Likely, if you're a book-lover, you have already discovered Goodreads. Goodreads is a type of social-networking site for book connoisseurs, which allows for recording your own virtual library, keeping a list of books you want to read in the future, and sharing discussions about books with people you know and people you'll meet on Good reads.
One way I utilize Goodreads is for book reviews. Many times I'm wandering through a bookstore, or trying to find a new Audible book to read and am not sure if it's worth purchasing. I have the Goodreads app on my phone, and a few clicks and I soon can read what others are saying about the book that I am considering. It's been so helpful!
Need a book club? Many book clubs are offered on the Goodreads site and they do not all require that you show up at a cafe and find a chair. Many are virtual so you can be part of choosing the month's book, read the book and then join discussions online. Great for those who want a club, but don't want the commitment of a night out. If you are the 'night out' sort of person, there are clubs for you too! Check out ones that are advertised in your area.
You'll find much more on this site that I have tempted you with here... I highly recommend you try it out!
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
Little Free Libraries!
This weekend my mom and I enjoyed finding a Little Free Library in our community. Little Free Libraries are popping up all around the world (see Little Free Library). We made sure to hop out of our vehicle and check out the treasures found within the tiny, almost bird-house-like box filled with 20 or so random books. 
Thursday, 24 May 2012
Book Crossing
While doing some research for books and writing, I came across the site for Book Crossing (www.bookcrossing.com). Now, I am none too pleased with myself for only discovering this in the last while (I blogged about this earlier but here's a bit more about it).
This site is fun for book lovers for sure. I signed up right away! If you aren't familiar with Book Crossing, the premise is very simple.
1. You can hunt for books left by Book Crosssing members,
2. If you find them, read them,
3. Send them out into the wild again for someone else to read.
Basically, it's just hunt, find, and release. The beauty of this concept is that there are members of Book Crossing all over the world. You could be on vacation anywhere, check the Book Crossing site and determine where (if any) books are released in the area. It's like geo-caching for book lovers! Search and find today!!
Mini Libraries Sprout Out on Calgary Lawns
This is great! A "Little Free Library" Love it!! If you are in the Calgary area.... please check it out!
CHECK OUT THE LINK HERE: Mini libraries sprout on Calgary lawns
CHECK OUT THE LINK HERE: Mini libraries sprout on Calgary lawns
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Books and Breakfast
While we may be doing our own thing; finding our attention focused in our own book topic, we're spending time together, our feet or fingers always touching. I think this Saturday calls for another such event!! Oh yes.
And you, as a book lover, should schedule time too. A few great Calgary & area diners / cafe's that we suggest:
- AKA Wine Bar (Great brunch on weekends) - 709 Edmonton Trail NE, Calgary, Alberta
- Diner Delux - 804 Edmonton Trail NE, Calgary, Alberta
- Bumpy's Cafe - 1004 8 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta
- Heartland Cafe - 825 - 1st Avenue NE, Calgary Alberta
- Communitea - 1001 - 6 Avenue, Canmore, Alberta
- Galaxie Diner - 1413 - 11 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta
- Dairy Lane - 319 - 19 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta
An unexpected blog attachment
Great Poster!
I found this on poster on Pinterest. I looked up the original source and foud that this print can be ordered on Etsy; "Handmade by Agadart". If you love it, like I do, order it!! Support an artist!
The 52nd Poem - by Thomas Trofimuk
A few years ago I walked downtown to the Stanley Milner library in Edmonton, Alberta. I enjoyed the walk downtown as it was exercise with a mission; that being to return library books and find another (or more) to bring home. On this particular February day, it was winter...mildly snowing and early afternoon. I was in a particularly happy mood to start with, but as my library visit went on, the better my day unfolded.
After finding myself at the library and returning my books that day, I wandered around to look at the library's displays. As many libraries do, tables with books with themes or a special focus are laid out for book-lovers to devour. I love these types of tables because many times the library employees pull out books that you didn't even know would interest you, or that you even happened to stumble upon by yourself. This happened on my trip to the library that snowy February.
Sometimes, taking a mid-day vacation day to enjoy favorite activites is worth its weight in gold. I felt relaxed that day, the thought that maybe I would find something to pack along to a cafe, fall into a chair with a latte and read. As I handled the books on the display (romance theme; February, of course) I picked up 'The 52nd Poem' by Thomas Trofimuk. Thomas Trofimuk was a local Edmontonian. The book had been written with romance at it's heart and with local neighborhoods and businesses noted without. I became very interested, very fast in this book.
I held it in my hand as part of the decision stage... I thought about the theme, the locality of author and setting, and during my thought process, found myself handling the cover, feeling the torn-edge style pages, and adoring the mountains pictured on the front. Within only a couple moments I was checking the book out and tucking it into my book bag (fun book bags - a must!! More on that in another post).
