Musing Mondays: Unfinished Business

Today's musing poses the question: What was the last book you couldn't finish and why? This musing is courtesy of Iamciska.tumbler.com.

My Answer:

Very seldom do I ever not finish a book. I'm usually pretty good about sticking with a book until I am done, even if I am not loving it. However, over the summer I was prodded by a close friend to read E.L. James' FIFTY SHADES OF GREY. I put it off as long as I could, then I finally gave in after she actually put her copy in my hands and said 'Just READ it!!'. What else could I do? She absolutely loved it, told all of her friends to read it and I knew it would make her happy. So, I began reading.

Now, I'll start off by saying, I do not consider myself a book snob at all. However, I generally don't follow the masses when it comes to my reading choices. (I still have not read the Twilight Series!! Shocking, I know!)  The thing I noticed right off the bat was the constant over-use of phrases such as "Holy*hit!", "Holy *uck!", etc. The expletives didn't bother me, but the repetitiveness certainly did. I was already sick of it just a few chapters in.  Even if I could overlook that aspect, what I really disliked was the story in general. I realize my opinion may not be a popular one, given the hoards of women who read and loved this book, but as an avid reader, I feel that there are simply too many other writers out there who write fantastic literature and have spent their lives perfecting their craft and those are the types of authors I choose to support. If that makes me a snob, then so be it.

As far as the sex parts of the book goes, that didn't bother me at all. I am a women who enjoys great sex and am not afraid to try new things so I am not a prude, nor do I get offended easily. I simply just didn't feel the need or desire to read a whole book about it, especially a story I felt was lacking.

I made it almost halfway through the book, then one day I asked myself what value I would be taking away after reading this book and I couldn't come up with an answer. I saw the other books on my nightstand that were waiting for my attention and I realized I would much rather be spending my times with those instead.

For more musings, please visit MizB at Should Be Reading each Monday! Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful week in books!

Musing Mondays: 4.4.11

This week's musing asks:

When you were little did other children tease you about your reading habits?

No, I was never teased about reading as a child. Although I do remember reading a lot at home, especially in the winter months, I was involved in a lot of outdoor activities both in school and away from school. I was also in band and our school took a lot of pride in and put a lot of hard work in our performances, which required many hours of practice. At home, my sister and I had our quarter horses that we showed on weekends that also required a lot of practice. Our parents never had to tell us to go outside because we were out there from sun up to sun down voluntarily every day.

I didn't become what I consider an avid reader until my early 20's and still it was hot and cold. I'd read many books in a row, then wouldn't pick one up for months. After I was married at age 25, and life settled down a bit, I developed an interest in legal dramas and was completely captivated by a newcomer by the name of John Grisham. Since then I have become a bookworm and reading has been a constant in my life. I've also broadened my horizons by reading many genres that I never thought I would enjoy.

As a kid, I always loved carrying any book I was reading around school. And I never felt the slightest bit intimidated by other kids because of it.

Thanks for stopping by for Musing Mondays. For more interesting answers to today's question, please visit Should Be Reading.

Musing Mondays: Current Reads

Today's musing is: What are you currently reading? Would you recommend it? Is it part of a series? If so, which one? What are you thinking about it? What book(s) would you compare it to, if any?

My response:

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I'm currently reading SWORN TO SILENCE by Linda Castillo. This is a murder mystery set in the small town of Painters Mill, Ohio, which also includes a very large Amish community. The Chief of Police is Kate Burkholder, who was born into an Amish family and lived that life until she became an adult when events happened that she felt left her no choice but to leave. This is the first in a new series by Castillo, who is no stranger to mystery novels. This is the first time I've read her work but it certainly will not be the last. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for a great story. It can get a little dicey with the descriptions of the murders, but its not so bad that it completely grosses me out. I will definitely be looking forward to more in this series. Because I don't read a lot of murder/mystery books, I don't really have one to compare it with. The Amish twist in the story gives it an originality that I really like, although there has been a trend this past year of books centered around the Amish. Maybe it's because I'm originally from Ohio, near the Amish, that I am enthralled with this story. I've enjoyed the contrast between their way of life and the newer English ways. Also, having an ex-Amish female police chief is something I love about the story.

