The March Has Begun

 Week one is gone., and so far I have enjoyed several engaging books...all by authors new to me:

1. The Seaside Cafe by Rochelle Alers (Lowcountry Boil)
2. Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green (LifeVerse)
3. A Margin for Murder by Lauren Elliot (A Charming Bookish Cozy Mystery and Friends and Fiction Reading Challenge)
4. A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella (Mom Advice Book Club)

As, also, noted, all these were for online book clubs; all are titles I might not have read otherwise.  Looking to be pushed...gently...outside your current reading boundaries?  Find a book club, one that sits near your boundary so that you may be encouarged to take journeys with various authors.

The first three are parts of series, with A Margin for Murder being #8 (or so) in the series.  Of course, I found myself wishing I had read the previous books, but the author shares enough details that this one can stand alone.  Now, I am hooked...need the next read to read!

A theme amongst many of my books so far this year has been bookstores or book clubs, and two of these fell within that topic (2 and 3).  Books just pull me...I just cannot resist them.  But...I am doing a better job resisting purchasing hard copies, as all of the above were ebooks...but not so much resisting that kept several from arriving in the mail to me this month!  Of course!

Only one was written by a man, which I see is now a trend, as I do tend to mainly read books by female authors.  I suppose I even have a bias against male authors, as I continually marvel at the author's actual insight to the female psyche.  Humorous, uh?!  Of course, why not, as women continually dive into the male persona, creating insightful characters all the time.  Silly me!

All in all, a great start to a successful reading month...at this rate, I may look forward to reading at least eight more this month, as I am being intentional this year about reading more.  So far, staying true to that goal in this area of my life.  Go, me!

Book Clubs Guide Current Choices

 February has been a productive reading month...thinking this may be the grand total:

1. Where Shadows Meet/Anathema by Colleen Coble (Lifeverse)
2. A Barefoot Tide by Grace Greene
3. Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekula
4. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
5. The Proposal by Lori Wick
6. The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks by Shauna Robinson
7. The Matchmaker's Gift by Lydia Cohen Loigman
8. Fresh Water for Flowers by Valerie Perrin

The last two were my favorites...with Fresh Water for Flowers receiving top honors.  My only regret with that one?  I read it too fast; I wish I had slowed down!  Plot twists caught me off-guard, and I would just keep reading to see what happened next....until 12:30 AM arrived and I had finished the entire book!  I am still pondering the meaning of that title, a question I will ask my book club buddies this week when we meet to discuss this one.

Can one belong to or sign up for too many book clubs?  Maybe?  But.  These lists do motiviate me to read more...as in , see the above list!  In addition, I check out more books via the Libby app, and I just cannot stand the thought of having to return a book unread; thus, I read...more!  (Five of the above were read via Kindle; two checked out from the local library; only one I own.)

One of my current books I am reading...and one for February...is Joanna Gaines' The Stories We Tell.  This book was a gift; therefore, I can let this deadline slide just a bit as I can keep the book!  Mine!  I know...I heard the hoarder of books come out there just a bit.  I do love books...they look good anywhere:  on book cases, stacked on side tables, as decorative additions.  They are my silent friends, waiting patiently, looking comfortable, snugged up together in their Tammy-selected space!  :)

What have you read good lately?

Sliding into 2023...and Color-Coding and Stars

Yes, slid right into 2023 with nine books read...and, today, as we begin Day 3 of Ice Days!  For the most part, I have enjoyed what I read.  That is the beauty of books clubs and challenges:  the books I read are not the books I would necessarily have ever self-chose; then, I get enough into them, an investment of time by that point, that I determine just to finish (see books with fewer stars!).

So Far...in '23 - Color-Coding

This I started on the last book in January as a visual way to see which books I read in what months.  Blue for January...cold in Arkansas!  Pink for February...love month has arrived!

