Space Station Mir

Books Read This Month 1. Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik (Temeraire Book#2) 2. Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience,and Finding Joy by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant 3. Tess of the Road by Rachel Hartman 4. The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert 5. American Cookie by Anne Byrn Favorite Book This Month Tess of the Road by Rachel Hartman Tess of the Road appears more quotidian than its fantastical forebears. Although set in the same world where the half-dragon Seraphina wins the day along with (some) tolerance for her kind, her fully human younger sister Tess finds less kindness. Like her namesake of the d'Urbervilles, Tess is led to ruin, and then left by her family to wither. Against the religious claptrap of her upbringing, Tess's journey rises to numinous in its sheer visceral earthiness. A poignant back massage precedes a divine revelation. A childish prank of mooning reveals a man's existential pain. Tess of the Road turns bodies and souls inside out (o...

It's a Top Ten Tuesday freebie over at That Artsy Reader Girl.  1. His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik I've read the first two books in the Temeraire series and LOVED them so far. Horatio Hornblower + dragons =awesome. 2. Eragon by Christopher Paolini I read the entire Eragon series, and while I enjoyed some books more than others, I liked the series overall, and I couldn't resist the "what happens when a farm boy finds a dragon egg in a fantasy land" storyline. 3. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien I love the portrayal of Smaug and particularly his interactions with Bilbo. I wish we had gotten more dragons in Tolkien and maybe they weren't all evil. 4. The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien We don't get any dragons in LOTR, but the Silmarillion has some nasty ones--the Fingon/Glaurung battle is one of my favorites. 5. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling Of course there's Norbert in the first book, but there's more fo...

Books I Read This Month 1. Uprooted by Naomi Novik 2. His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik (Temeraire Book#1) 3. Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens' Agenda by Becky Albertalli 4. Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli 5. Commonwealth by Ann Patchett 6. Worlds Seen in Passing: 10 Years of Tor.com Short Fiction, edited by Irene Gallo Some definite trends here, as I stocked up on reads from favorite authors this past year and before, plus some YA books. Favorite Book This Month For the first time, I did have a hands-down favorite this month! His Majesty's Dragon is basically Horatio Hornblower with dragons, and it's AMAZING. I started reading parts aloud to my husband, and he told me to stop---because he wanted to read it for himself. I've already got the second book out of the library and I'm super excited because there are nine books out in the series. I love coming into a brand new (to me) series where I can just read the whole thing straight through! It...

I've been too busy for pretty much everything, except reading, so here's my late October wrap-up! Books I Read in October Except for the first book, there is a Jewish/fairytale/winter theme that happened organically (a.k.a. what new books were on display at the library). 1. This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett  2. Fierce Fairytales: Poems and Stories to Stir Your Soul by Nikita Gill 3. Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik 4. The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish 5. The Sisters of the Winter Wood by Rena Rossner Top 2 Books I Read in October (Look at me getting selective!) Every single book listed above is fabulous, and I would highly recommend each. That said, there were two standouts for me personally this month. 1. Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik  This one was recommended by a friend--and, wow. It may have hit me so powerfully because it was not at all what I was expecting, and I think your mileage may vary, but this was definitely the right book at...

Happy Top Ten Tuesday over at That Artsy Reader Girl ! This week's topic is Top Ten Platonic Relationships in Books, but Hanukkah is less than a week away! Top Five Books I Want for Hanukkah 1. American Cookie by Anne Byrn I loved American Cake , and I'm sure I will be just as captivated by American Cookie ! I've been on a real cookbook/food history binge lately! 2. Ladyfingers Letterpress High Five Gilded Undated Planner Phew, that was a mouthful, and I had no idea it was called that until just now. But this is the planner I've been using this year, I love it, and I'm ready for another one! 3. A Notebook/Inspiring Quotes Notebook I also need a fresh notebook. I've been really into the inspiring quotes hardcover spiral-bounds from Barnes & Noble. 4. Or Chadash I took a class at my new synagogue and learned about this commentary on the Siddur Sim Shalom prayer book. 5. Encyclopedia of Jewish Food by Gil Marks I would definitely be in...

This week's Top Ten Tuesday over at That Artsy Reader Girl  is "Top Ten Backlist Books I Own and Still Need to Read." A few years ago, I did a really good job of reading most of the unread books I owned, and I'd narrowed it down to a small TBR shelf, but now I have a slightly different problem: a lot of my books are still in boxes from moving! Top Ten  Six Boxed Books I Want to Read 1. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi This has gotten so bad, I have contemplated buying it again (or getting it out of the library). I just cannot find it! 2. Ru by Kim Thuy I saw a couple great reviews of this one during Women In Translation (WIT) month, but I can't get ahold of it! (Pretty sure it's in the same box as the one above). 3. You Think It, I'll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld I came really close to buying this again, before I read an old blog post , and realized I had it...somewhere. 4. Where the Past Begins: A Writer's Memoir by Amy Tan ...

