Listless Monday was inspired by both Amanda at A Bookshelf Monstrosity's feature Books by Theme and Court at Once Upon a Bookshelf's Listed feature. Be sure to check out their lists!
Busy day = late post, but here it is! I don't know about you, but being right at the end of January, I'm already hankering for spring. In fact, I'm counting the days until spring arrives. So, while I'm counting, I figured I may as well list books that include days or days of the weeks in the titles. That should help pass the time :)
Counting the Days Until Spring
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne
Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale
The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin by Josh Berk
A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Peck
The Day the Falls Stood Still by
First Day by Allyson Condie
Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel
Leap Day by Wendy Mass
Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip Christian Stead
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Between Sundays by Karen Kingsbury
Lord Sunday by Garth Nix
The Sunday Philosophy Club by Alexander McCall SMith
Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet
Mister Monday by Garth Nix
Grim Tuesday by Garth Nix
Tuesday by David Wiesner
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Drowned Wednesday by Garth Nix
Magnolia Wednesdays by Wendy Wax
Wednesday Comics by Neil Gaiman, Kurt Busiek, Paul Pope, Walter Simonson
The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright
The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton
The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt
Wednesday's Child by Peter Robinson
The Man Who was Thursday by G.K. Chesterton
One of Our Thursdays is Missing by Jasper Fforde
Thursday Next: First Among Sequels by Jasper Fforde
Thursdays at Eight by Debbie Macomber
Sir Thursday by Garth Nix
Sweet Thursday by John Steinbeck
Black Friday by James Patterson
Blue Like Friday by Siobhan Parkinson
Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas
Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill
The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissinger
Lady Friday by Garth Nix
The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday by Alexander McCall Smith
Saturday by Ian McEwan
The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party by Alexander McCall Smith
The Saturday Wife by Naomi Ragen
Superior Saturday by Garth Nix
The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg
Any additions?
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So. Here's something I've been thinking over for quite some time now and I'd love to hear your opinions. It's something that affects nearly every reading experience I have. It changes how I look at, how I react to, and even what I think about a book. It is my mood.
How much does mood affect your reading of a book? Or what about feelings? Personal circumstances? I know that our differing backgrounds and past experiences can influence us to relate more to a character than others who have not experienced those things. What about the book you just happen to pick up when things are going badly at work? Or the one you were reading when you learned a family member had passed away? Or even the one you read while recovering from a sickness?
Are these kinds of reactions to books that aren't solely based on the book's merit but on your own individual circumstances valid? Should they be considered as objective as ones we read when we were happy or enjoying good fortune? It is impossible, in my experience, to put aside personal feelings entirely.
Now think about a book you read when you were stressed or feeling pressed for time. A book you had to rush through and couldn't spend time pondering it over or thinking it through. If you read something simple and light, perhaps it wasn't much of a problem. But, what if it was a more complex book, requiring time and effort? Would you have loved it if you'd read it at a different time of your life?
I know that I've changed my opinions of books when I reread them. Is that because something in my circumstances changed or does it relate to how well I read the book the first time? Does it matter if we acknowledge these reasons or don't even recognize them?
I've been posing a lot of questions in this post, and honestly I haven't got many answers. I know that absolutely my reading is affected by mood, circumstance, time of life, and many more environmental and personal factors. I absolutely think these reactions and thoughts are valid. We should be able to recognize some level of skill or ability on an author's part no matter the circumstance (though that opens the whole can of worms involving the subjectivity of "good"). But should we post "reviews" of books that we had moody reactions to and that we recognize as such? Do they need a disclaimer?
Honestly, I'm not sure I've ever posted a review of a book I haven't had a moody reaction to. That's probably one reason I began having a positives section and a negatives section in each review - to force me to think about both the good and the bad in a every book. After all, each review I post here is 100% my opinion, subjective, and may or may not be helpful to you.
What are your thoughts?
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Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund
Publisher: Speak
Publication date: May 2009
ISBN: 9780142414378
Source: Library
Things I Liked:
I thought this was a fairly interesting book. I liked the different setting from most YA fantasy romances today. A little sci-fi thrown in added a bit of novelty to the story. I also liked the story of their parents and the history they were trying to figure out. The romance was not one of those love-at-first-sight things, which was also pretty refreshing. The plot kept things moving, even when I wasn't as interested in the characters.
Things I Didn't Like:
I was a bit disappointed in some of the sci-fi elements. I kept wondering about why they had textbooks and not e-books or something. The details were very vague, so I think it will appeal more to those new to sci-fi than hardcore fans. It seemed to not have enough information about the world and the characters - I kept waiting for more descriptions or details, but not getting enough. It makes the story a bit forgettable and the characters a bit flat. I do remember thinking I was more interested in Dane and Aerin's parents' stories than in the kids. I wish I'd been able to know more about them.
