In My Mailbox (aka It's Monday, What Are You Reading?)

Good morning all!  It's been forever since I joined Book Journey's mailbox meme, It's Monday, What Are You Reading?, but today, as I am up at the hour of ridiculousness (4:48 am to be exact), unable to turn off the inner alarm clock that usually relies on the bedside alarm for my early Monday to Friday wakeup, I chose to spend a few moments to share what I plan for you to see here in the future in the form of reviews and commentary.

So... since you've all slept in (jealous!) and I haven't, here's a head start on that meme that Sheila and friends have so much fun with!

This week I've received....

A tool for researching the setting for the novel I am writing.

The first book in Carolyn Hart's Death on Demand mystery series.  I ordered this specifically from the bookstore because I absolutely love this series!!

This, I believe, is the third book in the Death on Demand series.  I need to order the second one next.  (unusual order but I needed a dollar amount equivalent to the minimum necessary to get free shipping.  ;)

Want to find out what you're destined to do?
Here's a good book for you!

Themed recipes galore to go with your favourite movie!
Anyone up for movie night?

Once upon a time I was this lady's avid fan but I haven't been reading her lately.  That is until I read the cover for this novel. I was sold! 

"A magical transformation takes place in Danielle Steel’s luminous new novel: strangers become roommates, roommates become friends, and friends become a family in a turn-of-the-century house in Manhattan’s West Village." (Goodreads) 

I love underdog stories and absolutely love horses
 so when the two were combined in this true story, it was a must-read for me!

What are you reading this week?  

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Dec 17/12)

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?" is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. Here we share what we are reading, the books we've acquired or borrowed, and reviews.

This past week has been crazy busy at work.  That's retail though this time of year!  So I return home exhausted and just seem to veg in front of the computer.  I did manage to finish reading The Power of Why by Amanda Lang which was stimulating!  The Power of Why encourages the reader to think of things differently, think laterally, ask why, turn things around and look at them with a new approach.  Doing so can help you solve problems and become innovative in all aspects of your life.  Amanda Lang names several companies and individuals who used this method and found great success.  Canadian Tire and Otis Elevators are but two from whom she took examples.  If you get a chance, I highly recommend The Power of Why!

And... my husband and I went to see The Hobbit:  An Unexpected Journey on Friday!!!  It was sooooo good!!!  Read my thoughts on this book to movie here.  You have to go see this!  I'm just saying!

This week I am tackling Televenge.  So far I am having a difficult time getting into the story.  But I shall persevere and give it another chance.  I have picked up an ARC of Scarlet by Marissa Meyer again.  I had put it aside several months ago when we moved and I soon forgot about it until recently.  Oh, and exciting news!  My blog is in the upcoming paperback release of Cinder!! Cool, right!  (Cinder is the first in the Lunar Chronicles of which Scarlet is the second.)

I also have two book giveaways right now!  Be sure to click on the links on my sidebar and easily enter to win!  

Recently received in my mailbox:

Everything Was Good-bye by Gurjinder Basran

The Books They Gave Me by Jen Adams

Vanity Fare by Megan Caldwell

The Beggar's Opera by Peggy Blair

Quinoa Revolution by Patricia Green and Carolyn Hemming

It's Monday... Again....What Are You Reading?

Hosted by Sheila over at Book Journey, It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme that helps us, as book bloggers, stay on top of reading while offering the opportunity to see what others all over the world are reading.  (Sheila has a huge following!)  I just love visiting her blog to see what she's been up to so once a week I enjoy joining in this fun meme.

This last week I finished reading:
American Dervish by Ayad Akhtar
 Onstage Offstage by Michael Buble (yes, the young crooner has a book!)

I am still reading:
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Sat aside for a short while are (to be read this upcoming week):
The Magic Room by Jeffrey Zaslow
Coming Up For Air by Patti Callahan Henry

And I just started reading Liesl and Po by Lauren Oliver (thanks to Freda who posted about a free read on the Harper Collins site which ends at the end of this month).  This is sooooo good!  Lauren is delightfully talented!

