TGIF and Unexpected Books

Friday, already?  I don't know where this week went .....   but I'm looking forward to a lovely weekend, with lots of time for reading.

Ginger over at GReads has a great question for today's TGIF:  Which books did you have reservations about reading, but ended up loving once you did?

Thinking back to when I was a kid, I was hesitant about a few books that I wound up really enjoying ---

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster.    At first, I just didn't get it --- too many puns, too many British things I didn't understand .... until I picked it up again a year or two later, and then loved it.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.   My aunt gave it to me and told me it was one of her favorite books growing up.  It didn't sound too appealing, so I admit  it sat on the shelf for months.  When I got around to reading it, I really enjoyed it --- and now, years later, had to replace my original copy because it was falling apart (literally -- pages falling out and everything) from being read so often.  


Recently, I picked up Ready Player One by Ernest Cline.  I had been dragging my heels on this one, because I was afraid it would be boring ---- but I was hooked pretty quickly, and I really liked it!

I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone else has to say (so I can put more books on my TBR list).  Happy Friday, everyone!!!

TGIF!!!!

I feel like it's been ages since I posted a real post here .....  but now that Summer Read is winding down at my library, I think I'll have a bit more energy ....

Anyway --- it's Friday, which means not only is it the end of another week, but it's also time for TGIF, hosted by Ginger at GReads!  Every week, she asks a question, and it's always interesting to see what everyone has to say.   Today's question is:  Christmas in July:  If Santa were to come down your chimney in the middle of summer, which books would you want him to leave for you under the tree?   the nice thing is, Santa has magic, and can leave books that haven't been published yet.... 


I'm trying to fill in some gaps in my personal collection, so I'd like the Harry Dresden series books that I'm missing, along with Anne Perry's World War I series books that I'm missing.   However, I'd also like a few things that are shiny and new:

The Curiosities: A Collection of Stories by Maggie Stiefvater, Brenna Yovanoff and Tessa Gratton

- A vampire locked in a cage in the basement, for good luck.
- Bad guys, clever girls, and the various reasons why the guys have to stop breathing.
- A world where fires never go out (with references to vanilla ice cream).

These are but a few of the curiosities collected in this volume of short stories by three acclaimed practitioners of paranormal fiction.  (summary courtesy of GoodReads)


and 


Angel's Ink by Jocelynn Drake


The series is firmly settled in the urban fantasy genre, set in what I like to call an open world (ie, everyone knows about all the other races and has for a really long time, allowing everyone to live side-by-side in a relative, occasionally strained, harmony.) Some of the races that you meet in this series include, but are not limited to: humans, elves, trolls, dwarves, pixies, werewolves, vampires, ogres, minotaurs, incubus, faeries, goblins, and many many more that are fighting to get their time on the page.

At the center of this mess is Gage Powell, a tattoo artist who owns a parlor in a sketchy little neighborhood in Low Town called Asylum. In a world that is naturally filled with magic, it only makes sense that many of the non-magic folk (like humans) could use an edge. In this world, tattoo artists aren't just tattoo artists. They are also licensed potion stirrers. For the right price, they can help you get an edge. Need courage, love, or luck? A tattoo artist can stir a potion to be placed in the ink of a tattoo that can help you achieve those things.   (summary courtesy of the author, via GoodReads)  




I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone else has on their wish list !!!

TGIF!!! and author encounters.....

It's TGIF over at GReads!!!   Actually, today, I'm off work, so it is totally a wonderful Friday.....  and I hope you all are enjoying your Friday, as well.  Anyway ....  back to TGIF:  Every week, Ginger hosts TGIF, where we all get to answer a question (and then see what everyone else has to say, too).   This week's question is:

Authors Are Our Celebrities: Have you ever contacted 

an author you admired? How did that experience go?  If not, which author would you love to have a chat with?

I agree with Ginger, that one of the great things about being a book blogger is being able to interact (hopefully) with some of our favorite authors, whether it's via email, or Twitter, or in person.   I'm lucky enough to have an absolutely wonderful indie bookstore near me that hosts all kinds of author signings, so I've met some of my favorite authors, including Maggie Stiefvater, Melissa Marr, and others.   I've also been fortunate enough to meet authors at the various conventions I go to.  Here are a few of my top author-contact experiences:

Carolyn Turgeon:   I had loved Rain Village (which I just re-read and posted about), so when she had a new book published, Mermaid, I grabbed it right away.  And I absolutely loved it.  So much, in fact, that I contacted Carolyn (trying not to be too fan-girl and gushy), and then I made a mermaid necklace for her and sent it to her.  I've never done that before, and I didn't want her to think I was all stalker-y .... but I had just gotten a cool mermaid pendant from Green Girl Studios, and I had some nice flourite beads....   Anyway, she was very gracious about it all (and sent me a book, too!)