Spinning Silver isn't so much a retelling of Rumplestiltskin, but as if Novik unspun the fairytale and rewove its themes and tropes into three new story threads. Since I haven't been paying attention, the most unexpected part of the book for me was that it involved Jewish characters--which I don't think I've ever seen in a fantasy novel before (I am aware there are some; I just haven't read them). Ironically, after I read this, I've been on a streak of Jewish/fairytale/winter reads, including The Sisters of the Winter Wood , released in September. Spinning Silver has a strong message about paying debts, and comments on what it would really mean to sell your unborn child. I love fairytale retellings in general, but this one had extra gravitas in light of the commentary for Jewish characters, and furthermore, it's a strong and funny story. I will definitely be reading Novik's other books. The last line made me laugh aloud, but I won't tell you what ...

I had six books out of the library when these holds came in. But when I went to pick them up, they were so beautiful. I have no regrets. I finished Fierce Fairytales in under two hours. I devoured every story, poem, fable, escaping to the world of the moon dragon princess, where Sleeping Beauty and Snow White wake each other up. As a collection, it is brimming with hope. Must-read for fairytale lovers, for feminists, for lovers of fun, accessible poetry.

Just Finished: Checked it out of the library and read in just a few days. I'm not sure why she picked this particular title, since it's a collection of nonfiction essays from her writings, and most of them have don't have to do with marriage. I do love the colors on the cover though, very apropos for fall. This was my first Ann Patchett book, and I'm officially a fan. I'll have to try her fiction next. Although, I do sometimes find that I like authors in one genre and not another (incidentally, this would be a great Top Ten Tuesday topic...Top 10 Authors I like in One Genre But Not Another). My favorite pieces were her introduction about her growth as a writer working for magazines and her piece about writing and how she doesn't believe in writer's block, but I also enjoyed her essays about her dog, the opera, and more. I'll have to make a pilgrimage to her bookstore Parnassus someday. Enjoy! DNF: I really wanted to like this, but I couldn't...

Books I Want to Read This Month 1. This Is The Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett I've been meaning to read Ann Patchett forever, and this collection of essays seems like a good intro. Also, I found it and just checked it out of the library. 2. The Labyrinth of Spirits by Carlos Ruiz Zafon The latest in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books series! Checked it out brand-new from the library (holds for the win!). Probably the only Halloween-y atmospheric-type book I will read, because I am in general not a fan of horror, scary stories etc. BUT gloomy Barcelona and labyrinthine libraries I will take. 3. The City in the Middle of the Night sampler by Charlie Jane Anders Started this when I got it at the Baltimore Book Fest and looking forward to finishing (not looking forward to waiting to get the rest till February). Other Goals This Month 1. Bake more things. I'm not going to limit this, but baking makes me feel better and I want to keep doing it. 2. NaNoWriM...

This my second official wrap-up post! This month, I've added things I baked :-) Books I've Read This Month The Soul of America by Jon Meacham I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han Wade in the Water by Tracy K. Smith The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo American Cake by Anne Byrn Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger Art of the Pie by Kate McDermott The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt How I doubted myself! I beat August's 8, no problem (including a book of poetry, two cookbooks, and a YA novel-in-poetry but ALSO INCLUDING THE GOLDFINCH at 784 pages).  Favorite  Top 4 Books I've Read This Month Okay, I can't choose just one (or three), but I definitely did have a favorite: 1. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt Even in a month of excellent reads, The Goldfinch stands out.  The 2014 Pulitzer Prize was well deserved for this exquisitely written, perfectly plotted meditation ...

Just Finished: American Cake by Anne Byrn I started this awhile ago and finished it recently, but I can't emphasize enough how fascinating I found this book! I love how Byrn anchors the cakes in American history with references to contemporary cookbooks and interviews with contemporary cooks. It was amazing how even small things that I know tied in, like her reference to Passover cakes in the entry on flourless chocolate cake, and how pineapple upside-down cake was found in a synagogue cookbook. You can see the influence of different cultures and moments on American cake--she dates the 1990s cupcake boom to a Sex and the City episode, and she includes a Tres Leches Cake recipe for the 2010s. Highly recommend, and can't wait to read American Cookie ! Currently Reading: The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt I've been meaning to read this since it won the Pulitzer a few years ago, but I didn't love The Secret History , and it seemed like such a doorstopper. Well, I am...

