Category: Reading Roundups
Reading Roundup: November 2013
Is there a statute of limitations on monthly roundups? Let’s hope not! Already 20% into December (and #Middlemarch13,) so let’s do this.
Book Events:
40 Below Official Launch #1: I’m really impressed by the continued buzz around this local, indie book. I only attended one of the two official launches, but it seems everywhere I turn I’m hearing about a TV appearance, or seeing the book on the bestseller list – really well done, 40 Below crew!
Dani Paradis reads her contribution to 40 Below
I got my book signed straightaway by mastermind Jason Lee Norman and contributors Michael Hingston and Dani Paradis. Dani read her poem about her hippy parents, which may or may not be based on a true story. There were a few awkward moments when people asked me to sign their books because they thought I was her – I guess I can see how brown hair + glasses + purple sweater + sitting as same table was confusing. I’ll take it as a compliment as Dani is much younger and more fashionable than I!
Vernon R. Wishart was my favourite reader. His story about his wife’s speedy Christmas Day labour and delivery was even funnier read aloud. I learned that it was a true story, as that Christmas baby, now in her 50s, was in the audience.
Don Perkins didn’t read, but he did write my favourite sentence in the whole book, and signed right next to it with a real fountain pen! Check out his take on the event here.
Before heading home, I bonded with fellow 40 Below reject Matthew Stepaniac and had a good chat about book blogging. Watch for a post very soon about his Bookstravaganza project.
(I also attended a little event with Margaret Atwood this month, which you can read about here.)
Books Read:
For once I actually posted about most of the books I read this month, thanks to Novellas in November and #ReadWilkie. Here are the two exceptions:
- Tigers in Red Weather by Liza Klaussmann: I was let down by this book, which was billed as The Great Gatsby meets The Talented Mr. Ripley. It’s a character study that moves through five people’s perspectives, and unfortunately, each narrator is weaker than the last.
- Why Here? by Michelle Ferguson: Similar thematically to her debut From Away, Why Here? is a better written sophomore novel but has a terrible title. Full review to come.
Books I Want to Read:
I suddenly have a slew of non-fiction books to read. I’ll probably wait till January to get to them, given my Middlemarch ambitions. Non-Fiction New Year? More about those later, but let’s give a quick shout-out to Eat It, a collection of women’s writing on sex and food, for having a great title. I also added On Beauty by Zadie Smith, my Classic Club Spin pick (was to lazy to do a post) and discovered it’s the only Smith book that doesn’t appear to even exist at the library.
Coming up on the blog:
- Middlemarch Read-Along hosted by Too Fond: Intro post coming soon (hopefully no statute of limitations on those, either) but so far, so good. I feel like I’m learning a life lesson on every page.
- Storytellers Book Club: Finally getting into this! I’m reading Alice Munro’s The Progress of Love. I’m five stories in and each one is better than the last.
- 2013 Wrap Up: Might do another vlog. Hope I can do it in fewer than five takes, unlike last time.
In the interests of time, I’m skipping the list of blog posts that usually appears here. Tell me all of your December reading plans! Are they ambitious like mine, or are you taking it easy for the holidays?
Reading Roundup: October 2013
October was a little slow, reading and blogging-wise, but I got bookshelves! This is a big deal. I haven’t had bookshelves in my room for five years. My bedroom finally feels like home. No more #shelfies of shame for me! I’m not quite done arranging everything, but here’s a quick peek at some of my favourites:
And the obligatory duck-faced, overexposed #shelfie:
Book Events:
I met some very cool people this month:
Continue reading
Reading Roundup: September 2013
My poor books are sitting in a laundry basket. Someone come put my new IKEA bookshelves together, please!
September: The Most Bookish of Months. Book events were attended, long-awaited books were released, and award long-lists were revealed. Let’s get to it!
Book Events:
I attended four book events this month, including one on my husband’s birthday, in case you were curious about my priorities in life.
- The Dilettantes was up first, and it was like my Twitter stream had come to life, complete with awkward “do I know you” moments. The Edmonton Book Bloggers were there in full force. Author Michael Hingston read his book and it was even funnier read aloud. Maybe do an audio version?
