I Admit It.... I'm a Book Buying Addict!!

I think I need a 12 twelve step program or at least some sort of goal to significantly curb my love of buying books. And here's why! I just now realized that I've purchased 20 books so far this year and it's only the end of January. Sure, 5 of the 20 books were gifts I purchased for other people and the remaining 15 books are for my reading pleasure.... But believe me when I write that I don't need anymore books to read at this time. I already have at least 100+ books waiting to be read.

Granted, I never pay full price for books any more and most of the books I've purchased this year have come from our local Friends of the Library Used Bookstore here in Carpinteria (ranging in price from 25 cents to 2 dollars a piece) or some other used bookstore. While the rest of the books were purchased from Amazon's website at a significant reduction off the cover price... I do love finding bargain prices on new books too. Bargain price or not, I need a plan.

So, the BIG QUESTIONS here for me are:

1) How many of you reading this post are also book buying lovers like me? Tell me about your situation.

2) What goals (if any) have you made to curb your love of buying books and have they worked? 


Personally, I think I should start by making the goal of not buying anymore books for myself for the rest of 2012. Then I shall solely focus on my love of reading for the rest of the year  (and on my newly found love of blogging!!). I'll then assess my 2012 reading efforts at the beginning of next year to see how I'm doing in reducing my to be read pile. Wish me luck! 

Until my next post happy reading!

Bookish Quote of the Day!

"Oh, it is absurd to have a hard and fast rule about what one should read and what one shouldn't. More than half of modern culture depends on what one shouldn't read." Oscar Wilde

The Curious Cup Bookstore in Carpinteria, California

The Curious Cup Bookstore is a very cute, locally owned bookstore in the heart of downtown Carpinteria! Upon entering the Curious Cup storefront this weekend, I was warmly welcomed by Kiona Gross, the owner of the Curious Cup Bookstore. She did a fantastic job of answering questions I asked her. I really love it when business owners offer good customer service to patrons who enter their storefront. It makes all the difference in the world.

The Curious Cup Bookstore is described in the following:

Curious Cup carries books for children of all ages including: board books, picture books, beginning chapter books, star war books, graphic novels, series books and books for young adults. We do carry a limited selection of adult fiction and will be happy to try to order in any book that piques your interest! We have Spanish fiction books for children and adults, used books, a small local travel section and many local authors.

In addition to housing a great selection of children’s books, toys, cards, and journals and eclectic gifts for kids of all ages!– we have a community room, specializing in birthday parties, bookclubs, writing clubs, and classes. The perfect place to hold you next meeting, seminar, event….

I discovered that the Curious Cup Bookstore hosts a few book clubs. Check their website for more details regarding the various book clubs.

The Curious Cup Bookstore is also host to author signings/events. One such upcoming event spotlights local Carpinterian children's author, Kathy deVally Luders, who will be signing her books as well as doing a reading at Curious Cup Bookstore on February 3rd and 4th.

The Curious Cup Bookstore also has a used book trading program.

For any additional information about the Curious Cup Bookstore, contact their storefront at (805) 220-6608.

You may also find and follow the Curious Cup Bookstore on Facebook.

Bookish Quote of the Day!

"Second hand books are wild books, homeless books; they have come together in vast flocks of variegated feather, and have a charm which the domesticated volumes of the library lack." Virginia Woolf

Margaret Atwood --- Author Spotlight!!

 

I have been reading Margaret Atwood's novels, poetry and short stories for numerous years now. I first became acquainted with her body of work in college while enrolled in a women in literature course. We were required to read one of her short stories entitled "Rape Fantasies", which I thought was edgy/risque at the time. I've been hooked on Margaret Atwood's writing ever since. I've yet to read everything she has published to date, but look forward to doing so at some point. So far, I'd say The Handmaid's Tale or Oryx & Crake are my favorite novels written by Margaret Atwood.

I found the above YouTube link interesting to watch because Margaret Atwood discusses her "creative process".... It's always interesting to learn how authors you enjoy reading write their books!

