Category: reading

Books I Read in May

I read slightly less than I have been reading in May. It felt like a lot less, but it was really only nine books, instead of my usual 10-12. May was crazy for me. Way too much going on. I’m hoping for a more peaceful June.

Here’s what I read:

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It Started with Goodbye, by Christina June. (Read to review.) I really enjoyed this! A YA where the MC actually admits she’s wrong, and grows as she learns from her mistakes? Plus, it’s not all about the romance. Great read.

Beneath the Wake, by Ross Pennie. (Read to review…but didn’t.) I don’t even know why I finished this one. It was pretty pointless to me, and the MC…seemed pretty concerned about the intricate meals he ate, but not about the whole people-are-dying-and-I’m-trying-to-figure-out-why thing. (I didn’t review it, but I did give the publisher my feedback. It just wasn’t to my taste. It’s part of a series, so clearly some people like it.)

Turbo Twenty Three, by Janet Evanovich. (Read for fun.) I really love this series, although I wish Stephanie would just make up her mind already–Ranger. Not Joe. I didn’t think this one measured up, though. It wasn’t really funny, and some of these have had me laughing so hard I cried.

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The Totally Unscientific Study of the Search for Human Happiness, by Paula Poundstone. (Read to review.) I like to read some non-fiction now and then, and a comic I used to enjoy seemed like a good option. To me, this book wasn’t really humor–although it had some funny moments–it was just about life. I enjoyed reading it.

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The Half Life of Remorse, by Grant Jarrett. (Read to review.) Deals with some deep issues, including violence, murder, and living on the streets, but with redemption as well.

Palm Trees in the Snow, by Luz Gabas. (Cultural book of the month.) I thought I was picking a Central/South America book, but it turned out to be another one set in Africa. I love reading about Africa, but I though a different culture would be good. Which, actually, this one was, as it was set in a Spanish colony. This was a really good book, and I recommend it.

Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen. (Classic book of the month.) How have I never read this Austen book? I don’t know, but I really enjoyed it.

Be the Message, by Kerry and Chris Shook. (Spiritual book of the month.) An excellent read!

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The Long Run, by Catriona Menzies-Pike. (Read to review.) Another non-fiction choice, and one I found fascinating. The history of women in running was interesting, but a little disheartening. I don’t understand why men found women running so threatening.

Stopped reading: White Fur, by Jardine Libaire, because I found the two main characters were a little too out there for me. I’m okay with crazy. Just not disconnected-from everything-crazy.

(Linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy.)

The Long Run, by Catriona Menzies-Pike

Catriona Menzies-Pike lost her parents in an airplane crash when she was twenty, and spent years floundering. Then she started running, and found a way to move through her grief.

There have always been obstacles for women runners, from cultural constrictions to clothing to men considering it flat-out dangerous. Catriona talks about these problems when she talks about running, and she talks about some of the (underrated in the public eye) triumphs of women in running as well.

The Long Run isn’t a book about some grand triumph in flashy Rocky Balboa style—it’s more about the quiet sort of triumph, one filled with personal satisfaction, accomplishment, and contentment with your own ability. The history of women runners is interesting and frustrating at the same time—why did men find women running so threatening?—and I learned a lot from reading it.

If you have any interest in running or the women’s movement, give The Long Run a read.

(Galley provided by Crown Publishing.)

Writing Update

The truth is, there is no writing happening lately, unless it’s for school or a work email. I just don’t have the brainpower. I have been feeling COMPLETELY overwhelmed with work/school/life and everything I want to accomplish…

Until I realized that wanting to do too much actually results in me doing nothing. Not with any degree of proficiency, anyway.

So…for now, I’m limiting myself to blogging/book reviews, work, school, and Holly Lisle’s Find Your Writing Voice and How to Find Your Writing Discipline workshops. (Yes, I’m aware of the irony.)

I just need to let some things go for a bit before I lose my grip on everything.

It Started with Goodbye, by Christina June

iswg-final-cover — Image belongs to Blink.

Christina June is a teacher who writes young adult contemporary fiction. It Started with Goodbye is her debut novel, out May 9^th.

