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#SoRatherBeYoung: Spies & Tiger Eyes

Feb 26, 2015

In December, Estelle and I previewed our new joint feature: "You Make Feel So Young." We decided to team up and celebrate the books that turned us into readers. Each quarter, we'll be highlighting three books: one joint read that we both loved growing up and then we'll each pick a book for one another (something we loved that the other one hasn't read yet). Today, it's finally time to share the results of our first challenge!

Talking about the books with Estelle reminded me of being in elementary school and having bookish conversations with my friends. From class trips to the library to the much-anticipated book fair, it was a time in my life where I was surrounded by people reading (even if they only read in school). It's like I went from passing notes about books to texting and tweeting about them! I always forget how much fun it is to read a book with someone else. And honestly, I'm so glad Estelle suggested this project. Now, let me tell you why...
Joint Pick: HARRIET THE SPY by Louise Fitzhugh | First Published: 1964

More Than You Know: Prior​ to writing Harriet the Spy, Louise Fitzhugh was the illustrator for a 1961 children's book that was a parody of Eloise. In a letter to another editor at Harper, Fitzhugh's editor Ursula Nordstrom wrote, “Anyhow, if you hadn’t called my attention to that Fitzhugh unpublishable picture book we would never have drawn Harriet the Spy out of Louise.” ​Apparently that editor showed Nordstrom​​ some sample pages from Fitzhugh, and the two editors persuaded Fitzhugh to expand it into what became the full-length book!*
  
Memories are Made of This: You know those books you're almost positive that you read as a kid but can't remember anything about them? That's Harriet the Spy for me. My strongest memory of it was just the knowledge that Harriet wrote about people in her notebook. I don't think I even owned a copy of this book! When I finished reading, I actually started questioning if I did actually read this growing up. Or was it just a book that it seemed like I would have read? It remains a mystery.

Second Time Around: While I can see why it's popularity has endured, it was an odd reading experience for me. This is one of those situations where I'm pretty sure I enjoyed the book more as a kid than I did as an adult. Harriet made me laugh several times, but ultimately I just felt sorry for her and disturbed by her behavior. I felt bad about the fact that almost all the adults in her life basically ignore her, but I was also horrified at her cruelty. She's selfish, nosy and mean! I kept waiting for there to be a redeeming moment where she learns a valuable lesson about compassion or apologizing when you've hurt someone, but nope. And while it made sense considering her family life, that didn't make it any less unpleasant to read.

You Can Take My Word for It, Baby: I feel bad saying this, but I don't see myself reading this to my future children. While I wouldn't necessarily prohibit them from reading it, it is a book that I'd want to discuss with them. Harriet's actions are the exact opposite of how I want my children to behave, and there's just really no character growth to counteract it. Honestly, it was a pretty depressing read!
Estelle's Pick for Me: TIGER EYES by Judy Blume | First Published: 1981

Do You Know Why? To say I was floored that Hannah hadn't read a Judy Blume book is an extreme understatement. I had to fix this and fast. Tiger Eyes is one of the most recent books I've read from Judy's backlist and there is a really beautiful movie to supplement the writing. In general, Judy has a way of expressing so much in a compact way. Hannah had to join the club! – from Estelle

Can't You Just See Yourself: There were a number of Judy Blume books that I wasn't allowed to read as a kid, but I somehow ended up never reading anything by her! While I wouldn't have picked this one up as a child because it's a little more mature, I think I would have enjoyed this one in high school. It's a simple story, but a great introduction to Blume's writing style.

I Give You My Word: Tiger Eyes definitely made me curious about reading more from Judy Blume! I loved how many things Blume packed into these few pages. While it deals with some pretty heavy topics (grief and alcoholism, for example), it never felt too heavy. It was a serious book, yes, but one that made me think and feel. Davey's grief and growth were enjoyable to read, and I even liked that the book has a bit of an open ending. I don't think I'd hand it to young children, but I could see my future kids reading it as teenagers.

