What are you reading in Feb 2014?

[Laurel]

I had to give Gardens a second try and it wasn't until I was well past 100 pages that it hooked me. However, once it did get me I fell in love with it.

[Dawn, Dawnerys, Mother of Modding]

I don't know. I pretty thoroughly disliked it on my first read through. I'm pretty positive that, no matter how much I wish I could like it, I'll dislike it just as much on a second try..

[Kathy]

I'm reading Tabi ni Deyou, Horobiyuku Sekai no Hate Made by Tadahito Yorozuya. I know you are all saying "What the?" lol. Me too! My youngest son (who just left me to go to college...the nerve! lol) is really into Japanese culture, video games, anime, and books. This is what he told me was a "Lite Novel". It's about the size of any regular book, so I'm not sure what that means. This book, he recommended to me (and I have this bad habit of reading whatever my boys recommend to me. That's how I've read so many Chuck Pahluniuk books) because the premise of the story is right up my alley! It seems that people are disappearing. First they can't remember their own names, then other people can't remember their names, then their names will vanish from files, documents, etc....till eventually you completely disappear. It's really interesting storywise, but either it's the writing or possibly the translation is really bad! It's really hard to get through. But persevere, I will. I'm really curious what happens...and I would never not finish one of my boys recommendations. :)

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*, Bad Girls Deadlift]

Kathy wrote: "I'm reading Tabi ni Deyou, Horobiyuku Sekai no Hate Made by Tadahito Yorozuya. I know you are all saying "What the?" lol. Me too! My youngest son (who just left me to go to college...the nerve!..."

That does sound interesting!

[Kathy]

Isn't it? I wish I could recommend it. :(

[Felina]

Nyssa wrote: "Felina wrote: "I understood what you meant. Us book people always understand each other even through our typos. :)"

Which is the only reason why anyone can understand the words that are coming out..."

Chris Tucker was in Silver Linings Playbook last year. Excellent film. Go see it...now. If you have already seen it then go and see it again...now.

[Felina]

Colleen wrote: "Nyssa wrote: "Random Thought of the Day: I miss Chris Tucker...he needs to make another movie..NOW! "

Or not. Not works for me."

No way. I love Chris Tucker too! I loved the Rush Hour movies and of course, Fifth Element.

[Felina]

K. I'm still working my way through Swan Song on audio.

I got some light cozy mystery at the library with a cute mischievous cat on the cover because...well, it's a cat, and so far the story has very little to do with a cat and very little to do with keeping my interest so I'm going to abandon that one.

I just got Mr. Shivers in the mail from PBS so I feel like I should give that one a go now that I've decided to abandon the cozy.

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*, Bad Girls Deadlift]

I loved the Fifth Element.

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*, Bad Girls Deadlift]

I checked this out from the library: Crazy Sexy Diet: Eat Your Veggies, Ignite Your Spark, and Live Like You Mean It!.

OMG.
1: not what I expected.
2: Nothing that I want
3: OMG> This chick is disgusting me!!

She writes very...."cuteise."

"It shouldn't be so Zen koan complicated."
-p15

"Take a look at your overall spending. I'll bet you can find places in your life where you can reallocate the do-re-mi."


Gag me.
-p16

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon, Not a book hipster!]

I also loved Fifth Element, and he's ok in that movie because he's a) not a star and b) meant to be someone we want to hurt a lot.

I didn't really get the big deal about Rush Hour.

I do like that 'do you understand... ' line, though, and like to use it on particularly dense people I'm talking to.

[Felina]

Colleen wrote: "I also loved Fifth Element, and he's ok in that movie because he's a) not a star and b) meant to be someone we want to hurt a lot.

I didn't really get the big deal about Rush Hour.

I do like th..."

The Rush Hours are pure fluff. I love them. I think I'll have to bust those out this weekend.

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*, Bad Girls Deadlift]

Ok, double posting cause most of yall don't go into the free books section:

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Free at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005VRZXOA

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon, Not a book hipster!]

