I was able to complete another book yesterday which brings my total for January to eight. I am pretty happy with that. I managed three chunksters in January. However, my challenge reading got sidetracked a bit by some of the ARCs that I received. For the most part, I have enjoyed them so I don't mind. I will try to catch up on my challenges in February. Here's what I read:

Janice Erlbaum
342 pages
Reason for Reading: I received this ARC from the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.

I have completed the Pub'08 Challenge! I have been fortunate to receive several ARCs of books published in '08. For the most part, I have enjoyed them all. Here's what I read:
**Click on the title for reviews.**

I found out this morning that I snagged a copy of "Have You Found Her: A Memoir" by Janice Erlbaum from LibraryThing's Early Reviewer Program . I am looking forward to reading this!

I was given this award by two of my blogging friends, Rhinoa and Wendy. I should have responded to this a long time ago but I have been sick and am just starting to feel better. Most people have already been given this award but I will still post a list of the 10 blogs that make my day not including Rhinoa and Wendy's which, of course, do make my day. So here they are:

3M(Michelle) at 1 More Chapter- 3M is an avid reader and we share a lot of the same tastes. I have gotten several great recommendations from her. She is one of my prime enablers for feeding my challenge addiction. Plus, I love the design of her blog.

After arriving home from a pleasant day of shopping with my family yesterday, I found a package that contained The Shipping News. I won this in a drawing from Michelle over at 1 More Chapter . I was excited to have received it and can't wait to read it! Thanks so much Michelle! I love free books and I really love reading your blog!

Colleen Gleason
334 pages
On my Bookshelves

This is my second title for the 2nds Challenge hosted by Thoughts of Joy

Lisa Samson
325 pages
Library Book

From Barnes & Noble -"Heather Curridge has it all, and she loves her stuff. But every year she thinks there must be more to life--she must be made for more than this.
Heather is coming unhinged, and people are starting to notice. What's wrong with a woman who has everything, and yet still feels miserable inside?
Yet when Heather wrecks her Suburban and spends the summer with two Quaker spinsters and a crusty nun in a downtown homeless shelter, she suddenly finds herself at a crossroads.

1. The last compliment I got was from my husband; he/she said I was doing great on a project I have undertaken.
2. I'm reading The Septembers of Shiraz by Dalia Sofer.
3. I woke up today and thought T.G.I.F!!!!!!!

I haven't participated in BTT lately, not because of my lack of internet access but because I didn't have anything to say for the topics. But this week I'm back.

"What fiction book (or books) would you nominate to be the best new book
published in 2007?(Older books that you read for the first time in 2007
don’t count.)

What non-fiction book (or books) would you nominate to be the best new
book published in 2007?(Older books that you read for the first time in 2007
don’t count.)

And, do “best of” lists influence your reading?"

The tree is gone. It's as if Christmas never happened. I often feel a bit of a let down after Christmas, but this year is different. Maybe it's because it seemed to have come earlier this year. Maybe it was because we had snow. Whatever it was I'm looking forward to the new year. January is like a fresh blanket of snow. No footprints. There's so much possibility. You just want to run out and make your mark. I can see why New Year's resolutions are so appealing.

This week’s question is suggested by Puss Reboots:

How much do reviews (good and bad) affect your choice of reading? If you see a bad review of a book you wanted to read, do you still read it? If you see a good review of a book you’re sure you won’t like, do you change your mind and give the book a try?

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

I actually glad this past weekend is over. I knew this weekend would be hectic but it turned out to be worse than I thought. We had several things scheduled and then several unscheduled things "popped" up.

This is getting insane!! I've joined three more challenges. I have got to stop browsing other blogs at work (downtime is wonderful isn't it?).

About 40 or so pages into my current book, Gate of the Sun, I was still having trouble with feeling like I wanted to avoid reading. I tend to do this if I am not enjoying a book and it takes me a while to figure out why I am playing stupid computer games rather than reading.

Now, I honestly don't feel that there is anything wrong with the book. I am still interested in reading it at some point. It's just not what I am in the mood for right now. However, I have been one that has a hard time setting a book aside and I found myself in the same boat with this title. This is a book I am reading for a challenge as well as for pleasure and I wanted to push through so I could cross it off the list. Not the best way to plan your reading adventures and it certainly doesn't sound pleasurable, does it?

