Category: What Are You Reading

What Are You Reading Wednesday

3/6/2019

Hi, friends! Winter is in full swing over here in our part of the world, so naturally, I have two things on my mind: reading and staying warm! Nothing like a warm fire and a good book!
Fortunately I have a pile of TBR and a cozy place to read. #WIN

This book was recommended to me and was so good!

Great Book!

Hounded by Kevin Hearne

Was it a page turner? Yes
Do I like this genre? Yes
Setting: Arizona
The story telling? Yes
Was it well written? Yes
Would you recommend this book? Yes, I really enjoyed the amount of humor, magic and action. The characters are likable and the author doesn't waste time trying to set up a "new magical world". There is plenty of excitement with gods, goddess, vampires, witches, druids, werewolves & more, in this fast paced story.
Spoiler: Addictive!
If you are looking for a "traditional" fantasy/sword and sorcery book this might not be for you. It is chocked full of magic, and magical lore, but it takes place in modern day.

If you want a fast paced, full-on magical tale this is your book. I enjoyed reading the adventures of an ancient druid who is plagued by magical assassins - set in modern day Arizona. It had the right amount of humor, depth and plenty of action. This is a good story that makes this book tough to put down and leaves you a bit sad its over. I am very much looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

I read this while I was ill (even the SC filter couldn't make me look normal)

I have ordered book two and three & can't wait for them to arrive.

Did I mention the old gods pop up in this story?

I also read Garden Spells last month while I was ill. Although, I couldn't get into it at all. I was surfing around Amazon (always dangerous) and it was a "recommended for you based on your other purchases" so I gave it a try.
:(
Perhaps will try it again later.

I'm not going to review it - other than to say I had to force myself to read it....and feel like it was a waste of time.

But I do plan to review at least two books every week till I get caught up. (Perhaps I should review four at a time or we will be at this till next Christmas?) Lol

My Neil Gaiman reading frenzy continues...although Sandman is a collection of other peoples stories.

I'm currently reading.

So enjoying the "Expanse" series, too. I think there are 7 books, with another coming out in later this month?

:D The snow is melting!

Making for a clear, but cold day. I'm headed back to my spot by the fire to finish Leviathan Wakes. I actually put off reading this series because I enjoy the television show so much. Usually reading and watching don't mix, you know? But I haven't been disappointed...

What are you reading? Do you have any recommendation? Share your current "can't put it down" books please!

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January in Review

2/6/2019

Hey! How are you?
If the rest of this year passes as fast as Janurary did then I'm in serious trouble!

So what the Hell did I do?

I had guests for 2+ weeks and worked. The house was full of people, plus some stayed down the street at a B & B. So there was lots of laughing, eating and visiting going on! It really was an amazing visit!

We watched some movies...

I blogged about some movies to watch with your BFF here and also reviewed a random movie a friend recommended to me here. I also managed to do some used book shopping.

I read a bit and owe you several reviews. Hopefully later this week I will get those out. The top book on that pile Hounded by Kevin Hearne was recommended by one of my friends here for the visit. She knew I would like it and she was so right! I'm already reading the second one in the series and buying the rest!

We decided to eat healthy for this adventure so I mostly cooked. We wolfed down nice cream and smoothies everyday as well as homemade soups, Buddha Bowls, vegan cookies and lattes. I didn't take many pictures because I was busy eating too, lol!

Buddha Bowl - Red Beans, Sweet Potatoes, Avocado, Yellow Squash, Onions, Peas, Fresh Mushrooms ~ MMMMMMMMM

We ate a LOT! I think we went through approx. 40 pounds of bananas in two weeks! It's hard to tell because I had a lot of produce before we began this adventure, lol. Everyone seems to be happy eating plant based vegan and no one went hungry.

The downside though, one person caught a cold and before you knew it we all had it. I finished off the month in bed, but at least I had a lot of new books to read.

Call me sneezy-

I'm excited to see what February brings.

