Monday Reads: What's in your bookshelf?

Hello all and happy Monday! I hope you had a lovely weekend! I am getting back into what will be a "regular" week and substitute jobs start tomorrow. That may slow my reading habits a little, but I hope to keep up my momentum. I have an ever growing pile of books from the library and in my Goodread's to-read list. So here are the books I've borrowed or added this week:

       

Instead of going to the grocery store hungry - I went to the library starving for good books. I am going to have to get off of here and go read. I hope everyone is having a good day. What book are you currently reading?

The Thirteenth Tale

The Thirteenth Tale. Diane Setterfield. 2006. Atria. 416 pages.

For Margaret Lea books are the main focus of life. She lives above her father’s bookshop, she reads daily, she has simple writings published and she would rather be reading than interact with people. Things change on the day she receives an unexpected letter. One of the country’s best loved – and most mysterious – contemporary authors requests Margaret to write her biography. Miss Vida Winter is a famous author who is as well known for not revealing any personal information as for her bestselling books. For some reason she has selected an unknown amateur author to share the truth she has kept hidden from the world. Why is she ready to tell her story and why choose Margaret? As Miss Winter begins to reveal the story of her haunted past Margaret must discover the hidden truth and face pains in her own history. Together Miss Winters and Margaret begin a ghostly tale of loss and attempt to bring peace through truth.

I am always on the lookout for the next interesting new book to read. When I saw this book added to several “must read” lists I figured I’d give it a try and was not disappointed. This story has a strange ghostly feel to it and brings to mind stories like Jane Eyre or Rebecca. This book kept me guessing and made me look over my shoulder once or twice. The characters are haunted by tragedy in the past and the revelations take time to discover. This was a great read and was one of those books that stayed with me and played in my mind over and over. Reading this story was like taking a walk into the mysterious past. 

First book challenge! - 12 x 12 Challenge

I am discovering that book challenges are a large part of the book blogging world. I am constantly creating lists for myself so this should be a lot of fun. The first challenge I am going to accept is the 12 x 12 Challenge. The goal is to read more novels. This should not be difficult. I'm going to start small and for April I will pledge to read 7 books by 7 different authors - and then post reviews. I will update you next week!

If you would like to join the challenge or get additional info: 12 x 12 Challenge - April

My current pile o' books....

I have been getting more into the habit of searching out books and interests on GoodReads and then requesting them from my library. I am definitely keeping them on their toes. I am tackling a lot of my "to read" list and really enjoying it. Schools are on spring break this week so - what is a substitute teacher to do but lots of reading! I have been enjoying a full on fiction frenzy lately. I intend to add in a few more in depth books and take a few classics challenges in the near future. However... for today I'm just having fun doing what I love!

So here is the current pile sitting next to my coffee cup:

       

I am most curious to see how The Swan Thieves turns out. Kostova's first book, The Historian is one of my favorites and I hope her second is equally interesting. I am also trying out my first Stephen King. I am not much into horror, so I wouldn't be tempted but this series is supposed to be more fantasy and I've been told I will like it. I will let you know.

The Host

The Host. Stephanie Meyer. 2008. Little, Brown and Company. 619 pages.

“I knew it would begin with the end, and the end would look like death to these eyes. I had been warned.” The majority of humanity has been conquered an inhabited by an alien life form. These enemy souls have traveled the universe becoming a part of the beings they encounter. When the Wanderer inhabits the body of Melanie Stryder she is not prepared for the consequences. Most species disappear willingly, allowing their bodies to be controlled forever, but not Melanie. Her strong will forces her enemy to encounter a power she has never felt: love. Melanie’s love for her family and friends drives her alien invader to become part of her life and experience her love and her fight for freedom. Can anything stop the power of human love?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it very intriguing to read a story from the perspective of the “enemy” and feel empathy towards a figure that should be hated. While reading I was not exactly sure where the story was going or what I wanted to happen. In the end I was pleased with the resolution. This is also a pleasant read if you are looking for an interesting read without anything vulgar. Stephanie Meyer has a very imaginative approach to her books and I have not been disappointed with her works. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sci-fi/fantasy reads. 

Let the book reviews begin....

Today marks an experiment in the review of books. I love to read and spend much of my free time doing so. I hope to turn this lifelong habit into something fun, and perhaps profitable in the end. For now I am going to write some info for friends and family that will share some of the joys I have discovered in the wonderful escape of reading.