tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439237989052526642017-04-03T02:32:35.038-07:00Fingers & ProseMelodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.comBlogger512125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243923798905252664.post-74543154985907341042016-08-04T11:54:00.001-07:002016-08-04T11:54:33.263-07:00For the Record: June and July 2016<div style="text-align: right;"></div>I didn't post about my June reads; I was seriously considering discontinuing my blog. Instead I started journaling, and it dawned on me (yet again) how much the act of writing helps me be a well-adjusted, highly-functioning person. Not only that, but I actually like the introspection of looking back at my reading each month. So here I am again :)<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">5 Books</span><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;Read in June</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4 Books Read in July&nbsp;</span>[45 books year-to-date]<br /><br />1 Nonfiction:<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>Gratitude</b>, Oliver Sacks (4) &nbsp;This tiny reflection on life was easy to embrace. The mood of each of the four small essays is nothing if not open and honest. It didn't feel as introspective and impassioned as Elie Wiesel's Open Heart or Kent Haruf's final novel, Our Souls at Night, and so didn't touch me in quite the same way, but it did create a moment for me to stop and reflect.<br /><br />2 Junior Fiction:<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone</b>, J.K. Rowling (5) I forgot how good this was!<br />&nbsp; - <b>Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets</b>, J.K. Rowling (4) I never read past the first in the series, but after I started watching these movies with my 12yo, I decided it was time to branch out and read on.<br /><br />6 Fiction:<br />&nbsp; - <b>The Saving Graces</b>, Patricia Gaffney (3.5) Read for book club - I thought it would be sappy and irritating but ended up being a nice summer read.<br />&nbsp; - <b>I Will Send Rain</b>, Rae Meadows (4) Read for LibraryThing's Early Reviewers. Books about the Dust Bowl often seem to hyper-focus on the hopelessness of the situation to such a degree that the characters no longer seem like real people: they've been reduced to caricatures representing a reality that remains unfathomable. This didn't happen for me with I Will Send Rain. The characters were just as unique as their situation, and just as much a part of the reason to keep reading. Each person coped with their lack of hope in a different way, and the reader is left with a sense of how it might actually have been to live in that situation.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Chasing the North Star</b>, Robert Morgan (3) Read for LibraryThing's Early Reviewers. Disappointing quality of writing. Characters seemed disconnected from their own plight, which is a pretty big issue when the story is about slaves escaping the South. Not at all like Gap Creek.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Homegoing</b>, Yaa Gyasi (5) Powell's Indiespensable selection. Probably the best book I've read that examines how we are connected to our ancestors without even realizing it. Bonus points for being a culture not my own and keeping me totally enthralled.<br />&nbsp; - <b>In a Dark, Dark, Wood</b>, Ruth Ware (3.5) I hoping this would actually be a little scary - I was just in the mood to be diverted from daily life - but it wasn't at all. It was entertaining, though only somewhat suspenseful.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Barkskins</b>, Annie Proulx (4) Powell's Indiespensable selection. The quality of writing carried me through this book, though my love of forests didn't hurt. The ending sort of rambled of into the sunset - a disappointing conclusion to 700+ page novel.&nbsp;The glimpse into French Canadian history was very enjoyable, and the tribute to the Native cultures was wonderful. But reading this on the tail of Homegoing made it pale in comparison. There isn't a strong enough sense of direction and the family trees were very confusing. After the two initial characters being painted rather vividly, many of the rest were rather shadowy structures.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1361572757l/3.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1448108591l/27071490.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1465732253l/25111119.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243923798905252664.post-54772411710360422192016-07-25T22:04:00.000-07:002016-07-25T22:04:01.188-07:00Elie Wiesel and Holding Family Close<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347585400l/13642524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347585400l/13642524.jpg" width="196" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Open Heart</i></span><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Three short months after reading Elie Wiesel's Open Heart, I was saddened to hear of his passing. We know that death is inevitable, yet that doesn't make us any more comfortable with it. We tend to feel a sense of justice about it, as if we are owed a certain number of years, life experiences, or enough happy memories to make up for the bad ones, something - anything - to help lessen the sadness and help us understand.<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; When faced with the prospect of our own deaths, we tend to idealize either a quick passing, or one in which we are somehow emotionally and spiritually ready to leave. It is this idea of readiness that Wiesel explores in Open Heart. He had expected, after all of his experiences in life, that all the effort he had put into love, into family, into honoring the ones who had not survived the Holocaust, and into helping others honor them as well, that he would feel he had done his part. Yet a feeling of readiness eluded him when confronted with doctors telling him he needed to be ready.<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Elie Wiesel's beautiful openness makes this small book incredibly valuable. Just having someone tell you, from experience, that you very well may not be ready when the end comes is a comfort. It is what we suspect, but don't want to admit; what we fear but can't imagine. Joining Wiesel's thoughts and emotional processing isn't depressing, it is like having a guardian angel. I can see myself rereading this many times in the future.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Family</i></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JhcIiiTaNak/V5bphf3YlnI/AAAAAAAADA4/nqvOe7PfqiI/s640/blogger-image--2017504326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JhcIiiTaNak/V5bphf3YlnI/AAAAAAAADA4/nqvOe7PfqiI/s400/blogger-image--2017504326.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My four kiddos and two nieces at my birthday last month.</td></tr></tbody></table>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; I am thinking about this topic more this month, not only because of Elie Wiesel's death, but because I've lost two others this month (an uncle and a 17yo family friend). Two sudden losses in a row have a way of making it that much more important to connect with those you care about. We don't know how much time we are given, and the truth is that most of us won't be ready when the time comes to say goodbye. If there is someone that keeps popping into your mind, take the time to send them a message. You won't regret it.<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PY27sR0-qJY/V5bph4SOoVI/AAAAAAAADA8/0eyTRxMZyso/s640/blogger-image--711234348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PY27sR0-qJY/V5bph4SOoVI/AAAAAAAADA8/0eyTRxMZyso/s400/blogger-image--711234348.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband and I (on the right) with some good friends. Testing out the<br />camera timer on the iphone!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Regardless of how difficult it may be to travel the miles to see each other, or set aside the time for a dinner, or branch out and do a skype call, it is worth going out of your way to connect. I encourage you to embrace the awkwardness of not knowing what to say, the difficulty of finding a time to get away, and the embarrassment of a messy house. Those things pale in comparison to the bonds you build when you make the effort to connect.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fMTBeinH5iE/V5bpgNZnvsI/AAAAAAAADAw/vBcnWUGO2jE/s640/blogger-image--1671906097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fMTBeinH5iE/V5bpgNZnvsI/AAAAAAAADAw/vBcnWUGO2jE/s400/blogger-image--1671906097.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My momma and daddy. Some of the best people on earth.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div><br /></div>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243923798905252664.post-90427426437240467382016-07-18T14:30:00.001-07:002016-07-18T14:30:51.364-07:00Homegoing and Going Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1448108591l/27071490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1448108591l/27071490.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><i style="font-size: x-large;">Homegoing</i><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;By far the best book I read in June was Yaa Gyasi's &nbsp;Homegoing. I'll admit I was a little skeptical, because I received it through Powell's Indispensable subscription, and sometimes their picks have too much MFA squeak to them. My skepticism turned to full-blown dread when I opened the cover and saw a family tree, because that usually means that something is missing from the writing quality that makes all that extra information necessary.<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Fortunately, neither fear proved true. Gyasi's writing is smooth, practical and poetic, without becoming overly polished or predictably quirky. It wasn't so fraught with meaning that the story gets lost in the words, yet there were passages that made me stop and reread.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;">He had always said that the joining of a man and a woman was also the joining of two families. Ancestors, whole histories, came with the act, but so did sins and curses. The children were the embodiment of that unity, and they bore the brunt of it all.</span></blockquote>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The structure of the book could have been its downfall: each chapter is told from a new point of view - switching between two familial lines in subsequent generations - and feels almost like an individual story. While I did have flip back to the family tree at the beginning of each section, it wasn't an irritating waste of time. It was a moment to pause and process before moving on to another generation. It was this very thing that ended up being one of the overarching strengths of the book, because it really lets you grasp how we are all individuals, yet unavoidably connected to the generations that came before.<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I loved how the voice changed with each new character, loved seeing old characters make reappearances, and mostly loved seeing those things that the characters themselves couldn't see. This is a beautiful tribute to family and a timely reminder of why America still has work to do in repairing race relations. Highly recommended.<br /><br /><i style="font-size: x-large;">Going Home</i><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I always relish the time I get to spend in Tahoe; the Sierra Nevadas are home to me, and the mountains and trees provide a restorative peace that doesn't exist for me in Southern California. I was only there for a long weekend, as I opted to leave before they start replacing the roof, but it wonderful just the same. Mostly I spend my time reading or quilting with the windows open, listening to the rustling leaves of the quaking aspens and the blissful absence of traffic and emergency vehicles. I did manage to get out of the house and hike to the creek, because I know I'll regret it if I don't! The sky is so extra gorgeous and the air so clean. I've traveled to many places, but there is truly no place like home.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QoSfyj-u2t8/V41Hn9jfpYI/AAAAAAAADAQ/mVtphquq4lk/s640/blogger-image--127445311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QoSfyj-u2t8/V41Hn9jfpYI/AAAAAAAADAQ/mVtphquq4lk/s400/blogger-image--127445311.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountains near and far</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D4Uj_3VLtcM/V41HmIH1FYI/AAAAAAAADAI/qzZjLWYkdvQ/s640/blogger-image-866390556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D4Uj_3VLtcM/V41HmIH1FYI/AAAAAAAADAI/qzZjLWYkdvQ/s400/blogger-image-866390556.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a walk in the evening provided us with many<br />beautiful views of the sun shining through the trees</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-scDIQJP4Zz4/V41Hm5TKjpI/AAAAAAAADAM/OK39fmnjmiY/s640/blogger-image-211798121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-scDIQJP4Zz4/V41Hm5TKjpI/AAAAAAAADAM/OK39fmnjmiY/s400/blogger-image-211798121.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My youngest daughter had to trek out into the meadow to<br />get a proper photo!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j74Mqd3OJvg/V41JgKZyx1I/AAAAAAAADAg/_whHOd2W30E/s640/blogger-image-1178667500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j74Mqd3OJvg/V41JgKZyx1I/AAAAAAAADAg/_whHOd2W30E/s400/blogger-image-1178667500.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My home, and those quaking aspens</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2gDahFLOle0/V41Jflb1mYI/AAAAAAAADAc/eegMONr76vM/s640/blogger-image-1180923395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2gDahFLOle0/V41Jflb1mYI/AAAAAAAADAc/eegMONr76vM/s400/blogger-image-1180923395.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The night sky was so incredibly illuminated by the moon, we stood in the<br />driveway and looked at Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter, not to mention the stars.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243923798905252664.post-2253529171136281722016-06-08T11:35:00.000-07:002016-06-08T11:35:57.593-07:00For the Record: May 2016<div style="text-align: right;"></div>May was largely a reading-slump month for me. In the first three weeks I only managed to complete one audiobook. I think part of it is readathon backlash: maybe I'm a better reader when I stay on a regular pace rather than binge. I'm also in a serious rough patch with blogging—I thought that after my house rebuild was complete I'd be eager to jump back in to reconnecting with all the book bloggers I'd been missing but so far it hasn't been the respite I'd thought it would be. I have a lot of curriculum to write for next school year, and somehow that competes with blogging time. I'm going to try taking the mental pressure off (not feeling guilty for not keeping up with blogging) and see if that helps me get my groove back.