Pretty good timing since I just decided to buddy read this with someone.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

When I was a kid I read The Wizard of Oz till my copy fell apart.

[Nyssa]

Nyssa wrote: "
Here is my TBR for the month, in no particular order:

Main Choices:
A Study in Scarlet
The Unusual Suspects
Gardens of the Moon
Howl's Moving Castle
The Silver Chair
The Horse and His Boy
Wuthering Heights

Would Like to also Read:
Ancillary Justice
The Cheerleaders of Doom
Because of Winn-Dixie
"

My reading groove has been knocked out of whack.... I'm tired and grumpy and feeling "aimless" (is that the word?); you know - when you're mentally walking in circles because you have a billion things on your mind.

I've only managed to read A Study in Scarlet, so far. Gardens of the Moon, is a bit much.

I really don't know what I want to read next.

Plus, I have this crazy idea that I do want to try and read all of the group read selections (past and present), which I know isn't realistic.

I think my brain needs a hug.

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon, Not a book hipster!]

Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "When I was a kid I read The Wizard of Oz till my copy fell apart."

I've never read it. Ever. I figured I ought to.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

It's young, but it's fun. Funny, when I was a kid I never got into the rest of the Oz books.

[Chris , cookie guilt]

Nyssa, you shouldn't feel like you have to read all of the group reads. It's not expected. One of the reasons we have 4 choices a month is to give people options, not to strap them down to one group's vote winners.

We've all been in groups and gotten bogged down with the "homework" I think. When it's no longer fun and becomes a chore, that's when you either burn out or fade away. We do NOT want y'all (or us) doing that here.

And yes, I'll hug your brain.

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*, Bad Girls Deadlift]

Chris wrote: "Nyssa, you shouldn't feel like you have to read all of the group reads. It's not expected. One of the reasons we have 4 choices a month is to give people options, not to strap them down to one grou..."

^What Chris said.

[Spacechik]

I LOVED the Fifth Element also. CT was perfect in that role. I just finished Mr. Shivers. It was probably one of the silliest 'horror' books I've ever read. I figured out the ending less than half way through, and gee, I was right. I suspect I won't be reading any more RJ Bennett. I am reading an installment of Naomi Singh Guild Hunter series, Archangel Legion. I didn't realize it was the 6th in a series. I like to read a series from the beginning. My bad. However, it's Snowing here and sleeting against my window, perfect reading weather. Cheers, all.

[Lee]

Nyssa, I'm only reading the books that appeal to me. And pretty much trying to read the fantasy and young adult selections. Fantasy is my favorite genre and I'm aiming to going back to reading more of it this year. But if one of the others looks good I'll read that too.

It's like going into a bakery and picking out a cupcake or cookie... Or both. ;)

(Maybe I'm a little hungry, it is dinnertime for me).

[Nyssa]

Thanks for the brain hugs they are very much appreciated! :)

I know I don't have to read them all...thats just one of the many thoughts that was roaming around my head.
Basically, I'm a bit frustrated that I couldn't fall right into Gardens, especially since I was really looking forward to it. Then, I was thinking Cheerleaders of Doom would be a good reboot, but I don't feel like reading it right now. Then I started thinking about The Book, despite the many warnings, and trying Swan Song again, etc.

Edited out a random comma...those things multiply like rabbits!

[Lee]

Gardens has a hard start. A very steep learning curb. I had been warned about it before I started so I was prepared but it was still a matter of... just keep reading and maybe it'll make sense.

But I get into those moods too, where no book fits right. I usually read something light when that happens.

[Felina]

Colleen wrote: "Pretty good timing since I just decided to buddy read this with someone."

:)

[Nyssa]

Nicki wrote: "Have another brain hug, Nyssa -- I'm feeling you on the moody/aimless reading thing. I'm tackling it, with mixed success, by reading standalones until I can get my reading groove back."