Tatum Elsea is not looking forward to summer. Accused of a crime—falsely—she’s under house-arrest with her less-than-loving stepmother while her father is out of the country. Tate is only allowed to be at home and her court-ordered community service, unless her stepmother approves it. Like that’s going to happen. So, Tatum starts a secret graphic design business, which leads to an email flirtation with a cello-playing client.

With her feisty step-grandmother in town, Tate starts to realize that maybe her way isn’t the only way, and soon she learns she’s not the only one in the family keeping secrets. Will Tate be able to use her new perspective to fix her relationship with her best friend and turn her family around? Then there’s the cello player…

I finished reading It Started with Goodbye in less than 24 hours. This is a fun, light read, but it delves into some deeper issues, like taking responsibility for your actions, healing relationships, and honesty. Tate grows a lot through the course of the book, and the author captures her growing pains vividly and emotionally, letting the reader see through Tate’s eyes and experience that awakening along with her. I loved how Tate’s relationship with her stepmother and stepsister evolved, and her step-grandmother is perfect; feisty and fun but not irresponsible. The email exchanges with the cello player are a cute finishing touch.

If you like young adult books, I highly recommend this one. It deals with some deep topics and isn’t just a fluffy romance.

(Galley provided by Blink via NetGalley.)

What I Read in April

April was a pretty good reading month for me. I read 13 books, for a total of 45 books. My goal is 100 books for the year, and I’m pretty sure I’ll hit that.

Walking to Listen

Walking to Listen, by Andrew Forsthoefel (Read to review.) Andrew set out to walk across America, wearing a sign that read “Walking to Listen.” He met many incredible people who helped him on his way. I love the idea of this, but I’d probably be too terrified to do it.

The yellow envelope

The Yellow Envelope, by Kim Dinan. (Read to review.) A memoir about a woman and her husband who sell everything and travel the world. Friends give them a yellow envelope filled with money, and the instructions to give it away. I love the message of this book, and it really made me want to travel.

H20, by Virginia Bergin. (For fun.) When rain—and other water—becomes deadly, survival takes more thought than I imagined. It’s more than no drinking water (unless it’s bottled). No shower. No walks in the rain. Definitely no fishing. Interesting premise with a MC that started off quite annoying (she’s a teenager who’s suddenly on her own in a whole new world). I enjoyed this.

The Storm, by Virginia Bergen. (For fun.) The follow-up to H2O, with the MC a whole lot more likeable.

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All the Forever Things, by Jolene Perry. (Read to review.) A quirky girl who lives in a funeral home finds her life changed when her best friend starts dating a boy they both used to hate, and she must survive high school on her own. Loved this.

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A Twist in Time, by Julie McElwain. (Read to review.) When an FBI agent finds herself in 1800s England, her survival skills are no match for the rules of the Ton. But she puts her investigative skills to work to solve the murder of a Lady whom no one seems to like.

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Beartown, by Fredrik Backman. (Read to review.) A dying hockey town on the edge of resurrection when the junior boys team makes it to the semi-finals is ripped apart by the trauma of one girl, which sets the townspeople against each other. Fantastic book!

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Brew or Die, by Caroline Fardig. (Read to review.) Lighthearted story about Juliet, the coffee shop manager who sleuths on the side, as she investigates a murder and corporate wrongdoing, as her past comes back to haunt her. I really enjoy this series.

Lady Susan, by Jane Austen. (Classic.) Eh. I did not enjoy this book. Lady Susan was a horrible person.

Pandemic, by A.G. Riddle. (For fun.) Although a lot of the science and technical stuff was way over my head, I enjoyed this read. The end of the world as we know it…at the hands of a secret group of scientists with an agenda thousands of years in the making.

The Alchemist, by Paula Coelho. (Cultural book.) Both enjoyable and magical.

Lady in Waiting, by Jackie Kendall. (From the TBR pile.)

Dream Big, Think Small, by Jeff Manion. (Spiritual book.) Lots of food for thought here, about small, consistent steps that yield big results.

What I Read in March

I read 10 books in March, bringing my total for the year up to 33, about 1/3 of my goal of 100 books for the year.

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Traveling with Ghosts, by Shannon Leone Fowler. (Read to review.) This was sad, but a good read. Definitely made me want to travel.

