Booking Through Thursday ~ Niche Books

It's time for Booking Through Thursday!! Feel free to join in on the fun! Today's question asks:

There are certain types of books that I more or less assume all readers read. (Novels, for example.)

But then there are books that only YOU read. Instructional manuals for fly-fishing. How-to books for spinning yarn. How to cook the perfect souffle. Rebuilding car engines in three easy steps. Dog training for dummies. Rewiring your house without electrocuting yourself. Tips on how to build a NASCAR course in your backyard. Stuff like that.

What niche books do YOU read?

Lately I haven't read many books like that for me. But in the past I've read parenting books (hey, I need all the help I can get! I know I don't know what I'm doing), spiritual growth type books (love Beth Moore!), and flower gardening books (this is my second year to garden, and again...I had no idea what I was doing). Oh I've also read some personal finances books, like Dave Ramsey's or ones about frugal living. As far as "how-to" books, I use them as quick references when I need them, and even then I'm more likely to look it up on the internet than use a book (gasp!).

And I'm going to ask my readers another question...if you read any of the same kinds of books as I do, what books in those categories would you recommend?! I'm always open for suggestions!

Be sure to check out what other bloggers say about their own niche books over at Booking Through Thursday...and add your niche to the pile too!!

Booking Through Thursday ~ Numbers Game

Today, Booking Through Thursday asks:

Some people read one book at a time. Some people have a number of them on the go at any given time, perhaps a reading in bed book, a breakfast table book, a bathroom book, and so on, which leads me to…

1. Are you currently reading more than one book?

I'm generally a one-book kind of girl. I can do one fiction and one non-fiction at the same time but I don't like having two fiction books going at the same time. It would be like watching two TV shows at the same time (like my dh does...drives me crazy!). When I'm into a book and already don't want to put it down, why would I pick up another? :o)

2. If so, how many books are you currently reading?

I'm reading one fiction book (BoneMan's Daughters) and one non-fiction book...both are for review.

3. Is this normal for you?
Yep.

4. Where do you keep your current reads?

Mostly I read in the living room or the bedroom, so my current read is usually either on an end table or night stand. Sometimes I'll bring it with me when I leave the house, but with a 2-year old in tow I rarely get a chance to read it away from home.

Booking Through Thursday

This week for Booking Through Thursday we're asked:

I saw that National Library week is coming up in April, and that led to some questions. How often do you use your public library and how do you use it? Has the coffeehouse/bookstore replaced the library? Did you go to the library as a child? Do you have any particular memories of the library? Do you like sleek, modern, active libraries or the older, darker, quiet, cozy libraries?

I use the public library sporadically. When I had more time I would look at the online catalog and place books on hold, then go pick them up when they're ready. But I haven't done that in a long time. Mostly I take the kids a lot in the summer so they can check out books.

I don't remember going to the library very much as a child, but we lived out of town. I do remember when I was old enough I would go to work with mom and then walk down to the library sometimes. I enjoyed that.

As far as modern vs. older libraries, I guess I don't really have a preference. The library where we live now is old, dark and smelly (like old carpet) and I'm not fond of that. Also the floors creak really bad and people look at you when you make the floors creak. I don't mind the library being old, as long as it's not dark and smelly! :o)

Booking Through Thursday ~ Author Blogs

This week for Booking Through Thursday we're asked:

Do you read any author’s blogs? If so, are you looking for information on their next project? On the author personally? Something else?

I don't read any author's blog religiously but I do visit different ones from time to time. There are a few of them in my sidebar that I enjoy reading. I like to just see what's going on and if there's anything new and I do enjoy learning about the author as well. I also go there sometimes to see what else they've already written that I haven't read yet. So there you go. No stalker tendencies here! :o)

Booking Through Thursday ~ Electronic vs. Paper

Today's Booking Through Thursday is a little different. Instead of posting on each blog we're to join a discussion in the comments on that post. Here's what it says...

Something a little different today–

First. Go read this great article from Time Magazine: Books Gone Wild: The Digital Age Reshapes Literature. (Well worth reading.)

