Musing Mondays

Recording Your Reading

Do you keep track of what and/or how many books you read? How long have you been doing this? What's your favorite tracking method, and why? If you don't keep track, why not? (question courtesy of MizB)

I first started tracking my TBR list in a Word document. My book recommendations were written on scraps of paper, back on envelopes and post-it notes. One day it occurred to me that I should write the titles in one list. This list soon turned into a color-coded (by genre) 10-page document. Next, I decided to track all the books I could remember reading in Word.

Recently, I wanted to expand my TBR list and add more detailed information and continuing to maintain this list in Word was getting too complicated. I then transferred this list into Excel, but soon after I stopped updating it. Reason being I needed to access this list outside of my home. I completely forgot about using iDisk on my iMac, so now I'm thinking about returning to my Excel spreadsheet.

I also track my TBR and "all books read" list on Library Thing and Shelfari. Earlier this year, I experimented with Good Reads and only have the books read in 2009 listed there. I also maintain books read each month on My Journal blog. I have a separate challenges blog and I also keep track of books read for each challenge in an Excel spreadsheet.

I love making lists and I'm always looking for ways to improve my book tracking system. I'm curious to know how others track their reading.

Sunday Salon

It's Sunday once again. The last Sunday in March. . . how can this be? 2009 is just moving by too quickly for me. Anyway, Friday evening I finally saw Twilight. Honestly, I thought it was just okay. At times I thought the acting was a bit stiff. I was disappointed with Edward's and Bella's relationship. Don't get me wrong; I thought the actors had great chemistry. It's just that I didn't believe the intensity of their relationship. Had I not read the book, I would have interpreted Edward's facial expressions and behaviors as angst, not love for Bella. After the movie ended, it made me realize how much I enjoyed reading Twilight and may be I will read it again.

I spent my Saturday afternoon and evening watching the NCAA tournament games. I'm happy that my alma mater, UConn, is in the final 4!! GO HUSKIES!! Today I finished reading While My Sister Sleeps by Barbara Delinsky. I hope to write the review later this week. I have to write my review for Handle with Care first. Later this afternoon, I will start True Colors by Kristin Hannah. Last year I read Firefly Lane, the first novel I read by this author, and loved it. So, I'm looking forward to reading this as well.

That's my Sunday. How are you spending your day?

Library Loot

March 25 - March 31

I've had several books on reserve for awhile and they all came in this week:

What's On Your Nightstand?

My reading has been erratic this year. For that reason alone, I decided to play it safe and only select three books from my night stand that I would like to read in April. I really have been a mood reader this year and I'm not sure why. Maybe I shouldn't question it; just accept it: it is what it is. Anyway, here are the books:

I have three books that I'm waiting for their release in late March/April:

• Long Lost by Harlan Coben
• Just Take My Heart by Mary Higgins Clark
• 8th Confession by James Patterson

I would like to read at least one of those as well. And knowing me, I'm sure there will be at least one or two books that I impulsively read.

Other books on my night stand are:

• Shelter Me by Juliette Fay
• The Lost Recipe for Happiness by Barbara O'Neal
• Up to No Good by Carl Weber
• The Black Echo by Michael Connelly
  

So, what's on your night stand?

Tuesday Teasers

My teaser sentences are:

"You don't understand. I can't tell my mother Robin is lying here like this." Kathryn would blame her. Instantly. Even before she knew that it truly was Molly's fault.

~While My Sister Sleeps by Barbara Delinsky~

Musing Mondays

Bookstores

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

I usually go to Border's. The Border's near my house is two-floors and I love going there on a Saturday afternoon and getting lost in the books. Unfortunately, I can't do this as often as I would like, but I try to do this at least once every other month. If I had a stressful week, I will spend an hour or two before going home on Friday evenings as a way to unwind.

Last year I joined Barnes and Noble membership club and recently started going there as well. My favorite stores are in NYC: Border's at Penn Plaza and Columbus Circle and Barnes and Noble on Fifth Avenue and Broadway (near Lincoln Center).

Sunday Salon

Happy Spring everyone! It's Sunday once again. . . this month is really going by fast. I didn't get much reading done again this week. I feel my life is heading in a new direction and God is really moving in my life, therefore my priorities have shifted quite a bit these last few weeks. The time I usually spend reading, I am now doing other things that are getting me prepared for what God has for me. It's an exciting time for me!

