Recent Enjoyable

Booking Through Thursday

What’s the most enjoyable, most fun, most just-darn-entertaining book you’ve read recently?
(Mind you, this doesn’t necessarily mean funny, since we covered that already. Just … GOOD.)

I just recently finish reading Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James. It was brilliant, intelligent, fun and sexy. I love that the heroine is smart and confident person who know how to deal with life. Even when it come to men *grin*. I also like how the hero reacted to the heroine when she handled his Hollywood star tantrums, in a way that no other women have ever done to him. And he is just so awe struck to that that he knew she was different woman he had ever like. But yet at same time he is likable, charming and fun. It was fun read! Here is the back blurb of the book:


From a dazzling new talent comes a delightful debut novel about a hunky heartthrob and the woman who refuses to let him capture her heart...
COOL. CALM. COLLECTED...

Nothing fazes Taylor Donovan. In the courtroom, she never lets the opposition see her sweat. In her personal life, she never lets any man rattle her-not even her cheating ex-fiance. So when she's assigned to coach People's "Sexiest Man Alive" for his role in his next big legal thriller, she refuses to fall for the Hollywood heartthrob's charms. Even if he is the Jason Andrews.
CONFIDENT. FAMOUS. IRRESISTIBLE...

Jason Andrews is used to having women fall at his feet. When Taylor Donovan gives him the cold shoulder, he's thrown for a loop. She's unlike any other woman he's ever met: uninterested in the limelight, seemingly immune to his advances, and shockingly capable of saying no to him. She's the perfect challenge. And the more she rejects him, the more he begins to realize she may just be his perfect match....

Recent Best

Booking Through Thursday

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
(Tell me you didn’t see this one coming?)

- The best book I've read recently is One Scream Away by Kate Brady. It's her debut book, and I must admit it good! What I like about it that book was well written and it kept up with the plot of the story, grabbing me from first page until the end. While we knew the who Villain is, it still interesting to see what go through his mind as he plan his killing. While I do prefer 50% of romance and 50% of suspense in a book, but I thought this book just seem like it hold me interested enough plot/suspense that it seem the romance isn't need it. And while it does have romance it less than 10% of it. And I'm glad for that percent of the romance are in. You will feel to grow to like each characters (even the villain) to feel sorry for them because of their past. I won't say anything else, because I will be writing a review on the book and hope to post it here soon. Be on the look out for it! :)

I name this book as the most best book recently read, but if you have asked me the best book read this year or this month, there will be whole lot list to give you. I don't think you would want to put your butt to sleep for that long list, don'tcha? *LOL*. I wish everyone good Thursday and the weekend ahead! :)

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

Preferences

Booking Through Thursday

Which do you prefer? (Quick answers–we’ll do more detail at some later date)

Reading something frivolous? Or something serious? ~ both
Paperbacks? Or hardcovers? ~ paperback
Fiction? Or Nonfiction? ~ fiction
Poetry? Or Prose? ~ both
Biographies? Or Autobiographies? ~ autobiographies
History? Or Historical Fiction? ~ history fiction
Series? Or Stand-alones? ~ While I do love series more, I also like both
Classics? Or best-sellers? ~ both
Lurid, fruity prose? Or straight-forward, basic prose? ~ straight-forward
Plots? Or Stream-of-Consciousness? ~ plots
Long books? Or Short? ~ long books
Illustrated? Or Non-illustrated? ~ illustrated
Borrowed? Or Owned? ~ owned
New? Or Used? ~ new

(Yes, I know, some of these we’ve touched on before, and some of these we might address in-depth in the future, but for today–just quick answers!)

What about you? Which do you preferences?

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

TBR

Booking Through Thursday

Follow-up to last week’s question:

Do you keep all your unread books together, like books in a waiting room? Or are they scattered throughout your shelves, mingling like party-goers waiting for the host to come along?

