The Never Ending To-Be-Read-Pile

I always have books on my to-be-read (TBR) pile.  Some sit there for months at a time.  Some get read pretty much moments after they are added.  Some get taken off the pile, re-shelved in my library, and then eventually make there way back to the pile.  But the tricky thing is, though I'm constantly reading books and eliminating them from the pile, the pile never diminishes.  There are always more books to read. I will never catch up.  And honestly, I love that about reading. I love that I will never run out of books and that I will always have new stories to read, new characters to love, and new worlds to visit.

Here is my current TBR pile. As you can see, it has a nice mix of fiction, non-fiction, and YA novels on it. I'm very excited to read all of them.

What's on your TBR pile?

What's New in my Bookish World

Wow, it has been a busy couple of months but I'm back!

So, what's new in my bookish world?

I've almost reached my goal of having read 120 books this year in the 2015 Goodreads Reading Challenge which is pretty exciting.

I'm also at that point of the year where I'm attempting to compile my Top 5 Book of 2015.  There are actually a number of contenders this year so even I will be interested to see who makes the cut!

I've discovered Podcasts and, naturally, I find myself gravitating towards the more literary themed ones.  My favourite discovery so far?  Witch, Please.  If you think you would enjoy listening to two sassy literary lady scholars talking all things Harry Potter then do yourself a favour and check this out.  It's very funny and very smart and it's my new favourite thing to listen to while commuting to work each day.

I just found out about the upcoming Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon which intrigues and terrifies me.  Have any of you ever done a 24 hour Readathon?  Or really any kind of 24 hour marathon? What did you think?  Worth doing?

Well that's all to report right now!  Happy Tuesday!

"If there was a bright centre to the universe, I was on the planet it was farthest from. Please pass the blue milk, Aunt Beru"

Oh Ernest Cline, you do write highly entertaining books.  One of my favourite things about his novels is that not only do you have the delight of recognizing pop cultures references on every page, but they alway work within the story; they aren't just filler.  My other favourite thing about both Ready Player One and Armada is that they both have such heart to them.  Ready Player One had one of the sweetest love stories I've read in years.  Armada was all about family.  I had some major tender moments reading some of the scenes that were devoted to family togetherness.

So, Armada.  When I first read the book flap, I immediately though, oh, this sounds a lot like Enders Game.  And while, yes, there are shadows of that novel, there are homages to lots of amazing sci-fi books and movies which I really enjoyed.  My only complaints were that while, yes, I realized early that there were going to be a lot of battle sequences, I did grow a little tired of reading them over and over again.  I also was somewhat disappointed by the ending.  I'm not sure what exactly I was expecting to happen but it all felt a bit...rushed perhaps?

All in all, I had a good time reading this.  It's the kind of book you wish you had a friend sitting next to you reading the same parts at the same time as you just so you could share a knowing look when you came to an awesome Star wars reference and have a moment. 

Reading Roundup

As per usual, I've been reading up a storm lately.  Here are some of my recent reads.

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
I loved her last book, Vicious, so I was pretty excited to read this one.  A very strong fantasy novel featuring the amazing Delilah Bard who really stole the show for me.  She rushed onto the scene brandishing pistols and knives and generally caused havoc in her wake.  Can't wait for book 2!

The Truth According to Us by Annie Barrows
This is historical fiction at its best!  Chock full of memorable characters and a wonderful story laced with mystery, romance, and southern charm.  Willa Romeyn reminded me of two of my favourite young heroines, Bean Holladay (The Silver Star by Jeannette Walls) and Scout Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee).  Highly recommended.

Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley
Beautiful writing and a captivating and heartwarming story.  I laughed, teared up, and generally had a marvellous time reading this.  Also featuring stunning illustrations.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
My first Christie and it will certainly not be my last!  The original queen of the plot twist, she managed to throw reasonable suspicion on everyone and still shock you with the outcome!  I look forward to many more adventures with Hercule Poirot.

Big Book of the Day: Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

It's here!

Evening plans include tea (in my snazzy new To Kill a Mockingbird mug), chocolate, and the new Harper Lee, Go Set a Watchman (bonus points if you noticed I'm sporting Star Wars pj pants).  This book has been getting such mixed reviews that I'm intrigued to see for myself if it is worth all the hype.

I'm only a chapter in and I gotta say...so far so good.


UPDATE 07/18/15

Ok, after 4 days of reading, I have finished Go Set a Watchman.  And I really enjoyed it.  I found the writing to be good and the story engaging.  I really enjoyed seeing a grown up Scout trying to find her place in the world, as well as the flashbacks to her childhood.

