It’s Monday! What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.
I love being a part of this and I hope you do too! As part of this weekly meme I love to encourage you all to go and visit the others participating in this meme. I offer a weekly contest for those who visit 10 or more of the Monday Meme participants and leave a comment. You receive one entry for every 10 comments, just come back here and tell me how many in the comment area.
Last weeks winner (using Random.Org) was:
The1stDaughter
Congratulations! Please choose an item out of the PRIZE BOX and email me your choice with your mailing address as well! journeythroughbooks@gmail.com
**Note: With all the wonders that was BEA, I am still catching up and am mailing the last two weeks of winners today.
Things have been pretty wild around here this past week. On Wednesday it was my one year blogiversary and it was wild around here. If you were not at this party, take a moment and check out the comments of the attenders. They cracked me up and we had so much fun.
Then my weekend plans fell through for the 150 MS bike ride I was doing. I just had too much on my plate and had to step out of this event. I worked 10 hours on Friday, and participated as I could in the weekend Bloggiesta (see wrap up post here tonight). The changes you are seeing on this blog: the frsh coat of paint, new header…. all positive outcomes of the Boggiesta.
As for books completed:
Annie Freeman’s Fabulous Traveling Funeral by Kris Radish (w/ Bookies Book Club thoughts and comments)
Harry Potter and the Prizoner of Azkaban (audio) *I highly recommend this whole series in audio. Fantastic!
Dreaming Of Dior by Charlotte Smith (review will be posted this week)
Guest House by Barbara Richardson (review will be posted this week)
Clementine – Friend Of The Week by Marla Frazee (review will be posted this week)
Boneman’s Daughter by Ted Dekker (review will be posted this week)
At Witt’s End by Beth Solheim (review will be posted this week)
Returning Injury by Becky Due (review will be posted this week)
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver ***Almost done!
Abandoned:
Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter by Seth Graham Smith AUDIO (I tried – I really did but I just couldn’t get into it.)
I know that’s crazy right? All those books, but I used Bloggiesta time to catch up on writing reviews on books I had finished but have not written reviews for. Now I have and these will be posted in a timely manner.
What’s Brewing This Week?
Not Without Hope by Nick Schuyler
On February 28, 2009, Nick Schuyler, a twenty-four-year-old personal trainer, left for a deep-sea fishing trip with three friends: NFL players Marquis Cooper and Corey Smith, and Will Bleakley, his best friend, who once played football for the University of South Florida.
It was supposed to be a day of fun and relaxation aboard Cooper’s twenty-one-foot boat, which anchored seventy miles west of Tampa, Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico. The friends were out to catch some amberjack and grouper and maybe a few sharks. They planned to drink a few beers, have some laughs, and get home before an approaching cold front hit.
As the seas began to swell and the winds picked up in the late afternoon, they packed their gear and decided to head to shore. One problem. The anchor was stuck.
Inexperienced boaters, they made what would become a fatal mistake, tying the anchor rope to the stern of the boat and hitting the throttle. The anchor did not yank free. Instead, the stern sank and filled with water, and the boat capsized.
And so the nightmare began. The men had to forage for life jackets beneath the boat. They had no emergency beacon to alert authorities, and their cell phones didn’t work so far out in the Gulf. With no food or water, the men clung to the overturned hull through the night as the seas roughened and the cloudy sky became inky black. They were continuously tossed from the boat by brutal waves, and sometimes found each other only by swimming toward their friends’ voices.
During the rare lull, they would pray and talk about the ones they loved, what they would’ve done differently with their lives, and what they would do once they returned home. As the hours passed, the four friends, who had grown up as athletes, worked as a team in their desperate bid to survive. They battled hypothermia, hallucinations, hunger, dehydration, and huge waves.
A witness to incredible heroism and unspeakable tragedy, Nick remained at sea for more than forty hours, holding on, hoping against hope and clinging to the thought that he couldn’t bear to have his mother attend his funeral.
The Duff by Kody Keplinger
Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “Duffy,” she throws her Coke in his face.
But things aren’t so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Bianca ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley.
Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.
The Cradle by Patrick Somerville
An elusive heirloom cradle symbolizes childhood’s pains and possibilities in Somerville’s spare, elegant first novel (after a story collection, Trouble). Marissa, pregnant with her first child, becomes obsessed with tracking down the antique cradle her mother took when she abandoned the family a decade earlier. Marissa’s husband, Matt, is sure he’s been dispatched on a fool’s errand, but his journey soon connects him to Marissa’s family and his own history of abandonment, neglect and abuse amid a string of foster homes and orphanages. Matt’s quest through four states is interwoven with another drama that takes place 11 years later, in 2008, in which poet and children’s author Renee Owen is haunted by memories of war and a lost love as she prepares to send her son off to fight in Iraq. Again, long-buried secrets come to the surface, one of which poignantly links the two story lines.
