Category: What Are You Reading

Whoever Finds Love

2/7/2022

“Whoever finds love
beneath hurt and grief
disappears into emptiness
with a thousand new disguises”
― Rumi

Texas Wine Cup Wildflower

Do you agree?
I believe it to be true. You are never the same after something dreadful happens. Period. It's the end of a chapter of your life. But you can recover.
Well, let me clarify, you don't so much recover yourself instead, one becomes a new, improved version of yourself. You are not ever the person you were. But yet at your essence, you are still you, but more so. Suddenly you are stronger than you ever imagined and more. Deeper, kinder, gentler, and perhaps wiser.

Rumi will brighten your life.
Google for more quotes or buy a book of translated poems.

Now, I'm off to lunch with an old friend & then shopping for a housewarming gift. I have so much to do and not enough time! Which seems to be a theme lately.

Later-

First Book Review For 2022

1/13/2022

First book review for 2022!

Quick Book Review - Thursday Edition:
The Cold Vanish by Jon Billman

Was it a page-turner? so-so
Do I like this genre? Meh-True Crime
Setting: American Wildlands
How's the storytelling? fair
Was it well written? 50-50
Would you recommend this book? Probably not
Page Count: 284 pages
Published Date: July 2020

OVERVIEW:
The book is about people who have gone missing in the wilderness in America/Canada. The central story revolves around the disappearance of Jacob Gray, and his father's quest to find him.

The narration was good/okay overall, but it got boring at times, so much so that I was left wondering why I was even reading this book? Luckily, it wasn't long, and I finished in a single afternoon.

I read different topics/genres, and the subject matter intrigued me, but it was more push to finish versus "I can't put it down."

My Last Minute Thoughts:

I feel more attention/coverage should be put on missing people cases. Telling their stories could be fascinating and motivate searches to continue.
I found the tone dry at times and very judgemental. The author tried to be philosophical at times and missed.
If you like true crime, you might like this.

More reviews out soon~

Reading Challenge Results

1/5/2022

How are you feeling about 2022? I know it's too soon to tell, but here's to hoping it's a better year.
I just hopped over to Goodreads and saw my yearly book stats. I will share some of them below. I often don't review books on the Goodread site, but write a quick non-spoiler review here or vice versa. If you are wondering about any book on my list, just leave me a comment and I will give you the skinny on it.

I seem to like books in the 300-500 page range, over that and I feel kinda trapped by the book...unless it's really, really good. I did read a small 33 page one this year that ended way too soon.

This year I read about:

energy healing,
astrology,
astral projection,
vegan cooking,
murder mysteries,
spicy romance,
vampires, werewolves, shape shifters, Fae, witches, etc.
self-help,
ancient aliens,
archaeology,
Iron Druids,
ancient myths,
art,
science fiction,
urban fantasy,
and even had room for a few classics.

I read for knowledge, entertainment, escapism, and to understand other people's outlook on the world. What are your favorite types of books? What makes them the best?

I will be posting more in the coming months as I am working a bit less.
Hopefully, we can meet up here and discuss books, food, and other fun topics!

Speak soon~

Quick Book Review - Thursday Edition:

12/16/2021

The Magic Mountain - Der Zauberberg by Thomas Mann

Was it a page-turner? Slow Going/Ease into it
Do I like this genre? Yes - Fictional Satire
Setting: TB Sanatorium in Switzerland
How's the storytelling? It's on the top '100 MUST READ LIST' for a reason
Was it well written? Yes
Would you recommend this book? Yes
Page Count: 900 pages
Published Date: 1924

OVERVIEW:
The Magic Mountain is a novel by Thomas Mann, first published in November 1924. It is widely considered to be one of the most influential works of the 20th-century in German literature.
The story opens in the decade before World War I. It introduces Hans Castorp, the only child of a Hamburg merchant family. He is in his early 20's, about to take up a shipbuilding career in Hamburg. He visits his cousin Joachim Ziemssen, who is in a luxury sanatorium in the Swiss Alps, and we are introduced to a memorable cast of characters as the story unfolds.