<br /><br />On the 20th, my oldest son turned 20 and got into a motorcycle accident when a car decided to do a last minute illegal u-turn in front of him. He was wearing a helmet and padded jacket, and managed to emerge with only a broken leg, a couple of broken toes, and a bunch of cuts, scrapes, and bruises. After a stressful weekend in the hospital, he's back in his apartment - bedridden but recovering. Though it could have been much worse, it is not an experience I recommend to anyone! Mothering makes me feel old.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">5 Books</span><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;Read in May&nbsp;</span>[36 books year-to-date]<br /><br />1 Nonfiction:<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>The Name of God is Mercy</b>, Pope Francis (4.5) This small book is formatted as an interview, which made it feel somewhat disjointed for me, but the pope's message is such a good one that minor quibbles fall to the wayside. I love that Pope Francis takes the time to make his heart known. It's refreshing to hear of someone in such a powerful leadership position use that influence for good.<br /><br />2 Junior Fiction:<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>A Stranger Came Ashore</b>, Mollie Hunter (4) Our school studies for next year are incorporating mythology from different cultures, and this is a perfect slice of Scottish Celtic lore involving the sea and selkies.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry</b>, Mildred D. Taylor (3.5) This was a read-aloud for school, and was one of the few that I enjoyed more than my daughter. She did enjoy the characters, but was bored for most of the book. I enjoyed the writing and the characters, and felt that the story is socially and historically crucial.<br /><br />2 Fiction:<br />&nbsp; - <b>Everything I Never Told You</b>, Celeste Ng (4) I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It isn't the kind that sticks with you for the beautifully poetic writing and nuggets of wisdom, but it is a so well told that it was a little addicting. It is a sad story, as you'll surmise from the first line of the book, but unabashedly frank about the things that drive us, for better or worse.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Eligible</b>, Curtis Sittenfeld (2.5) I listened to this on audio because: 1) I had enjoyed the same narrator while listening to Everything I Never told You, and 2) because it had been awhile since I'd read an Austen spin-off/rewrite and this was getting a lot of promotion. The narrator ended up annoying me, sadly enough, and I'm a little baffled as to why Random House is putting so much effort into this book because the quality just isn't there in my opinion. All the character &amp; locations were duplicated with the modern spin of sperm donors, transgender discrimination, racism, and reality shows. It pushed all of my agenda-novel buttons and didn't fill any of my Austen yearnings.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1453233320l/27405142.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348928696l/13811373.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388345167l/310459.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386795198l/18693763.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1460477855l/25852870.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Current Reads:</span><br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>The Nightingale</b>, Kristin Hannah. [Current audiobook] I think the key for audiobooks (for me) is to find books that are more about the plot and aren't too difficult to track. I'm enjoying this one so far, but haven't developed a connection to the characters or their story, so I'm hoping that happens soon.<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>In Search of the Source</b>, Neil Anderson. [Current read-aloud] This will probably be the last read-aloud until September. I've read it before and enjoyed learning about Papua New Guinea. My daughter is enjoying it also.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Chasing the North Star</b>, Robert Morgan. I haven't actually started this yet, but it is next up. It's a review copy from LibraryThing that I need to complete. I've liked Robert Morgan in the past, so I'm hoping this one is good too.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1411323171l/22663563.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1457329813l/29435243.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1459101831l/25810639.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br />Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243923798905252664.post-70688646569302563842016-05-04T10:32:00.000-07:002016-05-04T10:32:33.183-07:00For the Record: April 2016<div style="text-align: right;"></div>It seems a little strange to me that I read so many books this month (even considering that they were mostly small quick reads) because I've been feeling a complete lack of focus for books lately. But a readathon always helps to boost the monthly book number. This time around I decided to focus on junior fiction, breaking it up with Ferrante - the book club book I needed to finish.<br /><br />I hosted my book club at my home, it was so much fun to make such good use of my home library! I haven't found my reading chair yet, but even with temporary furniture the room felt pretty cozy.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">10 Books</span><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;Read in April&nbsp;</span>[31 books year-to-date]<br /><br />2 Nonfiction:<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>The Drifting Cowboy</b>, Will James (4.5) I'm not sure this is exactly nonfiction, but since Will James is writing about his own life I've decided to classify it as such. This is the first of his I've read, though I inherited a couple from my husband's great grandmother. It was a delightful read! Part of its magnetism is due to the refreshingly unpolished nature of the writing style. It's as though he were sitting by you, telling you the story himself. The other thing I really enjoyed was the firsthand account of life on the range in an ever more modern era. Published in 1925, it is still full of appeal for today.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Little Britches</b>, Ralph Moody (4) Similar to Will James in location, time, and focus, but more family centered. I read this aloud to my 11yo, and (as an equestrian) she loved the descriptions of the cowboys' maneuvers. It was my 3rd time through the book, but it still made a fun book to share.<br /><br />5 Junior Fiction:<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>George's Marvellous Medicine</b>, Roald Dahl (4.5) This is a very small book, even compared to others of Dahl's, so you get all of the magic in a condensed amount of space. A lot of fun.<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>A Bear Called Paddington</b>, Michael Bond (3) This has been on my TBR for ages it seems, so I'm glad that the readathon helped me to finally get around to it. It was a little too bland for my tastes, though it has its charms to be sure. It would probably have been best if read aloud to a younger child.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Snow in Summer</b>, Jan Yolen (3) This wasn't the most successful retelling of a fairytale I've ever come across, but it did make me reminisce about all the fairytales my dad read to me as a young child, which is a very happy thing. This is Snow White...in depression era West Virginia. It seemed an odd mashup, especially with the cover art giving no clue to that, but what was even more odd was how the setting seemed as intangible as the plot.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Mr. Stink</b>, David Walliams (4) With a zany cast of characters and illustrations by Quentin Blake, it is hard to resist a comparison to Roald Dahl. Certainly the reading experience was as much fun, even if the plot dealt with politics and homelessness. &nbsp;Kind of a fun way to broach the subject, actually. My daughter will be reading this book for school next year, doing a comparison with a translation in Scots.<br />&nbsp; - <b>A Letter to Mrs. Roosevelt</b>, C. Coco DeYoung (3.5) Part of our history studies, this book gives a good look at what it was like to be a child during the Great Depression. The characters all feel very real, and the plot - though sad - isn't overly depressing as some set in the era are.<br /><br />3 Fiction:<br />&nbsp; - <b>Salt</b>, Isabel Zuber (3.5) I've owned this book for over a decade, charmed by the cover art and setting...I'm an easy sell for something that takes place in the mountains, especially the Appalachians as the vibe most closely matches the mountains I grew up in. I enjoyed the book, though I did find it to be depressing. The main male character was not a person I'd like to know, and some of the magical realism/poetic parts were a bit tiresome for me.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Saint Mazie</b>, Jamie Attenberg (3) I listened to the audio version of this, and while the narrator did a very good job reading, the format in which the story was told made it difficult to get close to any of the characters. But at least I finally got through a whole audiobook!<br />&nbsp; - <b>My Brilliant Friend</b>, Elena Ferrante (4) My book club read this book, and while none of us happened to finish it by the time we met we had no shortage of things to discuss. Now that I've finished it I want to talk about all of it again! The characters and setting are so realistic, and I loved how the friendship was portrayed. It wasn't a super quick read, as I was easily distracted from reading it, but I think it's a series I'll actually continue on with, which is saying something!<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347934056l/4184106.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1389668339l/233711.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348265460l/74532.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347633020l/3650489.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1311279796l/10471419.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327237375l/7041525.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320425572l/618730.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1312032868l/411599.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1410979685l/23245422.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1343064947l/13586707.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Current Reads:</span><br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>Everything I Never Told You</b>, Celeste Ng. Current audiobook, perfect fit for audio for me. High interest :)<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry</b>, Mildred D. Taylor. Current read-aloud.<br />&nbsp; - <b>A Stranger Came Ashore</b>, Mollie Hunter. A tale of Scottish selkies that I'm prereading for school.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386795198l/18693763.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388345167l/310459.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348928696l/13811373.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">New Books This Month:</span><br />I ordered a bunch of books for school next year--new and used, mostly pertaining to the UK and Ireland in some way. I also got a couple of free books that I'm hoping to get to sooner rather than later: Chasing the North Star by Robert Morgan (arc from the publisher/LibraryThing) and The Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan (from my dad.)<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1459101831l/25810639.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1352912866l/15801668.jpg" width="129" />Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243923798905252664.post-28340788263350114412016-04-23T12:00:00.004-07:002016-04-23T12:00:57.821-07:00It's a Readathon Day!Last October I participated in Dewey's 24-Hour Readathon for the first time and found it to be so rewarding! I wasn't sure my schedule would accommodate the April date, but it turned out that my husband is out of town and it will be the perfect distraction. I've assembled my stack of books, so I'll have plenty of options to choose from.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qEBo7nwpszw/Vxp_voJtB0I/AAAAAAAAC-4/pBDDYpo0oWo/s640/blogger-image--806949329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qEBo7nwpszw/Vxp_voJtB0I/AAAAAAAAC-4/pBDDYpo0oWo/s400/blogger-image--806949329.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Most of the junior fiction is pre-reading for my 11yo's reading list next year, and the other stuff is mostly driven by wanting to have a lot of shorter options. Priority is finishing My Brilliant Friend, since I have a book club meeting for that on Monday. In addition to reading, I'm planning on doing some cooking and baking throughout the day.<br /><br />I started my day with plenty of coffee on the patio, and made myself read 75 pages of My Brilliant Friend before taking a break to make some waffles for my kiddos. I've been listening to Saint Mazie on audio, so even my break was book-filled. Now I'm moving on to some junior fiction before getting through another chunk of Ferrante and then back to audiobook/dinner-cooking.<br /><br />I hope you are all having a lovely weekend, whether you are fitting in some time to read or not.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9ZnVsSbkVq0/VxvF3JMB0mI/AAAAAAAAC_I/9ks1xswy7PQ/s640/blogger-image-964274609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9ZnVsSbkVq0/VxvF3JMB0mI/AAAAAAAAC_I/9ks1xswy7PQ/s400/blogger-image-964274609.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's an incredible day in SoCal - blue skies and cool temps - making<br />my cat&nbsp;a bit peeved that she is confined to the indoors.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243923798905252664.post-72569605103229440692016-04-10T20:59:00.001-07:002016-04-10T20:59:34.610-07:00I'm a Knitting MachineIt seems I've done so much knitting in the first part of this year! It helps me think, so I'm often knitting away whilst talking, typing, or reading. &nbsp;Unfortunately, what ends up happening is that I'm occasionally in such a rush to begin a new project that I don't think it through thoroughly beforehand and I end up spending almost equal amounts of time ripping out and re-knitting as I do knitting in the first place.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both;">This green cardigan made it to the halfway point (after many rips and re-knits) only for me to decide that I'd never wear a sweater in that color. It is currently being remade into a scarf.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2EybH1oxGno/VwsXODDHIwI/AAAAAAAAC-A/QWrtqcrhmkE/s640/blogger-image-526460172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2EybH1oxGno/VwsXODDHIwI/AAAAAAAAC-A/QWrtqcrhmkE/s320/blogger-image-526460172.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Below is a picture of the second of two identical throw blankets I have made as gifts in the last year or so. The first I made for a friend that lives in Scotland, but then I gave it to my husband's grandmother instead so I ended up making another to send overseas. My husband's grandmother passed away recently, so I'm glad that I was able to give her something handmade while she was still here. The pattern is adapted from an old doily pattern. By working it up in thicker yarn, an old pattern gets a new lease on life, and becomes a more useful object in the process.