Death in the Cards by Sharon Short

I really enjoy reading cozy mystery novels as they're fun to read and because I am unable to resist an engaging mystery novel!

I recently finished reading a cozy mystery novel by Sharon Short entitled Death in the Cards, which is the 3rd installment of Sharon Short's "Stain Busting" mystery series featuring laundress/stain expert Josie Toadfern. Josie Toadfern's natural curiosity makes her an ideal amateur sleuth within her hometown of Paradise, Ohio.

Death in the Cards is the 1st novel I've read that Sharon Short has written. I enjoyed the new age/psychic fair theme in this novel. I also enjoyed the quirky characters and abundant "red herrings" thrown in to keep me guessing as to whodunnit! To read an excerpt of Death in the Cards, visit the author's website!

Until my next post, happy reading!

P.S. I must also add that my favorite quote from Death in the Cards is as follows:

"That there is a devil, there is no doubt. But is he trying to get in... or trying to get out?"

Book Best-Seller Lists: How Do They Work?

I've never really thought too much about how books become best-sellers, on say for instance the New York Times or Los Angeles Times, largely because I've always assumed that books that have made the best-sellers list did so due to the sheer volume of them being sold throughout the retail industry.

However, I came across an interesting article in the Sacramento Bee entitled "Best-sellers lists: How they work and who they (mostly) work for" by Allen Pierleoni. In Pierleoni's article, he writes:

How do books make it onto best-seller lists in the first place? The answers are elusive.

"The creation of a best-seller list is the most nebulous thing you will ever encounter," said Paul Takushi, book promotions and marketing manager for the UC Davis Store. "No one really knows how it's done."

How the New York Times figures its lists is nearly as secret as, say, the recipe for Coca-Cola.

Book Review staff editor Gregory Cowles explained in an email: "(The formula) is a secret both to protect our product and to make sure people can't try to rig the system. Even in the Book Review itself, we don't know (the news surveys department's) precise methods."

"Everybody has a formula, everybody's list is different, and we do ours our own way," said Dick Donahue, features editor of Publishers Weekly magazine, the bible of the publishing industry. "I don't want to say that how we do ours is a closely guarded secret, but I guess I just did."

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/22/4203094/best-sellers-lists-how-they-work.html#storylink=cpy

Pierleoni further explains what moves books in his article as well as the importance of what both national and regional best-selling lists mean to the industry and more. Click on the link above to learn more.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/22/4203094/best-sellers-lists-how-they-work.html#storylink=cpy

Jack Gantos Wins the 2012 Newbery Medal

Jack Gantos wins the 2012 Newbery Medal for his novel Dead End in Norvelt!! Congrats to Jack Gantos on his achievement! Watch the following You Tube video to briefly learn more about Dead End in Norvelt.

The Association for Library Service to Children website states the following:

The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

Learn more about Jack Gantos through the following "Meet the Author" video segment done by Adolescent Literacy.

San Francisco Center for the Book

The San Francisco Center for the Book sounds like my kind of place!! Next time I visit the San Francisco Bay Area, I'd like to make a visit. Here is more information about the San Francisco Center for the Book from their website's "About Us" section:

The San Francisco Center for the Book fosters the joys of books and bookmaking. The history, artistry, and continuing presence of books in our culture and enduring importance as a medium of self-expression. We provide both a home for Bay Area book artists and a place where the wider community can discover book arts. Everyone is welcome here, experienced practitioners and newcomers alike. Over 300 workshops annually offer learning at all levels: from introductory to focused advanced courses spanning traditional bookbinding, cutting-edge printing techniques and experimental book forms. Exhibitions are designed to inform and inspire visitors. Free public programs include opening receptions for the exhibition program, poetry readings, book release parties for our publications, gallery talks, Open Houses and other community events like the annual Earth Day Extravaganza and Roadworks Street Fair.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Bookish Quote of the Day!

