Friday Ramble

Oh what a whirlwind things have been lately! Summer was such a fun and busy time, and then we entered a new season of change here in the Library when Ms. Haley left for a new adventure (we miss her, but wish her all the best) - which meant Storytime was paused and we got to find a new children's programmer. Stay tuned for more updates on our new hire and when programs will resume. In the interval, we had staff from the Children's Room in Asheboro come for a few special programs, which was awesome! And now, somehow, it's the end of September and there's just 3 months left in 2022. How did that happen?! 

The Gilded Age

For a couple years now, I've been dabbling in Gilded Age fiction - primarily biographical novels of Alva Vanderbilt and Jennie Jerome. Their personal stories, even when portrayed fictionally, are deliciously entertaining, and I love imagining what it would have been like to be in that world - in that circle. Recently, my Gilded Age journey has expanded a little. We watched season 1 of the HBO Max show, and it was glorious. Predictable at times, but that's what I wanted. And the costuming, set-building, and music were ^chef's kiss^ perfection. It got me wanting to read more, maybe even pick up some of the nonfiction I've had on my shelves, to get a broader sense of the era. 

Then I listened to the audiobook of The Lost Summers of Newport; one of the three interwoven storylines featured "a dollar princess" of the Gilded Age - from a less glamorous family than the Astors or Vanderbilts. It was fascinating, and further stoked the fire. 

Now, of course, I must start finding Gilded stories ... stay tuned, I'm sure I'll share my findings.

Weird Reading Experience(s)

What do you do when you get a book that is so ... odd ... reading it feels like watching a trainwreck? 

I recently found myself in that situation - and while I'm not afraid to DNF a book (I have marked 2 titles "Did Not Finish" so far this year), this particular book was compulsively readable. I could not put it down. I finished reading it approximately 26 hours after I started it - and that includes an overnight sleep in the mix. It was so very readable, but also so very strange. I'm still not sure exactly what I read.

To Holiday or Not to Holiday?

With fall officially here and October marching toward the door, it's the time of year for seasonal books to shine. In a weird quirk of the publishing world, October is when most new Christmas books are published. Which means I always consider October 1st to be the start of Christmas Reading Season - a date that most of my reading friends disagree with.

Their argument is that October is for fall and spooky reads, and you can start Christmas reading after Halloween at the earliest, but it's better if you wait for post-Thanksgiving.

As someone who has never been a big fan of "spooky" and hasn't ever made Halloween a big deal, I have never felt that need - but can see their point. To a point. And yes, "fall" books are a good thing - but very hard to come by! - and I will work those into the mix as I'm able. But there are so many Christmas books, and with more added every October, that if I waited to read them until after Thanksgiving, I'd never make progress!

When do you think is the appropriate time to start reading Christmas books?

Hurricane Ian

At the time of writing (true confession: I'm writing this ahead of time for Friday posting!), it looks like a hurricane will be upon us by the time this is live for reading ... Here's hoping for a cozy hibernation weekend, with "nice" rain and lots of good books to read. 

Stay safe, y'all!

Friday Ramble

Whew. What a whirlwind of a summer it has been! Can you believe it's the end of July already? Where did the time go - seems like just yesterday we were figuring out what to do for Summer Reading ...

Summer Reading
We had our last program this week - an End-of-Summer Bash to celebrate the successful completion of a summer of fun and exciting programs at the Library! So many happy, smiling faces have attended programs, and picked up craft kits, and we loved seeing the excitement of children turning in their time cards.
Don't forget: all reviews/time read must be submitted by 11:59pm on Sunday, 7/31, to count toward the giveaways! We can't wait to tally the numbers and see just how much Archdale readers have been reading this summer. Y'all rock!

Speaking of Summer Reading...
Swing by next week to see what Archdale readers have said about some of their highly-rated summer reads. (We do read the reviews you submit!)

Armchair Travelling
The last few weeks have been weirdly hectic schedules, so at night we've been looking for something to watch that is interesting but doesn't require a lot of brain power (no new historical dramas just yet, thank you). Over the weekend we discovered a documentary series from NatGeo "Europe from Above" that perfectly fit the bill.
The cinematography is gorgeous, and the insider "sneak peeks" are fascinating. After devouring Season 1, we're now on the hunt to find the other seasons available for streaming, as well as any similar shows.
Have you done any armchair travel like this?

New Seasons Ahead
Summer is definitely one of the most exciting (and active!) seasons in the Library, but there's so much of the year left. (Yes, I know, it's hard to believe we're less than 5 months from Christmas, but there's still 5 months of 2022 to go!). August is always a sleepy month, as we sift through summer leftovers and everyone adjusts to new schedules (school starts back!), but September will bring the return of Book Break and who knows what we may be planning.