Second. Stop and think about it for moment. Computers and digital media are changing everything we do these days, whether we realize it or not, and that includes our beloved books.

Third. DISCUSS!

To be different, today, I’d love to see a discussion here, in the comments, rather than scattered amongst all our separate blogs. Because this is an issue that affects ALL of us, and I’d really like to see us hash out the merits and demerits of this evolution.

Tell us what you think. Do you have an ebook reader? Do you read ebooks on your computer? Do you hate the very thought? How do you feel about the fact that book publishing is changing and facing much the same existential dilemma as the music industry upon the creation of MP3s?

Sure, feel free to write about this on your blog, but honestly–I’d love to see an in-depth discussion, and you can’t do that by flitting about the internet reading 100 different, individual essays. You can only get that by having the back and forth of conversation.

So, today, USE THE COMMENTS!

There you have it! Go on over to Booking Through Thurdsay and throw in your two cents!

I'll go ahead and throw in some of my two cents here as well...

I don't have an ebook reader, nor do I care to get one. I don't like reading ebooks. Call me old fashioned but I'd much rather feel the paper in my hands. Also reading on screen hurts my eyes after a while and it's harder to go back and find something you want to look at again electronically.

However, I know change happens and that ebooks will become more prevalent and that is fine. They would also need to greatly improve the electronic readers, though. I can see advantages of it (i.e. having lots of books to choose from in one small package), but I still prefer paper. I don't think it will be the same kind of change as the music industry where they stop printing paper books all together.

Also, what about libraries? Checking out ebooks? Lending ebooks to friends? And many of us like to buy used books. They claim that ebooks are cheaper...but they aren't compared to used books.

I don't think ebooks will completely take over (whew!). But I can see them co-existing.

And as a side note...as long as spell check doesn't recognize "ebooks" neither will I! LOL

Booking Through Thursday ~ Inspiration

This week Booking Through Thursday asks:



Since “Inspiration” is (or should) the theme this week … what is your reading inspired by?



Reading is an escape for me most of the time. So I like to read fiction that takes me to interesting places with characters I can connect with and get wrapped up in their story. I like experiencing places and cultures I haven't been to before but I also like reading about places I have visited/lived and connecting through nostalgia.

Since the world has too much violence and foul language and perverse things I don't want to read about it as well. Books that contain those things turn me off and put me in a bad mood. Not that what I read has to be light and fluffy by any means, just not foul. I am inspired more by a good story especially if it's romantic, suspenseful, or historical. I also like books with humor woven in where I can't help but laugh out loud.

As far as non-fiction, I get inspired by books that pull me out of my tunnel vision and help me grow spiritually. One of my favorites is Beth Moore. I love how she is on fire for God and inspires others to do the same.

Booking Through Thursday ~ Honesty

This week's Booking Through Thursday says:

I receive a lot of review books, but I have never once told lies about the book just because I got a free copy of it. However, some authors seem to feel that if they send you a copy of their book for free, you should give it a positive review.

Do you think reviewers are obligated to put up a good review of a book, even if they don’t like it? Have we come to a point where reviewers *need* to put up disclaimers to (hopefully) save themselves from being harassed by unhappy authors who get negative reviews?

This has been kind of a hot topic lately because of some recent communications between an author and some bloggers. I may be all wrong here, but I think that most authors are aware and are ok with the fact that they may get some negative reviews from bloggers who received their book in return for a review. We just tend to hear about the minority of them who protest.

As I mentioned on Saturday, I don't at all feel obligated to write a glowing review of a book just because it was sent to me free. I do feel obligated to be honest about what I thought. However, I don't agree with writing harsh or mean reviews, either. If I didn't care for a book I can still write something positive about it and get my thoughts across without bashing the author. I'd like for whoever reads my reviews to be able to determine whether they think they would like it, even if I didn't (or vice versa).

I do not currently have a disclaimer but I've thought about writing one. Although, I feel like my "negative" reviews still keep the author's dignity in tact. Kind of like it's not what you say but how you say it. I wouldn't tell my best friend that her craft project was crap. I might, however, tell her it could be better and why.

