Should Be Reading http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com
 *What are you currently reading?
     Among Thieves by David Hosp

 *What did you recently finish reading?
     Original Sin by Allison Brennan
 *What do you think you’ll read next?
     Doors Open by Ian Rankin


Hosted by Bermudanonion's Weblog http://bermudaonion.wordpress.com
   I just finished Original Sin by Allison Brennan.  There were 2 words that I wasn't familiar with.  But when I went to look them up there were no definitions for these words.  Am thinking that they were just part of the story and the reader was to interpret, which I will do now.
  Conoscenza--Book of spells
  arca--human container of demons.....sacrifice

  I just read one of morning subscribed newsletter from Rundpinne Blog (http://www.rundpinne.com/) and she posted a picture of many, many books of hers.  I gasped when I saw the piles (lol).  So my question is... and hopefully experienced bloggers will share with me their knowledge and tricks of the trade.  I recently added my name to accept requests for reviews.  I am enjoying every facet of this world of book blogging.  However, I am a little behind in reading and getting a little anxious as I have 7 books waiting to be read and reviewed.  How do you catch up when activities of daily living still need to be done, do authors/publishers have a time limit, do you post about books before you read them (ex: give the bookjacket synopsis when you receive each book or do you post about the book  when done reading/reviewing.?  Any comments, suggestions, tips would be appreciated.
MY JOURNEY
Well...today is here and I am having a lot of anxiety.  Not knowing is so very hard.  Hopefully I will get some answers today but then if I do, I will have to make some very big decisions and only I can do that.  And to make matters even harder, hubby isn't going with me.  He is so torn about today but he has a very high level meeting that he could not get out of.  I am lucky to be blessed with a very good friend.  When I told her the situation she got out her appointment book, she is a nail technician, crossed off the day and then called her part-time job and asked to be taken off the schedule.  The saying goes that God gives us angels and they are called friends.  Since we are driving to another state for this appoinment we are planning to make it a "girl's day".  And she will have pen and steno pad in hand to let hubby know everything that happens.  Sorry to those that are reading this because I am rambling which I tend to do, especially when "nervous".  To my BFF..Thank You

Tue

Hosted by Should Be Reading http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
 *Grab your current read
 *Open to a random page
 *Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
 *BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
 *Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR  Lists if they like your teasers!
 My Teaser:
  "Well, I can tell you that you're not possessed and you're not under a spell.  If you were cursed, we'd know it here, in this room."
          Original Sin by Allison Brennana    page 235
I enjoy the daily memes...it's a great way to meet other book bloggers..... and am always looking for more.  Molly at My Cozy Book Nook (http://mycozybooknook.blogspot.com/) introduced me to this next meme which sounds like fun.  This will be my first posting for It's Tuesday, Where Are You?

Hosted By An Adventure In Reading http://raidergirl3-anadventureinreading.blogspot.com/
  Today I am in Santa Louisa, California helping Moira locate her mother, a witch of black magic.
MY JOURNEY
  Tomorrow is the day that I have the consult with the orthopedic surgeon who supposedly takes on patients with complex issues.  According to his web site, it states "that he evaluates patients from all over the U.S".  I have to say that I am very ambivilent regarding this appointment and anxiety is starting to kick in.   Out of 3 options that were given to me, this is the one that I didn't want to be the solution of my problem.  Depending if he can help me, I will have to make a huge decision that is terrifying to me.  Another fusion (#4), which another doctor told me would be risky and complicated or continue living with this pain and not being able to have a good quality of life?  Do I take the chance of another fusion with so much scar tissue built up since last fusion?  We shall see.....

Hosted by Just One More Page http://rebeccavoy.blogspot.com/
Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about borrowed books.
Where do you keep any books borrowed from friends or the library? Do they live with your own collection, or do you keep them separate? Do you monitor them in anyway.
Books I have borrowed are put in my bookcase along with all my other TBR books, however I put a sticky post on the cover so I know who belongs with what.  And the ones I request and check out from the library gets  downloaded to my ereader.

