Book Journey

Morning Meanderings…and then there were four

Published on November 25, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)7 Comments

A week ago I posted about a book club sort of thing that my aunt and I have connected over. Basically it started as visiting and coffee but our conversation led to books and I have been feeding her books I think she will enjoy and I so enjoy talking with her about the books once she has read them.

I am so excited about this common connection over books. It made me realize that there are a lot of dormant readers out there that just need the right book and the right person to connect them to the book to awaken that love of reading. A few months ago I did not know my aunt used to be a reader. Now, she is one again.

Last Friday my Aunt invited me over for lunch. I knew she was also inviting a couple of the neighborhood ladies, one who was a very good friend of my mom’s (Helen),and an older lady (Jan) I had not met yet even though she is my neighbor and has lived in that house for almost two years.

While preparing for the lunch I grabbed a few books to share with my Aunt. We had recently talked on the phone and I had told her my love for the book Delancey. I also talked to her about the book ROOM and how it was about to become a movie. I had two copies of ROOM so I grabbed them both in case Helen would like to read it as well.

After lunch I pulled out the books that I brought and much to my surprise, both Helen and Jan were chatting books as well. Helen took the additional copy of ROOM as well as Gone Girl which my Aunt had just finished. Jan showed an interest in the book Winter Street and I talked to her about what she liked to read.

I told them all about the post I had written about the book club of two and how exciting it was to have people in our neighborhood to talk books with. We joked about how the book club had now become four.

I believe the biggest kick I am getting out of this is that how easy it was to connect to others through books. I guess I should not be surprised- isn’t that what we all do here?

I mentioned before as I process through this I have something in the planning that I am still thinking through bit for now, I extend a small challenge to you. As you go about the holiday weekend, where ever you go – or whoever you see… I challenge you to bring along a book that you love and share with someone that book. Even if (especially if) they are not big readers. I would love to hear what happens.

The Residence by Kate Andersen Brower (BEST of 2015)

Published on November 24, 2015March 5, 2016 by Sheila (Book Journey)9 Comments

We all see the First Families as they go about what they do on TV. Speeches and events, there to celebrate triumphs and stand tall when the world has been shaken to it’s core…

The Residence gives us a peek into what we do not see. Told from the point of views of those who have worked in the White House, maids, cooks, butlers, florists, doormen and more share their stories of what it is like to work for the First Family.

Who makes their own bed in the morning, or insists on monitoring every meal, who watched personal expenses closely, and who frivolously needed fresh flowers in every room daily. What have these people seen through the years of working for the Presidents and their families? What stories will warm your heart and which ones will make you sad or shocked?

I absolutely devoured this book. I listened to it on audio and so enjoyed the narration by Karen White. Karen hit the ball out of the narration park! Beautifully spoken, each story was so interesting. Author Kate Andersen Brower shares the stories of those who spoke to her about their time working in the White House. Everything from the Kennedy Assassination and who stood alongside Jackie Kennedy as she came back home that evening still wearing the blood stained dress to Nixon’s resignation and how the Clinton household functioned during his impeachment. This book is a side to the stories you have never heard before, quite literally an inside scoop.

While one may think this may read like tabloid tell all, it does not. The Residence is a tasteful close up on the First families in good time and in bad. I learned so much while listening to this book. Highly recommended.

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 10 hours and 16 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Harper Audio
Audible.com Release Date: April 7, 2015

Morning Meanderings… I Renounce My Review Status

Published on November 24, 2015November 24, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)18 Comments

Tuesday. 23 degrees in Central Minnesota and nice out. I know to some around the globe that is cold, but to us Minnesotan’s that is t-shirt weather.

WordPress is annoying me this morning with a new format. GAH. Liked the old one and this post has taken a painful amount of time while I figure out (AGAIN) where to upload the picture, how to link it, etc….

I think it was last week I was all like “Yeah, I am soooo going to catch up on writing reviews! I am on it!” And then….

nothing.

I can not even explain what happens these days where I believe I am absolutely going to get something done and then the day slips away and I do not know where it went or why I never did what I said I was going to do. It is not only here, it is in everything I attempt to do – I have a plan…. plan fizzles.

Today however as I look at the list of books I have yet to review and fear there are some missing that I can not even recall that I read let alone reviewed, I want to renounce that review status and come back to really chatting about books. REALLY.

Really.

Here is what I need to review:

Yeah. I look at these books and I want to tell you about them. Some I am so surprised I have not reviewed yet because I GUSHED about them in my head as I read. One for sure here is a best of 2015 for me. One is a huh… I don’t get the hype. I would say at least three here are a must read.