Before the Music Ends: Although it's not Blume's most popular book, I'm glad I read Tiger Eyes first. If you haven't read anything by Blume yet, this isn't a bad introduction! And if you're a long-time Blume lover who has yet to pick this one up, give it a shot. Now, it's time for me to watch the movie...

Have you read either of these books? What do you remember?
Comment or join the conversation with #SoRatherBeYoung.
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Introducing: You Make Me Feel So Young!

Dec 15, 2014

Earlier this year, I wrote a Top Ten Tuesday post about books I wanted to re-read but didn't own anymore. When I was growing up, I was a major book purger. I was constantly cleaning out my shelves and giving books away. Honestly, I'm still a little mad I gave so many away. The day that post went up, my mom dropped by my house with a surprise: she'd bought me all of the books on my list. It was one of the best and sweetest gifts!

Within a few days, I'd added them all to Goodreads. Then, I got a fun email from Estelle from Rather Be Reading proposing an idea: a new feature revisiting some of our favorite books from childhood! I'd been wanting to pair up with Estelle for a while, but we could never think of what exactly we wanted to do together. But as soon as I read her email, I knew it was the perfect fit.

We want to celebrate the books that turned us into readers - the ones we stayed up late reading under the covers, the ones we stuffed in backpacks because we couldn't leave them at home, the ones that immediately make us feel nostalgic for the past, the ones we dogeared, highlighted, memorized and clutched to our chests. It's time to remember what it was like to fall in love with reading! So, today we're introducing:

You Make Me Feel So Young

Each quarter, Estelle and I will be highlighting three books: one joint read that we both loved growing up and then we'll each pick a book for one another - something we loved that the other one hasn't read yet. We'll officially be kicking it off in January, but we wanted to go ahead and introduce all that fun that is to come.

During the months when we aren't publishing a related blog post, you can look forward to other fun things: book-inspired activities, movie adaptation re-watches and more. Be sure to follow us on Twitter to see what we're sharing with #SoRatherBeYoung. We hope it will inspire you to return to some of your childhood favorites... or maybe even try one of ours. And feel free to join us as we take a trip down memory lane!

To celebrate, we're giving away two copies of our first joint read: 

 Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
The 50th Anniversary Edition

This special 50th Anniversary Edition of the classic and ground-breaking coming-of-age novel, Harriet the Spy, includes tributes by Judy Blume, Meg Cabot, Lois Lowry, Rebecca Stead, and many more, as well as a map of Harriet's New York City neighborhood and spy route and original author/editor correspondence.

Using her keen observation skills, 11-year-old Harriet M. Welsch writes down in her notebook what she considers the truth about everyone in and around her New York City neighborhood. When she loses track of her notebook, it ends up in the wrong hands, and before she can stop them, her friends read the sometimes awful things she's observed and written about each of them. How can Harriet find a way to keep her integrity and also put her life and her friendships back together?

“I don’t know of a better novel about the costs and rewards of being a truth teller, nor of any book that made more readers of my generation want to become fiction writers. I love the story of Harriet so much I feel as if I lived it.” — Jonathan Franzen, author of Freedom and The Corrections

Don't forget to check out Estelle's post, too!

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History With Hannah - Lesson 2

Oct 24, 2013

I'm back with another installment of this historical fiction feature! I decided to do this to highlight the historical aspects of a book I've read and enjoyed recently. My favorite thing about the historical fiction genre is how much learn when I'm reading - and the curiosity I'm left with afterward that has me looking up new-to-me time periods or aspects of the past.

A few weeks ago, I finished a book that I knew I had to highlight here. It was an emotional, interesting story that combined both past and present to create a book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading!

Who?
Orphan Train by Christine Baker Kline

 Release Date: April 2, 2013
Publisher: HarperCollins | William Morrow
Pages: 278 pages
Source & Format: Bought; Paperback
Amazon | Goodreads

 What?
Nearly eighteen, Molly Ayer knows she has one last chance. Just months from "aging out" of the child welfare system, and close to being kicked out of her foster home, a community service position helping an elderly woman clean out her home is the only thing keeping her out of juvie and worse.

