The Cactus

I finished book three for January (and the year.. only 32 more before I hit my 2020 goal; but who's counting?) last night as I sat doing my rehab. The Cactus by Sarah Haywood, an advanced reader's edition I was gifted two full years ago that I never got around to. I know!! Shame on me... what's the point of having an advanced edition if you're aren't going to read it in advance!? Next time, dear readers.. I will be sure to read those editions in advance and share my pearls of wisdom (ha!) regarding said novels. Anyone have a publication that wants to send me free advanced copies? Anyone??

ANYWAY! Sorry for going off on yet another tangent.. I'm sure you have noticed by this point that I tend to do that from time to time. (And this is where I take a second to gather my thoughts regarding my reading opposed to launching into a paragraph or two about my tendency to do such a thing.)

The Catcus. "It's never too late to bloom". I've got to be honest. The cover art on this alone made me want to read this debut. Seems strange, but I have a bit of a soft spot for cacti (honestly - I have catus decals in my living room). The premise seemed interesting enough - an unemotional woman finds herself pregnant (unplanned) and in a legal dispute with her brother regarding her recently deceased mother's will. I expected that after my last couple of reads (which were a bit on the heavy side), I thought this one would be light and fluffy.

I wouldn't necessarily describe it as either of those things. Firstly? I actually had to pull out my phone and google definitions for a couple of words throughout the novel that the main character uses. (Not a bad thing at all! I love to feel I've learned something; especially a new word or two. It just took me by surprise.) I also didn't personally feel any real connection to the protagonist, which is a big change from most books I read.

Don't get me wrong. I liked watching her emotional growth as the novel went on. But, I didn't ever really feel for her, despite the difficulties she endures. (I suppose because I kind of feel like she brought it on herself - don't crucify me on this one.) She appears to be a somewhat trying person. Rob and Kate, as supporting characters, on the other hand? I quite liked and could see befriending if they existed outside the pages of the book.

For me, the supporting characters are what make this book. Susan seems somewhat cold and overly rational, from her relationships, work, even her shopping. Think a less science minded (and female) Sheldon Cooper, and you have what I envision Susan to be like through most of this book. (And though I love Sheldon's quirks on Big Bang, it's the mix of characters that really make that show a pleasure to watch.)

I didn't hate this book. I didn't love it either. I just wish I had a bit more love for "up the duff" Susan.

Book Hunt?

Do you ever find yourself looking through the stacks of second hand books on a sort of reader's treasure hunt? I must admit, the charm and clutter of these shops, as well as the smell of old books provides an enticement I wouldn't know outside the world of a bibliophile. I have been hunting for years now to replace a few books I have collected in soft cover edition with hardback. Which books might these be? I am hunting down a few from Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles. I had purchased them all in softcover in my early twenties, and would scour the used section in bookstores, or even Value Village or other thrift stores in my late twenties (and now into my thirties). You just can't know what you will find.

Today was one of those days. I was on the hunt, my eyes hungrily scrolling over titles, anxious to discover one of those final three novels. I did find some other volumes from this collection. Not the three I was looking for, sadly. But.. there is no rush. Always the silver lining, yes?

Something else did bring a smile to my face as I perused the shelves. Something I already have, but was eager to help find a new home. Do you ever have those moments? It was like I was being spoken to by these pages. I'm sure you're curious to know just what gave me such a thrill? Believe it or not, there were two copies of The Night Circus in hardback!!! I actually had them both in my hands, almost in my cart. I lent out my copy five years ago; and after discussing it via this blog, and with my sister (briefly) in the past month, I have been itching to read it again.

The books (unfortunately) were not in the most pristine condition. They weren't awful by any means; but, I do feel like they were loved by the previous owners. (A much better line of thought than the abuse some people put their books through. You may laugh, but that seriously injures a part of me when I see these things! I cringe! Lectures may be in order!! Respect the books! For the love of God, please!) Anyways! I placed them (with an almost heavy heart) back on the shelf. However, I didn't put them back on the bottom shelf, spine out.

