Musing Mondays (1 of 3)

MONDAY

Happy Monday all!  How was your Halloween?  Yesterday my hubby went out and bought the candy for last night (I still am not allowed to drive).  I told him approximately what to get, and being a man....did he listen.......NO!!  He came home with enough candy for the next 4 years.  I laughed all night because.....are you ready for this......we had about 6 little goblins that rang our doorbell  all night lol.  So this morning, I sent him off to work with a wicker basket and 1/3 of the candy and told him to put it on his desk.  My plan was not only to get rid of all this candy, but every time he looks at it,  he will be reminded that he should have listened to me lol.

Yesterday I asked about how I should post my memes.  It was unanimous, to put all memes as one post instead of having each meme having it's own posting.  Since today's memes had already been drafted and ready to go, in individual form, I didn't want to redo them.  I will be trying out the new format after today.

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading 

Today's Question:

Do you have any special reading that you do as it gets closer to Christmas? If so, tell us about it! And, if not, tell us why not!      

My Answer:
As an adult...no.  When my boys were small, I did read them Christmas stories.  I never even thought about reading a book because of a holiday, I just read my favorite genres year round.

Musing Mondays (posting 1 of 4)

MONDAY

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

This week's question:
About how many books (roughly) would you say you own? (If you don’t have a clue how many, do you care to know? Why, or why not?)

My answer:
I know its a lot less then a couple of months ago.  I had read an article stating that if a book has been on your shelf unread for 2 years, then get rid of it.  So when we redid one of our rooms into an office/library, I purged 4 big boxes of books.  Not sure how many we have now, but the 2 brand new large 5 shelf bookcases are full and a couple of shelves with PBs are doubled up.  I think if I new the exact number, it might depress me because I'm not sure if I can read all that I own, plus the books on my EReader.  That is why instead of calling it my personal tbr list, I now call it my "tbr bucket list". 

Musing Mondays (1 of 3)

MONDAY

 

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

Today's Question:
Do you prefer hardcovers, trade paperbacks (the bigger ones), or mass market paperbacks (the smaller ones)? Why?

My Response:
This is a difficult question and hard to answer concisely unless I leave it at "it depends".  I am ambivalent on all types of books.  HC:  I prefer holding and reading them while sitting in my reading spots (except for the pool), the way they look in my bookcases and think they are easier to handle when reading in bed but on the other hand, they are a nuisance to carry around, usually can't fit in pocketbook, take up a lot of room, in the summer won't read one while sitting on a float in the pool, would never think of dog earring a page and most importantly, the price.  PBs: (trade) like the look and size of the book, even though it is usually can't fit in purse for on the go but find it very hard to read in bed and don't like the price.  PBs: (mass market).  A little easier to shove in purse, will read while in the pool, and the price is a little bit better.  Don't like how they look in a bookcase after reading and find it harder to read while in bed.  Since I have an EReader will add the pros and cons.  Easy to transport, the price!!!!!!, accessing a book within seconds, easy to handle in any reading spot especially when reading in bed.  The only cons, I think at least with mine, is no backlight and because at the time I spend reading, I need to recharge the battery often.
With all the choices on types of books and including all the good and bad features, I would say that overall my favorite is my EReader.

Musing Mondays (1 of 3)

MONDAY

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

Today's Question:

This week’s musing asks…

What’s your favorite “cozy” book — and, by that, I’m meaning “curl-up-on-a-cold-day comfort read“? Or, if you don’t have a particular book, what genre do you most feel like reading when the weather starts to turn colder?
My Response:
I don't have a particular "cozy book".  The majority of my reading is Mystery/Suspense year round, so I can't even say that my genre changes with the seasons.  But I do enjoy sitting, curled up in an afghan, a cup of tea and/or hot chocolate and my current read, especially if it is snowing out, is a perfect setting for reading.  I can honestly say that my genres don't change with the seasons, only the scenarios change.