Friday I did finish listening to The Host. Honestly, I'm debating on whether I will write a review or not. I'm not quite sure what I will say. It's not that I didn't like the book, but at the same time I didn't enjoy it either. I'm very conflicted at the moment, so I think it's best if I not say anything. Well, at least not now.

It's been two weeks and I'm still reading Handle with Care. I usually finish reading a Jodi Picoult book in days. Granted, I'm not spending the same amount of time reading this book as I did for her past novels, but I'm hoping to finish tonight. I've blocked out time this evening (yes, I made an appointment with myself!) to devote to reading this book. It's such a deep, thought-provoking read, that I almost regret reading it now because of all that is going on with me.

Yesterday I spent a few hours at the library while my cats had their physicals. I managed to read four books for the Young Readers Challenge. I also signed up for the Spring Reading Thing 2009 Challenge and completed the Winter Reading Challenge this week.

How are you spending your Sunday?

Questions to Ask Before Marrying

Title: Questions to Ask Before Marrying
Author: Melissa Senate
ISBN-10: 0373895607
Pages: 249
Year Published: 2008
Genre: Chick Lit
Date Finished: March 8

From the back cover: Ruby Miller and her fiancé, Tom Truby, have questions 1 to 14 almost covered. It's question 15 that has the Maine schoolteacher stumped: Is their relationship strong enough to withstand challenges?

Challenges like…Ruby's twin sister, Stella. The professional muse, flirt and face reader thinks Ruby is playing it safe. And that the future Mrs. Ruby Truby will die of boredom before her first anniversary or her thirtieth birthday, whichever comes first.

Challenges like…sexy maverick teacher Nick McDermott, Ruby's secret longtime crush, who confesses his feelings for her at her own engagement party.

But before Ruby can plan the wedding that may never be, Stella announces she's pregnant by a one-night stand whose name might be Jake (or James? Maybe Jason?) and who lives somewhere under the glittering lights of Las Vegas. Ruby and Stella hit the road to find him—with a lot more than fifteen questions.

And after three thousand miles, a stowaway relative and hitchhiking teen lovebirds bound for an Elvis wedding chapel, the Miller sisters might get some answers.

First sentence: According to an often-referenced New York Times article, there are fifteen questions you should ask yourself and The One before marrying.

My review: Having read Ms. Senate's previous novels, I was looking forward to reading Questions to Ask Before Marrying. I found it to be a quick, light read (finished it in one-sitting), however I didn't enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the others.

Stella and Ruby are sisters and are complete opposites. From their outer appearances, their views on life, their personalities, to their relationship with men. Despite their differences, both sisters truly love each other. Both are adjusting to life several years after their mother's death. As young girls, their father abandoned the family leaving the women to form a tight bond.

When Ruby announces her engagement to Tom, Stella begins to question Ruby's true feelings towards him. She doubts there is any passion between Ruby and Tom and wonders what the real reason is behind Ruby agreeing to marry him. As a way to get Ruby to think more about her relationship, Stella concocts a road trip to Las Vegas to find a man she spent one night with to inform him she's pregnant with his child. Ruby reluctantly agrees. It's on this trip that Stella and Ruby begin to deal with unanswered questions from their past.

In case you're interested, here's the article this book is based on: Questions Couples Should Ask (Or Wish They Had) Before Marrying.

Evil in Carnations by Kate Collins

Title: Evil in Carnations
Author: Kate Collins
Series: A Flower Shop Mystery #8
ISBN-13: 9780451226235
Pages: 313
Year Published: 2009
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Date Finished: March 7

From the back cover: What do you do when your best friend and roommate can't relate to your relationship bliss? I tried to help her get back her mojo. . .but I didn't know her first date would turn out to have cold feet—literally.

The dating scene can be a killer. Determined to hep her roommate, Nikki, out of her singles slump, Abby Knight encourages her to give speed dating a try. Of course Nikki wants the guy at the very bottom of Abby's list, Jonas Treat—aka Treat the Cheat—and figures one date with him can't hurt. Her lack of good judgment catches up with her when Jonas is found dead—and evidence points to Nikki as his killer.

To clear Nikki's name, Abby enlists the help of her hunky ex-Army Ranger boyfriend, Marco. But just when Nikki's situation looks dire and Abby needs Marco most, his rambunctious extended family descends, turning Abby's hectic life into a disaster zone. Abby's patience is seriously wilting, but with a killer on the loose, she can't throw in the trowel. She's determined to dig herself out of this mess—before someone buries her instead.

