Mondays: Mailbox/What Are You Reading?/Musings

Mailbox Monday was created by Marcia at A Girl and Her Books. Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit is hosting for the month of October. This week too, I did get one book, The Lantern by Deborah Lawrensen and also downloaded free kindle editions from Amazon. You can check those out for NOOK too. Have fun looking out for interesting titles at Pixel of Ink. (I have subscribed it on my Google Reader). 

I downloaded 18 free e-books from Amazon. Most are mysteries, with a cook book or two thrown in! 

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is hosted by Sheila of Book Journey. I managed to read a few  e-books via my kindle on PC on my laptop! I read the following:

Here to Stay by Debra Webb
Twice a Rake by Catherine Gayle
A Scandalous Past by Ava Stone
When Night Falls by Margaret Daley

I am in the midst of reading:

Dodge the Bullet by Christy Hayes
Holding Out For a Hero by Stacey Joy Netzel
While we're Far Apart by Lynn Austin


Would you say that you read about the same amount now as when you were younger? More? Less? Why?

I read pretty much the same. However, I am reading more of Crime Fiction than before.

Saturday Snapshot: October 29

From my potted plant: Chili

Posted for Saturday Snapshot, hosted by Alyce of At Home With books

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Book Blogger Hop/Follow Friday

Follow Friday, is hosted byParaJunkee,  Book Blogger Hop, is hosted by Jennifer (Crazy-For-Books), and Follow Friday 40 and over is hosted by Java.

Jennifer asks “What is your favorite Halloween costume? Even if you don’t celebrate, what kinds of costumes do you like?”

I am not much of a costume person. We don't celebrate Halloween. However, if ever I do, I will dress up like Casper!

Parajunkee asks  "If you could have dinner with your favorite book character, who would you eat with and what would you serve?"

With Paul Drake, the lanky detective, from the Perry Mason series by Erle Stanley Gardner. Burger and coffee! A seven course dinner because Paul Drake is always eating soggy burgers and drinking cold coffee!!

Do feel free to explore my blog. You will definitely find something that interests you as I read wide range of genres, except maybe for a few. I also write poetry. You can read that on my other blog, rooted. Now go, explore both of my blogs! And follow them, if you like!! I follow blogs I like via Google Reader...

Enjoy!!

Mondays: Mailbox/What Are You Reading?/Musings

Mailbox Monday was created by Marcia at A Girl and Her Books. Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit is hosting for the month of October. This week too, I did get two books and also downloaded free kindle editions from Amazon. You can check those out for NOOK too. Have fun looking out for interesting titles at Pixel of Ink. (I have subscribed it on my Google Reader). 

I downloaded 36 free e-books from Amazon. Most are mysteries, with a cook book thrown in! I will mention only free e-book one here. Do check it out:

New GRE by Kaplan

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is hosted by Sheila of Book Journey. I managed to read a few  e-books via my kindle on PC on my laptop! I read the following:

Without A Word 
My Sister's Voice 
A Hint of Rapture


Do you listen to audiobooks? Why, or why not?

No, for the simple reason being I never tried..!! Maybe I should.

Sunday Salon/24 Hour Read-a-thon: End of even meme

 Read-a-thon

Which hour was most daunting for you?

Hour 6-7. It was nearing midnight in Delhi and I couldn't keep awake

Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?

I would say go for graphic novels! However, I never follow my own advice!

Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?

There were many readers who signed up but did not participate. If that could somehow be known before the readathon starts, it would help the cheerleaders. I think, there should be a new sign-up list one week prior to the event. Those who really want to read should sign up.

What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?

Dunno. I thought it was pretty much the same, maybe a bit slow.

How many books did you read?

Two and some pages of the third one...

What were the names of the books you read?

1) A Hint Of Rapture by Miriam Minger (pages 392) 
2) My Sister's Voice (pages 318) and 
3) The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks (40 pages)

Which book did you enjoy most?

My Sister's Voice (pages 318) 

Which did you enjoy least?

........

If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders?

Try to cheer as much as you can

How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?

