Unshelved for 2012

Last year, I had this crazy idea to not purchase new books for a year and read only what had on my shelf or Kindle. It was a great idea for a few weeks until I began reading books I hated. Not on purpose of course, but when I purchased these particular books my interest in them quickly went away unless I read it that day. One of the worst things in life is a terrible book, or just a book you don't want to read. One of the beauties of adulthood is reading whatever you want. So after having absolutely no interest in the spies of George Washington (and some school books I saved- WHY?), I gave up this plan. I felt like it was another failed attempt at my projects and I felt even more like a failure because I went public with it, and it involved books I owned. 

Yes, it sucked and I felt crappy but I quickly dusted off my bookish ego and it made me appreciate the books I truly do love. This also made me stop purchasing books, unless I absolutely loved them and wanted to show them off on my shelf. I still pick up books from my own bookshelf from time to time, but there's nothing like a good book, no matter where it came from. After being completely honest with myself, regardless of how critically great, huge or pretentious stories looks in my house, I got rid of items I would never read, and that's okay. I know letting go is part of growing up, and I'm okay with failing as long as the lesson was there for me all along. 

rgrphotoaday challenge

I usually participate in photo challenges on Instagram but they don't last long. I was really excited for Marissa's photo challenge- literary and book based, rgrphotoaday If you love reading, this is the challenge for you. It's only up to 6 days, you still have time to catch up. Here are some of mine- 

Day 6- Haul. I want to read Agatha Christie this summer. 

Day 4- While I Read. On Saturday we went to Sprinkles and walked over to the Newport Beach Library Book Sale. 

Day 1- What I'm Reading. Thanks to Ashley for  the recommendation on Goodreads, it's a silly book I need right now. 

There's still some great prompts left in the photo challenge, follow along and participate. 

Slow Readers Update!

For new readers- Slow Readers Book Club is a book club based on the slow movement. At the time I began this, I read a few books at the same time and I wasn't able to enjoy what I really read. I need to start being a "slow" reader again. I finished Dewey the Library Cat and a few minutes later picked up Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible. The same night, I dreamt of an orange tabby cat in culottes shopping at Chanel. I knew I needed to take a moment and breathe in the books I read. I would love to actually remember them, my favorite quotes, and why I even picked up the book in the first place. I don't want it to be another number on my Goodreads list (not that it's that big anyway). 

My priorities have changed over the past two years and thankfully Carly has taken over to keep this going. Here are the books you suggested! We choose one fiction and one non-fiction. 

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Le Cirque des Rêves,  the circus of dreams, can only be visited at night. Present in the darkness and gone in the light, this mysterious and magical story that both intrigues and leaves you on the edge. Follow Celia and Marc, two illusionists, as their adversarial relationship transforms on stage, at the night circus. Morgenstern's words are carefully woven - strands of love, fantasy, and dream-like wonder complete this tale and leave the reader wanting more. 

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Have you ever taken a closer at your personality style? Are you an extrovert or an introvert? Cain's book explores the quietest people in the world - Introverts. Even if you don't consider yourself an introvert, Cain does a great job of helping you to understand yourself and your quieter counterparts. Did you know that 1/3 of the people you know are actually introverts?  Learn and gain insight to the ways in which introverts have shaped our world, from Albert Einstein to Rosa Parks, and realize how we have adopted the "Extrovert ideal". Check out Susan Cain's TED Talk aboutThe Power of Introverts here. 

These are excerpts from our newsletter, sign up! We are also on tumblr, facebook, and twitter. And to those that have been reading as slow as we have since the beginning, thank you! 

Baby Lit

I'm excited for all the baby books I'll be reading. As much as I love digital books for the convenience, there is an appreciation to holding a book in print. We love classic literature in our home (so much Scott even made a Shakespeare app for people to understand the Elizabethan language better). Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver make great books together. Between the illustrations and the witty writing fit for kids, I want the whole collection. I saw them on sale on Zulily for half off! Most of the items are hit or miss but it's worth signing up, I'm waiting for more books to go on sale. If you don't want to wait for the sale, they're on Amazon. 

The inside of the Moby Dick book

The inside of Alice in Wonderland

I reviewed the digital copies of these here on Gadchick if you want to check it out. 

Reading Playlist

Some readers prefer the silence, but I like music in the background. It can't be something new I've been looking forward to listen to- I'll be distracted by the lyrics and lose attention to my book. Over the years, I've found my niche in what works for me- mostly instrumental but beautiful written music. I've compiled some music that hopefully you'll enjoy on your reading adventure as well. (If you can't see the playlist, you can listen here)

What do you like to do during reading? If you love music, I'd love to hear your favorites.

