tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17470712809825817072012-01-13T21:00:45.566-07:00SOME THOUGHTS ON MY FAVORITE TOPICSsarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.comBlogger3101100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-90666125999151665532012-01-13T15:14:00.001-07:002012-01-13T15:15:36.503-07:00

Friday Fill-Ins!! My answers are in RED! And...here we go! 1. When I looked out the window this morning there was a slight dusting of new snow on the ground. 2. Lady Gaga doesn't make sense to me. 3. Remind me to water the plants, I always forget! 4. Reading is something I love to do! 5. TP is how my Dad sometimes ends his emails. 6. I cleaned the refrigerator recently and I found no fruit.

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-38902159485103597042012-01-06T20:50:00.000-07:002012-01-06T20:50:52.458-07:00

I just finished the third installment in Gil McNeil's Beach Street Knitting Society Series - Knit One Pearl One. I loved it!! Oh books about knitting and life are so wonderful! I found her first novel "Diva's Don't Knit" (aka The Beach Street Knitting and Yarn Society" in the clearance section at Chapters a few years ago and loved it. Last year I read her second novel Needles and Pearls and

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-38471996849842017902012-01-03T20:57:00.000-07:002012-01-03T20:57:10.793-07:00

Here are my top ten books that I read in 2011 (in no particular order): 1. State of Wonder - Ann Patchett 2. An Irish Country Doctor - Patrick Taylor 3. Minding Frankie - Maeve Binchy 4. Firefly Lane - Kristin Hannah 5. Needles and Pearls - Gil McNeil 6. Bride of New France - Suzanne DesRochers 7. The Sea Captain's Wife - Beth Powning 8-10. The Hunger Games Trilogy - Suzanne Collins

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-21531308780510988022012-01-03T20:52:00.000-07:002012-01-03T20:52:03.756-07:00

I have read a few of Ann Patchett's novels and I must say they are all very different. Different topics, characters, and themes and by different I mean from each other and different from other books in general. From amazon.ca: "Dr. Marina Singh, a research scientist with a Minnesota pharmaceutical company, is sent to Brazil to track down her former mentor, Dr. Annick Swenson, who seems to

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-2218011269865910202012-01-03T20:46:00.000-07:002012-01-03T20:46:20.293-07:00

I downloaded Tamar by Mal Peet for my Kindle when it was the daily deal a while ago, and finished it while we were in Winnipeg. It is apparently a YA (young adult) novel but I wouldn't have classified it as such if it weren't for the forced/awkward romance between two of the characters. I rather liked this book (minus the previously mention romance)-but since I am on the lazy side I am not

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-25545940751205883532012-01-01T22:41:00.000-07:002012-01-01T22:41:49.100-07:00

I have at least 3-4 blog posts I need to write here but I just wanted to quickly say that I read 57 books this year!!! Not bad considering I had a baby in June and did not finish a single book in July, and had a few other months with just one book read. Since my little man only showed up at the END of June it was my highest month with 11 books, and 9 in May -I did go on maternity leave in the

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-40815040674109276792011-12-08T20:50:00.000-07:002011-12-08T20:50:56.159-07:00

It's been a long time.... Booking Through Thursday December 8, 2011: All things being equal, which would you prefer–a mystery? Or a love story? My answer: I'm not sure what all things being equal refers to, but this is an easy one: LOVE STORY. You could have paired almost any other genre against mystery and I would pick the other genre (except Western...then maybe I would pick mystery). For

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-42237346873160056152011-12-07T08:00:00.000-07:002011-12-07T08:00:08.726-07:00

December 6 – Make. What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it? Last year my answer was a scarf, and my answer is scarf again this year!! I've made a few scarves this year with some delicious wool I found in Halifax, and then some fairly decent wool at Michael's. I am really enjoying living in Red

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-11293494031734253942011-12-05T23:00:00.001-07:002011-12-05T23:08:52.899-07:00

Last year I participated in a blog thing called REVERB 2010...unfortunately I can't find anything on it anymore and nothing similar for this year. So I thought I would review what I wrote last year and respond to the ones that I think are interesting or important. We'll see how it goes. I'm heading back to Winnipeg next week and probably won't be doing much (if any blogging) but I'd like to at

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-85347948205940026302011-12-04T10:39:00.000-07:002011-12-04T10:39:32.265-07:00

I found Catherine Cooper's The Golden Acorn on amazon.com as a free Kindle book. Clever considering there are two more in the series and they each cost over $7! Oh well, the first one WAS free and I don't HAVE to buy the other two, except I do. I want to describe it as a young adult novel along the lines of Harry Potter but I guess that's not true (although it is VERY much a YA novel).  It's

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-54508912921365714322011-11-30T21:18:00.001-07:002011-11-30T21:19:45.425-07:00

I just finished Elizabeth Noble's The Reading Group (I was determined to finish it tonight so that it would count as my 4th book in November). I picked this up at Chapters a few weeks ago because it was in the bargain section and well, look at the title!! The Reading Group is about a small group of women who all at least sort of know each other, who meet up once a month  to -you guessed it!- have

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-41348960185226869912011-11-29T18:42:00.001-07:002011-11-30T21:18:36.812-07:00

I have been reading for myself a little bit lately, but most of my reading these days is to Félix, and although I know I can read anything to him at this point, it's more fun reading kids books. We read a few books a few times a day, and Dave usually spends some time each day reading to him too. Félix will sit and listen and try to touch the pages, and grab them if he can. Surprisingly at 5

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-66234979228297392932011-11-23T14:04:00.000-07:002011-11-23T14:04:54.897-07:00

