January Reading Round-Up

We are already at the end of January – and time to share what I have been reading this past month. The total read for January was 37 with the following breakdown:

Fantasy – 3
SciFi – 1
Paranormal -2
Romance – 7
Historical romance – 1
Women’s Fiction – 6
Classics – 1
Non-Fiction – 2
Picture Books – 13
YA – 1

I decided this year to record in more detail where the books originated – from the library, on my TBR shelves, an e-book, bought /gifted or a charity read (Bought from a charity store). Here’s the breakdown
Library reads – 20
TBR books – 4
e-books – 10
Charity reads -3 (Thus $6 donated to Goodwill)

I have signed on for quite a few challenges and have found several that overlap. Instead of listing all of them, I will post under a page on my other blog that links to all the challenges (check here).
I had planned as well to do a separate post for my Jane Austen Reading Challenge, but for now, I will post it here:

This month I started with Pride and Prejudice and I must admit, I once again struggled with reading it.  I started and stopped numerous times. In fact, I left it until the end of the month to finally finish it!
But I must admit that once I got into it, the language that had been off-putting at first, was actually became more accessible. I am glad I read it and it has actually sparked an idea for a book I’d like to write.
Next month I am going to read novels inspired by Pride and Prejudice as well as Mansfield Park.

 

Here are the books read for my favourite challenges:
Popsugar Ultimate Reading Challenge (Through Goodreads)
8. About a hobby – The Great Christmas Knit Off by Alexandra Brown
19. From multiple character POVs – My Forever Home by Debbie Burns
21. by 2 female authors – Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
25. Debut Novel – Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
28. Recommended by celeb. – Erotic Stories for Punjabi Women by Balli Kaur Jaswal
33. Zodiac/astrology term – Why Stars Chase the Sun by C. R. Ellis
35. Same letters for 1st & last names – The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson
37. Two Word Title – Love Letters by Katie Fforde
40. Fav. Past prompt – book about food – The Lost Recipe for Happiness by Barbara O’Neal

52 Books in 52 Weeks
9. Character with career I wish I had (writer) – Some Lucky Woman by Carmen De Sousa
14. Ugly cover – Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
15. Teen as main character – The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson
17. -Set during a holiday –2 books: The Great Christmas Knit Off by Alexandra Brown, and, Christmas Ever After by Sarah Morgan

22. Fantasy novel – Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
26. 1 word Title – Butterface by Avery Flynn
27. Book that makes you mad – #NeverAgain by David and Lauren Hogg
29. Published by Harper/Collins – Erotic Stories for Punjabi Women by Balli Kaur Jaswal
30. Author who uses initials – Why Stars Chase the Sun by C. R. Ellis
43. Children’s book – Don’t Touch My Hair! By Sharee Miller
46. First book see in bookstore – The Lost Recipe for Happiness by Barbara O’Neal

Beyond the Bookends.
The theme for January was “book from a celebrity book club” : Erotic Stories for Punjabi Women by Balli Kaur Jaswal

Monthly Key Word Challenge
The key word I chose this month was “Why” : Why Stars Chase the Sun by C. R. Ellis

Monthly Motif
The theme this month was “New to You Author”. I had several:
Why Stars Chase the Sun by C. R. Ellis
Erotic Stories for Punjabi Women by Balli Kaur Jaswal
The Lost Recipe for Happiness by Barbara O’Neal
The Great Christmas Knit Off by Alexandra Brown
My Forever Home by Debbie Burns
The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson
Love Letters by Katie Fforde

Connect Five
Five books that I read and connected by genre are 5 women’s fiction novels:
Some Lucky Woman by Carmen De Sousa
Erotic Stories for Punjabi Women by Balli Kaur Jaswal
The Lost Recipe for Happiness by Barbara O’Neal
The Great Christmas Knit Off by Alexandra Brown
Love Letters by Katie Fforde

Favourite Books Read This Month
This was a good month for reading –I rated a number of books  a 5 at Goodreads.
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Princess Bride by William Goldman
Christmas Ever After by Sarah Morgan
Erotic Stories for Punjabi Women by Balli Kaur Jaswal
The Lost Recipe for Happiness by Barbara O’Neal
The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson

February Goals
I did not read any MG novels in January, so hope to read several in February. I hope to read more of my TBR books – I have sooo many. I have been decluttering and actually donated several boxes of books – but I still have too many.
February is Black History Month and I plan to read several diverse books.

 

I am linking with the following:

Month in Review at Book Date

 

 

Best of the Bunch

 

Monthly Wrap-Up

 

Slice of Life Tuesday

Today is Slice of Life Tuesday – that time of the week that we share a slice of our life with the supportive community of “Two Writing Teachers”.