With book, bagged and in tow, I wandered out into the snowy day. I found myself wandering streets with a huge smile on my face. I wandered to a cafe I hadn't been in before. I wanted a new experience. I found myself in a 2nd Cup Cafe along Jasper Avenue. One I had passed many times, but never entered as usually on days like this, I was working and not near this cafe. On this day however, I puled over the door, found a cozy chair, bought a latte and settled into read, 'The 52nd Poem'. From the beginning; hooked.
Now, a review of the book; not the point here. Rather, the point of this blog post is to relate the joy of finding a book that delights you to your core, and that having the experience of that book being as memorable as the words on the page. That day was a perfect book-reading day. I do need to point out, that as soon as I finished th book, I went out and bought it. It now lives on my bookcase as a very valuable member.
I encourage you to read it. part of the reason I loved the book was the hunt, the locality, the ambient cafe / vacation day and romantic, cozy snow. The story is good, the romance tugged at my heart. Give it a sample.... but be sure to find a great spot to sit, add your favorite drink to the table beside you and get lost for a few hours in a love story.
Year of the Dragon - Current Read
This year I am seeking activities and adventures that have to do with Dragons. As this is the "Year of the Dragon" on the Chinese Astrological calendar, I thought this year it would be fun to study, investigate and experience the theme of the Dragon. I started another blog, www.the-year-of.blogspot.com (also linked along the side-bard of this blog), where I am recording my adventures. I invite you to check it out!!
This book, which is not only a very popular best seller and most recently a movie, has been on my bookcase, waiting to be read for quite some time. In some ways, I am delighted to be startng it now, as the 'Dragon' part of the title makes it timely to read this year. I have just started it.... excited to get into it soon!!
Sunday, 22 January 2012
Book on a Dumpster
I noticed this book left on the side 'handles' of a dumpster while on my regular walking route. Delightful.... Free book!!! (or, germ infested disgusting tale of leave it alone and walk away). I chose to look at this at a gift that somebody, instead of discarding to it's dumpster death, left it in the event it got a second life.
As a note, didn't take it. The topic didn't excite me. But, as a point of interest, books regularly did pop up there from time-to-time and I did take one once; a biography of Queen Elizabeth.
If you, like me, are excited about finding books, for free, around as a type of treasure hunt. Please check out, www.bookcrossing.com
Excerpt from another Blog I wrote...
In the theme of my previous blog, this blog invites the delight of reading and the experience of loving books. I wanted to share it here. It came from my journal blog and am re-posting it because as I re-read it today, I was shivering again with joy about the bookstores I've visited. Enjoy only after brewing something warm to sip...it's a chilly one in Calgary tonight!!
I find that I miss my page-ed friends when I am too busy to read, or when my other interests seem to take a priority. I find I begin to miss the smell, the feel of the paper, the weight of them in my hands. I miss the solace of finding myself walking through the pages – experiencing places I have never been (or will ever go), developing new ideas from a concept laid out in words, testing my theories and beliefs based on a new emerging view, or traipsing through an English mystery so strange, eccentric and frightening that it yearns for pots of Earl Grey Tea and Shortbread cookies to comfort me.
Delightfully, I am a cat-parent. There is nothing more charming than adding a warm, purring cat to nestle with you in your cozy den, blanket wraped around you as you wind your way through a juicy novel. Flick on a fireplace and get your spouse to make you a latte and, well… it’s an escape that I think could compete with a week on the beach to relax.
Bookstores themselves are intoxicating. I have spent many a day in Chapters, which I love. But I also find that second hand bookstores with their messy mazes of cluttered columns of tomes give a type of mysterious realm. I have been in some bookstores that were so strewn and unorganized that they were like being in another world. I’ve often read about bookstores and been so enraptured with the shelves and mazes of books that I’d wish to be there… and when I’ve stood in such a book store, am lured in a type of hypnotic state to wind around and around and around – looking for nothing in particular but to just experience the mess of words in leather and paperback covers.
One such bookstore in Winnipeg completely distracted me from reality. Two actually. One was organized and very eclectic; inviting couches that looked like they came from my grandma’s basement were tucked throughout. It was weird and wonderful and creepy. Another was just a fire hazard. But it appeared to have been there forever and it was so dusty, dirty and ugly that I was drawn like a moth to a flame. I couldn’t look away or peek in; I just had to be part of it. Incidentally, I bought books in both; two out of print books from my youth! Very exciting.
