11 Biographies Of Strong Women!

Are you looking for some inspirational biographies of women?? Then check out the following article from Bustle titled, 11 Biographies Of Badass Women To Inspire You To Kick Ass, Make Good Art, And Change The World by Charlotte Ahlin. In the article, Charlotte Ahlin writes the following:

Hey. So I know that we have our "girlboss" hashtags and our Wonder Woman movie now. I know that we're all supposed to love our bodies and lean in and have perfect skin (but in a self-care way!) and wake up every morning filled with righteous anger but also be mindful and relaxed all the time. But existing in the physical world as a woman (or pretty much anyone who's not a man) is still pretty exhausting. Our current administration is careening towards a real life Handmaid's Tale and we still have to pay a tax on tampons. It's rough. We are, however, far from the first generation to have to deal with a ceaseless onslaught of woman-hating garbage. So here are a few biographies of badass women who will inspire you to be your best self, even when it's tempting to let the bastards grind you down.

These women run the gamut from activists to scientists, poets to literal queens. Some of them have helped shape the world as we know it today. Some of them just said "screw it" and ran off to be pirates. All of them were (or are) stone cold badasses. So the next time you want to scream, or lie face down on the floor, or chuck all of your skincare products into the sea, pick up one of these biographies and take a cue from some of history's best bad girls

Click on the very top link to discover which 11 women made the list!

Forgotten Monsters: The Lost and Found Collection by Kelly Apple

Kelly Apple is a new to me author. She writes paranormal romances. Ms. Apple appears to be a very prolific writer, so I wasn't sure which series to begin with as they all seem to be interesting ones... But after doing some research, I decided to read the ebook edition of Forgotten Monsters: The Lost and Found Collection by Kelly Apple, which is a collection of four stories in the 'Forgotten Monsters' series.

I was pleasantly surprised by Forgotten Monsters: The Lost and Found Collection by Kelly Apple. All four stories were good. Dream was my favorite story followed by Wisp, Echo, and then Deep. If you like reading paranormal romance/erotica, then this may be the perfect collection for you!

The following is a summary for Forgotten Monsters: The Lost and Found Collection by Kelly Apple from Amazon:

Not all monsters are the frightening creatures we were warned about as children. Most are just trying to get by in a world where it’s becoming increasingly harder for them to stay hidden.

Some are ready to reveal it all. 

Some want to turn their back on those around them.

And some are trying to find the connections all beings crave.

It’s time to meet the Forgotten Monsters – The Wisp, the Kraken, the Nightmare, and the Siren. Their time has come…

Forgotten Monsters: The Lost and Found Collection includes: 

Wisp

Deep

Dream

Echo

The Forgotten Monsters series is a sexy romp through insta-love, insta-attraction, insta-sexy times, and insta-bombshells. These monsters aren't afraid to get down and dirty and they're eager for you to join them!

I am giving Forgotten Monsters: The Lost and Found Collection by Kelly Apple a rating of 3.5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Pack of Two: The Intricate Bond Between People and Dogs by Caroline Knapp

Paperback edition of Pack of Two by Caroline Knapp

I purchased a used paperback edition of Pack of Two: The Intricate Bond Between People and Dogs by Caroline Knapp at a Friends of the Library Used Bookstore in Carpinteria, California in January 2013.

I'm playing catch up by reading books I've had in my personal collection of books for 4 years or longer. I chose to read Pack of Two: The Intricate Bond Between People and Dogs by Caroline Knapp as I am an avid dog lover. I am especially fond of toy dog breeds... My family has had two Pomeranians over the years. So, deciding to read Pack of Two: The Intricate Bond Between People and Dogs by Caroline Knapp was a no brainer for me. 

Why it took me until 2018 to finally read Pack of Two: The Intricate Bond Between People and Dogs by Caroline Knapp, I'm not sure. All I can say is that I am extremely happy that I finally did read this book. 

I've never read anything else written by Caroline Knapp before, so wasn't entirely sure what to expect from Pack of Two: The Intricate Bond Between People and Dogs. I simply knew that I wanted to read her book about the bond between dogs and humans.

