Literary Junkies

Literary Junkies (April)

April 15, 2014

1. What are you reading right now? Tell us about it!

The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty. I actually just finished it last night and, wowza! It was a good one. My review will be up Thursday.

2. Divergent, Hunger Games, or Twilight. Which do you prefer and why? (If you’ve never read them which do you think you’d prefer?)

In order from favorite to least favorite: Twilight, Hunger Games, Divergent. I was a huge Twilight junkie from the beginning so it holds a special place in my heart (HA). Hunger Games is awesome. Divergent was great but I hated the end. I like happy endings and I was really disappointed in the ending. I also hated the movie. It felt very low budget and the acting was terrible. Was anyone else disappointed, or was it just me?

3. TV Series Based on Books they start out very close to the book to draw in the fans but then will start to separate themselves by changing things and adding characters. What are you thoughts on this?

The only show I have ever seen that is based on books is Pretty Little Liars. I love the show but the series is very different than the books. I think they have to do that to a certain degree. For example, Ezra leaves in the 1st book. In the show, he has been a main character for what, 5 seasons now? It is because he is so popular, of course they don’t want to get rid of him.

4. You’ve just been recruited to help a movie studio bring your favorite book to the big screen. What’s the movie and who are you choosing to play the main characters?

My favorite book (Pride and Prejudice) has already been made into a movie, so I’m just going to choose the book I just finished (The Husband’s Secret) because I feel like that would be a good movie. Jennifer Anniston would definitely play Tess. Reese Witherspoon would play Cecilia. They are two of my faves so I had to go with them.

5. Going back to the above question, do you keep it word for word the same or do you use this chance to change little things you thought would make the book better?

I can’t think of anything I would change.

6. After you finish a physical copy of a book do you keep it for a reread, put it on a shelf to collect dust, donate it to Goodwill, or do you just not purchase physical copies of books?

It depends on the book. If I love it, I keep it. If it’s terrible or I know I’ll never read it again or loan it out, I get rid of it. If a book is really good but I don’t think I’ll read it again, I give it to my grandmother. We are constantly trading books.

Literary Junkies (March)

March 18, 2014

1. What are you reading right now? Tell us about it!

One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus

Goodreads Synopsis: One Thousand White Women is the story of May Dodd and a colorful assembly of pioneer women who, under the auspices of the U.S. government, travel to the western prairies in 1875 to intermarry among the Cheyenne Indians. The covert and controversial “Brides for Indians” program, launched by the administration of Ulysses S. Grant, is intended to help assimilate the Indians into the white man’s world. Toward that end May and her friends embark upon the adventure of their lifetime. Jim Fergus has so vividly depicted the American West that it is as if these diaries are a capsule in time.

My thoughts: I am enjoying it so far. I had to put it on hold to read Serena for our chat tonight, so I’m excited to start it up again.

2. What was your favorite series to read when you were a kid?

Nancy Drew and Boxcar Children. I was all in to the mystery type books.

3. The world is ending: What 3 books do you save from your collection in hopes to contribute to whatever new society forms?

My bible, obviously, Pride and Prejudice and can I choose my kindle? HA!

4. What is your favorite genre to read? Why?

I love both chick lit and historical fiction. I do read more of chick lit so I guess I’ll go with that?

5. If you wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?

This morning? Awake and Irritable

6. What is next on your “to-read” list? Tell us about it!

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell and The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty. I can’t wait to read these!

Literary Junkies (January)

January 21, 2014

1. What are you reading right now? Tell us about it.

–Milk Glass Moon by Adriana Trigiani It is the third book in the Big Stone Gap Series. I have really enjoyed reading them and learning about her Italian heritage.

2. Out of the 16 books that will be turned into a movie adaptation, which one are you most looking forward to seeing this year? (Article Link)

– Can I choose All of the above? I really want to read all of these but maybe one or two. It will be exciting to see so many in theaters this year!