Booking Through Thursday ~ Why Buy?

This week's Booking Through Thurday says:

I’ve asked, in the past, about whether you more often buy your books, or get them from libraries. What I want to know today, is, WHY BUY?

Even if you are a die-hard fan of the public library system, I’m betting you have at least ONE permanent resident of your bookshelves in your house. I’m betting that no real book-lover can go through life without owning at least one book. So … why that one? What made you buy the books that you actually own, even though your usual preference is to borrow and return them?

If you usually buy your books, tell me why. Why buy instead of borrow? Why shell out your hard-earned dollars for something you could get for free?

I try to do a little of all of it. I love using the library because we have a great interlibrary loan system where I can borrow books from libraries across the state (very nice since MT is a rural state!). So I can get most of what I'm looking for there. But knowing I "have" to read it in a certain amount of time, along with worrying about messing up the book, I am more nervous about reading a library book than one that I own. The pressure!

I also love to buy used books. I mostly get them from the local book exchange or sometimes from half.com or amazon.com (but I hate paying shipping). I haven't really bought from Goodwill because there is no method to the madness. There are just random books everywhere and my toddler is somehow not very patient while I peruse the shelves. Go figure.

Sometimes, though, I hear about a book and I've just GOT to have it! Now! That's when I buy brand spanking new books. It's not very often I do this, but it does happen. Mostly it seems I do this for non-fiction spiritual growth type books, since I like to write in those.

Since I started reviewing books I don't buy as much now. I have a steady flow of incoming books that keeps me busy (and happy!).

I like owning books that I really enjoyed reading. Even though I'm not much of a re-reader I guess I like having them there to remind me of the story. I can look at the book and remember it. And maybe I like having the option to read it again if I want to. I don't know. I just like seeing lots of books on the shelf. That warm fuzzy feeling!

Booking Through Thursday ~ Presents

Today's Booking Through Thursday question is:

What, if any, memorable or special book have you ever gotten as a present? Birthday or otherwise. What made it so notable? The person who gave it? The book itself? The “gift aura?”

Well this is an interesting question because I rarely receive books as gifts. Right now I can only think of two books I've been given. One is Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey (first edition; from my mother-in-law when we first got married) and the other is Shiloh Autumn by Bodie and Brock Thoene (from my sister-in-law for Christmas one year). I didn't read either one of them right away (should have read Financial Peace sooner!), but I did read them. And I still have both of them.

I guess what made them notable is that they were actually given to me at all.

Booking Through Thursday ~ To bend or not to bend

This week's Booking Through Thursday asks:

Are you a spine breaker? Or a dog-earer? Do you expect to keep your books in pristine condition even after you have read them? Does watching other readers bend the cover all the way round make you flinch or squeal in pain?

Well, I have a bit of split personality on this issue. My fiction and non-fiction books are, unfortunately, not treated equally. I do like to keep all my books in the best shape possible. But some of my books (i.e. inspirational, etc.) get dog-eared and written in. I'll underline and write in them with no second thought because if I really liked something in it, I would never find it again just skimming. (But I still won't bend the cover or spine.)

Although, sometimes I'll use a piece of paper for my bookmark and when I like something I'll write the page and paragraph number on it instead of writing in my book.

However! My fiction books I like to keep in near new condition. No dog-ears. No writing in them. No bending the cover or the spine. If I'm toward the front or back of the book I'll curl the smaller end around, gently cupping it in my hand, but absolutely NOT bending it or breaking the spine!

I do cringe when I see a book being bent in all directions. My oldest daughter reads a ton and she's a dog-earer, cover bender, spine breaker. How can she be related to me?! I can't bear to watch! My heart goes out to her books. And don't think I'm not always telling her to be nice to the books and treat them better. Alas, to no avail. Part of her problem is she reads in bed and then falls asleep then rolls around on her poor, defenseless books. Or the books fall between her bed and the wall and the cover gets scratched up from the wall texture. Or she crams them into her already overfilled backpack. (Now, to her defense, she is careful not to tear pages or do destructive things like that.)

