I'm reading:
Something from the library. I needed to read a book with a fruit or a vegetable in the title for one of my reading challenges, so this is the one that I picked!
AUTHOR: Aimee Bender
PUBLISHER: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
PUBLICATION DATE: June 1, 2010
FORMAT: Hardcover
LENGTH: 292 pages
LENGTH: 292 pages
GENRE: Magical Realism, Fantasy
ISBN: 9780385501125The wondrous Aimee Bender conjures the lush and moving story of a girl whose magical gift is really a devastating curse.
On the eve of her ninth birthday, unassuming Rose Edelstein, a girl at the periphery of schoolyard games and her distracted parents’ attention, bites into her mother’s homemade lemon-chocolate cake and discovers she has a magical gift: she can taste her mother’s emotions in the cake. She discovers this gift to her horror, for her mother—her cheerful, good-with-crafts, can-do mother—tastes of despair and desperation. Suddenly, and for the rest of her life, food becomes a peril and a threat to Rose.
The curse her gift has bestowed is the secret knowledge all families keep hidden—her mother’s life outside the home, her father’s detachment, her brother’s clash with the world. Yet as Rose grows up she learns to harness her gift and becomes aware that there are secrets even her taste buds cannot discern.
The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake is a luminous tale about the enormous difficulty of loving someone fully when you know too much about them. It is heartbreaking and funny, wise and sad, and confirms Aimee Bender’s place as “a writer who makes you grateful for the very existence of language” (San Francisco Chronicle).
Something from the library. I have the regular edition sitting on my dusty bookshelf, but I wanted to read this new edition which I started during Banned Books Week.
AUTHOR: Anne Frank
PUBLISHER: Anchor Books
PUBLICATION DATE: February 1, 1996 (first published 1947)
FORMAT: Paperback
LENGTH: 352 pages
GENRE: Nonfiction, Classics, Autobiography/Memoir
ISBN: 9780385480338
For almost fifty years, Anne Frank's diary has moved millions with its testament to the human spirit's indestructibility, but readers have never seen the full text of this beloved book--until now. This new translation, performed by Winona Ryder, restores nearly one third of Anne's entries excised by her father in previous editions, revealing her burgeoning sexuality, her stormy relationship with her mother, and more.
Something from the library, to fulfill a prompt for a reading challenge which is to read a book of poetry by an author of colour.
AUTHOR: Maya Angelou
PUBLISHER: Random House
PUBLICATION DATE: September 13, 1994 (first published 1986)
FORMAT: Hardcover
LENGTH: 273 pages
GENRE: Nonfiction, Poetry
ISBN: 9780679428954
For the first time, the complete collection of Maya Angelou's published poems-including "On the Pulse of Morning"-in a permanent collectible, handsome hardcover edition.
I completed a nine-week course with a group of people, which featured DVD Study sessions and a Participant Guide with study questions (homework!) for discussion each week. The book is a lot to digest, and I'm still reading it in chunks.
AUTHORS: Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
PUBLISHER: Zondervan
PUBLICATION DATE: November 2, 1992
FORMAT: Hardcover
LENGTH: 314 pages
GENRE: Nonfiction, Psychology, Self-Help
ISBN: 9780310585909
Having clear boundaries is essential to a healthy, balanced lifestyle. A boundary is a personal property line that marks those things for which we are responsible. In other words, boundaries define who we are and who we are not. Boundaries impact all areas of our lives: Physical boundaries help us determine who may touch us and under what circumstances -- Mental boundaries give us the freedom to have our own thoughts and opinions -- Emotional boundaries help us to deal with our own emotions and disengage from the harmful, manipulative emotions of others -- Spiritual boundaries help us to distinguish God's will from our own and give us renewed awe for our Creator -- Often, Christians focus so much on being loving and unselfish that they forget their own limits and limitations. When confronted with their lack of boundaries, they ask: - Can I set limits and still be a loving person? - What are legitimate boundaries? - What if someone is upset or hurt by my boundaries? - How do I answer someone who wants my time, love, energy, or money? - Aren't boundaries selfish? - Why do I feel guilty or afraid when I consider setting boundaries? Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend offer biblically-based answers to these and other tough questions, showing us how to set healthy boundaries with our parents, spouses, children, friends, co-workers, and even ourselves.
