Expanding My Horizons and Reading Challenges

As I was reviewing my Goodreads challenge from last year, I discovered that I read a lot of romance. Contemporary, historical, New Adult; I read it all. I even went through a phase where I read a bunch of books that I'd read before. Now, none of this is bad. I love a good romance! Romance novels are my happy place. I love happy endings, I love the predictable story lines, I love romance series with lots of characters, I love it all!

However, there are many other books outside the romance genre that I want to read that I never seem to get to. I found myself never expanding my horizons, never picking up anything a littler harder, with a little more depth. And I'm not saying this is a bad thing, either. I know plenty of people who only ever read romance, or sci-fi, or whatever genre, and are perfectly happy, fulfilled readers. So I'm not trying to shame anyone, or say that what's right for me is right for you. I just decided that this year, I needed to stretch myself a little. This is how I ended up committing to three reading challenges in 2018.

I'm hoping to complete the Modern Mrs. Darcy Challenge, the Popsugar Reading Challenge, and Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge by the end of 2018. If I don't duplicate any books, I'll have read 84 books. That's quite a bit lower than the number of books I read last year, but I am looking at some more challenging reads. Also, I'm sure I'll still get plenty of easy reads in as well, so I'm expecting to make my Goodreads goal of 100. And if I don't make that goal, that's okay too.

I've seen some discussion about the reading challenges taking the fun out of reading and making reading more work than it should be, which discourages some people from doing them. My answer to that is that these challenges are what you make them, personally. For me, it's a way to motivate myself to read outside my wheelhouse once in a while, for others, it's work. It really is what you make it. One piece of advice I have for someone who isn't sure if doing a reading challenge is for you: don't take it too seriously. When I was sick earlier this year, and didn't feel like doing much of anything, I plotted out the books I want to read for each challenge task. I chose to do this because I was bored, but you certainly wouldn't have to go that far. I've also already changed my choices for a few tasks, and expect that I'll make many more changes before the year is out. But I don't let it stress me out because while I want to expand my horizons, I still want reading to be fun. So this year, I plan to read some new things, try some new genres, and see where the books take me!

Review: Year One by Nora Roberts

Year One by Nora Roberts

Rating: 4 Stars

This year I'm participating in a number of book challenges across the web: Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge, the Popsugar Reading Challenge, and the Modern Mrs. Darcy Reading Challenge. This is an attempt to broaden my reading horizons and read books with more substance. I love a good romance, but I find myself going to that all the time, and there are so many other books I want to read! I'm hoping doing these challenges will help me push myself a little harder in my reading.

That being said, I'm easing into the challenges with the newest Nora Roberts novel, Year One. I used this to fill the "book with a cover you hate" category in the Read Harder Challenge. And I do hate this cover. I don't like birds, and that is a horribly ugly, creepy black bird!

I've been a Nora Roberts fan for a long time, so I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book when she announced last year that she was going in a different direction with her new trilogy. I like Roberts in a lot of ways because her books are similar in style and plot, so I was skeptical about this new direction, but I was pleasantly surprised. 

This is a definite departure from Roberts' traditional style, but I think she executed it well. I love dystopian fiction, and that's clearly what this is. It's got more magical and fantasy elements than the dystopian fiction I usually choose, but it fit together well for the most part. I did question some the idea that magical beings suddenly cropping up all over and everyone seemingly accepting it with no question. But other than that, the story flowed well. 

Some critical reviews have complained that the story dragged in the middle and that they didn't like the part about the settlement of the new towns. To me, that added to the story, and it helped me get to know the characters better, which got me more invested in the story. I did feel like the last bit, the last 100 pages or so, was a little rushed, but it did leave me excited for the sequel!

If you're looking for a slightly different take on dystopian fiction, or a Nora Roberts fan, pick this one up! 

Welcome to the new Jean's Book Bag!

Welcome to my new blog! I found that Tumblr was no longer the right platform for my blog posts. It's too cumbersome for what I hope to do with this blog, which will mostly be book reviews. So I loaded in the best of my old posts, and hope you bear with me as I learn this new platform.

Part of the reason I wanted to get this blog up and usable is because Amazon is apparently really cracking down on reviews of advance reader copies (ARCS), and I want to continue to get free books. Supposedly it's a matter of wording in the review, but it seems like it's getting more complicated than it needs to be. 

This blog will be a spot for book reviews and other bookish topics. I hope you enjoy it, and forgive me if I'm not very consistent in posting. Thanks for reading!

Worth the Wait

Worth the Wait by Lori Foster

Rating: 2 stars

This was a DNF for me. I got about 75% done and just couldn’t take it anymore. I skimmed the last few chapters and called it quits. 