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gq9CmWwPNMc/VwsXNYmwTMI/AAAAAAAAC98/WrsiW1bxbg8/s640/blogger-image--1856633604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gq9CmWwPNMc/VwsXNYmwTMI/AAAAAAAAC98/WrsiW1bxbg8/s320/blogger-image--1856633604.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>During the renovation of our home, I bought both books and yarn more &nbsp;indiscriminately than I ever normally would. I was really needing an escape, but didn't have time to make use of my good intentions. When we put everything into storage last March and began our 3+month moving journey, I stopped accumulating. So by the time Christmas rolled around, all I wanted was books and yarn! My husband was kind enough to give me both. I used the assorted colors of Alpaca Silk yarn to create a lovely shawl/wrap. It's like a scarf but better, and it catapulted me into a shawl obsession.<br /><br />The leftovers from my shawl were knit into a reversible hat. It looks like a deflated oblong ball, but fold one half into the other and it makes a pretty cozy hat...with options!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OG9XjVCVO5s/VwsXMFXid0I/AAAAAAAAC90/91OzUjQVyQM/s640/blogger-image--800809185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OG9XjVCVO5s/VwsXMFXid0I/AAAAAAAAC90/91OzUjQVyQM/s320/blogger-image--800809185.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w1xyGJF2Lhk/VwsXMgjqzII/AAAAAAAAC94/bOFl98nkStY/s640/blogger-image-1911464792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w1xyGJF2Lhk/VwsXMgjqzII/AAAAAAAAC94/bOFl98nkStY/s320/blogger-image-1911464792.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The next two projects I finished were both shawls. &nbsp;The first used yarn that I repurposed from a sweater that never made it past the 1/3 mark. I like it much more in shawl form! The second used alpaca yarn that I've owned forever. I like how it worked up, but I only used half of what I have. I hate that. Now I have to figure out what to make with the rest of the remaining yarn.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xoimyCRrb08/VwsXLWb74wI/AAAAAAAAC9w/wS-pVqmrDdQ/s640/blogger-image--1987745429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xoimyCRrb08/VwsXLWb74wI/AAAAAAAAC9w/wS-pVqmrDdQ/s320/blogger-image--1987745429.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-79wdVVhay8E/VwsXPT6cw5I/AAAAAAAAC-I/nG9tt3xsM5o/s640/blogger-image-773679621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-79wdVVhay8E/VwsXPT6cw5I/AAAAAAAAC-I/nG9tt3xsM5o/s320/blogger-image-773679621.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SwtjfpdOsqE/VwsXQ8Px43I/AAAAAAAAC-Q/DKxy18LIHPY/s640/blogger-image--1809368542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SwtjfpdOsqE/VwsXQ8Px43I/AAAAAAAAC-Q/DKxy18LIHPY/s320/blogger-image--1809368542.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The final picture is the first in a series of hats that I'm making for an Iceland trip we get to make in June. We are going with a group of friends and family, and I decided - since hand knits are a part of everyday life in Iceland - that we all needed a hand knit hat for the journey. One down, five to go!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H9TrKq1lGa8/VwsXRrW8KiI/AAAAAAAAC-U/glrfuPf6vTk/s640/blogger-image--81472654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H9TrKq1lGa8/VwsXRrW8KiI/AAAAAAAAC-U/glrfuPf6vTk/s320/blogger-image--81472654.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />In addition to my Iceland-hat-series, I need to do some knitting for my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew. They are moving from Qatar to Tasmania in June, and will certainly need some woolen wear to help them adjust to the change in climate! I have a little sweater planned for my nephew, but am still trying to decide what to send over for the adults. I love that knitting makes such usable objects.<br /><br />My knitting projects are strewn around my house along with my books, as I always have multiples of each in the works at any given time. In some ways, my knitting is like a favorite reading chair—it is what makes my spot cozy and welcoming, wherever that spot may be.Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243923798905252664.post-20260422570666725522016-04-05T10:32:00.000-07:002016-04-05T10:32:36.837-07:00For the Record: March 2016<div style="text-align: right;"></div>Although the month started off pretty parched of reading material, I somehow managed to make up for it in the end. Easter break certainly helped with that, as did some amazing small books.<br /><br />For Spring break we took our kiddos up to Seattle (where it was sunny the entire time - go figure) and across to Bainbridge Island where we visited a wonderful independent bookstore: <a href="http://www.eagleharborbooks.com/" target="_blank">Eagle Harbor Book Co.</a>&nbsp; It was so refreshing to see a purposefully stocked and well run book shop (after seeing the demise of my local shop) that I may have teared up a little.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">7 Books</span><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;Read in March&nbsp;</span>[21 books year-to-date]<br /><br />3 Nonfiction:<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>Lady Constance Lytton</b>, Lyndsey Jenkins (4.5) I was expecting to like this book mostly because it was written by a blogger friend, but was doubly pleased to find it stands on its own merit. Well-written and informative, I not only learned much more about the women's suffrage movement in England, but also felt like I knew Lady Constance. It was well organized and didn't bog down with excessive information. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for an approachable book about the era or the movement.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Open Heart</b>, Elie Wiesel (4) This is a tiny little book, but—as you can probably guess based on the author—has a huge presence. &nbsp;It is a reflection on his life when he finds himself facing what may be the end. The honesty with which he examines his lack of readiness for the end is absorbing and touching.<br />&nbsp; - <b>A People's History of the United States</b>, Howard Zinn (4.5) I finished it! I sure felt like an accomplishment. (Well, anything over 500 pages feels like quite an accomplishment to me.) I have heard criticism of this book for being far too liberal, but I felt like the author's perspective barely begins to balance the scales against the typical establishment-endorsed telling of American history. And honestly, there were only a couple times when I really felt a liberal push, and I'm agenda-sensitive. Mostly it felt compassionate, and was a really good way to contemplate the 2016 presidential elections.<br /><br />2 Junior Fiction:<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>Caddie Woodlawn</b>, Carol Ryrie Brink (4.5) My 11yo loved Caddie more than Laura and more than Almanzo. I loved the contrast between, Native American, New American, and English identities.<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>Hero Over Here</b>, Kathleen Kudlinski (3) I appreciate that this book shows WWI and the Spanish Influenza from the perspective of a child in America, but it was altogether too underdeveloped to really be able to connect with.<br /><br />2 Fiction:<br />&nbsp; - <b>Vinegar Girl</b>, Anne Tyler (4) I received this from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers, and found it very easy and fun to read. It is a retelling of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. I enjoyed the characters and how the story was told. It was somewhat simplistic, but very enjoyable.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Our Souls at Night</b>, Kent Haruf (5) Wow, what a big little book, so full of heart and reflection that it near to brought me to tears. The characters in this book didn't feel like characters, they were just people. I think the author realized that, because he took the risk of breaking the fourth wall at one point, tying his readers' experience back to his other works of fiction. It was heartbreaking to see the ways that we hurt each other even as we love, and it was heartwarming to see the power we have to change someone's life for the better.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1429097979l/24796181.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347585400l/13642524.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1407105086l/2767.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388281233l/205821.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1338298207l/686336.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1454365037l/27070127.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1418766517l/23602562.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Current Reads:</span><br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>Salt</b>, Isabel Zuber. I've had this book for over a decade and I'm finally reading it. The writing is beautiful, the characters have depth, and the setting is one of my favorites - the post-Civil War mountains of North Carolina.<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>All That Is</b>, James Salter. I am giving this a go on audio, even though I haven't had great luck with audiobooks lately. Wish me luck.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Little Britches</b>, Ralph Moody. This is our current read-aloud for our home school. It is a memoir of the author's childhood on a ranch at the turn of the last century. My 11yo is a western equestrian, so the horse stories are fun.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1312032868l/411599.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344618906l/13330444.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1389668339l/233711.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">New Books This Month:</span><br />The only new thing this month was the most recent selection from Powell's Indiespensable. I've been putting great effort into keeping up with reading these books immediately, otherwise I lose motivation. I have so many books from the years of my house rebuild that are still sitting unread that I'll need to just use some discipline to get through.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1441736259l/22318513.jpg" width="129" />Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243923798905252664.post-19837930123749419652016-03-09T10:26:00.000-08:002016-03-09T10:26:04.606-08:00For the Record: February 2016<div style="text-align: right;"></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LtoTafR89Gg/VuBevahaE9I/AAAAAAAAC9U/S9LEzG7Elmg/s1600/IMG_1695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LtoTafR89Gg/VuBevahaE9I/AAAAAAAAC9U/S9LEzG7Elmg/s320/IMG_1695.JPG" width="301" /></a>I'm afraid I might be in a reading slump. It began with audio books. Unfortunately, it began with The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy that I started listening to for the sole purpose of hearing Alan Rickman's voice. In retrospect, maybe not the best idea. But I thought, hey! I'll get a classic read at the same time as I'm fan-girling over Rickman's voice! No. Not really. &nbsp;More of a time to space out and have no idea what I just listened to for the last 20 minutes.<br /><br />So then I tried the audio of Above the Waterfall by Ron Rash and The Green Road by Anne Enright and now The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell...at what point do I throw in the towel? Maybe I need an audiobook break. Maybe I need to choose lighter listening.<br /><br />I'm having a hard time picking out physical books too. I'll pull something off my shelf, read 20 pages, and put it back on my shelf. I feel like I want to read something substantial, but then I won't be able to focus on it. I may need to do what my 11yo daughter has been doing and force myself outside every day to focus on some reading.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L9awbtLc_zE/VuBevaiAffI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/VXIxFXBaC4I/s1600/IMG_1694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L9awbtLc_zE/VuBevaiAffI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/VXIxFXBaC4I/s320/IMG_1694.JPG" width="320" /></a>Also depressing in the book department is a project I took on to help my former bookstore. There were around 800 books that they were unable to sell, return to the publisher, or find places to donate to. So I took the books, and have been finding new homes for them little by little. The problem is that almost all are obscure, outdated, or marked as a remainder from the publisher for good reason. It is more than plain why the store was struggling to stay open. They often spoke about the lack of capital to invest in current stock, and I now I understand why I'd walk into the store and not find a single thing of interest. Surely low stock would have been better than all this filler? It is disheartening.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">7 Books</span><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;Read in February&nbsp;</span>[14 books year-to-date]<br /><br />2 NonFiction:<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>My Struggle (Book One)</b>, Karl Ove Knausgard (4.5) I don't know that this is technically considered nonfiction as it is more of a memoir, but that's where I'm putting it. I'm not a big memoir fan because I'm worried they'll be shallow or pretentious. Knausgard goes almost the opposite direction. He is so introspective that it is easy to imagine a reader becoming impatient. While this wasn't compulsive reading for me, I did become consumed while reading. There were a couple of slower parts, but his deep observations made up for that. The first pages of the book immediately jump into a contemplation on death (a topic near at hand throughout much of the volume) which will give you a pretty quick idea whether you will enjoy his writing or not. If you've been considering reading this but aren't sure, spend a few minutes reading the first few pages and I think you'll know!<br />&nbsp; - <b>Fever at Dawn</b>, Peter Gardos (4) This was sent as a review copy in my Powell's Indiespensable box, and is a beautiful tribute to the Hungarian film-maker's parents: survivors of the Holocaust who fight the odds to build a life together. It was simple and sweet, but also complex and sad.<br /><br />2 Junior Fiction:<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>Farmer Boy</b>, Laura Ingalls Wilder (4.5) My entire memory of this as a childhood read was disappointment that Laura was nowhere to be found. I'm happy to say that this feeling was completely changed upon rereading it aloud to my daughter.<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>Little House in the Big Woods</b>, Laura Ingalls Wilder (4.5) This is the book that started my infatuation with pioneers. I have to say that it didn't feel quite as magical re-reading it after re-reading Farmer Boy, but the nostalgia is real.