I can’t believe how difficult it has bee to actually read Pride and Prejudice. Several times this month, I have picked it up, read a few pages and then put it down. I read a lot this month – just not this one, the one I needed to read for a challenge. A challenge I started.
I decided the end of December that 2019 was the year that I finally conquered my Austen phobia, by creating a Jane Austen Reading Challenge. I have never finished any Austen novels, so this challenge was to force me to do so. As well, I wanted to read other novels influenced by her books.
Yet here it is, January 29 and I still haven’t finished Pride and Prejudice! Accountability apparently isn’t working!
But I am determined to read this book = I do have two days left after all. I can do it. I will definitely do it.

What is your favourite Austen novel?

SOL Tuesday

As I read Elsie’s post today, it struck me how long it has been since I participated in SOL.

I have been retired for over five years now and so have been distant from the day to day of teaching. I have kept up my teaching certificate – I can’t let go of that yet. I also read about and keep abreast of education issues. The weekly SOL felt right and filled a missing part of my life.

Over the past several years, writing a weekly slice of life and visiting other slicers was an important part of my week. But gradually over the past year, with worries and pain, I have veered away from slicing, and even from much writing. And I’ve missed it, all of it.
FOCUS is my OLW – a word that I need to help me to focus on just what is important each day, each week.

And SOL is important.

Elsie’s post made me realize just how much I needed to return to SOL. So today, I am making the effort to write a slice and get back to a treasured routine.

 

Be sure to check here to see this week’s slices.

 

New Year’s Book Tag

New Year’s Book Tag

Wishing everyone a happy New Year

Tina (at As Told By Tina) has challenged us to a New Year’s Book Tag. I haven’t done one in a looong while, so thought it would be fun to do.

1. How many books are you planning to read in 2019?
I posted at Goodreads that I planned to read 300 books. I have read over 400 the past 2 years – being retired definitely has its perks), but I decided that I wanted to focus on other creative outlets as well – art, writing and even more reviewing.

2. Name 5 books that you didn’t get to this past year but want to make a priority in 2019.
I have had several books on my must read for the past few years and now is the time to read them!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window by Jonas Jonasson
The Alchemist by Paul Coelho
I own them all – so aim to clear my TBR shelves a bit more this year!

3. What genre do you want to read more of?
I read a lot of romance and fantasy now, so want to read more non-fiction books, especially memoir and books about writing and creativity.
I also want to read more middle grade novels as I am working on writing a middle grade novel now.

4. Name 3 not-related-to-book goals for 2019.
*Embrace healthy living
*Embrace creativity and learning
*Connect with others frequently and have fun.

5. What’s a book you have had forever and are determined to read?

That has to be Margaret Atwood’s Handmaid Tale. I have been watching the series and so enjoying it, I really need to read her book. I have started it so many times over the years, but must finish it this year.

6. One word that you’re hoping 2019 will be.
Focused. Focus is my OLW and I want to accomplish more this year – in my art and writing.

7. Tag a friend.
Just join in the fun – whoever wants to!

Understanding Middle-grade Characters. Blog post by Author Anna Levine

As part of the WOW! Women on Writing blog tour for Anna Levine’s wonderful picture book All Eyes on Alexandra, I am pleased to welcome Anna, as she shares her thoughts on writing middle-grade characters.

 

‘Why’ happens next? Understanding middle-grade characters.

by Anna Levine

The other day I was frustrated with the progress of my novel. I called up a friend and was explaining the plot when she stopped me and said, “Anna, you keep telling me what happens next and not why.”
Her comment gave me pause and made me think about how oftentimes we get so focused on developing the plot, caught up in building a sequence of events, that we forget that things happen for a reason, and those reasons are what give depth to character motivation.
Sense of self, family relationships between parents/caregivers/siblings and relatives, peer pressures and academic achievement all effect or are the ‘whys’ which can explain the ‘what’ that happens in a novel. How a child resolves problems with any or all of the above issues will show the reader what kind of person he or she is.
So while pace is important in a middle-grade novel, middle-grade readers are looking to see how the characters deal with issues they find themselves facing.

 

Thanks so much Anna. I am sure writers will appreciate your insights.

Be sure to check out the other stops on Anna’s blogging tour:

Blog Tour Dates

December 3rd @ The Muffin

What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Make sure you visit WOW’s blog today and read an interview with the author and enter for a chance to win a copy of the book All Eyes on Alexandra.

muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

December 5th @ Cassandra’s Writing World

Visit Cassandra’s blog where she shares her thoughts about Anna Levine’s picture book All Eyes on Alexandra.

https://cassandra-mywritingworld.blogspot.com/

 

December 5th @ Break Even Books

Visit Erik’s blog where you can read Anna Levine’s guest post about how to jog your inspiration.

https://breakevenbooks.com/

 

December 7th @ Coffee with Lacey

Grab some coffee and visit Lacey’s blog where you can read her review of Anna Levine’s picture book All Eyes on Alexandra.