Last week I went through ‘Audrey’s Books’ in Edmonton as it was just down from my hotel. It was a neighbourhood bookstore for me when I lived in Edmonton and delightfully as a book member there I had a $21.00 credit. I took full advantage of that; spending two nights after work leisurely wandering the shelves – scanning for a treasure. I found a couple. Not sure if they’ll be good or not, but I had reason I wanted them, so for that moment; it was enough.
And treasure hunting is just another aspect. Just like the two out of print books I found in Winnipeg or the treasure hunt of finding ‘something’ that interested me to spend the $21.00 credit on, the hunt is part of the experience. Years ago I read a book that a friend referred to me called, ‘An Italian Affair’, by Laura Fraser. It was very fun to read. And I found a type of commonality with the author and loved her style of writing (second person). I decided that I needed to own the book, not just borrow it over and over from the library. There I began my search. I wandered into every second hand bookstore, the thought of that book on my mind. I needed to seek my ‘holy grail’. It wasn’t a necessity, but it was a hunt. Two years ago I received a package, wrapped in thick, brown paper in the mail at Christmas – I opened it up and there it was… no sender identified. It was a mystery, which ensued for quite awhile. The whole thing was as exciting as many books I had read!! I found out later that a friend from the Yukon (whom I love dearly) knew of my quest and found it online, ordered it and sent it anonymously. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!
While on my quest one time, I found a book for a friend in Ottawa. I had been invited to go to visit him and we were going to spend time in Montreal. As a thank you, I wanted to get him something special for letting me crash and for taking me on an adventure. While on my quest for, ‘The Italian Affair’, I came across a very old, very banged up copy of a book called, ‘La Famille Plouffe’. Since this was a family name, I thought it an unbelievable find. I had zero idea what it was about, as it was in French. I presented it to him as a thank you gift and he was delighted. Books can be a great gift – especially when they are eerily personal. And how a book so perfect to a situation or time can eerily find their way into your life, without you even expecting it.
I often find this… I will have something going on in my head – life and I’ll come across a book that perfectly fits / speaks to where I’m at. It amazes me really. Like I’m being lead to a certain place in that bookstore at that precise time to find the answer. Some say it’s the ‘Universe’ leading you there. I like to just imagine it as a mystery – delightful happenstance.
I love poetry and art books. Books that have word pictures and actual pictures. I love biographies and mysteries and the occasional tear-jerker (occasional… many times I find these dramatic stories too hard to handle in a world that proclaims sad on every news channel and news paper). I love books about words and books. Oddly. I love cookbooks and historical reads. So vast my love of book genres that it is difficult to say I love only this type or that.
I love talking books to people. I love sharing what I’ve learned from books. Book clubs are especially fun. A friend invited me to one just today and I am anxiously considering it. I love that books seem to ignite discussion, “Oh, I just read the best book”, “Did you read….?”, “What books are you reading?”, “I just came across this great quote (idea, story).” It’s just delightful, really.
Books can be shared together. For example, I am reading a book to my husband, ‘The Know it All’. We’re slowly getting through it. We’re kinda into a few TV series (including Iron Chef, 24, and some British Commedies) so sometimes those seem to absorb our time more that the pages of the book. My mom and her best friend (before she passed away) used to go to the park, pack a picnic in a fancy cookie tin, and my mom’s friend would read to my mom. Then they would discuss it. A very personal / best friends only book club. My Friend and I, when she lived in Regina, would send each other books in the mail. We would always wrap them in brown paper, and my creative friend always included new coffee recipies on a card with instructions on where / when / how to read the book, “read from start to finish – no interruptions, have Kleenex on hand, make a vanilla latte”. She, of course, read the book first and wanted to share that joy with me. Then, after I read it, we discussed it. I remember reading, ‘The Notebook’, and after it was over and I had cried all my 8-glasses of daily water intake out my tear ducts, remember discussing the book with her and how she felt after she read it.
I find that I miss my page-ed friends when I am too busy to read, or when my other interests seem to take a priority. I find I begin to miss the smell, the feel of the paper, the weight of them in my hands. I miss the solace of finding myself walking through the pages – experiencing places I have never been (or will ever go), developing new ideas from a concept laid out in words, testing my theories and beliefs based on a new emerging view, or traipsing through an English mystery so strange, eccentric and frightening that it yearns for pots of Earl Grey Tea and Shortbread cookies to comfort me.
Delightfully, I am a cat-parent. There is nothing more charming than adding a warm, purring cat to nestle with you in your cozy den, blanket wraped around you as you wind your way through a juicy novel. Flick on a fireplace and get your spouse to make you a latte and, well… it’s an escape that I think could compete with a week on the beach to relax.
