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January 4, 2021

so… 2020 was a dumpster fire, now what?

The world is divided. I feel like I don’t have much in common with anyone anymore. That is why I’m going to settle on the one thing EVERYONE can agree with. 2020 was a dumpster fire.

That’s not to say that all was lost. I had some really amazing self growth and realization in 2020. I realized that I definitely don’t want to sit in front of a computer 8-10 hours a day anymore. I realized how much my friends and family supporting me means. I realized my Grinch heart would grow even more with the arrival of a new nephew.

If 2020 was the fire. 2021 needs to be, in part, me putting a fire extinguisher to it.

That’s not to say all of it is within my scope. I ultimately do not have control of Covid-19 (BUMMER! I KNOW!). I can only do what I am able to do within my sphere. I can love the people around me fiercely. I can be there for my friends. I can work hard, and simultaneously work hard at finding different job that will be what I ultimately need. 2021 is the year of fulfilling my soul. Fun fact: I’m going to be 40 this year- and it turns out that 39+ years are enough years to determine things you don’t like in your life and allow you a plan to move forward leaving everything (and everyone) that doesn’t serve you in the past.

So what am I doing?

I’m reading.

I’m writing.

I’m doing yoga.

I’m meditating.

I’m trying to learn (re-learn?) Spanish.

I’m drinking less (trying to…).

Did I mention that I’m reading?

I am currently reading my first two books of the year. I am reading the following:

  1. 14 – JT Ellison – A Taylor Jackson (paperback)
  2. Ruined by the SEAL – Zoe York (ebook)

I find I’m able to read two books at once as long as they’re polar opposite on the spectrum of book types available to me. I am unsure if I have a plan for how I am going to read this year. For physical books I am doing one book alphabetically per authors last name (I’m on E as you can see above). I’m unsure how long this will list, but we’re trying here!

What are your plans for 2021?

November 12, 2020

Reading in Pandemic Times

Let’s admit this collectively… this pandemic has been awful for a multitude of reasons. It has been hell on wallets and minds and hearts. It’s been difficult for families and work spaces.

The sad part is, it is not getting better any time soon.

During times like this I always tend to reach for things that are comforting. For me, the thing I reach for is generally a book. Since March? Not so much.

It hurts my heart that something that has brought my so much comfort in my life has been not particularly comforting during this time. Don’t get me wrong, there were times during the summer, where pool time was accompanied by a book and for a second the entire world was at peace.

With Fall has come a seasonal depression, which is only amplified by regular depression, work stress, life stress, pandemic stress have all been incredibly overwhelming (to say the least).

I’m just looking for a book to save me.

January 6, 2020

My name is Katie. I have a book acquiring problem.

The end of each year always brings to the forefront the ability we all have within us to be better humans, whether for ourselves or for others. My goal always is to be a better daughter, sister, aunt and friend to those who fall into those categories in my life. I also plan on working out more, eating better, writing more, drinking less and spending less.

The last one brings me to this. I am on a self-implemented book buying ban for 2020. Something to know about me- when I’m sad, I treat myself by buying things for myself. In the past this has left me with a lot of shoes, a lot of loungewear and a lot of a lot of things if I am being honest.

In 2019 this sadness purchasing manifested itself in the form of books. Some of them were used, some of them were 99 cents on Amazon, but buying is still buying and I bought. A lot.

Personally, I can directly correlate this insanely long TBR list to sadness, loneliness and worthlessness. So as I stepped into 2020 and was committing to being better I had to address that the library I accumulated was a visible manifestation of all my hurts and inadequacies. So seeing a full library on my Kindle and in the extra room actually is very painful for me to view.

So when I say I am reading my shelf this year it means more than just decluttering to me. I’m unburdening.

I have to be realistic about my numbers though. It’s easy to quantify my ebooks because the numbers are clearly visible- on my Kindle I have around 1100 books. Physical books (I haven’t counted in a while) is lingering around 1000. If you are doing the math, this amounts to A LOT of books. More books than I can even read. This makes me feel like a huge failure, and welp… here’s the sad/failure feelings again. *picture of me fighting off the urge to buy more things to supplement that sadness*

This is a hard admission to make. It’s more vulnerable than I’m generally willing to be, but I think that part of the healing of this is to admit that there is a problem.

My name is Katie, and I have a sadness problem, which has led me to having a book hoarding problem.