I love Canada Reads, and for the past 2 years I have tried to read all the books. I did so in 2010, but  I only read a few last year but ended up bailing out early. This year I am not going to attempt it. "Why not?" you may ask, and I will answer, because I don't have time!!! I still read a little bit every day, but I don't really have the time to read like I used to (no 45 minute commute...oh

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-76735996393201632742011-10-29T22:03:00.000-06:002011-10-29T22:03:35.486-06:00

Yes friends you read the subject line correctly!! I finally finished a book! Take that October!! I read Elin Hilderbrand's Barefoot while on vacation last week! That';s the first book I've finished September and I managed to do that while on vacation to-woooohoooo!! Now I should review it...right...maybe later. I'm exhausted! Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-66073986403086464632011-10-21T08:00:00.003-06:002011-10-21T08:00:09.600-06:00

Friday Fill-Ins time again! (I'm filling this out on Thursday evening, but am pretending it's Friday!) My answers in RED! And...here we go! 1. Old me would need a bottle of wine to get drunk, new me would need half a glass. (that's what having a baby did to me!) 2. My previous answers do NOT look like I'm taking responsibility. 3. So...in a way I may not be all that responsible. 4. But

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-8118867159101968822011-10-20T17:31:00.000-06:002011-10-20T17:31:30.829-06:00

Booking Through Thursday question for October 20,2011: I’m on vacation this week. I didn’t go anywhere exciting or exotic, I’m just not at work. Spending time puttering around the house, playing with the dog and … oh yeah. Reading. A lot. Do your reading habits change when you’re on vacation? Do you read more? Do you indulge in lighter, fluffier books than you usually read? Do you save up

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-51628513114583597372011-10-17T17:01:00.000-06:002011-10-17T17:01:20.005-06:00

So remember back in February when I started knitting that awesome scarf? No you don't remember? Well check here if you are interested! Anyways.I finished-last week actually!! I have it worn wrapped twice, it can be worn in just the one loop, but it's too long for my liking.

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-17838605582831503042011-09-30T22:15:00.000-06:002011-09-30T22:15:31.960-06:00

It's time again for Friday Fill-Ins! My answers are in RED And...here we go! 1. I need to finish packing for our trip! 2. Can you believe how lucky we were. 3. A great deal more! 4. I'll have a cold beer in a big tall glass. 5. It was announced that Amazon is releasing a whole bunch of new Kindles. 6. For our wedding my aunt and uncle gave us steak knives. 7. And as for the weekend,

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-78704882386428833292011-09-23T11:34:00.000-06:002011-09-23T11:34:36.112-06:00

It's been a while since I've done Friday Fill-Ins-but here we go! My answers are in RED and my mom's are in BLUE (we were chatting on the phone so I had her do them too!). 1. When I walk around my neighborhood I see construction. Mom: When I walk around my neighborhood I see beautiful trees. 2. Chili is my favorite thing to cook. Mom: Paella is my favorite thing to cook. 3. Life is

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-59190973688610257682011-09-22T18:07:00.000-06:002011-09-22T18:07:04.355-06:00

Question September 22, 2011:  Do you carry books with you when you’re out and about in the world? And, do you ever try to hide the covers? My answer: Absolutely!! When I'm reading a book I usually take it with me EVERYWHERE! Well, by usually I mean before Félix was born. If we're out and about at this point it's because we are running errands so that doesn't really leave time for reading. When

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-38976039834357095672011-09-11T22:39:00.000-06:002011-09-11T22:39:29.131-06:00

I can't believe it's been 1 whole month since I've posted ANYTHING on here-not even a Booking Through Thursday or Friday Fill-Ins!!! How can this be? Well, I suppose having a 2 1/2 month old baby may have something to do with it, plus the visitors we've had, plus the 2 weeks we just spent back home in Winnipeg visiting family. I have managed to read a few books since my last post-namely the

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-76626716907662269092011-08-11T18:46:00.000-06:002011-08-11T18:46:12.448-06:00

  Booking Through Thursday August  11,  2011 Question: It’s National Book Week. The rules: Grab the closest book to you. Go to page 56. Copy the 5th sentence as your status (We’ve done something similar to this before, but it’s always fun, so … why not?) My answer: I am currently reading an Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor on my Kindle. This question taught me to use the search or "Go To"

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-31851133514120126622011-08-07T15:07:00.000-06:002011-08-07T15:07:40.458-06:00

Two books so far this month-woooohooooo!!! I just finished Maeve Binchy's latest novel Minding Frankie. I actually got this one for Christmas but because of the 2nd line in the description I thought I would be too emotional to read it while pregnant (and it's a good thing I waited). From the author's website: "Baby Frankie is born into an unusual family. Her mother is desperate to find someone

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-54003007007238097932011-08-04T15:37:00.000-06:002011-08-04T15:37:49.825-06:00

Hurray!! I finally finished my first book since I had Félix (5 1/2 weeks ago can you believe it!!). I started Justin Cronin's The Passage at the end of June and finished it yesterday!!I don't think it's ever taken me that long to read a book!! I kept coming across The Passage at the bookstore, on blogs, and from amazon and chapter's recommendations so I decided to give it a go!  A mix of the

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-90522132069455684872011-08-04T15:23:00.000-06:002011-08-04T15:23:27.170-06:00

Question August 4, 2011: What’s the last book you were really EXCITED to read? And, were you excited about it in advance? Or did the excitement bloom while you were reading it? Are there any books you’re excited about right NOW? My answer: The last book that I was super excited to read was Jean Auel's latest Earth's Children novel The Land of Painted Caves (my review here). Although the first