"A book is a gift you can open again and again." Garrison Keillor

Chaucer's Bookstore in Santa Barbara

Chaucer's Bookstore has been in business since 1974 and is one of my favorite independent bookstores in Santa Barbara! Chaucer's Bookstore is a nice sized independent bookstore filled with many aisles of books, including a large children's book selection!

I usually spent quite a bit of time at Chaucer's Bookstore when I'm there. I always seem to find many interesting book titles while I'm there perusing the bookshelves! Chaucer's has many author events. To see what's coming up, check the events section on their website by clicking on the Chaucer's Bookstore link above. You can also become a fan of Chaucer's on Facebook to see the latest news. You'll also find other pertinent information on Chaucer's website, including store hours and phone number.

Chaucer's Books Storefront

Tecolote Book Shop

Last weekend, I stopped by Tecol0te Book Shop in the upscale community of Santa Barbara known as Montecito. I've recently learned that Tecolote Book Shop has been in business some 80+ years! I love supporting independent bookstores and in the Santa Barbara community it seems that independent bookstores are the only brick and mortar bookstores in town since Borders and Barnes & Noble have left the scene.

Tecolote Book Shop is a small, quaint bookstore with lots of charm and friendly staff. Tecolote Book Shop has the latest hardback books for sale, fiction and nonfiction paperbacks, a nice sized children's and young adult section, and small travel section. Tecolote Book Shop also periodically offers author/book signing events.

Tecolote Book Shop Store Front

Tecolote Book Shop is located in a cute shopping center that offers views of surrounding mountains and a green area with water fountain and area to sit and enjoy nature.

Contact phone number the Tecolote Book Shop is (805) 969-4977.

Water Fountain & Green Area Just Outside of Tecolote Book Shop

Here's an interesting factoid for you! Tecolate is an Aztec word meaning "Owl".

Speaking of Rare Books!

On January 20, 2012, a rare first edition of John James Audubon’s illustrated Birds of America will be auctioned at Christie's auction house in New York. "The four-volume set, fully adorned with 435 color illustrations, is worth an estimated $7 to $10 million." 

I'm curious just to see if Birds of America even fetches the estimated value of $7 to $10 million. It must be nice to have several million dollars around at your disposal just to purchase a rare first edition!


UPDATE 1/20/2012: The rare first edition of John James Audubon’s illustrated Birds of America fetched a cool $7.9 million at auction!

Guide to Collecting Rare Books

Being an avid reader and lover of books, I've always wanted to learn more about collecting rare and out of print books. I'm just beginning my research into the topic of collecting rare and out of print books and the 1st thing I stumbled upon was a series of 11 videos on YouTube made by book expert Erik Bosee of Aldredge Bookstore in Dallas, Texas. Each of the 11 videos created by Erik Bosee tackles a different topic important with regards to collecting books. The videos offer basic information and are relatively short in length.

I hope you find these videos informative and somewhat enlightening. For me they're a starting point on my journey to learning more about collecting rare and out of print books. I tried visiting the Aldredge Bookstore website in hopes of learning more about the bookstore itself as well as the email address for Erik Bosee in just in case I had any questions regarding collecting rare books. I soon discovered their website wouldn't load for whatever reason!

Do you collect rare and out of print books? If so, how long have you been collecting them? What valuable tips can you share with us on collecting books?

2012 Reading Goals -- Quality verses Quantity

Since 2009, I've set an annual reading goal for myself each year. The past three years, my annual reading goal was super simple ~ Read 52 books! ~ That was it!

I never specified which books I'd read throughout the year, the types of genres I'd read or whether the books I read were fiction or nonfiction. All that really mattered to me was that I read 52 books in a calendar year and that I kept track of what I read to see if I reached my reading goal by the end of the year. If I happened to read 52 books or more, Yippee! If not, oh well, I'd try again the following year to read 52 books.

This year I've yet to set any sort of reading goal for myself as I need a change of pace this year. I have 200+ unread books waiting to be read as I also love buying books, as much as I love reading them. So, I end up obtaining books more quickly than I am able to read through.

