Booking Through Thursday

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Today's question:

What were your favorite books of 2011?

My response:

I always get palpitations when a question asks for "a favorite", maybe because I'm a parent and I would never be able to answer the question "who is my favorite child".  And since moving into this neighborhood of book blogging and reviewing, I have a total new outlook about books. I used to purchase them, read for enjoyment and either they would go on my shelf or be passed on.  Now I know the hard work, the heart and soul the author puts into writing a particular book for my pleasure of reading.  That book IS "their child"

This year I had the opportunity to read many outstanding books that I would recommend, many more than I am going to list, but I narrowed it down to these 10 that really stood out:

Spinning by Michael Baron

Night Road by Kristin Hannah

Midwife's Confession by Diane Chamberlain

Concrete Pearl by Vincent Zandri

Dead of Wynter by Spencer Seidel

Scream Catcher by Vincent Zandri

Never Knowing by Chevy Stevens

Lethal by Sandra Brown

Megan's Way by Melissa Foster

Voices of the Dead by Peter Leonard

(review to be posted 01/19/12)

What were your favorites of 2011?

Booking Through Thursday

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Today's question:

Any books you’re hoping to get for the holidays this year?
How about giving? Are you giving any good ones?

My answer:

My family knows my addiction to books, however, they have also seen my tbr bookcase.  So I am sure that I will not be getting one specific book.  I assume that they will do and say what they do for the past couple of years and that is "you have so many books, I have no clue which ones you have already one so I got you an Amazon GC instead".  Which, is fine by me.  Because they are right.  I do have too many books already waiting tbr (a 5 shelf bookcase full of just tbr books).  And this way I can either save the GC(s) for something big to purchase like the Kindle Fire (I need to do some more research on that) or purchase books that I really NEED and HAVE to read during the year, or book accessories that I want.

As far as giving books this year...YAY!!  YES!!!  I am.  Haven't done that in years.  My years of reading to my "boys" when they were small as finally paid off.  Once they hit HS, they stopped reading for pleasure.  Never picking up a book.  I wondered where did I go wrong?  I read to them from when they were young, went to "library school" as toddlers,  whenever we went to the mall, we always stopped in a book store and they were allowed to pick out 1-2 books each to add to their personal book library and took weekly walks to the library.  Now that they are men, on their own, working (as I tell them) in their "big boy jobs", they have taken up reading again. So this will be the first Christmas in many years that I have bought them each a book.  Unfortunately, I can't tell you which ones, in case they are reading this post, but I was so excited that it was the 1st Christmas presents I purchased.

What about you?  What are you hoping Santa brings in the form of books?  Are books on your list for those that have been good?

Booking Through Thursday

Hi everyone!!  Before getting to today's memes, I thought I would let you know about a few things that have been going on, besides me signing up for challenges lol, oh but don't fret, that will be posted in a couple of days lol.

GiGi Ann from Ann's Reading Corner, had sent me an email and asked how Steve was doing and that there hadn't been an update in a while.  I realized I hadn't posted about his recovery, being so excited about the 2012 challenges and I apologize for that.    We went to the doctor's this past Friday and he got the ok to start working from home.  His facility shuts down before Christmas until the first of the year and at that time he can start working on site as tolerated.  He was thrilled.  He is still experiencing focal seizures but still no answers as to if and/or when this will be a permanent residual effect of the surgery.  The not so good news is that he is still not allowed to drive until he is seen again in February.  Thank you everyone for the support, concern, caring and prayers you showed us throughout this time.

As some of you know, I had some blogger issues for the past few weeks, my blog went missing, then back online, my gmail account was supposedly deleted, by who, I don't know, but yesterday I received an email that that too has reappeared along with all the documents that I thought I lost for Partners In Crime Tours.  And for the past 2 weeks all the time I put into trying to retrieve as much as I could, was now time wasted.  Because of this experience and talking to other bloggers who have had similar problems on and off, after the New Year I will be moving to WordPress.  Gina from Hott Books, has put everything in place, she is phenomenal when it comes to computers.  Thank you Gina.  Nothing has changed, it looks identical to this one, only different platform.  I will let you know more as the time gets closer.  I am just trying to learn to navigate and feel comfortable with it before I move.  Also I hope to bring back Sunday's Shining Star once I get settled.

