CLICK HERE FOR BLOGGER TEMPLATES AND MYSPACE LAYOUTS »

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Top 10 Books on TBR List


Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, what are the Top 10 Books on Your TBR List? 

It's the perfect time of year for a cup of tea with honey or a cup of hot chocolate, some soft socks, a kitty and a book. There are so many books on my TBR List but these seem great for winter...

1.) In the Land of White Death: An Epic Story of Survival in the Siberian Arctic by Valerian Albanov

-- I have always been interested in people like Jon Krakauer who has scaled Everest and Cheryl Strayed who tackled the Pacific Coast Trail and I know it's kind of weird but reading about surviving these types of situations is inspirational for me to get my butt to the gym. 

2.) Katherine by Anya Seton

-- Knights, British royal family and a spicy love affair in the 14th century. Done.

3.) Mary Called Magdalene by Margaret George

-- Mary Magdalene's story written in her voice. Sounds like a must-read piece of historical fiction.

4.) The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

-- Dysfunctional, nomadic family that still loves each other? For the holidays, it sounds a little like my family.

5.) The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara

-- Civil War battles in Pennsylvania. A reminder of when America was split in two.

6.) Touching the Void: The Trus Story of One Man's Miraculous Survival by Joe Simpson

-- Survival in the Andes and an amazing tale of courage.

7.) The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

-- It might seem like a summer read but the first few pages that I read (I only got through the first few pages back on my summer vacation) made this seem like a cozy read.

8.) The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

-- Set in Alaska, this seems like a ridiculous story. This couple who are childless build a snowchild and it comes to life. Eh, I'm willing to give it a try.

9.) Devil's Knot: The True Story of the West Memphis Three by Mara Leveritt

-- Curl up with a true story of one of the largest miscarriages of justice in our country. Meh, I just really want to read it.

10.) Red Winter by Dan Smith

-- 1920 Russia, war, a journey of one man while I sit on the couch warm and cozy.

Now, there aren't any Christmas books on here but those of course will be perused as well. Also, my favorite book to read when it's cold outside is Wuthering Heights. Happy Winter!

Monday, December 9, 2013

Coming Back Soon

It's been a hell of a year. Work blew up big time and we lost a couple of people so it was a really really really busy time working 12-hour days plus weekends here and there. I haven't had as much time to read as I would like so therefore the blog suffered. Now that we are hiring some more people, I should be able to make time to read, blog, write, cross-stitch and get back to the dreaded gym. Work wasn't the only issue as there have been health and family issues on my husband's side of the family; our beloved cat, Mallory, had to have two surgeries this year because she had been swallowing hair ties; had unnecessary drama back in August which took time to deal with; and just the usual day-in and day-out stuff. 

Also suffering, and probably the worst thing of all, is my attendance at my book club with the fabulous people who are dear friends. They put up with me missing book club for six months but I finally returned for a movie event to see Catching Fire and our White Elephant holiday party which was a blast. I thank Kate @ Midnight Book Girl and Kimberly @ On The Wings of Books for having patience with me this year and for not banning me from book club. :)

I have so many books I want to get to. I'll see if I can name at least some of them...

Books To Get To
- Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
- Still Alice by Lisa Genova
- White Oleander by Janet Fitch
- Devil's Knot by Mara Leveritt
- Mad About the Boy by Helen Fielding (mid-read)
- 12 Years a Slave by Solomon Northup
- Red Rain by R.L. Stine
- Trinity by Leon Uris
- Fingersmith by Sarah Waters
- In the Land of White Death: An Epic Story of Survival in the Siberian Arctic by Valerian Albanov
AND MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY more!!!!

Oh and my GoodReads challenge got screwed too. Here's to reaching my goal in 2014.

2013 Reading Challenge
You have read 8 books toward your goal of 60 books.
 
At your current pace, you're 48 books (80%) behind schedule.