Vivian Daly has lived a quiet life on the coast of Maine. But in her attic, hidden in trunks, are vestiges of a turbulent past. As she helps Vivian sort through her possessions and memories, Molly discovers that she and Vivian aren't as different as they seem to be. A young Irish immigrant orphaned in New York City, Vivian was put on a train to the Midwest with hundreds of other children whose destinies would be determined by luck and chance.

The closer Molly grows to Vivian, the more she discovers parallels to her own life. A Penobscot Indian, she, too, is an outsider being raised by strangers, and she, too, has unanswered questions about the past. As her emotional barriers being to crumble, Molly discovers that she has the power to help Vivian find answers to mysteries that have haunted her for her entire life - answers that will ultimately free them both.

Where?
Past: New York City and Minnesota
Present: Maine

 When?
Past: 1929 - 1943
Present: 2011

Why?
1. Orphan Trains
Prior to reading this book, I'd never heard anything about orphan trains. If I had to guess, I'd bet many people haven't heard about this significant moment in America's past. Rather than try to explain it myself, I'm going to quote a section from the back of the book that provides a short history of what happened:
Between 1854 and 1929, so-called orphan trains transported more than two hundred thousand orphaned, abandoned, and homeless children - many of whom, like the character in this book, were first-generation Irish Catholic immigrants  from coastal cities of the eastern United States to the Midwest for "adoption," which was often turned out to be indentured servitude. Charles Loring Brace, who founded the program, believed that hard work, education, and firm but compassionate childrearing - not to mention midwestern Christian family values - were the only way to save these children from a life of depravity and poverty. Until the 1930s, there was no social safety net; it is estimated that more than ten thousand children were living on the streets of New York City at any given time.
Many of the children had experienced great trauma in their short lives and they had no idea where they were going. The train would pull into a station and the local townspeople would assemble to inspect them - often literally scrutinizing teeth, eyes, and limbs to determine where was child was sturdy enough for field work, or intelligent and mild-mannered enough to cook and clean. Babies and healthy older boys where typically chosen first; older girls were chosen last. After a brief trial period, the children became indentured to their host families. If a child wasn't chosen, he or she would get back on the train to try again at the next town.
Some children were warmly welcomed by new families and towns. Others were beaten, mistreated, taunted, or ignored. They lost any sense of their cultural identities and backgrounds; siblings were often separated, and contact between them was discouraged. City children were expected to perform hard farm labor for which they were neither emotionally nor physically prepared. Many of them were first-generation immigrants from Italy, Poland, and Ireland and were teased for their strange accents; some barely spoke English. Jealousy and competition in the new families created rifts, and many children ended up feeling that they didn't belong anywhere. Some drifted from home to home to find someone who wanted them. Many ran away. The Children's Aid Society did attempt to keep track of these children, but the reality of great distances and spotty record keeping made this difficult.
Are you as shocked as I was reading this explanation? I love studying history - it was one of my favorite subjects in school - but I honestly don't think I ever learned anything about this questionable practice in our past. The thing I loved most about Orphan Train is the way it followed one fictional orphan's story. You can tell how much research Kline did when writing this book, and she skillfully weaves that research into the story. You won't learn every little thing about orphan trains, but you will walk away from this book with a heartbreaking example of what many of these children went through.

2. Portaging
This book alternates between the past and present and focuses on two women (one old, one young) who have a profound impact on one another. The young woman is Molly, a teenager living in foster care, who meets Vivian (the grown-up orphan train rider) when she's doing required community service. What I loved about Molly is that you'll still learn a little something about history from her section, even though it's set in 2011. Molly is a Penobscot Indian, and her class is required to do a research report focusing on something called "portaging."