<br /><br />3 Fiction:<br />&nbsp; - <b>We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves</b>, Karen Joy Fowler (4) I had such a strange experience with the first half of this book - coincidence upon coincidence piled up until I was almost sure that Fowler was a pseudonym for one of my friend's brothers: I was certain that the book was by him and about their family. Such a very odd experience. Aside from that, I found it very enjoyable. The family is quirky but the story is touching. There is some animal rights activism in the book, but I didn't find that it dominated the book—it wasn't condemning or accusatory but rather served as a way to add depth to the characters and help you understand their dynamics.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Mr. Splitfoot</b>, Samantha Hunt (3.5) Very entertaining read selected by the team at Powell's Books for their Indiespensable program. I didn't find that it stuck with me very long or made me think very deeply, but it was well written and kept me turning pages.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Ready Player One</b>, Ernest Cline (2) This was not my jam. I began reading it because it was my current book club pick and that ended up being the thing that kept me reading. My husband, a technology lover and gamer read it last year and wound up feeling ambivalence. (He's a fan of serious science fiction, and it bothered him that this story was completely implausible.) The [lack of] writing quality made it land securely in the lower-than-average zone for me. It felt like one long list of '80s references, which had me rolling my eyes, (partly because it isn't my favorite decade to begin with, partly because it wasn't done well,) but the hardest part for me was the feeling like my 17yo son was 5 again and talking endlessly about all the details of all the obscure video games he had been playing. I'd say a love of the 1980s is a prerequisite here, and an interest in video games or dystopias a definite plus. It would make a better movie than a book.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1440253635l/26145543.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1445120015l/26136567.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1404005461l/3291344.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1293948686l/2612801.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1423106878l/24836625.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1421139941l/23719481.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1406383612l/9969571.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Current Reads:</span><br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>A People's History of the United States</b>, Howard Zinn. I'm somewhat stalled out in the middle of this book, as it seems to be detailing strike after strike and I'm a little afraid to look ahead and see how many more pages will be more of the same. The writing has been pretty captivating and filled with many interesting facts, but I just need to give myself a kick with the virtual spurs to keep on keeping on.<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>The Bone Clocks</b>, David Mitchell. I started this on audio because the narrator on the sample was impressive, and the physical book is on my physical shelf from a past Powell's Indispensable shipment and I thought this would be a good way to get it read. However. &nbsp;This is a <i>strange</i> book. Maybe Mitchell is just like this? I'm having a hard time retaining interest in this one, and I've another 21 hours of listening left.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Lady Constance Lytton: Aristocrat, Suffragette, Martyr</b>, Lyndsey Jenkins. I have been so excited to read this book, as Lyndsey was a book-blog-friend of mine and I love that her book has been well received in the UK. I'm enjoying it and feel that it is a perfect companion piece to the recent film Suffragette.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1407105086l/2767.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1398205538l/20819685.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1429097979l/24796181.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">New Books This Month:</span><br />I honestly didn't think I'd purchase any books in February, but then my 17yo son needed a study guide for his AP US History class, and I needed a book to start writing my homeschool curriculum for next year. The next thing I know, it may as well be Christmas. I can't resist buying books for my kiddos.<br /><br />For me: History of Britain and Ireland.<br />For my 17yo son: The Count of Monte Cristo and The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.<br />For my 15yo daughter: The Iliad and the Odyssey.<br />For my 11yo daughter: the Percy Jackson series, the Hogwarts Library, and Jurassic Park.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348365506l/11344663.jpg" width="159" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1416684038l/11560116.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1404697954l/2591661.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1392520728l/20817415.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/9781484707234_p0_v2_s118x184.jpg" height="200" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1356217884l/16177185.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1294369065l/10141721.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br /><br />Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243923798905252664.post-78664443185372706072016-02-06T14:38:00.000-08:002016-02-06T14:38:47.124-08:00For the Record: January 2016 (plus New Orleans!)<div style="text-align: right;"></div>Welcome to 2016! It sure seems like the year is off to a rough start, both with celebrity deaths, political shenanigans, and what not. I'm still holding out hope that 2015 just couldn't fit it all in and it's about to turn around.<br /><br />On the personal side of life, January was a slog. My husband was gone most of the month, here and there for work and other things. My high school kiddos had semester finals, and my 11yo daughter's horse trainer announced she was moving out of state. Overshadowing all of that was the fog that comes when one big (huge) project is finishing (our remodel) and no new goals or projects have surfaced. So that's my February goal: find a new mission!<br /><br />I did get to join my husband on one of his trips. He had a trade convention to attend in New Orleans, which is somewhere we've long wanted to visit. The food was good, the music was great, and the crowd was crazy. We saw a couple of Mardi Gras parades without much hassle, as we were staying in the French Quarter, and toured the Garden District before leaving. I was surprised how run-down the city was and &nbsp;have been wondering if that is characteristic to the city historically, or if it is due to a slow recovery from Katrina? Anyone know? I was reminded of Ignatius from Confederacy of Dunces the whole trip. I might need to reread that book this year.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MZDGpIGMXJE/VrZyoVCnu4I/AAAAAAAAC9E/XKUCUwdZrOk/s640/blogger-image-687399396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MZDGpIGMXJE/VrZyoVCnu4I/AAAAAAAAC9E/XKUCUwdZrOk/s400/blogger-image-687399396.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rYOoD1OvIR4/VrZynrjyToI/AAAAAAAAC9A/6qxVnPoIKPQ/s640/blogger-image-1899622931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rYOoD1OvIR4/VrZynrjyToI/AAAAAAAAC9A/6qxVnPoIKPQ/s400/blogger-image-1899622931.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4BqZM4Pyqmw/VrZynN1Y9kI/AAAAAAAAC88/atZn2rx8bPI/s640/blogger-image-749508775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4BqZM4Pyqmw/VrZynN1Y9kI/AAAAAAAAC88/atZn2rx8bPI/s640/blogger-image-749508775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4BqZM4Pyqmw/VrZynN1Y9kI/AAAAAAAAC88/atZn2rx8bPI/s320/blogger-image-749508775.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />On the bookish front, January was a pretty good month. I've been writing more and blogging more, which feels great. I've been getting the urge to reorganize my bookshelves (already!) but have put my efforts towards cleaning up my LibraryThing records instead.<br /><br /><br />I love being able to see all my books, and have gone full-library-nerd and labeled my books if they were prize-winners or ones I need to read. Having them all on display means I don't keep many books cued up on my nightstand, and also that I don't have huge book-buying urges like I did when they were all packed away and I was too busy to read. There are so many great options on my shelves!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">7 Books</span><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;Read in January&nbsp;</span>[7 books year-to-date]<br /><br />1 NonFiction:<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>The Old West</b>, Stephen Hyslop (4) My husband got me this lovely book for Christmas. It has tons of beautiful illustrations, and a good proportion of Indian history to white history. I loved all the little mini-biographies and read straight through the book, although it would be nearly as enjoyable to flip through and read bit by bit.<br /><br />2 Junior Fiction:<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>Carry On, Mr. Bowditch</b>, Jean Lee Latham (3.5) I was not expecting to like this biographical novel about one of America's most important navigators - oceans aren't my favorite thing - but I was pleasantly surprised. &nbsp;I'm sure it was better because I read it aloud to my daughter (she enjoyed it) but overall it was both educating and entertaining.<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>Moccasin Trail</b>, Eloise Jarvis McGraw (4) This is my second time reading this book and I just love it. I love how you get a picture of 19th century American life from the perspectives of the Indians, the trappers, as well as the settlers. Such an interesting contrast. Even better, there is a good look at why it is important to explore why we react as we do, and notice how our actions affect others.<br /><br />1 Classic:<br />&nbsp; - <b>Madame Bovary</b>, Gustave Flaubert (3.5) I picked this up on a whim - it was just so pretty sitting on my shelf. It was an interesting contrast/comparison to The Awakening by Kate Chopin, but in the end, as with The Awakening, I quickly tired of the shallow flightiness of the main character. Flaubert's writing, on the other hand, was enjoyable.<br /><br />3 Fiction:<br />&nbsp; - <b>Smilla's Sense of Snow</b>, Peter Hoeg (3) My book club pick was a novel in translation from the Danish, first published in 1992. There were some lovely poetic parts, though it ended up being too "action movie" for my tastes. We had some good discussion about whether the author succeeded in writing from a female point of view, and we all appreciated the look at Greenland, the native Greenlander's life, and the strained relationship between Greenland and Denmark.<br />&nbsp; - <b>The Girl You Left Behind</b>, Jojo Moyes (4) This was the third book by Moyes that I've read (the other two were for book club: Me Before You and One Plus One) and I enjoyed this the most of the three. I bought it on a whim at the same time I purchased the first one, because the WWI topic was interesting. I thought the romance in this book was a little more natural, and the book overall felt less emotionally manipulative than her others. I liked the history aspect, and appreciated that her character introductions were a little less chaotic.<br />&nbsp; - <b>News of the World</b>, Paulette Jiles (4.5) I actually <a href="http://fingersandprose.blogspot.com/2016/01/news-of-world-paulette-jiles.html" target="_blank">blogged about this book</a>! (Yay me!) This was certainly my favorite read of the month, and is one that has stuck with me since reading it. It's a small book, but super substantial as far as characters, setting, history, and language. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in the old west.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1444676384l/25241809.jpg" width="179" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347403700l/128048.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347603162l/760210.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320457633l/634687.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1366550806l/12499370.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1366558957l/17572903.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1440342988l/25817493.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Current Reads:</span><br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>A People's History of the United States</b>, Howard Zinn. I've been on a US history kick. That's what we are studying in homeschool, and my son is in a AP US History class, so we have all kinds of great discussions. My dad is also a a US history buff so we have some great conversations. This one is definitely interesting, as it is written from the unpopular point of view: the poor and downtrodden, the underdog. It is, obviously, biased. But it's a perfect contrast to traditional history tellings and really helps to round out the perspective a bit.<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>Farmer Boy</b>, Laura Ingalls Wilder. I haven't read this since elementary school, but thought it might be a fun read now. As a girl, I only remember being frustrated that Laura wasn't in this, as she was who I was in love with. Reading it now, without that expectation, is a much better experience. It sure seems a lovely life!<br />&nbsp; - <b>We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves</b>, Karen Joy Fowler. I actually haven't read more than the first sentence, but this is what I'll be reading as soon as I find a free moment.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1407105086l/2767.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1384259369l/1079587.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1423106878l/24836625.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">New Books This Month:</span><br />Here's what I saved from my local independent bookstore's closing sale, as well as another couple I found at Barnes and Noble when I went there to try to cheer myself up about Apostrophe Books. I don't think it helped, but I'm looking forward to the new adventures anyhow.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347585400l/13642524.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388202509l/31178.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1405259930l/18774964.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1343064947l/13586707.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1428515151l/24611708.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br /><br />Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243923798905252664.post-63525790087030434602016-01-28T09:34:00.000-08:002016-01-28T09:34:55.152-08:00News of the World - Paulette Jiles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1440342988l/25817493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1440342988l/25817493.