Another book I'm reading is EAT, PRAY, LOVE by Elizabeth Gilbert. I started this book last month while on vacation and while I am enjoying it, I needed to take a break from it for a few weeks. I typically only read one book at a time, but I needed something else while I read this one. This is a book that I will have to really think about before recommending to anyone. First, I have to finish reading it so my thoughts will be complete. But even now, being only half way through it, I believe it isn't for everyone. I believe it's the type of book that you either love or hate. I haven't decided yet, though I'm leaning in one direction. You'll have to come back at a later time and read my review to find out how I feel about this one.

For more musings, please visit MizB at Should Be Reading.

Musing Mondays: Reading Time

Today's musing is about reading time . . .

Do you have to carve out time for reading due to work or other obligations? Or does your reading just happen naturally? (This question is courtesy of MizB)

My answer -

Up until a year ago when I worked full time, I had to schedule my time to read. I would come home each weekday and read for an hour before I did anything. And on weekends I usually read more in the morning while waking up and drinking coffee before I started my regular chores around the house. Sometimes, I'd read during commercials while watching TV in the evenings or during football games, I'd keep the TV volume low and read and listen to the game at the same time.

When I became unemployed, I thought I was going to have all this free time and I would blaze through books like crazy. But a very wise friend of mine, Dar, told me that that may not happen. She said even when you stay at home, something always pops up that will take you away from your reading. And boy, was she right! In the first few months of not working I barely got any reading done at all. It seemed there was always some thing or another that kept me away from my books. It was hard to believe I got more reading done while working, I guess because of the schedule I set for myself.

Fortunately, I'm into more of a schedule now and I'm starting to get some real reading done. I still love reading in the early morning and I also try to set aside an hour or two each day in the afternoon to read. Although that doesn't always work out. Night reading is difficult because my eyes are more tired and I usually fall asleep on the first page. Sunday afternoons provide me with some free time as well. I know this sounds crazy, but I feel guilty when I read all afternoon because I feel like I should be doing something (other than reading). I suppose that comes from working all my life and feeling like a slacker for sitting around reading all day. I told you it was crazy!

So it seems I'm getting back to the schedule I used when working. I still also carry a book with me everywhere I go in case I can steal a few minutes here and there.

Do you schedule your reading or do you just do it when you feel like it? Visit Just One More Page for more Monday Musings.

Musing Mondays: Reading Resolutions

Today's Musing Mondays post is about New Year reading. . .

With the New Year here already, do you have any reading resolutions or goals (challenges aside) for 2010? Perhaps a new author? Genre? Want to read more non-fiction? Want to write more reviews?

I do have a few reading goals for this year - I don't like to use the word 'resolution' though. That sounds too formal for me. The main goal is to spend more time reading the books from my own shelves. I have some terrific books there and I need to get busy reading them before buying any more or borrowing from the library. A couple in particular are THE POISENWOOD BIBLE, THE STORY OF EDGAR SAWTELLE and of course, THE BOOK THIEF, which I bought recently. Sounds like a good start to 2010 to me!

I'm also planning to finish the Southern Vampire Series by Charlaine Harris that I am really loving. Who knows, I may even break down and start reading the Twilight series. There are a few non-fiction books I have my eye on that sound interesting. One in particular is David Sedaris' ME TALK PRETTY ONE DAY. I've had a few friends tell me it is really funny. I think I'm going to get the audio version as I've been told it is great.

I haven't completed my 2009 wrap-up post yet (I'm a little late to the party on that one!) but I plan to have that in the coming days. Last year I read a lot of debut authors and I think this year I want to read some authors that are not new, but are new to me. For instance, Elizabeth Berg, Beth Kephart and Michelle Moran to name a few.

