National Book Festival 2012

I went to the National Book Festival on September 22 with my friend Andrea.  This was my first trip to the book extravaganza and it was awesome.  All those books!  All those people!  All those people excited about books!  Amazing!

 

Being our first National Book Festival, we opted to simply wander around soaking in the sights instead of following a set schedule to hear our favorite authors.  Armed with a better understanding of how the Fest works, I hope to hear more of those authors next year!

2012 Reading Resolutions

In 2011, I read 40 new books and 4 rereads.  In 2012, I am aiming for 50 new books.  I typed that in at Goodreads this afternoon, so clearly it is official!  I have outlined the following reading resolutions for 2012 in an attempt to read and blog with more purpose.  Hold me accountable!

1. Read more of my own books.
I own a lot of books.  Shamefully, there are a bunch of them that I have never read.  I will read from own shelves in 2012.  I am too chicken to say that I cannot buy any new books, so instead, I will try to read two of my own books for every new book I buy.  Likewise, I will try to read one of my own books for every book I check out of the library.   

2. Read more classics.
2011 was a fun reading year for me.  However, the majority of the books I read were young adult fiction.  I love YA books and will continue to read them in 2012, but I want to read more classics, too.  I am aiming for at least 10 this year.  Specifically, I know I want to read my remaining Austen titles and The Great Gatsby (because I will want to see the movie in December). 

3. Write better blog posts.
Granted, this is vague; however, I want to put more effort into writing my thoughts about the books I read.  Lately, I have been in a slump.  I need to stop being lazy about writing posts.  At the end of the day, I am cheating myself by not putting more effort into writing down my thoughts.  After all, the primary objective of this blog is to record my thoughts for me, so that I can remember what I have read and how I felt about it. 

4. Allow myself to reread.
Sometimes I get the urge to reread a favorite book from the past.  I usually do not let myself because there is always something new to read.  This year, I am going to try to put aside those feelings.  If I feel like rereading a book, I will. 

Happy Halloween!

Snow!?!

I am supposed to get 4-8 inches of snow over the next 24 hours... What!?!  It has been 30 years since it last snowed in October in Virginia, and that was apparently around an inch according to my local weather station. 

I love curling up with a book and a blanket while watching the snow fall, but I'm just not sure I'm mentally reading for it yet!  It's not even Halloween! 

Although, I do love snow.  So when it starts falling, I'll probably squeal like a small child.  And be tempted to break my no Christmas music until at least after Halloween rule.  It's a tough life.  :)

Snowpocalypse February 2010 - Ahh... memories

While I Was Away: Reading Overview

My reading has actually remained fairly steady over the last year.  This surprises me considering all that has happened.  I continue to be drawn to a variety of genres, although I definitely read more fiction than non-fiction.  I discovered some new favorites and reread others, tackled a few classics, experimented with my Kindle, and gave audiobooks another try.

I caught up with the latest adventures of Stephanie Plum and company, gave in and discovered that I am Team Eric, received an intriguing lesson in vocabulary, traveled with the circus, brushed up on my Greek mythology, started thinking seriously about becoming a librarian, traveled to several dystopian societies, and was reminded what it feels like to be a teenager in love.  The best part is that books allowed me to do these listed things and more!

Unfortunately, I doubt I will be able to write about all of the books that I read.  My memory is not always that good, hence my desire to blog about books in the first place!  I do hope to write about some of the books, particularly the ones that I loved or feel should be shared. 

BBAW 2011: Reading and Blogging

Today's BBAW Topic: Reading and Blogging

Book bloggers blog because we love reading. Has book blogging changed the way you read? Have you discovered books you never would have apart from book blogging? How has book blogging affected your book acquisition habits? Have you made new connections with other readers because of book blogging? Choose any one of these topics and share your thoughts today!


Attempting to book blog has certainly changed the way I think about books!  For starters, I now meticulously track my reading using both goodreads and my own bullet list in a Word document.  This satisfies two of my needs: making lists and remembering what I've read.

Blogging about books has also given me a more conversational style of reading, if that makes sense.  Now when I read, I sort of compose posts in my head as I come across intriguing quotes or ideas.  I imagine what I might say about particular aspects of the book if I were talking or writing about it.  Does this make me sound crazy?  I hope not!  I guess my approach to reading has changed, whether I wanted it to or not.  It seems I can't help myself now.

For me, I think the best part of book blogging is discovering new books through other blogs.  I've heard about more books than I could possibly ever read.  I've been exposed to fantastic new books before they became pop culture phenomena.  There is so much fabulous content out in the book blogosphere waiting to be discovered.  I'll never have to look far for a good book recommendation again!

BBAW 2011: How Do You Do Community?

Today's BBAW Topic: How Do You Do Community?

The world of book blogging has grown enormously and sometimes it can be hard to find a place. Share your tips for finding and keeping community in book blogging despite the hectic demands made on your time and the overwhelming number of blogs out there. If you’re struggling with finding a community, share your concerns and explain what you’re looking for–this is the week to connect!


