The Perks Of Being A Book Addict discussion
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The most amusing reading-related thing I have ever heard. It has come to light ever since I married my wife and gained an amazing family; she is the oldest of 7, and she has a lot of cousins and other folks.
One night, her paternal grandmother texted her to tell her that she is afraid that I mistreat her. She assured her grandma that it definitely is not the case and that I love her very much. But when she asked for clarification on such a statement, her response was that all she ever sees me post on social media is about what I am reading, progress in books, and talking about how many more books and pages I have read. In other words, she was under the impression that, even with all the time we spend together, all I do is keep my nose in a book and spend no quality time with her granddaughter.
I think grandma got to understanding, however, when my wife explained to her that she and I work such different schedules, way different shifts, and have completely different days off. So, for instance, I an answering service supervisor, work the swing shift and my wife, an accountant, works early in the morning. When she sleeps, I can usually be found on the couch or in my reading chair with my nose in a book. My thoughts: hey, at least it's not video games! Or you're not dragging me off the casino or bar floor!
I was thinking some of you guys may get a kick out of this.
One night, her paternal grandmother texted her to tell her that she is afraid that I mistreat her. She assured her grandma that it definitely is not the case and that I love her very much. But when she asked for clarification on such a statement, her response was that all she ever sees me post on social media is about what I am reading, progress in books, and talking about how many more books and pages I have read. In other words, she was under the impression that, even with all the time we spend together, all I do is keep my nose in a book and spend no quality time with her granddaughter.
I think grandma got to understanding, however, when my wife explained to her that she and I work such different schedules, way different shifts, and have completely different days off. So, for instance, I an answering service supervisor, work the swing shift and my wife, an accountant, works early in the morning. When she sleeps, I can usually be found on the couch or in my reading chair with my nose in a book. My thoughts: hey, at least it's not video games! Or you're not dragging me off the casino or bar floor!
I was thinking some of you guys may get a kick out of this.
Happy upcoming anniversary, Travis! My husband and I celebrate ours on the 4th. I find your thoughts on gender and reading interesting. One thing (of the many) that I love about my husband is that he is unconcerned with traditional gender roles. If he wants to read "chick lit" he does. I find that classical books tend to be too flowery and dramatic for my taste, but he loves them. To each their own.
I can respect the fact that you know what you like. Don't feel pressured to act differently based on the expectations of those around you. I love that you are really getting to know who you are and what you love. Don't let the immaturity and meanness of those around you change that.
Oh grandma... lol. She was worried her grand baby isn't getting enough attention. :)
Happy anniversary, Travis.Happy anniversary, Kristie. Also, I'm so glad your raspberry plant is doing well. What will you do with the berries? I'm on my way to prune and fertilize. We have a lot of rain coming and I want to utilize it.
Kristie wrote: "Happy upcoming anniversary, Travis! My husband and I celebrate ours on the 4th.
I find your thoughts on gender and reading interesting. One thing (of the many) that I love about my husband is tha..."
And happy anniversary to you, too!
And honestly literature, like most things in life, should not be assigned a gender...just like roles such as cooking and cleaning. It just amuses me that anytime you see an author that writes fiction that employs emotion, talks about it, or has love or people dealing with personal challenges that it is automatically denounced as "chick lit." But when I hear people do this, it makes me want to read it more. That is, because it means there is no agenda they are really trying to push, and there may be some interesting twists and turns ahead. Also, it usually means that the characters will be multidimensional instead of cardboard macho men with their giant guns and little vocabulary.
I find your thoughts on gender and reading interesting. One thing (of the many) that I love about my husband is tha..."
And happy anniversary to you, too!
And honestly literature, like most things in life, should not be assigned a gender...just like roles such as cooking and cleaning. It just amuses me that anytime you see an author that writes fiction that employs emotion, talks about it, or has love or people dealing with personal challenges that it is automatically denounced as "chick lit." But when I hear people do this, it makes me want to read it more. That is, because it means there is no agenda they are really trying to push, and there may be some interesting twists and turns ahead. Also, it usually means that the characters will be multidimensional instead of cardboard macho men with their giant guns and little vocabulary.
Is anyone as amused as I am that one of the two books for April, one of our picks for May both have talking animals?
This is also random, and I never thought I would ever do this, but I have found myself especially excited to explore, buy and read the books from Reese's book club. Seriously, I never thought I would ever be one of those people into a celebrity book club...I once thought they were all the same and hokey. But this one is cool!