Another one from my dusty bookshelf, which I am reading aloud to my younger daughter. We are loving this series! It just gets better and better!
PUBLISHER: HarperCollins
PUBLICATION DATE: March 17, 2015 (first published 2004)
FORMAT: Paperback
LENGTH: 368 pages
GENRE: Young Adult, Fantasy
ISBN: 9780062367006
Join the legion of fans who have made Erin Hunter's Warriors series a #1 national bestseller--with new editions featuring a striking new look! More thrilling fantasy, fierce warrior cats, and epic adventures await in Warriors #5: A Dangerous Path.ShadowClan has chosen Tigerclaw as their new leader, and Fireheart fears that this old enemy still harbors dark plans for vengeance on his former Clan. A mysterious threat has invaded the forest, placing every cat's life in peril. And Fireheart's beloved leader has turned her back on their warrior ancestors. Fireheart can't help but wonder if she's right--has StarClan abandoned them forever?
Another one from my dusty bookshelf, which I am reading aloud to my younger daughter. She actually had started off reading this one aloud to me for her home reading, but she got frustrated by all the made-up words and not knowing how to pronounce them so I'm taking over the reading and she's picked something different.
PUBLISHER: Puffin
PUBLICATION DATE: 2008 (first published 1982)
FORMAT: Paperback
LENGTH: 199 pages
GENRE: Childrens, Fantasy
ISBN: 9780141326238
Kidsnatched from her orphanage by a BFG (Big Friendly Giant), who spends his life blowing happy dreams to children, Sophie concocts with him a plan to save the world from nine other man-gobbling cannybull giants.
Another one from my dusty bookshelf, which my daughter is reading aloud to me for home reading.
I'm listening to:
PUBLISHER: Willowisp Press
PUBLICATION DATE: December 28, 1998
FORMAT: Paperback
LENGTH: 112 pages
GENRE: Childrens
ISBN: 0874063051
In this all-new version of the popular 1987 book, twins Randi and Sandi are at it again, but this time, their identical cousin Mandy is part of the shenanigans.
I'm listening to:
Something from my review pile, and a good choice for the HoHoHo Read-a-Thon!
AUTHOR: Debbie Macomber
NARRATORS: Laurel Rankin and Luke Daniels
PUBLISHER: Random House Audio
PUBLICATION DATE: October 2, 2018
FORMAT: Unabridged audiobook
LENGTH: 4 hrs and 50 mins
GENRE: Holiday, Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9780525491712
ISBN: 9780525491712
New York Times Bestseller - "[Debbie] Macomber brings her signature charm to this appealing tale of an aspiring chef. . . . This charmer will please Macomber fans and newcomers alike."--Publishers WeeklyDebbie Macomber brings us to the Alaskan wilderness for a magical Christmas tale about finding love where it's least expected.Before beginning her dream job as sous chef in one of Seattle's hottest new restaurants, Josie Avery takes a summer position cooking at a lakeside lodge in the remote Alaskan town of Ponder. Josie falls for the rustic charms of the local community--including Jack Corcoran, the crotchety keeper of Ponder's famed sourdough starter, and, in particular, the quiet and intense Palmer Saxon, a famed master swordsmith.Josie and Palmer become close during the long Alaskan summer days, but Josie knows that, come fall, she'll be returning to reality and the career she's worked so hard for. Palmer, on the other hand, would like nothing better than to make Josie his wife and to keep her in Ponder. But Josie can't imagine abandoning her mother back in the Emerald City and sacrificing her career to stay in this isolated town--not even for a man she's quickly coming to love.Fate has other plans. Josie misses the last boat out of town before winter sets in, stranding her in Ponder and putting her dream job at risk. As the holidays approach, Josie and Palmer must grapple with the complications that arise when dreams confront reality, and the Christmas magic that can happen when they put their faith in love.Debbie Macomber is at her best in this beautiful holiday story about the far journeys we travel to find a place to call home.