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-41120061414681340442011-07-21T14:07:00.000-06:002011-07-21T14:07:25.685-06:00

Question July 21, 2011: What’s the first book that you ever read more than once? (I’m assuming there’s at least one.) What book have you read the most times? And–how many? My answer: The first book I can remember reading multiple times is The Hobbit. I think I've probably read it 4-5 times, so it's also the book I've read the most.  I have always loved The Hobbit, and although I also LOVE The

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-4596325886271966092011-07-20T22:34:00.000-06:002011-07-20T22:34:04.012-06:00

So far this year I have read 42 books. Wow! In June, as I *patiently* awaited the arrival of my little lovey Félix, I read 11 books!! ELEVEN!!  So far this month I have read  ZERO books. I can't remember the last time I read so little!! I've been working on The Passage since sometime around June 23rd..I originally started it in hardcover, but realized I would NEVER finish it before the baby

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-7992739538993472372011-07-13T14:58:00.000-06:002011-07-13T14:58:55.812-06:00

In case you hadn't noticed, I've been MIA. You did notice??? THANK YOU!!!!! Well if you noticed then you are likely my family, or one of three people in Toronto who follow my blog (I love you guys!!), if you are someone else, then THANK YOU again!!  And if you noticed then you probably figured out that I have been MIA because OUR BABY FINALLY SHOWED UP (aka was born)!! Almost a week late!! His

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-86738821677715330842011-06-23T00:56:00.000-06:002011-06-23T00:56:11.613-06:00

Question June 23, 2011: What, if any, kind of music do you listen to when you’re reading? (Given a choice, of course!) My answer: The only time I ever listened to music while reading was when I was taking the subway, and that was mostly so I could drown out other people. When I read I generally like to have it quiet. If I'm reading while someone else is watching tv or a movie, it usually

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-59159511064393880452011-06-23T00:51:00.000-06:002011-06-23T00:51:20.535-06:00

Still no baby! Book #11 for June completed! I read This Cake Is For the Party, Stories by Sara Selecky.  From The Globe and Mail: "...while the collection explores sites of emotional and physical volatility, Selecky sinks her teeth into something far more powerful than the violence of loss: She skillfully wrests devastation from its customary gloom of lamentation and regret, and bares its

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-40942172206981933602011-06-21T20:48:00.000-06:002011-06-21T20:48:58.200-06:00

June book #10 completed: Plantation by Dorothea Benton Frank. Wow.... I don't know if I've ever read this many books in one month before (...checking my list....) nope, my previous best was 9 in both May 2011 and May 2011. The way things are looking I should be able to fit in another book or two, because I  don't think this baby is quite ready to come out ( I was due YESTERDAY!!!). Back to

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-32338789198459250582011-06-20T17:42:00.000-06:002011-06-20T17:42:19.026-06:00

An article on the Toronto Star's website caught my attention this morning about a group of Dutch people  that are going to burn Lawrence Hill's novel The Book of Negroes because of the use of the word negro in the title. For those of you that don't know, this is THE BOOK OF MY LIFE!! I think it is absolutely amazing. Sorry, off track there, so as I was saying, I came across this article and then

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-76988425956707715932011-06-17T06:53:00.000-06:002011-06-17T06:53:30.476-06:00

I finished my 9th book of June last night: Ann B. Ross' Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind. Meh. Not my favourite. It started out as the kind of book I've been reading but this one had a bit of "mystery" to it that I just found frustrating! Just get on with it already!! And some of the plot was simply ridiculous. From the author's website: "This book begins the series that features the sharp-tongued,

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-50008477224243706512011-06-17T06:45:00.000-06:002011-06-17T06:45:13.867-06:00

Friday Fill-Ins time June 17, 2011....my answers are in RED! And...here we go! 1. One of my favorite birthday presents was the earrings my husband gave me this year. 2. No thank you, it was as simple as that. 3. The moon was full and bright. 4. Nothing ever includes batteries. 5. I was tempted by cupcakes yesterday! 6. Swimming, reading, and watching fireworks are some of the things I

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-47207060254587291262011-06-16T18:08:00.000-06:002011-06-16T18:08:32.018-06:00

I finished my 8th book this month!! Kathleen Gilles Seidel's a Most Uncommon Degree of Popularity. From the author's website: "Her own daughter...one of the popular girls? On the first day of middle school, Lydia Meadows, a former lawyer turned full-time mother, is startled to discover that her daughter Erin is one of the popular girls, a tight foursome whose mothers are also great friends.

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-20376669586682848542011-06-16T17:57:00.000-06:002011-06-16T17:57:18.123-06:00

Question June 16, 2011: With the advent (and growing popularity) of eBooks, I’m seeing more and more articles about how much “better” they can be, because they have the option to be interactive … videos, music, glossaries … all sorts of little extra goodies to help “enhance” your reading experience, rather like listening to the Director’s commentary on a DVD of your favorite movie. How do

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-42140586937888885942011-06-15T13:59:00.000-06:002011-06-15T13:59:22.934-06:00

After reading Sharon Owens' The Tea House on Mulberry Street I was very excited to read the next novel in the sort-of series: The Ballroom on Magnolia Street. Unfortunately I was quite disappointed. Although similar in style, I just could not get interested in the characters or their stories! Oh well. I've read quite a few "gooders" as my friend Marcia might say, so  I guess a dud was due! I

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-72048758509327206322011-06-13T17:42:00.001-06:002011-06-13T17:43:26.740-06:00