See you at the airport~

New Year’s Resolutions?

1/20/2019

Another mini used book haul~

Hello ~
So I’m wondering, how do you feel about New Year’s resolutions?
My 2017 resolution was to stop spending so much on printed books and working so much. I actually went on a book buying fast for several months in 2017 and cut way, way back in 2018. It was difficult because I so love books, but it is made easier when I think about having to either ship them or store them when we move again.

And the working so much? Well, I have taken a bit more time off and am back to daily walks, which help me handle the stress a lot better. Just getting away from my desk and out in nature has made a big difference.

Behold the beautiful New Mexico Mountains!

Bring on the veggies!

I also vowed to eat better - which I'm still enjoying. :D

Some resolutions really change your life, others not so much. So for 2019 I am working on buying used books (cheaper and recycling is always a good idea) and also being picky about how many I keep. I'm going to continue eating the clean, veggie rich diet and make more time to travel. I think we may visit Sweden this year as well as some short trips in the US.

So how about you? What are your resolutions and are you keeping them?

Weekend Reads Continued

11/2/2018

Hi!
It seems ludicrous to think I went on a "book buying fast" for most of the summer, doesn't it? I stayed away from Amazon (for books anyway) and did my best to avoid books stores, not that those really exist anymore. So just recently I've started shopping again. (You can read about the fall mini book haul here.) I held back, so it's a short post, lol.

Part of my recent promise to myself has been to stop working so much and find time to do things I love. I have put so much on the back burner lately because of work, but now that I am taking time to read, make art and travel again I feel so much better! #WIN

So far I've read two books from that mini haul.

The first book I read was this delightful book on Frida and Diego by Catherine Reef. This is a lovely book filled with the artists stories, photographs, history and art.

Frida and Diego by Catherine Reef

Was it a page turner? Yes
Do I like this genre? Yes
Setting: Mexico
The story telling? Yes
Was it well written? Yes
Would you recommend this book? Yes, there are enough stories, antidotes and photographs to make it light reading. If you want to skim these powerful artists histories and learn a bit about politics of the time, its great. It is a light, enjoyable read. One rainy afternoon I lazed around with a pot of tea and read it cover to cover.
Spoiler: I learned more about the artists and politics of the age. I had no idea Frida was hit by a streetcar nor how much pain she endured. I really didn't know much about their relationship or how it impacted their art.
If you are looking for a "traditional" autobiography you will probably not like this.

The book itself is art.

The richness of the paintings featured are captured well.

I am happy to add this book to my collection.

Reading in front of the fire is the best.

The second book I read this week was Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett.

Was it a page turner? Yes
Do I like this genre? Yes (Fantasy)
Setting: End of the world - so mostly England
The story telling? Yes
Was it well written? Yes
Would you recommend this book? Yes, especially if you are fan of either author or need a good laugh. There is a lot going on as the end of the world approaches, but you will enjoy the characters and their bumbling, as the lines between good and evil blur.
Spoiler: Parts are laugh out loud funny, other parts you need an understanding of Britain and the British to really fully appreciate the humor.

This has been on my list to purchase for sometime, but I never seemed to remember it at Amazon. The used bookstore had a well read copy for $1 so I couldn't pass it up. Next I will probably buy in hardback.

Pretty much sums up the book.

Frightening how true parts are though! Yikes!

Now I'm off for a mini road trip~ Have coffee, can travel!

And I packed the new sketchbook - Catch you later!

Fall Book Mini Haul

10/24/2018

Used books are often treasures that are out-of-print or rare.

Hi,
So I am off my "book fast" and currently building my TBR stack. I enjoy spending time browsing online and in person at used bookstore because you never know what you will stumble upon.

Some authors might argue that books shouldn’t be sold in this manner since they don’t earn royalties on used books. I understand that, but as is the case with libraries, used book stores are a great place to discover authors and their work and add to your collection. If you are like me, once I find an author I like I usually purchase the entire catalogue.