This is a novel about the loss of innocence, that realization that sometimes we cannot fully return home because, while it remains the same, we have changed.  It is learning that tough lesson that comes with adulthood that our parent figures aren't always perfect and that as we grow we need to decide what we take from them and what we reject.  It is about becoming our own person.

This is a book that I think everyone is going to have their own opinions on.  I think it is definitely worth reading and finding out for yourself what you think about it.

Getting Cozy with Cozies

Over the last several years, I have developed an extreme love for the cozy mystery.  It's my ultimate guilty pleasure read.

Now, you might be asking yourself, what on earth is a cozy mystery?

Here's what Wikipedia has to say on the subject:

"Cozy mysteries, also referred to simply as "cozies", are a subgenre of crime fiction in which sex and violence are downplayed or treated humorously, and the crime and detection take place in a small, socially intimate community."

Here are some elements you may encounter in a cozy mystery:

- A small town girl who has tried her luck in the big city and is now back in her hometown
- Professions such as librarian, cafe owner, peach farmer, dog walker, and retiree are common
- Did I mention that pets often play a role in the story?  Cats and dogs are the most popular and, sometimes, they are somewhat magical
- There is some sort of murder that needs to be solved and your heroine will probably get the whole town involved in solving it
- You will probably want to read these with a cup of tea, cookie, and a fuzzy throw for an ultimate reading experience

Cozies are the ultimate comfort reads.  They are light, fun, and often include recipes at the end.  I often wish that I was living the life of some of the heroines I encounter in the pages of certain cozies (Why yes, I would like to work at a magical pie shop.  Want to live in a beautiful picturesque small town?  Don't mind if I do.)  Do you remember the wonderful television show, Gilmore Girls?  Well imagine if the occasional suspicious death happened in Stars Hollow.  That right there is a cozy mystery.

Here are some series I would recommend if you are wanting to try your hand at the genre, or if you are already a cozy fan looking for that next great read.

Georgia Peach Mysteries by Susan Furlong (Book 1: Peaches & Scream)
Takes place in Cays Mill, Georgia, with Nola Harper returning home to help out on her families peach farm.  Things take an ugly turn when a body is discovered in the orchard with her brother-in-law as the prime suspect.

Book Retreat Mysteries by Ellery Adams (Book 1: Murder in the Mystery Suite)
Who wouldn't want to visit Storyton Hall, a resort in western Virginia that caters to book lovers?  However, things go wrong during a Murder Mystery event when the murder of one of the guests becomes the biggest mystery of all.

The Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries by Ellery Adams (Book 1: Pies & Prejudice)
When the going gets tough, Ella Mae LaFaye bakes pies.  And she's putting a magic touch little in her baked goods, literally.  In the small town of Havenwood, Georgia, magic and mischief are always on the menu.

Consignment Shop Mysteries by Duffy Brown (Book 1: Iced Chiffon)
Imagine Stephanie Plum, from Janet Evanovich's series, solving mysteries down south and you have Duffy Brown's novels.  Reagan Summerside runs a consignment shop called The Prissy Fox where the gossip always runs hot and murder often shows up uninvited.

Magical Cats Mysteries by Sofie Kelly (Book 1: Curiosity Thrilled the Cat)
Librarian Kathleen Paulson relocates to Mayville Heights, Minnesota where she discovers that not only does she have a talent for shelving books, but also solving murders.  Her two cats, Owen and Hercules, often get involved in the capers, and are, most importantly, MAGIC CATS.

Her Royal Spyness Mysteries by Rhys Bowen (Book 1: Her Royal Spyness)
If you want a historical cozy, then look no further.  Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie is 34th in line for the throne of England and is flat broke.  She gets into numerous hijinks trying to earn some cash, meets a dashing rogue, and helps solves a few murders along the way.

Do you read cozy mysteries?  And, if so, what series do you like?

Talking Books Outside the Bookstore

I've had some very cool book related opportunities with my job over the last couple of years.  I LOVE talking books not only at the bookstore but all over the place!

My co-worker and I are on The Simi Sara Show on CKNW about once a month. Simi is a huge reader and we always have such a good time talking books with her!

I was a bookseller at the TED Convention in Vancouver and it was such an amazing experience.  Can you tell we had fun?

Plus, look who we met! Neil Gaiman!!

