Sunday, August 31, 2014

Book Blogger Hop (Aug 29 - Sept 4)


The Book Blogger Hop is hosted at Ramblings Of A Coffee Addicted Writer and this week's question is: 

Do you request notifications of new replies when you post a comment on a blog post? 

My Answer: 
Not usually. I guess I never really thought about how much more interaction I would have if I did. It's definitely something I'll probably start doing in the future. 

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Stacking the Shelves #31


Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by TYNGA'S REVIEWS that features the books we bought, borrowed, were gifted, and were given for review.

I really wanted to go to the library this week and pick out a few books to read (specifically 'Scarlet' because I just finished 'Cinder') but it didn't happen. So all I have to show you all this week are the ebooks that I found for free through Amazon and the book that I got last minute in the mail. 

IN MY MAILBOX


I won a giveaway a couple of weeks ago and received this package from Jill at The O.W.L.! 
There were a few books to choose from and I chose 'We Were Liars' by E. Lockhart mostly because it seems to be the book everyone has been talking about all summer and I really just want to know what the hype is all about!
Jill wrapped the book in a beautiful owl ribbon (I LOVE IT!)  and included some signed bookmarks and a sticker as well! Thank you so much, Jill!!!


FREEBIES


(The Gryphon Chronicles #1)

"NY Times & USA Today bestselling author E.G. Foley presents The Gryphon Chronicles, an exciting new series of historical fantasy adventures that's as much fun for grownups as it is for kids."

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"A gripping medieval tale set in 16th century Bohemia"

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(Kronberg Crimes #1)

"In Victorian London's cesspool of crime and disease, a series of murders remains undiscovered until Dr. Anton Kronberg crosses paths and joins forces with Sherlock Holmes."

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What did you add to your shelves this week? 

Friday, August 29, 2014

Friday Finds #35


Friday Finds is a blog meme hosted over at Should Be Reading that highlights the books you found and added to your To Be Read list, whether you found them online or in a bookstore and etc. They are not necessarily books that you purchased!

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Anticipating September 2014 - New Releases



I haven't been the most up-to-date book blogger these past several months and I"m starting to realize just how far behind I am! I feel like I just crawled out from under a rock and all the books that I was waiting on have already been published without me even realizing! So this is my little way of attempting to stay a little more 'in the now' on what is coming out each month. 


SEPTEMBER 2014
NEW RELEASES

{Click on covers to be taken to Goodreads pages}

My Most Anticipated





Piques my Interest


 


          

As of now, I don't know of many other new releases so these are just a few that I've been looking forward to or have come across recently. I'm hoping for a much better turn out for October because I am always anticipating good spooky reads! 

UPDATED ADDS

    


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What September new releases are you looking forward to? 

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Book Review: 'Child of God' by Cormac McCarthy

Title: Child of God

Author: Cormac McCarthy
Publisher: Picador
Publication Date: 2010 (first published 1973)
Genre: Adult, Horror, Psychological Thriller
Length: 186 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased

SYNOPSIS:
By the author of the critically acclaimed Border Trilogy, Child of God is a taut, chilling novel that plumbs the depths of human degradation. Lester Ballard, a violent, solitary and introverted young backwoodsman dispossessed on his ancestral land, is released from jail and allowed to haunt the hill country of East Tennessee, preying on the population with his strange lusts. McCarthy transforms commonplace brushes with humanity - in homesteads, stores and in the woods - into stunning scenes of the comic and the grotesque, and as the story hurtles toward its unforgettable conclusion, depicts the most sordid aspects of life with dignity, humour, and characteristic lyrical brilliance. 

MY THOUGHTS:
I'm having a hard time rating this because I didn't 'really like it' but I did like McCarthy's writing. The quote on the front of this book by Tobias Wolff fits almost perfectly. 

"His prose, unfailingly beautiful and exact, carries us into a dreamworld of astonishing and violent revelation." 

Take out 'dreamworld' and it's a perfectly apt description. Even with the disturbing content, I enjoyed the prose. So while I've rated it 3 stars, I'd say it's more like a 3.5 or 4. 

Warning to the reader, though, that this book is not for the faint of heart. I'd lump it into the categories of 'serial killer fiction' or 'most disturbing books I've ever read'. I wouldn't put it at the top of my 'most disturbing books' list though, because I've read much worse. There are a few controversial themes that are touched on but not in great detail. I actually liked that McCarthy delved into such a disturbing topic without dragging out the worst parts, leaving some or most of what is going on in the book to the reader's imagination (if you dare to think along those deep dark lines). 

Overall, it wasn't too disturbing but it's very understandable why 'Child of God' is considered a 'Banned Book' and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone but adults. 

My Rating:

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Top Ten Tuesday #30


Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.


