I've always had a love for libraries.  I clearly recall the Windsor Public Library, where I would spend many of summer days there, where I had my CPR/babysitting class and of course the racks and racks of books.  When spending time with my dad we would go to his local library.  Again, loved it.  So it doesnt come as a surprise that I make time in our schedule to visit our library.  The boys love going.

One of the things I've been missing quite a bit lately is reading.  A while back my dad suggested books on CD.  I filed that suggestion away, knowing it was a good idea and someday I would do it.  This past Sunday was the day I did it.  At our weekly trip to the library we ventured to the adult section for this mama to get a book....on CD. 

I am totally into this book, The Help.  I've been listening during my commute from/to Grandma's on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I am loving it. 

We even checked out a Thomas book on CD.  They listen to books on CD at school, so its not anything new to Max.  This morning I popped The Cranky Day CD into the player and Max sat quietly in the back seat, listening intently. 

My hesitation of deviating from the traditional book reading (you know where you open a book and turn pages) is starting to ween...just a little bit.  This was a BRILLIANT idea.  Thanks Dad!! 

I had started a habit.  A weekly trip to our local library on Sunday afternoons, after nap.  We started this during my time home this summer, after Theo was born.  I want Max, and eventually Theo, to acquire the same love I have for the library.  (well, I hope!)

This past Sunday during our weekly trip, I found these two books.  All I can say is, 'where have you been all of Max's life???' He actually sleeps with the Tip Tip Dig Dig book.  Loves it.

I highly recommend them for all little boys, and girls too!

This is the year I stick to the reading.  I miss it.  Something about a book that intrigues me, takes me away, entertains me.  I have been having a hard time committing to the reading since Max arrived, and I have no idea what kind of free time I will have with having another baby.  But I committed to two books a month.  I can do it! 


via goodreads What books are on your reading list?



Starting this weekend, I've implemented a new naptime ritual.  Reading.  I used to read all the time before Max.  I've read two books, simple all fluff books since Max, and all I can say is that I miss my books.  So instead of cleaning up after Max or the kitchen or taking a shower, the AM naps will be spent reading. 

To jump start my reading I had to pick up something super light, cheesy and easy peasy to read.  This will allow me and my brain to get used to the idea of reading again.  And in a few months I'll be back to my heavy, non-fiction pieces. 

I think I used to read anywhere from 10 to 15 books a year.  That might not seem like a lot, or it might, but it was my average.  This year, my goal is one book a month.  Obviously, starting with the one above.  (if you  havent noticed, the Reading side bar section has had the same book for almost a year now.  I will finish that book this year!)

Do you have any favorite books?  Any highly recommended? 

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Want to join me on this quest?  I would love to hear what book(s) you are planning to read or are reading.  You can also 'friend' me at Goodreads.  A great website to use to share recommendations and reading lists.  Hope to see you there!

I was right!  I did have this book as a child!  As mentioned in this post about our seasonal reading list, I thought this book was part of my childhood reading.  And sure enough it was!

I stopped at Mom's house tonight to pick up my new phone, and she had said she found it.  She found it!  Thank you Mom for not throwing out everything! 

(and for those who are curious, like I was, the first thing I checked ... originally printed in 1966)

Over the past few years, each Christmas season I've read a 'christmas' book.  I started this tradition with a fiction book, last year it was non-fiction.  This year, back to fiction.  (maybe a pattern here??)  I really like this idea that just adds a little bit more magic to the season.  I am starting Max on this tradition this year.  Here's our reading list for Christmas 2010. 

Me.

A Darcy Christmas - if you are a Jane Austen fan, or a Elizabeth Bennett + Mr. Darcy fan, the reviews of this book are in favor of it being a good read for the season.  Three short stories, all taking on a different view of Christmas in the Darcy-era.  (and if you are anyone who's seen Colin Firth walk out of the pond in the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice, you know you are hooked!)  I need something light and easy to read, to jump start my reading again.  I think this will be a good start.

Max.

Footprints in the Snow - this is a new one for us.  Looking forward to reading it as the reviews are all positive. 

I've Seen Santa - another new one about a bear family waiting for Santa.

The Night Before Christmas - a classic.  One of my favorites. 

Reindeer Christmas - I believe I had purchased this book for the twinkies first Christmas (2008), though I cant remember.  I enjoy this story.  Its about doing good to others without passing judgement.  In addition, the illustrations in this book are beautiful. 

Santa Mouse - I could have sworn this was one of my favorites as a kid, but I cant find when this was first published.  Either way, classic story. 

This is just the begining to our Christmas tradition of reading the stories during the season.  I look forward to the years to come to see how our list grows and changes. 

What is on your Christmas reading list?  

 
*photo from Amazon

What is wrong with this picture?  Would you read a book on a handheld device? 

Today the iPad was introduced and its main purpose is to compete with the Kindle.  I scratch my head at these gadgets and the concepts behind them - reading novels electronically.  I get the electronic part, and the gadget part, but I dont get the 350 page novel part.  How can you read that many pages on a handheld device?   Thats a whole heck of a lot of scrolling and I think my thumb is already preparing its picket sign. 

All I see is the lack of the cracking of the book binding.  The lack of dog-eared pages.  The lack of rusty mildew smells if the book is a library book.  What would I use for a bookmark?  There would be no cover flaps, or fancy bookmarks I've gotten over the years or best yet, the receipt from the bookstore or library with the date due.  All of these elements add to the experience of reading the content on the pages. 

So for those Kindle or iPad users, I hope you are enjoying your latest gadget.  As for me, I'll continue enjoying my library card. 

 
*harvard library, taken by Paul Lowry, photo from flickr.com

I completed the three books I told myself I would do this summer, for my pseudo summer reading program.  Though the three I had listed earlier this summer, are not the ones I actually read.  Either way, I completed the three.  And I am feeling motivated to continue on with the list of books I want to read!

I have the desire to find myself in a big fluffy sweater and jeans, curling up with my next book in a classic old library where the stale damp smell and the faint light from the windows and lamps make it SO easy to escape reality and fall into my book. 

Someday, I'll actually go into the Harvard Library to sit and read.  I've been to the campus and Harvard Square in Boston, but next time I want to blend in and walk away with that experience. 

A couple of weeks back when my sister Sharon and her family were in town, I had spent some time with my brother-in-law, Geno.  He is a HUGE reader.  Loves to read.  Loves to read the classics.  Don Quixote is his favorite, or one of his favorite novels.  He loves it so much my sister has a 7ft wood Don in her house (carved out of a tree trunk). 

But back to the books.  Years ago, Geno had told me about a book trading website he used, and for the life of me I cannot think of it.  He is big on recycling or sharing books that he's read.  When we were visiting on a Friday night, with a couple glasses of wine, beers and polished off with a martini, he mentioned the Paperback Swap website.  He referred me to sign-up said it was easier to use than the previous one. 

So tonight, in my attempt to tackle another task on the 'de-clutter' the house list, I went to Paperback Swap.  I checked it out, found myself intrigued by their concept - book trading based on a point system.  I signed up.  I listed a couple of books.  I need to put together my wish list next for when its time to pick up the next book.   

Just another way to save a buck or two ... trading your books. 

(now, dont forget there is always the library)