What's On My Nightstand: August 2012

The end of the month and in a way, the end of Summer. I didn't get as much reading in this month as I had hoped, but then I was setting the bar pretty high.

By the month's end I hope to say I finished TWO books! I quickly read Agatha Christie's A Caribbean Mystery before tackling my big read of the month --  Alexander Dumas' The Man in the Iron Mask. Which, by the way, I should note it was not until after I set the goal to read this book during the month of August that I became aware of the fact it is not a stand-alone novel, but instead the last part of the final novel in a trilogy. That's right. Alexander Dumas wrote three novels (serialized) collectively known as The d'Artagnan Romances: The Three Musketeers, Twenty Years After, and The Vicomte de Bragelonne: Ten Years Later. It is in the last part of The Vicomte de Bragelonne that The Man in the Iron Mask can be found. Talk about confusing! No wonder I felt so lost when I picked up the novel. I felt as though I was the only newcomer in a room full of people who not only knew each other, but had a past history with each and everyone else in the room, but me!

So what have I learned while reading The Man in the Iron Mask? Among those things relating to the story itself I have learned:

1. I need to read more Dumas (and in proper order).

2. I need to tell other readers that if they wish to read The Man in the Iron Mask they should hold off until they've read the earlier parts to the saga as intended by the author. Of course, if they decide to press on (as I did) then I highly encourage them to access a copy of Cliff Notes so they can reference the characters or plot summary whenever they get lost or bogged down in the plot. (I confess I had to do this a time or two.)

Whew.... Now on to the rest of my nightstand.

Once I finish The Man in the Iron Mask I hope to return to Vanity Fair, which is languishing on my nightstand. I also have the next Agatha Christie novel to read, At Bertram's Hotel. The fact that it too has languished on my nightstand testifies to: my lack of time to read this month and/or my dedication to Dumas. Either way, I hope to tackle it in the next week. I could use an easy read.

What else? I'm missing this next month's book club meeting, which is all fine and good since I have been unable to complete the assigned reading. So I guess I'll just wait and see what they choose for October and hope that I can get to it in a timely manner.

In the meantime... I am reading Charlotte's Web aloud to my 5 year old during our lunch hour. And I have a list of new releases that I'm waiting for at my local library. If I'm lucky enough they should arrive one at a time over the next four months. Among them I plan to check out: The Casual Vacancy by J. K. Rowling, The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty and The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton. In addition I have a longer list of older books that I have only recently discovered and hope to read... but we'll see, one book at a time!

What about you? Are you feeling overwhelmed by your TBR list? Did you get much reading done in August? What books are you hoping to tackle before the end of the summer, or the end of the year? Let me know, or head over to 5 Minutes for Books and link up your own Nightstand Post!

What's On Your Nightstand: July 2012

The summer is more than half over (boo!) and I've not gotten in as much reading as I'd like; still, I am making some progress.

After many years of good intentions I finally began reading Vanity Fair this month and have made a reasonable dent in the story. I have hopes of finishing it before the end of the summer, but we shall see since I also have another weighty tome awaiting me in August, but more on that later. In addition to Vanity Fair I also picked up This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The latter was something of a whim selection. I read The Great Gatsby in April 2010 and was surprised to like Fitzgerald's writing style, so I thought I'd give his first novel a try. I expect to have it finished within the next few days.

Aside from finishing these two novels the following are waiting on my nightstand:

A Caribbean Mystery is the next in my personal Agatha Christie Reading Challenge, which I began in 2008. In order to finish this reading challenge I have endeavored to read at least one of Christie's novels each month, though sometimes I read more. As things stand I am set to finish this challenge early next year.


The Man in the Iron Mask by Alexander Dumas is another novel that has long languished on my TBR list. I must admit I've never read Dumas (I know!), but I love the story of The Count of Monte Cristo. I know little to nothing about The Man in the Iron Mask, so it seems fitting to begin with this novel. Plus, I've sort of joined a challenge with Carrie at Reading To Know who also plans to read this book in the next month.


To add to that, my next book club meeting is the week following Labor Day. We are to read the fourth chapter of Passion of the Western Mind along with two medieval plays: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight translated by J.R. Tolkien andThe Song of Roland translated by Dorothy Sayers
And that's that. Although, now that I've written it all down I realize how much I've taken on. It is highly unlikely I will finish it all, but I am going to do my best and see what I can read in the waning weeks of summer.