Monday, August 12, 2013

I'm around

This summer has been super busy - I am planning to get back to blogging (and reading more) this Fall so stay tuned.  - KT

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday



I wish I had more time to blog these days. Work has slowed down but there are still a lot of changes going on which means more process shifts and added duties that I wasn't expecting. Anyway, to get back to it. Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, this is Top Ten Tuesday:

Top Ten Words/Topics That Make Me Not Pick Up A Book:

*Not all of these are necessarily words or topics but you'll get the point*

1.) Time travel. Apart from The Time Traveler's Wife, I don't want a  whole crap load of moving around in time - it's unrealistic and confusing. Which brings me to...
2.) SciFi and Unrealistic books. If it's set on a different planet or involves talking animals, I'm generally not a big fan. 
3.) Ghost stories. I liked them as a kid around a campfire but now it' just seems silly.
4.) Cutesy-romance covers. This is part of the reason I haven't read Anna and The French Kiss yet. Plus, I like to imagine what my characters look like; not have them shown to me on the cover.
5.) Girls with flowing, beautiful hair and weird makeup. I get it - this character is sexy and unusual. Snore.
6.) Political books. I steer clear of a book trying to sway me either way. 
7.) Series. I don't do series. I'll read the first one (example: One For The Money) but I don't want to spend my time on the same author and the same story (unless it's really good - like The Hunger Games and Harry Potter!)
8.) Mass-produced, advertised books. I have never read James Patterson and don't plan to. 
9.) Most non-fiction (except for biographies and memoirs) although if it's a subject I'm really into, you might get me to read it.
10.) Steven King books or anybody with the amazing talent to make me want to throw up in response to their gross descriptive prose







Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, Top Ten Tuesday provides a list for bloggers to post and this week's is 

                                    Top Ten Books That Intimidate Me

So without further ado...

1.) War and Peace - I'm assuming it's about war and about peace but all I know is that it's long
2.) Watership Down - a guy I dated a long time ago loved this book and I tried really hard to get into it and just couldn't. Maybe one day I'll pick it up and read what the talking bunnies are saying. 
3.) Infinite Jest - so many rumors of how impossible this book is
4.) The Life of Pi - this may be ignorance on my part, but by just the look of the movie, I feel like I'd be lost
5.) Paradise Lost - tried it in college; failed.
6.) Slaughterhouse Five - I'll get back to it one day
7.) The Kite Runner - heard it's depressing; just didn't read it
8.) Don Quixote - enough said
9.) The Fault in Our Stars - I have a feeling it will be so emotionally gut wrenching that I've put it away for another time
10.) Fountainhead - eh, maybe some day

Friday, June 28, 2013

Still here

I'm still around, people. It's been a hectic work season that is finally coming to a close. Late nights/weekends for over a month is finally slowing down. I'll be back in to post some stuff soon. I just finished reading The Program which was horrifyingly awesome! 

Friday, May 31, 2013

Books, books and books

Just popping in to say that I just spent 50 freakin' dollars on books this afternoon. Currently I'm reading Jodi Picoult's Nineteen Minutes on my Nook but I will be heading into the sun via my backyard, my parents' community pool and the beach and those places just aren't Nook-friendly. How do you people with e-books keep the sand and/or water from destroying those things? Anyways, it'll be nice to have a regular book in my hands this summer. My summer reading list is as follows:

The Program by Suzanne Young
One For The Money by Janet Evanovich
A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard
Sweet Salt Air by Barbara Delinsky (not bought yet) 
Chesapeake by James Michener
*A new book being sent by author, Nancy Klann-Moren, called The Clock of Life*
The Feud: The Hatfields and McCoys: The True Story by Dean King (haven't bought it yet)
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
Red Rain by R.L. Stine (although this one might take a while)
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

And somehow I have to try and keep up with my book club's picks although I admit I am skipping this month's book, The Princess Bride, since I've seen the movie and really want to get into other books. 

It's summertime and 5 weeks till I have a week off to lay on the beach in Rodanthe! 



Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Top Ten Top Moments in Harry Potter series



I’ve done it! Yesterday, I finished the final Harry Potter book. About this time last year, I joined a book club and met several awesome girls. Three are mentioned here  – Kate @ Midnight Book Girl, Kim @ On theWings of Books and Steph @ The Fake Steph Dot Com – and one of the first things they asked me was “You have read Harry Potter, right?” No was the wrong answer. I had obviously heard that these were amazing books but I thought “Eh, just kid stuff. I majored in English for goodness sake!” 