Actually, all of my unread books/TBR pile are kept together inside three or four tote bags, which are split into two section inside each bags between my closet door and the side of my bookshelf. There are also some on the floor in un-tote bag, but is sitting next to the tote bags too. It's also split in two section. It's growing up way high now. I imagine there are over 180 + books in those piles! I never put my unread/TBR pile books in the shelves because there no room for it. All my keeper books are kept in those 3 book shelves. The one I know for sure that I be re-reading it again and again. But I think I may need to go and buy more shelves so that I can put my unread TBR pile books in it....or maybe just put my other keeper books that was left... all alone, away from the other 3 book shelves -- which wasn't done on purposed, honest! *LOL* -- into the new shelves. There just wasn't enough room for the other keeper books in the shelves that is already fulled...please don't tap your foot, cross your arm and give me that one eye stare...I can't take it!...*LOL*

I can't imagine how many books in there but I'm afraid to counts. The book itself been gathering together at night planning a conspiracy against me for not reading them fast enough or keep adding more newbies book to the TBR pile - with them. You know I like to sleep at night without worrying about my back - the devilish of the books *LOL*

How about you? Where do you keep all your unread books?

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

Unread

Booking Through Thursday

An idea I got from Toddled Dredge (via K for Kat). Here’s what she said:

“So here today I present to you an Unread Books Challenge. Give me the list or take a picture of all the books you have stacked on your bedside table, hidden under the bed or standing in your shelf – the books you have not read, but keep meaning to. The books that begin to weigh on your mind. The books that make you cover your ears in conversation and say, ‘No! Don’t give me another book to read! I can’t finish the ones I have!’ “

I was planning to take pictures and show some of my TBR pile unread books but than it occur to me that the question asks for unread books - the one that you are DYING to read but haven't yet read. So I was going through my TBR pile and put all the books that I was dying to read. I was piling them up into section...and than I stopped. I realized what I did. I got scared of seeing how many books were topping the pile and didn't want to take anymore books out from my TBR pile just to add it to the pile of "dying un-read books". I have way too many books in my TBR pile to even think about going through the TBR pile just to gather all the "dying to read" books and than take pictures *LOL*

But here are some example of the books that are my unread books:

1. Extreme Danger by Shannon McKenna
2. Ultimate Weapon by Shannon McKenna
3. Tasting Fear by Shannon Mckenna
4. Whisper of Warning by Laura Griffin
5. Burning Alive by Shannon K Butcher
6. Double Play by Jill Shavlis
7. Black Hill by Nora Roberts
8. Death Angel by Linda Howard

And than I have those series books, that have been in my TBR pile for longest time but I've been dying to read them. I just haven't got a chance to read them yet. They are:

- The last 3 trilogy romantic suspense of Bullet Catcher book by Roxanne St. Claire
1. First You Run
2. Then You Hide
3. Now You Die

- The last two historical book of Masters At Arms series by Jennifer Blakes
1. Guarded Heart
2. Gallant Match
Really looking forward to the final book Triumph In Arms

- Shannon K Butcher last romantic suspense No Escape

- The last 4 books of Harry Potter series

- The next book of A Dark Ops Novel by Catherin Mann
1. Defender

- The last book of The I-Team series by Pamela Clare
1. Unlawful Contact

Single books:

1. Agnes and Hitman by Jennifer Crusie/Bob Mayer
2. For the Love of pete by Julia Harper

And the list goes on and on...but I won't bored you with listing more books anymore. I'm sure your butt probably asleep now. Go wiggle it awake *grin* -- and have a good day/weekend!

Fantasy and Sci-Fic

Booking Through Thursday

One of my favorite sci-fi authors (Sharon Lee) has declared June 23rd Fantasy and Science Fiction Writers Day.

As she puts it:

So! In my Official Capacity as a writer of science fiction and fantasy, I hereby proclaim June 23 Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Day! A day of celebration and wonder! A day for all of us readers of science fiction and fantasy to reach out and say thank you to our favorite writers. A day, perhaps, to blog about our favorite sf/f writers. A day to reflect upon how written science fiction and fantasy has changed your life.

