Three Things...

 1. Nightwatching. OMG! What a riveting story! I was hooked right from the start and I could not figure out who the Corner man was, or if there really was a Corner man. I just found myself swept  away and enjoying the ride - so many things happened that kept my jaw dropping each time. The story was fantastic! A woman is at home with her children. She's in her son's room when she hears a noise downstairs. There's an intruder in her house. WTF! She needs to be quick and decisive - run for help or hide. It's nighttime and  heavy snow is in the forecast. Plus, her neighbors don't exactly live right next door. And will her kids be able to hand that kind of trek? Then again, where can she hide and keep her kids safe? Yikes! And, that is all I will share, because this book is most definitely a MUST-READ!! I absolutely LOVED it! I'd definitely recommend to everyone - pick up a copy ASAP!

2. Book buying ban. I need to ban myself, because I wind up with books that I just don't like. Ugh. I'll see something on social media that sounds like a great read and I'll grab a copy and then it's a dud. Also, I need to just read what is already on my shelves. This was supposed to be a bookish resolution - stop buying books and I've already broken it. LOL!

3. Wooden signs with positive messages. Are they a 'keep' or 'donate' - I'm decluttering as I'm about to start slowly packing up my office. I'm at my desk and I am looking at all the framed art and photos I have on the walls. I noticed that I have quite a few of those wooden signs with "Just Breathe" or "Believe" written on them. I'm wondering if I should get rid of them. I'm looking toward this new beginning (when we actually do move) as motivation to decorate differently. A more minimal, but cozy vibe. So, I'm thinking of getting rid of those signs. Hmm...what do you think? Or should I keep one or two? 

Alright, I'm off to tackle some to-dos. Hope you all have a lovely day. Happy reading!

Bookish Resolutions for 2026

Every year I make resolutions and every year I discard them. And yet, it's tradition, so I keep making them. 

For 2026...

Read. All. The. Time. Instead of watching TV or using social media, pick up a book and read. 

No new books except for the usual suspects - the next in a series, or a new one by a favorite author. 

Declutter books I don't like and won't reread. 

Read the books on my bookshelves. 

Book blog it up - share about all the books, post reviews, write about all things bookish.

Substack. Don't ignore it and actually use it to 'write it out.' 

Journal daily - never stop writing.

Have fun with books - fall in love with reading, again. 

Wishing you all a lovely New Year. Here's to 2026! 

My Favorite Reads in 2025...

Currently reading...

 

Just Arrived...

 

TBR Tuesday

 
This lovely should be arriving today and I can't wait to dive right in. Another book for JLC18 - Hurrah!

TBR Tuesday

Look what just landed on my doorstep:

I will definitely be devouring this for JLC18 - woo hoo! I love Yoshimoto's writing and have been looking forward to this book of short stories for ages. So happy I pre-ordered it last year, because I had forgotten about it until today - talk about happy mail!

This book will now be placed at the top of my TBR list and I just know I'll be reaching for it ASAP. I'm so excited to read it, which feels great. I haven't been my usual bookworm self for months, so to see a book and crave it, well, that is pure bookish joy. 

What about you? How are your TBR lists going? Any new books added to them? Or any progress made on them? 

Wishing you a happy Tuesday! 

My Friday Five

1.  Mental health. Depression and anxiety overwhelmed me the last few months of last year, which is why I barely posted. I felt really disconnected for awhile and didn't enjoy the holiday season like I usually do. Fortunately, towards the end of December my mood shifted and I was able to have a bit of fun - time with family, chatting with old friends, baking sweet treats, wrapping gifts, and admiring the Christmas tree. The fog lifted and I could delight in the holiday merriment. And now, I'm feeling better. It's a new year and my frame of mind is set to tackle all the things I didn't get to last year, along with a host of new things for this new year. 

2. Declutter. Yeah, every time I mentioned decluttering I really did try to declutter. Except, mentally, I just couldn't. I would see the piles of things getting ready to topple over and felt overwhelmed. So, I would just avoid it. My mind couldn't handle dealing with any of it. Fortunately, I am in a better place mentally and I have actually started to declutter. Like, I've already filled three bags with journals and journal covers. Yeah, that's how many I had. And, I'm not even done yet. Yikes! 

3. Overspending. So, when I get depressed I tend to make purchases of things that I believe will get me out of my funk. Of course these things don't help. How could they? I have to help myself get out of the rut, not a notebook or fancy fountain pen. Seeing all the things I bought while depressed just makes me sad and I am getting rid of it all. I have to. I also have to be more mindful of my sending. I don't have the funds and I don't have the space, so no more!

4.  Books. I need to pick a book and just tuck right in. Which one to pick? Hmm...

5. Planners. Why, oh why, did I think I needed ten planners? Where did I get the idea that every little thing had to have a separate planner? Too much YouTube planning videos? I'm in the middle of trying to figure out how many planners I actually use/need. I'm thinking 4, but in reality 2 should work. I could consolidate my general, gratitude, book blogging into 1 planner and use the 2nd planner for finances (that one has to be separate) - what do you think? How many planners do you use? Or do you not use a planner? Yikes!