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The Bone Witch, by Rin Chupeco. (Read to review.) Nice fantasy read, and I’d be interesting in seeing more of the series.

if not for you

If Not for You, by Debbie Macomber. (Read to review.) I do love this author’s books, and this book is part of a linked standalone series I like. A pleasant, quick read.

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Year of No Clutter, by Eve. O Schaub. (Read to review.) A funny book dealing with a not-so-funny subject. The author’s voice is fantastic.

the rules do not apply

The Rules do not Apply, by Ariel Levy. (Read to review.) I found this one just “meh,” as the author seemed to criticize everyone around her, and ignore her own shortcomings.

the orphan's tale

The Orphan’s Tale, by Pam Jenoff. (Read to review.) A dark read, but a good one, dealing with the Holocaust and circus life.

A Long Way Gone, by Ishmael Beah. (Cultural book.) This is a memoir about a boy soldier’s life in Sierra Leone. Not for the faint-of-heart.

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Quests of the Kings, by Robert Evert. (Read to review.) Another “meh” book. I found the main character to be a major pain, but to act like everyone else was the pain. Also pretty distant.

The Age of Innocence, by Edith Wharton. (Classic book.) I enjoyed this, but I know by now that Wharton’s characters don’t ever get happily-ever-afters. Not that there should be one in an affair.

Not a Fan, by Kyle Idleman. (Spiritual book.) I love Idleman’s voice. He says hard things, but his voice makes it so much easier to hear.

What I Read in February

My official goal is to read 100 books this year…but I’d like to read more like 125 or so. I read a lot last year, but I don’t want to get overly optimistic this year, what with grad school, work, training for three fall races…you know, LIFE.

In February, I read 10 books, 2 less than January, for a total of 22 for the year.

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Pachinko, by Min Jin Lee. (Read to review.) I found this book engrossing and sad at the same time–such persecution the Koreans faced and Sunya’s life was full of sorrow–but well-worth the read.

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Portal of a Thousand Worlds, by Dave Duncan. (Read to review.) Asian cultures fascinate me–I’d love to visit–but sometimes the “rules” are so complex as to be mind-boggling. I loved the layers of this novel.

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I Wanna Be Loved by You, by Heather Hiestand. (Read to review.) I love reading anything set in the 20s, hence my interest in this book.

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The Weight of Him, by Ethel Rohan. (Read to review.) I also love Ireland and anything set there is guaranteed to catch my eye. This novel deals with…weighty…issues like suicide, depression, and eating disorders. It captures the struggles within a family, as well as a man’s struggle with his weight.

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Fatal Option, by Chris Beakey. (Read to review). This is one of the few books I’ve ever read where all the characters are “bad guys” in some shape, form, or fashion. It’s about impossible choices—and their repercussions.

Ethan Frome, by Edith Wharton. (Classical book of the month.) Surprisingly engrossing, and the ending was NOT what I expected.

Breath, Eyes, Memory, by Edwidge Danticat. (Different culture book of the month.) About a family of women from/in Haiti. Not a happy book, but a book about family relationships among women, and it will give you a glimpse into Haitian culture.

Amish White Christmas Pie, by Wanda E. Bruntstetter. (From the TBR pile.)

God’s Plan for When You Can’t Sleep, by Christina Vinson. (Spiritual book for the month.)

Paper and Fire, by Rachel Caine. (Just because.) I LOVE these books! Can’t wait for the third book to come out. Such a unique premise—where the Library in Alexandria still exists and controls the flow of information in the world, and the main character is from a family who trades in illegal books.

What I Read in January

January was a pretty good month for keeping up with my goals. Well…most of them, anyway. I did keep up with my writing and reading goals, so I’m calling it a win. I read 12 books for the month.

