Booking Through Thursday: Public

This week's Booking Through Thursday asks:

Do you carry books with you when you're out and about in the world?  And, do you ever try to hide the covers?


My Answer:

Yes, I always have a book with me when I'm away from home. When I worked I would read on my lunch hour but even now that I'm unable to work, I still have a book with me at all times. Because I'm unable to drive, I depend on others to help me get around and sometimes that mean having to wait for someone to pick me up. I get a lot of reading done during those times.

No, I've never been ashamed of having people see what I'm reading. I think reading is very under rated and more times than not, people are curious as to what I'm reading. I've even had people say to me that seeing me with a book, encourages them to try to make more time to read. I think that is wonderful. I realize many people don't have as much free time to read as I do, but if the want is there, they'll make time to read even if its for just a few minutes a day.

Now that I have a Kindle, it is even easier for me to take a book along. It fits in my purse easily and I can whip it out anywhere! I believe the more people see other people reading, it can only be a positive influence, so I'm proud to show I'm a Reader!

BTT: Replay

This week's Booking Through Thursday question asks:

Have you ever finished a book and loved it so much you went back and started re-reading it again? (And if so, please give us the titles!)


This is a simple one for me.  No, I've never done that. There have been books that I dearly loved and wished they'd never end, but for me, there are just too many fabulous books out there that I want to read for the first time.  I rarely ever re-read books, with only a few exceptions - the classics.  Right now, actually, I'm re-reading TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, but the first time I read it was almost 30 years ago, so does that even count?! I'm enjoying it so much and re-discovering things in the book, its like I'm reading it for the first time.

As I'm writing this, I realize though, there may be one book that I re-read right after I finished it and that was when I was a young girl and the book was CHARLOTTE'S WEB. However, I don't know if I finished it the second time around.

How about you? Have you ever loved a book so much you re-read it right after you finished it? Be sure to check out the Booking Through Thursday blog to read more thoughts on this topic.

Booking Through Thursday: Current Reads

It certainly has been awhile since I've participated in Booking Through Thursday and I must say, I've missed it and its good to be back!

This week's topic is about current reads. Here are the questions:

What are you currently reading? What made you choose it? Are you enjoying it? and Would you recommend it?

My responses:

Right now I'm reading a non-fiction book called FORGIVING TROY: A TRUE STORY OF MURDER, MENTAL ILLNESS, AND RECOVERY by Thom Bierdz. There are a few reasons I chose this book. Initially it was because I received a request from the author to send me a copy for review. Secondly, the author is an actor on the very popular soap opera, The Young & the Restless, which I have watched for many years, so I was familiar with who he was. Thirdly, I was intrigued by the mental illness aspect of the story and was curious to see how it played out. To say I'm enjoying this type of book sounds odd, but yes, it is an extremely insightful, interesting yet heartbreaking story that I am glad I chose to read. I would definitely recommend this book to other readers, especially those who have an interest in mental illness and subsequently, the judicial system with regard to dealing with these cases.

Click here for more Booking Through Thursday posts to see what books people are reading and why.

Booking Through Thursday: Reviews

This week's BTT question is regarding reviews - Do you read them? Do you let them change your mind about reading/not reading a particular book?

My response:

I absolutely read book reviews! I'm always interested in what other people think about the books I'm reading. There have been a couple instances where a bad review has kept me from reading a book. However, sometimes when I read negative or controversial reviews, it makes me want to read the book even more so that I can judge for myself and have a legitimate opinion on the book if I get into a dicussion about it. A perfect example is the book I'm reading now. It's Elizabeth Gilbert's EAT, PRAY, LOVE. Sadly, I let some strong negative reviews sway me away from this book. Recently, though, I saw Julia Roberts on Oprah promoting the movie version and she was describing how the book affected her and how much she loved it and I decided to give it a try. So far, I'm really enjoying it.

I always read reviews before purchasing a book to get a general consensus but if its a book I really want or an author I love, I'll buy the book no matter what the reviews say. When reading reviews I always try to remember that not everyone likes the same thing so what one person thinks may be completely different than what you think.

For more thoughts on this subject, visit Booking Through Thursday.

Booking Through Thursday: Gifts

Since this is the first BTT for the new year, today's question is a perfect way to kick it off. Barbara wants to know...

What, if any, books did you get for Christmas last month? (Or whatever holiday you celebrated last month) Do you usually ask for books on gift-giving occasions or do you prefer to buy them yourself?

