Happy Love of Reading Month!!

 

What A Cool Idea For A Book Club!

 

The Redondo Beach walking club turns audiobooks into group activity!! I love audiobooks. I also love walking for fitness and book clubs. What a great way to combine one's love for reading, fitness, and book clubs! It would be wonderful if they had something like this in our area.

How You Ruined My Life by Jeff Strand

 

I found a used paperback copy of How You Ruined My Life by Jeff Strand inside a Little Free Library. I've read four other novels written by Jeff Strand and enjoyed them, so snagged this one when I saw it. Little did I realize at the time that How You Ruined My Life by Jeff Strand is a book for young adults!

I have enjoyed many young adult novels in the past. However, How You Ruined My Life by Jeff Strand flopped big time for me, which is disappointing for me as I've enjoyed the previous novels I've read by Jeff Strand. How You Ruined My Life came off as immature to me.... Yes, I realize How You Ruined My Life is a book for young adults, but it felt like he was trying to hard to be humorous and write a book that teens will love. 

The ending was decent... I was kind of concerned that it was going to be unsatisfactory, but the ending was better than expected. There were also a few plot devices used by Jeff Strand that were redeeming, but overall How You Ruined My Life wasn't very enjoyable for me. I'll stick with his books written for adults in the future.

Below is the publisher's summary for How You Ruined My Life by Jeff Strand I discovered on Goodreads:

Rod's life doesn't suck. If you ask him, it's pretty awesome. He may not be popular, but he and his best friends play in a band that has a standing gig. Yeah, it's Monday night and they don't get paid, but they can crank the volume as loud as they want. And Rod's girlfriend is hot, smart, and believes in their band-believes in Rod. Aside from a winning lottery ticket, what more could he ask for? Answer: A different cousin. When Rod's scheming, two-faced cousin Blake moves in for the semester, Rod tries to keep calm. Blake seems to have everyone else fooled with his good manners and suave smile, except Rod knows better. Blake is taking over his room, taking over his band, taking over his life! But Rod's not about to give up without a fight. Game on. May the best prankster win . . .

I am giving How You Ruined My Life by Jeff Strand a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Top Ten Tuesday - Romance Reads I'd Happily Reread Again!

 

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.

Generally, I am not a huge fan of the romance genre. However, there are a few romance novels I'd definitely reread again as they were that good! 

Below are ten romance books I've read and reviewed here on my blog over the years. I would reread them again.

1. Hearts in Darkness (Hearts in Darkness Duet Book 1) by Laura Kaye

2. Love in the Light (Hearts in Darkness #2) by Laura Kaye

3. Bone Deep by Bonnie Dee

4. A Hearing Heart by Bonnie Dee

5. Kentucky on the Rocks by Gwendolyn Grace

6. Quintessentially the One by Aleatha Romig

7. All By My Selfie by Jo Nelle

8. The Ghost and The Graveyard by Genevieve Jack

9. Ivan (Her Russian Protector #1) by Roxie Rivera

10. A Christmas Valentine by Jamie Carie

Are there any romance novels you would reread?

Kiss and Tell by Shannon Tweed

I've had Kiss and Tell by Shannon Tweed on my reading wishlist for a number of years now. I had watched the reality television series, 'Family Jewels', featuring Gene Simmons, Shannon Tweed and their children back in the day. I liked this show to some degree, so decided to add Shannon Tweed's memoir to my reading wishlist.

I decided to listen to Kiss and Tell as my next read as I needed a lighter read after reading Daddy Love by Joyce Carol Oates as it had been such a heavy read due to the subject matter. 

Kiss and Tell by Shannon Tweed seemed like just the fit in terms of being on the lighter side. The unabridged audio version oof Kiss and Tell is narrated by Shannon Tweed herself. I usually prefer to hear the author narrate their own book. Ms. Tweed did a decent job narrating her memoir, but nothing great... And, yes, this memoir is a lighter read.