Friday Ramble

Happy Friday, Reader! It's been a while since our last Friday Ramble, and somehow the first Friday of June (aka: the unofficial first weekend of Summer) feels like the appropriate time to chat. Grab a cool drink to sip, and let's see where the rambling takes us, shall we?

SUMMER READING
Of course this has to top the list today - Summer Reading is back! Wednesday was our official first day to register, and our first program will be a virtual visit to the sea turtle hospital in Marathon, Florida on Wednesday June 15th - a fascinating start to an exciting line-up of programs! This year, most programs will be in person at the Library, with a few special virtual events as well. Swing by our Summer Reading page for all the details and to register if you're a Teen and/or Adult.

Nostalgia Reading
Also known as "rereading classic children's books," but doesn't nostalgia reading sound better somehow? This idea is not a new one for me - I've been revisiting classics via audiobook off and on for a couple years now (highly recommend!), and sometimes there's a children's book in that mix. Most recently, I stumbled upon an audio version of Charlotte's Web narrated by Meryl Streep and a full cast. I love the depth a full cast gives an audiobook: completely unique voices for each character brings the story alive, and this was an excellent casting.
While listening however, I realized something: I'm not sure I'd ever actually read the book. We had a VHS copy of the {original} animated movie that I watched hundreds of times growing up, so I'm very familiar with the story. But I don't know that I ever read the words for myself; so that was fun, catching up on a missed classic. 
Of course, now I'm wondering what other books I didn't actually read and should revisit ...

Summer Plans: Bookish Version
While there are no thrilling vacation destinations on my horizon, I have some pretty exciting plans for the summer: to travel extensively, through space, time, and around the globe, through books. I have added many books to my personal library the last few months, and my goal for the summer is to read many of them {to "catch up" to my TBR would be nearly impossible, ha}. Stay tuned for updates on my progress, as I travel vicariously via pages. I may catch up on movies and series I've missed, also based on books {of course!}!

What are your plans for the summer? Exciting reading lists? Movies or documentaries set in exotic lands - or the reaches of space? Will you be one of the lucky ones traveling? 

No matter your plans, don't forget to register for Summer Reading!

Friday Ramble

Oh what a whirlwind is March ... but it is, officially, Spring now! There's tiny green leaves on trees and cheerful early blooms spreading their cheer, the days stretching longer with the hope of a new season. And the weather is as wacky as only a Carolina March can be. Some things never change, eh? 

#LucyMaudMarch Update
I'm a little behind on what I planned to read, mostly because I got sidetracked by a few other really good books, including Love & Saffron (Fay) and Run, Rose, Run (Parton + Patterson). Finding out the print in my copy of Pat of Silver Bush was much smaller than remembered slowed things down a bit too, ha ... It was delightful to revisit Silver Bush after many, many years however. I'd like to read one or two more before the end of the month - optimistic, I know. But maybe, just maybe ... I'll keep you posted. 

Have you done any Lucy Maud reading?

Tolkien Reading Day
Today is a glorious day for fans of hobbits and elves and dwarves! On this day, in the Lord of the Rings, the Ring was destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom. You can find out more from the Tolkien Society here, and if you want to find a Middle Earth-related (or Tolkien-related!) read for the weekend, here's a quick link to a broad library search.

Audiobooks
Over the last several years, I've really fallen in love with audiobooks ... the make me feel like my driving time is somewhat productive, and it's fun to mix things up a bit. Typically, I've listened to the more traditional books on CD/MP3, but recently I discovered how to connect my phone to the car audio, and can now play digital audiobooks in my car! It's glorious, ha. My favorite part is being able to pick up the story again easily if I switch cars, or if the urge to take a nice spring walk arrives - just switch to earbuds and I can listen and walk.

Have you explored our collection of e-audiobooks in the Digital Depot? There's over 400 to listen to! And you can search, download, check out (and return), and listen all within the Libby app! So easy!

And for even more, you can swing by the NCKids collection (just add NCKids as another library in Libby, pick Randolph County, and sign in with your library card & PIN numbers). NCKids is a great resource for elementary and middle grade books - although they have some YA fiction as well.

Friday Ramble

Whew. What a wild and wacky start to the year it has been! Snow three weekends in a row. The Olympics beginning. Days getting longer. Valentine's just around the corner. Does anyone know how to slow Time down a bit? Ha.