3. What was the worst book you’ve ever read?

-I’m not sure. If I usually start reading a book that I hate, I will quit reading it because there are too many other books I’d rather read. I don’t know that I’ve ever really read through an entire book that I hated…oh wait. The Casual Vacancy. That one was pretty bad.

4. What foods or beverages have you spilled on a book while reading? Anything good?

-Coffee

5. Do you pictures characters as popular film or tv actors? Or do you create a whole new person in your head?

-I kind of make them up. I’m sure that sometimes I picture famous people or resemblances, but usually they are my own creation.

6. Out of all the authors you’ve read books by, who’s brain would you want to pick the most?

-Hands down, Kate Morton and Adriana Trigiani. I love their books for different reasons, but they are two of my favorite authors. I’d love to pic their brains and hear how they came up with their stories.

Literary Junkies (December)

December 17, 2013

1. If you could write a book, what would it be about?

-I would write a novel based on my life. Yeah, I’m kidding about that…I honestly have no clue. I have quite the imagination but I kind of write about really random things as they come to my mind so there is no telling once I started writing, where I would end up.

2. If you had to read one book or trilogy for the rest of your life, what would it be?

-Can I choose Harry Potter? If not, Hunger Games or anything by Nora Roberts or Kate Morton.

3. Who is your current favorite book character and why?

-Maggie from Born in Fire by Nora Roberts. I just finished reading it a few days ago but I loved the fire in her (hence the name of the book). She is very spunky and doesn’t care what others think about her. She says what she feels. I loved it.

4. Is there a book your read every year during the holiday season? If so, what is it and why?

-Other than ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, I don’t read anything every year. I do love to read a couple of Christmas novels, though.

5. Do you have any books on your Christmas list? Name a few.

-I am ready my first and probably only Christmas novel for the year. It’s the sequel to Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe called Christmas at the Cupcake Cafe by Jenny Colgan. It is good so far but I am only one chapter in so I can’t really tell you much yet. It does include some pretty awesome recipes just like the first book did. If you’d like, you can read my review of the first book here.

6. What is a book you read and loved that you didn’t expect to?

–Wuthering Heights. I tried to read it many years ago but couldn’t make it past the first chapter. I was determined to read some more classics last year and so I read it and ended up really enjoying it.

What are you reading?

Literary Junkies (November)

November 19, 2013

1) What are you currently reading? Tell us about it!

–Born in Fire by Nora Roberts – I’m loving it so far. I am a big fan of Nora Roberts’ novels.

Synopsis from Goodreads: “The eldest Concannon sister, Maggie, is a reclusive, stubborn and free-spirited glassmaker—with a heart worth winning.

Margaret Mary is a glass artist with an independent streak as fierce as her volatile temper. Hand-blowing glass is a difficult and exacting art, and while she may produce the delicate and the fragile, Maggie is a strong and opinionated woman, a Clare woman, with all the turbulence of that fascinating west country.

One man, Dublin gallery owner Rogan Sweeney, has seen the soul in Maggie’s art, and vows to help her build a career. When he comes to Maggie’s studio, her heart is inflamed by their fierce attraction—and her scarred past is slowly healed by love..”

2) How many books have you read this year? Do you set reading goals for yourself?

-Maybe 20ish? I had set a goal of 50 books but my sweet baby boy kind of threw that off a little bit. 🙂

3) What do you think are the best and worst book-to-movie/TV show adaptations?

-Because we are getting close to the holidays I’ll go with holiday films. The best would have to be The Grinch. I love the characters and how they brought them to life. The worst would probably be any of the Debbie MacComber films on Hallmark. They aren’t ever as good as the books.

4) What is the first line of your favorite book?

-I don’t have a favorite book…I have many.

5) What’s your favorite quote from a book?

