Musing Monday ~ Borrowing Habits

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about library borrowing…

Do you restrict yourself on how many books you take out from the library at a time? Do you borrow books if you already have some out? Do you always reborrow books you don’t get to?

Lately I haven't frequented the library but when I do I only check out 2 or 3 books at a time(even though they allow up to 10) because I don't want to feel overwhelmed or pressured to get them read right away.

I don't generally check out more books if I already have some checked out, but if I've been waiting on a book I'll certainly get it anyway.

If I have a book that is due and I haven't finished with it yet, I love that I can call (or go online) and check it out again without making a trip to the library. This also works nicely when I realize that the book is due rightthisminute and I don't have time to run to town. :)

And I hate to admit it, but I have checked out books before and re-checked them out twice then finally returned them without having read them. *blushing*

Musing Monday ~ Award Winners

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about award winning books…

Do you feel compelled to read prize-winning (Giller/Booker/Pulitzer etc) books? Why, or why not? Is there, perhaps, one particular award that you favour?


I don't feel compelled at all to read prize-winning books; I don't seek them out because of the award. But if I'm trying to choose which book I want and I've narrowed it down to a few, the one that's a prize-winner might have a little more pull than one that's not, but not necessarily. Mostly I choose books by description or by the author. For instance, if Susan May Warren has a new book out I know I'll like it without having to read the description.

Awards are a little bit like reviews to me...I don't always agree with them. There are books that received an award that I felt shouldn't have, and there are books that I thought were tremendous but didn't get it.

Be sure to check out more Musing Mondays over at Just One More Page!

Musing Monday ~ Best/Worst

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about 2009 favorites…

Coming towards the end of April, we’re a third of the way through the way through the year. What’s the favourite book you’ve read so far in 2009? What about your least favourite? (question courtesy of MizB)

Well so far my favorite book this year is Deadlock by Robert Liparulo! It was so engaging and fast-paced it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. You can read my full review here. I only wish I'd read Deadfall first, but that won't stop me from reading it second!

The least favorite book I read this year is Outlaw Marshall by Al and JoAnna Lacy. I don't know if that really counts, though, because I couldn't finish it. Way too corny. I tried. I really did. But I just couldn't waste my time on it when there are so many other wonderful books sitting in my TBR pile. You can also read my full review of it here.

Musing Monday ~ Keeping Track

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about recording your reading…

Do you keep track of what and/or how many books you read? How long have you been doing this? What's your favorite tracking method, and why?If you don't keep track, why not? (question courtesy of MizB)

You know, I'm surprised with myself that I don't have a big elaborate method for keeping track of my books/reads. But I do have a few ways to track it. Obviously this blog is one way. I also keep a little notebook in my purse that has the books I want to get (to finish a series I've started, etc.).

But my main "tracking" is on an excel spreadsheet. It didn't really start out that way but it grew as the need for it grew. It started out with two columns...the books I'd requested to review so that I didn't forget what I requested, and the date it needed to be posted.

Now it's grown to include columns for the book, date of tour, genre (sometimes), and if it's been confirmed that I'm on the tour or not. I also have a place to check if I've received the book, read the book, and posted my review. It's really helped me stay organized since I receive books from more than one organization.

Oh, I'm also on Good Reads and Library Thing but I haven't updated either one in months.

Great question, Rebecca! I'm looking forward to reading about everyone else's system. Maybe I'll get some ideas!

Edited to add: Something else I thought about, when I was commenting on MizB's post. If you use Excel you can right-click any cell and "insert comment" then write anything you want in there (your thoughts on that book, etc). Then when you mouse over the cell the comments pop up like a bubble so you can read it.

Musing Monday ~ Library Time

Musing Monday asks:

How often do you visit the library? Do you have a scheduled library day/time, or do you go whenever? Do you go alone, or take people with you?

I go to the library randomly. I don't go to browse the selection, though. I know what I want ahead of time and I can check online if they have it (and if not I order it inter library loan). Then I go pick it up. During the summer I take the kids every two or three weeks so they can check out books too. With a toddler in tow we don't loiter in the library very often. He hasn't learned to appreciate it yet, but he will! :o)

Musing Monday ~ Hold That Page

Today for Musing Monday:

What do you use to mark your place while reading? Do you have a definite preference? Do you use bookmarks, paper, or (gasp) turn down the pages? If you use bookmarks, do you have a favourite one?

