They Know Best

From Brianne's at My Life As..., I saw this post and had to steal borrow it. She's given credit and posted links to others that posted it prior to her.  I'm encouraging you to go see Brianne to get those links. I looked at them and found new bloggers to read. I love the way that the land of bloggerville works this way.

Speaking of loving things...

I asked those that know me best to name 3-5 things that I love, obsess over, and/or am addicted to.  Nine of my nearest and dearest (including my parents) replied, and here's what they had to say:

10/9 - something related to FOOD - (How did that happen?  Someone gave 2 answers that were food related.  Thanks, Mom.) - TexMex being the most prevalent answer, specifically Chile Con Queso was named, as well as carbs, bread, cheese fries, and cheese.  Part of me laughs at this, the other part of me cries.  Maybe this is why I'm overweight.  Huh?  You think?  The other reason - notice what doesn't make the list - exercise.

9/9 - something related  to MUSIC - Music, in general, as well as concerts, live music, hair metal, and Bon Jovi were all specifically listed.  All true.

5/9 - READING - Well, yes, I do love a good book.  I found that there are some that I don't do book chat with too often, and they were the ones who didn't say this answer.

I got a whole bunch of other answers too:

3/9 - CATS (specifically, Astro) - Okay, yes, I've sorta kinda turned into a Crazy Cat Lady...but I love my doggie babies too!

2/9 - TRAVEL - There was a guy I knew in college whose family had *a little* money.  He described his mother as a "professional traveler and shopper".  Yes, please.  How do I get that job?

2/9 - SHOES - Could explain why I wrote this post two years ago --> Shoe Collector (go ahead, read it, you know you weren't following me then)

2/9 - AGGIE FOOTBALL - You can take the girl outta Texas, but you can't take the football outta the Texas girl.  Isn't that how the saying goes?

2/9 - DANCE - I don't take classes anymore.  My years on a dance team are long behind me.  I rarely hit the clubs anymore.  But.......give me some good music and some space and chances are I'm gonna shake my groove thang. 

Others that got mentioned once: Compassion (I love this), Costumes (yep, love them too), Make-up (shocked that more people didn't say this), Clothes (again, surprised only one gave this response), Caffeine, Sleep (who doesn't love sleep?)

Can you relate?  Are you obsessed with any of these things too?

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 #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.............................

List #15 - 2015 "To Be Read" Pile Challenge by RBR

I've been away for a few weeks.  First full day back to normalcy, and first blog in 2015.  Surprise - it's about books!

If you're not a reader, thanks for stopping by...but we'll chat soon.  If you are a reader, then you'll know what I'm talking about.  You know those books on your shelf that have been there a while?  Or on your e-reader?  Or they are tucked away in your mind that you keep meaning to read them but get distracted by other books, or projects, or life?  Well, I stumbled upon a challenge to help get to those books.  Check out the specifics here.  Currently, I have 389 books on my goodreads "to-read" list.  I may have a problem.

Check it out!

1. Not Without My Sister by Kristina Jones, Celeste Jones, and Juliana Buhring
2. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys - READ 09 June 2015
3. The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston and Mario Spezi
4. The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom - READ 18 March 2015
5. Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides-  - READ 6 August 2015
6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky - READ 18 August 2015
7. Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum - READ 24 April 2015
8. Veronika Decides to Die by Paolo Coehlo - READ 04 February 2015
9. Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta - READ 11 April 2015
10. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
11.  Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - ABANDONED
12.  I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

Alternates:

1. For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
2. Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt - READ 15 June 2015

List #14 - Favorite Reads of 2014

 UPDATE:  Linking up this post here:

Several blogs I follow have posted lists of their favorite reads of 2014.  I thought I'd join in that mix.  I looked at my goodreads account, and apparently I've read 66 books this year.  These were my favorite ten of those 66 (go top 15%!).

