Athena's Reading List 2014

[Athena]

Wow- that was fast  Great review- I'm glad you enjoyed the Trilogy so much!  And to have the last one be such a good one- so lucky with that!

Thanks Anna !

[pontalba]

You are really steaming along with your excellent reviews, and reading in general! 

 

And, btw, great Star Trek collection!  I have a few of the Deep Space 9 books, but my collection is more of the original series, and then a lesser collection of the Next Generation books.  I collected quite a few a long time ago. 

[Athena]

You are really steaming along with your excellent reviews, and reading in general! 

 

And, btw, great Star Trek collection!  I have a few of the Deep Space 9 books, but my collection is more of the original series, and then a lesser collection of the Next Generation books.  I collected quite a few a long time ago.

Thanks Kate !

 

That's pretty nice! I'm also interested in other Star Trek books, though normally they can be pricey so we were quite happy to have found these for such a low price .

[Athena]

A Post about my TBR

 

Seeing as it'll be my birthday next month and I've already spent quite a bit of money the past few months on moving but also on books, I'm not going to buy a lot of books until it's been my birthday. Instead I'll be trying to reduce my TBR a little (it'll go back up once it's my birthday though as I'll be getting some books). Exceptions will be that I will be buying the Four stories (by Veronica Roth) since I agreed with Anna to read them for the October read-a-thon, and the upcoming library sale that I want to go to. They didn't have a lot of interesting things last time but I want to go take a look anyway, you never know if I might find something nice.

 

I have a big TBR. Most of it is paperbooks, but some are ebooks (some freebies and some bought).

 

In Book Collector, the program I use to keep track of my books, you can add User Defined Fields. I have a field with an 'anticipation rating', basically I'll be filling in a number between 1 and 10 on how much I want to read the book (with 10 being I cannot wait to read this, and 1 being I'm not interested at all (this'll be for my boyfriend's books on ie. technical World War II equipment)). I haven't filled in this yet for all of my books (that's a lot of work) but hope to be doing this slowly over time, at some time (though of course the rating might change over time).

 

I Googled 'how to reduce my TBR' but most of what came up was challenges one could participate in. I did read some useful things though.

 

Obviously I need to address my buying. I cannot continue to spend a lot of money, not just on books but on all things that aren't necessary for survival (ie. also movies for example). Now that we're living in the bakery I'm spending more money on food since we buy our own. I'm buying things for two people supported by one income. I'll disclose with you that since I'm disabled, I get unployment money. This is of course less than the minimum wage you'd earn if you are able to work. I'm not complaining about the amount I get, I'm very happy I get it because working would be way too tiring for me (at least right now). My boyfriend is also disabled but hopefully in a while he'll be able to get a job to help support us.

 

Anyway, I have a lot of books left to read, also some DVDs left to watch (though not as much as I have books to read) and video games to play. Because tastes change I'm not interested in a few things anymore, so those don't really count I guess.

 

I try to think, when I buy something new, if I want to read (in the case of books) it more than part of my TBR. I hope this 'rule' will help me making better purchasing decisions, time will tell of course. I want to be strict with myself when I'm in a shop, or when I browse online, looking at how good a deal is it, do I really need it right now, will I be able to find the book again at another time for a nice price (this is not the case with some of the obscure library books as they're often out of print), and whether I'll want to read it more than some of what's on my TBR.

 

One of my problems is that I like to read lots of different types of books, and that I am open to trying a new type of book to see if it is for me. I like quite a few different genres of books. For example, my TBR of just one genre of books, is not that big compared to the whole TBR (though the R vs. TBR, if I were to calculate it, may or may not be similar, depending on the genre).

 

Anyway, I hope the above wasn't too rambly..

 

If anyone has any more tips on how to buy less books, spend less money or how to reduce my TBR (or anything along those likes), please feel free to post it or tell me in another way (that you haven't already mentioned to me, that is).

 

P.S. I'm trying to go into my library regularly and spend at least a few minutes there each time. It always cheers me up, to see all the pretty books, both those still to read and those that I've read and loved (the ones I didn't like so much I have, in some cases, hidden at the back of the shelf ).

 

And now, rather than typing about books, I'd better go and do some more reading. I'm at page 300, 61% of the ADD book I'm reading, it's interesting.

[bobblybear]

I would also like to know how to reduce buying books. I thought I was doing well, but at last count I bought 52 books this year.   My weakness is Kindle bargains, and even though they are usually £0.99, it still adds up. Or sometimes, I will just get caught up in the moment and purchase a whole lot of books (like I did with Judy Blume's books the other day). But I do try to tell myself that it's not that big a deal as I don't spend much money on other things. We don't go out to pubs or restaurants. I don't spend a lot on clothes, etc, and I try not to fritter money away on 'silly things'.