So reviews… I will write. (Yes, Yoda style)

On another sweet note (I really love sweet notes!) my order came in yesterday as I had mentioned and hoped….so what is it?

It is a new GPS watch the Garmin 220. I treated myself to the covetted watch as a way to (hopefully) get a little motivated. I have spent the last 7 months shutting down and I am struggling to find the motivation to get back on track with healthy habits. I was doing great at the beginning of the year and I want to slowly work my way back to taking walks, hiking, running, whatever…. This watch sets to my specifics, keeps track of heart rate, plans work outs, lets you know personal bests, uploads your workout to a site where you can keep track of your progress, etc…. I will keep you updated.

Off now to write a review – YES. REALLY. Trying to make lunch plans with my son Brad, and I hope to set up my watch to take out on a maiden voyage …. roads are dry, maybe I will go on a bike ride.

It’s Monday and I Need Some Advice From The Readers

Published on November 23, 2015November 23, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)18 Comments

Brief disclaimer…. It’s Monday What Are You Reading has moved from me to Kathryn at Book Date. She is rocking this so please definitely go and check out how awesome she is and keep on sharing your reading!

For me… I am not reading. Or I guess I could say I am… but not making progress. Same book as last week, same audio…. a quick visual refresher:

Becoming Steve Jobs (my fascination with all things Jobs) is so interesting. A road trip to the cabin later this week will certainly put a healthy dent in this audio book. Wildalone is also interesting and my cabin time will certainly finish this one as well and I expect allow me to start others.

Now…

the real reason I am writing this post today is that I need a little assistance from those of you who use e-readers more frequently than I do (I have one. I think I know where it is.) A friend of mine from High School asked me this question via Facebook this morning:

Dear Sheila, Being your friend on Facebook, I am aware that you are an avid book reader. I have an idea that may solve my gift giving dilemma indefinitely for one or two of my toughest recipients, and in pursuit of that notion I would like to take advantage of your knowledge and opinions as such. I would like to gift an enrollment in a book of the month club for e-books. I have leaned of a few “streaming” services that offer unlimited reading, but that offer no guidance in choosing the books -and I think that’s the best part. And there is one ‘of the month club’ that offers this that I keep running into, but there catalog seems small. If I have to, I will give the Amazon unlimited thing along with a subscription to a BOMC community newsletter or forum.

So there it is. He specifically said no need to research yet now that the question has presented itself, I feel it is one that perhaps others have thoughts on – or may like to know as well. I have never used an e book of the month subscription but I bet some of you do or have. So the question stands as…

1. What is the best service to consider?

2. Are there ones to avoid?

Any feedback on what makes them awesome or not so much would be wonderful

That’s all for today. I have a lunch date with a friend that I am looking forward to and other than that I will be working on a few projects this week for the Library. Pretty low key and I think that is about where I need to be right now, this week especially. Oh – and I am expecting an exciting delivery today that hopefully will start a whole new conversation here, one that I used to do frequently but rather fell away…. more on that soon.

Happy Monday all!

Morning Meanderings… Life Is Hard.

Published on November 22, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)22 Comments

It looks like snow weather this morning. The skies are hazy. The ground is still covered with morning frost as I type from the comfort of my warm home with a delicious cup of coffee within reach.

Life Is Hard.

I can feel the presence of the upcoming holiday. My mind flashes to “Thanksgiving Past” with the boys and lots of food and board games and movies. This is about the time I would be sending out the group text for Brad and Justin to tell me what they wanted. Inevitably there would be requests for shrimp cocktail, blue cheese and grape salad, mashed potatoes…. last year Justin and I were destroying the kitchen making 25 pumpkin rolls for friends and family…. there was powdered sugar everywhere…

instead I am planning on how to get through it with the least emotional damage as possible.

Cursing the pilgrims has become a daily ritual.

And today is a good friend of mine’s father’s birthday. Her father passed away a couple of months ago and I know today is one of those days for her as well…. a day of reflection mixed with loss. And the list of those who have lost this year, or past years where holidays are just HARD is endless. I know.

Last night I had a little mini break.

A group of us went out for what was called the “best Bloody Mary” in the area… more important than the draw of the drink – was of course the people. I spend most of my time at home now and getting out is good for me as I fear that someday I will just become socially awkward. Perhaps… I already have. 😉

I only stayed a couple of hours but it was nice just to be with friends. Around that group there was other loss… other struggles and we all just needed a moment to laugh, to share.

Today. I am making white chicken chili for the Library decorating group that is meeting at noon to give the library a holiday feel. I am also making calico beans for the football game later where we will go to a friends home and eat good food and watch the game. (Well… some will watch the game… I am going more for the chance to hang out with friends).

And isn’t that life?