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett -  I took a class at A&M about Children's Literature. I remember re-reading the book then and enjoying it. Unfortunately, I was too hungover most lecture days that I don't remember much else about the class. I'm glad I re-read it again. It's even more delightful of a story the third time. I'm a sucker for a transformation story, and the combined transformations of characters and the garden is a winner.
• One Last Thing Before I Go by Jonathan Tropper - About 40 pages before the end of the book, I was torn - I wanted to know what happens to the characters, but I didn't want the book to end. I love this book. The characters are well-developed, and I enjoy the writing style of the author. Cast well, it would make a great movie. The combination of mortality, relationships, and introspection packaged in a has-been musician worked well for me. It won't work for everyone.  The lead character is flawed, and not everyone is going to warm to him.  The ending won't work for everyone either.  But, it all worked for me.
• If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch - I found this book in the YA staff recommendations at my local library.  If you like YA, I recommend it.  The lead teen girl is one I felt for emotionally and wanted to wrap my arms around her and give her a big hug.  A book that attacks topics such as neglect, abandonment, and abuse coupled with acceptance, sibling bonds, and self-discovery.  
•  I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb - This book is an emotional journey. There are truly some gut-wrenching, heart-breaking, cringe-causing moments. After such a journey, the ending felt a little rushed for me, but that's my only critique. Overall, a great read.
• Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell -  I adored this book.  Eleanor and Park were such endearing characters.  There's not many books that I'd read for a second time, but this is one that I will keep on my shelf to read again in the future.  If you like teen fiction, love stories, awkward but adorable characters, and an emotion-filled read, then this book is for you.
• The Son by Jo Nesbo -  A GoodReads Choice 2014 award in Mystery/Thriller - I like thrillers, and I liked this book so much that I'll go back and read every book that this successful Norwegian author has written.
• Burial Rites by Hannah Kent - I'm certainly glad I didn't discard this one just because it is based on a true story set in Iceland in the 1800s, and I was slightly intimidated by it.  What a beauty of a book; heavy with dark imagery, but beautiful nonetheless.  As I was reading, I wanted to know more and more of Agnes's story.  I became emotionally invested in her and other characters.  
• Field of Prey by John Sandford - I've been reading Sandford's 'Prey' series since the very beginning (the early '90's).  There are many, many thriller/mystery series that feature a lead cop.  Lucas Davenport is my favorite of the bunch.  The bad guy is disturbing (as our most of Sandford's bad guys), and this book kept me guessing throughout.  
• In Case We Die by Danny Bland - Well-written flawed characters and difficult lives intrigue me; I am pulled into their stories.  Although I've never been a drug addict, I could relate to the hurt, fear, and damage felt by these characters.  I enjoyed reading their path to overcome their demons.
• The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion - What a gem of a book!  After several readers in my last book challenge raved about this one, I knew I needed to read it.  I found myself laughing out loud at times and squirming with discomfort others.  A sequel has just been released.  Hooray!

If you're an avid reader and want to join a book challenge - join mine!   

What were some of your favorite books that you read this year?

List #13 - Books

source

I hosted a book challenge from July 1st through October 31st. (Yes, I know it is not October 31st yet, but why must you be so precise?)  I wrote another post about it here.  I thought I'd recap what I read during my challenge.  One of the things I enjoyed most was seeing books others selected...just gave me more books to add to my "to read" list.  I created a whole bonus round in order to read books from others' lists.

Warning, warning: if you're not a reader, this blog post will probably be incredibly boring for you.  Alright, you've been warned.