Jane Yolen:  I had grown up reading Jane Yolen's books, and one of my favorites was (and still is), a book of stories called The Moon Ribbon.   When I was still in library school, I saw that the American Library Association convention was going to be in Chicago, so I thought I'd get a one-day pass (if nothing else, to just drink in all the librarian vibes there).  I saw that she was on the list of authors slated to be there, so I grabbed my beloved copy of The Moon Ribbon.   When I approached her, sitting quietly in a booth, I thought I'd be all cool ..... and then, for whatever reason, got completely choked up.  I was able to stammer out that I just loved this book, and it meant so much to me growing up ---- and she seemed surprised to see the book (it's been out of print for a long time).  She was really nice, and inscribed my book for me, and I was able to say thank you and then stumble away.  Not the best impression, probably, but I think she could tell I was feeling a bit overwhelmed (and I appreciated she was so nice).  

China Miéville:  If you read my blog, you know I have a love for this author's books.  I also admit to having a huge author crush on him ..... in my mind, he's perfect (and don't tell me if you know he's not .... I'd rather just imagine that this man, who crafts some of my favorite books, is perfect).   I had actually contacted him a few years ago through his publisher, and got a very nice email back from him (and when I read it, at work, I did a little happy dance right there in the office).  However, I was lucky enough to actually meet him at a convention in Chicago last year.  I actually walked past him first, realized it was him, and my heart started pounding (I had to keep walking, and get myself all calm again).  The next day, when I heard him speak (sitting in the front row, right in front of him ... oh yes, it was awesome), it was great --- but then, I got to stand in line, and have him sign two of my books.  I think the only thing that saved me from fainting dead away was the fact that my husband was there with me (I had told him he had to come with, just in case I did faint ... or make a blathering idiot out of myself, at which point he could physically drag me away).   I think I can die happy now, now that I've met this man that I've had an absolutely huge author crush on for a long time.   And let me tell you ..... in person, he does look pretty perfect.  Not that I was checking him out or anything ...... well, maybe a little bit..... 

There are still authors I would love to have some contact with, and one that I regret never sending a letter to -- I always wanted to write to Ray Bradbury and let him know how much I love his writing, and I always felt a bit too geeky to do it .... and now, he just passed away.   From now on, I'll be braver about contacting authors.    :)

I'm looking forward to reading about everyone else's experiences.  Happy Friday, everyone!

TGIF --- and a book blogger is born

Now that I'm feeling much more like myself, I am ready ready ready to celebrate the fact that it's Friday!   Ginger over at GReads always hosts TGIF, and today's question is: A Book Blogger is Born:  What made you decide to start your very own book blog?

I have always been an avid reader (actually, I'd say I'm a reading addict), and when I discovered LibraryThing, and GoodReads, I was all kinds of happy.  I started reading book blogs around the same time, and I really liked how I could read about how other people felt about books I was reading, and also that I could enter into a bit of conversation about books.   I also discovered that book bloggers were a great way to learn about all kinds of books --- things I'd never heard of were making their way into my book bag, and the stack of books by the bed started to get bigger.

I wasn't sure about blogging, myself, because I wasn't sure if anyone out there would care about what I was saying.  However, I started to like the idea of just getting my thoughts down, and writing, even if no one read any of my posts.  So, I did a bit of looking around to get some inspiration, and then created my own blog.  I've been blogging now for almost three years, and I think I've come a long way since those early posts (some of them make me cringe a bit, but I keep them anyway).   I've also come a long way since my early blog design --- once I hired Lori to do up my design, I felt like I was really myself, and comfortable on my blog.

I may not have a large number of followers, and I usually don't have many comments on my posts, but I still really enjoy blogging, and making connections with other bloggers.  I had to get up some courage to start, but now, I'm comfortable, and I'm looking forward to reaching out and connecting a little more with other bloggers (the nice thing is, if you're shy like I am, talking about books, and blogging, makes it a lot easier).

Happy Friday, everyone --- and have a wonderful weekend!!!

TGIF and Book Appeal

We've reached end of another week (yay!!!) --- and that means, among other things, it's TGIF at GReads!
Today's question is:   Book Appeal:   When you're browsing GoodReads, the library, or another blogger's reviews, what grabs your attention to make you want to read it?

I get a lot of my books from my library, so when I'm browsing the new book section, unusual-sounding titles will catch my eye.   I also keep my eye out for books I've been meaning to read (and keep forgetting to grab), or a familiar author.   Cover art sometimes does make me pick up a book, but not always (mostly because there isn't enough room on our displays to put the books with their covers facing out -- so I'm looking mostly at the spines).    The one book that did catch my eye this week is Caitlin's Kiernan's newest (that book's catching everyone's eye right now -- see image below).

When I'm looking at books on GoodReads and blogs, an interesting-sounding summary and review will make me want to pick up the book.   I've seen reviews on blogs for books that I don't think I would have chosen, but the reviewer made it sound interesting --- and it's great to then discover a new book that I probably wouldn't have known about.


