Well, I'm halfway through "Before I Go to Sleep," and I'll just say it's had me on the edge of my seat since page 1. If you like suspense with a sinister feel, this is your book. I can't wait to get to teh end to see how it turns out. More thoughts as I keep reading.
I did take a little break from my reading to finish up a short story I've been working on. Whew, it's hard work to try to become a published writer. Keeping the creative juices flowing is a must in order to keep them from drying up. It's frustrating as hell, though, when you get stuck. I definitely did my Happy-Happy-Joy-Joy dance. :)
So now, here we go with some thoughts on some stuff I've read this year. Nt many books under my belt yet, but with my time opening up, that will change.
I wanted to say a few things about the Gatekepers series by Anthony Horowitz. My buddies, Lewis and Ian, turned me on to it *big hugs, you guys* and it was great reading. We're waiting for the last one in the series to come out, but we're thinking that won't be for a while yet. It's been two+ years already. Anyhow, it's about four kids with different magical powers who have to defeat an ancent race called the Old Ones, who came through a dimensional gate. It's geared to younger audiences, but like the Harry Potter series, it has merits for adult appeal. The series is a fast read with a lot of plot. The characters are well developed, and the story keeps you wanting more. Try them. You might like them.
Not to much else to say, so I'm off to continue reading. Cheers and happy reading, everyone.
Sharon
Monday, June 27, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
From Romance to Psychological Thriller!
Well, I just got done with "Vision in White," the first book in Nora Roberts's Bride Quartet series and was going to continue with the series next. However, after reading about this next little gem on another blog, I decided that "Before I Go To Sleep" by S. J. Watson has climbed to the top of my queue. Before I get to that, I'll give some thoughts on "Vision in White."
As I've said in a previous post, Nora Roberts is one of my favorite authors, and this was a great little read by her. I recommend this book for any bride-to-be, bride wannabe, or anyone with a romantic streak. The series centers around four women who are best friends and business partners, and they run a wedding planning business called Vows. Each book centers on one of the four women, and each finds her perfect man. "Vision in White" features McKenzie Elliott who meets Carter McGuire, an English teacher who has had a crush on Mac for years. They fall in love, but Mac nearly blows it because of her fear of commitment due to the actions of her dysfunctional parents. By the way, her mother is a real piece of work. The character of Linda Elliott will have you shaking your head and wanting to pull your hair out. I, as the reader, could feel Mac's frustration with her mother. Anyway, Nora Roberts's wit and humor shine in this book along with her flair for vivid descriptions and lovely romance.
Now, on to "Before I Go To Sleep." Here is the descripton from Amazon.com's website:
Every day Christine wakes up not knowing where she is. Her memories disappear every time she falls asleep. Her husband, Ben, is a stranger to her, and he's obligated to explain their life together on a daily basis--all the result of a mysterious accident that made Christine an amnesiac. With the encouragement of her doctor, Christine starts a journal to help jog her memory every day. One morning, she opens it and sees that she's written three unexpected and terrifying words: "Don't trust Ben." Suddenly everything her husband has told her falls under suspicion. What kind of accident caused her condition? Who can she trust? Why is Ben lying to her?
Being the Audible.com junkie that I am, I snapped it up and stuck it on my Ipod and will be starting that this afternoon.
Speaking of Audible.com, you can now link your account with your Amazon.com account. You still have access to your library and credits, and the site still works the same. Very cool if you do a lot of shopping in both venues.
Still loving my Kindle, by the way. Also loving the Kindle app for my Ipad 2. In the future, I'll probably do a post on my reading expereinces with both devices. They're very different and both have their pros and cons.
If anyone has favorite books they'd like to share with me, feel free to leave a comment with your recommendations. I like most anything fictionwise and some nonfiction, mostly biographies.
Off to indulge in my new find. Have a great weekend, everyone, and happy reading.
Sharon
As I've said in a previous post, Nora Roberts is one of my favorite authors, and this was a great little read by her. I recommend this book for any bride-to-be, bride wannabe, or anyone with a romantic streak. The series centers around four women who are best friends and business partners, and they run a wedding planning business called Vows. Each book centers on one of the four women, and each finds her perfect man. "Vision in White" features McKenzie Elliott who meets Carter McGuire, an English teacher who has had a crush on Mac for years. They fall in love, but Mac nearly blows it because of her fear of commitment due to the actions of her dysfunctional parents. By the way, her mother is a real piece of work. The character of Linda Elliott will have you shaking your head and wanting to pull your hair out. I, as the reader, could feel Mac's frustration with her mother. Anyway, Nora Roberts's wit and humor shine in this book along with her flair for vivid descriptions and lovely romance.