Other posts include:
Happy Family Literacy Day
Buble says 'Onstage Offstage' is a 'picture book' | CTV News interview with Michael Buble
One For the Money Movie Trailer (yes, it's coming out in theatres soon!)
Upcoming New Release The Sins of the Father
Cinder Author Marissa Meyer Interviews with Book Blogger I Am A Reader, Not a Writer
Poets Haven Reading Series - Moments of Sweet Lingering

Thanks for visiting.  Please comment and share:  How has your week been since we last "met"?  What's next on your reading agenda?

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

Hey there!  It's Monday again.  What are you reading?  This little meme, hosted by Sheila at Book Journey, is a terrific way to keep track of what we are reading and see what is new on the horizon.  I love to see what everyone has in store for the week and to get new ideas to add to my must read list!  So, without further ado, here is what I am currently reading:

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee - I was supposed to have this finished by Wednesday for book club but I don't think I will.  It'll be close though!  To Kill a Mockingbird is a wonderful old classic that was once on the banned list, back in its day.  Today, this novel serves as a reminder of the rights of everyone, regardless of their race or creed.

Onstage, Offstage by Michael Buble - again I thought I'd have this finished up in no time, especially considering a large portion of the book is glossy photography!  This is what happens when you are reading too many books at once!  Something I am guilty of this week, for sure!

The Magic Room by Jeffrey Zaslow - a cultural study of the world of brides, based on a little wedding dress store in a small town.  This wedding shop opened generations before and has been in the family for three generations.  The stories shared therein are of some of the patrons journeys to matrimony and some from the perspective of the store owner, interspersed with research about the bridal industry.

Coming Up For Air by - Patti Callahan Henry - From the first paragraph, I was immersed!  Totally chick lit, but written incredibly!  

American Dervish by Ayad Akhtar- This is rumoured to be the hit of the season!!  After reading two excellent reviews on this very book, I had to see for myself what this new release and debut novel have to offer!  I began it on the bus on the way home and didn't want to get off the bus!!  Now, that says something!

Last week I finished only one book!  See, the downside of reading too many at once!  It was Delirium by Lauren Oliver and I LOVED every second spent with this novel!!  See my review here.

What are you reading?

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

It's Monday again, yawn.  Do you get the Monday blues?  Back to work.  I love my job, I do work in a bookstore so... good times,  but Mondays mean the weekend is over. Stretch..... On the bright side, we can visit each other to see the exciting books everyone is reading.  I love to see what's new and what everyone is enjoying.  My wish list is ever so long but I keep adding to it and perhaps someday it'll dwindle somewhat.  Who am I kidding?  It likely won't.  There are no limits are there?  Not when you love to read!

Sheila over at Book Journey hosts this weekly meme.  I'm glad you could stop by to say hi and see what I am up to, as I visit you too.

Last week I finished and reviewed:

Summer Shack by Kelli Sue Landon (young adult suspense/thriller)
Falling Backwards by Jann Arden (biography/memoir)
Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick (children 9 and up.  The Invention of Hugo Cabret was also written by Brian Selznick)

This week I am reading:

Off stage on stage by Michael Buble (memoir)

Delirium by Lauren Oliver (young adult dystopian)

The Magic Room by Jeffrey Zaslow (not sure how to classify this one - non-fiction?)

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (adult fiction - book club read)

Up Next:
To be determined.  Likely these books will last me another week at least.

What are you reading?  Do you have any favourites you'd like to recommend?  What is your favourite genre?  I love your visits and always welcome comments.  I'll even visit back!  Have a terrific week everyone!

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

It's Monday and what are you reading?  This weekly meme, hosted by Sheila at Book Journey, gives us a chance to "journal" our recent reads, our current reads and what we plan to read next.  Ofttimes we include our recent bookish posts too.  The book blogging community is like no other and we are proud to be a part of this fast paced, fun loving group!

Here's what I read recently:
Cinder by Marissa Meyer (my review is also available on GoodReads)
Twelve Drummers Drumming by C.C. Benison
The Christmas Note by Donna van Liere

Currently I am reading:
Falling Backward by Jann Arden
Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick
The Summer Shack by Kelli Landon

Up next:
Could be any number of books including Stephen King's 11/22/63 or one of the many arcs awaiting me.  To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is definitely on the list as it is our book club read for January.