Ignore the stickers...

Today's treasure were:

Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. I've been wanting to read this book for sometime, just was too lazy to actually make an effort to buy it. (Because Amazon is so much work, right?) Yeah, I have no excuse. Enjoy both authors, so I'm excited to dive into it.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandra Dumas. I'm sure I read this is school, but I can't actually remember? So thought I would give it a go.
The Art of War by Sun Tzu which I could have sworn I owned a copy of this book till I went to reference a quote and released it isn't on any of the shelves. Hmmmm, I wonder if I loaned it out and then promptly moved away? No matter, if it turns up I will have a copy to gift.

Another reason I'm drawn to used books is they offer a sense of their personal history. “To Jim, with love, Margret” makes me wonder about Jim and Margret and about their connection to the book. How did the book find it's way here? How many hands did it pass through?

I rarely see a book with lots of highlighting and comments in the margins. Most often they maybe a bit worn from repeated reading, but I actually take that as a positive sign.

So other than book shopping it was a normal day of work and usual errands. I plan on taking next weekend off to read and finish the details of my upcoming December trip.

I admit I love travel planning!

After much research I have narrowed it down to two lovely guests houses for my next trip. This weekend I plan on booking one as I map out the rest of the adventure. This jaunt has a lot of moving pieces as I have a multiple state expeditions planned and have to schedule in work around sightseeing.

I know by December I will be ready for some warm weather, but I'm happy now to pull out the boots and jackets.

Overall I'm enjoying the cooler weather this week. How about you?

The fall weather is so nice! I dug out warmer leggings and last years boots earlier in the month and was pleased to see the boots are now a bit big on my legs. #ThankYouYoga

While I'm still not where I want to be, the scales has finally started tipping in the right direction. Plus I feel so much better as well. Between yoga, walking more and eating better I feel much more like myself again. Now I'm ready to go adventure!

Just as I was ending this entry, the post arrived with MORE BOOKS!

I purchased these online from Thrift Books and they are in excellent condition.

So excited to dive in!

Warm reading "nest" is calling...

See you at the airport (or a used book store)~

Stormy Thursday

4/19/2018

The wind is howling and a storm is blowing in. I'm in the mountains so the weather is very changeable.

I may be forced to read by candle light, lol

I'm enjoying these stories. Full review coming soon.

I did get dinner made before the storm started. (This was Amazing!)

This dish was super easy and quick to make. I roasted garlic, asparagus and grape tomatoes in the oven while the couscous was cooking. (It was seasoned with green onions and veggie stock.)

Then plated the couscous and put roasted veggies, more green onions and slivered almonds over the top. #WIN and instant favorite!

Meanwhile the rains have started.

Rain means flowers (and veggies) soon! #Win

So I'm not complaining at all.

Catch you later-

What Are You Reading? April Edition

4/10/2018

More book reviews!

How are things? I'm catching up on my book reviews today, both here and at Goodreads.
According to the site I've only had time to review nine books this year. Of those some were really amazing...while a few let me down. (See below for one that really sucked ass.)

These are the three I'm reviewing today. Guess which one sucked?

Two of the books I recently read were written by Kim Newman and one is a "collection". One of the Newman books is part of the Anno Dracula series, (which I love! ) You can find my review of book two of the series here and book one here.

While reading the first book I knew I wanted to read the entire series, so I've been collecting them.

(Book two and three.)

I was very much looking forward to book three. This one takes place in Rome in the late 1950's.

This book is number three in the Anno Dracula series.

Judgment of Tears by Kim Newman
This book was also released as Dracula Cha Cha Cha in the UK. I started reading this series and was immediately hooked. I really enjoy the authors witty style of including historical and fictional era characters in the story along with a good mystery and lots of twisty plot turns. It's not your typical Dracula saga at all and if you are a Twilight fan - you will hate this.