So … what might you do on the 23rd to celebrate? Do you even read fantasy/sci-fi? Why? Why not?

~ I don't read whole lot of fantasy or sci-fic books. But when there is a good raves about it, I might be tempted to read them. Like Harry Potters series for example. But to watch fantasy/sci-fic from TV show series or movies, is whole different thing to me. I DO watch them. For example, I have seen all the movies from Lord of the Ring series (and it was awesome!), but couldn't finish reading it from the books. And I've seen all the movie up to date of Harry Potter (awesome!), but haven't finish reading book 3 or 4. I can't really explain it but that just me. *shrug* maybe I'm just weird *LOL*

I'm not sure what I will do on June 23, to celebrate this event. I might consider reading a fantasy books. There some series I have not finish yet and I need to. Or I might changed my mind, *shrug* who know.

What about you? What might you do on 23rd to celebrate fantasy/sci-fic event?

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

Niche

Booking Through Thursday

There are certain types of books that I more or less assume all readers read. (Novels, for example.)

But then there are books that only YOU read. Instructional manuals for fly-fishing. How-to books for spinning yarn. How to cook the perfect souffle. Rebuilding car engines in three easy steps. Dog training for dummies. Rewiring your house without electrocuting yourself. Tips on how to build a NASCAR course in your backyard. Stuff like that.

What niche books do YOU read?

- Beside scrapbook (it still my hobby), I have to say cookbook. I am trying to learn to cook some good meal from many of recipes that I received from my friends. They will pass me some of their favorite recipes from the cookbook. I only own few cookbook, but would love to get more to try. I admit, I'm not a good as cooking a meals. I usually can managed the easy to do meal ;) But it has been an interesting challenge for me to try these wonderful recipes :) Thanks to my friends Annie and Linda.

What about you? What your Niche?

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

Sticky

Booking Through Thursday


I saw this over at Shelly's, and thought it sounded like a great question for all of you:

“This can be a quick one. Don’t take too long to think about it. Fifteen books you’ve read that will always stick with you. First fifteen you can recall in no more than 15 minutes.”

1. Harold and Purple Crayon
2. Flowers From the Storm by Laura Kinsale
3. The Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
4. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
5. Over the Edge by Suzanne Brockmann
6. Naked In Death by JDRobb
7. The Last Spymaster by Gayle Lynds
8. Honeymoon by SEP
9. Honest Illusion by Nora Roberts
10. Ramona series books by Beverly Cleary
11. Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught
12. Black Ice by Anne Stuart
13. The Secret by Julie Garwood
14. Line of Scrimmage by Marie Force
15. Don't Say A Word by Barbara Freethy

Gotta admit, this didn't take me 15 minute to listed 15 books. But it was fun :) There are lot of other books that stick with me, but unfortunately did not make it to the list :)

Graphic

Booking Through Thursday

Suggested by Vega:

Last Saturday (May 2nd) is Free Comic Book Day! In celebration of comics and graphic novels, some suggestions:

- Do you read graphic novels/comics? Why do/don’t you enjoy them?
- How would you describe the difference between “graphic novel” and “comic”? Is there a difference at all?
- Say you have a friend who’s never encountered graphic novels. Recommend some titles you consider landmark/”canonical”.

When I was teen, I used to read the Betty and Veronica comic books. I would read them so fast that I want more of them. So I make sure I buy them whenever I see them. Now that I got older - eh - I haven't read them or any other comic books than.

