Making Dents in the Piles of Books Challenge

[Jackie]

Then you could show them off like I do, LOL

[Christine]

Do you ever notice that when people come into your home, they always check out what books you have on your shelves?

[Jackie]

Yes. But more importantly, I check out what other people have on their shelves, LOL

[[deleted user]]

I feel strange...I dont have a to be read pile. I quite literally read everything the moment I buy it. I'm jealous.

[Jackie]

I buy a lot of books at a time.
I go to library books sales, so often I have parts of series and generally try to wait til I have either the whole series or a good portion of it to begin.

[Christine]

Grant wrote: "I feel strange...I dont have a to be read pile. I quite literally read everything the moment I buy it. I'm jealous."

Does this mean you only buy one book at a time? Such willpower! I'm like Jackie, I walk out of a bookstore or the library with more than I can carry. My kindle is the only place I show restraint, buying one at a time.

[[deleted user]]

No I buy or download three or four books at a time. Now I dont buy entire series. I generally read a book as soon as it comes out, often the actual day of. I'm rather odd in that I read multiple books at once. I'll read anywhere from 3-5 books in a week and average 2-3 at a time which drives most of my buds absolutely nuts..heh

[Christine]

Besides being able to read more than book at a time, you must also read fast? I'm impressed and envious!

[Jackie]

Before I found the addictive powers of TV, I used to read the same as you, Grant, 3-5 a week and multiple books at a time. People would always ask how I could keep mulitple storylines straight and now I see it's no different than watching multiple serialized TV programs. Not hard at all.

[[deleted user]]

Im not a big tv viewer. Don't get me wrong there are three or four shows I watch religiously but it's more about finding things that my wife and I can enjoy in concert than because I really care enough to watch them on my own. We're polar opposites so finding something even as trivial as a tv show that we can enjoy together is somewhat of a big deal. As for reading fast...well I suppose I do but I've never tried to time myself, nor would I even know how to go about doing so. I read as quickly as I can while retaining everything of importance. It would be rather silly to skim things when it's supposed to be a pursuit of pleasure. I'll often read my favorite novels multiple times to pick up nuances I may have missed and I'll also often reread an entire series when the newest novel is about to be released. I don't think any of that is out of the ordinary tho

[Jackie]

I'm relatively new to the TV thing. I'm a NYC native who moved Upstate and found there is absolutely nothing to do here. I started watching TV with my husband and son for something to do together that has now branched out into an addiction of sorts. Who knew there was so much on the idiot-box?
Prior to watching TV, I would be very anti-social and just read, read, read. And I would get annoyed if either of my guys interrupted me. Like, really annoyed, the great big sigh or a snippy answer. Not very nice. I had to pull back on the reading or I'd never spend any time with my guys. I still read plenty, just at times when they're not around or busy with their own projects.

So, what are your 3 or 4 shows?

[[deleted user]]

Fringe, Chuck, House and Psych. She could actually care less for Fringe but I watch it anyways. Oh and we also watch Castle. I will support Nathan Fillion in whatever show he's in until the day that man stops acting ;)

[[deleted user]]

Ooh ooh and Supernatural...that's gotta be my fav show, don't know how I left it off. Okay so my 3 or 4 turned into both 5 and 6. Sue me ;)

[Jackie]

When I asked, I was guessing Fringe and Supernatural. I watch those two and am catching House in reruns here and there.

[[deleted user]]

lol..so you were thinking great minds think alike eh ;) hard to argue as apparently I'm finding long lost family members all over this group ;)

[Brad]

Now that's ironic. I had the same idea of trying to get through all my "to read" books on my shelf in 2011 and that was before I signed onto goodreads.

As opposed to Grant, I will buy a book and it will likely sit on my shelf for months or even years before I might read it. I have about 30 books I haven't read yet and about 10 or so that I would like to re-read this year.

I read quite slowly. I have timed myself a number on a number of occasions. I can generally read 1 page in 2 minutes. Some easier to read fantasy and young adult stuff I can read in 1.5 minutes per page.