My Last Minute Thoughts:

This book has been on my list to read for years. I'm glad I finally waded in.
Written in German, I read a translated work.
It offers ironic insight into European one-percenters of the time.
I'm sure it will be a book I reread every few years.
Overall, a philosophical novel that makes you think.
For some readers, it could be too slow to hold their attention.

More reviews out soon~

Quick Book Review

12/9/2021

Leviathan Falls: Expanse, Book 9

Was it a page-turner? YES!
Do I like this genre? Yes - Science Fiction Adventure
Setting: Space
How's the storytelling? Good
Was it well written? Yes
Would you recommend this book? Yes
Page Count: 529 pages
Published Date: Nov 30, 2021

OVERVIEW:
The last book in the Expanse series. If you are a fan of the television show or the series you must read it. It was an emotional, but not surprising end. (Insert sad face here.) I'm not ready to let the characters go just yet.

My Last Minute Thoughts:

The Expanse is currently one of my favorite science fiction series, so I was very sad to read the last book.
I enjoyed the first three books more than this one, but it could be because it is the end of the series. (Did I mention I was sad it's ending?)
Fingers crossed for a few additional novellas. It would be nice to clear up some of the other beloved characters' stories lines.

More reviews out soon~

Cover to Cover

6/15/2021

So True!

2020 Reading Challenge

1/26/2021

Hey ~ How are you?
I had a pretty good night's rest, although I was up late watching the storm blow in. I woke up to a steady snowfall for the first couple of hours, but the rest of the day has just been gray and dreary. But it's okay because I actually love this kind of weather, it makes my heart happy, plus its a great weather for reading!

Another reason for my happiness today is I knew that TACOS were on the menu for dinner. And yes, seriously, I could in fact eat tacos every day, and be a happy woman. I eat pretty healthy with the exception to my taco addiction, lol

So as the snow falls and I eat ANOTHER taco I thought I would share my reading results for 2020.

So in between eating taco and working I managed to read a few books in 2020. Some of these books I even managed to review here! Click here to read reviews: BOOK REVIEWS

As you can see I am an eclectic reader. Some of these were read for work, some were recommended from friends and others just showed up. The Tim Conway book was funny and touching (reviewed here) the Iron Druid series by Kevin Hearn (review here) is always a fun way to escape and Neil Gaiman is always a good bet for a snowy day (review here.) I also ended up with an airfyer for my birthday and I really needed the cookbooks!

Before I started the Goodreads Reading Challenge that I had no idea what or how much I was reading month to month. (I would have guessed a lot more books than I actually was reading.) I'm not a big tv person, but its easy to fall down a HBO or Netflix rabbit hole and not crack open a book all weekend. The yearly challenges keep me on track and reading more than just work stuff. If you are on Goodreads send me a friends request and we can follow each other and if you have any reading recommendations I'm always up for that too!

Now back to those tacos..Speak soon~

May Book Review - Saturday Edition

5/30/2020

Hello and Happy Saturday!

I hope you're having a great weekend. I've officially moved outside, to enjoy this amazing weather. And the Sunsets - OMG the sunsets! I took the picture above yesterday with my phone. It doesn't do it justice, but you get the idea. Summer is here and I'm loving it!

So thats why I'm posting later than normal today, I'm too busy doing nothing outside, lol. But still I've got a quick review of another book you need in your life.

This one is a bit different... I don't know about you, but I needed a laugh this month. So much has happened and we have lost so many people, this has left me just wanting (needing) to step away from the news and read something lighter. So no self-help or business building books, this week and also nothing dark or apocalyptic either. #ChangeofPace

This book is a light, fun read. Tim Conway's humor is not like typical, modern comics. He doesn't shame, or humiliate people or even poke fun at them. He had an optimistic joy for life and it shines through in this book.

