Tuesday, September 22, 2009

nightstand notes/wanna view some reviews?

Yuppers, another two-fer this month, as 5 Minutes for Books asks you to give us a peek at the pile of books that are next in line for your reading consumption. From last month's nightstand, I am actually quite pleased to report that I finished four out of the five, with only one just not catching me in the first few chapters. That one's been tabled for now (shelved, I guess), and I've moved on to greener pastures. Right now, this is what I'm looking at:


* Not That Kind of Girl by Carlene Bauer-- I'm just a bit over halfway through, and while I'm enjoying this uniquely written memoir, I'm thinking that it's going to be challenging to review... there's a lot going on here, and it's less strictly chronological, but more philosophical in nature. Above all, I do feel confident in saying that I would love to sit and chat with Bauer-- she's incredibly introspective, and I so love that!

* Overcoming ADHD: Helping Your Child Become Calm, Engaged and Focused-- Without a Pill by Stanley Greenspan-- I've just started this one, and I have to admit to a very large dose of skepticism about the title alone, having some direct experience with ADHD in multiple forms... we'll see how this one goes...

* Spooner by Pete Dexter-- Alright, I admit that I've read the first chapter of this new novel, but I was somewhat distracted and when I got to that point, I realized that it's written with a very distinctive voice that may require me paying more attention. I'll pick it up again, when I have a few quiet moments to refocus.

* Mother Daze: Tales from the Imperfect Playground by Christine Carr will be up soon, and I'm looking forward to hopefully being able to laugh along with this one.

* Karma for Beginners by Jessica Blank is a new YA novel that I'm going to try out. Don't know much about it yet, but I'm thinking that I shoud read more YA just for the heck of it.


And while we're talking books, if you're interested, here are some links to my last month's worth of reviews:

* A wonderful audiobook of folk tales and stories: Tell Me a Story 3: Women of Wonder.

* A BEAUTIFUL storybook and CD of Pete Yarrow singing classic Americana songs: Let's Sing Together!

* Just about the most anticipated YA novel of the year: Catching Fire.

* An adorable and rhythmic picture book about the blues, and um, bugs: The Daddy Longlegs Blues.

* A boisterous and colorful picture book about the perils of the hiccups: The Hiccupotamus.

* An incredibly practical (and sometimes much-needed) parenting guide: Liking the Child You Love.

* A DC-based author's memoir about following women's magazines' advice for a year: Up for Renewal-- The giveaway is still open until later tonight, so go enter!!

* A new middle-grade novel just in time for this year's holidays: Secrets of a Christmas Box.

There you have it-- what I've read and reviewed, along with what's coming down the pike. Boy, I love this whole world of books and blogging! What are you planning to read this month? Link on up with us!


With much book love,

8 comments:

  1. I think skepticism can be a great thing in reading. The ADHD book does sound bold.

    I always cull some intriguing titles here. Thanks for sharing your list!

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  2. Yeah, the ADHD one caught me attention (no pun intended!) as well, as the mom of a child with it. I'll have to check it out. Thanks for some good reading ideas!

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  3. Congrats on accomplishing so very much! =) And I just read your review on The Listeners. Awesome! You did a great job.

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  4. You do such a great job in sparking my interest in so many books. Now where can I buy some extra time just for reading???

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  5. It does sound like you are doing some brain-stretching reading!

    And you should read more YA just for the heck of it. It's not usually brain-stretching, which can be a good thing.

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  6. Thanks for the comment. I like your blog.

    About a year ago, I got it into my head that I should just read the classics. Whatever. Two weeks in, I succumbed to the YA novel. Sometimes you just need to read the fluff to escape the seriousness of life.

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  7. I love the title, Karma for Beginners!

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  8. I am very curious about Overcoming ADHD: Helping Your Child Become Calm, Engaged and Focused-- Without a Pill. I am skeptical as well but still cannot wait to read what you think.

    YA books can have some wonderful stories. I like many of the YA stories that I chosen to read.

    Have a Fun Reading October!
    Here is my
    Nightstand

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