So that means about 1 book per month, maybe 2 if I am really dedicated. 3-5 books per week would be impossible for me. Wish I had more time...

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*, *good karma*]

I want to say that I was doing ok until Fictionwise had that 60% off sale (I think I bought about 14 books), but that would be lying to myself. If I count ebooks and physical books, I really have no idea how big my TRB pile is. I'm trying to stay out of B&M bookstores as well as online to keep myself inline.

[Christine]

Its kind of like that New Year's resolution to lose weight and it works for a few weeks and then you can't help yourself, you have to eat that cookie, or in this case, buy that book! I feel my willpower crumbling already!

[Christine]

Jason, I just finished the first of story in The Best of H.P. Lovecraft, "The Rats in the Walls". That is one of the scariest stories I have ever read. It felt a lot like something Poe would write and I can see where he influenced Stephen King in this one story. After listening to the Lovecraft podcast, I found I wasn't the only one that felt that way. Thank you for suggesting the podcast. It adds a lot of depth to the experience of reading these classic works. Loved Chad Fifer and Chris Lackey commentary and Andrew Leman's reading of the text. The spooky music in the background definitely sets the tone.

[Jackie]

Grant, absolutely, great minds and all that, LOL

Christine, lucky for me my next library book sale is scheduled for 2-4, right in time to go crazy after the month's challenge is over. I'm likely to overdo it.

I keep hearing about podcasts. How would I listen to one? Whatever info anyone can provide would be helpful.

[Christine]

I listen to them on my computer. In the case of the Lovecraft one, you have the choice to listen to on your computer or download it from their website, http://hppodcraft.com/. NPR is that way too. There are also podcasts on iTunes that you pay for and download. It just kind of depends on what you are looking for.

[Christine]

Forgot to add if you download the podcast, you can move it to your ipod and listen to it wherever.

[[deleted user]]

I really need to get some podcasts or audiobooks. Without a doubt, my worst habit is that I read while I drive. Im an rvp for an insurance company and spend alot of my time driving all over various states troubleshooting districts and on the interstate I'll often prop up my ipad on the steering wheel or even a novel which I know is ridiculously dangerous to my self and others but it's all that keeps me awake some days. Seems like audiobooks/podcasts might be the way to go

[Jackie]

Seriously unsafe. Libraries have audiobooks if you don't want to puchase them, it'd be the way to go,rather than reading while driving.

Christine, thanks for the info. I'll check it out.

[Christine]

There are lots of options for listening to books. My kindle has an option for listening to books. I have an ipod where I can download books to, the library has books on CDs. Please don't drive and read.

[Jason]

@ Christine. I'm glad you enjoyed the podcast. I agree with pretty much everything you said. Chad and Chris are awesome hosts and Andrew Leman is one of their best readers, imo. I wish there were more podcasts like this for other classic writers, like Poe or Blackwood.

@ Jackie. If you don't have an ipod and want to download podcast episodes from their respective websites, just right click on the link for the episode download and then select Save Target As. You can then save it wherever you want on your computer.

@ Grant. I couldn't agree more. You should do it. Audiobooks are great for those long road trips. Podcasts can also be very entertaining for long drives.

[Jason]

Audiobooks would be much safer, too. LOL

[Jackie]

Jason, thanks, I don't have an ipod. I'm saving your instructions and Christine's for when I'm ready.

[Jason]

No problem, Jackie. Glad to help. :)

[[deleted user]]

I've tried to lighten up on it. I had three brothers and a sister who all died at the age of 28 so my mom, wife and friends have all been overly concerned about me doing anything even remotely unsafe. I havent been allowed to parachute, kayak or hunt the entire year. Only another month and a half to go tho :)

[Christine]

I just want you to know that I went into a book store yesterday, the first time all month and I did not buy a single book. I actually showed some willpower. Hooray for me! Maybe I will be able to whittle down my TBR pile after all. I may try for another month of only reading from my TBR pile, anyone else game?

