Friday Update and Links

I've read maybe 10 pages from a book this week. I'm having a lot of trouble concentrating on anything more complicated than Glee or a game of sudoku. My brain has turned to mush. Can I blame being pregnant?

Other people are doing interesting things, though, so I will just share them and hope you will forgive me for being such a poor blogger. Some are architecture, some are books, some are both.

From Archi Dose, I present two cool new blogs: Round Houses and Things Organized Neatly. Both are exactly what the packaging says and are worth checking out.

The Top 10 Bookstores in the US from Flavorwire [Via Bookslut]

I though this article was interesting, even though I'm not Jewish. I do like fantasy, though. Why There is No Jewish Narnia Warning: contains minor spoiler for The Magicians by Lev Grossman.) [Via Nancy Werlin at Whatever]

Author Douglas Coupland helped design a national monument in Ottawa to Canadian firefighters who died in the line of duty. Yes, Douglas Coupland, the author of Generation X, etc. So much for my excuse why I can't finish editing my novel. [Via Bookslut]

Enjoy your weekend, everyone.

Friday Update 9/10 & Giveaway Winner

Most Fridays, I update my library and share what new books I bought or received during the past week.

Last weekend (a holiday weekend here in the US), husband and I went through our shelves. We got rid of handful of books and put over 250 books in storage. It was a huge task, so on Monday we decided to reward ourselves ... by buying books! Addicts, I know.

We have decided to try to confine ourselves to buying fewer but better books - like nicer hard copy versions of the falling-apart paperbacks and other well-loved books we have - and buying e-books for things we know we'll only read once. For example, we got a nice hardcover set of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and I got a hardcover of my favorite Stephen King book, The Eyes of the Dragon.

I also received Persona Non Grata: A Novel of the Roman Empire by Ruth Downie, from LibraryThing Early Reviewers. This is the third book in her Medicus series, after Medicus and Terra Incognita (links go to my reviews).

In other news, I've picked the winner of my 2nd Blogoversary Giveaway! Using random.org, I've picked entry number 3.

Congratulations to Mary!

She chose Dead in the Family, which was one of the first e-books we got for my new nook this summer.

Friday Update 9/3

Most Fridays, I update my library and share what new books I bought or received during the past week.

Actually, it's been a really long time since I've done a real Friday Update. It's been so long, in fact, that I've already reviewed or otherwise posted about a lot of the books I've gotten since my last one. So I will just be sharing some of my newest acquisitions here today.

The Children of Men by P.D. James: This is one of those books I've meant to read many times. I've read one other book by James (Devices and Desires) and enjoyed it. But that was a mystery and this is sci-fi, so I imagine it will be quite different.

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games Trilogy #3) by Suzanne Collins: OF COURSE I bought this the day it came out. And of course I've already read it. I'd be fired from being a book blogger otherwise, right? Someday maybe I'll even think of something to say about it that hasn't already been said.

Great Wine Made Simple: Straight Talk from a Master Sommelier by Andrea Robinson: Husband bought this but I think it looks good.

Universal Principles of Design by William Lidwell, et al.: Husband also bought this but I was already familiar with it and encouraged him to do so. It's just fantastic. Highly recommended for graphic designers and anyone else with an interest in design.

Reminder, the deadline for entering my anniversary giveaway is approaching. Don't forget to sign up by 9/8!

Happy Labor Day to everyone in the USA - and happy weekend to all!

Friday Update 6/18

Most Fridays, I update my library and share what new books I bought or received during the past week.

From Librarything, for review: Captive Queen: A Novel of Eleanor of Aquitaine by Alison Weir

For my book club: The Onion Girl by Charles de Lint. I've never read anything by him before but the lady who rang me up at the bookstore was quite enthusiastic about him. I hope I like it as book club is in a week and I haven't cracked it yet.

Just for fun: Dead and Gone: A Sookie Stackhouse Novel by Charlaine Harris. The husband read it first and then I just finished it. It's been so long since I read the last book in the series (From Dead to Worse) that it took me a little bit to get into it. But Sookie's always fun for some mindless reading, if you're in the mood for that kind of thing.

In other news, as I noted before, I had some serious computer trouble after some sleazebag hacked my email accounts. He (or she) got into both my primary and back-up accounts, plus my Facebook account, and locked me out for a full day, while he used my account to send spam to everyone I know. And it wasn't selling fake Vi@gr@ kind of spam - he was claiming to be me, stranded in another country, and asking for money. I am both touched and alarmed that so many people responded with offers to help. As far as I can tell, the thief didn't manage to actually get any money (and I took the step of contacting Western Union and placing a block on my name, so hopefully that further prevented any thievery).