Top Ten Books I Really Want to Read But Don't Own Yet

1. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
I've been trying to get my hands on a physical copy of this classic for years but without having any bookstores anywhere near me or the $ to order it online has made it the one book that has eluded me the longest. 

2. The Neverending Story by Michael Ende
This is one of those books that I didn't know was an actual book until years after seeing the movie adaptation and I would love to have it in my collection to read to my daughter before letting her watch the film. 
 
3. What Dreams May Come by Richard Matheson
I thought the movie was rather beautiful and if this book is anything like the movie (or way better as most books are) than I really want to read this. 

4. The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury
This is another one of those books that has eluded me no matter how much I look for it. I suppose it's just not one of his better known stories but I loved his 'From the Dust Returned' so I have a feeling that I'd love this one, too. 

5. House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
I started this behemoth of a book once a few years ago but had to return it to the library and now they no longer own it! I didn't get very far (just to the beginnings of them exploring the 'never ending staircase') but I've seen so many people call this book super creepy and that just makes me want it so bad!

6. Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
I adored the movie adaptation and would just really love to read the book. 

7. A Dance With Dragons by George R.R. Martin
I haven't quite finished 'A Feast for Crows' but I've really been putting it off and reading other things just because I don't own the 5th book yet. 

8. Roald Dahl's Book of Ghost Stories
I never had the chance to read any Roald Dahl stories as a kid but as an adult I love them and find them to be extremely interesting. I'm also a big lover of ghost stories so I'd love to see Dahl's imagination on a creepier level than his more well known works. 

9. Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
It's been a couple of years since I read 'The Shining' but it was one of those books that has stuck with me and after finding out he recently wrote a sequel, I HAVE to read it! 

10. We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
'Castle' is one of those key words that I just can't pass up but I also love creepy books and this one just has a cover that sort of calls to me. Plus, Shirley Jackson. 

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Have you read any of these books?
What books can you not wait to get your hands on to read? 

Monday, August 25, 2014

Bout of Books 11.0 Read-a-thon WRAP UP


Bout of Books 11.0 Read-a-thon
WRAP UP

Total Books Read: 4
FINISHED


DIDN'T FINISH
I would have finished Cinder if it weren't for my fiance having 4 days off this week. We had a pretty busy weekend so I didn't have much time to read it. I got 188 pages in, though!

Total Pages Read:
863


Goals:
I kept my goals simple this year and only planned to read at least 4 books and gave myself 7 books to choose from. Mostly my plan was just to read more than I have been for the past few months. Goal accomplished! 

I didn't plan to participate in anything other than the actual reading but ended up doing the Day 1 Book Scavenger Hunt challenge and surprisingly found myself joining in on my very first Bout of Books Twitter chat! 

I also accomplished updating my blog for at least 5 days this week with my read-a-thon progress and it was a nice change after being so inactive for so long! 

Now I'm off to write some reviews for the books I've read this week because my blog has been begging for a review lately! 

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Book Blogger Hop (Aug 22-28)


The Book Blogger Hop is hosted at Ramblings Of A Coffee Addicted Writer and this week's question is: 

Do you reply to comments on your blog or do you figure folks won't be stopping back to read your reply so you don't bother?

My Answer: 
I always try to reply to my comments but sometimes life gets in the way or I don't realize that I have one! I'll admit that replying to comments that are simple phrases like 'Great haul!' or 'Love it!' can be a little difficult. I will have to make a genuine effort to reply to all my comments in the future. I'd love to know if people actually came back and read my replies though! 

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Stacking the Shelves #30


Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by TYNGA'S REVIEWS that features the books we bought, borrowed, were gifted, and were given for review.

Yet another small haul week. I haven't been buying books for myself since I found out that I am expecting and the couple that I've received this month were sent to me. I have been buying books for my baby girl but haven't been hauling them. This week, I received a book in the mail for my baby! 

IN MY MAILBOX


The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
A BabyLit Colors Primer

I want to say that I came across BabyLit on Facebook but I really can't remember since that was 4-5 months ago, and also, 'pregnesia' (or what most like to call 'pregnancy brain'). Legit excuse.  
Anyway, I really liked the idea of simplified classics for babies & toddlers so I liked their Facebook page. A few days later I saw a post asking for people to share for a chance to win one so I shared, to spread the greatness of child literacy, and was one of many winners! 

It's a board book and it's not so much a simplified version of The Wizard of Oz as I expected but instead has pages dedicated to each color with characters and other things from the story that coincide with each specific color. I'm actually really looking forward to teaching my baby girl her colors through this timeless classic!

If you have little ones and/or you would like to see what other classics they have available, head on over to their website or their Goodreads! They also have other great things on their website such as totes, prints, and character stuffies! 

FREEBIES
(I'm tossing these in a little late today after seeing them on another's STS and realizing I completely forgot the 2 ebooks I downloaded for free this week!) 


Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
{STILL FREE}

Slow Dance in Purgatory by Amy Harmon

What did you add to your shelves this week?

Friday, August 22, 2014

Bout of Books 11.0 - Day 5


Bout of Books 11.0 Read-a-thon 
Day 5

Currently Reading


I started Cinder late last night but only read a couple of chapters due to a million and one distractions (realizing that it's a signed copy being one of them!) 

I've also had quite a few distractions today but managed to read 108 pages.

Progress so far:
Finished: 4 books
Currently reading: 1 book
Total pages read: 812

How are you all doing with your goals? How many books or pages have you read so far? 

Friday Finds #34


Friday Finds is a blog meme hosted over at Should Be Reading that highlights the books you found and added to your To Be Read list, whether you found them online or in a bookstore and etc. They are not necessarily books that you purchased!

Here are some recently released horror novels I'm showcasing for this week! I can't wait to read these! 


The Girl From the Well by Rin Chupeco
|Goodreads|
(Think 'The Ring'!)


Fiendish by Brenna Yovanoff
|Goodreads|


The Fall by Bethany Griffin
|Goodreads|
(Think 'The Fall of the House of Usher')

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Bout of Books 11.0 - Day 4


Bout of Books 11.0 Read-a-thon
Day 4

Finished: 


Started:


So my big surprise for the day was when I opened up Cinder and realized that it's signed! I bought it in hardcover from the Scratch & Dent section at BookOutlet for $3 at the beginning of the year and it came practically perfect except for a tiny little tear in the bottom corner that is hardly noticeable. I just can't believe I never noticed that it's signed! This is going on my special shelf when I'm done reading it! 





Progress So Far

Day 1

Started & Finished:
               'Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie' by Julie Sternberg  
                pages read: 128 pages

Started: 'Child of God' by Cormac McCarthy
                pages read: 50 pages
Total pages for the day: 178

Day 2Started & Finished:
               'Like Bug Juice on a Burger' by Julie Sternberg
              pages read: 176 pages
Continued: Child of God by Cormac McCarthy
              pages read: 12 pages
Total pages for the day: 188
Total pages overall: 366
Total books finished: 2 

Day 3
Started & Finished: 
               'Like Carrot Juice on a Cupcake' by Julie Sternberg
              pages read: 184 pages
Continued: 'Child of God' by Cormac McCarthy
              pages read: 36 pages
Total pages for the day: 220
Total pages overall: 586
Total books finished: 3

Day 4
Finished: 'Child of God' by Cormac McCarthy
               pages read: 88 pages
Started:   ' Cinder' (The Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer
               pages read:  30
Total pages for the day: 118
Total pages overall: 704
Total books finished: 4 books
                
How are you all doing with your goals?

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Bout of Books 11.0 - Day 3


Bout of Books 11.0 Read-a-thon
Day 3

Again, I didn't have much time to dedicate to reading today but I did start and finish a book that I read out loud to my baby girl (in utero) and continued on with Cormac McCarthy's 'Child of God' which is starting to get pretty disturbing. 


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Progress So Far

Day 1

Started & Finished:
               'Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie' by Julie Sternberg  
                pages read: 128 pages

Started: 'Child of God' by Cormac McCarthy
                pages read: 50 pages
Total pages for the day: 178

Day 2
Started & Finished:
               'Like Bug Juice on a Burger' by Julie Sternberg
              pages read: 176 pages
Continued: Child of God by Cormac McCarthy
              pages read: 12 pages
Total pages for the day: 188
Total pages overall: 366
Total books finished: 2 

Day 3
Started & Finished: 
               'Like Carrot Juice on a Cupcake' by Julie Sternberg
              pages read: 184 pages
Continued: 'Child of God' by Cormac McCarthy
              pages read: 36 pages
Total pages for the day: 220
Total pages overall: 586
Total books finished: 3

I'm hoping to have much more time to read tomorrow morning at least so I'll finish 'Child of God' and probably start 'Cinder'! 

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How are you all doing on your goals? How many books have you read so far? 

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Bout of Books 11.0 - Day 2


Bout of Books 11.0 Read-a-thon
Day 2 

I started late again today despite being awake pretty early. I never seem to get any reading done on my fiance's days off. We woke up and made homemade french toast, then we went for a walk in the park, ran to the grocery store, came home and made guacamole...
We even planted a tree today. It seems like I've done everything but read! 


I'm not going to participate in today's challenges because of my lack of time but now that things have calmed down a little and I can sit back, relax, and finally read out loud to my baby girl. I've been looking forward to this all day. 

Finished on Day 2:


Like Bug Juice on a Burger by Julie Sternberg
Pages Read: 176/176

Continuing:


Child of God by Cormac McCarthy
Pages:
Day 1 = 50/186
Day 2 = __
(will update Day 2 pgs on Day 3) 
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How are you all doing with your read-a-thon goals?