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>We tend to think of history in rather finite units, as if each event or crisis was limited to a number of years or physical location wholly independent of other events. As such, it is often the connections that astonish us: the realization that the 1890s saw not only Indian massacres (Wounded Knee) and a gold rush (Klondike) but also early automobiles and moving pictures: things from seemingly different times. Add to those events the thought that this was when Sherlock Holmes and The Time Machine were published, the Olympics were reinstated, and yet the American Civil War had ended a mere 25 years before.<br /><br />Into some version of this post-Civil War America, Paulette Jiles has drawn a picture of Texas and how the advance of technology meets the Old West. With the wireless telegraph making international news closer than ever before, it might be tempting to think the world was a newly modern place as a whole. In many areas, however, news of the world may as well have been fairy tales for how fantastic it seemed.<br /><br />Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd makes his living by traveling through Texas, reading national and international news to a paying audience. He is feeling his age, and wants nothing more than to put war behind him and live a peaceful life. This is not to happen yet, however, as he soon finds himself faced with a challenge: transporting a young orphan girl to her relatives from whom she had been kidnapped by Kiowa raiders four years before. Ten-year-old Johanna has no interest in leaving her Indian family—she has no memory of life before the Kiowa—but she doesn't have a choice: the Kiowa have traded her in for some much needed supplies and the promise of peace.<br /><br />I came to love Cpt. Kidd and the way he cared for Johanna. I loved how his mind would wander back to memories of his wife and thoughts of his daughters and forward to what his future might hold. I loved the sights and sounds of the Old West, a land fraught with tension and resentment and a severe lack of leadership. I loved the peek into the Kiowa approach to life and watching Johanna's strengths and weaknesses. I loved the writing. It was a perfect combination of action and introspection.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-size: large;">Loss of reputation and the regard of our fellow persons is in any society, from Iceland to Malaysia, a terrible blow to the spirit. It is worse than being penniless and more cutting than the blades of enemies.</span></blockquote><br />In many ways I was reminded of True Grit while reading this. Every character was unique and vivid, and yet a certain spare, desolate quality permeated the landscape. Small in size but big in heart, this book is one to share and reread.Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243923798905252664.post-9181425282061666312016-01-14T13:08:00.000-08:002016-01-14T13:08:50.088-08:00it's a sad day in my book world<a href="http://www.jasna.org/persuasions/on-line/vol28no1/images/wakefield-brandon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.jasna.org/persuasions/on-line/vol28no1/images/wakefield-brandon.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a><br />Two sad pieces of news hit my book world today. The first was a headline I read when opening my new app this morning about Alan Rickman. He will always be Colonel Brandon from Sense and Sensibility to me (and Prof. Snape to my daughter). His voice was just something to bask in, wasn't it? Turns out, he recorded Thomas Hardy's Return of the Native, so that will be my next audio book. And Sense and Sensibility may just be the movie of the night.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kK2NsGuGbI8/VpgOGLgKjfI/AAAAAAAAC8s/TK_8nneq5ak/s1600/14-05-07-7-37-5229E2ndSt%252BStoreFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kK2NsGuGbI8/VpgOGLgKjfI/AAAAAAAAC8s/TK_8nneq5ak/s200/14-05-07-7-37-5229E2ndSt%252BStoreFront.jpg" width="150" /></a>The other piece of sad news hit my email inbox regarding my local independent bookshop. They've been struggling for quite some time, and apparently the holiday sales weren't enough of a boost to keep them rolling. (Neither were all of my book purchases apparently!) It saddens me that my city of nearly a half million people is unable to support a single independent bookstore. We have a couple used book stores and two branches of Barnes &amp; Noble, but it just isn't quite the same. Some day I'd love to live in a literary city. For now, I'm in the process of deciding which neighboring store will be my new local/mail order store.<br /><br />Sigh. Sad day.Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243923798905252664.post-7908697344904215832016-01-04T17:16:00.000-08:002016-01-04T17:16:20.193-08:002016 Goals and AmbitionsMy main goal for 2016 is to begin writing again. Since that is a highly focused and creative process for me, it is something that fell by the wayside as my home remodel usurped more and more of my time in the last few years, and is something I'm keen to get back to.<br /><br />I haven't stipulated what type of writing specifically I want to be doing, because at this point my goal is simply to write. At least five days a week. Even if it's something that no one else will ever see. However, it's only natural that one of my main outlets should be my blog. As such, I've done some preliminary thinking on some humble aspirations.<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Continue with my monthly wrap-up posts.</span><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;This kept me sane during my house remodel. Whatever else was happening, I at least had a brief time once a month when I could reflect on how I'd spent those rare free moments. When life was especially stressful and I was tempted to stop blogging altogether in order to eliminate something from my plate, I would remind myself: this is one thing I do for <i>me</i>.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Write at least one book review each month.</span><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I don't even remember the last book review I wrote, and that is one of the things that I loved about blogging from the beginning: the chance to really think through something I'd read and share it with others. It might be my favorite read of the month, or a book that provided especially stimulating thought and conversation, or a book that just needs a rant.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Quarterly Inbox posts.</span><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; I had started this at the beginning of 2015, just as a way to see how many books I purchased and whether I read them immediately or not. I stopped mid-year after moving house a gazillion times and losing all my brain cells, but I think I'm emerging from the zombie zone and am going to give it another shot.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Quarterly Knitting posts.</span><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Often when I read, I'm also knitting (or have knitting nearby) and I thought it would be a fun thing to track every now and again. I also have a passion for quilting, but since that is also (in addition to writing) a highly focused and creative process, I find the time for it much less often than I do for knitting, which is more of a craft than an art for me.<br /><br /><br />In addition to these blog posts, I'm going to make a concentrated effort to visit all of your blogs and keep up with what is going on with you. I know that some of my old blogging friends have moved on to other things. While that saddens me, I also know that there are friends out there waiting to be found, and that's exciting.<br /><br />On the reading front, I have set a goal of 75 books for 2016. I'd like at least 12 to be some sort of classic and 12 to be some sort of nonfiction. I'm also going to try to read from my shelves, since I finally have all my books on display and there are quite a few that are still waiting to be read and are calling to me.<br /><br />I always want to add more goals at the beginning of the year, but I'm going to stop here since I know that even these will be a challenge. I do like a good deadline though! Happy reading to you all, hopefully we'll be chatting soon.<br /><br /><br />Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243923798905252664.post-38958308972749454082016-01-03T19:28:00.001-08:002016-01-03T19:28:51.888-08:002015: Year in ReviewOn one hand, I'm having a hard time believing this year is finally coming to an end. On the other hand, this year has felt like its been two or three times as long as usual so I'm eager to get on with a new year! My house project is finally done so maybe I can get back to whatever it was I used to do before we started. Blogging perhaps?<br /><br />Biggest success this year? &nbsp;Reading what I felt like, when I felt like. Letting go of most of my reading goals ended up being a good thing.<br /><br />Biggest goal for 2016? Apart from being more involved in my blog, (I've resolved to write more this year in general,) I'd like to focus on reading titles from my shelves now that I finally have my books all in one place.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">84</span><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;books read in 2015 </span>- More than the last two years, color me surprised!<br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;">21.5%&nbsp;</span>NONFICTION (18 books) 4.5% up from 2014</li><li><span style="font-size: large;">45%&nbsp;</span>ADULT FICTION&nbsp;(38 books) 9% down from 2014</li><li><span style="font-size: large;">21.5%&nbsp;</span>JUNIOR/TEEN FICTION&nbsp;(18 books) 14.5% down from 2014</li><li><span style="font-size: large;">12%&nbsp;</span>CLASSICS&nbsp;(10 books) 3% up from 2014</li></ul><span style="font-size: large;">20</span><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;books&nbsp;</span>WRITTEN BEFORE I WAS BORN<br /><span style="font-size: large;">12</span><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;books&nbsp;</span>WRITTEN THIS YEAR<br /><span style="font-size: large;">9</span> "CHUNKSTERS" (450+ pages)<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">TOP FIVE of 2014:</span><br /><i>Main Street</i>&nbsp;by Sinclair Lewis (funny, complex characters and vivid setting)<br /><i>The Warmth of Other Suns</i>&nbsp;by Isabel Wilkerson (wonderfully told history)<br /><i>The Edge of Sadness</i>&nbsp;by Edwin O'Connor (introspective and evocative of person and place)<br /><i>The Killer Angels</i>&nbsp;by Michael Shaara (perfectly told Civil War history)<br /><i>We Have Always Lived in the Castle</i>&nbsp;by Shirley Jackson (atmospheric and captivating)<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1308953459l/11376.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1433354252l/8171378.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347499598l/87202.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1355371689l/682804.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1415357189l/89724.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k1eR-oBdFTE/VonmgyYXrBI/AAAAAAAAC60/mIob2N3kke0/s1600/graph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k1eR-oBdFTE/VonmgyYXrBI/AAAAAAAAC60/mIob2N3kke0/s640/graph.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #686868; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">TOP RATED BOOKS BY GENRE:<br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Nonfiction:</span><br /><b>5</b>&nbsp;stars:<br />&nbsp; - The Warmth of Other Suns, Isabel Wilkerson<br />&nbsp; - Being Mortal, Atul Gawande<br />&nbsp; - The Landmark History of the American People, Vol. I, Daniel Boorstin<br /><b>4.5</b>&nbsp;stars:<br />&nbsp; - The Lexicographer's Dilemma, Jack Lynch<br />&nbsp; - The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Marie Kondo<br />&nbsp; - Dead Wake, Erik Larson<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Classics:</span><br /><b>5</b>&nbsp;stars:<br />&nbsp; - Main Street, Sinclair Lewis<br />&nbsp; - Mary Barton, Elizabeth Gaskell<br /><b>4.5</b>&nbsp;stars:<br />&nbsp; - The Optimist's Daughter, Eudora Welty<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Adult Fiction:</span><br /><b>5</b>&nbsp;stars:<br />&nbsp; - We Have Always Lived in the Castle, Shirley Jackson<br />&nbsp; - The Edge of Sadness, Edwin O'Connor<br />&nbsp; - The Killer Angels, Michael Shaara<br /><b>4.5</b>&nbsp;stars:<br />&nbsp; - The Goldfinch, Donna Tartt<br />&nbsp; - Wolf Winter, Cecilia Eckback<br />&nbsp; - The Martian, Andy Weir<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Junior/Teen Fiction:</span><br /><b>5&nbsp;</b>stars:<br />&nbsp; - Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, Robert C. O'Brien<br /><b>4.5</b>&nbsp;stars:<br />&nbsp; - Tuesdays at the Castle, Jessica Day George<br /><br /></div>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243923798905252664.post-35627248201236985932015-12-30T20:36:00.000-08:002015-12-30T20:36:15.391-08:00For the Record: December 2015<div style="text-align: right;"></div>I thought I'd give this month a proper wrap-up before I start diving into the huge (and hugely fun) end-of-year stats. This December was more of a blur than usual, since the whole family had a terrible cold/flu for a couple weeks, as well as cramming in the final construction for our house before our epic housewarming party on the 12th. Boy am I glad that is behind me! Looking back through my month I realized I hadn't written down anything I read (highly unusual for me!) but I think I pieced it all together.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4 Books</span><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;Read in December&nbsp;</span>[83 books year-to-date]<br /><br />2 for Home School:<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>The Landmark History of the American People Volume I</b>, Daniel Boorstin (5) I didn't much like the older version of this book, but the new edition with its beautiful illustrations has been a wonderful resource to use with my 6th grader. One really gets a sense of how life was, why things developed as they did, and the sense of speed with which progress was made.<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>The Lewis and Clark Expedition</b>, Richard L. Neuberger (3) Much more boring than it needed to be (it literally put multiple people to sleep). If I'd known, we would have watched the Ken Burns documentary instead.<br /><br />1 for Book Club:<br />&nbsp; - <b>Lila</b>, Marilynne Robinson (4) I liked this better than Gilead, though that may be partly because I had some history with the story. Touching and thoughtful, and masterfully crafted.<br /><br />1 Other:<br />&nbsp; - <b>The Night Watch</b>, Sarah Waters (3.5) Enjoyable, but not as much depth as I was hoping for. A little too much relied on the relationships rather than the characters themselves.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1426175604l/22467095.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1338694070l/3277899.jpg" width="179" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1408945003l/23015338.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1394331077l/550720.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Current Reads:</span><br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>Pillars of the Earth</b>, Ken Follett. I'm still enjoying my current audiobook, even though I'm not much for the explicit scenes. I like the time period and the story.