Was it a page turner? Yes.
Do I like this genre? The Horror genre? Yes.
Setting: The late 1950's Rome.
The story telling? Yes
Was it well written? Yes.
Would you recommend this book? Yes, although now that I'm three books into the series, book one is still my favorite. There are familiar characters from past books and of course a trove of historical and fictional characters running rampant through Rome in this book. I was pleased to see favorite characters from the first book return to add Victorian sentiment to an unsettling time period of decadence and indulgence.
Spoiler: I was pleased to see even the Adams family turn up! How can you NOT want to read this book?
If you are looking for a "traditional" vampire novel you will not enjoy this book, if you want a witty, fun read - then grab the series.

Yes, that's a James Bond spoiler!

The next book I dived into was Angels of Music also by Kim Newman. This one is not part of the Dracula series.

(List of the Angels)

Angels of Music by Kim Newman
I read this book because I'm touring Mr. Newman's catalogue, lol. This isn't part of the Anno Dracula series, but familiar characters do pop up. The book is a collection of stories set around the Phantom of the Opera and the women (Angels) he employees as spies, assassins and general heroes. Most of the cases are of course, paranormal or have a paranormal twist.

Was it a page turner? Yes.
Do I like this genre? The Horror genre? Yes, have you seen the books I read?
Setting: Set in Paris over a 40 (?) year time period. What's not to love?
The story telling? Yes
Was it well written? Yes.
Would you recommend this book? Yes, although it is not a Vampire type novel. There are familiar characters and of course hosts of historical and fictional characters running rampant through France. I was pleased to see favorite characters from the Anno series return to add sensibility to Paris, but I really never cared for the Phantom of the Opera stories in the past, so I wasn't all that excited to read this. But luckily there was just enough backstory on the Phantom to make it interesting, and not overkill. The book centers on the changing roster of ladies (Angels), all with specific talents and gifts; solving and curtailing unusual criminal plots. I enjoyed reading the stories and would recommend the book.
The stories vary in length and make a fun read.

This was one of the more gruesome tales.

Now on to the 3rd book - 'Haunted Trails' which is so misleading.

This Introduction doesn't match the book.

UGH! File this one under NO, Just NO!
This book wasn't what I thought it was, I thought it would be actual stories of camping, hiking, outdoor adventures with the paranormal or at least “urban legends” type stories. It was more like a middle school collection of short, classic (read old), ghost stories, mostly taking place in the UK. So if you are not familiar with the horror of overgrown hedges or abandoned manor houses it won’t really scare you. Some of the stores were well written, but not any more frightening than normal ghost stories you would tell around the camp fire. I’m donating the book to a school library.

Famous authors, short tales.

Was it a page turner? No
Do I like this genre? The Horror genre? Yes, have you seen the books I read? But this one fell under the written for 12 and under level of scary tales!
Setting: I thought it would be set in nature. Mostly the short stories are set in the UK.
The story telling? Yes/No
Was it well written? Yes/NO
Would you recommend this book? NO
The stories vary in length and while some of the authors are well known, I was so disappointed in this book.

But fortunately look what just came in the post today!

More reviews soon!

March Reads Part 1

4/3/2018

Happy April!
I hope all is well in your world? Life is great here. Work is good, weather is pleasant and I've a trove of new books, lol So it's time to ask that question, "What have you been reading?" Do you have any new recommendations or books to share? Cause I could always use another for the TBR shelf.
Currently I've changed my work schedule I have more time to read. #win!
So I've a few books to review.

It time once again for me to upload book reviews for the past month. Some I have already added to Goodreads, most I'm still in process.

I'm continuing my Kim Newman reading tour.

I bought this one in Feb but didn't have time to properly enjoy it till March.

This book is number two in the Anno Dracula series. I read book one here if you want to read my review.

The Bloody Baron by Kim Newman
I read book one and was hooked on the series and the authors witty style of including historical and fictional era characters in the story along with a good mystery. It's not your typical Dracula saga at all and if you are a Twilight fan - you will hate this.