Happy Top Ten Tuesday over at That Artsy Reader Girl ! Top Ten Books By My Favorite Authors I Still Haven't Read Honestly, there are some books by my favorite authors that I haven't read on purpose, whether because what I've heard means they aren't as good, or because I don't really want to reach the end just yet. But here, I've tried to include books I actually intend to read someday. 1. Lady Susan by Jane Austen I actually own this novella of her juvenilia, but I'm waiting to read it because what if it's not as good and/or Austen is over? That said, I still think I will read it someday. 2. The Word for World is Forest by Ursula K. Le Guin Le Guin is so prolific that, even though I've read most of her more famous work ( The Left Hand of Darkness, The Dispossessed, Wizard of Earthsea ), there's still much more to read. The Word for World is Forest is first on my list since I'm intrigued by the eponymous concept and the plot sou...

Happy Top Ten Tuesday Over at That Artsy Reader Girl! Top Ten Books On My Fall TBR I've already read a couple books on my fall TBR, but there are always more books to read! 1. I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel Already finished! Highly recommend to all readers! 2. P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han I love Lara Jean! 3. Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho  This article on complicated magical families re-whet my appetite, and reminded me why it's been on my TBR list: "early reviews...made copious comparisons to both Austen's work and Clarke's masterpiece." 4. Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik Not only do I love fairy tale remixes generally, but "Rumpelstiltskin"was a recurring bedtime tale growing up at my house! 5. The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy, 2018 ed. N.K. Jemisin Edited by N.K. Jemisin. Need I say more? 6. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi I bought and started it over the summer, but it's lo...

I'm trying out monthly goal posts; we'll see how these go. I'm more into wrap-up posts, but it might be fun to compare monthly goals and wrap-ups. Or not. We'll see. Books I Want to Read This Month 1. I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel (aka Modern Mrs. Darcy ). I preordered the e-book, which came out yesterday, along with my free audio copy, which I'm looking forward to! 2. P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han I haven't managed to get my hands on a copy yet (my local Barnes & Noble is out!), but I really want to finish the series! 3. The Other Alcott by Elise Hooper I've always been interested in May Alcott, and the relationship between Louisa and May, so I'm looking forward to this novel. Just checked the audiobook out of the library. Other Goals This Month 1. Relax and enjoy Rosh Hashanah at my new synagogue, maybe do some baking, like Smitten Kitchen's apple cake.  2. Go to the Baltimore Book Festival. If I don...

I'm starting out my first monthly wrap-up , so the format may change as I write these. Right now, I'm basing it loosely on Jamie's Monthly Rewinds at The Perpetual Page Turner  as well as a sense of other wrap-up type posts I've read. Books I've Read This Month To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han Carry On by Rainbow Rowell Provenance by Ann Leckie Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal Beauty in the Broken Places by Allison Pataki Blue Iris by Mary Oliver Let the Whole Thundering World Come Home by Natalie Goldberg An American Marriage by Tayari Jones Oh August! I doubt I'll read this many in September, but we'll see. Favorite Top 3 Books I've Read This Month I was going to choose a favorite, but...I can't. Honestly, they were all so good. For pure enjoyment value, I'm going to pick... 1. To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han Obviously, read this after the hype of the movie, whi...

Ten years ago last weekend, I started this blog. More accurately, I started a personal reading record that evolved into something...more. Although I still talk mainly about books and often about science fiction, I've enjoyed branching out to read others' book, baking, and lifestyle blogs, and it's becoming more of a virtual space for me to reflect on life as well as reading. I've gone from my initial representative space station to pictures of my TBR stacks and bookshelves. Back when I started this blog in 2008, I probably never would have guessed that in 2018, I would be: Married a NaNoWriMo winner Still blogging! I wonder what my life will look like in 2028! *crossing my fingers for transporters or at least driverless cars* Going forward, I'm going to try some updates around here, like: Monthly wrap-up posts Monthly book goals More pictures? Maybe? I know I promised that before.

Happy Top Ten Tuesday over at That Artsy Reader Girl ! Top Ten Books for a College Student Today was a back-to-school freebie at That Artsy Reader Girl , but I was inspired by  Sorry, I'm Booked 's post about top ten books for a college student, so I'm going to follow her lead, but with a twist, books for college seniors and books for recent college graduates! Also, I feel like I should note that I went "back-to-school" yesterday at the college where I work! It truly is amazing stepping back on campus and having all of that student energy after our quiet summer! Top Five  Six Books for College Seniors 1. Broken Earth trilogy by N.K. Jemisin These books weren't around when I was in college, but I've since recommended them to students I work with. Before you graduate, I think you should have a sense of what it's like to feel systemically oppressed, preferably within the novum of a fantasy novel. Plus, definitely fun for thought experiments (...