Well that's all for me. What about you? Leave me a comment and let me know what is on your nightstand, or better yet, stop over at 5 Minutes for Books and link up your own Nightstand post. Happy reading!

What's On My Nightstand: June 2012

Another month gone, just like that. Summer is here and thankfully this year it does not mean too much rushing about, but rather my days are spent mostly juggling normal things like work, housekeeping, and life with my two little girls. Overall we are having a good summer.

Because life has quieted down I have managed to get a little more reading in during the last few weeks. Last month I mentioned several books I planned to read and I'm happy to report I finished all but two of them! On a whim and in addition to last month's list I picked up and read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith and Harvest at Stillmeadow by Gladys Taber. Both were enjoyable reads, which I highly recommend. If I can find the time I'd really like to write up a review of each, but reading is one thing and reviewing is another and of late I've only had time for one. (sigh)

So what's left as I enter the blazing month of July?

I need to re-read Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery before the July 18th book club meeting. (We will be comparing and contrasting: Anne of Green Gables, Betsy-Tacy, and All-Of-A-Kind Family.) I also would really like to into Vanity Fair, another leftover from last month, but it is weighty reading for the summer and so I find myself tempted to set it aside and pick up the next Agatha Christie mystery novel on my list: The Clocks.


At any rate I have no shortage of delicious books to read. I'm sure I'll come upon other books I'll decide to read on a whim; in the meantime I would love to hear what you are reading. Leave me a comment and let me know, or head over to 5 Minutes for Books and link up your own Nigh stand post.

Happy reading!

What's On My Nightstand: May 2012

Another month has evaporated, but I am happy to report that this week marks the end of a LOT of commitments. I'm sure the next three months will fill up quickly, but for now we have next to nothing on our calendar and I am so ready for that!

In spite of the hectic life I've been leading for the last four weeks I did manage to fit in a little reading during the month of May. I finished Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens! (Excellent read, btw.) I also finished a couple quick reads, Cat Among the Pigeons by Agatha Christie and the children's fantasy novel Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt.

So what does that leave on my nightstand to be read in the coming month? It's an interesting mix...

Up first I have the goal to read three books before the next book club meeting in July. This time we are reading and cross-comparing three young adult novels. They are: Sydney Taylor's All-Of-A-Kind Family, Maud Hart Lovelace's Betsy-Tacy, and L. M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables. All three of these books were written by women who lived during the turn of the last century. They are also about family and day-to-day life in three very different places. It should make for a fun discussion.

I've read Betsy-Tacy and Anne of Green Gables before, so I'm looking forward the rare treat of re-reading. I've never read All-Of-A-Kind Family (I think...) so I plan to start with that one first. I also have hopes that when I do re-read Betsy-Tacy I will be able to do so by reading it aloud to my almost 5-year-old daughter. (For those who don't know, in the first Betsy-Tacy book both Betsy and Tacy are five years old, so this is a fitting time to read it aloud.)

And as time permits I also have planned to read:

• The Pale Horse by Agatha Christie
• People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
• Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray

I'm curious about People of the Book since a friend mentioned her book club would be reading and discussing it. As for Vanity Fair, it's a hefty read, but one I've wanted to tackle for some time. It might take me all summer, but I am determined to get through it.

So, that's all for my nightstand. What about you? What are you currently reading? Leave me a comment and let me know. Looking for ideas? Be sure to stop by 5 Minutes for Books to see the May edition of the What's On My Nightstand post link-ups. I know I always find many ideas as I browse the other posts.

Happy reading!

What's On My Nightstand: April 2012

It's been a long while since I participated in the monthly What's On Your Nightstand postings. It's also been a while since I posted anything in general on this blog. For the most part I consider this blog "inactive" -- with the exception that as time allows (and as I feel inspired) I shall post. This said, I am still reading, though not as often as I have in years past. With two little ones, working part-part time from home, a move, family visits, a funeral, and various other events that make up life I have little time to read these days. I've been averaging one to two books a month and I consider this quite acceptable for this stage of life. And so, without further delay:

What's On My Nightstand for April?


Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens is the front runner. Years ago I attempted to read this novel, but gave up not far into the story. (This was back in the day when I dreaded reading anything from the 19th century -- it was just too hard to read. I no longer feel this way, in fact one of my favorite novels of all time was written by Charles Dickens.) Recently I had thought about re-reading Oliver Twist and now thanks to the ladies in my book club (who selected it as our next book to read and discuss) I have picked it up again and am determined to make a successful finish of it before the start of May. So far I'm enjoying the read... The opening scenes reminds me a tad of Jane Eyre.
 

Cat Among Pigeons by Agatha Christie. Where would I be if I didn't have a cozy-mystery sitting near by? I love the challenge of a mystery to solve, plus these reads are quick and light (well maybe not in content, but certainly in writing style) and thus work great when I'm tired, but still want to read. I'm still working towards my goal of reading all of Christie's mystery novels by order of publication. I started this personal challenge in 2008 and expect to finish by next year.

I am also reading Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne to my 4 year old daughter. We read a chapter or two each afternoon and she is really enjoying the story as well as the one-on-one time together. I've really enjoyed the humor woven within this simple children's story. I've come to appreciate Milne more this time around than when I first picked up the book years ago.






So that is what is currently on my reading "nightstand". What about you? Curious to see what others are reading? Be sure to check out this month's post and link-up at 5 Minutes for Books.

What's On My Nightstand: October 2011

Another month comes to a close. Between last month's nightstand post and this month's I read four books, three of which were on my nightstand when I posted in September, the rest... well I either gave up on them or they are still sitting there waiting to be read at some point in the future. Those I did finish included: 

• They Came to Baghdad by Agatha Christie
• Tramp for the Lord by Corie ten Boom
• Mrs. McGinty's Dead by Agatha Christie
• What Cabrillo Found by Maud Hart Lovelace

In addition to reading those four books I also attended my book club's meeting where we discussed the second section of Passion of the Western Mind (which focused on the Roman worldview and its affect on literature), William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, and a few biographies from Plutarch's Lives.

And as if this wasn't enough for a part-time working mother who is also 8 months pregnant, I also coordinated the 3rd annual Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge, which will come to a close in less than a week.

Yes, October has been a very full month... And I am definitely ready for a break.

During the month of November I have very little expectations for myself when it comes to reading and blogging. I'd like to catch up on some of my overdue book reviews, but I am hesitant to make any promises.

November will mark the last book club meeting for 2011 where we are to discuss George MacDonald's Phantastes. I have requested the book through ILL and hope to have it finished in time.

Otherwise I am keeping my reading to very light-easy reads with no definite plans. I guess I'll just have to wait and see what I read and when I read between now and when the baby arrives.

As for you... what are you reading this month? Leave me a comment or head over to 5 Minutes for Books and link up your own October nightstand post.

Happy reading!

What's on my Nightstand: September 2011

Well, I almost nearly bombed my August nightstand list by not finishing any of the books I claimed I would read... nearly because I did finish one. I keep telling myself that this lack of reading and blogging is just a passing funk; or perhaps I need a reality check and it's the time of life I am in and thus I should just put an end to it. In reality I don't think it helps that since the spring I have been: juggling: a 15-20 hour a week job, running a house and keeping my family fed, raising a 4 year old, trying to spend time with the love of my life and husband of 9 years, trying to maintain a regular exercise routine... oh and growing our next child (next week marks the 8 month mark).

Whatever the reason my blogging has taken a nose dive. I just can't keep up. Reading is just as bad. I struggle to keep my attention to any book I pick up. I've lost count on the number books (both classic and modern, tough and simple) I've started to read and then lost interest and returned to the library. As noted above, since last month's nightstand post I only finished ONE book, Entwined by Heather Dixon. It's a retelling of a fairytale. It was simple. It was entertaining. It was a light read and I hope to review it some time this fall.

As to the other two books listed in that post... I have nearly finished First Family: Abigail and John Adams by Joseph J. Ellis. I have really enjoyed the book, but find it difficult to slip in time for audio books (e.g. the format this book is in). On the other hand I didn't particularly like The Man of Property by John Galsworthy and I gave up on it around page 80 or 90. I just couldn't care enough about the Forsyte family to persevere. Maybe one day I'll return and finish the book.... We'll see.

