjoy, and sure enough, she loves it. She gets excited every time she pulls it out of her stacks. We've read it a dozen or so times and the story never gets old.

Xingling is very brave standing up to Nian monster when he appears at her window. She outsmarts him at every turn, while introducing a variety of her family's traditions. It is a great opportunity to teach young ones about a different culture. Xingling isn't alone in her efforts to save Shanghai, she has the help of her family and neighbors.

It's a cute story, and the artwork lends itself perfectly to the novel. Mouse's favorite part is towards the end, when the fireworks go off. She loves to count the dancing dragons in the background.

To share your children's book related posts stop by Booking Mama’s feature,

Kid Konnection and leave a comment as well as a link to your posts!

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Where Is Your Bookmark? (Secret Societies/Interruptions/A Little Friday Fun)

I nearly finished with Jenna Blum's Those Who Saved Us, and have been enjoying the read-along discussion over at at the War Through the Generations Challenges blog this month, which wraps up in another week. In order to pace myself with that book, I am also reading The Lost Girls of Rome by Donato Carrisi, but June TBR List winner. It is about a forensic analyst with the police recently lost her husband. The authorities believe it was a suicide, but his wife isn't convinced. She begins her own investigation into his death, which leads her into dangerous territory, including a possible centuries-old secret society. And that's only a part of it. I'm halfway in and enjoying it quite a bit.

A weekly meme where readers share the first sentence of the book they are reading and say what they think. Hosted by the wonderful Gillion Dumas of Rose City Reader.

The corpse opened his eyes.

My thoughts: That first sentence certainly grabs one's attention doesn't it? One might assume from the first sentence this is a zombie book. I admit, it gave me pause at first, and I had to stop and ask myself, "Aren't I reading a mystery?" Which, of course, reading on, I quite clearly am.

A weekly meme in which readers share a random sentence or two from page 56 or 56% of the book they are reading. Hosted by the wonderful Freda of Freda's Voice.

Taken from 33% of my Kindle edition of The Lost Girls in Rome:

"What about my husband, did you know him? Did you kill him?" There was no anger in her voice, just despair. "If you know something you have to tell me. Or I swear I'll kill you." She seemed sincere.

This is a quite tense scene with one character pointing a gun at the other, although it is also a very telling moment. Is he the one who killed her husband? Will she shoot him? It's obvious how much emotional pain she is in.

What do you think? Would you keep reading?

If you are at a really good point in a book and the phone rings or the door bell rings, do you stop reading or let the phone or door bell go unanswered?

I do not like talking on the phone at all if I can help it. So there is that. Luckily, I do not receive a lot of phone calls. At least on my cell phone. Most people know to text me instead if they need my immediate attention. Although that can be futile too if I am busy with my family, at work, do not have my phone on me, or do not notice the text when it comes in. If I did remember to turn the ringer back on my cell phone (I keep it on silent at work), even while reading a good book, I will likely, at a minimum, look to see who may be calling. If it is my husband, my daughter's school or my mom, chances are good I will answer it. Anyone else . . . probably not. I'm going back to that book instead.

If it's the land line, I rarely, if ever, answer it at all. Chances are, it is someone wanting me to buy something, donate money, or the IRS threatening to send the police to arrest me for not paying my taxes (a scam, obviously). Most of the time, I do not even register the landline is ringing when it does ring. It is set to a generic song which doesn't sound like an actual ringing phone (to avoid waking up the baby during a nap--when she was a baby, anyway; I just never changed the ring once she got older). So, yeah, the good book will win out every time when it comes to the landline ringing.

I am not one of those people who likes unexpected drop in visits. As it is, most people who knock on my door are people trying to sell something. Frankly, I'd rather not be bothered. And so, admittedly, there was a time when I never answered the door unless I was expecting someone. Just over six years ago someone tried to break into my home. The man knocked on my door and rang my door bell. Thinking I wasn't home, he tried to kick down the door. This was a month after someone had already broken in when we weren't home and robbed us. Except, this time, I was home. He ran away after I yelled through the door I was calling 911, thankfully. But I have never completely gotten over the experience. Now, anytime my door bell rings or someone knocks on the door, anxiety shoots through me--even when I'm completely lost in a good book. So, whether I open the door or not, my attention from the book will be broken. I have to get up and see who is at the door. Besides, it might be the mail person with a book I ordered!