Musing Mondays (1 of 4)

MONDAY

Due to the fact that I didn't get much reading done last week, I will not be particpating in It's Monday, What Are You Reading?  It would be a duplicate of last week.  Am hoping, that this will change for next week.

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

This Week's Question:

If your book group asked you to bring two (2) suggestions for group reads to your next meeting, what two books would you suggest? Why?

My Answer:

My suggestions would be by authors.  I signed up for a challenge, Awesome Author, and have not made any progress with it.  At the time, I thought requested reviews would be far and few between, and I was wrong.  Not only that but I think I am the only one on planet earth that has never read a book by these 2 popular authors.  So my suggestions would be any book by Nicholas Sparks and Sue Grafton.  

Musing Mondays (2 of 5)

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading 

Todays Question:

What makes you love / hate a character in a book?

My Answer:
First and foremost, I need to relate to the characters, as if they are life like.  With both good and bad traits, emotions, habits, etc.    A few months ago I read Beachcombers, about 3 sisters returning to their family home in Nantucket and following their lives over the course of a summer.  I didn't want the book to end because I felt that I was part of "their circle" and wanted the story to continue.  I guess that is why I am not a fan of UF, PNR.  As far as "hating" a character, it depends on the plot.  If there is an "evil" or "bad" character, and the writer describes and conveys the personality as life like, but maybe not relatable,  I am able to "hate" that "person".

Musing Mondays (3 of 6)

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

Today's Question:

Where do you buy / get most of your books?

My Answer:
Since the first of the year, the majority of my books are review copies.  And in between I buy EBooks from different sites. 

Musing Mondays (1 of 4)

MONDAY

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

Today's Question:
If you knew you only had 30 days left to live, would books and reading still hold such a great priority in your life? Or, would you set aside your reading to do something else, spend more of your time elsewhere? What would you do, instead?

My Answer:
Oh my...I can't even imagine being in that situation but know that it does happen.  First and foremost I would spend as much time as I could with my family!!  And while they slept I might put time into reading a few books.  I would try and survive on very little sleep and try to live every minute.

Musing Mondays (meme 1 of 4)

MONDAY

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

Today's Question:
How often do you actually put into practice what you learn from reading nonfiction books (if you read nonfiction, that is)?

My Answer:
Today's question is an easy one, yet a boring one when it comes to me.  The answer is No.  I don't read self-help books.  I did read one many years ago, can't even remember the title so I guess I didn't "put it into practice"  lol.

What about you.  If you want to join in the fun, link provided above.

Musing Mondays (1 of 2)

MONDAY

Another week that I am not posting for Mailbox Monday.  I think my mailbox is on strike.  Everyday last week, I anxiously waited for the mail, but no books  :(   So depressing lol!!  Its not like I don't have enough books to review, BUT, and I am sure you feel the same way, I get so excited when I see that envelope addressed to me, knowing a book is inside, but which one?  But I will be visiting your blog to see what you received!!!

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

Today's musing:

     If your house was burning down –and you could SAFELY grab a book on your way outside to safety– what book would you make sure you ‘rescued’? Why?

My Response:
     I would get a big green plastic bag, grab all my signed editions, then if I had time, would grab the books in my review pile, and then any more books from my tbr shelf until the bag was full.

Musing Mondays (2 of 3)

MONDAY

This will be the first time in 6 months that I will not be participating in Mailbox Monday.  Last week my postal carrier and mailbox had a respite and no books were delivered.  I have ambivalent feelings with regard to this..on one hand, I anxiously await for my postal carrier to deposit any goodies in the way of books, but then on the other hand, this little break will hopefully give me a chance to do a little catch up.  But I will be hopping to see what everyone found in their mail boxes.

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

Today's Topic:

  This week’s musing asks…

What books are you wishing for MOST right now?
My Response:
I know this is going to sound silly, but, all the books that are in my tbr piles, what is on my personal tbr shelves and my yet to purchase tbr list.  As far as my requested review pile, whenever I grab the book that will become my current read, and see what  the next book will be, I can't wait to read it.  When I look at my personal tbr shelves and see so many that are waiting to be read, I can't wait.  Like a mother who loves her kids equally, that is how I feel about all the books that are presently in my house.

