Booking Through Thursday and Thursday Randomness

Booking Through Thursday:

Today’s question was suggested by Barbara:

Do you think any current author is of the same caliber as Dickens, Austen, Bronte, or any of the classic authors? If so, who, and why do you think so? If not, why not? What books from this era might be read 100 years from now?

Interesting question, but one that is incredibly hard to answer. I mean really, how do you compare Jane Austen to some of our modern authors? What made Charles Dickens so special all those years ago? At least part of it is the quality of the writing. During the 20th Century, we've seen some really fantastic authors whose quality of writing is unbound: John Steinbeck, Toni Morrison, Salman Rushdie, Kazuo Ishiguro, Kurt Vonnegut.

But I also think a part of the equation is a great story. Do we have some phenomenal story tellers today? Damn skippy we do: Neil Gaiman, Stephen King, Margaret Atwood, J.K Rowling. Is Harry Potter or The Stand considered "Great Literature"? No way. But are they still fantastic STORIES? Absolutely. Will people still be reading them 100 years from now? I'd like to think so. I guess only time will tell!!

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Hey all!! I know. It's been a few days since I posted. I haven't been around a whole lot. I was off work this weekend, and my computer was acting up a bit. First, it was a Network cable that had gone bad. Once that was cleared up, a few more problems popped up. I've decided it was a case of demonic possession!! My mouse/pointer started doing all sorts of weird things. Moving to different places all by itself. I changed an adapter, and it's seems to be working ok. For now. If that doesn't work, I'm in the market for an exorcist!

I'm not going to be able to participate this year in the Blogger Secret Santa. I'm really kind of bummed, but I figure the more corners I cut, the better off I'll be. Christmas is coming up quickly. I would, however, like to send out some blogger Christmas cards this year. I just have to figure out how to stalk all of you and find your Real Life addresses!! Is it weird to ask?? I've been trying to decide.....

One of the guys I work with just got a Twitter account. He was asking me questions about it, and I told him I'd follow him. When I went to work yesterday, he told me he followed my link to my blog, and read some of my book reviews. Now, my blog isn't something I advertise to my "Real Life" friends. In fact, most don't know a thing about it. I don't know why, but I've never really felt the need to bring it up. It's just my own little thing, and I kind of like to keep it that way. No one I work with has ever said anything about it and honestly, I didn't figure anyone has ever read it. So, I asked Tommy what he thought. He said, "Wow. They are really good. Like totally professional. Like something I could actually READ in a Newspaper. I can't believe you really wrote them!". I'm still not sure how to take this. Should I be flattered? Or a bit insulted that he didn't think I was smart enough to string together some intelligent, coherent sentences?? I'm going to go with flattered. For the moment, it's easier!!

What am I reading? I'm about 1/2 way through Four and Twenty Blackbirds by Cherie Priest. I was really excited to start it, but I've kind of lost a little steam the last few days. I also started the book of essays, Couldn't Keep it to Myself. A fantastic book. Since I'm working all weekend (on the overnight scene), I'm pretty sure I'll get a fair amount of reading time in. I need to get a few graphic novels under my belt. I have so many books from the library, I REALLY need to get some finished!! Just trying to figure out what to read next!!

Melissa de la Cruz, author of the Blue Blood series, is going to do an interview for me!! I'm pretty stoked about it too. Her publicist contacted me about reviewing the last book in the Blue Blood Series. Told her I would love to, but I haven't read 2 or 3 yet! So, she kindly sent me all 3 books. AND said she would schedule an interview!! I'm hoping to get to one big review for the books, and the interview before Christmas.

I'm thinking that's all for now. I'm already contemplating my 2010 Challenges. Scary, but the list is already getting huge!! I could probably plan out my entire year of reading already. Sheesh. A post for another day!! Maybe tomorrow!!

Later!!

Booking Through Thursday - Recent Informative

What’s the most informative book you’ve read recently?