Kristin Hannah's Firefly Lane is about a lifetime friendship between two women, Tully and Kate. The first chapter reveals that somewhere along the way the women had a major falling out and one of them (we don't know who) is finally reaching out to the other. I totally thought I knew what the falling out was all about and I was 100% wrong. Not only that the book ended in a way that I never would

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-2599273268536874642011-06-11T21:05:00.000-06:002011-06-11T21:05:41.937-06:00

I am on a ROLL!!!! I read Rebecca Shaw's A Country Affair this afternoon. WOW! It's the first of her Barleybridge novels and I can't wait to read the next ones! Another quick easy read-this one set at a veterinary clinic in rural England. I found it to be similar in writing style to some of Maeve Binchy's works as well as the last book I just read and reviewed by Sharon Owens, in that it deals

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-68345178149292202422011-06-11T13:48:00.000-06:002011-06-11T13:48:24.807-06:00

I am just flying through books this week-it's great!! I picked up Sharon Owens' The Tea House on Mulberry Street at the library because on the inside cover a reviewer compared Owens to Maeve Binchy's Quentins, and I  LOVE Maeve Binchy-especially that book!! I was not disappointed. The Tea House on Mulberry Street has an interconnected cast of characters that are involved in or are guests at a tea

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-76055529590061908582011-06-10T21:56:00.000-06:002011-06-10T21:56:15.978-06:00

Hurray!! I finished another book!!! The last few days have just been the best!! I've been relaxing and not going crazy over baby related stuff. I've gone for a massage, seen the chiropractor, bought new nail polish (that I've been trying to find FOREVER--->see here), found a neck shaped magic bag to replace the one that I lit on fire in our apartment in Toronto, went out on a date night for

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-80590491554981885972011-06-10T04:00:00.000-06:002011-06-10T04:00:14.192-06:00

Oh Friday Fill-In (June 10, 2011) -how you make my brain work!! My answers are in RED...And...here we go! 1. I remember when I first heard that I was accepted to the University of North Dakota-I could barely believe it and was so excited and terrified. 2. I love when the rain is showering down the side of our house. 3. Most humans have more to be grateful for than they realize. 4. I'm

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-41690875404038797552011-06-09T20:52:00.000-06:002011-06-09T20:52:46.512-06:00

Finally!! A book I could lose myself in!! I've had such a hard time concentrating on non-baby related things lately, and I was starting to miss the feel of  being completely absorbed in a book. Rebecca Wells' The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder was exactly the kind of book I was in the mood for!! Wells' is the author of the Divine Secrets of The Ya-Ya Sisterhood-one of my favourite books AND

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-55146199341377678832011-06-09T08:04:00.000-06:002011-06-09T08:04:49.113-06:00

  Question June 9, 2011: All things being equal (money, space, etc), would you rather own copies of the books you read? Or borrow them? My answer: OWN!!!! If I had all the money in the world (and the space too!!) I would absolutely want to own every book I read. For a number of reasons, they include: 1. I love looking at my bookshelf. I have my books organized by colour because it looks pretty

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-33385664410478843062011-06-08T18:54:00.000-06:002011-06-08T18:54:35.107-06:00

It's been a while since I've posted a book review!! I just finished reading Carolly Erickson's The Tsarina's Daughter. It started out really good, then became so-so, so overall it was ok.   From the publisher's website "It is 1989 and Daria Gradov is an elderly grandmother living in the rural West. But she is not who she claims to be—the widow of a Russian immigrant of modest means. In

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-53318243114634809952011-06-03T09:42:00.001-06:002011-06-03T11:00:54.504-06:00

It's Friday Fill-In time again, my answers are in RED  and for a special treat, my parents are visiting this week, so for double the fun my mom will answer too!! Hers are in BLUE! And...here we go! 1. Hey! We're going to have a baby in less than 1 month!! Hey! YOU! Get off of my cloud. 2. In every joke there is a kernel of truth.  A single kernel of truth. 3. Eat your vegetables, then

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-77717331881776765242011-06-02T00:14:00.000-06:002011-06-02T00:14:33.684-06:00

Question June 2, 2011: Do you read book reviews? Whose do you trust? Do they affect your reading habits? Your buying habits? My answer: This question seemed very familiar so I took a look at my previous BTT posts, and lo and behold I found it: June 24, 2010: Book Reviews! My answer continues to be: no not really. Sometimes I'll notice that a book is getting a lot of "press" whether that be

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-33096802573528193682011-05-29T12:44:00.001-06:002011-05-29T15:45:11.380-06:00

I finally read a non-baby related novel this week! Hurray! Marina Fiorato's The Botticelli Secret caught my attention because I had thoroughly enjoyed her Glassblower of Murano novel a few years ago. I also thoroughly enjoyed the Botticelli Secret! Luciana Vetra, a prostitute in 1482's Florence, is asked to sit for what will become Botticelli's famous painting Primavera. At the end of her

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-12258036984980587972011-05-27T04:00:00.000-06:002011-05-27T04:00:02.582-06:00

It's time for Friday Fill-Ins again-yay!! Remember my answers are in RED! And...here we go! 1. This week I enjoyed a visit from my in-laws, spent time with a new friend, read a bunch of baby books, went to the dentist for a filling, and hung out with my husband in the evenings! 2. I don't like making returns. 3. It's all about getting ready for the baby right now!! 4. After all this rain I

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-85067892404440551032011-05-26T17:18:00.000-06:002011-05-26T17:18:29.908-06:00

Question May 26, 2011: Do you ever feel like you’re in a reading rut? That you don’t read enough variety? That you need to branch out, spread your literary wings and explore other genres, flavors, styles? My answer:  I have definitely had that feeling before!! Sometimes I like to immerse myself in a particular author or genre-but I usually have enough after about 2-3 books-especially if there

