I'm a Reader

Another one to add to the list. Just finished The Life and Times of Delila by Lindsay Klug. It's another vampire and werewolf story but the farthest from Twilight you could think of. This is her first publication and I couldn't be happier for her.

I don't do book reviews and Lord help me if I ever needed to write a book report again. However, I will say that the story as it unfolded was interesting and held my attention. I was nervous what I would think considering we are related (cousin in law) but in all honesty I liked it. If you are looking for a quick, enjoyable read; pick this up. Available in e-book format on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. She is also ridiculously hilarious and if you are on Twitter you should follow her. But only if you have a sense of humor and can handle swearing...@infidelqueen

Note: I purchased the book myself and Lindsay had no idea I would blog about it. My opinions are my own. kthxbai.

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I'm a Reader

Well well well. Look at that.

I managed to add 4 books over the last 2 weeks!

1. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
2. Wish by Alexandra Bullen
3. Mockingjay by Suzanna Collins
4. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest
5. The English American by Alison Larkin
6. Water for Elephants (Nook Book)
7. Sizzling Sixteen Janet Evanovich
8. Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman)- Audio Book
9. Mini-Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

I've got a couple more books going now as well. I picked up Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah. I absolutely loved her book Firefly Lane so I'm hoping this is another awesome one. I also purchased my cousin's wife's new book The Life and Times of Delila and have started that as well.

On the knitting front, I ripped out what I had started of the 2nd sock because it just wasn't right. Come to find out I forgot to do the regular rows in between increases so my sock was large enough to go around a Clydesdale Hoof.

(Source)

I re-started and it's now much better. Amazing what reading directions correctly will do for you! I'm half way through the foot and hope to get to the heel tomorrow. Even better news- the socks are coming up pretty much as a matching pair! I only hope that continues through the heel. I love the tri-color primary effect I got on the first one.

I'm a Reader

1. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
2. Wish by Alexandra Bullen
3. Mockingjay by Suzanna Collins
4. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest
5. The English American by Alison Larkin
6. Water for Elephants (Nook Book)
7. Sizzling Sixteen Janet Evanovich
8. Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman)- Audio Book

I loved BH2TW so much and I knew I would. I'm a religious reader of her blog and read the first part via her blog posts and fell in love. As an added bonus, the book was read by her which I think made it even more charming!

Picked up 2 more books at the library as well. The newest Shopaholic Book by Sophie Kinsella- Mini Shopoholic, and another book from Kristin Hannah called Winter Garden. (She is the author of one of the best books I've ever read- Firefly Lane)

In knitting news, I added to my stash today :)
I checked out a newer shop nearby and of course couldn't resist picking up some more sock yarn- which technically doesn't count as stash right?

Anyways, I got a skein of Cascade Heritage in a lovely teal blue color. 

Source


















And another skein of lovely Malibrigo Sock Yarn in a gorgeous Purple color


Source

















Both are destined, I'm sure, to become lovely little shawls to add to my collection.

What say you?

I'm a Reader

1. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
2. Wish by Alexandra Bullen
3. Mockingjay by Suzanna Collins
4. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest
5. The English American by Alison Larkin
6. Water for Elephants (Nook Book)
7. Sizzling Sixteen Janet Evanovich

So I said I needed to buy a nook book and I did! And then I poured through it quickly. Water for Elephants was really good but definitely disturbing. I can't wait to see the movie but honestly I'm a little worried given certain scenes and the subject matter. I have a feeling PETA is going to have a field day with this one. But Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon? Yes Please!

Sizzling Sixteen was another great Stephanie Plum book by the awesome Lady Evanovich. I look forward to reading every one of these. Quick mindless reads that are entertaining and I love following the characters. Although I heard a rumor that it was going to be turned into a TV show or movie or something (the series... there are now 16? books?) and Stephanie Plum would be played by Katherine Heigl? I'm terribly dissapointed if that is the case. Although I really look forward to finding out who would take the part of Lula and who the dreamy Ranger would be.