Musing Mondays (1 of 3)

MONDAY

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading 

Miz B is shaking up Musing Mondays this week!!  Here are rules that we have to and/or want to play:

Okay… so what’s going to happen is this: I’m going to ask a question today — as I always do for Musing Mondays — and the first commenter is going to answer my question on their blog (or in my comments section). BUT…

That first commenter also needs to ask a question (a different question) for commenter #2 to answer. So, commenter #2 (to Should Be Reading) has to go to commenter #1′s MM post and answer their question… plus pose a question of their own for commenter #3 to answer! And, so on.
Each participant to MM today needs to ask their own question for the next person to answer, in addition to answering the previous person’s question.

Today's Topic:

What element, if a book has it, will make you almost always read that book (and name a book –or books– that contain it)! ((for example: romantic reunions))

My Answer:

A good suspense, and the authors that I like and will read any and all of their books.  The type of book that I love is the kind that grab you from the start, have short chapters (what I call just one more chapter and find myself 10 chapters later), like when the main characters are assigned one chapter, next chapter containing another character and so forth and keeps changing.  This is another great element because, again, I have to keep reading to find out where I was left hanging.  I am reading a book for review and it has all of this and having a hard time putting it down.  Its Buying Time by

Pamela Samuels-Young.

My Question:

Do you like short or long detailed reviews?

My Answer:

I prefer reading short detailed reviews.  I just want to get the bottom line as if I should put it on my list.  Did the reviewer like it, why or why not.  Were the characters brought to life.  Did it hold your interest, etc etc.  Since finding this world of reviewing/blogging, my tbr bucket list is huge.  And since there are so many books and reviews, I just want to know if I might be interestsed in it and add to my ever growing list.

Caite's Question:

Do you belong to an online book site, like Library Thing, Shelfari and Goodreads and if so why? For you own record keeping and organization or primarily for the social aspects, posting, book reviews and such?

My Answer:

I belong to all three GR, LT, and Shelfari for many reasons. For posting reviews, see what others think about the same books I have read, entering early reviewers contests and try lol to becoming more organized with my piles of books, not there yet but am adding little by little.

Musing Mondays (1 of 4)

MONDAY

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

Todays Musing:
  What book tops your TBR (to be read) pile right now? Is it something you own, or something you have to borrow, or something you’ll be purchasing? Why do you want to read it so badly?

My Response:
  The top of my TBR Review Pile, and waiting to be picked up, is The Nobodies Album by Carolyn Parkhurst.  I have read some really good reviews and even had a giveaway, so can't wait to get my hands on it.
  When I went "public" with my blog, I really thought requests for reviews would be far and few between, but was wrong.  I haven't read a book from my Personal TBR Bucket Pile since January.  My "Review Policy" is that I read requested review books in order that I receive.  So the day they get delivered, a post-it goes on the front of the book, with date received and from who and any other notes regarding that book, example if there is a giveaway, guest author posting, etc etc.  Every book in my TBR Review pile, I am anxious to read because either I asked to read it or when an email was sent asking if I would review, I read the synopsis to see if I think I would enjoy and be a good "match".  My pile is high but am looking forward to reading each and every one of them.  Happy Reading all!!!
 

Musing Monday (1 of 3)

MONDAY

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

Today's Topic:

Do you review books? If so, for who?  If not, have you ever thought about doing so? Why, or why not?

My Response:
I started  officially accepting " requested review books" in December, which is when I made my blog public, after the encouragement of some fellow bloggers, and I consider will be my "anniversary".  Before that my blog was used as a "personal review" of books I had read and to participate in challenges and memes.  I originally thought that "review requests" would be far and few between.  I was wrong.  Since then I have developed working relationships with quite a few publishers, authors and agents.  I am reluctant to start naming them in case I miss a few but am totally amazed at how many there are.  I never thought my blog would reach that kind of level.  I am also, pleasantly surprised, when an independent agent or author contacts me regarding a book, it's a hmmmm moment as to how they found me.  Reviewing and blogging have become a huge part of my life, which I thoroughly enjoy!!  