Eli's Literary Take On Fashion

So I haven't had much time to blog but that doesn't mean I stopped reading blogs altogether. I may not be as active or comment as much, but I'm lurking. One of my favorite bloggers, Eli, who began one of my favorite series, A Literary Take on Fashion, is looking for a few good (wo)men to share their take on fashion on their favorite book. Some examples and some of my faves;

I hope to contribute soon, but in the meantime, I suggest you literary babes go out there and share your ideas with Eli.

Off Switch Magazine Issue 4

When I first opened up Off Switch Magazine, it wasn't a magazine. It was like a book, in a different format. I was curious to read each page, study the photographs, and just like any great book, I was sad when it ended. I can't wait to order Issues 1-3. They are beautiful magazines to have displayed after you've poured your time into them. I was so happy when Katie, editor of Off Switch, asked to publish one of my stories. I do a lot of ghost writing for my job and it was such a great feeling to finally see my real name in print. I've gotten to know Katie over the past year. She's becoming one of my favorite people online (we somehow make trashy tv sound like we're researching for our thesis). I'm so proud of her and the Off Switch Magazine team. Go check it out here.

Happy Library Card Sign-Up Month!

(Scott modeling a shirt from Out of Print Clothing)

I recycled a great post from a few years ago for Danielle of Sometimes Sweet. Over the past years since the blog post published, my library card has changed, I've moved, libraries have added digital books to most collections, but the the message is still the same- the library card is a powerful tool in your life. Having that card is having free public service, and it's sadly has become more rare than ever. Read the post here! Thank you, Dani!!

Why Have Kids? Book Review

This book will likely make you angry. It’s meant to. These topics are controversial...a recipe for defensiveness if there ever was one...and might make you feel insulted. - from Why Have Kids?

Working for a publishing company, I get the perks of reading books before they’re released. When this came to my door, I was conflicted. I’ve seen bookshelves devoted to the love of parenthood but I’ve never seen a book like this. Jessica Valenti, is an author and feminist. Feminism and motherhood don’t have reputation of working well together, so I was really interested on what Valenti had to say on the subject.

I should clarify- I’ve never been pregnant, and the closest thing to parenthood was owning a dog. I have nothing to compare this book to. I’ve wanted kids but I know it wasn't enough to merit an opinion. I struggle and fear just like any mother would before she becomes pregnant, adopts or fosters, but I also wanted to explore that motherhood isn’t as cute as I see online. When I’m finally holding my baby and staring into it, my maternal instinct won’t revert to what I read in blogs, see on Instagram, and read on Twitter. I know the Internet isn’t real life, but I also know I won’t get the answers I need through voyeurism. I wanted to research for myself.

This book was a breath of fresh air. It’s uncomfortable, it’s cringeworthy, it makes me angry on the politics of “mommy wars”, and offensive, but at the same time, it lifted some fears I've had about being a mom- the postpartum, the guilt, the anxiety, the styles of parenting, the potty training, the vaccines, to home school or not, etc, all the major topics are discussed. These are all real and Valenti opens the discussion board for them. There is no "right way" of parenting, the only "right way" is what is best for your child. Of course, one book isn’t going to give me all the answers but it did give me some peace of mind. It also helped me ease the idea that it’s okay for a woman to not have kids right away, or at all. I'm glad I read it, even if I didn't agree with everything she discussed.

Despite the controversial title (Valenti writes how a woman questioning having children is almost a societal sin), Valenti doesn’t say don’t have kids. She wants to bring light to the truth of rearing children- the stuff no one talks about or wants to talk about. And just like she writes herself, what could be more important to fight over and fight for?

Why Have Kids? by Jessica Valenti comes out Sept. 4

Slow Readers Update!

I'm interrupting Chicago Week for some exciting news! I may be echoing Ashley's post, but I'm so excited for this. I'm so proud of Carly, too. After taking some suggestions, we finally chose on two I've been wanting to read for some time.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green and The Bloggess by Jenny Lawson.

You can read the newsletter, follow on Twitter, and join us on Facebook for updates.

Wondering what this book club is all about? Wonder no more.

Moorea Seal on Fab

Moorea Seal's jewelry isn't a stranger on this blog or to readers. I work for a publishing company and I've worn her book necklace to every book conference, and client meeting. It's become my statement piece and I'm always asked about it.

I've mentioned her studded bracelets (which I was named after one, wooot!!) and I've shared a few times on Instagram.

Now, you can purchase your own at a discounted price. Fab is featuring her pieces and I recommend picking them up before they sell out! Here is an invite code if you haven't already signed up. Happy shopping!

