Let's Chat! - Never Delete!

[Johanna]

My absolute favourite of the month, and of the year!

[Lisa]

My favorite read of August was Before They Are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie. It's an action packed sequel to Abercrombie's first book. My least favorite was/is (I'm still muddling through it) Cathedral of the Sea. I just don't care about any of the characters. I hate not finishing a book, but I may put this one aside for something more entertaining.

[Sharon]

My favorite read for August was

My lowest rated book for August was

[Nathaly]

My favorite read for this month was The Knife of Never Letting Go.

I'm not sure of a least favorite since i like the rest equally.

[Toni]

My favorite was The Princess Bride and my least favorite was Blind Man with a Pistol.

[Kara]

Yay! I'm glad you liked The Princess Bride. It's definitely one of my favorites.

[Lilac]

My favourite was Black Dawn and my least favourite was Nevermore. Not because it was a bad book (it was a fun read) but because it was the last in a series I've been reading since I was in primary school and loads of stuff was just left hanging. I think James Patterson just let he co-writers write the whole thing because he just couldn't be bothered anymore :'(

[Nathaly]

:/ Have to go back to work tomorrow... bummer..

[Kelsi]

Who has a test the day after Labor day and only two weeks in? Apparently one of my professor's thought tomorrow was the best day ever. Grrrr.

[Kara]

Awww, good luck, Kelsi!

I'm a little nervous about starting regular classes today for my MS program. I'm really curious to see how this going-to-school-while-working-full-time thing goes. I hope it doesn't cut too much into my reading/GR time!

[Kelsi]

Good luck! I always make time to read before bed, so sometimes that's all I get. Put studies first. Sometimes I get to sucked into a book and kick myself for it later.

[Barb]

I had two books in August that I rated 9/10 on my personal log: Off the Grid, the latest in one of my favorite series, and Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII, which I liked a lot more than I thought I would.

Least favorites for August would have to include A Woman in Jerusalem and my re-read of The Maltese Falcon. I really liked Maltese Falcon the fist time I read it, several years ago, but it just didn't click this time around.

[Nathan]

Speaking of school, I start my two online classes next week. I'm upgrading high school (because I was one of those seniors who thinks its cool to slack in grade 12, boy was I wrong!) and then I'll be well on my way to university next September. ;)

How did your test go, Kelsi?

That memoir sounds very interesting Barb, I might have to check that out. :)

[Nathaly]

Trevor wrote: "Speaking of school, I start my two online classes next week. I'm upgrading high school (because I was one of those seniors who thinks its cool to slack in grade 12, boy was I wrong!) and then I'll ..."

Whah! Trevor! I don't imagine you as a slacker. But same thing happened to me my senior year. I still got good grades but didn't put much effort into anything.

[Kelsi]

Trevor wrote: "Speaking of school, I start my two online classes next week. I'm upgrading high school (because I was one of those seniors who thinks its cool to slack in grade 12, boy was I wrong!) and then I'll ..."

Good I think! It was fill-in-the-blank. My first test like that since high school. Trevor, I'm also taking two online classes and three real classes. Stay on top of it. It's so easy to read and put them off! Not that I know from experience or anything...

Side note: has anyone seen the new Kindle's? I'm trying so hard not to impulse buy right now. I have the original keyboard Kindle. It works like a charm and I DO NOT NEED A NEW ONE. But Paperwhite is SOOOCOOOL! Instead of spending $139, I indulged in Lord of the Rings on Kindle and the Hobbit. Next major Kindle indulgence will be the Harry Potter series.

P.S. I'm super obsessed with my Kindle.

[Barb]

Trevor wrote: "That memoir sounds very interesting Barb, I might have to check that out. :) "

It was better than I'd expected it to be, Trevor. Of course, there were a lot of military- and war-related stories in it, but there was also a lot about Navajo culture and traditions, which I really enjoyed.

[Nathan]

haha, Nathaly, yes it's true! I blame my slacker friends. :P

Kelsi, I don't have a Kindle but I know exactly what you mean! My Kobo is like my best friend and they just came out with new ones I'm drooling over. But, I just got mine a year ago so I can't let myself buy a new one! I can't...
As for online classes, I'm expecting a lessened reading schedule for the next few months. Online classes take dedication, so I've heard, and I'm determined that schoolwork will come before reading (or watching TV, or playing Minecraft... so many distractions). lol. ;)

[Lisa]

Kelsi wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Speaking of school, I start my two online classes next week. I'm upgrading high school (because I was one of those seniors who thinks its cool to slack in grade 12, boy was I wrong!)..."