It is hard. Every single day. But… as a friend told me recently… I am doing it. I get up every morning and while that may not seen like a big accomplishment. It is. I take the little victory’s along the way.

P.S. In case someone is curious about the bloody mary. I don’t know if it was “the best” but it was very good and sure came with an impressive array of goodies which is really the sell for me. Shrimp, salami, pepperoni, pickled mushroom, green olive, black olive, artichoke, peppercini, asparagas, carrot, cocktail onion, green bean, sweet pickle – even an orange slice!

Morning Meanderings…. Oh, The Weather Outside is FRIGHTFUL

Published on November 19, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)19 Comments

I woke up this morning to this:

A few of days ago it was this…

but now… THIS

It is cold and windy too.

*sigh*

I knew it was coming… I just really liked my fiction Minnesota world where perhaps there would be no snow this year. I could have a green winter – in fact, I wouldn’t even call it Winter…. I think I would call it Swinter. A summery end of the year would have been nice. Green grass… grilling… sitting at the fire pit.

SO…

since apparently this is going to happen I need to keep ahead of this. Today I plan to clean up the “beensittingtoolongand inneedoflove” book room. The books I purchased at the Fall Library sale are still not put away.

The book room today and reviews. I knew I was behind on reviews…. I didn’t realize how far behind. I went to link a review I wrote yesterday and realized I never wrote the review. In fact, I am afraid to say that there are some books that probably will not get reviewed because honestly I have forgotten that I read them. 😯 I started a list this morning of the ones I can recall and thankfully Audible keeps a record of everything I have listened too. I am hoping to take some time this afternoon and write out the reviews and prep them for posting. If that actually happens… we will have a stream of reviews happening here over the next couple of weeks.

I would like that.

SO today is catch up and clean up. Tomorrow and through the weekend my agenda picks up so this is the day to get er done.

Happy Thursday all. How is your weather holding?

Morning Meanderings…. The Best Books of 2015. Huh. You Might Need To Tell Me.

Published on November 18, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)29 Comments

More rain here in Central Minnesota. While I do have a few more yard things to attend to…. I am still thankful for the rain over snow. I am never ready for snow and even more so this year.

I don’t think I have ever felt more out of the loop on what are the best of the best when it comes to books for 2015. I have not stayed on top of reading the great blogs that I enjoy or following up on the It’s Monday meme to see what everyone is reading. I have tried looking up best of the best on line and you can find many on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, Publisher Weekly… etc, but interestingly enough… they all seem to have their own lists of what is considered the best.

Here are a few that I found to be showing up consistently….

The Girl On The Train was released in January 2015. It was said to be “The next Gone Girl” and for that reason my interest was peaked… the book has an interesting synopsis referring to a woman who witnesses something while riding on the train. I read it. To put it lightly… I was not a fan. I was a not a fan to such a degree…. I went on to rant about it a bit on a post I called Girl Fight! Where I discussed why Amy from Gone Girl could take Rachel from Girl On The Train in a fight. It was a passionate post and one I discovered reading it again now… it was fun to see that old passion in me.

Released in February of 2015, Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale has been a book I have heard much about but have not gone there myself. This aversion I seen to have about WWII reads has got to stop as I know I am mission out on several great titles that I have yet to read (Unbroken included).

The Wright Brothers became available in May of 2015. This is one that I would like to read. I love non fiction and seeing this one of best of the best lists keeps this one on my “hope to read” list.

Between The Worlds and Me released July 2015. Has anyone read this? It sounds interesting.

Dead Wake by Erik Larson released in March 2015. I really enjoyed this one and just discovered I never reviewed it. (I have a LOT of review to catch up on). I have enjoyed everything I have read by this author.

I know there are so many more.

Have you read any of these? If so do you agree that these books are the best of the best? What books of 2015 am I missing?

Today I am cleaning up around the house and working on a few projects. Tonight I have the City Library Board meeting but for the most part it is a quiet day here which I am thankful for the time to just be quiet in my spirit. Enjoy your day and I wish for you time as well to just…. BE.

Morning Meanderings…. A Two Person Book Club

Published on November 17, 2015November 17, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)29 Comments

It’s raining here in central Minnesota. I have the back door to the deck open so I can listen to it. It is almost soothing and makes me think that this is good reading weather.

My Mom’s sister, my Aunt and I have become closer over these hard months of impossible change. She lives just a few homes down from us and she has been very kind by visiting often, calling to check in, and just being there in general. In the early months she would always come to me, and now that I venture out a little more… I stop by to see her. We have coffee, occasionally I will bring her something I have made like white chicken chili, soup, or apple pie… (to this day I still cook too much food for Al and I). We will chat about life happenings, memories, and surprisingly….

books.