I have noticed that there are so many challenges out there it must be hard to keep them all straight. Luckily, I don't have to. I don't do challenges. It's simply too much pressure for me. I don't plan my reading out that far in advance to know what I'm going to read a head of time. My reading choices change with my mood and I don't want to feel obligated to read a book simply because I joined a challenge. What I mean to say is, if I'm reading a book that I'm not really in the mood for, but feel I have to, I will more than likely not have as good a reaction to the book, than if I read it simply because I was in the mood for that book. I hope you can make sense of what I am trying to say. I don't mean to be a challenge snob, they are just not for me.

I'm looking forward to 2010 and all the wonderful stories that await me. Do you make reading resolutions? What plans do you have for this year? Musing Mondays is hosted weekly by Rebecca at Just One More Page. You can click here to find out what reading resolutions other book lovers have made.

Musing Mondays: Take Note

Today's Musing Mondays post is about note taking.

Do you take notes while reading - either for reviews or for yourself? Howe/wehre do you make these notes (on the page, post-its, scrap paper, notebooks, etc.)?

Although I don't take notes with every single book I read, I do when there is a subject that I want to learn more about. For instance, I am a huge coffee and tea fan, so when reading NO ONE YOU KNOW by Michelle Richmond, (the protagonist was a coffee buyer), I jotted down terms and bean types mentioned in the book so that I could learn more about them.

Other times I take notes for reviews if the book has a complicated plot or storyline, if it's a long book and I don't want to forget certain points when writing my review or if there's something that jumps out at me and makes a big impression. I usually always make notes when reading audiobooks. This may be partly because I'm still new to that format and I don't entirely trust my memory. Paper formats allow you to flip around and re-read, while audios rely on your memory.

I keep a notebook that originally started as a reading journal and that is where I keep my notes for books I read. I would never write on the page! If there are certain passages I want to remember, I'll fold the tip of the page down - but I feel weird doing that! I think Post-It's area a great idea too.

Do you keep notes while reading? For more musings or to participate in this weekly meme, visit Just One More Page.

Musing Mondays: Movies

Today's musing is about movies . . .

How do you react to movies made of your favorite books (or even not-so-favorite books)? Do you look forward to seeing them or avoid them? Do you like to have read the book before seeing the movie?

My response:

Generally, when I hear that a movie is being made of a book I've already read and loved, I'm interested and excited about it. It's the idea of the characters I know from the book being brought to life that excites me. However, I've been disappointed more times than not. I want it to be just like the book - but it seldom is. One example is John Grisham's THE FIRM. I absolutely devoured that book when it came out and when I heard it was going to be movie I was thrilled. Unfortunately, the movie was just OK for me. I felt there was so much left out that it just didn't work for me. I know it's impossible to put everything from a book on the big screen, but sometimes screen adaptations just don't work. It was a huge hit at the box office, so I realize I'm probably in the minority of people who didn't like it. That said, there is an exception to this - LONESOME DOVE by Larry McMurtry. Back in 1990,when I heard the movie version was going to be on TV at the end of the week, I hadn't read the book yet. I was working at a nail salon at the time and had a full appointment book for the whole week, but I ran to the grocery store down the sidewalk on my break, grabbed a paperback copy (900+ pages) and read it in four days! I've never read so hard in my life! To my delight, the movie did the book justice. It didn't hurt that two of my favorite actors (Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones) starred in it. More recently, THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES movie was a pleasant surprise for me. I loved that movie, too. Beyond that, not many others come to mind. For some reason, the movies come across as corny to me if I've already read the book. I don't understand why, but they just do. There is one movie-from-a-book that I will never watch and that is THE KITE RUNNER. I loved that book so much and I don't want a mediocre movie version to ruin the images and memories I have etched in my mind from that amazing book.

If I haven't yet read the book, I'm not as excited about it and if I'm planning to read the book, I will put off seeing the film version until afterwards. I'm not a big movie watcher like I used to be, so this isn't really a problem for me.