Hosted by J.Kaye's Book Blog http://j-kaye-book-blog.blogspot.com
*Books Completed Last Week:
     Invisible Boy by Cornelia Read
*Books I Gave Up On:
     None
*Books I Am Currently Reading/Listening To:
     None
*Books I Need To Write Reviews On:
     Caught Up
*Up Next:
     Doors Open by Ian Rankin
     Among Thieves by David Hosp
     Death of a Valentine by M. C Beaton

Hosted by The Printed Page http://printedpage.us/
   *False Convictions by Tim Green (requested review Hachette Book Group)  

   *Now & Then by Jacqueline Sheehan (requested review Mr. Frank Daniels)
   *Venom by Joan Brady (gift from Simon & Schuster via Book Chick City Blog Site for challenge)

Sun

  First, I would like to formally Welcome the newest members of this blog
                                  
On Friday while I was catching up with my Google Reader I saw that Midday Escapades Blog was hosting a meme, Friday Follow.  It's a "blog hop" where you visit other sites that have also signed up and become followers of each other's blog.  I was introduced to many different blogs of all varities that I probably would never have known about.  Due to the variety, I feel that I am now a "well rounded blogger.  So to those who took the time to stop by...Thank You.
  Yesterday was very productive....I accomplished more than I thought I would.  I made some  changes to my blog...a smaller button instead of the larger one I had.  So for those kind and thoughtful bloggers who had grabbed the big one...this is for you.  And if anyone else decides to grab the new button...thank you.  I have been thinking about creating an email subscription for a while.  My routine in the morning is to boot up, grab my coffe mug and read all my newsletters which I look forward to and know that this way I won't miss anything.  When I started following blogs I would send off an email and ask if I could be put on the "mailing list" (thats how little I knew about blogging.  I would be honored and delighted if you would like to subscribe to my blog.  I also wrote some posting drafts for this week (learned that trick with reading posts of those who joined in for the Bloggiesta Weekend).  Hubby was on his laptop, working from home,  so it was quiet and I read for hours.  It definitely was a Relax and Read Saturday !!!!!
  How has your weekend been?  How was your Saturday?  Any plans for today?  This morning we are taking my mother-in-law out for a bday brunch (she would strangle me if she knew I posted about her bday).  Hoping there is a football game on later this afternoon (can you tell I am not a sports fan) because if there is,  Yippppeeeee, hubby and son will be watching and I will get to read peacefully.  Have a relaxing Sunday......and Happy Reading !
                                    
01/24

;
  My week in review......this week seems like it flew by.  I did get a few things accomplished but I also had some days where the fibromyalgia kicked in and put me down.  I also had a couple of wasted days (more on that later in this post).   I didn't do much reading and  feeling very guilty about this because I have a pile of books that are in my TBR review pile and more books were delivered this week.  Does this ever happen to you?  How do you catch up?  Any tips would be appreciated.  Maybe it's just my personality that I am feeling this way.    But today is going to be dedicated to reading.  I am coming down with a cold and plan on getting comfy on the couch with my afghan,  a cup of coffee and my book.  


  My days this week that I considered "wasted" were due to MY JOURNEY.  (To my new followers....I decided to use this forum as a personal journal to help me deal with this important and terrifying (to me) chapter in my life).  Once again I spent many hours on the phone this week trying to get things in place  and the appointment confirmed for my surgical consult scheduled for this coming Wednesday.  I can not believe the sad state that our medical system is in.  It was on Jan. 4th when I was referred to this specialist and it was not confirmed until yesterday.  Hours spent on the phone trying to get the proper prior authorization in place.  Wasting time on the phone with insurace company, referring doctors and the doctor I have yet to be seen by.  Remember the days when you picked up the phone, dialed, and the appointment was made?  I know I have been out of the medical field for a while but what happened to "the patient" being the priority?  Now what is foremost are the regulations, paper work, and lets not forget, the dollar amount associated with the consult.  I just hope that with all that went into making this appointment, that this doctor can help and is specialized in complex cases.  Will be posting more on this after my appointment.
   And for all my new followers.....Thank you.....and on the weekend....pick up a good book...reading is and can be fun..... and dedicate your weekends to:

Relax and Read !!!!!
01/22

I look forward to the daily memes that I have joined and posted them a few minutes ago.  Then started reading my google reader....and I saw an article posted by Midday Escapades and called Friday Follow.  Sounds like fun so am going to join this one too.  Here are the rules:


Welcome to the second Friday Follow celebration hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades! We invite you to join us every Friday to get more blog followers and to follow other interesting blogs. It is all about sharing and having fun.