I use bookmarks. In my younger years I would fold down the top corner of the page, but not any more. I don't buy bookmarks, though. Sometimes when I get a review copy they include a bookmark in the package (gotta love that!). It's funny but I choose which one to use by my mood or the book I'm reading. Right now I'm using a bookmark that has Havah and Demon by Tosca Lee on it because I love how it looks. I've also been known to throw away bookmarks that I don't like, but that doesn't happen very often.

Musing Monday ~ Going Local

This week Musing Monday asks:

How do you choose what do buy from your local bookstore? Do you have a list, or just browse? What is the selection in your book store like? Do you find what you're looking for? Do you feel pressured to buy the kind of books the store makes prominent? (question courtesy of MizB)

This one is easy! First, we live outside of a small town and there is only one bookstore. It opened last year and it's a branch from a Christian bookstore from another town 30 miles from here.

How do I choose? I have a little notebook that I keep in my purse and it has a list of the books I want to buy. Mostly that list consists of completing series that I've started or just books that I really, really want. (I also have a list of other people's recommendations and books I just want to read but not necessarily buy. It's my TBR notebook!)

So, first I go through the clearance stack of books to see if any are there that are on my "buy" list and if they are I snatch them up fast. Sometimes I find a book in that stack that isn't on my list but I can't resist it. Then I look through the regular priced books and drool. I don't usually buy these. I just torture myself with them.

The selection in this store is pretty small since it's a small town and a small branch. They usually only carry the most recent books that have come out because they don't have room for more, so I don't always find what I'm looking for there. It is also a good thing, though, because it means they rotate books out to the clearance area regularly! But for such a small store, they carry a wide variety of topics - fiction, non-fiction, children's, teens, Bibles, DVD's (you can rent DVDs there too for $2!). They also carry greeting cards, T-shirts, figurines, wall art, etc.

Everything in there is Christian so I guess that last question isn't relevant here. But I also like going to the bigger town and browsing through B&N, another Christian bookstore, and the used bookstore. And I don't ever feel pressured to buy the books that the store makes prominent.

Musing Monday ~ Lending Books

Today's Musing Monday asks:

A few weeks back we had a question about borrowing books, this week I was wondering what your policy was on lending books. Do you lend books to anyone? Just friends? Only big readers? How long are they allowed to have them?

I don't mind lending books to friends, but I wouldn't want to lend to people I don't really know. I am not a book-pusher who says, "Here, take this you have to read it," but more of a, "Hey if you'd like to borrow any books just let me know."

It doesn't matter to me how long they keep them, as long as I get them back eventually. Well, a year might be pushing it because surely anyone can get a book read in a year. I did lend some books to a lady in a bible study (at a different church than where I go) almost two years ago and still haven't gotten them back. I hate wondering if I should call her and ask for them back or not. I'm such a non-confrontationalist!

As a side note, I know some people don't lend out books because of what shape they will be in when they return and I don't blame them. I wrote in previous posts that I like to keep my books looking as good as possible, so I do hope that my books come back in the same shape they left, and that does make me want to hesitate on lending them out. But at the same time, people are more important than books and I'd rather someone be blessed by reading it than me hording it so that it doesn't get out of shape. If it comes back a mess (and they have before) I mourn the loss but it's not the end of the world. I know, I'm a freak but I know I'm not alone on this! :o)

Musing Monday ~ Assigned Reading

Today Musing Monday asks us:

How did you react to assigned reading when you were in school/university/college/etc? How do you think on these books now? What book were you 'forced' to read when you where in school that you've since reread and loved?

It depends on what kind of reading was assigned. And usually I didn't give it much thought when it was first assigned, just doing what was needed to get my grade and go on. Great attitude, I know. I sometimes wish I'd paid more attention in school. I do remember feeling relieved for the break from the usual assignments, though.

But once we got into the book, many times (but not always) I found myself enjoying it and looking forward to learning more about it. Some that come to mind...To Kill a Mockingbird, Great Gatsby, Othello, Much Ado About Nothing, and others that I don't remember. I haven't reread any of them (I'm not much the re-reader) but if I were, the only one I'd read again is To Kill a Mockingbird.

Check out more musings over at Just One More Page and add your thoughts too!

Musing Monday ~ Christmas Book Buying

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about Christmas book buying…

In these last few days before Christmas, I'm sure there are plenty of us scrambling to get our last minute shopping done. Are you buying any books for friends or family (or even yourself)? Do you expect to recieve any bookish gifts from others - books, or book-related?

Actually I'm pretty impressed with myself that I'm not scrambling! All my shopping is done and distributed (only because I had to since all our family is so far away I had to get them in the mail earlier this month). Now, I can't say my kids' gifts are wrapped...but that's a whole other topic!

