This week’s musing:
How many books did you read in 2010? If you had a reading goal, did you meet it? What books are you most looking forward to reading for 2011 (either new, OR ones that have sat on your shelves for a while)?
It has been a long while since I did a Musing Mondays post; plus I really liked this week's questions so here we are.
I read 73 books in 2010. To be specific, I read 3 Chinese novels, 9 manga/graphic novels, 2 nonfiction and fiction as for the rest. I didn't read as many books as in 2009 (86 books) but still I think I had a great reading year last year in terms of quality and a few new-to-me authors whereby I enjoyed reading their books and will make sure to check them out should they have any releases out in the near future.
As for reading goals, I don't have any. I think simplicity is the way and my main focus will be reading as many books as I can from my TBR pile. However, I don't think it is possible to make a dent out of those piles at this point unless I make an effort to stop buying books, as my best friend always say to me. Unfortunately, I find this to be impossible since the temptation of books buying is too great, plus there are too many good books out there that I wouldn't want to miss. It would be a 'vicious' cycle, but at least I will be more choosy when it comes to buying the books I want to read.
Nevertheless, here are a few new books which I am most looking forward to buying (reading) this year:
Do you prefer hardcovers, trade paperbacks (the bigger ones), or mass market paperbacks (the smaller ones)? Why?
Honestly speaking, I love all editions as I think each is special in their own ways. I love hardcovers because they make a great collection and plus, they are more lasting. Trade paperbacks felt just right on all counts when it comes to the print and the size of the book. And I just love the mass market paperbacks for the convenience as I could always carry them around wherever I go.
The only thing that makes a great difference is the price, that's all.
What about you?
Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia from The Printed Page where readers get to share the books that came into their house last week; this month the host for Mailbox Monday is Avis of She Reads and Reads.
Here's what I received last week:
1) When Rose Wakes by Christopher Golden (bought from The Book Depository)
What books came into your house last week?
This week’s musing asks…
Can you read amidst distractions? (tv, others talking, sporting events, etc)
Well, I have to say it has to depend on the situation. Usually I can read with the TV on (gotta love those commercial breaks!) or some soft music in the background. I have no problem reading during the commute to and from work since it's part of my weekday routine, and I find myself enjoying every moment of it (in fact, most of my reading time is spent during the commute). I also find that if you are totally engrossed in your book, you will be able to block out any background noise unless the distractions are too great to ignore.
That said, I'd still prefer to read in a quiet place with minimal distraction as possible. Sometimes, a book is best read with little distractions so that I am able to do some pondering or daydreaming without anything (or anyone) disturbing my thoughts.
What about you?
Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about reading time.
Do you have to carve out time in your day for reading (due to work and other obligations), or does your reading just happen naturally? (Question courtesy of MizB)
I have to say I spend most of my reading time during the commute. My journey from home to office takes me about an hour (and that includes a bus and a train ride) and vice versa, so overall I have at least two hours of reading time every weekdays.
When work is busy or when I want to lunch in depending on my mood, this will allow me some time for my reading. I will still read a little when I get home but that is only when I have some time to spare and that my children have gone to bed (the same goes to my weekends since most of the time will be spent on chores and my family).
So that is my routine where my reading is concerned. What about you?
Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about the ‘best’ books'.
There’s been some discussion on my blog this week about what should or shouldn’t make a ‘best' books’ list. What elements do you think lands a book in that ‘best’ category? Think of your top 5 best books and tune in next week to see the collated list.
What should or shouldn't make a 'best' book? I'm sure this is a question that will stump many readers anytime. And the same goes to naming your top 20 or top 5 list. That said, there are a few elements that definitely make a book stand out among the rest: plot, characterisation, writing style and of course, a simply great story that will linger in your mind for a long time; one which you would gush and rush to recommend to anyone who has (yet to) read it.