Kiss and Tell is my 7th read for 2026 and is a short listen at 3 hours, 47 minutes. I was able to finish listening to it in a single, weekend afternoon.

As far as reading material goes, Kiss and Tell was likable. It was published 20 years ago in 2006. I knew some of the information about Shannon Tweed already, but I learned more about her upbringing, relationships, career, and children from reading this book. I wish it contained more recent information like how she and Gene decided to make a reality television series, more about what prompted them to finally get married, and how their children are doing now as adults. 

Below is the summary for Kiss and Tell by Shannon Tweed found on Goodreads:

Two decades and two children after their first meeting at the Playboy Mansion, Shannon Tweed and Gene Simmons are still happily together--with never a fight or even cross words. Kiss and Tell is the surprising other side of the story from one of the world's most beautiful women.

I am giving Kiss and Tell by Shannon Tweed a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars. It was a decent celebrity memoir.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!!

 

Daddy Love by Joyce Carol Oates

This month, I did a buddy read with another avid book reader. Together we read and discussed the novel, Daddy Love by Joyce Carol Oates. I've been wanting to read Daddy Love for two or three years now. I am glad to have finally read this novel and crossed it off of my 'to be read' pile this month.

Daddy Love is one of Joyce Carol Oates's shorter novels at 240 pages. It's a quick read, but also a difficult novel to read due to the subject matter. Let's just say that Daddy Love is perhaps the darkest novel I've read by Joyce Carol Oates to date and it is not for the faint of heart. If child abduction and physical, emotional, and sexual abuse of very young minors is a trigger for you... Then stay far, far away from Daddy Love as this novel touches upon these topics and it isn't pretty! As far as the writing goes, I felt like Daddy Love is really well written overall. This is Joyce Carol Oates after all!

Daddy Love is divided into three parts. I am impressed with how well Joyce Carol Oates writes her prose and can take the reader deep inside dark and disturbing topics with ease. How does she do this so well? JCO also has a knack for writing about men with certain dark and disturbing predilections very well. Chet Cash (aka Daddy Love) is a true monster and JCO writes him in such a chilling, yet believable manner.

The ending for Daddy Love is ambiguous! I am not a fan of ambiguous endings. I like solid endings to novels where things are wrapped up nicely... But perhaps this is difficult to achieve with this sort of novel. I'm not sure if it could have ended any other way than "ambiguous".

JCO really does a great job deep diving into the mother's (Dinah) grief over the kidnapping of Robbie and for the father's (Whit) grief as well. She does a good job with how the kidnapping impacted their marriage, and so on... And, of course, we read about how Robbie/Gideon is treated during his time with Chet/Daddy Love and it is horrific.

By the way, I listened to the unabridged audio version of Daddy Love, which was well narrated by Christine Williams.

Below is the publisher's summary for Daddy Love by Joyce Carol Oates, which I discovered on Goodreads:

Dinah Whitcomb seemingly has everything—a loving and successful husband, and a smart, precocious young son named Robbie—until one day, their worlds are shattered when Dinah is attacked and Robbie is abducted from a mall parking lot. As Dinah recovers from her wounds, she struggles to come to terms with her new reality and to keep her marriage afloat. Though it seems hopeless, she retains a flicker of hope that her son is still alive.

The kidnapper, a part-time preacher named Chester Cash, calls himself Daddy Love: he has abducted, tortured, and raped several young boys, indoctrinating them into becoming both his lover and his “son.” He renames Robbie “Gideon,” slowly brainwashing him into believing that he is Daddy Love’s real son. Any time the boy resists or rebels, he faces punishment beyond his wildest nightmares.

As Robbie grows older, he begins to realize that the longer he stays in the home of this demon, the greater the chance that he’ll end up like Daddy Love’s other “sons” who were never heard from again. Somewhere within this tortured young boy lies a spark of rebellion, and soon he sees just what lengths he must go to in order to have any chance at survival.