What a timely topic for me!  The desire to be a part of the book blogging community is a major factor in my return to this blog.  There are so many people writing about so many books.  It still amazes me.  It is easy to spend hours clicking from one blog to the next and never run out of inspiration!

Conversely, because there are so many book blogs in existence, it is also difficult to find a niche in the blogosphere.  I felt like I was just starting to find my way with this blog last year, right about the time I stopped blogging (because I moved and started my first big girl job).  Going forward, I hope to truly find my tiny place in this community.

I was, and still am, intimidated by the enormous number of books that some bloggers are lucky enough to have time to read.  I feel inadequate by comparison, almost as if it is not worth my time to blog about books.  However, when I'm feeling discouraged I must stop and remind myself why I want to keep a book blog, no matter how easy it is to compare myself with others.  I want to be able to remember my thoughts and feelings about what I read in the future.  I want to read others people's thoughts about the books they are reading.  I want to be introduced to new genres and authors.  I want to (continuously) find books to add to my own reading list.

In 2010, I read 28 books (not including school readings).  I've read 30 books so far this year.  And I am PROUD of this, not embarrassed.  I never actively tracked my reading before that, but I'm pretty sure it was less.  So for me, this is an improvement!  I am pleased that I have found more time for reading and I want to keep track of it here.  I must remember this perspective when overwhelmed by the enormity of the book blogging community.  At the end of the day, I am doing this for me, for fun.  Of course, I would love to make some bookish friends along the way!

While I Was Away: My Life

I truly cannot believe that it has been a year since I started my first "grown-up" job.  It was the job and subsequent move that prompted my absence initially.  My apartment has turned out rather well considering I found it and moved in a two-week span.  One of my earliest purchases was additional bookshelves.  They weren't anything fancy and I've already outgrown them.  I've had my eye on several shelving units at Ikea for quite a while now.  It's just a matter of going and buying them.

I've adjusted to life here pretty well.  I've had the opportunity to develop some of my other interests that were put on hold during college.  I took a knitting class at a local yarn shop and finally learned how to knit.  I also took a basic cake decorating class at my local Michael's store.  I love the decorating; unfortunately, I also love the eating part, so this is definitely a hobby that I have to do with purpose! 

Unexpectedly, I've had to opportunity to travel for work and it has been wonderful.  In April, I spent a week in Chicago.  I fell in love with the city!  I've never thought I would like to live in a big city, but I'm pretty sure I could live in Chicago.  I went to the beautiful San Diego in May and took a few days off to visit my friend who works at Disneyland since I was so close to Anaheim.  This was my first trip to California and I intend to go back as soon as possible.  There is so much more to see in San Diego, much less the rest of California!  I also went to Omaha for a few days in June.  I had a delicious steak and walked to Iowa via the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.

I got a Kindle for my birthday in March, which was great to have while traveling.  I love my Kindle, but I still love printed books, too.  I've been reading both while on hiatus from the blog.  And that is the extremely abbreviated version of the last year of my life.  The past year has been full of so many firsts, but reading has remained a consistent comfort.

Next Few Weeks = A Year???

I can do math and tell time.  I promise!  When I said I was taking a break for "the next few weeks," I truly meant it.  I did not expect to stay away from this blog for a year.  The longer I went without posting, the harder it became to jump back in.  And here we are.  In September.

Obviously, I've still been reading.  But I've come to miss writing about what I'm reading.  I especially miss hearing about the great books that other people are reading.  I discovered so many books this way and I probably wouldn't have heard about them otherwise.  

I found some posts that I had started, but I can't remember exactly what I wanted to say about those books now.  And that is why I need to start again - so I can look back and know what I read and how it made me feel.  From now on, this will be a scrapbook of sorts.  A place for me.  No pressure.  It will keep my thoughts organized and track my reading.  I will probably include some non-bookish content as well.  I want this blog to work for me.  However, my focus will be on reading. 

I plan to do some "while I was away" posts to get back into the swing of things.  I also want to tinker with the look and layout.  It is so exciting to rejoin the wonderful book blogging community and see what others are reading and discussing.  I'm happy to begin documenting my journey with books at Destination Well-Read again.   

A Brief Note

I'm sorry to say that my newly established blogging schedule will be interrupted for the next few weeks, but it's for a fantastic reason.  I found out that I got a job!  And it starts in two weeks!  And I need to find a place to live!  Ahhh!  I will be moving about two hours away from my current location, so commuting isn't an option for me.  I have been doing a lot of searching and making phone calls to set up appointments to see some places later this week.  Hopefully, I will find something quickly so I can move before I start working.  Until I'm settled, the blogging (and reading) will be sporadic at best.  I hope to be back soon!  :)

And I'm Back...

After taking a somewhat unplanned break from the book blog this summer, I have decided to try to resume my ramblings on a more regular basis.  Even though I haven't been blogging, I have been reading!  As a way to ease back in, I've completed the meme of reading questions from this past week's Booking Through Thursday.

1. Favorite childhood book?
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
I used to read the entire series over and over.  I was obsessed.  I still have my cherished box set of the series. 

2. What are you reading right now?
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

3. What books do you have on request at the library?
None at the moment since I'm trying to finish the ones I already have checked out!