<br />&nbsp; - <b>The Old West</b>, Stephen G. Hyslop. The one book I got for Christmas. It's more of a coffee table book, with lots of illustrations and text divided into tidbits, but I'm enjoying it.<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>Carry On, Mr. Bowditch</b>, Jean Lee Latham. Current read-aloud to my 11yo daughter to go along with our history studies.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388193707l/5043.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1444676384l/25241809.jpg" width="179" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347403700l/128048.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br /><br />Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243923798905252664.post-48875559031663446272015-12-09T16:19:00.000-08:002015-12-09T16:19:07.176-08:00For the Record: November 2015<div style="text-align: right;"></div>Here it is, nearly halfway through December and I haven't posted about November's reading. &nbsp;It's that time of year: so much to do, so little time.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">5 Books</span><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;Read in November&nbsp;</span>[79 books year-to-date]<br /><br />3 Junior Fiction:<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>The Penderwicks</b>, Jeanne Birdsall (3) Reviews of this books typically contain mass adoration and undying love, but it felt overthought and saccharine sweet to me. Very much a rehash of Little Women, which was a boring read for me too.<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>The Cabin Faced West</b>, Jean Fritz (3.5) Sweet story about early Westward Expansion based on a true story. Somewhat forgettable due to the lower reading level.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Dreamland</b>, Robert L. Anderson (2.5) New Junior Fiction that I read to preview for my 11yo who saw ads for it on YouTube. Unfortunately, the seemingly random insertions of language and guy/girl thought processes makes it a bit inappropriate for her age. My 15yo would be fine with that stuff but would be completely bored with the storyline. This was a flop.<br /><br />2 Adult Fiction:<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>The Martian</b>, Andy Weir (4.5) What a great audio book! Uniquely written (and published) and entertaining to the end. I need to see the movie now!<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>A Cup of Dust</b>, Susie Finkbeiner (2) I requested this on LibraryThing's Early Reviewers, not knowing it was published by a Christian publisher. &nbsp;Since I am a Christian, this <i>should</i> be a good thing, but I have too much experience with the lower quality expectations in the Christian market. &nbsp;It's irritating that this is the case, because it really shouldn't matter, but this book was no exception. As with Christian music, it's typically immediately apparent that the quality isn't the main objective. My irritations aside, it wasn't preachy and the plot wasn't redemption based, which I appreciated. The plot wasn't overly Christian-y. Some of the turns of phrase were, though (like "I wonder why they held onto shame like that"). Anway. Whatever. It's been read. I didn't like it, but my mom did. To each her own. :)<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320508900l/266904.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1434757899l/823069.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1423847319l/23245337.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1413706054l/18007564.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1428714924l/25269940.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Current Reads:</span><br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>Pillars of the Earth</b>, Ken Follett. My current audiobook, and it's making for a good one. That's a relief since it's something like 40 hours long! It's definitely less focused on the writing and more focused on the plot than I'm used to, but entertaining.<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>My Struggle</b>, Karl Ove Knausgard. I took a break from this because of holiday ADHD, but am enjoying enough that I already bought the second volume.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Lila</b>, Marilynne Robinson. My book club pick...I didn't finish it in time but am enjoying it more than I did Gilead. I'm glad to have read Gilead, since having that background is probably partly the reason I'm enjoying it more.<br />&nbsp; - <b>The Night Watch</b>, Sarah Waters. This is the book that I thought would take two days to read but reading time has been especially hard to find lately so I'm still working on it. &nbsp;I like how Waters writes, but am not enjoying the storyline as much as The Paying Guests...it's moving a little slower and focuses too much on love affairs. That could be because I'm taking too long to read it though. Some books are like that.<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>Carry On, Mr. Bowditch</b>, Jean Lee Latham. Current read-aloud to my 11yo daughter to go along with our history studies.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388193707l/5043.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1439949997l/26126190.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1393645345l/20575411.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1394331077l/550720.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347403700l/128048.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">On My Nightstand:</span><br />We've been putting the house through massive tidying in preparation for our housewarming party this weekend, so I haven't had much reading time and have ended up putting potential books back on my shelves. So there's actually nothing in the queue right now. I need to get through some of my current reads before I decide what is up next. End of year is always a bit of a free-for-all.Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243923798905252664.post-64970341847542063352015-11-24T11:22:00.000-08:002015-11-24T11:22:29.334-08:00Giving Thanks I adore our week of Thanksgiving. We gather family around us and cook like mad for days and days. Books and Kindles are strewn across every available surface and for once they are not all mine. Puzzles, old photographs, funny stories, cooking, cleaning, (and a touch of politics to spice it up,) make the act of remembering nearly&nbsp;synonymous&nbsp;with giving thanks. Being up in the mountains with snow flurries filling the sky doesn't hurt either.<br /><br />And you, fellow book fiends: I am thankful for you as well. &nbsp;Knowing there are like-minded folk out there gives me reason to be thankful every day. My thoughts are with you all today—I hope you are able to find a moment of peace and a kernel of joy. Happy November!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4l7dbZwiZrw/VlS3MUBwqyI/AAAAAAAAC5s/2ufyvThfUtY/s640/blogger-image-619381254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4l7dbZwiZrw/VlS3MUBwqyI/AAAAAAAAC5s/2ufyvThfUtY/s320/blogger-image-619381254.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243923798905252664.post-77456399832929574812015-11-06T15:41:00.000-08:002015-11-09T09:14:46.714-08:00For the Record: October 2015<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-hi2y2cl1E/VjeP42oP4NI/AAAAAAAAC38/KVPBS-gKT-k/s1600/IMG_1248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-hi2y2cl1E/VjeP42oP4NI/AAAAAAAAC38/KVPBS-gKT-k/s320/IMG_1248.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My readathon books</td></tr></tbody></table>Probably the most exciting bookish news for me is that I participated in Dewey's 24-Hour Read-a-thon for the first time in October. My weekends are typically too busy to do much reading, so it was a treat to be able to take time out and push through some books.<br /><br />No, wait...the most exciting bookish news for me is that I'm almost done setting up my library! What a dream come true—all of my books accessible and visible at long last. I have a bit more sorting to do and need to go find myself a reading chair, but pretty thrilling all the same. Pictures coming soon!<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">13 Books</span><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;Read in October!&nbsp;</span>[74 books year-to-date]<br /><br />2 Classics:<br />&nbsp; - <b>Animal Farm</b>, George Orwell (4) This was my first time reading this little guy. I assumed that I wouldn't like it much since it's one of those "required reading" books, but it wasn't at all heavy handed (a la Lord of the Flies). Even though it was obviously written with a political statement in mind, I found it entertaining and interesting.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Right Ho, Jeeves</b>, P.G. Wodehouse (3.5) The humor was actually a bit tiresome for me, but then I was at the end of a readathon with a head cold really kicking in, so it could totally be a matter of timing.<br /><br />2 NonFiction:<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>The Big Burn</b>, Timothy Egan (3) I'd been meaning to read this for a long time, even more so since loving Egan's The Worst Hard Time. For whatever combination of reasons, I found this book very hard to focus on and continue reading. The parts with Teddy Roosevelt were great, but they were also few and far between. &nbsp;This is actually more of a biography of the guy who spearheaded the National Forest Service, and whose name I've already forgotten. &nbsp;Pinchot, I think. Not a bad book, just not suited for me at this time.<br />&nbsp; - <b>A Walk in the Woods</b>, Bill Bryson (4) I listened to the audio version, and liked Bryson so much in that capacity that I may not read a physical copy of his book again. The story was enjoyable. As is typical for me, there were times when Bryson's soapbox aggravated me...not because of his views as much as his views contradict each other and he doesn't seem to realize it. It was interesting reading his comments on the National Forest Service after having just completed The Big Burn. Now I need to remember to watch the film adaptation!<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1424037542l/7613.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388259636l/818761.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348837950l/6452538.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388189974l/9791.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />4 Adult Fiction:<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>Wolf Winter</b>, Cecilia Eckback (4.5) Wow wow wow, thank you Powell's Indiespensable for a wonderful selection! This book was somewhat dark and creepy, steeped in Nordic superstition at a time when witch hunts were not too unimaginable. This isn't the type of book I'd usually give 5 stars, but I enjoyed it that much. This isn't your typical historical fiction or mystery. (It's much better!)(Disclaimer: I like books that focus on characters more than plot, so it might be slow for other readers...though I didn't find it to be that way at all.)<br />&nbsp; - <b>Orphan Train</b>, Christina Baker Kline (3.5) I've read so many books recently that try to combine a modern story with an historical story and fail to make either fully fleshed out. This is kind of typical book club fare, but at least it was written better than the others. It made me decide that I do not like present tense writing as a general rule, but it was good for a quick read.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Did You Ever Have a Family</b>, Bill Clegg (4.5) If you're up for a uniquely written book that sucks you in, this one's for you. Powell's Indiespensable selected another winner! If a changing point-of-view drives you batty, maybe think twice about reading this. Each section was a different perspective, and often it was one you had to figure out. It does tie together in the end, and paints a complex picture of life, love, and grief.<br />&nbsp; - <b>In Other Rooms, Other Wonders</b>, Daniyal Mueenuddin (3.5) This collection of short stories centered in Pakistan was my book club pick. The writing quality and character development were good, but there was death, poverty, and depression in almost every story. While the enjoyment factor wasn't super high for me, I did appreciate the portraits painted of a society emerging from (or collapsing?) a caste system, attempting to develop a middle class.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1419320744l/21413846.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1362409483l/15818107.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1440378380l/24452249.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358754184l/6395560.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br />5 Junior Fiction:<br />&nbsp; - <b>The Witch of Blackbird Pond</b>, Elizabeth George Speare (4) I read this aloud to my 11yo for our American history studies and she looooved it. She couldn't get enough of it. The contrast of Puritan and Shaker philosophy was interested, but the romantic interests put it over the top. :)<br />&nbsp; - <b>Justin Morgan Had a Horse</b>, Marguerite Henry (4) Another read-aloud...since we finished the last one ahead of schedule we fit another one in. Why not one about a horse? This is a sweet story, with more than your average horse/human bond: the history of the Morgan horse is the focus.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Little Shop of Hamsters</b>, R.L. Stine (3.5) I never read R.L. Stine growing up, and I always wondered how the books could possibly manage keeping blood and horror at a PG rating. I was pretty impressed. The tone was lighthearted enough (plenty of exclamation marks will do that) that it never got truly frightening.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Poppy</b>, Avi (3.5) This was recommended to me by a friend in my book club that loves reading this aloud to her class. I liked it, and can see how it would make a good read-aloud, but I wish that the characters and story had been developed more.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Tuesdays at the Castle</b>, Jessica Day George (4.5) One of my favorite authors for Junior Fiction, Jessica Day George knocked it out the park again with this one. My 11yo read it and then made me read it. If you've ever loved a fairy tale, this will bring the kid out in you and have you loving them again.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1345499790l/703292.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1174973574l/464390.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1428988208l/6829522.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1408926899l/24300.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1331678412l/10508431.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Current Reads:</span><br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>The Martian</b>, Andy Weir. My current audiobook. The narrator and production on this one is top notch.<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>My Struggle</b>, Karl Ove Knausgard. I've only just cracked the cover of this one, but I'm loving the introspection and philosophical thought.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Johnny Tremain</b>, Esther Forbes. Current read-aloud to my 11yo daughter to go along with our history studies.