Quarterly Book Club Updates!

Recently Sam and I put up Improvement and Opinion Polls about the future of QBC.  It’s our first year after all, and it’s been an interesting year!  We’ve seen and read a lot of things, and now, we’ve come to the point where we want to improve the Club even more.  So we asked our members on Goodreads, as it’s where we are currently mainly situated, what they thought about:

• The Yearly Challenges
• The Quarterly Genres
• The setup of the group itself
• The Poll selections
• And whether members would like the Club on its own site or not.

And the results that Sam and I have been waiting for, surprised us!  Some were as expected, but others were certainly interesting.  With the way they came about, Sam and I are now in the process of thinking and discussing plans for next year about certain things like shifting the book club to its own site (which, gathered an interesting response).  We’re currently really excited about all the endless the possibilities!  There’s nothing quite like good/bad feedback and then doing something about it.

So, this update, asides from informing about the above aforementioned, is to inform you all (those who participate and those who may participate) that because the polls indicated that members would like new genres for next  year’s Quarterly reads, rather than the same as this year (Fantasy/Contemporary/Supernatural-paranormal-mystery/historical), we will be beginning next year with a Freebie Quarter!  This is so that Sam and I will have time to think up genres for the remaining three Quarters that don’t entirely overlap with the broad genres we picked for 2015.

We hope you are all as excited as we are!  The Freebie Quarter, we felt, would give members and others, the freedom to read whatever they liked, rather than being restricted for the Quarter.  It also gives Sam and I a chance to share what books we like to read when we’re not reading for the Club as well as try out new books and suggestions that members gravitate towards when not reading for a club. Also, it will give members the chance to read whatever they like and have it count for the book club reads!  Whoa…that’s a lot of reasons haha. Keep a look out, and we’ll keep you update on what’s happening next with the book club.

The Quarterly Book Club is designed for the busy reader, with Quarterly reading challenges as well as Yearly challenges for flexibility. It’s also a place for personal reading challenges, book discussions, and essentially sharing your book tastes with others of similar tastes. Although we mainly focus on YA novels, that does not mean that we don’t read Adult or Middle Grade novels.
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Brought to you and hosted by Sam @ A History of Books and Nina @Words that Flow Like Water
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Hopefully we’ll see you there 🙂 Sam and I will be posting the challenges that we do over on the group here on wordpress and post any book related posts in our group.  We Hope You Can Join Us!!!  We really would love to see you there!

https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/151362-the-quarterly-book-club

Sleep. Thesis Diaries part 5?

Sorry again for disappearing!! I will never stop being endlessly sorry because I like posting at least once a day, but the last week or so, I’ve just been too busy!  And tired not to mention….for a variety of reasons.  And then, also, a little lazy, in a need of a little indulgence.  Today’s post will definitely be short! (since I have a headache!)

A good piece of advice for those studying postgrad (and one I have often failed to take under my wing, the sole reason predominantly being:  I can’t help myself, but I do try every now and the.) is:  Get Plenty Of Sleep.  It always sucks not being able to focus from lack of sleep; sucks feeling distracted by the blurring eyesight because you spent the night staying up to mid morning reading a book because the book was soooooo good you just couldn’t stop; sucks because you know the consequences but you do it anyway.

Like me.  I stayed up to 2am this morning finishing off Code Name: Verity  by Elizabeth Wein.  It’s one of the Your Choice books for the Quarterly Book Club, and it’s also a book I became really absorbed in.  And so I stayed up.  This time planned (recently I stayed up unplanned, reading Dark Triumph another Your Choice Read for the Quarterly Book Club).  I knew the consequences and had intended to sleep really well and sleep in, but I ended up waking up early and not being able to get back to sleep again….and just now tried to use the Art of Common Talk as a pillow instead of studying it.

So, fellow researchers, postgrads, and people in general who love reading and can’t help it–get some decent nights rest, you’ll feel better in the morning.  Which.  Is definitely advice I plan to take and make use of this weekend :).  It’ll be hard to concentrate on the tasks at hand otherwise!  And it’s been so long since I stayed up to read a good book, I decided to indulge….I think I indulged a little too much though because now I have a headache and feel hungover without the alcohol part…..