Then I read the first book. “Very cute!” I told Kim. She was glad I thought it was cute but I also got the feeling she wanted me to feel something else. Okay, second book – I got hooked. The third book was exceptional and on and on I went. It took me about a year to finish the series and I really want to thank my book club girls for making me telling me to read them. I found a glorious world with dear friends and frightening adventures, a lot of love and food (pumpkin juice!!!!) and the best series I have ever read…

Shoot, meant to mention that Top Ten Tuesdays are hosted by The Broke and the Bookish...So without further ado, my favorite moments in the Harry Potter series…

10.) Professor Umbridge – this kitty-loving bitch was one of my worst nightmares. The weird thing is that I had a French teacher in high school who was almost as bad. It was a great moment with George and Fred set off the fireworks that sped up her departure from Hogwart’s. The film version of Professor Umbridge was just as I imagined in the book. Great casting.

9.) Ron receives a Howler. I laughed a lot while reading this and even more so while watching the film. The look on Ron’s face and the humiliation after being yelled at by his mother were priceless. I imagine my mother wishes she could send me Howlers.

8.) The first day – from meeting Hagrid to the awkward stares from classmates to the overall magic, this is what makes Harry Potter a good comfort read for anyone – children and adults.

7.) Romance (Harry/Ginny, Ron/Hermione, Lupin/Tonks) – it’s subtle but strong – my favorite couple, even though we didn’t get to know much about how they fell in love, was Lupin and Tonks. The fact that they left behind a son and died together was a truly sad moment though.

6.) Dobby – I want a house elf!

5.) Neville Longbottom’s parents’ history. I had nightmares about dementors for several nights after that.

4.) Aunt Marge gets blown away – Never say anything negative about Harry’s parents. Rich bitch got what she deserved.

3.) Mrs. Weasley versus Bellatrix. Damn, don’t mess with Mama Bear. Who else shouted Hooray! when Molly Weasley struck down Bellatrix. “You will never touch our children again!”

2.) Harry's final talk with Dumbledore - Although I'm still confused as to what bloody infant Voldemort meant, the final conversation with Dumbledore was a great moment. "Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it."

1.) Understanding Snape: After collecting Snape's tears and pouring them into the Pensieve, Harry comes to understand Snape and his unrequited love for his mother, Lily. That sold me on everything about the series.


Thank you Harry Potter. Thank you, J.K. Rowling. Thank you, book club girls! What a wonderful adventure it was…

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Top Ten Books Dealing With Tough Subjects


Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, this is Top Ten Tuesday: This week is 
Top Ten Books Dealing With Tough Subjects


Before I begin my top ten list, I've got to say that I have slacked off big time on my reading. With super busy times at work proofreading, a lot of games on my iPhone and many family and social engagements, I have just not made reading a priority and that's changing ASAP. I did finish Speak last week and thought it was very well done so we'll start off the list with that one.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Tough Subject: Rape

A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer
Tough Subject: Extreme Child Abuse

Go Ask Alice by Beatrice Sparks
Tough Subject: Addiction

Night by Elie Wiesel
Tough Subject: War and Genocide

A Piece of Cake by Cupcake Brown
Tough Subjects: Death, Addiction, Rape, Childhood Abuse, Prostitution

Sickened: The Memoir of a Munchausen by Proxy Chilldhood by Julie Gregory
Tough Subject: Childhood Abuse/Munchausen by Proxy

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Steven Chbosky
Tough Subjects: Mental Illness, Abuse, Homophobia, Peer Pressure

Black Boy by Richard Wright
Tough Subjects: Racism, Homelessness

A Question of Power by Bessie Head
Tough Subject: Mental Illness from the point of view of someone with the disease

Forever by Judy Blume
Tough Subject: (not really tough I guess in comparison but...) Losing Virginity

Tuesday, May 7, 2013




Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, this week's list is Top Ten Books When You Need Something Light & Fun