I was a guest on CBC's B.C. Almanac.  I talked summer reading with Margaret Gallagher and the call in segment allowed me to hear what people across the province were digging into this summer.  If you are interested in hearing the full interview, the podcast is available here (interview is at around the 30 min mark).  Plus, please enjoy this photo CBC took of me posing with some books.

I also had the opportunity to talk summer reading on Global TV's Morning Show.  Steve Darling and Sophie Lui were lovely and it was fun talking about great reads for all ages!  For the full video interview, click here.

Any time I get the chance to talk books with people, it's definitely a good thing!

Reading Roundup

What have I been reading lately?  Glad you asked!

Return to Augie Hobble by Lane Smith

Funny, touching, and as expected, wonderfully illustrated! Lane Smith hits it out of the park with his debut novel.  If you liked Wonder by R.J. Palacio then give this a read!

Pennyroyal Academy by M.A Larson

A fun 9-12 read set in the Grimm's Fairy Tale world.  Pennyroyal Princesses don't need saving, they save themselves!  Reese Witherspoon is apparently in talks to adapt this into a film.

Ms. Marvel Volume 1 by G. Willow Wilson, illustrated by Adrian Alphona 

I normally don't read superhero comics but I had heard such good things about this one and it delivered.  Well written, fun, and important.

Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll

While I enjoyed parts of this, I found as a whole it fell a bit flat for me.  It took about 200 pages for me to really get involved in the story and then I found myself still waiting for...something... by the time I finished the last page.  

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

I really liked the writing style of this one.  Some of the lines were so beautiful I had to stop a few times just to take in what I was reading.  While I preferred Noah's narration, I loved that I got to hear Jude's voice as well.  Just lovely.

*Many thanks to Simon & Schuster for the reading copy of Luckiest Girl Alive, and to RAI for the ARC of Return to Augie Hobble!

This made me Furiously Happy

I am a very lucky lady and managed to get my hands on an ARC of the upcoming Jenny Lawson book!

Do you see the sparkle on the cover?  The amazing, somewhat crazed looking, racoon?  Best. Cover. Ever.

Have you read Jenny Lawson before?  If not then I highly recommend you go out and pick up her first book, Let's Pretend This Never Happened, and then eagerly await the release of Furiously Happy this September!

So, Furiously Happy is a collection of essays on a whole range of topics, but the main theme is Lawson's ongoing battle with depression and mental illness.  And man, does she hit the nail on the head.  It's honest, relatable, and as expected, very funny.  If you are a fan of Allie Brosh's Hyperbole and a Half then this is defiantly for you.

*Many thanks to RAI for the ARC!  Furiously Happy hits bookstores September 2015!

Best Books of the Year (so far!)

Can you believe we are already well into June?  I can't quite either!

At my bookstore, we started a tradition last year around this time of each staffer picking their Best Book of the Year (so far).  Last year, that book was Alice Hoffman's The Museum of Extraordinary Things, which actually went on to be my Best Book of the Year period.  While I read that in February, nothing went on to top it for the rest of the year, despite having read a number of wonderful books in 2014.

So 2015.  Well, again I've read some pretty great books so far this year!  But, if it comes down to picking just one, it would have to be....drumroll...

In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume.

For me, this book just captured a feeling I almost can't describe; It just felt so special.  

Since I've already shared my love of this book in a previous post (found here), I won't go into it again.  Instead, here are 5 other books that I have also loved so far this year!

1. The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

The Queen of the Tearling was one of my favourite books last year so it's no surprise that its sequel made my list this year.  Just WOW! Now this is how you do a sequel!  Queen Kelsea is one of the best bad add heroines out there.  If you haven't check out this series, run, don't walk to your local indie bookstore and let the obsession begin.

2. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Another book I've already raved about on the blog (found here)!  

3.  The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty

Liane Moriarty is the best author find I've had this year and this is the book that did it for me.  It's smart, funny, tugged at the heartstrings, and had explosive twists and turns.  This is a beach read at its best here people!

4. Vicious by V.E. Schwab

I didn't want this book to end and I still miss the characters.  A story of revenge, redemption, loyalty, and the exploration of self.  Plus, tons of FUN to read!

5. Written in My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon

Book 8 in my all time favourite series, Outlander.  Diana Gabaldon, you brought your A game with this one.  Twists and turns all over the place, I was laughing, crying, and savouring every page.

Who Run the World?

