Book Reviews by Today, I Read…

I think this may be a quirk, but there are actually two questions posted for Booking Through Thursday, one dealing with treating yourself and the other about treating others. Just to cover my bases, I’ve answered both.

Continue reading »

I’ve seen Waiting on Wednesday making its rounds in the book blog-o-sphere and it looked like fun. On that note, I’ve decided to participate. Heaven knows there are plenty of books I lust after on a day to day basis.

It was a post by Steph that started my recent lusting for The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan. I sighed when I saw that it had a trailer.

I’ll admit it. I’m not a fan of book trailers. Most of the time, they look like hackneyed attempts at introducing some upcoming D-rated movie release.

I almost didn’t watch it, but I am weak.

And it surprised me; it actually dared to be well done. Woohoo! Continue reading »

Since last week was an incredibly slow week in terms of books arriving miraculously in my mailbox, I’m going to cheat a little and list the two books that just arrived. Yes, right this very moment. (OK, maybe not right this moment, but still….)

The Life of Pi by Yann Martel

I broke down and nabbed this book when I saw it mentioned at almost every site I’ve visited (and because of it’s mysterious ending that, I’ll note, many people refuse to discuss in detail).

I picked up the illustrated edition since it was about $4 cheaper and is illustrated.

It made absolutely no sense to me that a hardcover illustrated version should cost less than a mass market reproduction sans pretty pictures. But OK.

When Wanderers Cease to Roam by Vivian Swift

This one I first learned about from Ms. Bookish and immediately I knew I needed to have it.

This is a time in my life when I don’t much feel like venturing out into the world; I’d rather curl up in the security of my bed and hide from the world.

While I hide, this book looks as though it could keep me company, reminding me to find the beauty all around me. It may also spark some creativity. I have been meaning to get back into sketching and painting.

Now, when I’ve found the time to read both, I’ll surely offer up my reviews.

Welcome to another edition of The Sunday Salon…

A thick blanket of darkness has descended on the city and bright white sparkles now decorate the sky. A sweet breeze carrying the fragrance of fresh water from the nearby lake sweeps into my room through an open window as I curl up with my copy of The Last Unicorn.

Oh, that title sounds familiar, does it? I knew I couldn’t put anything past you. Yes, it’s the book I was also reading last Sunday. I intended to be finished with it by today, but this week’s deadlines have kept me busy. The good news is that I’ll probably finish it tonight before I close my eyes and allow my dreams to consume me.

Then, when I wake up tomorrow morning renewed, I will be able to crack the spine of my fresh copy of The Reluctant Widow while I sip on my hot cup of peppermint tea and nibble on my cherry Pop Tart.

Yep, sometimes life is very good.

For those of you who are curious, I’m just over halfway finished with The Last Unicorn and I am smitten. It’s absolutely enchanting each time I lose myself in the story of the unicorn’s journey—so far, it’s a hoot. Some might say that Mr. Beagle has gone overboard on the similes, but I feel they add a certain brightness to the tale, even in the darkest passages. One other thing I’m noticing is that it may not be a story for young kiddies—very descriptive and there’s one section that can be somewhat frightening.

I’ve always seen mention of a thing called Booking Through Thursday and have constantly reminded myself to participate. Well, I’m participating. Albeit a little late.

Today’s BTT is about time (or lack thereof):

1. Do you get to read as much as you WANT to read? At this very moment? No. While I have had a bit more time to read than some previous months this year, my time is a bit cramped and I find myself wanting to write in the free time that I do have. That’s not to say that I don’t steal a bit of extra time to read a chapter or two here or there. Especially on nights like this one, when the rain is gently beating against the window, all that’s needed is to dim the lights and put on some light music and cuddle up with a book before bed.

2. If you had (magically) more time to read–what would you read? Something educational? Classic? Comfort Reading? Escapism? Magazines? This is a tougher question to answer, considering that I love all those genres listed. Right now, I’d definitely want to do some escapism and classic reading–in that order. (I’m well aware that those two texts seem as though they are on opposite sides of the spectrum.) Right now, I just want to get lost in fantasy worlds with amazing people and creatures. The heaviness of reality’s stress is starting to weigh on me (the holiday season tends to do that) and a good escapist fantasy could be just the thing. And the classics simply to reconnect with my youth a bit. Of course, magazine and comfort reading is always welcome. I’m still debating the “educational” stuff; I already need to read enough of that as it is.