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

This is a straight-up comfort read and one I will likely be taking to the beach this year. Magical, innocent, sweet, funny and warm

Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Witty Bryson gets in some great descriptions of his trek through the mountains but also has many laugh-out-loud moments

Lamb by Christopher Moore

Jesus as a kid and his best friend, Biff. One of the funniest – if not the funniest – books I’ve ever read

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

Simple writing, goofy love story but that’s what light reading is all about…right? ;)

Summer Sisters by Judy Blume

Perfect beach read and Blume is always charming

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

A little more on the classic side but a great read for the summer; sparks up nostalgia

My Uncle Oswald and/or James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

One is innocent and sweet and the other is trashy and adult – either one is perfect for a quick read

Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding

I wish she would write more. It’s silly, it’s fun and I breezed through this in a couple of days back in my college years

Christopher Pike books -
especially ones that I read as a teenager

Nothing is more “Katie at the beach” than a good old scary story by Christopher Pike; I spent many summers at the beach as a teen curled up with one of these after a day of sunning and teenage angst

Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes

Story of my life in a children’s book

Honorable Mentions: Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle series, Little House on the Prairie, The Thornbirds, The Help, all Bill Bryson books

Now – who has some good summer beach reads for me when I head down to Rodanthe in July?

Monday, May 6, 2013

Speak: A Review



It has been a long time since I've reviewed a book (unfortunately work life has become a major issue lately) but this one, I have to say something about. When I first heard about this book, it was my hairdresser who mentioned it. She said it was geared towards teens but definitely a books adults should read as well. I had no idea what she meant until I was about a quarter of a way into the book. 

I have six nieces - ages 22, 18, 18, 15, 14 and 8. The 18-year-old and the 14-year-old are heading to college and high school respectively and I would say that they should read this book but I'll leave that up to their mother to decide. 

Melinda Sordino used to be popular. She was just starting high school and had a group of friends including BFF Rachel/Rachelle. Then one summer party changed everything and she is now hated and ostracized by everyone. She loses her voice, figuratively, even with her own parents. Where she does find her voice is in art class. Using the tools at her disposal, she creates a symbol of pain using leftover turkey bones from a ruined Thanksgiving dinner. She also finds solace in an old janitor's closet at school where she works on her art project - a tree - and where she finally finds her voice again to SPEAK and be heard.

If this isn't required reading in high school, it should be.


Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Top Ten Books I Thought I'd Like MORE/LESS Than I Did


Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, this week's Top Ten Tuesday is Top Ten Books I Thought I'd Like MORE/LESS Than I Did

1.) Gone Girl - didn't think I'd like it as much as I did!
2.)Holidays on Ice - thought I'd love it; sadly disappointed
3.) The Memory Keeper's Daughter - thought it looked boring but it was a great book
4.)The Catcher in the Rye - a classic that I could barely finish - yawn!
5.)Anything Bill Bryson - dude always surprises me with great books 
6.)50 Shades of Grey - disappointing
7.) Wild by Cheryl Strayed - wasn't sure about it but ended up LOVING it
8.)The Eyre Affair - I love Jane Eyre but this story was so convoluted  
9.) A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - glad I picked this one up in high school!
10.) Confederates in the Attic - couldn't even finish this one

Monday, April 22, 2013

Sundays In Bed With...


Hosted by Midnight Book Girl, what are you (were you) reading this past Sunday?

I've been reading The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards and finished it shortly before book club on Saturday. This book was right up my ally. A decision made by a young doctor changes the paths of 2 women and 2 children. All I can say is READ THIS! I loved it!

Now, on to the next book. I tried getting back into the last Harry Potter but I'm going to have to re-read the 100 pages or so I finished because I've gotten confused since I haven't picked it up in over a month. I know, I know. How can I not want to consume HP immediately? Simple. I don't want to end the series and to be honest, I want to read something else before I finish the series. I read the first 6 books one right after the other and so I am going to read something else before going back to the Deathly Hallows.

But what to read? My goodreads.com account says I am 15 books behind schedule for my annual goal. Oops! Time to catch up. 