And now, I'm off to tackle some more decluttering. Wish me luck! 

JLC18 starts NOW!

Hurrah! It's time for my dear friend, Meredith's (of Dolce Bellezza) annual Japanese Literature Challenge and this year marks the 18th year. How amazing is that?! The challenge runs from January through February - so, two whole months devoted to Japanese literature - how awesome is that? I know I'm excited to join in on the fun. The only question is...which books should I read? Hmm...

Here are a few options:

I have a few other titles on my list, so I'm not sure which ones to choose. There are just so many terrific choices. I'm definitely going to have fun figuring out what to read. Can't wait to share which books I wind up reading for the JLC18. 

What about you? Are you joining in the on the fun? Or, do you have any recommendations for me - let me know. 

Wishing you a terrific Thursday! Happy reading! 

2025 Bookish Resolutions...

Happy New Year! Wishing you all a lovely 2025 filled with great new reads!!

As for bookish resolutions, here are mine:

1. Read. Plain and simple, just read. 2024 was not a great reading year for me and I hated it. I have always been an avid reader and last year I just could not seem to pick up a book. So, this year I am going to aim to fall back in love with reading. 

2. Blog. I started this blog to share about my reading and maybe because I wasn't reading I couldn't blog. I don't know, but I am planning to blog it up this year. 

3. No New Books. I mean it. I already have way too many books and I need to start reading them, like now. 

4. A few new books. LOL! I am planning on purchasing new books for my birthday and Christmas, but those will be the only times I will be buying new books in 2025. And it's only because certain authors release books every year and I will be wanting those books, so I figure I will just have to wait for them until my birthday or Christmas. 

5. Declutter. I have way too many books and not enough room for them all, so I need to go through my bookshelves and figure out which books I really want to keep. And the rest will be donated. 

6. Reading challenges. I don't plan on joining any this year, except for the JLC18 - Japanese Literature Challenge 18 hosted by my friend Meredith of Dolce Bellezza. I'm just not that into reading challenges and I need to accept that. I don't mind read-alongs sometimes, but since I'm a mood reader it's kind of hard to stick to a reading plan. So, yeah, no reading challenges. 

7.  ARCs. Not sure if I'll be reviewing as many books this year. I want to be a more choosy about what I agree to review in 2025. 

That's pretty much it. I mean, I really just want to read a lot this year and that's about it. What about you? Do you have any bookish resolutions? If so, what are they? 

And now, I'm off to pick a few books for JLC18. Happy reading!

It's time for the Norway in November reading challenge!

It's time for Norway in November and I'm ready to read some Norwegian literature this month. I've decided to pick up a book or two by Maja Lunde.  I'm thinking The History of Bees or The End of the Ocean...maybe both? Either way, I'm excited. It should make for a fun reading month. 

So, what exactly is Norway in November? Well, it's a reading challenge hosted by my dear friend, Meredith. All you have to do is read a book that has been translated from Norwegian to English. Pretty simple, eh? If you want the full details head on over to Meredith's awesome blog, Dolce Bellezza. And, let me know if you decide to join in on the fun. 

Happy reading!

My Friday Five...

1. Reading a new book that doesn't come out until next year and it's a fun one:

2. I'm rewatching Who's the Boss? on Hulu. I wanted something fun after all the toxicity of Housewives, so I went nostalgic. I remember watching this show as a kid and loving it. I never watched the whole series, so this should be fun. 

3.  Hurricane season is crazy this year. Then again every year it gets worse. I feel like I'm constantly checking out the weather apps lately. Ugh.

4. I'm watching In The Arena Serena Williams and it is terrific. I am loving learning all about her tennis life - wow! She is amazing! Talk about a true role model. 

5. I'm listening to The Lumineers, The Cranberries, Tina Turner, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and Madonna - my liked songs on Spotify. A great mix. 

Wishing you all a lovely weekend! Happy reading!

Still reading...

 

Normally when I pick up a new Murakami I devour it in one sitting. This time round, I can't seem to get caught up in the story. I know that he's written about The Town before, so there is a familiarness to his new book, but I don't think that is the problem. Especially, since I've picked up other books and can't seem to enmeshed in their stories. I think it's just me at the moment. I'm hoping it goes away soon, because I am missing reading. So, I'm going to grab a magazine and read that - sometimes just reading something helps flip the switch and I'm able to get my reading mojo back. I've already tried re-reading an old favorite book, but that didn't work either, so, fingers crossed this works. 

Hope you are having a great morning! Happy reading!

20 Books Of Summer...

 

My dear friend, Meredith, posted about 20 Books Of Summer over on her blog, Dolce Bellezza and just reading about it, I knew I had to join in. So, I headed over to Cathy's blog, 746 Books, to read all about it - she's the creator of 20 Books Of Summer reading challenge.  Basically, pick 20, 15, or 10 books you already own that you want to read over the summer (June 1st - September 1st) and start reading. 

Here's my tentative list (I'm not going to lie, I might change it around at some point, because I am a mood reader):

What do you think? Not a bad list, eh? I've had som of those on my TBR for ages, so I figured it was about time to dive in. Let me know if you've read any of these and what you thought of them. Also, let me know if you are going to join in on 20 Books Of Summer. 