Bookstores themselves are intoxicating. I have spent many a day in Chapters, which I love. But I also find that second hand bookstores with their messy mazes of cluttered columns of tomes give a type of mysterious realm. I have been in some bookstores that were so strewn and unorganized that they were like being in another world. I’ve often read about bookstores and been so enraptured with the shelves and mazes of books that I’d wish to be there… and when I’ve stood in such a book store, am lured in a type of hypnotic state to wind around and around and around – looking for nothing in particular but to just experience the mess of words in leather and paperback covers.
One such bookstore in Winnipeg completely distracted me from reality. Two actually. One was organized and very eclectic; inviting couches that looked like they came from my grandma’s basement were tucked throughout. It was weird and wonderful and creepy. Another was just a fire hazard. But it appeared to have been there forever and it was so dusty, dirty and ugly that I was drawn like a moth to a flame. I couldn’t look away or peek in; I just had to be part of it. Incidentally, I bought books in both; two out of print books from my youth! Very exciting.
Last week I went through ‘Audrey’s Books’ in Edmonton as it was just down from my hotel. It was a neighbourhood bookstore for me when I lived in Edmonton and delightfully as a book member there I had a $21.00 credit. I took full advantage of that; spending two nights after work leisurely wandering the shelves – scanning for a treasure. I found a couple. Not sure if they’ll be good or not, but I had reason I wanted them, so for that moment; it was enough.
And treasure hunting is just another aspect. Just like the two out of print books I found in Winnipeg or the treasure hunt of finding ‘something’ that interested me to spend the $21.00 credit on, the hunt is part of the experience. Years ago I read a book that a friend referred to me called, ‘An Italian Affair’, by Laura Fraser. It was very fun to read. And I found a type of commonality with the author and loved her style of writing (second person). I decided that I needed to own the book, not just borrow it over and over from the library. There I began my search. I wandered into every second hand bookstore, the thought of that book on my mind. I needed to seek my ‘holy grail’. It wasn’t a necessity, but it was a hunt. Two years ago I received a package, wrapped in thick, brown paper in the mail at Christmas – I opened it up and there it was… no sender identified. It was a mystery, which ensued for quite awhile. The whole thing was as exciting as many books I had read!! I found out later that a friend from the Yukon (whom I love dearly) knew of my quest and found it online, ordered it and sent it anonymously. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!
While on my quest one time, I found a book for a friend in Ottawa. I had been invited to go to visit him and we were going to spend time in Montreal. As a thank you, I wanted to get him something special for letting me crash and for taking me on an adventure. While on my quest for, ‘The Italian Affair’, I came across a very old, very banged up copy of a book called, ‘La Famille Plouffe’. Since this was a family name, I thought it an unbelievable find. I had zero idea what it was about, as it was in French. I presented it to him as a thank you gift and he was delighted. Books can be a great gift – especially when they are eerily personal. And how a book so perfect to a situation or time can eerily find their way into your life, without you even expecting it.
I often find this… I will have something going on in my head – life and I’ll come across a book that perfectly fits / speaks to where I’m at. It amazes me really. Like I’m being lead to a certain place in that bookstore at that precise time to find the answer. Some say it’s the ‘Universe’ leading you there. I like to just imagine it as a mystery – delightful happenstance.
I love poetry and art books. Books that have word pictures and actual pictures. I love biographies and mysteries and the occasional tear-jerker (occasional… many times I find these dramatic stories too hard to handle in a world that proclaims sad on every news channel and news paper). I love books about words and books. Oddly. I love cookbooks and historical reads. So vast my love of book genres that it is difficult to say I love only this type or that.
I love talking books to people. I love sharing what I’ve learned from books. Book clubs are especially fun. A friend invited me to one just today and I am anxiously considering it. I love that books seem to ignite discussion, “Oh, I just read the best book”, “Did you read….?”, “What books are you reading?”, “I just came across this great quote (idea, story).” It’s just delightful, really.
Books can be shared together. For example, I am reading a book to my husband, ‘The Know it All’. We’re slowly getting through it. We’re kinda into a few TV series (including Iron Chef, 24, and some British Commedies) so sometimes those seem to absorb our time more that the pages of the book. My mom and her best friend (before she passed away) used to go to the park, pack a picnic in a fancy cookie tin, and my mom’s friend would read to my mom. Then they would discuss it. A very personal / best friends only book club. My Friend and I, when she lived in Regina, would send each other books in the mail. We would always wrap them in brown paper, and my creative friend always included new coffee recipies on a card with instructions on where / when / how to read the book, “read from start to finish – no interruptions, have Kleenex on hand, make a vanilla latte”. She, of course, read the book first and wanted to share that joy with me. Then, after I read it, we discussed it. I remember reading, ‘The Notebook’, and after it was over and I had cried all my 8-glasses of daily water intake out my tear ducts, remember discussing the book with her and how she felt after she read it.