Partners In Crime Tours has 2 books that I booked for the beginning of the new year and still have some slots opened for reviewers.  The books are Gods and Fathers by James LePore and Voices of the Dead by Peter Leonard (my current read).  You can read the details and synopsis at our site (ww.Partnersincrimetours.net).  If you are interested in either book or both, fill out the host submission form or email me @ CMash@Partnersincrimetours.net.  Even those who post their reviews on GoodReads and LibraryThing are welcome to host also.

And one final thing....Christmas is right around the corner.  Is your shopping completed?  Looking for that last minute gift?  An old friend contacted me, Bill Walker, author of A Note from an Old Acquaintance, (check out my review) is having a Holiday Special on the Nook Version of his book.  A great read for $0.99....can't beat that.  

BY BILL WALKER

LINK TO PURCHASE @ B&N

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-note-from-an-old-acquaintance-bill-walker/1017034033?ean=2940012526328&itm=1&usri=a+note+from+an+old+acquaintance

I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com,

Barnes & Noble and/or any other retail/wholesale

outlets either online and/or elsewhere.

I am providing this link solely for visitors

that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

I do not receive any monetary compensation from any parties

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Today's question:

What’s more important to you? Real, three-dimensional, fleshed-out fascinating characters? Or an amazing, page-turning plot?
(Yes, I know, they are both important. But if you had to pick one as being more important than the other?

My answer:

Oh this is a toughie today and I haven't had my coffee yet lol.  I am going with the amazing plot.  Yes, as the questions states, they are both important, but if there isn't a plot that keeps me engrossed or wanting to go back and pick up the book to see what happens, the characters, no matter how well they are defined is going to keep my interest.  I feel that the plot, the premise, the story line is the bottom line for how we choose a book.  Its' the first thing, I usually look at, the synopsis, the back of the book or jacket to see what the story is about.  So I would definitely say the plot.

Booking Through Thursday

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Today's question:

All things being equal, which would you prefer–a mystery? Or a love story?

My response:

I didn't even need a cup of coffee to think about this answer, well maybe a few sips.  If you follow me, then you know it's hands down, a mystery.  But I won't pass up a romantic suspense if that counts.

I was thinking somewhere along these lines the other day.  I have always been drawn to books with suspense.  Next would be chick lit.  But why?  I am usually wrong about the whodunit and/or surprised about the ending.  So why am I drawn to these type of books.  Is it the fast pace? The can't put down, need to read another page type of read?

I have signed up for a couple, few, ok, many challenges for 2012.  And was thinking maybe I should do a little personal challenge and that is to step a little outside of my comfort reading zone and try to read a few books that fall under different categories.  Any recommendations and/or suggestions of a 5 star from a different genre?  Would love to hear your suggestions, plus, lol it would go towards one of my challenges lol.    Seriously, I feel I need to broaden my reading genres.  Thanks for the help!!!

Booking Through Thursday

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Today's question:

Do you find that your mood affects the things you read? Like, if you’re in a bad mood, do you tend to indulge in reading that will support it or do you try to read things that will cheer you up? Do you pick different types of books on dreary, rainy days than you do on bright sunny ones?
For that matter, does your mood color what you’re reading, so that a funny book isn’t so funny or a serious one not so deep?

My answer:

Today's question has taken much thought.  I guess I have always chosen my "next book" upon my mood but never realized it.  My number one genre is mystery/suspense but the past few books that I have read I would put in the classification of contemporary fictions/romance/chick lit. I don't go searching through my tbr pile saying "I need something to cheer me up".  I tend to just peruse the pile, select a couple of books that seem interesting at the time, read the blurb and go from there.   So I guess subconsciously, my mood is in it's own way, deciding which book I should read.

Booking Through Thursday

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Today's question:

E-readers like the Kindle and iPad are sweeping the nation … do you have one? Do you like it? Do you find it changes your reading/buying habits? If you don’t have one, do you plan to?

My answer:

I have 2 EReaders, a Sony and a Kindle.  I originally wanted a Kindle, but when we found out I was having the double day spinal surgery, my husband surprised me with a Sony Ereader (he is a fan of Sony products).  Approximately a year later I purchased a Kindle too due to some of the features that the Sony didn't have but the Kindle did.  As far as the IPad, I think that will be my next big purchase, but because of the price, it will be a while before that happens.