I am giving Daddy Love by Joyce Carol Oates a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

February 2026 Reading/Bookish Goals!!

1. This month, I am participating in a buddy read with another avid book reader living in the UK. We are currently reading Daddy Love by Joyce Carol Oates. 

Daddy Love is one of Joyce Carol Oates's shorter reads at roughly 240 pages and has 25 chapters. The goal is to read 5 chapters at a time and then discuss them before moving onto the next five chapters. So far, we've read and discussed the first five chapters of Daddy Love. It's a great read so far. Joyce Carol Oates is such a good writer, but Daddy Love is going to be a heavy read. I'm glad to have someone to read this book with... 

I also have another blogger friend who has expressed an interest in reading Daddy Love with me! I am interested in hearing her thoughts regarding Daddy Love.

2. This month, I also have plans to read Culpability by Bruce Holsinger and to discuss it with another friend who is reading this novel now. 

3. I also plan to read Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Gamez for this month's book club selection for the Online Rainbow Book Club.

4. I also plan to attend and participate in this month's Online Rainbow Book Club. I enjoyed attending last month's meet-up.

5. Hopefully, fingers crossed, read a couple of other books beyond the above mentioned books. We'll see how it goes.

6. Find more new to me Little Free Libraries later on this month during an out of town mini trip with my husband. If I find any new to me LFLs, I'll be sure to write a blog post about my experience.

I think this pretty much sums up what I have planned this month bookish wise.

What are your bookish goals this month?

January 2026 in Review!

Here's a quick recap of my bookish activity for January 2026:

1. I've started posting as a Social Media Ambassador on Facebook for the public library in January. I've made 3-4 posts promoting services or events occurring at our local public library.

2. I read five books last month. All five books were either from the public library or from BookSirens. In other words, all free reads last month for me.

3. I made use of Hoopla for the first time last month. I borrowed and read four books from my public library - Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn, I Love Led Zeppelin by Ellen Forney, Lugosi: The Rise and Fall of Hollywood's Dracula by Koren Shadmi, and The Twilight Man: Rod Serling and the Birth of Television by Koren Shadmi. I'm enjoy Hoopla's services.

4. I participated in The Online Rainbow Book Club last month, which is an online book club hosted and moderated by our public library. We'd read and discussed Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir, which I enjoyed. I am looking forward to reading and participating in future meet-ups of The Online Rainbow Book Club.

5. I visited The Quirky Crow Bookshop for the first time, which is a new indie bookstore in my city.

6. I made three Top Ten Tuesday posts last month. I enjoy participating in this weekly bookish event when time and interest allows.

7. I found 12 new to me Little Free Libraries in Livermore, California with my husband last month, which I blogged about as well.

8. Plus, posted a few newsy related items on my blog as well.

Tell me about your bookish achievements during January 2026!

The Twilight Man: Rod Serling and the Birth of Television by Koren Shadmi

 

I've enjoyed watching The Twilight Zone television series featuring Rod Serling off and on over the years. They are fabulous episodes that have appeal to audiences today!

I've always wanted to learn more about Rod Serling's life. So, when I discovered The Twilight Man: Rod Serling and the Birth of Television by Koren Shadmi, a nonfiction, graphic biography, I added it to my reading wishlist.

It just so happens that I was able to obtain the ebook edition of The Twilight Man: Rod Serling and the Birth of Television by Koren Shadmi last month via Hoopla by having a public library card.

Side note, I'm thoroughly enjoying Hoopla! I was able to checkout four library books using Hoopla last month. I listened to one audiobook and read three ebook via Hoopla. I love making use of my public library card! Now back to my book review.

I enjoyed the artwork for The Twilight Man: Rod Serling and the Birth of Television as well as the flow of information about the life of Rod Serling. There is just the right amount of information about Rod Serlong's life without being overkill. The ending of The Twilight Man: Rod Serling and the Birth of Television is very Twilightesque, which I appreciated! I think most readers will appreciate the ending and its nod to 'The Twilight Zone' television series!

