Musings of a Bookish Kitty: July 2017

Saturday, July 08, 2017

My July TBR List 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 July TBR List poll! My three choices this week were all a bit different from one another. There was Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey (dystopian novel about a zombie), The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes (involving a time traveling serial killer), and The Girls Guide to the Apocalypse by Daphne Lamb (a comedy apocalypse novel).

The winner is Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey! I am looking forward to finally reading Carey's novel.

Thank you again to all who voted! Enjoy your weekend and the rest of July. I will see you again after my break. Happy Reading!

© 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.

Thursday, July 06, 2017

Where Is Your Bookmark? (It's Hot Outside, Let's Stay Inside and Read)

This week I settled down with The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas whenever I got the chance to read. I just finished reading it, and I have so many thoughts . . . If you haven't, you should read it. Books like this are why I love reading.

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.

I shouldn't have come to this party.

Thoughts: That one sentence can go in quite a few directions. It definitely has an ominous feel to it, don't you think?

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

I've seen it happen over and over again: a black person gets killed just for being black, and all hell breaks loose. I've tweeted RIP hashtags, reblogged pictures on Tumblr, and signed every petition out there. I always said that if I saw it happen to somebody, I would have the loudest voice, making sure the world knew what went down.

Now I am that person, and I'm to afraid to speak. [pgs 34-35]

What do you think? Would you continue reading?

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.

In one sentence, describe your passion for reading.

I could go with something cliche: Reading is like breathing to me.

But this is what I am really thinking: Your existence is forfeit if you interrupt my reading.

What about you?

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 favorite line from a film is one that still makes me melt inside whenever I hear it:

Well, it was a million tiny little things that, when you added them all up, they meant we were supposed to be together... and I knew it. I knew it the very first time I touched her. It was like coming home... only to no home I'd ever known... I was just taking her hand to help her out of a car and I knew. It was like... magic. [From Sleepless in Seattle]

2. Other than blogs, a couple websites I visit often are Goodreads and LibraryThing.

3. When I feel down, I like to settle in on the couch, a cat cuddled on my lap, my daughter and husband snuggled next to me and read a book or watch a favorite movie. .

4. If I could devote an extra hour a day to reading, I would have a smaller TBR collection. Maybe.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and rest of July! I will be taking a break for the rest of the month, but will be back in August. Be sure and tell me what you are reading and are up to!

What?! I do too fit!

Tuesday, July 04, 2017

Bookish Thoughts: Radio Girls by Sarah-Jane Stratford

She ran, weaving in and out of the startled pedestrians, but her pursuer was still close on her heels. ~ Opening of Radio Girls

Radio Girls by Sarah-Jane Stratford

NAL, 2016

Fiction (Historical); 384 pgs
Source: I received this book from the Publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

Radio Girls was such fun. I loved it. From a historical aspect alone, the novel ignited the researcher in me, making me want to learn more about the people I was reading about. Journalism has long been an interest of mine and reading about the early days of the BBC was intriguing. Newspapers were always the source of news for many people, but the radio took it to a different level, bringing voices into the homes of anyone who owned a radio in an instant. The main character, Maisie, may be fictional as is the espionage aspect of the novel, but quite a few characters throughout the novel are real historical figures--including Lady Astor and literary greats such as H.G. Wells and Virginia Woolf.

Maisie just needed a job. An American trying to make her way in London (anything to avoid returning to the U.S. and her actress mother), she needed the income. She leaves her interview with the BBC knowing she didn’t pass muster, but the next thing she knows, she is starting the next week as a secretary. Serving both the formidable Director-General, John Reith, and the Director of Talks, the extraordinary Hilda Matheson, Maisie has her work cut out for her.

With growing unrest in Europe and the collapse of the economy in the United States, there is a strong sense of worry in the air in terms of just how England will be impacted. No one wants to be drawn into a war, and men who lost a lot of money in U.S. investments are suddenly desperate.

Maisie has a good eye for detail and it is that, in part (and the encouragement of Nora), which motivates Maisie to unofficially start looking into possible espionage. What starts as innocent puzzle solving turns into a more dangerous game, one that could very well put Maisie’s life on the line. She is sure in her cause, however, and willing to take the chance.