Timely question!! I was at the library this morning. Yes, I know you are all thinking, what the hell?? Didn't she just check out a truck load of books last week?? What the $^&%@ is she thinking?? Here's the deal. I only went to the library to return the DVDs I checked out. They are due back tomorrow, and I had time today. $.10 late fees on books are one thing. $1.00/day fines on DVDs are another!! While I was waiting for a librarian (I was wanting to request the next Season of the Gilmore Girls), I started looking at the shelf of books to be re-shelved. I'm not a huge fan of non-fiction books, but I do like to browse....when all of sudden, this book jumped off the shelf right into my hands. (well....not exactly, but you get my drift!)

Homework for Grown-ups : Everything you learnt at School...and Promptly Forgot by E. Foley and B. Coates. I know I definitely want to be smarter than a 5th Grader....and trying to help the kids with the homework is getting surprisingly more difficult, I decided to check this book out. There are sections of this book ranging from English Lit to History; Home Ec to Physics. It reads easier than a textbook and is actually a lot of fun.

So...if you don't remember what Iambic pentameter is or who fought in the Battle of Balaclava, pick up a copy of this book and learn along with me!!

There are even quizzes in it, just to see if you learnt it the second time around!

Booking Through Thursday - Sci-Fi/Fantasy

One of my favorite sci-fi authors (Sharon Lee) has declared June 23rd Fantasy and Science Fiction Writers Day.

As she puts it:
So! In my Official Capacity as a writer of science fiction and fantasy, I hereby proclaim June 23 Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Day! A day of celebration and wonder! A day for all of us readers of science fiction and fantasy to reach out and say thank you to our favorite writers. A day, perhaps, to blog about our favorite sf/f writers. A day to reflect upon how written science fiction and fantasy has changed your life.

So … what might you do on the 23rd to celebrate? Do you even read fantasy/sci-fi? Why? Why not?

Uh...Yeah!! I read Sci-Fi and especially Fantasy. One look at my header and you know it's true!! I love them!! I'm a late convert into these genres. It's only been about 5 years for me. A book group that I was in decided to read the book, The Little Country by Charles de Lint. And I was forever hooked!! Some of favorite authors include de Lint, Neil Gaiman, Rachel Caine, Patricia Briggs and Jim Butcher for fantasy. John Wyndym for Sci-Fi. Will be fun posting about them!

What will I do to celebrate? Well, since I have no actual plans, since I had never heard of this before today!! That being said, I probably will do a post on some of my favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy writers one day....and my favorite books the next. Sounds like a good plan??

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It's been a busy week in the Toland household. The kids are leaving on Saturday to go spend the week with the grandparents. Man. I'm going to miss them! So this week, we've been catching up on things, trying to get ready for them to be gone. Swimming on the nice days, softball practices and games. Trying to finish up the laundry so they have plenty of clothes to take with them. Checking in their books for the Summer Reading Program. Watching movies. I'm going to be crazy when they are gone. But maybe I'll get some reading of my own done! I've been so involved with them, I've barely had time to crack a book myself.

I am half-way through Magyk right now. And hope to have it done either tonight or tomorrow. That would put me down to 25 books in the next few weeks. Like that is in any way possible!! Dare to dream, I guess!!

I do have the first book to read for the Nerds Heart YA challenge though. Kelly from YAnnabe choose The Latent Powers of Dylan Fontaine over Leftovers in the first round! So, Dylan Fontaine is waiting for me at the library! I'm still waiting to hear the other selection.

That's it for now!! Happy Thursday everyone!!

Booking Through Thursday - Graphic

Booking Through Thursday

Last Saturday (May 2nd) is Free Comic Book Day! In celebration of comics and graphic novels, some suggestions:

- Do you read graphic novels/comics? Why do/don’t you enjoy them?
- How would you describe the difference between “graphic novel” and “comic”? Is there a difference at all?
- Say you have a friend who’s never encountered graphic novels. Recommend some titles you consider landmark/”canonical”.