Even writing this blog note about books makes me wish I was speeding towards a comfortable chair and cracking open the pages where my latest bookmark (a photo of my husband gently and longingly kissing my cheek) marks my spot. I imagine the cup I would find to house a hot ‘Wonderful White’ tea (that I am QUITE into these days from Teopia), and of course, settling into my read after plucking the cat up from her dozing sleep to a spot beside me. I shall do that when I get home. I shall, I shall, I shall.
BoOkS
Can I just say how much I adore books? I am excited to say that this week I am expecting an arrival of books from Amazon! Why Amazon? Well, sometimes it’s fun (in and of itself) to shop for books in different ways.
There is of course, shopping for books in Chapters or Indigo (or the like). Shopping in this way involves other fun experiences such as looking at unique gifts and sipping on a Starbucks latte. You can find a chair (sometimes) to sink into and skim read the book you think about purchasing. You can take your Tim wit
h you and make it a date! It’s super fun to separate in the store; each with a latte in hand, and then arrange to meet up in 20 minutes to a half an hour to see what treasures each has unearthed. Some would say it’s a hoot! (points to self).You can enhance your book experience looking at journals, magazines, and music. It’s a good experience for sure.
Second-hand bookstores are a most charming way to shop! If you hit it just right, you can end up involved in more than just a bookstore. You may step into a piece of history like finding it tucked into an old, historic building; finding a long run bookstore
which is family owned and been around for a century; or a bookstore that has it’s own famous character, entertaining world-renowned authors to visit for signings. Within second-hand bookstores you may find a resident cat or two. And that soft, purring charm is just so inviting to wanting the body to slow down and savor the experience. You may notice out of print books, books with inscriptions, books with torn covers, books with immaculate ones (that may have been owned but never read!). Finding a second-hand bookstore can be more of an experience than a single destination… for something happens after you’ve been in one; you end up wanting to find more. If you’re treasure hunting, second hand bookstores are the best way to do it.
That is… unless you find books at yard sales or garage sales. I have located some real gems tucked into plastic grocery store bags, handles hanging from a discarded exercise bike on the lawn of a neighbour. The $0.25 price is a steal for out of print books or something you’ve always wanted to read, but had never gotten around to it. $0.25 makes the ‘never got around to it’, happen; at least…getting into the house to the reading pile.
Books purchased while waiting have a different flavour altogether. Standing in lines at grocery stores (viewing the rack), a book found at an airport magazine shop, or one at the gas station in ‘out-of-the-way-somewhere’ when Tim buys gas…
all have a uniqueness all their own. I can show you in my library which ones I bought where and what I felt when I bought it. One time I recall being at a bible camp (as a counsellor). The kids were driving me bonkers!!! I needed some alone time. We had to go get supplies so a few of us went to the lake store (those are so fun!) to pick up stuff for the group. While there I saw a rotating metal bookcase filled with paperbacks. For some reason, I just needed a mystery right then!! For $7.99, I brought back a slice of quiet repose. Once the kids had settled into watch a movie, I slipped off to a side room with a light and started my book. I read it off and on through the weekend (in the bathroom, once the kids had fallen asleep, and while we had those few alone times we were granted while the kids did their gratis (chores). De-light-ful!
Now these days I am also into searching for and purchasing books on my iphone / ipad. I have
discovered that having a book around at all times, in my hand, is just more delight than I can say. I have read a number of books, in a short while, from my phone. There are always waiting times when you say, ‘ahhh, wish I would have brought a book!’. Well friends… I did. And I just click and read away. Doctor’s offices, restaurants, movie theatres, the dentist. And if Tim goes into the bank, or is gassing up the car… I can get a few pages done. Love it! I have a number of different apps on my phone for books and it’s fun to compare-shop for best prices. Also, sometimes the selection for different genres is better with one or the other. I have a number of tomes on the go!
There’s the borrowing of books too as a type of ‘shopping for books’. I have stumbled on some amazing books, fun books, interesting books, and even some remarkably
horrible books in this way. I love looking at the suggested titles they have out. One time, in the spring/winter when I lived in Edmonton, the public library had a bunch of romance books out (maybe it was around February; not sure). Anyway, I came across one by an Edmonton author titled, ‘The 52nd Poem’. It intrigued me; guess I was in the mood for it… and I checked it out. I tucked it into my library bag and walked into a coffee shop. I sat there for much of the afternoon and devoured it like a piece of chocolate cake. Couldn’t get enough. In fact, it was so enjoyable; I bought the book the next week! The experien
ce of stumbling across it, having a day to just read in a coffee shop, and it being a local author were all the exacting pieces of making that particular book, “buy worthy” (my term – sticks out tongue).