I just wanted to share this great article I read in The Guardian a couple months back.  Feeding the Hunger: How Female Writers are Storming the Male Citadels of Sci-Fi is chock full of fantastic recommendation of book that are already out, and forthcoming, by kick ass ladies writing kick ass worlds and characters.  I know this gave me several titles to add to my to-read list!

After having read this article, I went and finally picked up my copy of The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon and yes, while I found it had ups and downs, this is the beginning of an exciting new world and series (there are 7 books planned in this series).  I can also give two very enthusiastic thumbs up to Erika Johansen's The Queen of the Tearling, which was not only one of my favourite books from last year, but also probably the best fantasy novel I've read in a long time.  I was lucky enough to get an ARC of the upcoming sequel, The Invasion of the Tearling, and I suspect it's going to blow me away as well.

Well, what are you waiting for?  Time to get your Sci-Fi on!

Judy Blume: Childhood Hero and Literary Rockstar

Judy Blume is one of those authors that defines childhood for me; I grew up reading and rereading her books.

I devoured her Fudge series, delighting in the hijinks of Peter Hatcher, Fudge, and the great Sheila-the-Great.  As an only child, I loved stories of siblings, even when they were getting into trouble.

I can still remember reading Just as Long as We're Together and Here's To You, Rachel Robinson and finding them extremely timely.  When I was in the fourth grade, our family moved to a new area and that meant a new school.  I can still remember having a conversation with a girl, who I ended up becoming very good friends with, asking if we were best friends.  I was somewhat horrified because I already had a best friend so that position was already filled.  It didn't occur to me that you could have more than one.  Looking back, I can only smile because as I have learned over the years, as Rachel Robinson and friends did, yes, you can indeed have two best friend.

Are You There God?  It's Me, Margaret is still to this day one of the most profound books I've ever read.  And yes, as with many girls, I totally tried to make my boobs bigger while chanting "I must, I must, I must increase my bust!"

I somehow missed reading Deenie as a teenager.  HOW DID THIS HAPPEN??  I mean, I have scoliosis!  I had to wear a back brace for a year in high school!  How did I miss that the one and only Judy Blume had written a book about this very subject?!  I remedied this last year and all I can say is, man, 15 year old me would have really appreciated that book.

But, I digress.

So, as you may have heard, Judy Blume had a bit of a comeback this year.  It's been over a decade since she published her last book, (Double Fudge in 2002) and that was written for young adults.  Her new book, In the Unlikely Event is most definitely a book for adults, and as hoped for (and secretly expecting) it was just wonderful.  It is somewhat autobiographical since it is set against a backdrop of actual events that Blume experience in the early 1950's growing up in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where over the course of several months, three airplanes fell from the sky, leaving the community reeling in the face of tragedy.  But, it wouldn't be a Judy Blume book if we left it just at that.  This is a story about growing up, about falling in love (be it for the first time or not), about friendships and family, and about how life will always go on.

I love this book; I couldn't put it down.  I laughed and I cried.  It made me think and feel.  This is a story about real people, and as I read it, they were real to me.  After I had read the last page, I sighed and hugged the book to me.  You know that feeling you have when you haven't seen an old friend in a long time?  That excitement at reconnecting after so many years apart?  That right there.  That's how I'm feeling right now.  It was so good to see you again Judy.

*Many thanks to Penguin Random House for the ARC!

"As long as there is life, there is hope"

All year I've been looking for that book that would light a spark in me and completely knock my socks off.  Ladies and gents, I think I have found that book.

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir has been on my radar for awhile.  Not only had it been getting a lot of fantastic buzz from other bloggers, but it just sounded so very cool.  Gladiator meets The Game of Thrones??  Heck yes.  It was with some trepidation that I picked this one up since, as with many of you I'm sure, I've been burned before by books that are beloved by many and yet, for one reason or another, just don't float my boat.  From the opening few chapters of this one, however, my worries vanished; I was hooked.  I started reading it on my lunch break (and almost came back late because I didn't want to put it down) and was up way past my bedtime because I was just so captivated by the world that Tahir has created.

I don't think I've encounter a YA novel that was so thrilling, so blood thirsty, and so compelling since quite possibly The Hunger Games (ya, I said it).  If you were a fan of Suzanne Collins trilogy, you will enjoy this book.  I would also recommend this for fans of Marie Rutkoski's amazing (and still ongoing) Winner's trilogy.

The world building is well done and inspired by Ancient Rome (and there are maps!  I've said it before and i'll say it again; I love me a book with maps).  The characters are outstanding.  These are hardened individuals that are forced to take risks to survive and yet still contain an almost heartbreaking humanity.  There is romance, but not so much that it overshadows other elements of the book. Oh, and the brutality!  As with The Hunger Games, there is violence here that almost shocks the reader but at the same time is integral in depicting this world.