Bookish (And Not So Bookish) Thoughts is hosted at Bookishly Boisterous. 1. I'm trying Rent the Runway for the first time. I know Meg at A Practical Wedding is a huge fan, and it's always recommended in the APW comments. I'm going to a friend's wedding in September, so it seemed a good opportunity to check it out. I wasn't overwhelmed by the choices, but it's better than going to a store and basically you can rent a $495 dress for $40ish AND you then return it after the event, which appeals to me hugely in terms of money and space saved. Not that I would spend $495 on a dress, but I could easily spend $100-$200 and then have few occasions to wear it again. If you're interested, try my referral link, which will give you and me $30 off: https://rtr.app.link/e/g9KBbsTPuP 2. Jamie at The Perpetual Page Turner inspired me to go grown-up back-to-school shopping! I always LOVED buying school supplies: notebooks, Post-Its, colored pencils, paper clips--it all...

Happy Top Ten Tuesday over at That Artsy Reader Girl ! Top Ten Favorite Book Blogs/Bookish Sites I'm excited to share my favorites and see all of yours too! There are so many great book blogs and bookish sites out there! 1. Tor.com Tor has my favorite bookish  newsletter . I love their book recs, articles on important SFF topics , and ongoing commentary on SFF TV and movies, like the new Picard Star Trek ! 2. JewishBookCouncil.org I subscribe to their newsletter and love their 'Visiting Scribes' articles , by authors with recently published books. They also introduce me to a lot of Jewish interest books I might never have found on my own. 3. Electric Literature I actually found Electric Literature on Facebook, mostly when they have grabby headlines like The Secret Origins of Amy March  or other bookish candy clickbait. They also publish some really hard-hitting and insightful looks at the literary zeitgeist, like We Need to Start Taking Young Women's Lov...

Last week, I took off from work, especially to finish (finally!) moving the last items out of our apartment and get a head start on unpacking in the new house. So, that's what I did the first part of the week. Then, I got a notification that a book I'd put on hold at the library had come in, so I had to go get it, and then, I was like, well, might as well look around...and I left with a stack of about six books, even though I figured I wouldn't get past the first one this week. Then, of course, like you do on vacation, I got sick. I'm still not feeling well despite planning to return to work tomorrow, but here are the books I finished this week (along with half a season of Queer Eye on Netflix).: p.s. a lot of amazing books came out in 2018! Besides these, I'm looking forward to Becky Chambers' Record of a Spaceborn Few , which is next up!

Reading Retrospective on Tara Westover's Educated and Judy Blume's In the Unlikely Event : Life is Not a Thing Unalterable “Life is not a thing unalterable.” –Tara Westover, Educated: A Memoir “Life is a series of unlikely events.” –Judy Blume, In the Unlikely Event *Note: Spoilers for both books ahead* I read Tara Westover’s memoir Educated simultaneously with Judy Blume’s semi-autobiographical novel In the Unlikely Event . Both books, especially the latter, surprised me, thrilled me, and filled me with an unexpected medley of emotions. Educated , although it took place in the time I grew up in, could have happened on a different planet. Westover’s childhood in rural Idaho, where she grew up with six older siblings and essentially no school (she was technically homeschooled, but other than learning to read, this doesn’t seem to have figured hugely for her), learning to make herbal medicine and work in a scrapyard, was worlds away from my suburban, Maryland public-schoo...

Top Ten Tuesdays are hosted over at That Artsy Reader Girl ! Top Ten Books With Sensory Reading Memories What a great idea! I hope this one comes up again! 1. The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton Outside, on the way to a pep rally, nose buried in the book my teacher just gave me. Don't remember a second of the pep rally, just the bleachers underneath me, the smell of grass, and my eyes on the page. 2. Matilda by Roald Dahl Sitting at the kitchen table with my dad, going over the math problem that Matilda's dad poses to his son, and Matilda answers immediately (Spoiler alert: Matilda had the right answer). 3. Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore by Matthew Sullivan Purchased at Tattered Cover in downtown Denver, and dug into on the hotel bed, between explorations of the city and the mountains outside. 4. Dawn by Octavia Butler Pulled off the shelf in my dad's office, I remember sitting in one of his office chairs, my feet up on his extra desk, staring up at th...