What about you? Do you bother to answer the phone or door while engrossed in a good book?

Every Friday Ellen from 15andmeowing.com and Ann from McGuffy’s Reader get together to host the Friendly Fill-Ins. You can be serious or funny--the idea is just to have fun.

1. A recurring dream I have is of me exploring a house: sometimes familiar but other times unfamiliar; it might be big or rather small; I may be afraid and trying to hide or full of curiosity and wonder, excited to see what's behind the next door.

2. Turning my favorite book into a movie can either make me very happy or especially disappointed.

3. My daughter's ~~daycare~~ summer camp program schedule is driving me crazy!

4. Lately, I have been feeling extra stressed and overwhelmed.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Be sure and tell me what you are reading and are up to!

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Bookish Thoughts: Planetfall by Emma Newman

Every time I come down here I think about my mother. ~ Opening of Planetfall

Planetfall (Planetfall #1) by Emma Newman

Ace/Roc, 2015

Science Fiction; 336 pgs
Source: Purchased

Goodreads Summary:

Renata Ghali believed in Lee Suh-Mi’s vision of a world far beyond Earth, calling to humanity. A planet promising to reveal the truth about our place in the cosmos, untainted by overpopulation, pollution, and war. Ren believed in that vision enough to give up everything to follow Suh-Mi into the unknown.

More than twenty-two years have passed since Ren and the rest of the faithful braved the starry abyss and established a colony at the base of an enigmatic alien structure where Suh-Mi has since resided, alone. All that time, Ren has worked hard as the colony’s 3-D printer engineer, creating the tools necessary for human survival in an alien environment, and harboring a devastating secret.

Ren continues to perpetuate the lie forming the foundation of the colony for the good of her fellow colonists, despite the personal cost. Then a stranger appears, far too young to have been part of the first planetfall, a man who bears a remarkable resemblance to Suh-Mi.

The truth Ren has concealed since planetfall can no longer be hidden. And its revelation might tear the colony apart…

Most of my experience with science fiction so far falls to Robert Heinlein and Douglas Adams, both rather tall orders to follow. I have read a scattering of other science fiction novels over the years, and recently have found myself wanting to explore the genre more. Planetfall seemed a good book to go to next. It wasn't quite what I expected, even having read the blurb, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Planetfall isn't just a book about a colony on a far away planet, but also a character study of someone with a mental disorder going through crisis.

Renata (Ren) Ghali is a well drawn character who shoulders a heavy secret and has been through more than one traumatic experience. Not only has she left behind the world she knows for the completely unknown, but she's lost the woman she loved most in the world, and is asked to be complicit in a big lie that could very well destroy the very community she lives in--not to mention the stability she's come to depend on. Being that Ren is the narrator, the reader is inside her head, feeling her panic when her world is threatened, and understanding where she is coming from. It did cross my mind at one point that perhaps Ren's disorder was relied on too heavily for the sake of the plot, but, at the same time, the way events played out, it seemed a natural progression and felt so real.

I felt for Ren on many levels, feeling the tension of the position she was in. She wanted to come clean with the truth, but isn't sure the colony would recover from the damage caused if the truth got out. Ren is extremely smart, skilled, and more resourceful than she realizes. She is always second guessing herself. I imagine the others in the colony see her as bit of an eccentric, withdrawn at times and very private, having trouble connecting with others.

When the stranger appears out of nowhere, Ren is suspicious, as is Cillian "Mack" Mackenzie, the so called ringmaster of the colony. How could someone have survived outside the colony for so long? Is he really as innocent as he seems? His friendly and open demeanor suggest so, and his welcome into the colony seems a forgone conclusion. Sung-So takes an instant interest in Ren and she can't help but respond to that. He is the first who she lets into her private world, however reluctantly. He is also the first to realize just how bad things have gotten for Ren. And from there, things begin to unravel very quickly.