What have I been doing lately? Well, my cross-stitch obsession took over for a while and then I got an iPhone and have become one of "those people." :) I also have been busy with different social engagements etc. etc. But I'm determined to catch up on my goodreads goal. 

Currently, I'm trying to decide between the following books - feel free to comment and tell me your opinion:

Ann Rule's Small Sacrifices
Helter Skelter
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Trinity by Leon Uris (long but it's my daddy's fave)
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Sundays In Bed With...






Hosted by Kate @ Midnight Book Girl, what are you reading today?

As Spring hits (finally!), I have been back into a winter storm starting off The Memory Keeper's Daughter and have enjoyed the first chapter. Now that the warmer weather is here for the time being, I am heading out to do some yard work and errands before tonight when I'll pick this book up again. Keep readin'!

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Reading has been hard...

I've had a hard time finding time to read lately. Partly due to busy weekends and busy days at the office proofreading everything under the sun but I'll be back. I was planning to get the last Harry Potter read (since my book club girls are awaiting it feverishly) by Monday but Easter plus feeling exhausted, etc. meant that I would pick up the book and then either fall asleep or get side-tracked. So I'm putting Harry back on hold (honestly, I really really don't want to finish the series because I love it so much) and I'm heading to our book club pick, The Memory Keeper's Daughter. Stay tuned. 

Bitches be readin'!

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Top Ten Books I Recommend Most


Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, this week's list is Top Ten Books I Recommend Most

1.) Jane Eyre - beautifully tragic love story
2.) Harry Potter - warm, sweet, addictive series
3.) Lord of the Flies - human nature at its worst
4.) A Tree Grows In Brooklyn - transcends the ages
5.) Roots - a family saga starting in Africa that is a great read
6.) Gone With The Wind - still one of my favorites
7.) A Walk In the Woods - witty, sharp adventure
8.) The Joys of Motherhood - the best that African Literature has to offer; I need to re-read this soon
9.) Lamb - hillarious and still interesting story of Jesus growing up with his best friend, Biff
10.) To Kill a Mockingbird - classic coming-of-age story and one of the best books ever written

This was hard to narrow down. Honorable mentions: Anything Shakespeare, Anything by Maya Angelou or Richard Wright, The Hunger Games trilogy, The Help, The Thorn Birds, 1984, The Scarlet Letter, anything Poe. I could go on but I don't have time today. 

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Top Ten Books I HAD To Buy...But Are Still Sitting On My Shelf Unread


Hosted by the fabulous The Broke and the Bookish, this week's top ten is Top Ten Books I HAD To Buy...But Are Still Sitting On My Shelf Unread

1.) The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo - still haven't gotten to it and my husband got it for me for Christmas in 2011. Yikes!

2.) Red Rain by R.L. Stine - I loved the cover and as a teenager, I loved R.L. Stine so I picked this up immediately and there it sits on my nightstand shelf looking very pitiful. 

3.) Trinity by Leon Uris - Actually I don't have a copy of this yet but I know where to find one and this has been on my list for 10 years.

4.) Cold Mountain - I should have gotten to this over the winter but alas, it sits cold on my bookshelf

5.) The End of Your Life Book Club - loved the premise and had to get it immediately

6.) In Cold Blood - Also been a while since I picked this one up

7.) Helter Skelter - Ever since I was a tween and saw my brother reading this and my mother gasping in horror that he was reading it, I've wanted to read this book

8.) The Trial - by Kafka - I'm about 1/4 of a way through but got caught up in something else

9.) The Casual Vacancy - I was supposed to read for last month's book club but I haven't even cracked this open yet due to other books such as Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows which I'm reading now

10.) Ready Player One - this month's book club pick but probably not going to finish it because I got it on CD and I just don't think I'm an audio book kind of girl (unless it's something I've read a gazillion times like Jane Eyre or Sense and Sensibility)

Monday, March 18, 2013

Sundays In Bed With


Okay, I'm a little late on this but anyway...hosted by Midnight Book Girl, what are you curled up with today (or yesterday)? My Sunday was filled with some chores, some cooking (damn, I make a mean chicken soup!), some sewing, a basketball game, a short nap and the last in the Harry Potter series. I'm seriously taking my time on this one because I don't want it to end. Seriously. I didn't realize I would fall in love with the Harry Potter series back when Kate @ Midnight Book Girl and Kim @ On the Wings of Books told me to read these but I have and I don't want to say goodbye yet. Sigh.