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1413706054l/18007564.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1439949997l/26126190.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1308964858l/816870.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">On My Nightstand:</span><br />Pretty much <i>everything</i> is on my figurative nightstand right now. &nbsp;For the first time in a decade I have all of my books present and visible and I've got book-selection-ADD. I'm too excited to go about selecting my next books methodically!Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243923798905252664.post-26957970432986595452015-10-18T11:00:00.000-07:002015-10-18T11:00:18.188-07:00Read-a-thon Wrap-UpI had so much fun focusing on reading yesterday. I haven't done that since third grade when some kindly neighbor promised to pay a quarter for each page I read and then went apoplectic when they found out how much I'd read.<br /><br />Yesterday I finished four books and got halfway through another, which equaled out to about 975 pages spread over about 15 hours. I also managed to make pancakes, roast a chicken, drive my 15yo to a friend's house, and have numerous meaningful conversations...there's something about seeing mom sitting alone, peacefully reading a book, that makes teenagers want to talk. It's fabulous actually; I love that my kiddos want to talk to me.<br /><br /><img height="179" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1428988208l/6829522.jpg" width="112" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="179" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1440378380l/24452249.jpg" width="112" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="179" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1408926899l/24300.jpg" width="112" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="179" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388259636l/818761.jpg" width="112" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="179" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1331678412l/10508431.jpg" width="112" /><br /><br />So, I got some pre-reading done for my 11yo, as well as knocking off a couple others. My favorite was definitely Did You Ever Have a Family and my least favorite was probably Poppy. Or Right Ho, Jeeves. &nbsp;They were both good, just not as great as the first two. Tuesdays at the Castle is fantastic so far. &nbsp;I just love how Jessica Day George writes. Her Dragon Slippers series was wonderful.<br /><br />I'm so thankful for all the time and effort that went into running the readathon - I had no idea! In fact, I only found out about it the day before it happened, but that won't happen again. I'll be on top of it in the spring, and hopefully I'll have another blissfully empty weekend coincide with the date.Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243923798905252664.post-41884026308725934742015-10-17T09:50:00.000-07:002015-10-17T09:50:03.711-07:00My First 24-Hour Readathon! (Start-Up Post)I'm so excited to have found out about <a href="http://www.24hourreadathon.com/" target="_blank">Dewey's 24-Hour Readathon</a> just in time!<br /><br />My blog has been bare bones for a while now, and now that my home remodeling project is just about complete I'm very ready to build more book-blogging-friendships. What better way than through a readathon? This weekend happens to be a rare low-key weekend for me: perfect timing.<br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mHOJBGe64nk/ViH2kdPvrEI/AAAAAAAAC3c/mN8wj1UYtNU/s1600/IMG_1168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mHOJBGe64nk/ViH2kdPvrEI/AAAAAAAAC3c/mN8wj1UYtNU/s320/IMG_1168.jpg" width="240" /></a>I pulled out a bunch of possibilities for reading material, focusing on lighter reading as well as a few I need to get read sooner rather than later (a couple pre-reads for my 11yo, and my next book club pick).</div><div><br /></div><div>Since the readathon officially began at 5am Pacific Standard Time, an ungodly hour for a long-awaited Saturday, the first part of my day went like this:</div><div><br /></div><div>Hour 1: sleep</div><div>Hour 2: wake up and go back to sleep</div><div>Hour 3: sleep</div><div>Hour 4: sleep<br />Hour 5: wake up and speed through an R.L. Stine book<br /><br />Now heading into Hour 6, it's time for me to make some coffee and get serious about settling into a book. &nbsp;And charging my laptop.<br /><br />I'll be balancing out my first read with the new Indiespensable pick from Powell's Books: Did You Ever Have a Family by Bill Clegg. &nbsp;So far, (just barely into it,) I'm enjoying my first readathon!</div><div><br /></div>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243923798905252664.post-63745518536751231302015-10-16T13:31:00.003-07:002015-10-16T13:31:32.750-07:00Sneak Peek at my New LibraryLast weekend I loaded my car absolutely to the brim with books. It was <i>so</i> exciting. After three years in storage, it was finally time to start reacquainting myself with my old friends.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R_Wxf1HqF1A/VhQeckxH7II/AAAAAAAAC24/PueyEWfbJC4/s640/blogger-image--1808537154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R_Wxf1HqF1A/VhQeckxH7II/AAAAAAAAC24/PueyEWfbJC4/s400/blogger-image--1808537154.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yes, I fit all of that in my sedan...where there's a will there's a way!</td></tr></tbody></table>My library cabinets had been installed but not yet sealed, so I was jumping the gun a little bit, but I reasoned that there was organizing to be done anyhow. I was curious to find out how many of my books I'd no longer care about after not having seen them in quite some time. In the end, combined with homeschooling books I no longer needed, I got rid of 4-5 boxes of books. &nbsp;Even so, my kiddos are pretty sure there is no way all of these books will fit on my shelves.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1bWEINxxkB8/VhQebtAwhZI/AAAAAAAAC2w/gV0At0dqKeA/s640/blogger-image--42994692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1bWEINxxkB8/VhQebtAwhZI/AAAAAAAAC2w/gV0At0dqKeA/s400/blogger-image--42994692.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know if this is just exciting or also a little overwhelming</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I've had a lot of time to think about how I want to organize my books, and I've settled upon a combination of chronology and topic. Most of my books, (fiction/nonfiction, kids/adults,) will be displayed according to the time period it was written or set. The rest will be grouped into topics or genres (poetry, junior fiction, gardening, etc.)<br /><br />Sorting my books into all these groups was quite an eye-opener. I lean heavily towards mid-19th century and early 20th century, and have pretty slim pickings for pre-18th century and post-1940s. It'll be interesting to see how that looks when they're up on the shelves.<br /><br />I had my shelves built out of cherry, with no stain. I love the look of natural cherry. Our house has a lot of walnut, and I wanted the library to feel a little brighter, like golden sunshine. This is one of the few rooms of the house that doesn't have open beam ceilings, and existing windows meant my shelves aren't too tall. Many people seemed pretty sad that I don't get a library ladder, but I'm not. To be frank, I want all my books within arm's reach. &nbsp;Otherwise they are just decoration and that's not really my style.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1KtPuD806sQ/ViFcoHop4-I/AAAAAAAAC3M/XCrJeDZwfwg/s1600/IMG_1164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1KtPuD806sQ/ViFcoHop4-I/AAAAAAAAC3M/XCrJeDZwfwg/s1600/IMG_1164.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the low cabinets under the shelves stay in line with mid-century modern design lines, and provide space to store games, puzzles, and office/homeschooling supplies</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I can't wait to toss those boxes and see my books on my shelves. A nice reading chair in the corner nook and an inviting seating area in the middle of the library will make this room my favorite part of our home. How could it be otherwise?Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243923798905252664.post-7768802545295522822015-10-09T09:24:00.003-07:002015-10-09T09:24:48.816-07:00For the Record: September 2015What a relief to be back in a routine. It hasn't been easy to focus on schooling when we still have workers in our house every day, but the end is in sight. &nbsp;After another week or two, we should have our home back to ourselves. &nbsp;It's only been three years. Yikes. (*big sigh of relief...or was that just exhaustion?) My library cabinets are being oiled and all the loose ends are being tied up; pretty soon the only problem with my house will be that it is located in Southern California instead of Northern California! (I actually don't mind SoCal but I'm a NorCal girl and I miss it So Much.)<br /><br />Reading this month wasn't too bad! Partially because of routine and school books, partially because getting all my books out of storage made my thirsty for reading.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">8 Books</span><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;Read in September:&nbsp;</span>[61 books year-to-date]<br /><br />2 Classics:<br />&nbsp; - <b>The Optimist's Daughter</b>, Eudora Welty (4.5) What a beautiful portrait this small book is! Full of Southern manners and culture clash, family dynamics and truth, this is a book that I already want to read again. There isn't much plot, but as a character study and observation on life, this has it all.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Flowers for Algernon</b>, Daniel Keyes (4) Before reading this book I was pretty certain that I wouldn't like it. It seemed too tied to an agenda to be enjoyable. Of course I was wrong. I did have a hard time getting into it at first (probably because of my preconceived ideas) but it was written so well and plotted so perfectly that I ended up being won over. This read happened to coincide with Banned Books Week: happy accident.<br /><br />2 Other/Fiction:<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>Go Set a Watchman</b>, Harper Lee (4) I had decided to not read this book. Not because I loved To Kill a Mockingbird so much, but because I didn't love it enough to warrant reading a subsequent book. I'm glad it was picked for my book club though, because it ended up being the perfect companion novel and helped me appreciate Mockingbird more than I did before. Where Mockingbird felt polished, clean, and purposeful, Watchman felt raw, pointed, and passionate. I don't think the characters were portrayed with different personalities, rather with a different perspective. Very interesting read, and wonderful discussion in my book group.<br />&nbsp; - <b>The Story of Land and Sea</b>, Katy Simpson Smith (3.5) Though I usually enjoy books that focus on the characters and setting more than the plot, this one was the exception. I found myself skipping over descriptive passages trying to find the story. It was an interesting look at America during the time of the Revolution, as it didn't focus on the war as much as most novels in that setting would tend to do.<br /><br />4 Junior Fiction:<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>Pedro's Journal</b>, Pam Conrad (3) A fictional journal of a boy on Columbus' first journey, this was more about the history than the entertainment.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Flora &amp; Ulysses</b>, Kate DiCamillo (4) This was an entertaining little story of a squirrel with super powers and the girl that needed him in her life. &nbsp;My 11yo is reading it and is also entertained with the intelligent humor and addition of drawings and comics. It's a cast of oddballs, which somehow makes it more realistic.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Walk the World's Rim</b>, Betty Baker (4) Really interesting history here! I've had a hard time teaching about the explorers and conquistadors without feeling like it's a bunch of names and dates that don't matter much. This book does a wonderful job at introducing many cultures, geographical locations, and historical events in a very simple manner.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Om-kas-toe</b>, Kenneth Thomasma (3) Although this was an interesting picture of the Blackfeet Indians, their lifestyle and introduction to horses, the writing was kind of terrible. It would have been more interesting, perhaps, if the reader had some familiarity with modern day Montana and was able to identify the locations the author mentioned. As it was, the continual interjections of commentary into the story made it harder to stay focused.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1436019417l/386416.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1367141311l/18373.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1428234289l/24817626.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1436135909l/21920682.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347471028l/1104517.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1424980670m/16052012.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328151720m/403745.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1431290910m/860425.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Current Reads:</span><br /><br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>A Walk in the Woods</b>, Bill Bryson. My current audiobook. Isn't this being made into a movie? Usually I like to watch a movie before reading a book, contrary to most readers, but this seemed like a good one to read first.<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>Wolf Winter</b>, Cecilia Eckback. This story is pretty intense! I suppose it could be classified as a crime mystery, but it so thoroughly feels like I've been dropped into 1717 rural Sweden that I can't help but think that this is exactly what historical fiction should be.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Justin Morgan Had a Horse</b>, Marguerite Henry. Current read-aloud to my 11yo daughter. The accents written into the dialogue make this a fun read.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388189974l/9791.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1419320744l/21413846.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1385071784l/79667.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">On My Nightstand:</span><br />Since unpacking my books, I kind of just want to read everything immediately. The plan, though, is to alternate some of the books that have been on my nightstand forever with some of the new books I've picked up. So, next up is The Big Burn by Timothy Egan followed by The Night Watch. We'll see where I go from there.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348837950l/6452538.