So, what have we learned?
1. Use different passwords for all your accounts and change them often. Every couple of months, at least.
2. Never, ever send money to someone based on an email. If you are concerned that it might really be that person in danger, ask for some kind of corroborating evidence, such as some fact that only they would know.

And, while you're at it, back up your blog, too, because I'm in a PSA kind of mood.

Assuming no further computer-related snafu's happen this weekend, I will be back Monday with my regular programming.

Friday Update 6/11

Most Fridays, I update my library and share what new books I bought or received during the past week.


I got my second book for the Nerds Heart YA tournament: Donut Days by Lara Zielin. (The other book was The World is Mine.) Stayed tuned for next week, when Angela of Bookish Blather and I reveal our pick to move on in the tourney!

I also got Tender at the Bone: Growing Up at the Table by Ruth Reichl. It came from a friend who shares my love of food books ( I had lent him one of Reichl's other books, Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise, which we both loved.)

In other book news: As I'm sure you've heard, The New Yorker is publishing a 20 Under 40 Fiction Issue. Looks like a pretty interesting list, but I was most interested in one name: Daniel Alarcón. Congratulations, Daniel! As you may recall, I reviewed War By Candlelight quite some time ago and enjoyed it. I wasn't sure until I read the New Yorker interview with him that I was allowed to mention this, but I have gotten a sneak peek at Alarcón's next project and it looks awesome. From the interview:

I’m in the final stages of a graphic novel, with the artist Sheila Alvarado, adapting a short story of mine called “City of Clowns,” which appeared in The New Yorker in 2003 [and is my favorite story from War By Candlelight - Lorin]. It will be published this summer in Peru, Mexico, and Chile.

I hope it will be published in English at some point as well, since I don't read Spanish. But the illustrations look great. All you Spanish speakers out there should look out for it.

On a personal note, I know I've been a spotty blogger recently. Because of the tendinitis in my arm, I've mostly stopped using the computer at night. This means I only do any writing on the weekends or on my lunch break at work. And when I'm busy at work or out of town for a weekend, that means blogging is the lowest thing on my priority list. Many thanks to all of you for continuing to stay tuned, despite the lack of posts.

Happy weekend!

Friday Update 5/28

Most Fridays, I update my library and share what new books I bought or received during the past week.

It's Friday! Again! How did that happen?


I bought a couple of things online this week, but only one has arrived so far: The World Is Mine by Lyah B. LeFlore. This is one of the books I'll be judging, with Bookish Blather, for the Nerds Heart YA tournament.

I'm so excited that this is a long weekend for me. Yay! Husband and I have some fun plans for this weekend, including a trip to California Carnivores to buy some new carnivorous plants and massages on Monday.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Friday Update 5/21

Most Fridays, I update my library and share what new books I bought or received during the past week.

Sorry for the light posting this week. I have been hit by some sort of a flu bug and have been feeling terrible. I don't know about you, but I actually don't read much when I'm sick. I tend to watch TV or movies or just nap. But when I am reading, I'm reading some great books right now, so I look forward to reviewing them here.

As for what books I've gotten since my last Update:


I was fortunate enough to win Glimmerglass (Faeriewalker, Book 1) by Jenna Black from the Librarything early Reviewers program.

I also picked up a few books at a library book sale last weekend. I got:

Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling by Ross King: I really enjoyed his book Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture.

The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story by Diane Ackerman: I've enjoyed her nonfiction books over the years and I even got this one for my mother for Christmas. She enjoyed it, so I thought I'd get a copy for myself.

The Ear, the Eye and the Arm by Nancy Farmer: I thought her House of the Scorpion was really interesting.

Friday Update 5/7

On Friday, I update my library and share what new books I bought or received during the past week.

Just one new book to add to my library this week: Something Rotten (Thursday Next #4) by Jasper Fforde. I haven't read a Fforde novel in a while, so I thought it would be fun to get back into them.


I also visited the library and checked out two books: Cloud Atlas: A Novel by David Mitchell and Bloodhound: The Legend of Beka Cooper #2 by Tamora Pierce (which comes out in paperback in a few weeks - finally!).

Friday Update 4/30

On Friday, I update my library and share what new books I bought or received during the past week.