I did not know my Aunt was a reader. In all honestly – I am not sure she knew she was one either. This summer she had knee surgery so I put together a care basket for her knowing she would not be able to do much for 6-8 weeks. I put together magazines, coffee, chocolates, Kind bars, hand lotion, movies, and of course books to pass the time. I had no idea what she would like to read if she did read so I guessed…

my original delivery consisted of:

When she finished those and gushed over Mary Kay Andrews I sent her home with these…

Success again…. and we were talking books at our weekly get togethers either on the phone or at one another’s home. So then I went with more discussion worthy reading…

She loved the Help and is currently reading Gone Girl which I have told her to call me when it goes crazy and assured her… she would know when that was. 😉

I find many things very satisfying about our time together. One…. obviously it is nice to connect and I value the time I have with her. Two…. I love the idea that it really only takes two to make a book club (my Bookies Book Club started with 3). I also very much am aware that in a time when statistics say that reading books is on the decline due to the increase in the use of technology through our phones and having movies/video games and pretty much anything at our fingertips 24/7…. I find it both enlightening and positive to think that many of us, like my Aunt… had forgotten their enjoyment of digging into a good book. It just took another book lover to show them the way.

Anything is possible.

I know… there is another post in there somewhere…

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

Published on November 16, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)20 Comments

A reminder –It’s Monday! What Are You Reading has a new home! Kathryn at The Book Date has graciously taken on the meme to keep the torch going strong. YAY Kathryn!!!

So…. what am I reading? I am actually excited to let you know that I AM READING. That may seem like no big deal but I have been listening to a lot of audio this year and very little reading books. Thanks to that Arizona trip a couple of weeks ago I needed a book for the plane and I found one…

Wildalone is a little bit YA… a little bit paranormal…. and interesting. I am enjoying this “escape” read.

As far as audio…. well, I am almost always listening. Here is what is currently “ON” either in my car, on my phone, or in that old school CD player I keep on the kitchen counter because that is just how cool I am. 😉

I have never watched Mindy Kaling on tv. I have heard of her, and heard good things about her book so here goes. Or I guess I should say “hear goes”as I am listening to this one.

My fascination with Steve Jobs continues. I know he wasn’t always the nicest man… but he sure was a brilliant one.

As for what is next up… honestly I don’t know. I have so many “I want to” reads… and my life… well I just don’t know day to day so keep things pretty low key and try to take it quite literally one day at a time. The fact that I am even participating in It’s Monday is a “yay” for me. 🙂 Lets just say I had a little encouragement yesterday in an unexpected way that told me I needed to write. This… is writing.

At least it is a beginning. And I am DOING.

Please go and check out what others are reading by looking at It’s Monday What Are You Reading. I know I need to go and see what the books are that are AWESOME this season. I am sooooo out of the book loop 🙂

Morning Meanderings…. Do or Do Not…There Is No Try

Published on November 15, 2015November 15, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)10 Comments

My son Justin absolutely adored WORDS.

I so loved that about him because he really was the male version of me. Words fascinated him as they do me. I love sayings and quotes. His apartment had signs everywhere…. BRILLIANT sayings that spoke volumes. So odd now that these signs are now in my home… I can hear him saying them out loud, I can hear him sharing their power.

His optimism and the way he looked at life really fuels me now when honestly there are times when I can see where being a shut in not dealing with the outside world is appealing. It is hard every day to step out of this house watching people all over going about their lives while I feel my heart is too heavy to even move. It is a battle I struggle with daily as I make myself go out and do things and stay active in our community. I want to continue to be who I once was (though my life is altered forever). I want to do it for me and I want to do it for him. Justin loved my involvement in the library, in camp, in crazy runs…. one of the last texts he sent me said

You are the coolest person I know.

There seems to be this constant dialogue in my head where I am processing this new world from the very first moment everything changed to now. I do believe I will start writing it down. Some I already have in journals and even at times on Facebook…. but this journey… is a long one. In fact I am pretty sure it is a life long commitment.

He had the below magnet on his fridge. I love the saying and now have it on my fridge to remind me that I can believe in impossible things. As the wise Yoda once said…. “Do or do not. There is no try.”

This week, I attended a funeral of a man I went to Honduras with. He was 41. His young wife stood before the church filled with friends and family and in her strength she said, “Do not wait. If you feel called to do something then do it. Don’t wait for retirement, or for the kids to be grown, or whatever excuse you have. Just do it. Because we don’t know if we have tomorrow. Do what you believe you are meant to do. Do what you feel God is calling you to do. Do it now.

Same message…

different words.

One book came in the house this week. It looks to be a good one…