I'm sure there are other good movies made from books, but this is just my opinion and I realize I may be too critical. How do you feel about books made into movies? Do you avoid ar attend? Visit Rebecca at Just One More Page for more Mondays Musings.

Musing Mondays: Mid Year Stats

Today's Musing Mondays post is about mid-year reading . . . Now that we've come to the middle of the year, what do you think of your 2009 reading so far? Have you read anything interesting that you'd like to share? Any outstanding favorites?

My response:

I'm pretty happy with what I've read so far this year. I've kept a good balance of different types of books and genres. I'm planning to add more mysteries, possibly a series or two, to my reading list for the remainder of the year.

Out of the 20 books I've read so far, there are several that I really liked a lot. In lieu of naming just one as my favorite, I'm going to list the top 3 in random order.

• THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett
• THE THIRTEENTH TALE by Diane Setterfield
• THE LAST CHILD by John Hart

Another book that deserves mentioning is IN COLD BLOOD by Truman Capote. Interestingly, according to Google Analytics, there's been more keyword searches for 'In Cold Blood' leading to my blog than any other keyword.

I'm looking forward to the rest of the year and many more great books! You know what they say, 'So many books, so little time!' How has your reading gone so far this year?

Recent Reviews:

• THE FIXER UPPER by Mary Kay Andrews
• THE PRUDENT MARINER by Leslie Walker Williams

Musing Mondays: Gift Certificates

Today's Monday Musing is . . .

Do you give gift certificates as gifts, and if so, are they for a specific store or do you use online stores?  And, do you enjoy receiving gift certificates as a gift? 

My response - 

Let me start by saying it's been three weeks since I've participated in MM and I have missed it! These last three weeks have been crazy for me.  First, my boss had to close his business, so I lost my job, (that's been tough to get through). Then I did some repainting in my house, and last week my washing machine broke and flooded my home office. I finally got things dried out and put back yesterday! What a mess! Anyway, it feels good to get back on track today! 

Now for my answer - I do give (book) gift certificates to some as gifts, but unfortunately, not many of the people in my life are big readers.  Oh, how I wish they were!  Sometimes, though, if I know there is a particular book someone wants, I'll go ahead and get it for them.  I've never given an online gift certificate before.  I usually go to the bookstore and get the gift certificate to stick inside of a card.  And yes, I do receive gift cards as gifts and I LOVE THAT! There is always a book i'm anxious to read, so the card never lasts long!  I've also received online gift certificates and that is very convenient, considering my non-driver status.  Usually they are from Amazon, which I love anyway and I don't have to ask anyone to drive me to the store.  I can take all the time I need to make up my mind right here at my computer.  

I do wish more of the people in my life enjoyed reading as much as I do. It would be great to share all of the wonderful books there are to choose from.  How do you feel about gift certificates?  For more musings, stop by Rebecca's at Just One More Page every Monday!

Musing Mondays: Non-Fiction

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about reading non-fiction…

Do you read non-fiction regularly? Do you read it in a different way or place than you read fiction? (question courtesy of Diane)

I do read non-fiction, but not as often as I used to. I like to read biography's and current event books, but since I started my blog I've focused mainly on fiction. I've only read four or five non-fiction books in the last year. One that really left an impression on me was INFIDEL by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. [Review here]. Currently, I'm reading THE AUDACITY OF HOPE. My non-fiction reading isn't as regimented as it is with novels, therefore it takes a lot longer to finish them.

I don't read non-fiction any differently than fiction. I like to read sitting up - mainly because if I lay down or get too comfy I fall asleep! That makes reading in bed very difficult even though I love it. My favorite place to read is in the recliner in my bedroom between two corner windows. The lighting is perfect.

Musing Mondays is graciously hosted weekly by Rebecca at Just One More Page.