There’s a thing that the Calgary library does (for kids mostly) and to which I find most interesting. They have grab bags which contain books and often related materials like videos and audio. In some ways I wish I had a kid so that I could grab a bag and enjoy it as a full library experience. (reader note: I said some ways; which in fact is such a small measurement, it barely registers – this wasn’t a hint I wanted any children or are having any… make no inquiries please).
One thing I love to do to ‘shop’ at the library is see what other people are sitting behind and staring into. Okay, I do this a lot, everywhere. If I see someone’s face with a book over it, I take special note of the title and make sure to check it out (if it looks interesting to me) next time I am in a bookstore, online, or at the library. I must look ridiculous sometimes bending down or craning my neck to see the title when it’s skewed from my immediate view. I can’t help myself. I need to know what’s got their attention and why the book mark is half the way through… it must be good, so therefore I m
ust want to read it.
Recommendations are a great way to shop for a book. Why just this week I got a book based on someone else’s love of it. I found that recommendation via a facebook status. But I’ve also had them come from chats during my book club, a candidate on the courses I was teaching, a friend, my mother, a lady in line for the checkout while I was shopping, a librarian, etc. Recommendations often send me running with my wallet to purchase the book. Tell me it’s good and it may end up on my bookcase. Be warned though, if it’s not good… I’ll always hold a grudg
e. (haha).
I shop for audio books on my phone as well. I love these too for a different sort of reason. I have a very long commute so it’s nice to have the option to listen to a story, get caught up on a current event, or do some self-help (like a therapist in the passenger seat!!). Tim is into this too and it’s fun for us to discuss what each other is reading…’er listening to. We’ve read a great many books this way.
But what started this whole diatribe was telling you I’ve got books from Amazon coming this week. And shopping online for books is a different sort of delightful. I love searching topics, then seeing what other people ‘bought’ and having the computer suggest what I might like based on what I put in my shopping cart. I enjoy coming across a gem by accident. I like the option of buying new, buying used, or adding something to a wish cart (not buying right now, just looking and remembering the next time you sign in). I like that I can share my wish list (like a gift registry). I like that the package arrives later… joy deferred (as I like to say; Tim will tell ‘ya).
This past week was stressful for a number of re
asons. I worked very, very hard this past week… and still am. It’s month end, year end, quarterly end. At one point I think I had 7 reports due in a month. I think I still do… ahhhh. Anyway, I won’t get into all the details, suffice to say that I needed some quiet time to put my feet up, stretch my neck, wiggle my fingers and then type wishes into Amazon. Ohhh, I found some wonderful things! All while sitting in my flannel pj’s, the cold chill of winter outside and me al tucked in my cozy den to read. I drank a few cups of coffee, arranged the sleeping cat around the keyboard as I typed, and every so often found something new for my shopping cart. Opening the box is going to be a happy time!
There is of course, shopping for books in Chapters or Indigo (or the like). Shopping in this way involves other fun experiences such as looking at unique gifts and sipping on a Starbucks latte. You can find a chair (sometimes) to sink into and skim read the book you think about purchasing. You can take your Tim wit
h you and make it a date! It’s super fun to separate in the store; each with a latte in hand, and then arrange to meet up in 20 minutes to a half an hour to see what treasures each has unearthed. Some would say it’s a hoot! (points to self).You can enhance your book experience looking at journals, magazines, and music. It’s a good experience for sure. Second-hand bookstores are a most charming way to shop! If you hit it just right, you can end up involved in more than just a bookstore. You may step into a piece of history like finding it tucked into an old, historic building; finding a long run bookstore
which is family owned and been around for a century; or a bookstore that has it’s own famous character, entertaining world-renowned authors to visit for signings. Within second-hand bookstores you may find a resident cat or two. And that soft, purring charm is just so inviting to wanting the body to slow down and savor the experience. You may notice out of print books, books with inscriptions, books with torn covers, books with immaculate ones (that may have been owned but never read!). Finding a second-hand bookstore can be more of an experience than a single destination… for something happens after you’ve been in one; you end up wanting to find more. If you’re treasure hunting, second hand bookstores are the best way to do it. That is… unless you find books at yard sales or garage sales. I have located some real gems tucked into plastic grocery store bags, handles hanging from a discarded exercise bike on the lawn of a neighbour. The $0.25 price is a steal for out of print books or something you’ve always wanted to read, but had never gotten around to it. $0.25 makes the ‘never got around to it’, happen; at least…getting into the house to the reading pile.
