Where Is Your Bookmark? (A Peek Into My Current Reads & My Favorite Books Beginning with A &Z)

Have you ever started reading a book thinking it was the first in the series, but it was not (it is the second)--and it turns out you have the first book in the series on your shelf and had forgotten? Do you stop reading the second book and read the first so you can be sure to read them in order? Or would you keep reading the second book and go back and read the first book second? My husband voted I continue with the second book first since I am already a ways into it. I have not felt left out so far, and so I am going to take his advice. Even though it goes against my preference for reading the first book first--especially since I have it already. Oh well. Anyhow, I am reading Seanan McGuire's urban fantasy novel The Girl in the Green Silk Gown about a hitchhiking ghost. I am actually quite excited about this series as it is different from anything else I have read involving ghosts.

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.

This is a ghost story. If you're not comfortable with that--if you like the lines between the living and the dead to be a little more cleanly drawn--this is your chance to bail. This is also a love story, in a sideways sort of way, and a story about second chances you never wanted and can't refuse. It's my story.

My name is Rose. 

My thoughts: I really like this opening. It isn't often a character talks to the reader this way--or at least that's how it feels. And when it does happen, it doesn't always work out well. It depends on the writer and the "voice" of the narrator. I am immediately drawn into Rose's story and can't wait to know more.

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I am doing something a little different this week as I am reading two books at once (not counting my two year long reading projects). This second book is my lunch time book, Jennifer Ashley's Scandal Above the Stairs, the second in the historical cozy mystery series featuring Kat Holloway, everyone's favorite cook. Well, mine least. I loved the first book in the series, and am so glad for the chance to read this second one.

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.

Cynthia flashed me a sudden grin. "That is because you have no idea what it is like to stride around in perfect freedom, able to go where you please, purchase what you wish, and speak as you wish, because people believe you a man. I'll get you into a pair of trousers yet, Mrs. H."

I could not think of anything more appalling. "Indeed no, my lady. I'd look like someone's portly uncle."  [pg 56]

My thoughts: Men certainly do get away with more than women, especially in the time period Scandal Above Stairs is set in. I adore Cynthia, who thinks nothing of putting on a pair of men's trousers, pretending to be a man from time to time (although I'm not sure how many people she actually fools). And I can't quite picture Mrs. Holloway dressed as a man . . .


What do you think? Do these sound like books you would be interested in reading? 

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Everyone has a favorite and then we also have something we dislike. Like a coin, there are two sides to every question. Each week, Carrie at The Butterfly Reads and Laura from Blue Eye Books ask participants to list what they like and don't like about that week's topic.

This week's topic is Favorite Book Starting with A/Z

I actually have not read that many books that begin with "A"--unless you count the word "a" itself. It just so happens though one of my five star rated books according to Goodreads begins with the the letter "A", however, and so it fit perfectly into today's topic. At least by my Goodreads history, I have only read one book beginning with a "Z"--fortunately, that was a four star read--and so definitely one I can recommend.

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy ~ beautiful and enchanting and complex. Loving this book is what motivated me to attempt War and Peace so many times (and this time, I am seeing why so many people love that novel too. It may take me a year, but I will finish War and Peace this year).

Zoo Station by David Downing ~ The first in a series, this one a mystery set in the pre-World War II era, right in the heart of Germany at a very pivotal moment in time. I appreciated the author's attention to historical accuracy and found this novel to be entertaining and thought provoking.


Have you read either of these? What would you say is your favorite read starting with "A" or "Z"?

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