The Book Fair Giveaway {CLOSED}

I know most people in my generation have one thing in common that will never be questioned- a love for books and reading. Nostalgia can bring a sense of joy and sweet memories, and The Book Fair does this. When I first saw the photos to The Book Fair, a new shop run by the renaissance woman Kate Gabrielle, I am 10 years old, carrying way too many books in my Radio Flyer, never wanting Summer to end so I can read forever. The shop contains vintage books and items we grew up with and loved.  Kate carefully chose an item laced with sentimental feelings- even looking at the retro pencils, I suddenly had a visual chronicle of my LA Gears with sparkly laces. Kate is offering a giveaway of one kit to one lucky winner! To enter, be sure to "love" the shop. Good luck! Winner will be chosen Monday April 30th.

All photos by Kate Gabrielle.

To Diana

I'm really happy for Scott's success- in case you don't know, he's a McSweeney's writer and a published author. I'm also secretly overjoyed he can get major literary hookups. My birthday was in March and this is one of the best gifts I've had, a personalized signed first edition and print from Mr. Eugenides himself.

Thank you, Scotty!

{Here is another perk I got a few years back, I love this one, too!}

Literate and Stylish

I'm so excited for Dani's first series, Literate and Stylish. No, not because I was the first featured (!!!) but because every week will be a new bookish woman featuring a favorite book. If you're not familiar with Danielle, she's a bookworm herself, this series is perfect for her blog. Check out the post here. 

The Slow Readers Book Club: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks book read like two books in one. The first half is about HeLa cells, how they’ve changed the medical industry, and Henrietta Lacks background. Rebecca Sklott writes without a biased tone, and that's difficult to do with non-fiction. Towards the end of the first half, discussing the cellular details of HeLa, I lost interest. I like science and chemistry, but I was reminded why I don't love it. However, I did read it through and went past my comfort zone and I’m glad I did. I learned more about the HeLa cells than I have in high school or what any biology class would teach me.

I would never think cells are a “property”, especially when the person’s cells are deceased, but Sloot changed my views. I was angry reading about how HeLa cells were used without the permission of her family but after reading the Sloots unbiased medical view and compassionate view, there is a fine line. You meet Deborah, Henrietta’s daughter, and members of the Lacks family. You learn about their anger, their hurt, their resentment, but you also learn their forgiveness. The HeLa cells changed medical history yet the Lacks family couldn't afford health insurance. It also showed the dark side to the medical business (is there a good side??). While Deborah was being treated for the anxiety attacks caused by the HeLa news, she also had to endure conflicting "compliments" from the doctor on how her mother saved lives and yet handed her a hefty bill. Overall the story of Henrietta Lacks was told beautifully in this book. I wish I would have read it earlier or if it was around as required reading for classes, but I’m glad I got out of my comfort zone and read the importance of medical and American history.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot is one of the two books for The Slow Readers Book Club.

The One Time Ned Vizzini said Thank You

Well, it was more like "gee, thanks" and it was on the least formal way, Twitter, but STILL, I'll take it.

If you're not familiar with Ned Vizzini, he's an author of one of my favorite books, It's Kind of Funny Story and one of my favorite quotes.

It's Kind of a Funny Story kind of changed my life, so this is a big deal. Another great quote I love;

(made with Pugly Pixel digital resources)

Follow Ned Vizzini on Twitter

The Slow Readers Book Club: The Virgin Suicides

When I finished the Virgin Suicides, I gave it 4 stars. I liked it, but I didn’t love it. I thought the writing was beautifully done, and the story was too dark for my over sensitive heart. That was a couple nights ago. Now, I’d give it 5 stars. I can’t stop thinking of the Lisbon sisters. I know it’s fiction, but Jeffrey Eugenides makes me forget this. Maybe because I’m familiar with the atypical depression teens faced, or maybe because it was the mystery that a young woman would take her life, it’s so real for me. It’s like the story is haunting me.

I can’t stop thinking of Lux’s halter top, I can’t stop thinking of Cecilia and her bracelets over the bandages. Or how the suicides of the sisters affected the economic state of their neighborhood. Or how poor Trip and the women he bedded down to replace what he was missing in his heart from Lux. Even Eugenides detailed description of the dead grass during the Fall on the Lisbon’s lawn I can’t get out of my head. Being a writer, having a writer in my family and being married to a writer, I know words can be used as an emotion. Eugenides’ words flow so well in the book, I forget I’m reading, and he’s describing my emotions, my curiosity, my sadness, my confusion. This isn’t real life; I never met any of the Lisbon sisters but I mourned their death just like the coroner did.

When I read about the plot, it was silly. Pretty girls with problems, I've read a ton of books like this. I was over it before I began reading it. It sounded boring and I assumed it was overwritten. How can suicide be glamorous? Eugenides doesn’t glamorize suicide. At the end of the book, suicide is grotesque as are the Lisbon sisters. Whether it was because they were beautiful or rarely seen, the idea of them will always remain a mystery, more than them living.

The Virigin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides is one of the two books for The Slow Readers Book Club. 