Musing Monday: Favorites So Far

Coming towards the end of April, we’re a third of the way through the way through the year. What’s the favourite book you’ve read so far in 2009? What about your least favourite? (question courtesy of MizB)

My favorite book so far this year is THE THIRTEENTH TALE by Diane Setterfield with THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett extremely close behind. I absolutely fell in love with Setterfield's writing and the story just kept going and going. I was never bored with it and loved the ending. THE HELP was southern fiction at it's best! Being a southerner myself, I was smitten by this book even before I read it.

As far as least favorite, nothing really comes to mind. I've been fortunate to have read some really good books this year. That being said, if I had to list them in order from 'ok' to 'most loved', I would probably say 90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN by Don Piper would be it, only for the fact that I didn't care for all the medical details of his injuries sustained in the car crash. But that's not to say I didn't like the book.

I think 2009 is going to be a fabulous reading year for me as there are so many great books out there I want to read. What are your thoughts on this musing? Do you have a favorite or a least favorite to share? For more responses to this question visit Just One More Page.

Musing Mondays: Comments

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about blog comments.

How do you respond to the comments on your blog? Do you try to email individually or comment on post yourself answering the comments above? What do you think is the best way to respond to comments and do you respond to all of them? Do you feel slighted if you don't receive a response back from the blog owner? (question courtesy of Jenn).

I agree with Rebecca, I think this is a great question! Who doesn't love to get comments? It makes my day when I have a post that generates a lot of conversation and I've always wondered about commenting etiquette. It's been kind of a grey area for me. Here's how I handle them . . .

The only time I reply to comments via email is if there's a specific question that requires a lengthy response or if I prefer it to be private. But I don't do that too often. I usually leave a comment on my blog responding to each person individually. That way, other commenters can see my responses too. In this manner, if I respond to one, I respond to all. I may not comment back on every post I publish, but I don't feel that its expected. Therefore, no, I don't feel slighted in any way if my comment doesn't gain a response. We all know how time consuming blogging can be and I would never put such high expectations on replies to comments. Of course it is nice to get a response, but to me, if I do get one, that's just an added bonus! That doesn't mean I expect one every time.

How do you handle comments to your blog? For more answers to this musing, please visit Just One More Page.

Musing Mondays: Your TBR List

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about your to be read list…

As a follow up to last week's question, Joseph asked how you keep track of your tbr list. Do you have a paper list or on your computer? Do you take it with you when you go shopping? How do you decide what gets added to it?

Like most, I'm always adding books to my TBR list, so its ever-changing. Most of the books on that list were taken from book reviews I've read on the blogs that really grabbed me. I keep my main list on my computer, but I also have a wish list on LibraryThing, but come to think of it, I don't think it's up to date. I don't have the books listed in any kind of order because my reading choices change with my mood. I don't like to read too many of the same type of book back to back, so I like to mix it up. Since I don't have one of those fancy phones like Rebecca has to keep her list on, I just use a small notepad that stays in my purse. That way I always have it with me. I also have a list of authors that I want to read at some point. If I'm not looking for anything particular, I refer to that list and can always find something interesting that I've wanted to try.

For more musings visit Rebecca at Just One More Page.

Musing Monday: Bookstores

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about bookstores…

How many bookstores do you frequent? Do you have a favourite? If so, which one and what makes it so?

Living in a small-ish town, my choices of bookstores are limited. Even though the city I live in is growing rapidly, there are very few independent bookstores. There is a Books A Million not too far from my house that I will go to if there's a new book coming out that I just have to have. There's also a new Barnes & Noble, but it's so far on the other side of town that I probably won't go there at all. One of the bookstores I use frequently is Twice Read Tales, a used bookstore. They have an online catalogue, which is wonderful when I'm looking for a particular book. I probably go there the most.

Do you have a favorite bookstore in your town?

Musing Mondays: New Authors

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about new authors…

What is your policy when it comes to new authors? Do you feel comfortable purchasing a book or do you prefer to borrow new authors from the library? How often do you 'try out' a new author?