Now, I read my comics from the daily newspapers, every day/weeks. I like to have my morning laugh when I wake up in the morning before I start my day. Sometime the comic make me smile or give me an up lifting feeling. It short and too the point. My favorite would be "For Better Or For Worse", "Peanuts", "Sally Forth", "Baby Blue" and "Blondie". The Sunday newspapers have lot more comics in them, and I believe that Betty and Veronica comics are in Sunday paper? Or was the comic is now call "jughead"? I don't often read the Sunday papers, so I really don't know which comics are still there. I should start picking up Sunday papers more often. I use to get Sunday papers at home but had to cancel it. But now that some of the comic collections are printed in books, I would love to get copies of all of my favorite one :)

While both are similar, I think there is a different between graphic novel and comic. A graphic novel usually are lengthy and has a complex storyline. It like reading your fiction novels. Where as comic is a short story. In the old day, it usually sequences of comic strips. Now it either a single or long story broken up over several issues. At lease this is how I think the different are. Someone can correct me on this :)

I haven't any chance to read graphic novels that are out lately. So I can't really recommend anything to my friends. Although I do know that Christine Feehan did wrote a graphic novel, that is either it is part of or not the Dark series books. I haven't brought it. Unless they want to read some comics, I will suggested them to read all the comics that I've mention earlier. See above.

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

Windfall

Booking Through Thursday


Yesterday, April 15th, was Tax Day here in the U.S., which means lots of lucky people will get refunds of over-paid taxes.

Whether you’re one of them or not, what would you spend an unexpected windfall on? Say … $50? How about $500?

(And, this is a reading meme, so by rights the answer should be book-related, but hey, feel free to go wild and splurge on anything you like.)

- First and most of all - since the economic, we have to be careful of how we spent our money. There many choices. But you can bet on that if it's $50 or $500 refund than we will use it for foods or clothes. But I definitely want another bookshelf to add it in my room with the other bookshelves that I already own in my bedroom. I never own a 5-section bookshelf, and that is what I need. It'll look nice in my room *grin*. And of course buy more books, books, BOOKS! *grin*.

If I get more money out of it, I probably get myself a laptop. It what I want to have for my very OWN. My family have been hogging all the others desktop and laptop. So I always had to wait mine turn *sigh*. And hey, I'm splurging for something big LOL! But I don't see that happen anytime soon - HA!

Or, call me crazy, but I might pass the money to someone who really need it more than me. Because of economic, I know that many people are in a difficult situation. And it have been hard time for them. It may be not much, but it might help a little :)

What about you? what would you spend an unexpected windfall on?

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

Numbers Game

Booking Through Thursday

For something different, I’m borrowing a question from … here! One of the very first questions ever at Booking Through Thursday. Back from 2005 when Laura owned the blog but, because it was so new, it didn’t get as many responses as it does now … so, why not revisit?

Here’s the question:

Some people read one book at a time. Some people have a number of them on the go at any given time, perhaps a reading in bed book, a breakfast table book, a bathroom book, and so on, which leads me to…

Are you currently reading more than one book?
If so, how many books are you currently reading?
Is this normal for you?
Where do you keep your current reads?

- I tend to always read more than one book. Why? Because 1) I'm joint-reading the book with someone and 2) Because it pass the times, when the other book isn't just getting anywhere or 3) because the the second book is either the one I've been waiting so long for its to released so that I can read it/and or it calling to me *grin*. So I read everywhere, every places. But my most pleasure place to read is my bedroom. Where there is peace and quiet. I can read with concentration and enjoy,devour, savour the book more.

But lately, it has not been like that for me in the last two-three years. And I think it had to do with me reading books all of my life. There have never been a times no one ever see me NOT read books. So maybe I'm getting to the point where I'm exhausted from reading too much and need times out *shrug*. And nope, this doesn't mean I'm going to stop reading forever! I love to read enough not to stop. I'm avided reader, you know *grin*. Anyway, that might explain why I've been slow reading the book instead of finishing it in 2-3 days. Which I used to be able to do.

