Musing Monday #3 - To e-Read or not to e-Read?

Musing Monday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB over at ShouldBeReading. Each week she poses a bookish question for us book bloggers to discuss. This week's question is...

What devices - if any do you read books on? Do you find it enjoyable, or still somewhat bothersome? Or: If you only read the print books, why haven't you chosen to read on any devices?

Well, I do not have an e-reading device of my own - yet - but my 10-year-old daughter has a Kindle Fire, which she purchased with her own money, that she is gracious enough to let me use. Honestly, I resisted the whole e-reader thing for as long as I could. BUT, as a book blogger, it's almost necessary nowadays. I mean, with so many advanced copies only being available as ebooks...I just felt like I had to jump on the bandwagon. It's not as bad as I thought. The Kindle does not hurt my eyes, and it's very convenient. I am going to make my hubby buy me one of my own for my birthday.

But, it will NEVER replace print books, in my opinion! I'm pretty confident that I will ALWAYS prefer print books - the feel of the pages, the smell of the ink and paper....all you bookworms know exactly what I'm talking about!

So, how do YOU feel about e-readers? Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

Reading With Class (#1)

Reading With Class is a new meme hosted by yours truly, The Once and Future Librarian. In this meme (which I will try to post weekly), I will discuss what books I am reading for my classes. This is the first semester in which I am taking classes directly related to library science, and I am actually getting to read non textbooks for a grade! Woohooo! Please feel free to take part in this meme...all I ask is that you link it back to me! I do appreciate it!

For my first week of Literature for Young Adults, we had to read The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. Now, I was positive that I had read this in 11th grade - I remember buying a copy of it - but, as I read (re-read?) it, I did not remember it at all. So, maybe I never got around to it, I don't know. Anyway, I finished it last night. This is one of those books, that it seems like everyone AND their mother (literally) has read at some point. It's a classic, right? Well, I liked it okay, but I have to say that it's not a favorite. I can see what the appeal is - it was considered a groundbreaker in teen fiction. There's some controversiality involved (just how many times has it been banned? ALOT), lots of swearing, some sexuality, teen drinking and smoking, etc. (I don't think that it should be banned, by the way...just wanted to make that clear...NOT a fan of book bans!)

I am going to admit something that may be considered blasphemous to librarians everywhere...ready? Here goes....I'm not a huge fan of the "classics." Whooo, it feels good to get that off my chest! I have tried classics like Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, etc, and just couldn't get into them. I read books such as The Scarlet Letter and Les Miserables in school and HATED them...so, I've kind of steered clear of all the "classic" titles. I know this book is a relatively "new" classic, but I was still leery...

I was not bored reading this book. I liked it. Holden Caulfield was a likeable character that one can easily relate to. I can't say it's a favorite book, but I did enjoy it. I really didn't care for the swearing - the "GD" word was used in about every other sentence. But, I know this was realistic (honestly, it reminded me of my uncles who live in Massachusetts). Just something worth a warning if you are skittish of this type of language.

So, overall, I do recommend this book. I am glad that I got around to finally reading it! I will be taking a quiz on it in Tuesday's class, and I think I'm ready!

Ok, class dismissed until next week!

Have you read this book, and if so, what did you think of it?

In My Mailbox (#3)

I have a pretty big IMM this week thanks to amazon freebies! Here is everything I got this week.

I purchased these from Walmart at good prices!

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (signed copy)
Soul Screamers Volume 1 by Rachel Vincent



The following books I received for review from EverAfter PR. Keep an eye out for giveaways of these books here on my blog! You can click on the covers to check them out on goodreads.



I received this book directly from the author for review:

This is what I received for review from Netgalley:

And then, all the following I received for FREE from amazon for my kindle.

Lots of good stuff this week! What did you get this week? Leave me a comment to let me know or leave a link to your IMM!