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-21966367276647704312011-05-20T17:52:00.000-06:002011-05-20T17:52:56.377-06:00

I've been reading the first three novels in Ursula Le Guin's Earthsea Cycle over the past month or so (A Wizard of Earthsea, The Tombs of Atuan, and The Farthest Shore). My cousin-in-law lent them to to me recently after discussing sci-fi and fantasy works that we;'ve enjoyed. I love getting book recommendations, and I rarely get sci-fi or fantasy recommendations so I was super excited for these

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-45742866428852621222011-05-20T04:00:00.002-06:002011-05-20T07:56:06.274-06:00

Oh Friday Fill-Ins!! My answers are in RED!! And...here we go! 1. I see rainbows every time it rains in Red Deer (for real!!) 2. Don't scratch. 3. They begin at the beginning. 4. I wish I started keeping track of the books I read so many years earlier. 5. This I know: I can't wait for baby Girardin to arrive!! 6. I love having breakfast for dinner. 7. And as for the weekend, tonight

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-8949427593933283722011-05-19T21:46:00.000-06:002011-05-19T21:46:28.423-06:00

I didn't get around to doing Booking Through Thursday last week, and it just so happens that this week is a bit of an extension from last week-so I will do both! May 12, 2011: Do you read books “meant” for other age groups? Adult books when you were a child; Young-Adult books now that you’re grown; Picture books just for kicks … You know … books not “meant” for you. Or do you pretty much

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-66436681136560502602011-05-14T11:48:00.000-06:002011-05-14T11:48:23.507-06:00

Hello bog-I miss you. Yes I have been posting Booking Through Thursday and Friday Fill-Ins fairly regularly, but I have not been posting many book reviews-and those that I have posted haven't had as many details as they used to. I thought that when I went on maternity leave 8 weeks early that I would have tons of free time to read and blog, and knit, and relax. Well...I do..but I don't seem to

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-23443390254489159962011-05-13T14:30:00.000-06:002011-05-13T14:30:01.876-06:00

 Yay it's the weekend!! My answers in RED! So...here we go! 1. I know how lucky I am! 2. I would like to have an easy birth if at all possible. 3. This weather has been great for going for walks. 4. I am grateful that in my pregnancy I haven't had a problem. 5. I'm really happy I have the ability to have the career that I love and was meant to do. 6.  If you don't have something nice

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-3740622829154444132011-05-06T08:37:00.000-06:002011-05-06T08:37:51.072-06:00

It's time again for Friday Fill-Ins! My answers are in RED! And...here we go! 1. The Notebook is my favorite TV show (or movie) because everything about it is beautiful, even the sad parts. 2. Go to page 45 of the book you're reading or of the book closest to you; go to the 6th paragraph and make a sentence out of 7 words from it: "Giving birth is a very powerful experience." (From the

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-69930190638032241392011-05-05T08:16:00.000-06:002011-05-05T08:16:14.463-06:00

Question May 5, 2011: And–the reverse of last week’s question. Name one book that you hope never, ever, ever gets made into a movie (no matter how good that movie might be). My answer: Easy: I hope Freedom by Jonathan Franzen never makes it to the big screen!! Oh man that book was so boring I couldn't finish it. One movie that shouldn't have been made into a movie but was is Revolutionary

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-82438003167633740662011-04-29T13:16:00.000-06:002011-04-29T13:16:33.520-06:00

Elizabeth Lenhard's Chicks with Sticks: It's a Purl Thing is YA (young adult) meets chicklit meets knitting. I think that pretty much sums up this book. A quick, easy, angsty read. Enough said.

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-6810372303404581552011-04-29T06:00:00.000-06:002011-04-29T06:00:11.502-06:00

I haven't done Friday Fill-Ins for a while-my answers are in RED! And...here we go! 1. I love to feel our baby moving around-most of the time!! 2. Nothing beats a big hug and a smile. 3. It's how you get through the hard times that really matters. 4. Is it a boy or a girl-don't tell me! 5. Well, would you like someone punching you in the ribs all day? (I kind of do) 6. Ummmmm...what

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-58155902489272405682011-04-28T14:41:00.001-06:002011-04-28T14:46:56.327-06:00

I just finished reading Deborah Harkness' A Discovery of Witches on my Kindle. I chose this book because it kept coming up on other blogs, bookstore websites (amazon, chapters) AND there was a poster for it on the subway (back when I lived in Toronto...ok so that was like 2 weeks ago). I was really excited for this book based on the title and what I gleaned from a quick glance at the "blurb" -I

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-79160574241604324422011-04-28T08:17:00.000-06:002011-04-28T08:17:14.434-06:00

Question April 28, 2011: If you could see one book turned into the perfect movie–one that would capture everything you love, the characters, the look, the feel, the story–what book would you choose? My answer: I would love to see The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society turned into a movie!! I loved this book BOTH times I read it!! See my review here. I loved the characters, the time

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-63400237251810388652011-04-21T13:33:00.000-06:002011-04-21T13:33:02.999-06:00

Question April 21, 2011: CAN you judge a book by its cover? My answer: Well of course you CAN! Do you, or should you are completely different!!!  I do judge books by their covers, especially if I am browsing at the book store (rather than online). If a cover catches my eye I will pick it up and look at the title and read the back blurb-yes I read the blurbs!! At the same time, if I don't like

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-53276990671055548732011-04-20T13:38:00.000-06:002011-04-20T13:38:04.264-06:00