Below is the publisher's summary for The Twilight Man: Rod Serling and the Birth of Television by Koren Shadmi:

A biographical tale that follows Hollywood revolutionary Rod Serling's rise to fame in the Golden Age of Television, and his descent into his own personal Twilight Zone.

We recognize him as our sharply dressed, cigarette-smoking tour guide of The Twilight Zone, but the entertainment business once regarded him as the “Angry Young Man” of Television. Before he became the revered master of science fiction, Rod Serling was just a writer who had to fight to make his voice heard. He vehemently challenged the networks and viewership alike to expand their minds and standards—rejecting notions of censorship, racism and war. But it wasn’t until he began to write about real world enemies in the guise of aliens and monsters that people lent their ears. In doing so, he pushed the television industry to the edge of glory, and himself to the edge of sanity. Rod operated in a dimension beyond that of contemporary society, making him both a revolutionary and an outsider.

I am giving The Twilight Man: Rod Serling and the Birth of Television by Koren Shadmi a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

The Online Rainbow Book Club

 

On Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 6pm to 7pm was the first Online Rainbow Book Club of 2026. It was also the first time I've attended this online book club. 

I've been meaning to join a book club and stick with one long term as I enjoy reading and discussing books with others. Book clubs are the perfect venue for book discussions with others. 

I've also desired to be more involved in using the public library and the services they have to offer. 

The Online Rainbow Book Club is offered through our public library on a monthly basis. In fact, our public library offers several book clubs. Most of the book clubs seem to meet in person. I specifically chose the Online Rainbow Book Club because it meets online vs. in person. 

The Online Rainbow Book Club "is for all readers ages 18 and over who enjoy thoughtful and supportive discussions centering on LGBTQ+ titles, characters, and themes."

I do not fall into the LGBTQ+ spectrum. But as I've already mentioned I enjoy reading and discussing thought provoking books with others. 

Diversity and inclusivity are also big buzz words being used in recent years. I enjoy reading books written by and/or about minority groups. It is important to me to learn more about those around me as I feel it helps to build empathy, compassion, and understanding about those living different lives/lifestyles than myself.

I enjoyed attending my first Online Rainbow Book Club this past Thursday evening. We read and discussed Gideon the Ninth by Tamsym Muir. I'm looking forward to this month's read and upcoming book discussion. 

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

The Quirky Crow Bookshop

 

A new independent bookstore has opened up here in San Ramon, California called The Quirky Crow Bookshop.

The Quirky Crow Bookshop opened its doors during the week of Thanksgiving 2025. I've been meaning to visit this local bookstore since I learned about it late last year. 

I decided to wait until after the first of the year to make my first visit to The Quirky Crow Bookshop as I wanted to avoid the holiday shopping crowds.

My husband and I ended visited The Quirky Crow Bookshop this morning for the very first time at 10am when they opened for business. 

What a cute, cozy, and inviting space for a bookshop! I love how light and bright this bookstore is. I also love the decor, layout, and flow of this bookstore as well. 

Unfortunately, I only took one interior photo during our brief visit to The Quirky Crow Bookstore as I was too busy enjoying the ambiance, looking around at all the books, and interacting with Joceline (staff member) during our visit.

I thought there were plenty of the latest, popular releases on hand and a wide variety of books to suit all reading tastes.

The Quirky Crow Bookshop also sells other swag like stickers, tote bags, keychains, postcards, candles, and mugs.

I love supporting independent bookstores and other small businesses. I'd been recommended Culpability by Bruce Holsinger by a friend, this is the book I purchased during my visit to The Quirky Crow Bookshop.

Have you visited any indie bookstores recently?

