I’m overdue for a book review post (my last one was on September 25th), but it is slow in coming. Writing a blog and reading a gazillion others really puts a crimp in my book reading. Falling asleep while reading in bed at 11:00 p.m. doesn’t help either. So please accept my answers to this month’s Literary Junkie link up as a substitute, with a promise that I will have a 2013 Year in Book Reviews post coming soon.
1. If you could write a book, what would it be about?
I have no clue. I read amazing (fiction) books and I think, “How does the author come up with such a clever/interesting/intriguing premise?” I am in awe of writers who are so creative. I keep hoping that I will wake up in the middle of the night with an unbelievable idea for a book, and then I’ll run with it. I’m still waiting…
2. If you had to read one book or trilogy for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I looked through my Goodreads shelves for help with this one. I’m going to pick an old trilogy by Suzanne Frank that was published from 1998 to 2001. The first book is Reflections in the Nile, and is the story of modern day Chloe, who travels in time back to ancient Egypt. The subsequent books (there are four, so I cheated) follow her to different historical places. The series has a little bit of everything – historical fiction, fantasy, romance, and mystery. I loved the books when I read them over a decade ago; I hope I still like them if they are the only books I can read for the rest of my life!
3. Who is your current favorite book character and why?
I love all the male main characters in Jonathan Tropper’s books. They are all flawed, real, and funny – or maybe that’s just Tropper’s genius shining through.
The book I’m reading now is Wally Lamb’s newest, We Are Water. It’s good, but it’s not drop-everything-else good, so I’m making slow progress. There are many characters in this family drama, but two of them I cannot stand. Like I want to slap them. That also makes it hard to dive into the novel; I’m not that excited about spending time with these irritating women. But I will persevere because I love all of Lamb’s other books.
4. Is there a book you read every year during the holiday season? If so, what is it and why?
Nope. I don’t typically reread books. There are so many out there that I haven’t read!
5. Do you have any books on your Christmas list? Name a few.
No again. But I have a few on my to-read list:
The Humans by Matt Haig
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
The Rooms Are Filled by Jessica Null Vealitzek
Jessica is a fellow contributor to The HerStories Project, and this is her first novel. It will be published in the spring, but it’s already on my Goodreads “to-read” shelf.
6. What is a book you read and loved that you didn’t expect to?
Unbroken. It received so much hype and accolades, but I wasn’t interested in reading the true story of one man’s amazing survival in World War II. Once the library’s huge wait list whittled down, I gave it a shot. I devoured it in one weekend – it was mesmerizing.
While we’re on the topic of books, here are two more that I highly recommend. And not just because I’m in them, although that helps.
Do you have a book you read at this time every year? I’d love a feel good book for the winter break. May you discover a great book this holiday season – happy reading!
I totally get that. I have almost lost all of my “book reading time” to blogging…or should I say “blog reading”.
It’s so hard, because I love to read and have a stack a MILE high just waiting for me to open…
If you come up with any good ideas on how to triumph over this- just let me know!!
Books on tape, maybe? I do spend a lot of time in the car, but I just can’t make the switch to audio books. I hope you find a little time to read over the holidays Chris!
I DO listen to books on tape!! I actually am not convinced it’s as good as reading them, but it’s worth something!! When I am driving all over the place carpooling, doing errands, etc- I love listening to something- of course it’s usually a Christian book. I love that during those “empty times” I can fill myself up and grow in faith. I get them at the library…
DO you think fifty shades would be as good on audio? Hmm… 😉 LOL
I am way, way behind on my reading of both blogs and books. I keep saying next week will be better but I haven’t figured out how to fit it all in! I have to admit it is a little embarrassing when someone asks what book I’m reading and I have to stutter and say….nothing right now. That’s just awful!
Just tell them whatever book is sitting on your nightstand ready to be read. They’ll never know you haven’t opened it yet!
I had to put some limits on myself when I started bringing my laptop to bed and reading posts instead of books. Now I’m up to 50 books a year. I read at night and the computer AND phone AND tv are banned from the bedroom. That’s the only I way I do it.
LOVE Tropper. I’m maybe his biggest fan. I’ll fight you for it. 😉
No fighting needed – we can share! And that’s a good idea on setting limits – I’ve read significantly less this year than last.
I’m currently reading Tom Clancy’s last novel. It is kind of bittersweet knowing he won’t be writing any more Jack Ryan thrillers. I just downloaded the sample of Reflections in the Nile, thanks for the review!
I’m curious to hear what you think – I hope my memory is serving me well and you like it. You’ll tell me if you don’t, right?
PS Did I say before how much I love the new header and tagline? No? Well, love. Truly.