I'm currently reading one book at a time (unless if am joint-reading with someone later). No, this isn't normal for me to read just one book. But I can only read two books at a times. More than that and I think I would have lost my concentration *grin*. I keep my current on my night table, but when I leave somewhere it goes right into my handbag :)

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

Library Week

Booking Through Thursday

Suggested by Barbara:

I saw that National Library week is coming up in April, and that led to some questions. How often do you use your public library and how do you use it? Has the coffeehouse/bookstore replaced the library? Did you go to the library as a child? Do you have any particular memories of the library? Do you like sleek, modern, active libraries or the older, darker, quiet, cozy libraries?

Let rewind back to the old day, when I was a child. Back than, what I learn about library was from my elementary school when we first had our Book Fun Fair. It is when they have books sale and kids can browse around some books to chose which one they want to buy. Without repeating this story again, all I can say was - it was a fun day. I always look forward the next Book Fun Fair! Back than I only use the school library but I never use the public branch libraries. That only because my parent never took me there - for whatever reason, I don't know. However when I got to high school and needed to find books to help me do my book report or science project for homework, I end up having to go to the closest public library for books. This is when I learn about public library and what services they provide for you.

The service from the library I use to go have changed with times. I used to drive up there to check out books all the time. Now I only have to browse via online and place myself in the waiting list, after I find the book(s) that I want to be put on hold. And than they will sent me notice via emails, to let me know the book is available and that am next in line. I love this service! Safe me the trip of having drive up there and browse for books in 3-4 hours!

Now, I don't use library anymore unless it necessarily. But it rarely happen. I only go when I want to check out books that are "new to me authors". This way, I can try and test the book to see if it something I like to read. If I end up loving it, I would buy books from the author when s(he) have the next latest books out. And I would buy their backlist too. Or I will use the library if I can't find their older book online. This save me from wasting my money on books that I end up feeling disappointed with. But it been a long while since I've use library just for that purpose. I've been buying mostly all of my books now these days. That explain why my TBR pile is mountain high LOL!

I've been thinking about going back to check out books again. Only for few times. I know there are lot of "new to me authors" that I haven't discover yet. Unless it strongly recommend by good friends, then I won't worry about using library. I just go buy it. And with two of NR's trilogies that I will be joint-reading with my friend Alice very soon, I know I need to check those two out. Even when I've read them both before, already a long time ago. But still, I rather buy my books (brand new) than just going library.

I don't think there have been coffee or bookstore replacing the library. Not that I know of..anyway. And I like library where it is comfortable enough to feel like home :)

It is great that National Library week is coming up in April, give me a good reason to start and celebrate by heading to library or as I normally do - put books on hold and on waiting list via online ;)

How about you? How do you answer the questions above? I wish everyone a very nice Thursday/day! :)

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

Movie Potential

Booking Through Thursday

Tami inspired this week’s question:

What book do you think should be made into a movie? And do you have any suggestions for the producers?

Or, What book do you think should NEVER be made into a movie?

In all honestly, I love it when a movie is made base from my favorite books by the authors. There are some books that you can imagine it get into big screen (action,adventures, loves and humors). But lot of times, the movies do not do it justice and I get really disappointed. Some scenes in the movies are either cut, added in or just not the same as the books. Some of my favorite books didn't turn out the way I imagine it. I just wish that authors have some input to the movies, after all they wrote it.

IMO, some of my favorite from Nora Roberts' books are an example. And some of my favorite classic books as well. I know there whole lot of others, but I'm blanking them at the moments

But if producers can make the movies work, I would really like to see Outlander made into a movie. I think the JDRobb series and Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooter series could be great movie -- I can see all the actions happen in that one. Or Anne Stuart' ICE series. Maybe some of Linda Howard's books. Gayle Lynds's THE LAST SPYMASTER were an awesome reading. So I would love to see that in movie. And SEP's Chicago Stars series made into comedies romance.

I weren't hold my breathe to think these movies would turn out great as it was in the books. But one can hope. Because the books are really awesome reading and it really a disappointed when an awesome books turn into a movie that wasn't great.