Review: The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date: May 12, 2009

Number of Pages: 213

How I got this book: Library

My rating: 5/5

Summary from Goodreads:

"Thirteen-year-old Kyra has grown up in an isolated community without questioning the fact that her father has three wives and she has twenty brothers and sisters, with two more on the way. That is, without questioning them much---if you don’t count her secret visits to the Mobile Library on Wheels to read forbidden books, or her meetings with Joshua, the boy she hopes to choose for herself instead of having a man chosen for her. But when the Prophet decrees that she must marry her sixty-year-old uncle---who already has six wives---Kyra must make a desperate choice in the face of violence and her own fears of losing her family forever."

I have been fascinated by the fundamentalist LDS community for awhile now - I don't know why, exactly. I think it started when I saw an interview with an ex-member on Oprah or Dr. Phil. But, anyway, this book was fabulous.

The narrator of this story is Kyra - I felt such a connection with her. She has started to question the practices in her community. In her community, it is considered a sin to read anything other than the Bible, but Kyra discovers a love for fiction when she befriends the driver of a mobile library. He introduces her to books like Harry Potter and Anne of Green Gables among others. She begins to realize that there is a much different world beyond the gates of the Compound. She is in love with Joshua, a boy close to her age, who feels the same way about her. They meet in secret (also forbidden) and he even tells her that he wants to "choose" her as his wife. But then, Kyra is told that she is to marry her 60 year old uncle, and become his seventh wife. Kyra is scared and angry. She decides that it is worth risking her life to try escaping.

Williams did an excellent job with character development. I felt like I understood all the characters. I am by no means an expert in the polygamist lifestyle, but from what I have learned, Williams really captured the injustices that women experience in this community. It made me so sad for Kyra, as well as her mothers and sisters. This story was packed with emotion, and I just could not stop reading. I can only say good things about this book! I highly recommend it.

Follow Friday (#2)

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. It is an opportunity for book bloggers to get to know each other and find new blogs to read as well as new followers.

Question of the Week: Many readers/bloggers are also big music fans. Tell us about a few of your favorite bands/singers that we should listen to in 2012.

Ok, you do realize I am a reader and not a musician, right? I don't have any new, interesting band for you to discover. I listen to mostly top 40 stuff - the music that EVERYONE knows, and is probably sick to death of...I am one who seems to discover stuff late...and by the time I catch on to it, everyone else has moved on...what can I say? That's just how I roll. So, I will just tell you the top 3 songs that I can't get enough of right now...oh, and I am not tech savvy enough to figure out how to add the youtube videos...so, sorry about that.

1. Adele - "Rollin' in the Deep" - Adele's voice is so REAL, and she puts such passion into her music. I feel like I'm experiencing what she's singing about right there with her.

2. Beyonce - "Halo" - My 14 year old is choreographing a flag routine to this song for her very first winter guard solo for competition. So, I've been hearing this song a LOT. Luckily, I like it!

3. Lady Gaga - "Edge of Glory" - ok, really anything Lady Gaga I like. I NEVER would have thought I'd be a Gaga fan, but darn it, her songs are so catchy!

If you are a new follower, please leave a comment with a link to your blog, and I'll happily follow you back. And I'd love to hear what music YOU are listening to!

Booking Through Thursday - Reading Habits interview

Booking Through Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by Books, Biscuits & Tea. This week's questions will help us book bloggers get to know each other and our reading habits a little bit better.

1. What's your favorite time of day to read?

My favorite time is in the evening after my kids go to bed - less distractions, and a great way to unwind from the day!

2. Do you read during breakfast? (assuming you eat breakfast)

Yes, sometimes. But sometimes I check facebook, e-mails, blogs, etc while I eat as well.

3. What's your favorite breakfast food?

To be honest, I'm not a big fan of breakfast. I usually eat cereal or sometimes a cheese stick, lol. I never cook anything for breakfast. But, if we're just talking about typical breakfast foods, I do love a good omelette. Especially with cheese, spinach, mushrooms and tomatoes!

4. How many hours per day would you say that you spend reading?

Hmmm, well, it depends. On days that I have class, I don't get much reading in. I would say that I average 3-4 hours per day. But, if you count reading blogs, facebook, etc, than you could up that to about 6 hours per day, lol.

