Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

Today’s question:
Do you set goals for yourself, while reading? For example, “I want to get this book finished this weekend“, or “I will read __ pages today“, etc. Why, or why not?

My answer:
I think this is a great question!!   I do, however, I don’t always succeed.  Because I had a very bad reading year in 2011, I wanted to try to read at least 2 books a week.  But, of course that doesn’t always happen depending on RL, size of book and Partners In Crime Tours work.  Another reason I try to put goals in place is due to the problem of not being able to say NO to a book.  At times I have more books coming in than me finishing, and then I become anxious that I am getting back logged.  I tend to be more disciplined with my goals if I sign up for a Read-A-Thon, which I have been trying to participate in more this year to reach my goal of one of my challenges, which is Outdo Yourself.

What about you?  Do you set reading goals?

June is being hosted by Alternative Read

Hosted by An Island Life

From An Island Life:
In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.
If you’d like to participate, visit An Island Life answer the question and then post your own question on your blog and leave your link below. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

Summer is here!!!
My Question:
What do you enjoy doing most during summer?

My Answer:
Reading either by the pool and/or in the pool on my float..

Hosted by Jennifer from CRAZY FOR BOOKS 

In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!!
Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

What are you currently reading?

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What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?
    

FYI:  for those who entered the giveaway for Dead End Deal by Allen Wyler, but wasn’t chosen as a winner and/or if you put this book on your TBR list….Wanted to let you know that Dead End Deal by Allen Wyler  has been chosen for “Amazon’s Summer Reading promo” and is available on Amazon for only $1.99 on Amazon for the next 8 days.  Get your copy now!!
Original posting here:

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Page 176

Hosted by  Miz B at Should Be Reading

Today’s question:
I read an article, this past week, about book covers, and the difference between print & digital covers; about how the digital covers have almost disappeared entirely, while publishers decide to just skip right to the content.
What do you think about this? Do you think the book cover is “dead”? Do you care whether the “covers” on digital books exist or not?

My answer:
Oh how I hope this isn’t true!!  Before blogging/reviewing, covers are what drew me when I would be either on a book buying errand and/or when looking for books at our local library.  After blogging/reviewing, covers are still important but not as much when deciding on a personal purchase compared to the plot and/or a blogger’s review.

Since the majority of books I read are sent to me from authors, publishers, publicists, etc, again it is the synopsis as to if I accept a book to review not the cover.  However, once I receive a print edition from the above, I do tend to judge the cover.  I also like seeing the cover of my current read when it is sitting on my table next to my reading chair, on my nightstand or when holding the book reading.  Like my current read, which I love the cover:

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As for the EReader, I disagree with the writer of the article.  He mentions how the reader skips over everything to get to page 1.  I don’t.  I, even if I have to go back many pages, I always start a digital version from the cover page.  It is probably an idiosyncrasy of mine, but it doesn’t “feel” right not starting a book from the cover page.  But I do agree with him, that after that one look at the cover, I tend to forget about it.   Definitely a drawback with EReaders, if one is a visual reader, like me.  I wish that when I do pick up my Kindle to continue reading, instead of the page I’m on opens up, I wish it could be designed that the cover is shown once I turn it on and then go to the last page read.  Hmmm…maybe I should write to the person who designs/programs/whatever and whomever is in charge of this and aks/suggest if this could be done????!!!!

What do you think about covers?  Do you think covers will “die” in the future?  And do you think it is either a good idea and/or would like to see my suggestion implemented?

June is being hosted by Alternative Read 

Mailbox Monday was created by Marcia of A girl and her books and is now on tour.

According to Marcia, “Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.”

                                  Author                      Author/WOW

          

The Hachette Book Group

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Facebook link

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads, especially my dear hubby, Steve who will be on the golf course today with our oldest son!!  Which means a nice quiet day for me lol.  However, I will be taking time to remember memories of my Dad, who passed when I was just 16.

Another week has flown by but looking forward to the first day of summer this coming Wednesday.  So how was your week?  Here’s a recap of mine:

Reading:  I finished 2 books, Banal by Vincent Zandri (a short story) and Chique Secrets of Dolce Amore by Barbara Conelli and am currently reading Tumbleweeds by Leila Meacham.

I also received a couple of books that I am looking forward to reading but will showcase those tomorrow in Mailbox Monday meme.

Blogging:  This past week was busy with hosting 3 guest authors and 4 giveaways.  Don’t leave without checking the sidebars for current giveaways, in case you see one of interest and you would like to enter.  Also posted are the giveaways that will begin this week.  And I have 4 authors visiting that will be introducing their latest books to us.

Real Life:  I tried something this week that I thought I never would have thought of.  And it was definitely the high point of my week.  Being a former nurse, I was always of the mindset of traditional medicine but my son had a session and said that he thought of me after he went because of my chronic pain.  So a few weeks ago, he made an appointment for the 2 of us for this past Thursday.  It was for acupuncture (that is not me in the image).  I drove to his house, he lives one state over 60+min drive, and then went to the office for our appointments.  I was utterly amazed!!!  Mark, the acupuncturist did a brief verbal intake, then took my pulse but not the usual 15-60 second count but for a couple of minutes and was able to tell me what was wrong and he nailed it on everything….scary!!  He then proceeded to insert the needles, painless, down my back, both sides of my spine, down my legs, and in my stomach area.  I stayed lying on my side for approx 30 min. and then he removed all the needles.  After my last 2 back surgeries in 2010, unknowingly, part of my lower spine collapsed and healed in a kyphotic (bent) position, which I am mechanically unable to stand straight.  When I sat up and then got off the table and stood up, I was standing at least at an 80 degree angle, which normally is like 70.  And I was even able to move with more flexibility. First time in 2 years.  And if that wasn’t enough I then spent the best part of the evening, taking Paul out to supper and spent some quality time with my oldest.  And then it was time to drive home.  Since then I have also been able to sleep straight through the night, whereas before, I am usually up multiple times due to the pain and have had to take less pain pills during the day.  I am now looking forward to my next appointment.  

Has anyone else had acupuncture?  What did you think?  And even if you haven’t, do you think you would consider it?  I am being totally honest in saying, if it wasn’t for Paul, I would never have tried it, but so glad I did.

Hosted by An Island Life

From An Island Life:
In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.
If you’d like to participate, visit An Island Life answer the question and then post your own question on your blog and leave your link below. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

With Father’s Day this Sunday, can you share something
about your Dad? A memory, your plans, etc. etc.

http://btt2.wordpress.com

Today’s question:
A while ago, I interviewed my readers for a change, and my final question was, “What question have I NOT asked at BTT that you’d love me to ask?” I got some great responses and will be picking out some of the questions from time to time to ask the rest of you. Like now.
Sally asks:
Have you ever bought a book, started reading it and then realised you have already read it? If so, how far did you get? (Can you tell this happened to me for the first time ever this week!?!)

My answer:
Unfortunately, many times.  I usually knew by the end of the 2nd-3rd chapter.  After doing this far too many times, I bought a small, thick notebook and divided it into letters of the alphabet for authors and titles.  I would write down books I wanted to read and cross off those I had read.  It came with me when I visited bookstores and the library.  Now, since everything is done online, including purchasing books, I have a spreadsheet.  However, I still have those notebooks to reference for older books.

What about you?  Has this happened to you too?