I got books for my parents and in-laws as well as my four kids. I gave The Shack to the parental figures and for my kids I got: The Tales of Beedle the Bard by JK Rowling for the 10 year old, Puff the Magic Dragon by Peter Yarrow for the 7 year old, Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae for the 6 year old, and Brown Bear, Brown Bear (we had this book and my girls loved, loved it, but I haven't been able to find it! I'll probably find it the day after Christmas.) by Bill Martin and Eric Carle for the 2 year old. We also gave B&N gift cards as teacher gifts this year.

I don't expect to I know I won't receive any bookish gifts from anyone. Other than my kids, I'm about the only reader in the family on both my side of the family and my husband's.

Musing Monday ~ Time

This is my first Musing Monday since it has moved over to Just One More Page. And today's musing is:


How long do you wait after finishing a book before you pick/start another one? How many books do you have planned ahead or do you pick up random books from your tbr pile (if you have one)? Do you review right away or keep reading and come back to it later?


Great questions! I'll answer them in order...

How long do you wait after finishing a book before you pick/start another one?
I usually start the next book either the same day or the day after finishing one. Occasionally I'll take a break for a couple of days, but not often. I at least get the next one started.

How many books do you have planned ahead or do you pick up random books from your tbr pile (if you have one)?
I usually have at least a month or two worth of books planned ahead since I review for CFBA and FIRST Wild Card. Most of my reads these days come from that, but sometimes I'll throw in a book I couldn't resist. I don't like feeling that I *have* to read a certain book next and I don't really get to choose, so I try to arrange it where I can choose between 2 or 3 books that are at the top of the list, in case I'm not in the mood for the *next* one.

Do you review right away or keep reading and come back to it later?
Now this I'm bad about. Or maybe it's good. I don't write my reviews right after I finish the book, and I do that on purpose. I like to let it stew for a while and let my mind think over it again for a few days. I feel that I write a better review if I can mull it over first rather than just jumping in. I remember things from the book later that may not come to mind right after I finish the last page. But sometimes I get behind and I find myself where I *have* to write it *today.*


Check out more Musing Mondays here and join in on the fun!

Musing Monday ~ Where the Books Go

Today's Musing Monday asks:

If you keep your books, where do you keep them? And, if you give them away, who do you give them to? Do you participate in Bookcrossing, BookMooch, PaperbackSwap, or the like? Do you give your old books to family & friends, or donate them? Are any of your books in storage due to not having enough space for them all? Or, are you one of the lucky ones who has their own “library”? Feel free to share pictures, if you have them!

The books I keep are either on the book shelf in the office or the new one in my bedroom. I keep most of the books I get but a couple years ago I thinned out my collection. I sold some to the local used book store for credit, I sold some on half.com, and I gave some to Goodwill.

I also have given some of mine away from doing giveaways on this blog and I've lent some out to friends. Rather, just one friend who I know will take care of them! ;o)

Every time we move I get the "do we really need all these books" speech. My answer? Yes, "we" do! I don't have any stored right now. I was determined to get them all out of boxes so I built make-shift shelves in the office.

I haven't signed up for Bookmooch, PaperbackSwap, or any of those but have been meaning to check them out. I'm looking forward to see what everyone else says about these sites.

Musing Monday ~ Boys and Reading

Today Musing Monday asks us:

Do you know of any young boys who do not like to read? Why do you think boys so often don’t? What can we do to encourage them to read more?

Right now I don't really have any "young" boys in my life to make this observation with, so I'll have to go with the past. (Except for my 2 year old son who would rather run through the house than sit with mom while she reads to him.)

My two brothers are not readers and never have been. My parents are not readers either, so it wasn't exactly cultivated in our house. I'm not sure where I got my love affair for books! (Actually I do, but this isn't about me.) Also, my husband is not a reader (the horror! LOL!).

I would have to say that for these guys, they'd rather be outside "doing" something than sitting and reading. As for my husband he has said that he'd "rather live it than read about it." He also has ADHD and doesn't sit still for long as it is. He does like to watch TV and says that it helps calm him down. He always has several things going on in his head at one time and watching TV helps him tune those out and just tune into the story in the flashing box (my words, not his).

I think guys are taught (intentionally or not) that they need to be productive, and sitting and reading is not considered "productive," but frivolous or a luxury. If my brothers or husband were given a choice of free time, they would all choose doing something outside (hunting, fishing, riding dirt bikes, going up in the mountains, etc.). They have always been like that, even as young boys. They always wanted to go "explore" outside.