First sentence: "Isn't there a law that says public hallways have to be lighted?" Marco complained.

My review: Abby Knight is back for the eighth book of the series. Abby and Marco are trying to mend their relationship and decide to sneak to Key West for a weekend getaway. Abby empathizes with Nikki, her roommate, because her boyfriend just ended their relationship. To help heal Nikki's broken heart, Abby decides to attend a speed dating event with Nikki. Much to Abby's chagrin, Nikki chooses the one guy that Abby did not like. Breaking the "no contact" rule, Nikki exchanges phone numbers with Jonas Treat and agrees to go out with him, all the while keeping this a secret from Abby.

When Abby returns from her weekend with Marco, Nikki gets arrested for homicide. Abby agrees to help Nikki, however Nikki repeatedly sabotages the case by not being forthcoming with Abby. Soon Abby begins to doubt Nikki's innocence and questions how well does she really know her best friend.

While trying to figure out who killed Jonas, Abby is also trying to keep her weekend getaway a secret from her family, especially her mother. If her family knew about Key West, they would assume she and Marco were getting serious. . .which meant marriage. Abby is aware of her feelings for Marco, however she's not sure if she's ready for marriage.

Although the killer is easy to spot, this book is a great addition to the series. While it centers around solving the murder, the reader learns more about Abby's relationship with Marco. One can't help but to wonder what the future holds for them.

Move On, Move Up by Paula White

Title: Move On, Move Up: Turn Yesterday's Trials into Today's Triumphs
Author: Paula White
ISBN-10: 0446580457
Pages: 281
Year Published: 2008
Genre: Non-Fiction (Christian Living/Inspirational)
Date Finished: March 2

From the back cover: Has life thrown you curveballs? Do you feel battered by your circumstances? No matter how chaotic your life may be, you are in precisely the right position for God to do a creative work!

You may have walked through experiences that dented, tarnished, and sullied your outer person, but all of God's plans and purposes for your life are good. They were good at the moment of your creation, and they are good today. God has the power to restore the broken, damaged places in your heart.

Do you want to move on, but you don't know how? Do you want to move up, but you don't know where to find help? Paula White knows what it's like to walk in your shoes. Her hope-filled insights will inspire you to conquer life's obstacles by:

• Giving your pain up to God and allowing Him to heal you
• Learning to see your life from God's perspective
• Developing a spiritual mind
• Getting rid of old habits
• Keeping your focus on the goals God has for you.

Don't give up! Failure is not final. And God is right here, ready to give you the strength and resources you need. It's time to move on—and move up!

My review: Recently I found myself feeling trapped by a circumstance that I honestly thought had no way out. I felt incredibly paralyzed and just didn't know how to take a step to move forward. Then I discovered this book and began to see a way to move on.

What I liked most about this book is that it's heavily based in scripture and Biblical stories, which is what I was looking for. I don't think this should be substituted for daily Bible study or attending church. It's an insightful resource to help the reader understand the purpose behind his/her trial and how God can use it for his/her good. The underlying message is to not give up, despite how painful the current situation may feel. Trust in God to make a way even if you think there is no way.

At the end of each chapter are questions to help the reader delve further into his/her situation to assist in moving on and moving up. I highly recommend this book.

Tuesday Teasers

My teaser sentences are:

"I know how selfish this makes me sound, but then again, knowing something's true doesn't keep you from feeling it. And I may only be twelve, but believe me, that's long enough to know that our family isn't the same as other families, and never will be." (p. 19)
~Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult~

Musing Mondays

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?

I'm always in search of a new author. When I'm browsing at a book store, I usually leave with 5-10 titles to add to my TBR list. I have purchased books by a new author without hesitation. In fact, I prefer it that way. Don't get me wrong, I definitely have my favorite authors and will buy their books too. It's just that occasionally I find myself looking for something new and different and I want to branch out to see what else is out there I haven't read yet.

Now that I'm trying to cut back on my book buying (due to lack of space and having way too many purchased, unread books on my shelves), when I discover a new author, I check first to see if the library owns a copy. If so, then I'll add my name to the wait list or put it on hold. If it's a book that has received raved reviews and it sounds "ownership worthy", then I will purchase it (even it the library owns a copy).

Sunday Salon

It has been a non-stressful, relaxing day for me. I remembered to change my clocks before bed last night and woke up feeling quite tired as I got ready for church. As much as I love having more daylight hours, the first week of changing the clocks makes me feel so tired.