After 30 years, Jean Auel has finally written the final book in her Earth's Children Series: The Land of Painted Caves. I came across this historical fiction series a few years ago on a receommendation from former a patient and I fell in love! According to Goodreads Earth's children is "...a series of historical fiction novels set in prehistoric Europe that explores interactions of Cro-Magnon

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-58531590700570684382011-04-12T18:56:00.000-06:002011-04-12T18:56:35.868-06:00

I had to interrupt my reading of Jean Auel's newest book to read Beth Pattillo's The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society because I needed to return Pattillo's book to the library. Why didn't I renew you may ask? Because I am moving to Red Deer, Alberta this weekend!!!! Finally!!! I apologize for the lack of posts over the past few weeks-but I have been trying to get organized for moving and so have been

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-53474657619088061502011-04-09T11:03:00.000-06:002011-04-09T11:03:32.017-06:00

Booking Through Thursday question for April 7, 2011: So … the books that you own (however many there may be) … do you display them proudly right there in plain sight for all the world to see? (At least the world that comes into your living room.) Or do you keep them tucked away in your office or bedroom or library or closet or someplace less “public?” My answer: Our books are in the

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-66607608298734327072011-04-01T16:11:00.000-06:002011-04-01T16:11:12.111-06:00

And...here we go! (My answers in RED) 1. I can't believe it's already April! 2. Living in a big city isn't for everyone. (But I've loved it!) 3. How can I wait 2 1/2 more months for this baby to come-I'm too excited!! 4. Spaghetti with meat sauce was the last thing I cooked. 5. Six of one half a dozen of the other. (I know that's lame but I can't think of anything else) 6. Fish or

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-25621998177797288692011-03-31T17:33:00.000-06:002011-03-31T17:33:00.535-06:00

Booking Through Thursday for March 31, 2011: If you’re like me, you grew up reading everything under the sun, like the cereal boxes while you ate your breakfast, the newspapers held by strangers on the subway, the tabloid headlines at the grocery store. What’s the oddest thing you’ve ever read? (You know, something NOT a book, magazine, short story, poem or article.) My answer: Hmmmmmm...I

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-89626579029339535772011-03-30T19:51:00.000-06:002011-03-30T19:51:49.788-06:00

Sarah Blake's The Postmistress is my book club's April selection. This will sadly be my FINAL book club becuase two days after it I will officially be moving to Red Deer! Craziness. As you may know I don't like to say too much about my book club books on here because I like to save my comments for our discussions. Plus my reviews have been a bit lame-o lately because I feel like I can't fully

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-7908902139265495712011-03-26T20:14:00.000-06:002011-03-26T20:14:14.243-06:00

I read Kate Mosse's novel The Winter Ghosts last week. It was okI guess.  From the author's website: "In the winter of 1928, still seeking some kind of resolution to the horrors of World War I, Freddie is traveling through the beautiful but forbidding French Pyrenees. During a snowstorm, his car spins off the mountain road. Dazed, he stumbles through the woods, emerging in a tiny village,

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-88390862548071319942011-03-25T16:58:00.000-06:002011-03-25T16:58:25.285-06:00

Oh Friday Fill-Ins!  And...here we go! (My answers are in red!) 1. Why does it not just warm up for good!! 2. Two people giving 50% is equal to 50%. 3. My favorite breakfast includes waffles with strawberries and an Arnold Palmer from over easy. 4. The Book of Negroes was the last book I read twice in one year. 5. I am SO glad it's Friday and I get to hang out with my friends! 6. Being

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-31570743288302779892011-03-24T18:54:00.001-06:002011-03-24T18:58:36.726-06:00

March 24, 2011 question: Series? Or Stand-alone books? My answer: Short answer: Series please!! I love being able to find out what happens next!! Long answer: I feel like I answered this question a while ago so I looked back through my archives to see: On September 30, 2010 the question was about a series “jumping the shark, you can see my response here. In that post I did list my favourite

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-63994730557841219002011-03-21T18:59:00.000-06:002011-03-21T18:59:47.644-06:00

Gil McNeil's novel Needles and Pearls was EXACTLY the kind of book I needed last week!! It is the sequel to Divas Don't Knit and is equally entertaining. I found Divas Don't Knit a year or so ago at Chapters for a few dollars and bought it and loved it, and so I was thrilled when I found Needles and Pearls on their shelves for $5 last week!! According to Goodreads: "A year after her husband's

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-21380097583196504312011-03-18T08:26:00.000-06:002011-03-18T08:26:02.507-06:00

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (referred to hereafter as TGLAPPS) by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows was my book club's selection this month. I initially read this book a couple of years ago but reread it for 2 reasons:1. I LOVED it the first time I read it, and 2. I did not reread our February selection Little Bee and completely forgot EVERYTHING about it and could not

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-11210138878518401502011-03-18T08:15:00.000-06:002011-03-18T08:15:23.166-06:00

My answers are in RED as per usual! And...here we go! 1. I love to go to the book store because I love finding new books to read. 2. It's not the quantity, it’s the quality! 3. The last thing I had to eat was a banana. 4. An air conditioner is no longer essential. 5. Please take a moment to be thankful for the wonderful people and things in your life! 6. Your morals, beliefs, and

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-72942339064424288632011-03-18T08:08:00.000-06:002011-03-18T08:08:40.036-06:00

There was an interesting article in the Toronto Star today about HarperCollins Publisher putting a 26 download cap on library book titles. When the Toronto Public Library (TPL) purchases an e-book, only one user can take it out at a time, just like a regular book (you can have up to 10 e-books out at once for up to 21 days each). After that "copy" has been loaned out 26 times the library now has