Here's how YOU can join the celebration:
* Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below. Only need to add to one blog linky.
* Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.
* Follow as many blogs as you like
* Comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow
* Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow
 

Friday 1/22

Hosted by An Island Life http://islandlife808.com
From An Island Life: In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.
If you’d like to participate, visit An Island Life answer the question and then post your own question on your blog and leave your link below. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!
     My question is:
   Do you always sign in with google friend connect when visiting a blog or just read the posts and not sign in....why or why not?

http://fridayfillins.blogspot.com
1. You have a chance to win the lottery...NOT!!!.
2. I need a 2nd cup of coffee right now!
3. There is a God.
4. Buy now and pay later.
5. It's time to organize Lily Laptop's folders, documents, favorite places and pictures for my blog so I can find items easier.
6. The balloon boy was thought to be up in the air but it was a hoax.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to organize this computer, tomorrow my plans include laundry, filling out the necessary paperwork for my orthopedic surgical consult for Wednesday, reading and relaxing and Sunday, I want to relax and read after going out with the family for brunch for my mother-in-law's bday!

Was it just a month or two ago that my personal challenge was to enter into book bloggers challenges?  Well...I met that goal...and then some  lol.   I just signed up for my 11th challenge...did I just type 11...ok Mash...you met your personal challenge.!!!!!  I had to sign up and you might want to too when you hear the criteria.  It is being hosted by DelGal's Book Reviews at http://delgalreviews.blogspot.com/  A Buck A Book Challenge.  And these are the instructions:

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all could get paid to simply read books endlessly?
Wish you could some how be rewarded for all the time and effort you put in completing reading challenges, (of course other than your own personal satisfaction, which be no means should be devalued!)
Well, why not read a plethora of books, and just pay yourself for a job well done
BUT, here's the "catch", you MUST physically take a dollar and save it somewhere safe where it won't be spent, every time you complete a book. At the end of the year, your total money saved will be the total amount of books read, .
Now, once Dec 31 comes, you're must spend this saved money on something fun just for yourself (no paying bills, no buying gifts for someone else!), to begin the next year... Maybe more books for the new year? A nice dinner out to celebrate reading? The possibilities are endless! Finally, once this challenge completes on Dec 31st, please let your blog fans, and fellow challenge participants, know what you decided to spend your money on by posting whatever it may be. In short - put aside a dollar for each book you read. Post in the comment section your progress if you don't have a blog, or a link to your blog. At the end of the year update us as to what you did with your saved money. That's it!
How could I pass on this challenge?  What about you?  I can already see the $$$$ adding up especially since I signed up for J.Kaye's 100+ challenge.
01/21

http://btt2.wordpress.com
Today's Question: Who’s your favorite author that other people are NOT reading? The one you want to evangelize for, the one you would run popularity campaigns for? The author that, so far as you’re concerned, everyone should be reading–but that nobody seems to have heard of. You know, not JK Rowling, not Jane Austen, not Hemingway–everybody’s heard of them. The author that you think should be that famous and can’t understand why they’re not…
  I have two authors that I was introduced to since I started blogging.  One author I won her books from The Suspense Zone and the other author, the publisher sent me his book for review.  Both authors' writing are exceptional and their characters came to life whereas you wanted to be friends with and root for.  I will name them in the order that I read:
  Amy Wallace wrote The Defenders of Hope Triology.  I read all three books and was disappointed when I finished as I wanted the story to continue.  The characters and story line was so believable and touching.  When I catch up with reviews I will be reading her other books.
  Crossing The Bridge by Michael Baron.  Another brilliant author.  I could relate to his characters as they went through so many trials in their lives.  Mr. Baron has another book that will be released in May titled The Journey Home and I plan on reading it as soon as I can get it in hand.
  I highly recommend both authors especially if you enjoy reading romantic suspense books.
 

I don't know about you.....but I totally enjoy "daily memes"....what a great way to meet more bloggers and find new sites.  However on Tuesday and Thursday, I only have one for each day.  I am on the search to find some more.  So if anyone has any suggestions, even for other days, that I might have missed and sound like fun, please send them my way !!!!!!  I am off to do some PI work for memes.  Have a great Thursday !!!!

Hosted by Should Be Reading   http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/
**What are you currently reading?
     Original Sin by Allison Brennan
**What did you recently finish reading?
     Watchlist Based On An Idea by Jeffrey Deaver
     Invisible Boy by Cornelia Read
**What do you think you’ll read next?
     Among Thieves by David Hosp

Hosted By Bermudanonion's Weblog  http://bermudaonion.wordpress.com
  "Our main ingriedient is just charisma, Astrid, the very quintessence of ephemerality".
       1. 1lasting one day only - an ∼ fever

       2. 2lasting a very short time - ∼ pleasures
  "Out there, however, it's a GD crap shoot.  Entropy...chaos".
       a measure of the unavailable energy in a closed thermodynamic system that is also usually considered to be a measure of the system's disorder, that is a property of the system's state, and that varies directly with any reversible change in heat in the system and inversely with the temperature of the systembroadlythe degree of disorder or uncertainty in a system
Both words from Invisible Boy by Cornelia Read