Way to use your will power and abstain from the new Kindle! ;) I really want to reread the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Hobbit. I read them so long ago that they're due for a reread, especially before the new Hobbit movie comes out this year.

[Lisa]

I've been attempting to "behave" and get some housework done before reading today. As I was mowing the lawn I ran over a snake. Boy that really freaked me out! Thankfully it was able to get away and I did't have an ugly mess to clean up. Whew!

[Kara]

Even I'm lusting after the new Kindle a bit, and I'm 100% a Nook girl. I'm impressed with your willpower, Kelsi. I upgraded to the Nook Touch with Glowlight basically as soon as it came out.

What about everyone else? Ereaders or physical books? Nook, Kindle, Kobo, or something else entirely?

[Ashley]

I like both. At the moment, I read a Kindle book then switch to a physical book. I can't totally give up physical books, but totally love my Kindle.

[Barb]

I have a Nook (simple touch), but I much prefer print books, and I probably always will. I'm making better use of my Nook lately -- it has become my 'bathroom book' LOL -- but it's my print book that goes with me to work, to appointments, and anywhere else that I may find myself with time to kill while I wait.

I also use the Kindle for PC and Kobo PC apps for the handful of books that are only available in one specific format. And because I belong to NetGalley, I use Adobe Digital Editions as well. Yes, I know I can transfer all of those to my Nook, but it works better for my strange mind to keep them separate :)

[Johanna]

I have a kindle keyboard <3 and also still buy a lot of paper backs, always paperbacks!

[Lilac]

I prefer physical books but I think it really depends on the book. I'll read newer books that I'm likely to only read once on an ereader/laptop but I'll only read classics and favourites if they're on paper. The idea of reading a book published 100+ years ago using new technology just seems mad to me!

[Kelsi]

I really like the idea of Kindle Paperwhite, so maybe for Christmas I'll give my mom my old one and upgrade. She "borrows" (takes it and doesn't give it back) my Kindle whenever I come home anyways! It's such a great idea.

But--I'm about 50/50 between physical and e-books. My library has an e-book check out system and I love the convenience of just going online to check out books. I'm also equally as in love with my Half-Price Books store that I can't help but buy physical books all the time.

[Nathan]

Physical books definitely triumph in my opinion.

Like Kelsi, though, if I'm taking a library book out, I check for the ebook first. They are easier to handle than physical library books. It's much more convenient, and they return themselves on time. So handy!

It's funny you should say that you read classics on paper, Lilac. My Kobo came with a bunch of free classics already downloaded so I refuse to buy them on the principal that I can read them on my Kobo if I ever want to! Interesting.

[Toni]

I have an keyboard Kindle...but lately I have been reading a lot more physical books. I find myself buying used books more and more. I use the Kindle more when I travel.

[Angel / YA rules!/]

hey, if you're looking for other groups to read with to help you with your reading challenge you can check this out... http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/7...

[Kara]

It's funny--I was VERY against ereaders when they first came out. I love my physical books. I love holding them, I love they way they smell, I love having a lot of books around me at all times. I was worried about what they'd do to bookstores and libraries.

I only caved because I travel a lot for work and carrying five books in a suitcase just isn't practical (especially when you otherwise travel ridiculously lightly with no check-ins and a mini carry-on). And I found myself loving it. I started with the Nook Color, and then I absolutely had to have the Nook Touch with Glowlight when it was released. I love mine.

I still love bookstores and physical books (to the point where I usually have two copies of books I really like: one physical and one ebook version), but I can't imagine life without my Nook now.

[Nathan]

Kara wrote: "I still love bookstores and physical books (to the point where I usually have two copies of books I really like: one physical and one ebook version)..."

I'm so glad other people do that too!! I always feel guilty buying it twice but if I read the book as an ebook and it sticks with me, I want to buy the physical copy too! haha.

[Angel / YA rules!/]

Kara wrote: "It's funny--I was VERY against ereaders when they first came out. I love my physical books. I love holding them, I love they way they smell, I love having a lot of books around me at all times. I w..."

likewise, i love physical books... but, after paying excess luggage for several years, i had to buy an e-reader... now, i can't leave the house without it... i read standing in line, waiting for a friend, having my meal... =)

[Nathan]

Angel / YA rules!/ wrote: "likewise, i love physical books... but, after paying excess luggage for several years, i had to buy an e-reader... now, i can't leave the house without it... i read standing in line, waiting for a friend, having my meal... =) "

Angel, I love reading while eating! It's so great. I can't believe all the time I've wasted eating meals and not reading!