As for the coming month...
It's the end of September and by now I should have re-read Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, portions of Plutarch's Lives, and the second chapter of The Passion of the Western Mind for this week's book club. As things stand I believe I'll get the second chapter of TPWM read, but will lose out on the other two.

If I could be so bold as to list what books await me on my nightstand I would make the claim that by this time in October I will have read:

• The Golden Wedge by Maud & Delos Lovelace
• What Cabrillo Found by Maud Hart Lovelace
• They Came to Baghdad by Agatha Christie
• Tramp for the Lord by Corrie TenBoom
• The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
• Emmy and the Home for Troubled Girls by Jonathan Bean

But since I will be heading into my 9th month of pregnancy, wrapping up work before going on maternity leave, AND hosting the 3rd annual Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge  on top of everything else I am doing... Yeah I am not going to make any serious claims.

I do hope to at least succeed in another great year for the MHLRC. If you haven't already checked it out, be sure to come back on Saturday when I post the sign-up. It's going to be a fun time -- ready or not!

What about you? Have you had a successful month of reading? What have you read and loved? Or read and tossed aside? Leave me a comment or head over to 5 Minutes for Books to link up your own September Nightstand posting.

What's on my Nightstand: August 2011

It's been a bizarre August. It is the 23rd of the month and I truly feel as though just this past weekend it was the start of August. Where has the time gone?

I've not done much reading this month. That is to say, the reading I have done has been purely for fun and easy. Towards the end of July I read another Agatha Christie novel, A Murder is Announced (a relaxing puzzler for the mind). I also read a modern mystery novel, The Blue Rose: An English Garden Mystery (which I was very disappointed in), and a French book about books: A Novel Bookstore by Laurence Cosse (which motivated me to sit right down and write up a review). Then in early August I finished two novels by Dorothy L. Sayers -- the first in the Lord Peter Wimsey series (Whose Body?) and the last (Busman's Honeymoon). Odd to read them in that order, but I had read Gaudy Night back in May for my book club and I was dying to read the "sequel," Busman's Honeymoon, so while I waited for it to arrive through ILL I read up on the first in the series. I plan to continue the rest of the series as time allows. I have been won over, I am truly a Lord Peter and Harriet Vane fan through and through.

The only other book I've started and nearly finished is biographical. I picked up the audio version of First Family: Abigail and John Adams by Joseph J. Ellis right before a road trip in early August. Since the road trip I've not had much time to listen to audio books, so I've lost speed on this read, but I know I only a few chapters from the end. I've enjoyed the book thus far and hope I can find time to review it here.

So that is what I've read since July, and here's what I have on my nightstand for the remainder of August and early September:

The Man of Property by John Galsworthy, which is the first in the Forsyte Saga. I've always been curious about this series and so decided to give the first novel a try. The story isn't quite what I imagined, but the copy I have through ILL was published in 1906 and it smells INCREDIBLE, so I don't mind pushing through the duller parts just to get a whiff of the pages. Silly, perhaps, but it's worked thus far, I'm about 1/4 of the way into the story.

Entwined by Heather Dixon. This novel I learned about via Carrie at Reading To Know. I love Robin McKinley and Shannon Hale, which Carrie likened this author's style to and I have always enjoyed the story of the twelve dancing princesses, so I definitely want to give this story a try.

And that is all I have right now. Short and simple. But then, I find my reading time is very limited these days and my blogging time even more so. Perhaps as the summer winds down I will find more time... at least until the baby comes later this year. We shall see.

What about you? What are you reading this month? What's on your nightstand? Leave a comment or head over to 5 Minutes for Books and link up your own nightstand post. And while you're there be sure to check out what other readers and bloggers are reading right now.

What's On My Nightstand: July 2011

It's the end of July and we are in the midst of a very hot summer. Yesterday was the "What's On Your Nightstand" monthly posting at 5 Minutes for Books and I missed posting... so better late than never! Perhaps it's the heat, or perhaps it's the fact that I'm 5.2 months pregnant at any rate I'm in a reading and blogging funk. My reading has been light and sparodic for the last month and my blogging has been even worse.