I haven't participated in the Booking Through Thursday meme for quite awhile. I usually log in and check out the topic, but I'm either late to the game or just not interested in the topic. Then today, I happened to look at the question....and thought "How Ironic is this?? Incredible Timing!"

In this post (that I made 2 days ago!), I talked about how I had just read my first 2 graphic novels....ever!! So, I guess that's a "Yes" to the first question! And I enjoyed them highly. Some of the best reading I've done all year. I do have to preface this by saying that I took a lot of time trying to decide WHAT graphic novels to read for the first time. I took into account not only topics that I enjoy (ie. fantasy/horror) and a known favorite author, but also a LOT of blogger recommendations. So I was pretty confident if I liked the medium, I would LOVE these 2. And I did!

Is there really a difference between a comic and a graphic novel?? Well, I would definitely say the price!! Graphic novels are expensive. When I think of comics, I think of the cheap little paper-covered "books" that used to be held in racks by the door of our local grocery store. Graphic novels are usually a lot longer and are bound differently. Some graphic novels are collections of a group of comics. But is there any real distinction other than this?? I would have to say, "not really". (how is that for vague?) Although it makes me feel more grown up to say Graphic Novel, in all actuality, it really IS a comic!!

Recommended titles? Definitely see my previous post. The Fables series by Bill Willingham is wonderful. Modern day setting with fairy tale characters!! LOVED it. And The Sandman series by Neil Gaiman that I started is equally fantastic, although very dark. There are tons of Super Hero graphic novels. The Watchmen by Alan Moore is definitely an icon. A cult classic, to be sure. And Maus by Art Spiegelman actually won a Pulitzer Prize!! But I am not a good person to ask this question to because I'm just a newbie. Trust me...there are lots of bloggers out there that can answer this question way better than me!

Happy Thursday!

Booking Through Thursday - Generosity

Booking Through Thursday

Generosity December 18, 2008

Do you give books as gifts?
To everyone? Or only to select people?
How do you feel about receiving books as gifts?


I tend to give EVERYONE books as gifts!! Even my husband, the non-reader, gets books. The last one I bought for him was Nikki Sixx's biography, The Heroin Diaries. But see....that's the beauty of books. There is literally something for everyone!!

My son gets fantasy books. Bella gets anything with Faeries. And Ana is kind of like me. She'll read the back of a cereal box. Right now, she is interested in any of the Early Reader Books.

My brother is another person that will get books for Christmas. His taste is really weird....just like mine! I always buy him something *I* want to read, with the hopes that it will come back to me soon.

Hmmmm....how do I feel about RECEIVING books? Are you kidding? Books are the best gift of all. Well.....a new Mustang Shelby would probably be the BEST ever, but books are right up there!!

Booking Through Thursday - Thankful

Today is Thanksgiving here in the U.S.

Now, you may have noticed that the global economy isn’t exactly doing well. There’s war. Starvation. All sorts of bad, scary things going on.

So–just for today–how about sharing 7 things that you’re thankful for?

This can be about books, sure–authors you appreciate, books you love, an ode to your public library–but also, how about other things, too? Because in times like these, with bills piling up and disaster seemingly lurking around every corner, it’s more important than ever to stop and take stock of the things we’re grateful for. Family. Friends. Good health (I hope). Coffee and tea. Turkey. Sunshine. Wagging tails. Curling up with a good book.

So, how about it? Spread a little positive thinking and tell the world what there is to be thankful for.


Well....this is a question that always gets asked at the Thanksgiving day table....and I always seem to say the same things every year. But I can't help it. That picture there??? Those are the 3 things I am most thankful for in the world!! I mean, honestly. I don't really think I ever thought about having kids before I got married. Not that I didn't like kids...just didn't think much about them. Then BOOM. I'm the mother of 3. Talk about life-changing events!! But I don't even remember what life was like without them. Nor do I want to. I'm so thankful they are all healthy and happy. They are a blessing and my reason for getting out of bed every day.

Other things that I am thankful for?? Family in general. My family, my husband, my in-laws. I may not always agree with them. Or even like them, for that matter. But I don't know what I would do without them.