Agatha Christie

After discovering Mrs. Christie a few years ago, via Dan Stevens's beautifully narrated audio productions of Murder on the Orient Express and And Then There Were None, I've been quite intrigued. Slowly building a collection of her books, and giving tv dramatizations a whirl. [Sidenote: the linked dramatization was surprisingly gory!] More recently I've been reading historical fiction about her 11-day disappearance -- which books will be discussed in more detail soon. The idea that someone could simply disappear for 11 days, and to this day nobody knows what really happened ... that's fascinating. No wonder she's regarded as the Queen of Crime!

Rereading Books

On a whim, I decided to join a readalong on Instagram for one of L.M. Montgomery's lesser known books: The Blue Castle. Turns out I have actually read it before, in 2014, but that has not subtracted from the experience of reading it again. Montgomery is one of those authors I can reread a dozen times, and still enjoy - still pick up some new detail, or thrill over a particular turn of phrase. So much so, I'm toying with the idea of starting my own rereading agenda -- maybe a #LucyMaudMarch? We shall see ...

Do you reread books? I used to reread more often, but lately I've been reading so many newer releases that old favorites are being set aside - unless I pick up the audio, there's something glorious about listening to an audiobook of a well-beloved story. It adds a new dimension. 

Books Vs. Movies

This can be a dangerous topic, but it's one I've been thinking about lately. I recently watched Crazy Rich Asians - and while I thoroughly enjoyed the book(s), I only kept watching the movie because the score was beautiful and I had nothing else to do that night. For me, it's definitely a case of "the book was better." But that's not always the case - I'm a huge fan of the movies for The Princess Diaries and Ella Enchanted, but only so-so about the books, the same for Austenland. I love Confessions of a Shopaholic equally however, feeling like the movie did a wonderful job pulling together pieces of multiple books to make one super enjoyable and true-to-the-page.

Thoughts? What movies do you like better than the books? Or are you a strictly by-the-book person?

Friday Ramble

Not to scare anyone, but next Friday is Christmas Eve. Are you ready? I'm not 100% ready, but I think I'm getting there ... hopefully by this time next week, I'll have gotten all the loose ends tied up and can relax and enjoy the holiday.

Piano Covers of Disney Songs
Y'all. I stumbled across this on YouTube, and it's a game changer. As a lifelong fan of Disney anthems, and - in adulthood - a deep appreciation for the scores themselves, finding a collection of these performed in simple piano instrumentals? Yes please. So soothing, so relaxing. Perfect for listening to while working. (And there's a whole selection of videos with more songs!)

Treats & Eats (aka "Recipe Surfing")
Is anyone else deep down the rabbit hole of recipe hunting? I keep going back and forth between appetizer/finger foods and sweet treats ... This time of year always makes me want to get in the kitchen and start making delicious things - maybe it's the holidays and festiveness, or maybe it's the winter-time creeping in (hibernation season!). Here's a few that have caught my eye:

• Mini Macaroni and Cheese Bites
• Butterscotch Crunchies
• Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
• Dark Chocolate Loaf Cake with Peppermint Cream Cheese Glaze

Winter Book Bingo
Did you notice? There's a new Book Bingo board up on our Instagram and it runs through the end of February. (You can also find all the details in this blog post). The prompts are fairly open-ended, giving you lots of freedom and flexibility in your picks. If you're stumped, stay tuned: there will be a post (or few) with ideas for specific prompts.

Friday Ramble

Another Friday, another ramble ... Is anyone else confused by how fast time is flying this year? It seems like just yesterday it was mid-July, and now we're less than a week from Thanksgiving! It's a busy time for everyone, but here's a few rambling thoughts for you...

Festive Reading
Do you read Christmas/holiday books? If so, when do you normally start reading them? I try to wait until October 1st every year, but this year I actually started the last week of September - Susan Mallery has a new book, The Christmas Wedding Guest, and I managed to snag a copy on release day. 
Since then, I've read a few others, and have a nice sized stack waiting for me to get to ... There's something about holiday books - a special sparkle, a little extra magic (even when there's no "actual" magic involved). A friend recently asked me for a list of titles to help jumpstart her festive reading, so I'll share some here as well. [Note: some of these are newer releases and others are backlist; I tried to mix it up so not everything has a waitlist.]

• The Christmas Bookshop (Jenny Colgan)
• Christmas by the Book (Anne Marie Ryan)
• Twelve Dates of Christmas (Jenny Bayliss)
• Dashing Through the Snow (Debbie Macomber)
• Bonus: there's a Hallmark movie of this one!
• The Santa Suit (Mary Kay Andrews)
• In a Holidaze (Christina Lauren)
• The Mistletoe Promise (Richard Paul Evans)

The Olympics
It seems a little strange to be thinking about the Olympics already, since we just had the [delayed] Summer Games a few months ago, but ... I'm excited. The Winter Games are my favorite, and it's nice to have something exciting to look forward to in the wintry months post-holidays.