Musing Mondays (1 of 3)

MONDAY

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

Today's Musing:

What does your bookshelf (or, what do your bookshelves) say about you to the people who come into your home?

My Response:

  People visiting have made comments like "wow  do you have enough books"?, or "you must love to read" and then they will usually look at the synopsis' of a book, and ask "was this good?  Mind if I borrow'?

  However, they usually don't see all of them.  On my PB shelf, there are 2 piles in depth of the shelf, so there are a lot hidden, even to me.  Visitors will also see what hubby and I went to school for because some of our college textbooks are in the bookcase too. 

  Overall, I would say that my bookcases say that I am an avid read with a wide range of genres.

Musing Mondays (1 of 3)

MONDAY

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

Today's question:

Can you read amidst distractions? (tv, others talking, sporting events, etc)

My Answer:

Absolutely!!!  If I am "transported" into the plot, I don't hear anything around me.  My family thinks it is funny because they could be talking to me and I am "not here".  It does frustrate them, at times, when they have to call my name a couple of times to bring me back to reality.  I usually have the tv on all day, low volume, tuned into a cable news station, just in case there is some breaking news that I might be interested in.  I can't read without background noise or I will fall asleep.

Musing Mondays (1 of 3)

MONDAY

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading 

Today's Question:
What are you currently reading? Would you recommend it to others? Is it part of a series (if so, which one)? What are you thinking about it? What book(s) would you compare it to, if any?
My Answer:
My current read is Through Hazel Eyes by Heather Hummel.  It is not part of a series and yes I would definitely recommend it.  Matter of fact, I would say, make sure you enter the giveaway I am hosting.  Ms. Hummel has generously offered 2 signed copies for my followers/visitors.  When I feel that I can vividly imagine what is happening in the storyline due to the author's writing style and descriptions, that's a good book.  Where I am so engrossed in the plot that I am transported and not aware of what is going on around me...that is a great book.  And Through Hazel Eyes has all those ingredients.

Musing Mondays (1 of 3)

MONDAY

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading 

Today's Question:
  What do you think of books that receive a lot of hype? (think of the “Twilight” saga, or “Harry Potter”, or “The Da Vinci Code”). Do you read them? Why, or why not?

My Answer:
  It would depend on what type of book it is and/or who the author is.  If it is a book that I have no interest in the storyline, no matter how much hype, I wouldn't have to think twice about not picking it up. 

Musing Mondays (1 of 4)

MONDAY

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

Today's Question:
Name your top 2-3 favorite genres (the ones you read most from).

My Answer:
Today's question is an easy one.  My 1st choice, and as been for years, is the genre of Mystery/Suspense.  Those books keep me engaged and love to try and solve the mystery.  Maybe I was a PI in another life lol.  The 2nd would be Contemporary Chick Lit/Romance.  These you will find on my shelves and tbr list.

Musing Mondays (2 of 4)

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading 

Today's Question:
  Who in your family (both immediate & extended) are readers, and who are not?
My Answer:
  There aren't many family members, both immediate and extended, that read.  Matter of fact, I can only think of 3 people.  My cousin Jennifer, my Godmother Liz, and my son's gf Jessica.  That's it.  And unfortunately they all live out of state.  So many times, I would read a book I thought was worth discussing, but nobody around me were interested.  That is why when I stumbled upon a book blog, then started clicking their blog roll, I couldn't believe that all these people share their thoughts on books.  I finally found someone, I should say, many, many friends that were interested.  Over the years, I have tried so hard to encourage my immediate family (hubby and 2 sons) to read, but never could.  But last summer, I have to say, hubby heard a book being discussed on a cable news show and ordered it.  So I started a quality time, reading by the pool book club.  I got him to at least open the book and read the first 2 chapters.  lol  Will try again this summer.