When it comes to buying habits involving EBooks and Print, since I receive most of books for free because of requested reviews, I will answer this question as if I didn't.  Again due to the price of books, I would buy mainly in EBook editions as I find them much less expensive then print and I like the feature of having them in hand within seconds and without even having to leave the house.

What about you?  What gadgets doe you own?  Are you planning to ask Santa for one?

Booking Through Thursday

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Today's question:

All other thing being equal, would you rather read a book that’s hard/challenging/rewarding or light/enjoyable/easy?

My answer:

  Like my reading, so is my answer, light and easy.  I read for entertainment, enjoyment and pleasure.  So my answer would be the latter choice.  Something that would be hard and challenging is something that I associate with when I was in HS and HAD to read mandatory novels for assignments.  I think that is why, to this day, that I have trouble, even thinking about or trying to read historicals or vintage stories.

  What about you?  What category do you fall in?  Or do you read both?

Booking Through Thursday

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Today's question:

What’s the hardest/most challenging book you’ve ever read? Was it worth the effort? Did you read it by choice or was it an assignment/obligation?

My answer:

It didn't take long for the answer to come to mind even though it was close to 35 years ago.  It was definitely not by choice.  The book was by William Shakespeare and I am almost positive it was Hamlet.  I was an avid reader even back then but enjoyed books by Danielle Steel, James Patterson, Fern Michaels, V.C. Andrews, etc, not Shakespeare.  That to me was pure torture at that time in my life.  Thank goodness for Cliff Notes lol.

What about you?  What book was your challenge?

Booking Through Thursday

Dear Friends:  I have always tried to make my blog a fun place to be, for me it has been my sanity and something I look forward to everyday no matter how much pain I am in or what curve balls real life is throwing at me.  And I hope it is also a fun place to come to visit. But there are times that real life can be so hard that, not so good news, need to be told.

I am not sure if you have been following the news about the Texas wild fires and how people have had to evacuate their homes.  I have been following one of our blogging buddies status on FB and just read some horrible news that has me feeling helpless, useless and wanting to do something but what?, being so far from her.  I just read that Jackie from Housewife Blues and Chihuahua Stories, has lost everything.  This is what she posted on FB:  "It is all gone, house, RV, buildings all rubble and ash.".  Please keep her in your prayers.

And on another note.  Over the next few weeks, I will probably not be participating in daily memes, visiting blogs, answering emails.  However,  I will be posting Guest Author showcases and giveaways that I have already committed to.  Monday, the day after I attended the beautiful wedding, my Mom fell and I spent the day/night in the ER.  No fractures, however, due to results of other tests, the doctor told me to put Hospice in place.  I will be spending as much time as I can with her and away from blogging.  Shining Star will be on hiatus a bit longer, I apologize, but I hope you understand.

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Today's question:

What are you reading now?

Would you recommend it?

And what’s next?

My response:

Reading:  Moonlight Rises by Vincent Zandri

Would you recommend it?  Most definitely

Next?  Claim Of Innocence by Laura Caldwell or The Most Dangerous Things by Laura Lippman

Booking Through Thursday

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Today's question:

While my town dries out of record-setting, epic flooding from Hurricane Irene, let me ask you:
What’s your book with weather events? Hurricanes? Tornadoes? Blizzards? Real? Fiction? Doesn’t matter … weather comes up a lot in books, so there’s got to be a favorite somewhere, huh?
My answer:
As long as I have a book to read during a storm, it doesn't matter.  Even as a child, I remember that I used to love reading a good mystery during a thunderstorm.  This past weekend, we were given enough notice to prepare for Irene and that's exactly what I did.  My first priorities lol were to make sure what book(s) I was planning to read, if my EReaders needed charging and if my portable book lights worked in case we lost power.  Then hubby and I got the house prepared.

We did end up losing power for 30+ hours but because of my preparations, it was in a good way, a respite away from the computer, house cleaning, etc and just being able to sit and read.  Other than the worrying about my sons, conserving cell phone power, inconveniences of having to throw away everything in my refrigerator, walking around with a candle and/or flashlight and worrying about property damage, which there were none, it turned out to be an Irene read-a-thon for me.