As for my top 5 best books, there are just too many on my list, thus I will only name a few titles which I read so far this year (not in any order):
~ Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters
~ Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
~ Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols
~ The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
What about you?
Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia from The Printed Page where readers will share about the books that they received last week.
Here's what I received last week:
1) The Queen of Palmyra by Minrose Gwin (ARC)
What books came into your house last week?
Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about multitasking.
Do you – or are you even able – to do other things while you read? Do you knit, hold a conversation, keep an eye on the TV? Anything?
Unlike work, reading is not about being productive but is all about sheer pleasure and entertainment, thus I don't multi-task while I read. However, I do read a little when watching TV but that is only when the commercials come on.
While I could read while holding a conversation, I try not to do so because I find it inappropriate, not to mention rude.
What about you?
Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia from The Printed Page where readers are to share the books that came into their house last week.
These are what I received last week:
1) The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting (bought from The Book Depository)
2) Read, Remember, Recommend by Rachelle Rogers Knight (review copy)
What books came into your house last week?
Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about tbr books.
Where do you keep the books on the top of the tbr pile? Not the bunk of the mountain, but just the tip of the peak – the ‘almost up to’ books?
I wish I have enough space and bookshelves so I can put all my TBR books neatly without spending some time and efforts to rummage through the piles (which they are stacked haphazardly against the walls in our storeroom). All my latest acquisitions are always placed on the top of these piles. Since I am a moody reader, most of the times the books I choose to read are on the spur of the moment thing, thus there is no point for me to think of what book(s) to read next (unless I have made plans to do a buddy-read with bloggy friends or a review copy I have to post at a specific time).
What about you?
Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia from The Printed Page where readers are to share the books that came into their house last week.
These are what I received last week (bought from The Book Depository) :
1) The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
2) The Line by Teri Hall
3) Ella Minnow Pea: A Novel in Letters by Mark Dunn (have to get it after reading Ana's lovely review!)
4) The Clouds Roll Away by Sibella Giorello (review copy)
What books came into your house last week?
Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about picture books.
Do you have a favourite picture book, either from your own childhood, or reading to you children?
I love picture books, not only because my six-year-old daughter love reading them but most of all, I marvel at the wonder and the power of illustrations that make a story come alive. Below are some of my favourite picture books which I have read with my daughter and reviewed on this blog (except Kiss Kiss):
Kiss Kiss by Selma Mandine
Miracle in Sumatra: The Story of Gutsy Gus by Jeanne McNaney
You're All My Favourites by
The Odd Egg by Emily Gravett
What about you? Do you have any favourite picture books?
Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia from The Printed Page where readers are to share the books that came into their house last week.
These are what I received last week (bought from The Book Depository) :
1) Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
2) The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer
What books came into your house last week?
Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about dust jackets.
Do you prefer books with a dust jacket? What do you do with your dust jacket while reading? Leave it on or take it off? (Question courtesy of Kim from Page after Page)
I love hardcovers; I think they make a great collection and not to mention their dust jackets are usually glossy and pretty to look at. The only issue I have with dust jackets is that they crinkle easily. And another thing is, the dust jacket does not really stay in place while reading so I always take it off and only put it back only after I have finished reading the book.
What about you?
Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia from The Printed Page where readers are to share the books that came into their house last week.
These are what I received last week (all bought from The Book Depository) :
1) A Novel Idea by Aimee Friedman
2) Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols
1) Gone by Mo Hayder
What books came into your house last week?
Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about keeping books.
Do you keep all the books you ever buy? Just the ones you love? Just collectibles? What do you do with the ones you don’t want to keep?
Buying books has always been a form of excitement to me right from the start - when I was a student and had a tight allowance so I hardly spend money on books. It was only on rare occasions (such as birthday treats) or through my savings that I would buy myself books at times, thus those books are treasures to me (until I married and moved house so I had given some of them away to my cousin).