Michelle from 1 More Chapter was kind enough to add my name to a drawing that she was having for a book giveaway. I won Buying a Fishing Rod for My Grandfather. Since I am participating in the 2008 A-Z Challenge this year, I will use this book for my "X" author. Now, to find my "X" title.

Thanks so much, Michelle!

1. The drive is often the best thing about traveling.
2. I love a good snuggle with my husband when I'm cold.
3. I often use pasta when I am cooking.
4. I'm reading Little Women right now; I love it.

Teddy from So Many Precious Books, So Little Time gave me this award last week. I was swamped and didn't have time to acknowledge it but I am so honored to receive it. Thanks so much Teddy. I love your blog too. I have already given a list of some of the blogs I visit regularly but the truth is, I love all my blogging buddies. So everyone go visit my blogroll, why doncha?

Dana is hosting The Chunkster Challenge this year. I didn't get to participate in last year's challenge because it had already started by the time I found the book-blogging community.

This fits right in to the books I have already planned for 2008 so I am going to play along.

The rules are that you must read 4 books that are at least 450 pages(750 large print) between January 7th and December 20th, 2008.

Geraldine Brooks
368 pages

Reason for Reading: Pub'08 Challenge, Interest.

From the Publisher:

I was away over the weekend. It was a trip that was both fun and aggravating. Five year olds don't like to shop unless it's at Toys-R-Us.

Dana asked:

My question is, is there anything you wouldn't be able to stand your significant other reading? Or are you ok with anything? Let me know

...after reading this NY Times article. Aquatique, a single lady, had an interesting discussion about it in this post.

For myself, my husband doesn't read anything unless it's a manual for some electronic thing-a-ma-jig. This is in no way a reflection of his intelligence. Actually, it might be, because I can never understand manuals. I usually end up tossing them and using trial and error. Hubby never liked reading. Math and science is his thing. He's probably the smartest person I know (don't tell him that). I've always found intelligence attractive.

I just stumbled upon some book blogs I've not seen before and they are giving books away!

She Reads Books is giving away 5 books but the deadline is Thursday, June 3 at midnight EST so hurry on over! A comment give you one entry. Posting about the contest on your blog earns you two more!

A Book Blogger's Diary has very frequent giveaways! The current one is A Fatal Waltz by Tasha Alexander. Enter by June 15!

Mama Bear Reads is giving away her copy of Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons by Lorna Landvik. Contest ends June 10 (her birthday)

Book Room Reviews is giving away a copy of The Safety of Secrets by Delaune Michel. Contest ends June 15

We woke up to a bunch of snow this morning. It was no real shock. It was predicted and some of it was already here when we came home after the New Year's party we attended. This is my back porch. It's beautiful but my poor dog doesn't appreciate wading through it to go out.

Happy 2008 to everyone! I have a few modest reading goals in mind for the year ahead.

We had friends over to ring in the new year and I actually managed to stay up until 1:30am! Of course I am totally wore out today though : ) I finished my hypnobirthing book that I got for Christmas and really enjoyed it. I started it yesterday and just reading it totally relaxed me so that when our first guest showed up I felt even a little hazy like I had just woken up from a mid-afternoon nap. I start my classes January 22nd and I can't wait!! Baby is doing well. He is as active as ever, with his kicks and punches just having a lot more force behind them. I hope everyone had a safe and happy new year!

1. My favorite song of 2007 was "The Face of Love" by Sanctus Real.
2. I'm most tempted not to do housework by reading a book.
3. Today I want to stay home and relax.
4. The last thing I took a picture of was my daughter.

Okay, even I can’t read ALL the time, so I’m guessing that you folks might voluntarily shut the covers from time to time as well… What else do you do with your leisure to pass the time? Walk the dog? Knit? Run marathons? Construct grandfather clocks? Collect eggshells?

I never seem to find enough free time but when I do, I try to read. I recently started listening to audiobooks on my iPod so that I am "reading" even when I am doing things.

I enjoy listening to music quite a bit and I love to watch movies. I DVR some TV shows and I enjoy watching those. I love web-surfing and blog-hopping and I would love to eventually get into web design.

I love to play games. Not video games(except Tetris) but board games and card games.

I like to cook(but only when I feel like it), try new restaurants, go for walks, browse malls and bookshops, and go for drives.