• The Calligrapher's Daughter by Eugenia Kim - I wanted to love this book. I wanted this book to be great, but it was just okay to me. I didn't connect to the story or the characters as much as I'd like. I enjoy historical fiction. I enjoy stories that span decades. I enjoy books set in a place I've never visited.  Something was just missing in this one to truly grab me, so I'd give it 2.5 stars.
• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett -  I took a class at A&M about Children's Literature. I remember re-reading the book then and enjoying it. Unfortunately, I was too hungover most lecture days that I don't remember much else about the class. I'm glad I re-read it again. It's even more delightful of a story the third time. I'm a sucker for a transformation story, and the combined transformations of characters and the garden is a winner. 5 stars!
• Joyland by Stephen King -  A little bit murder mystery, part ghost story, mixed with a coming of age main character - I enjoyed it and would recommend it. Plus, "suck-assy" is actually used in the book. How can you not like a book that has carneys and slang terms like suck-assy? 4/5
• Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman -  I haven't seen the TV show (we don't have Netflix, and we often get series a season or two later than they're shown in the US). Based on what I've read about the TV show, I wanted to read the book assuming I'd really enjoy it. I didn't. I could write at length about what disappointed me, but I don't want to ruin it for any other readers. Having worked at a juvenile justice center in Texas and seen firsthand incarcerated youth, I already have some strong opinions and interest in criminal justice and rehabilitation. Maybe those views tainted my reading. All that being said, I could see how "characters" could be exaggerated to make for good television, and I'd still probably watch the show. 2/5
• One Last Thing Before I Go by Jonathan Tropper - About 40 pages before the end of the book, I was torn - I wanted to know what happens to the characters, but I didn't want the book to end. I love this book. The characters are well-developed, and I enjoy the writing style of the author. Cast well, it would make a great movie. The combination of mortality, relationships, and introspection packaged in a has-been musician worked well for me. 5/5

• City of Lost Girls by Declan Hughes -  This is the 5th book in a series that features Ed Loy, a private investigator based in Dublin. I've read all the books, and this was possibly the best of all of them. This book follows a current case, added with reoccurring characters from the Dublin organized crime world, plus a love interest and a touch of Hollywood. 4.5/5
• Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks - My friend, Marcy, recommended this, and I appreciate her for it. The story is set in rural England in the 1600s about a small village struck by the Plague. During the plight, issues are faced involving loss, suffering, abuse, sex, drunkenness, murder, religion, friendship, and more. The writing is very descriptive; so much so I got queasy at times reading about the details of those that suffered awfully from the disease. The ending felt a little rushed, so it wasn't a perfect book...but almost. 4.5/5
• Blackout Girl: Growing Up and Drying Out in America by Jennifer Storm -  The author discusses openly and honestly her battles with self-esteem, sexual assault, family relationships, drug and alcohol abuse, sexual identity, suicide attempts, and recovery. Although I could relate to some of her tales, I never really connected with her. I give it a 2.5 out of 5.
•  Attachments by Rainbow Rowell - Typically, I do not like books that make me get all sweet, soft, and schmaltzy (is that a word?), but this book worked for me. I adored the lead female characters. I liked that different relationships are viewed - from friendships to love interests to parents & children to siblings. One of the relationships hit so close to home for me a particular chapter was almost difficult to read. If you like chick lit, this is a great read. 4.5/5
•  Divergent by Veronica Roth - This book is WAY out of my normal reading choices. Every now and then, when a book or a series gains somewhat of a fanatical popularity, I am curious why, and even though it may not be the typical book I would read, I give it a try. That's why I chose this book. Easy to read with a lot of action mixed with a interesting story and character development, I can see why it is popular. I'm glad I read it, and I read it in 3 days, so it definitely kept my interest. But it's still not my thang. I took a sneak peek at imdb to take a look at the casting. I think I'll just watch all the movies instead.
• If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch - I found this book in the YA staff recommendations at my local library.  If you like YA, I recommend it.  The lead teen girl is one I felt for emotionally and wanted to wrap my arms around her and give her a big hug.  A book that attacks topics such as neglect, abandonment, and abuse coupled with acceptance, sibling bonds, and self-discovery.  5/5

