nightstand notes/ wanna view some reviews?

So, I try to be pretty judicious when I make these end of the month nightstand proclamations, usually keeping my number to about four books, knowing that I'll read some other books in addition to the ones listed by the time the next month's nightstand rolls around. Usually, I'm pretty good about the four that I list, but from last month, I'm only 2 for 4. Oh well. The two that I did finish, I really enjoyed. One of them... well, I gave it a valiant effort, but I was somewhat confused and mostly just not interested, so I returned it to the library with no hard feelings. The final one? Well, you'll see in a minute. I did just finish some amazing YA fiction- After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick (on my own, for 5M4B review) and When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (with JAM, thanks to the wonderful Jennifer who sent it as a gift), so while the list isn't all that long, the books that were completed were very appreciated.

For this month, though, I'm being brave and listing a whopping six books here, with the complete intention of being able to call them all completed by the time we meet again for next month's nightstand.

• Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger- seriously, I'm going to start reading it THIS WEEK! My online book club's discussion opens on 2/15, so I wanted the reading to be fresh in my head. I swear to you that this is the last time you will see this book listed on my nightstand!
  

• Pieces of Someday by Jan Vallone- this is a memoir that I was sent from the publisher, who happens to be a friend of one my online book club friends. I'm about 50 pages in, and the author's story of trying to find her path in both career and family has me already engaged.
  

• Shanghai Girls by Lisa See- I'm waiting on this one from Bookswim, but I don't know much about it at all. I do know, though, that I greatly enjoyed this author's novel Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, so that's what I'm going on.
  

• The Help by Kathryn Stockett- I may possibly be the only book lover left who has not read this one, so I plan to rectify that this month. I expect that I will find it as incredible as everyone else!

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart - Yup, I haven't read this one yet, either. But JAM and I plan to both tackle it this month. I think we'll be reading it separately so it doesn't take too long, and also because of what you'll read next.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle- Since we just finished When You Reach Me, JAM and I are going to try this one as a read aloud next. I hope we can make sense of it together! I don't exactly remember reading it as a child, but I assume that I must have, having been an avid child reader in the early 80's, right?

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On the reviews front, the list is short... yeah, what can I say? Life often gets in the way of reading and reviewing!

• Fiction: The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova- a dense novel that is a bit slow paced, but worthwhile for a entertaining read.

• Homemaking & Parenting: Making a Family Home by Shannon Honeybloom- a beautifully photographed and thoughtfully written guide to creating a home that keeps children's and family's many needs in mind.
  

• Self-Improvement: Your Name Here Guide to Life by Michael Rosenbaum- a cute little book full of humor and helpful reminders of what's important in life.
  

• Middle Grade fiction: The 39 Clues series- JAM helped me out with this review of one of his favorite series right now! I do believe the next book comes out in February, and he is one excited reader.
  

• Middle Grade fiction: The Wish Stealers by Tracy Trivas- A fun story about wishes granted... and stolen. The best part-- it's a giveaway, and it's still open! Five winners for this one- so get on over and leave a comment!
  

If you want to link up your own reading list or nightstand pile, check out this month's fun on 5 Minutes for Books!


Happy reading,