Thank you – and thanks for being my sounding board!
I used to re-read books I liked, actually. I’ve been known to turn the last page and immediately start over. These days though? Um, yeah…to say that I am behind would be an understatement. Reading blogs is such fun that I forget how much I love books. The fact I haven’t heard of any on your list says something. Sigh…
Well, at least you are reading blogs…
I can’t imagine re-reading. I have so many books on my list to read!!! I loved Unbroken too and was very surprised that I did!
Have you seen any of the interviews with Louis? I looked online as soon as I finished the book – his story is fascinating!
I had no idea Wally Lamb had a new book! I would love to read it – and am up for any other good reads I can get my hands on. It’s a matter of making the time again. Thanks for sharing your picks with us.
My pleasure – I love doing book reviews. I finished Wally Lamb’s book today – it was good. One of those books that I like even more once I’m finished and have thought about it for awhile.
Reflections sounds like a great series!! Reminds me a bit of Diana Gabaldon’s books. I have a hard time re-reading books too. Mostly because I have soo many on my shelves that I still need to read. Thanks for linking up!
They are kinda like Gabaldon’s books – I read them before I read hers. Not as good, but I still enjoyed them.
Sometimes I reread books that I loved when I was younger and it feels like I’m dissecting my former self. So that and rereading kiddie lit is about it for me. More importantly, love your new header!
Thanks, Jean – I noticed you have a nice new header too!
oh goodness, i have been too busy reading blogs that i barely have time for books anymore. but i’ve become so enthralled by the hunger games movies, that i ordered the first book so that i can read the trilogy.
I’m so with you on this! I love to read and I can barely read at all now that I’m blogging. It gets put on the very end of the list, so much so that I didn’t even know Wally Lamb had a new book out!? OMG he is one of my all time favorites so I’m sorry to read you want to punch two of the characters!? She’s Come Undone was my favorite. I also read Unbroken and wow, just wow! I real have to MAKE the time to read since my list is now one book longer. UGH!
I love Wally Lamb’s books too! Haven’t read his newest yet.
http://ilikebigbooksblog.wordpress.com/2013/12/17/literary-junkies-12/
I just finished it this morning, Jen. It was good, but not my favorite of his. Definitely worth reading though.
I think I’m in the minority. I do re-read books. Not every book, but some of them. I’ve read Glass Castles several times. I could go through our bookcase and find a bunch that I’ve re-read, but that one was the first one that came to mind. I have a stack of books on my nightstand! I’m planning on doing some reading over Christmas break.
Love Glass Castle – that’s one I could re-read. Hope you can read a few new ones over the break, Michelle!
I do not have a book that I read every season. I didn’t read at all during NaNoWriMo, and I’ve been making up for lost time! In the past couple of weeks, I’ve read #20 in the Stephanie Plum series, Allegiant from the Divergent series, and a couple filler books. Now, I’m working on the latest in the Spellman series. Huh. I guess I’m a sucker for a book series. lol.
I love series too, Tamara. I just read Allegiant also – hated the ending at first, but as time passed I appreciated it more.
I don’t re-read books either. I have considered re-reading a few of the essays in David Sedaris’ Holidays on Ice every year, but I’ve never done it.
I want the Gaiman book, too! And I didn’t know Jess was publishing a novel. Definitely gonna read that one!
It looks good – can’t wait! I tried one of Gaiman’s books before and couldn’t get into it, but I’m willing to give another one a try.
I might add, blogging is putting a cramp in my everything. 🙁 I applaud you for taking on the new Wally Lamb- I’m not sure if I have it in me. I nearly didn’t make it through his last one. And thanks for the reminder to look for Jessica V’s book!
You’re welcome – I marked it on my Goodreads so I’ll get a notice when it’s published. Wally Lamb’s books are definitely an investment in time – I’m almost done the book but it’s taken me over two weeks. That’s a long time for me!
I loved Unbroken, too. I’ve never read anything by Jonathan Tropper, I’ll have to check him out. Which is your favorite?
They are all good, but This is Where I Leave You and The Book of Joe are my favorites. Fast reads, and if you like one you will like them all.
I just read We Are Water and I’m trying to imagine who in the book you want to slap. There are a few characters – male and female – that could use it.
I was on about page 100 when I wrote this. Annie and Viveca annoyed me. I’m almost done now, and they annoy me a little bit less now that I know Annie’s history. And Kent just disgusted me.
I’m going to add Reflections in the Nile to my reading list. If you’d read it over and over again the rest of your life, it must be good!
Keep in mind that’s it’s been a decade since I read it – I may have become more discerning since then. But if you read it, let me know what you think – even if it sucks.