Shelved for 2012: Into the Forbidden Zone

Into the Forbidden Zone

I wanted to read this story because if you weren’t a reader at the time, I was scheduled to leave to Tokyo two days after the earthquake. I love Japan- the culture, the food, the history, everything Japanese. It was a perfect way to celebrate my 30th birthday and anniversary with Scott. As I watched CNN on March 11, with shock, I’ll admit, I had a “Seinfeld” moment- you know, one of those, “what about my vacation?!” moment. That selfish feeling lasted for a few seconds. It wasn’t just an earthquake with shaken walls, it was a blanket of ocean taking thousands of lives, stealing a last breath without warning. It was devastating and I cried for weeks, I felt like I was mourning with Japan.

William T. Volmmann returned to Japan shortly after the Tsunami last year. I was curious on reading a detailed story besides small bits through news stories. It was a good book, and I rated it two stars, “just ok” (according to Goodreads ratings). I didn’t love it, but the stories of the people who experienced and lived through the event was the reason I kept reading. As for Volmmann’s writing, he’s a book award winner, but for my taste, it was overwritten. I couldn’t keep up with his style. The actual journalism was great; it was factual, detailed, and emotional. At the time same time, it seems he writes for the art of it, rather for the certainty of it, which I don't like. It also felt like it was cut short. What happened to each person he interviewed? What happened when he went in deeper to Sendai?

Into the Forbidden Zone is recommended for the curious on Japan and the March 2011 earthquake. It’s also a short read- it’s about 50 pages and took me a couple hours to finish. This is one of the many books I’ll be reading this year for Shelved 2012.

Shelved for 2012

In 2011, I purchased 272 books on my Kindle, Barnes and Noble, Borders (before they closed), Nook and iBooks. Some were free, 99¢ in the Kindle store, on sale, and some I paid full price for. They were cookbooks, fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, technical books, vintage books, children's books, you name it, I (thought) I'd read them as soon as I purchased them. This doesn't include what I actually owned prior. My husband is a librarian and with our marriage came a documented certificate, a wedding, and a houseful of books. There's nothing wrong with books, the more the merrier by all means. I love books in any form. Well, after looking back at the year and how I've spent my money, I decided to stop buying books for just 2012.

For 2012, I will borrow from my bookshelves, and my digi library. I won't be buying any books for 2012. I know it's almost impossible for some of us, but I think I can do it! This crazy idea (well, crazy for me) was prompted after unpacking books after my move and looking at my online collection. Part of our home was specifically made into a home library, and I'm embarrassed to say I haven't even read half of what's on my shelf. I realized I had so many books, it's inexcusable to keep adding to the shelves and storage if I don't really read them. Sure, there are some I've actually read and loved, but it's not enough to merit spending and storing so many books that are going unloved. It doesn't matter what the topic of the book is, I will read it. My girl scout Cadette handbook? Reading. My favorite Bukowski I've read a few times? Reading that, too. A children's book from the thrift store? Add it to the list. Am I eyeing another vegan cookbook to my kitchen? Nope, instead I'll use the collection I already have. That explicit fantasy book I got as a white elephant gift? Reading.

It was the romance of reading, not actually owning the books, that swayed me to purchase them. So why not stop buying books, save some money, and visit some old favorites and new adventures through reading? I want to do this project to test my love for consumerism. Really, I love shopping for books. I love clicking on that "add to cart" button, walking out of the book store with a ton of used books. There's nothing wrong with it, but for myself, it's a habit closer to hoarding. Scary.

Are you with me on this? Is there anything you've vowed to stop buying for 2012?

{Just to clarify, if a book is required for a book club or a work, I'll be going to the public library, friends or neighbors to check it out rather than purchasing and still be able to keep my no-buying books for 2012 project consistent}

Slow Reading

The Slow Readers Book Club was once a thriving digital book club with 500+ members, with interviewing the authors featured, having a promising future, and moving forward. Well, somewhere after the moving forward part, I stopped updating, and allowed myself to be overwhelmed with it. I have an amazing group of blogging friends who were at beck and call who I simply didn't ask help for. Well, after being busy with projects, and prioritizing my time, I realized I do think the Slow Readers has a promising future. And I asked for help! I've hired Carly as the main admin to run the book club, and we asked Ashley from That Is All for an extra hand. I'm really excited to get back to it. Now that I'll be more of a reader than leading, it feels refreshing to work on other projects and read along. A hearty welcome to both of them! We're introducing two new books to the book club- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and The Virgin Suicides. I loved the film, and I already reserved both books at the library.

You can be updated with the newsletter by reading it here and please subscribe if you'd like! We only update when we have new books available, which is about once every season (the book club is named after the art of the slow movement). Thanks for the support! Cheers to more reading!