So Many Books, So Little Time

I know June is technically not over yet but there is no way that I am going to finish In the Garden of Beasts today so I am done for the month.  As of this point in the year I have read 101 books towards my goal of 150 so I can definitely slow down on reading if I feel like it. Here is what I read in June: Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich To the Nines by Janet Evanovich A Long Way Gone:  Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah Tolstoy and the Purple Chair:  My Year of Magical Reading by Nina Sankovitch Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel Queen by Right by Anne Easter Smith Cry Wolf by Tami Hoag Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning Johnny One-Eye by Jerome Charyn The Summer Garden by Paullina Simons Bright Lights, Big Ass by Jen Lancaster Ten Big Ones by Janet Evanovich What did you read in June?

From Goodreads:  Jen Lancaster hates to burst your happy little bubble, but life in the big city isn't all it's cracked up to be. Contrary to what you see on TV and in the movies, most urbanites aren't party-hopping in slinky dresses and strappy stilettos. But lucky for us, Lancaster knows how to make the life of the lower crust mercilessly funny and infinitely entertaining. Whether she's reporting rude neighbors to Homeland Security, harboring a crush on her grocery store clerk, or fighting-and losing-the Battle of the Stairmaster- Lancaster explores how silly, strange, and not-so-fabulous real city living can be. And if anyone doesn't like it, they can kiss her big, fat, pink, puffy down parka. My Thoughts:  I love Jen Lancaster!  She is absolutely hysterical and her sarcasm just blows my mind.  This is the third book of hers that I have read and I would never have started reading her books if someone had not given me Bitter is the New Black in a book exchange...

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren .  It is a place to showcase books I have purchased, won or borrowed from the library. Here is my haul for the week. From the library: The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey Portrait in Sepia by Isabel Allende Giveaway win (Thanks Amy at Passages to the Past!): The Confessions of Catherine de Medici by C.W. Gortner What's in your mailbox?

From Goodreads:  From the bestselling author of The Girl in Times Square, comes the magnificent conclusion to the saga that was set in motion when Tatiana fell in love with her Red Army officer, Alexander Belov, in wartime Leningrad in 1941. Tatiana and Alexander have since suffered the worst the twentieth century had to offer. After years of separation, they are miraculously reunited in America, the land of their dreams. They have a beautiful son, Anthony. They have proved to each other that their love is greater than the vast evil of the world. But though they are only in their twenties, in their hearts they are old, and they are strangers. In the climate of fear and mistrust of the Cold War, dark forces are at work in the US that threaten their life and their family. Can they be happy? Or will the ghosts of yesterday reach out to blight even the destiny of their firstborn son? Epic in scope, masterfully told, The Summer Garden is a novel of unique and devastating emotional pow...

The Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Jen at Crazy for Books and is a way to meet new bloggers and check out some really awesome blogs. This week's question is:  When did you realize reading was your passion and a truly important part of your life?   I can not really answer this question.  I have loved reading my entire life; I used to get in trouble in school because I would read in class instead of paying attention.  I also would get grounded from reading non-school books because my parents knew that was a really good (i.e. bad) punishment for me.  I would have to say that reading has been a life long love of mine, there wasn't ever one 'aha' moment for me. What about you?

I am so excited!  I pre-ordered "The Summer Garden" by Paullina Simons and was able to download it to my nook this morning.  I started reading it while I was eating breakfast and can already tell that I am going to love it!

From Goodreads:  Johnny One-Eye is bringing about the rediscovery of one of the most "singular and remarkable [careers] in American literature" (Jonathan Yardley, Washington Post Book World ). In this picaresque tour de force that reanimates Revolutionary Manhattan through the story of double agent John Stocking, the bastard son of a whorehouse madam and possibly George Washington, Jerome Charyn has given us one of the most memorable historical novels in years. As Johnny seeks to unlock the mystery of his birth and grapples with his allegiances, he falls in love with Clara, a gorgeous, green-eyed octoroon, the most coveted harlot of Gertrude's house. The wild parade of characters he encounters includes Benedict Arnold, the Howe brothers, "Sir Billy" and "Black Dick," and a manipulative Alexander Hamilton. My Thoughts:  As I have said numerous times, I love historical fiction.  Unfortunately, I hated this book.  The only reason I finished it is bec...

Reading is my number one hobby but there are other things I like to do.  One of those hobbies is cake decorating.  I used to work as a cake decorator during my freshman year of college (10 years ago) but it's only been in the last year that I have really started doing it again.  Last week I made my first tiered cake for my old boss to celebrate the birth of her granddaughter.  Here is the end result:   It definitely wasn't perfect but I think it turned out decent for a first try. What other things do you like to do besides reading?