After reading this book, I felt like Pack of Two: The Intricate Bond Between People and Dogs by Caroline Knapp was A) part memoir about Caroline Knapp's personal life and the bond she had with her dog, Lucille, a shepherd mix, B) the bonds felt by other people with their dogs who were interviewed for this book, and C) the scientific data sited for this book. All three areas were intertwined throughout this book seamlessly into tightly written chapters that focused on specific topics.

Caroline Knapp's writing is really engaging and does a wonderful job in demonstrating the unique bond between people and dogs. I don't think you need to be a dog lover to enjoy reading Pack of Two: The Intricate Bond Between People and Dogs. I was also quite taken with how open, honest, and vulnerable Ms. Knapp was about sharing intimate details of her personal life that most of us wouldn't necessarily share in some detail with others in a book.

The following is a blurb about Pack of Two: The Intricate Bond Between People and Dogs by Caroline Knapp on Amazon:

At the age of 36, Caroline Knapp, author of the acclaimed bestseller Drinking:A Love Story, found herself confronted with a monumental task: redefining her world. She had faced the loss of both her parents, given up a twenty-year relationship with alcohol, and, as she writes, "I was wandering around in a haze of uncertainty, blinking up at the biggest questions: Who am I without parents and without alcohol? How to form attachments, and where to find comfort, in the face of such daunting vulnerability?" An answer materialized in the most unlikely form: that of a dog. Eighteen months to the day after she quit drinking, Knapp stumbled upon an eight-week-old puppy at a local animal shelter, took her home, and named her Lucille. Now two years old, Lucille has become a central force in Knapp's life: "In her," she writes, "I have found solace, joy, a bridge to the world."

Caroline Knapp has been celebrated as much for her fresh insight into emotional and psychological issues as she has been for her gifts as a writer. In Pack of Two, she brings the same perception and talent to bear on the rich, complicated terrain of human-animal relationships. In addition to mining her own experience with Lucille, Knapp speaks to a wide variety of dog people--from animal behaviorists and psychologists to other owners whose dogs have deeply affected their lives--about this emotionally complex, sometimes daunting, often profoundly healing alliance. Throughout, she explores the shift in canine roles from working partners to intimate companions and looks, too, at how this new kinship, this wordless bond, becomes a template for what we most desire ourselves.

I am giving Pack of Two: The Intricate Bond Between People and Dogs by Caroline Knapp a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

How books can open your mind!

The transformative perspective on how books open your mind!!

Top Ten Tuesday - Favorite Book Blogs/Bookish Websites

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. Top Ten Tuesday was originally created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Below are my top ten book blogs/bookish websites!

My Current Favorite Book Blogs 

1. Keep The Wisdom by Judy - I love reading Judy's book reviews! She has such diverse tastes in reading and writes the best book reviews. Judy also seems to have the same taste in books as I do and visiting her blog, Keep The Wisdom, is sure to always be a treat.

2. Carole's Chatter by Carole - Carole's blog features more than book reviews or posts that are book related. However, my favorite feature on Carole's Chatter is her monthly Books You Loved posts, where you can share/link your reviews of books you loved reading on her book blog... Books You Loved is a great way to discover other super awesome books to read that are written by other avid readers and bloggers. Additionally, Books You Loved is a great way to get your blog noticed by new readers.

Other Fun Online Bookish Places I Spend My Free Time

3. Bookcrossing - I LOVE, Love, love Bookcrossing and have been an active member since January 2007. I've enjoyed connecting with other readers around the world by participating in the forum section and exchanging books with readers around the world! It's fun to read where a book I've shared has gone or what other readers think of the same book I've read through journal entries made by each reader.

4. Goodreads - I so under utilize Goodreads, it is not even remotely funny. I mainly use Goodreads to keep track of my yearly reading goals, which books I've read, which books I would like to read, and enter Goodreads Giveaways... I've actually won a lot of free books through Goodreads though, which has been quite exciting! But I'd like to explore other areas on Goodreads, like their online reading groups.

Where I Like to Purchase Books Online

Yes, I buy books at indie bookstores, fol used book sales, or trade books with other readers. But when I shop for books online, I mainly buy them from the following places.

5. Audible - I love audiobooks! I prefer audiobooks in digital format as they don't take up physical space, they don't skip like a compact disc would, and you can change the playing speed on how fast or slow the books are read by the narrator. 