Oh!  I want to make a note here, a personal goal, Next Month, I shall start writing my thesis.  It’ll be the worst draft ever.  But I shall start.  Because it’s better to start early, hate it, get over it, and do something decent before the end of my first year mark.

QBC Yearly Challenges!

This is a little delayed, but updates!  For the Quarterly Book Club Sam and I have sorted and listed all the Yearly Challenges available!  There are a number of challenges, and a one of the mods, and being a tad bit ambitious, I’m taking on all the challenges this year.

First Off:

For the Yearly Group Reads, you have many choices to pick from! All of the challenges have their own set of guidelines, so look for them inside the threads. All you have to do is select your level of participation and declare it in the the thread of the challenge that you are participating in. The challenges last all year, but be sure to update your progress in the threads once in a while to keep everyone updated!

If you would like to suggest a challenge, do so in this thread and we can probably work something out!

You’re also allowed to participate in more than one challenge if you like! A lot of them will overlap with each other, so it won’t be too daunting!

Second:

The Challenges available:

~ Months Challenge

~ Graphic Novels / Comics/ Manga Challenge

~ Classics Challenge

~ Series Starters Challenge

~ TBR Shelf Challenge

~ Standalone Challenge

~ Colours Challenge

~ Contemporary Challenge

~ 2015 Debut Novel Challenge

~ Series Enders Challenge

~ A-Z Challenge

I have to say, I’m glad there are books I’m planning to read that can be added to a number of these challenges, because otherwise, I feel like this would be an impossible feat.  Some challenges are easier than others, and at the same time, we have different levels of reading available for each challenge (click the links for more info), and the Months Challenge, I feel would be the most difficult challenge.  BUT hey, I’m always ready for the challenge!  Are you?  If you want to try your hand at these challenges, comes join Sam @ Poison For The Senses and I over at QBC on Goodreads!  There you can make a pledge and keep track of your challenge/s,  and we have other things too, if you’re interested in joining our book club.  Which reminds me…I feel like a commercial once more, but really, I’m just excited about the group and the challenges!

Looking forward to seeing you there at the Quarterly Book Club, hosted by yours truly, and Sam @ Poison For The Senses.

The Quarterly Book Club: First Poll

So I’m really excited!  The first poll is out for the Quarterly Book Club.  Six of the books were selected by Sam @ Poison for the Senses and myself, however, we already have one suggestion, which was added to the poll and looks like it could be an interesting read!

Finnikin of the Rock Melina Marchetta

Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier

Talon by Julie Kagawa

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

The Name of The Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

If you want to join us, please do! The more the merrier and well, I’m looking forward to some great book chats!

You know where to find us:  The Quarterly Book Club on Goodreads

Jim Butcher.

You know, I spent ages debating over which author who I should write next about under my “Authors Whose Writing I Adore” section, because really, while there were many stand outs, I find every author has something special about their writing.  For example: Jim Butcher and his Dresden Files series.  Now really, I wasn’t that engrossed with his books to begin with, not only was the main character a guy with your you know, every day guy thoughts, I was not used to the style of writing.  But really, it wasn’t bad, just different.  It didn’t have the poetry of Dessen, Oliver, and Condie’s writing, and it doesn’t have that distinct flair of Heyer’s works.  Also it’s not a manga, therefore there are no pictures.  So I had a hard time adjusting, particularly when I read my first Dresden novel two years ago.  WOW.  TWO YEARS.  I can hardly believe it’s been two years since I started the Dresden Files, and boy, has it grown on me.

Reached. Ally Condie.

Reached by Ally Condie

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Omg I am gobsmacked. I can’t believe I hadn’t read this earlier. Then again, I thinking reading this book was all about timing. I just happened to go camping, so obviously no electricity, old fashioned all the way. And therefore paperbacks were the way to go. And this happened to be the first one that I read out of the four I bought with me for the 10 day trip. And I was literally gobsmacked.

First of all I didn’t hate this series entirely despite my negative (partly) reactions to the other two.

I loved Matched for the simplicity and beauty to which Ally Condie approached Ky and Cassia’s relationship. I loved it so much I would have died for it. But my opinion of the rest was pretty half-half. I didn’t have much opinion at all.