Many of the books I read are from debut authors. I enjoy getting to know them through their books. I'm more likely to buy a book from a new author than from a NYT Bestselling author who is already established. I always like to look out for the new guy. I've had great experience in the ones I've been reading. A few perfect examples are Jayne Pupek, who wrote TOMATO GIRL and Hillary Jordan, the author of MUDBOUND. And let's not forget Karen Harrington, JANEOLOGY and Jess Riley, DRIVING SIDEWAYS. Those are all fantastic books by new authors. When I'm looking to buy a book, its more about 'Does the story interest me?' than 'Oh, this is a new author, should I buy this book?'. Actually, I give that little thought. However, if I do read a book from a new author and I don't like it, I'm less likely to buy one of their books in the future.

I would agree that the library is a perfect way to 'try out' a new author if you're unsure. But I do that with established authors too. Libraries are great!

What are our feelings about debut authors? Are you apprehensive about buying their books?

Musing Mondays: Reading Habits

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about boys and reading…

When reading do you read every word? Do you ever skip chapters or skim over parts? (question courtesy of Wendy)

This is an easy one for me! I am definitely not a skimmer. And I NEVER skip whole chapters! The only time I may skim through a paragraph or two is if the book I'm reading is quickly losing my interest and I'm looking for something to grasp. Fortunately, that doesn't happen often. I like to read every word that is written to make sure I'm getting what the author is trying to tell me. I'm not a super-fast reader either. I wouldn't say I'm slow, but I certainly want to appreciate the book I'm reading. Especially if I've been asked to review said book - I want to give it the attention it deserves.

I hope I'm not getting off-topic here, but I'm always amazed at how some readers zip through a book in a day. How do they do that? Would I want to do that? Are they skimming? I bow down to those readers! Me? I read for enjoyment and I don't enjoy speed-reading - it gives me a headache! I like to savor my books. Like many other bloggers, I work forty hours a week, which really cuts into my reading time on weekdays. Therefore, I usually only read three to four books a month and I feel pretty good about that number. But who knows, maybe I am a slow reader.

What are your reading habits? Are you a skimmer?

Musing Mondays: Library Visits

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about the library…

How often do you visit the library? Do you have a scheduled library day/time, or do you go whenever? Do you go alone, or take people with you?

I'm ashamed to say I only started visiting my library regulary a little over a year ago. I seem to run hot and cold with it. However, being as broke as I am and not sure how much longer I'll be able to keep my job, the library is fast becoming my best friend. I just can't afford to buy any books right now. Honestly, I have enough books at home and on my library list to keep me busy for several months, but I have no will power when it comes to books, especially when my favorite authors have new ones come out!

Because I work weekdays, I usually go to the library on Saturdays. However, ff there's a book that's being held for me and I am not looking for anyting else, I'll run in on my lunch hour to pick it up. The library isn't far from my office, which is nice.

Because of my eye disease, I always have someone with me because sometimes I need assistance. It's just so much easier and quicker to have someone along instead of me fumbling around, bumping into everything on the way in. However, I'm planning to spend more time browsing, which I don't get a chance to do, this summer and I'll be dropped off and picked up later when I'm ready to go. Our library is only about 4 years old so it's really nice and roomy. Believe it or not, the building used to be a big grocery store and when I was 16 I used to work there after school! How funny is that?! I'm looking forward to spending more time in my library this year.

How much time do you spend at your library? Do you like your library? For more responses to this musing, visit Just One More Page or click here. Thanks go to Rebecca for hosting this weekly event.

Musing Mondays: Book Reviews

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about book reviews…
Do you read any non-blogging book reviews? If so, where (newspaper, library etc)? Do you have any favourites sources you'd like to share?

