Trying Again

What a year!  I'm sometimes angry, sometimes having a pity party, but mostly I'm just...me, but not the me that used to be me, which makes no sense if you haven't been where I am.  They say it gets better with time and I guess it does (but not really sometimes).  I've been reading the Darkover series by Marion Zimmer Bradley and it's wonderful.  Even though I am struggling financially, I am buying the next and next and next book used off Ebay.  I can't seem to get enough.  They are magical and full of love and loss and disappointments.  And I get them.  And, best of all, they get me.

Taking a Break

I just can't read these days.  I've been on the same book for over 4 weeks.  I'm taking down my challenges.  I'll probably be using this blog now and again for my thoughts.  Maybe a comment on a book I especially enjoyed....assuming I ever finish one!

Life has a way of throwing curve balls.  My fiance has been quite ill for several months and I lost him to a heart attack over Thanksgiving weekend.  I just am worn out and worn down.  I don't even care right now if I read or if I don't.  And I'm giving myself a break -- all these unfinished challenges eat at me and I just don't need that right now.

I know things will get easier and better with time.  Meanwhile, I'm signing out for a bit.

New URL

Way back in 2010, I had no idea whether or not I'd love blogging...or still be doing it six years later.  And, really, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing.  I'm not sure I know what I'm doing any more now than I did then, but...

  Lately, I've disliked my old URL, especially because one of the challenges I am in has me listed as 'Julie's Reading Room'....which I just don't like any more.  I couldn't have just readinglife but I got jreadinglife which is close enough for me.

~Reading Life~

Hopefully, the followers I have can still find me!!

Farewell to Deathlands

I have read 115 books from the Deathlands series.  It all began about 14 years ago when I found 6 or so books with vivid cover artwork and promising synopses at a Friends of the Library book sale.  Thus began a search to find the books that came before and after those few books I was lucky enough to stumble across.  Little did I know I would be reading and loving them so many years later.  But, sometimes you luck out like that.

Set in the Deathlands, which used to be known as America, about 100 years after a world-wide nuclear holocaust, these books have everything:  mutations, almost non-existent civilization, violence, and mysterious technology left over from before the nukes fell.  In the Deathlands, you can trade bullets for just about anything.

I found out today that the last novel in this series was published in November of this year.  The. Last. One. Ever.  I have 8 Deathlands books on my TBR.  3 more, including the last one, I haven't gotten yet.  And then, there are no more.

I will miss Ryan, J.B., Jak, Doc, Krysty and Mildred more than I can begin to tell you.  I've spent countless hours being thrilled by their stories and growing attached to them as characters.  I've laughed, cried, been grossed out and been scared silly.  I've loved them.

I've often called this series 'my secret vice' because, I'm ashamed now to admit, I didn't think most people would consider these stories 'quality' literature.  After all, they were serial Sci-Fi and might not be considered 'serious works'.  I was wrong to care what some book snob might think.  The truth is that my life will be less interesting once they are gone from it.

So, as my farewell, I share here the definitive website for all things related to this series and a cover artwork that I really loved (although there were many others I loved, too).  I've never tried the Outlanders series, published by the same publishing house, Gold Eagle, and written by some of the same authors who contributed to this series.  I guess now I'll have to....I just wish I didn't have to..

jamesaxler.com

All About My TBR

I found this list of questions at The Wormhole and thought it looked like fun.  It's actually a good way to finish out the year.

How do you keep track of your TBR pile?
I use the Book Collectorz software and have for years.  It's easy to use, easy to update and syncs flawlessly between my computer, my tablet and my phone.  I also use it to keep track of the books I've read and the books I want to read  (http://www.collectorz.com)

Is your TBR mostly print or e-book?
I rarely read an e-book.  I love 'real' books too much.

How do you determine which books from your TBR to read next?
My TBR is around 70% Science Fiction or Fantasy.  So, choosing all depends on my mood.  I decide what to read next by what sounds good at the time.  Or what will help me with one of my challenges!