Oh no. Top shelf, cover exposed. I hope they call to someone and find a new home today. Some of you may shake your head in amusement. Some may agree. Who doesn't want to share the books they have truly loved? (If you live in Mississauga, Ontario? They may still be there! Dixie and Dundas location... I'm just saying.)

Alright. Until next time, readers.

The Anatomy of Dreams

Who knew that Dreams had Anatomy? I certainly didn't. Carrying this particular book around for the last week has almost made me feel like someone posing as an intellectual. I had someone basically seem intimidated by this volume when I pointed it out over the weekend. While the language is certainly more complex than in simpler novels, and there are definitely questions about the human brain (and dreams, of course) that it leaves you to ponder; you don't need to be a rocket scientist (or a neurologist) to follow the plot line.

With my last post, I discussed reading a follow up novel to a debut. In this case? It's the other way around. I discovered Chloe Benjamin by scrolling through upcoming reads last year and finding her second novel (The Immortalists) on numerous lists. After following the siblings that story revolved around, I was quite pleased to find it was Benjamin's second book. Because who doesn't get that fuzzy feeling when you first read an author to come across a backlog of their work!?

With this debut, I didn't feel quite as connected to the characters. But, the entire premise of the work they are preforming is very intriguing. Once again, not something I would recommend to those of you looking for an easy read. The plot moves along steadily, and by the time I hit the third part I was partially surprised, and in part totally expecting it (much like the main character, Sophie, it would seem). As someone who very rarely remembers her own dreams, I found the idea that you could essentially be two people very curious - regardless of the fact that this book is a work of fiction. It made me really look inside myself and wonder if this could even possibly be true; though to the lesser extent that these characters are researching and trying to overcome. The question of morality is approached and never entirely disregarded.

I suppose that that's the draw of this enticing work. Chloe Benjamin will be worth watching as she really spreads her wings in the literary world. This book was received with wonderful reviews, and I personally feel her second book had surpassed her debut. Keep your eyes on this one.

https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-anatomy-of-dreams-a/9781982105037-item.html?ikwid=the+anatomy+of+dreams&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0 - Although I linked Amazon on my previous post, consider Chapters... earn those plum points and keep yourself in books. Also, free shipping over $25 instead of $35! (And no, I'm not affiliated with Chapters. Unless you count my love of the store as an affiliation. Ha!)

https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-immortalists/9780735215092-item.html?ikwid=chloe+benjamin&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0 - And a link to her follow up. Just because.

Let me know what you think if you decide to explore her work.. or if you have previously and just wish to discuss it.

For now? Keep reading. <3

The Starless Sea

Hey readers. Seems I'm on the blogging train today; getting all caught up. I must admit, I procrastinate far too often for even my own liking. I have been thinking about this blog since the tail end of last year, I'm I'm only putting pen to paper (figuratively) today. It's January 21st, and I have already read two books that I haven't been able to truly discuss with anyone! For shame!!

Anyway.

I wrote in my previous post that I received a couple of books for Christmas - I even posted a picture of those two gorgeous volumes sitting on this very computer sitting next to the cup of coffee I should truly get up and refill. *pauses to refill said coffee*

Ah. *sips coffee* Much better.

Once the new year began, and I finished off my final read of 2019 I was finally (FINALLY) able to crack open The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern. Why would I be so eager to dive into this particular novel? Let me tell you - Erin Morgenstern's  debut novel (The Night Circus, 2011) is still the top book I have read in at least a decade. In it she has created a world that one could easily describe as magical. It is the book I have most recommended ever. I even recommended it just this past weekend to the receptionist at my doctor's office. (He immediately ordered it from amazon. I am looking forward to a bookish discussion with him at my next appointment.)

So. Where was I?