I loved Ally Condie’s writing more in Crossed. I think I didn’t have much opinion on the switching POV’s or the long, extended catch up between Cassia and Ky. I did love the ending. That was the only reason why I wanted to read Reached anyway. But still it was long for a small book.

And as for Reached, I loved everything. I loved Cassia and Ky. I loved Xander’s voice (even if still, I wasn’t really convinced between the three main characters of their different voices since they, sometimes, sounded the same to me). I loved the plot line. I loved the action, the slow moments, their fears, their loves. I really felt each character and I loved each one for their strength. I loved that Cassia and Ky are firm in their relationship, and I love that they are realistic about it.

This is like Mockingjay for me. This was the best of the three. If I were to shelf this, I would shelf the first and the third book. Because this is better than the Hunger Games. It was strong with it’s themes (ones that weren’t really strong in the other two, but really came into its own in this one). I really, truly, loved this. I could not put it down. I couldn’t stop flipping the pages. And more importantly. Even right now, while I’m halfway through Pandemonium (Delirium #2) by Lauren Oliver (who I’ve praised for her writing, and who’s book – Delirium I really enjoyed, and even recommended to others over Matched)- Reached outshines it. It outshined Veronica Roth‘s sequel Insurgent and Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick. Both books are sequels of others I’ve read, and to come extent enjoyed. And both were nothing compared to Reached. I think, and Ally Condie, thank you so much for the ride, since, the third book was worth reading so much. I really enjoyed it. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

View all my reviews

 

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Library Wars: Love & War. Kiiro Yumi.

Library Wars: Love & War 1 by Kiiro Yumi

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great, funny, and it’s probably the first manga where the guy is slightly shorter than the girl! And I’m not annoyed by it!!!

The Plot
In the near future, the federal government creates a committee to rid society of books it deems unsuitable. The libraries vow to protect their collections, and with the help of local governments, form a military group to defend themselves–the Library Forces!

Iku Kasahara has dreamed of joining the Library Defense Force ever since one of its soldiers stepped in to protect her favorite book from being confiscated in a bookstore when she was younger. But now that she’s finally a recruit, she’s finding her dream job to be a bit of a nightmare. Especially since her hard-hearted drill instructor seems to have it in for her!
Hence this premise = lots of action, one hardcore, sometimes stupid (but not annoying stupid) female protag, a couple of hot interesting team mates and romanceeeeeeee! Wheeee loved it!!!

The Characters
Iku Kasahara> omg I love her!! She’s kickass. She’s funny-stupid (her priorities are always in the wrong order). She’s honest. She’s loud. She’s got a good heart. And she knows her stuff (eventually. If she knows she has to learn more, then she would go and learn more, even at the risk of pimples – don’t ask).

Atsushi Dojo> the love interest. Next to Iku, he is actually five centimetres shorter (he’s 165cm and Iku is 170cm) so he’s always at the butt of her jokes. Well, as much as a junior officer can say to a senior officer. Dojo is a pretty interesting character, he works well with Iku and I love how their characters contrast. Their sexual tension is like way up there (so far I can’t even see it anymore) yet, there’s nothing more than hugs and comforting touches. So I totally want to keep reading to the moment they get together…anyway. Dojo is gruff and actually the person Iku looks up to, but she doesn’t recognise him (read it and understand. I’m not going to tell you what that plot is all about), so it irks him a bit. He works Iku to the bone, yells at her a lot, but generally praises her when she does good. His character is not like those cold cool types that girls fall in love with because, well, they’re cool. No, Dojo is cool in the sense, that he can be an ass, but he also has a sense of humour and is a nice guy, generally, and basically, actually has a good personality (compared to the cool guys with a bad personality).

Supporting cast> love every single one of them and their stories. I love their interaactions, especially when it comes to Iku and I especially love it when one of them asks Iku out, but not because he likes her, but because he was told to “get along” with her. Haha that was hilarious, especially her reaction after!

Setting
Near, futuristic dystopia society where library books are at stake, as well as the ability to read anything uncensored.