A book that has been on my TBR the longest?
The Merlin Effect by T.A. Barron has been on my TBR since November of 2007.  At first it was because I wanted to get the other two books that went with it.  Now, I just keep finding other books I'd rather read.  I wish I didn't have to admit there are probably a dozen books from 2007 on my TBR.

A book you recently added to your TBR?
Polestar Omega by James Axler.  The Deathlands series is one of my secret vices and I'm always watching out for new ones I haven't read yet.

A book on your TBR strictly because of its beautiful cover?
None.  There are some that I was initially attracted to because of the cover.  But I read the synopsis too.  Unless there are dragons on the cover.  Then, all bets are off.

A book on your TBR that you never plan on reading?
Never say never, but I'm not sure I'll ever get around to Gone With the Wind or its sequel Scarlett.  I got them at a thrift store and felt like for the great price, I should at least give them a try.  Gone With the Wind being a classic and all that.  But they are going to be a huge investment of time.

An unpublished book on your TBR that you’re excited for?
I'm not sure I understand the question.  I have dozens of books I *want* for my TBR that aren't published yet....In fact, I have just over 300 books on my 'Wish List', mostly published, some not.  I try very hard not to look at that list too often since my shelves are already over-full.

A book on your TBR that everyone recommends to you?
Since most of my friends read romance or cozies, I get very few recommendations that I'd actually read.  The last book I read that was recommended to me was The Passage by Justin Cronin.  The librarian in a nearby town recommended it.  She was right.

A book on your TBR that everyone has read but you?
Wow, I doubt there are very many.  Maybe one of the ones by Jodi Picoult?  Or War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells if we're talking Science Fiction lovers.

A book on your TBR that you’re dying to read?
Someplace to be Flying by Charles de Lint, but it'll have to wait a little while longer.

How many books are on your TBR shelf?
271.  Add in the 31 that I've read already but want, someday, to read again and you'll understand why I am not getting any new books if I can help it!

Brand New Look!

I spent far too much time today, trying to find a template that I loved.  And I found several at Nymphont.  It was hard to decide, but I went with this one.  It was easy to install and with a few minor adjustments, I'm just loving my blog!

A New Reality

I gave my blog a make-over this weekend. I like the new, calm colors. I changed the name.  And I put back my name, instead of just my first initial.  After all this time, I think it's time to stop hiding from my ex-husband.

I realize how lucky I've been this year. I'm so close to finishing all my challenges for the first time since 2011. What a difference just over 4 years can make, if you just give it time.

I was re-reading some of my posts from back then and feel blessed today. My post from February 1, 2012 very nearly broke my heart. I'd almost forgotten how rough things were back then.  It's taken until this year to finally be myself again.

This year has made all the difference in so many ways.

Reality Check

Well, it's almost 2/3 of the way through the year and I'm a little less than half-way to my total reading goal.  I think it's safe to say that, once again, I'll read fewer books than I did last year.  I wish I knew how to go back to reading like I did, but my life has changed so much since then.  I'm just going to keep reading and keep loving reading and hope one day I have more time to pursue my obsession.  Meanwhile, at least I've found my passion again.

Quote for the Day

"It's awful being a grown up, but the carousel never stops turning.  You can't get off."  -- Dr. Ellis Grey, Grey's Anatomy

I've decided my New Year's resolution.  I have ignored my love of reading.  I have let books lie dormant on my shelves.  I have stopped reviewing and stopped doing any challenges other than my own (which I mostly just ignore anyhow).  Looking back, at the start of my blog, I had passion.  My resolution is to re-find that passion and use it.  Reviewing, challenging myself, and most of all reading!

A Thousand Splendid Suns

One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs,
Or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls.
                                     -----Saeb-e-Tabrizi
                                           (translated by Dr. Josephine Davis)


What a beautiful book.  Just really made me think how blessed I am.

Trying again....

It's been 7 months since I did any reviews.  Life has thrown me quite a few curve balls the last couple of years, but I'm going to try again.....starting now.  I've read so many great books that I didn't review, but they're water under the bridge now.

March 2012

I won't say much except to say that I won't be doing the monthly posts, at least not for a while.  Keeping up with reading and posting my thoughts on the books is enough.  All the other information that I managed to put in my 'End of Month' posts is available on the blog in other places already.