But don't get me wrong, there have been some movies that turn out good too. And I really enjoy it :)

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

Collectibles

Booking Through Thursday


Hardcover? Or paperback?
Illustrations? Or just text?
First editions? Or you don’t care?
Signed by the author? Or not?

The majority of my books buying are in paperback. Mostly all the series and trilogies books are. But a lot of my favorite auto buy authors are brought in hardcover. I do have some hardcover that are a stand alone books. But I also have some that are in series too. Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series and Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooter series books, for example. And then I also have trade paperback books too, which isn't whole lot of them.

Not sure if I'm answering this question correctly, but I think I prefer texts over pictures, although a cute little picture (like a pair of shoes for example) over the top of the inside Chapters of the book is nice touch. But then what attracted me more is the pictures from the bookcover. I just only wish that the picture (especially model) would match the characters from inside of the book. If it auto buy authors, I weren't care one way or another if it has picture or texts only.

I would have wanted first edition books. It'll be in it original form. But sometime one way or another, I weren't care as long as it good as new.

And yes, I would love it if authors personalized/signed my books. I have some that are personalized and signed but mostly are from virtual signing. I wish that some of my favorite authors could come down and have their booksigning here. But the close they ever come is to Texas and Florida. Including other states. But I couldn't go. The only two authors I did met face to face was Suzanne Brockmann and Nora Roberts. There whole lot of other authors I would love to met someday!

What about you? How do you collected?

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

Storage

Booking Through Thursday

This week’s question is suggested by Kat:

I recently got new bookshelves for my room, and I’m just loving them. Spent the afternoon putting up my books and sharing it on my blog . One of my friends asked a question and I thought it would be a great BTT question. So from Tina & myself, we’d like to know “How do you arrange your books on your shelves? Is it by author, by genre, or you just put it where it falls on?”

I arrange my books by putting my favorite authors starting on the top space first and then to bottom. And then place their books in the order it was published starting from left to the right. Since I read lot of series and trilogy books, I have them together in the order it was published as well. I have some books that didn't have room to put it in next to the other, so I stacked and had them laying down on the right side (with the bind facing toward me)

And that remind me, I need to go buy more new bookshelf since I'm buying more books and there not room to put them in with the other bookshelves that I do have. It going to overflow soon :)

Authors Talking

Booking Through Thursday

Suggested by Barbara H. :

A comment on someone else’s BTT question this week inspired this question:

Do you read any author’s blogs? If so, are you looking for information on their next project? On the author personally? Something else?

~~ Yes I do read my favorite author's blogs. I have add them into my emails feed, so when they have updated anything on their blogs, I get it in my email's inbox. I also have their website/blogs linked on my blog sidebar. I read their blogs to get some updates on their upcoming books. I love it when authors let the readers follow their progress in their writing, as they try to keep to their schedule before the due date when their book(s) is suppose to be in the hand of their editors or publisher. They even given us a peek of excerpts too. Or does the author/characters "chatting" one on one. And I also love their contest too :)

I also love that authors give us a little dose of what they are doing in their personal life too : like attending book signing, RWA, RT, wedding or showing us pictures, talked about their family.

But sometime I read their blog because they are entertaining. I enjoy reading what they have to say about certain topics. Sometime it make me laugh, cheers or smile when they have sense of humors. And sometime I agree or disagree on their opinions. But it is their books that kept me to come back for them. I enjoy their writing and I hope to enjoy more many years from now :)

The blogs I visit are : Anne Stuarts, Jennifer Crusie, Lora Leigh, Shayla Black, Jennifer Blake. I know that Lori Foster (Running With the Quill), Roxanne St. Claire, Julia London and other authors have shared their blogs with other authors too. Of course there is lot more authors than this, but I'm blanking on them. But I wish to let authors know that I'm thinking of them, if they're not listed here :)

I'm always looking for "new to me authors" to discover and their blogs. If you know of them, let me know :) But in the mean time, check on my sidebar for author's links blog :)

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

Inspired

Booking Through Thursday


Since “Inspiration” is (or should) the theme this week … what is your reading inspired by?