This isn’t bookstagram charming. This is real.

Follow my reading journey.

So far I have read 4 books this year, all out of my TBR pile. So that’s a start.

October 27, 2019

Review: The Book That Matters Most

I started reading ‘The Book That Matters Most’ by Anne Hood a week or so back and found that this book hit home for me. The premise focuses on a character that, upon some turmoil in her life joins a very exclusive book club in her town. This book club had 12 participants and their assignment for their year of book club is to choose the book that has mattered most in their life.

This books is not solely focused on the book club, but focuses mainly on Ava (book club member) and the story of her past and her conflicted daughter away at school in Europe.

Although the story is multi-faceted in many ways it can’t help but make you think about what is the book that means the most to you, what has had the most indelible impression in your life? Was it something you read in school or as a coping mechanism to get through something particularly hard in your life?

This book reminded me about how much solace I have found in books throughout my life. When I was in school I was convinced I did not like to read during my time in high school. This made me think I did not like to read at all. It wasn’t until way after school was over that I realized when I had the opportunity to choose my own books I had a much better feeling toward reading.

During this book club Ava, the lead character chooses a book called ‘From Clare to Here’ – while all the other people in the book club choose certified classics. Her choice of this book proves to e a momentous part of the story and makes the question switch from what book means the most to what are the burdens you carry through life and what are the ties that bind you to your history?

I found this book to be a really lovely story about generations of women and what the ties are that filter through generations – the happiness and the sadness. The grief and the joy.

While I found the end of the book to be tied up a little too pretty, I think that the premise was an interesting one that made me glad that I read it.

4/5 – would recommend.

October 17, 2019

My 2019 in books : Books 1-10

I have set book goals for myself for the past few years. Crazy goals. I’m talking 150 books per year goals. In 2017 I read 138. In 2018 I read 61. This year I decided to pick a goal that seemed more manageable, a goal that would encourage a healthy ready schedule while simultaneously being attainable. That goal was 52.

I am happy to say that this past week I finished my 52 book goal!

I made some promises to myself when starting this journey. First, I decided that I wasn’t going to hate read anything (I can’t be the only one who hates reads sometimes). Second, I was going to focus on reading what I own. I put myself on a bit of a book buying ban (which I didn’t always stick to).

I’ve found some series that I’ve been able to dive into as well as some stand alone books I just loved.

Originally my plans for the year were to read books alphabetically by month. January was for authors with B last names. February for C authors and so on. As you can see when reading my list below I didn’t quite keep with that plan.

Here are the first 10 books that I read this year…

The Mother In Law Sally Hepworth

started 1.1.19 // finished 1.6.19 // ARC provided by NetGalley

This ARC had everything I love in a book– interesting family dynamics, a mystery and an ending I was not able to predict until I was smack dab in the middle of it. This book put Sally Hepworth on my “must read more of in the future list”.

Running with Scissors Augusten Burroughs

started 12.28.18 // finished 1.12.19

This is one of the most crazy-pants (is that the official term?) books I have ever read in my life. This memoir of Augusten Burroughs will make you laugh, scratch your head in confusion and gasp out loud more than once. After reading I learned of the film adaptation of the same name and made me wonder if it would translate well to the big screen. I can’t say I enjoyed this book enough to want to find out.

Worth the Wait Lori Foster

started 1.6.19 // finished 1.20.19 // ARC provided by NetGalley

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County Tiffany Baker

Started 1.12.19 // finished 1.30.19

I Remember You Cathleen Davitt Bell

Started 1.30.19 // finished 2.1.19

 Sometimes reading books that would generally be considered Teen books there is a little disconnect for me, as I guess is to be expected (pst.. I’m old).  This book I found thoroughly enjoyable and quick to read.

What We Find (Sullivan’s Crossing #1) Robyn Carr

Started 2.1.19 // finished 2.8.19

I’ll preface by saying I thoroughly enjoy a Robyn Carr books series. I’ve read most of her Virgin River series, and she never ceases to suck me in and make me immediately care for the characters. She paints a picture from word one and creates characters worthy of your affection. This is another series I’m all in for.

