Musing Monday

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

This week’s musing asks…anser any of these questions:
• Describe one of your reading habits.
• Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).
• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying it.
• Do you have a bookish rant? Something about books or reading (or the industry) that gets your ire up? Share it with us!
• Instead of the above questions, maybe you just want to ramble on about something else pertaining to books — let’s hear it, then!

My bookish rant is not having enough time to read as many books as I want.  I'm by no means a speed reader so I take my time and if I'm reading at night let's just say most of the time I'm so tired that I just fall asleep even if I find the book good, I still fall asleep.  Not enough hours in the day to do everything I want obviously.  Or.... maybe I just do too much.  Nah probably just not enough hours.  I'm already exhausted.  it doesn't help that it's Monday and Daylights Savings just passed so I lost an hour.  (see what I mean by not enough time in the day lol). 

Musing Monday - I'm Reading...

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading asks you to muse about one of the following each week…


• Describe one of your reading habits.
• Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).
• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying it.

Right now I'm reading Rapunzel Untangled by Cindy C. Bennett, so far it's interesting.  I'm about 50% into the book.  It actually comes out next week so I'm trying to get through it quickly so I can review it before it does come out.  It's an interesting twist on the classic tale of Rapunzel, who is by far one of my most favorite characters to begin with.  I would recommend it so far.  It's always good when you're reading something you like otherwise what a bummer would that be.  I hate reading books I don't want to get through, for that I'll just decline it. 

How about you - what are you reading?

Musing Monday

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

This week Musing Mondays asks you to muse about one of the following each week…
• Describe one of your reading habits.
• Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).
• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying it.

So I guess today I'm going to go with the second one.  Because I just finished three books and I'm not reading anything until I decide what I'm reading next lol.  So what did I recently buy for myself.  Now does it count if it was free - because I just got some free books from Amazon for my kindle that really looked promising.  Please see them below and if you're interested definitely get them, again they are free on Amazon, can't beat that.

My Boyfriend Merlin      On Thin Ice      Eternal Youth

Are you reading or have purchased anything interesting?  Any more free books out there I should check out?

Musing Monday: Reading

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading
Musing Mondays asks you to muse about one of the following each week…

• Describe one of your reading habits.
• Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).
• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying it.

I'm going to pick two out of three for today. 

Reading Habits - I read whenever I can whether during lunch at work or at home, even though it's been getting more difficult at home because I've just been too tired lately and end up falling asleep lol.  But that's when I read.  Sometimes I'll go from Kindle, to Computer to Android.  Literally in that order, I'll just read from one thing to the next thing depending on where I am and what I'm doing.  So sometimes it feels like I'm constantly reading and other times it feels like I'm not reading enough. What's you're reading habit?

Reading right now - I need to say this more often because sometimes I'm reading more than one book at a time, believe sometimes it's easy and sometimes it's not.  And you know sometimes there is always a favorite out of the two.  So right now I'm reading Hysteria by Megan Miranda and Blaze by Laurie Boyle Crompton.  Both are from Net Galley and upcoming books so I want to get that review out and stay on good standing with the publishers for future book releases.  They are both really interesting and so different from one another.  Hysteria is more like who did it and what the hell is going on since I'm halfway done with the book already that would should be up for review soon.  Blaze I'm still in the beginning phases but I can already tell it's more of an up beat book and easily flowing with laughter.  We shall see how that continues to go on.

What about you?  What are you reading right now and why?

Musing Monday: Unfinished!

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

This week’s musing asks…

What was the last book you could not finish and why?


This happened quite recently actually.  I don't like not finishing books but sometimes you just can't get into it.  it happens very rarely with me but it happens.  It was the Dream Slayer by Jill Cooper.  I don't know what it was about it, we didn't click at all.  I couldn't finish it and had to opt out of doing a review.  Again this actually hasn't happened to me in a really long time.  Even if I don't like the book I could finish it with a valiant attempt.  But this one, I just didn't want to do it, didn't want to waste my time.  The story was really out there and semi confusing and just eh.  Not to say the book was bad it's just that it wasn't for me.  Simple as that.  How about you?  What book couldn't you finish and why?

Musing Monday: Organization

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

This week’s musing asks…
How do you organize/store your books? Do you go through them often? Or do you pretty much just shelve them and then leave them alone until you need them?