Lugosi: The Rise and Fall of Hollywood's Dracula by Koren Shadmi

 

Lugosi: The Rise and Fall of Hollywood's Dracula by Koren Shadmi is another book that's been on my reading wishlist for a while. I use to enjoy watching the classic horror films now and again decades ago.

Bela Lugosi's iconic performance as 'Dracula' is something else. I never knew much about Bela Lugosi's personal life. So, I decided to read the ebook edition of Lugosi: The Rise and Fall of Hollywood's Dracula, which combines Bela Lugosi's life in words with comics.

I found Lugosi: The Rise and Fall of Hollywood's Dracula by Koren Shadmi to be a quick read. I enjoyed both the artwork and the writing for this book. 

I feel that one of the perks of graphic nonfiction, if done well, is it combines both artwork and writing to share information. Sometimes you simply don't need (or want) to read a traditional book with very detailed information about a particular topic. In this case, I only wanted an overview of Bela Lugosi's life. I wasn't up for reading a full blown, in-depth biography about him as it would've been more than I wanted.

I wasn't aware of Lugosi's addiction to drugs and alcohol or his numerous marriages and infidelities until reading Lugosi: The Rise and Fall of Hollywood's Dracula. Nor was I aware that Lugosi was a political activist in Hungary during his early years, which eventually lead Lugosi to flee Hungary.

Below is the publisher's summary for Lugosi: The Rise and Fall of Hollywood's Dracula by Koren Shadmi from Amazon's website:

LUGOSI, the tragic life story of one of horror’s most iconic film stars, tells of a young Hungarian activist forced to flee his homeland after the failed Communist revolution in 1919. Reinventing himself in the U.S., first on stage and then in movies, he landed the unforgettable role of Count Dracula in what would become a series of classic feature films. From that point forward, Lugosi’s stardom would be assured...but with international fame came setbacks and addictions that gradually whittled his reputation from icon to has-been. LUGOSI details the actor’s fall from grace and an enduring legacy that continues to this day.

I am giving Lugosi: The Rise and Fall of Hollywood's Dracula by Koren Shadmi a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

I Love Led Zeppelin by Ellen Forney

I've had a couple of books by Ellen Forney on my reading wishlist for quite a while. I Love Led Zeppelin was one of them. 

I read the ebook edition of I Love Led Zeppelin by Ellen Forney, which is a comic book that is (semi??) autobiographical in nature.

I Love Led Zeppelin is different than what I thought it would be. I thought it was a graphic novel with a plot that revolved around someone who loves the band, Led Zeppelin. 

Instead, I Love Led Zeppelin by Ellen Forney is a series of comics she has written alone or in collaboration with others. It's also (ssemi??) autobiographical, which isn't what I expected either.

Some of the various comics were good, some were so-so, and others were simply meh. This was my third read for 2026.

Below is more about I Love Led Zeppelin by Ellen Forney from the author's website:

Eisner-nominated I Love Led Zeppelin collects full-page comics published in magazines and weekly newspapers, including the L.A. Weekly, Seattle's The Stranger, and BUST Magazine. Stories include "How to Smoke Pot and Stay Out of Jail,” "How to Twirl Your Tassels In Opposite Directions,” "How to Sew an Amputated Finger Back On,” and "The Final Soundtrack," a death fantasy involving blood, glamour, and Led Zeppelin, and collaborations with Margaret Cho, Kristin Gore, Camille Paglia, and Dan Savage. Introduction by Sherman Alexie.

I am giving I Love Led Zeppelin by Ellen Forney a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Check Out the Psychology Behind Reading Several Books at Once!

 

I usually read several books at a time. I fall into categories one and two. What about you? Do you read multiple books at once? If so, which category do you fall into?

Top Ten Tuesday - New to Me Authors I Discovered in 2025!

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.

Last year, I had the wonderful opportunity to read several books by new to me authors. Below are the top ten authors whom I enjoyed reading books written by the most in 2025.