- Diana Davidson‘s launch for Pilgrimage drew a similar crowd and I hear her book sold out. My review is coming soon.
- You can read about Jennifer Quist‘s tour of Alberta for Love Letters of the Angels of Death here. Her event at drew a smaller crowd, but it made for an intimate reading – kind of appropriate for the subject matter. You should also know that Jennifer and I are on a hugging basis now.
- Todd Babiak‘s event for Come Barbarians was weird. No reading, and a much different crowd than the first three: older and better dressed. Kristilyn and I felt a little awkward. But Todd is a great speaker, and he knew who I was AND he told me that book bloggers will take over the world. Total fangirl moment – I guess I better read one of his books now! Oh and you NEED to watch his book trailer. Even if you aren’t from Edmonton and have no idea who he is. Just do it.
- The bookish events keep coming! Shout out to Yegwrites for keeping Edmonton’s literary calendar up to date. In October I’ll be attending LitFest, including an event with Jessica Kluthe and Lawrence Hill, and hope to get more books signed on Oct. 9th with Meredith Quartermain and Fran Kimmel.
Blog News:
- The Agnes Grey read-along has finished. This was a pretty low key read-along, where participants just comment on one master post, rather than create their own weekly posts. Gotta say, I prefer doing weekly posts. There’s more to comment on and to be honest, a bit of a competitive aspect – can I make my post funnier/weirder/more insightful/more laden with gifs than the other read-alongers? (No, I probably can’t, but it’s fun to try.)
- Speaking of weird and read-alongs: The Dragon Bound Read-along begins. I have read the first section and I’m enjoying it, though I keep having Feminist Moral Dilemmas but that’s true of almost everything I read, not just romances.
- I upped my reading goal from 25 to 50 books. No pressure. Continue reading
Reading Roundup: Strange Summer and Frantic Fall
Strange things are afoot at Reading in Bed. I’ve noticed a couple of things since I finished reading Moby-Dick back in July:
- I’m kind of addicted to read-alongs, as I signed up for another one immediately, this time for Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake. And I’m signing up for yet another this month.
- I keep stumbling on books that I connect with on a really profound and personal level. And I’m still trying to figure out how to review them without it becoming a weird confessional kind of exercise. They were: Bumped by Meaghan McCafferty, Rosina, The Midwife by Jessica Kluthe, and Love Letters of the Angels of Death by Jennifer Quist.
- I read Fifty Shades of Grey and didn’t hate it with the fiery passion I thought I would. (I hated it, yes, but I didn’t HATE it, you know?)
- I’m reading, like, SUPER fast. Six months ago I was barely managing ten pages per day. Now I’m flying through books in four days, or less. My secret is that I’m reading multiple books at the same time. This is something I’ve NEVER done. I’ve always been a serial monogamer in romance and in books. It’s like reading Moby-Dick flipped a switch in my brain and now I can just go back and forth between books with ease.
Anyway, these are all good things and I’m enjoying reading, and blogging, and chatting with other book bloggers, more than ever. In fact, after my social media break (social media free August, thanks Momaccounts) I logged on to Twitter and went on an unfollowing spree so that my timeline is now 80% book-related. Bloggers, authors, literary journals, and the like. And I love it.
Fall Plans
So things are great at the moment, but I must admit, I’m feeling a tad overwhelmed with all the stuff I have planned for Fall. Here’s a preview. Continue reading
Reading Roundup: June 2013
50 Shades and 1001 Books rubbing shoulders. Scandalous!
The Moby Dick Read-a-Long continues through July, but so far? So fun. We’ve got a small group, but I love having the weekly writing prompt, and I’ve had discussions both illuminating and hilarious with my readalongers. I’m not used to having to talk about a book before I’m finished, so it’s taking me out of my comfort zone. That’s a good thing, I believe.
I’ve actually finished Moby-Dick, way ahead of schedule, and I’m not sure how I’m going to sum it up. It’s one of those classics that’s so widely regarded that it seems presumptuous to even give it a rating. Who am I to give it four stars? Continue reading
Reading Roundup: May 2013 Blogging Breakthrough
A literal To Be Read Pile.
