Woo-hoo! The end of each month brings us to 5 Minutes for Books' "What's on Your Nightstand?" post, and I'm happy to say that my goal for last month is almost complete! Of the six books I listed last time, I've read five of them, and JAM and I are over halfway through reading the sixth one aloud together. Thus, the woo-hoo!This month, I'm being no less ambitious. I've got these seven books waiting for me in March, for either review, giveaway, or "just because." I've been taking on more of those "just because" books and finally catching up on some books that I've been wanting to read for a while, which is nice. Here's what's on tap:
*Addicted to Stress: A Woman's 7 Step Program to Reclaim Joy and Spontaneity in Life- I've really got to get a move on with this one. I usually have a bit of a challenge getting through nonfiction, and I think I'm hesitant right now to face what this book might point out! We'll see- I'm forcing myself to focus on this one before I hit the upcoming novels.
*Magnolia Wednesdays- This one is a review copy, and it's next on the pile, although I haven't technically opened it yet. I don't remember exactly what this one is all about, but I remember wanting to read it when I got the review offer.
*The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma- Okay, I just flew through books one and two of this series over the last few days, but I'm still waiting for a copy of this third book from the library. When I get it in, it will put all other books on hold for a day or two. Such great books!
*Sugar- This one is the book selected for my online book club in March. I'm hosting, so I've got to get this one read soon and questions posted on our forum. I'm looking forward to reading it, especially after I read the author, Bernice McFadden's essay on 5M4B a while back.
*The Book Thief- I missed out on joining my book club to read this one last year (or maybe the year before?), but I've heard nothing but amazing things about it, so I'm hoping to take some reading time this month to devote to this "just because" selection.
*Claude and Camille- Oh, I'm such a sap about Claude Monet and his beautiful artwork, so I'm really excited to read this historical fiction piece about his love story with his wife. This one will be a giveaway in March, so someone else will be able to enjoy it from the publisher, too!
*The Creation of Eve- Funny enough, this is another historical fiction novel with a connection to an artist figure. I think it will be interesting to read these back to back, and just stay in a similar frame of mind.
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Review time! Here's what I've had to say about some of my reading since last month:
*Books on Screen: Up in the Air- Can you guess how I felt about the book to movie adaptation? Maybe you'll be surprised...
*Bugs and Bugsicles- This children's nonfiction work is written by a local author, who actually happens to be the mom of one of JAM's friends! It's excellent, even without the coolness factor of knowing the author!
*After Ever After- Oh oh oh. So. Freaking. Good. Yes, it's a YA novel, but regardless of your age, it's a fantastic read.
*Books on Screen: Revolutionary Road- Here's another book to movie thing. Perhaps you'll be better able to predict my feelings on this one.
*Pieces of Someday- An interesting, somewhat unique, memoir.
*Shanghai Girls- A beautiful novel.
*Cybils Fiction Picture Books- Winner and Finalists
*Pirate Potty and Princess Potty- Cute new books for the little pirate or princess in your house who may be soon shed their matey or royal diapers. And guess what- it's a GIVEAWAY, for the books and a Target gift card!
That's the wrap-up for the month, along with a look to the upcoming month of reading. Good times, as always.
Until next time,
That first one about stress sounds good!
ReplyDeleteI keep hearing about The Mysterious Benedict Society and really need to check it out.
I'll have to come back and check out many of your reviews -- they sound really interesting!
Adding Claude and Camille to my list. And still hoping to get my hands on Shanghai Girls soon since I love Lisa See. Hope you enjoy The Book Thief as much as I did. Have you read The Saffron Kitchen yet? I am re-reading it for a book club. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed or perhaps I am savoring it even more a second time around. I think you might like it.
ReplyDeleteYou had a great reading month.
ReplyDeleteHere is my nightstand
I have the Book Thief on my shelf as a just because. MAYBE I'll join you this month?? We'll see how I do getting through some "need to reads" (which of course I want to read as well). Oh, for more hours in the day to be able to read.
ReplyDeleteSo you've passed me up on MBS now, since I'm reading aloud with Amanda. We have a snow day, so maybe we'll log in some good reading time on the 2nd one today.
Yay! She likes it! She likes it! (MBS, of course.) Hurray!
ReplyDeleteI will be very interested in hearing your thoughts on Addicted to Stress.
And then I'm looking forward to "comparing notes" about Claude & Camille (which I have for RtK).
Congrats on accomplishing the reading that you wanted to last month!
The Monet sounds really interesting ... I MUST read the MBenedict books - my oldest daughter keeps raving about them!
ReplyDeleteYou did great on almost completing your list! Much better than I ever do. Addicted to Stress hits a nerve with me—I might should get a copy of that one.
ReplyDeleteThe Book Thief is one that will stay with you for quite some time. I look forward to reading your reviews of some of your other titles!
ReplyDeleteI liked the Book Thief. It was very well done. I added the Monet book to my wish lists - we love all things monet. I just realized I totally forgot to mention the review books I have on tour in march. Whoops. Probably because it isn't march yet. Thanks for dropping by.
ReplyDeleteSome great titles and reviews you've got here. I took away several ideas ;)
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I loved The Book Thief, I hope you enjoy it too. The one about the Monets sounds very interesting. I look forward to your thougths on that one especially. Have another good month.
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