Quick Book Review - Tuesday Edition:
What's So Funny? by Tim Conway

Was it a page turner? Yes
Do I like this genre? Yes - Although I don't often read biographies of comics
Setting: Chagrin Falls, Ohio and other US places.
How's the story telling? Amazing.
Was it well written? Yes
Would you recommend this book? Yes
Page Count: 273 pages

My Last Minute Thoughts:

Thomas Daniel "Tim" Conway (December 15, 1933 – May 14, 2019) was an American actor, comedian, writer, director and six times Emmy winner. He was 85 when he passed and he lived a very full life. A good part of the book is about his childhood and his adventures in Chagrin Falls; clearly it was a different time, but the humor translates.
From 1956-1958, he was in the Army and there are some funny comments and tidbits there.
If you are looking for a light, uplifting read that will make you laugh a bit, then read this book.

This review contains affiliate links, but I never post about anything I don't love.

Speak soon~

April 2020 - Best Of

5/13/2020

I'm coming to you late today because I took the day to do some much needed mundane chores such as dusting, laundry, etc., #Goodtimes

Actually it felt good to be physically active and see concrete results, so much of what I do online is less "physical" and requires longer timeframes to see results. (Unlike instantly seeing the laundry basket go down, lol)

The sun came out for a bit but it is still cooler, with more rain on the way! I have hope though as the weather is supposed to become warmer starting Sunday.

I posted a bit more in April and thought I would give you the rundown, if you missed anything...

Quick Book Reviews:

Isolation Diary:

Have a great evening and speak soon~

Quick Book Review - Tuesday Edition

5/12/2020

Happy Tuesday!
It’s kind of a grey day here in central New Mexico this morning, but I’m not complaining. I am grateful that we are having a bit of rain and the temps are dropping.

It’s been a busy week already and it’s only Tuesday! Lol, I have a couple of baby showers to attend this month and a wedding (well NOT attend in person, but on Zoom), and I’m wrapping gifts for those, reading, painting, and there’s always work…
But I also found time to write up two quick book reviews for you today, both by Neil Gaiman.

Quick Book Review - Tuesday Edition:
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Was it a page turner? Yes
Do I like this genre? Yes - Occult and Supernatural (its actually listed as a child’s book)
Setting: The Graveyard in Old Town; Somewhere in England; Present Day
How's the story telling? Amazing.
Was it well written? Yes
Would you recommend this book? Yes
Page Count: 325 pages

My Last Minute Tuesday Thoughts:

I'm at the point in my life where I just read anything Neil Gaiman writes. I saw this listed as a children's book and thought, "Oh well, he tells a good story let's have some lite reading.." Umm, well…I'm sure I would have loved this as a teen, too.
So while the book was very entertaining, I was amazed at how dark this book was. It felt very much like an old world fairy tale; full of wonder, evil and magic. I highly recommend it for anyone that loves a creepy tale.

This review contains affiliate links, but I never post about anything I don't love.

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Was it a page turner? Yes
Do I like this genre? Yes - Myth and folklore
Setting: Collected stories set in several realms
How's the story telling? Amazing.
Was it well written? Yes
Would you recommend this book? Yes
Page Count: 304 pages

My Last Minute Tuesday Thoughts:

This book has been on my list to read for a while, now I find I have time to tackle it. Before reading I wondered if this would be a "retelling" with added characters, plot twists and lessons or if the book would stay true to the actual literature. Then I read the reviews and noticed some people were complaining and this book was not liked as much as some other of Gaiman's books. Hmmmm....
I was happy to see this wasn't a collection of overly embellished stories, but more a fond retelling of the old, classic stories. I really enjoyed the book overall, but if you are expecting this book to be like American Gods you will be disappointed.
Read another reviews of a Neil Gaiman book here: Good Omens

Okay now I'm off to put on a pot of tea and finish wrapping those gifts.
Speak soon~

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