Okay - I wasn't going to do BTTs this week and I even thinking of quitting the blog too. But I couldn't resisted to answer today BTTs questions. Because it's just my way to thanks everyone for inspired me to read :)

I like to say the first favorite collection of books that I've gotten from my parents and family friends when I was a baby were the first to inspired me to read. Because numbers, pictures, colors, an objects, sounds and small text of words inspired me to read. Babies doesn't know they're being inspired until they get older and realized they've missed their favorite childhood books. And I'm sure all of you have a childhood favorite books that may have you to realized...."Yes, that book inspired me to read". And I find this funny because, from someone who just came from Vietnam to find life in America could just learn to read a little and not know enough English languages but had to learn it. And I know while growing up at the age of 5 I had speech disabilities, even though it's understood what I was saying.

But I really have to say that the person who inspired me to read the most (and become obsessed reader) is my 2nd (or maybe 3rd grade) teacher who let her students have - what she like to call "Reading Quietly Times", where each students grab a book and sit anywhere in the room and quietly read their chosen books. Those were fun times. I found some good authors/books this way from the teacher bookshelves. This inspired me to read.

And of course my favorite authors who write wonderful well written stories and make their times to spent with their readers have inspired me to read. And I can't forget the readers, friends and bloggers who recommendation me books to read everyday. Your daily thoughts, comments and reviews inspired me to read. Those that yelled "It'll knock you off your socks" will inspired me to read books the most. Thanks!

I hope this really answer for today Booking Through Thursday questions. I know I'm not actually getting to the answers but these are close enough ;):)

What about you? What what is your reading inspired by?

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

The Best?

Booking Through Thursday


It’s a week or two later than you’d expect, and it may be almost a trite question, but … what were your favorite books from 2008?

(It’s an oldie but a goodie question for a reason, after all … because, who can’t use good book suggestions from time to time?)

The following list are my favorite books of 2008. Notice they're listed in order of the date I read them. If you click on the link from the titles, it'll take you to my reviews and bookcovers.

1. Feel the Heat by Kathryn Shay
2. Moving Target by Cheyenne McCray
3. No Regret by Shannon K Butcher
4. Killer Secret by Lora Leigh
5. Bodyguard of Lies by Robert Doherty *excellent book!*
6. Tangled Up In You by Rachel Gibson
7. Delicious by Susan Mallery
8. Force of Nature by Suzanne Brockmann *excellent book!*
9. All Through the Night by Suzanne Brockmann *excellent book*
10. Fire and Ice by Anne Stuart *excellent book!*
11. You've Got Male by Elizabeth Bevarly
12. Don't Say a Word by Barbara Freethy *excellent book!*
13. Kiss An Angel by SEP
14. Trial by Fire by Jo Davis
15. Bane Affair/As Risk by Alison Kent
16. Chain Reaction by Dee Davis
17. Line of Scrimmage by Marie Force *excellent book!*
18. Second Chance Family by Karina Bliss
19. Finally a Bride by Lisa Childs *excellent book!*
20. Into the Fire by Suzanne Brockmann *excellent book!*

But if I have to pick the BEST book of 2008, then for me I'll pick Don't Say a Word by Barbara Freethy! I love all my favorite authors, which is listed above. And I still do. But Don't Say a Word grabbed me and put me on edge. It was intriguing finding out the suspense of the book.

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

Treat and Generosity

Booking Through Thursday

Apparently, there are two part questions for today Booking Through Thursday. So I decided to go ahead and answers them both anyway.

1. Question for Treat :

What is the best book you ever bought for yourself?
And, why? What made it the best? What made it so special?