Based on the synopsis, I thought this books would be right up my alley, and as a Kindle deal over Black Friday, a great way to introduce myself to a new author. However, I felt that the whole story was flat, even with everything going on (and by that I mean the multiple, very loosely connected storylines).

One of my main issues with this book was that there were too many story lines, and none of them were fully fleshed out. This story could have been served much better, if the two main romances had been separate books. Even though there were plenty of details for each story, it felt like there still wasn’t any substance. The conflicts were too easily resolved and treated almost as afterthoughts. The whole sexual harassment story line could have been a true source of conflict, but was addressed so superficially it felt like a writing project for a creative writing class on how to introduce conflict. 

Which brings me to my other major issue: the author’s writing style. It felt so repetitive and forced, very amateurish. There were multiple times I’d read a sentence and think, “Did a high school student write this book as a creative writing project?” 

I know romances are supposed to be somewhat predictable and conflict easily resolved, that’s why I read so much of it; but the conflict, dialogue, and internal thoughts of the characters need to be believable and relate-able to the reader and Foster definitely missed the mark on that score.  

Overall, I thought it was boring and dragged on way too long. I don’t think I’ll be reading anymore by this author. 

Death by Petticoat

I’ve been possibly the worst blogger in the history of bloggers recently, but since Amazon has changed their rules on reviewing “incentive products” aka books and other products received by the reviewer for an honest review, I’ve decided to get the blog back up and running!

Death by Petticoat: American History Myths Debunkedby Mary Miley Theobald and The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Rating: 2 stars

 I enjoyed this book, it was fun way to spend an hour or so on a Saturday afternoon, however, there are some major issues with it that caused me to only give it a two star rating. To start with, there’s no real rhyme or reason to the organization of this book. The myths are numbered, but the numbering system seems fairly arbitrary. Occasionally there will be two myths in a row that sort of related to each other (two shoe myths in a row, etc.), but other than that, myths are randomly assigned numbers. 

The main issue I had with this book, however, was the lack of information and citation. Many of these myths I had never heard of, so it was interesting to read short blurbs about each myth (no myth has more information than a page and a half, and most are decidedly shorter), but I found myself wishing for more. There are no citations for the information the author presents “debunking” each myth, which makes it hard for me to feel that they truly were debunked. There are times when she mentions research on certain myths, but I got the feeling for most of book that the reader should just trust that the author knows what she’s talking about and take her word for it. And while I think she does know what she’s talking about (her credentials and the acknowledgments confirm that), I would take it much more seriously if there was some citation to back it up. 

All in all, I thought the idea of this book was a good one, but the execution was lacking. If you’re looking for a quick read with some superficial information about common American history myths, this is a good one to pick up. If you’re ever at a museum or historical site selling this book in their gift shop, it’s a great souvenir. If you’re looking for some in-depth information on common history myths, give this a pass and look for something else.

Glory Over Everything

Glory Over Everything: Beyond the Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom

Rating: 4 Stars

After finishing The Kitchen House in a day, I was super excited to have received an advance reader copy of the sequel from NetGalley.

This story picks up some years after The Kitchen House left off, and follows the life of Jamie after he’s arrived in Philadelphia. Like it’s predecessor, it is well written, and easy enough to follow even with multiple point of view changes and time shifts. And again, this was a book I picked up and couldn’t put down, another one I easily finished in a day.

I enjoyed that this book really took a look at the trials of mulatto people during that time, a theme I haven’t seen very much. This story seemed slightly less dramatic than The Kitchen House, but I didn’t mind that. While I loved The Kitchen House, there were times when I felt bogged down by all the drama happening. In Glory Over Everything, I felt the same connection to the characters, and felt that I was seeing an accurate picture of their lives, but the main drama was part of the overarching story line.

Like The Kitchen House, I feel that this book will stay with me long after I’ve finished reading, and I already can’t wait to see what Grissom comes up with next!

The Kitchen House

The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom

Rating: 4 Stars

I was recently introduced to NetGalley, a website that doles out digital copies of books for review. The first (and only, so far) book that I’ve received through them is Kathleen Grissom’s Glory Over Everything, the sequel to her 2010 debut The Kitchen House. Because The Kitchen House has been on my TBR pile for ages, I decided to read that first, before diving into my review copy of it’s sequel for NetGally, and am I ever glad I did!

Honestly, I don’t know why I waited so long to pick this one up! I honestly could not put it down. I picked it up around 2 o’clock this afternoon, and didn’t stop reading until I was finished. Grissom tackled a subject as difficult as slavery and all the effects it had on anyone involved, and managed to keep the story easy to read and follow. I was very impressed that she was able to write about the subject without sugar-coating, and I really feel that she stayed true to what I imagine living in that time and place were like. And even with the point of view changes, I never had a hard time keeping up with what was going on.