Very much so. As reader and cheerleader, both!

Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-thon: Hour 21

 Read-a-thon

After I finished My Sister's Voice by Mary Carter (pages 318), I had to take 3 hours break for cleaning the house and to prepare lunch. 

I did manage to read 40 pages of The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks in the midst of all that. I know it is not much but I could fit in 40 pages and that counts! 

I have not been able to check mini challenges. But reading is important, isn't it?! 

Currently reading Wish On The Moon by Karen Rose Smith

Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-thon: Hour 14

24 Hour Read-a-thon

I am back after 6 hours of sleep. I have taken a shower and have a cup of tea by my side.

I will start My Sister's Voice by Mary Carter (Pages 318). It is about Lacey who finds out she has a twin sister!! I love to read about siblings so hope it holds my interest.

Will visit other readers as and when I can. I got 9 hours to go!

Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-thon: Hour 7

 Read-a-thon


I finished  A Hint Of Rapture by Miriam Minger (pages 392). It wasn't an easy read. A Historical novel about the highlanders, it had that difficult scottish language, which made reading slow.

I also visited the allotted blogs for cheering. Did not find any of the mini-challenges interesting, so did not participate. Now as it is midnight here in India, I will go to sleep

Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-thon: Hour 3

24 Hour Read-a-thon

I finished 135/392 pages of  A Hint Of Rapture by Miriam Minger. It is a historical romance, more of adventure than romance. It is not a light read as I had assumed. The title is somewhat misleading. 

In this time, I attended to guests, cooked and ate dinner. Have not visited other blogs. Now I plan to do it for the next 30-90 minutes. Will try to participate in mini-challenges, if possible...

Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-thon: Starting Point/Introduction meme

24 Hour Read-a-thon is here. I am at the starting line. Here I go with a e-book on the Kindle for PC on my laptop. Kinda od convenient, being with the computer!

I am going to read A Hint Of Rapture by Miriam Minger (Pages 392). Yes, a light reader but it will warm me up, hopefully.

I will visit readers from M-P as a cheerleader!

Introduction meme

1)Where are you reading from today?

New Delhi, India

2)Three random facts about me…

I love tea
I love doing Math Puzzles
I walk barefoot at home

3)How many books do you have in your TBR pile for the next 24 hours?

I will pick at random. No plans made..

4)Do you have any goals for the read-a-thon (i.e. number of books, number of pages, number of hours, or number of comments on blogs)?

I have not made any plans. I will read, visit blogs, comment on my whim

5)If you’re a veteran read-a-thoner, any advice for people doing this for the first time?

Just don't stress, be relaxed and have fun

Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-thon.

So the Read-a-thon is here! As yet I have not picked up books or made a list. I am both a reader and a cheer leader. Except for the first one, I have participated in all the other read-a-thons. When I signed up this year, I forgot that Diwali is round the corner and I would barely have time. I still need to clean the house, decorate it, put up lights, buy gifts etc etc. And this being the last weekend before Diwali (26 October), I have to do all that and more. 

But now I am committed for the read-a-thon and will stick to it at my own pace and time. I will read books on my computer, picking at random. (Remember, I downloaded lots?!!) and cheer up my allotted group of readers! Yay, Yay!

Book Blogger Hop/Follow Friday

Follow Friday, is hosted byParaJunkee,  Book Blogger Hop, is hosted by Jennifer (Crazy-For-Books), and Follow Friday 40 and over is hosted by Java.

Jennifer asks “What is your favorite type of candy?”

I love all type of candies!

Parajunkee asks  What superhero is your alter-ego?

No one! 

Do feel free to explore my blog. You will definitely find something that interests you as I read wide range of genres, except maybe for a few. I also write poetry. You can read that on my other blog, rooted. Now go, explore both of my blogs! And follow them, if you like!! I follow blogs I like via Google Reader...

Booking Through Vacations

Do your reading habits change when you’re on vacation? Do you read more? Do you indulge in lighter, fluffier books than you usually read? Do you save up special books so you’ll be able to spend real vacation time with them? Or do you just read the same old stuff, vacation or not?