Suite Scarlet by Maureen Johnson
According to tradition, when the Martin children turn 15, they inherit a suite in the family’s small Manhattan hotel and a job: to take care of the rooms and their occupant. On Scarlett’s 15th birthday, Amy Amberson sweeps into the suite that Scarlett has just inherited. The woman is demanding and brash, but she does have her charms (and large amounts of cash). In the beginning, Scarlett is overwhelmed, but then her role becomes that of Mrs. Amberson’s assistant for her projects, which change on a whim. When Amy decides to help the theater troupe that Scarlett’s brother is involved in put on Hamlet, the teen begins a romance with one of the actors. Then everything starts to go awry, and when things get tough, Amy abandons ship, and plucky Scarlett is left to step in and save what needs saving, something that she does with flair. Scarlett’s brand of humor is particularly dry and well articulated.
That’s the plan. How about you? What are you reading! Please be sure to click on the LINKY below and put your own What Are You Reading post link there so others (including me!) can stop by and see what great books you have! 😀
Book Journey 
Guest House looks like a good book. I look forward to your review.
HI Zia – after a super busy week of huge blog events it is nice to say “yay – it’s Monday! What are you reading?” 😀
Well, looking forward to your review of Before I Fall! I’d love to read the book too.
The cover of Suite Scarlett is definitely eye-catching!
Happy reading! 🙂
Josette – Suite Scarlet does sound good and I need to have an audio going in my car 🙂
I LOVED Not Without Hope. Couldn’t put it down. Sad but fascinating. Lots of controversy around why he survived and the others didn’t. I don’t think there’s anything to the rumors. Just people making stuff up, but I’d love to discuss it with you when you’re finished.
The Cradle looks like one I’d like.
Have a good week Sheila. And relax a little, would ya? 🙂
Thanks Lynne. I am not that far into the book but I enjoy reading true stories like this.
I like your colours. I am wanting to switch to WP but fear I cannot do it alone. I will be curious to see what you think of The Cradle. Happy reading this week.
Thanks Jennifer. I am thrilled with the blog look, but it took me hours to get it right. 🙂
I’m sorry to hear that you couldn’t get into Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter…I’ve been looking forward to reading that one. I’ve been waiting to reading The DUFF and Before I fall when I can get to them!
Have a great week 🙂
Hi Crystal – just couldn’t wrap my mind around the Vampire Hunter. 🙂
You have listed some really interesting books. I have done very little reading on thi8s trip. I’ve spent way too much time in thrift stores and flea markets buying books. I need to find more time to read.
I go in those phases too Pat – I will be buying more books than reading. I wonder why we do that? 🙂
I’ve been wanting to read Guest House, and The Cradle has been on my wish list.
Suite Scarlett sounds like something I might like, too.
Enjoy!!
Hi Laurel! I thought you had read Guest House…. I am excited to listen to Suite Scarlet.
I loved Before I Fall. I look forward to hearing what you thought of it. The Duff is on my TBR list but I have heard mixed reviews. I have Suite Scarlett but I haven’t read it yet. I really need to do that soon so I can read the sequel. I liked the other Maureen Johnson book I read.
I loved your review of the Harry Potter audiobook. Jim Dale is so talented. I currently have Deathly Hallows playing in my car but I haven’t gotten very far. It is the only one I own. I got the others from the library. POA is one of my favorites.
Christina T, I met both authors at BEA and really want to see what there books are about. I am such a Potter fan think I gush when I write the reviews:)
Not Without Hope sounds interesting, but I think I’m going to have to add Suite Scarlett to my TBR pile. I think I already own it, but just haven’t got around to it — side effect of buying books faster then I can read them. I agree with you about the Harry Potter audio books. I’ve listened to them all multiple times. Once I drove an hour past my exit because I was too busy listening instead of reading the exit signs. Hope you enjoy your books.
I love this comment amcatoir. That’s a good audio that causes you to keep driving just to hear it! 😀
Duff looks interesting. I’m up to ten comments tonight!
Go Lily! 🙂
35 in all this week, this has been really fun! I’ve found some great blogs! Thanks for hosting!
Oh my! I won! Wohoo! Thank you so so much! Now, to figure out what to pick…I’ll have to get back to you in a day or so, I’m so exhausted from all this Bloggiesta stuff I just want to pass out!
PS…jealous, I really want to read anything by Maureen Johnson, she just sounds so intriguing. Her writing has to be fantastic!
I’ll stop back by again after I stop by some sites! Good night for now! 🙂
The1stdaughter – congratulations!!! 😀 I have not read Maureen yet but heard her speak at BBC in New York and was impressed. I hope it is a good one – it goes in my car today!