Last month I committed to writing a little bit everyday. I didn’t quite make it, but I blogged TWELVE times this month, which is like WHOA compared to my usual two posts. My secret is to let go of perfectionism. Not every post has the most perfect picture, or every book title and twitter account linked. It’s that kind of thing that makes me spend too much time obsessing rather than just writing and interacting, which is kind of the point of blogging, for me.
Any of you bloggers out there have tips to keep a good blogging streak going?
Books Read
- Frances and Bernard by Carlene Bauer. 5 Stars. The night I finished this book, I bawled for an hour. I was doing that thing where you flip ahead to make sure something awful wasn’t about to happen, because if it was, you need to mentally prepare. But I couldn’t prepare for the ending, obviously. Just go read this, please. Review coming once I can emotionally handle it.
Books Obtained
- The Road by Cormac McCarthy. People recommended this book to me a few times after my post about dark and depressing reads. My mom found it at a used book sale for $2. Score!
- The Outlander by Gil Adamson. Another score at the book sale, and I just realized it’s the Canada Reads selection from a few years back – my copy has a different cover. Excited for this one. You had me at “19 year old widow by her own hand.”
- Dance, Gladys, Dance by Cassie Stocks. I was very fortunate to get a signed copy of this Leacock Medal winner courtesy of Matt at NeWest Press. Pickle Me This calls it feminist and smart. Sounds good to me.
Books I Want to Read
- Fugitive Pieces by Anne Michaels. Cannot for the life of me remember where I read a review, but I know I added it to the list immediately. I also know it won the Orange Prize in 1997 and that’s good enough for me.
- Molotov Hearts by Chris Eng. Read about this punk rock YA book over at Alexis Keinlen’s blog. What can I say, a boy with a mohawk broke my heart once.
- Swimming to Elba by Silvia Avallone. Sounds like a good coming of age book. Will pick it up despite annoying cliche “girl facing away” cover.
- She Rises by Kate Worsley. Read this review at She Reads Novels and added it to the list when I read “reminds me of Sarah Waters.”
On the Blog
I officially posted enough this month to justify a recap.
Reviews
#MobyDick2013 – Moby Dick Read-A-Long
Events, Memes, and Randomness
- NeWest Spring Spectacular
- The Desexification of Anna From Away
- Book and Music Pairings
- Classics Club May Meme
- April Reading Roundup
What’s Next on Reading in Bed
#MobyDick2013 continues, I’ll probably start planning my beach reads for July (I like to plan ahead) and a #yegbooks fall preview. Stay tuned!
Reading Roundup: April 2013 and Edmonton Reading Scene
Last month, I was feeling pretty smug about getting back on track with reading. I still am, actually, because I read FOUR books this month. But, I only blogged twice. I have so many ideas, abandoned drafts, and book reviews to catch up on. I’ve decided to focus on writing for the next little while. The timing is pretty great, because I’m hosting a Moby Dick readalong starting this month, which means weekly blog posts (gulp.)
It’s tough, because I can’t write from my phone, so I’m limited to when the kids are in bed. We’re trying to limit Ben’s computer time, so I have to set an example. I’ve been reading more by sneaking it in – that Kobo is in my purse at all times! – but it’s hard to carry the laptop everywhere. Maybe I need to take a “just a little bit everyday” approach like I did with reading. Wish me luck!
Books Read
I hate this cover more than anything in the book.
- Persuasion by Jane Austen. 3.5/5 stars, I have nothing bad to say about it, but it didn’t really get to me. Great heroine, though.
- Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams. 3/5 stars. This was my Classics Club Spin pick. I actually liked the second book in the series, The Long Dark Tea Time of the Soul, much more. The strength of the books is largely in the main character, and he was oddly absent for much of the first book.
- The Cat’s Table by Michael Ondaatje. 5/5 stars. Boom. Review (and rebuttal to The Book-a-Week Project’s review) coming soon.
- Everything is Perfect When You’re a Liar by Kelly Oxford. 3/5 stars. I was sort of dreading this, in case I hated it, but the worst thing I can say is that it was uneven. Also, it weirdly reminded me of Ian McEwan’s Atonement, for some really specific reasons, but even just in general, Briony was a little liar who wanted everything to be perfect, too. Must find time to elaborate!
