Narrow Gate Academy
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Book #16: The Key of Kilenya by Andrea Pearson. It's the first book of a middle grade fantasy series I got free ages ago. I bought the entire series because the first one was that good. My boys LOVED it. A 14 year old gets chased into a tree which leads to another world and then he goes on a quest by the Makalos to retrieve the missing key from the evil Lorkon. Really imaginative book.
Thanks for the suggestion. I'm always looking for ideas for my picky 12yo ds. My library doesn't have them, but the first three in the series are free on Amazon as a kindle box set!! 🙌
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I spent quite awhile hunting for this after seeing it over on my goodreads feed. It doesn't seem to be at any of my libraries yet but will try and remember to check for it occasionally.
I now have Echoes in Death! :) Unfortunately I have some books that I waited for that need to be read first. By Gaslight continues......it really wasn't the best book for me to read this week because my days have been pretty hectic.
It is free on Amazon if you have either Amazon Prime or Kindle Unlimited. I borrowed it from the Prime library. HTH
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I read another book. The Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey. First book in a series. This is a science fiction book that has been made into a tv show. First season is on Amazon Prime. Second season is on Syfy. The book is set several centuries from now. Earth has settled Mars which is busy terraforming itself. People also live on asteroids and on some of the moons of Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus. No one has traveled beyond the solar system. Lots of battles, lots of action and some mysteries too. I liked the book a lot.
This looks interesting. Luckily I'll have to wait a few weeks to get it on hold so it won't immediately add to my oversized tbr stack.
Definitely not a typical western. Thanks for posting all these free kindle deals. I've downloaded this and a few others over the last few weeks.Here's a currently free Kindle book that sounds decidedly out of the usual ~
Earthbound: Science Fiction in the Old West (Chronicles of the Maca Book 1) by Mari Collier
"Marooned in the 19th century Old West, an alien must survive on the violent planet and return to his homeworld to destroy his mortal enemies and avenge his people.
During a raid to a Comanche camp he rescues Anna, a tall warrior woman. The two become friends and comrades, their fates forever intertwined. They find themselves together in the prairies of 19th century Texas, the bordellos of Civil War-era New Orleans, to Prohibition in the 1920s, the Great Depression, and the vastness of space.
But will they survive hardships through history, the enmity of their southern neighbors and the Civil War, and be able to return to his home planet to exact his revenge?"
Regards,
Kareni
I finished Samantha Watkins: Chronicles of an Extraordinary Ordinary Life by Venem last night and reviewed it. The cliffhanger at the end was extremely frustrating since the remainder of the series is only available in French. Still I can at least mark off my translated bingo square.
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Did you notice the new re-reading feature on Goodreads? :hurray:
https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/817-rereading-is-here-let-s-say-it-again-rereading-is-here
Yeah! Perfect timing! I was just thinking I would reread the second Others book this week!
:grouphug: to those unwell and in recovery. I hope everyone gets to feeling better soon.
I second this!
So sorry that happened. Even getting the flu shot doesn't guarantee you won't get the flu. Enjoy some well deserved book therapy, and I hope everyone is well soon.My post above sounds a bit snappy at you, but in my defense I am on a short fuse regarding the flu shot. While I understand (as do you) that getting the shot is not a failproof method of preventing flu, I almost punched the pharm tech at the pharmacy. After my jaw hitting the counter at the price of Tamiflu (and inhaler) the guy looked at me and said, "You know the flu shot is much cheaper." That man has NO idea how close he came to having his nose broken. I figured I would not be able to care for my sick kids very well if I was in jail so I restrained myself. I wanted to yell at him that people can get sick at no fault of their own. Geez, I even make my kids wash their hands all the time. Even if someone did not get the shot it doesn't mean they deserve to get the flu. I know you're not saying that, but other people sure think it.
I will say that Terry Pratchett's Tiffany Aching is perfect for helping a stressed out mama.
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I really loved the Amelia Peabody books. I'm pretty enamored with all things Ancient Egypt though. I think there was one or two books that didn't quite catch my fancy. I never listened to the books on audio though. Just a plug for keeping this series as an option in the future.
I think it was the audio format that I disliked. I'll try them as ebooks in a few months when my stack of books to read goes down.
Thanks for the idea. I' m going to read it this week for dds.Books I'm Still Reading:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey (study with the older kids)
Robin - My first choice would have been book 2, but I also thought the first cover looked interesting.