I like the idea of reading 52 books a year, as reading a book a week on average is easy enough to accomplish. However, I'm leaning towards reading for quality, not quantity this year because sometimes I end up choosing to read books that are shorter in length or less thought provoking so that I can read through them quickly just to help meet my annual reading goal and keep pace with my love of book buying.

Do you make annual reading goals each year? If so, please share your reading goal!

Bookish Quote of the Day!

"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." Richard Steele

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Today we celebrate the life of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. here in the USA. When I think of Martin Luther King Jr., many things come to mind... I am reminded of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s  famous "I have a dream" speech made in Washington, D.C. at the Lincoln Memorial in 1963.  I am reminded of a civil rights leader who accomplished many things during his tenure among us... I am reminded of Martin Luther King, Jr. being the youngest recipient of the Novel Peace Price... And the tragic assassination of a life ended way too early.

Today I choose to celebrate the life, the message and the legacy left by Martin Luther King Jr.

The following is a quote from the Wikipedia biography page about the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.:

Martin Luther King Jr. was an American clergyman, activist, and prominent leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. He is best known for being an iconic figure in the advancement of civil rights in the United States and around the world, using nonviolent methods following the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.

In 1964, King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial segregation and racial discrimination through civil disobedience and other nonviolent means. By the time of his death in 1968, he had refocused his efforts on ending poverty and stopping the Vietnam War.

King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 and Congressional Gold Medal in 2004; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established as a U.S. federal holiday in 1986.

For further reading about the life of Martin Luther King Jr., please check out the following three books:

The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King, Jr.
Why We Can't Wait by Martin Luther King, Jr.  
A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King, Jr

There are numerous books written about the life of Martin Luther King Jr. besides the ones I've mentioned here in my post. Feel free to explore other books about Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy.

2012 World Book Night Needs Book Loving Volunteers Like You!!

So, what exactly is World Book Night you may be wondering? Here's a bit more information:

The goal is to give books to new readers, to encourage reading, to share your passion for a great book. The entire publishing, bookstore, library, author, printing, and paper community is behind this effort with donated services and time. And with a million free World Book Night paperbacks! 

The first World Book Night was held in the UK last year, and it was such a big success that it's spreading around the world! Please volunteer to be a book giver in the U.S.

World Book night will be taking place on April 23, 2012 as "April 23 is the UNESCO International Day of the Book, chosen in honor of Shakespeare and Cervantes who both died on April 23 1616 (and it was also Shakespeare's birthday)." Quote from the FAQ page on the USA World Book Night website.

Some 50,000 booking loving volunteers are needed here in the USA to become book givers! Each volunteer selected will receive 20 free copies of a book to give to new readers to help encourage reading.. There are currently 30 different books to choose from and they are identified on the World Book Night website. So, share your love and passion for reading books with others and register to become a book giver by February 1, 2012 at the following link: http://www.us.worldbooknight.org/about-world-book-night/register-as-a-2012-giver

I've registered to become a book giver and am awaiting to find out if I've been selected as one of the 50,000 volunteers needed to give out books. I'll keep you posted as to whether I am one of the selected volunteers! 

Until my next post, happy reading! 

Another Book Blog!!

I'm following another book blog here on Blogger by another Bookcrosser named MissTree. MissTree's blog focuses on reviews of books she has read. Please take a look at her blog. Happy Reading!

Books Organized on Shelf & Set to Music!

Alright this is a pretty cool YouTube video that I had to share with you all! It's only one minute and twenty-nine seconds long, so it won't take up much of your time. Someone must have had a lot of time on their hands to make this video, so it must have been a labor of LOVE!.

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

"There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them." Ray Bradbury

Do you want a famous author as your pen pal?

I recently came across an interesting article titled, "For five bucks, you can make a famous author your pen pal", written by Chiara Atik for Today.Com about a new print subscription program called Letters in the Mail. 

