The Friday 56 #10 Remember Me?

Hosted by Freda's Voice


Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella

How the hell did all that happen?

Booking Through Thursday #2- Night Owl

Hosted by Booking Through Thursday

This week's question:

What’s the latest you’ve ever stayed up reading a book? Is staying up late reading a usual thing for you?

I don't tend to stay up late reading, unless I'm really into a book. I usually read for about half an hour when I go to bed, although I have been known to go to bed earlier if I want to get some extra reading done. There have been times when I've wanted to carry on reading, but I normally tell myself that I have to go to sleep and can read more in the morning.

Third Sentence Thursday #11- Remember Me?

Hosted by Sniffly Kitty's Mostly Books







Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella

And it's not like I even have very high standards. 

Oh dear, is this book going to be about some kind of slut? Or maybe a very underconfident person who can't see anything good about themselves? What mess have they already got into? 

Theme Thursday- Action

Hosted by Reading Between Pages

This week’s theme is

ANY ACTION (go, walk, close, clap etc)

Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella

Rain splatters down my collar as I shift from one blistered foot to another. I'm holding my denim jacket over my head as a makeshift umbrella, but it's not exactly waterproof.

The Hairdresser of Harare by Tendai Huchu (A Review)

A book that presents tough issues in a light-hearted, yet appropriate, fashion. The Hairdresser of Harare has a charm about it which I really liked. There were enough similarities with my own culture to make me feel connected with the text, and  the differences seemed naturally to flow out of the pages. I really felt as if I understood the main character. The only problem I had was understand the few non-English words that were used- an index to them in the back might have been useful. This was my first read of a book set in Zimbabwe and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Countdown To Summer Special

LESS THAN A WEEK TO GO until our 'Summer Special' event!

Spead across 6 blogs that I run throughout August, 'Summer Special' will be full of suggestions on how to make your summer just that little bit more fun.

Look out for:

• suggested activities
• book, arts & crafts and other giveaways
• featured blogs
• blogger interviews
• author interviews
• book reviews

and more.......

It's not too late to get involved as well! Simply fill in the form below before next Monday to get your activity suggestions or blog featured, be interviewed, or donate a giveaway item.

Musing Mondays #8

Hosted by Should Be Reading

This week’s musing asks…

Do you need to have your owned books out where you can see them, or are you okay with them being stored away?

I'd much prefer to have all my books where I can see them, but it just isn't practical at the moment. That's because I have far too many to display! At the moment most of my TBR books are hidden behind a clothing rail, in 3 large piles. Having said that, I'm hoping to make a move soon to having more on show by getting 2 new shelves put up, as well as a bedside cabinet and a new wardrobe which I can put some ontop off. One day I dream of having a house where I can make my own library and display every book currently passing through.

It's Monday: What Are You Reading #19

Hosted by Book Journey

Read this week
This week may look slow, but it wasn't too bad as the one book I did finish was reaaaaalllllly long! As usual, click on title for review.
An Instance of the Fingerpost by Iain Pears

Currently Reading
I'm about half way through The Hairdresser of Harare by Tendai Huchu

Up next
Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella

An Instance of the Fingerpost by Iain Pears (A Review)

What first attracted me to this book was the promise of four different alternative versions of the same story. I was not disappointed! As each tale progressed more was learnt about the mystery, as a detective story unravelled before my eyes. As well as being a great detective story (that's from someone who usually avoids the genre), the historical setting and the fact that my own town was mentioned increased my interest. There was also an element of theology. It was well written and, despite being quite a long book (692 pages) it kept me wanting to read more for the majority of its text.

It's Monday: What Are You Reading #18

Hosted by Book Journey


Last week
At the beginning of the week I took part in 'Once Upon A Readathon'. Click on the link to see what I posted. The result was that I read quite a lot early on, but my reading then slowed down again. As usual, click on the links for reviews.
Tomorrow When The War Began by John Marsden

This week
I'm currently about half way through 'An Instance of the Fingerpost by Iain Pears
Next up: The Hairdresser of Harare by Tendai Huchu

Next week
I have a whole pile of books waiting to be read urgently, so I'm going to suspend doing my next read poll for a little while. It will return when I'm having to make reading choices again.