Does anyone else explore celebrity book clubs?
Does anyone else explore celebrity book clubs?
How is everyone else's week going? I just found out this morning that, due to some late night and overnight coverage issues, that I will be consistently working the late late shift, until 11pm per shift, versus two of those, two until nine thirty and one until nine. I had a feeling that it would happen, but do not mind; I am a night owl anyways.
I didn't realize there were talking animals in any of our April or May reads, Travis. I don't follow any celebrity book clubs. I feel like their reads are just like any other book club, some good, some bad. I actually participate in several book clubs online as well as a couple of book clubs in real life, so I don't have time to keep up with any of the celebrity clubs as well.
Will those shifts be in addition to your regular shifts or did they just change your schedule to cover those hours?
I'm a night-owl, too. I don't go to bed until 4am. I remember working the night shifts, and I absolutely hated it. I don't miss that at all.
I am a little too excited to go to CDA on Friday; they have an independent book store there, and I have a list of 3 books they have I am hoping to pick up. One that sounds especially good just came out; it is Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb. I want to because it is one of the subjects I am passionate about - certain music. I also will read anything to do with people on the radio, doing radio shows, or things like that. This new one involves classical; I also love reading stuff involving indie music and jazz.
My current read is about rival families who end up doing a show that airs on a channel like the Food Network; I have been watching this religiously for years. So, while I am having fun finding books that interest me and are selections from book clubs, special priority is given if they are about subjects that interest me. Does anyone else do this?
My current read is about rival families who end up doing a show that airs on a channel like the Food Network; I have been watching this religiously for years. So, while I am having fun finding books that interest me and are selections from book clubs, special priority is given if they are about subjects that interest me. Does anyone else do this?
Kristie wrote: "I didn't realize there were talking animals in any of our April or May reads, Travis.
I don't follow any celebrity book clubs. I feel like their reads are just like any other book club, some good..."
My schedule is changing completely to late shift five nights a week. I am cool with this, and am glad that it is consistent again.
I honestly never thought I would be the kind of person who would be into these. However, I would not consider myself a follower, per se yet; I noticed that Where the Crawdads sing, which we read for this group was a Reese pick and curiosity eventually got the best of me. More than any of the other ones I have been exploring, she seems to have an eye for some really good titles. I spent several hours at a local used book store trying to hunt down more titles from her set. I spent way too much on books this past weekend.
I don't follow any celebrity book clubs. I feel like their reads are just like any other book club, some good..."
My schedule is changing completely to late shift five nights a week. I am cool with this, and am glad that it is consistent again.
I honestly never thought I would be the kind of person who would be into these. However, I would not consider myself a follower, per se yet; I noticed that Where the Crawdads sing, which we read for this group was a Reese pick and curiosity eventually got the best of me. More than any of the other ones I have been exploring, she seems to have an eye for some really good titles. I spent several hours at a local used book store trying to hunt down more titles from her set. I spent way too much on books this past weekend.
I think I would agree with that. I feel like I've seen a lot of titles that I'm interested in or enjoyed and they were Reese's picks too. I'll have to look into it a bit to see if my perception is accurate.
Kristie wrote: "I think I would agree with that. I feel like I've seen a lot of titles that I'm interested in or enjoyed and they were Reese's picks too. I'll have to look into it a bit to see if my perception is ..."
Indeed! I have now made it a goal to read most everything in her book club and got quite a few this past weekend; a few were really easy to find, as they have either been made into movies or something on a streaming service. However, I always look first for stuff that is about subject matter I am passionate about; this is how I was lead to The Chicken Sisters.
On a somewhat related note, I never thought I would be the kind of person watching the new releases, except for Stephen King. But there is already one that came out earlier two weeks ago that has me like "OMG, I am totally getting that." It is nice to finally be able to fully bankroll my reading habit LOL.
Indeed! I have now made it a goal to read most everything in her book club and got quite a few this past weekend; a few were really easy to find, as they have either been made into movies or something on a streaming service. However, I always look first for stuff that is about subject matter I am passionate about; this is how I was lead to The Chicken Sisters.
On a somewhat related note, I never thought I would be the kind of person watching the new releases, except for Stephen King. But there is already one that came out earlier two weeks ago that has me like "OMG, I am totally getting that." It is nice to finally be able to fully bankroll my reading habit LOL.