I just thought of something. With these men in my life, as young boys if they were caught sitting around by their dads they were put to work. So I think it just comes down the line and is inadvertently ingrained in them to be "doing" something at all times.

As far as encouraging young boys to read more, I'd say read to them and ask their thoughts, get them engaged with the story. And read what they are interested in. Maybe if they found a story they really loved they'd want to read more. Also maybe set aside some type of "quiet" time where they don't have the option of being active. Not that to keep them from being active boys, but to create some balance.

So what do you think? And check out more answers over at Should Be Reading.

Musing Monday ~ Economy Effects

Today's Musing Monday asks:

"How has the economy impacted your book buying? Do you think it’ll change the reading and book-buying habits of the country? Will it increase your library visits? Will it make you wait for the paperback edition instead of buying the hardcover?"

Actually, I haven't ever bought a ton of books brand new. I go through our library (which is linked to many libraries across the state with free inter library loan!!) or I buy from our local book exchange. However, I do sometimes buy new. I like to support authors and sometimes I don't want to wait for the book! I don't think my habits will change.

Will it change the habits of the country? I certainly don't think it will change the reading habits. I mean if you love to read, you're going to read! But it will likely change the book buying habits. Many people will probably use the library more or buy used. Gotta do what we can to keep up our reading habit!

It's hard to say, though. In my opinion, those who understand this book addiction would never consider not reading because of the economy and some won't stop buying books because of the economy (or at least not drastically change their established buying habits, whatever they are).

It's a reader thing. Non-readers don't usually "get it." (Which is ok, because readers don't usually "get" non-readers! *grin*)

Check out the rest of today's Musing Mondays!

Musing Monday: Is it a gender thing?

THIS week’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about a “reading” survey, and what it had to say…

The article (here) talked of “why women read more than men“. In it, author Ian McEwan is quoted saying: “When women stop reading, the novel will be dead.”

Do you believe this to be true? Why, or why not?

Short answer: no I don't believe that to be true. The very first part of the article irritated me that they came to their conclusion because when they were handing out books at the park, the women "eagerly" took the books while the men eyed them "suspiciously."

That doesn't show women read more than men. It just means the men were more suspicious of why they were giving away free books! To quote the article, "The inevitable conclusion, wrote McEwan in The Guardian newspaper: 'When women stop reading, the novel will be dead.'" How ridiculous to make such a statement from just handing out books at a park! Sure, there were other "surveys" but the ones they mentioned seemed very unscientific.

Personally, I think a lot of men read fiction too...it's just that women like to TALK about it! Men read them and go on. Women like to gather up and find out what others thought about the books they've read and have a discussion. That's just a no-brainer to me. When have you known a great number of men who like to gather up and "chat" about fishing or golf or anything?

Are there a ton of fishing blogs where you can find men saying..."Hey! I tried this fly and it's great! You should check it out!" ... "Oh really, I didn't like that one so much, I just couldn't get into it, but I liked this other fly." They don't talk about it...they just do it! Which is why there are a lot of women book bloggers (and why there are probably more women bloggers period).

That's my 2 cents!

So, what do you think of this article and its claims? Go on over to Musing Mondays and leave a comment or see what others have to say.

Musing Monday

Today is Musing Mondays over at Should Be Reading, so I thought I'd join in!

Today’s MUSING is just going to be a simple one on reading…

WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW?
Home Another Way by Christa Parrish

WHY ARE YOU READING WHAT YOU’RE READING? PLEASURE? FOR REVIEW? SOMETHING ELSE?
Reading this one for review

WHAT DID YOU RECENTLY FINISH READING?
Just finished reading Love Starts With Elle by Rachel Hauck...will post the review soon.

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’LL BE READING NEXT?
Either A Beautiful Fall by Chris Coppernoll or Having a Mary Spirit by Joanna Weaver...both for review. (Although I just got The Shack and can't wait to read it!)

WHAT WAS THE BEST BOOK YOU READ THIS MONTH? WHY?
Has to be a toss up with Sweet Caroline or Love Starts With Elle, both by Rachel Hauck

WHAT WAS THE WORST BOOK YOU READ THIS MONTH? WHY?
Well, it wasn't "bad" but I guess I liked it least...Before the Dawn by Carolyne Aarsen (it's the first book in the Guidepost series Home to Heather Creek. I reviewed the second book, Sweet September, and I liked it a lot better than Before the Dawn.)

Check out more of this week's Musing Mondays here!