1. Samantha Hunt

2. Erle Stanley Gardner

3. Ekwaeke Emezi

4. R. J. Palacio

5. Charlotte McConaghy

6. Hilary Green

7. Patti Callahan

8. Juliet Blackwell

9. Marie Benedict

10. Oyinkan Braithwaite

Which authors topped your list of new to you authors in 2025?

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir is my second read of 2026! I listened to the unabridged audio version of this novel through Hoopla for a book club pick later on this month. 

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir is a long listen at 16 hours, 15 minutes, which is very nicely narrated by Moira Quick.

Normally, I don't gravitate towards reading science fiction or fantasy reads. They're usually not my thing. However, this year, I decided to join a book club, which meets monthly and Gideon the Ninth was this month's pick to read and discuss.

There are pros and cons for for me in terms of Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir. 

I loved the world building and the mystery involved in this novel. The writing is good overall. The narration for the audio edition is excellent. I also enjoyed the snarkiness of the leading character, Gideon. 

I disliked the fact that it was initially difficult for me to get onto this novel for two reasons. Reason one is that there were so many characters with odd names to keep track of and they had nicknames or were called by different names throughout the novel, that trying to keep track of who was who was a chore. At the start of the audiobook edition, there is a list of characters and who they are, but this is not easy to refer like it would be in a physical book or ebook. Additionally, I found it difficult initially to figure out the storyline for this science fiction/fantasy read, which was kind of a turn off for me. It wasn't until several chapters in when the storyline FINALLY became interesting to me.

Below is the publisher's summary for Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir from Chirp's website:

The Emperor needs necromancers. The Ninth Necromancer needs a swordswoman. Gideon has a sword, some dirty magazines, and no more time for undead nonsense. Tamsyn Muir’s Gideon the Ninth unveils a solar system of swordplay, cut-throat politics, and lesbian necromancers. Her characters leap off the page, as skillfully animated as arcane revenants. The result is a heart-pounding epic science fantasy. Brought up by unfriendly, ossifying nuns, ancient retainers, and countless skeletons, Gideon is ready to abandon a life of servitude and an afterlife as a reanimated corpse. She packs up her sword, her shoes, and her dirty magazines, and prepares to launch her daring escape. But her childhood nemesis won’t set her free without a service. Harrowhark Nonagesimus, Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House and bone witch extraordinaire, has been summoned into action. The Emperor has invited the heirs to each of his loyal Houses to a deadly trial of wits and skill. If Harrowhark succeeds she will be become an immortal, all-powerful servant of the Resurrection, but no necromancer can ascend without their cavalier. Without Gideon’s sword, Harrow will fail, and the Ninth House will die. Of course, some things are better left dead.

I am giving Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir is the first novel in the 'Locked Tomb' series. I will be skipping the rest of the novels in the series. It's a great read if you like great world building, mystery, fantasy or science fiction books. There just is not strong desire for me to finish this series.

Until my next post, happy reading!

MORE NEW TO ME LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES IN LIVERMORE, CALIFORNIA!! ROUND TWO!!

Once again, my husband and I found ourselves in Livermore, California this weekend. 

We found five new to us Little Free Libraries while in Livermore yesterday. We could have found more of them, but it was starting to grow darker and colder. We stopped for the evening and enjoyed an early dinner.

We only left and took books from three of the five Little Free Libraries we found this weekend.

Below are our latest Little Free Library finds. Enjoy!!

This LFL seems to be popular with Bookcrossers.

This LFL is cute!

This LFL is cute and had dog treats and a water bowl for dog walkers. Only books for children.

Another cute LFL with nice landscaping surrounding it.

A very small LFL!! Nothing interesting in terms of books to bring home with me.

Have you found any Little Free Libraries lately?

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

Seven New to Me Little Free Libraries in Livermore, California!!

This was the 1st LFL we found. It had a ton of books, but none that I wanted.