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.   It is a way to highlight books I have purchased, borrowed from the library or downloaded to my nook.  This week I have been really bogged down in Johnny One-Eye and didn't get very many new books this week. Free Downloads for Nook Daughter of Joy by Kathleen Morgan Stuck in the Middle by Virginia Smith What's in your mailbox?

From Goodreads:   An alluring laird He was known throughout the kingdom as Hawk, legendary predator of the battlefield and the boudoir. No woman could refuse his touch, but no woman ever stirred his heart - until a vengeful fairy tumbled Adrienne de Simone out of modern-day Seattle and into medieval Scotland. Captive in a century not her own, entirely too bold, too outspoken, she was an irresistible challenge to the sixteenth-century rogue. Coerced into a marriage with Hawk, Adrienne vowed to keep him at arm's length - but his sweet seduction played havoc with her resolve. A prisoner in time She had a perfect "no" on her perfect lips for the notorious laird, but Hawk swore she would whisper his name with desire, begging for the passion he longed to ignite within her. Not even the barriers of time and space would keep him from winning her love. Despite her uncertainty about following the promptings of her own passionate heart, Adrienne's reservations were no match f...

Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Jen at Crazy for Books and it's a way to for book bloggers to connect and check out other blogs. This week's question is:  How many books are currently in your 'To Be Read' (TBR) pile? My goodreads 'to be read' list says that I have 153 books on it.  I feel like there may be more.  I never really make progress in my TBR pile because I am always adding more books to it. How about you?  How many books are in your TBR pile?

From Goodreads:  In the rural parishes of Louisiana young women are disappearing one by one, only to turn up on the banks of the bayou, strangled and cast aside where they are sure to be found. All attorney Laurel Chandler wanted was a place to hide from the memories of a case that had nearly destroyed her life. But coming back to the peaceful streets of her hometown doesn't give Laurel the serenity she craves. For in the sultry heat of a Louisiana summer, a ruthless predator strikes. And Laurel is lured into a game from which there may be no escape... My Thoughts:  This book has an intriguing premise and the synopsis on the back of the book convinced me to read it.  Unfortunately, it was not anywhere near as good as it sounds.  I did not really like the character of Laurel Chandler though I did feel bad for her and the story seemed to center more around her issues than the murders that were being committed around her.  The romance aspect of the novel w...

From Goodreads:  From the award-winning author of A Rose for the Crown, Daughter of York, and The King’s Grace comes another masterful historical novel—the story of Cecily of York, mother of two kings and the heroine of one of history’s greatest love stories. Anne Easter Smith’s novels are beloved by readers for their ability “to grab you, sweep you along with the story, and make you fall in love with the characters.” • In Cecily Neville, duchess of York and ancestor of every English monarch to the present day, she has found her most engrossing character yet.History remembers Cecily of York standing on the steps of the Market Cross at Ludlow, facing an attacking army while holding the hands of her two young sons. Queen by Right reveals how she came to step into her destiny, beginning with her marriage to Richard, duke of York, whom she meets when she is nine and he is thirteen. Raised together in her father’s household, they become a true love match and together face personal tr...

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren .  It's a way to share books I picked up from the library, purchased or downloaded to my nook during the week.  I don't have that many this week which is good since I am a little behind on my reading. From the Library: Cry Wolf by Tami Hoag The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan Nook download: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs Have a great week!

Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Jen at Crazy for Books and it's a way to for book bloggers to connect and check out other blogs.  This week it is hosted by Lori at Lori's Reading Corner . This week's question is:  "Who is the author that you are dying to meet?" I would LOVE to meet Diana Gabaldon.  I am thoroughly obsessed with the Outlander series and would love to meet the genius behind the series.  I am always checking her website to see if she is making any appearances in my neck of the woods. Which author would you love to meet?

From Goodreads:  "Lock Cromwell in a deep dungeon in the morning," says Thomas More, "and when you come back that night he'll be sitting on a plush cushion eating larks' tongues, and all the gaolers will owe him money." England, the 1520s. Henry VIII is on the throne, but has no heir. Cardinal Wolsey is his chief advisor, charged with securing the divorce the Pope refuses to grant. Into this atmosphere of distrust and need comes Thomas Cromwell, first as Wolsey's clerk, and later his successor. Cromwell is a wholly original man: the son of a brutal blacksmith, a political genius, a briber, a charmer, a bully, a man with a delicate and deadly expertise in manipulating people and events. Ruthless in pursuit of his own interests, he is as ambitious in his wider politics as he is for himself. His reforming agenda is carried out in the grip of a self-interested parliament and a king who fluctuates between romantic passions and murderous rages. From one of ...