 

I keep a spreadsheet in which I list all of my monthly spending. I don't find it actually helps me reduce my spending unfortunately, but it does help me keep track of it. 

[Alexi]

I try not to worry too much about my spending. Like you mine is mostly on bargains from kindle and only the occasional paper purchase )although when I do buy paper books I tend to splurge on loads at once!).

 

I don't smoke, go out to pubs a lot less than I used to and I can currently afford my book outlay.

 

However, it does mean my TBR is ever increasing and some books linger for years without me getting to them. Not sure what the answer is, but I think there are worse vices.

[Devi]

I too tend to not worry on how much my book spending is. I don't smoke, don't drink, rarely go out (my choosing), and as long as there is food on the table and the bills are covered, I buy most of the books I want. I should be more concerned on where I will put the books though.

[Kylie]

I agree with everyone else. I don't have any other vices than books, so I spend my disposable income on books.

 

That said, I've also been trying to reduce my spending. The biggest spending area for me is book fairs, and even though I say I'll try to be good when I go, it's always impossible once I'm there. The best thing is to avoid going to book fairs in the first place.

 

In Book Collector, the program I use to keep track of my books, you can add User Defined Fields. I have a field with an 'anticipation rating', basically I'll be filling in a number between 1 and 10 on how much I want to read the book (with 10 being I cannot wait to read this, and 1 being I'm not interested at all (this'll be for my boyfriend's books on ie. technical World War II equipment)). I haven't filled in this yet for all of my books (that's a lot of work) but hope to be doing this slowly over time, at some time (though of course the rating might change over time).

 

I love Book Collectorz so much.  I spent nearly all of yesterday going through my books and updating the purchase date and prices (purchase price and cover price) for some of my books.  I still have so many to do! Luckily I can view my order history for online purchases, so I just have to copy the details across. When it's all done, I can't wait to see how the total purchase cost of all of my books compares to the total recommended retail price. I'm sure the total purchase cost will horrify me, but I'll try to just focus on how much money I've saved by buying bargains.

 

I don't use the User Defined Fields yet, but I've been thinking about posting a message in the BC forum to get ideas for what other people use them for (so I can steal the ideas for myself ). An 'anticipation rating' is a really good idea! Do you mind if I steal that? I don't think I could be bothered to rate all of my books, but maybe just the books I want to read the most (from one to three).

[Kylie]

Ann M. Martin - The BabySitter's Club 16: Jessi's Secret Language (re-read)

 

Hey Gaia, I was wondering how many BSC books you have? When I go to the book fair I always look out for the books that I'm missing. For the past couple of years I've had no luck at all, but I hit the jackpot last weekend and found around 12! And it was funny how they exactly filled in some gaps in my collection. For example, I already had Super Mysteries #2 and #4, and last weekend I found #1 and #3 (but they didn't have #2 and #4, so it worked out perfectly). I also found around half a dozen of the regular mysteries and a portrait book and a few regular books. I aim to complete my collection one day! For some reason I never add my BSC books to my TBR pile. And I don't have them on my bookshelves either—they're all packed into a box in my spare room.

[Athena]

Note: I had to remove some emoticons.

 

I would also like to know how to reduce buying books. I thought I was doing well, but at last count I bought 52 books this year. My weakness is Kindle bargains, and even though they are usually £0.99, it still adds up. Or sometimes, I will just get caught up in the moment and purchase a whole lot of books (like I did with Judy Blume's books the other day). But I do try to tell myself that it's not that big a deal as I don't spend much money on other things. We don't go out to pubs or restaurants. I don't spend a lot on clothes, etc, and I try not to fritter money away on 'silly things'.

 

I keep a spreadsheet in which I list all of my monthly spending. I don't find it actually helps me reduce my spending unfortunately, but it does help me keep track of it.

I list the monthly spending too but only since recently. Interesting to hear how things work for you, I hope you can do better in the less book buying soon . If you figure out how do let me know .

 

I try not to worry too much about my spending. Like you mine is mostly on bargains from kindle and only the occasional paper purchase )although when I do buy paper books I tend to splurge on loads at once!).

 

I don't smoke, go out to pubs a lot less than I used to and I can currently afford my book outlay.

 

However, it does mean my TBR is ever increasing and some books linger for years without me getting to them. Not sure what the answer is, but I think there are worse vices.