Now that times are different and that I could afford books, I still keep most of the books I bought. Actually there are two reasons why I love keeping books. The top of the list is that I love collecting books. I love the feeling of owning the books I bought and read. And then, the other reason is that I would like my children to know what I have read and also hoping that one day they would read them as well.
As much as I love my books, sadly to say I don't have enough space for every one of them. Thus, I have to give away books that I know I won't reread or are just an "OK read" to me. If I know a friend who would like to read any of these books, I will send them to her, otherwise they will be added onto my BookMooch inventory list (I have some more books that I have yet to update) so any BookMooch member could mooch them from me.
What about you?
Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia from The Printed Page where readers are to share the books that came into their house last week.
Here's what I received last week:
1) American Rust by Philipp Meyer (ARC - Thank you, Wendy!)
What books came into your house last week?
Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about a random book.
I’ve seen several bloggers mention reading multiple books this week. Do you frequently read more than one book at a time? Do you try to limit this to a certain number? Do you have different books for different purposes/topics?
I used to read one book at a time, but that was during my pre-blogging days. Nowadays, with all the great recommendations I get from fellow bookbloggers (and not to mention my own books coveting habit), I think the only way I could catch up on my reading is to read more than one book at a time. To avoid confusion of the plots and the characterisations, I limit myself to read no more than three books at a time and also to make sure they are of the different genre.
What about you?
Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia from The Printed Page where readers are to share the books that came into their house last week.
I only received one book last week:
1) Admit One: My Life in Film by Emmett James (review copy)
What books came into your house last week?
Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about a random book.
Go to your bookshelf and pick a random book. No cheating now, just reach out and pick one. Now tell us about it – where did you get it? Why? Was it a gift? Does it hold any special memories? Did someone recommend it to you? etc.
I wish I am at home after reading today's Musing Mondays question; I know I would love the fun of picking a book randomly among my pile but alas, I am in the office while typing this but since I do keep a few unread books in my drawer (so I don't have to worry should I finish a book during my lunch break), I figure this would be fun too (just that the fun is not as much as you would expect from choosing from a huge pile). Nevertheless, I picked The Virago Book of Ghost Stories edited by Richard Dalby where this collection features stories by A. S. Byatt, Angela Carter, Charlotte Brontë, Antonia Fraser, Penelope Lively, Ruth Rendell and Edith Wharton (just to name a few).
I have to admit I have yet to read anything by those authors but I have heard enough raves about A.S. Byatt and Charlotte Brontë, and plus the fact that I love reading ghost stories so I bought the book.
And guess what? Eva read and reviewed this a few months back and I know I will be in for a treat after reading her wonderful review.
Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia from The Printed Page where readers are to share the books that came into their house last week.
These are the books I bought from The Book Depository:
1) The Man in the Picture by Susan Hill (I enjoyed reading The Woman in Black so I look forward to reading another ghost story by Susan Hill)
2) White is for Witching by Helen Oyeyemi (I knew I have to get this book after reading Eva's lovely review)
3) Flyaway by Lucy Christopher (I loved Stolen so much that I want to read all the upcoming books by this author)
What books came into your house last week?
Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about tidy reading around people.
When is it inappropriate to read in front of others? Is it ever appropriate?
I think half of my reading time are spent outdoors. That is because I read during the commute (it takes me about an hour to travel to work and vice versa), and also to pass the time I read while queueing or waiting. Seriously, I cannot imagine myself doing anything else but read during those moments.
I remember when I was younger, my mother used to tell us to have proper etiquette while having our meals at the dining table (and that includes no reading at the table). Overall, I think it all has to depend on situations. It is definitely inappropriate and rude to read while having conversations (which also refers to any other things that require your attention) with others. Another thing that I feel inappropriate and annoys me is when someone read their newspapers in a packed commute; besides the brushing of papers I also feel they are taking up the space which could allocate for more commuters.
What about you?
Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia from The Printed Page.