-I have to quote HP on this one… “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live…”

Literary Junkies (September)

September 17, 2013

1. What are you currently reading? Tell us about it.

-I just started reading A Good Woman by Danielle Steel. This is my first time to read one of her books. It is very good so far and I’m already getting really into it after reading just the first chapter. Here is the synopsis from Goodreads:

From the glittering ballrooms of Manhattan to the fires of World War I, Danielle Steel takes us on an unforgettable journey in her new novel—a spellbinding tale of war, loss, history, and one woman’s unbreakable spirit….
Nineteen-year-old Annabelle Worthington was born into a life of privilege, raised amid the glamour of New York society, with glorious homes on Fifth Avenue and in Newport, Rhode Island. But everything changed on a cold April day in 1912, when the sinking of the Titanicshattered her family and her privileged world forever. Finding strength within her grief, Annabelle pours herself into volunteer work, nursing the poor, igniting a passion for medicine that would shape the course of her life.
But for Annabelle, first love, and a seemingly idyllic marriage, will soon bring more grief—this time caused by the secrets of the human heart. Betrayed, and pursued by a scandal she does not deserve, Annabelle flees New York for war-ravaged France, hoping to lose herself in a life of service. There, in the heart of the First World War, in a groundbreaking field hospital run by women, Annabelle finds her true calling, working as an ambulance medic on the front lines, studying medicine, saving lives. And when the war ends, Annabelle begins a new life in Paris—now a doctor, a mother, her past almost forgotten…until a fateful meeting opens her heart to the world she had left behind. Finding strength in the most unlikely of friendships, pulling together the broken fragments of her life, Annabelle will return to New York one more time—this time as a changed woman, a woman of substance, infused with life’s experience, building a future filled with hope…out of the rich soil of the past.
Filled with breathtaking images and historical detail, Danielle Steel’s new novel introduces one of her most unique and fascinating characters: Annabelle Worthington, a remarkable woman, a good woman, a true survivor who triumphs against overwhelming odds. For Annabelle’s story is more than compelling fiction, it is a powerful celebration of life, dignity, and courage—and a testament to the human will to survive.

2. Autumn is coming! What’s your go-to drink when curling up with a book at night?

-No surprise here: a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks. If money is tight, I will settle for Pumpkin Spice creamer in my regular coffee.

3. Printed books vs. e-books: What are the pros and cons of each?

-I prefer actual books to e-books mainly because I just love books. If it is a book I don’t care too much about keeping, I don’t mind reading an e-book. I love to buy classics and series in printed books.

4. Buying books vs. library books: Which do you prefer and why?

I normally buy books at a used bookstore or online for cheap and resale them. I do borrow books from family and friends pretty often but I don’t even own a library card.

Literary Junkies (August)

August 20, 2013

If you’ve been around my blog for a while, you know that I’m a member of the Literary Junkies Book Club! I absolutely love these girls! We read a book a month and discuss it as well as have these awesome link-ups. If you want more info or are interested in joining, feel free to contact Taylor or Leslie.

1. What are you currently reading? Tell us about it!

–Meet Me At The Cupcake Cafe by Jenny Colgan. I’m really enjoying it so far. It makes me want to open a bakery of my own. It takes place in one of my favorite cities- London. Best part? It includes several recipes! I love to bake, so I’m excited to try some of them. Here is a synopsis from Goodreads:

Having grown up in an apartment above her Grandpa Joe’s little bakery, Issy Randal has always known how to make something sweet. She’s much better at baking than she is at filing, so when she’s laid off from her desk job, Issy decides to open up her own little caf . But she soon learns that her piece-of-cake plan will take all her courage and confectionary talent to avert disaster. Funny and sharp, Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe is about how life might not always taste like what you expect, but there’s always room for dessert

2. What is one book you think every person should read at least once in their life? Why?

Via

–Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. It is a classic, romantic, witty, and I love reading the eloquent writing from old english.

3. Do you think you could ever write a book? If so what genre would it be?

-My husband and I joke about writing a children’s book series on Pippa, our dog and all of her adventures. I’m not sure if I would ever write a book. I’ve been told by several people that I should, but who knows what the future holds. It would probably be fiction because that is what I read the most.

4. Do you listen to audiobooks? Do you look for the same things in an audiobook that you do in one you’ll read?

-I have never listened to an audiobook, but I would love to give it a try. It would be nice for long car rides.