[Kara]

I have a super hard time reading while eating! I travel for business quite a lot, so this means eating alone a lot, and I always bring my Nook. I read all the way up to when the food arrives, then I'll put the Nook down to eat and look around awkwardly and hope no one thinks I'm a weirdo for being alone in a restaurant.

[Angel / YA rules!/]

Trevor: I know, right? =)it's a revelation. i don't care what else is happening around me.

Kara: whenever i eat alone, i prop up my kindle, put in my earphones and eat while reading... =) what's your case for your nook? Mine is faux leather that opens up so i can easily bend the cover all the way to the back then prop it up like a stand... =)

[[deleted user]]

Kara wrote: "I have a super hard time reading while eating! I travel for business quite a lot, so this means eating alone a lot, and I always bring my Nook. I read all the way up to when the food arrives, then ..."

I have no choice but to eat alone in restaurants if I want to eat out, as I have nobody left in this world. I'm totally alone. Mom & Dad both died in 2007, I have no brothers/sisters, I'm single, there is no family close by, and I don't have any close friends. I do eat out by myself and never once did it cross my mind that someone might think it was weird that there was nobody with me. Maybe I'm just a weirdo and never knew it, which would make me stupid too, right???

[Kara]

Aww, no, I don't think it's you at all. I think I'm the one being the weirdo and overly self-conscious. I don't eat out a lot, so it's weird for me to do it alone in new cities.

And I'm so sorry, Elizabeth! Have you tried meetup.com? I keep meaning to find groups to join but haven't yet, but I hear it's a really great way to meet people with similar interests in your area. They probably even have a book club. :)

[Lisa]

Elizabeth wrote: "Kara wrote: "I have a super hard time reading while eating! I travel for business quite a lot, so this means eating alone a lot, and I always bring my Nook. I read all the way up to when the food a..."

Hi Elizabeth,

I'm sorry to hear that you lost both of your parents in the same year. I can't imagine having to deal with such tragedy all at once like that!

[Lisa]

I'm a bit anxious today as my son is at his second medical school interview. He has another one tomorrow too. It's such a stressful process. I can't wait for it to be over - successfully! ;)

[Kelsi]

Lisa wrote: "I'm a bit anxious today as my son is at his second medical school interview. He has another one tomorrow too. It's such a stressful process. I can't wait for it to be over - successfully! ;)"

He'll be fine! He made it that far. Last year my boyfriend went through the same process. I was just as stressed out as he was! He got it and is already talking about all the cool things in his anatomy labs. Ugh. Good luck to your son!

[Lisa]

Kelsi wrote: "Lisa wrote: "I'm a bit anxious today as my son is at his second medical school interview. He has another one tomorrow too. It's such a stressful process. I can't wait for it to be over - success..."

Thanks Kelsi! My daughter went through it last year, and now my son is going through the process this year. I'm only anxious because I'm hoping he can gain acceptance this year and not have to repeat the process again. Twice in a row "for me" is enough! ;)

My son is actually interviewing at my daughter's medical school today. I think it would be great if they could go to the same school - and consolidate my places to visit for a couple of years. Selfish, huh? Ha ha... I'll be happy wherever he ends up. It will be a great sense of satisfaction when his goal of gaining acceptance has been achieved.

What school is your boyfriend attending? Did you have to relocate? If so, how have you been adjusting to the change?

[Kelsi]

That's so convenient for you that they are in the same town. My boyfriend is attending Des Moines University, it's a smaller medical school and he is studying Physical Therapy. DMU is much more based on practice and less on research, which is why he loves it. They also have a great neurological rehab program, which is what he is interested in although I think he would be better off working with children because he is so high strung!

I'm still a senior in my undergrad institution and am about an hour away from home (Des Moines). I'm currently going through the law school application process and would like to get into Drake--about a mile away from my boyfriend's school and very close to home. If I get in, I can live at home and save money. Let me tell you, my mom is thrilled :) I'm equally torn to UofIowa Law but it's about two hours away which isn't terribly long distance at all. Adjusting wise, it's been fine because we are both so busy with school work. I'm visiting Drake tomorrow, so I get to go home and get an official tour of his med school! So excited!