Was it a page turner? Yes.
Do I like this genre? Yes/No. The Horror genre? Yes. The WWI era? No
The story telling? Yes
Was it well written? Yes.
Would you recommend this book? Yes, although now that I'm three books into the series it was my least favorite. Honestly this is only because I'm not a fan of war epics and I know very little about this time. There are familiar characters and of course hosts of historical and fictional characters running rampant through Germany and France. Now add in Vampire Nazis and Allied Forces playing deadly games, famous spies and then throw Dracula in the mix! I was pleased to see favorite characters from the first book return to add Victorian sentiment to an unsettling time period. This book also highlights how new inventions changed the way war was waged and how difficult it was for some men in charge to understand this. Fortunately Edgar Poe is brought forward to record all the glory that is the war and the Bloody Red Baron. Yeah, that was a spoiler but come on! Edgar ("I dropped the Allen") Poe? How can you NOT want to read this book?
If you are looking for a "traditional" vampire novel you will not enjoy this book, if you want a witty, fun read - then grab the series.

Judgment of Tears or The Dracula Cha Cha is number three in the series. I just finished it and will probably review it later in the month.

Next Book, not by Kim Newman, hahahhah

Tokyo on Foot by Florent Chavouet
Another book I found via Goodreads. One of the people I follow had pick it up on a whim and reviewed it. I instantly fell in love with the sketch art. The artist/author is Florent Chavouet a French author who spent six months staying in Tokyo. His humor and insights make for a fun read, but the art and the energy he captures make this a treasured travllers book.

Was it a page turner? Yes.
Do I like this genre? Yes.
Was it well written? Yes. I like the fact the author is the artist and it's not an illustrated book. The art IS THE BOOK. There is actually very little written in the book.
Would you recommend this book? Yes, if you love sketch art and traveller stories I think you would enjoy this book very much. I have ordered a few of the authors other books and am excited to add them to my collection.

The Art:

#Loveit!

Nice right?

Part two coming soon!

See you at the airport~

Lazy March Days

3/31/2018

How can March almost be over?
This month has flown by!
So how has your month been? March has been wonderful for me. Work is going great, lots of good things are in the works (more about them soon!) And I even found time to read a bit. #WIN

Currently reading..

I am behind in my book reviews...

I hope to post the reviews later this week.

But then the trees started blooming and I don't want to stay inside on the computer...

OMG!

Spring is here!

I have also been cooking less and snacking more this month...

The March Vegan Cuts box was excellent!

Love this new tea.

Really nice and organic.

More book and product reviews soon.
Plus more travel tales and more all around randomness!

Catch you Later~

March Vegan Food Diary

3/14/2018

March is always a busy month, but that doesn't mean we can't still eat good food, yeah? So to prove that - here is a mini vegan food diary. I have tried to cook more and eat less take out. Plus be more creative and try new recipes.

I've tried to step out of the box with my cooking. Leeks and Fennel are new to me.

But cooked up with pasta make an awesome change.

Braised tofu, noodles and green beans + : jalapeños for the win!

Organic Tofu with turmeric and salsa for vegan scrambled eggs,

Corn and peppers were the base of a few quick dishes I made.

Yes, we eat a lot of peppers.

Homemade Hummus and homemade chips. (Yes, heavy on the peppers!)

Next round...

Add extra herbs and spices.

More expermenting with simple oat cookies. No flour, no sugar - just PB and dates + nuts in this batch.

Read new book while waiting for cookies to bake, lol.

Tried out this new vegan burger mix.

Add water, let it sit a few minutes and then fry up.

I like to have stuff on hand for when people stop by. Stuff that is easy to cook and also doesn't scare the non-vegans. LOL So I bought a new pantry friendly burger mix. It actually tasted okay, kind of bland, but with pickles, onions and peppers it made a tasty burger. I'm gonna keep some on hand for surprise company.