Category Archives: Reading & Book Reviews

Currently

Several of my fellow bloggers periodically share with their followers what they’re reading, eating, watching, etc.  When I first started blogging, I sort of did this with my “Things to be Excited About” posts, but I stopped writing those, because the title started to bug me.  A year later, I still haven’t come up with a clever and original LKM title for these posts, so I’m going to unabashedly borrow the “Currently” label.  Currently, I am…

Reading.  As I mentioned in my FTSF post last week, I have been indulging in quite a bit of reading to help me get through the winter.  I read SoulSpace by Xorin Balbes, which was recommended to be by Kelly McKenzie, and it was fabulous.  I read it in conjunction with the Life Channing Habit of Typing Up, and the two books really motivated me to get my act together (more below).  I just finished Family Pictures by Jane Green, and although it was good, it was not what I thought it was going to be – and the ending is cheesy.  IMG_20150227_125421_013 (3)I’m getting ready to start A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner for my book club.  I’ve been book club-less for about two years and, finally, someone has taken pity on me and invited me to join.  I’m so excited!

 

Listening.  My thirst for good books cannot be quenched by reading alone alas, I’m also an audio book junkie.  I’ve just listened to three very different books.  Queen Bees and Wannabes is all about adolescent girls and their relationships.  Oh, it was a frightening read.  My heart aches for my daughter, as she gets ready to tiptoe around the landmines of middle and high school.  The book about tidying that I referenced above is fantastic!  (It’s a very brief read or listen.) I was emptying closets as I listened, so motivated was I.  I’m still going – and it feels great.  I will leave you with a little preview below of the current state of my office, ten days after I purged.  I’m so excited.  It feels great!  Future post about organizing (yes, I am seriousJ).  Finally, I listened to a fantastic Johnathon Tropper novel, The Book of Joe.  I think Tamara is the one who recommended that to me?  I think I’m going to read all of Tropper’s backlist.  I loved it.  Continue reading Currently

My Favorite Books of 2014

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I’m an unabashed book nerd.  I love writing about books and would do it exclusively – if I thought anyone would read/enjoy it – but my stats say otherwise.  So, alas, I have backed off on the book reviews.  But ironically, my “favorite books of the year” posts have traditionally done well, so here we are again.  I did a lot of reading this past year my friends, beating my numbers from last year.  I consumed roughly (more on that below) 105 books.  It was split evenly between fiction and nonfiction, with a variety of subgenres.  Continue reading My Favorite Books of 2014

So Many Books, So little Time!

Lately I’ve been doing a lot of writing and this has cramped my reading style. As you know, not much comes between me and my books – just ask my neglected husband and children.   I’m joking!  Kind of…

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Seriously though, I’m way behind on my reading. My “to-read pile” is starting to pass my “read pile.”  Also, I have reading goals I set for myself (dork!) and book reviews that are due.  Yikes!  Adding to this panic is the fact that in addition to four assignments I have due this week – I leave for the Type A Parent Blogger Conference early Friday morning.  Once I get back, I’m planning to refocus some of my energy on reading.  These are the books I’m going to enjoy next. Continue reading So Many Books, So little Time!

September Happenings

It’s been a while since I wrote a “catch-up” post about what I’m doing, reading and watching.  This post is also a partial link-up with Mama Kat’s World’s Greatest Writing Workshop.    I didn’t have a whole lot to write about on the new fall television line-up, so I decided to combine the two.  If you’re visiting from Mama Kat, please forgive me (but I hope you stick around, so I can learn more about you).

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Writing prompt:  Share the fall lineup you’re looking forward to.

Last year, I wrote a post all about the new fall television shows that was featured at Chick Lit Plus.  I did some research for that article and thought I had the winners and losers figured out.  I was wrong, so I’ve saved myself the trouble (and time) this year.  I’m going to wait a few weeks before watching anything new – to see what the critics and my fellow bloggers (who are usually attuned to the most buzz-worthy shows) like.  I’ve also been bruised one too many times by shows that I love getting axed way too soon.  With just a cursory glance at Entertainment Weekly’s site, my only interest at this point is Bad Judge (I love Kate Walsh) and Madame Secretary (love political dramas).  We shall see.  I am, however, very excited for my returning favorites!!!!  In no particular order; Revenge, The Good Wife, The Goldbergs, Nashville, Blue Bloods and ParenthoodContinue reading September Happenings