Also, as a side note, I've become somewhat of a lazy reader preferring an audiobook many times over a physical book or ebook as I can listen to an audiobook while doing other tasks. In fact, I like to knit and listen to audiobooks at the same time... It's a great way to enjoy both of my favorite hobbies.

6. Amazon - Unless you live under a rock, I'm sure Amazon is pretty self explanatory. I buy both new books and ebooks from Amazon as I have a Kindle. I also purchase used books from people selling their books online.

My Favorite Read-A-Thons

7. Bout of Books - This is my favorite read-a-thon! I've participated in this low key read-thon several times over the years. I've recently signed up to participate in Bout of Books 23 happening later this month from August 20th through August 26th. There's usually Twitter Chats, Read-A-Thon Challenges, and even a Grand Prize at the end in addition to simply reading books during the week set aside for the Bout of Books Read-A-Thon. 

8. Seasons Of Reading - This book blog offers many low key read-a-thons throughout the year. My two favorite read-a-thons featured through Seasons of Reading are the Winter Respite Read-A-Thon in January and also the High Summer Read-A-Thon in July.

My Favorite Book Vlogs on YouTube

I have not explored book vlogs enough online. I am sure there

are tons of cool book vlogs on YouTube... If you have a few you follow and love, then let me know about them in the comment section below!! Below are the two book vlogs I follow on YouTube.

9. Alexa Loves Books - I've followed her book blog of the same name for longer than I can recall. So, when I discovered Alexa started a book vlog on YouTube, I began watching it off and on. I like that she does the videos with her husband, Macky! I haven't watched all of the videos posted, but have enjoyed the ones I've watched.

10. Peter Likes Books - Peter is a new to me book vlogger. I haven't seen many of Peter's videos on YouTube to date, but he's been doing book vlogging for a long time. I love Peter's high voltage energy and his enthusiasm for reading. Peter seems so sweet and ends his videos on a positive note.

Share with me some of your favorite book blogs/bookish websites in the comment section below!

Life's Work: A Moral Argument For Choice by Dr. Willie Parker

I listened to the unabridged audio version Life's Work: A Moral Argument for Choice by Dr. Willie Parker and narrated by Caz Harleaux. 

Listening time for Life's Work: A Moral Argument For Choice by Dr. Willie Parker is 6 hours, 10 minutes.

Life's Work: A Moral Argument For Choice by Dr. Willie Parker is the second nonfiction book I've listened to about the topic of abortion. I chose to listen to Dr. Willie Parker's book because I was intrigued by the subtitle, "A Moral Argument For Choice" as I was very curious to hear what "A Moral Argument For Choice" sounded like coming from a Christian male Ob/Gyn doctor. Usually, the words "Christian" and "Pro-Choice" do not go hand in hand. 

I am really impressed with Life's Work: A Moral Argument For Choice by Dr. Willie Parker. Dr. Willie Parker covers a lot of ground in this book and does so in a very thoughtful, straight forward, cohesive manner. He not only discusses his life and background, but he also states the facts about the topic of abortion itself and how he came to become an abortion care provider. Additionally, of course, "A Moral Argument For Choice" was made for abortion in this book and I thought the argument was well made. So, kudos to Dr. Willie Parker and a big thank you for championing reproductive rights.

There were many really good quotes/passages in Life's Work: A Moral Argument For Choice by Dr. Willie Parker, but my favorite quote is "Experience is not what happens to you. Experience is what you do with what happens to you."

By the way, in case you were wondering, the first book I listened to about abortion was This Common Secret: My Journey as an Abortion Doctor by Susan Wicklund, which I loved and gave a 5 star out of 5 star rating back in 2016. 

The following is a summary for Life's Work: A Moral Argument For Choice by Dr. Willie Parker from Amazon:

In this “vivid and companionable memoir of a remarkable life” (The New Yorker), an outspoken, Christian reproductive justice advocate and abortion provider reveals his personal and professional journeys in an effort to seize the moral high ground on the question of choice and reproductive justice. 

Dr. Willie Parker grew up in the Deep South, lived in a Christian household, and converted to an even more fundamentalist form of Christianity as a young man. But upon reading an interpretation of the Good Samaritan in a sermon by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., he realized that in order to be a true Christian, he must show compassion for all people at all times.