1. The Red Palace by June Hur (Independence County Library)*****
2. The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill (ebook)****
3. The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes (Paper Chase Book Club and 12 Books/12 Friends)*****
4. Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan (IC Library/The Girlfriend Bookclub)****
5. The Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley (IC Library/12 Books/12 Friends)*****
6. Bookends by Zibby Owens (ebook/Friends and Fiction/January)**
7. A Wish for Winter by Viola Shipman****
8. Bookish People by Susan Coll (Lyon College/January)***
9. Where Shadows Meet/Anathema by Colleen Coble (Lifeverse)*****

****** = Five Stars

1. The Red Palace by June Hur (Independence County Library)
2. The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes (Paper Chase Book Club and 12 Books/12 Friends)
3. The Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley (IC Library/12 Books/12 Friends)
4. Where Shadows Meet/Anathema by Colleen Coble (Lifeverse)

**** = Four Stars

1. The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill (ebook)
2. Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan (IC Library/The Girlfriend Bookclub)
3. A Wish for Winter by Viola Shipman

*** = Three Stars

1. Bookish People by Susan Coll (Lyon College/January)

** = Two Stars

1. Bookends by Zibby Owens (ebook/Friends and Fiction/January)

First Five

 So far, I have read five books...and have a few more going, which is something that once upon a time, I could never have acomplished!

• Three of the five are books I checked out from our local library!  Yay!  I do want to be more diligent about checking out and supporting that need literary group.
• Two of the five were young adult, another goal of mine:  to read more young adult books.  One...The Red Palace...I lent to a student.  Spreading the love of literacy!

Off to a great start; should more than meet my 2023 reading goals as I have many that I want to read, both on the clubs/challenges lists and some that I have purchased.

Last week, our principal shared that we each have $350 to spend on young adult books for our in-class libraries. Oh, happy day!  Have my book list ready to order!  Of course!

Next reads

• Bookends by Zibby Owens
• Schindler's List for Paper Chase Book Store Book Club...already know I will not finish this long read in time.  Oppps!

What are you reading good?    AND...on this snow day...what a great day to read!  Happy reading!

Two for Two

 One week into the year and I have read two books, both mysteries, both intriguing.

• The Red Palace, a young adult book, takes place in Korea in the 1700s, both places I had never traveled.  Full of culture and intrigue, the adventure continues page after page, until, when finished, I was convinced the author should consider a sequel!
• The Woman in the Library...just had to keep reading until I had caught onto the dual plotlines...and then I was hooked, spending much of my Saturday finishing the mystery.  Good!

Now, to finish book three...which I did not complete before my last Thursday deadline for book club.  Busy week!  But!  The discussion during book club has not deterred my reading...just hooked me even more!  Thus, back I go to Kentucky and the travels of the backpack librarians.  More to come!

Reflecting on 2022...and planning ahead for 2022

 A year ago, I had high hopes, which I exceeded...and failed hopes.  Yet!  2023 now allows me the chance to continue!

Let's deal with the failings first:

1. I did begin Gone with the Wind and will need to place that goal to complete on the 2023 list.  I began this one with a couple of students.  We set goals...and then school life intervened and weather and...  Conclusion:  I realize why students may not like reading a book assigned in chapters and such.  Too easy to become disconnected.
2. I did not complete all the Book Lists I started...but!...I did read some on all.  Just going to take that for a win.
3. I did not read half of my selections from my TBR...but!...I did read many ebooks this year, saving myself much financial investment.
4. I did not finish a re-read of the Harry Potter series...need to begin Book 3!

Now, for those successes:

• I read 90 books...exceeding my 52-book goal.  Yay, me! Of those 90, twenty-nine were for book club suggestions, which always push me from my normal reading rut.  :)
• Series did seem to be my thing and was easier to do so because I did subscribe to Amazon Prime Kindle and was able to devour more in a series.  Nice.