January 2012

I sure wish I was reading like I used to. On June 18, 2011, my 15-year marriage ended through no decision of mine.  I've lost a home, a life, a husband, and a life-style that I had grown used to throughout most of my adult life.  I really can't blame myself for the side effects it has had, but it's funny how life changes create ripples in even areas that seem unrelated.  I'm doing pretty well, all things considered, but my life-time love affair with reading has suffered immeasurably.

 I only read 5 books, for a total of 1789 pages this month. That is really awful, and it's been going on for months! Maybe I need to stop taking on challenges if I can't do better than this!!

1.  The Veil by Diane Noble  (6.5/10)
2.  House Rules by Jodi Picoult  (8.5/10)
3.  The Mocking Program by Alan Dean Foster (7.5/10)
4.  Dark Places by Gillian Flynn (8/10)
5.  The X-Files: Ruins by Kevin J. Anderson (8/10)


I read one Historical Fiction, one Fiction, two Science Fiction, and one Thriller.  Hands down, my favorite book is obvious.


Favorite book of the month:  House Rules by Jodi Picoult

Reminder to Self

Next year, I will join more of the blog challenges.  I've enjoyed reading the reviews and added a number of books to my list of books to get when I have fewer on hand.  I'll be both more and less choosy about the challenges.

I'd forgotten how much I actually do read and could have done with another couple of challenges to spread the wealth.  But, hopefully I won't join any that are left unattended like one of the ones I've joined this year.  It's been quite a disappointment.

I'll be trying to find more blogs to follow in the coming months, so I can see which challenges others are joining.  That seems the best way:  choose ones that others who have similar interests and who I've come to 'know' choose.

Border's Bookstore

The Border's bookstore near my house is closing, along with many other branches.  I went down yesterday since they sent me an email saying they were having an 'Everything Must Go' sale.  I ended up with 5 new books.  Not satisfied with breaking my vow not to get any new books, I also went to the library and picked up 3 books off their freebie rack.  So, when I came home I removed a few books I really don't think I'll ever read from my shelves.  I am also expecting several books from my Wish List at PaperbackSwap.  So, my To Be Read Pile is about to get larger instead of smaller....just in time for the end of the month.  Fortunately, since I had such a rocky start at the first of the year and ended up removing a bunch of books I didn't like from my list, I will still be making headway for the year.

Ah, well, I guess there's really no such thing as too many good books.

For Theo

A good friend of mine died last night.  He was 57 and had a heart attack.  He was an avid reader and an incredible musician.  He introduced me to Harlan Ellison and Tom Robbins.  I introduced him to Stephen King and John Grisham.  We were complete opposites, but he was one of my best friends.  He'll be sorely missed.

So, in remembrance, I'm suggesting to anybody who will listen -- read some Harlan Ellison and Tom Robbins.  I can personally recommend these fine books:

                           
Paingod and Other Delusions 
by Harlan Ellison

Jitterbug Perfume
by Tom Robbins








Both of these authors write incredible, abstract, wild stories.  Ellison has a great sense of humor if you look for it.  Robbins is just plain odd, but in a really good way.

               

Learning the way around

Well, I think I've finally figured out my way around here.  I've changed the look of the blog.  I've added all my 2011 Reading Challenges to the right side.  They'll be updated as needed to reflect my progress.  I feel ready.  Hopefully I'll be able to at least make a good sized dent in the pile of books I've got around here....we'll see.

Tonight, I'm reading Fatal Revenant by Stephen R. Donaldson.  The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant are my very, very favorite books of all time in the fantasy genre.  I revisit them from time to time.  Mr. Donaldson just put out the latest book in this series, Against All Things Ending.  I understand the final book in the series (finally, after only 20+ years of waiting!) will come out in 2013.  I will certainly be re-reading these books then, all of them, just to get the whole story at one time.

I think I'll be adding a Quotes section either tonight or this weekend with a selection of my favorite quotes from various books I've read.  If anybody is reading this and wants to send in a good quote, just send the quote, the title of the book, and the author.  I'll put it on the list if I agree it's a good one.