These are the books I received last week:
1) Midori by Moonlight by Wendy Nelson Tokunaga (bought from Amazon)
After reading and enjoyed Love in Translation by the same author, I knew I have to get this one! 2) Burn by Ted Dekker & Erin Healy (review copy)
What books came into your house last week?
Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about tidy bookshelves.
Are your bookshelves strictly books only? Or have knick-knacks invaded? Do your shelves also shelve DVDs? Photos? Why not snap a photo – I’m sure we all like to spy on other’s shelves!
Most of my bookshelves are strictly limited to books only, however there is one bookshelf which I share with my husband and besides my books that occupies a shelf, the rest are filled with miscellaneous stuff like files, three Barbie dolls (two of them belong to my eldest daughter, and I bought one of Barbie being the Santa's assistant). Other stuff also include a few photo albums, dictionaries etc, and the bottom drawer of the shelf is where we keep all our stationery. Unfortunately, I am not able to provide a photo as I am currently in the office but I could share with you two of the older pictures which I had posted on my blog some time ago.
This is the shelf where I mentioned about my books and other misc. stuff.
This is the other bookshelf where I keep some of my TBR pile with more photo albums (the drawers on the right).
Today, most of my TBR pile are stored in our storeroom because they are just too many! What about you? Do you keep other things besides books in your bookshelves?
Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about New Year reading.
With the New Year here already, do you have any reading resolutions or goals (challenges aside) for 2010? Perhaps a new author? Genre? Want to read more non-fiction? Write more reviews?
It is the beginning of a new year, so naturally most people will start to make plans and/or resolutions for the coming year, after all it is always good to plan ahead and have things in order. That said, I will not be making any reading resolutions for this year (or the years ahead), and why is this so? Well, I used to make resolutions in the past, but there were times I got sidetracked by other things, and also some things are just unpredictable so I may as well take things as they are. Still, I don't mean that it is not a good idea to plan or make resolutions, I just take things easily nowadays, and that applies to my reading too. I will still sign up for more reading challenges, I think, after all it is fun and I always love seeing what other readers are reading.
I don't know about you, but I find it a pleasure exploring new authors because you would never expect what you would find in their books, and I love that kind of anticipation. As for reviews, I try to make it a point to write them as soon as after I have finished reading because that is the time where my thoughts on the books remain the freshest.
What about you? Do you make plans or resolutions for the new year?
Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about reading/blogging during the holidays…
How does your reading (or your blogging) fare in the holiday months? Do you read more or less? Do you have to actively make time to read?
On an average, I read about 6 books per month (which to me is a small amount considering most of my blogger friends read about 10 books or more given the same time, but hey I am not complaining. After all, everyone of us has different reading schedules and as long as we find some time to read, it is all good, isn't it?).
Anyway, I do notice I have not been reading much beginning end November because of the holiday season where this time I will start to do a little shopping and getting ready to send off all the greeting cards. And then of course there is always my reading mood that has control over what books I should read, as well.
What about you?
Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about holiday season…
With the holiday season now upon us, have you left any hint – subtle or otherwise – for books family and friends might buy you for Christmas? Do you like to receive books, or do you prefer certificates so you can choose your own?
Most of my friends and my family knew of my passion for books and reading, so I don't think there is a need to drop any hint or otherwise. Moreover, I feel embarrassed and uncomfortable if I would ask someone to buy something for me, and after all it is the person's thought and gesture that count for everything.
It does not matter if I receive books or certificates because both are equally wonderful gifts in my opinion.
What about you?
Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia from The Printed Page.
I received one book (via BookMooch) last week:
1) Zel by Donna Jo Napoli
So what books came into your house last week?
Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about social reading…
How much of your reading do you share with others (outside of blogging?) Do you belong to a book or library club? Do you trade books with friends? Do you tell others what you’re reading?
I don't have a lot of friends who read, or at least they do not read as many books like the way that I do but still I would suggest a few titles which I really loved to a few of them (whom I know will read sometimes) and they would read the books if they have piqued their interest (or curiosity).