The Fifth Petal, by Brunonia Barry. (Read to review.) I liked this book a lot: elements of the supernatural, a mystery, and a town so vibrant that I want to visit.
A Mad Zombie Party, by Gena Showalter. (Read just because.) Loved this series. Loved these characters. Loved this book.
The Road to Enchantment, by Kaya McLaren. (Read to review.) The New Mexico landscape is as much of a character as the actual characters. Deals with difficult times in an almost-lyrical way. Well-worth reading.
Dawn Study, by Maria V. Snyder. (Read to review, and because I love this series.) Very sad to see this series end. The wold, characters, magic system…everything is fantastic! Highly recommended. (But please, start with the very first book, Poison Study.)
Firstlife, by Gena Showalter. (Read just because.) It occurs to me that I had a thing for Gena Showalter this month…Fair enough. Unique concept, compelling characters, and awesome worldbuilding. I want to be Gene Showalter when I grow up (as a writer)!
Ink and Bone, by Rachel Caine. (Read just because.) I’m a huge Rachel Caine fan, and when she did an event nearby, I was so there! This first book was so good I had to hide the second one from myself (or I’d never get anything else done)!
Unpunished, by Lisa Black. (Read to review.) Not a bad book, but I would have been better off reading the first novel in the series…first.
The Sky Between You and Me, by Catherine Alene. (Forthcoming review.) So…I didn’t realize this is written in a sort of free-form/free-verse, stream-of-consciousness style. At first, I was off-put by this, but then the story really drew me in, and I enjoyed it a lot.
The Edge, by Fleur Camacho. (Read just because.) This has been hanging out on my Kindle for a while. I liked the premise, but the delivery felt a little bit patchy and underdeveloped. Plus, the world is based on something that I have a fundamental problem with—which is my problem—but did give me some reservations about the story when I realized it.
Heart of Darkness, by Joseph Conrad. (Classic book of the month.) Um…this pretty much made no impression on me.
Behold the Dreamers, by Imbolo Mbue. (My different-culture book for the month.) I’d heard some good things about this novel, and, for personal reasons, wanted to read it. I found it both inspiring and a bit sad, but very evocative. The dialect is so well-done and musical, that I could almost hear it! In my experience, it captures the Cameroonian mindset extremely well (Makes sense, since the author is from Limbe.).
Uninvited, by Lysa TerKeurst. (Spiritual book of the month.) Really fantastic book, about dealing with all sorts of rejection.

Local Writers’ Event and Reader’s Indecision

This week was fairly productive, considering it was the first week of grad school (Eep!). I did a tiny bit of writing—1,000 words or so—in The Fall, plus outlining 10 scenes in it as well. Having an outline made the writing flow pretty well. Something I know, yet I still started writing this story with no outline. Smart move, there.

I did a little outlining in the Witches revision, also. I’m sort of feeling my way with that, since I’ve revised the story several times, and this is more of a re-write than a revision, but I’m using the current draft as a guideline. We’ll see how that works out. My voice and style have changed significantly since I originally plotted the story.

Yesterday I attended a local authors’ event with a friend. It’s part of the library’s Year of the Book promotion. Each author had a table, and they each spoke for 10 minutes.

My friend and I went because we both love Rachel Caine’s work. (I’ve read The Morganville Vampires series, the Weather Warden series, the Outcast Season spin-offs, and her re-telling of Romeo and Juliet. I’ve been wanting to read her The Great Library series as well.)

Somehow, by sheer luck, we arrived about 15 minutes before Rachel’s talk, just in time to hear Sarah MacTavish. (I feel like I’ve heard of her, but can’t swear to it. I read SO MUCH that authors sometimes get a little bit mixed up in my mind sometimes.) I enjoyed her talk, and the short chat I had with her afterwards, and bought her book, Firebrand. Young adult fiction about the Civil War from an author who carries her supply of books in an R2D2 suitcase? I’m sold! I’m looking forward to the read, just as soon as I wrangle enough time from my schedule for it.

My purchases for the day:

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It’s been quite a while since I purchased physical copies of fiction. The bottom two books I bought at the event, the top three at B & N beforehand. I was so excited when I got home, but I had serious reader’s indecision: What to read first?

Answer: Firstlife, by Gena Showalter, because I’m hoping to get approved to review the second book in the series, and because I’ve been interested in this one for a while. Isn’t the cover gorgeous?

Confession: I read the entire thing last night. Loved it! The concept is so unique, and the characters compelled me from the first page. You should definitely read this!

What I Read in December

I had a pretty busy reading month in December, with 14 total books read. (I think.)

Masques and Wolfsbane by Patricia Briggs. This was on my TBR shelf for FAR too long, I’m ashamed to say. I’ve loved everything by Briggs that I’ve read.

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