Top Ten Tuesday: Reasons I DNF'd a Book

 

Reasons I DNF'd (Did Not Finish) a Book

Well it has been awhile since I have posted for Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. I don't know why but these posts seem to take a lot of work and thinking for me. I love doing them but they are time consuming. Today I'm just going to make a list and join in! No book covers or titles, because I wouldn't want to actually name these books and discourage the authors. So here is my list as to why I didn't finish certain books. (You can decide if they are "petty" reasons as the original challenge is titled :) 

1. The terrible dialogue- I just can't with some of these modern books and inserting modern discussion into historical novels. Makes me want to toss the book across the room.

2. Too long- Don't get me wrong, I love an epic as much as anyone but some books just don't need to be 1,000 pages. You could cut it in half and still get the gist of the story.

3. The plot twists in a way I find unbelievable- Sometimes I'm halfway through a book and it just becomes too far fetched. I just can't buy into it anymore and want to stop reading.

4. I've figured out whodunnit quickly- When reading a mystery if I really think it's too easy I will skip to the end or just stop reading. This is terrible I know but I'm being honest, I do this!

5. Annoying Main Characters- I have to have some buy in with the main character. If I don't like them and I'm supposed to (meaning they aren't the villain) I don't always want to continue with the story.

6. Written in present tense language- This seems to be the new trend and I do not enjoy it! Give me the old fashioned narrator style.

7. A better book caught my eye- I do try to finish books I like before straying off to start a new one. But sometimes I come across a book I just have to begin reading today! And I ditch the other book and forget to get back to it. This is a bad habit to get into where you have all these half finished good books.

8. Politics enters the story- When I'm reading a good historical fiction book or mystery the last thing I want is someone preaching at me about modern day standards. So if I get the sense that is happening I'm apt to DNF that book quickly. It better have a realistic sense of the time or I'm out.

9. The story just moves too slowly- The book starts out strong and I'm really hooked. But halfway through I start realizing there is nothing new happening and the author is just rehashing and dragging out the ending. I confess this is when I start skimming, which I hate to do but sometimes you just have to.

10. Part of a series that isn't evolving- I absolutely love books that are part of a series. I know I'll never be able to read all of them but I love knowing the same characters are there if I want to meet them again. So I have to choose wisely and if a series is getting stale with the same plot lines told over again, I ditch it. And start another series. 

Top Ten Tuesday: My Ongoing Reading Goals

 

First of all.....how cute is this kitten? But to my goals....I made my top ten list of reading goals for 2023 in January and it was fun to check back in to see how I'm progressing. That is, fun until I realize I'm not meeting a lot of them. But that's okay. My blog is to promote books and the pleasure of reading so I'm not going to stress that I am not doing everything I set out to and make a list with some old and new goals. And as always, thanks to That Artsy Reader Girl, for hosting Top Ten Tuesday each week!

1. Read more history- Well, this has not been my strong suit this year for sure. I have been so incredibly busy with my teenagers, job, home life with hubby, etc. that straight history has taken a backseat to cozy mysteries and authors I am already comfortable with. The last one I reviewed was Josephine, in April and I have read a couple that I didn't review. But this is one area I'd like to work on going forward. 

2. Read more from my Classics Club list- I joined the Classics Club in January and was so excited to create my list. Then when I started choosing books from it, the excitement waned. I don't know if it's just my crazy, busy life right now or if I just don't want to read them but it has been a real struggle. So I'm going to keep trying and maybe revise my list too. If I just can't get going on it then it may be something I decide to drop in 2024. Reading 50 classic books in 5 years is definitely harder than it looks! So far I've read and reviewed 7 of them so that is something to celebrate but not nearly enough to make my end goal.

3. DNF more books- I have gotten so much better at this in 2023. I am still trying to remind myself that life is too short and there are just too many good books out there to keep reading ones I don't like. So this has been something I'm really striving to do.

4. Try new authors- I have tried and enjoyed many new authors this year but still gravitate to my favorites. I have to remind myself that when reviewing books it is good to have a variety of selections or people will get bored with your blog. Then again, it's my blog so I need to read and review what I like, right? Thanks to my blogger friends out there though I've discovered some great new writers so I'm going to keep trying to branch out.

5. Be okay with taking a long to time to finish a book- I have literally been reading Penman's Lionheart for over 6 months. And it's not because it's a struggle or I'm forcing myself. If anything, it's because I love it so much that it is taking me awhile. Sometimes I get frustrated that I can't read it faster but so be it. If an epic novel takes a whole year to read and absorb I'm trying to be okay with that, and just enjoy it.