Okay enough of that. I'm currently listening to The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummonds awesomely amazing Black Heels to Tractor Wheels as a book on tape (cd) I read the story on the blog and fell in love. it's an amazing love story and Ree is witty and charming. Plus, added bonus, she is the one reading the book!

I'll need to pick up another book at some point too. As always, leave suggestions down in the comments. I know I need to pick up Sarah Addison Allen's new book The Peach Keeper, and my cousin's wife Lindsey just had her first book published! The Life and Times of Delila only available via e-book and you can pick it up on amazon or barnes and noble. Check it out! Think vampires, werewolves... Twilight for adults maybe? I'm looking forward to it.

I'm a Reader

1. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
2. Wish by Alexandra Bullen
3. Mockingjay by Suzanna Collins
4. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest
5. The English American by Alison Larkin

Up Next: Not sure, need to buy a nook book. Any suggestions of totally awesome can't put it down books for me to buy??

I'm a Reader

1. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
2. Wish by Alexandra Bullen
3. Mockingjay by Suzanna Collins
4. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

I'm finally finished with that series. While I like it- the plot, the way the story unfolded- It took a painfully long time to get through. Seriously- it took a month.

Moving on to the next story- I have started The English American by Alison Larkin. Already I'm 5 chapters in and only read it during lunch yesterday. An easy read to pick me back up and get me on the bookmobile again.

I'm a Reader

Nothing like a great book to bring your yearly count up another notch in such a short time.

1. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
2. Wish by Alexandra Bullen
3. Mockingjay by Suzanna Collins

Oh my, where do I start? I literally mentioned that I finished Wish on Thursday and was able to get started on Mockingjay. It was finished Saturday night and would have been finished sooner had I not had to take a break to go to dinner and a movie with the girls. I loved this book. Like loved. Seriously. Although it wasn't my favorite of the 3, it was still fantastic. A bit graphic and violent for pre-teen or teen I would say, but the way the story evolved from book to book really held me in. I can't imagine having to wait in between reading the books like those people who were reading them in real time and had to wait for publication. Suzanne Collins is a highly gifted author and I look forward to reading anything else that she puts out.

With such a great book I am hoping that I won't be dissapointed by any other book I pick up next. Although, I did find The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest that I was missing for a few months. I may go ahead and plow through that one before moving onto my next nook book. But I'm not sure.

What are you reading right now that you absolutely love???

I'm a Reader

Well, I finished my first Nook Book!

1. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

2. Wish by Alexandra Bullen

I don't know quite what to say about it. I liked it, but I didn't love it. I know that it probably terrible to say, but it's the truth. It was a shorter book at 256 pages. I read it because I wanted to finish it and get to Mockingjay, so maybe my reaction is a bit unfair to the book. But now that I'm finished with it I will be starting Mockingjay today! I'm way too excited.

There apparently is a "Wish" series that I may or may not pick up. I read an excerpt from the next book and I didn't hate it so it is still a possibility.

I'm a Reader

Well, 6 days into 2011 and I have read my first book!

1. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

I could not get enough of this book. I stayed up even later than I should have after the Sugar Bowl (WOOT! Buckeye Win!!!) because I couldn't stop reading. And again last night. I sat on the couch and read 200 uninterrupted pages. I kept telling myself I would stop after the chapter but I had to keep going.

I am completely left hanging however and absolutely MUST get the third installment soon. But I'm going to exhibit some retraint and not jump right into it. Just to punish myself I suppose.

This book is the second in The Hunger Game series. I was held through the first book, which happened to be book number 26 for 2010! but in all honesty I think I loved this one even more. Plowing through it in 3 days was really something for me. I probably would have stayed up even later last night but I just had to get to bed. It was an awful early morning today.

At least I'm off to a good reading start for 2011! I'll not set a target number since I know things come up and change, but I did happen to get a nookColor for Christmas so hopefully I can get even more reading done this year!