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I actually finished four books this week :driving: and dropped my first book of the year. I made it through three chapters of Crocodile on a Sandbank by Peters on audiobook. I found the combination of the narrator's voice and the first person style of the book annoying. It made the main character annoying, and I decided that I would stop before I totally disliked her. This way I can try again at a future point in print.
Finished This Week (reviews linked)
- The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin- This is my first nonfiction book of the year. I found it well-written and very practical. 5 stars
- Adventures of a Vegan Vamp by Cate Lawley - I downloaded this cozy mystery from the Prime library simply because the title caught my attention. It gets 4 stars for making me laugh.
- The Seventh Bride by T. Kingfisher - Another book from the Prime library. This fairytale fills my prime number bingo slot and was an entertaining way to while away a couple of hours.
- A Red Herring Without Mustard by Alan Bradley - I read the first three books of the Flavia de Luce series a couple of years back. I picked it to complete the gemstone challenge for January and am using it for my bingo mystery slot as well.
Long term reads:
- ESV Bible - almost done with Leviticus
- History of the Ancient World - finished chapters 9 and 10 this week
Current reads (always subject to change on a whim)
- Audiobook: I have a couple on Overdrive hold that I'm waiting on. I'm leaning towards listening to Casino Royale by Fleming which I can get free on Audible as a backup plan.
- Fiction books:
- Slathbog's Gold by Forman - Have to either finish or set aside this week as it is due at the library on Tuesday. I also have quite a large library stack waiting on me.
- Samantha Watkins: Chronicles of an Extraordinary Ordinary Life by Venem - another Prime book I started on my kindle while waiting on the kids the other day.
- Nonfiction book: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Covey - I picked this up to preview for dds after seeing it on a previous thread
Finished for the year
10. The Happiness Project by Rubin
9. Adventures of a Vegan Vamp by Lawely
8. The Seventh Bride by T. Kingfisher (Bingo: prime number)
7. A Red Herring Without Mustard by Bradley (Garnet book and bingo: mystery)
6. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Adams (Bingo: outer space)
5. Stormbreaker by Horowitz (Bingo: one word title)
4. Moon Dance by Rain (Bingo: flufferton)
3. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Doyle (Bingo: collection of short stories)
2. The Strange Library by Murakami
1. Written in Red by Bishop
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I finished reading book 8, The Seventh Bride by T. Kingfisher yesterday. I downloaded it from the Amazon Prime library to use for my bingo prime number square. The plot reads somewhat like a fairy tale and quite enjoyed it. Here the link to my review. Now after finishing three fiction books, I need to make some progress on my current nonfiction book.
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I finished my 7th book yesterday and finally got a review written this evening for A Red Herring Without Mustard by Bradley. I'm counting it for my January birthstone book as well as the Bingo mystery square.
Currently 63% of the way through The Seventh Bride and enjoying it quite a bit.
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I managed to finish up two books this week bringing my total to six so far this year and also made progress on others. :thumbup1:
Finished This Week
- The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams - This is my second audiobook of the year and had me laughing out loud repeatedly (review here). I'm counting it for my outer space bingo square.
- Stormbreaker by Horowitz - I picked this one up intending to preread a few chapters for ds and instead read the whole book (review here). This meets my one word title bingo square between my total to four completed squares. :hurray:
Long term reads:
- ESV Bible - finished Exodus today
- History of the Ancient World - finished chapters 7 and 8 this week
Current reads (always subject to change on a whim)
- Audiobook: Crocodile on the Sandbank by Peters - This one is still on hold at Overdrive, but I'm next in line and it's been 14 days since I put it on hold so hopefully I'll get it today or tomorrow
- Fiction books:
- Slathbog's Gold by Forman - Still only three chapters in, will pick up again this week
- The Seventh Bride by Kingfisher - Checked this out with my prime account to fill the prime number bingo square and started on my kindle while waiting for the kids, only a few chapters in but it seems promising so far.
- Nonfiction book: The Happiness Project by Rubin - I made it through the July chapter this week and will try to keep reading a chapter a day
Finished for the year
6. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Adams (Bingo: outer space)
5. Stormbreaker by Horowitz (Bingo: one word title)
4. Moon Dance by Rain (Bingo: flufferton)
3. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Doyle (Bingo: collection of short stories)
2. The Strange Library by Murakami
1. Written in Red by Bishop
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I just finished my fifth book of the year Stormbreaker by Horowitz. I was prereading for ds12 and only intended to read 2-3 chapters, but the next thing I know I had reached the end of the book. I enjoyed enough that I will likely continue reading the next book in the series when I get a chance. It's long enough that I can count it for my one word title entry for bingo. Here's a link to my review.