In 2009, he stopped practicing obstetrics to focus entirely on providing safe abortions for women who need help the most—often women in poverty and women of color—in the hotbed of the pro-choice debate: the South. He thereafter traded in his private practice and his penthouse apartment in Hawaii for the life of an itinerant abortion provider, becoming one of the few doctors to provide such services in Mississippi and Alabama.

In Life’s Work, Dr. Willie Parker tells a deeply personal and thought-provoking narrative that illuminates the complex societal, political, religious, and personal realities of abortion in the United States from the unique perspective of someone who performs them and defends the right to do so every day. In revealing his daily battle against mandatory waiting periods and bogus rules, Dr. Parker makes a powerful Christian case for championing reproductive rights. “At a moment when reproductive health and rights are under attack…Dr. Parker’s book is a beacon of hope and a call to action” (Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood).

I am giving Life's Work: A Moral Argument For Choice by Dr. Willie Parker a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Learn the Ways You Can Help Support Your Local Library!!

The dos and don'ts of supporting your local public library seem fairly straight forward to me... However, in case one needs a refresher on this topic, check out the following article I discovered on Lithub's website titled, The Dos And Don't Of Supporting Your Local Library by Kristen Arnett. In the article, Kristen Arnett wrote the following:

Over the past few weeks, there’s been a flurry of “takes” on what people think we should do about libraries (one wildly bad idea was that they should be replaced with bookstores so people could pay 30 bucks per hardcover instead of paying their goddamn taxes and getting use of a community space). The response to these garbage articles was overwhelmingly in favor of keeping libraries open! Hell yeah. Let me tell you, though, there’s a lot more you can do for your local branch aside from posting a well-intentioned tweet. The thing about libraries is . . . we need you to use them. All the time. Get your ass to the library. This week I’ve compiled a handy lists of dos and don’ts so you can continue to support your libraries and librarians and library staff. I’m generous that way; you’re welcome.

Then Ms. Arnett wrote a list of top dos and don'ts for supporting your library. Click on the link to read what those are.

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

Let Judy Blume Know Which One of Her Books You Want To See As a Movie!!

I've read quite a few Judy Blume novels in recent years. So, I was delighted to see an article on Bustle's website titled, Judy Blume Wants To Know Which Of Her Books You Want To See As A Movie by Kristian Wilson. In the article, Kristian Wilson writes the following:

A Thursday tweet from one of the country's most beloved children's authors has her fans wondering which of her books will get the Hollywood treatment. Superfudgeauthor Judy Blume asked her Twitter followers "which of my books" they "would... want to see adapted for series or movie," and the Judy Blume books that need to be movies are all anyone can talk about now. I've picked out five that I think would make for great page-to-screen adaptations for the list below.

Check out the five Judy Blume books to choose from by clicking the above link! I'm personally rooting for 'Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.'

7 Tips For Hosting A Digital Book Club

Have you ever wanted to start or join a book club, but find you don't have the time (or other reason) to attend physical book club meetings? 

What about starting an online book club? After doing a Google search, I came across an article on Bustle titled, 7 Tips For Hosting A Digital Book Club by Sadie Trombetta. In the article, Sadie Trombetta wrote the following:

If you've ever dreamed of starting a book club, but worried you didn't have the right space to do it in, I've got some great news for you: meeting up in person isn't the only way to do it. Starting an online reading group with friends and strangers is simple if you follow these tips for hosting a digital book club. 

In addition to all of the incredible benefits that being in a book club holds normally, there are even more upsides to hosting a digital version versus a physical one, especially if you're busy or live far away from your reader friends. In a digital book club, you can have more members, because you don't have to worry about all fitting into one apartment to talk. In fact, you don't have to worry about finding a space for your book club to meet at all, because everyone can participate from the comfort of their own homes. In an online book club, it doesn't matter if your members are in the same city or halfway across the world, because thanks the the power of the internet, you can all be in one digital space at the same time.

When you're starting a digital book club, all the standard book club rules apply: you want to pick a theme or goal for your club and stick with it, include diverse authors in your reading list, set a regular schedule, and have prepared discussion questions before every meeting. But if you're running a digital book club, there are a few other rules that apply, too.

Click on the above article to read the 7 tips for starting a digital book club!