LOL! I have become that person as well. Which book is coming out that you are getting? And which did you get this past weekend? I haven't read The Chicken Sisters, but it looks cute.
Kristie wrote: "LOL! I have become that person as well. Which book is coming out that you are getting? And which did you get this past weekend? I haven't read The Chicken Sisters, but it looks cute."
I have my heart set on getting Symphony of Secrets, which sounds very good; I nominated it for June. It was either this or Romantic Comedy, which I was going to nominate. I also got Chicken Sisters, The Cactus, and the Last Things He Told Me...new at least. On Thriftbooks, I scored Fried Green Tomatoes, Wuthering Heights and Joy Luck Club. Two at least I also hope to watch the movies.
I have my heart set on getting Symphony of Secrets, which sounds very good; I nominated it for June. It was either this or Romantic Comedy, which I was going to nominate. I also got Chicken Sisters, The Cactus, and the Last Things He Told Me...new at least. On Thriftbooks, I scored Fried Green Tomatoes, Wuthering Heights and Joy Luck Club. Two at least I also hope to watch the movies.
You got quite a few! I most recently got Happy Place. Emily Henry is a new author for me. I read Book Lovers and loved it.
Happy may to all! Feels so nice to be able to wear shorts all day. And not need a hoodie to walk to the bus stop on the way home from work.
Thanks Groovy and Travis and oh that’s cool Travis
Christine wrote: "Thanks Groovy and Travis and oh that’s cool Travis"
Update: beautiful most of the day. Tonight, however rained and we had a thunderstorm! I did not take the bus home, as my wife did not want me to be a crispy critter.
Update: beautiful most of the day. Tonight, however rained and we had a thunderstorm! I did not take the bus home, as my wife did not want me to be a crispy critter.
Sorry I have been dormant, guys. Work has been not only busy but extra toxic. After the straw breaking the camel's back last night, I talked it over with my wife and have decided to step down and just be an agent. Honestly, not that big of a decision; the pay difference is a pittance and it is not worth sacrificing my mental health. So, I know I have made the correct decision.
Sorry to see that, Travis, but I'm sure you made the right decision. Mental health is an important factor in making decisions like that.
Kristie wrote: "Sorry to see that, Travis, but I'm sure you made the right decision. Mental health is an important factor in making decisions like that."
Indeed it is. And I already feel a monumental sense of relief.
Indeed it is. And I already feel a monumental sense of relief.
Oh, that's good! We've had a week here too. My husband is dealing with some work stuff like you and a few other things have popped up to make the week stressful. I hate to wish away time, but I'm looking forward to the next few weeks being over. We have a lot of good stuff planned once we're through this.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, EVERYONE!I hope your weekend will be filled with praise, celebrations, and gifts from the heart.
That's so nice of you, Groovy! Happy Mother's Day to you too. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Mother's day is especially hard for me now, since mine passed on two years ago...when she did, it was two days before mother's day. I worked this year on the anniversary of her death; but I believe this year we will be celebrating with my wife's family...technically her step mom who is basically the actual mother she grew up with and helped raise her.
Our anniversary was wonderful; we checked out a new independent book store; went to our favorite record store, had cracker barrel, and got to explore the downtown area of the town where we got married. Needless to say, I spent a pretty penny at both the book and record shops; they had a bunch from the Reese's book club and vinyl from all three bands I have been listening to the most lately...one, of which. we are seeing in October here.
I'm sorry for your loss, Travis. It is always hard to lose a parent and that stays with us. Your anniversary sounds wonderful. Which books did you end up picking up? And which band are you seeing?
Kristie wrote: "I'm sorry for your loss, Travis. It is always hard to lose a parent and that stays with us.
Your anniversary sounds wonderful. Which books did you end up picking up? And which band are you seeing?"
At the Well Read Moose, which was awesome by the way, I picked up Infinite Country by Patricia Engel; Sankofa by Chibundu Onuzo and Honor by Thrity Umrigar. All of these are on Reese's book club.
In October, we are seeing the band The Mountain Goats, which is one of my favorite. They are an indie band I love that few have heard of or know. The only other person who knows of them at my work is my boss, who is also an indie rock aficionado like me...and also a bit of an aged hipster...LOL!
Today I have decided that I really want to finally read some of the big book series of the last few years. Such as Twilight; I read the first three but had to stop book 4 when the noise and hate got too loud to concentrate. This also happened with Hunger Games. Hoping to score some used copies at either the thrift store up the road or at my favorite used book store. Wish me luck!