Books Obtained
Um how do I obtain this adaptation, that apparently has Lady Mary AND Matthew from Downton?
- The Turn of the Screw by Henry James. So far, I’m not really into it. But it’s like 100 pages long, so I’ll stick it out.
- Frances and Bernard by Carlene Bauer. My first library book in ages! I’m really excited for this one. It’s an epistolary novel, which isn’t always my favourite. Also, “epistolary” reminds me of “episiotomy,” which is never a good association. But the reviews are strong, and I could probably use some mega romance before getting into the mega whale.
Books I Want to Read
I’m usually indifferent to “random portrait of a lady” book covers, but I love this one.
- Villette by Charlotte Bronte. I abandoned Villette after the first chapter, when I realized it’s a 600 pager and wasn’t sure I could finish before the Moby Dick readalong. That’s the thing with e-readers. There’s no weight, no flipping through pages, so a 100 page novella and a 600 page brick look and feel the same. Anyway, I will come back to Villette, because the first chapter was amazing.
- Bleeding Edge by Thomas Pynchon. Vineland was my favourite read on 2012, so it’s pretty sweet that he’s got a new one coming out so soon. The first page was released online and it’s a little strange… but that’s par for the course.
- The Rest is Silence by Scott Fotheringham. Rebecca Campbell mentioned this book in her Q&A. I read the premise (rogue bacteria destroys all the plastic in the world) and I’m already hooked! I don’t usually read dystopian or science fiction or however you want to classify this, but it sounds crazy.
Edmonton Reading Scene
- Readings, signings, live music, tasty beverages… Less than two weeks until NeWest Press Spring Spectacular. I reviewed two of the books being celebrated, Belinda’s Rings and The Paradise Engine, and I’m so excited to meet the authors. The Edmonton Book Bloggers will be there. Won’t you come, too? May 15th, 7pm, Roast Coffee House. Facebook event page.
- Speaking of the EBB crew… Edmonton Book Bloggers were in the news! Kristilyn did us all proud by telling our story in the Edmonton Journal.
- Thanks to the magic of Twitter, I found out about an annual literary event in Edmonton, the Henry Kreisel Memorial Lecture, that, much like the MacEwan Book of the Year, had me thinking “How am I only finding out about this NOW?” Each year, the U of A’s Canadian Literature Centre puts on this FREE event, bringing a prominent Canadian author in to speak. On April 16, Edi Edugyan, author of Half-Blood Blues, talked about “home” and how that word and that idea has informed her work. She covered German history, slavery, immigration, and Canadian identity in her hour-long lecture. Her memories of visiting her ancestoral home in Ghana for the first time really came alive for me. The strangeness of being an outsider who looks like an insider was as compelling as the anecdotes about their wild taxi driver were hilarious. I would love to read a story along those lines! Check out Winter Distractions for fellow Edmonton Book Blogger’s Kristilyn’s take on Esi’s lecture.
What’s Next on Reading in Bed
Moby Dick! The read-a-long starts on May 20th, so finish up whatever you’re reading and watch for the sign up post next week.
Reading Roundup: March 2013 and Moby Dick Read Along Preview!
I’ve struggled to keep up with reading since having kids. This month, I feel like I’ve finally hit my reading stride after four years of pregnancy and parenting. I’ve been held back by legitimate things, like exhaustion and postpartum depression, and self-inflicted things, like television and Twitter.
My epiphany (I almost wrote “a-ha moment” and now I hate myself) is that if I want to read, I need to read *instead* of watching TV, *instead* of scrolling through hundreds of tweets. I need to read not just before bed, but at lunch, and in the morning.
I read a challenging book this month, The Magic of Saida. And I read it fast. It felt great. I’m totally out of the loop with the #GoT and #WalkingDead overtaking my Twitter feed right now, but that’s okay with me. (I will move Heaven and Earth to watch Mad Men, though. We all have our vices.)
Books Read
- The Magic of Saida by M.G. Vassanji. 4.5/5 stars, review coming soon. Was nothing like I expected, terribly difficult to get into, but worth it.