Stephen Elliot, the founder of the literary website The Rumpus, is the brain child of the Letters in the Mail program and for $5 a month, you will receive approximately one printed (not hand written) letter a week in the mail from a famous author. According to The Rumpus website, "Letter writers will include Dave Eggers, Marc Maron, Stephen Elliott, Janet Fitch, Nick Flynn, Margaret Cho, Cheryl Strayed, Wendy MacNaughton, Emily Gould, Tao Lin, and Jonathan Ames." To learn more about the Letters in the Mail subscription program, click on the links above.

Most of the authors listed above are ones I've never even heard of before. The Rumpus is also a new literary website to me as well. A whole new world awaits! Ah, the joys of discovering new authors and literary websites!

The Hatchet Job of the Year

A literary award for a book review?? This is news to me! The Hatchet Job of the Year award is a new literary prize that "will be presented to the author of the angriest, funniest, most trenchant book review of the past twelve months." 

According to the The Hatchet Job of the Year website, the goal of this new literary award is "to raise the profile of professional critics and to promote integrity and wit in literary journalism." Click on the highlighted link above to learn more about The Hatchet Job of the Year and also see the book reviews shortlisted for this award.

Bart's Books in Ojai, California!

Entrance to Bart's Books

This past Sunday, January 8th, I spent half the day in Ojai, California with my hubby and oh, what fun we had! One of my favorite delights in life is exploring independently owned and operated bookstores. So, during our visit to Ojai, I had the opportunity to do just that!

Bart's Books!

We stopped off at a unique used bookstore called Bart's Books located in a semi-residential neighborhood. What an amazing bookstore! What makes Bart's Books so unique is that it is "home to the largest independently owned and operated outdoor bookstore in the U.S.A." The history of Bart's Books according to their website is as follows:

In 1964 Bart’s Books was little more than a sparkle in the eye of Richard Bartinsdale whose collection of books had gotten so overwhelming that he constructed a series of book cases along the sidewalk so that passersby could peruse the titles.

In lieu of a cash register, “Bart” left coffee cans atop the book cases. People would select a title or two and leave payment in the cans, giving birth to Bart’s world famous tradition of selling books via the honor system.

Since that time Bart’s Books has become host to nearly one million books ranging from the thirty-five cent specials which line the outside walls and are still for sale on the honor system, to rare, out of print first editions, and art books valued in the thousands of dollars.

We spent the better part of an hour perusing the bookshelves and exploring Bart's Books itself. Most of the bookstore is located outdoors with many patios where customers can sit at tables or on benches and peruse the books for sale. The weather was sunny, warm, and in the low 70s during our visit, which made for a great day to be outdoors enjoying the day + searching for just the right book to read.

Ample Outdoor Seating

There are also three structures (which look like a former home) that also house books as well as specially made bookshelves that meander the property. I enjoyed exploring the many nooks and crannies that Bart's Books has to offer..... And, just when you think you've seen the entire bookstore, you'll turn the corner and find a brand new section to explore. I encourage you to visit Bart's Books should you ever make a visit to Ojai, California!

Outdoor courtyard & books surrounding the courtyard!

Another courtyard surrounded by books!

Books tucked away in one of the many nooks found throughout Bart's Books!

Livingroom Area

Cookbooks are found in the kitchen

When all was said and done, I walked away with two used mystery novels by Tamar Myers titled 'So Faux, So Good' and 'Monet Talks'.  Believe me, I wanted to purchase more books, but I already have way too many to read as it is.

Tell me about your favorite and/or most unique independent bookstore you've visited!

Bookish Quote of the Day!

"I always thought the joy of reading a book is not knowing what happens next." Guy Pearce (from the movie Memento)

UCSB Reads

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) is the largest, public, four year university where I live. I've recently learned about the UCSB Reads program and that it is celebrating its sixth annual winter quarter event this year. 

According to the UCSB Reads website:

UCSB Reads is an exciting, award-winning library initiative that has developed into a collaborative campus and community effort to encourage everyone to read the featured book and then participate in related discussions and activities on campus and in the community. It's a wonderful way to engage readers and learners and to connect all of us in discussions of timely and important issues. With your help, we will continue to contribute to the understanding of the world around us.