Book Bingo
Yes, Book Bingo is coming back! Our Winter board will go live after Thanksgiving and run through the end of February ... because adding a little spice to our reading makes hibernating more fun!

Personal Reading
I've read more so far this year than I did in all of 2020, and I am very pleased with that fact. I may be behind on my official Goodreads goal, but the most important thing is the reading mojo is returning, and I'm enjoying more books again ... Besides, there's still a month and a half left - who knows what I might manage to read in that time?

Friday Ramble

It's FriYAY! Time for another rambling visit about all the things ...

Retellings
Why do I always forget how much I love retellings? Or rather, it's not that I forget but more ... okay, yeah, I forget how much I love retellings. I've read several lately, and they are giving me new reading joy. 

• Incense & Sensibility (Sonali Dev) ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 (4 1/2 stars)
  This is the third of Dev's Jane Austen's retellings, and I love this series. This installment tackles Sense and Sensibility, and I think it handles modernizing some of the elements beautifully. Because there are definitely some unique challenges to modernizing that story. I'm hoping for more books/one for each of Jane's original six novels!
• Of Princes and Promises (Sandhya Menon) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)
  Fairy tales are my weakness. In general I rank "The Frog Prince" somewhere toward the lower middle of my favorites, but this retelling is delightful. A direct follow-up to Of Curses and Kisses {aka: definitely read that one first; bonus: it's basically "Beauty and the Beast"}, this has a touch of magical realism to make the prep school rich kid scene even more spectacular.
  
• The Beast of Beswick (Amalie Howard) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)
  This was actually TWO retellings in one book: "Beauty and the Beast" mashed up with The Taming of the Shrew ... because of course things get better if you mix Shakespeare with your fairy tale - why did I never think of that before?!
  ***Note: this one does get rather steamy, so if open door romances {aka: detailed romantic scenes} are not your thing - beware.
• If the Shoe Fits (Julie Murphy) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)
  The first in a new series reimagining classic Disney movies for adults, and I devoured this take on Cinderella. This is the update and modernization we have been waiting for - with a really fun reality dating show spin and so much in the way of body positivity and women supporting women.
• The Lady in the Coppergate Tower (Nancy Campbell Allen) ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 (4 1/2 stars)
  Another series I've thoroughly enjoyed is Allen's steampunk take on fairy tales. These are "proper romances" {meaning they're very chaste; nothing steamy to worry about}, but still pack a punch when it comes to the relationships between characters. This, the third installment, is a spin on "Rapunzel" 

The Most Bizarre Book I've Read in a Long Time
Okay, I read this book for a book club on Instagram and immediately pushed it into a friend's hand and said "read this!" I'm not going to give you any kind of plot details or in-depth review, except to say this is so bizarre but also so hilarious and it was exactly what I needed the week I read it. There's a sequel coming out in the spring, and I cannot wait!

To DNF or Not to DNF
If you're not familiar with the term, "DNF" stands for Do Not Finish - a fancy way to say you stopped reading a book before the end. I usually don't have many DNF books {mostly because I try to only start books I'm really interested in/feel certain I'll like enough to finish}, but I marked my first 2021 DNF title this week. It took me a few days to make the decision official, in part because I really wanted to like the book - the premise was interesting, it was a retelling (and you know I like those!), and I'd already read 40% of the book ... but ... it was going so slow; I was having a hard time staying focused on the reading; and several holds I'm very excited about came ready. So. I did it. I officially have a DNF title on my list for the year ... although I may still go back to it someday, because it did sound so good.

Do you like retellings? How do you feel about not finishing a book? 

Friday Ramble

Somehow we find ourselves at the end of July - which is also the end of Summer Reading (?!) - and over halfway through the year. Have you been as surprised by the rapid progression of time as I have? How about a little Friday Ramble as we collectively catch our breath and brace ourselves for all that August holds ...

