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Monday, October 26, 2009

Nightstand

What's On Your NightstandLast month was a pretty successful month as far as reading challenges go. I did complete reading everything that I had on my Nightstand for the month (and probably enjoyed The Sacred Cipher the most.) If you are a regular reading at 5 Minutes for Books, you'll see my reviews of last month's books pop up here in the next little bit. (You can go ahead and read my review of Purpose-filled Presentations or The Jew Store if you'd like.)

This month it's all about pleasure for me. I'm going to read what I want and when I want. That's right. And I thumb my nose at....well....nobody really. I felt this way same time last year. I just wanted to enjoy the year's end and read whatever I wanted or felt like.

I love reading and I love reviewing books but I don't like feeling it's a chore to do so. I like just reading for the sake of reading and for the rest of this year (what little there is of it) I want to just relax and not think about reading as being part of a "to do" list but a way to escape and relax.

So here's what I "plan" on reading for the rest of this month:

The read I am most excited about...



Earlier this year I read American Lion (about President Andrew Jackson) by Meacham and found it incredibly well-written. But I have a love of World War II history and so when I found Franklin and Winston at our local Goodwill I had to contain my whoops and hollers until I came home. I dove straight into the book and hope to share (some of) my thoughts on it very soon. Excellent writing, excellent subjects, excellent life lessons. Stay tuned.



I received an e-mail from Bethany House Publishers asking if I wanted to read and possibly review The Silent Gift (in the happy interest of full pre-disclosure here). It sounds rather interesting to me and like a relaxing sort of read so I'll give it a perusal and we'll see what happens!

Another book I'm looking forward to reading in the coming month is:

My Life in France which I recently picked up.


I know everyone and their mother has read this book but I haven't and I want to, having seen (and reviewed) Julie & Julia a little while ago. Lovely movie and I expect nothing less from the book so I'm excited about that.

Lastly, I look forward to reading something by Louisa May Alcott for the upcoming 5 Minutes for Books Bookclub. Yes, I do have the title selected but it's a lesser known work (as far as I'm concerned) and I'm excited to talk about later. Curious? Well, come back on November 3rd to find out about that. In the meantime, grab something - anything! - by Louisa May Alcott and talk about it with us on November 3rd!

Otherwise, I commit to nothing and no one and plan to enjoy myself immensely so....we'll see what happens!

20 comments:

Seccionista said...

LOL I'm one of the only ones who hasn't read the Julia Child book but it's on my wish list. I hope you like it.

Janet said...

I haven't read the Julia book either!

Your plans sound great -- the titles, and the overall goal. Here's to a month full of enjoyment and free of obligation.

Unknown said...

I hope you like Julia's book. I think you probably will. It's a bit detailed in places, and I think that the movie had a better overall feel, but I think you'll like it.

And the covers of those other books are both great! (she says, judging a book by it's cover)

Barbara H. said...

Those look like great reads. I haven't read any of them.

Amy @ Hope Is the Word said...

So I guess this means you're not interested in the Big Book Push, huh? ;-)

I'm really curious about that Michael Landon, Jr., book you're reading. As you know, we're HUGE Little House fans 'round these parts, and to the girls, Michael Landon IS Pa. (Well, he's Little Joe, too, when they watch Bonanza with my mom. The familial affinity for ML goes WAY back.)

Sarah M. said...

Those all look like great reads. I can't wait to read your reviews!

Lisa notes... said...

How nice that you read books about history. Always nice to marry educational reading and pleasure reading. I like doing that too. And enjoy reading whatever you want to.

Jessie at Blog Schmog said...

I'm definitely interested in The Silent Gift but I dont' want to cry :) haha! You'll have to let us know if it makes grown women (who don't cry) cry!

Okay, that being said I'm going to look for all of these, I like your picks.

Jessie at Blog Schmog

Katy said...

Franklin and Winston sounds interesting! :) Nice batch of books to look forward to!

Hopewell said...

I think I have honestly read everything there is on WSC/FDR. Nice to see that book in your list. I LOVED "My Life in France" and that's probably why I can't seem to get thru Julie/Julia....

Stephanie Kay said...

I read "Jack & Jill" and now have an old DVD version of Little Women in my possession - who knew there were other versions than the Winona Ryder one?! We also visited Orchard House in August. See, THREE possible LM Alcott posts. When will I find the time to write them? :)

morninglight mama said...

I know what you mean about not wanting reading to feel like a chore. Sometimes I find myself getting all stressed out about my pile growing and not getting reviews up in a more timely manner... then I remind myself that everything will happen in time and that I'll never be able to write a quality review if I'm all stressed out! So, I take a deep breath and read when I can and try to enjoy every minute. (Easier said than done for a worry wart like me!!)

Enjoy!!

Anonymous said...

oo sounds like a fun break for yoU! I havent read the Julia book either so don't feel to bad.. however it is on my wish list :-)

Alison said...

I made it about 100 pages into My Life in France before I had to return it to the library (this was a year or so ago before it was a hot book). What little I read was fascinating and delightful. Much better than what I've seen of the book Julie & Julia. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

I'm also a huge LM Alcott fan. Rose in Bloom and An Old Fashioned Girl are my two favorites. I have read them many times. :-)

Hopewell said...

I saw your comment on my Julie/Julia struggle. I can't decide if I like Julie or if she's obnoxious! [Might have something to do with me being 47 and living in nowhereville] I LOVED "My life in France." It would probably have been better to have read Julie/J first, then MLinF. I

Unknown said...

I also haven't read the Julia book (or seen the movie). I look forward to reading your review of the Michael Landon book. Enjoy your pleasure reading!

Unknown said...

I've often wondered if book reviewers really enjoy the reading or sometimes just have to do it lol. Looks like a good list, happy reading!

Susan said...

Oooh ... I would be pretty darn excited to find the WSC/FDR book at Goodwill as well. I will have to add that one to my list :)

Lisa Spence said...

Never read My Life in France either!

Jenny said...

I have Franklin and Winston on my TBR shelf. My goal is to read it after the first of the year to prepare to teach WWII in my AP Euro class. My dad, a WWII buff and HUGE Churchill fan, gave me his copy with a wonderful recommendation. I will be interested in your review of it.

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