The other book, Ready Player One, is not doing it for me. I got it on audio book and I think that might be my problem. I don't know if I'm an audio book kind of girl. I find myself  hearing but not listening. I'm distracted from the words and thinking about other stuff when someone is reading to me. I dunno. I'm only on the 3rd disc but my book club girls may have to try and forgive me if I don't get this finished by Saturday. 


Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday: Spring TBR List

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, Top Ten Tuesday for this weeks asks for the Top Ten Books on your Spring TBR List.

First, I must say that I'm still digging this whole cross-stitch thing but as Kate @ Midnight Book Girl said in a comment a couple of weeks ago, it's all about balance and it's time to put the sewing down and get my ass back to reading. I'm currently in the middle of the last Harry Potter book and listening to Ready Player One. 

After that, it's on to my Spring TBR List which includes some freaky books, some survival books, some "nice and easy" reads, etc.:

- AWOL on the Appalachian Trail by David Miller
- Trinity by Leon Uris (I promise, Dad, I will get to this soon)
- White Oleander by Janet Fitch
- American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
- In Cold Blood by Truman Capote (I started it and then put down)
- Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
- Mary, Called Magdalene by Margaret George
- Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Defending Jacob by William Landay
- The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

And since it's the season of Lent, may I share my latest Peeps project: Palm Sunday?



Sunday, March 3, 2013

Sundays in Bed With...





It's already Sunday. The weekend has gone by way too fast! 

Hosted by Midnight Book Girl, she asks what are you reading today?

Well, I again have been so busy with other stuff that I haven't really read much. I'm very slowly listening to Ready Player One on audio and of course Harry Potter is begging me to come back. I swear I can hear him speaking Parseltongue to me and I had a dream last night that I was hanging out with Ron when my insurance cards came in the mail and I said, "Well, these will be handy in the Muggle world."

I will say that I have had a great time seeing my nieces, Adison and Riley, on stage last week. Adison will be 18 soon and graduating this year and she is rocking the stage with Cosby High School's show choirs, Rhapsody and Spotlight. Riley is turning 14 and kicking butt herself with her own chorus group and a new haircut that makes her look 16. It's going to be a busy month with book club, movie night, a jewelry party hosted by Midnight Book Girl, show choir competition, a weekend out of town, etc. I hope to keep up with my reading (and yes, I'm still sewing A LOT but I'm trying to find a balance, Midnight Book Girl.) :)

April should be slower but then it's back to some crazy schedules in May with my oldest niece, Clancey, graduating college (I remember her standing in the dishwasher when she was two - no, it wasn't on), Adison graduating high school, nephew Eric graduating high school and Riley leaving middle school and heading to high school. I have other nephews and nieces in various age groups that I am exceptionally proud of including Doug, Ally, AnaRae, Holly and Chase. The first two are getting close to graduating college and high school respectively and the last three I can hold onto for a while although AnaRae is already in high school. They grow up so fast!

Okay, I'm done rambling. Gotta run errands now. Keep on readin', biatches!

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Top Ten Auto-Buy Authors

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, this week asks which authors you will always buy from.

Here we go.

1.) J.K. Rowling

2.) Bill Bryson (is he retired because I've been waiting forever)

3.) Christopher Pike (old favorite)

4.) Suzanne Collins

5.) Jodi Picoult (not all great reads but they are entertaining)

6.) Christopher Moore (funny funny bastard)

7.) Jon Krakauer

8.) Ann Rule

9.) Charles Dickens (Although I'm pretty sure he's not coming out with any new books)

10.) Judy Blume

Sunday, February 24, 2013






Hosted by Midnight Book Girl, what are you reading today?