I'm a Reader

1. Finger Lickin' Fifteen- Janet Evanovich
2. The Lace Reader- Brunonia Barry
3. Julia's Chocolates- Cathy Lamb
4. Knit the Season- Kate Jacobs
5. Garden Spells- Sarah Addison Allen
6. The Sugar Queen- Sarah Addison Allen
7. Full House- Janet Evanovich
8. Full Tilt- Janet Evanovich
9. The Help- Kathryn Stockett
10. Memoirs of a Shopping Addict- Avis Cardella
11. The Girl Who Chased the Moon- Sarah Addison Allen
12. Out of Eden- Beth Ciotta
13. Something Borrowed - Emily Giffin
14. Eat, Pray, Love- Elizabeth Gilbert
15. Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen- Christopher McDougall
16. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner- Stephanie Meyer
17. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo- Steig Larsson
18. My Fair Lazy: One Reality Television Addict's Attempt to Discover If Not Being a Dumb Ass Is the New Black or a Culture-up Manifesto- Jen Lancaster
19. Dismantled - Jennifer McMahon
20. The Girl Who Played With Fire- Steig Larsson

Currently Reading: The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

I'm a Reader

1. Finger Lickin' Fifteen- Janet Evanovich
2. The Lace Reader- Brunonia Barry
3. Julia's Chocolates- Cathy Lamb
4. Knit the Season- Kate Jacobs
5. Garden Spells- Sarah Addison Allen
6. The Sugar Queen- Sarah Addison Allen
7. Full House- Janet Evanovich
8. Full Tilt- Janet Evanovich
9. The Help- Kathryn Stockett
10. Memoirs of a Shopping Addict- Avis Cardella
11. The Girl Who Chased the Moon- Sarah Addison Allen
12. Out of Eden- Beth Ciotta
13. Something Borrowed - Emily Giffin
14. Eat, Pray, Love- Elizabeth Gilbert
15. Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen- Christopher McDougall
16. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner- Stephanie Meyer
17. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo- Steig Larsson
18. My Fair Lazy: One Reality Television Addict's Attempt to Discover If Not Being a Dumb Ass Is the New Black or a Culture-up Manifesto- Jen Lancaster
19. Dismantled - Jennifer McMahon

On a spur of the moment trip to the library I picked up Dismantled. I saw it on the Books A Million Book Club and since I've had pretty good luck with them I decided to give it a try. Less than a week later and I'm already through it. All I wanted to do was sit down and read this book. I kept thinking about it and wanting to know what was going to happen next. It's a bit supernatural, a bit mystery, some psycological drama. Overall it's awesome.

Here's the description from Book A Million
 
Dismantlement = Freedom
 
Henry, Tess, Winnie, and Suz banded together in college to form a group they called the Compassionate Dismantlers. Following the first rule of their manifesto--"To understand the nature of a thing, it must be taken apart"--these daring misfits spend the summer after graduation in a remote cabin in the Vermont woods committing acts of meaningful vandalism and plotting elaborate, often dangerous, pranks. But everything changes when one particularly twisted experiment ends in Suz's death and the others decide to cover it up.
 
Nearly a decade later, Henry and Tess are living just an hour's drive from the old cabin. Each is desperate to move on from the summer of the Dismantlers, but their guilt isn't ready to let them go. When a victim of their past pranks commits suicide--apparently triggered by a mysterious Dismantler-style postcard--it sets off a chain of eerie events that threatens to engulf Henry, Tess, and their inquisitive nine-year-old daughter, Emma.
 
Is there someone who wants to reveal their secrets? Is it possible that Suz did not really die--or has she somehow found a way back to seek revenge?
 
Full of white-knuckle tension with deeply human characters caught in circumstances beyond their control, Jennifer McMahon's gripping story and spine-tingling plot prove that she is a master at weaving the fear of the supernatural with the stark realities of life.