Wishing you a great rest of the week! Happy reading!

My Friday Five...

1. Books. I'm reading the new Elizabeth Strout book, Tell Me Everything. It will be released August 13th. And, it is terrific! I am loving it! I'm really enjoying having Bob, Lucy, and Olive in the same story - what a treat! Strout is a master storyteller and I am in just in awe of her work. I'm already looking forward to rereading her books. Make sure to check out Tell Me Everything. 

2.  Tracker. The TV show. My mom got me hooked on it, so now I watch it every week. I was annoyed, because I watch it on Hulu the day after it airs and this past Monday it was not available. Somehow, when they uploaded it, they ended up uploading 60 Minutes instead. Suffice it to say, I was able to watch it the other day and it was such a good episode.  I can't wait for the next one and I heard that the show got approved for a second season. And, thanks to my friend Lark, Lark Writes...on books and life, who also happens to be a fan of Tracker, I found out about the books. How did I not know this? Yep, Jeffrey Deaver has written The Colter Shaw series that Tracker is based on and I MUST now add these books to my TBR list. 

3.  No Spend/No Buy.  I was trying to curb my spending, because needs must. However, I wound up ordering a few bits and bobs recently. And, the guilt is real. Ack! Especially, since it was stationery supplies, which I already have too many of.  Yikes! I don't feel guilty about pre-ordering books, because books are always a Must-Buy. Oh well. I need to just not buy anything now. Wish me luck!

4. TBR book. Banana Yoshimoto has a new book that will be released in November! Woo hoo! I can't wait! It's called, Mittens and Pity: Stories. Yep, it's a collection of six short stories and I just know they are going to be ace. I love her writing, so I am really looking forward to this book. Mittens and Pity will definitely fall under the Must-Buy list. 

5. Music.  James released a new album titled, Yummy. I've been listening to my copy on repeat. I love this band. I heard their music freshman year of college and became a huge fan. I was lucky enough to see them perform in London when I was in grad school. I've been listening to them for nearly thirty years now. They are one of my favorites. 

And now, I'm off to start my weekend. Hope you have a terrific one! Happy reading!

My Friday Five...

 1.  ARCs.  I'm so grateful to receive early copies of books - it is seriously the BEST! Especially when the books are ones you have been pining for:

2. TV shows. I'm still watching The Magicians and LOVING it. Such a great show. I wish it hadn't ended. I'm also watching Summer House on Bravo and it is ridiculous fun, which is what I need. I might rewatch The Sopranos - I do love that show. Hmm...we'll see. 

3. Dreams. Mine have been so vivid lately. Or they have been nightmares. Either way, ugh. 

4. Pre-orders. I have placed a few for a number of books that will be released later in the year and I can't wait! 

5. Music. Tracy Chapman. I've loved her music since high school and she's always on my music mixes that I play in the background. Her voice is beautiful and her songs are, too. Just, lovely. 

And now, I'm off to sort through a pile of magazines. I seem to buy them and forget about them. That's a bad habit I need to break. Hope you are having a fantastic Friday! Happy reading!

My Friday Five...

1.  Books. I'm currently reading two books and I'm not sure that I'm enjoying either one of them all that much. So, I'm debating starting an old familiar read to get my reading back on track. The only thing is that I'm not sure which book to reread...hmm...

2.  The 100 Days Project. It's a month in and I'm still going strong - hurrah! 

3. TV shows. I started rewatching The Walking Dead because of The Ones Who Live, but I have stopped rewatching and I'm not sure I'm in the mood for the new show. So, I've been rewatching Grey's Anatomy. When I used to watch the show way back in the day, I stopped watching after Derek died. I think it's on season 20 now, so I'm going to try and catch up to the new season. We'll see. 

4.  Music. I've been listening to a Phil Collins mix on Amazon music and really enjoying it. 

5. Decluttering. The struggle is real. Ha ha. Seriously, I am making progress. I just wish I were making a lot of progress. I think once I get into a groove I will. Wish me luck!

Hope you have a great weekend! Happy reading!

My Friday Five

1. Books. I'm currently reading something a bit more lighthearted...

I love his No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series (which has a new book coming out in October - woo hoo!). So, I thought it would be fun to give his latest book a read. It's about a matchmaking company in Edinburgh - should be a treat to read. 

2.  TV shows. I watched the last reunion episode for The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and it was a bust. Nothing major was revealed. The only surprise was that Sutton and Garcelle left early - this was due to Sutton almost fainting (how scary!) and needing to get checked out at the hospital. I feel like they need to revamp the show - new cast members are needed and some of the current cast should be put on pause. 

3. Decluttering. It's not going well. I need to just force myself to do it. Why is it so hard? If I'm not using it or haven't used it in years, why am I convinced I need to keep it? Ugh!

4. Music. Listening to Mazzy Star, The Cranberries, and Smashing Pumpkins lately. I'm feeling nostalgic and music from my college years is hitting the spot. 

5. Anxiety and depression. They're back and settled in. I'm hating it. I'm working hard to fight them. Wish me luck.

And now, I'm off to read for a bit. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Happy reading!