I also really loved Grissom’s writing. She kept me engaged with the characters, and on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next. I honestly felt what they felt, making it so hard to put it down when I finished. This is one of those books that I feel will stay with me, long after I’ve put it back on the shelf.

Update and The Night Circus

Hello Readers! I’ve had a busy year, but I’m back! 

In December of 2014, I finished my MSLIS, and I’m currently on the job hunt. Finishing school meant more time to read, however, some personal issues slowed me down this summer. but I’m getting back into the swing of things. I’m hopefully going to be adding at least one book review a week, and I’m going to start with one of my favorites!

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Rating: 5 Stars

I loved this book! I found it unique and enchanting. It was different than anything I’ve ever read. I really enjoyed how the story was circular, and wound back into itself from the beginning to the end. It was extremely descriptive (which some readers may not enjoy) but I felt that the description was well done and I truly felt that I was in the story. I honestly am very picky about how descriptive I want my books, but this one struck exactly the right balance for me.  I found the whole book extremely well done, and enjoyed it from beginning to end. I couldn’t put it down!

Non-Fiction Reviews

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)

Author: Mindy Kaling

Rating: 5 stars

I loved this book! I’m not really a fan of The Office, so I didn’t actually know who she was when I first started it.  Full disclosure, I won this book.  I am so glad I won it though, because I honestly thought it was fantastic.  It definitely helps that she’s a professional writer, and she’s funny.  I felt like she was honest about herself, and life, which made the book so much better.  I also feel like she really had some good points, especially about high school.  She also has a very dry and sarcastic sense of humor, much like I do, which I enjoyed.  While it’s not a long book, it’s definitely one worth picking up.

Buyology: The Truth and Lies About Why We Buy and the New Science of Desire

Author: Martin Lindstrom

Rating: 4 stars

This was a very interesting book to read, and almost a little scary.  Lindstrom showed how little power we actually have over what we buy, and that’s a little creepy.  The book is based on a group of studies Lindstrom did, but he’s a good writer, so it’s not dry and quite readable.  He also revealed quite a number of things about marketing that surprised me.  For example: Warning labels on cigarettes can actually trigger people to buy more, not less.  Overall, a must read for anyone interested in marketing, and one I suggest for anyone who buys things.

Dust Bowl Diary 

Author: Ann Marie Low

Rating: 3 stars

I had to read this book my last year of undergrad for my History of North Dakota class.  The book itself is Low’s diary from 1927-1937, with narrative by Low (written later) thrown in to fill in some of the blank spots.  I thought it was especially interesting to read a first hand account, not only of the Dust Bowl’s impact on rural communities, but of how the people actually felt about projects like the Civilian Conservation Corps, etc.  She also went to Jamestown College, which as many of you know is where I went, so it was kind of fun to read about my school 75 years ago. This book should be read in every ND History class, high school and college.

Dirty Sexy Politics 

Author: Meghan McCain

Rating: 3 stars

This book was not at all what I was expecting.  Surprisingly, that was both good and bad.  I was expecting more insights into the issues the Republican Party is currently facing, since she alluded that that would be the basis of the book near the beginning.  The book itself seems more of a memoir of a typical 20-something girl on the road.  While that wasn’t what I was expecting, I definitely enjoyed that insight.  Some of the negative reviews I read before reading the book seemed to be a little over-sensitive to her content, and personally, I appreciated her honesty.  She doesn’t always paint herself in the best light, but I truly believe she was honest to the the experience. I feel that she wrote what she truly felt in the moment, and that made the book much more enjoyable for me.  She did show some bias, but she was talking about her father, so that didn’t really bother me.  It also helps that she’s a good writer.  If you’re looking for a really politically driven book, I don’t think this is the book for you.  However, it was well-written, and definitely worth the time spent reading it. 

The Horizontal World: Growing Up in the Middle of Nowhere 

Author: Debra Marquart

Rating: 2 stars

This is another North Dakota memoir, this one from the 20th Century.  It’s a memoir of the author’s growing up years in ND in the 1970s, if I’m remembering correctly.  This one only gets two stars because, while she is a good writer, the writing style was not one that I favor.  She seemed to jump around a lot, and there didn’t seem to be always a very good flow between stories and chapters.  She also did have a tendency to come off as whiny at times, which I didn’t really like. However, it was an interesting story, and the cover is gorgeous. :-)

Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang 

Author: Chelsea Handler

Rating: 1 star

I didn’t even finish this book.  Actually, I didn’t even make it past the first chapter.  I picked it up because I loved Mindy Kaling’s book, and I’ve seen Chelsea Handler’s show a few times, and thought she was kind of funny.  However, the first chapter of this book was so not funny, and inappropriate, I felt.  I’m not a prude by any stretch of the imagination (wait until you see what books I’m going to review when I do paranormal/urban fantasy) but I just felt that what she wrote about in the first chapter was inappropriate.  And it honestly turned me off so much, that I didn’t even go any further than that.  I returned it to the library, and I don’t think it’s one that I’ll try again.  It gets one star because she’s not a terrible writer, and I may still try a different one of her books, since others who have reviewed this one say her earlier efforts are much better.