The UCSB Office of Public Affairs made a press release in December 2011 announcing that the 2012 UCSB Reads book selection will be Moby-Duck by Donovan Hohn. According to the press release made by the UCSB Office of Public Affairs: 

Beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 12, the UCSB Library will distribute 2,500 free copies of the book to registered UCSB students. The book will also be available at the UCSB Bookstore. The Antioch University Library, the Luria Library at Santa Barbara City College, the Westmont College Library, and local high schools are partners in the program, and the book is also a Santa Barbara Public Library System "Read" selection for this winter. Extra copies will be available for loan throughout Santa Barbara County, including a downloadable electronic version.

A variety of free campus and community events and discussions about the book will take place throughout winter quarter in public libraries and at UCSB. Among these are a series of Community Conversations, which will feature UCSB faculty members, as well as faculty from other campuses, discussing topics related to the book and to the 2012 theme. In addition, a presentation by the author is scheduled for Monday, March 5, in Campbell Hall.

For more detailed information about the UCSB Reads program please click on the following link: http://guides.library.ucsb.edu/UCSBReads

What community book events do you have in your community?

Jerry Spinelli --- Author Spotlight!

After reviewing the list of books I read last year in 2011, I was once again reminded of the joy of discovering a new author (or more accurately put, a new author to me). In 2011, I discovered the wonderful writing of Newbery Medal Award winning author, Jerry Spinelli, through a former college professor and friend of mine when I was given a copy of Spinelli's novel, Stargirl, last year as a gift.

I rapidly devoured Stargirl in record reading time and enjoyed the message it contained of individuality and being who you are. I later went on to read two more novels by Jerry Spinelli in 2011, Maniac Magee & Wringer, both of which were equally wonderful and beautifully written. Spinelli's writing is refreshing and relevant.

Suffice it to say, I'm now a H-U-G-E fan of Jerry Spinelli's writing and look forward to reading more of his novels in the months and years to come! A big thanks to Bill for introducing Jerry Spinelli's writing to me.

Learn more about Jerry Spinelli by visiting his website at the following link: http://www.jerryspinelli.com/newbery_001.htm

Books I Enjoyed Reading in 2011

Since 2009, I've kept track of the number of books I've read throughout the year along with the author and title of each book as a sort of written record for my own personal use.

In 2011, I read a total of fifty-six books. I usually aim to read one book a week for a total of 52 books a year... However, last year I happily exceeded my usual reading goal. Most of the books I read last year were fun, interesting, & informative. And then of course, there were those that really stood out and had me CAPTIVATED!!!

My top fiction reads in 2011:

The Sacred Well by Antoinette May

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

Prisoner of Memory by Denise Hamilton

The Poison That Fascinates by Jennifer Clement

The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd

The Doorbells of Florence by Andrew Losowsky

Wringer  by Jerry Spinelli

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli

My top nonfiction reads in 2011:
 

Alex & Me by Irene M. Pepperberg

Paula Deen: It Ain't All About the Cookin' by Paula Deen 

Food Rules by Michael Pollan 

Raw Food Cleanse by Penni Shelton

I'm always on the lookout for a good book to read. So, what were some of your favorite reads in 2011?

The Generosity of Bookcrossers!

So, I've let it be known in the Bookcrossing Chit Chat forum that I began a blog pertaining to all things book related that interest me. Low and behold, my Bookcrossing pal from Australia, Mozette, immediately upon learning about my new blog  wrote about it on her blog. Very cool! Thank you very much, Mozette, for promoting my new blog!!

So, I'd like to return the favor by promoting Mozette's blog pertaining to books on mine... Mozette is a reader, a writer, a collector of rare and out-of-print books and an extraordinary blogger! Please visit her blog called My Reading List at the following link: http://www.continuousreader.blogspot.com/

Last but not least, I would also love to give a special thank you to my Bookcrossing book pal, Boekentrol, from the The Netherlands for sending me a Christmas Card and a copy of the novel, The Mistress of Abha by William Newton, from my wishlist on Bookcrossing!