Reading Outside My Zone
Lately I've been reading outside of my "zone" - and, believe it or not, enjoying those reads! What have I been reading? Mysteries. I know, I know. Not nearly as shocking as you suspected, but for me, to read mystery after mystery is a big change. I've avoided them, largely, because I tend to figure out whodunnit early on and get bored. I did stick with the Hannah Swenson mysteries even when I cracked the cases because I love the small town setting and colorful characters. This year I'm stretching even further (thanks to some helpful nudging by a friend who reads across the the genre board). Some highlights:

• The Guest List (Lucy Foley) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  My first novel by Lucy Foley, but definitely not my last. I loved the format/chronology of the storytelling, and the multiple point(s) of view (POV) really added to the ambience and experience.
• Roanoke Ridge (J.J. Dupuis) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  This was even more "outside my range" than the others in this list: It's a Bigfoot book. But it's also so much more, and the first in a new series that I'll be keeping an eye on. (In fact, I've just started reading the second book: Lake Crescent).
• Wild Women and the Blues (Denny S. Bryce) ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
  A mystery wrapped in historical fiction? Perfect. This one unfolded, layer after layer, as the dual narratives (one "present day" and one during Prohibition) worked together to reveal a twist I did not see coming!
• One by One (Ruth Ware) ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
  Another brand new author, and it might have been a 5-star read if I had not read it immediately after Lucy Foley's The Hunting Party. (Though very different, the two felt similar when read back to back - and it distracted me a little). This has a very atmospheric "Agatha Christie vibe" and kept me reading. I believe I knocked it out in 3 days? It was intense.
• A Deadly Inside Scoop (Abby Collette) ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
  So many new series to discover! This is another first book, and I was enchanted by the small town charm and the colorful characters. The foodie vibes (ice cream parlor! family chef nights!) had my stomach growling, and I look forward to seeing what mischief is still to come. The second book, A Game of Cones, is checked out and waiting for me to dive in to ASAP.
• The Last Thing He Told Me (Laura Dave) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  This was an incredible read. The format of the storytelling is perfection - with the flashbacks memories, gradually stepping back further in time, of seemingly "nothing" moments that gain whole new meaning in light of current events. I devoured this one, and gotta admit: it's worth the hype. Now to explore Dave's backlist ...

The Olympics
I'm not getting to watch quite as much as I'd like - those time zone differences make it rough, especially when you have to work in the morning! But I'm catching highlights and following results the best I can. I love the Olympics (actually the Winter Games are my favorite), the coming together to compete on such a stage. 
Are you watching? What's your favorite sport? 

Currently Reading:
Lake Crescent (J.J. Dupuis) as an ebook and The Hating Game (Sally Thorne) in paperback.

Hope you're all staying cool, safe, and healthy!
And if you've read any great books, let us know!

Friday Ramble

Another Friday, another ramble... Time is flying by, and things are changing with Spring's arrival. The world is coming back to green life, and the doors are opening here at the Library (more on that next week).

Enjoyable Books
After struggling to find books that kept my attention and/or met my reading needs the past year, I feel like I'm starting to get some of the reading mojo back. {This is a good feeling, readers. A very good feeling.} Sharing some of the books I've been enjoying lately, in case you need a little inspiration:

• The Paris Library (Janet Skeslien Charles) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  My first 5-star read of the year, and it broke my heart a little. I am very particular about WWII fiction (because heartbreak), but this one was based on actual events/the American Library in Paris and I took my chances. There are two timelines to the story: WWII in occupied Paris and Montana in the 1980s. The WWII/Paris storyline was my favorite, even though it was devastating at times. A good read, a thoughtful read. 
• The Guest List (Lucy Foley) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  I picked this one up at the recommendation of a friend - it's a little outside my normal range, but it was given a rave review. Oh my. I figured out the connecting thread fairly early, but didn't guess 'whodunnit' ahead of time. This is another "dual timeline" story, in that it goes back and forth between the event during the wedding and flashing back to the day/night before. Also featuring a lot of flashbacks as characters remember and reflect. This is a very character-driven story, and what a wild cast ... I will be picking up Foley's other books, she tells a good story.
• The Heiress (Molly Greeley) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  Based on the classic Pride and Prejudice, this is the story of Anne de Bourgh (you remember: Lady Catherine's sickly daughter who "should" have married Darcy?). It is ... something. Greeley explores a potential "why" for Anne's ailment, gives her life. Following some rather unexpected twists and turns {what would Jane say?}, it is both an imagining behind the scenes of a familiar story and a gentle examination of what we've done in the past. The way certain medicines were used, the way certain "ailments" were "treated" ... these things happened. Perhaps they still do, with different names. In the framework of a story I didn't expect, I found myself musing deeper. This is the second "Pride and Prejudice Novel" Greeley has written, and I hope she writes more, or even ventures into other Austen novels' forgotten characters.
• A Lady's Formula for Love (Elizabeth Everett) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  This was, quite simply, fun. There's an element of mystery and suspense, even danger! There is celebration of brainy women - even if their experiments and discoveries must be kept secret. {Did I mention it's set in Victorian England?} There is a dashing, broken and flawed male lead who appreciates said braininess (one woman in particular). It is most definitely a romance (with some sizzle), but there's so much more: Friendship and betrayal; the deeper fault lines of a society that is straining to change but doesn't know how, and the multitude of ways one can respond to these struggles; confronting the ghosts of your past and embracing your worthiness of a future. I devoured this book, and cannot wait for the series to continue.