Books purchased while waiting have a different flavour altogether. Standing in lines at grocery stores (viewing the rack), a book found at an airport magazine shop, or one at the gas station in ‘out-of-the-way-somewhere’ when Tim buys gas…
all have a uniqueness all their own. I can show you in my library which ones I bought where and what I felt when I bought it. One time I recall being at a bible camp (as a counsellor). The kids were driving me bonkers!!! I needed some alone time. We had to go get supplies so a few of us went to the lake store (those are so fun!) to pick up stuff for the group. While there I saw a rotating metal bookcase filled with paperbacks. For some reason, I just needed a mystery right then!! For $7.99, I brought back a slice of quiet repose. Once the kids had settled into watch a movie, I slipped off to a side room with a light and started my book. I read it off and on through the weekend (in the bathroom, once the kids had fallen asleep, and while we had those few alone times we were granted while the kids did their gratis (chores). De-light-ful! Now these days I am also into searching for and purchasing books on my iphone / ipad. I have
discovered that having a book around at all times, in my hand, is just more delight than I can say. I have read a number of books, in a short while, from my phone. There are always waiting times when you say, ‘ahhh, wish I would have brought a book!’. Well friends… I did. And I just click and read away. Doctor’s offices, restaurants, movie theatres, the dentist. And if Tim goes into the bank, or is gassing up the car… I can get a few pages done. Love it! I have a number of different apps on my phone for books and it’s fun to compare-shop for best prices. Also, sometimes the selection for different genres is better with one or the other. I have a number of tomes on the go!There’s the borrowing of books too as a type of ‘shopping for books’. I have stumbled on some amazing books, fun books, interesting books, and even some remarkably
horrible books in this way. I love looking at the suggested titles they have out. One time, in the spring/winter when I lived in Edmonton, the public library had a bunch of romance books out (maybe it was around February; not sure). Anyway, I came across one by an Edmonton author titled, ‘The 52nd Poem’. It intrigued me; guess I was in the mood for it… and I checked it out. I tucked it into my library bag and walked into a coffee shop. I sat there for much of the afternoon and devoured it like a piece of chocolate cake. Couldn’t get enough. In fact, it was so enjoyable; I bought the book the next week! The experien
ce of stumbling across it, having a day to just read in a coffee shop, and it being a local author were all the exacting pieces of making that particular book, “buy worthy” (my term – sticks out tongue). There’s a thing that the Calgary library does (for kids mostly) and to which I find most interesting. They have grab bags which contain books and often related materials like videos and audio. In some ways I wish I had a kid so that I could grab a bag and enjoy it as a full library experience. (reader note: I said some ways; which in fact is such a small measurement, it barely registers – this wasn’t a hint I wanted any children or are having any… make no inquiries please).
One thing I love to do to ‘shop’ at the library is see what other people are sitting behind and staring into. Okay, I do this a lot, everywhere. If I see someone’s face with a book over it, I take special note of the title and make sure to check it out (if it looks interesting to me) next time I am in a bookstore, online, or at the library. I must look ridiculous sometimes bending down or craning my neck to see the title when it’s skewed from my immediate view. I can’t help myself. I need to know what’s got their attention and why the book mark is half the way through… it must be good, so therefore I m
ust want to read it.Recommendations are a great way to shop for a book. Why just this week I got a book based on someone else’s love of it. I found that recommendation via a facebook status. But I’ve also had them come from chats during my book club, a candidate on the courses I was teaching, a friend, my mother, a lady in line for the checkout while I was shopping, a librarian, etc. Recommendations often send me running with my wallet to purchase the book. Tell me it’s good and it may end up on my bookcase. Be warned though, if it’s not good… I’ll always hold a grudg
e. (haha).I shop for audio books on my phone as well. I love these too for a different sort of reason. I have a very long commute so it’s nice to have the option to listen to a story, get caught up on a current event, or do some self-help (like a therapist in the passenger seat!!). Tim is into this too and it’s fun for us to discuss what each other is reading…’er listening to. We’ve read a great many books this way.
But what started this whole diatribe was telling you I’ve got books from Amazon coming this week. And shopping online for books is a different sort of delightful. I love searching topics, then seeing what other people ‘bought’ and having the computer suggest what I might like based on what I put in my shopping cart. I enjoy coming across a gem by accident. I like the option of buying new, buying used, or adding something to a wish cart (not buying right now, just looking and remembering the next time you sign in). I like that I can share my wish list (like a gift registry). I like that the package arrives later… joy deferred (as I like to say; Tim will tell ‘ya).