Organization - what's that? I'm probably the most unorganized person, definitely do not put any books in order by author, genre, anything really. They are just all piled around in various closets around the house and shelves here and there. I usually only read on my e-reader and don’t pick up regular books, I know, I know, how horrible of me. It just makes my life easier to have everything in one location. Although I will say this again none of my books are organized on the kindle so if you have one you know what I mean when the scrolling can take forever when you are looking for something, but then again they do have that nifty search bar that I use quite regularly. Oh yeah and the ones on my shelves, I haven't looked at them in a while, tsk tsk I know.  Sometimes I take a peak and then I look for the e-book version of it, ha.


Yeah so how about you, are you organized?

Musing Monday - Crushes

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

This week’s musing asks…
Do you ever get crushes on fictional characters? Name one (or a few), and tell what you liked…


What a really great question.  i mean really how can you not fall for some of these characters they are all around written beautifully that sometimes you just wish you had someone like that in your life, but nothing is perfect.  If I had to choose, a couple I guess the ones that stick out to me right now after reading this question:

Finn - from Elizabeth Scott's Something Maybe.  He sticks out to me because he was so much for the main character and she didn't even notice all the little things he would do for her.  What a really great stand up kind of guy you would want on your corner you know.

Wesley - from Kody Keplinger's The Duff.  He was falling for her and it's the story of player turned perfect boyfriend material.  I don't know something about him. 

John After - from Jennifer Echol's Going too Far.  I still think of him when I see a cop LOL.  I know that's bad right haha. But then all of Jennifer's books make me think.  Every time I see a plane with a banner I think of the characters in Such a Rush.  Every time I see Adrian Granier I think of Endless Summer (that's how I picture the main boy super yum).

The more I keep thinking about it the harder this question actually is.  I mean there are some great male characters and yeah when I read them I totally had crushes on them.  Anyone that can put a smile on my face and make me feel all giddy about them and their situation is good in my book lol. 

Musing Monday

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

This week’s musing asks…
Do you have a system as to which books to read from your “requested review pile? What is it? What about when there are too many to read in a certain time frame? {apologies to those who don’t review}


I actually do have a method to my madness that is blog tours, reviews, etc.  I even keep a little calendar because I want to be as organized as I can, plus I don't want to miss any dates.  So here we go.  For netgalley I will try and read a month before if not at least before the release date unless it's already passed when I receive it, then it goes tot he bottom of the list.  For Blog Tours, the sooner I can read them and plan them the better.  I hate to have to rush to read something, that's not me after all what if I don't like it lol.  Then there's my personal reviews that is not an obligation to nothing, I will just read those in between the ones I have to read for something I signed up for.  Like this weekend I had time and I read two books I didn't need to but had been wanting to and they were good. 

Since I keep the calendar I try not to do too much at once, like this month was just crazy busy with tours and etc and I'm not even done yet.  But I'm getting better at organizing everything.  I hope!

Musing Monday

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

This week’s musing asks…
Do you have a favorite series? Do you have a favorite book out of that series?

There are so many books and so many great series out there how do you narrow it down to favorites when they all hold a little piece of you.

Yes as much as I bitch about them I love the Twilight books and I'd have to say that New Moon was probably my favorite.

Then there's all the series by Cassandra Clare - all books are great but I think Mortal Instruments the first one is my favorite.

I haven't read Harry Potter so I can't have a favorite in that but I know many will.

Um let's see what other great series comes to my mind right now - go figure I'm drawing a blank so what are your favorites in a series?

Musing Monday

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

This week’s musing asks… What distracts you when you really “should be reading”?

Really what doesn't distract me. It's hard when you lead a really busy life with work, kids, family, events etc.  It's always one thing or another.  Luckily my kids don't distract me too much, but there are things I need to do with them because they are still young.  My family wanting me to do things that's always a distraction that is sometimes welcomed sometimes not, depending on what they need of course.  Going places, my weekends are pretty booked most of the time especially this time of year.  It starts to get hectic to say the least.  More responsibilities with school back in full swing and all the fabulous holidays coming up.  Sometimes a really good show will come on and I try to read during commercials at least but it just keeps my attention so much even through the commercials.  Oh distractions! Can't live with them and can't live without them haha.  What about you do you have any distractions?