Now, on to "Before I Go To Sleep." Here is the descripton from Amazon.com's website:
Every day Christine wakes up not knowing where she is. Her memories disappear every time she falls asleep. Her husband, Ben, is a stranger to her, and he's obligated to explain their life together on a daily basis--all the result of a mysterious accident that made Christine an amnesiac. With the encouragement of her doctor, Christine starts a journal to help jog her memory every day. One morning, she opens it and sees that she's written three unexpected and terrifying words: "Don't trust Ben." Suddenly everything her husband has told her falls under suspicion. What kind of accident caused her condition? Who can she trust? Why is Ben lying to her?
Being the Audible.com junkie that I am, I snapped it up and stuck it on my Ipod and will be starting that this afternoon.
Speaking of Audible.com, you can now link your account with your Amazon.com account. You still have access to your library and credits, and the site still works the same. Very cool if you do a lot of shopping in both venues.
Still loving my Kindle, by the way. Also loving the Kindle app for my Ipad 2. In the future, I'll probably do a post on my reading expereinces with both devices. They're very different and both have their pros and cons.
If anyone has favorite books they'd like to share with me, feel free to leave a comment with your recommendations. I like most anything fictionwise and some nonfiction, mostly biographies.
Off to indulge in my new find. Have a great weekend, everyone, and happy reading.
Sharon
Friday, June 24, 2011
Where Have You Been?!
Yes, that is the question. Life has been rather busy this past year or so, so my blog has taken a backseat. Luckily, that's about to change and I'll have more time to devote to keeping up with this beast. :)
Since I last wrote, I dealt with carpal tunnel surgery on both wrists, dealt with the death of my much loved old Golden Retriever, Abby, and being a Lions Club District Governor. Soon, I'll be off to Seattle and by the time I get done there, my term as District Governor will be over. Am I looking forward to that? Yes and no. I loved the job, and my fellow Lions Club members are great, but what a job it is! It keeps life very busy, so I'm looking forward to some down time. I always joke that I'll sleep a solid month once I'm done. Ha! :)
I know that 2011 is almost half over (where does the time go?), but I'll try to keep a running list of the books I read. Yes folks, Ido keep a book journal with a little blurb about the book since I read so many. I'll keep you updated on what I"m reading and some thoughts, along with things I get up to. My life is sometimes very boring, or it will be once my term of office is done. That said, you'll likely find the books more interesting than my life.
Anyway, "Vision in White" by Nora Roberts is now at the top of my queue. I'm not far into it so I can't really voice an opinion except that so far, I'm liking it. That's no surprise as Nora Roberts is one of my favorite authors. This book is part of "The Bride Quartet," which I think will be very girly and romantic. *sigh* More thoughts on it later.
JUST A FEW NOTE -
Since I last wrote, I dealt with carpal tunnel surgery on both wrists, dealt with the death of my much loved old Golden Retriever, Abby, and being a Lions Club District Governor. Soon, I'll be off to Seattle and by the time I get done there, my term as District Governor will be over. Am I looking forward to that? Yes and no. I loved the job, and my fellow Lions Club members are great, but what a job it is! It keeps life very busy, so I'm looking forward to some down time. I always joke that I'll sleep a solid month once I'm done. Ha! :)
I know that 2011 is almost half over (where does the time go?), but I'll try to keep a running list of the books I read. Yes folks, Ido keep a book journal with a little blurb about the book since I read so many. I'll keep you updated on what I"m reading and some thoughts, along with things I get up to. My life is sometimes very boring, or it will be once my term of office is done. That said, you'll likely find the books more interesting than my life.
Anyway, "Vision in White" by Nora Roberts is now at the top of my queue. I'm not far into it so I can't really voice an opinion except that so far, I'm liking it. That's no surprise as Nora Roberts is one of my favorite authors. This book is part of "The Bride Quartet," which I think will be very girly and romantic. *sigh* More thoughts on it later.
JUST A FEW NOTE -
- I won't give away any spoilers because I don't want to ruin books for anyone who hasn't read them yet.
- I'm not a professional critic, just a regular avid reader.
- My opinions are strictly that - opinions. Take them as seriously or lightly as you wish, but please do form your own opinions. Not everyone likes the same stuff, after all.
Have a great weekend and happy reading.
Sharon
Friday, January 1, 2010
Night Owl
Happy New Year!
How many times has this happened to you?
You scan the bookshelf, any bookshelf. Something grabs your attention. Either the cover is nice and sniny or the title smacks you right in the face. You pull it out, scan a blurb, and decide it MUST be your next read. You dive in, forgetting about anyone and everything. You lose track of time and are unable to believe how many hours have gone by. You realize when the sun comes up that you've been up all night reading this fabulous book. As you stumble to the coffee pot and take your first sip, you realize the entire day is going to be spent in Zombie Land.
There's no better way to spend New Year's Eve than with a good book!
"Cover of Night" is proving to be everything I expected. There's suspense, humor, and action. I'm still waiting for the romance, but it will come. I'll post a book review when I've finished the book.