You have been busy, for sure. Hope you can catch a breather. 🙂
The Cradle looks very interesting. I am curious as to what you think of it…look forward to your thoughts.
I am sooo liking your blog’s new look. The colors look great and header is fab!! Nice job. 🙂
ibeeeg, I need to figure out how to do that…. breath I mean. Just breath. Sitting here this morning I am trying to figure out when I am going to make my group power class, and work, and do orientation for the overnighters I have tonight at our homeless commitment….. GAH!
Oh well ….. It will get done 🙂
Wow- what a reading week you had! I listened to the Potter books 1-5 on Audio. Loved them. I have to get the rest of them in audio.
I’ll be checking out your reviews. Have a great week.
MarthaE, I had many of these books partially read (a nasty habit I sometimes have) so it was mainly cleaning them up. 🙂
Yay Bloggiesta!
Hi Sheila and everyone,
Not Without Hope sounds like something I’d love. I love reading mountaineering books -especially anything that’s about Mt Everest (I’ve been halfway up). I find true survival stories so uplifting and inspiring -excellent fiction for when you’re feeling a bit ho-hum.
Amanda, I am not that far into the book yet but it is interesting. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be the only survivor in an accident that has taken the lives of your best friends.
Nice to be participating again. What a wonderful and busy week you had. I’ve heard lots of good things about Suite Scarlet and Not Without Hope sounds like one I’d love, looking forward to your thoughts.
Nice to have you back Sheree! I have peeked in on you here and there, hoping all was well.
I love the new heading! Suite Scarlett and The Cradle both sound interesting…I hope you enjoy your reads!
Thanks Heidi V – I really like it to. I think I made 4 before this one was the one I liked. 🙂
You had an awesome week 😀 Happy reading 😀
Thanks Aleksandra – I really hope to!
What a greta week you had. I am loving the new header too. I see you have Duff lined up this week, I hope you enjoy it. I am anxious to read it my self. Great job on the Bloggiesta too. Enjoy the week.
Thanks eatingyabooks! If the weather gets nice again I can start reading on my deck and that is a favorite summer thing for me 🙂
Wow..you really had a great reading week on top of everything else!!
Staci – I think the books look awesome and hoping I can keep up on the pace I had last week 🙂
oohhh!! the duff! i really want to read that one; i’ve read great great about it. enjoy your books this week sheila and happy reading 😀
Thanks chelleyreads! You too!
Morning! I’m still loving this green! Looks like some good books this week. The Cradle sounds like a good one. I just started reading Summer’s Child by Diane Chamberlain. Happy Monday!
Morning Jill! I am loving the green too. I think it is easy ont he eyes and yet, not dull 😀
Summers Child huh? It sounds good!
This is the first time I have done this, yay! Going to have a look around other sites now 🙂
Hi Katie – welcome! There is no orientation – just have fun! 🙂
You had a very productive week. My week is posted here
CMash
Good morning Cheryl!
I have not yet read any of the hairy potter books. Audio might be a good option. The kids might enjoy those too.
Rebecca I love the idea of you listening to the audios with your kids. I bet you would all really enjoy them!
I need to re-read Potter, but I don’t have the time. One day I’m going to put my audio books on my mp3 player and go for a long walk. I have a few of the Doctor Who books read by David Tennant and I wouldn’t mind listening to him read to me.
Looking forward to your review on Dreaming Of Dior.
Andrea thats why I did audio, I just did not have time to pick up the books again….. someday I will as they are all amazing! 😀
I love the contrast of the colors – Way cool.
Still reading “Loving Frank” as I was in Milwaukee all week for Bead/Gemstone show and came home with lots of goodies.
My kids and I loved the audio of Harry Potter. The voices were superb. We listened to them all the way from Indiana to NYC one summer, and had to make a quick stop at a bookstore on the way home to pick up the next CD so we could continue.Not a peep out of them until we stopped for gas, and they complained that they we had to turn the ‘book’ off then. This was after we had all already read them. I highly recommend the audio version.
Thanks Kay – I messed with the colors a lot over the weekend. I love this comment and like how the kids complained when you shut the car off for gas.
I like the idea of kids listening to an audio in a car as opposed to having head phones in their ears or playing a video game.
I just posted my tenth comment…I’ll be back later!
Go Laurel!
All these books are fascinating. I really took to ‘The Duff’ as my best friend at college is undergoing the same phase, and sadly I’m no help whatsoever in these ‘delicate’ ( if I may put it that way) matters. Many of my friends have weight and fashion issues themselves……..and I have weather issues….the ‘why my local library is closed on Sundays’ issues……coffee has recently been included however……I really try to find friends who have a similar interest in books as myself but, things are looking pretty bleak, and so I find a lot of comfort here and off course with my mother and maternal uncle who are voracious readers. It is hard to get young people to really love themselves as they are and no amount of college counselling or pep talk helps ………..and suicides are taking place by the dozen…..but I digress !
