Add it to my list vol.2

Lauren and Bre's (relatively new) link-up is all about things we recommend, right?  Well, I recommend reading books.  I recommend talking about books that we read.  I recommend sharing books that we enjoy.  I recommend paying it forward.  And, I recommend receiving little care packages in the mail.  So...with that being said, here's a way that I'd like to combine those things I recommend and what I'd like you to add to your list...

(...inspired and finessed from ideas shared by Megan who suggested a book exchange in my book challenge group and Steph who offered last week to send books she'd read as long as you pass along the books once you've read them.)

My regular habit, after I've read a book that I own, is to exchange it at a secondhand bookstore (I'm a big fan of secondhand books) or donate it to the library or Lifeline stores.  I am willing to offer those books to my fellow book lovin' bloggers.  I will mail it to you (free of charge!) with only a few simple stipulations:

• you don't mind when you receive it because Australia Post is not always the greatest with delivering something in a timely manner when economy post is chosen, AND if I have a lot of books to send at once, so I don't break the bank, I may scatter it out when I send them
• you claim one of these books in the next couple of weeks; they are ready to go to a new home and they are taking up space on a floor in my already too-cluttered home
• you actually read the book
• you pay it forward by giving/sending a book to another reader

How great is this recommendation?  A book sharing, mail receiving, pay it forward-ing activity!  Are you interested??  Then, add one (or more) of these to your list.

Here are the following books that I have available to send to anyone who is interested (first come, first serve):

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty - CLAIMED
Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers - CLAIMED
Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town by Jon Krakauer - CLAIMED
Still Missing by Chevy Stevens
The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt - CLAIMED
The Girl Before by Rena Olsen - CLAIMED
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd - CLAIMED
Everything Changes by Jonathan Tropper - CLAIMED
Same Kind of Different as Me by Denver Moore, Ron Hall
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
Kill Your Friends by John Niven - CLAIMED
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch - CLAIMED
A Murder in Time by Julie McElwain - CLAIMED
Trail of Broken Tears by Sejal Badani
 
Joining Lauren and Bre for the first "Add It to My List" link-up...

Will you add this activity to your list?  Will you take a book, read it, and pass it along?  Will you offer up your own books that you've read that are collecting dust and you don't need to keep?

Reading Habits vol.1

Emma at "ever emma" shared this post about her reading habits, and good gracious, I knew straight away that I was going to steal borrow it from her.  Sure, it would be great to do this at the end of every year.  But, I can't wait that long!  How about the end of every June and every December.  But, the end of June has come and gone.  How about the end of July/start of August?  Okay! 

Let's look at my reading habits up to this point for 2016.  According to goodreads, I've read 57 books so far.

Fiction vs. Non-Fiction:  This one is no surprise.  I read mostly fiction (48 books); I dabble in non-fiction (9 books).

Format:  Again, no surprise.  I like my books.  I don't even own an e-reader or an ipad.  I'm so old-fashioned. 

Source:  I was pretty pleased with this outcome.  I've been making an effort to #ReadMyBooks that are sitting on my bookshelf at home.  I think this shows that I'm sorta kinda maybe making a dent in those stacks.

Genre:  I know I read an assortment of genres.  I enjoy mixing it up.  I guess this (again, sorta kinda maybe) shows that is true.  Heavy on the crime/mystery/thrillers. 

Ratings:  I think this is the category that surprised me the most...the fact that I am happy to give away 4star and 5star ratings.  Then again, it doesn't surprise me all that much.  I am weird about book-bashing (I don't like to do it all that often).  So, I'm probably generous in that department.  And, I am pretty good about knowing what I'm going to enjoy. 

Best in Fiction:  Damn, this is tough...after all, you can see I've rated 19 books so far with 5stars, and several have really stuck with me...to pick just one is tough...I've fallen in love with books by Ruta Sepetys, so I will say Out of the Easy.

But, on a different day, or in a different hour, I may have picked The Cartel by Don Winslow, or Please Come Back from the Moon by Dean Bakopoulos, or I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson, or The Pearl That Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi, or, or, or...

Best in Non-Fiction:  Not My Father's Son by Alan Cumming

Biggest Surprise:  The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan; I honestly did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did.