It depends on the vacation. I take pretty much the same stuff that I have been reading. But I prefer to read newspapers, magazines and travelogues more. I try to find books related to the place I am visiting. I do go to local book stores and browse. I read less, and look out for more. On some vacations, I have done nothing but read!

Teaser Tuesdays: A Husband for Margaret by Ruth Ann Nordin

"Her eyes grew wide. Pa? She‟s over here? Whatever did that mean? Paul made it clear that he had no children. So who was this child and why did he pick her out?"

A Husband for Margaret by Ruth Ann Nordin

I read A Bride for Tom by Ruth Ann Nordin some days ago, Jessica's friend Margaret places an add to find a husband. Instead of Paul, his brother Joseph comes to see her along with his four sons. Paul had met with a fatal accident. Joseph's woife is dead and he needs a woman to care for his young sons. 

Margaret had expected a man without children but after much thought marries Joseph, becomes the mother of his children. The four boys are kind of lovable and they fiercely love Margaret, who also returns their love. She is protective towards them. All seems well until an acquaintance of Joseph turns up, who has wished to marry him. She tries to create trouble between Joseph and Margaret. Now with the help of the children, Margaret makes a plan to get rid of that woman! The point is, is that going to work?

A Husband for Margaret made a good, light read. Nothing heavy but was fun. I would call it any great shakes but it gives us a few laughs. What is more, it is available free. Check it out by clicking on the title or the cover.

Mondays: Mailbox/What Are You Reading?/Musings

Mailbox Monday was created by Marcia at A Girl and Her Books. Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit is hosting for the month of October. This week too, I did get two books and also downloaded free kindle editions from Amazon. You can check those out for NOOK too. Have fun looking out for interesting titles at Pixel of Ink. (I have subscribed it on my Google Reader). Check those out:

I received the following two books, thanks to the author/publisher(s):

1) Anything by Michael Baron
2) The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks

I also downloaded the following 12 e-books for free:

Jenny Pox (The Paranormals, Book 1) 
Provincetown Follies, Bangkok Blues (Cape Island Mystery)
Until Again: Prequel Novella to BLUE
Lady Deception 
Dark Horse (Jim Knighthorse Series #1)
Wish On The Moon
The Lady and the Locksmith (Victorian Romance)
Just The Way You Are 
Diagnosis Death 
Holding Out For a Hero
Spying in High Heels (High Heels Mysteries)
Thanksgiving Cookbook (Classic Cookbooklets)

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is hosted by Sheila of Book Journey. I managed to read two e-books via my kindle on Pc on my laptop! I read the following:

Just The Way You are By Barbara Freethy
Lady Deception by Rizzo Rosko

Currently reading: 

Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist

I posted review of: 

Sold To The Highest Bidder by Donna Alward

Do you judge a book by its cover?

Sometimes yes! I have picked books with wonderful covers but nothing much in the way of a story. And some great novels have rotten covers.

Saturday Snapshot: October 15

With my eldest niece who seldom dresses traditionally. Taken on Diwali, three years ago

Posted for Saturday Snapshot, hosted by Alyce of At Home With books

Book Blogger Hop/Follow Friday

Follow Friday, is hosted byParaJunkee,  Book Blogger Hop, is hosted by Jennifer (Crazy-For-Books), and Follow Friday 40 and over is hosted by Java.

Jennifer asks “What is your favorite spooky book (i.e. mystery/suspense, thriller, ghost story, etc.)?”

Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. Here I will also mention Edgar Allen Poe. His works are awesome.

Parajunkee asks  If you could Wei characters from a book meet and form an epic storyline with characters from a TV series, which characters would you choose and why?

Somehow I am NOT interested in wei characters...

Do feel free to explore my blog. You will definitely find something that interests you as I read wide range of genres, except maybe for a few. I also write poetry. You can read that on my other blog, rooted. Now go, explore both of my blogs! And follow them, if you like!! I follow blogs I like via Google Reader...