I saw a lot of growth in Maisie’s character over the course of the novel. She’s rather unsure of herself in the beginning, but her confidence grows over time. Society was on the cusp of major changes as a whole, tradition versus progress, both vying for position. We see that clearly with Maisie’s character who, in the beginning, aspires to a job which will lead to marriage to a man who will be able to take care of her. Certainly the influence of women like Nora play a part in Maisie’s change in attitude as time goes by. She realizes just what she is capable of and that she does have other opportunities open to her. As a result, a new found confidence takes her far.

There are still hurdles to overcome obviously. Women are only just getting the right to vote, and there are many who are skeptical of whether that is a good thing. Even at the BBC where women sometimes held powerful positions, they were still expected to quit once married and pregnant with child. Tradition has strong roots and change does not generally come easy, especially because it involves long held beliefs and practices. At that time in history, society wasn’t ready to accept same sex relationships, which were not only considered immoral, but also criminal. I wondered how Maisie would react to Nora’s secret once she discovered it, and appreciated how the author dealt with it. It is clear throughout that Maisie has a lot of respect for Nora, and admires her. I felt the same way. I loved Nora and have a lot of admiration for all she accomplished not only in the book, but especially in real life.

The mystery aspect of the novel may have stretched believably, but I wasn't bothered by that as I was reading. I found myself holding my breath a few times at the close calls and eager to see how everything would play out. I was caught up in the lives of the characters and the historical time period. I thoroughly enjoyed Radio Girls, and look forward to reading more by Sarah-Jane Stratford.

You can learn more about Sarah-Jane Stratford and her books on her website. She can also be found on Twitter and Facebook.

Sunday, July 02, 2017

Bookish Thoughts: Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal

The Ellsworths of Long Parkmead had the regard of their neighbours in every respect. ~ Opening of Shades of Milk and Honey

Shades of Milk and Honey (Glamourist Histories #1) by Mary Robinette Kowal

Tor Books, 2010

Fantasy (Historical Romance); 306 pgs
Source: I purchased this book for my own reading pleasure.

Shades of Milk and Honey was an enjoyable light fantasy romance. Influenced by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Mary Robinette Kowal’s Shades of Milk and Honey bears some similarities to it, but ultimately is very different from the classic novel.

The novel is set in Dorchester, among the society, where everyone has a reputation to maintain and the roles of women and men are quite formal and proper. There is the overbearing mother and rather laid back father, both of whom want to find good husbands for their daughters. Jane is rather plain in appearance while her younger sister, Melody, is a great beauty. Unlike her sister, however, Jane has a strong talent with glamour, the magical ability to weave illusions of sorts. Jane expects she will live her life as a spinster, and most of the focus is on her sister, who is sure to catch a good husband. As it happens, the person Melody has her eyes set on, is the very person Jane favors for herself. Only, she knows the likelihood of that match is next to nil. Why would anyone choose Jane over her sister, after all?

A mysterious artist, a soldier and childhood friend, and the sister of their neighbor, all come to town for separate reasons, but will all play a part in the events that follow. Reputations are at stake, secrets are discovered and hearts are sure to be broken. Jane and her sister’s relationship is put to the test, at the risk of ruining it altogether.

Jane is clearly a reasonable woman, even if insecure about her own talents. She’s really quite gifted in magic and underestimates herself. This only endeared her to me more, however. I admit I was not as taken with her sister Melody, who came across as spoiled and selfish. To be fair, however, as the story progresses, the reader gains insight into Melody's behavior and thought process. Both she and Jane are not the same women at the end of the book that they are at the beginning.

While a quiet novel at first, this one takes an interesting turn towards the end as the climax builds and comes to a head. It wasn't what I expected, but then it was fitting when all was said and done. It made sense.

Many thanks to the person who recommended I read Shades of Milk and Honey! Even my husband has expressed an interest in giving this one a try.

You can learn more about Mary Robinette Kowal and her books on her website. She can also be found on Twitter and Facebook.

Saturday, July 01, 2017

Monthly Reading Mews (June Wrap-Up) & What Should I Read Next? (July's My TBR List Poll)

I am linking up to the Sunday Post hosted by the wonderful Kim of Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where participants 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. As well as Stacking the Shelves hosted by the great Team Tynga's Reviews and Marlene of Reading Reality a meme in which participants share what new books came their way recently.

June In Review: This past month, my husband and I took turns reading with our daughter. As my regular readers know, Mouse got her first library card last week. She's participating in this summer's reading program with our local library.