Well, I have become completely addicted to cross-stitching. I am not exactly domestic but I'm loving this and my husband has quite literally had to pry the most recent design away from my hands just to get me to go to dinner. So, that being said, I have even put Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows on the shelf for over a week. Insane, I know! Today, however, I will finish my latest design and delve back into Mr. Potter. 

Pictures of cross-stitch masterpieces are to come...stay tuned.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Short blogging break

For the first time since I started blogging, I am taking a week off from blogging due to a really big obsession with cross-stitching and writing and reading. Don't worry - I'll be back this Sunday, 2/24. Read on, biatches!

My first cross-stitch project (small but it has led to some greater things).


Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday


Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, this week's topic is Top Ten Romances in Books - just in time for 
Valentine's Day! 

1.) OF COURSE YOU KNEW THE TOP SPOT WOULD GO TO THESE TWO: 
Ralph de Bricassart and Meggie Cleary: The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough.

2.) Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

3.) Colonel Brandon and Marianne Dashwood: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

4.) Bridget Jones and Mark Darcy: Bridget Jones' Diary by Helen Fielding

5.) Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler: Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell

6.) Princess Buttercup and Westley: The Princess Bride by William Goldman

7.) Othello and Desdemona: Othello by William Shakespeare (an odd choice I know)

8.) Charles Darnay, Sydney Carton and Lucie Manette: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

9.) Noah and Allie: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

10.) Heathcliff and Catherine: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte (Eh, I'm kind of wishy-washy on this one)

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Sundays In Bed With...







Hosted by Midnight Book Girl, what are you reading today? 

Well, after a wonderful evening with Midnight Book Girl and other girlfriends, I came home and started my latest cross-stitching project and then, for some reason, decided to watch Saturday Night Live with Justin Bieber as host. That was an hour out of my life I'll never get back. 

Anyways, since I was up late, I got up late and am just getting my caffeine on before delving into the LAST of the Harry Potter series. That's right - I finished The Half-Blood Prince and teared up at the ending. Now it's on to the Deathly Hallows. I wish I could make the series last longer but I can't...sigh. 

Oh and I watched the movie, The Half-Blood Prince and loved it!!!! When did Ron become so stacked? Purr. 

Alright, on to reading, stitching, chores, errands, etc.


Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday




Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, this is Top Ten Tuesday.

This week: Top Ten Bookish Memories


     Petunia by Roger Duvoisin (a children’s book read to me by my mother) – A silly goose finds a book and she thinks she is very wise and starts giving advice to the other animals; a wonderful story to fall asleep to

     Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz – I picked this book up as a pre-teen while vacationing with my family at a ski resort and freaked myself out but LOVED these stories

     R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike – I read this as a teenager and devoured them over another family vacation in Nags Head, NC where incidentally, I had my first French kiss. TMI?

)   Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte – I read this over Christmas in 1993 and it was love at first read.

     Let’s Pretend This Never Happened – by Jenny Lawson – during a somewhat stressful trip to see an ailing family member, I was able to chuckle through this hilarious memoir.

    Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter  by Seth Smith Grahame – an odd choice, I know, but this book was with me on my first ever trip to New York City and was a good distraction on the train.
     Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer – I read this on a cold rainy winter’s night and couldn’t put it down.

     A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens – Senior year, a boyfriend and a group of friends couldn’t keep me away from this book for a whole week in 1994.

     A Tree Grows In Brooklyn – I read this in my birth state while visiting relatives in Kentucky.

     Gone With The Wind – another Senior year pick after I had seen the movie; I wanted to be Scarlett.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Top Ten Most Frustrating Characters Ever


Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, this Tuesday's question is What are your top ten most frustrating characters ever? (**SOME SPOILERS**)

1.) Nick and Andie - Gone Girl: Nick, you should have gotten rid of Andie ASAP once your wife went missing and Andie, why would you want to be with this guy? Did you not learn anything from the Scott Peterson case?

2.) Katie - Plain Truth: "I was never pregnant." "Okay, I was pregnant but I didn't have sex." "Okay, I was raped." "Okay, no I had sex with this guy." "I don't know what happened to my baby." Katie, stop all the lying and let the lawyer help you, ya moron.