Musing Monday

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

This week’s musing asks…
Do you have any hobbies outside of reading? Or do you collect anything?

I too used to do scrapbooking, and have shelves upon shelves of supplies.  One day I'll get through it all.  In the meantime though really I still do crafting but not scrapbooking.  I'm more into Artist Trading Cards and Postcards, things of those natures.  You know the smaller scale items lol.  I also like to decorate cakes and plan parties.  I think I'm pretty good at that.  I know I've posted some cakes before, but here's some pictures of my Handmade postcards I did for a recent swap, this is my release from books.  I try and get something done at least once a week depending on how the reading is going. 

This is actually two postcards made out of one picture.  That's what I do when I'm not reading and I have a moment to myself.  How about you?  Any hobbies or collectibles?

Musing Monday

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

This week’s musing asks…

Do you take notes while you read?


Now the first thing I thought when I read this is that's just crazy why would you take notes.  I don't have the time or patience or discipline to take notes.  For example if I were to try and take notes while I'm reading it would last maybe a week and that's all.  The only things I keep are my reviews and I just started that recently on a file on a flash drive.  Otherwise I do not take notes.  I can just imagine my notebook lying around someone and one of my girls taking it to play with because they love to color and waste paper.  So nope, no notes for me.  I didn't even do that when I was in school.  I hated taking notes, I always preferred doodling lol. 

Musing Monday

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

This week’s musing asks…
Have you ever reread a book and found that your opinion changed?


I'd have to say yes to this one.  The first time I read the Twilight series I absolutely fell in love with it.  Then I reread it a couple times (seriously many many times).  As I kept reading over and over again I started getting annoyed by some of their characters and their neediness.  Now don't get me wrong there is still something fundamental that I like about the series but some things just annoy me.  I don't like needy people and I believe that some of the characters are just that.  So yes it's not as great as I once thought it was, but it still holds something for me. 

How about you?

Musing Monday

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

This week’s musing asks…
Do you snack while you read? If so, what is your favorite reading snack?


Not usually, but if I am snacking I guess it would be on some chips because my kids are obsessed with potato chips.  I don't like the regular ones too much I usually have the unsalted version for myself.  But I'd say the majority of the time I don't really snack, it's only on the rare occasions. I will put the book down during dinner and other meal times.

How about you, do you snack?

Musing Monday

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

This week’s musing asks…
What attracts you to a book blog? What puts you off in a book blog? Do you share personal stuff on your book blog?


I love blogs that share the same interest in me, that have great reviews of books I haven't gotten a chance to read.  Those are the blogs that attract me too, and of course blogs that keep pulling me back are ones that I can relate to and that are simple and easy to load.  I don't usually go on blogs that take too long to load because they have too much content.  It's unnecessary really all that extra stuff.  Yeah it's great that you are promoting everything and everyone but it doesn't have to be all at once.  I want to know where I'm going go there read what I came to read and be able to go out fairly quickly on to the next one, but if it takes too long slows my comp down or anything like that I will most likely close it.

Simplicity is the key :-)

Musing Monday

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

This week’s musing asks…
What are you currently reading? Is it any good? Would you recommend it?


This one is an easy one I'm currently reading The Goddess Legacy by Aimee Carter and I'm loving it.  Review to come soon.  It's basically about Gods and Goddesses, their back stories.  It's a really interesting take on the mythological history and I am really enjoying it.  Makes me want to go and research the gods and goddesses.  Plus there are just some really great story lines.  I would definitely recommend this book when it comes out and also just the entire series as well. 

Plus I was THIS close to Aimee Carter at BEA but ughhh they ran out of books before they got to me, totally bummed!!!!

Musing Monday: Stuck

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

This week’s musing asks…
When you’re stuck for a book to read next, what do you do?


I have this problem ALL the time, what do I read next, do I read from netgalley, my ever growing TBR list, something I purchased recently, something I got at BEA, what do I read next?  Sometimes I'll just toss it up and randomly pick something, which isn't always the best because then I won't want to read it.  Or I'll just go ahead look at a cover and say I'm reading this and that's it.  But most of the time I will read the first few pages if necessary to see what grabs my attention the most and continue the book. 