- The Paradise Engine by Rebecca Campbell. 4/5 stars, review also coming soon! Deliciously moody and dark, just how I like it.
Books Obtained
- The Cat’s Table by Michael Ondaatje – signed copy!
- Moby Dick by Herman Melville – from Wee Book Inn
Books I Want to Read
- Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood. Peer pressure addition, though I’ve also recently been told I should save it for a rainy day in my next life time.
- The Dinner by Herman Koch. Lots of buzz on this one.
- The Girls by Lori Lansens. Recommendation from Brie at Eat Books. Conjoined twins coming of age story? Yeah, gonna read that!
- Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison. Stumbled on this on Goodreads and it sounds brutal. Good brutal.
- Naive. Super by Erlend Loe When Kristilyn at Winter Distractions calls something her favourite book, I’m listening, cause she reads a whole lot of books!
What’s Next on Reading in Bed
- Catching up on reviews. First up is North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. I’ve been putting this off, but it’s my first Classics Club read, and while I’m not a big fan of the book, I am a big fan of the main character. She’s got lady balls (not literally.)
- I’m reading Persuasion by Jane Austen, even though I should be reading Dirk Gently by Douglas Adams, as it was my Classics Club Spin pick. I’m loving it. It’s hitting a lot of notes that I wished North and South did.
Moby Dick Read Along Preview: May Long Weekend 2013
After much consultation (i.e. Googling and asking the Edmonton Book Bloggers) I have made a few decisions about this Read Along. Here’s what you need to know. A real post is coming soon.
- It’s all going to start on May Long Weekend (that would be May 24 for international readers. I see you, two Singaporeans who landed here today!)
- It will end on July 22nd. On the 23rd, I’m heading to the wilds of Cape Breton Island and plan to be reading something far trashier than Moby Dick.
- There will be a give away for a sweet Moby Dick T-shirt from Out of Print Clothing.
So go on, find yourself a copy. Start early if you’re worried about finishing on time, but really, it’s not going to be that formal.
Asides
- Michael Hingston didn’t like Belinda’s Rings as much as I did, but you should read his review because he makes some really good points. The only part of his review I strongly disagree with is describing the book as “amiable,” because that’s something I would say about a puppy or something. Kind of a burn! This is another excellent review.
- Speaking of Belinda, I’m super excited that I’ll get my copy signed on May 15 at NeWest Press Spring Spectacular! Four authors with new books coming out this year will be on hand, including Corinna Chong and Rebecca Campbell, and there will be live music too. I will definitely be out past my bedtime.
Reading Roundup: February 2013, with Bonus Literary Events!
I’m back at work and feel like I’m struggling to read my minimum ten pages per day, yet I still have updates! And on the 1st of the month, too! WHO AM I?
Books Read
-
I liked the mini series better. Blasphemy, I know!
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. 3/5 stars. This was my first official Classics Club selection, and I didn’t love it. There are only so many times I can read the word “languid” before it loses all meaning (and I like the word languid!) But I did appreciate the main character, who was thoroughly modern. Review to follow!
- Belinda’s Rings by Corrina Chong. 4/5 stars. Loved it. Completely original and completely familiar at the same time. The only book I can compare it to right now is White Oleander. I know some people didn’t like White Oleander, but I did, so that’s a compliment. Review and hopefully author Q&A to follow!
- The Magic of Saida by M.G. Vassanji. In progress. I’m struggling to get into this book. I’m not sure what’s holding me back. The writing is great and the story is compelling. Maybe I’m getting bogged down in details, as I am wholly unfamiliar with Tanzanian history and culture. I’m not giving up yet!
Books Obtained
None!
- But one is on its way. The kind people at MacEwan Book of the Year are sending me a copy of Sweetness in the Belly by Camilla Gibb. I know very little about it, but I love the title!
Books I Want to Read – adding to the To Be Read pile
- Frances and Bernard by Carlene Bauer. Book Riot says, “Buy It. Buy All The Copies You Can Find, and Use the Extras To Decorate Your Town With Amazing Prose.” And I say, okay then.