Booking Through Sequel

If you could get a sequel for any book, what would it be?

Not easy to answer. I prefer stand alone books with some exceptions. Come to think of it, I would love to read a sequel of Catch 22 by Joseph Heller.

Addenda: It seems there is a sequel to Catch 22. Closing Time (1994) is a darker, slower-paced, apocalyptic novel which explores the pre- and post-war lives of some of the major characters in Catch-22, with particular emphasis on the relationship between Yossarian and tailgunner Sammy Singer.

Thanks to C B James for mentioning it in the comments about the sequel. I wasn't aware of it. Best part is, I mentioned it to my brother and he owns Closing Time!! I will get around it soon.

Top Ten Books I Wish I Could Read Again for the First Time

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted over at The Broke and the Bookish.  Each week, we get a theme to list our top tens. 

This week's Top Ten is: Top Ten Books I Wish I Could Read Again for the First Time.

Let me list mine:

1) The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
2) The Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini
3) Everything that Feynman wrote (Physicist)
4) Everything that Albert Einstein Ever wrote
5) J K Rowling (like everyone else)
6) East Of Eden By John Steinbeck
7) Catch 22 by Joseph Heller
8) The Gulliver Travels by Jonathan Swift
9) Everything by Pablo Neruda
10) My own poetry!! Check rooted

Teaser Tuesdays: Sold To The Highest Bidder by Donna Alward

“You could have had me for free.”

She planted her hands on his shoulders and pushed, skittering away on her heels. “I…I was sent on a story. It had nothing to do with you, you egomaniac.”

Sold To the Highest Bidder by Donna Alward (Free Kindle Edition)

Ella comes back to Colorado to put her past behind. He goal is to get Devin to sign those Divorce papers. They have been married for the past 12 years as teenagers, and she had left him soon after to live her dreams. Every year she sent him the papers to sign and he refused to do that.

Now she is determined to get it done personally. So she lands up in Colorado and finds him standing in an auction block for charity. And ends up bidding for him. She is the highest bidder. She thinks that he will sign those papers in those 48 hours that she owns him! But he is determined that she has to work for that. At the end of it, she leaves happily enough..with one glitch! She finds too late that he still hadn't signed at the dotted line. 

She doesn't understand why he refuses to do so. On the face value, it seemed like any other romance with lots of arguments but it does take an unexpected turn and made the novel worthwhile. Two childhood sweethearts, who married so young, it was inevitable that one walks out soon after. One tries to move on, the other is stuck in time. But is it what appears? Ella seems to have moved on, Devin stuck in time. But it is nothing like this. I liked the way author kept us hooked. By the twists and turns. It made a one good read for a lazy Sunday. I quite enjoyed. And available for free, it is well worth it. Click on the title/cover to get the free Kindle Edition.

Mondays: Mailbox/What Are You Reading?/Musings

Mailbox Monday was created by Marcia at A Girl and Her Books. Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit is hosting for the month of October. This week too, I did not get any book but downloaded free kindle editions from Amazon. You can check those out for NOOK too. Have fun looking out for interesting titles at Pixel of Ink. (I have subscribed it on my Google Reader). Check those out:

Wickedly Charming (Fates)

Seaborne

My Sister's Voice 

A Husband for Margaret

Maddy's Oasis

Marysvale

Backlash: A Novelette 

Jack and Mr. Grin

Oh, That I Had Wings (The Langdons)

Legwork (Casey Jones Mystery Series)

The Pastor's Wife

Penumbra

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is hosted by Sheila of Book Journey. I managed to read two e-books via my kindle on Pc on my laptop! I read the following:

A Husband for Margaret
Maddy's Oasis

What types of nonfiction do you read? Can do multiple choices.

Science
DIY 
History
World Politics
Memoirs

Saturday Snapshot: October 8

Sharing a Sari photo, rare nowadays!!

Posted for Saturday Snapshot, hosted by Alyce of At Home With books

Book Blogger Hop/Follow Friday

Follow Friday, is hosted byParaJunkee,  Book Blogger Hop, is hosted by Jennifer (Crazy-For-Books), and Follow Friday 40 and over is hosted by Java.