All Creatures Great and Small
Masterpiece/PBS recently aired the first season of a new version of the James Herriot classic. As someone who loved the original show, and has read all the books, I was quite intrigued. Part of me misses the actors from before (especially Siegfried!), but I enjoyed the new series. Ms. Hall and Helen get more airtime and seem to take up more space - and I like that decision. The scenery is gorgeous, some of the vet scenes made me look away, and the illustrated style of the opening credits is glorious. Have you watched - either version? Read the books? What do you think?

Book Bingo & Reading Fun

The month is almost over, which means the first Book Bingo of 2021 is drawing to a close. I hoped to fill my card, but I'm a few shy. I did manage to get 2 "Bingos" though, so that's fun. 

I'm currently brainstorming ideas for a Spring reading challenge (another Bingo won't happen until Summer Reading) ... perhaps a "find it on the cover" checklist-slash-scavenger hunt type thing? Keep your eyes on Instagram, to see what's coming next!

Currently Reading:

Among the Beasts & Briars by Ashley Poston
After flying through the "Once Upon a Con" trilogy {I really hope there's more of that world, they are the perfect blend of fairy tale + geekery}, I'm devouring this new fantasy release.

Friday Ramble

In resurrecting and overhauling this blog, one thing staying the same is the "Friday Ramble." Looking back over the archives, reading old posts, these rambles were a fun addition to the mix. A catch-all of thought, a sampling of discoveries and ideas. Plus by Friday, "random selection" is about all our brains can handle. {Right? Or am I the only one?} So without further ado ... 

Reading Goals
If you've read The Archdale-Trinity News over the years, you'll be familiar with my yearly reading goals (and the occasional friendly competition with Librarian M to see who can read the most). As with previous years, I set my 2020 reading goal at 100 books. I failed, miserably. My grand total of books read-to-completion in 2020? A mere 61.
At first I thought it was my worst reading year in decades, but then I read an old social media post that informed me I read a few books less in 2008. Whew. Not quite as shocking, but still - I look at my 2020 total and can only shrug. If anyone asks, my response is simply "2020." In a year when so many discovered reading as an escape, I had a hard time finding books that took me away. And that's okay. If you set a record or failed to meet even previous years' limits, it's okay. Because none of us have lived through a pandemic before, and we are all learning as we go - adjusting as we go. 
In light of all that ... what did I set as my 2021 reading goal? 100 books. I know, I'm a glutton for punishment, ha. {I really just like the math - having every book be a complete 1% toward the goal.} I have no idea whether I'll make it or not, but I'm going to see.
Do you set reading goals?
Have you noticed the current state of the world influencing how much (or little) you read? 

Book Bingo!
Did you see the Instagram announcement? The Winter 2021 Book Bingo card is officially live! Check this blog post for more information, then swing over to Instagram and our "Book Bingo" story highlight to save your Book Bingo card.

Foodie Books
One thing became abundantly clear during 2020: I am most definitely a fan of foodie books. I love a novel with a strong kitchen/cooking/eating/food theme. I also devour {pun intended} foodie memoirs, the narrative nonfiction offerings from those involved with food. 
In case you're in need of some inspiration this winter, here's a few of the best foodie reads I conquered in 2020 [all links to the library catalog]:

• A Blissful Feast: Culinary Adventures in Italy's Piedmont, Maremma, and Le Marche by Teresa Lust  
• Dirt: Adventures in Lyon as a Chef in Training, Father, and Sleuth Looking for the Secret of French Cooking by Bill Buford
• The Secret French Recipes of Sophie Valroux by Samantha Verant 
• Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev

O. Henry
Are you familiar with Greensboro's own O. Henry? Perhaps best known for his poignant short story "The Gift of the Magi," O. Henry has been a literary favorite for years. I love perusing the O. Henry section of the Greensboro History Museum, and thought I had a decent idea of his biography. But this Book Riot post introduces whole new aspects of his story, and I feel an intense need to delve deeper. When the pandemic ends, I'm going back to the Museum, reading every word on the signs, to see if I missed these details somehow. In the meantime, I may have to brush off my O. Henry volumes and do a little reading this winter.