In the past, Wabanki Indians had "to carry their canoes and everything else they possessed across land from one water body to the next, so they had to think carefully about what to keep and what to discard." The students are required to interview someone about their own portages, the literal or metaphorical journey that have taken in their past and what they chose to carry or leave behind. This was a fascinating part of the story, and I loved the way Kline tied it into the overall story. I had never heard of portaging, but this book left wanting to find out more about this concept. Kline took two different threads in our nation's history and wove them together to create an thoughtful and moving story.

An Orphan Train In Michigan (Source)
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History With Hannah - Lesson 1

Jun 19, 2013

One thing you should know about me is that I love historical fiction. I like to think that it all started (or at least turned to love) when I first discovered the Dear America books as a little girl. Written in journal format, each book focused on a different fictional girl from the past and the time in which she lived. I adored the books, and I still have them on my shelves today. Combine that with a deep love for the American Girl doll and accompanying books, and I was made to read and love historical fiction.

With that introduction to historical fiction, who can blame me for growing up and becoming so obsessed with it? In order to share the historical fiction love, I've come up with two features to highlight my favorite genre. The first, History With Hannah, will highlight a historical fiction book (adult or young adult) that I've read recently. Instead of reviewing it, I want to focus on the historical aspect of it. One of my favorite things about the genre is that I often learn things about a new or unfamiliar (to me) time and place. So, I'll highlight for you the Who (all the book details), What (book summary), Where (setting - place), When (setting - time period) and Why (things you'll learn about in this book).

So, let's begin!

Who?
Release Date: April 2013
Pages: 432 pages
Source & Format: Library; Hardcover

What?
Frances Irvine, left destitute in the wake of her father's sudden death, has been forced to abandon her life of wealth and privilege in London and emigrate to the Southern Cape of Africa. 1800 South Africa is a country torn apart by greed. In this remote and inhospitable land she becomes entangled with two very different men - one driven by ambition, the other by his ideals. Only when the rumor of a smallpox epidemic takes her into the dark heart of the diamond mines does she see her path to happiness. But this is a ruthless world of avarice and exploitation, where the spoils of the rich come at a terrible human cost and powerful men will go to any lengths to keep the mines in operation. Removed from civilization and disillusioned by her isolation, Frances must choose between passion and integrity, a decision that has devastating consequences.

Where?
London / South Africa

When?
1880s

Why?
1. Emigration
In The Fever Tree, the heroine emigrates to South Africa after her father dies. Her only living relations either don't want to help her or only want her if she'll work for them. Neither life is all that appealing to Frances, so she decides to leave for South Africa. She travels across the ocean in the company of other women facing similar fates - women who are hoping for a better future in a new country. Whether they marry or become nurses, they are all looking to change their fate. In The Fever Tree you'll get a glimpse at these brave women, and you'll get a small taste for the desperation they must have felt to make them take such an arduous journey.

2. Diamonds
You've probably heard about the corrupt practices surrounding diamond mining and that industry today, but this books gives you a look at its origins. It's certainly hard to read about the topic without wanting to cry at the way the native Africans are treated. Greed motivates almost every action - it's all about mining more diamonds and making more money. It's not unusual for people to make decisions that are motivated by selfishness, but nowhere is it more evident and more heightened than in an environment like this.

3. Imperialism
If you're at all familiar with South Africa's history, you probably know that it's been filled with racial tension. The suppression began long before apartheid, and in The Fever Tree you'll get to see those roots. The Dictionary of Human Geography defines imperialism as "an unequal human and territorial relationship, usually in the form of an empire, based on ideas of superiority and practices of dominance, and involving the extension of authority and control of one state or people over another."

Imperialism - and the attitudes that result from it - is a huge part of this book. From racist remarks to outright abuse, it's certainly heartbreaking to read about one group of people putting themselves in a position of power over another. The inequality of power between whites and blacks is not the focus of this book, but it certainly plays a key role.