Jennifer  says “Find your favorite(s) author interview(s), guest post(s), book review(s), or bookish article(s) that ANOTHER BOOK BLOGGER featured on their site recently and tell us why you love it/them! As an additional challenge, find your favorite one of EACH of the categories above and spotlight all 4 (interview, guest post, review, article).”

Guest post by Mark Mustian on Kathy's Blog: It gave me a good laugh. Do check it out to know why!!!

Parajunkee asks " If you could pick one character in a book, movie or television show to swap places with, who would it be?"

Sherlock Holmes!

Do feel free to explore my blog. You will definitely find something that interests you as I read wide range of genres, except maybe for a few. I also write poetry. You can read that on my other blog, rooted. Now go, explore both of my blogs! And follow them, if you like!! I follow blogs I like via Google Reader...

Booking Through Odd

What’s the oddest book you’ve ever read? Did you like it? Hate it? Did it make you think?

I don't think I read any odd books as such with bizarre titles. But yes, I have read a few books with weird endings. Is that odd? I can't recall titles but when I do, I will update this post. However, anything different is good, isn't it? I like to read difficult books. If that is odd and most of what I read is odd. All are welcome to recommend odd books!

Wordless Wednesday: Puja

Posted for Wordless Wednesday

Teaser Tuesdays: A Bride For Tom by Ruth Ann Nordin

"His shoulder slumped, he turned towards the next lady in line. He, however, was not a graceful young man for in the next moment he succeeded in toppling into Beth and they fell onto the barn floor."

A Bride For Tom by Ruth Ann Nordin

Tom is unlike any hero of a novel. He is clumsy and totally a misfit around women. He is trying to find a wife but with his track record, no woman is willing to be near him. Jessica takes it upon herself to teach him how to avoid mishaps and be comfortable around women. Tom is not aware that Jessica is engaged to be married. He starts to like her and thinks of marrying her. Jessica too starts liking Tom...

It is a short novella and is quite light and funny. One simply likes Tom, his clumsy way, and also the way he behaves with his brothers. He knows how to get back at his youngest brother, who is really a pest! (I loved the pest!!) The scene with Jessica, her fiance, his mother and  Tom's youngest brother is hilarious! One of the highlights. I quite enjoyed reading it! Via Kindle on PC. Yes, it is available free. Click on the title and cover to download it! Or click here to download the nook edition for free!

Mondays: Mailbox/What Are You Reading?/Musings

Mailbox Monday was created by Marcia at A Girl and Her Books. Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit is hosting for the month of October. This week too, I did not get any book but downloaded free kindle editions from Amazon. You can check those out for NOOK too. Have fun looking out for interesting titles at Pixel of Ink. (I have subscribed it on my Google Reader). I lost count after 20! Check those out:

Shadow Touch
Pretense for Murder
Pumpkin Cookbook 
Dead Reckoning 
Highland Blessings
Fatal Destiny
Anathema (The Causal Enchantment Series) 
A Bride for Tom 
Lady in the Mist (The Midwives) 
Maid to Match 
Embers of Love (Striking a Match, Book 1) 
When All My Dreams Come True (Colorado Runaway Series) 
While We're Far Apart 
Rain Song
Sold to the Highest Bidder 
The Perfect Plan
The Girl in the Lighthouse (Arrington)
Prairie Rose (A Town Called Hope)
The Brotherhood (Precinct 11)
Liquid Smoke (Noah Braddock)
The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe: Vook Classics

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is hosted by Sheila of Book Journey. I managed to read three e-books via my kindle on Pc on my laptop! I read the following:

A Bride for Tom
Sold to the Highest Bidder
Highland Blessings


What are you most excited about reading, right now?

After undergoing a massive reading slump, I am excited to read anything. Be it light romances or cozy mysteries...

Saturday Snapshot: October 1

Mom asking me what I wanted for breakfast

Posted for Saturday Snapshot, hosted by Alyce of At Home With books