[Lisa]

Kelsi wrote: "That's so convenient for you that they are in the same town. My boyfriend is attending Des Moines University, it's a smaller medical school and he is studying Physical Therapy. DMU is much more b..."

That's great that your boyfriend found a school that's such a great fit for him, and close to home too. Have fun visiting him this weekend and getting the official tour. Good luck to you also on your law school application/interview process! It sounds like either school you're looking into should keep your mom and boyfriend both happy since they are both close to home. :) You're smart to consider staying at home as long as possible to save money. Saving money = less stress.

I live in Utah. I have one daughter moving to Japan this year, my "med student" daughter is in MD and who knows where my son will wind up. It's looking more likely than not that he'll be back east too. He has nine interviews so far, and seven of them are back east (VA, WV, 2 in NY, MD, DC, and PA). We only have one medical school in UT, and he's ready for a change of scenery, so I'm guessing I'll have three kids living in three different areas. I'm excited for all of them to get out and experience life, but it's a big adjustment for all three of them to move away within a year of each other. ;)

[Kelsi]

I'm pretty sure I'll be attending Drake. I visited today and it just felt right. Now, I just have to get accepted! It's also the most cost effective option, even without living at home.

That is crazy how many interviews he has had! That seems so stressful! Think of all the great vacations you can go on now and you get to visit your kids! The nice thing about law school is not having to interview, but the downside is you have to look REALLY good on paper. I don't know which one I would prefer more though.

How did your son's medical school interview go?

[Lisa]

Kelsi wrote: "I'm pretty sure I'll be attending Drake. I visited today and it just felt right. Now, I just have to get accepted! It's also the most cost effective option, even without living at home.

That i..."

Good luck to you at Drake! I didn't realize that you don't have to interview for law school. When are the applications due? How big of an applicant pool do you typically have to compete in for how many seats? I'm sure you'll do GREAT! :)

My son has completed 3 interviews so far, and has 6 more scheduled. It's very difficult for him to keep up in his classes, especially Biochem Lab since he's missing so much school due to travel. So far so good though. He feels very positive about the first three interviews. In fact, he had a panel interview yesterday and said that before it was over the main admissions committee member on the panel stood up, shook his hand and told him that he's going to be accepted there. My daughter was never told that outright in any of her interviews, so I guess he blew them away. What a relief! He still has 6 more scheduled, but if he gets a couple of acceptances when they roll out on October 15th, then he'll cancel the last two interviews. Hopefully the pressure will be off soon.

[Kelsi]

Wow, that's such a great confidence booster! I can only imagine how hard it is for him to miss school, the prof's never ever slow down. When he gets in though, it will be all worth it!

For law school, it's pretty typical--LSAT, GPA and Personal Statement are the three main items for consideration. Then recommendations. I'm feeling pretty confident on everything but the LSAT, because when I met with the Drake Admissions counselor he told me that if I can raise my score by two points, I'm looking at much more scholarship money. I've heard that on test day it is typical to raise your score, but I want to take it once and be done with it, so I'm pretty stressed out. I take it October 6th and would love to have my applications in by Thanksgiving break. My birthday is right before Christmas, so if I heard by then I would be ecstatic! The pressure is definitely the worst part.

[Kelsi]

Also--has anyone ever participated in a readathon?

http://24hourreadathon.com/

I think it's a great idea, but I know I can't commit 24 hours to this year readathon. Just thought I would share with fellow book lovers :)

[Lisa]

Kelsi ~ Oct 6th is my birthday. I'll be sending my birthday wishes your way for an outstanding performance on the LSAT. ;) All of the test/application stress will be over before you know it. And, yes, receiving an acceptance before Christmas would be the BEST birthday and Christmas gift combined! Best of luck to you!

[Kara]

Hello from 20,000 feet! (I <3 in-flight wifi.)

Kelsi, don't worry! I raised my score by, like, 10% from my practice test. You just get in the zone on the day of--I'm sure you'll get there. :)

Question to the group: What's everyone currently reading?

[Johanna]

the very last pages left, will finish in the bus in the morning and then am going to finish
on friday/saturday. And then I will be faced with the hard question, what next?

I think I will have to do something different next. I have a review book that is a little late called Flicker but it will probably have to wait just a little longer.

[Toni]

I have about 60 pages left in The Dead of Winter by Rennie Airth. It is the last in a series of mysteries. Have really enjoyed them..

Still debating what my next book will be. Should I do another one for the I Spy challenge or start on the other series I want to finish by year end? Decisions, decisions!