There is a sequel coming and may I say, THANK GOD, because what an ending.

Looking for an action packed read that has heart?  Read this!

* Many thanks to Penguin Random House for the Reading Copy!

An Ode to Elly Griffiths

One of the best authors/ series finds I've had in the last few years is the wonderful British mystery novelist, Elly Griffiths.  I picked up the first book, The Crossing Places, on a recommendation and my god, I was hooked fast and hard.  At the time my obsession began, there were 5 books out.  I read all of them over a weekend, taking time off only to eat and sleep.  I was lucky enough that a coworker of mine got hooked at the same time so we can happily discuss the books and the characters to our hearts content, secretly hoping that the characters were real people and alway wishing for the next book to arrive.

The series is about forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway.  When she's not digging up bones or other ancient objects, Ruth lives happily alone in a remote area called Saltmarsh near Norfolk.  In book one, The Crossing Places, Ruth  is called in to assist on a case by Detective Chief Inspector Harry Nelson.  A child's bones are found on a desolate beach and Nelson thinks they may be the remains of a little girl who went missing over a decade ago.  Despite her discovery that the bones are actually two thousand years old, Ruth is drawn into the disappearance of Lucy Downey.  Then another child goes missing and the hunt is on to find her and her kidnapper.

Ruth Galloway is one of my favourite mystery solving ladies.  She is relatable, clever, and funny.  While the mysteries are entertaining, it is the characters that keep you coming back for more.  Looking for a new series?  Look no further.

Ruth Galloway Series
1. The Crossing Places
2. The Janus Stone
3. The House at Sea's End
4. A Room Full of Bones
4.5. Ruth's First Christmas Tree (e-novella)
5. A Dying Fall
6. The Outcast Dead
7. The Ghost Fields

Back in the Saddle Again

Well....I feel like I've said it before...but I'm back!

A new computer has motivated me to get the old blog up and kicking again so, to quote Whitesnake, here we go again!

It has been over A YEAR since I last posted! A year! Many wonderful books were read and clearly not discussed here.  If you want to check out what was going on in my literary world last year, you are always welcome to check out my Goodreads page.  Every book I read gets posted there, with a tiny review / general thoughts, so please come visit and say hi!

Since it would take forever to recap all the books I read last year, here were my Top 5 reads for 2014.

1. The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman

Alice Hoffman writes good books.  Really good books.  I was such a fan of her novel The Dovekeepers that I was really excited to read this one and it did not disappoint.

2. The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

After finishing this, I actually wanted to go back to the beginning and read it again.  One of the best fantasy novels I've read in a long time and definitely one of the best bad ass heroines I've ever read.

3. Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira

Such a beautiful book and my favourite teen novel of the year.  Considering this was Dellaira's debut novel, I'm pretty darn excited to see where she goes next.

4. Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

I was so blown away by this.  It deserved all the acclaim it got.

5. Us by David Nicholls

I have talked to several people who thought that this was just ok, but for one reason or another, this just spoke to me.  One Day was a DNF for me so I was really surprised I liked this one as much as I did.

So, there it is, 2014 in a nutshell.

And here we are now almost halfway through 2015!  Book wise, the year is off to a good start. I've read many books that I've really enjoyed, however,  I am still waiting to find that book that really knocks my socks off.

Here are the Top 3 things I have to report for 2015 so far:

1.  My best discovery has been the novels of the absolutely dynamite Australian novelist, Liane Moriarty.  Seriously, go pick up either The Husband's Secret or Big Little Lies, and get ready for a day of addictive reading.  You're welcome.

2. Teen novels everywhere!  Best so far have been Jennifer Niven's All the Bright Places, everything Rosamund Hodge writes (Cruel Beauty, Crimson Bound, Gilded Ashes), and The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski (man, this series just keeps getting better!).  I've got a lovely stack of current and upcoming teen books to get through so I'm pretty excited to read those.

3. I'm making an effort to read more non-fiction since it is something that I don't read all that often and really should.  So far I have I've read Bad Feminist by Roxanne Gay, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling, and Without You There is No Us by Suki Kim.  All have been enjoyable and not felt like school (which is always my fear with non-fiction, despite the fact that it is rarely true...)

Well this has been long and rambling!  I'm glad to be back :)




Cheers,
Sam