[Weenie]

Well done - I don't have such willpower, hence I don't go into bookshops any more. I'll be 3 books into my TBR pile after I've finished my current read!

[Christine]

I hope to finish my 4th book today or tomorrow. I can't believe how fast the month is going by. I usually have no willpower so I think you are smart and not going into the shops any more.

What are you reading? I'm reading Anansi Boys

[Jackie]

Excellent, Christine! I'm SO proud of you!
I want to say yes and join you but I've got the library book sale coming up on the 4th, but after that I'm game.

[Christine]

Since the library sale is more like an event and it benefits your library, you are actually doing a good deed and should be commended for adding to your TBR pile!

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*, *good karma*]

Grant wrote: "I really need to get some podcasts or audiobooks. Without a doubt, my worst habit is that I read while I drive. Im an rvp for an insurance company and spend alot of my time driving all over variou..."

Ummm, could you stop? Please? If not for your health, then for our sanity. Like your wife, mother, family and friends…we kinda like you as you are, Grant. You know – all in one piece. Let’s make a deal…YOU stop reading and driving and I’ll read A Game of Thrones. You know that’s a big concession for me. ;)

I'm sorry to hear about your siblings.

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*, *good karma*]

Christine wrote: "I just want you to know that I went into a book store yesterday, the first time all month and I did not buy a single book. I actually showed some willpower. Hooray for me! Maybe I will be able t..."

Yeah, I broke that deal about two books back. :( I promise myself I'll stop buying - as soon as I get any books for the upcoming month challenges. :) Hey! I tried by suggesting books for the Feb read that I already owned. :)

[Jason]

If it wasn't for that mammoth of a H. P. Lovecraft bio, the one with the microscopic print, I'd probably have made a bigger dent in my pile.

Thankfully, I still managed to get some books out of the way. I think I might do this again next month, when I'm finally finished with that awfully big, but fascinating bio.

[Christine]

I will be slowly reading The Best of H. P. Lovecraft: Bloodcurdling Tales of Horror and the Macabre. I decided to read one or two stories between each book I read. It will probably take me all year to read this book. This way I can savor each story as I read them.

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*, *good karma*]

I just can't do horror. I tried Christine and Carrie in high school - never could finish them. The only "horror" book I've ever finished was The Stand: Complete and Uncut.

[Jason]

Christine, maybe you just don't like Stephen King?

[Christine]

I love Stephen King, I think MrsJoseph probably doesn't. LOL

[Laura]

Believe it or not. I've actually been banned from buying books. My mum realized that I had eight unread books, which isn't a lot in my opinion, and told me I couldn't buy another book until I got to two unread books. Even my friends know about it, so I can't buy books when I'm out with them. I have to stare longingly at the book stores, only to be dragged along to the next shop! The joys of living with your mother!

I'm very close though. The books that I've chosen for my two unread, are actually books 4 and 5 of the Wheel of Time series that I got for my birthday. Trouble is, I haven't read 1, 2 or 3.
I've got the first two books in the Night Angel Trilogy, then I can started purchasing again! :)

[Rachel]

I have a *list* of books I want to read, but since I got my Kindle I've been really dedicated about only buying one at a time when I'm ready to read it. The waiting list sits as samples" in a "Shopping List" folder that I've set up.

Rachel

[Jason]

EEEEK! Wrong name. LOL

Sorry, Christine!

[Christine]

Jason wrote: "EEEEK! Wrong name. LOL

Sorry, Christine!"

No worries

[[deleted user]]

MrsJoseph wrote "Ummm, could you stop? Please? If not for your health, then for our sanity."

Already on it, my dear :) Jason told me about audible.com and I'm all over it. Only downside is how slow the novels are read but well worth it nonetheless :) Love you too, MrsJoseph ;)

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*, *good karma*]

Good to know!:)

So I can take back that whole reading A Game of Thrones thing, huh? Jason beat me to it.

Jason & audible.com - saving lives & enriching minds ;)

[Jason]

LMAO Just trying to do.

[[deleted user]]

Lol I wouldn't ask you to do anything you wouldn't enjoy.