Your anniversary sounds wonderful. Which books did you end up picking up? And which band are you seeing?"
At the Well Read Moose, which was awesome by the way, I picked up Infinite Country by Patricia Engel; Sankofa by Chibundu Onuzo and Honor by Thrity Umrigar. All of these are on Reese's book club.
In October, we are seeing the band The Mountain Goats, which is one of my favorite. They are an indie band I love that few have heard of or know. The only other person who knows of them at my work is my boss, who is also an indie rock aficionado like me...and also a bit of an aged hipster...LOL!
Today I have decided that I really want to finally read some of the big book series of the last few years. Such as Twilight; I read the first three but had to stop book 4 when the noise and hate got too loud to concentrate. This also happened with Hunger Games. Hoping to score some used copies at either the thrift store up the road or at my favorite used book store. Wish me luck!
I want everyone to keep my uncle in your thoughts and prayers because he has cancer
I'm so sorry to hear that, Christine. I've been dealing with family members who have dealt with cancer all my life. So I know how devastating it is. I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers.
Thanks Groovy and oh that stinks Groovy and thanks Groovy and thanks Groovy
I hope everyone is enjoying the warm weather and will have a fun summer. I'm so glad winter is over. My planting is just about finished, things are starting to bloom, and I get to sit out at night and enjoy sky watching and the quiet.Enjoy the summer, Everyone! And if you dare to travel--be safe!
Travis- I know how hard it is. Take care. Christine-Prayers sent.
I hope to get some planting done soon. I was on a cruise when the ice was gone off the lake so happy to see open water.
We've been doing a little traveling this week. Tomorrow my husband and I are going to see the Grand Canyon. I've never been before.
The Grand Canyon is breathtaking! Enjoy! If you get a chance to see it at sunrise, definitely worth getting up early.
Thanks, Kristi. :)
The Grand Canyon--wow. Breathe in every detail, Kristi, and tell us about it. I bet it takes your breath away. Be sure and walk out on that glass extension bridge and look down.
Travis wrote: "This is also random, and I never thought I would ever do this, but I have found myself especially excited to explore, buy and read the books from Reese's book club. Seriously, I never thought I wou..."I usually look at the celebrity book clubs like Reese, GMA, Read with Jenna. I used to pooh-pooh Oprahs' Book Club, but now that I look back I think she did a good thing because she got people reading who didn't normally read.
Sorry I have been inactive! Our computer finally bit the big one, and we will be replacing it on Friday. Once done I can spend the time I want nerding out here and my other book club here. I am more than halfway through Me Before You; I also got the new Nicholas Sparks for my other group.
It’s ok Travis and oh that stinks Travis oh that’s good Travis and oh ok Travis and oh that’s cool Travis and oh that’s cool Travis
I agree with that, Kirsten. I don't follow Oprah's book club, but I do think she got people reading and talking.
That stinks, Travis. Computers are so expensive and generally don't last as long as they should for the price. I hope you're loving Me Before You. I loved that book so much.
The Perks Of Being A Book Addict
Books mentioned in this topic
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The Vanishing Kind (other topics)
One Second After (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Colin Thubron (other topics)Jacqueline Winspear (other topics)
Alice Henderson (other topics)
William W. Johnstone (other topics)
Daphne du Maurier (other topics)
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So, a few weeks ago, our boss told us that he wanted some ideas of things to boost morale in our office, as our parent company furnished us with what they call a "morale budget" for such things. The first thing he came up with for the month of April is an Italian food potluck, as it is national garlic month. To this, I also mentioned to the group that, much to my joy, it is national jazz appreciation month, and it would be so cool to do something for that.
Mind you, we are all adults in my office and I am one of the youngest members of our office's admin team (quite possibly the youngest now in light of recent events). You would think that if people really did not care for it, they would say something like "well that is cool that you love that, Travis, but not sure if that would be everyone's cup of tea." Instead, a couple other fellow members of our admin team took turns totally eviscerating my suggestion; tearing it apart and outright mocking such a suggestion.
In the end, I felt relatively small but also had to consider the source. I feel often times that I stick out like a sore thumb with these people because of things that make me, well, me: my being an avid reader, or the fact that I know virtually nothing about the music they all champion. Anytime a rap concert comes to town, at least 7-10 people from our office attend it. I do not mock them for what they like, so why is it okay to belittle something they do not understand? Thoughts?