4. Epidemics
Finally, there's an interesting look at the way diseases and infections spread. Similarly to when colonial settlers in America brought in diseases that decimated Native American populations, The Fever Tree introduces readers to the smallpox epidemic that swept through some these mining communities. Greed led to lies and cover-ups that resulted in death and devastation. One character is this book is a doctor who is fighting for the right - trying to shed light on the epidemic and the injustice taking place. Like the other things I've mentioned, I love getting the chance to learn about this aspect of South African history (even if it is really sad).

South African Diamond Mine in the 1870s
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Wednesday Wish: Ombre Chevron Bookmarks

May 16, 2012

Source: Piper's Place
Let me begin by telling you that credit for this Wednesday find goes to Magan from Rather Be Reading (side note: LOVE both of those ladies!). She posted on Twitter about these little lovelies, and I immediately fell in love. That was also the first conversation I had with her - we discussed using receipts as bookmarks and my desire to have cool ombre hair like her. Basically, I liked her right away.

So, anyway, aren't these bookmarks just beyond fabulous? They're available from Piper's Place on etsy and are just $5 for the downloadable and printable file! In case you don't realize how great this is, let me explain. Downloadable & printable = unlimited supply of super awesome chevron bookmarks. That's great for someone like me because I misplace cute bookmarks all the time and end up just using receipts. Receipts may do the job, but they certainly aren't cute.

But these are cute. They're chevron, which basically means they're adorable. And they're ombre, which means they're totally in style. And you get to write your name on them. I kind of love anything that allows me to write my name on it and claim it as my own. 

What do you typically use as a bookmark? Have any favorites?
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Wednesday Wish: Puffin Classics

May 9, 2012

Source

Please tell me I'm not the only one who wants to bring every single one of these books home with me?! I love that some of my very favorite children's classics have been given some special, beautiful book attention. From the bright colors to the gorgeous prints, I'm loving everything about these Puffin Classics.

I don't own any of them, but I am dying to buy Anne of Green Gables and The Secret Garden. My only problem? I already own at least two pretty copies of both of those books. I think I'm addicted to buying gorgeous versions of my favorite classics. Still, let's face it, I'll probably add these to my collection one day.

Have you seen these before? And do you own any of them yourself? Better yet - are you addicted to buying gorgeous editions of classics?
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TGIF: Musical Stories {9}

Apr 13, 2012


TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by GReads! that re-caps the week's posts and has a different question each week.

This week's question - Musical Stories: If you could read a book about any song, which song would you love to see written down in story form?





At first, I thought this week's question might be hard to answer. As much as I love listening to music, I wasn't sure what song I would want to see translated into a story. But as a browsed through my iTunes library, I realized pretty quickly that I knew exactly what to choose. I really love stories about love, but I don't always like how love is portrayed in books (and TV or movies).

The first is a song about love at its happiest moment. It's a song that says no matter what happens tomorrow, I'm enjoying this day with you. And, in a moment of letting you know a little more about me, I will also reveal that it was the song my husband and I danced to at our wedding. Our wedding was one the happiest days of my life, but love isn't only about good days. There are bad ones, too. So, for us, this song said, "I will soak up every last minute of this day with you. Trouble will come, and I will still be there on those days. But all we've got to do today is have ourselves a heavenly day..." And that's why I'd like to see this song in story form.


"Heavenly Day" by Patty Griffin

Oh heavenly day, all the clouds blew away
Got no trouble today with anyone
The smile on your face I live only to see
It's enough for me, baby, it's enough for me
Oh, heavenly day, heavenly day, heavenly day

Tomorrow may rain with sorrow
Here's a little time we can borrow
Forget all our troubles in these moments so few
All we've got right now, the only thing that
All we really have to do
Is have ourselves a heavenly day
Lay here and watch the trees sway
Oh, can't see no other way, no way, no way
Heavenly day, heavenly day, heavenly day

No one at my shoulder bringing me fears
Got no clouds up above me bringing me tears
Got nothing to tell you, I've got nothing much to say
Only I'm glad to be here with you
On this heavenly, heavenly, heavenly, heavenly
Heavenly day, all the trouble's gone away
Oh, for a while anyway, for a while anyway
Heavenly day, heavenly day, heavenly day