Typically, since most of my family and friends are not big readers, I usually don't expect books as gifts. That said, my mom is familiar with Amazon and she knows about my Wish List on that site that has many books on it that I would love to have, but most of the time, I buy my own books. This year was the first year I received a gift card to a book store. It was from my sister and I was truly surprised. Linda is not a reader and like many other non-readers, books aren't something that comes to her mind when gift-giving. But I was thrilled to get it! Honestly, I don't think she realizes how much I love books and reading. She also made the comment one day that I get so many books from publishers and authors that I probably don't need to buy any books. But I quickly explained to her that although, yes, I do get many books that way, they aren't all necessarily what I would choose for myself. She hadn't thought about it that way and I think that's what prompted her to reconsider the book store gift card.

So yesterday, I went to the book store and I used my gift card! They had tables and tables of books on sale and I perused them for almost an hour - it was HEAVEN! Since I'm not able to drive, I rely on others to take me places, so I don't get many opportunities to spend a lot of time browsing for books. But I did come home with three that I am so excited about. They are . . .

• ON AGATE HILL by Lee Smith - a post Civil War Historical Fiction book that I have wanted to read for awhile. (I may dive into this one first)
• THE HOUSE ON TRADD STREET by Karen White - Not only do I love the cover of this book, I've had my eye on it for some time.
• THE WEIGHT OF SILENCE by Heather Gudenkauf - I saw this book on the blogs recently and knew I must read it.

When leaving the book store, my sweet mother saw John Grisham's FORD COUNTY and said, 'Oh, you had that on your list and I meant to get it for you and I totally forgot!' I smiled and said, 'That's OK Mom, I have a birthday coming in March!' as we went laughing out of the store.

What books did you get for Christmas?

Booking Through Thursday: Too Short?

This week's BTT asks . .

"Life is too short to read bad books" I've always heard that. Do you read books all the way through to the end no matter how bad they are out of some sense of obligation? Or will you abandon a book if it just isn't working for you?

My response:

Obviously, no one expects to not finish a book when they begin reading, so it's always disappointing when one just lacks something. I, personally, don't have a definitive answer either way. Although I have abandoned books, I don't do it often. That said, I'm more apt to stop reading a book now more than before, because I'm reading more than ever and there are just so many I want to get my hands on. I really do try to give the book all the benefit possible and I'll go as far as 100 pages in before I finally decide I've had enough and just can't go on. There have been a few that I did finish and then afterwards, just shook my head and say Why did I waste my time? But that just makes me appreciate the next great book even more!

How do you feel about abandoning books? Do you do it or do you keep trudging on? Visit Booking Through Thursday for more responses to this question.

Booking Through Thursday: It's All About Me

This week's BTT question is . . .

Which do you prefer - Biographies written about someone? Or autobiographies written by the actual person (and/or ghost-writer)?

This is an easy one for me. Autobiographies. Here's why: When I read about a real person's life, I want accuracy, not speculation. Although I'm not discrediting them, biographies are not first-hand accounts. In fact, some biographers don't even have the subjects permission to write their story. That is a big deciding factor for me when considering to read a biography. This may sound a bit harsh, but some biographies, especially the celebrity or even political type are a step above tabloid gossip in my opinion.

That said, historical biographies are a different matter. Obviously, if the person is deceased and the book is written after their death, it is impossible to have an autobiography. In that case, I simply keep in mind that not everything written may be factual.

As a rule, if I choose to read about a person's life, I always opt for the autobiography. If one is not available, I look to see if the person gave permission or contributed in some way to the biography.

Visit Booking Through Thursday for more responses on this subject or to participate.

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Recent Reviews:

• TIME OF MY LIFE by Patrick Swayze & Lisa Niemi
• THE SUMMER KITCHEN by Karen Weinreb

Booking Through Thursday: Liar, Liar!

Suggested by Monibo -

Saw this article (from March) and thought it would make a good BTT confessional question:

Two-thirds of Brits have lied about reading books they haven't. Have you? Why? What book(s)?

In a word, NO. Although I have started some books that I never finished, I don't count those as books I've read. The main reason is that I'm a terrible liar and what if someone asks you something specific about a book that you've lied about reading? I'd rather focus on books I've actually read. I enjoy discussions with people who've read the same book as I have and lying about it wouldn't serve any purpose and in the end, it would become obvious that I hadn't actually read the book. There are many 'popular' books that the masses are reading that I do not, but I wouldn't lie just to fit in. Besides, the conversation could take a more interesting turn if asked why I'm not reading such a popular book (i.e. Harry Potter series or the Twilight series).