I do read a few non-blogging reviews, but not too many. I read Publishers Weekly reviews and a few others, but I don't have a favorite. I rely mainly on blogger reviews. Much of the time, the books I'm interested in reading don't have their reviews published in the larger markets, and I know I can always find reviews on book blogger sites because of the wide variety of books read. You can find reviews on more than the NYT Bestsellers if you look on the book blogs. I can also get a better feel for what the average reader would think of the book. A lot of times, I'll read a book that a mainstream reviewer has raved about and after reading the book, I didn't feel at all the same way about it. It's funny...I'm the same way with movie reviews. If a critic hates the movie, I generally really like it and if they love it - I usually don't. I prefer to take book recommendations from everyday people who love to read and will write an honest review. I know I'm getting dangerously close to another topic that was discussed thoroughly not long ago, so I'll stop there. : )

Musing Mondays: Bookmarks

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about bookmarks…What do you use to mark your place while reading? Do you have a definite preference? Do you use bookmarks, paper, or (gasp) turn down the pages? If you use bookmarks, do you have a favourite one?

My response: Yes, I always use something to mark my pages. It may not be a regular bookmark, but I NEVER turn down the corner of a page! That's a big no-no! Although I do have many bookmarks, most times I use business cards. At my job (General Contractors office) I come in contact with a lot of people and they're always handing me their business cards. So I never have a shortage of them. I even use my own. I read during my lunch hour, so if I lose my bookmark, I just grab one of mine from its holder on my desk.

Am I picky about what I use? No, but lately I've been using a BookMooch card. I swapped a book awhile back and inside the package was a stack of these cards. They're plastic so they don't bend and they look really cool. Whenever I'm reading in a public place, someone always picks up the card and makes a comment about it. I guess you could say its my favorite.

What's your favorite bookmark? To read more responses to today's musing, go to Just One More Page or click here.

Musing Mondays: Book Buying

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about book stores…
How do you choose what do buy from your local bookstore? Do you have a list, or just browse? What is the selection in your book store like? Do you find what you're looking for? Do you feel pressured to buy the kind of books the store makes prominent? (question courtesy of MizB)

I live in a small town, even though it is growing by leaps and bounds, there still is not a lot to choose from in the way of booksellers. Of course, we have the big stores, Barnes & Noble and Books-a-Million, but the small independant stores are practically non-existant. This limits my book buying options. There is a used book store I go to, but they don't carry any new books. There is another one that opened up recently ,but I haven't checked it out yet. I intend to do that very soon.

Nowadays, I'm more of a list person than a browser when I visit a bookstore. The main reason is that someone has to drive me and I feel funny taking up their time while I browse, so I make sure I know what I want, I get it and then we leave. I would love to be able to just browse. When I was married, my husband and I would go hang out at the bookstore for an hour or so on a weekend evening. I always enjoyed that.

For the most part, I'm usually pretty satisfied when looking for a book in the store. Since most of the time I go to one of the bigger named stores, they usually have what I'm looking for. If it's an older book I'm after and especially a classic, I always check my used bookstore first. I've had really good luck there. I remember last year looking for a used copy of GARDEN SPELLS by Sarah Addison Allen and the lady that works there told me they had just sold the only copy, but she offered to put my name on a list for the next one that came in. I really didn't hold out a lot of hope that it would happen anytime soon. But low and behold, two days later I got a call saying they had just gotten one in and it was mine if I wanted it! I was thrilled! I called my friend and she drove me over immediately! (I very much wanted to read that book!)

I don't feel pressure of any kind to buy the books the bookstore displays prominently as you come in the doors. Naturally, they're going to display the NYT Bestsellers, but that's typically not what I'm looking for. I read a lot of debut authors and books that have been out awhile, so they're further back in the store. The stores certainly don't dictate what I'm going to read.

I've made a decision to utilize my public library more this year, mainly because of the economy and also because I'm hoping to read some classics and they will definitely have them there. I will at the same time, however, keep my eye out for them at the used book store for my home library.

Well, I certainly didn't intend for this to be such a long response, but I think I've answered all the questions posed. If you'd like to participate or read other responses to today's musing, click here to go to Rebecca's Just One More Page, our host for this weekly event.