I have sent an email to those bloggers that I have passed this award to.  I hope they enjoy it as much as I did.  I felt so honored and humble when I received mine yesterday.  Here are those blogs that I have enjoyed visiting, reading reviews, enjoyed the graphics and overall appearance (in no particular order):
  **Pudgy Penguins Perusals
  **Xmas Dolly
  **Peeking Between The Pages
  **So many precious books, so little time

2010 Challenge #10 12x12
Another challenge...I couldn't resist especially since I plan on reading a lot, wanting to get close to or even be able to complete in J.Kaye's Book Blog challenge of 100+, and I found this new challenge from J.Kaye's Blog.
Read a fictional novel every month and a different blog hosts it every month.  Here is the link for this challenge:  http://livebythefoma.blogspot.com/2010/01/national-just-read-more-novels-month.html

The rules are whatever you want to make of them, but here are the guidelines the creator of NaJuReMoNoMo goes by:
The rules are whatever you want to make of them, but here are the guidelines I go by:
Must Be A Novel. Works of fiction only, please. Memoirs, non-fiction, how-to books, and Garfield collections don't count.
Memoirs Aren't Novels. No matter how made up the story, anything ostensibly true isn't a novel. Also known as The James Frey Rule.
Start and Finish in January. I guess if you got some cool books for Christmas, Hanukkah or some other gift-giving event and jumped the gun, you can't be blamed. But I only count books I start and finish within the 31 day window.
Re-reading Doesn't Count. Try something new. Read something by your favorite author or try an entirely new author or tackle that novel you have always wanted to read.
Have Fun. Nobody is grading you or paying you or judging you. Read what you like and like what you read.

I am still on cloud 9 from yesterday when I was honored with a blog award from Vicki over at ReadingAtTheBeach.com. It states that I am to pass on this award so I will be notifying and posting those blogs a little later. It is going to be difficult to choose which ones since I have so many great sites to choose from.


Hosted by Should Be Reading http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
*Grab your current read
*Open to a random page
*Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
*BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
*Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
  My Teaser:
The movement had sounded too big for a rat.  Then, a faint sob, so faint she wouldn't have heard it if she wasn't listening with every cell in her body.
  From Original Sin by Allison Brennan  page 272

OMG !!!!!!

I received this beautiful award today !!!!  My first !!!!!!!!  It brought a huge smile to my face and sincere and happy tears to my eyes.  Vicki from ReadingAtTheBeach.com passed this award on to me.  Honestly, this award is half Vicki's. 



When I stumbled onto a book blog a few months ago, it inspired me to create a page, which at the time, was going to be a personal diary of books I read.  There were a few sites that I would visit and read the reviews.  But then I started to read more and it sounded that it would be fun to join in on memes and challenges.  I am honest in saying that I am not computer savvy and had many, many questions.  And I found such a kind, patient, and giving person in Vicki.  She would assist and explain and she never made me feel as if I was bothering her.  I considered her a new friend.

She had told me once in an email...that book bloggers were going to be the nicest people that I met.  She was right !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  To Vicki............
                    

Mystery Read-A-Thon Wrap Up:
Yesterday was a great day.  I never have enjoyed football as I did yesterday.  My hubby and son were in front of the TV watching some game...don't ask me who since I wasn't wathcing...but it gave me hours of uninterrupted reading time.  I met goals that I was hoping to.  They were:
**I read for 6 1/2 hours
**Finished one book
**Started another
**Wrote a review
Thank goodness for Sunday Football !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Hosted by Just One More Page http://rebeccavoy.blogspot.com/
Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about tidy reading around people.
When is it inappropriate to read in front of others? Is it ever appropriate?
  My Opinion:
I think the only times that it is inappropriate and/or rude is if a person is entertaining company and/or visiting someone (unless it is predetermined that reading was scheduled)  Example: This past summer friends would visit to lay by the pool.  We would converse but it was stated that those who are book buddies, would be bringing books with plans of visiting, relaxing and reading.  For those who are not readers, I would not read, but that doesn't mean that I would have liked to.

Hosted by J.Kaye's Book Blog http://j-kaye-book-blog.blogspot.com/
*Books Completed Last Week:
  Invisible Boy by Cornelia Read
  Watchlist Based On An Idea by Jeffrey Deaver
*Books I Gave Up On:
  None
*Books I Am Currently Reading/Listening To:
  Original Sin by Allison Brennan
*Books I Need To Write Reviews On:
  None
*Up Next:
  Doors Open by Ian Rankin

Hosted by The Printed Page http://printedpage.us/
  Mailbox was full this week...I have a lot of reading to do!!