~~ Hmmm there is so many books that I thought of to be the best book I ever brought for myself. It hard to narrow it down into one best book. It could be a book from Nora Roberts or Suzanne Brockmann. And even Diana Gabaldon. These are my favorite authors. Or even the The Last Spymaster by Gayle Lynds (Darla would agree with me on this book *grin* - It's a wonderful book!). I will just say what make all of these books the best and special is because the authors have written a very well deserved characters that seem real and alive for us to love and to remember them as they should be.


2. Question for Generosity :

Do you give books as gifts?

To everyone? Or only to select people?

How do you feel about receiving books as gifts?

~~ I give books as gifts all the times. On every Birthday or Christmas. Or sometime "It's Just Because....". Normally I would give them the books that I know they'll like ( their favorite genres, topics, hobbies). And sometime I will buy my favorite book and pass it along to friends too. But if I didn't know their favorite genres or interested topic, then I sent gift card instead. I think I give out books to select people who I know love to read. Non-reader (my family) weren't enjoy reading books, no matter how hard I try to get them to. With kids, it easier for me to get them to start on reading books but with adult - you just have to try harder or just given up. I always think, it never too late for kids to learn to read. The younger they learn the easiest it'll be. And they will enjoy reading. So I give books to kids all the times. Especially my friends' kids. And I make sure the books I buy is base on the kids interested topic or hobbies.

I love it when I received books as gifts in the mails (even if it's gift card too!). I get so excited like a kid and break into Happy Snoopy Dance *grin*. I appreciate the thoughts the sender had put in to buy it for me. They knew me too well *grin*. I also love it when the sender wanted to pass and share with me their favorite books as well. I love to read what made the readers/my friends excited over their favorite. I get these gifts all the times. And most of the times, I end up liking it too :)

What about you? Give books as gift? To everyone or select people? And do you like receiving books as gifts?

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

Time is of Essence

Booking Through Thursday

1. Do you get to read as much as you WANT to read?
(I’m guessing #1 is an easy question for everyone?)

2. If you had (magically) more time to read–what would you read? Something educational? Classic? Comfort Reading? Escapism? Magazines?

No, I don't always get to read as much as I want to anymore. I find myself having to delay the reading to do others stuff lately, then to just sit comfortable in a chair to read. Or even read late at night in bed as I use to do. Maybe part of the reason is that few months ago I had reading slump. Because of that, it affect the reading mood for me lately. Now that my reading slump it gone, I still find it hard to get back to my reading rhythm. I'm not sure why. I start to read less books for each months now. In many years, as long as I could remember - I have always be reading at any given times. I could be in my room reading for many hours until am done with the books. That took me less then 2-3 days to finish it. And then I go on to the next books. I never stopped for a long period of times before I jump to read another books. I jump to the next book, after next and after next. Now that rhythm isn't going like that anymore. I think maybe I exhausted myself, enough to lose the energy to read like I use to . Hey, after all...I have been reading since I was kid. And now, I'm adult. The next possible reason is that when my niece Trish move in with us, she is always taken me out somewhere three times a weeks. It's been a year since she lived with us and we get into habit of just gone somewhere (mall, grocery shopping, movies, restaurant..etc). So I started to read less. Which explain why my 50 Challenge Books reading is less each months. Now that she had moved back home, I'm trying to get back to my reading. And so far I think it working...keep your finger crossed!

To answer the second questions, If I had more time to read then I would like to re-read my old favorite books. Especially those that are part of an on going series books. I'm a huge fan of reading series books, because I like to visit old favorite characters, and remember them as if they're fresh in my mind. Sometime when there an upcoming books releasing, I get into habit of re-reading the previous books so that I be refresh of the books before I start reading the latest one. Because of the situation, mention above, I don't get the times to re-read old favorite books anymore. But I'm hoping to change all that and make the times to do re-read...unless if that going to delay my reading other books that are new and waiting for me to read from my TBR pile

How about you? Ever have the time to read as much as you want? And if you had the time, what would you read?

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!