6. Ditch Net Galley more- This goal might seem strange to my fellow bloggers but here is what I mean.....sometimes I go onto Net Galley and feel pressured to pick something. But often I find I'm just choosing books because they are new. And then requesting them and dreading reading them. I am vowing not to do that anymore. If something looks truly interesting to me, I'll request it. If not, then log out and go find an older book, classic book, or yet another sequel book by an author I love. Trying to read and review all the new, shiny books is stressful!

7. Quit picking books based off the cover- So sometimes this can be fun and rewarding. But often, shiny pretty covers do not equal good books. I just get hooked in by the style and pictures. So I'm going to force myself to really examine the content more. We will see if I'm able to stick to this though :) I'm a sucker for beautiful book covers!

8. Set a daily reading minutes goal and stick to it- I've tried to be casual about my reading and just go with the flow but with life getting in the way I think choosing a daily minutes goal would be good for me. Even if it's just 20 minutes it will keep me on track on the busiest days. While I always want to read, it can sometimes be hard to do much of it when I don't plan to sit down and be quiet and focus.

9. Be okay with having several books going at once- Sometimes I'm good at this but often I feel like reading books piecemeal is somehow "wrong." Then I remember this is okay because forcing yourself to read just one book at a time can be frustrating when your mood is just not into that particular book that day. So I'm going back to reading whatever, whenever, as long as it's a book I'm enjoying.

10. Not care what others think of my reading- This is hard for me. I vacillate between wanting to read deep, thoughtful books and something light and airy. When I was younger,  I thought it was somehow a waste of time to read books that weren't teaching me something. Now as I get older I've discovered you don't have to be so deep all the time. It's probably from growing up with parents who really instilled a love of reading for educational purposes and weren't big fiction readers unless it was a classic book. I love and appreciate them for that but I'm finding with our world so intense these days, cozy books and lighthearted historical fiction is so good for the soul sometimes. So I'm going to enjoy whatever works for me and so should everyone else! 

Top Ten Tuesday: Top 10 Books on my Fall 2023 TBR list

I have neglected Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, lately.....out of lack of time. And I have missed making these lists! Several books listed are ones I've talked about on my Stacking the Shelves posts but just haven't had time to get to. I always seem to gravitate to my favorite authors and want to catch up on several series books I've been putting off for newer books or because I'm trying to branch out. 

I am sure I can list a hundred books I want to read before we ring in 2024 (like all of you reading this!) but here are the ones I'm most looking forward to. Happy Fall reading ya'll....

1. A Sunless Sea by Anne Perry- The next book I need to read in the William Monk series. These are always excellent. 

2. Endless Night by Agatha Christie (Read Christie November)

3. Sleeping Murder by Agatha Christie (Read Christie December)

4. A King's Ransom by Sharon Kay Penman- I am currently finishing Lionheart (it is taking me forever because I am reading the actual book instead of reading it on my Kindle).

5. The Last Kashmiri Rose by Barbara Cleverly- A series set in India during the British Raj period that I've wanted to start for awhile now.

6. The Armor of Light by Ken Follett- Buzz about the latest Kingsbridge novel is everywhere! I have only read The Pillars of the Earth but this current book looks like one I'd like to read now.

7. A Cold Highland Wind by Tasha Alexander- Set in the Scottish highlands this is a book that I've had on my TBR list for awhile now. Hoping I'll get to it soon.

8. The Leper of Saint Giles by Ellis Peters- I am reading the Cadfael books in order because I've found things happen to him along the way that go into the next books....so I want to continue with the series and this is my current read.

9. Queens of the Conquest by Alison Weir- Book one Queens of the Crusades was excellent so I'd like to tackle this one. It is long and detailed though so I will try my best!

10. Goodbye Piccadilly by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles- Set in WW I I'd like to see if this book can teach me a bit more history along with an entertaining story.

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Things That Make Me Instantly Want To Read a Book

This week's Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is "things that make me instantly want to read a book." When I first saw this topic I thought it would be more about the actual words on the page in a book. But the more I pondered my reasons I realized I often want to read a book for the strangest or silliest reasons. This was surprising to think about but we are often drawn to books in all kinds of ways. Here are the ten ways I decide whether or not to give a book a go. 

1. The cover 

This has fooled me many times....a beautiful cover with a gorgeous setting and a colorful display can really suck me in. I have to watch out for this and remember that often the cover is the end for me if the book is not great.

2. The author 

I am a huge fan of sequels...maybe it's just comforting to know that I already enjoyed the other books and I know what I'm getting. So if it's one of my favorite authors like Anne Perry or Diana Gabaldon, I am going to want to read the book instantly.