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After taking a few days break from reading, I have several books going at once.
Long term reads:
- ESV Bible - currently midway through Exodus
- History of the Ancient World - finished chapters 5 and 6 this week
Current reads
- Audiobook: The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Adams - I'm currently four chapters in and waiting for the story to pick up
- Fiction book: Slathbog's Gold by Forman - Reading to see if my 12yo ds might enjoy the series, about 3 chapters in
- Nonfiction book: The Happiness Project by Rubin - I decided last week that I wanted to increase the number of nonfiction books I read and picked this one to start. At a chapter a day, I should finish sometime next week.
- Spanish book: Harry Potter y la Piedra Filosofal by Rowling - I've decided to brush up on my Spanish before ds gets to high school because I don't expect him to want to continue with Latin. Hopefully I remember enough to follow the story.
Finished for the year
4. Moon Dance by Rain (Bingo: flufferton)
3. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Doyle (Bingo: collection of short stories)
2. The Strange Library by Murakami
1. Written in Red by Bishop
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I finished my 4th book today Moon Dance by J. R. Rain, which is the first book in his Vampire for Hire series. I downloaded it for free through my Amazon prime account and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Here's a link to my review.
Not sure what I'll pick up next, but it definitely needs to come from my stack of library books instead of my kindle (unless of course one of my audiobooks from Overdrive becomes available).
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Finished this week:
- Book 3: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Doyle - This was my first try at an audiobook, and I enjoyed the audio format more than I expected. The stories of course were intriguing, and I wrote a brief review.
Progress this week:
- ESV Bible - nearly finished with Genesis
- The History of the Ancient World by Bauer - finished chapters 3 and 4
I have an abundance of library books that are clamoring for my attention, but I'm not sure which I'll read next. I've also downloaded a few books from Amazon Prime that I could try. Thanks Kareni for the link to the Eramus book. I downloaded it this evening.
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Urm, isn't Strange LIbrary only about 96 pages long and a novella? You may not have been around for the conversation relating to the bingo guidelines.
I'll post them for everybody and put them up on the 52 books blog for reference. Bingo Guidelines
Page count minimum is 200 pages. Novellas and rereads don't count as that would be too easy.
Book has to be started and completed this year, no carry overs from last year.
No double dipping.
Free space is book of your choice. Yes, you have to read a book to tick off free space.
Audiobooks are fine as long as it has substance and the actual book is over 200 pages in lengthClarifications:
There isn't a category for play this year so no plays.
Children and Young adult books are iffy and depend on if they have substance. The young adult novels today are like the regular adult novels of the 70's. Yes Harry Potter counts. Use your best judgement.
Finance – Can be fiction or non fiction
Western - As in cowboys, outlaws, lawmen and indians up through 1900's. Can be fiction or non fiction and from any country and just not U.S. related.
Debut author – Author’s debut from 2016 or 2017
Outerspace books -- space as in outer space, not of this planet, no air. Space beyond the atmosphere of earth. Can include climbing in a rocket and leaving our world or life on another planet or alien worlds.
I did miss the guideline discussions. Thanks for the explanation.
Love the links. Thanks.🙌Karen should be back in a couple weeks. But in the meantime:
I still have 4 harlequin romances I saved from the 70's sitting in my shelves. I run the gamut from clean christian romances such as Julie Lessman to the super x rated vampire series from Laurel Hamilton. There is something for everyone out there. Ultimately I prefer paranormal!
For all who like paranormal romances - check out Deadline Dames. I've read the majority of their books
Literary Escapism reviews mainly paranormal and urban fantasy. She has a long list of authors, plus release dates for 2017
Heroes and Heartbreakers list of Paranormal Romance news.
There are cozy romances same as cozy mysteries out there. I recently finished Debbie Macomber's Rose Harbor series which was very clean and sweet.
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I finished my second book of the year Murakami's "The Strange Library". It was odd but entertaining and fits in the translated bingo square. :thumbup1:
On the audiobook front, I'm halfway through The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Tomorrow I'm going to have start tackling the pile of actual books from the library.
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Books I'm Still Reading
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey (study with my older set of kids)
And the bedside stack has grown and grown this week. Norwegian Wood, By Gaslight, Spartacus. So much to read, so little time. I refuse to crack the spine on any of those books until I finish up some of the ones I have ongoing.
The book for teens looks interesting. I put it on hold for dd.