Bonus: Teasers for February
There seem to be even more reading "challenges" floating around this year to help people make the most of their reading in 2021.
Book Bingo reading suggestions.

Friday Ramble

Another Friday, another ... month? How is it October already? And more: Books checked out today are due October 24th; meaning we are 2 months and 3 weeks away from Christmas Eve. Just in case anyone was curious. Personally, this is a startling fact that leaves me searching for paper and pen to start scribbling down gift ideas for people. I'm running out of time! (I'm totally kidding). Though it's never too early to start brainstorming. Just, maybe not today ... for today, let's indulge in a Friday ramble instead. Deal?

Christmas Books
Okay, so maybe we can talk a little Christmas - but it's book-related, I promise! October is the magic month when Christmas books start being published. It's a little weird to me, but since Hobby Lobby and WalMart are already decking the halls, I guess it makes sense. Have you checked on upcoming Christmas-themed releases? When do you start reading Christmas book? I find that I can't read anything truly Christmassy until November. But I've already got a list of festive titles I want to read this holiday season. (Yes, it's an actual list. I believe in reading preparation).

Peter Pan
Here's an interesting thought for you ... The resurgence of Peter Pan-themed books and etc. Since I'm a fan of Peter and his Neverland, I find it fascinating. Sometimes, the new take is a very, very loose take indeed - like Second Star, a contemp YA that deals with some pretty heavy stuff. And sometimes, a different perspective turns everything you thought you knew on its head - like Alias Hook, a darker view of Neverland life from the eyes of the infamous villain. This morning, I stumbled upon this exciting news about a Peter Pan-based comedy (also links to more info about the next NBC live musical: yup, you guessed it, Peter Pan).

Books on Screen
I've talked about it before, but it really is amazing to me how many books are ending up on the screen right now - big and little. What do you think of this trend? Is it good or bad for readers? Do you love it or hate it? What's a book you would love to see portrayed in the movies or television? I enjoy a good book-based movie, and it doesn't even have to follow the book exactly - if it's still a good story. (Let's face it: some things you can't recreate outside of a page and your own imagination!) I think I'd like to see another Sarah Dessen book turned into a movie ... and we can always use another remake of Pride & Prejudice. Always.

Those are my main rambling points today. I can always find something to say about candy corn, football and my intense anticipation for the final installment of the Hobbit - but I don't want to overwhelm you, ha.

Here's to Fridays, good books, and a world that is paying more attention to things on the page!

Friday Ramble

Somehow, Summer has ended and Fall is slipping its way into our lives. School is back in session, college football season starts now, and September is a few days away. I don't know about you, but I feel like this summer flew by at a startling pace. Summer Reading has been over for almost a month, but it feels like just yesterday I was brainstorming ideas and sketching out the rules. (Or maybe it was -- I know the theme for next year already, and my imagination is giddy with delight. Just wait and see!).

Season changes can be fun times though. Late summer/fall can be a very busy time in the publishing world, and there are a lot of great looking books coming out soon! (Especially true of YA offerings - September alone has so many books!) The weather will eventually start shifting, leading to cooler days perfect for curling up with a good book and light blanket. And the football, always the football.

In the spirit of changing seasons and months, and the loveliness of Friday, how about a quick peek at some of the things I'm looking forward to?

I love the Shopaholic books, y'all. I think they may have been my first true foray in the world of "chick lit," and I've been a reader ever since. Becky Brandon is hilarious, her misadventures so impossible in my world -- but she's also so very real. She's flawed, and I love her for that. Looking forward to see what kind of trouble she can get into in Hollywood (my guess: a lot!) The only thing I'm not keen on is the cover ...

I've already mentioned the oodles of new YA titles coming out. If you want to take a peek for yourself, here's a pretty impressive list (and it only goes through September!) I think 2014 is going to go on record as a great year for books.

In non-book related channels, I'm working on a fun project that is requiring some quality time with this fantastic book ... As a lover of story, fantasy, and maps? This is one of the coolest things you could ask me to do ... Having a lot of fun with my 'research,' and can't wait to share more about the project in weeks to come!

Speaking of awesome 'imaginary' places ... Have you seen the newest addition to the "Darth Vader and Son series" by Jeffrey Brown? The book is Goodnight, Darth Vader, and I love the new poster:

For more information, or to download your own copy of the poster awesomeness, visit the official Chronicle Books site.

So there you have it ... a quick snapshot of Friday fun, and fall expectations.