What are you reading?

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

Hosted by Sheila at Book Journey, this weekly meme  runs each Monday.  It's a fun way to connect with other book bloggers and see what they're up to and perhaps, actually more than likely, find more books to add to your lists.  Here we go:

What did you read/post last week?

Last week I read the following books.  You may click on the title to read the review.

Badass Business Women:  the Manifesto by Jennifer 

The Story of Moses by Jennifer Talbot Ross

ROOM by Emma Donaghue

The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Contests announced:

Badass Business Women Giveaway now until July 31, 2011.

Reflections of a Successful Wallflower Giveaway  now until August 21, 2011.

Other Posts:

Author Emma Donaghue Discusses ROOM

A Tearful Goodbye To Harry Potter - a short video starring the lead characters, Harry, Hermione and Ron, author J.K.Rowling and the directors as they said their goodbyes.

Upcoming Book Giveaway:  Only Time Will Tell (book by bestselling author Jeffrey Archer)

What are you currently reading?

 The Map of True Places by Brunonia Barry

Shut Up and Stay Married by author and psychotherapist Yisroel Roll

Max on Life by Max Lucado

What's up next?

Definitely time for a Nicholas Sparks novel!!  True Believer is calling me!

Check out my mailbox to see what arrived last week.

It's Monday, what are you reading?  

Please leave a link in your comment so I can stop in to say hello.

Have a great week everyone!

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.  This meme is for us bookish people to share what we read the previous week, what we are now reading and what we plan/hope to read in the near future.  Your wish list is sure to change after reading the various participants' posts!

This past week I read (click on the underlined title for the review):

The Cat Who Turned On and Off by Lillian Jackson Braun

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

Alzheimer's Killing Me Unknowingly by Jana Pryor

Don't Let Your Mechanic Pick Your Pocket by George A. Moyer (a retired mechanic and shop owner)

Additional posts this week include:

A Stranger's Choice which is a relatively new idea wherein I find new books by talking to complete strangers!  A bit nerve-wracking for someone who is relatively shy, so it's a good thing.  This week I discuss the book "The Book of Awesome".  Do you find joy in popping bubble wrap, smashing a past-it's prime appliance, splashing in a rain puddle?  This book is full of ideas like this to boost your mood!




Celebrating the release of the final Harry Potter movie, The Deathly Hallows Part 2, I joined in the festivities with a couple posts:

Harry Potter Refresher 

and a new book:

Harry Potter Film Wizardry

 Have you seen the movie yet?  If you have, I am jealous *pout*.  Hopefully this week!!

And lastly for this week's posts/updates you may visit In My Mailbox (Just Received) to see what's new on My Bookshelf.  In My Mailbox is a weekly bookish meme I like to participate in wherein participants share what arrived in their mailbox, or their bookish purchases or loans.

This week I am currently reading:

I am re-reading the second of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, as I participate in the Harry Potter Read Along 2011 at Giraffe Days.

Second, I am re-reading Agatha Christie's Body in the Library for the Agatha Christie Blog Carnival.

Thirdly, I am reading ROOM by Emma Donaghue!  I am so excited to begin reading this novel.  I have been wanting to read it for months now!

I hope to read:

This coming week I hope to finish all three of the above mentioned "currently reading" titles.  Beyond that, I'd like to tackle more of my TBR pile.

What's in store for you this week?  Have you read an exciting book this summer that you'd recommend for a day at the beach?  Please comment below and leave a link to your It's Monday, What Are You Reading? so I may return the visit.  Love to hear from all of you!!

Here's to a terrific week everyone!

Love this photo and just had to share it!! Source:  New York Times

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.  Here we get a chance to recap our previous week, share what we read, what we are currently reading, and what we plan to read next.   It's a fun meme!  Won't you join in?

Please leave a comment with a link to your IMWAYR post and link up at Sheila's site Book Journey too.