I'm with you guys . . . I only made it through The Strange Library last January because it was so short. His books really aren't my cuppa I don't think, and Stacia's spoiler definitely didn't inspire me to want to read Kafka on the Shore! Not all authors are for everyone. The funny thing is, after listening to Murikami's running book, I think I'd really like him in real life. I think we have a lot of personality traits in common. But the books? Not so much.
I haven't tried Murakami yet because of the length of his books. I' m hoping I'll enjoy The Strange Library this year. If I don't get into it maybe I'll try the running book instead.
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I found this week that I had too much going on and really wasn't up to focusing on a new book, so I decided to find a reread instead. I finished the first book in Anne Bishop's Others series, Written in Red, for the third time and will most likely read through books two through four between now and March 7th when the 5th book, Etched in Bone is scheduled for release. Here is a link to my review from last year. As a bonus it fills in the Science Fiction square for Bingo and meets the Birthstone bookology challenge with the color in the title. :hurray:
For my year long read I finished two chapters of Bauer's The History of the Ancient World. I hope to continue reading a minimum of 2 chapters a week.
I also gave audiobooks a try with my new Kindle fire and have listened to the first three short stories of Doyle's The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Hopefully I'll be able to renew it on Overdrive because I don't think I'll make it through all the stories this week.
On deck for this week, I have several library books to choose from, but will most likely read Assassin's Apprentice by Hobb. I also downloaded Murakami's The Strange Library which I will definitely be able to finish.
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My 2017 reading has gotten off to a strange start -- literally! My first two books are Murakami's The Strange Library and Arnaldur Indridason's Strange Shores. The Murakami was short and delightfully bizarre, and a beautiful book to hold and look at -- true book art with the illustrations and cover that opens vertically
I didn't realize Murakami had written a short book, so I downloaded it from Overdrive to try. Thanks!
No worries for the newbies.
I haven't finished a book yet either. I'm now on page 451 (out of 731), so I still have quite a way to go.
And I don't have reading or Bingo lists planned.
And I don't even always follow-through on reading what I think I will read. It depends on my mood, the week, the time, the unexplained, The Twilight Zone, zombie invasions, etc.... ;) :D
Same here. No finished books, very limited plans. I like leaving myself time for random rabbit trails.
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Happy New Year!
One of my goals for this year is to do a better job at tracking my books and checking in here regularly. I got myself a Kindle Fire for Christmas, and we should be getting wifi this week so hopefully that will help.
I've decided to start this year with Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb since it sat on my want to read list all last year.
For challenges I'm going to make my way through Bauer's History of the Ancient World over the year,and read through the basic Star Wars books covering the events in the movies (hopefully this will help playing Star Wars trivia with my 14yo from being a massacre. If I make progress on the bingo challenge I may add that in a month or so.
I'm also going to give audiobooks a try on my Kindle Fire and downloaded The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes from Overdrive for the beginning of January. My plan is to listen while folding laundry and working in the kitchen, so I'm not sure how long it will take me to get through a book.-
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I finished two books this past week mainly as an excuse to procrastinate from projects I didn't want to do around the house
Book 11 - Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop - I thoroughly enjoyed rereading this book and am planning to finished the third book in the series this week before the fourth becomes available at the library
Book 12 - City of Dark Magic by Magnus Flyte - It definitely improved as the book went along, and I enjoyed it enough to add the sequel to my to be read list.
Currently Reading
ESV Bible - 23 chapters into Deuteronomy
The Horse and His Boy - my youngest and I will pick up with this tomorrow, DH has been off with a hurt back so the boys didn't do school this past week
The Screwtape Letters by Lewis - didn't read consistently last week, but will pick up with one or two letters a day this week
I should be able to pick up the 3rd book in the Anne Bishop's Others series, Vision in Silver, as well as the new Mercy Thompson book by Patricia Briggs, Fire Touched, at the library tomorrow, so I imagine that they will get the bulk of my reading time this week.
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This week I finished book 10, the updated version of Getting Things Done by Allen, and reviewed it.
Currently Reading
ESV Bible - finished Numbers and am 4 chapters into Deuteronomy
Murder of Crows by Bishop - 12 chapters into my reread ahead of the March release of book 4 in the series
City of Dark Magic by Flyte - only 5 chapters in and hasn't captured my attention yet, but not quite ready to give up
The Screwtape Letters by Lewis - planning to read 1 to 2 letters per day
The Horse and His Boy by Lewis - read aloud with youngest, hoping to finish this week
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I've been busy cleaning before my mom came to visit, so I missed checking in last week.
Finished
Book 9 - City of Bones by Cassandra Clare - meh... I read it to see if one of the girls might find it interesting, but I was disappointed. Potentially good idea, mediocre development. Here's my review.