"Invisible Boy" by Cornelia Read

Invisible Boy by Cornelia Read (Rating--4)

Published by Grand Central Publishing (Hachette Book Group)
ISBN 978-0-44651134-6
At the request of Hachette Book Group, an ARC copy was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest review
  Synopsis:  The year 1990, Madeline Dare, returns to New York City. Boarding school educated, self proclaimed liberal, liberated and very much opinionated. She accepts an invitation to help in the clean up and restoration of a historical family cemetery that is generations old and has been vandalized for years and not been tended to professionally. She comes upon skeletal remains in the tall grass and weeds and determines that the bones are of a child and freshly placed. Who is this child, who put him here and why here in this family plot? She has some misfortunate accidents or are they intentional?
  My Thoughts:  From page one, I was pulled in with the writing style and, at times, funny New Yorkese narrative. During her quest to find justice for this child, Teddy, Madeline also learns that there has been abuse in her own family. She is also trying to be honest and loyal to a long time friend from boarding school. Madeline has to deal with the dynamics of her relationships with family members, old and new friends, and a little boy she never knew.
  My Opinion and Rating:  I found the style and narrative unique and enjoyable. I gave this book a rating of 4 for the following reasons. Without giving anything away, I felt that there were two major traumatic incidents that should have been written with more of an in depth and detailed explanation. I also thought the same regarding the dynamics of the relationships that were involved.

DISCLAIMER

I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,

in exchange for my HONEST review.

No items that I receive

are ever sold...they are kept by me,

or given to family or friends.

Its Day 2 of The Mystery Read-A-Thon.  I didn't make the goal yesterday but am hoping I come close to the 6 hours today.
We are now about to start the second day of our Read-a-Thon, and I felt it's probably about time for an update.

How are you getting on?
  Unfortunately I read only for 3 hours yesterday...and that was a struggle.  My eyes and body were craving sleep, after being up so early due to the situation, and I finally gave in.
Are you getting as much reading done as you were hoping?
  The answer is no. Was disappointed since this was the 1st ever weekend challenge I signed up for.  But family is always my priority above all
Do you feel you will read a total of 12 hours or is that going to be a struggle?
  Don't think I will make the 12 hours but will try to get more reading in today.
Or maybe you'll end up reading for more than 12 hours?
  Don't think so.
Write a bit about your reading experience so far, and share it with us by posting your link in the comment box.
  I was very much looking forward to this Read-A-Thon and had goals in mind.  However, due to the events of yestereday that did not happen.  It would have been fun but family should always be a priority.  And because of my family dynamics', I had to spend that many hours in the ER.  I am just thankful that my Mom had no serious injuries from her fall.  Hoping there will be more Mystery Read-A-Thons this year.

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading !!

It's almost 3:00 pm est and I have just walked into my house.  I received an early morning call that my Mom had fallen.  Thank God she is ok...no fractures...but as ER visits go....I have been there until now.  I did grab my book, which is habit whenever I leave the house or I feel completely naked and you never know if there is traffic, flat tire, etc etc. and have the chance to read.  Because she was ok other than being in pain and we were just hanging out waiting for x-ray, CT scans, lab work, etc. results, we were just talking, catching up on "what's new",  discussing current affairs, etc., I never even opened my book.  So I am getting a late start on the Mystery Read-A-Thon.  So after hitting "publish", I will be heading over to the recliner with my book and cup of coffee and start this mini challenge.  This is my 1st mini challenge so am not sure of all the criteria so will be limping along.  I did, however, find the following questionaire on the site.  I think  there is still time for you to join too.
The link is:  http://mysteryreadathon.blogspot.com

Welcome & questions for the introduction post...