Last week, including yesterday, I finished reading:

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (review to be posted later this month as it is our book club book of the month)


The Hound of Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle


This week I aim to finish:

A Time To...A Baby Boomer's Spiritual Adventures by Ronald Louis Peterson


A Gir's Guide to Homelessness by Brianna Karp

Next Up:

I'm not sure....I have so many to choose from so it depends what catches my eye.  It may even be a Nicholas Sparks novel!!

What's new with you?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 5/16/11

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading is where we share what we read this past week, what we hope to read this week…. and anything in between!  This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well… you never know where that next “must read” book will come from! It's Monday, What Are You Reading meme is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

Last week I finished The Secret of Indigo Moon (A DoppleGanger Chronicles book) by G.P.Taylor.  This was a fun juvenile fiction graphic novel, my first!  It reads like a novel interspersed with comics.  It's a really neat approach that readers 9-13 or greater will really enjoy.  You can read my review here.

Book club is coming up this Thursday and I am about half-way through Minding Frankie by Maeve Binchy.  It's an excellent read.  I was hesitant at first, after reading Quentins and not being overly thrilled; I was a little less than animated about reading it, but a dear friend assured me it is so much better than Quentins and...she was right! 

Also on my reading agenda is 21 Century Great Global Depression by Orest Andrew Harrison which I began this a while ago, maybe ahem...a couple months ago...but put it aside for some more pressing reading.  I started with it again recently and it still remains as a current read on my Shelfari shelf.  Hopefully I can change that soon!

A Time To...A Baby Boomer's Spiritual Adventure by Ronald Louis Peterson is my other read.  I've only just begun.  It starts off with 911, yes, the terrorist attack on the US.  I haven't gotten far so I can't tell you more than that.  It looks promising though.

It's Monday, what are you reading?  I'm interested.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 4/11/11

Sheila at Book Journey hosts this fun weekly bookish meme.The Killing Game by JC Stevens which I actually finished reading a little while ago but was waiting to hear about a date for a blog book tour which didn't come so I posted the review.  ( the post is dated March 24 as that is when I prepared it but not when I actualy posted it). I read Agatha Christie's Partners In Crime.  I can hardly believe I haven't read any Tommy and Tupence novels before!  I am sure this was my first and I just love these two!  You can read my review here.  Oh, before I forget, I read our bookclub read, Percy Jackson and the Olympians:  The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.  Loved it!  No review until after bookclub, April 21st.  Hang tight! 

This week I am still working on some of the same books including 21st Century Great Global Depression, The Town Cried Murder and Hot Leaders Cool Facilitators. 

Up next is Quicksilver!!!  I am so excited to read this novel!  Of course, there is the never-ending, always growing TBR pile which consists of ahem...cough...upwards of 12 titles.  Sheepish grin.  Where does my time go?  Not reading lately, that's for sure.  Hopefully this coming week will be better.

How's your reading?  Is your TBR pile growing or diminishing?  I hope you're not all going to make me feel bad about mine.  Are you? Have a great week and until next time "Happy Reading"! 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 3/21/11

Holy Cow!  It's the 21st already!  Where has the time gone?  I've spent a lot of it reading, cooking, cleaning, the usual, but it seems like time is whirring away, out of control!  So let's get down to It's Monday, What Are You Reading, a weekly bookish meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

Right now I am reading The Chinese Conspiracy by John Mariotti.  It's all about some nasty people who devised worms, viruses, and trojans that shut down computers worldwide.  Suddenly in New York traffic lights all over are green!  Imagine the chaos and it's not limited to New York. This is their attempt at world domination.  If you've never had a virus, consider yourself lucky and read this book.  If you have, you can educate yourself while reading this!  Fascinating action/drama!! (I'm on page 84 so far).

I have several e-books from NetGalley to read.  I'm not sure where to start on those.  I've ventured a look through a cookbook, Cooking From the Garden.  That will be a fun review to do!!  Something from my TBR pile will likely find its way to the forefront this week too.

What are you reading?  Anything fun and exciting?  I love to see what others are reading.  You can leave your comments here and remember to link up with Book Journey too!