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-35507772358868795882011-03-12T10:20:00.001-07:002011-03-12T10:21:26.967-07:00

Joyce Maynard's The Good Daughters seemed like a really intersting book. From the publisher's website: "They were born on the same day, in the same small New Hampshire hospital, into families that could hardly have been less alike...Told in the alternating voices of Ruth and Dana, The Good Daughters follows these "birthday sisters" as they make their way from the 1950s to the present. Master

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-61410149206725103752011-03-11T15:54:00.001-07:002011-03-12T10:37:25.781-07:00

Thursday, March 10, 2011 Friday Fill-Ins! And...here we go! My answers are in RED and since my mom is still here visiting, her answers are in BLUE! 1. Oh gross! I thought it was chocolate.      Oh gross! I thought it was mud. 2. Living in separate provinces from my husband while pregnant-well THAT's off my bucket list!     Toronto-well THAT's off my bucket list! 3. No, thank you!    

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-4886375982031640052011-03-10T16:41:00.000-07:002011-03-10T16:41:18.497-07:00

March 10, 2011: Do you multi-task when you read? Do other things like stirring things on the stove, brushing your teeth, watching television, knitting, walking, et cetera? Or is it just me, and you sit and do nothing but focus on what you’re reading? (Or, if you do both, why, when, and which do you prefer?) My answer: It depends. If I'm reading on the subway then I am just reading (unless

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-47205208299226318042011-03-09T18:59:00.000-07:002011-03-09T18:59:52.351-07:00

I thoroughly enjoyed Suzanne DesRochers' Bride of New France. Laure is a young woman living in the Salpetriere-a dormitory/orphanage/hospital in Paris in 1669. She was taken from her parents from the streets of parents as a toddler because they were homeless beggars on the streets. Taught needlework and to make lace, she produces exceptional work, and Laure dreams of one day becoming a seamstress

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-46523253386162323822011-03-06T17:52:00.000-07:002011-03-06T17:52:14.619-07:00

Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go was intriguing in the beginning, but a bit disappointing overall. From amazon.ca:  "Hailsham seems like a pleasant English boarding school, far from the influences of the city. Its students are well tended and supported, trained in art and literature, and become just the sort of people the world wants them to be. But, curiously, they are taught nothing of the

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-17861092225347771902011-03-04T20:17:00.000-07:002011-03-04T20:17:50.420-07:00

Friday Fill-Ins! And...here we go! My answers in RED, my mom's answers in BLUE!! 1. Bring your favorite comfy clothes. Bring your favorite dish. 2. Batteries are included.   Instructions are included. 3. That is exactly right.    What I said is exactly right. 4. Well, you see, it's just like I said.  Well, you see, I think that's spectacular. 5. See you soon!  Coming soon! 6. But

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-84937184988853442592011-03-03T15:59:00.000-07:002011-03-03T15:59:45.297-07:00

March 3, 2011: Do you cheat and peek at the ends of books? (Come on, be honest.) My answer: Nope! I used to look at the last WORD of a book, but that was YEARS ago. I don't want to spoil the story by accidentally seeing a name of someone who you think might not make it to the end! How about you?

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-85277721762662103782011-03-01T19:03:00.000-07:002011-03-01T19:03:09.335-07:00

"1908. New Venice--"the pearl of the Arctic"--a place of ice palaces and pneumatic tubes, of beautifully ornate carriage-sleds and elegant victorian garb, of long nights and vistas of ice. But as the city prepares for spring, it feels more like qaartsiluni--"the time when something is about to explode in the dark." Local "poletics" are wracked by tensions with the Eskimos circling the city,

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-54036856783327301682011-02-27T11:47:00.000-07:002011-02-27T11:47:55.648-07:00

I finished Suzanne Collins' second novel in the Hunger Games Trilogy earlier this week (Catching Fire) and the final volume today (Mockingjay). As I mentioned in my post about the first book The Hunger Games, I don't really want to tell you anything about any of these books because I think you should discover them completely on your own. I had also mentioned that I don't tend to gravitate

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-24173001384488256542011-02-25T05:00:00.001-07:002011-02-25T05:00:06.786-07:00

Friday Fill-Ins 2011-8 And...here we go! (My answers are in RED!) 1. Ooooh, I can't wait to move to Red Deer. 2. Hurry up April, I can't stand it! 3. How the heck did I end up with so many broken glasses. 4. Lake of the Woods is one of my favorite places to visit. 5. I'm not a bossy boots, I'm not! 6. If I'm going to buy a new book it has to be good. 7. And as for the weekend,

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-11759229546106082792011-02-24T17:35:00.000-07:002011-02-24T17:35:41.539-07:00

February 24, 2011: All other things being equal–do you prefer used books? Or new books? (The physical specimen, that is, not the title.) Does your preference differentiate between a standard kind of used book, and a pristine, leather-bound copy? My answer:  I have no problem buying used books in good or even fair condition, especially for a good price!! If I loved a book that I got from the

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-62023352030777091042011-02-23T19:24:00.000-07:002011-02-23T19:24:04.648-07:00

I've been coming across references to Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games trilogy for a while now and had been wondering what it was all about. They are often referred to as Young Adult (YA) novels, and for some reason that tends to make me shy away from books (even though I love things like Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia). Since I was going to be on the plane last weekend for 4 hours

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-4146103392160761302011-02-23T19:11:00.000-07:002011-02-23T19:11:47.042-07:00