Summertime is here and with that comes Summer reading!!  When I lived in California I would take my book out on the patio or to the beach and spend the day reading outside.  Here in the Midwest, it is a little to hot for me to spend the day outside reading so it's something to do inside in the air conditioning.  This summer I am participating in the summer reading program at the library.  The goal for that program is to read five books set in five different continents which I think sounds fun!  I also hope to catch up on books I have purchased and haven't had time for yet. What's in your Beach Bag? is a summer reading link up for bloggers hosted by http://lifeisshort-readfast.blogspot.com/ and http://readingwithmartinis.com/ .  It's a way to show off what you are excited to read this summer.  If you are interested in participating, you should check out their blogs for more information. My summer list is kind of long and I am not sure if I will g...

From Goodreads:  Nina Sankovitch has always been a reader. As a child, she discovered that a trip to the local bookmobile with her sisters was more exhilarating than a ride at the carnival. Books were the glue that held her immigrant family together. When Nina's eldest sister died at the age of forty-six, Nina turned to books for comfort, escape, and introspection. In her beloved purple chair, she rediscovered the magic of such writers as Toni Morrison, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ian McEwan, Edith Wharton, and, of course, Leo Tolstoy. Through the connections Nina made with books and authors (and even other readers), her life changed profoundly, and in unexpected ways. Reading, it turns out, can be the ultimate therapy. Tolstoy and the Purple Chair also tells the story of the Sankovitch family: Nina's father, who barely escaped death in Belarus during World War II; her four rambunctious children, who offer up their own book recommendations while helping out with the cooking and cl...

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.   It is a way to showcase books I have purchased, borrowed from the library or downloaded to my nook. From the Library: Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning Bright Lights, Big Ass by Jen Lancaster Queen by Right by Anne Easter Smith Goodreads Giveaway: Tolstoy and the Purple Chair:  My Year of Magical Reading by Nina Sankovitch Nook Download: Life's a Beach by Claire Cook Hapy Reading this week!

From Goodreads:  My new friends have begun to suspect I haven’t told them the full story of my life. "Why did you leave Sierra Leone?" "Because there is a war." "You mean, you saw people running around with guns and shooting each other?" "Yes, all the time." "Cool." I smile a little. "You should tell us about it sometime." "Yes, sometime." This is how wars are fought now: by children, hopped-up on drugs and wielding AK-47s. Children have become soldiers of choice. In the more than fifty conflicts going on worldwide, it is estimated that there are some 300,000 child soldiers. Ishmael Beah used to be one of them. What is war like through the eyes of a child soldier? How does one become a killer? How does one stop? Child soldiers have been profiled by journalists, and novelists have struggled to imagine their lives. But until now, there has not been a first-person account from someone who came through this hell and ...

Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Jenn at Crazy for Books and it's a great way to for book bloggers to connect and check out other blogs. This week's question is: Share your favorite post from the last month and tell us why it's close to your heart. This is lame but my favorite post from the last month would have to be the review I wrote on Auschwitz:  A New History.  This is not because the review was particularly deep or anything like that; it is due to the feedback I received.  A fellow blogger commented that there was a companion documentary to the book and I was actually able to find it at my local library (another reason why I love that place!).  So now I have a great documentary to watch next weekend (I am a total history so I love documentaries!).  Thanks Silsbee!

I live in a relatively small town and from my past experience of living in small towns I have found that small town libraries are not very good.  This is so not the case for my local library...it is AWESOME!  They have such a great selection of books, DVD's, CD's and audio books that it is hard not to find what I want.  If they don't have it, they will do whatever they can to get it to you through Interlibrary Loan or by purchasing it for the library.  I really want to read Anne Easter Smith's new book "Queen by Right" and my local library did not have it and no other library wanted to loan it out through ILL so my library just went ahead and purchased it!  I also love how easy it is to use my library.  I can sit at home and search their online catalog, request all the books I want and they will get them off the shelf for me and email me when they are ready to be picked up.  I know that makes me kind of lazy but I don't always have time to run to the l...

From Goodreads:  BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights’ most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break. PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn’t want—and couldn’t escape. Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal’s antique pages—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and...