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1394331077l/550720.jpg" width="129" />Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243923798905252664.post-49515319410262970112015-09-14T23:04:00.000-07:002015-09-14T23:04:27.029-07:00For the Record: August 2015To be honest, I was surprised when I looked back and saw that I'd actually read a few books in August. Summers are always busier than I think they'll be, and this one was even more so. I've been working long days trying to get to the point where we actually feel like we are mostly moved into our home, and that doesn't leave much time or energy for reading. We still have people working on the house every day, but the task list is starting to get smaller (at long last!) My library cabinets are finally being built, and I seriously can't wait to be able to take my books out of storage.<br /><br />I had been planning on joining The Classic's Club for Austen in August, but I only managed to get through the introduction of Northanger Abbey before setting it aside for now. &nbsp;Kind of sad! I did manage to knit a pair of slippers for my 16yo son and a hat for my14yo daughter, (knitting is a more brainless pastime than reading,) so I feel like I accomplished something in August. I'm guessing that the rest of 2015 will be similarly busy, but I'm definitely hoping that life will mellow out a bit come January.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">5 Books</span><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;Read in August:&nbsp;</span>[53 books year-to-date]<br /><br />1 Nonfiction:<br />&nbsp; - <b>Being Mortal</b>, Atul Gawande (5) Frankly, reading the details of how our bodies begin to fall apart was not my idea of good reading...so I am thankful that part didn't last long! This book was written in a very caring, thoughtful manner, and yet was detailed, researched, and organized. As it addresses something we will all eventually face, I'd say this book deserves a wide audience.<br /><br />1 from Powell's Indiespensable:<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>The Diver's Clothes Lie Empty</b>, Vendela Vida (3.5) If you've ever been curious about reading a book written in second person, here's your chance to experience it. It was entertaining, though not captivating.<br /><br />1 Audiobook:<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>The Privileges</b>, Jonathan Dee (2.5) I felt like the narrator did a fine job, but the story felt disjointed and lacking a strong theme. I kept wondering what the point of the story was, and I'm still not sure. It didn't satisfy my appreciation for character studies either, so I was pretty unattached and irritated throughout.<br /><br />2 Other/Fiction:<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>The Killer Angels</b>, Michael Shaara (5) I've had this on my shelf for quite a long time and always thought it would be too militarily technical, but I was mistaken. I'm so glad I finally read it. Breathtaking portrait of the Battle of Gettysburg.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Harry and Hortense at Hormone High</b>, Paul Zindel (4) If that title sounds bizarre, take a gander at the book's cover art. This was one of many books that my 14yo daughter saved from the recycle bin at her school's library, and I couldn't bear for it to go unread. It ended up being funny as well as dealing with serious issues, not to mention being a delightful flashback to the '80s.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1408324949l/20696006.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1420464581l/23590710.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320444302l/6624929.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1355371689l/682804.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://covers.openlibrary.org/b/id/6509729-M.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2 Current Reads:</span><br /><br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>Flora &amp; Ulysses</b>, Kate DiCamillo. This is really a book that I'd typically read in one sitting, but life. It's intelligent and entertaining, and makes me want to get some opinions from my kiddos to see if they'd like it as well.<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>Go Set a Watchman</b>, Harper Lee. My current audiobook, listening to it for my book club. I actually have a hard copy of it but I'm enjoying hearing Reese Witherspoon read it. &nbsp;I may actually be enjoying this book more than To Kill a Mockingbird...or more accurately: I am finding myself appreciating To Kill a Mockingbird more than I could have without reading Go Set a Watchman. It may not be as polished, but I feel that it's a little more honest and raw and I like that.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1424980670l/16052012.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1428234289l/24817626.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">On My Nightstand:</span><br />It grows and it grows, then I put all the books away in a box until I can finally shelve them properly. Then I buy more on impulse because I don't have time to read but want to. I actually have no idea what I'll read next. These are the books I bought on impulse so maybe it'll be one of these:<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1436135909l/21920682.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1402661616l/18718848.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1384157600l/17571907.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1394331077l/550720.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1362409483l/15818107.jpg" width="129" />Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243923798905252664.post-16849336500912319322015-08-21T09:58:00.002-07:002015-08-21T09:58:51.174-07:00Home-Schooling 6th GradeMy youngest daughter is 11, and the only one remaining in my home school. I have a 19yo son that is living at home and working full time for the family business, and my 16yo son and 14yo daughter are going to a local private high school. This last year was rather difficult for everyone in our family, with our remodeling project absorbing so much time and attention, so we are looking forward to a more normal experience this school year.<br /><br />Sixth grade means a couple of things for me. As the last year of elementary school, I want to make sure we are still doing exploratory, discovery, hands-on activities as a method of learning, with practical goals in mind. At the same time, being the last year before middle school, it's time to work on focus and discipline by working on some larger, longer projects. <br /><div><br /></div><div>One of the ways we will be practicing focus and discipline is by putting the cat in quarantine during school hours (so distracting!), and another is by following a preset schedule. I have the tendency to tweak curriculum and write my own, which was great fun in elementary and rather necessary during our house project, but can be hard to keep on top of. I'm excited to have <a href="http://www.sonlight.com/" target="_blank">Sonlight</a> do this for me this year—it has been quite a while since I've followed a Sonlight core in its entirety.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.sonlight.com/images/products/DECP-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sonlight.com/images/products/DECP-l.jpg" height="190" width="320" /></a>The past few years we've been using <a href="http://peacehillpress.com/story-of-the-world/" target="_blank">Story of the World</a> for history (with scattered assorted readers and read-alouds and various activities from their activity guides) and <a href="http://www.totallanguageplus.com/" target="_blank">Total Language Plus</a> for the bulk of our Language Arts. This year, moving on to American History, we will be greatly expanding the number of books we read, and enjoying having our literature and language arts tie in with our studies thanks to <a href="http://www.sonlight.com/DECP.html" target="_blank">Sonlight Core D+E</a>. I already own the majority of the books, though there are a few that I haven't read. I'd love to add in even more books but I'm trying really hard to not be an over-achiever, setting myself up for disaster.</div><div><br /></div><div>For science we will be finishing up Chemistry with<a href="http://www.pandiapress.com/publications/real-science-odyssey/chemistry-level-one/" target="_blank"> Science Odyssey</a>, and adding in some science history with Hakim's <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/227561.The_Story_of_Science?from_search=true&amp;search_version=service" target="_blank">Aristotle Leads the Way</a>. We've been using Math Mammoth for arithmetic but will be adding in some Life of Fred this year for fun, and we'll continue studying spelling with Apples and Pears.<br /><br />All in all, it feels like a very language-centric year and I'm excited about that. In addition to home studies, she is in an art class at a local art studio and in horse-riding lessons nearby, which we both enjoy. We don't begin until after Labor Day, but we are both looking forward to it already. Not least of all because it will mean that I will actually get some reading done!</div>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243923798905252664.post-81234426859910683982015-08-10T10:47:00.000-07:002015-08-10T10:47:34.085-07:00For the Record: July 2015A long, lazy vacation in June meant I actually got some books read. &nbsp;Not the ones in queue, (too much standard Adult Fiction for my tastes lately,) but still much more than expected so I'm not complaining. &nbsp;All the unpacking and organizing is taking much of my time - trying to get caught up before school starts!<br /><br />My homeschooling daughter is in 6th grade this year, and I'm getting excited about our studies (maybe I'll take the time to put together a separate post about some of the books we'll be using.) Last school year was so very hectic with our house project that it ended up being a difficult and dissatisfying school year. &nbsp;We are greatly looking forward to welcoming a routine back into our lives.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">7 Books</span><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;Read in July:&nbsp;</span>[48 books year-to-date]<br /><br />1 Nonfiction:<br />&nbsp; - <b>Dead Wake</b>, Erik Larson (4.5) While this felt a little lighter in content than the other two of his books I've read, (Thunderstruck and Devil in the White City,) I still enjoyed it quite a bit. &nbsp;I had very little knowledge about the Lusitania, and now my curiosity is properly piqued...while at the same time I feel satisfied with the width and depth of knowledge imparted. &nbsp;That perfect balance is my favorite way to feel when finishing a nonfiction book.<br /><br />1 for Book Club:<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>What She Left Behind</b>, Ellen Marie Wiseman (3) This reminded me greatly of Lee Smith's Guests on Earth, as it focused largely on the tradition of admitting women into mental asylums with little cause at the beginning of the 20th century. The details are (of course) infuriating, knowing how much truth is behind them. One of the main faults in Wiseman's book was in writing quality. She tried to balance a modern story with one from the past, and there simply wasn't enough depth of character or plot connection to support it. &nbsp;There were a lot of eye-rolling cliches and overused phrases. Unfortunately I didn't get to discuss this with my book group because I got busy cleaning and unpacking and totally spaced about what night it was. &nbsp;That was a sad night.<br /><br />5 Fiction:<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>My Name is Mary Sutter</b>, Robin Oliveira (4) This book felt Little-Women-ish to me (the movie, not the book, because I've watched the former a zillion times and made it all the way through the book no times.) Strong female characters during the Civil War did it I suppose. The author mentioned Mary Sutter's lack of traditional good looks way too many times, but I still really enjoyed the story. Prodded me to read more about the Civil War, since I really liked the last Civil War novel I read also.<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>Dollbaby</b>, Laura Lane McNeal (3.5) Standard book club fare, like The Help in a way. &nbsp;I liked the New Orleans setting but found most of the book to be too plot oriented with not enough depth for me to really become attached.<br />&nbsp; - <b>When the Emperor Was Divine</b>, Julie Otsuka (3.5) My 16yo son read this as summer reading for his English class this fall. &nbsp;It was a small one so I read it too. &nbsp;I was underwhelmed, though I'm sure that the writing style was a big part of that. In an attempt to make it seem like the events could have happened to anyone, I felt detached and not invested. I have yet to read a book about the WWII Japanese concentration camps that really makes me feel for the characters...not sure if that's a cultural distinction or writing style issue.<br />&nbsp; - <b>Lisette's List</b>, Susan Vreeland (2.5) Oh my, talk about cliche. &nbsp;This was like Chocolat and Under the Tuscan Sun met the Hallmark Channel and After School Specials. With paintings. I liked her older stuff...didn't I? I don't remember now. <br />&nbsp; - <b>We Are Not Ourselves</b>, Matthew Thomas (3.5) I'd been excited about this one for a while, based on nothing other than the hint of an Irish family saga. It didn't end up feeling like a saga to me, just a book not edited for length. Plus I really didn't care for the main character, and this ended up being one of the few times where that actually impinged on my enjoyment of the story.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1408923747l/22551730.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1373226871l/17802747.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1311702603l/8700535.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1421947966l/23398944.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1368314069l/764073.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1432840994l/25619938.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1430084000l/20975187.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2 Current Reads:</span><br /><br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>The Killer Angels</b>, Michael Shaara. I'm not reading this fast enough because I'm so exhausted with unpacking, but it is very very good.<br />&nbsp; -&nbsp;<b>The Privileges</b>, Jonathan Dee. My current audiobook. I should have known better than to choose something superficial after so much of this month's reading, so we aren't really jiving. I'm currently deciding whether to stick with it or leave it until later.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1355371689l/682804.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320444302l/6624929.jpg" width="129" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">On My Nightstand:</span><br />The books on my nightstand are probably getting worn out of being there, so I'm not feeling very attached to them right now. I'm going to try to do a little Austen in August, and we'll see how the rest of it goes.<br /><br /><img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1384016334l/18770245.jpg" width="179" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1408324949l/20696006.jpg" width="129" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img height="200" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1419320744l/21413846.jpg" width="129" />Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com2
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