The Winter Sister Megan Collins

Started 2.11.19 // finished 3.6.19

The Survivor’s Guide to Family Happiness Maddie Dawson

Started 3.6.19 // finished 3.23.19

Tell Me Something Real Calla Devlin

Started 3.23.19 // finished 3.26.19

We’ve Already Gone This Far Patrick Dacey

Started 3.26.19 // finished 3.30.19

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

October 1, 2019

Book Clubs

I am used to enjoying books in the privacy of my own mind. Once I read a book I am known to hand it over to a friend with a note explaining why I think they would like it. This always results in conversations after the fact.

I think I would benefit from speaking about books I am reading in real time.

Before you suggest it I am part of the Book of the Month Club, which has provided many books I have read and loved (and many a book still in a TBR stack) but I don’t see the urgency in Book of the Month.  I have found it very rare that I am reading BOTM books in real time. I always enter into the chats months after the fact, and at that point who is there to interact with?  No one.

I think I want the accountability of a real time discussion. So my question is… book clubbers, how did you find your book club?

July 19, 2019

Jill Shalvis books are a warm hug. There. I said it.

I find that any time that my mind gets to cluttered (and that happens more than I’d like to admit) that I have to take my brain back by reading books that don’t require too much thought. I don’t generally want a whodunit or thriller or “classic” during this time.

What do I want to read? I want to read every story about a woman escaping from something that bogs her down to find something better. Note that this is not a road without bumps, but the escapism that I feel through main characters of “women’s fiction” or “contemporary romance”. I need characters that I can escape into and for that recently Jill Shalvis has been like a warm hug to me recently.

I know that a lot of flack gets put up on this type of fiction, but I embrace it with open arms because it provides a quiet set of moments when a world is really loud.

Thank you for that Jill Shalvis (and the many other contemporary romance writers out there for doing good work!)

January 23, 2019

3 down, 49 to go

So… I’m already subpar at blogging in 2019… great!

I am on par with my book a week goal.  I have finished three books and am currently reading two more.

Book # 1 The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth (ebook thanks to NetGalley)– It’s rare that a book surprises me, I think it’s the one downfall of reading a lot.  I am sure that (like many) I can see plot twists coming from a mile and a half away.  This book was able to keep me guessing until I was smack dab in the middle of the twist and I loved it for that reason.  This book alone will catapult Sally Hepworth onto my “must read” list immediately.

Now I don’t have a mother in law (thankfully?) but I know enough to know those dynamics are always tricky.  This book had  me silently cheering for the family at its heart and curious as to how the mystery unraveled.

Book # 2 Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs (reading my shelf – go me!)– I actually explained this book to a friend as “bananapants”.  I actually made up a word to describe how entertained, disturbed and concerned I was by this book.  That’s how entertaining, disturbing and concerning it is.  As we go through Augusts life we are confronted with scenario after scenario that is worrisome on many levels.  It made me uncomfortable at times, made me laugh hard at others.  If you can handle the uncomfortable parts the reward is a pretty good book at the end of it.

Book # 3 Worth the Wait by Lori Foster (ebook thanks to NetGalley) – I have read Lori Foster books previously and was looking forward to this one with some enthusiasm.  This books managed to disappoint because (aside from Colt, the main male characters son) I didn’t really care with any particularly fervency for any other character in the book.  Maybe I’m mad at myself for not making this a summer read where I seem to care less about things like characters who I feel affection for… Lori Foster’s books have been ultimately more hit than miss for me so I will continue to read along, but this one was less of a miss and more of a shrug.

Book # 4 The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker is the book I’m currently reading from my book shelf.  Have you noticed that all my physical books so far (all meaning both) are by authors with B last names?  Because January is for authors with B last names.  I’m about half way through and although I am enjoying it I feel like I’m dragging through it.

Book #5 Beautiful Bad by Annie Ward (ebook thanks to NetGalley) Just starting, no praise or gripes about it yet.

What have you read so far this year?

January 1, 2019

2019: The year of setting and completing book goals

So… I failed my Goodreads challenge in 2018.  Admittedly, I set a ridiculous goal (150) and didn’t really come close (61).  I realized mid-year that I was putting too much weight on the number of books.  I have stacks of books.  Ridiculous stacks of books both physical and electronic.  It’s daunting.  I have found myself at points reading just to get through the stacks and the numbers.

This year I’m getting back to the basics of reading- something I truly enjoy doing.

I still have a goal.  52.  The number is doable for me without much pressure.  So I say it’s 2019… let the fun begin.