Anyway, after I church I went to Barnes and Noble to buy Jodi Picoult's Handle with Care. This past week I avoided reading any reviews about this book. I didn't want to accidentally read any spoilers. I'm going to her book signing tomorrow which I'm really looking forward to. I've been waiting for this book to be released since I attended her signing for Change of Heart last year.

Of course, I wanted to come home and immediately start reading it to prepare for tomorrow night, however I didn't. I have a library book that I've been meaning to read, but I just kept moving it to the bottom of my list. I decided to spend the day reading, with the intention of finishing it so I could start Handle with Care later this evening.

Having said that, I had a good reading week this week. I manged to finish three books. It's been awhile since I read three books in a week, so I'm pretty pleased with myself. Of course, I still have the reviews to write, but let's not focus on that right now.

My first book was Move On, Move Up: Turn Yesterday's Trials into Today's Triumphs by Paula White. I highly recommend this book especially if you're feeling stuck in an area of your life and you just cannot seem to take a step to move forward. It's heavily based with Biblical scripture and it helps you to discover the purpose behind the trial which allows you to take the first step to move on.

Next was Evil in Carnations by Kate Collins, the 8th book in A Flower Shop Mystery Series. Another great addition to this series. I know I've said this before, but this series just gets better and better with each book. Unfortunately the 9th book won't be released until February 2010.

Finally, I finished Questions to Ask Before Marrying by Melissa Senate today. When I stumbled on this book on Amazon.com, I instantly added it my TBR list. Having read and enjoyed the author's previous novels, I wanted to read this as well. While browsing at the library I came across this book and checked it out. Unfortunately when I got home, the excitement I had to read it kind of fizzled as I looked at the pile of books on my night stand that I had yet to read. (Why does that happen?)

Hopefully I can write the reviews this week. So, that's it for me. How are you spending your Sunday afternoon?

Library Loot

My "loot" is tiny this week. I only picked up one book today, which in a way is good. I really need to focus on reading my own books. Also, I still have three books to finish for the Winter Reading Challenge.

My library book for this week is:

Tuesday Teasers

Tuesday Teasers asks you to:

• Grab your current read.
• Let the book fall open to a random page.
• Share with us two (2) "teaser" sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
• You also need to share the title of the book that you're getting your "teaser" from...that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you've given!
• Please avoid spoilers.

My teaser sentences are:

"Take our chances with a jury? No way was I about to leave Nikki's fate to chance." (p. 79)
~Evil in Carnations by Kate Collins~

Musing Mondays

When reading do you read every word? Do you ever skip chapters or skim over parts?

It's hardly ever that I skip chapters or skim parts. If the book is really boring and I have to force myself to read it, then yes. Usually when this happens, I'm contemplating putting it down, so I usually jump ahead to see if anything is going to happen. If so, then I'll go back and read the parts I skipped or skimmed. Having said that, I do read every word. When I read, I try to relax and enjoy what I'm reading and really allow myself to become immersed in the book.

Sunday Salon

It's Sunday and the first day of March (can't believe how fast this year is going). February was not a good reading month for me. I manged to get involved with too many activities, projects, etc. and my reading suffered. I came home each night exhausted and wanted to fall immediately into bed.

I did catch up on two series: Stephanie Plum by Janet Evanovich and Michael Bennett by James Patterson. I also finished a series I started last year: The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot. Here's hoping that March will be a better reading month. I'm currently reading Evil in Carnations by Kate Collins, the latest book in A Flower Shop Mystery series and still listening to The Host.

Earlier today, I read a post on My Friend Amy's blog about being a monogamous reader and deciding what book to read next. I have been thinking about this all day. I am a monogamous reader, always have been. I've noticed, when browsing book blogs, that numerous people will have more than one book listed under "currently reading". I can read a fiction book with a non-fiction book or listen to an audio book while reading a fiction book, but two fiction books at once? Years ago, I tried doing that and it was just too confusing for me. I couldn't remember the story lines and I mixed up the characters.

Now, I'm considering trying this again. Perhaps if I choose a mystery with a young adult book or a mystery and a chick lit book, then may be I could do it. I think, for me, it comes down to the books I choose to read. We'll see. . .

Forever Princess by Meg Cabot

Title: Forever Princess
Author: Meg Cabot
Series: The Princess Diaries v. 10
ISBN-13: 978-0-06-123292-3
Pages: 383
Genre: Young Adult Fiction (Series)
Year Published: 2009
Date Finished: February 28

From the dust jacket: It's Mia's senior year, and things seem great. She aced her senior project, got accepted to her dream college(s), and has her birthday gala coming up. . .not to mention prom, graduation, and Genovia's first-ever elections.