Currently on my nightstand I am in the midst of two books:

I love a good Angela Thirkell Barsetshire novel and August Folly is the fourth in the series... but this one doesn't read quite as well as the previous three I've read. I'm not sure why, but I am making slow progress through this book.

A Novel Bookstore is a recent release that was translated to English from French (its original publication) and contains a story mixed in mystery, suspense and philosophy. I've read rave reviews of this book and in my attempt to find something unique, interesting and modern I grabbed this one during a library visit. I'm about ¼ of the way into the story, but the verdict is still out. We'll have to see what I end up thinking.


Upcoming reads that I need to have finished by the end of September (our next book club meeting) include:

My book club is reading section two of The Passion of the Western Mind, which focuses on the Roman worldview and its influence on literature. As a result we are also to read William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar (a play I read in high school) and a few of the lives contained in Plutarch's Lives (i.e. Julius Caesar, Marcus Brutus,  and Antony). I'm debating about skipping Julius Caesar since I've already read it and focusing just on Plutarch... But we shall see. There is plenty of time. The question is only my attention span. Hopefully once the summer heat disapates I'll be able to focus better.

Other than that... As I said, I'm in a rather funk. I haven't had the attention span or energy to read anything deep, so that has eliminated any classic I might otherwise consider reading, which leaves me with just light or modern books. To be quite honest I'm in such a funk I haven't felt like reading much at all. What I need is a really inspiring or exciting book to read... Something that is not too heavy in content or in writing style and yet has a genuinely interesting and well-written plot. Know of such a book? Let me know.

Perhaps I shall take my own advise and head over to 5 Minutes for Books to see what other bloggers are reading and have waiting on their nightstand.

What's On My Nightstand: June 2011

Generally speaking I don't give much thought to how quickly time seems to pass until I get ready to do something like write the monthly "What's On Your Nightstand" post as hosted by 5 Minutes for Books. It is at this point I stop and exclaim, "Wait!? It's the end of the month? Where did ____ go!?" In this case I can hardly believe it's the end of June and in a week's time we'll be past the 4th of July and well into summer.

Despite the fact my blog has been suffering from my lack of posts I have been reading. Unfortunately I have yet to finish all the books I set out to read in June. Instead I've read a lot of books I didn't plan to read.... Yeah... So maybe that's what summer is for -- making plans and then dropping them altogether to do something entirely different.

End of May to mid-June Reads that I plan to review:
* Gerald And Elizabeth by D. E. Stevenson
* The Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall
* The Red House Mystery by A. A. Milne
* Chaff in the Wind by Edna Walker Chandler
* The Demon in the House by Angela Thirkell
* Taken At the Flood by Agatha Christie

So that's what I have been reading, what has been on my nightstand, but what is currently sitting there waiting to be read?


Carried over from last month's post -- The Passion of the Western Mind by Richard Tarnas. I have less than 2 weeks to complete the first section -- The Greek World View" before our next book club meeting. I'm making slow progress because this is a meaty read and it simply cannot be rushed.







Also, I need to finish Atingone by Sophocles. I have been putting this one off for the same reason I'm dragging my feet in Passion of the Western Mind, I know I should read it. I know I will read it, but it's not a fast read for someone with little attention span. Nevertheless, I will finish it in time. Just wait and see.

And on the side when I'm feeling lazy and unwilling to focus entirely on a challenging read I can be found devouring:

  * Crooked House by Agatha Christie

* August Folly by Angela Thirkell

So that's my plan for the next four weeks. We'll see how I do.

What about you? What are you reading this summer? Leave a comment and let me know or link up your own nightstand post at 5 Minutes for Books. Happy reading!!!!

What's On My Nightstand: May 2011

Another month drawing to an end and I am happy to report I read all three of the books I mentioned in my April Nightstand post! Ah, these little accomplishments in life sometimes make everything seem less stressful.

It's been an extremely busy spring for my family and I. What I expected to be a quiet February through May ended up packed with house-sitting, a family funeral, long-distance travels, home improvement projects, pushing forward in a new business venture my husband started in 2010, child-rearing, and some definite changes in my career. (I'm working more as a consultant than an employee, which means more flexibility come 2012... which is a good thing considering we'll be starting the new year with an addition to our family).