It is through flashback and memories that the story unfolds, at first slowly, building in tension as it goes. Ren recalls the reason behind the colonists setting out on Atlas to search for their new home, the Earth being overpopulated and polluted. Despite being so far from home and civilization, the colonists have made a good home for themselves at the base of God's city. It was faith and science that had brought them there and what keeps them going. With each new memory Ren shares a new layer to the story is uncovered.

The novel could have gone in several different directions, and I would have happily followed along. In fact, I wasn't too surprised in the way certain events finally came to a head. The very end hearkens back to the purpose of the colonist's original mission, in a way coming full circle. But I have mixed feelings about it. Maybe my dissatisfaction comes from all the questions I still have, about certain threads left hanging. And yet the ending seems so final.

I wouldn't have minded a little more science behind the technology they used in order to add more flesh to the world Newman's created. I also wish the author had explored the spiritual journey the colonists were on a bit more, especially in relation to the time period they are living in. These are just minor things though in the scheme of things.

Overall, I liked Planetfall, and feel it was a worthwhile read. Emma Newman has created a fascinating character in Ren and a complex and interesting world. I am hearing even better things about the next book in the series, which I understand is set in the same world as Planetfall, but not a sequel per say.

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

Sunday, June 18, 2017

Bookish Thoughts: The Girls Next Door by Mel Sherratt

Katie Trent dragged her feet as she walked down the street towards the park. ~ Opening of The Girls Next Door

The Girls Next Door (Detective Eden Berrisford #1) by Mel Sherratt

Bookouture, 2016

Crime Fiction; 318 pgs

The Girls Next Door is a dark thriller about a group of teenage friends who have gotten in over their heads. The novel opens with the death of sixteen year old Deanna Barker and the events that follow leading up to the trial of the teens being held responsible for her death. How much should Katie be held accountable for a crime she witnessed and tried to stop? Will anyone believe her given her relationship and history with the boy who stabbed Deanna?

As a storm rages in Stockleigh, someone or someones are playing awfully mean pranks on this group of friends, targeting them and warning them to keep quiet. When one of their own goes missing, it raises the stakes even higher. Detective Eden Berrisford isn't sure how long she'll be allowed to stay on the case given her relationship to the missing girl, Jess Mountford, her niece, but she is determined to find her.

There are multiple threads of the story at play in The Girls Next Door. Grief permeates the pages in one form or another. The mother of the murdered girl is both bitter and angry, not to mention devastated by her daughter's senseless death. Then you have Katie, accused of being involved in a murder, and her family, struggling to deal with their separation, the accusations and societal judgement, not to mention the internal turmoil each of the family members are going through. These among several other characters struggling with their own challenges related to grief.

Kidnap victim Jess has her own family issues, being raised by her widowed mother and older sister. It was really hard for me to connect with Jess. She isn't an easy person to like. I felt more for her mom, who was working hard to provide for her family, and raise her two daughters on her own. Eden has her own teenage daughter and has her own baggage. She is good at her job though, that much is obvious.

The novel shifts from perspective to perspective throughout the novel, including the kidnapper's, and so no one person was the main focus of the novel. This may have contributed to my not really connecting to any of the characters as I never felt like I got to know any of them very well. But honestly, it was hard to sympathize with any of the kids involved given their own actions. I lost a little respect for the detective at the end of the novel, wishing she'd made a different choice (about a seemingly small matter)--but I realize it is hard when it is family involved.

Tension is high throughout The Girls Next Door, although I found it a struggle to read it at times. The message to parents to be involved in your child's life--know their friends and be vigilant to how much money they spend or how and where they spend their time coming across loud and clear. While I thought this to be a decent novel, I am on the fence about whether I will continue with this series or not.

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

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Where Is Your Bookmark? (Ancillary Justice & My Attempt At Haiku)

This week saw the end of my daughter's year in kindergarten. Her school doesn't believe in doing promotions or graduations at that age, but her class, along with a couple other kindergarten classes at her school, put on a concert. It was a nice way to close out the year.

Although it's quite unusual for me, I have a few books going right now. I hope to finish my audiobook in the next day or so, a book I featured last week. This week, I thought I would share a bit of a book my husband recommended to me, a science fiction novel called Ancillary Justice (Imperial Radch #1) by Ann Leckie. Evidently it's one that has been on his radar, and he was hoping I would read it and tell him if it is any good.