Bookcrossing.Com---- Read, release, repeat! The Karma of Sharing Books!!

As of today, I've been an active member of Bookcrossing for 5 fun filled years! I'm looking forward to many more wonderful years ahead as a proud member of the Bookcrossing community. So, what exactly is Bookcrossing, you may be wondering?

Well, to quote the Bookcrossing website, Bookcrossing is defined in the following way: 

It's the World's Library. It's a smart social networking site. It's a celebration of literature and a place where books get new life. BookCrossing is the act of giving a book a unique identity so, as the book is passed from reader to reader, it can be tracked and thus connecting its readers. There are currently 986,024 BookCrossers and 8,382,745 books travelling throughout 132 countries. Our community is changing the world and touching lives one book at a time.

For me, Bookcrossing has been a way to connect with readers around the world! I've posted over 4,100 comments on a wide array of topics in the Bookcrossing forum section, hence conversing with countless other wonderful Bookcrossing members. I've released/shared over 300 books out into the world at large. Some of my books have even traveled beyond the borders of the USA to Canada, Europe, Asia, & Australia, where the books have been read & enjoyed by many Bookcrossers around the world. 

I've made many new friends online through Bookcrossing. I've discovered new authors and books from other Bookcrossing members. I've participated in online readalongs, online sweepstakes and RABCKS (Random Acts of Bookcrossing Kindness) and so much more. I'm grateful for all of the books I've found in Official Bookcrossing Zones and books sent to me by my fellow Bookcrossing members. Bookcrossing members are a generous and kind group of people. They've shared such items as tea, chocolate, bookplates, bookmarks, postcards, and countless other goodies with me to numerous to mention.

Learn more about Bookcrossing through their website at the following link: http://www.bookcrossing.com/

If you're a member of Bookcrossing, what do you enjoy most about being a member?

P.S. If you decide to become a member of Bookcrossing, due to reading this blog post, please use FeistyPom2Love (that would be my Bookcrossing screen name) as the person who referred you to Bookcrossing!! Thank you and until next time, happy reading!

Carpinteria's Friends of the Public Library Used Bookstore

I absolutely L-O-V-E Carpinteria's Friends of the Public Library Used Bookstore!! This is where I frequently purchase many of my books. This place is a true gem to our local community!! Books, audiobooks, and compact discs are some of the items that have been spotted on their shelves for sale.

Yesterday afternoon, I made a visit to Carpinteria's Friends of the Public Library Used Bookstore. I purchased two novels, Tripwire by Lee Child and Worth Dying For also by Lee Child, for my maternal grandmother, who is a fan of Lee Child's novels. Both novels are in good condition and were a dollar each!! Attached are photographs of the Carpinteria's Friends of the Public Library Used Bookstore's exterior and my purchases for the day!

Items for sale at Carpinteria's Friends of the Public Library Used Bookstore are donated by the public at large and proceeds support the public library. I've even donated plenty of my own books, compact discs, dvds & vhs tapes to this location over the years as I want to do my part in supporting the public library system by both donating and purchasing items for sale.

This used bookstore is run by a friendly staff of volunteers. They do a fantastic job of shelving all newly donated items in an organized fashion by grouping books by genre and keeping existing books shelved in an orderly fashion. Most books for sale are priced as follows: $2 for hardbacks and $1 for paperbacks.

Carpinteria's Friends of the Public Library Used Bookstore is easy to find and conveniently located next to the Carpinteria Public Library at 5103 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria, California 93013 and their phone number is 805 566-0033. You'll find ample, free parking in the lot adjacent to the Friends of the Public Library Used Bookstore. The bookstore itself is very light, bright and clean. There is a large, clean restroom, should you need to use it during your visit.


I would also like to mention that Carpinteria's Friends of the Public Library Used Bookstore has a monthly book sale! The date of the next book sale will be this upcoming Saturday, January 7th from 9:00am to 2:30pm! For more information call 805.566.0033. Book sales are held on a monthly basis. Please donate to your local library and shop at your local Friends of the Public Library Used Bookstore!