3. Good reviews

I definitely will read a book if a trusted reviewer recommends it. Some of my fellow bloggers are the ones I go to first for this but Amazon and Goodreads are always a great place to start too.

4. Subtitles

I didn't realize this would be on my list until I started thinking about my answers. A well written, succinct subtitle draws me in and gives me that added "extra" within the main title to make me want to open the book and give it a try.

5. Historical fiction 

If a book is historical fiction or history set in certain time periods with certain historical figures I'm almost certain to give it a try or at least read the summary.

6. Real people 

This sort of goes along with number 5. I'm not a huge fan of fictional characters. I only enjoy them if they appear alongside real historical characters and then I get drawn into their fictional lives as they relate to those real people.

7. Length 

I enjoy longer books, those with some depth to them. If a book is 350 plus pages I'm more likely to spend my time on it. Sometimes mysteries are the exception but I love to get into an epic long book when I can.

8. Kings, Queens, Royalty of any kind

Yes this is a lot like number 5 but for me it is its own category! I am obsessed with books featuring royal persons especially if it is a narrative style biography of them.

9. Cozy mysteries set in the 1920's

This one may have more to do with the cover thing  again (see number 1) but I have discovered I am drawn to this genre in this time period. They are just fun and light hearted and good for the soul.

10. Anything set in historical Scotland 

This is such a favorite setting with me that I will give most stories a try if they take place during this time and place. 

What are your top reasons for reading a certain book? What makes you want to give it a try?

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Self-Published Books

 

This Top Ten Tuesday theme, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is all about self-published books. Now I admit I had no idea which authors or books I like were self published so I had to scour the net. I haven't read most of these but know some of the authors and/or they just looked interesting to me. 

I was also surprised to see some of the authors and books that were considered self published or published by Indie publishers. It is not something I know much about but I'm all for people being able to take charge of their own projects. Hopefully I can read some of these soon.

1. Liberty or Death by David Cook

The first in a trilogy, this book follows the fictional character of Major Lorn Mullone who is caught up in the Irish Rebellion of 1798. This is a unique subject to tackle and one I haven't seen in many books. I also love series books so this might need to go on my TBR list.

2. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

A reimagining of Homer's The Illiad, it seems to have been a huge hit and looks to me like an ambitious premise to choose. Not sure I'd read it as I'm not a fan of this time period but I can appreciate the author's work. 

3. The Maid by Nita Prose

This one is on my TBR list because I hear they are making a movie about it. Described as a "Clue like, locked-room mystery" it looks like a tale of a  socially awkward, working class girl unwillingly caught up in a whodunit when one of the patrons at the wealthy hotel where she is employed mysteriously kicks the bucket.  

4. The Lindbergh Nanny by Mariah Fredericks

This is my kind of historical fiction. It is based on the real crime of the kidnapping of Charlie Lindbergh and the nanny who adores him in her quest to find out what has happened to him.

5. All the Broken Places by John Boyne

I'm not a big fan of WWII or Nazi Germany historical fiction but I know it is very popular. So I'm listing this book for others. It is a time shifting novel about a girl named Gretel and her pain at being the daughter of a commandant of the Reich during the war. Gretel has to reconcile her own guilt with protecting her lifelong secret shame. 

6. Empire of Ice and Stone by Buddy Levy

I love adventure based history books that read like novels. This looks like this type of story. During the year 1913, The ship, Karluk, while on an expedition in the Arctic Ocean is icebound and their expedition leader and some members of the crew decide to embark on a hunting trip. When there is no sign of their return after 10 days, their Captain, Bob Bartlett, along with a local Inuit man, attempt a treacherous 1,000 mile journey to find rescue for the remaining crew members. 

7. Homecoming by Kate Morton

An epic novel, Homecoming is the story of Jess, a journalist, and her grandmother, Nora and a long buried criminal case. Jess attempts to find out how her family is connected to a notorious unsolved murder case from 1959. 

8. Dead Wake by Erik Larson

The story of the luxury ocean liner, Lusitania, the ship that meets disaster in 1915 during the days of WWI. Erik Larson is always excellent at making history read like a novel.

9. A Desperate Fortune by Susanna Kearsley

Anytime I see Scotland and Jacobite I'm in! So I really need to try one of Kearsley's books. This one is about Jacobite exile, Mary Dundas and her journal and the woman who tries to crack the code three hundred years later. 