Read-alikes:
Maybe Across the Universe by Beth Revis
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
mrg-factor: none
just some kissing
v-factor: ->
a few minor incidents, nothing really described
Overall rating: ***
Maybe I read too much, but I've really forgotten most everything about this book. Please tell me this happens to you guys?
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Drought by Pam Bachorz
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Publication date: January 2011
ISBN: 9781606840160
Source: ARC provided by publicist
Things I Liked:
An intense and pretty unique story. It was not what I expected - for some reason I figured it for dystopian, but it felt more fantasy in our current day with just a touch of dystopian-ness. I liked Ruby and how she grew over the course of the book. I especially liked how she didn't take crap from any of the guys who were interested in her - even from the one she liked! Her love interest was also most definitely not perfect, which I appreciated. It made him more real. The plot had some surprises and it certainly horrified me in multiple places. It had a lot of food for thought about the things we accept in life and the things we can change. Plus, it's got some action too. And an ending that leaves you wondering. Could be a stand alone or part of a series.
Things I Didn't Like:
It was pretty slow for the first half of the book. Not much appeared to be taking place, but I think it was for background on Ruby, since we got to see how she thought then and how she changed. I admit that parts of it made me uncomfortable, from a religious point of view. Cults in general make people uncomfortable, I think. The ending, while it kind of made sense that it ended Ruby's part of that story, left me with a lot of questions about the history of the congregants. I'd be very interested in a prequel that explains her mother's relationships with Otto and Darwin West. Lots of unanswered questions...
Read-alikes:
I had a hard time coming up with anything, but Candor by Pam Bachorz is by the same author (though, fairly different)
I often thought of The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams because of the polygamous colony with severe restrictions (though that one was very much contemporary and more powerful)
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
some, not a lot
mrg-factor: X
a bit of innuendo
v-factor: ->->->->
a lot, some quite brutal
Overall rating: ***
I've seen mixed reactions on this one. Does that make you more likely to read it or less likely?
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date: May 2008
ISBN: 9780316036733
Source: Library (audio download)
Things I Liked:
It is a complex, mysterious, and very exciting story. I love how each of the characters is unique and has particular characteristics that make them all essential to their quest. It had lots of twists and turns and plenty of action that kept me listening and wondering what these remarkable kids would do next. A fun and smart adventure for kids not afraid of a longer and more complex story.
Things I Didn't Like:
I think it dragged on a little too long for me. I listened to this one on audio, so that might have contributed to it, but it took me forever. Not to mention, I did not really like the narrator. He was a older man with a scratchy voice that wasn't particularly suited to the children in the story. I'll definitely be reading the next one instead of listening. I am not sure how much appeal this series will have for kids, but I think an older tween who can invest the time and effort into a chunky text will love them.
Read-alikes:
Read the first book, The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
A bit like the Secret series by Pseudonymous Bosch
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
mrg-factor: none
v-factor: ->
some frightening things and a little violence
Overall rating: ***
Do you find it easier to stop listening to an audiobook or to stop reading a book when you aren't into it? (I tend to have a hard time with both, apparently.)
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Name that Book is a biweekly game where you get to guess a book title from the photo clues.
Back from a long hiatus! Leave your guesses in the comments.
Book 1:
Book 2:
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It's that time again! Time to perform all those necessary housekeeping duties around the blog. Thanks to Natasha of Maw Books Blog, we have a whole weekend to do it together! It's a great weekend for me to sit around with the computer, since I'm recovering from surgery and have nothing better to do (except maybe read). Without further ado, here's "the list"
Write 10 4 or so reviews
Write the double feature that's been in the works for months
Write a discussion post
Create some Name That Book posts
Create some Listless Monday posts
Create a picture for Listless Monday
Improve tags
Group tags Check them out on my left sidebar!
Update goodreads
Update pages
Create pages
Possibly make a button
And some mini-challenges too!
Completed Beth Fish Reads Labels/Tags mini-challenge
Completed Jenn's Bookshelves Organizing Books mini-challenge
Time so far: ~7 hours
Though the list looks a bit short, I'm thinking it's quite ambitious. We'll see just how far I can get on it.
Good luck to you other Bloggiesta participants!