I have to say it's super hard sometimes picking the next book, on the rare occasion I'll even go and check out other reviewers to see if I should even waste my time lol.  I hate making decisions! lol.

Musing Monday

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

This week’s musing asks…
Do you set goals for yourself, while reading? For example, “I want to get this book finished this weekend“, or “I will read __ pages today“, etc. Why, or why not?


Yeah, I totally do this ALL the time.  Then there are those few books that I just happen to read in a day because they are that good.  But usually I'll be like I'm going to start reading this next week and I'll give myself two days to finish it.  Some books even if they drag if I tell myself I have to finish it tonight then I will finish it.  It's not necessarily that I have to but I want to because I'm ready to move on to the next one.  After all I'm addicted to Books, can't get enough of them and there are just too many to read and too little time.

Musing Monday

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

This week’s musing asks…
MizB read an article, this past week, about book covers, and the difference between print; digital covers; about how the digital covers have almost disappeared entirely, while publishers decide to just skip right to the content.

What do you think about this? Do you think the book cover is “dead”? Do you care whether the “covers” on digital books exist or not?

If you have the time, read the article and then share your thoughts!

If not, here are a few quotes from the article:

“…every time you set down a physical book, the cover is staring up at you. And every time you pick it back up, you have to go “through” the cover to get to the text. Do that five times and you’ll never forget the title or author.”


“There is a tremendous opportunity for book designers and software engineers to figure out what our digital book procession should be.”

“…with the present digital inflection, the role of the cover is changing radically; disappearing in some cases. It doesn’t need to shout anymore because it doesn’t serve the same purpose.”

“Covers meant to ease the reader into the story. To help establish a tone (but not have final say).”

“If so much of what book cover design has evolved into is largely a brick-and-mortar marketing tool, then what place does a ‘cover’ hold in digital books? Especially after you purchase it? But, more tellingly, even before you purchase it?”

“If the cover is no longer a visual marketing tool, why not leverage these digital distribution systems and make the cover a notification tool?”

“What do we now hunt when buying books? Data.”

“This user experience flow isn’t a product of any hardware limitation. It’s a set of decisions clearly designed around efficiency (and, possibly, data) — gets us into the text as quickly as possible. Of course, this efficiency comes at the expense of intimacy.”

“In iBooks and the iPad Kindle app, covers are reduced to thumbnails barely 200 pixels high. Most typography is rendered nearly illegible. And as certain books become applications, their covers become icons.”

“… the vast and artificial digital distance between authors and their audience on a platform like Kindle or iBooks. As an author you would think these platforms would do a better job at fostering community between writers and their audience. Or between fellow readers. Perhaps, someday.”

So, what do you think?

I think the cover is one of the most important things about a book because it's the very first thing you see.  Obviously if you are going to read an ebook you still need to purchase it, and when you purchase it what is the first thing you notice ... the cover, not the "data" although that is important after you look at the cover.  People are very fickle creatures.  We need stimulation to purchase something and although we enjoy reading this does not mean that all we want on a cover is a title and the author's name.  I need some visual stimulation as well.  I know there are some readers out there that are not color, just black and white and I agree with MixB that they need to make specific covers for them as well.  Just like there are different covers for different countries, why not have different covers for physical books and one for digital books.  Cater to the people please, thanks lol.  OMG I can't believe it's Monday I'm so ready for it to be Friday!

Musing Monday

MUSING MONDAYS… is a weekly event where MizB at Should be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

This week’s musing asks…
What is the longest book you have ever read? How long did it take you to read it?

I've never personally read the bible, nor do I plan on it any time soon.  So that definitely can't be my answer.  I really don't know what the longest book I've read was.  I'd have to search through all my archives or something.  But I don't make it a habit of reading big books like that.  I thought Stephanie Meyer's book The Host was pretty long (619 pages), did it take me long to read it.  Nope not really.  Once you get into it you just kinda keep going with it.  I tend to steer towards books that I can finish in a day or two.  Fun reads, nothing too heavy.  I saw a lot of Gone with the Wind, but then again that's not really my cup of tea either.  To each their own right :-)

Happy Monday everyone!

This week is also my birthday Yah!!!! I think I might even do a giveaway of a book I got from BEA hmmm....