Here I am, easing back into blogging (again - I seem to be taking more and more unscheduled blogging breaks this year). I can't believe April is almost over. I won't say it was the cruelest month - good things happened, as well as bad - but it was an emotionally difficult month for me.

On to the books! We were away last weekend and I was quite excited about the package waiting for me when I got home.


The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker (for review)


Don't forget that tomorrow (Saturday, May 1) is Free Comic Book Day! Why this is not a national holiday, I don't understand.

Friday Update 4/16

Almost every Friday, I update my library and share what new books I bought or received during the past week.

Since its been so long since I've done this, I have a ton of new books to tell you about:

An Anthology of Light Verse: Modern Library No. 48, edited by Louis Kronenberger: It was published in 1935 and I picked it up at a used book shop, just for fun.


Happy Hour by Michele Scott: This came from the author for review. It was my teaser this past Tuesday.

Water Music by T.C. Boyle: It's this month's book club selection. Book Club is tonight and I've barely made it a quarter through this thing. Let's just say, I'll probably have another installment of DNF's soon.

A Corpse at St. Andrew's Chapel: The Second Chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon by Mel Starr. I got this via the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.

The Good Thief by Hannah Tinti: I bought this at the library book sale after having read, oh, let's guess, about 200 reviews for it when it came out.

Water: Tales of Elemental Spirits by Robin McKinley and Peter Dickinson: I bought this at the library book sale. I know nothing about it, but I love Robin McKinley so I have high hopes.

Have a wonderful, book-filled weekend!

Friday Update

Gosh, its been ages since I've done a Friday Upday. Mostly, that's because I haven't been buying books recently. Instead, I've been visiting our library more. Of the books I've read recently, only one was a recent acquisition- Wake by Lisa McMann.

I'm out of town this weekend, visiting family and friends back East. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you back here on Monday!

Friday 2/26

A big thank you to Pine Cottage Books for giving me the Happy 101 Award! Jeannie called arch thinking one of her "favorite blogs that make [her] happy to go visit." Aww, shucks. That's so nice of you to say!


The award asks for ten things that make me happy:

1. My husband. He's a wonderful man and he always knows how to brighten my day.
2. My family, especially my nephews when they are being sweet.
3. Sushi. Specifically really good sushi, from a very authentic Japanese restaurant that I'm not going to mention because they are already busy and I don't want any new people going there!
4. Coffee, especially when husband is serving it to me in bed in the morning. I like it fresh brewed with lots of milk and some sugar. Oh, yum.
5. Books. Buying books, reading books, smelling books. I love 'em. That doesn't surprise anyone, does it?
6. Thinking of ideas for new stories to write or new paintings to paint. There's something so magical about that moment when a new creative idea is formed. I like it even more than doing the actual creative work.
7. Getting a compliment on something I've made (anything from a painting to a plate of cookies), especially when the person doesn't know I'm the one who made it.
8. Being at the beach, watching the ocean and waves rolling in. Doesn't matter the weather, the beach is my favorite place to be.
9. Finding a particularly tricky cache when we're out geocaching!
10. You guys! I love having readers and I especially love comments!

Happy weekend!

Friday Update 2/19

Every Friday, I update my library and share what new books I bought or received during the past week.

This week, my awesome husband remembered that I wanted a book that even I hadn't remembered I wanted: Mouse Guard Volume 2: Winter 1152.


Here's my review of the first volume, Mouse Guard: Fall 1152. The mice have not, I assure you, stopped being adorable.

Husband also got himself one of Stephen King's The Stand graphic novels. I've never actually read The Stand, so maybe I'll try the graphic novel instead.

Have a good weekend, my lovelies!

Friday Update 2/5

Every Friday, I update my library and share what new books I bought or received during the past week.

Last week, I received a new cookbook, The Italian Slow Cooker by Michele Scicolone. It's the first cookbook I'll be reviewing, but I was really intrigued by it - two of my favorite cooking styles are slow cookers and Italian food.

I finally gave in to temptation this week and bought a book I've had my eye on since it was in hardcover: Graceling by Kristin Cashore.

On an impulse, I also bought a book that caught my eye in the bookstore, Maynard and Jennica by Rudolph Delson. When I brought it up to the counter to pay, the clerk told me he was pleased I was buying it - the author was a friend of his. I hope I end up liking it!

On a non-book note, the Oscar nominations came out this week. The Academy expanded the Best Picture list to ten films - which means that I have actually seen - and even reviewed - more than one of them! (Movies I've seen are in bold starred.)