I don't belong to a book or library club and honestly speaking, I don't think I will have the time and energy to meet at a place to discuss about books after work (though I would love to!) and my weekends are limited to my family (so that's one reason why I love this book blogging community so much!).
I rarely trade books with friends (that is because they seldom own the books) but I will put the books on to my BookMooch inventory if I have no intention of reading them again.
What about you?
Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia from The Printed Page.
I received the following books last week (bought from The Book Depository except #4):
1) Sing Them Home by Stephanie Kallos
2) We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
3) Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts (Bride Quartet Series #2)
4) The Girl on Legare Street by Karen White (review copy)
So what books came into your house last week?
Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about note taking…
Do you take notes while reading – either for your reviews or for yourself? How/where do you make these notes (on the page, post-its, scrap paper, notebooks etc)?
Generally speaking, I don't take notes while reading but I will jot down the quotes that are meaningful, memorable and/or left an emotional impact on me (on journal). For reviewing purpose, I will mark the pages with post-its tags for the passages that I wish to share with my readers so that I know I will not miss them when I draft the review; I will then remove those tags after the review.
What about you?
I missed Dewey's 24-Hour Read-a-thon Challenge during the weekend, and I did mention that I will try to log onto the internet to cheer everyone but unfortunately I did not have the chance since my little darling was not feeling well (she is still having cough and a running nose) and it does not help when she was feeling clingy and cried whenever I leave her out of sight. Anyway, I am glad to know everyone had a wonderful time reading and having fun out of it! (At present, I am still not done reading all the posts for the Read-a-thon on my Google Reader and it sure is fun reading them and viewing the pictures.) I cannot wait to read all the reviews and I hope everyone had a good rest after this challenge.
Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about the read-a-thon…
Are you planning on participating in the upcoming 24 Hour Read-a-thon (either as a reader or cheerleader)? Have you made any preparations for the event? And, veterans out there, any tips you’d like to share with the newbies?
I have not joined any of the read-a-thon since I know it is impossible for me to read a book (let alone a few books!) without any interruption from my two young children at home. Still, I know it is so much fun and I hope to participate in another year or two when they are much older and do not need my attention so much.
I also find it fun to read what other particpants have chosen to read for the read-a-thon and I look forward to reading their posts when that day for the event arrives! I am not sure if I have the opportunity to logon the computer and cheer everyone on (my regular readers will know I hardly access to my computer during the weekends) but I will be with you all in spirit!
So are you participating as a reader or a cheerleader in the upcoming read-a-thon?
When’s the last time you weeded out your library? Do you regularly keep it pared down to your reading essentials? Or does it blossom into something out of control the minute you turn your back, like a garden after a Spring rain?
Or do you simply not get rid of books? At all?
And–when you DO weed out books from your collection (assuming that you do) …what do you do with them? Throw them away (gasp)? Donate them to a charity or used bookstore? SELL them to a used bookstore? Trade them on Paperback Book Swap or some other exchange program?
I was late for this but I loved last week's question so I will answer them anyway.
I have not weeded my library for some time. I used to categorize my books in genre but I have given up doing so after I have lose control of buying and adding books to my pile so nowadays, they are categorized as 'read' or 'unread'. I try to keep all the books I read into boxes but that is becoming an issue to me since I am running out of space for everything (be it the TBR pile or books I read).
I do not believe in throwing books away as I know there is bound to be someone out there who would appreciate them so I will either put them on my inventory list on BookMooch, host a giveaway at my blog or donate them to any organizations who are in need of them.
What about you? What would you do to the books that you do not want to keep?
Jemima from The Reading Journey passed on a "One Lovely Blog Award" to me and I cannot thank her enough for this! I am new to Jemima's blog but I am very happy to discover her blog and added it to my Google Reader list.
I will pass this lovely award to a few blogs I have discovered lately:
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