I am making a baby blanket for our baby YAY!!! I meant to post this a few weeks ago when I first started, but didn't get around to it!! I started knitting this the day Dave left for Red Deer and it honestly helped to keep sane that day an not bawl my eyes out the whole day (just once in a while). I haven't spent a ton of time on it so it isn't very big yet! I don't have a pattern, I'm just

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-67443540264329891962011-02-23T18:56:00.000-07:002011-02-23T18:56:56.482-07:00

I've been wanting to make this cowl scarf (which is like one big loop) for a while now, and one of my favourite knitting stores posted this free pattern-YAY! It's knit in the round which is pretty cool!! I spent the better part of my flight to and from Edmonton last weekend knitting and this is what I have so far:  one day it will look like this (but in different colours):

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-38742203071969008382011-02-15T15:45:00.000-07:002011-02-15T15:45:14.069-07:00

Margaret Elphinestone's The Gathering Night was an incredibly enjoyable read. From amazon.ca: "Between Grandmother Mountain and the cold sea, Alaia and her family live off the land. But when one of her brothers goes hunting and never returns, the fragile balance of life is upset. Half-starved and maddened with grief, Alaia's mother follows her visions and goes in search of her lost son.

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-29838389025160089712011-02-12T16:12:00.000-07:002011-02-12T16:12:26.496-07:00

Beth Powning's The Hatbox Letters was heartbreaking to be honest with you!! I'm surprised I made it through without tears!! The main character Kate is mourning the loss of her husband 1 1/2 years earlier. With two grown children living out of town, parents in Florida, and many friends and neighbours in "semi-rural" New Brunswick, Kate is managing to move forward, but barely. She sees her husband

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-73938668743089165682011-02-11T20:54:00.000-07:002011-02-11T20:54:31.548-07:00

Friday Fill Ins - 2011-06 As always, my answers are in RED: And...here we go! 1. Family is wonderful!! 2. We all have our ups and downs. 3. Trust is very important to me. 4. It's probably for the best. 5. Parents are what we'll be this summer!! 6. "That's what she said" was what was said. 7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to tacos with some amazing friends,

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-45040117407150107242011-02-09T17:14:00.000-07:002011-02-09T17:14:46.654-07:00

Terry Fallis' The Best Laid Plans won Canada Reads 2011 today. Wow. That went by fast. I was determined to read all five books like I did last year, that didn't happen. I even had more time this year!! I guess none of the books really interested me all that much and I didn't really make it a priority. I tried to read Mavis Gallant's Home Truths and just couldn't get into it.  Too bad. Oh well.

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-18247214996640469002011-02-07T17:34:00.000-07:002011-02-07T17:34:19.937-07:00

After using my dad's kindle a few weeks ago I purchased my own!! I love it! I've only read one book on it so far though as I have a ton of books on hold at the library!! That book my friends, was Jenna Blum's Those Who Save Us. I read her book The Stormchasers last year and really enjoyed it, but Those Who Save Us was phenomenal. The book is told in two stories, jumping back and forth

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-67964163923489343742011-02-01T18:40:00.000-07:002011-02-01T18:40:51.516-07:00

I almost forgot to write this book review because I read Lisa Genova's Left Neglect so quickly!! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, just as much as I enjoyed her first novel Still Alice. Rather than examining Alzheimer's disease, Left Neglected looks at a lesser known neurological condition-left neglect. Working on a stroke unit (for those that don't know I am a speech-language pathologist), this

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-42925177021277062062011-01-29T15:00:00.001-07:002011-01-29T15:00:00.423-07:00

My parents were in town recently and my dad brought his Kindle along so I could try it. It was awesome! I've looked at the Kobo from Chapters a few times, but I found that the pages refreshed, or changed too slowly for me. The Kindle was faster for sure, plus my dad has the older generation and had seen my uncle's newest generation Kindle- and reported that it was even a bit faster and the

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-27154214557223901512011-01-28T17:00:00.001-07:002011-01-28T17:00:00.966-07:00

I was SOOOO EXCITED to read Kate Morton's newest book The Distant Hours. The Forgotten Garden was one of my favorite books of 2009 and maybe even of all time!! (Yes I realize this sounds a lot like my post about A Secret Kept -the similarities don't end there either!). I also loved Morton's other novel The House at Riverton. I am yet again disappointed!! I need to stop doing this to myself, but

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-11168743796508148232011-01-27T17:39:00.000-07:002011-01-27T17:39:10.723-07:00

January 27. 2011: What’s the largest, thickest, heaviest book you ever read? Was it because you had to? For pleasure? For school? My answer: I feel like I've read many large/heavy/long books but I'm having a hard time remembering boks by length to be honest with you. However, according to Goodreads the longest book that I've read is Ann-Marie MacDonald's Fall on your knees at 672 pages. I am

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-71709943011223962882011-01-27T17:34:00.000-07:002011-01-27T17:34:02.521-07:00

A Secret Kept is by Tatiana De Rosnay-author of Sarah's Key-one of my favorite books of 2010!! This also happened to be my first reading experience on an e-reader, my dad's Kindle, but we'll talk about that later. I expected A LOT from A Secret Kept because I loved Sarah's Key SO MUCH-and I was a bit disappointed. It was an ok read but definitely not a top pick for 2011, that's for sure. A

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747071280982581707.post-66216287371598687362011-01-24T18:53:00.000-07:002011-01-24T18:53:49.841-07:00

Stay tuned for the following upcoming posts: My first e-book experience Book review: A Secret Kept Book review: The Distant Hours A knitting related post Aren't you so excited!!! Ok maybe not, but I am!! Hope your week is off to a good start :)

sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11166758402621735401noreply@blogger.com1