This past week was stressful for a number of re
asons. I worked very, very hard this past week… and still am. It’s month end, year end, quarterly end. At one point I think I had 7 reports due in a month. I think I still do… ahhhh. Anyway, I won’t get into all the details, suffice to say that I needed some quiet time to put my feet up, stretch my neck, wiggle my fingers and then type wishes into Amazon. Ohhh, I found some wonderful things! All while sitting in my flannel pj’s, the cold chill of winter outside and me al tucked in my cozy den to read. I drank a few cups of coffee, arranged the sleeping cat around the keyboard as I typed, and every so often found something new for my shopping cart. Opening the box is going to be a happy time!
First Post of New Blog
It's Sunday night... I have settled into my 'cozy den', with it's soft light and excellent spot nearby to read. Soon. Blog first, read later.
This blog is not my first attempt at blogging. In fact, I have a number of blogs; one since 2006. This site, however, has a sole focus of books. If you love to read, this site could, very possibly become your favorite (blatant, self-promotion).
My mother encouraged reading in our family as part of daily routine. We started early, nibbling on Dr. Seuss and Richard Scary. She read to us, and made us read on our own as a way to nurturing our love for reading, and our education in grammar. My brother and I went different directions with our interests as we grew out of the children's section and I soon delved into pre-teen mysteries by Alfred Hitchcock, followed by the juicy Judy Blume books that scared me to death with their discussion of periods and life changes. Whatever the genre, I was hooked. In fact, I was often scolded by my teachers for hiding books in my desk and pretending to listen to the instructor, while instead, devouring page up on page of library check-outs.
As an adult, I found more ways to enjoy reading. Book clubs, and sites like Book Crossing (http://www.bookcrossing.com) and smart phone apps like Goodreads had me adding adventure and social networking to my reading experience. I felt like I could layer upon my enjoyment, heaps and heaps of book-related adventure. And now I'm adding blogging to my passion. Read and report!! I will admit, that book reports in school were no task for me; rather they were one of my favorite to-do's.
It may take awhile for me to build this site up, but stick with me. Settle into your own cozy den and find books to surround yourself with and read until there is content galore here to satisfy your reading tooth. I promise to be as faithful as I can to this blog.
As a blog particpant, feel free to comment. If you didn't love a book that I did, tell me why. In the book club I attend, I often learn a great deal from others who liked or disliked a book, contrary to my own opinion. The Road, which is a book I will be soon reviewing, was one such animal. My opinion was grim, whereas another in my club was thoroughally engaged in the story and theme. I learned a lot from him, about that book.
We will never, all, have the same opinion. And that's the beauty of books as a topic. It creates dialogue, helps us to consider life and love and beauty in ways we may never have looked at before. This journey is going to be a delight, isn't it? I am excited about it. (you can't see me, but I am smiling; a lot!) Happy reading and reviewing!!
This blog is not my first attempt at blogging. In fact, I have a number of blogs; one since 2006. This site, however, has a sole focus of books. If you love to read, this site could, very possibly become your favorite (blatant, self-promotion).
My mother encouraged reading in our family as part of daily routine. We started early, nibbling on Dr. Seuss and Richard Scary. She read to us, and made us read on our own as a way to nurturing our love for reading, and our education in grammar. My brother and I went different directions with our interests as we grew out of the children's section and I soon delved into pre-teen mysteries by Alfred Hitchcock, followed by the juicy Judy Blume books that scared me to death with their discussion of periods and life changes. Whatever the genre, I was hooked. In fact, I was often scolded by my teachers for hiding books in my desk and pretending to listen to the instructor, while instead, devouring page up on page of library check-outs.
As an adult, I found more ways to enjoy reading. Book clubs, and sites like Book Crossing (http://www.bookcrossing.com) and smart phone apps like Goodreads had me adding adventure and social networking to my reading experience. I felt like I could layer upon my enjoyment, heaps and heaps of book-related adventure. And now I'm adding blogging to my passion. Read and report!! I will admit, that book reports in school were no task for me; rather they were one of my favorite to-do's.
It may take awhile for me to build this site up, but stick with me. Settle into your own cozy den and find books to surround yourself with and read until there is content galore here to satisfy your reading tooth. I promise to be as faithful as I can to this blog.
As a blog particpant, feel free to comment. If you didn't love a book that I did, tell me why. In the book club I attend, I often learn a great deal from others who liked or disliked a book, contrary to my own opinion. The Road, which is a book I will be soon reviewing, was one such animal. My opinion was grim, whereas another in my club was thoroughally engaged in the story and theme. I learned a lot from him, about that book.
We will never, all, have the same opinion. And that's the beauty of books as a topic. It creates dialogue, helps us to consider life and love and beauty in ways we may never have looked at before. This journey is going to be a delight, isn't it? I am excited about it. (you can't see me, but I am smiling; a lot!) Happy reading and reviewing!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)