5. Can you suggest a book of each type for others to try:
Fantasy – I don’t read fantasy.
Nonfiction – The only nonfiction books I’ve read are presidential books. The most recent was Decision Points.
Fiction – Anything by Nora Roberts, Adriana Trigiani or Kate Morton. I also really enjoyed What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty.
Romance – I really enjoyed The Inn Boonsboro trilogy and The Bide Quartet by Nora Roberts.
Classics – The Secret Garden and Pride and Prejudice are my favorites.
Young Adult – I don’t typically read YA, but I really enjoyed The Hunger Games trilogy and of course Harry Potter.

You can check out my Bookself for book reviews I have written.

Literary Junkies (July)

July 16, 2013

1. What are you currently reading? Tell us about it.

-I’m reading Ketchup is a Vegetable: And Other Lies Moms Tell Themselves by Robin O’ Bryant. It is absolutely hilarious. I giggle like a little girl every time I pick this up. Robin is so honest and open about her mommy experiences and I love it. Every mom/mother-to-be should read this.

2. What book first made you fall in love with reading?

-This is tough. I don’t remember the first. I’ve loved to read forever. My grandmother read fairy tales to me all the time when I was younger and I have been fascinated with my second world of books ever since then.

3. Summer is a great time for series. What are your series recommendations?

-I loved reading the Bride Quartet by Nora Roberts last year! You can check out my reviews on my bookshelf.

4. Does a song come to mind with the book you are currently reading? If so what it is?

-Not that I can think of.

5. Are you participating in any summer reading challenges?

-Sadly, no. I am so far behind on my personal reading (and goal of 50 books this year), that I’m focused on catching up on that before the baby gets here.

Literary Junkies (3)

January 15, 2013

Today I’m linking up with Taylor and Lesley for our 3rd month of Literary Junkies! If you are interested in joining this book club, either one of these girls can hook you up! Let’s get to it…

1. Which book could you read over and over? Why?

I could read any of Kate Morton’s books and Nora Robert’s Bride Quartet. I’ve also read the Hunger Games Trilogy and the Twilight Saga a few times. 😉

2. If you could be any character from any book you’ve read, who would you be?

Hmm…Katniss, because she is fearless and extremely brave, OR Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice.

3. Do you ever put a book down because you just can’t get into it? Or do you stick it out to the bitter end? Any examples?

I can’t not (like that double negative?) finish a book. Even if it is terrible, I feel really bad if I don’t finish. Example: Burning Bright by Tracy Chevalier was terrible. It was boring and I couldn’t get into it at all, but I still finished it.

4. Show us your book shelves! Do you have one designated spot in your house for all your books? Do you scatter them around?

I keep the books that I’m reading on my night stand by the bed and the others I own are on book shelves throughout the house.

Click here to enter my giveaway to win a $50 Amazon gift card and ad space!!!

Literary Junkies (2)

December 19, 2012

This month’s questions:

1. What are you currently reading? Tell us about it.

-I just started The Distant Hours by Kate Morton. I read The Forgotten Garden by Morton a month ago and it is now one of my favorite books, so I wanted to read something else by her. Since I just started it, I don’t know a lot yet, but there is already an air of mystery which is very exciting.

2. If you could choose any author in the world to write a story based on your life, who would you choose to be the author? Why?

-Easy. Adriana Trigiani. I have fallen in love with her writing style mostly because of the way she writes stories. She writes novels based on her Italian heritage and I love that.

3. Tell us about your favorite place to read.

-My chaise lounge by the fireplace in our home. It’s so comfortable and the perfect chair to cozy up on to get lost in a book. I also like to read on our back porch if the weather is nice.

4. What books would you buy for lovers of a) chicklit, b) literary fiction, c) classics?

-a) Anything from Nora Roberts, especially her Bride Quartet, any of the Emily Giffin Books (Something Borrowed Series especially).

-b) The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton and The Shoemaker’s Wife by Adriana Triginai have been two of my favorites this year.

-c) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, anything by Charles Dickens, and The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.