5. Do you read more or less now, than say, 10 years ago?

Definitely more! WAY more. 10 years ago, I ran a home daycare with 5 toddlers and a preschooler for up to 12 hours per day. I don't think I read much at all then - I was too tired all the time! Now that my kids are school age and aren't so dependant on me, I have more time to spend with my nose in a book! :)

6. Do you consider yourself a speed reader?

No, I wish! I probably COULD be, but I am very easily distracted. Here's how it goes around here: read a few pages - Oh yeah, I really need to start a load of laundry! Read a few more - wait, did I write a check for the kids lunch accounts? Read a few more - oops, got to put dishes in the dishwasher. Read some more - oh yeah, I have an assignment due tonight. You get the idea.

7. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I wish that I could just snap my fingers and have the housework done! Then I could have more time to read!

8. Do you carry a book with you everywhere you go?

Mostly, yes. I don't when I go to work, because, well, I can't read at work. But, if my husband is driving us somewhere, I always read in the car (this drives him nuts!) And pretty much everywhere I expect to wait, I bring one.

9. What KIND of book?

Whatever I happen to be reading at the time.

10. How old were you when you got your first library card?

Oh goodness, let's see. Probably 8 or so? Maybe younger. My mom was so good about taking me to the library at LEAST once a week. And anytime I was sick, she would go and pick out some books for me. I was totally obsessed with the library (hm, go figure, huh?) Our city has 28 branches, and in the summer time, Mom would take me to different ones so that I could explore new collections. My mom is/was awesome!

11. What's the oldest book in your collection?

Well, if it's oldest as in years that I have owned it, I would have to say a picture book of The Night Before Christmas that I got when I was about 3 years old. It is on my son's shelf right now. If it's oldest as in publishing date, it would probably be one of my Newbery books - Hitty, Her First Hundred Years I think is my earliest one.

12. Do you read in bed?

Very, very rarely. I have chronic insomnia which I take nightly medication for. So, once I go to bed, I am generally out like a light. Every once in awhile I will wake up in the middle of the night unable to fall back asleep, and then I might bring my daughter's kindle to bed. But, this is very rare. I do most of my reading in my recliner.

13. Do you write in your books?

No way! Except the occasional textbook...

14. If you had one piece of advice for new readers, what would it be?

Give a book at least 3 chapters...sometimes it takes that long for a book to get interesting. I personally feel like I have to finish a book that I start, even if I don't like it (but that's my OCD). But, noone should FORCE themselves to read a book they don't really like. It might turn you off books altogether. There are SO many good books out there - so don't waste time reading something you despise. But, do try to give a book a few chapters to grab you before giving up on it.

So, that's a little bit about me and my reading habits. I would love to learn more about you! If you are a new follower, please post a link to your blog and I'll be happy to follow you back! And I'd love to see your answers!

Waiting on Wednesday (#2)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine where we feature a yet-to-be-released book that we are looking forward to.

This week, I am featuring:

Skin Deep by Laura Jarratt - expected publication is March 5, 2012.

Summary from Goodreads:

"Ugly people don't have feelings. They're not like everyone else. They don't notice if you stare at them and turn away. And if they did notice, it wouldn't hurt them. They're not like real people. Or that's what I used to think. Before I learned...After the car crash that leaves her best friend dead, Jenna is permanently scarred. She struggles to rebuild her life, but every stare in the street, every time she looks in the mirror, makes her want to retreat further from the world. Until she meets Ryan. Ryan's a traveller. When he and his mother moor their narrow boat on the outskirts of a village, she tells him this time it will be different. He doesn't believe her; he can't imagine why this place shouldn't be as unwelcoming as the rest. Until he meets Jenna. But as Jenna and Ryan grow closer, repercussions from the crash continue to reverberate through the community. And then a body is found..."

Doesn't that sound good?

If you are a new follower, please leave your link in a comment and I will be happy to follow you back! :) What book are you waiting on?