I'm thankful I have a job. In today's horrible economy, it's something just to be employed. I may complain about the hours I'm working, but all things considered....it's better than the alternative.

I'm thankful that I have a house to live in. I work with a lady that is sleeping at a Salvation Army shelter because she lost her house to foreclosure...and doesn't have any family in the state. Breaks my heart. But makes me thankful for what I have (even if it is in a perpetual state of upheaval!)

I'm thankful for my friends. I don't see them very often. Working so much has a few serious disadvantages. But I do love them. And I know if I ever needed them, they would be here for me.

I'm thankful for my books. Sounds kind of trite with everything else I just listed. But damn. I need something to keep me sane. And a little quiet time with a good book is that island for me in the middle of the insanity I call life.

And lastly, I'm thankful for all of you!! I have come to realize what a wonderful community this really is, and I'm just thankful you all let me be a part of it!!!

So....Happy Thursday. But most importantly.....Happy Thanksgiving!!

Booking Through Thursday - Honesty

Suggested by JM:

I receive a lot of review books, but I have never once told lies about the book just because I got a free copy of it. However, some authors seem to feel that if they send you a copy of their book for free, you should give it a positive review.

Do you think reviewers are obligated to put up a good review of a book, even if they don’t like it? Have we come to a point where reviewers *need* to put up disclaimers to (hopefully) save themselves from being harassed by unhappy authors who get negative reviews?

I could see this question coming from a mile away! After all the controversy from last week I think it's a valid question. But I have to say my answer is a resounding NO. I don't think a blogger is "required" to give a positive review just because an author sends a book.

As I've stated numerous times, when I started this blog I really didn't think anyone else would actually READ it. It was a place for me to log my reading. Kind of like an online journal. Then something weird happened. People did start reading it. I'm very honest with my reviews. If I don't like something, I state the reasons why I don't like it. But I always try to balance out the negatives with the positives. Because there are usually good things with every book I read.

Just because an author chooses to send me a book should not mean I have to be dishonest. I haven't really encountered this problem though. I tend to be pretty selective in choosing books from the numerous requests that I receive. I tend to pick books that I think I would like. Maybe that's a cop out. But if it's a subject matter that interests me, I'm already a step ahead. And I always let any author know that I will give an honest opinion. I always forward a link to the review as well.

For what it's worth, I tend to rely pretty heavily on the word of bloggers. I don't read a lot of professional reviews anymore. I follow word of mouth from the people that I know and respect. That's all of you. If we start trading our values for free books, what does that make us?? I can think of a few choice adjectives, but I don't think I'll put them in print!

Keep up the good work! I know I'm counting on all of you!!

Happy Thursday and Happy Reading!!

Booking Through Thursday - Presents!

What, if any, memorable or special book have you ever gotten as a present? Birthday or otherwise. What made it so notable? The person who gave it? The book itself? The “gift aura?”

Oh....this is an easy question!! My husband is not a reader. I think that is probably the reason that he never thinks to get me books for my birthday. Not that he ever really buys me practical things....he just doesn't think about books when it comes time to buy me something. On the other hand, my kids know me all too well. And they certainly know my favorite authors. A few years back, when Stephen King was releasing the remaining books in the Dark Tower series, I fell behind on getting them myself. I try not to spend a lot of money on myself, and books seem an unnecessary indulgent when times have been so tight. But Chad, my sweet oldest child, decided he wanted to do something special for my birthday. He talked my father-in-law into taking him to Barnes & Noble. He spent his own money and bought me Song of Susannah in the hardback edition (because those are the books I collect). The day before my birthday, he told me he wanted Grandpa to drive him to school because he had to go early. He said he had to study with his friend for a test and was to meet him there early. Silly me. I believed him. So....I told him it would be easier for him to spend the night at Grandpa's and I'd just take the girls. At 8 that morning, as I was getting the girls ready to go, the doorbell rang. There on my front step, grinning from ear to ear was Chad.....holding a wrapped present and a dozen red roses (again...paid for with his own money) for me. Sheesh...I'm crying just thinking about it, so imagine how I reacted that morning.