Another Wrong Lesson From Mom and Dad

My topic of today may not be an issue for others, but it really is a problem I’ve had when reading.  This is actually a problem I have with movies as well.  I feel like once I’ve started it, I’m obligated to finish it.  I blame society, and my parents to some extent (sorry Mom and Dad).  But think about it.  How many times growing up were you told not to quit, to finish what you started, to stick with it through the end, or some variation on that theme? This is clearly very important when talking about important life tasks, but when it comes to reading a book or watching a movie, it’s not so relevant.

While lots of people struggle with finishing a book, I struggle with not finishing.  It’s not always that the book is bad, but sometimes I’m just not in the right mood for a book, or am having trouble getting into it.  It’s actually worse if the book is well written, because I feel like I really should stick it out.  Often that feeling stems from the book I’m reading being critically acclaimed or a classic, which means I feel like I’m missing out on something that society gets.  I hate not understanding what appeals to society.  I get that feeling enough when I see The Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy on the bestseller list.

The problem has actually become much less pronounced since I’ve had my Kindle Fire (which I LOVE, by the way, and totally recommend to anyone looking at getting an e-reader/tablet).  This is because Amazon has tons of free books available every day. While they do have mainstream books for free, often for a limited time, many of them are self-published authors.   That does not mean that all self-published authors are bad authors.  In fact, I’ve discovered many new authors through Amazon’s free books, and many of the good ones get picked up by publishing houses rather quickly.  However, the problem with self-published authors is that often they don’t have good, reliable editors (more on this topic in another post). 

To make a long story short, I’ve learned something from all of these free books I’ve downloaded.  If they’re not good, I don’t have to finish them.  Why it took me this long to figure this out, you ask? Because I wasn’t freed from the burden of keeping a book until it’s finished before then.  I honestly feel that if you spent the money, you should give a book a chance.  But when it’s free, who cares? If it’s crappy, delete it, no harm no foul. 

This led to a revelation about books that I’ve bought or borrowed from the library as well.  If you start a book and just can’t get into it, it’s okay.  It’ll still be around later. Try again.  If you try multiple times and you still can’t get into it, it’s maybe just not for you, and that’s okay, too.  If the book is just terrible, don’t finish it.  Why torture yourself for something that’s not going to entertain and/or educate you?  So don’t worry about it. Go back to the library or bookstore and try to find something else.

The moral of today’s story: when it comes to books (or movies!) it’s okay to not stick with it.  

It's Okay to Judge a Book by Its Cover After All

We’ve all heard the old adage; don’t judge a book by its cover.  Now, this is a wonderful metaphor, especially for teenagers.  It’s very important that we all remember not to judge people based on how they look. So, in that respect, don’t judge a book by its cover.

However, it is okay to judge a book by its cover when you’re talking about an actual book.  I know, sounds crazy, right? And I suppose that you can’t always judge an actual book by its cover.  But in general, you really can. 

I mean, think about it.  The cover is the first impression a book gives.  And you never get a second chance at a first impression.  Okay, again, this cliché is not completely true, at least in terms of books.  Sometimes re-releases have better covers.  But really.  How else will an author or publisher get me to pick up their book if it doesn’t have a good cover? If the cover of a book doesn’t catch the eye, it won’t get picked up. 

This is why cover art is so important.  Simple is usually better, and it needs to relate to the story somehow.  It’s hard to explain, but good cover art fits the story, no matter what it is.  Some covers are more obvious, like say, romance novels, or self-help books (they almost always have a picture of the author on the front cover).  Others are less obvious, but a good cover can give you the feel of the book before you even read the synopsis.  I know for me, when I’m going through the free Kindle books on Amazon, or signing up for giveaways, I only go to the synopsis if the cover attracts me.  If the cover doesn’t look good and professional, I’ll pass right by it.

Now I’m one of those people that’s a little crazy about my book covers.  I always want the prettiest one, and if it’s a series, I want all of the covers to match.  For example: I would never get The Hunger Games with the movie cover, because my other books in the series wouldn’t match.  That may sound crazy, but if I didn’t match the covers, it’d drive me nuts. 

The moral of the story: It’s okay to judge a book by its cover, as long as you’re judging an actual book.