A weekly meme where readers share the first sentence of the book they are reading and say what they think. Hosted by the wonderful Gillion Dumas of Rose City Reader.

The body lay naked and facedown, a deathly gray, spatters of blood staining the snow around it. It was minus fifteen degrees Celsius and a storm had passed just hours before. The snow stretched smooth in the wan sunrise, only a few tracks leading into a nearby ice-block building. A tavern. Or what passed for a tavern in this town.

Yes, again with the sharing more than the first line. I hope you don't mind. I couldn't help myself though. The opening of Ancillary Justice grabbed my attention right away. Whose body? What happened? Where are we exactly? It sure is cold!

A weekly meme in which readers share a random sentence or two from page 56 or 56% of the book they are reading. Hosted by the wonderful Freda of Freda's Voice.

Lieutenant Awn approached the Var decade room with trepidation, not knowing why I had sent her there. I had refused to answer her questions, which had only fed a growing feeling on her part that something was very wrong.

(at 56% of my Kindle edition)

What do you think? Would you keep reading?

How do you organize your blog in terms of what is in your side bar? Do you have categories and defined sections in your side bar?

My husband I asked
How to answer this question
He said try Haiku.

So . . .

Organization
A myth I cannot believe
It's all random chance.

Why, Just look at it
What do you want me to say?
It's all there to see.

I'll keep my day job
This Haiku is not for me
A poet I'm not.

(That's not wholly true
I prefer to write free verse
Lines are tricky things.)

What about you?

I was so excited to find my cat actually using the little house on the cat tree--and then she yawned in the middle of the photo. Look at those fangs!

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Bookish Thoughts: The Black Lily by Juliette Cross

Once upon a time, humans lived in peace across the land of Varis. ~ Opening of The Black Lily

The Black Lily (Tales of the Black Lily) by Juliette Cross

Entangled (Select Otherworld), 2017

Fantasy (Romance); 300 pgs

While I am not as into vampire romance novels as I might have once been, I couldn't help but purchase a copy of The Black Lily by Juliette Cross. I had recently gone on a binge of the author's books about dragon hybrid and knew I enjoyed her writing style.

The Black Lily was everything I expected and more. If the description of the book didn't give it away, the reader could easily pick out from the opening chapters of the book that this is a Cinderella re-tellling, but from there the similarities stop. Having lost her mother to a vampire, Arabelle has no love for them. She is the Black Lily, the leader of an underground resistance group made up of humans. Humans are being slaughtered despite the monarchs' assurance that vampires no longer kill humans. And the Black Lily wants to put a stop to it.

Prince Marius, the youngest son of the king and queen, and a direct decedent of the original immortal, is reluctant to attend the Blood Ball where he is to choose a new concubine. He did not expect to be so captivated by anyone, much less the mysterious beauty who walked through the palace doors. Her wit and conversation only strengthen the attraction he feels for her. He never sees it coming when she stabs him, aiming for his heart. She flees, leaving behind only the dagger in his chest.

The prince was supposed to die that night, but the Black Lily failed in her mission, and is now hunted by the prince and the royal family. Only, Prince Marius isn't so sure he wants to see her dead. He wants to know more about the woman who calls herself the Black Lily and perhaps win her heart.

Arabelle is smart and cunning, and can be ruthless when need be. She is strong in her convictions. I liked her instantly. Prince Marius is a thoughtful man, fair and just. Although he is angry and not quick to trust Arabelle (she did try to kill him, after all), he also wants to understand why she would want to kill him in the first place.

The Black Lily was such a fun read. It is nonstop action from the start. It's pretty dark too in terms of the themes. I'm fascinated by the world Juliette Cross has created. There is one moment in the novel in which Arabelle ventures into the forest and I could feel my excitement building. Not because of some sexy vampire, but because I liked the direction the novel was going. There is romance, of course. Prince Marius and Arabelle make an interesting match--neither one completely trusting each other for a good portion of the novel. Arabelle has reason to be cautious--they both do really--but neither can completely ignore the passion between them.