Best Series Started:  I think the only series I've started (I've read several series books, but not the start of one) is Tana French's "Dublin Murder Squad", and I've only read the first book - In the Woods - but I do plan to read more.

Best "New to Me" Author:  I've been pretty lucky; I've read several fantastic books by authors that are new to me.  I'll go with Clare Mackintosh (I Let You Go) for a couple of reasons: I liked this thriller so much that I've put myself on the library's reserve list for her new release before it has even been released (I See You), and she replied more than once to a tweet that I mentioned her...so, you know, she's kinda sorta maybe my best friend now.

Most Memorable Character:  Without a doubt, Shorty from The Thicket by Joe R. Lansdale

Most Thought-Provoking:  Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent  I actually said so in my review on goodreads: 

"Uplifting, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking. Culturally and socially, this book is educational. Morally, this book is inspirational. Lessons of love, faith, forgiveness, change, philanthropy, and more. I respected the honest (sometimes brutally, painfully honest) description of the pain and suffering of a terminal illness. It made the other parts of the story carry merit and truth...parts that a reader could assume were sensationalized or exaggerated. For any person of faith, read this book. For others, read this book. Everyone, read this book."

Book lovin' bloggers, I'd love for you to steal borrow this post idea as well.  I enjoy learning about other people's reading habits. 

Did you learn anything new about my reading habits?

Book Challenge by Erin III

If you've read this blog for any amount of time at all, you know I love books.  I read.  I like to talk about books.  I'm a sucker for book challenges.  I started my own challenge a year ago hosting it through a facebook group page.  My thought was this: if I host it through facebook, that's another venue to talk about books with my fellow readers.  I am already in a few challenges that link back to blogs, but not facebook.  I'm pretty happy and proud of the group I've got happening on facebook.  It's so fun to see a collection of readers that are my high school friends, friends of friends, friends around the globe, all coming together for a mutual love of books.  If you're a reader, please join us.  Even just join the group to follow along with the fun.  Or jump in and rock the challenge!


Here's the information about the latest challenge:

Book Challenge by Erin III

General Rules

• ·         First and foremost, have fun. Don't stress. No one is being judged, graded, or penalized. Even if you finish only one book the entire challenge, if you enjoy it and it's an accomplishment for you, then that's awesome.
• Join the facebook group Book Challenge by Erin
• ·         The challenge will run from July 1, 2015, to October 31, 2015. No books that are started before 12 a.m. on July 1 or finished after 11:59 p.m. on October 31 will count.  (We live in different time zones – follow this according to your own time zone.)
• ·         Each book must be at least 200 pages long.   Audio books are fine too.
• ·         A book can only be used for one category, and each category can only be completed once. If you want to switch the category of a book, or change the book you originally chose, no worries. 
• ·         You can read your books in any order you choose.
• ·         Rereads can be used only once.  If a book you love fits into a category, go ahead and visit it again.  Read it in its entirety.  But, only do this once for the challenge.
• ·         Please post a preliminary list with books of your choice according to their categories on the facebook group page.  If you need help with a particular category or want a book suggestion, we as a community of reading enthusiasts can help each other.
• ·         There will be a photo album for each category with links to books chosen.  Please comment on the photo for each of your books when you finish reading them.  A comment can include a review, a rating, a recommendation…other readers want to hear what you thought of your choice.
• ·         There will be 10 book categories with a possibility of earning 200 points.   That’s 10 books in four months.  For some of you, this will be a BIG challenge; for others it will be easy peasy.  It’s all for fun, remember!
• ·         Book categories will be posted the middle of this month to give you time to gather books in preparation. 
• ·         The first three people who finish the challenge will be invited to contribute a category for the next challenge. The top winner will get a small prize from me!  Plus, everyone who completes the challenge will gets all sorts of recognition and support!
• ·         Lastly, have fun.  Don't stress. No one is being judged, graded, or penalized. Even if you finish only one book the entire challenge, if you enjoy it and it's an accomplishment for you, then that's awesome.  Wait, I’ve read that somewhere before…

Good luck!

Book Challenge by Erin III

Categories

·         5 points:  Read a book, any book that is at least 200 pages long. 