I'm a Reader

1. Finger Lickin' Fifteen- Janet Evanovich
2. The Lace Reader- Brunonia Barry
3. Julia's Chocolates- Cathy Lamb
4. Knit the Season- Kate Jacobs
5. Garden Spells- Sarah Addison Allen
6. The Sugar Queen- Sarah Addison Allen
7. Full House- Janet Evanovich
8. Full Tilt- Janet Evanovich
9. The Help- Kathryn Stockett
10. Memoirs of a Shopping Addict- Avis Cardella
11. The Girl Who Chased the Moon- Sarah Addison Allen
12. Out of Eden- Beth Ciotta
13. Something Borrowed - Emily Giffin
14. Eat, Pray, Love- Elizabeth Gilbert
15. Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen- Christopher McDougall
16. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner- Stephanie Meyer
17. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo- Steig Larrson
18. My Fair Lazy: One Reality Television Addict's Attempt to Discover If Not Beinga Dumb Ass Is the New Black or a Culture-up Manifesto- Jen Lancaster

Wow, I didn't realize that I hadn't updated since early September. Since reading Born to Run, I flew through Bree Tanner. Found that enjoyable. It didn't read as well, in my opinion, compared to the other Twilight books, and it was my first novella in I don't know how long. But I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the characters and it was really interesting to read the same story from a different point of view.

Apres ca, came the much anticipated Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. I struggled to get into it, but roughly 75 pages in I was hooked. I couldn't get enough of the story and was spellbound through the entire thing. I've already been to the half price bookstore and picked up the third in the series while the 2nd is still on request from the library. I can't wait to read more about Lisbeth Salander and I'm wondering what she is doing playing with Fire.

Just yesterday I finished the newest installment in the memoirs of Jen Lancaster. Yet again she did not dissappoint. I laughed hysterically and out loud on many occassions, and was sad to see it end. I was recently informed as well that she will be releasing her first FICTION novel If You Were Here that is due out in May 2011. I can't wait to see how she transitions from Memoir and Bloggy style to fiction novel, but if her charming and hilarious storytelling ability shines through we should all be in for a real treat!

Up next on my reading list, aside from waiting for Girl Who Played With Fire and The Hunger Games from the library, is Last Chance Saloon by Marian Keyes. I picked this up last year and never got around to reading it. i think it's high time I picked it up off the shelf and read what it's all about.

PS- I ran for the first time since the marathon. 8 days post marathon and I was able to rock out an 11min mile. Just one. But one more than I ran all week so I'm happy. :)

I'm a Reader

1. Finger Lickin' Fifteen- Janet Evanovich
2. The Lace Reader- Brunonia Barry
3. Julia's Chocolates- Cathy Lamb
4. Knit the Season- Kate Jacobs
5. Garden Spells- Sarah Addison Allen
6. The Sugar Queen- Sarah Addison Allen
7. Full House- Janet Evanovich
8. Full Tilt- Janet Evanovich
9. The Help- Kathryn Stockett
10. Memoirs of a Shopping Addict- Avis Cardella
11. The Girl Who Chased the Moon- Sarah Addison Allen
12. Out of Eden- Beth Ciotta
13. Something Borrowed - Emily Giffin
14. Eat, Pray, Love- Elizabeth Gilbert
15. Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen- Christopher McDougall

I could go on and on and on about Born to Run. It was so amazing and inspiring and out of this world craziness. The fact that it is true, and the Tarahumara* really do exist just blows my mind. This book inspires me to find my inner joy when it comes to running. Do it for me. Now please don't misunderstand me, I am not really thinking I will be a competitve ultra marathon runner, but after reading the book I want to go get some pinole and chia and hit the trails! The reading is a bit choppy, but the story is beyond amazing.

Runners and non-runners alike would be sucked into this book. The determination of one man to fufill a dream and bring together 3 different cultures for an amazing race that will never be seen is just, in Stephanie's words, MAGICAL.