Book Blogger Hop #10

Hosted by Crazy for Books

This week’s question comes from Veronica who blogs at: Read Books, Have Fun
 
How/Where do you get your books? Do you buy them or go to the library? Is there a certain website you use like paperbackswap?


I get most of my books through BookCrossing.com, either via rings/rays or people sending me rabcks. I do also have a tendency, however, to buy any interesting looking books going  cheap at the supermarket or in charity shops. I'm also starting to be lucky enough to get the ocassional book from an author/publisher in exchange for a review.  

Once Upon A Readathon Summary

I didn't read as many books as I'd hoped I would but I managed to read 261 pages of 'An Instance of the Fingerpost' during the readathon, as well as finishing 'Tomorrow When The War Began'. I also completed two mini-challenges.

Here are links to my posts during the readathon:

• Introductory post
• Here We Go
• 'Tomorrow When The War Began' review
• Update
• Mini Challenge: Fake book synopsis
• Mini Challenge: Mythology questions
• Update #2

What did you read for the readathon? Did you join in with any of the mini-challenges?

Theme Thursday- Body Parts

Hosted by Reading Between Pages

An Instance of the Fingerpost by Iain Pears

 Sarah Blundy, dressed all in white and wearing that same smile, stood over him, knife in hand.

Booking Through Thursday

There are so many crappy biographies … would you rather read a poorly-written biography of a fascinating life, OR an exquisitely well-written, wonderful read of one of a not-so-interesting life?

I think it needs to be a good balance of both for me. A really poor-written biography can make a fascinating life boring, whilst a boring life can mean the lack of a spark in an otherwise well-written biography. I guess I'm not really answering the question, but I guess what I'm saying is that I wouldn't really want to read either of these opttions.

Once Upon A Readathon Update #2

Its been slow reading today since I was out doing voluntary work most of today. I'm hoping to b able to read a little bit more but its looking unlikely that I'll finish my second book today.

Final update will be tomorrow, when I'll let you know exactly how much I did manage to read.

Are you managing to read as much as you wanted to?

Once Upon A Readathon Mini-Challenge 2

IB Book Blogging asked

Mini Challenge Question 1:
What is your favorite type of myth (Greek, Roman, Egyptian etc)?

Mini Challenge Question 2:
What is your favorite book with some type of mythology in it?


My answers:

1. I love all sorts of mythology , so this is a really hard question for me. Also, there are so many links between Greek, Roman & Egyptian (the ones I know the best) that it makes it even more difficult to choose. I guess, after a long reflection, that I'd have to say Egyptian, because its so varied, complex and complete. I particularly love their stories about why the sun appears to travel accross the sky.
2. It has to be 'Small Gods' by Terry Pratchett. The story is hilarious and, as with several other DiscWorld novels, it's take on mythology and Gods in general is really interesting.

Once Upon A Readathon Mini-Challenge

The Bookish Type says:

Your challenge, if you choose to accept it:

Pick any book from your readathon pile and write a fake synopsis based solely on the cover. The synopsis does not have to be related to the actual book at all, just the pretty, pretty cover.

I'm going to do it for my current read, 'An Instance of the Fingerpost' by Iain Pears

 

In a time before time, a book was born. Through the centuries it has passed from hand to hand, from wing to wing. But only one can uncover its mysteries. Will the price he has to pay be too great, even for him?

 

Once Upon A Readathon Update

It's now after 4pm on the 2nd day of the readathon (my time). So, I thought it was about time I wrote an update. So far I've finished one book and started another. So, almost on target so far.

Books read so far
Tomorrow, When The War Began (click for review)
'An Instance of the Fingerpost' to the end of Chapter 15

I haven't done any mini-challenges yet, but am hoping to get time to do some later toda or tomorrow. 