·         10 points:  Read a book with one of the following words in the title: “girl(s)”, “boy(s)”, “woman (women)”, or “man (men)”. 

·         10 points:  Read a book with a three word title. 

·         15 points:  Read a book with a number in the title (not the book number in a series, but an actual number in the title). 

(Examples:  1984 by George Orwell, One Plus One  by Jojo Moyes)

·         20 points:  Take the first letter of your last name…The title of your book should begin with that letter. (Examples:  Gray – title should begin with “G”; Gone With the Wind  by Margaret Mitchell or The Great Gatsby  F. Scott Fitzgerald will count too)

·         20 points:  Read a book set in any country in Latin America.

·         25 points:  Read a book by any of the female authors featured in this article by Time magazine: These are the 21 Female Authors You Should Be Reading.  (Girl Power!) http://time.com/63548/goldfinch-female-authors-reading/

·         30 points:  Read a book of short stories (any genre, just make sure it is 200 pages in total).  (submitted by Meredith)

·         30 points:  Read a book that was a Newberry Award winner (medal winner or honor book).  (submitted by Nikki E.) http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberyhonors/newberymedal

35 points:  Read a banned/challenged book from the list provided on the following link by the American Library Association (submitted by Amanda); Frequently Challenged Books from the 21^st Century =   http://www.ala.org/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10

 

List #25 - I'll show you my books, you show me yours... vol.3

ISteph and Jana host a monthly link-up - a place for bloggers & readers to share what books they've read the previous month.  I blog.  I read.  I've talked about the multiple book challenges I'm tackling.  So, this link-up is a great way to share my thoughts on books I've read, keep track of my book challenges, and find (even more!) books to read that are shared by others.

I know, I know.  I already posted about a book today.  That was a requirement for challenges that I'm participating in.  Sorry not sorry for the repetition.  I've read a lot this month.  This may be some kind of record for me.  I probably deserve a treat for my efforts.

 1.  Stolen by Lucy Christopher - I read this for the Aussie Author Book Challenge, and you can read my review here.  Go on.  Read it.  Because this book was gooood.

 

 2.  The Martian by Andy Weir -  Story - wonderful. Characters - fantastic. But....... I'm not science-y enough for this. I skimmed A LOT. The math talk and science talk was WAY over my head and out of my zone of interest. When talks of oxygenators, RTGs, EVAs, how much space needed for farming, how many solar panels needed for energy, etc...it was too much for me. All VERY important things to maintain life, but things I'm happy we have scientists to study and mathematicians to calculate. Astronauts are smarrrrrrt. The characters are the winners for me. If it weren't for the characters, I would have quit the book.  I will watch the movie because I really like the casting.

 3.  The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom - When I finished this book, I was almost at a loss for words. I experienced a full range of emotions from disgust to joy. The most important lesson to me to take from this story is what traits determine a family...loyalty, protection, support, and love...regardless of birthright, heritage, or race.  A book filled with interesting characters that will make you feel all kinds of "stuff".  

4.  The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith - This was my first J.K. Rowling book (because she's who wrote it).  Don't try to draw me into your Harry Potter world.  I'm glad you're a fan.  I'm not interested.  Anyhoo.  It took me a little while to get pulled into this. I felt the skeleton was there, but the meat and muscle wasn't. I'm glad I persisted because I grew fond on the lead detective; he's the kind of damaged goods character that I enjoy.  I was happy with how most pieces of the story came together.  There was one big question I had that wasn't answered very well, but I can't really discuss that without giving away important details. So, forget I said anything.  This book did not convince me that J.K. Rowling is the world's greatest writer, but I plan on reading the new book in this series, so I thought it was good enough for that. 

 5.  All That I Am by Anna Funder - I read this for the Aussie Author Challenge.  I thought this was a superb historical fiction read, so if you're into that sort of thing, read my review.

6.  Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell - Again, Rainbow Rowell has written characters who are almost impossible not to fall in love with. Reagan - although a supporting role, was my favorite character by far. I loved her spirit.  The only criticism I have is I never "got" Harry Potter, so I had to be really creative in imagining the love and fandom of the world of Simon and Baz. If you were into HP, then you'd like this book even more than I did. A joy to read.