‘Not Without Hope’ also caught my attention especially the problems that the sailors had to face. That last line there is touching – ‘…..clinging to the thought that he couldn’t bear to have his mother attend his funeral.’
But nothing beats Harry Potter……..too bad you abandoned ‘Vampire Hunter’ but then you are right, you can not force yourself to read a book you do not identify with. Waiting for the rest……have a great day !
Fiza, I have a post coming up about my thoughts on the vampires…. still working through that one but hope it leads to a fun and interesting discussion.
Love your “issues” list…LOL I dont dare start to list mine….:)
Yah! 1st Daughter! I luv her blog 🙂
Juju – me too!!!
Just passed twenty visits and comments! I’ll be back again later…
Wow Laurel – did you have your Wheaties this morning?
Just finished number thirty!
😀
I looooved Suite Scarlett! It’s on my keeper shelf 🙂 I hope you like it too!
Carrie, I talked on my phone all the way into the office today so missed out on starting the cd…. maybe on the way home 🙂
I’ll have to check out your review for Before I Fall. I had mixed feelings about that one. Happy reading this week! 🙂
(I commented on 20 posts for Monday reading)
aprilnichole, I have heard mixed thoughts on the book so I am curious where I will land on it. 🙂
Ohh The Duff, I cant wait to read that one. Great list, hope you are linking Before I fall
My list can be found here
Pixie I will link it when I post my review 🙂
Good Monday, Sheila!
I’m interested to see what you think of DUFF. I had it in my hands, but put it down. I thought it would be too teen=angsty (is that a word?).
I was thinking of getting the Harry Potter books on CD for our car ride down to Outerbanks, NC this summer. Yes? Do they follow the books – meaning, could my older son “read along”?
Have a great week!!
Alison, I did the same thing! At the YA Carnival I met the author and did not purchase it then. Then later seen it at BEA and did pick it up. We shall see…. some of these YA books i love and others… not so much 🙂
Duff sounds good and I’ve been seeing it around a bit. Suite Scarlett also sounds really good!
Candace I hope to dive into both of them this week!
Your reads look really interesting.
I have vistied 12 so far, will try to get back to visiting later.
Dollycas
http://dollycas.blogspot.com/
Hi Dollycas! Did you link up at the Linky? If you do that you dont have to put the link in the comment area. I will check and see if you did 🙂
Wow! What a LOT of finished books!! I have “The Cradle” on my list of books to buy; I look forward to your review.
My Monday: http://jewelknits.blogspot.com/2010/06/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-and.html
Hi Julie – I was in a “clean up your reads” frenzy – LOL 😀
Looks like another great week for you! 🙂
As for me… I think I had a wonderful week, for my normal anyway. I finished 2 books! And I am reading a short one of 79 pgs currently, Blood Soup, which I hope to finish tonight and then dive into Shadow’s Son. 🙂 Hope you have a great week!
Thanks Melissa – you have an awesome week!
Suite Scarlett! I have that (along with all of Maureen’s other novels) sitting in a pile on my floor. Must get to them!
Hi Robby! I haven’t read her before but listening to her speak (she was so funny!) I knew I wanted to.
Love the new look!
Thanks Lisa, I was painting all weekend 😀
Sheila,
You haven’t signed up for the GIVE YOUR GIRLFRIEND A BOOK CONTEST, please come back and sign up, entries end at midnight tonight CST
DOLLYCAS
Great books – I have Suite Scarlett on my Kindle and just won The Cradle. Not Without Hope sounds really interesting, I may have to check that one out.
I really liked Suite Scarlett. The second in the series, Scarlett Fever, just came out too. Enjoy your week! 🙂
Interesting reads. I saw the Cradle from Costco over the weekend and wasn’t sure if I should take it or not. I look forward to your thoughts about this novel, it sounds like a great book with fascinating mystery.
Have a great week Sheila…
I’m looking forward to reading your thoughts on Before I Fall. It left lingering feelings with me…
Hope you have a great week 🙂
Cradle looks good. I’m drawn in by the cover alone but the story has promise too. I’ll be watching for your review.
I’m reading pretty much the same list as last week as I went bonkers over Bloggiesta starting Wednesday and barely cracked a book after that. Now I’m going to have to read twice as fast to finish before they’re due. 🙂
Suite Scarlet looks great!
I’ve commented on at least 10 by now.
Nice job hcsays! 🙂
I’ve visited 15 blogs, it’s been quite a while since I’ve managed that. It’s fun seeing what everyone’s up to.
YAY Teddyree! 😀