The other song I'd like to see turned into a story is one that is equally dear to my heart. If I could only listen to one song for the rest of my life, this would probably be it. Whereas "Heavenly Day" was about the best moments in a relationship, this is a song about the hard ones. The time when things have gotten hard. It's the point where love becomes work. But it's also about the point where love can become so real and true. I will tell you this: love isn't a feeling. It begins that way, and it has feelings associated, but long-term love that's honest and true is often a choice. Loving someone is a commitment to them, and you work at that commitment just like you would any other.

To me, this is a song that acknowledges that things aren't always great in love. Marriage takes work. It's not easy all the time, and you're not always happy. But, even then, it says, "I'd still choose you." And I think the book version of that would be so incredible.



"Poison & Wine" by The Civil Wars

You only know what I want you to
I know everything you don't want me to
Oh your mouth is poison, your mouth is wine
You think your dreams are the same as mine
Oh I don't love you but I always will
Oh I don't love you but I always will
Oh I don't love you but I always will
I always will

I wish you'd hold me when I turn my back
The less I give the more I get back
Oh your hands can heal, your hands can bruise
I don't have a choice but I'd still choose you

Oh I don't love you but I always will [x7]
I always will [x5]

What do you think of my choices? And what songs would you want to see turned into a story?
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Wednesday Wish: Society6 iPhone Cases

Apr 4, 2012

My iPhone is currently decked out in an OtterBox case. If you haven't seen one before, it essentially takes my slim little phone and turns it into a brick. But it also makes it as close to indestructible as it can possibly be. My name might mean grace, but I'm the farthest thing from graceful. I probably drop my phone at least once a day. Seriously, you guys (or girls because I can't imagine that I have a large contingency of male readers). However, if I was more trustworthy with technology I would totally be rocking one of these lovely cases from Society6. 


Yes, Society6, nice girls do read books. And nerdy nice girls want to show that off. I fall into the nerdy (mostly) nice girl category and I wanttttt this case. Books! On my phone! Where's Santa when you need him?


As I've already mentioned my nerdiness, it should come as no surprise to you that I like this case because it mentions learning. I love reading because it takes you new places and opens your mind to new worlds. And yes, I just starting singing "A Whole New World" in my head. Anyway, I totes love a case that's pretty and promotes getting smarter. Pretty and smart! 


Oh, hello favorite quote from The Help. Do I want this case? Yes. Would it make me look like a loser that needed a pep talk every time I looked at my phone? Possibly. But it's just so pretty. And who doesn't want to be told these three things every day? 


This case might actually be my favorite. I love the typography, the whole design, the colors, the message... I could keep gushing! Even if it might sound a little cheesy, I really like the whole "see the beauty" concept.

Have you seen Society6's cases, prints, skins, etc? Do have any favorites? If you haven't seen them before, go take a look and lust over the thousands of options available to you.
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TGIF: Book Blogger Retreat {8}

Mar 30, 2012


TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by GReads! that re-caps the week's posts and has a different question each week.

This week's question - Book Blogger Retreat: If you could gather up a handful of book blogger friends to spend a weekend away talking books, where would you go? Tell us about it.
No question. We'd be at the beach. And we'd be doing this:



 

With a lot of this thrown in for good measure:






Who's in? I want to go NOWWWWWW! 
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TGIF: Bookish Trends {7}

Mar 23, 2012


TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by GReads! that re-caps the week's posts and has a different question each week.