What do you look forward to most about the changing seasons? Is there an upcoming fall release book that really has your attention?

Friday Ramble

I hope everyone had an amazing (and safe!) Fourth of July! Hard to believe that was already two weeks ago ... and there are only two weeks left of summer reading! This summer is simply flying by. In the spirit of Friday, here are some cool library or bookish things catching my eye this week ...

First, last weekend we had a great group of teens show up for the LEGO Robotics program. It was a lot of fun watching everyone build and program their robots to complete specific tasks. Check out our pictures on facebook!

Post by Archdale Public Library.

And then there's this ...

I have been a fan of Paddington for a long, long time. So to have him coming to the big screen in a few months? Oh yeah. This Librarian will definitely be there!

Actually, there are going to be quite a few books-turned-movies coming out the rest of the year ... You know, like:

• The Giver 
• If I Stay 
• The Maze Runner 
• Gone Girl
• Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
• The Best of Me
• The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1

Not to mention the final installment of The Hobbit. Also, I'm a little excited about the next Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.

To end my Friday ramblings on a sweet note, check out this listing of bookish cookie cutters.  Because cookies and books are a match made in heaven.

What have you found interesting this week?

Friday Ramble

Whew! Somehow, June is already (practically) over! Next week is July 4th! Summer is flying by, and what an adventure it's been so far!

I hope you've been reading good books - I know I've been very busy trying to catch up on my substantial To Read list (and yet, it never seems to shrink). I'm reading a lot of YA, trying to keep reviews and posts hopping over on the Teen Zone blog this summer, but I'm mixing in "adult" novels and the odd nonfiction title as well. Summer is a wonderful time for reading, and I intend to enjoy every page!

In the spirit of Friday, let's have a random, rambling listing of fun things and quirky thoughts ...

We've been having some wonderful Summer Reading programs for children (and families) on Wednesday mornings at Creekside Park Rec. Center! I especially love the pictures from the "Birds of Prey" program!

 

Make sure you check out our facebook page, to see more pictures from our summer events!

This piece from the Huffington Post, about the "7 Things Only YA Book Fans Will Understand" makes me laugh. Because it is so true.

If you're among the many Hunger Games fans, I'm sure you've already seen the first trailer for Mockingjay Part 1 ... but if not, here you go:



And while we're looking at trailer, how about a geektastic book trailer for one of my favorite reads of 2013: William Shakespeare's Star Wars:



I seriously love this series, as both a word nerd and a Star Wars geek. You should check it out if you haven't, there's a lot more information available on their facebook page (and the Library has copies too).

Speaking of a new spin on a classic ... how about this imprint that gives classic novels pulp fiction-inspired new covers? Some of them are funny, others are perhaps a little disturbing. It's definitely an interesting concept, this notion of rebranding books with simple cover redesigns.

What have you found interesting this summer? Stumbled upon an amazing new author, or discovered you like a book more than you thought? I hope you're having good reading luck, and not having to plow your way through one that's just not working (or, gasp!, even worse leaving it unfinished - don't worry, I do it too).

Friday thoughts

On this still-a-little-chilly Friday, I thought I'd just share some random thoughts (and links!) ... Like "what on earth happened to September and October?" This year has been flying by, and as November swiftly slides towards Thanksgiving and the holiday season, things will just seem to go even faster. Sounds like a good time to curl up with a hot drink and let your mind wander ... enjoy the quiet while it lasts ...

Want to see some too-cute mugs for holding that hot drink you're sipping? The crew over at EpicReads found some absolutely adorable ones, you can check out their finds here. While you're poking around on their blog, this Guide to Afternoon Tea might be of interest. (I confess, I don't always follow "the rules of tea" ... I rush things sometimes).

Movies are always a big thing around the holidays, and I for one am very excited about Thor: The Dark World; Frozen; and Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug. There's also already a lot of talk about movies coming out next year (Captain America: Winter Solider, anyone? And, of course, the final Hobbit installment!). One of the coolest things to me about movies right now is how many novels are turning movies -- I mentioned that earlier this year -- but there's been an increase in YA novels that are hitting the big screen. Here's a list of 13 upcoming YA movies, some have release dates some are still in the works. I'm personally most excited about The Scorpio Races, because I fell in love with that book.

Look at this vintage ad for a library: isn't it awesome?

To see more, swing by here ... and consider yourself forewarned: you can get very distracted clicking links and tracking through their various lists and etc. But it's fun, and I think we should try to bring back some of these vintage ads -- they're just plain cool.

While you're following links around the interwebs, have you followed us on twitter yet? And don't forget to check out our instagram feed!