I've picked up 2 new books from the library and am already tearing into The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephanie Meyer and that will be followed by the greatly anticipated Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

Happy Reading!

*The Rarámuri or Tarahumara are an indigenous people of northern Mexico who are renowned for their long-distance running ability. Source: Wikipedia

PS- They wear really beautiful clothing when they run. Click here to see the people the book is about (including Barefoot Ted! Yes! He runs barefoot... in the trails... over rocks and dirt and leaves... he's crazy!)

I'm a Reader

1. Finger Lickin' Fifteen- Janet Evanovich

2. The Lace Reader- Brunonia Barry

3. Julia's Chocolates- Cathy Lamb

4. Knit the Season- Kate Jacobs

5. Garden Spells- Sarah Addison Allen

6. The Sugar Queen- Sarah Addison Allen

7. Full House- Janet Evanovich

8. Full Tilt- Janet Evanovich

9. The Help- Kathryn Stockett

10. Memoirs of a Shopping Addict- Avis Cardella

11. The Girl Who Chased the Moon- Sarah Addison Allen

12. Out of Eden- Beth Ciotta

13. Something Borrowed - Emily Giffin

14. Eat, Pray, Love- Elizabeth Gilbert

I knew I forgot one! Number 12 was Out of Eden by Beth Ciotta. Just a fun quick read that I picked up because of the cute cover. Red heels, red dress, and a red apple on a blue park bench. Didn't even read the back of it before I grabbed it. And I finished Eat, Pray, Love. It wasn't so bad actually. I quite enjoyed Italy, and Indonesia as well. India was a slight struggle but only because if I had to read any more Sanskrit words I was going to cry!

Up next is Born to Run. I'm really excited for this one!

I'm a Reader

1. Finger Lickin' Fifteen- Janet Evanovich


2. The Lace Reader- Brunonia Barry

3. Julia's Chocolates- Cathy Lamb

4. Knit the Season- Kate Jacobs

5. Garden Spells- Sarah Addison Allen

6. The Sugar Queen- Sarah Addison Allen

7. Full House- Janet Evanovich

8. Full Tilt- Janet Evanovich

9. The Help- Kathryn Stockett

10. Memoirs of a Shopping Addict- Avis Cardella

11. The Girl Who Chased the Moon- Sarah Addison Allen
 
12. Something Borrowed -  Emily Giffin
 
I swear I've read more than this so far this year... Oh well. I'll just keep on reading! I've got 4 books on hold right now so I'm just waiting for the other readers to finish so I can have my turn!

I'm a Reader

I completely forgot to add my last book to the list so now I've got 2!

1. Finger Lickin' Fifteen- Janet Evanovich
2. The Lace Reader- Brunonia Barry
3. Julia's Chocolates- Cathy Lamb
4. Knit the Season- Kate Jacobs
5. Garden Spells- Sarah Addison Allen
6. The Sugar Queen- Sarah Addison Allen
7. Full House- Janet Evanovich
8. Full Tilt- Janet Evanovich
9. The Help- Kathryn Stockett
10. Memoirs of a Shopping Addict- Avis Cardella
11. The Girl Who Chased the Moon- Sarah Addison Allen

I had to wait on this from the library as well- it was a recommendation from Janelle who always has the best book recommendations! Sarah Addison Allen did not dissapoint once again and in fact- left me hanging on for more! I'd highly recommend her books- not in any order- as the characters are all different.

Now I need some more to read! I may be slow going this year but at least I've still got my nose in a book every now and then right?

I'm a Reader

Hooray! I can add another lovely literary masterpiece to my list!

1. Finger Lickin' Fifteen- Janet Evanovich
2. The Lace Reader- Brunonia Barry
3. Julia's Chocolates4. Knit the Season- Kate Jacobs
5. Garden Spells- Sarah Addison Allen
6. The Sugar Queen- Sarah Addison Allen
7. Full House- Janet Evanovich
8. Full Tilt- Janet Evanovich
9. The Help- Kathryn Stockett

I just loved this book. Honestly. It was so fantastic. The characters, the speech, the story, I just couldn't get enough.