Thank you Nicki, much appreciated. :)

I think a standalone is a good idea!
Instead of going the safe route, however (MG/YA), I'm going to shake myself up a little, by reading a book no one seems to like (well except Kathy :*smile* ) - The Book! As I told Becky:

I think I have to see this train wreck with my own eyes. Plus, it may just get me out of the doldrums, even if its from laughing myself silly or grumbling expletives at my Kindle screen.

Of course knowing me, I'll probably love it, which wouldn't be a bad thing either, as it would certainly improve my mood!

[Nyssa]

Nicki wrote: "Sometimes reading a book you expect to hate can be as refreshing a change of scenery as reading a book you expect to love -- especially if it turns into a pleasant surprise. Either way, I'll be loo..."

Good Point and Thank You! :)

[Jackie]

Nienna wrote: "Nyssa, I'm only reading the books that appeal to me. And pretty much trying to read the fantasy and young adult selections. Fantasy is my favorite genre and I'm aiming to going back to reading more..."

I'm doing the same.

And now you've made me crave cupcakes and cookies. :P

[Kathy]

Nyssa wrote: "Nicki wrote: "Have another brain hug, Nyssa -- I'm feeling you on the moody/aimless reading thing. I'm tackling it, with mixed success, by reading standalones until I can get my reading groove back..."

Good luck with The Book, Nyssa. I'm unique in my taste, what can I say. Lol. I had hoped to read all the monthly group reads, but eventually reallized thats not going to happen. Not till I win Lotto and retire to read full-time! ;)

[Nyssa]

Kathy wrote: "Good luck with The Book, Nyssa. I'm unique in my taste, what can I say. Lol. I had hoped to read all the monthly group reads, but eventually reallized thats not going to happen. Not till I win Lotto and retire to read full-time! ;)
"

That is a plan we both share! Now to actually buy a lotto ticket. LOL
Thank you for wishing me luck.

[Dawn, Dawnerys, Mother of Modding]

I'm keeping up on reading all of the group reads, but only because I don't know what else to read.. I know, weird. Ya see, last year I spent about the last 6 months of it re-reading books I had read before. I was in a huge slump and nothing new sounded good, everything was just sort of blah. So now, I'm just letting this group tell me what to read. Much easier, and it's a good way to read more variety.

I read slow though. 4 or maybe 5 books a month is pretty much the max I can do.

[Dawn, Dawnerys, Mother of Modding]

And as for reading books you don't like.. I'm feeling really good now about Earth Abides. I hate it... Which makes me think that maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to read Gardens of the Moon next and I'll be able to appreciate it in contrast?

I'm not making any promises! I may not read it at all! And if I read it and like it I'm going to lie and say I didn't! I don't need no I told you so's... *glares* :)

[Nyssa]

*Snicker* you won't hear any "I told you so's" from me. :D I tend to read slowly as well, which is why (a) I set my personal challenge at 1 book a week and (b) I was so thrilled about my success last month.

[Dawn, Dawnerys, Mother of Modding]

I set my goal at one book a week as well :)

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Just enjoy reading, don't worry about how fast you read or how many you read. That should take off the pressure. Reading should relax you (reading for pleasure should).

Enjoy.

[Lee]

This past week I finished both of my group read books, Gardens of the Moon and Howl's Moving Castle. And I just finished The Chronicles of Narnia. I couldn't wait to finish... and now I *cannot* wait to discuss it.....

Now I'm reading Winter's Tale. But its slow and long (really long, I had no idea how big this book was when I ordered it) and if it doesn't catch my interest soon I might dnr it.

[Maris]

I've been reading Kristin Cashore's Graceling Realm books. Recently finished the first book and I'm about to start the second. I really liked her world-building and character development in Graceling and I'm curious to see how she continues that in Fire.

[Nyssa]

Nienna wrote: "This past week I finished both of my group read books, Gardens of the Moon and Howl's Moving Castle."