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Sorcery and Cecelia or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot by Patricia Wrede and Caroline Stevermer
Publisher: Harcourt Childrens Books
Publication date: 2003
ISBN: 9780152053000
Source: Library
Kate and Cecelia are apart for the season, but that doesn't mean they can't correspond. Through their letters, we learn that there is a lot of dangerous stuff happening, most of it revolving around a chocolate pot. Kate is mistaken for someone else and nearly poisoned. Cecelia notices there is someone spying on her and her cousin. With all that danger, they should be running; instead they are diving head-first into the world of magic.
Things I Liked:
The letters back and forth were so entertaining and witty. I had a blast trying to keep up with the antics of Kate and Cecelia. Not only are they not your typical Victorian ladies, but they certainly don't mind defying convention on a regular basis. The mix of fantasy and historical fiction is so well done that you begin to truly believe there is a Royal College of Wizards and an enchanted chocolate pot. A lot of fun. Here's a taste:
Do you ever wonder if driving a team is like dancing? Being where you're wanted when you're wanted, with no words, just hints? I never thought of it from the horse's point of view, but perhaps it is, and perhaps that is why good dancers and good drivers are both rare and highly thought of. p 31
Things I Didn't Like:
I have to admit, I had a hard time getting into it. I've liked several epistolary style books before, but they tend to have a certain lack of excitement that comes from relaying events through letters and not being right in the middle of it. The other thing was that I kept getting the girls confused and who was where and which man they would probably end up with. This might have been sheer laziness on my part, or the fact that I was on vacation, but I still have a hard time remembering who is who in this one. I probably just need to read the next one. :)
Read-alikes:
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Dreamhunter by Elizabeth Knox
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
mrg-factor: none
v-factor: none
Overall rating: ***
Do you ever read books that you really want to love but somehow it was just a like-it book?
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The Kings of Clonmel by John Flanagan
Publisher: Philomel
Publication date: May 2010
ISBN: 9780399252068
Source: Library
When Halt doesn't show up for the ranger's annual gathering because he's looking into some rumors in the west, Will knows something big is happening. In Hybernia, their neighboring country, some religious fanatics are taking control and wreaking havoc among the people. Can Will, Halt, and Horace manage to save the last kingdom from the same fate? Especially when some of Halt's past might get in the way...
Things I Liked:
This edition of the Ranger's Apprentice series carries on the tradition of wry humor, adventure, and ranger fun. The stories are always so fun to read - lots of twists and turns and action that makes you want to find out what happens next. I also really enjoy the humor of the rangers, especially Halt. It's nice to take a break from all that cheesy paranormal romance and enjoy some swashbuckling and arrow-slinging adventure.
'Oh, it's a case of they think I'll think that they'll do A, so they'll do B because I wouldn't think they'd think of that but then because I might think I know what they're thinking they'll do A after all because I wouldn't think they'd think that way,' Will said.
Halt looked at him for a moment in silence. 'You know, I'm almost tempted to ask you to repeat that.' p 225
Halt shook his head. 'You warriors don't do much geography in Battleschool do you?'
Horace shrugged. 'We're not big on that sort of thing. We wait for our leader to point to an enemy and say, "Go whack him." We leave geography and such to Rangers. We like you to feel superior.' p 302
Things I Didn't Like:
The stories from this series start to blend together a little after a while. They are all so similar and the plots follow a very familiar arc. I'm not sure what exactly happened and when. Also, I got a bit tired of the repetitive reminders of the things rangers can do without thinking. Yes, we know they can shoot things with a bow and arrow and sneak up on people very well. Let's move on. Definitely to be read one at a time with plenty of time between them. Or by tween boys. Whichever.
Read-alikes:
Start at the beginning of the Ranger's Apprentice Series
It's a little like Lord of the Rings and Percy Jackson
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
that I recall
mrg-factor: none
v-factor: ->->
lots of action and fighting
Overall rating: ****
This reminds me of those rather formulaic series I adored as a child. There's obviously some value in them, right?
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Or Civil Rights Day, whichever. I'm off frolicking in the snow. If you are looking for something appropriate to read on this holiday, you can check my Listless Monday from last year's Civil Rights Day. Hope you get some time off from work/school/whatever!
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
Sorry I forgot to post a winner for this contest yesterday! I'm super excited about this book and I'm glad I get to share a copy with someone else. Thanks to everyone who entered and for everyone who reads my blog (even if you don't comment :) The winner is:
Natalie
Congratulations, Natalie! I've sent you an email and I will send the book out as soon as I get your address.
Even if you didn't happen to win, be sure to check this book out - it is a great read (check out my review here).