Now welcome, welcome, welcome! By now everyone should have Saturday, January 16 on their calendars, so it's about time to start with a short introduction post... For this, we have come up with a few questions for you to take to your own blog to answer. Please leave a link in the comment section once you have posted your answers! If you don't have a blog, just answer the questions in the comment section.
Now on to the questions:
1) Give us five fun-facts about you. (Things that are so trivial you wouldn't think of them right away, but that might make others smile.)
  **I ask a lot of questions...(its a way of learning plus I need to get details to understand a situation better), which annoys my family
  **I tend to have a heavy foot when driving (I blame this trait on my Dad because he was a race car driver when he was in his twenties early thirties)
  **My "comfort food" is a 5 scoop sundae from Friendly's (chocolate chip & forbidden chocolate ice cream with hot fudge, marshmallow and peanut butter toppings)
  **I can't lie.
  **Am a cable news junkie
2) What is on your TBR stack for the next two days?
    Hope to finish Invisible Boy by Cornelia Read and start Original Sin by Allison Brennan
3) Do you have any specific hopes and plans for this read-a-thon?
    Since I have gotten a late start and have been up for many hours already, I hope I just don't fall asleep while I am reading because it does relax me.  Hubby has had to take off my glasses at times when I read in bed and fall asleep.
4) Did you participate in the Mystery Read-A-Thon in the past?
    This is my 1st !!!!  Only been a book blogger for a few months but loving every minute of it.
5) If you already participated, can you give the new participants any tips on what to do and what not to do?
    N/A
6) If this is your first Mystery Read-A-Thon, how do you plan to go ahead?
    After posting this, I plan on hunkering down and reading...going to try and catch up

  One last thing.  This is for all those kind, patient and experienced book bloggers, who I have met and helped me with all my computer and blogging questions, which I now consider my friends.  Yesterday another blogger left a comment and question for Aloha Friday.  To those new friends, you may want to sit down for this one....as has been stated, I am computer challenged......are you ready?  I was asked how I created something on my sidebar and asked for my help....AMAZING...I paid it forward and she know has a drop down menu on her site.
  Ok...need to kick hubby out of the recliner and start reading.  I might, though, check in to see what's going on.
   Happy Reading...Happy Saturday !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FRIDAY

Hosted by An Island Life http://islandlife808.com
From An Island Life: In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.
If you’d like to participate, visit An Island Life answer the question and then post your own question on your blog and leave your link below. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!
My question is:
  When reading reviews on blogs (example book reviews on this blog) do you like short on words but to the point or long, lengthy and detailed?  What is your preference and why?

http://fridayfillins.blogspot.com/
1. The lesson I learned yesterday was people in the medical profession are rude and uncaring, which I am embarrassed by since that was my profession prior to being disabled.
2. Being of Italian descent, the kitchen is where friends and family meet.
3. All these years until recently, I did not know about the fun world of book blogging.
4. Nobody was home when I arrived.
5. The truth is, I have anxiety about flying when we go on vacation.
6. The feelings of loss and heartache, when I was 16, and my dad passed away is what I remember most from that  day.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing after getting all the chores done and getting some of my drafts prepared for next week, tomorrow my plans include starting the Mystery Read-A-Thon and Sunday, I want to complete the challenge!

I am looking forward to tomorrow and Sunday for the Mystery Read-A-Thon challenge I signed up for.  Twelve hours of my favorite genre of books and a perfect excuse for not doing any house work !!  Here is the site to join in if you haven't heard about it:   http://mysteryreadathon.blogspot.com

And I have to shout out a REALLY BIG THANK YOU to Karen over at Bookin' With Bingo!!!!!!!!  I entered a giveaway she hosted for James Patterson's 7th Heaven and I received an email last night stating I was one of the winners.....Yippppeeeee!!!!!  This is going to go toward the Books Won From Sites challenge I signed up for.  Thank you again !!!!!!  If you haven't visited her site, you really should, it is a fun and fantastic site.  Here is the link so you can head  on over there:  http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com

THURSDAY

http://btt2.wordpress.com
Today's question:
  Do you read the inside flaps that describe a book before or while reading it?
    Absolutely !!!! Especially before purchasing a book, even if it is a book by some of my favorite authors.  The first thing I do is read the jacket after picking up a book.  And even read the jackets of the books I have purchased and haven't read yet, and there are many of those on my shelves being a book addict, to choose what book to read next depending on my mood.
TALK & THOUGHTS 
  I am a cable news junkie...I admit....and I always have the TV on and tuned in to either CNN or FOX News.  I don't necessarily sit and watch but listen if there is a "news alert".  Even when I read the sound on the tv is low.  But since the earthquake hit Haiti, I have not been able to read but have been watching.  The images are horrific and unimaginable.  I feel guilty sitting here safe in my home being able to blog while our brothers, sisters and children of our Lord are dealing with this devastation and the unfathomable numbers of those who have lost their life and loved ones.  Please keep them in your prayers.
I received this email earlier and thought it was inspiring and wanted to share it...kind of lengthy but definitely worth the read:
HANDBOOK 2010

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2.. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours every day.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about..
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment
 13.. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum
that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...
Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything..
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come..
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.
And one last thing...I have been reading posts of those bloggers who were involved in Bloggiesta this past weekend and have learned even more.  So I will be doing a minor makeover so please bare with me if you visit and my blog is undergoing renovation.
Have a great Thursday !!!!