I must change the subject! It's just too painful!

So what kind of reader are you?

And be sure to check out how others are treating their books over at Booking Through Thursday!

I'm editing to add:

It just hit me! I've been reading through the other responses to this question and I can see that even though we have various opinions/habits, we all love our books.

Some people love them so much they don't mind if they "look" loved. Some people love them so much that they want them to stay looking nice. But the books are all well loved.

So, to say that a book that looks new must not be loved...or to say that a book that's worn out (and not treated well by some's standards) must not be loved...neither are true!

Anyway, it's interesting how we think they way others treat their books shows whether or not the book is well loved. What do you think?

BTT - What's on your shelf?

It's time for another Booking Through Thursday! This week Deb has an interesting quote from Christopher Schoppa in the Washington Post:

Avid readers know all too well how easy it is to acquire books — it’s the letting go that’s the difficult part. … During the past 20 years, in which books have played a significant role in both my personal and professional lives, I’ve certainly had my fair share of them (and some might say several others’ shares) in my library. Many were read and saved for posterity, others eventually, but still reluctantly, sent back out into the world.

But there is also a category of titles that I’ve clung to for years, as they survived numerous purges, frequent library donations and countless changes of residence. I’ve yet to read them, but am absolutely certain I will. And should. When, I’m not sure, as I’m constantly distracted by the recent, just published and soon to be published works.




So this week's question is...





"What tomes are waiting patiently on your shelves?"

Oh my.



There are a few left over from college days that I thought I should keep and maybe actually read (again? did I read them the first time?). And there are just some I got and keep meaning to read but haven't. Oh and the ones that I read long ago and would like to read again...someday.

There's...
~ The Canterbury Tales by Chaucer (did I read that the first time?)
~ Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy (where did that one come from?)
~ To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee (read it long ago, liked it, want to read it again!)
~ Much Ado About Nothing by Shakespeare (I did read that, but probably won't again)

And then there's...
~ Mere Christianity by CS Lewis (read it long ago because I had to, need to read it again because I want to)
~ When Christ Comes by Max Lucado (never read it but I keep thinking I will)
~ Voices of the Faithful by Beth Moore (does 2-3 years count as on the shelf for years?)




Be sure to check out what's on everyone else's shelves over at Booking Through Thursday!

Booking Through Thursday ~ Meme

This is my first time participating in Booking Through Thursday! Here we go!

What was the last book you bought?
The Shack by William P. Young

Name a book you have read MORE than once
I don't usually read a book more than once...too many new ones I want to read!

Has a book ever fundamentally changed the way you see life? If yes, what was it?
Well, the Bible of course. Other than that, I couldn't say there has been any one particular book that has greatly changed me, but many books I've read have got me thinking and probably subtly changed how I view things.

How do you choose a book? eg. by cover design and summary, recommendations or reviews
All of the above! (But not "professional" reviews...they usually irritate me.)

Do you prefer Fiction or Non-Fiction?
Right now - fiction, but I like non-fiction too.

What’s more important in a novel - beautiful writing or a gripping plot?
Hmmm...well even if the writing is beautiful, if the story is completely boring I just can't get into it. So I'd say gripping plot. Can I have both? :o)

Most loved/memorable character (character/book)
One of my all time faves is Little Women.

Which book or books can be found on your nightstand at the moment?
I'm a read-one-book-at-a-time kind of girl. And I don't keep them on the night stand...I have a book shelf near my bed and they stay there til I'm ready for them. :o) I just started Forsaken by James David Jordan, but I have The Shack and Spanish Bow ready and waiting. I do also have some little devotionals I read daily occasionally (right now they are Beth Moore devos).

What was the last book you’ve read, and when was it?
I just read one I don't recommend so I'll say the one before that was Home Another Way.

Have you ever given up on a book half way in?
Yes, but not very often.

Be sure to check out other responses at Booking Through Thursday!