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication date: January 2011
ISBN: 9780061996160
Source: e-copy of ARC from NetGalley
Clara is an angel-blood - one quarter angel - which definitely sets her apart from other teenagers. When her family moves from sunny California to freezing Wyoming in order for her to fulfill her purpose, she fits in even less. Having to dye your hair a wretched color to keep people from noticing your glow definitely puts a damper on your social life. But, she does manage to meet the gorgeous Christian, who is intimately bound up in her purpose. But, when the time comes to fulfill her purpose, will she make the right choice or follow her heart?
Things I Liked:
I actually came into this one with low expectations, having just finished and not been pleased with Halo. However, I was pleasantly surprised. There was no instantaneous and eternal love. I thought there would be at first, but I really liked how the romance developed - it was slower, sweeter, and definitely more believable. It was also not what I expected it to be. Not only was that a relief, but the other relationships Clara develops are interesting and make it so the whole book is not about teenage romance. It almost felt at times more like magical realism than true fantasy. I especially love how Clara is smart and realistic and so human despite her angel-blood. Definitely looking forward to more from this author.
Things I Didn't Like:
I have to admit, the ending was a bit of a let-down. There was a lot of build-up (and even the beginning was a bit slow), but I felt like Hand was ensuring people would read the next book so we could figure things out. I thought we should have been given a little more information at least. There was so much vagueness and mystery that I almost felt frustrated. But, I suppose that evil plan worked and I will definitely be reading the next one.
Read-alikes:
Halo by Alexandra Adornetto
Hush, Hush and Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
Fallen by Lauren Kate
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
a few here and there
mrg-factor: none
but some excellent kissing parts :)
v-factor: ->
a very little
Overall rating: ****
Is there too much paranormal romance out there or should there be more published, if it's good (this is a newer book and pretty good)?
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
I was surprised by pretty much everything that won a Youth Media Award. And ashamed at how few I'd read. But, here are some of the winners (holy cow are there a LOT of ALA Awards) and my own regrettable record of what I've read (*read, **on my TBR pile). For the full list of awards and winners, check this out.
John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature
Moon over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool
Honors:
Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm
Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus
Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia*
Um, I read one honor book...definitely this award surprised me - I hadn't heard of most of them, including the winner! I've put myself on the hold list for Moon over Manifest and Turtle in Paradise already.
Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults
Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi**
Honors:
Stolen by Lucy Christopher
Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King
Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick
Nothing by Janne Teller
Hey, at least I had the winner already checked out of the library, right? Some of these I had decided not to read, because they didn't interest me at all. But, I have put Nothing on hold (oh the possibilities for puns).
Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award recognizing an African American author of outstanding books for children and young adults
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia*
Honors:
Lockdown by Walter Dean Myers*
Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes* (for Cybils)
Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty by G. Neri
This is the best one for me - I've read the winner and two honor books. I'll have to work on getting that last one so I can have at least one award category all read...
Alex Awards for the 10 best adult books that appeal to teen audiences
The Reapers Are the Angels: A Novel by Alden Bell
The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake: A Novel by Aimee Bender
The House of Tomorrow by Peter Bognanni
Room: A Novel by Emma Donoghue
The Vanishing of Katharina Linden: A Novel by Helen Grant
The Radleys: A Novel by Matt Haig
The Lock Artist: A Novel by Steve Hamilton
Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok
Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard by Liz Murray
The Boy Who Couldn’t Sleep and Never Had To by DC Pierson
Best I can say? I've heard of a few. It is very apparent to me I don't read many adult books. Especially newer titles. I'm kind of thinking about finding these... [Oh, and why do so many of them feel to need to add "A Novel" to the title - do they think we'll assume their non-fiction otherwise?]
Margaret A. Edwards Award honors an author, as well as a specific body of his or her work, for significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature.
Sir Terry Pratchett won this one, and is well-deserving I think. I'm a fairly new Pratchett reader, and haven't read too many.
What I've read:
The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents (pre-blogging days)
The Wee Free Men (pre-blogging days)
Nation
What I Haven't Read (or some of them anyway):
A Hat Full of Sky
I Shall Wear Midnight**
The Color of Magic
Guards! Guards!
Equal Rites
Going Postal
Small Gods
Mort
William C. Morris Award for a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens
The Freak Observer by Blythe Woolston
Honors:
Hush by Eishes Chayil
Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey
Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride
Crossing the Tracks by Barbara Stuber
Another giant fail. I've heard of one or two, and I really thought I'd read a lot of debuts last year! Guess not.
[addendum: lots and lots more books on the YALSA 2011 Best Fiction for Young Adults list - something for everyone!]
And so, I've learned - I don't read many winners before hand, but I can sure get to them now!
How was your reading of the winners this year?
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