This week's question - Bookish Trends: What are some bookish trends you are noticing in the literature world today? Is there a particular trend you'd like to see more of?
Here's are two trends that I am really tired of seeing:
  • Series / Trilogies - Now, I'm actually a huge fan of series. So why did I include it on my list? Well, I'm really tired of series or trilogies that don't really make sense as series or trilogies. If a story can be told in one book, I think it should be kept to one book. I feel sort of cheated (out of my money) when I find out that a book is going to be a series when it makes more sense as a stand-alone novel. I feel like some series I have started lately have been more marketing ploys to get more money, but maybe that's just my feeling. I say long live good series' but let's see the end of gimmicky ones...
  • Instant Love - This is a trend I've noticed a lot in YA (although it does exist in adult fiction, too), and it drives me crazy. If someone meets and falls in love with another character during the course of the book, I want to see a progression in their relationship. I want to be able to figure out why they fell in love. I don't have to love the character, too, but I need to know that they fell in love with the person for a reason. I hate when people just glance at each other and feel an "instant connection" or only love a character for their looks. BLEGH!
As for trends I'd like to see more of, I'm really not sure. I don't know that I really want something in particular to become trendy, per se, because that's usually when I start to get sick of things. For example, I've enjoyed reading more dystopians lately, but I worry that they will soon become overdone. 

Ultimately, I want to see more of three things in particular. Smart, well-developed characters. Gripping, entertaining plots. Gorgeous, evocative prose. 

That's not too much to ask, is it? 
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Wednesday Wish: Ruben Toledo for Penguin Classics

Mar 21, 2012

Source
I have loved illustrator Ruben Toledo ever since I first saw his work in one of Nina Garcia's fashion books. And then I realized his also did a lot of illustration for Nordstrom. At that point, my love was officially sealed. When I found out he would be producing a series of covers for a few Penguin Classics, I was ecstatic. I knew I'd be in love with whatever he ended up creating. Needless to say, I'm thrilled with how they turned out! In case you haven't seen these already, you've seriously got to check them out! Oh, and they still count as a "wish" in my mind because there is one I don't own :) 

Check out these three lovelies:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
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TGIF: Social Networking {6}

Mar 16, 2012


TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by GReads! that re-caps the week's posts and has a different question each week.

This week's question - Social Networking: Do you use Twitter or Facebook to promote your blog?  How has it benefited your book blogging experience? If not, how do you promote your blog? Share your twitter handle and/or Facebook link!
I had a Twitter account prior to starting my blog, but (in all honesty) found the whole thing very boring. Why would I want to share random updates with all my friends? What the heck am I supposed to talk about? When you spend your days working, it's not like there's very much excitement going on. 

BUT NOW.... ohmyheavens, I love Twitter! I only started my blog a few months ago, and my brand-new  Twitter account was created less than a month ago. Since then, I've realized how wonderful Twitter can be when you really connect to the blogging community at large. Forget finding new followers... I've found so many new blogs to follow! Plus, it was been crazy cool to have authors reply to me when I mention that I loved their book (in my mind, authors are totally like celebrities). And I've loved getting to talk with other bloggers! Am I gushing? Probably. But it's been a really fun way to get more familiar with the blogging community, so I'm very thankful for that.

I work with social media in my big girl job, so I haven't created a Facebook page because I'm too lazy to manage another social media account. For now, I'm content with my little Twitter. Follow me, pretty please? You'll find me at: @soobsessedblog.

And, before I forget, I'm also totally addicted to Pinterest (and if you're not addicted or not on it, you totally should be). I actually pin lots and lots bookish finds there, along with other cool stuff. You can follow me on Pinterest, too!
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Wednesday Wish: Erin Bowman Dust Jackets

Mar 14, 2012

Y'all, I had a COMPLETELY different post planned for today's Wednesday Wish until I got on Pinterest. First of all, I'm seriously addicted to Pinterest. It's probably the biggest Internet time suck, but where else can you find so many awesome things in one place? I can't think of anywhere else! I find all kinds of lovely things there (fashion, food, decorating), including some fun bookish finds. Enter today's wish. As soon as I saw this, I had to investigate.