The next three books that I read (7,8,9) were all for the Aussie Author Challenge - you can read what I thought of all three of them in this review.  Go read now; I'll still be waiting here for you to return.

 7.  Strange Places by Will Elliott 

8.  Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

 9.  Frantic by Katherine Howell

  10.  Private L.A. by James Patterson and Mark Sullivan - I am one of the reasons James Patterson is a gazillionaire.  I read almost all of his books.  I like Jack Morgan - the lead character of the Private series.  He is featured a lot in some of these books, and a little in others.  I find the ones that he is in a lot (Private #1 Suspect), I like more than the ones he's not (Private India, Private Games).  As with almost all James Patterson books, it is quick, easy to read, with several storylines happening at once that seem to be wrapped up by the end.  It feels like watching a movie rather than reading a book.  You know how Law & Order SVU will take a real life story straight from the headlines and tweak it for fiction?  This story does that featuring a Brad & Angelina-type power couple being kidnapped with their three adoptive children.  This one was good, but not great.

 11.  Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta - This is a fantastic book about transformation, growth, family, friends, mental illness, and finding your own voice. I found myself caring about the characters...all of them...and interested in their lives and wanting the best for them.  This was written in 2003, so keeping that in mind, it was fun to see that the kids didn't seem to all have mobile phones yet, and one of the characters is always listening to his "discman".  Highly recommend it...I'd give it an A-

I enjoyed it so much, I immediately followed up by reading The Piper's Son, where the author takes a look at the same social group five years later through another's eyes.  I'm enjoying that one even more.  So, look for that next link-up :)

Book lovers - have you read any of these?  What did you think?  Will you read any of them?

List #23 - I'll show you my books; you show me yours... vol.2

Steph and Jana host a monthly link-up - a place for bloggers & readers to share what books they've read the previous month.  I blog.  I read.  I've talked about the multiple book challenges I'm tackling.  So, this link-up is a great way to share my thoughts on books I've read, keep track of my book challenges, and find (even more!) books to read that are shared by others.

Link-up here

Books I've read since the last link-up:

 Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach - There was a time that I dreamed of getting an American muscle car...a '60s Corvette Stingray or Mustang or Camaro. Now, that I've read the chapter about car crash experiments with human cadavers, I don't think I could ever drive it without worrying about the steering wheel impaling me straight through the heart. Prior to reading this, I was completely supportive and open to donating my organs and/or body to science. I still am. In fact, as much as I watch crime dramas and documentaries, I kind of think it would be cool if my body was used to determine various degrees of decomposition...and if what they learned could catch a killer. That would be awesome. Some of the science-y stuff got a little technical. I skimmed those parts. Overall, I enjoyed this book and Mary Roach's voice.

 Deadline by John Sandford - I have read John Sandford books since the early '90s with his first in a series featuring Lucas Davenport. In recent years, he's written a spin-off series as well featuring a cop who works primarily in rural areas in Minnesota named Virgil Flowers. I can not say enough how this author never disappoints me. The characters are fantastic, the stories twist and turn, and as it rolls into the end at a fast-pace, I can't put the books down. This was my favorite in the Flowers books. This laid back cop finds himself in the midst of dog-nappers, meth-cookers, embezzlers, and murderers. The stories intertwine perfectly. If you read thrillers/mystery/cops vs bad guys books, give John Sandford a try.  Even though he writes series, they are written well enough that you could pick up this book and not need to have read any of the others.

 

 Dead Famous by Ben Elton -  Great concept. In a house being filmed around the clock for a reality show (think Big Brother), one of the contestants/housemates is murdered. The story bounces around from days in the house before and after the murder from housemates' points of view to the detectives studying film to the film crew and producer. All this bouncing around got a little tiresome. Plus, the lead detective wasn't a particularly endearing fellow.  Great concept, but just an okay book.

 Hope to Die by James Patterson - Dang, I never tire of these Alex Cross books (there's been 22 of them). They do have a formula, and I know the good guy always wins, but I enjoy the ride of getting there.  Unlike the Sandford book above, I think you'd have to read at least this one's predecessor to truly get into it.