Some how through it all I've managed to keep reading, which for me is important. I want to keep an outlet for my creativity amongst life's general business, even if the business means I don't have always have time to write.

As for reading... I have a very short list for June, but I'm sure as was the case with May I will find additional books to read and will share my thoughts as soon as I can.

For now my nightstand line-up includes:

The Passion of the Western Mind by Richard Tarnas. This was chosen by my book club. We will be reading and discussing just section one of the book, "The Greek World View," for our next meeting.

 

In addition we are all to read at least one Greek play, Antigone by Sophocles. If time and humor allows I may also read The Histories by Herodotus or another Greek play, but we shall see. Greek literature is a weak area in my reading repertoire and I'm not sure how I'll do.





 If time allows I also plan to do some "fun-fluff" reading including:

The Penderwicks of Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall. This is the third in the Penderwick's series and is hot off the presses this month.

Taken At the Flood by Agatha Christie, the next in my personal Agatha Christie reading challenge.

From there... who knows. There is always some book I have heard of or seen and can't wait to read. In the meantime be sure to check back on a weekly basis as I endeavor to get back into a weekly posting of reviews.

For those of you who have your own nightstand list for June be sure to stop by 5 Minutes for Books and link up your own Nightstand list.

Happy reading!

What's On My Nighstand: April 2011

I am late with this post, I know. I admit I completely lost track of time over the last two weeks as my family and I have faced two sudden trips within the span of a week and a half. But here I am, and in my opinion, better late than never!

In April I had some time to read, in fact I nearly completed reading all three books that were on my nightstand from last month's post! Give me the last two days in April and I think I stand a chance of finishing the last before the month's end. Not bad at all! I've already reviewed The Enchanted Wood, so watch for reviews of Known And Unknown: A Memoir and The Hollow in the coming weeks months.

Up next? Well, once I finish the last of my April reads I have two books by Dorothy L. Sayers that I need to read. I confess, while I LOVE mysteries my reading is lacking as I have never read anything by Sayers. Thanks to my book club I will soon remedy this. These two books: Gaudy Night and Are Women Human? were selected as "light" reading for our upcoming meeting. I think we all needed it after finishing A Tale of Two Cities.

 Once I finish these books I plan to pick up the first novel in Angela Thirkell's Barsetshire series. I've read two other books in the series, but out of order and I thought it best to start at the beginning when next I picked up Angela Thirkell.

And then, if time allows I will of course keep reading, but which books I have yet to determine. Perhaps some non-fiction, but considering my latest non-fiction read was 800 pages I think I am ready for a bit of a break.


What about you? What are you reading this month? Be sure to stop by 5 Minutes for Books to link up your own nightstand post or to you see what other bloggers are reading.

What's On My Nightstand: March 2011

I did it! I not only finished all three books from February's nightstand posting, but of those three I finished one that had been waiting on my nightstand (both literally and figuratively) for the last two years: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. And best of all I read it in time for the upcoming book club meeting (tomorrow night). I cannot wait to discuss this book and then to post my own thoughts here.

So what is left on my nightstand as we finish off another month leaving winter behind and head into the beauty and warmth of spring? Honestly, not much. I'm waiting on several books via my library's inter-county library loan system as well as the statewide ILL program. What I read next will be a little luck of the draw -- which book I receive, what mood I am in when it arrives, etc. But here's what I am tentatively planning:

Known And Unknown: A Memoir by Donald Rumsfeld. I am very intrigued by this memoir. In the early pages Secretary Rumsfeld notes that he has lived for one-third of the history of the United States of America. In other words, he's been around for a while and seen a thing or two. I find this absolutely fascinating. And so far, the book is definitely just that, fascinating. I may be a while yet reading it as it is over 800 pages, but I hope to learn a lot and to return with a helpful review for those who are considering adding this book to their nightstand.


The Enchanted Wood by Enid Blyton. This is a 1930s era children's fantasy novel that until recently I'd never heard of; but as it comes highly recommended by Australian author Kate Morton (and a host of other reviewers on Amazon) I figured I'd give it a glance. Once glance was enough to spark my interest and now I'm waiting on a copy to arrive at my library's local branch. I am very much looking forward to reading this one.



The Hollow by Agatha Christie. The next mystery novel to read in my personal Agatha Christie Reading Challenge.