I find it interesting that the article lists George Orwell's 1984 as the most lied about book! I've never read that book and now I'm curious as to why so many have lied about it!

Have you ever lied about what books you've read? For more answers to this BTT question or to participate click here.

BTT: Recent Sad

Continuing on with the 'most recent' theme, this week's Booking Through Thursday question is . . .

What's the saddest book you've read recently?

Well, a few come to mind, but the most sad book was TOMATO GIRL by Jayne Pupek that I read last year. I was literally in tears by the end. Even though it was a sad story about a little girl being forced to grow up way too fast because her parents were not able to take proper care of her for differing reasons, it is one of my all-time favorite books. It sounds strange that such a sad book could be a 'favorite', but this book really moved me, mainly because of Jayne Pupek's extraordinary writing. [Review here]

More recently I read THE LAST BRIDGE by Teri Coyne, another debut novel that blew my socks off! That book grabbed a hold of me and didn't let go. [Review here]

Lastly, DIRTY LITTLE ANGELS by Chris Tusa is a book I just read a few weeks ago. The circumstances of this story about a teenager living in the slums of New Orleans was very sad and shocking at times. This is a great example of contemporary fiction that doesn't hold back. [Review here]

For more BTT responses or to participate in this weekly meme, click here.

BTT: Recent Enjoyable

This week's Booking Through Thursday question is . . .

What's the most enjoyable, most fun, just darn entertaining book you've read recently? (Doesn't necessarily mean funny, just GOOD)

A few months back I read THE FIXER UPPER by Mary Kay Andrews [Review here] and that, for me, was just pure entertainment. I have been an MK Andrews fan since I first read SAVANNAH BLUES years ago. The thing that always draws me to her books is her ability to come up with the most interesting and fun characters - not only the main characters but the supporting characters as well. They are always original and give the story depth. They're not just created to help fill up pages, they play an intricate part of the story. With the stand-alone THE FIXER UPPER, Andrews introduced us to a new set of characters living in a small Georgia town. The protagonist, Dempsey Killibrew, a Washington D.C. lobbyist, finds herself in trouble with the FBI, thanks to her boss, and high-tails it to Georgia to escape the press and humiliation and to figure out what her next move should be. She picked this hole-in-the-wall town because her father inherited the old family home there and he convinces Dempsey to 'just go down there, clean up the place and we'll flip it and make a bundle'. The problem is, her father hasn't seen the place in decades so Dempsey has a rude awakening when she gets there.

This was a completely entertaining novel that was pure fun.

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Recently Reviewed -

• DIRTY LITTLE ANGELS by Chris Tusa

Booking Through Thursday: Recent Best

Today's BTT question . . .

What's the best book you've read recently?

We should've all seen this one coming considering last week's question of recent worst! To answer, I'm considering books I've read so far this year. One immediately pops into my mind and that is THE THIRTEENTH TALE by Diane Setterfield. To say I loved this book is an understatement. Not only did the story completely suck me in but the writing was beautiful! I loved the Gothic tone of the book and I love books about books! Add to that the unforgettable characters and you have a thoroughly entertaining read. if you'd like to read my complete review click here.

Another 'best' for me so far this year is THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett. I love southern fiction and this book is a perfect example of why. This story about one privedged white woman in 1960's Jackson, Mississippi working together in secret with these black women to tell the true stories of what it is really like to work as maids and nannies for white families is gutsy, eye opening and even heartbreaking. They were putting their lives in their hands by telling these stories and the fear was real. I was glued to this book, a wonderful debut nove!. My review is here if you'd like to read it.

So those are two of the best books I've read recently. What's your recent best? For more BTT answers or to play along, click here!

Booking Through Thursday: Recent Worst

Today's BTT - What's the worst book you've read recently?

Although I wouldn't necessarily say this book is 'the worst', I would say that it is a book I enjoyed the least. The book is OUT STEALING HORSES by Per Petterson. Many other readers have enjoyed this book very much, however, I just never felt a connection and I thought the story itself was sluggish. Honestly, I had to push myself to finish it. I'm not sure if it was the translation from Norwegian to English or if it was simply the story for me.

Typically, if I'm not enjoying a book, I'll stop reading it, so there aren't many books that I would say were the worst. For more answers to this BTT question, click here.

Booking Through Thursday: Recent Serious

Today's BTT question is:

What's the most serious book you've read recently?