LibraryThing --- Catalog your books online!

LibraryThing is another online, social networking website geared towards book lovers. I am not that familiar with this website yet as I've only heard about it recently from Mozette and a few other readers.

What is LibraryThing?

LibraryThing is a cataloging and social networking site for book lovers.
LibraryThing helps you create a library-quality catalog of books: books you own, books you've read, books you'd like to read, books you've lent out ... whatever grouping you'd like.
Since everyone catalogs online, they also catalog together. You can contribute tags, ratings and reviews for a book, and Common Knowledge (facts about a book or author, like character names and awards), as well as participate in member forums or join the Early Reviewers program. Everyone gets the benefit of everyone else's work. LibraryThing connects people based on the books they share.
LibraryThing is a cataloging and social networking site for book lovers.

Learn more about LibraryThing by clicking on the following link, which will take you to their website: http://www.librarything.com/

At this time, I don't need an online,  "library-quality catalog of books" I already own. I currently have some 200+ books and the idea of cataloging them online seems like an awful lot of work I rather not do. There seems to be some wonderful advantages of becoming a member of LibraryThing, but if the primary objective is to catalog my library of books, then it is not for me.

Plus LibraryThing is free for the privilege of cataloging up to 200 books. Whereas "a paid account allows you to catalog any number of books" for a fee of $10 a year or $25 for a lifetime. The fee isn't that much money when one thinks about it, especially if you'll be using/accessing your account a lot.

If you are a member of LibraryThing, I'd love to read your comments as to what you love/enjoy about being a member of the LibraryThing community.

Goodreads ---Meet your next F-A-V-O-R-I-T-E Book!

I've recently learned about the Goodreads website ( http://www.goodreads.com/) from Skyring. Goodreads helps book lovers find new books to read based on what they've enjoyed reading in the past!

According to the Goodreads Website:

Goodreads is a free website for book lovers. Imagine it as a large library that you can wander through and see everyone's bookshelves, their reviews, and their ratings. You can also post your own reviews and catalog what you have read, are currently reading, and plan to read in the future. Don’t stop there – join a discussion group, start a book club, contact an author, and even post your own writing.

Signing up is simple — you just enter your name, email, and a password.

I plan to join Goodreads soon. I look forward to seeing which books are recommended for me to read  based on books I've enjoyed reading in the past. I'll keep you posted as to which books I've been recommended by Goodreads and if I've enjoyed reading the books they've recommended! Wish me luck on my reading journey!!

Are you a member of Goodreads? What do you like most/least about their website? Have you enjoyed their book recommendations?

Nature Girl by Carl Hiaasen

After much deliberation, I've chosen to kickoff 2012 by reading the novel Nature Girl by Carl Hiassen! I've chosen to read this novel for three major reasons:

A) I've read Hiaasen's novel Skinny Dip twice and loved it! Ever since then, I've wanted to read another one of his novels.

B) Nature Girl sounds like a very fun and lightweight read to kick off the new year.

C) Last, but not least, Nature Girl has been sitting on my bookshelf since September 2008, so it's way past due for me to read.

For more information about Nature Girl, please visit Carl Hiaasen's website by clicking on the following link: http://www.carlhiaasen.com/books/books-nature.html

Have you read Carl Hiaasen's novel Nature Girl? If so, what did you think of it? Which Carl Hiaasen's novel is your ABSOLUTE favorite?

Welcome to My 2012 Reading Journey!

I wanted a way to chronicle my reading journey with others... A Blog seems like the perfect space to share what I'm reading throughout the year with other readers and start a basic dialogue/discussion about the books I'm reading.

In addition to posting and discussing books I'll be reading, I'd like to share posts regarding any author and/or book events I may attend throughout the year ahead.

I also enjoy visiting independent bookstores, so I will also discuss the various bookstores I visit and what I enjoyed about each one.

Plus, I'll make any post that pertains to books, reading, authors and so on, that I may find interesting in the year ahead.

See you in the year ahead! I look forward to meaningful book discussions with you!