4. Bad book habit?
Buying books I want to read and then not reading them for several years

5. What do you currently have checked out at the library?
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan
Julie and Julia by Julie Powell
Whiskey Sour by Joe Konrath
The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp
Book Lust by Nancy Pearl
More Book Lust by Nancy Pearl

6. Do you have an e-reader?
No

7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?
Usually one at a time, but lately I've been reading something fiction and something nonfiction at the same time

8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?
I'm motivated to read more and be better about documenting what I like in a book.

9. Least favorite book you read this year (so far?)
I've liked everything I've read this year, but if I had to pick, I'd say The Wilderness by Samantha Harvey because it's not something I want to own or think I'll ever read again.

10. Favorite book you’ve read this year?
I loved The Help by Kathryn Stockett and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone?
Not very often

12. What is your reading comfort zone?
I mostly read fiction and I love a book that makes me laugh or has a touch of romance in the storyline.  I've been trying to incorporate more nonfiction into my reading list and tackle some of the classics that I haven't read yet. 

13. Can you read on the bus?
Maybe.  It depends on the type of road (because I sometimes get motion sick) and how much noise is around me. 

14. Favorite place to read?
Somewhere quiet.  Usually I read in bed, but I like to go outside if the weather is nice. 

15. What is your policy on book lending?
I will lend my books occasionally, but I've had too many of my belongings returned in poor condition to lend to just anyone these days. 

16. Do you ever dog-ear books?
No.

17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?
Never.  I hate it!  It feels like a violation. 

18.  Not even with text books?
Nope.  I don't even highlight.  It's too distracting for me. 

19. What is your favorite language to read in?
Since it's the only language I speak fluently, I'm going to have to go with English. 

20. What makes you love a book?
I love books that make me smile, books that make me reach for pen to jot down a phrase or a passage that I like, and books that leave me wanting more. 

21. What will inspire you to recommend a book?
Immediately wanting to reread the book.

22. Favorite genre?
Fiction.  I'm choosing not to be more specific because I like a lot of different kinds of books. 

23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?)
Nonfiction, but I'm getting better.

24. Favorite biography?
I don't know that I have a favorite, but I really enjoyed The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. 

25. Have you ever read a self-help book?
Not what I think of as a typical self-help book, but I do read some Christian living books.

26. Favorite cookbook?
I've found a lot of great recipes in the Taste of Home cookbooks.

27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)?
I don't know that anything has been overtly inspirational...


28. Favorite reading snack?
I don't care what I'm drinking while I read, but I like to drink it with a straw.  If I'm eating while I'm reading, I'm usually eating pretzels. 

29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience.
Nothing comes to mind, but I plan on reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo soon and I hope it doesn't disappoint. 

30. How often do you agree with critics about a book?
With movies, I usually feel the opposite way of the critics.  I'm not really sure about books.  I don't think I've paid too much attention in the past. 

31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?
I try not to be mean about anything, but I'll be honest about my feelings and why.

32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you chose?
I used to be able to read in French, so it would be nice to brush up on those skills again.  It would be beneficial for me to read and speak Spanish.

33. Most intimidating book you’ve ever read?
I think The Fountainhead may have intimidated me in high school when I started reading it.

34. Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin?
I've had a copy of Anna Karenina waiting to be read for about five years....

35. Favorite Poet?
I like Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, and Rudyard Kipling best. 

36. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time?
Usually between one and ten

37. How often have you returned book to the library unread?
Occasionally, but not too often.  I try to limit myself so that it doesn't happen. 

38. Favorite fictional character?
Right now I'm a big fan of Katniss Everdeen.  Throughout my whole life I've loved Stephanie Plum. 

39. Favorite fictional villain?
Nobody is standing out, but I was always intrigued by Aro in the Twilight books. 

40. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation?
Whatever is next on my reading list.

41. The longest I’ve gone without reading.
Not more than a few months.

42. Name a book that you could/would not finish.
I have a bad habit of making myself finish a book because I want to know how it ends.

43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?
A lot of noise and movement in my line of vision.

44. Favorite film adaptation of a novel?
I'm a fan of the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice.

45. Most disappointing film adaptation?
I liked Twilight at first, but now that I've removed myself from the craziness I can see that it's really not as great as I once thought. 

46. The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time?
Textbooks aside, probably around $75

47. How often do you skim a book before reading it?
Hardly ever.

48. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through?
Lack of time might make me put a book down for a while before picking it back up.

49. Do you like to keep your books organized?
Yes.  Although right now they are all packed away in boxes, which makes me sad. 

50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them?
Definitely keep.

51. Are there any books you’ve been avoiding?
I don't think so.  There are some books that I'm just not in the mood to pick up right now.

52. Name a book that made you angry.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks made my sense of injustice flair. 

53. A book you didn’t expect to like but did?
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

54. A book that you expected to like but didn’t?
I wanted to love Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone series (A is for Alibi, etc.), but after reading the first two, I just wasn't into them enough to keep going.  I might give them another try someday. 

55. Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading?
Cozy mysteries and Nicholas Sparks