About to dive into The Starless Sea, I believe? I think I wanted to see if Erin Morgenstern could captivate me the same way she did with her delightful debut. Did she? In parts, yes. She has once again written characters I just fell in love with. Characters who's pain you felt like it was your own when they suffered losses of all types throughout this multi tiered fictional world she has woven. I journey with Zachary "Ezra" through these levels like I was right there with him, scrutinizing those he came into contact with - particularly at the end of the book with an almost heavy heart. Parts of this book had me just soaring and flipping the pages quickly, hardly able to wait to get to the next page (and chapter). The language is what I have come to expect already from this author.

The mix of secret society, bibliophile, under ground libraries,

and just plain good old fashion imagination kept me entertained. For the most part. As much as I wanted this book to be the next Night Circus for me? Some parts seemed almost disjointed. She weaves a compelling tale, and ties everything together at the end of the novel, but I still wanted more of certain portions. Still unanswered questions in my mind; which may well have been the point.

Would I recommend this novel? Yes, I would. But I feel it doesn't cast as wide a net as The Night Circus (though how Erin Morgenstern could EVER top that book in my own personal opinion I don't know.). I feel as though I would be more selective of who I would recommend it to. Those of you who are more devoted, serious readers? Yes. I don't think you would be disappointed. If you are looking for this book to be a fair weathered friend? Doubtful.

I will leave you with this quote from The Starless Sea that has stuck with me;

"And no story truly ends as long as it is told."

https://www.amazon.ca/Night-Circus-Erin-Morgenstern/dp/1784871052/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+night+circus&qid=1579621171&sr=8-2  - In case you're interested in The Night Circus!!! (Also a heads up that a movie is in the works. I will definitely be blogging about that! Cross your fingers they don't ruin it.)

https://www.amazon.ca/Starless-Sea-Erin-Morgenstern/dp/0385686226/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ECF4ZFBT0AU0&keywords=the+starless+sea&qid=1579621293&s=books&sprefix=the+star%2Caps%2C269&sr=1-1 - Link to The Starless Sea

New Year; new me?

It's that time. A new year, a new me; or so they say. I'm skeptical. I don't think people will change with the pages of the calendar as we delve into one year from the last. However. I do think we can propose certain ideas of changes we would like to achieve, and strive to do so.

A couple of years ago, I realized that even though I adore the written word; with two small kids at home, and not a lot of "me" time that I had lost that drive. Do you know what I'm talking about? You just... stop reading one day. No one could tell you why. You don't even know why. And before you know it, people are almost asking why you and books have parted ways. In a relationship with an actual human, you could require a break from time to time. With books? I couldn't honestly tell you why we readers do this to ourselves; but it seems inevitable. We all seem to do it.

I digress.

I decided that instead of a resolution a couple of years ago, that I was going to create a literary project for myself. I found a reading challenge on Pintrest, with lists to cross off as you progressed. No actual titles or authors were on said list. It was simply an outline. "A book with a blue cover" being among my favorite on that particular list. I hadn't been reading much, and 25 books for the year while tending to my children and domestic matters seemed a bit daunting at first. I fell head over heels again for books that year and haven't looked back. People thought I was crazy trying to read 25 books in one year (which I actually thought was a relatively small number, compared to how much I used to read). I made it to 30 books for 2018, and polished off 33 books last year despite taking a month off from reading. This year I am hoping to hit 35 books. We will see what happens. IF you have fallen off the reading wagon? A challenge such as this might help you get back on it.

That being said? I didn't ask my husband for much for Christmas. I think my list consisted of warm gloves and three books. (I tend to favor the library, but these books were written by authors I have loved the works of in the past, so I wanted to add them to my personal collection. It's nice to be able to excitedly speak to another reader about a book and spark that excitement in them by handing them a copy of said book off your shelf. The written word is meant to be shared, after all.) I was completely spoiled; (per usual) but my favorite gifts by far were the books. Two beautiful books (one I was told I would need to order online and have since done so) that I was just itching to get into.

I'll save those for my next blog. You have more important things to read ;) Until next time, dear readers. *tips hat*