There are a lot of great ways to enjoy books. Yesterday, I blogged a little about the Amazon Kindle. Today I'll talk a little about Audible.com. If you're into audiobooks, this is an excellent place to get them. There are thousands and thousands of books to enjoy in a number of genres. Once you purchase a book, it goes to your library where you can download the files and then put them on an MP3 player if you desire. The downside is, the books are rather pricey, but if you get a membership, it's doable. Books are discounted for members, and with memberships, there are credits you can use toward purchases. There are a few membership plans to take advantage of, so there's something for everyone's budget.
Searching Audible.com is easy. You can choose between searching by title, author, or key words. You'll find recommendations of other books in case you're looking for similar things to the book you choose.
There are different sound qualities to choose from as well. Remember, however, the better quality you choose, the bigger the file will be.
Go to Audible.com to check it out.
Happy reading!
How many times has this happened to you?
You scan the bookshelf, any bookshelf. Something grabs your attention. Either the cover is nice and sniny or the title smacks you right in the face. You pull it out, scan a blurb, and decide it MUST be your next read. You dive in, forgetting about anyone and everything. You lose track of time and are unable to believe how many hours have gone by. You realize when the sun comes up that you've been up all night reading this fabulous book. As you stumble to the coffee pot and take your first sip, you realize the entire day is going to be spent in Zombie Land.
There's no better way to spend New Year's Eve than with a good book!
"Cover of Night" is proving to be everything I expected. There's suspense, humor, and action. I'm still waiting for the romance, but it will come. I'll post a book review when I've finished the book.
There are a lot of great ways to enjoy books. Yesterday, I blogged a little about the Amazon Kindle. Today I'll talk a little about Audible.com. If you're into audiobooks, this is an excellent place to get them. There are thousands and thousands of books to enjoy in a number of genres. Once you purchase a book, it goes to your library where you can download the files and then put them on an MP3 player if you desire. The downside is, the books are rather pricey, but if you get a membership, it's doable. Books are discounted for members, and with memberships, there are credits you can use toward purchases. There are a few membership plans to take advantage of, so there's something for everyone's budget.
Searching Audible.com is easy. You can choose between searching by title, author, or key words. You'll find recommendations of other books in case you're looking for similar things to the book you choose.
There are different sound qualities to choose from as well. Remember, however, the better quality you choose, the bigger the file will be.
Go to Audible.com to check it out.
Happy reading!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
And We're Off
Hello everyone,
My name is Sharon and I started this blog because I love to read and discuss the books I read. Reading has always been one of my passions. It takes you to other worlds, times, and lets you meet all sorts of people, both real and imaginary. The world would be a sad, sad place without books.
OK, so I'm one of those weirdos who keep a running journal of my reads. Hey, we all have to have an obsession, right? Perhaps I was a librarian in a past life.
My goal is to get in 200 reads for 2010. I'll share what I'm currently reading and my thoughts on it. I love steering folks to excellent reads. After all, sometimes you hit a wall and can't decide what to read. A shelf full of books is a lovely but sometimes intimidating sight.
Before I go any further, I want to put in a plug for a device I feel the obsessed reader can't live without. The Kindle from Amazon is an amazingly powerful gadget that brings a book to a new dimension. This little machine makes carrying around your library a breeze. Your reading experience will never be the same.
Now, on to what we're all waiting for. I'll be starting "Cover of Night" by Linda Howard. She is an excellent author of romantic suspense, and this book promises to keep me on the edge of my seat. Other excellent books by Linda Howard are:
1) Now You See Her
2) Dying to Please
3) Death Angel
4) Drop Dead Gorgeous
5) Killing Time
Happy New Year to everyone.
Happy Reading,
Sharon
My name is Sharon and I started this blog because I love to read and discuss the books I read. Reading has always been one of my passions. It takes you to other worlds, times, and lets you meet all sorts of people, both real and imaginary. The world would be a sad, sad place without books.
OK, so I'm one of those weirdos who keep a running journal of my reads. Hey, we all have to have an obsession, right? Perhaps I was a librarian in a past life.
My goal is to get in 200 reads for 2010. I'll share what I'm currently reading and my thoughts on it. I love steering folks to excellent reads. After all, sometimes you hit a wall and can't decide what to read. A shelf full of books is a lovely but sometimes intimidating sight.
Before I go any further, I want to put in a plug for a device I feel the obsessed reader can't live without. The Kindle from Amazon is an amazingly powerful gadget that brings a book to a new dimension. This little machine makes carrying around your library a breeze. Your reading experience will never be the same.Now, on to what we're all waiting for. I'll be starting "Cover of Night" by Linda Howard. She is an excellent author of romantic suspense, and this book promises to keep me on the edge of my seat. Other excellent books by Linda Howard are:
1) Now You See Her
2) Dying to Please
3) Death Angel
4) Drop Dead Gorgeous
5) Killing Time
Happy New Year to everyone.
Happy Reading,
Sharon
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