It's nice to see we don't have many smokers or pub-going people here, nor do people spend a lot on clothes. We all just spend a lot on books instead I guess. I agree, there are definitely worse things.

 

I too tend to not worry on how much my book spending is. I don't smoke, don't drink, rarely go out (my choosing), and as long as there is food on the table and the bills are covered, I buy most of the books I want. I should be more concerned on where I will put the books though.

Yes, that is a concern for me too .

 

I love Book Collectorz so much.  I spent nearly all of yesterday going through my books and updating the purchase date and prices (purchase price and cover price) for some of my books.  I still have so many to do! Luckily I can view my order history for online purchases, so I just have to copy the details across. When it's all done, I can't wait to see how the total purchase cost of all of my books compares to the total recommended retail price. I'm sure the total purchase cost will horrify me, but I'll try to just focus on how much money I've saved by buying bargains.

 

I don't use the User Defined Fields yet, but I've been thinking about posting a message in the BC forum to get ideas for what other people use them for (so I can steal the ideas for myself ). An 'anticipation rating' is a really good idea! Do you mind if I steal that? I don't think I could be bothered to rate all of my books, but maybe just the books I want to read the most (from one to three).

I love it too! That's pretty cool . For me often the 'default' cover price isn't actually what it should be. In most cases though I just erase the value but not put anything else back.

 

I use the User Defined Fields for a variety of things, I'm happy to tell you what I use them for and don't mind if you borrow an idea .

 

(not in this order:)

- anticipation rating

- a started to read date

- cover colour

- spine colour

- age range of the book

- type of book (ie. textbook, illustrated, comic, graphic novel, manga)

- a fiction / non-fiction checkbox

- who it was a gift from (my own name if I bought it myself)

- who recommended the book to me

- a used copy checkbox

- a checkbox for whether I've read this copy of the book or not

 

The only annoying thing is, I have the program also on my laptop and the UDF don't copy over (neither does the 'country') so if I edit a lot of them I'll have to copy the folder first to a USB stick and then to the laptop. But because they have different Windows versions, I then have to fix all the picture links . This is only though if I want to use it also on my laptop, I do that sometimes if my boyfriend needs to use my computer.

 

I'm working on filling them all in for my collection but it'll probably take some time.

 

Hey Gaia, I was wondering how many BSC books you have? When I go to the book fair I always look out for the books that I'm missing. For the past couple of years I've had no luck at all, but I hit the jackpot last weekend and found around 12! And it was funny how they exactly filled in some gaps in my collection. For example, I already had Super Mysteries #2 and #4, and last weekend I found #1 and #3 (but they didn't have #2 and #4, so it worked out perfectly). I also found around half a dozen of the regular mysteries and a portrait book and a few regular books. I aim to complete my collection one day! For some reason I never add my BSC books to my TBR pile. And I don't have them on my bookshelves either—they're all packed into a box in my spare room.

I have 1-66 in Dutch (they didn't print more), Super Specials 1 and 2 I believe (rest wasn't translated), one Special about Logan (the others weren't translated) and some of the mystery ones (most of them between 1-11 but a few are missing, the rest was never translated). The Super Mysteries were never translated.

 

In English I have 31 of the main series, they are between 3 and 67.

 

On the Kindle I have all the Super Specials, no. 1 of the main series, no 1 the graphic novel and 4 Super Mysteries.

 

The rest of all the BSC books are on my wishlist. I'd love to own and read them all at some point but it costs a lot of money. Other than Kindle I can't really get many English paperback versions. I'm so happy you found some at the book fair! I've never seen them in the book fair here, I don't think they sell English children's books and they wouldn't sell anything that old I think anyway. I might be able to get them all on Kindle when they're released as that's the easiest way for me to get them, though I prefer paperbacks. I would so love to read all of them some time.

 

I'll be posting a review next of the ADD book I finished, but you all feel free to continue talking if you want .

[Athena]

Kate Kelly and Peggy Ramundo - You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?!: The Classic Self-Help Book for Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder

 

 

Genre: Information

Age-range: Adult

Format: Kindle

Pages: 433 (plus a few pages with something extra, excludes webresources etc.)

Synopsis (Amazon.com):With over a quarter million copies in print, You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?! is one of the bestselling books on attention deficit disorder (ADD) ever written. There is a great deal of literature about children with ADD. But what do you do if you have ADD and aren't a child anymore? This indispensable reference -- the first of its kind written for adults with ADD by adults with ADD -- focuses on the experiences of adults, offering updated information, practical how-tos and moral support to help readers deal with ADD. It also explains the diagnostic process that distinguishes ADD symptoms from normal lapses in memory, lack of concentration or impulsive behavior.