All images from E.M. Bowman
These absolutely adorable oh-my-gosh-I-love-them dust jackets are the work of Erin Bowman, Tracey Neithercott and Sarah Enni. Erin did all the design work, with inspiration and help from Sarah and Tracey. Hello, are these not like the cutest things everrrr? Do you know how many times I've wanted to tell people to stop trying to interrupt my reading?! Don't get me wrong... I LOVE talking books. But I don't love talking books right when I'm in the middle of one. Obnoxious. That's why these book covers are genius! The book covers do all the talking so you don't have to.

The best part? They're available as FREE downloads! AHHHHH! Be still my heart. They are separated into three sets, and you can find one set at each of the three blogs. I've included pictures of all three sets below, as well links to where you can find them, for your convenience. Go get to printing and shushing!


Set #1 - Available at E.M. Bowman's blog
  • Go Away. I'm reading.
  • Reading > Talking
  • Team Reading

Set #2 - Available at Tracey Neithercott's blog
  • Fiction > Reality
  • Shhh. I'm in book mode.
  • Silencio!

Set #3 - Available at Sarah Enni's blog
  • At Hogwarts, BRB
  • In the Arena, BRB
  • In Narnia, BRB
  • Climbing Mount Doom, BRB
  • In Forks, SEND HELP
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TGIF: Promote an Author {5}

Mar 9, 2012

This week's question - Promote An Author: Is there a particular author you wish got more recognition? Pick one author & tell us why we should read their work. 
Julie Buxbaum

There's a chance that Julie has gotten more recognition than I realize, but that's the first author that came to mind so I'm sticking with it. I remember first picking up The Opposite of Love - I was so drawn in by the title and the cover image. Throw in a blurb by Emily Giffin, and I knew I had to read it. Thankfully, it was even better than I ever could have imagined. 

I absolutely LOVE the was Julie writes. She's witty and sharp, which is a huge plus for me when I'm reading a book. Besides that, she packs an emotional punch. Both of her novels (the other is After You) suck you in and leave you feeling slightly breathless.

Want an example of the way Julie's writing draws you in? Here's the first paragraph of the first chapter in The Opposite of Love: 

"Last night, I dreamt I chopped Andrew up into a hundred little pieces, like a Benihana chef, and ate them, one by one. He tasted like chicken. Afterward, I felt full but slightly disappointed. I had been craving steak."

Don't lie - you're dying to read more. GO BUY HER BOOKS. You'll be so obsessed with them.

  
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Wednesday Wish: Monogrammed Kindle Decal

Mar 7, 2012

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I haven't always loved my monogram. They're a pretty preppy fashion statement, and I don't really have that kind of style. BUT... I'm starting to love monogrammed accessories.

Case in point: I'm in love with my monogrammed keychain and license plate.

And then I started discovering other adorable monogrammed things. That's where today's Wednesday wish comes in. I love this monogrammed Kindle decal from the Abigail Lee Home etsy shop.  While I don't really love the one pictured, I really like that you can customize the decal with the pattern and color of your choice. Aren't you obsessed?
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TGIF: Book Moments {4}

Mar 2, 2012


TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by GReads! that re-caps the week's posts and has a different question each week.

This week's question - Book Moments: What has been your favorite moment (scene) in a book that you've read so far in 2012? 
I didn't have to think too hard about this question. I immediately knew the answer, but I couldn't narrow it down to just one. Here are my top three favorite moments, based on my emotional response:

For the LOL factor, I couldn't stop laughing during the scene in Stay where Savannah drinks a few too many Kool-Aid cocktails while watching a Rin Tin Tin marathon. The result? She orders a (not so small) German Shepherd puppy from Slovakia. The entire scene was pitch perfect and hilarious. I couldn't stop giggling and reading parts aloud to my husband!

For the sweetness factor, I sighed over the moment in The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight where the narrator explores how books have played a role in Hadley and her father's relationship. This is the line that made my heart swell: "He was a professor, a lover of stories, and he was building her a library in the same way other men might build their daughters houses."

For the cryfest factor, I held back tears while reading the epilogue in Unbroken. I don't even have the words to describe how much I loved the ending of the book. Well, the entire book really. So amazing!
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