This one is easy for me. Back in May I received an advanced copy of THE LAST BRIDGE by Teri Coyne. That is definitely the most serious book I've read in the last several months. It's a debut novel that deals with alcoholism and abuse. The writing was bold and intense and the subjeect matter was difficult, however, I still enjoyed reading it. I'm the type of reader who doesn't shy away from that sort of book. That said, I usually read something completely different afterwards. THE LAST BRIDGE was just released a few weeks ago, so it is now available to everyone. If you'd like to read my review you can find it here.

What's the most serious book you've read lately?

Booking Through Thursday: Preferences

Which do you prefer? (Quick Answers) My Answers are in bold

• Reading something frivolous? Or something serious? Serious
• Paperback? Or hardcovers? Hardcover
• Fiction? Or non-fiction Fiction
• Poetry? Or prose? Prose
• Biographies? Or autobiographies? Autobiographies
• History? Or historical fiction? Historical fiction
• Series? Or stand-alones? Stand-alone
• Classics? Or best sellers? Classics
• Lurid, fruity prose? Or straight-forward basic prose? Straight-forward
• Plots? Or stream of conscienceness? Plots
• Long books? Or short? Long...Short...I don't know...
• Illustrated? Or non-illustrated? Non-illustrated
• Borrowed? Or owned? Owned
• New? Or used? Either

To read more quicky responses, visit Booking Through Thursday!

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Recently Reviewed Books:

• THE ONLY TRUE GENIUS IN THE FAMILY by Jennie Nash
• THE No. 1 LADIES' DETECTIVE AGENCY by Alexander McCall Smith

Booking Through Thursday: TBR...Where Are You?

This is a follow up to last week's question:

Do you keep all your unread books together, like books in a waiting room? Or are they scattered throughout your shelves, mingling like party-goers waiting for the host to come along?

My response:

For the most part, I keep my unread books on a couple of end tables in my living room. One of them was a gift my Dad made, specifically for my books. I keep books that I plan to read next on the top so that I can see what I have waiting. Beccause it would be impossible to keep ALL of my unread books on these tables, others are 'mingling' on the shelves with books I've already read. I started out keeping books by the same author together, but it's getting impossible to do that due to lack of space. It's becoming clear that I've got to get a new system! In fact, my dear friend came to take me to lunch yesterday and said, 'Wow Lis, you need more shelves!!'

Do you have a special place for your unread books?

To read more replies to this bookish question or to play along, click here! Anyone can play!

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Books I've Recently Reviewed:

• THE HOUSE AT RIVERTON by Kate Morton
• THE FIXER UPPER by Mary Kay Andrews
• THE PRUDENT MARINER by Leslie Walker Williams

Booking Through Thursday: Unread Challenge

Today we were presented with the Unread Book Challenge. We are to either list or take a photo of the unread books we have stacked on tables, floors or where ever. These are the books that we've always meant to read, but for one reason or another, haven't gotten around to it. They are also the books that make us feel guilty about bringing other books home!

I think this is a great idea for a BTT post. It's just the thing I need to make me realize I've got some great books laying around the house waiting to be read! Although, it's a bit ironic that I just brought home five books from the library this week! Oh well . . .

Here's my list of unread books (in no particular order):

• Matrimony by Josh Henkin
• The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown
• Good In Bed by Jennifer Weiner
• All He Ever Wanted by Anita Shreve
• The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton
• Life of Pi by Yann Martel
• The Lace Reader by Brunonia Berry
• The Year of Fog by Michelle Richmond
• Whistling in the Dark by Leslie Kagen
• The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
• Man of the House by Ad Hudler
• Down River by John Hart
• The Associate by John Grisham
• Run For Your Life by James Patterson
• Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult
• The Poisenwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
• The Memory Keepers Daughter by Kim Edwards
• The Rest of Her Life by Laura Moriarty
• The Moment Between by Nicole Baart
• Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides

And those are just the ones that I can think of right now!! There are more, I'm sure tucked away in places gathering dust! I've got some really great books! What books do you have laying around?

Booking Through Thursday: Unread

Is there a book that you wish you could 'unread'?  One that you disliked so thoroughly that you wish you could just forget that you read it?  

There was a book I read when I first started accepting advanced copies that I really didn't care for. That was back when I'd accept any type of book.  I had high hopes for it at first, but it didn't take long for me to realize it wasn't my cup 'o tea!  It was called THE WENTWORTHS by Katie Arnoldi.  It was described to me as a dark satire about a dysfunctional, wealthy west coast family.  Truthfully, it was borderline erotica, which I have no problem with, but the characters were very disturbing.  I didn't like ANY of them.  I did read the whole book, but afterwards I sat and asked myself, Why did I just waste my time on that?  I didn't come away from it with anything redeaming.  Granted, there were other reviewers who liked the book and thought it was funny.  But in my case, I didn't see any humor in it at all.  