What's not to love about her life? Well. . .

• Her senior project? It's a romance novel she secretly wrote, and no one wants to publish it.
• Prince Phillipe's campaign in the Genovian elections isn't going well, thanks to her totally loathsome cousin René, who decided to run against him.
• Her boyfriend, J.P., is so sweet and seemingly perfect. But is he the one?
• And her first love, Michael, is back from Japan. . .and back in her life.

With Genovia's and her own future hanging in the balance, Mia's got some decisions to make: Which college? Which guy? How can she choose? Especially when what she decides might determine not just the next four years, but. . .forever!

My thoughts: Princess Mia and her friends are back for their senior year. Finals, prom and graduation are days away and everyone has senioritis. As everyone is excited to leave AEHS and start college, Mia is struggling with being honest with herself and her friends. She's been dishonest about her college acceptance and her senior project. Michael's return from Japan sets in motion a chain of events that forces Mia to finally be honest and see what has been in front of her all these years.

Thoughts about the series: Overall, I enjoyed this book and the entire series. When I read The Princess Diaries for the Young Adult reading challenge last year, I didn't intend to read the entire series. However, the more I read, the more I liked the characters and wanted to know more about Mia's life. After finishing Forever Princess, I was sad to see the series end! Hopefully, Ms. Cabot will allow the readers a glimpse into Mia's life at college. We'll see. . . I highly recommend this series.

Basketball Jones by E. Lynn Harris

Title: Basketball Jones
Author: E. Lynn Harris
ISBN-13: 9780767926270
Pages: 246
Year Published: 2009
Genre: African-American Fiction
Date Finished: February 26

From the dust jacket: Aldridge James "AJ" Richardson is living the good life. He has a gorgeous town house in always flavorful New Orleans, plenty of frequent-flier miles from jet-setting around the country on a whim, and an MBA—but he's never had to work a regular job. He owes it all to his longtime lover, Dray Jones. Dray Jones the rich and famous NBA star. They fell in love in college when AJ was hired to tutor Dray, a freshman on the basketball team. But Dray knew if he wanted to make it to the big time, he must juggle his public image and his private desires Built on a deep, abiding love, their hidden relationship sustains them both, but when Dray's teammates begin to ask insinuating questions about AJ, Dray puts their doubts to rest by marrying Judi, a beautiful and ambitious woman. Judi knows nothing about Dray's "other life." Or does she?

In Basketball Jones, E. Lynn Harris explores the consequences of loving someone who is forced to conform to the rules society demands of its public heroes. Filled with nonstop twists and turns, it will keep readers riveted from the first page to the last.

My thoughts: I've read all of Mr. Harris's fiction works and was excited to hear he has two set to release in 2009. Basketball Jones is about the relationship between a famous athlete and his boyfriend. A lot is expected of AJ to be in this relationship with Dray: move whenever Dray says to, cancel plans at the last minute if Dray can get away from his wife or the team, pretty much be at Dray's disposal. However, for AJ, there are perks to being with Dray as well: new, furnished paid-for homes, expensive cars, clothes, pretty much the best of everything. For AJ, is this enough, having these perks, or would he give it all up if he could publicly be with Dray?

Soon, Dray and AJ receive threatening notes and calls to "out" their relationship if they do not respond to the blackmailer's demands. The questions become: who is blackmailing them and who how does this person know the intimate details of their relationship? A relationship that both men have gone to great lengths to keep secret.

Thoughts about the ending: Early in the novel, I figured out the blackmailer's identity and the motive behind it. The plot was predictable, however I still enjoyed it. After finishing the novel, my immediate thought was: wow that's it? Surely, there has to be a sequel. Without giving away the ending, I would like for Mr. Harris to do a "where are they now" novel, as I'm curious to know more about their lives 2 or 3 years from now.

Random thoughts about the author: I first discover E. Lynn Harris in high school. I was going on vacation with my parents and needed a book for the long drive. I was looking for something different and decided to read Invisible Life. Little did I know this book would lead me to a new author. Each year, Mr. Harris is interviewed by the morning show I listen to on the radio. I love his energy, his enthusiasm and that he sounds down to earth. I hope to one day attend a book signing, as I would love to meet him in person.

Another book I reviewed by him: Just Too Good to Be True