10. The Men Who United the States by Simon Winchester

I'm not sure this book would hold my interest but it looks unique and I thought others who love history as much as I do would want to know about it. Winchester ponders how we became 50 unified states by exploring the men who played huge roles in shaping the country. Lewis and Clark, along with the creators of the railroad and national highways are featured in their quest to physically and geographically unite the nation into one. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Books for people who liked......

 

Books For People Who Liked......

I thought I'd list ten different "if you liked authors." I have so many I just wanted to get them all in! 

1. If you like Sharon Kay Penman you'll love.....Helena P. Schrader. I have recently discovered Schrader's historical novels focusing mainly on the Crusader period. She is historically accurate, like Penman, and engaging with dialogue and authentic details. 

2. If you like Diana Gabaldon you'll love.....Amanda Scott. These books don't have the depth and range of Gabaldon but because there are so many set in the Highlands, she got me through my droughtlander periods when I was waiting on the next Outlander book. They are historical, romantic, and unique. Very enjoyable and have that Scottish feel you are seeking.

3. If you like Anne Perry you'll love....Victoria Thompson. Both authors have engaging mysteries set during the Victorian era.  I have only read one Victoria Thompson novel but it reminded me of Perry in a lot of ways. 

4. If you like Rhys Bowen you'll love....Verity Bright. These cozy mysteries are witty, historical, and just make you feel great. They have interesting, female lead characters and are quick reads so you can work them easily into your busy schedule.

5. If you like Ken Follett you'll love....John Jakes. I thought these two authors had a very similar style when I read them back to back. Lots of accurate history combined with gritty male characters going through tough times. 

6. If you like Alison Weir you'll love...Christina Croft. Both of these ladies have excellent non-fiction accounts of royalty. Yes, different time periods to be sure but lots of details I hadn't found in other books.

7. If you like Lauraine Snelling you'll love....Michael Phillips and Judith Pella. Both are fabulous Christian, historical fiction authors with stories set in the past. I really need to do a re-read of their books and review some.

8. If you like Lauren Willig you'll love....Sarah Lark. These authors write  long, epic type books set in romantic places with lead female characters. 

9. If you like Bernard Cornwell you'll love....Ben Kane. He is a fairly new author I've tried to promote on my website. He has mostly male historical characters as well as fictional ones set in time periods with lots of battles and political intrigue. 

10. If you like Antonia Fraser you'll love....Carolly Erickson. These ladies write amazing biographies of mostly royalty and almost exclusively women. They are solid in research and have an entertaining, narrative style. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Characters I'm Thankful NOT To Be- Classics Edition

 

TOP TEN TUESDAY

HOSTED BY THAT ARTSY READER GIRL

Today I'm participating in Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl book blog. I've wanted to do this for awhile but hadn't found the time. I love the idea of posting top ten lists each week and while I may not get to all of them, it's still fun to try! This week in honor of Thanksgiving the topic is Thankful Freebie. Here is my top ten list of characters I'm thankful not to be. I loved this idea and have to give credit to Cindy at The Speedy Reader blog for this creative idea. 

1. Mrs. Danvers in Rebecca 

by Daphne Du Maurier

The creepy, clingy, obsessed head housekeeper of Manderly was not a happy lady. I was glad she didn't win in the end. 

2. Melanie Hamilton in Gone With the Wind

by Margaret Mitchell

I always felt sorry for poor Melanie. She's too sweet and compliant....she gets taken advantage of left and right and then dies in the end. I can't help it...I always preferred to be Scarlet!

3. Oliver in Oliver Twist

by Charles Dickens

This one almost needs no explanation. How can you not feel compassion and pity for this poor kid? It's a hard story to get through for sure. Happy ending...but tough getting there.

4. Tom Joad in The Grapes of Wrath

by John Steinbeck

He has the weight of the world and his family on his shoulders. Tom means well but can't seem to ever get it right or catch a break. It's a tough life for him.

5. Marley in A Christmas Carol

by Charles Dickens

As a child I felt so sorry for poor Marley. I'm glad he tries to pass on the knowledge of what NOT to do in life but I always felt bad he's stuck in the underworld. 

6. Napolean in Animal Farm

by George Orwell

There's something pathetic about a character who can't see how oppressive he's become. You can't help but feel sorry for those who abuse others because they have become so evil. 

7. Mr. Bennet in Pride and Prejudice

by Jane Austen

This one is meant to be funny. I just love the Father in this book and how long suffering he is with his wife. But would I want to be him in that house of chattering women? Nope :) 

8. Daisy in The Great Gatsby

by F. Scott Fitzgerald

This character just comes across as an empty headed fool who uses those around her and won't take responsibility for her actions. I wouldn't want to be Daisy as she grows older and looks back on her life. 