“Avatar”*
“The Blind Side”
“District 9″*
“An Education”
“The Hurt Locker”
“Inglourious Basterds”
“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”
“A Serious Man”
“Up”*
“Up in the Air”*

I honestly have no interest in seeing “Inglourious Basterds” but I'll be doing my best to see the rest before the Oscars are handed out. Which one should I start with?

Friday Update 1/29

Almost every Friday, I update my library and share what new books I bought or received during the past week.

I'm still catching up on telling you guys what books we got for Christmas, so here are two new graphic novels:


Asterios Polyp

I don't really know what its about - it was a gift from my sister - but I know that he's an architect. Cool!



Witchblade Compendium, Vol. 1

Via Wikipedia:

Witchblade is an American comic book series from 1995 until present. ... The series follows Sara Pezzini, a tough-as-nails NYPD homicide detective who comes into possession of the Witchblade, a supernatural, sentient artifact with immense destructive and protective powers [that] has bonded with various other women throughout history. Sara struggles to hone the awesome powers of the Witchblade and fend off those with a nefarious interest in it, especially entrepreneur Kenneth Irons, [and] struggles to maintain a personal life.

Since I've read/seen all things Buffy at this point, my husband got this for me, thinking I might enjoy it, too. The only problem may be that it is huge - like 3,4 inches thick. I can't carry it around with me, so I can only read it at home.

Happy Friday!

Friday Update

Every Friday, I update my library and share what new books I bought or received during the past week.

By the time I hit post on this, I am sure it won't be Friday anymore. Oh, well. I had a busy day. And I'm going to have an even busier weekend.

Between gifts and shopping, we got several new books since I last posted an update. I think I'll just talk about a few today.


First, I won Angels: A Pop-Up Book by Chuck Fischer from Bermuda Onion! She had a really interesting interview with the paper engineer Bruce Foster that I enjoyed. It was really cool to actually get a copy and get to see the results of his hard work. Thank you to Bermuda Onion and Bruce Foster!


For Christmas, from my boss, I got NorCalMod: Icons of Northern California Modernism by Pierluigi Serraino. It is gorgeous. And I always like know more about the architecture in the area I live.

The last book I'll mention I got today will answer the question (posed earlier) of where we spent Christmas: Hawai'i!


Hawaii's Birds by the Hawaiian Audubon Society: I'm not a birder, but I thought this was a concise, well-illustrated guide to all the different birds I saw on our trip.

The trip, by the way, was amazing. We spent a week on the Big Island. I got to go snorkeling, coffee tasting, see the volcano, and lava hitting the ocean. So cool! It was my first time and I am ready to go back again.

Friday Update 12/18

Every Friday, I update my library and share what new books I bought or received during the past week.

I recently started acupuncture to treat the tendinitis in my right arm. So even though I don't request many review copies anymore, I was intrigued by this one:


Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for Women's Health: Bridging the Gap Between Western and Eastern Medicine by Kathleen Albertson


I also picked up my next book club book:


The Blood of Flowers by Anita Amirrezvani

Today is my office holiday lunch and, this weekend, my husband and I are hosting our first ever Holiday Open House at our place. Any of you attending holiday parties this weeknd? 'Tis the season to eat a lot! Have a great weekend!

Fridate Update

(Almost) every Friday, I update my library and share what new books I bought or received during the past week.

Dudes! Its been so long since I've done this! I only posted about NaNoWriMo during my November updates. Its not like I didn't get any new books, of course, but I certainly haven't gotten as many. I just wasn't reading as much last month. But here's what I did get:

Baking with Julia: Savor the Joys of Baking with America's Best Bakers by Dorie Greenspan



Kindred by Octavia Butler


The Elfish Gene: Dungeons, Dragons and Growing Up Strange by Mark Barrowcliffe (purchased by my husband)

Its my turn to host book club tonight - we'll be discussing The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, which I reviewed this week. Plus, Thursday night began the rush of holiday parties for me. This all means that this weekend will be a lovely flurry of making and eating food - including two kinds of pie! - and spending time with friends. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

NaNoWriMo 2009: The End

I DID IT! I finished my NaNo novel!


And I did it a whole day early. Now I can go to bed.

Friday Update: NaNoWriMo Week 3

Yikes! Week 3 is nearing an end already. I got sick this week, so now I'm really behind. Excuses, excuses, I know. I better throw myself into it this weekend and catch up.

Good luck to all of you who are plugging away on your novels.

Previously: Week 1, Week 2