Last year for my birthday, the whole crew decided to get into the act. Clive Barker had just released Mister B. Gone (another favorite author of mine). Ana, my youngest, didn't have any money to contribute. So Grandpa gave her some "jobs" to do around the house and paid her for them. Which she in turn gave back to help pay for my book. Again....I ended up in tears. God, I love those kids!!

Any memorable gifts that you can think of??

Booking Through Thursday - Conditioning

Mariel suggested this week’s question.

Are you a spine breaker? Or a dog-earer? Do you expect to keep your books in pristine condition even after you have read them? Does watching other readers bend the cover all the way round make you flinch or squeal in pain

OK. This is an easy one. NO, I'm not a spine breaker. Or a dog-earer (although I do not believe dog-earere is really a word). I AM that weird person that gets freaky when her books are touched. My kids and my husband all think I'm slightly manic when it comes to my books. Actually, I don't really think it's a mania. But I do feel I'm a little OCD about certain things. Books, just happen to be one of the things that me a little crazy. I physically cringe to see someone dog-earing a book. And watching a person crack a spine?? Well, usually it takes a paper bag for me to blow into to keep me from hypervenilating!

Weird, I know. But I have an almost reverencial view of books. I KNEW I should have been a librarian......

Happy Thursday!!

Booking Through Thursday - What's on Your Shelves??

Okay–here was an interesting article by Christopher Schoppa in the Washington Post.



Avid readers know all too well how easy it is to acquire books — it’s the letting go that’s the difficult part. … During the past 20 years, in which books have played a significant role in both my personal and professional lives, I’ve certainly had my fair share of them (and some might say several others’ shares) in my library. Many were read and saved for posterity, others eventually, but still reluctantly, sent back out into the world.

But there is also a category of titles that I’ve clung to for years, as they survived numerous purges, frequent library donations and countless changes of residence. I’ve yet to read them, but am absolutely certain I will. And should. When, I’m not sure, as I’m constantly distracted by the recent, just published and soon to be published works.

So, the question is his: “What tomes are waiting patiently on your shelves?“



The better question would probably be what's NOT on my book shelves?? I have shelves of books just waiting to be read. In all honesty, I probably have over 500 books in my home that are just waiting to be picked up. Mind you, I have never actually COUNTED them. That would be just too scary. And it's probably the reason I will never move!!

I went through an eBay phase where I bought boxes of books about 2 years ago. Then there are the library sales. And finally, the stragglers that I pick up one or two (or 5!) at a time from Barnes & Noble or Borders. I've been really good lately about not buying any though.

But for the sake of the question, here are a few of the "tomes" that are awaiting the opportunity to tell me a story:

• The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
• Middlemarch by George Eliot
• Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
• Dracula by Bram Stoker
• Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
• Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
• Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
• The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon
• A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
• Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susannah Clarke

How about you? What's on YOUR shelves?

Booking Through Thursday - Gold Medal Reading

You, um, may have noticed that the Olympics are going on right now, so that’s the genesis of this week’s question, in two parts:

First:
Do you or have you ever read books about the Olympics? About sports in general?
Fictional ones? Or non-fiction? Or both?

And, Second:
Do you consider yourself a sports fan?
Because, of course, if you’re a rabid fan and read about sports constantly, there’s a logic there; if you hate sports and never read anything sports-related, that, too … but you don’t have to love sports to enjoy a good sports story.
(Or a good sports movie, for that matter. Feel free to expand this into a discussion about “Friday Night Lights” or “The Natural” or whatever…)

First of all, I have to admit it. I'm am the quintessential rapid sports fan. I love sports!! I used to love to play. Now, I just love to watch. And it's not just the Olympics. I love football, baseball, volleyball, basketball.....LOVE them!! I love shouting at the TV when I'm angry and I love screaming when I'm happy!! A great Sunday afternoon is one in which I can turn on the TV and watch a football game, or a baseball game.