Those were my intended group reads as well, yet I've read neither. As I stated elsewhere, GotM felt a little too much for my mood, and I havn't even opened HMC. What am I reading instead? Earth Abides. Why? Good Question! :)

[Emily]

Nienna wrote: "This past week I finished both of my group read books, Gardens of the Moon and Howl's Moving Castle. And I just finished The Chronicles of Narnia. I couldn't wait to finish... and now I *cannot* wa..."

Thanks for linking Winter's Tale - I keep meaning to add it to my TBR/potentially check it out, but forgetting. I'll be interested to see what you think!

[Emily]

Maris wrote: "I've been reading Kristin Cashore's Graceling Realm books. Recently finished the first book and I'm about to start the second. I really liked her world-building and character development in Graceli..."

I enjoyed the first Graceling novel but could never really get into the others. To be fair, I never quite started - just got them home from the library and they hadn't caught my eye again by the time they needed to be returned. Let me know if they are any good!

And Nyssa - good luck with Earth Abides! Definitely read HMC when you get a chance. It's a quick, fun read and my favorite of the month. GotM was quite good, but required more of an investment.

[Emily]

I keep hitting post too soon!

Anyway, I am doing a bit of series reading to catch up on my challenge - I've just finished The Sign of Four and Wolf-Speaker, neither of which totally blew me away, but both were enjoyable, quick reads. Now I'm working on Vengeance in Death because those are always easy reads that don't tax me too much - I'm still in GotM recovery!

I will likely move on to Under the Never Sky or Etiquette & Espionage next because I am feeling like a new YA read. And YES I know they are new series, but I just can't help myself. At least I have a credit now?

[Lee]

I love starting new series. I'm not sure if it's an addiction. Or a compulsion. Both. Probably both. ;)

[Kara]

Emily wrote: "Maris wrote: "I've been reading Kristin Cashore's Graceling Realm books. Recently finished the first book and I'm about to start the second. I really liked her world-building and character developm..."

I vote Etiquette & Espionage! Love Carriger, and I actually just finished up the sequel (Curtsies & Conspiracies) earlier this month (audio of course). Strong consistent series and writing so far... I wouldn't expect anything less from Carriger!

[Kara]

Oh, and I'm finishing up Hard Magic on audio. Pretty good stuff, and I'll be listening to the next.

I've still got the Steelheart ending on hold, and am eagerly awaiting the release of Words of Radiance here in early March!

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*, Bad Girls Deadlift]

I'm about 100 pages into Steelheart, finished Howl's Moving Castle (and LOVED it), I'm trying to get into Gardens of the Moon. *so complicated*

I really need to pick up The Silver Chair but I have a bunch of library books and damn this group is keeping me busy!

I don't even have my Holmes started...

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon, Not a book hipster!]

Maris wrote: "I've been reading Kristin Cashore's Graceling Realm books. Recently finished the first book and I'm about to start the second. I really liked her world-building and character development in Graceli..."

I liked Graceling, but skipped Fire and went straight to Bitterblue, which was ok but I liked Graceling better.

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon, Not a book hipster!]

I think today I'm gonna read Locke & Key, Vol. 5: Clockworks, and then start My Boyfriend Merlin later.

Tomorrow the plan is to start 'Silver Chair' as a workout read.

[Lee]

I finished Winter's Tale.. Have you ever read a book you hated but you kept reading it thinking it might get better? It didn't. I was expecting a fantasy-ish romance from the movie trailer... The movie is a lie. :(

Next up is my reread of The Gunslinger. I need to finish the series. And I'm going to read The Silver Linings Playbook. No. I haven't seen the movie. I'm more of a read the book the movie is based on kind of person.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Yes I have...

[Luke]

I managed to get myself entangled with not just one or two, but 6 books.

Now, I'm not the type to read multiple books at once. I try very earnestly to stick to a single book at a time, but here I am with 5 books on my nightstand and one on my computer.

I'm most engrossed with 'American Gods' right now and I'll probably finish that first. Then I'll hopefully finish 'A Feast for Crows' by Martin (fingers are crossed, I've been working on this one for a year :/).