Books

What I Read in October

November 3, 2015 by Abbigail Kriebs Leave a Comment

Oh, October. You used to be my favorite month, and this year you were such a disappointment. Too many weekends at work, a car accident, and a thoroughly delightful (not) governmental paper chase led to too many sleepless nights, too many full nights and weekends, and too few books. On the flip side, I’m writing this just one day into November and I’ve already started and finished an entire novel, so November is looking up! :)

Here’s what I read in October:

Stiltsville By Susanna Daniel

In June, I reviewed Susanna Daniel’s Sea Creatures glowingly. I loved the language, the plot twists, and the conundrum that the main character faced. I was excited to dive into Stiltsville, Daniel’s previous novel and one also set in the same place, hoping to yet again experience the magic of Sea Creatures. While I could see Daniel’s language and storytelling developing in this first novel, it didn’t have the same spark as her second. The novel was the story of the marriage: no enormous plot twists, no startling discoveries, but I felt it gave an accurate picture of an average, real-life love story, the small ups and downs that make up a thirty-year relationship. It was a good book, but I would not recommend it quite as highly as the one I read first.

And Then There Were None By Agatha Christie

My book club chose this novel for our October read, trying to pick something that fit the season without diving into the true horror genre (none of us are scary-movie people!). After hearing so much about “the queen of mystery,” I was underwhelmed in reading my first Christie novel. There was very little character development, and I found myself rooting for no one throughout the entire book. The best part were the concluding 5 or 6 pages where a mysterious tell-all letter recreates the entire plot and reveals who was responsible for the murders on the island. It only took about two hours to read, but I don’t think I’ll add any more Christie novels to my list anytime soon.

Inked by Eric Smith

If you are a book person and you aren’t following Eric Smith on Twitter, go do that now. He’s hilarious, gives great book recommendations, and has an adorable corgi named Augustus of which many photos are shared.

Eric handed out copies of his YA novel Inked a few weeks ago on Twitter, and I was lucky enough to snag one. I started it on Thursday night and finished it Saturday morning before 10 AM, so it’s safe to say that I’m pumped to read the sequel releasing in May 2016. Full review coming soon.

So, that is what I read in October. What about you? Did you fall in love with any new words?

Let’s Chat About Reading: My Answers

October 15, 2015 by Abbigail Kriebs Leave a Comment

ArcadiaHaul | Inkwells & Images

Our reading haul from Arcadia Books in Spring Green, WI last night. Bet you can’t guess which one is Scott’s.

On Tuesday I asked you all some questions about reading, and today I’m going to dish my own answers out into the blogosphere. Here they are:

What is your IDEAL reading nook?
- I really want a tiny cottage in my back yard – far enough away from the house that I can’t see anyone gesturing for me and can’t hear them call my name. It has no cell service, no phone line, and a bunch of different kinds of chairs and couches with arms at all angles so that maximum reading comfort can be achieved over the course of several hours. Must have fireplace and an espresso machine.
Where do you READ in reality?
- On my couch, in my living room, sometimes with a lamp and a cup of coffee that I have long since forgotten about because I am entirely too focused on the book.
Where do you keep your TO-BE-READ (TBR) list? (or pile!)
- Evernote! I call it my digital brain, and it is on so many levels. Recipes, special days/dates, links to favorite articles… all of that lives in Evernote for me. All that plus my TBR list. I keep a note called “Books to Read” and I try to add things in an orderly fashion, with title, author and who recommended it to me. I tried to organize by genre at one point and it was too hard.
Where do you find new books to add to your TBR list?
- Just about everywhere. I read blogs about book, I am on a couple of publishing newsletter lists, and I really enjoy suggestions from family and friends who know me and know what I like to read – or aren’t afraid to suggest something new and out there on the chance that I’ll enjoy it!
Do you use the LIBRARY on a regular basis?
- Yes. I discovered that you can borrow ebooks so I tend to do that a lot. I also love putting books on hold that I’m not sure if I want to buy or not, and then reading them to make that decision. I have read many a library book and then instantly added it to my “Books to Buy” list (also in Evernote!).
Where do you BUY your books most often?
- Lately, a couple different book stores in Madison: I love Frugal Muse, but it’s kind of on the other side of town these days. A Room of One’s Own is not too far from where I work, and I just last night drove to Arcadia Books Spring Green for a book signing where I picked up a couple new reads. I do sometimes order off of Amazon (guilty as charged!), and have picked up a title or two at B&N in the last year. I’ll pretty much buy books wherever they are sold.
BOOK CLUB? Yes or no, why or why not?
- Yes! I joined my first one this year and am really enjoying it. I’ve read a couple of books that I never would have otherwise, and I love getting together and discussing the books with other ladies my age in town. It’s a great way to make new friends – ones who also like books. :)
What is a book that always brings back MEMORIES of your childhood?
- “A Ring of Endless Light” by Madeleine L’Engle. I think I read it a formative time, and it’s definitely a book about a girl going through her own growing pains. I just remember the language being gorgeous – so much so that I have several passages copied out into a notebook, kind of like I do here for book reviews.
What GENRE do you gravitate toward most often?
- Literary fiction, hands down. I like something with a plot and great prose. I do read just about everything, though.
What are you reading RIGHT NOW?
- I am IN-BETWEEN books. I just finished “Stiltsville by Susanna Daniel and have yet to pick something else up. I’m thinking “Inked” by Eric Smith might be next.

What about you? Did you answer these questions anywhere? Do you have a reading question to ask me? Ask away in comments below!

Let’s Chat About Reading

October 13, 2015 by Abbigail Kriebs 1 Comment

Taking some time out of a crazy week to talk about one my favorites: reading!

And I have some questions for y’all:

What is your IDEAL reading nook?
Where do you READ in reality?
Where do you keep your TO-BE-READ (TBR) list? (or pile!)
Where do you find new books to add to your TBR list?
Do you use the LIBRARY on a regular basis?
Where do you BUY your books most often?
BOOK CLUB? Yes or no, why or why not?
What is a book that always brings back MEMORIES of your childhood?
What GENRE do you gravitate toward most often?
What are you reading RIGHT NOW?

Your turn! You can answer these questions on your own blog, in the comment sections below, or wherever else you please! I’ll post my answers here on the blog on Thursday, and we’ll have this huge, awesome conversation about all of our reading favorites. Game? You should be!

Read on!