And this summer, the Olympics have been exciting. I haven't been this into the Olympic games since Mary Lou Retton ran away with the gold, ever so many years ago. Micheal Phelps is a big reason for that. He's amazing! Not so bad on the eyes either. The girls and I have watched all the swim meets, the gymnastics, and even the beach volleyball!

That being said, I've never been a big sports "reader". For some reason, it's never been as exciting for me on the page as it is for me to watch. I did highly enjoy Jim Bouton's CLASSIC book, BALL FOUR, a looky at the rather dark side of Major League Baseball. And FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS was also a phenomenal book. I guess maybe I SHOULD be reading more sports books.

Sports Movies on the other hand are a favorite of mine. Nothing will start tears flowing faster for me, than say the last 15 minutes of FIELD OF DREAMS. Or even FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME or THE ROOKIE. And those are just the baseball movies. What about RUDY? Man...that guy got to compete in just 27 seconds of ONE game. And it still puts a lump in my throat.

How about you?? Happy Thursday!!

Springing - Booking Through Thursday

Well, here where I live, Spring is sprung–weeks early, even. Our lilac bush looks like it will have flowers by this time next week instead of in the middle of May as usual. The dogwood trees, the magnolia trees–all the flowering trees are flowering. The daffodils and crocuses are, if anything, starting to fade. It may only be April 24th but it is very definitely Spring and, allergies notwithstanding, I’m happy to welcome the change of season. What I want to know, is:

Do your reading habits change in the Spring? Do you read gardening books? Even if you don’t have a garden? More light fiction than during the Winter? Less? Travel books? Light paperbacks you can stick in a knapsack?

Or do you pretty much read the same kinds of things in the Spring as you do the rest of the year?

It's been a few weeks since I've done a "Booking Through Thursday" so here goes: Spring is here, if only momentarily. The forecast for the weekend is only in the 50's....with the lows in the 30's. Boo! But the past few days, it's been beautiful, albeit a little on the rainy side.

My reading habits don't usually change with the seasons. I'm one of those people that tend to follow my own path. I will pick up whatever book seems to interest me that day regardless of the season or the weather. I don't garden.....and if I did, I highly doubt I would be reading gardening books anyway!!

The possible exception to this is when I go on vacation. I always pack books to take with me when I travel. (It's the most important packing I do!) And I usually tend to bring books that are lighter, quicker reads. I guess if I ever go any place that's really exciting and adventurous, I might read up on the city. But so far, Disney World is about as exotic as it gets with us!!

Happy Thursday!!

Booking Through Thursday - Playing Editor

Suggested by John :


How about a chance to play editor-in-chief? Fill in the blanks:
__________ would have been a much better book if ______________________.

Interesting question. But a hard one to answer. Truthfully, I don't even know how. Sure there are books that I have questioned , "Why, oh why, did that have to happen?" There are books I have read that I have loved....and books I haven't. Even a few that I would go as far as to say I actually hated. But would I have CHANGED them? Probably not. That's not my right. An author must have a vision when he or she writes, and who am I to question that vision? Doesn't mean I have to like it.

For example, Jodi Picoult has written a lot of books that have some questionable endings. My Sister's Keeper is certainly one of those books. I really loved this book, although the ending left me in tears. Would it have been a better book if one of the main characters hadn't died in the end? Well...I probably wouldn't have cried so much, but it would have changed the tone. It would have been a different book, and I might not have enjoyed it as much.

Certainly Tolstoy could have shortened War and Peace. I mean, come on. Those battle scenes could have been a little....less. But that was the book he wrote, and it has stood the test of time.

Almost ever Stephen King book ends with the knowledge that the creepy-crawly monster is STILL out there. Maybe I would have slept a little better not worrying about what was under my bed at night, but would I have kept reading his books if the endings were are tied up into little neat packages?? Who knows?

So basically, my answer is this: I don't think I would edit anything. The writer's vision is his own, and who am I to judge!

Happy Thursday!