I’m starting my year with the following two books:

Book # 1 The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth (thanks to NetGalley) is my electronic book of the moment.

Book # 2 Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs is my physical book of the moment.

Wish me luck and good luck to all of my fellow readers.  What are your #bookgoals for 2019?

October 31, 2018

I have a blog… I should probably blog.

When I try to sit down and review a book I ultimately think about how me an avid book reader can contribute. Does my opinion actually mean anything? What does it add to the atmosphere?

I don’t know. That’s the truth of it.

But I love books and people who love books should be talking to other book lovers about the books that they love (or don’t love).

When I realized that “Bookstagram” existed a few years back it totally overhauled what I was reading. I saw a lot of books that I would never have sought out otherwise and for that reason I have to commit myself to adding my piece to the conversation. There is little in life that gives me more than books give me. They give me an escape, use of my imagination, a therapist, a way to remember and a way to forget all in one.

Things I should be talking about:

1. Goodreads is running their reading challenge again and I’m about to fall dreadfully short. Granted, my goal is through the roof (read: completely not attainable) at 150 books per year. I’m reading books 51 & 52 right now. I realize that I have to put this in perspective. There probably aren’t many people who read even that many books in a year, so I should be happy with that number. I’m not.

2. I’ve been voraciously reading the Detective Helen Grace series by MJ Arlidge. I am currently on book 5 (‘Little Boy Blue’) of the series and I’m tearing through them. Love short chapters, because they allow you to keep saying “just one more, just one more chapter” before you fall asleep.

3. I have also been trying to catch up on my backlog and tracking it on Instagram through #readwhatyouown — as it turns out I own. A LOT. I’ve decided to work through the physical books I own by reading through alphabetically based on the authors last name. I’m still in the A’s. It’s a new concept. On my ebooks I’m working through in the order of which I received them (either purchased or through NetGalley)

4. Speaking of NetGalley. I have read a few books I received from that site recently. They’ve been varied, but I’ve enjoyed them all so far.

  • My Life As A Bench – Jaq Hazell – This book had a really interesting concept. It tells the story of a teenage girl who died. After her death her family dedicates a bench in her honor. It follows her moving back and forth between her trying to speak to people from her new place as an inanimate object and through flashbacks of her life. There was a bit of repetitiveness in the flashbacks, which made me feel like ultimately the story could have been a shortened a bit, but I appreciated a new twist.
  • Edge of Truth – Brynn Kelly
  • If Not For You – Debbie Macomber (currently reading) – This may be borderline too sappy for me. Maybe I’m not just in a straight romance state of mind, because usually it doesn’t bother me as much. Maybe I’m just being a love scrooge.

This felt good. I have to do this more.

Happy reading!

June 1, 2018

The Red Queen Series

I say this as someone who reads a lot, but hasn’t read a whole lot this year (for me).  I have read 22 books.  This is an extremely low number for me.  This past week while trying to read through my extensive TBR pile I decided that alphabetical (by author) was the way to go.  My mission: read all of my books by authors with an ‘A’ last name, then move to the rest of the alphabet.  How long will this last?  Who knows!  I am thankful that this solution to my expansive TBR (1200+ books owned… and counting… and counting… and counting…) because it allowed me to start ‘The Red Queen’ Series.  I am not done with it.  So you’ll get no spoilers from me and I hope I manage to go unspoiled as I read through the 4 books.

I currently have 18 pages left to read of book 2, ‘The Glass Sword’.  I feel like my reading flame has been reignited.  I am so excited to read the last two books of the series.  I guess this is what next week is for.

Signed,

A re-enthused reader.

May 31, 2018

Do you want to build a… bookcase?

I have been on the look out for the perfect reading spot.  I figure if it doesn’t exist I just have to create it myself.  I am having a hard time finding a bookcase/bookshelf and comfy seating combination that works for me.  It got me to thinking and this Toni Morrison quote came to mind:

“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”
― Toni Morrison
If I can’t find a bookcase/shelf that works for me… should I just try to build one?  I’m going to preface by saying I’m fairly handy (I can assemble IKEA furniture LIKE. A. BOSS.) but I understand that designing and building something from scratch is an entirely different animal.  But I’m debating it.  I’m seriously debating it.
Unless one of you knows of an affordable/cool looking bookcase, that is…