Tomorrow, When The War Began by John Marsden

It took me a little while to get into this book- I think mainlly because I already knew the first 7 or so chapters from the blurb on the back of the book. However, I got more interested as thee story progressed. The relationships between the characters were the most interesting aspect, with the plot being quite predictable until near the end. I think this is probably a good YA book, but its not so good for adults in my opinion. Having said that, I will probably read the sequels as I'm interested enough to want to know what happens next.

Here We Go!

My 'Once Upon A Readathon' starts here! I've already popped round those blogs that I'm following that are taking part (if you're taking part and would like me to follow your blog please leave a comment below).

My Reading Matter:
For the first part of my readathon I'll be reading 'Tomorrow, When The War Began' by John Marsden. I'm starting today at the beginning of Chapter 9 and am intrigued to see what will happen next. For anyone who doesn't know it, here's the blurb:

When Ellie and her friends go camping, they have no idea they're leaving theirr old lives beehind forever. Despite a less-than-tragic food shortage and a secret crush or two, everything goes as planned. But a week later they return home to find their houses empty and their pets starving. Something has gones wrong- horribly wrong. Before long, they realize the country has been innvaded, and their entire town has been captured- including their families and all their friends. Ellie and the other survivors face an impossible decision: They can flee for the mountains or surrender. Or they can fight.

This book is part of a bookring on BookCrossing, so I'm hoping to get it finished soon so that I can pass it on.

Today's reading schedule:
I'm hoping to be able to read for most of today, although I do need to do some ironing and bake a cake at some stage. The evening will probably be a bit quieter posting wise than the day time (and I do plan to go to bed as usual).


What are you currently reading? What are your reading plans for today?

Once Upon A Readathon

I will be joining in the 'Once Upon A Readathon' from Monday to Wednesday this week. I'll probably do most of my reading on Monday. I'm planning to read the following three books at least:

• Tomorrow When The War Began by John  Marsden
• An Instance of the Fingerpost by Iain Pears
• The Hairdresser of Harare by Tendai Huchu

As usual, I'll be posting reviews as I finish each book. They'll also be some extra posts and, if I get up to 100 followers during the event, a giveaway as well.

I'd love to hear if you're taking part and what sort of things you'd be doing- simply comment below to let me know

Jabez by Thom Lemmons (A Review)

A short and simple novel, its amazing how much could be made from a short reference to a character within the bible. I really liked the way this story was told, it sort of felt as if someone was sitting infront of me speaking the story. There's nothing particularly amazing about this book, but its simplicity is what makes it nice. Worth a go if you want a relaxing Christian read.

Also posted on Blog For The Thought

Safely Home by Randy Alcorn (A Review)

This fiction read almost like a real-life account. Its descriptions of the life of house-group Christians in China were moving, fascinating and sometimes traumatic. It was interesting to read about how the registered churches work. The story moves back and forth between China and America- a technique which really helps the reader to focus on what it means to be a Christian and a believer in Jesus. I felt the sections in heaven were unneccesary and cringed at the way Buddhism was portrayed, but overall this was a very good book. I felt that it really helped to renew my faith!

This review also used on 'Blog For The Thought'

Book Beginnings- 1st July 2011

Safely Home by Randy Alcorn

Three men watched intently as peculiar events occurred, one right after the other, on opposite sides of the globe.

The Friday 56 #9 Wild Swans

Wild Swans by Jung Chang

My grandfather's last words had been to give my grandmother her freedom.

Wild Swans by Jung Chang (A Review)

The most interesting, fascinating and powerful non-fiction that I have read in a long time! I find myself fully immersed in this book from beginning to end. There were passages that evoked sadness, anger, guilt, wonder, longing and joy, ocassionally within sentences of each other. I've read little about communist China, but this book made me want to hear a lot more. It revealed many new things to me. Definatly worth a read in my opinion, and I willm be keeping this book for a while because I'm sure I'll want to read it again.