After the Honeymoon - Booking Through Thursday....and Happy Valentine's Day!

I had a post ready for today, but I liked this suggestion from Chris even better, so … thanks, Chris!

Here’s something for Valentine’s Day.
Have you ever fallen out of love with a favorite author? Was the last book you read by the author so bad, you broke up with them and haven’t read their work since? Could they ever lure you back?

As EVERYONE who reads this blog knows, Stephen King is probably my very favorite author. I HEART his work. Of course, there have been books I haven't enjoyed (need I remind anyone of The Tommyknockers??) With the amount of books and stories he has written, I'm going to give him a break on the few clunkers he's published. So the answer is NO. I have never fallen out of love with Uncle Steve. I will never break up him!!

Now....that being said, I used to be a big fan of James Patterson. I though his Alex Cross series was fantastic. At first. Then he started pumping out the books so fast that I was afraid they would start to lack content. And they did. Each new book was the same as the last....the stories started to become so formulaic that I just quit reading them. And really, I don't see myself wasting any more time on them. So, I guess I did break up with Mr. Patterson!!

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!!

Let's Review

This week’s question is suggested by Puss Reboots:

How much do reviews (good and bad) affect your choice of reading? If you see a bad review of a book you wanted to read, do you still read it? If you see a good review of a book you’re sure you won’t like, do you change your mind and give the book a try?

Interesting question!! In the year or so that I have been blogging, there has been a lot of "controversy" over blogger reviews. It seems that many "literary" critics don't like the influx of bloggers that review books. For some reason they think it devalues what they are paid to do. I always review the books that I've read here. I started this blog for that very purpose. But I did it for me. It gave me a chance to put to log the books I've read and give reasons why I liked them or didn't. The fact that others read this blog now is just cake for me.

I DON'T usually pay attention to the so-called literary reviews. If there is a book out there that I want to read, I'm going to read it. Regardless of a review. And if I don't think I'm going to like a book, even a good review doesn't change my mind. I know what I like and what I don't. With that being said, I actually do pay a lot of attention to the BLOGGER reviews. And I'll tell you the reason why. I have come to "know" a lot of bloggers over the past year. When someone I "know" recommends a book, I weigh that a little bit more. And I usually have a better understanding of why that person liked a book. I also know that the average blogger doesn't get paid to review a book. Most bloggers review books out of sheer love. And that to me is worth a lot more than what I can find in any literary review!!

Happy Thursday!!

The Best of 2007 (as well as a Booking Through Thursday)

Wow. Does it seem possible that 2007 is days away from ending?? This year certainly has flew by. In some ways, it was an awful year...and in other ways it was a great year. I started a new job that I like, and everyone is well. So, I really guess you can't beat that!!

As far as reading is concerned, it was a lousy year for me quantity-wise. There just weren't enough hours in the day. BUT quality-wise, I read some exceptional books!! (and for a person that admits to not liking non-fiction books, I was pleasantly surprised!) Here are my top 5 reads of 2007:

1. The Book Thief by Markus Zuzak - Narrated by Death, this is the story of Leisel Meminger, a little girl in Nazi Germany. She is being raised by a foster family, and she steals books. This book left such a mark on me!! I cried for at least the last 50 pages! It was truly the best book I've read in a very long time!

2. American Gods by Neil Gaiman - This story is about the clash between Old World Gods and the new Gods of the Technical Age. Shadow is one of my very favorite literary characters. This book blew me away and cemented Neil Gaiman as one of my favorite authors!

3. The Tender Bar by JR Moehringer - Memoir written by a man about the Bar that changed his life forever. A wonderful story of a boy and his mother, and how they made their dreams come true.

4. Marley & Me: Life and Love With the World's Worst Dog by John Grogan - Another memoir!! John Grogan tells the story of his dog, Marley. Untrainable, hyperactive and a true pain-in-the-butt, Marley is also loyal, lovable and a wonderful part of the family. If you ever had a pet, this book is for you!