Truly worth the wait for me and I'm so thrilled to be able to add it to my list of books for 2010.

I've started Spent: Memoirs of a Shopping Addict by Avis Cardella
I like it already. Another non-fiction memoir type book. I read an exceprt in a magazine I think and immediately requested it from the library. I think it will be a quick read.

And my mother in law gave me a copy of Eat Pray Love over the weekend so that will be read soon as well! (She figures I'll read it before she will so it's on loan to me. I won't dissappoint! After Spent, I'll pick it up!)

I'm a Reader

My reading list is slowly growing. Maybe I'll hit 20 this year?

1. Finger Lickin' Fifteen- Janet Evanovich
2. The Lace Reader- Brunonia Barry
3. Julia's Chocolates
4. Knit the Season- Kate Jacobs
5. Garden Spells- Sarah Addison Allen
6. The Sugar Queen- Sarah Addison Allen
7. Full House- Janet Evanovich
8. Full Tilt- Janet Evanovich

And I finally got my turn to pick up The Help by Kathryn Stockett from the library. I picked it up yesterday and I'm already about 70 pages in. Would have been more but we wen't golfing last night :) I'm already in love with the characters and know that I will pour myself into this book and love every minute of it.

I've also got Spent: Memoirs of a Shopping Addict, All We Ever Wanted Was Everything, and Full Speed on my nightstand to keep me reading through the next month!

As always, what are you reading that I must know about?!?

I'm a Reader

Amidst all the major bummerness around here I did manage to add 2 more books to my reading list for 2010

1. Finger Lickin' Fifteen- Janet Evanovich
2. The Lace Reader- Brunonia Barry
3. Julia's Chocolates
4. Knit the Season- Kate Jacobs
5. Garden Spells- Sarah Addison Allen
6. The Sugar Queen- Sarah Addison Allen
7. Full House- Janet Evanovich

I enjoyed Sugar Queen. It was a story that I followed along quite well. It wasn't mind blowing, but I enjoyed the characters and the story itself and how they all intermingled with each other. And now I want a secret closet full of candy and chocolate.

Janet Evanovich didn't let me down. While I'm still waiting for another Stephanie Plum book I discovered the "Full" series. I am not sure about the characters in every book if they are the same or different. But I enjoyed Book 1 and the second is coming along quite well again.

I'm still on the wait list for the Help. I checked at the store to buy it but it was $20! I'm so not spending $$ on that right now. I'll just wait.

Unless someone wants to send it to me?

Book It Update

First off- Welcome! to all the new readers visiting for knit and crochet blog week! I hope you stick around. 2buckeyes is pretty much a hodge podge mashup of anything and everything that is captivating me at the time. Mostly it's fiber related, but there is some home construction, niece and nephew cuteness, lots of pictures, and a little bit of vinegar for good measure.

(you can follow me over there on the right >>>>>>>)

I'm happy to report that after only 6 days since my last Reading List Update, I have managed to finish a book!

Brings my grand total for 2010 to... drumroll please... 5!

1. Finger Lickin' Fifteen- Janet Evanovich
2. The Lace Reader- Brunonia Barry
3. Julia's Chocolates
4. Knit the Season- Kate Jacobs
5. Garden Spells- Sarah Addison Allen

I thought it was a delightful read. Right up my alley. A bit of magic, some family turmoil, and mysterious and strong heroines at the center of the story. I started reading and even with putting it down many times for errand running and working, it was still a quick read. It makes me wish I had an enchanted garden... and a temperamental Apple Tree :)

Read an excerpt here. I'd definitely recommend it!

I'll be starting Sarah Addison Allen's 2nd Book The Sugar Queen tonight.

Recommendations are always appreciated!