• Harry Potter and Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling (1-8) and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
• Bree Taggert Series, Books 1-4 by Melinda Leigh (Ebook)
• Morgan Dane Series, Books 1-6 by Melinda Leigh (Ebook)
• The Priority Unit (Maine Justice Series - Book 1) by Susan Page Davis and Fort Point (Maine Justice Series - Book 2) by Susan Page Davis
• Independent Study by Joelle Charbonneau (Book 2) and Graduation Day by Joelle Charbonneau (Book 3)
• Hope's Highest Mountain by Misty M. Beller (Book 1). Love's Mountain Quest by Misty M. Beller (Book 2), and Faith's Mountain Home by Misty M. Beller (Book 3)
• The Calhouns of Montana by Juanita Kees (Books 1-3) ebooks
• Emma Griffin FBI Mystery by A.J. Rivers (Books 1-3) (ebooks)
• One Little Lie by Colleen Coble (LifeVerse Book Club), Two Reasons to Run by Colleen Coble (Pelican Harbor Series, Book 2 - ebook), and Three Missing Days by Colleen Coble (Book 3 - Pelican Harbor - ebook)
• The Blake Brier Series (Books 1-3 - ebooks)
• The Sound of Rain by Gregg Olsen (Book 1 - ebook) and The Weight of Silence by Gregg Olsen  (Book 2 - ebook)
• The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake (Big Library Read - ebook) and The Surgeon's Daughter by Audrey Blake (ebook)
• A Witch Too Late/A Witch Too Hot by Paula Lester and M.E. Harmon

• Seasonal Reads for Christmas:
• Christmas Next Door by Susan Page Davis and Vickie McDonough (1-8)
• A Virgin River Christmas by Robyn Carr - ebook
• A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickents (Paper Chase Book Club) - gift from Mayfen
• Coming Home for Christmas by RaeAnne Thayne (purchased at Goodwill/2022)
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (Anthology) - (purchased at Goodwill/2022)
• Silver Bells by Luanne Rice (purchased at Goodwill/2022)
• The Wish Book List by Lynn Austin (LifeVerse Book Club - Facebook - ebook)
• Favorite Authors:  The best with creative plotlines.
• JK Rowling
• Nora Roberts
• Francine Rivers
• My Favorite Reads of All
• The Maid by Nita Prose  (Facebook Girlfriend Book Club April Pick - read in May)
• The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin (Facebook Girlfriend Book Club - July Book - ebook)
• The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake (Big Library Read - ebook) and The Surgeon's Daughter by Audrey Blake (ebook)
• The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict/Victoria C. Murray (LC Book Club)
• Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
• On Folly Beach by Karen White (Lowcountry Boil Book Club - Facebook - ebook)
• The Wish Book List by Lynn Austin (LifeVerse Book Club - Facebook - ebook)

Thinking about 2023

• to read an average of one book per week = minimum of 52 books
• to read half of my goal from my own TBR pile = 26 books (these will be bolded).
• to complete books for book clubs before the meeting time (love book clubs!) AND to finish books from 2022 Book Club lists!
• to continue to read series (love series!)...I have one I have been "saving up" for, as the last one has been published!  
• to completely read more professional books 
• to continue to read more ebooks.  I am now in-like with my Kindle! 
• to continue to read more young adult books
• to read a classic...or four!
  
• AND...to write much more frequent posts about the books I have read.

I hope 2022 was good to you and your reading goals.  Happy reading in 2023!

Challege On!

As I finish setting up my 2023 Books Read page, I sense I might have a problem of just loving books too much?!  But!  Don't you just love a good challenge?  I do!  Because of these book club monthly suggestions and challenges, I have read so many books that I would never have chosen, as, you know, yes, I just tend to get stuck in a rut and keep to my comfort reading genres.  

On my 2023 Books Read page, I maintain a history of all I read throughout the year, first with a list of my chronological reads, then a checklist as I, also, read for book clubs and challenges.  This works for me and for my method of keeping up with my own personal goals and challenges to me and for me.  I find I read more just knowing this page exists..by me and for me!  

2023 Books Clubs

• By Group
• Paper Chase Book Store - monthly suggestion
• Lyon College - monthly...or so
• Southside Charter High School - periodic suggestions
• Online - all with monthly suggestions
• Friends and Fiction
• The Girlfriend Book Club
• LifeVerse
• Lowcountry Boil
• Mom Advice - new (to me)!

2023 Book Challenges

• 12 Books...12 Friends...12 Months
• six titles needed!  Please send me a suggestion!
• 52 Books in 52 Weeks

Too many you say?  Too many I ask?  Yes!  But! No pressure on me to complete, for when 2023 ends, I will have read such a wider array than had I not started with these amazing lists.

Tell me:  what books clubs challenge you?  what challenges book you?

Happy reading