5. I am the Messenger by Markus Zuzak - Yep. This guy can WRITE! A story of an average, unmotivated young man and the great things he accomplished. Another book that left me with tears in my eyes!!

These are the best books I've read this year. A few that I would consider runner-ups: Rises the Night by Colleen Gleason, The House of Night Novels by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast, and Beneath a Marble Sky by John Shors.

Like I said. Some great quality books in 2007. What were some of your best books??

Booking Through Thursday - And the Nominee is.....

What fiction book (or books) would you nominate to be the best new book published in 2007?(Older books that you read for the first time in 2007 don’t count.)

What non-fiction book (or books) would you nominate to be the best new book published in 2007?(Older books that you read for the first time in 2007 don’t count.)

And, do “best of” lists influence your reading?

Truth be told, I'm usually a little behind when it comes to new books. I always have a list that I want to read, but by the time I get to them, it's usually after the year they are published!! There are a few exceptions to the rule. I did read Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult when it came out. It was good. Not as great as some of her other books.

The best 2 new series that I started this year are the House of Night Books by P.C. Cast (the last one was published this year - Betrayed - and it was fantastic!!) and the Gardella Vampire Series by Colleen Gleason. Book number 2, Rises the Night, was wonderful.

I think that "Best of" lists do influence my reading. If for nothing else, it's just another list of books that sound interesting to me!! I always read them and add a few to my reading list for NEXT year!!

Booking Through Thursday - Catalog

Do you use any of the online book-cataloguing sites, like Library Thing or Shelfari? Why or why not? (Or . . . do you have absolutely no idea what I’m talking to?? (grin))

If not an online catalog, do you use any other method to catalog your book collection? Excel spreadsheets, index cards, a notebook, anything?

Yes, I use Library Thing to catalog my books. Trouble is, I have so many books, I just haven't found the time to get them all listed!! It's on the list of things "To Be Done Someday!" I do like the idea of having all my books listed. And I like to add books that I have read. You know. The ones I've checked out from the library. I even added a few reviews. But as with most things in my life, I just haven't found the time to do it all.

I do like the Early Reviewers section!! I even got a copy of Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell from Random House. Hopefully, I will get it soon!! If you'd like to see the books I have listed, you can check me out under my username Stephlee_77. Add me to your friends!

Happy Thursday!!

Booking Through Thursday - Volume

Would you say that you read about the same amount now as when you were younger? More? Less?Why?

If I was going to be truthful, I would say that I read less now. Although I think the quality of the books I read now are far superior to what I used to read, I just don't have as much time. Life has certainly gotten in the way of my fun!! But with work, kids, all the activities of those said kids, and a home, there just aren't enough hours in the day to read! Of course, that hasn't stopped me from BUYING more books!! I guess I'm saving up for my retirement!

(By the way.....Happy Birthday Deb!)

Booking Through Thursday - Read with Abandon?

Today’s suggestion is from Cereal Box Reader:

I would enjoy reading a meme about people’s abandoned books. The books that you start but don’t finish say as much about you as the ones you actually read, sometimes because of the books themselves or because of the circumstances that prevent you from finishing. So . . . what books have you abandoned and why?

I'm one of those people that HATES to quit reading a book....even if I'm having a hard time with it (ie The Sea by John Banville). But there have been a couple of books that I have stopped reading in the last few years.

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson was such a dull, dry book that I had to stop. It took me almost a week to read about 40 pages. I just couldn't stand any more!!

Wings of the Dove by Henry James. Ack! This book was SO hard to read. Sentences would run for more than a page. Paragraphs would run for 3 pages. By the time I read the preface, I knew I wasn't going to finish this book!

OK....this may be a book that everyone LOVES (so don't hate me for saying it!) Wuthering Heights by Bronte. I actually think it was probably timing when I tried to read this one. The characters just annoyed me so much....they were all crazy!! And I think I had a lot of preconceived ideas about what this book was about. By the time I got to about the 8th chapter, I just had enough. I will definitely try to read it again sometime. And hopefully, I will get through it!!

Happy Thursday!