http://coffeewithlacey.wordpress.com

December 8th @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog

Visit Anthony Avina’s blog today where he joins in the fun of celebrating and shares information about Anna Levine’s book All Eyes on Alexandra.

http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

 

December 8th @ Christy’s Cozy Corners

Visit Christy’s blog and cozy up while you read her review of Anna Levine’s picture book All Eyes on Alexandra.

https://christyscozycorners.com/

 

December 9th @ Coffee with Lacey

Visit Lacey’s blog again where you can read Anna Levine’s guest post about designing your ideal writing spot.

http://coffeewithlacey.wordpress.com

 

December 9th @ Christy’s Cozy Corner

Visit Christy’s blog where you can read Anna Levine’s blog post about how she decided to use crane’s in her story.

https://christyscozycorners.com/
December 10th @ Thoughts in Progress

Visit Pamela’s blog where you can read Anna Levine’s guest post about how authors use anthropomorphic animals.

http://masoncanyon.blogspot.com/

 

December 11th @ Read. Write. Sparkle. Coffee.

Make sure you visit Jeanie’s blog today and read her thoughts about Anna Levine’s book All Eyes on Alexandra.

http://www.readwritesparklecoffee.com/
December 12th @ Author Anthony Avina Blog

Visit Anthony Avina’s blog where he interviews Anna Levine, author of All Eyes on Alexandra.

http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

 

December 13th @ Read. Write. Sparkle. Coffee.

Make sure you visit Jeanie’s blog today and read Anna Levine’s guest post about building a theme day around a picture book.

http://www.readwritesparklecoffee.com/

 

December 13th @ Oh for the Hook of a Book

Visit Erin’s blog where she shares her thoughts on Anna Levine’s book All Eyes on Alexandra.

www.hookofabook.wordpress.com

 

December 15th @ A Storybook World

Visit Deirdra’s blog where she features Anna Levine’s book All Eyes on Alexandra in a spotlight post.

http://www.astorybookworld.com/

 

December 17th @ World of My Imagination

Stop by Nicole’s blog today where you can read her review of Anna Levine’s book All Eyes on Alexandra.

http://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com

 

December 19th @ Cassandra’s Writing World

Visit Cassandra’s blog again where you can read Anna Levine’s blog post about naming your characters.

https://cassandra-mywritingworld.blogspot.com

 

December 19th @ Linda’s Blog

Make sure you visit Linda’s blog today where you can read her thoughts about Anna Levine’s book All Eyes on Alexandra.

https://www.lindaleekane.com/blog

 

December 20th @ Word Magic: All About Books 

Visit Fiona’s blog where you can read her review of Anna Levine’s book All Eyes on Alexandra.

http://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/

 

December 21st @ Bring on Lemons

Make sure you grab some lemonade and stop by Crystal’s blog today where she reviews Anna Levine’s book All Eyes on Alexandra.

http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

 

December 27th @ Linda’s Blog

Visit Linda’s blog again where you can read her interview with author Anna Levine.

https://www.lindaleekane.com/blog

December 28th @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog

Visit Beverley’s blog today you can read her review of Anna Levine’s book All Eyes on Alexandra.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/
December 31st @ Strength 4 Spouses

Visit Wendi’s blog and read Anna Levine’s guest post on learning about families and different cultures.

https://strength4spouses.blog/
January 2nd @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog

Visit author Anthony Avina’s blog where he shares his thoughts about Anna Levine’s picture book All Eyes on Alexandra. 

http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

 

January 3rd @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog

Visit Beverley’s blog again where you can read Anna Levine’s blog post about getting into the head of your middle-grade characters.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

 

January 4th @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog

Visit author Anthony Avina’s blog again where you can read Anna Levine’s blog post about using fiction to write non-fiction.

http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

 

January 7th @ Strength 4 Spouses Blog

Visit Wendi’s blog again where you can read her thoughts about the book All Eyes on Alexandra by Anna Levine.

https://strength4spouses.blog/

Top Ten Tuesday – Favourite Reads of 2018

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly chance to link with other book bloggers and is hosted by The Artsy Reader Girl.
Happy New Year by the way – we are already in day 1 of a new year.

There were lots of great books read this year. Here are my overall 10 Favourite books of 2018 (as well as 2 Series I had to include):

The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley

Bellewether by Susanna Kersley

The Last Chance Matinee by Mariah Stewart

The Sugarhouse Blues by Mariah Stewart

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

I’ll Be Your Blue Sky by Marisa de Los Santos

Beach House Reunion by Mary Alice Monroe

The Year of Pleasures by Elisabeth Berg

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald

Where We Found Home by Susan Mallery

Annie Freeman’s Traveling Funeral by Kris Radish

The Magic series by Ilona Andrews

The Court series by Sarah J. Maas

 

Check here to see my post about celebrating my 2018 reading year.)