My Thoughts And Prayers

I am sitting here watching cable news and my heart goes out to those in Haiti dealing with this unthinkable level of loss of life and destruction. My prayers, and hopefully yours, will help see them through such a  devastating natural disaster.

WEDNESDAY

Hosted by Should Be Reading  http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/

• What are you currently reading?
•   Invisible Boy by Cornelia Read
• What did you recently finish reading
•   Watchlist Based On An Idea by Jeffrey Deaver
• What do you think you’ll read next?
•   Original Sin by Allison Brennan (review request from The Book Trib
•   Malice by Lisa Jackson

Since I so enjoy the daily memes where you visit other blogs and make more bloggy friends, I am adding  Wondrous Words Wednesday hosted by Bermudaonion's Weblog.  This will be my 1st posting.  If you want to join in the fun, head over to:  http://bermudaonion.wordpress.com/

   My word came from Invisible Boy by Cornelia Read

   "My guilt is assuaged then."

 Definition: 

as·suage (-swj)

tr.v. as·suaged, as·suag·ing, as·suag·es
1. To make (something burdensome or painful) less intense or severe: assuage her grief. See Synonyms at relieve.
2. To satisfy or appease (hunger or thirst, for example).
3. To pacify or calm: assuage their chronic insecurity.

Watchlist

Watchlist Based On An Idea by Jeffrey Deaver (Rating--5)
Published by Vanguard Press
ISBN 978--1-59315-559-9
At the request of The Book Trib, a HC copy was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest review

From the Book's Jacket:
Watchlist: Two powerful novellas featuring the same thrilling cast of characters in one major suspenseful package
  Synopsis: Harold Middleton, former crimes of war investigator takes the reader on a non-stop journey around the world in both story lines. The first novella he is on the hunt and then hunted for a never before seen Chopin manuscript. But is there a secret in this never before seen composition? In the second novella, once again Harold Middleton brings us to faraway lands in search of the "Scorpion" and what is the secret of "The Copper Bracelet"?
  My Thoughts: One word..Amazing. Written by Jeffrey Deaver and twenty-one (21) other best selling authors. Each chapter written by a different writer, weaving and interweaving their own style of writing and story telling with others, for a dynamic plot.
  My Opinion and Rating: A thriller with brilliant writing that takes the reader on a journey to faraway places spanning the globe, taking the reader into the world of espionage and terrorism. Incredible concept. Rating 5

DISCLAIMER

I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,

in exchange for my HONEST review.

No items that I receive

are ever sold...they are kept by me,

or given to family or friends.

TUESDAY

Hosted by Should Be Reading  http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  *Grab your current read
  *Open to a random page
  *Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  *BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too  much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  *Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:
  "The last man to see your uncle alive-except for the killer that is."
  "You know who killed my uncle?"
From "Watchlist" Based On An Idea by Jeffrey Deaver    page 101


**I enjoy the daily memes and I have only found one for Tuesdays.  Any suggestions of other Tuesday Fun Things To Do?

MONDAY

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about tidy bookshelves.

Are your bookshelves strictly books only? Or have knick-knacks invaded? Do your shelves also shelve DVDs? Photos? Why not snap a photo – I’m sure we all like to spy on other’s shelves!
Hosted by Should Be Reading    http://rebeccavoy.blogspot.com
  Our double floor to ceiling bookcase has mostly books, but hubby took over one shelf for paperwork. And on these shelves are my books and also our books from college that we saved for reference.  We had other smaller bookcases in different areas of our house, filled with just my books, but we packed those away as we had our house on the market right before the housing real estate decline.  I have boxes of books packed away which I have stored in our garage, which means I have a lot of reading to do (lol).

Hosted by J.Kaye's Book Blog   http://j-kaye-book-blog.blogspot.com/2009/05/weekly-events-at-j-kaye.html
  This past week I finished Most Likely to Die by Lisa Jackson, Wendy Corsi Staub, Beverly Barton and Vanished by Joseph Finder.
  This week I am reading Watchlist by Jeffrey Deaver, which is a requested review book. And once finished with this book it will depend "what's next" depending on what comes in the mail and/or my mood.  So many books to choose from.