I just finished:
NARRATOR: Susan Ericksen
PUBLISHER: Brilliance Audio
PUBLICATION DATE: May 20, 2008 (first published 1995)
FORMAT: Unabridged audiobook
LENGTH: 9 hrs and 46 mins
GENRE: Mystery
ASIN: B002V1LIHK
ASIN: B002V1LIHK
Eve Dallas is a New York police lieutenant hunting for a ruthless killer. In over 10 years on the force, she's seen it all - and knows that her survival depends on her instincts. And she's going against every warning telling her not to get involved with Roarke, an Irish billionaire - and suspect in Eve's murder investigation. But passion and seduction have rules of their own, and it's up to Eve to take a chance in the arms of a man she knows nothing about - except the addictive hunger of needing his touch.
NARRATOR: Vivienne Leheny
PUBLISHER: Anna Hackett
PUBLISHER: Anna Hackett
PUBLICATION DATE: April 26, 2017
FORMAT: Unabridged audiobook
LENGTH: 6 hrs and 21 mins
GENRE: Science fiction, Romance
ASIN: B07169WX7M
Fighting for love, honor, and freedom on the galaxy’s lawless outer rim…
When Earth space marine Harper Adams finds herself abducted by alien slavers off a space station, her life turns into a battle for survival. Dumped into an arena on a desert planet on the outer rim, she finds herself face to face with a big, tattooed alien gladiator…the champion of the Kor Magna Arena.
A former prince abandoned to the arena as a teen, Raiden Tiago has long ago earned his freedom. Now he rules the arena, but he doesn’t fight for the glory, but instead for his own dark purpose—revenge against the Thraxian aliens who destroyed his planet. Then his existence is rocked by one small, fierce female fighter from an unknown planet called Earth.
Harper is determined to find a way home, but when she spots her best friend in the arena—a slave of the evil Thraxian aliens—she’ll do anything to save her friend…even join forces with the tough, alpha male who sets her body on fire. But as Harper and Raiden step foot onto the blood-soaked sands of the arena, Harper worries that Raiden has his own dangerous agenda…
NARRATOR: David Ross
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press. LLC
PUBLICATION DATE: October 10, 2016
FORMAT: Unabridged audiobook
LENGTH: 7 hrs and 21 mins
GENRE: Contemporary, Romance
ASIN: B01LY3TQ03Finlay McIntyre (aka Raven) is a successful adult film star with a penchant for kilts, until an accident cuts short his stardom and leaves him with zero sexual desire, lowered self-esteem, and no job. He knew his porn career wouldn’t last forever, but he wasn’t prepared for retirement at twenty-eight. While trying to figure out the rest of his life, Raven agrees to attend a high school reunion. That’s when a malfunctioning AC unit in his hotel room changes everything.Caleb Sanderson, an entrepreneur with his own HVAC business, has no idea what to expect when he steps into Raven’s hotel room to fix his AC unit. They’re attracted to each other, but Caleb, closeted, can’t afford a gay relationship, not with his mom pressuring him to produce grandchildren. If he wants to keep Raven—who no closet could hold—he’ll need to tell his family the truth. But Raven has a few secrets of his own. He refuses to reveal his porn past to Caleb, a past that might be the final obstacle to Caleb and Raven having any kind of relationship.
What are you reading? Have you read any of these books and, if so, what did you think? Please let me know in the comments and, if you are also participating in this meme, leave me a link to your blog post so that I can stop by!
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Nice assortment of books. I really should visit my local library. I pass by one of the branches on my way to exercise but haven't stopped in. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteHope you keep going with the J D Robb books on audio they develop so well. The Lemon Cake choice was a good one for fruit! Love the look of the Debbie Macomber christmas book.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake when I read it. My weekly updates
ReplyDeleteI read a lot of Aimee Bender’s short fiction in college, but I never got to her novels. I hope it’s good. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!