9. Raskolnikov in Crime and Punishment

by Feodor Dostoevsky

Watching the character try to justify his horrible crimes is frustrating. It is humbling to see him come to terms with what he has done. 

10. Gilbert in Anne of Green Gables

by Lucy Maud Montgomery

I always felt a little sorry for poor Gilbert.....always chasing dramatic Anne. Sometimes I wanted to tell him to go find someone more sensible and worthy of his adoration.  

My Top 10 Favorite Series Books of 2022

 

Don't you just love books that are part of a series?  The idea that you have another waiting to read when you already love a book and all its characters so much is a comforting feeling. At least it is for us bibliophiles, although occasionally I hate the pressure I feel to finish them all. That's just never gonna happen!  I thought this week I'd list my top 10 favorite series books of 2022. I could probably do this post several times a year because I'm always starting new ones. What are your favorite series books?

1. Verity Bright's Eleanor Swift Mysteries

Wonderful cozy mystery series set in 1920's England. Eleanor, her beloved butler Clifford, and her trusty bulldog, Gladstone solve mysteries while charming everyone  in the quaint village of Chipstone. I have read the first three in this series and can't wait to read the next Christmas themed one soon. These just make you feel happy.

2. Anne Perry's Thomas Pitt Mysteries

Thomas and his wife Charlotte mingle with the upper class in their stately drawing rooms and  tackle the dark underworld of Victorian England in this gripping series. I am up to book 9 and am always eager to read the next one. Perry provides plenty of suspense, history, and authentic dialogue, making you feel like you've been transported to the 1800's. 

3. Anne Perry's William Monk Mysteries

William Monk and Nurse Hester Latterly risk danger and societal discord to unravel the clues to multiple murders in Victorian England. I have read the first 15 in this series and they are all amazing. I think I enjoy them even more than the Pitt series because they are even grittier and so authentic with the depiction of Victorian society.  She has stopped writing them for now to concentrate on her newer books but I hope she will continue with them someday. 

4. Sharon Kay Penman's Plantagenets

This series is a true historical fiction literary feat covering in great detail the lives of Empress Matilda and her heirs, Henry Plantagenet and his sons with Eleanor of Aquitaine. I have read the first three books and am looking forward to tackling the last two covering the life and crusades of Richard the Lionheart.

5. Ben Kane's Lionheart 

A totally different spin on Richard and the Crusades from the Penman books. Told through the eyes of a squire, turned knight of Richard the Lionheart, Ben Kane's series is amazing and he transports the reader to the time with great depictions of battles and political intrigue. Not as romantic as the Penman Plantagenet series or as detailed but a very entertaining read on its own. I have only read the first one and would like to read the next two in 2023.

6. Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody Mysteries

Set in the late 1800's these Victorian age mysteries add a level of clever, witty dialogue that takes them up a notch from your typical cozy mystery. Amelia Peabody is a lady of her age while also maintaining an independent spirit. The first one is set in Egypt and is so delightful. I can't wait to continue this series that adds interesting, exotic locations to a suspenseful whoodunit plot. 

7. Amanda Scott's Border Trilogy

Though billed as a romance author her stories have a layer of history and political intrigue that make them much more than the standard bodice ripper. I've learned a lot about Scotland and England during the middle ages and the border wars that caused frustration on both sides. She has penned a prolific number of these books which I don't think she gets enough credit for. There is wonderful research that goes into each one. 

8. Ellis Peters' Cadfael Chronicles Mysteries

Join everyone's favorite Monk, Brother Cadfael as he solves crimes in Shrewsbury. England during the years of the Anarchy. These are great for a quick read between longer books although they do pack a lot into each one so plan to concentrate. Clever, with a subtle, underlying humor, Peters keeps you guessing throughout and you will learn a bit about the politics of the day in 1100's England and Wales. 

9. Diana Gabaldon's Outlander

Be transported from the 1940's to the 1740's and become swept up in the Jacobite cause of Scotland. An amazing series, it will hook you and make you want to know these characters as if they were real people. I have read all the big books twice and am making my way through them a third time. They are so long and detailed you will always learn something new each time you re-read them.

10.Martha Keyes' Tales From the Highlands

Keyes puts a lot of solid research into these charming romance stories. They are also clean and wholesome although often tackle serious subjects. I have read the first one and have already bought the next two. She has another stand alone novel I've read as well set in Scotland. They have a charm to them I found enjoyable and you will learn some background about the time period and location. She also has several regency era novels patterned after Jane Austen.