And since I enjoy being part of daily memes, I have added another one for Mondays.  It is hosted by The Printed Page  http://printedpage.us/.  Mailbox Monday where you list books you received in your mailbox the previous week.

  I received "Watchlist"  Based On An Idea by Jeffrey Deaver  Received from The Book Trib

Following other blogs are a great source to get information.  I have been following those that have joined in this Weekend that are doing Bloggiesta and have learned different tips to blogging.  One of those that I found helpful was to write drafts ahead of time for blogging, which is what I have been doing this morning in between those mundane chores that need to be done, like preparing dinner so my family can eat.
I then started reading my google blog reader and found a posting by Bibliophile By The Sea.  She posted about a Mini Challenge whereas there is a mystery read-a-thon !!  I would not have known about this if she hadn't posted it.  So I am also passing it along to those who might be interested.  For me...this is my favorite genre....so what a way to spend a relaxing weekend.  And even better..what an excuse not to do those chores lol.  Thank you Diane for posting it !!!!

httpJanuary Mystery Read-A-Thon
So, it's official, the next Mystery Read-A-Thon will be in January 2010!
The 3rd Mystery Read-A-Thon will take place
January 16, 2010 to January 17, 2010
The goal is to
read mysteries for 12 hours during those two days
://mysteryreadathon.blogspot.com/2009/11/january-mystery-read-thon.html

This is going to be a short posting today as I am feeling very lazy today.  Good thing it is my Relax and Read weekend.  What are your plans for today?  Anything exciting?
I want to thank Razlover, one of my followers for commenting on a review I posted yesterday.  I joined in on some memes that I consider "my fun things to do".  You can join in also....check out these memes on the right sidebar of my blog.  And because of that comment, it gave me my question for Aloha Friday, that I am going to do my draft for Friday after this posting.  Hope you stop by on Friday to see my question and leave your answer.
Have a relaxing Sunday!!!!

BOOK REVIEWS

Vanished by Joseph Finder (won from The Book Trib)  (Rating--5)
Synopsis:  Nick Heller, former Special Ops now working in PI Private Sector receives a call for help from Gabe, his nephew.  Gabe's stepfather, Roger and Nick's estranged brother, has vanished and his mother has been attacked and is in the hospital.  Nick not close to his brother or his father, who is in prison for securities fraud, takes a leave of absence to help investigate what has happened to his brother Roger.  Even though their relationship has been strained for years, blood is thicker than water or is it?
Thoughts: This was a heart pounding suspense from a personal level to private sector and all the way up the chain to the government level.  Every turn was a surprise right down to the last page.  This was the first book I read by Joseph Finder and it won't be my last. Thoroughly enjoyed.
  (Challenges:  Reading From My Shelf, Thriller/Suspense, Books Won & 100+)

Talk & Thoughts

TGIS....I am so behind in reading and updating items on my blog (will explain why a little later in this post). I have seen many of the blogs I follow posting about this new challenge Bloggiesta and have been reading some articles and realize......boy do I still have a lot to learn!!!! Things like copyrights (wondering if my blog is too new to invest in this or what are the benefits, labels, organizing blog (this I have been working on but haven't completed. Once again any help and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I tend to feel guilty spending so much time getting my blog updated (since I am the number 1 computer for dummies) instead of what I should be doing and that is reading along with the mundane things known as household chores. But I read somewhere that to increase traffic, have a nice blog (suggestions in this area would also be appreciated). So that's what I have been trying to accomplish. Now for why I am so behind this week with reading.

MY JOURNEY
I posted this week that I have decided that I will be writing down my thoughts and emotions as to what I am facing as a means of a therapeutic nature and it beats the cost of a counselor. The reason I am so behind in everything is that I spent most of this week on the phone trying to book an appointment for an orthopedic doctor who specializes in complicated and/or risky surgeries of the spine, which I fall into having had 3 past surgeries the last one being 20 years ago and at the time I was the 3rd patient to have had an experimental procedure. Between having reports sent to this doc (wouldn't even make the appointment until he saw all the tests results, calls to my PCP for certain files to be faxed to the orthopedic doctor, calls to the insurance company for prior authorization, etc. This went on every day this week. The phone became glued to my ear between "listen to the menu press this number, then choose another menu", being put on hold, shuffled from one person to the next. Four days just to make an appointment......geez louise....the "White House Crashers" had it easier getting into that dinner than I had getting this appointment.

In between laundry, I plan on doing a little work on this blog then grab my afghan( the temperature here in New England is presently 23), a cup of coffee and my book and snuggle up on the couch and read !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hoping all have a relaxing weekend. Happy Reading !