3.) Ralph de Bricassart - The Thorn Birds: You were Meggie's best friend, then you fall in love with her but you can't decide - Meggie or being Cardinal. You kiss her, you leave her, you kiss her again, you leave her. You have sex with her and knock her up, then leave her. I can understand your ambition but not when you could have "all the while in the cool night, there is food and love and babies to get." At least Meggie got off her ass and tried to make it work with someone else.

4.) Scarlett - Gone With The Wind: You spoiled, arrogant little biatch. You took two men from other women and still weren't satisfied because you wanted Melly's husband. You couldn't see love right in front of you even when you married your third husband. Shame on you, Scarlett. 

5.) Dr. Frankenstein - Frankenstein: Dude, what did you think would happen? You created a monster, gave him no education, no food, no security and no companionship. Guess what? The monster is pissed.

6.) Hilly Holbrook - The Help: Take your Home Health Sanitation Initiative and your racist, self-absorbed ass and go eat some more of Minny's pie. Oh and I wasn't really thrilled with Skeeter's mama either - poor Constantine. 

7.) Bella - Twilight: Enough said.

8.) Grace Poole - Jane Eyre: I would not be taking care of the crazy bitch and I certainly wouldn't have kept it hidden. Stand up to Mr. Rochester. 

9.) Professor Umbridge - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: I have never wanted to climb into a book and wring someone's neck the way I did with this little disposable freak.

10.) Ophelia - Hamlet: Girl, you let that man's craziness infect you - Seriously, if a guy has mommy issues, walk away. 



Sunday, January 27, 2013

Sundays In Bed With...






Hosted by Kate @ Midnight Book Girl, what are you reading this Sunday?

I am back at Hogwart's and in the middle of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and loving it! Maybe it's just because it's been a while since my last Harry Potter reading experience but this one is just so descriptive and, I dunno. I just LOVE it.

I've somewhat given up on Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar but I'll try to get back and finish it after HP.

On a side note, I had a fabulous time discussing Gone Girl (and every other subject imaginable) with friends last night at Casa Pomroy. And now we are scheduling some more events like dinner and a movie which I can't wait for.

Alright, I'm going to grab some tea and head back to see the next lesson that Dumbledore has for Mr. Harry Potter.




Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Top Ten Settings I'd Like to See More Of...



Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, this Tuesday's question is "What are your top ten settings you'd like to see more of in books..."

Here are mine:

1.) Anything on hiking trails: From A Walk in the Woods (Bill Bryson) and Wild (Cheryl Strayed), these types of books are inspiring and I can't get enough of them.

2.) On a similar note, anything regarding Everest. I've read Into Thin Air (Jon Krakauer) and loved it. I want more like this and I have added some to my goodreads.com to-read list.

3.) Amish country - Since my husband is from small-town Pennsylvania right near Lancaster, I have enjoyed reading about the Amish and then seeing them on my trips to see my husband's family.

4.) The ocean - I would love to find a really good book set in Nags Head or Cape Hatteras. I'll be heading to Rodanthe in July and can't wait to be all set up in our very own house this year!! My husband wanted to go to Iceland but we are doing that next year (assuming we don't have a kid strapped to us).

5.) Speaking of, I'd love more settings that include places like Iceland or other places that I haven't been (or don't know a lot about).

6.) Asylums - this might be partly due to my obsession with American Horror Story: They just freak me out but in a good way...

7.) Wars. (What is it good far? Absolutely nothin'. Say it again, y'all!) - I have learned a lot about the Civil War, specifically Gettysburg, and some of WWII but I need more ideas for books on other wars. Feel free to suggest some (preferably historical fiction). I'm sure my BROTHER and FATHER could suggest some. HINT HINT!

8.) Death Row - morbid curiosity. 

9.) Blue Ridge Mountains - pretty much anything set here.

10.) And finally, anything set in the best city in the world (no, NOT New York) - Richmond, VA. Okay, I don't really care about books set in Richmond - just pimping out my hometown.