 

My thoughts: After reading a fantasy trilogy I felt like reading something completely different. A non-fiction book about ADD on the Kindle seemed like a good idea, because I want to learn more about it.

 

On the whole the book is well written and it reads easily. I loved the little illustrations throughout the book. I also liked that sometimes the authors talked about their own personal experiences, or about someone they or one of them knows. The authors both have ADD and they both also have a child with ADD if I remember it correctly.

 

I enjoyed the first part of this book the most, where the authors talk about the various symptoms and aspects of ADD. It was recognisable. I did enjoy the other parts of the book too, but some of the information was more familiar or less interesting to me, less applicable maybe? It was more familiar to me because I'd read it before in various other books. That doesn't mean it wasn't nice to read though. I would give the first part of the book a 10 / 10 for me personally, the second and third parts an 8 / 10. Overall then I wouldn't say this is the best book on ADD out there, but it does give a good overview and does give tips on how to manage it (even if I'd read a lot of it in other, newer books).

 

Rating: ***** (9/10)

[Athena]

I was in town yesterday and couldn't resist to buy some books on sale (and one not on sale):

 

Teresa Aubele, Stan Wenck and Susan Reynolds - Geluk Zit In Je Brein - Ontdek Hoe je je Hersenen Kunt Herporgrammeren om Gelukkiger te Zijn (Train Your Brain to Get Happy)

Loretta LaRoche - No Stress! Het Leven is Al Zo Kort! - Ontdek de Kracht van Humor en Leer Beter Omgaan met Stress in je Leven en op het Werk (Relax - You May Only Have a Few Minutes Left)

Sue Hadfield and Gill Hasson - Praktisch Handboek Assertiviteit - Kom Op Voor Jezelf, Stel Duidelijke Grenzen, Leer Omgaan met Kritiek, Ontwikkel Meer Zelfvertrouwen (How to Be Assertive in Any Situation)

Mariette Middelbeek - Status O.K.

Daphne Dekkers - Alles Is Zoals Het Zou Moeten Zijn

Simon de Waal and A. C. Baantjer - De Waal & Baantjer 10: Een Tien Met Een Griffel\

 

I also bought the following for my Kindle in preparation for the October read-a-thon:

 

Veronica Roth - Four: Tobias Tells the Divergent Knife-Throwing Scene

Veronica Roth - Four: The Transfer

Veronica Roth - Four: The Initiate

Veronica Roth - Four: The Son

Veronica Roth - Four: The Traitor

[Signor Finzione]

Great review Gaia. I can see how a lot of the information could get repetitive if you've read lots of non-fiction books about the same subject before.

[Anna Begins]

I also bought the following for my Kindle in preparation for the October read-a-thon:

 

Veronica Roth - Four: Tobias Tells the Divergent Knife-Throwing Scene

Veronica Roth - Four: The Transfer

Veronica Roth - Four: The Initiate

Veronica Roth - Four: The Son

Veronica Roth - Four: The Traitor

 Can't wait!

[Athena]

Great review Gaia. I can see how a lot of the information could get repetitive if you've read lots of non-fiction books about the same subject before.

Thanks Laura .

 

 Can't wait!

Me either! I'm really looking forward to read the stories, and to the read-a-thon in general. I listen them there in publishing order, I think I will read them in that order. What about you, what order will you read them in? (not that it matters a lot, we'll be discussing them all anyway )

[Athena]

Stephanie Perkins - Anna and the French Kiss 2: Lola and the Boy Next Door

 

 

Genre: Chick-lit

Age-range: Young-Adult

Format: Paperback

Pages: 373

Synopsis (GoodReads):Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn't believe in fashion... she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit – the more sparkly, more wild – the better. And life is pretty close to perfect for Lola, especially with her hot rocker boyfriend.

 

That is, until the Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket return to the neighbourhood and unearth a past of hurt that Lola thought was long buried. So when talented inventor Cricket steps out from his twin sister's shadow and back into Lola's life, she must finally face up to a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door. Could the boy from Lola's past be the love of her future?

 

My thoughts: I read Anna and the French Kiss 1: Anna and the French Kiss about a month ago and quite enjoyed it. After reading some more serious books I felt like reading something lighter again, something cute and uplifting.

 

This book pulled me in straight away. It's quite well written and reads easily. The main character Lola is quite interesting, I thought her interest in costumes in particular was great to read about, it's something you don't often read about. I liked two other things less about her, but I don't want to say what they are because of little spoilers. I also liked the other characters. Lola has two dads (they are gay), which I thought was quite well done and it's something you don't often read about, it was nice to do so in this book. I also liked the rest of the characters, they were all interesting.