- Jonathan Strange & Mr Norell by Susanna Clarke. This was suggested to me when I was let down by The Night Circus.
- Bumped by Megan McCafferty. It’s YA, but I’m intrigued by the premise – in a society where adults have become infertile, teenage girls become surrogates in droves. Brought to my attention by this post at Book Riot (love that site!)
Bonus: #Yeg Literary Events
I’ve noticed an upswing in literary events in Edmonton. Here are just a few.
- Pecha Kucha Nig
ht 15 is at The Expo Centre on March 7, 2013. Jason Lee Norman will speak about the 40 Below Project (if you’re paying attention, you might remember I submitted a story. It was rejected, but the email was VERY nice,) and Caylie Gnyra from Little Cree Books will speak about “Language Ally.” And look at the gorgeous Night Circus inspired poster! - Rosina, the Midwife by Jessica Kluthe launches at Spinelli’s Bar Italia on March 23rd, 2013. I probably can’t make it, but I am really looking forward to this book! Check out the Facebook page for the event.
- The MacEwan Book of the Year for 2013 is The Cat’s Table by Michael Odaantje, and the author will appear on March 21st at MacEwan downtown campus. I’m buying my ticket tonight. For $22 I will get a copy of the book, get it signed, and hear Odaantje talk about it. What a deal! There is also a FREE panel discussion about the book on March 7th at 12:30pm. All the details are here.
- Check out the Metro Writers in Residence website for lots of writing-focused events. I attended a discussion about blogging this past Sunday. Not only was it free and super informative, but I met one of the Writers in Residence, Omar Mouallem, and blogger extraordinaire Shareen Ayoub – go check her out; I guarantee you’ve read nothing like it! Mini-review of the blogging session to follow!
And now, I have reading to catch up on. And sleep. Not necessarily in that order.
Reading Roundup: January 2013
No, there was no roundup for December. Here it is: I was reading Infinite Jest. The end. Since then, things have been a little more varied. Here’s what up in my reading world.
Books Read
- The Night Circus by Erin Morganstein, borrowed from Cait at The Angry Vegan. Review coming soon. Preview: Meh.
- The Fault in our Stars by John Green, a gift from Ambur at Burning Impossibly Bright. Review coming soon. Preview: Loved it. And, holy literary allusions, Batman!
Books Obtained
- North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell, another gift from Ambur, at The Edmonton Book Bloggers Christmas party!
- The Magic of Saida by M.G. Vassanji, courtesy of Brie at Eat Books.
- Belinda’s Rings by Corinna Chong, courtesy of @mattbowes at NeWest Press
- The Paradise Engine by Rebecca Campbell (Advance Reader Copy), also courtesy of NeWest Press
Books I Want to Read
- Beloved by Toni Morrison, because of this review by Rob Delaney
- Away by Jane Urquhart, because it’s part of Canada Reads
- The Midwife by Jennifer Worth because of this review on LindyLit
- Rosina, The Midwife by Jessica Kluthe, because she’s a local author and tweep AND I love a good multi-generational saga.
- The Winter King by Bernard Cornwall because of this review on The Book-A-Week Project (which is updated, finally, yay!)
- Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese because it’s part of Canada Reads
- Dad Says He Saw You At The Mall by Ken Sparling. Can’t remember where I came across it but it sounds so weird that I must find out more.
Bloggy Updates
So, in case you missed it up in “Books Obtained,” Edmonton’s NeWest Press sent me two books to review. Now, I know this is par for the course for many book bloggers, but this is the first time I’ve received review copies of anything, and, the first time I’ve received mail address to “Reading in Bed.” I’m a legit book blogger now!
I’ve got just under two week until I’m back to work, and the kids are in daycare now, so I’m hoping to plug away at the blog a bit more than usual till then. Apparently I will NOT be able to blog at work because my review of Sleeping Beauty got reading-in-bed.com flagged as porn. Probably for the best!
Lastly, I must give a shout out to Twitter Grammar Nerds @vgrabia, @andrewhorton, and @islandniles who helped me figure out that “roundup” in the post title is one word. It looks wrong to me, but, who am I to argue with strangers on Twitter?
Reading in Bed 