Fortunately, I haven't had any other similiar experiences.   I don't always love all the books I read, but I can usually find something about them that I like.  

Is there a book you wish you could 'unread'?  

Booking Through Thursday: The Numbers

For something different, MizB is borrowing a question from ine of the very first questions ever at Booking Through Thursday. Back from 2005 when Laura owned the blog but, because it was so new, it didn’t get as many responses as it does now … so, why not revisit? Here’s the question:

Some people read one book at a time. Some people have a number of them on the go at any given time, perhaps a reading in bed book, a breakfast table book, a bathroom book, and so on, which leads me to…

Are you currently reading more than one book? Yes

If so, how many books are you currently reading? Two. One fiction and one non-fiction. Two is my limit.

Is this normal for you? I suppose so. Typically, I don't like to read two fiction books at the same time. I end up getting torn between the two. I think I read more efficiently one at a time.That being said, I did recently read Jane Eyre at the same time I read another book. I chose to read Jane at bedtime. It was a great way to wind down and end my day. But I don't normally have a particular bedtime book. I think non-fiction books are a bit different though. I usually have a non-fiction book that I'll read from time to time, but I'm not as regimented with those. I won't necessarily read it every day.

Where do you keep your current reads? I have a reading table that my dad made me that sits in my living room in between the couch and the chair that I like to read in. It has shelves on one side (where I keep my dictionary) and a piece that pulls out with a tile that matches my floor to sit a drink on without the moisture discoloring the wood of the table. And when I'm not using it, it slides back in. I always keep my current reads on that table. I do take whatever fiction book I'm reading with me when I'm out, but when I'm home, that's where it can be found.

How many books do you read at a time?

Booking Through Thursday: Library Week

National Library week is coming up in April, and that led to some questions:

How often do you use your public library and how do you use it? Has the coffeehouse/bookstore replaced the library? Did you go to the library as a child? Do you have any particular memories of the library? Do you like sleek, modern, active libraries or the older, darker, quiet, cozy libraries?

This year National Library Week is April 12th - 18th and this years theme is

Worlds connect @ your library...

You may want to check with your library to see if they have any special events planned. In the last year, I've been using my library more than ever. I think for some people the bookstores with coffee shops have replaced libraries, but in these tough economic times, I think you'll see that changing, if you haven't already. I used to love to go to the bookstore, get a cup 'o joe and browse. I would always end up leaving with at least one book, but I'm watching my pennies closer now.

Although I did visit the library as a child, I don't really have any memories that stand out. I love the coziness of older, smaller libraries, but I really enjoy our new local library. It's very spacious and the lighting is amazing, which is important to me. There are lots of places to sit and many large tables and computer workspaces. This summer I'm planning to visit the library much more often and do a lot more browsing.

What do you like most about your library?

BTT: Best 'Worst' Book

“What’s the best ‘worst’ book you’ve ever read — the one you like despite some negative reviews or features?”

I really struggled with this one. Since I typically don't read books that get really bad reviews, I had to think hard. Rather than not come up with an answer at all, here's my response, as shocking as it may be:

I'm going out on a limb here, but there is a book I read that got a lot of attention, and not necessarily of the good variety. It's a memoir and yes, I really did read this book! From time to time I read sports literature and being a sports fan, I enjoy those books. With that being said, back in 1997 at the height of the Chicago Bulls championship domination I picked up Dennis Rodman's BAD AS I WANNA BE. I thought This guy can't be all bad, can he? I mean, there had to be more to him than all the trash talk, right?

Anyway, much to my then-husbands dismay, I bought the book and I'm telling you, I couldn't put it down. It was so interesting to read about his childhood and all he went through in his youth. I found it to be very well written and I read the whole thing. I thought I'd probably skim the book and read the interesting parts and leave much of it unread, but that didn't happen. I truly did like the book. I did get a lot of flack from my 'peeps' when they'd see it laying on my coffee table, but you know, I just didn't care. People only see him as this freakish character who paints his fingernails and dyes his hair pink, but he had an interesting story to tell and I'm actually still glad I read the book. Lately I've been seeing him on Celebrity Apprentice and I think he seriously needs some help with his alcoholism and his anger management, but I don't hold that against him. Everybody has their demons.

So that's my best 'worst' book. What's yours?