I participated in the Those Who Save Us read-along with Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit) and Anna (Diary of an Eccentric) over at the War Through the Generations Challenges blog. We had a nice discussion of Jenna Blum's book, which will wrap up this Monday. I also read June's TBR List winner, The Lost Girls of Rome, which the majority of you voted for in last month's poll. Thank you for that! I enjoyed it quite a bit. Overall, I would say it was a good reading month with only one book that was more "meh" than good.

Here's what I read last month:

Solely For Me:

Ancillary Justice (Imperial Radch #1) by Ann Leckie
Girls in Disguise by Greer Macallister
The Lost Girls of Rome (Marcus #1) by Donato Carrisi, narrated by Howard Curtis
Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum
I Want My Epidural Back: Adventures in Mediocre Parenting by Karen Alpert
Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris

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

Kindergarten Kids On Our Way to First Grade by Kate Howard and illustrated by Mike Byrne
Let Me Finish! by Minh Le and Isabel Roxas
It Came in the Mail by Ben Clanton
Our Funny Valentine (First-Grade Friends Forever) by Judy Katschke
Amelia Bedelia (Amelia Bedelia #1) by Peggy Parish and Fritz Siebel
Dancing Dinos Go to School by Sally Lucas and Margeaux Lucas
Sight Words: First Grade Set by Bobby Lynn Maslen, Lynn Maslen Kertell & Sue Hendra

My Favorite Book Read in June: Although it took me a moment to fall into the rhythm of Ann Leckie's unique narrative voice in Ancillary Justice, I was quite taken with it when all was said and done. I haven't read too many science fiction novels in recent years, but this one definitely has me eager to read more.

Mouse's Favorite Book Read in June: I thought Mouse would go with Let Me Finish! (which I overheard her acting out when she thought I wasn't looking) or Amelia Bedelia, which she laughed all the way through. But no, of all the books Mouse and I read together (and even the ones she read with her dad which aren't listed here), she is very adamant that her favorite is the Sight Words: First Grade Set. When I asked her what it was she liked most about those over all the other books we read this month, she said it was because she could read them all by herself with no help. That is a good enough reason for me.

Book Reviews Posted in June (but not necessarily read in June):

Non-Book Review Posts in June:

How did your June shape up reading wise? What was your favorite book you read in June?

New To My Shelves:

We went out with a bang ordering books from the last Scholastic book catalog for the school season:

It Came in the Mail by Ben Clanton & Let Me Finish! by Minh Le & Isabel Roxas

Amelia Bedelia Hits the Trail & Amelia Bedelia Joins the Club

Ready to Read series: Living in Italy/Mexico/China/Brazil/South Africa/India

I bought one e-book and one hardback book this past month for myself:

The Red Lily by Juliette Cross

Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai

Have you read any of these? What new books did you add to your shelves this week?

What I Am Reading/Listening to Now: I currently am listening to Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. It is a classic novel I have long wanted to re-try after my past failed attempts to read it. I know some of you are probably wondering what is wrong with me--wanting to read/listen to a book I couldn't finish twice before. It isn't often I push myself to get through a book I am not particularly enjoying, but, at this point, it's become a bit of a competition. I will conquer Brave New World this time! I will find out what all the fuss is about. Or wonder what those of you who love this book were could possibly be thinking.

I finished reading my last book for June before heading to bed, and will be starting fresh this month. I haven't yet decided which book to read. Maybe something off my nightstand.

Off the Blog:

Summer is here! With it came the end of the school year, our end of the year party for Girl Scouts, and the beginning of summer fun.

Mouse's first ballet slippers next to her new ones.

She's enjoying her ballet classes this summer,

and adores her dance teacher.

Early in June, we celebrated my husband's birthday.

I signed up for the local public library's adult reading program.

It's a bit different than the children's.

(enlarge to see the Bingo categories)

Mouse's and my blanket fort.

Enjoying the beginning of summer.

I will be taking a blogging break this month, after this week is out. I hope you all have a great July, and I will see you again in August!

Thank you for helping me decide what book from my TBR collection I should read next:

Yet another month of "girl" titles! All three of these sound like they will be good for different reasons. I look forward to seeing which you will pick for me!

Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey ~ I have heard it is best to go into this one knowing as little as possible. A dystopian novel about zombies? All I know is many who have read this one have loved it.

The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes ~ A time traveling serial killer and the would-be-victim who hunts him. Sounds a bit scary and intriguing!

The Girls Guide to the Apocalypse by Daphne Lamb ~ The apocalypse is here and millennial Verdell isn't exactly who you would expect to survive for long. Billed as a comedy, this novel has gotten mixed reviews over all, but does sound fun.

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