I’m woefully behind on my reading list. I’m hoping to curl up with my Kindle over the holidays and catch up. When I travel for work, I take advantage of the flight and hotel time to devour as many books as I can. I rarely re-read books, but I have read Something Borrowed and Something Blue (total chick lit) by Emily Giffin more than once. I’ve also re-read my favorite entries in The Mother of All Meltdowns multiple times!
I’ve never read Emily Griffin; I’m not a huge chick lit fan. Maybe for the beach though. And yes, MOAM is a one to reread, for sure!
I rarely reread books. However the one series that always calls me back is the Diana Galbadon Outlander series. I haven’t read the last few but I love the early ones.
My new favourite book that I am recommending to everyone as a must read is The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. Funny, witty, quirky.
I LOVE the Outlander series – read them all twice. That is the only series I’ve read more than once. You have to read all of them, Kelly! Her next one comes out in 2014; I’ve already preordered it on Amazon. I’ll have to check out The Rosie Project – thanks for the recommendation!
I’m like you – I never re-read books (unless it is one that I forgot I had read until I start reading it and then feel the need to finish it – this happens more and more these days!).
And, my list on my Nook is long and getting longer because I’m like you – less and less time to read!!!
I hope you get some time over the holidays, Kim. Just make sure it’s a book you haven’t already read! 😉
I’m also not a re-reader (there are just too many books out there!), and I totally feel you on #1. I always hope I’ll dream a great story one night and then remember enough when I wake up to write it down and – BAM! – become a bestselling author. Now THAT is a dream haha.
Tell me about it – I’m not holding my breath! I’m just happy if I remember a good dream I was having when I wake up.
1. I love the title of this post. 2. I love you answer to #1! I’ve often felt the same way.
~Ashley @ A Cute Angle
http://acutelifestyle.blogspot.com
Last day for my giveaway!
Thanks, Ashley!
I generally don’t reread books either. And I often read fiction and wonder how the heck they do it. Seriously? Who comes up with that stuff? I guess I’m forever going to be a creative non-fiction writer. And proud of it.
Me too, Tamara! I love writing, but only when I’m putting a creative spin on my real life experiences. I don’t think I have it in me to create a world from scratch. I’m in awe of those who can!
So am I – that’s a talent I wish I had!
As you should be, Tamara. I enjoy writing from prompts, and I think it’s because then I don’t have to come up with the idea. I’m less of an idea gal and more of a “let’s get it done” gal.
That last graphic totally made me giggle! I love all of Jonathan Tropper’s male characters, too. I am not a big re-reader either, although I think I might re-read The Hunger Games trilogy this holiday break. :)-Ashley
That may be cool to reread now that the movies are out – I’m hoping to see the second one with my kids over the break.
“Mother of All Meltdowns” is on my holiday reading list. If only I could catch up on Sports Illustrated long enough. Another book I tend to rediscover over and over – regardless of season – is “Sun Also Rises,” by Ernest Hemingway. It reads differently each time I pick it up, depending on my station in life, I suppose.
I’ve never been a Hemingway fan, although I’ve read a few historical fiction books about his life – he was a fascinating guy. And my husband has a stack of Men’s Health magazines almost as tall as his nightstand – he’ll never catch up!
I don’t re-read books wither. I am so lucky to get to read now, so seriously no time to re-read the,m, but then again even when I did have the time I didn’t re-read books. Not sure why just not my thing I suppose. And by the way, I love the new blog design. Look beautiful!! 🙂
Thanks, Janine – I’m really happy with it. Going to spend some time over the winter break customizing some things here and there; being a perfectionist is tough!
I’m with you in that I never reread books. And I also have a rediculius number waiting on my kindle/nightstand for me! Two of them are the ones you are in, although I have read bits of both of those amazing books. Since I’ve been blogging I don’t think I’ve read a single book! Yikes! But I’ve also had a lot on my plate with other writerly things. I miss it though. Maybe over the winter break I’ll sink my teeth into one or two.
That’s what I’m hoping to do too, Beth. Good luck with that!
Yay! I’m the first commenter! Ok onto what I was going to say (hehe). Your book is definitely on my “to-read” list. I should be able to in these last weeks of December since my blog hop doesn’t resume until the new year and I plan on not posting so many blog posts every week for these final weeks. You make the books you read sound so interesting! I honestly don’t see how I could fit in the time. I feel like I don’t have a dull moment. There is always something that needs to be done! lol
I’m not seeing much free time in your future, Brittnei, unless you can get two kids to nap at the same time! Hope you have some down time over the holidays to relax and snuggle up with a good book.