The mystery itself, who is behind the murders and the why of it, wasn't completely unexpected, but I still wasn't sure. Everything comes together quite quickly in a very tense scene that I can see being great for the big screen.

There are number of interesting characters I wouldn't mind getting to know more, including Sienna who I believe will be featured in the upcoming Red Lily, the next book in the series. Juliette Cross has definitely created a world I would like to explore further.

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

Sunday, June 11, 2017

Mouse's Corner: Books You Read to Experience

There is just something fun about books like these which take reading to a whole new level. Mouse and I have fun reading them together. If you are looking for a book to ~~read~~ experience with your preschooler or kindergartner, I hope you will consider taking a look at these.

Again! by Emily Gravett

MacMillan Children's Books, 2011

Fiction (Children's); 32 pgs

Cedric is a young dragon and he loves it when his mother reads his favorite bedtime story. Not just once. But over and over again. Cedric's mother is tired though, and Cedric is losing patience. As a child, my daughter can totally relate. And so can I--only with the mother. Again! is an especially fun book to read in character. The artwork is colorful and and both the main story and the story within the story are interesting.

This Book Just Ate My Dog! by Richard Byrne

Henry Holt & Co., 2014

Fiction (Children's); 32 pgs

Bella is out walking her dog when he falls down into the gutter. She calls for help, but then the people helping disappear too. What will Bella do? Of these three books, this is probably Mouse's favorite. Twisting and turning and shaking . . . Maybe that will help Bella get get dog out. Mouse really likes to get into this one.

Open Very Carefully: A Book with Bite by written by Nick Bromley and illustrated by Nicola O'Byrne

Nosy Crow, 2013

Fiction (Children's); 32 pgs

Bedtime stories are supposed to be quiet and calming, right? Well, not this one. A crocodile seems to have fallen inside the book and is wreaking havoc. Who wouldn't have fun reading a book like this, trying to get the crocodile out of the book? Warning: This book may cause giggling and full blown laughter.

To share your children's book related posts stop by Booking Mama’s feature,

Kid Konnection and leave a comment as well as a link to your posts!

Saturday, June 10, 2017

June's TBR List Poll Winner

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 Saturday 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 (unfortunately, not likely in the same month, but eventually--that's all I can promise).

Thank you to everyone who voted in my monthly TBR List Poll. Behind the scenes, this was one of the most exciting polls to watch as one book would seem to be ahead, and then all three tied, and then another came out on top until all three tied again. At least, that was until the eventual winner took the lead to cross the finish line with 44.6% (16) of the votes. Christopher Brookmyre's Dead Girl Walking and Marion Pauw's Girl in the Dark each settled in with 27.8% (10) of the votes, tying for second place.

June's winner is:

The Lost Girls of Rome by Donato Carrisi, Howard Curtis (translator) ~ A forensic analyst with the Rome police recently lost her husband. The authorities believe it was a suicide, but his wife isn't convinced. She begins her own investigation into his death, which leads her into dangerous territory, including a possible centuries-old secret society.

I am looking forward to reading The Lost Girls of Rome. A suspicious death and a possible secret society . . . Sounds exciting!

Thank you again to all who voted! Enjoy your weekend and this coming week. Happy Reading!

Thursday, June 08, 2017

Where Is Your Bookmark? (06/09/2017)

I am well into the audio version of Girl in Disguise by Greer Macallister, narrated by Stephanie Cozart and enjoying it so far. It is a fictionalized account of the first female Pinkerton operative, Kate Warne. She's made good company while I do a bit of spring cleaning and on my commute to and from work. I have a kindle version too, which I purchased not realizing I had already used one of my Audible credits on the audio version, but ultimately decided to listen to the book instead.

A weekly meme where readers share the first sentence of the book they are reading and say what they think. Hosted by the wonderful Gillion Dumas of Rose City Reader.

August 1856

Like any Chicago tavern in deep summer, Joe Mulligan's stank. It stank of cigars smoked the week before, months before, years before.

Tonight's smoke pooled against the basement ceiling in a noxious cloud. I acted like I smelled only roses. The woman I was pretending to be would have done the same.