• If I Stay by Gayle Forman - After so many people selected this book in the challenge, I decided to take a look. I read this over one weekend and glad that I did. Nothing groundbreaking, but I enjoyed the exploration of emotions and relationships. I predict it made a decent film that I'll get around to watching. 4/5 stars
• Cop Town by Karin Slaughter - This book was a little disappointing to me. Karin Slaughter is one of my favorite thriller writers. Her characters are usually so complex, and the plots are usually filled with twists and turns. This one fell a little short for me. The characters are all filled with emotional baggage, but I don't think they're as complex and developed as I'd like. The plot was slightly predictable. The sexism, racism, discrimination, and homophobia were difficult to read, but that's a true reflection of 1970s Deep South, so I think that was an accurate depiction. 3/5
• The Red Tent by Anita Diamant -  A fictional story told from Dinah's perspective (a woman who receives a small mention in the Bible), this follows her life as a daughter, sister, lover, mother, servant, midwife, woman, friend, and wife. 4/5
•  Landline by Rainbow Rowell - I don't know how to judge or rate this book. I love Rainbow Rowell's style of writing. I genuinely liked the development of all the characters, leads and support. I found myself laughing out loud at one scene, and I cared about the plots and subplots. So, I should love this book, right? Well...there's one major part of the storyline that just didn't work for me at all: the magic phone. That's all I'll say. I still love Rainbow Rowell, and I suspect I'll read anything she writes. 3/5
• Silesian Station by David Downing - From pages 168-169: "...thinking back over his day. Two embassy appointments to discuss espionage work, an angry private detective and a rather remarkable woman, a sweet pair of resisters and a dumb young pair of SD (Nazi) goons. All topped off with the love of his life lying naked beside him." There's so much going on in this book, I'd get confused and forget character names and country allegiances at times. Overall, a good spy book set in Germany on the brink of WWII. 3.5/5
• Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Coast Trail by Cheryl Strayed - I have mixed feelings about this book. At times, the author is brutally raw and painfully honest which I commend. Other times, I felt completely disconnected. I think there's some good stuff to take from her journey and experiences. I certainly have felt at times that taking a few months off and removing myself from the rest of the world would do myself some good. I commend the author for doing it for herself. 3/5
•  I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb - This book is an emotional journey. There are truly some gut-wrenching, heart-breaking, cringe-causing moments. After such a journey, the ending felt a little rushed for me, but that's my only critique. Overall, a great read. 4.5/5

• Where She Went by Gayle Forman -  I read this in two days. I enjoyed the first book from Mia's perspective, and this one even more from Adam's point of view. Being a music lover, the storyline is an added bonus with music laced throughout the story. 4/5
• The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker - A lovely bond between two young people who persevere together while inflicted with personal disabilities and loneliness are the heart of this story. I can see why some would love this story, yet others would be critical. I enjoyed it, and there were a few enchanting moments, but overall I wasn't wowed. I did love this quote: "(H)e did not merely read books but traveled with them", and this one too: "There must be in life something like a catastrophic turning point, when the world as we know it ceases to exist." 3.5/5
•  Breath by Tim Winton - I read this while waiting for another library book I had on reserve. Tim Winton is a critically-acclaimed Australian author. This is the first book of his I've read, and I will be reading more. The book details the lives of a teenage boy and his mate who cross paths with a older married couple. Strange, complex, and dangerous relationships develop. Overall, the writing was very descriptive. I've never been on a surfboard, but the surfing scenes were so well written, I could envision the excitement and danger involved. My only disappointment was the final portion of the story. It seemed to wrap up too quickly, even lacking depth and description. 3.5/5
•  Lost and Found by Brooke Davis - Parts of this book are charming, and parts are ridiculous. Parts are super cute, and parts are terribly sad. Parts are honest, and parts are extremely unlikely.  Part of this book, I loved; part of it annoyed me. 3/5
•  No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy - After 100 pages, I asked myself "how have I not read this author before?". Mass murder, drugs, a Texas sheriff, what's not to love?  I'm not sure I liked the last 10-15 pages, but the first 290 or so was a great story. 4/5
• Wonder by R.J. Palacio -  Goodness gracious, this book made my heart feel full and was a great reminder to choose kindness.  It's written in pretty simple prose, but I like that it was narrated by different characters.  A story that reminded me of such important lessons deserves a good rating.  4.5/5

• The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith - Quick and easy that almost reads like a collection of short stories or fables with a heroine detective in Botswana. 3/5
• Room by Emma Donoghue -  currently reading.......

 I will be hosting another challenge early next year.  If you're interested in participating, let me know.  Some people in the challenge read A LOT; some read one book.  Some people joined the group, didn't participate in the challenge itself, but enjoyed seeing what other people read that's okay too.  So, if you want to join...let me know.