My Booky Wook by Russell Brand - I was somewhat disappointed by this book. He doesn't gloss over the fact that he was kicked out or fired from jobs and schools (deservedly so) for being an all-around ass; I respect him for the honesty. I just felt like he could be more insightful rather than just re-telling a story. The chapter about his show RE:Brand was great.  This was published in 2007, so a lot has happened in his career and personal life since publication. (No, Katy Perry is not in this book).  He leaves it open for more books to come, and he has had more published.  I'd read another, but I wouldn't rush to do so.

Have you read any of these?  Are there any MUST read books that you recommend?

List #21 - I'll show you my books; you show me yours... vol.1

Steph and Jana host a monthly link-up - a place for bloggers & readers to share what books they've read the previous month.  I blog.  I read.  I've talked about the multiple book challenges I'm tackling.  So, this link-up is a great way to share my thoughts on books I've read, keep track of my book challenges, and find (even more!) books to read that are shared by others.  Plus, Jana put on the positive peer pressure.  I cratered.

 

The Books I Read in January:

 The Girl With All The Gifts by M.R. Carey - In Semi-Charmed Kind of Life's Winter Book Challenge, we were asked to "read a book from a genre that you normally don't read".  This book was on the goodreads 2014 reader's choice list in the 'Horror' category.  I read a lot of different types of books including psycho thrillers with serial killers, but I don't usually go to the 'Horror' section.  If you like apocalyptic part horror, part science-fiction, part zombie-type people, this is the book for you. I don't regularly like horror, apocalyptic, sci-fi, or zombie-esh stories, but I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book.  The lead character, Melanie, is fantastic.  This is a great read IF this is your kinda thing or if you want to step outside your comfort zone. 4/5

Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King - "Dark, funny, brilliant." - Ellen Hopkins, New York Times Bestselling Author. I totally, completely, absolutely agree. So many YA books are female points of view. This one is a mix of a 15 year old boy's reality and dream sequences, and it is a fantastic book. 4.5/5

The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery - In Book Challenge by Erin (yes, it's run by moi), I selected this book for "a book set in Europe".  A friend recommended it a few months back, and it was time for me to read it.  There are people on goodreads that despise this book. Upon closer inspection, I think those people take themselves way too seriously. I found this book to be charming and beautiful. It has been a long time that I've actually copied quotes from a book. I did that with this one. One quick example: "What does Art do for us? It gives shape to our emotions..." 5/5

 Eye Candy by R.L. Stine - This book was also selected to fit in a book challenge categroy.  It is authored by the same person as the "Goosebumps" series, written for an adult market. It was bad. The lead character is unlikeable. The writing is simplistic (just like this review is simplistic). Most of the characters are underdeveloped. 1/5

 Cockroaches by Jo Nesbo - This is the 2nd book from a series written by a Norwegian author that features a very flawed, but very bright Norwegian detective. I enjoy the series because the detective gets sent overseas when tragedy strikes a Norwegian citizen. The first was set in Sydney; this one was set in Bangkok.  I imagine I'll end up reading the entire series.  For crime/thriller readers, this is a good one. 4/5

 Rocks: My Life In and Out of Aerosmith by Joe Perry with David Ritz - I'm a rock music fan. I'm a rock biography reader. I'm a Joe Perry fan. This book did not disappoint. He blends the stories of youth, the music business, his music passion, family dynamics, stories of addiction, and the relationships with his band mates (especially the complex brotherly love/hate with Steven Tyler). I've read Steven Tyler's autobiography, and I think he is a brilliant frontman...but, I will always be Team Joe. 4.5/5

 Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho - I read this for the 2015 TBR Book Pile Challenge.  I read two or three of this internationally famous author years ago, so I grabbed this book at a second hand bookstore, and it's been sitting on my shelf for a couple of years.  Finally, thanks to the challenge encouraging us to read those books that are collecting dust, I read it.  It was just okay...which was actually disappointing because Paulo Coelho has the capability to write some beautiful stuff. It felt he was trying too hard with this one. There were a few snippets of stories that I was moved by, but the overall book just fell a little flat for me. 2.5/5

I've shown you my books; you show me yours.............................