And then, if I have time... I keep promising myself I will start one of Angela Thirkell's novels. I suspect that I am being rather ambitious with my forecast and that several of these books will overlap into the month of May. I guess we will have to wait and see...

What about you? What is on your nightstand as we finish out March and enter April? Leave me a comment or head over to 5 Minutes for Books and post your own What's On Your Nightstand post.

Happy reading!

What's On My Nightstand: February 2011

As you all know, February is a short month which often means it's not the most productive month for reading. For me it was rather average for the type of year I am having. I was pleased to have finished two out of three books listed on my nightstand from last month. And yet I cannot believe we're nearly done with another month. But onward we go...

Carrying over from last month I have:

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. I will finish this book before the end of March as it's the upcoming selection for my book club to discuss at our next meeting.

Added this month:

* Sparkling Cyanide by Agatha Christie. This one is next in my personal Agatha Christie reading challenge -- to read through all her novels in order of publication.

* Tales of an African Vet by Dr. Roy Aronson. A new release, non-fiction work I happened upon while browsing my local library. First glance: it's not James Herriot, but it is interesting.

If I have time I may throw in an Angela Thirkell novel or perhaps another non-fiction work I've been eyeing for months, we'll see. First and foremost I need to finish A Tale of Two Cities!

What are you reading this month? Leave a comment or head over to 5 Minutes For Books and link up your February nightstand list.

Happy reading!

What's On My Nightstand: January

Today being Tuesday and the fourth one of the month that means it is time for the monthly What's On Your Nightstand? posting at 5 Minutes for Books. It's been a while, but I wanted to participate this month.

I've started to read again. (I have finished two books since the start of the year!) It feels good to pick up a book and immerse myself in the world contained within. Reading, there's nothing quite like it... In seconds I can journey to time in space that I can not reach, to lands I've never been, and experience all sorts of adventures and meet all kinds of people that I otherwise would never give thought to. And then when it's time to return to my own real-life adventures I just set the book aside knowing I won't miss anything. I don't have to DVR it. I don't have to rely on someone else to tell me what has happened. It'll be there waiting for me just where I left off with whatever bookmark I've used and will be ready whenever I have a few spare moments to read. Yes, reading is bliss.

Currently on my nightstand:

~ A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
~ Death Comes As The End by Agatha Christie
~ The Belfry by May Sinclair

Goals for January:
Finish picking up the pieces and prepare for February. Read if I have time.

Goals for February?
Start to blog again. Read at least one book.

What about you? What is on your nightstand this month? What are your reading goals? Leave me a comment and let me know, or head over to 5 Minutes for Books and link up your own Nightstand post.

Happy reading!

What's On My Nighstand: November

Grr, I can't believe I missed the monthly What's On Your Nightstand posting at 5 Minutes For Books last Tuesday! I thought it was today. But I suppose I'll consider this a better-late-than-never post.

I had great hopes for my November reading and expectations that I'd have time to just relax in my reading during the month of December, but as the year winds down my day-job has sped up and I'm finding little time to read and even less time to blog. Because of this I am changing my expectations for the upcoming weeks and focusing on the books sitting on my nightstand from November. If I have time to read something more, great! If not, I'll just wait until January.

Currently on my nightstand:

I've always been interested in American history and politics. I love reading and learning about presidents, so I was very curious about Decision Points by President George W. Bush. I'm excited to finally have it on my nightstand and dig in. The other book on my nightstand is from a completely different genre, Scottish-English fiction. Mrs. Tim Flies Home is the last in the Mrs. Tim series. I'm sad to see an end to the witty and charming tales of Hester Christie, but at the same time I am excited to have one more chance to enter her world.

Waiting to be added to my nightstand:

I read The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne in 2008, but as it has been a couple years and this book was selected by my book club to read for January I am hoping to find time to re-read the book and refresh my memory. At the same time I am very excited to read another Agatha Christie novel that I've never seen before. I love finding new-t0-me stories. I know nothing about Towards Zero so that makes the read all the more exciting.

I doubt I'll have time to read anything else in December, but you never know. So stand by as I post my reviews for the books I read in November and I'll let you know if I stumble upon any other exciting reads in the coming weeks.

Happy reading!