Have a great Friday, everyone!

TGIF --- Buy or Borrow ????

I think I'm liking this whole TGIF thing......   and I appreciate that Ginger over at GReads hosts and has a question for us every week.   This week's question is:  Buy or Borrow:  Where do your books that you read come from?  The bookstore?  The library?  Do you prefer to own a book, or have it on loan?  

I'm a librarian, so I do get most of my books from the library.  Because I order books for part of our collection, I'm always looking at journals, reviews, etc -- so I'm always filling up my tbr (to be read) list with new books.   Plus, just walking around here, I see books on the different displays that catch my eye.   I'm also a big believer in the "try before you buy" way of doing things.

I don't buy a lot of books for two reasons:  1) I don't have a lot of extra money to spend (Librarians don't typically make a ton of money) and 2) I don't necessarily want to own every book I read.     I read a lot, and if I really, really love a book and want it for myself, I'll buy it. Otherwise, I can always check it out from the library again.

When I buy books, I try to always go through my local independent bookstore (we've got a great one with two locations near me), or I browse at the local used books store.   I also really like Book Depository UK because I can get my favorite British author's books, with free shipping.   I also sometimes get a free copy of a book from a publisher, author, or LibraryThing, which is always a treat.

So, that's my story.  What's yours?  

TGIF -- Book Recommendations

Happy Friday!   Another week has somehow whipped by.... and today, I'm sitting at home waiting for the snow to begin so I can start planning my shoveling strategy.  Yes, fun, fun, fun.   But, I'm also planning on some quality time snugged on the couch with a book.   That way, I can have a little relaxation time before I have to go to work tomorrow.


But anyway -- the whole point is:  It's Friday!  And it's TGIF at GReads, too!  This Friday's question is:  Which book from the last 10 you've read would you recommend to a friend?


I'm actually going to recommend two today, one nonfiction and one fiction.


Extra Virginity: The Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil         yes, a book about olive oil. It's more interesting than you might think --- I use a lot of olive oil when I cook, and I learned a lot.    And, it has a pretty even pace, so it reads like fiction (in other words, it's not a dry, boring book).


   And, I'm also recommending this book, which I'm about 1/4 of the way through, and really enjoying:


The Rook by Daniel O'Malley.   I started this book the other night and I'm loving it so far -- it's imaginative and full of dry humor, and I like the main character.

   Here's the summary (courtesy of GoodReads):  "The body you are wearing used to be mine." So begins the letter Myfanwy Thomas is holding when she awakes in a London park surrounded by bodies all wearing latex gloves. With no recollection of who she is, Myfanwy must follow the instructions her former self left behind to discover her identity and track down the agents who want to destroy her.

She soon learns that she is a Rook, a high-ranking member of a secret organization called the Chequy that battles the many supernatural forces at work in Britain. She also discovers that she possesses a rare, potentially deadly supernatural ability of her own.

In her quest to uncover which member of the Chequy betrayed her and why, Myfanwy encounters a person with four bodies, an aristocratic woman who can enter her dreams, a secret training facility where children are transformed into deadly fighters, and a conspiracy more vast than she ever could have imagined.

Have a wonderful Friday -- and a great weekend!!!!

TGIF --- 2012 Must Reads

Friday again?  I don't know about you, but I'm glad it's the end of the week!   And, it's TGIF at GReads --- today's question is: Which books are at the top of your list to be read this year (old or new releases)??

I have a few books checked out from the library that I'd like to get to by the end of the month, but I have my eye on a few titles that will be coming out in the next months, as well.   Plus, I need to get cracking on my classics for the one challenge I signed up for.

I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone else has chosen --- Happy Friday, everyone!!

TGIF!

Since it's a new year, thought I'd try something different on a Friday -- TGIF @ GingerReads!   I've seen a lot of bloggers's TGIF posts, and since I am glad that it's the end of another week, figured I'd join in.   

So -- this Friday's question is:  Reading Resolutions: What are some of your reading goals for the new year?

* I resolve to read more books that are on my personal bookshelves.   I plan to revisit some of my favorites, and also read books that I bought and haven't gotten to yet.  I don't usually buy a lot of books, and when I do, they tend to be ones that I have already read ...   but I have a handful sitting there that I picked up because they looked good and I should read them and find out.

* I resolve to read some classics.  I signed up for the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Challenge this year, and that will get me reading some classics.   Actually, I can't wait!


* I resolve to get through my review requests in a more timely manner.  Once in a while, I let something completely slip and I'm going to get better about that.   


I think that's it, at least, for right now.    I'm more or less happy with the amount that I read, and I'm looking forward to doing lots of reading in the new year.   However, I'm sure I'll get some more ideas as a I visit around and see what other readers have to say for this Friday's question.


Happy Friday, everyone!!!!     And thank you. Ginger, for getting my Friday off to a good start!!!