Writing/Artwork
Love it, it’s good and humourous, engaging, I feel interested.
Artwork: There were actually two copies of this volume-same author, but different artists, I actually prefer this one, I think it’s more comfortable? Anyway, the other one wasn’t bad either. So good artwork!

Overall
Awesome manga! Love it, must be read.

View all my reviews

How I Spend Me-Time (TAG!)

SO Sophie over at Young, Wild and Writing has started this new blog post called TAG! and it’s all about what you do and how you spend your ‘me-time’ which I think sounds pretty cool.  After all, I’ve only recently finished my exams – albeit it was only one exam (but it was at the end of the exam period) – I’ve suddenly got so much to catch up on which I missed out doing while I was at uni.

The TAG! topic is “Me-time” according to Sophie’s post, so what do I do in my me time?

My little Book of Musings which I use to write random things

1- Writing – Writing for me is a me-time thing to do.  I usually pick up a lot of inspiration wherever I go and for as long as I can remember, for me, it’s all about my Book of Musings and the possibility of either writing another short story/poem or building up another imaginary fantasy world to chase after my dream career.  It really is a relief that I can use words to express things, especially when there was a time when I felt I couldn’t express myself at all.

2- Reading – I am a serial reader.  I can’t help it, I read too much.  Seriously, I put books on hold at the library and then I put more books on hold, until I have too many books on hold and I can barely carry then out of the library.  Haha, it’s a good thing the borrowing period if four weeks, but still, there are times, that my crazy holding-of-omg-the-new-release-books spree becomes a pile of books that even I can’t finish in four weeks.  During the uni semester though, I miss out on reading a lot because I spend so much time reading academic papers which more often than not, are kinda boring (no offence!).

Sketch books! I think the blue one is number 11

3- Drawing – I love drawing, it’s one of my favourite things to do.  Unfortunately, unlike writing I have a much harder time gathering inspiration.  I also think I have a tendency to be unable to picture how things fit together, so I take twice as long sketching than inking.  You know I was once told that people who are good at maths are also good at art.  I’m fairly good at maths, so I guess I’m fairly good at art? Well Whatever it is, I really enjoy drawing, good or not, I do it in my me-time.  I’m not that great, but feel free to check out some of it here.

4- Pondering the English Language – Okay cut me a break…haha, so since I decided to major in English as an International Language, I’ve become more aware of the issues that we discuss in class, and alot of the time, I watch something and then I question it.  It sounds like a totally nerdy thing to do, but I really do love looking at the current state of the English language and how it’s developed around the word, I just think its fascinating!

5- Manga – I love reading manga, almost otaku level (I actually prefer it over anime).  So this a total me-time thing.  The idea of spending a good few hours doing nothing but reading manga whether it’s online or in paperback form.

Instruction for Tag:

Bloggers tagged in this post are not being obliged to do a similar post.  After all this is just for fun so if you feel like doing it, feel free and if not, then don’t.  No harm done.  If you are saying yes to this, all you have to do is make a similar post presenting your list in any possible way.  It is up to you for as long as it shows how you spend me-time.  Be it through pictures, poetry, a narrative, haiku, etc.  As you finish, it is also suggested that you tag another five bloggers to your post so the fun will spread and who knows, a little self-reflection may go a long way.

I hope fellow tagged bloggers that you might join in on the fun as well :)!

As for me, here are my tagged bloggers:

1) www.stephrogers.com

2) www.walkingwiththealligators.wordpress.com

3) www.bokunosekai.wordpress.com/

4) www.peacelovegreatcountrymusic.com/

5) www.theelusivescribe.wordpress.com/

Quote #92

From Groucho Marx…

“I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.”

Quote #60

 

 

From Groucho Marx…

“I find television very educating.  Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.”

Quote #52

 

 

 

From Toni Morrison…

“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”

“If you think reading is boring, you’re doing it wrong.”

“If you think reading is boring, you’re doing it wrong.”

TBR.

I sighed; it was ridiculous.  There was too much to read.  The pile stacked up higher than I could see over.  And I was not short.  Ridiculous.  Then I looked at my blank word document.  THERE WERE NO WORDS ON THE PAGE.  I groaned, time to make my hobby a hobby again.  I laughed.  Ironic.