 

Anna, the main character from Anna and the French Kiss is in this book as a side character (she is friends with Lola). It was nice to read about her, and also different to read about her from a different viewpoint. This book takes place after Anna and the French Kiss. It can definitely be read as a standalone, though the only thing is of course that you'll then know bits of what happens in Anna and the French Kiss. The main story is about Lola though.

 

I quite enjoyed reading this book. Some parts were predictable, other plot twists less so. It's really a "feel good" book (as we would say in Dutch, using the English words). It's uplifting and cute but does touch upon some deeper themes.

 

Overall then I quite enjoyed reading this book and will be reading book three in a while. It's called Isla and the Happily Ever After. I've ordered it for myself but have not opened the package. If I can hold out until my birthday it'll be a birthday gift to me (from myself).

 

Rating: ***** (9/10)

[Anna Begins]

Glad you enjoyed it!  I know you liked Anna too, did you like this one more?

edit: Just saw above post, I will read them in order too.  I have read the knife throwing chapter before, but will read it with the others.  I wonder if it's in the beginning or the end?

Edited September 26, 2014 by Anna Begins

[Athena]

Glad you enjoyed it!  I know you liked Anna too, did you like this one more?

edit: Just saw above post, I will read them in order too.  I have read the knife throwing chapter before, but will read it with the others.  I wonder if it's in the beginning or the end?

I gave them both a 9 / 10. If pressed, I would say I liked Anna slightly more, because of the fact it takes place in Paris and the descriptions of the lessons etc. that Lola didn't have (Lola takes place in San Francisco but the area isn't described quite as much I felt). But really, I liked them both!

 

The knife throwing chapter is I think referring to the scene in Divergent. So it probably takes place in the middle? But I'll read them in publication order, that seems a good way to do it.

[Athena]

I was in the charity shop (Terre des Hommes) today and bought a few new books:

 

Anne McCaffrey - The Dragonriders Of Pern 1: Dragonflight (I own this in Dutch, now I have an English copy)

Enid Blyton - De Dolle Tweeling: In Spanning & Overwint - Claudine at St. Clare's & Fifth Formers of St. Clare's

Yvonne Kroonenberg - Ik Mail Je

Virginia Andrews - Dawn 3: Het Kind Van De Schemering (I own the rest of the series but my sister owns this one. I've read it but now I have my own copy)

[pontalba]

You are on a great run of books and reviews, Gaia!  Good work.

 

 

Regarding not buying books.......it's very difficult.  We've cut down this year, but still managed to buy (and 98% are second hand/library sale books!) a little over 500 this year.  You should see our wish list.......        Not to mention the little pieces of paper around on the desk here with titles and authors.

 

It's a weaning process.  That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!!

[Athena]

You are on a great run of books and reviews, Gaia!  Good work.

 

 

Regarding not buying books.......it's very difficult.  We've cut down this year, but still managed to buy (and 98% are second hand/library sale books!) a little over 500 this year.  You should see our wish list.......        Not to mention the little pieces of paper around on the desk here with titles and authors.

 

It's a weaning process.  That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!!

Thanks Kate !

 

I agree, it's difficult. It's nice to hear of your experiences. It makes me feel better knowing I'm not the only one struggling with this problem .

[Michelle]

Regarding not buying books.......it's very difficult.  We've cut down this year, but still managed to buy (and 98% are second hand/library sale books!) a little over 500 this year.  You should see our wish list.......        Not to mention the little pieces of paper around on the desk here with titles and authors.

 

 

 

I'm going to print that out, and read it whenever I feel guilty buying a book!   

[pontalba]

I'm going to print that out, and read it whenever I feel guilty buying a book!   

 

     This is a "guilt-free" zone!! 

 

What some have said above is very true, no smoking, no bar crawls, etc....although I can't say no shoes....not after the collection I've gotten together in the last several years.....but really a gal has to have some vices!    And, books are practical.  Think of the Rh factor!  /she said with a totally straight face/

[Athena]

     This is a "guilt-free" zone!! 

 

What some have said above is very true, no smoking, no bar crawls, etc....although I can't say no shoes....not after the collection I've gotten together in the last several years.....but really a gal has to have some vices!    And, books are practical.  Think of the Rh factor!  /she said with a totally straight face/

That's all very true !

[Anna Begins]

    ...although I can't say no shoes....not after the collection I've gotten together in the last several years.....but really a gal has to have some vices!   

Ah- mine is purses!