Currently Reading
ESV Bible - almost finished Numbers
Getting Things Done by Allen - first two sections finished
City of Dark Magic by Flyte - having trouble getting into the story after 10 chapters, but not quite ready to abandon
I decided to drop Passage to India to have time for other projects (upcoming consignment sale, some furniture rearranging, and taxes). I also dropped Jesus Calling. I liked the concept, but it was getting repetitive. The first person was annoying me, and I was just zipping through it to call it done.
I'll also be adding Murder of Crows at some point this week, so I'll have time to finish the third book before the new one comes out next month.
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Finished Last Week:
8. The Misanthrope by Moliere - Frankly I was a little disappointed after reading and enjoying Tartuffe. I found it thought-provoking but not entertaining, with writing that was witty but not really humorous (to me at least). Here's my review.
7. Written in Red by Bishop and 6. Tartuffe by Moliere which I reviewed and posted about midweek.
In Progress:
- ESV Bible - Halfway through Levitcus and ready to be finished with it
- Jesus Calling by Young - I'm still current in this devotional, but I'm finding the content rather repetitive and am considering setting it aside.
- Getting Things Done by Allen - This is the first time I've read his newest edition, but I have previously read his first edition of the book. His methods definitely work. I just need to work on my own implementation; hence, reading again.
- The Horse and His Boy by Lewis - reading with youngest, Shasta and the horses are now safely through Tashbaan
- Passage Through India by Forrester - only a couple of chapters in, hoping to at least finish the first part this week
At some point this week, I'll probably want a break and add in something lighter. The hard part will be choosing among too many good options. :toetap05:
Finished so far this year:
5.Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Sloan
4. My Viking Vampire by Shannan
3. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by Lewis
2. Soulless by Carriger
1. Sink Reflections by Cilley
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I've finished two books so far this week:
6. Tartuffe by Moliere - I actually finished this up Sunday night but didn't get a chance to review it until today. Although I read this to discuss with DD16, I enjoyed it enough that I will read "The Misanthrope" soon and possible some others in the future. Does anyone know of a good stage version that we could watch on tv. I think I would enjoy it even more as a live production.
Favorite humorous quote: Dorinne to Tartuffe
"It's strange that you're so easily excited;
My own desires are not so soon ignited,
And if I saw you naked as a beast,
Not all your hide would tempt me in the least."Favorite thoughtful quote: Cleante to Orgon
"Learn to distinguish virtue from pretense,
Be cautious in bestowing admiration,
And cultivate a sober moderation.
Don't humor fraud, but also don't asperse
True piety; the latter fault is worse,
And it is best to err, if err one must,
As you have done, upon the side of trust"7. Written in Red by Bishop - I actually finished this one yesterday because I stayed up until midnight reading it on Monday night. You know it's a keeper if you stay up to the wee hours reading and it's a reread. My review is here . 5 stars excellent read even if fantasy is not your usual preference. The characters are extremely well-written.
Favorite humorous quote:
"'Sam gave him an incredulous look. ' If I don't wear the harness, how am I supposed to pull Meg out of a snowbank when she falls in?'
Simon kept his eyes on the road. The boy had said when, not if. Just how often did Meg fall into a snowbank? Was she clumsy, or was it play? Or did she end up in the snow after getting tripped up by a puppy?"I started the updated version of Getting Things Done by Adler released last year. The content seems basically the same as the first version with some editing changes so far, although the tone seems a little more approachable and understanding than the previous edition. I also have Passage to India loaded on my Kindle to start reading tomorrow.
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Book a Week 2017 - BW7: Happy Valentine's Week
in The Chat Board
Posted
Finished This Week (reviews linked) - Books 11 and 12
Long term reads:
Current reads (always subject to change on a whim) - I've been feeling a bit overloaded with all of the ideas from all of the new books I've been reading, so I decided to add in a couple of rereads this week.
Finished for the year
12. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Covey
11. Samantha Watkins: Chronicles of an Extraordinary Ordinary Life by Venem
10. The Happiness Project by Rubin
9. Adventures of a Vegan Vamp by Lawely
8. The Seventh Bride by T. Kingfisher (Bingo: prime number)
7. A Red Herring Without Mustard by Bradley (Garnet book and bingo: mystery)
6. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Adams (Bingo: outer space)
5. Stormbreaker by Horowitz (Bingo: one word title)
4. Moon Dance by Rain (Bingo: flufferton)
3. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Doyle (Bingo: collection of short stories)
2. The Strange Library by Murakami
1. Written in Red by Bishop