I am sharing more than the first sentence, I know, but I could not help myself. The opening two paragraphs are the perfect set up for the novel. The reader gets the feel for the environment the narrator is in and just what she is up to--or rather a tease about what she is up to. This hooked me instantly and had me wanting to know more.

A weekly meme in which readers share a random sentence or two from page 56 or 56% of the book they are reading. Hosted by the wonderful Freda of Freda's Voice.

I hated the feeling that every time I parted company with someone I knew, it might be the last time we saw each other alive.

The country is on the brink of Civil War and tensions are high. I like this quote because it captures just how serious--and dangerous--the work Kate Warne is doing is.

So, what do you think? Would you keep reading?

If you could have lunch with any living authors, who would you choose and why?

Imagine having lunch with the likes of Stephen King and Neil Gaiman? Or Nadia Hashimi, Sarah-Jane Stratford, and Lisa See. Let's add Margaret Atwood to the mix. And absolutely J.K. Rowling. John Scalzi and Karen E. Olson. Can we make it a lunch party? I can think of a dozen other authors I would love the have lunch with. With all of these authors, I envision good conversation, both entertaining and intelligent. We could talk about their books, social issues, and life in general. I have great respect and admiration for all these authors. Now if only I wasn't so tongue-tied around authors . . .

What about you? What living author would you like to have lunch with and why?

Tuesday, June 06, 2017

Bookish Thoughts: Etched On Me by Jenn Crowell

Have you ever wanted something so much, it's not a desire so much as a beacon? ~ Opening of Etched On Me

Etched On Me by Jenn Crowell

Washington Square Press, 2014

Fiction; 336 pgs

This probably is not a book I would have picked to read on my own. It came in the mail last month as the second Going Postal Mail Group selection for the year. Books dealing with incest and social service agencies fall in my "too close to work" category. And, admittedly, it was difficult at times to read this book without my work hat on.

At sixteen, Lesley Holloway is trying to fit in and make good grades like any other girl at Hawthorn Hill, an all-girl prep school in London. She hadn't been sure she would be able to attend after making the decision to runaway from an abusive home and seek help from the local child welfare agency. Feeling alone and abandoned by a mother that should have protected her, Lesley is surviving as best she can. In an effort to cope, she turns to cutting, a form of self-harm, that soon becomes an obsession. One day at school, she goes too far and it lands her in the hospital. From then on, Lesley is in and out of hospitals, trying to heal from past psychological wounds as well as the physical ones. It is not an easy road for her, but she proves to be quite resilient.

The novel opens with Lesley in the hospital giving birth to her own child. She had made it to the university as a stellar student, and after a one night stand became pregnant. Despite all the strides she has made to get herself together, her past comes back to haunt her. Suddenly her ability to parent is called into question. Talk about gut-wrenching.

Lesley is an amazingly strong young woman. finding the courage to runaway from home and get help. She is an example that someone in the worst of circumstances can make it out on top with perseverance and the will.

Lesley is very lucky to have a good support system to help her through even the worst of times. Her social worker and a high school teacher would do anything for Lesley. They see what a courageous and strong young woman she is. They know what she is capable of if she sets her mind to it. They never give up on her and continue advocating for her, even when Lesley considers giving up on herself. I wish every child or youth in Lesley's situation were so lucky. Many do not have that support or do not know where to look to get help. Or perhaps they are too afraid. Some do not think they are worth it.

Cutting has become more widespread in recent years, unfortunately and occurs for many reasons. It is a behavior that is often misunderstood and is hard to stop. It is a coping mechanism, however harmful it may be. I liked the way the author addressed cutting in the novel. She handles the subject matter in a very sensitive manner, but also in a very real and raw way.

It was interesting to see the differences in how the child welfare system works in England as compared to the United States. Of course, there are so many variations even here in the U.S. that it is can even be different from one county to another in the same state. I also found it interesting to read about the various treatment models Lesley was exposed to throughout her hospitalizations. The treatment and care for mental disorders is ever evolving.

Etched On Me sounds like a terribly depressing novel, and it certainly is a sad one in many respects. Author Jenn Crowell, however, has infused it with hope, and it really is an inspirational novel. I did cry. And one character in particular made me want to throw the book at him (just the thought of him now gets my blood boiling). But by the end I was smiling.

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