 

This LFL was pretty picked over and had mostly books for kids.

I found 3 books from this LFL to take home with me and left 3 books inside.

This was the last LFL find for the day. Cute, there were no books I wanted.

This was my favorite LFL find for the day! So unique!

This is one of the smallest LFLs I've encountered.

I love seeing repurposed objects being used as LFLs! This one was messy inside though.

Over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, my husband and I found seven new to us Little Free Libraries in Livermore, California!! 

We've found plenty of Little Free Libraries in Livermore over the years the past 12 years (approximately 19 of them). There are still plenty of Little Free Libraries we haven't visited yet in Livermore, California.

So many Little Libraries to find, so little time it seems to find more!! 

Earlier this month, I revisited two local LFLs and  dropped off books for other to find.

Top Ten Tuesday - Bookish Goals For 2026

 

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 ten bookish goals for 2026!!

1. Read 52 books (or more) in 2026!!

I read 83 books in 2025, so I should be able to reach this reading goal.

2. Join and participate in a book club this year

I've taken part in various book clubs over the years, but I have never participated in one long term.

The good news is that I have signed up to participate in a book club through my local public library, which occurs on a monthly basis. I hope to enjoy both the novels featured for this book club and also the people I will be interacting with during the book.

3. Make more use of the services provided by the public library

I've signed up for both Kanopy and Hoopla. I look forward to using both programs to watch movies and read or listen to books. In fact, I will be listening to the audio version of the book selected for the public library book club I will be attending. I am already using Kanopy, but would like to make more use of it more in 2026.

4. Read twelve physical books from my 'tbr' pile

I have plenty of digital books in the form of ebooks and audiobooks. But it is time I return to reading and move some of my physical books along by leaving them inside various Little Free Libraries.

5. Knit either a genre snake or genre baby blanket

Okay, here's the explanation for number five. I am an avid knitter as well as an avid reader. So, I would like to combine my two favorite hobbies in a meaningful way.. Based on the various genres I read last year in 2025, I would like to knit either a striped snake plushie using different colors to represent the various genres I read in 2025. Or knit a striped baby blanket using different colors to represent the various genres I read for this blanket. Which idea sounds more appealing - a  snake plushie or a baby blanket?

6. Buddy read in February 2026

I have paired up to read Daddy Love by Joyce Carol Oates with another avid reader! This will be my first time doing a buddy read. I look forward to reading a book with another person and discussing the book as we read it. I'd love to have another book buddy lined up later in the year!

7. Learn skills to create a podcast

It's been a dream of mine to start a bookish podcast and grow my audience in a different way. Our public library had offered a six-week podcast essentials workshop later this year, but it has been cancelled. So, now I will be looking into other options.

8. Social Media Ambassador for our public library

On New Year's Eve, I signed up to be a Social Media Ambassador for our public library!! It will be a low key way to help promote our public library by sharing what I love about the public library itself, promote library events, and so on. I am excited about participating and promoting our public library.

9. Create an Online Book Group/Club

I am not sure how this would/will play out exactly quite yet. This online book group/club would be a focused/themed club in terms of topic. Ideas include reading all Joyce Carol Oates novels, historical fiction novels, cozy mystery novels, The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, the Perry Mason series of novels by Erle Stanley Gardner, indie published books, etc.  Or something similar.

Is anyone interested in this type of small group reading club?

10. Attend an in person author event

Prior to the pandemic, I use to attend live author events and book festivals regularly until the pandemic hit. Now all the author events I've attended have been virtual ones. I'd like to start attending author events again in person this year. Granted, they'd have to be ones I am interested in attending.

What are your bookish goals in 2026?

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!!

Remembering Martin Luther King, Jr. today and always. I really enjoyed reading and highly recommend reading Why We Can't Wait by Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Here's what I really enjoyed learning about over the course of reading Why We Can't Wait by Martin Luther King, Jr.:

* Learn the Civil Rights Movement through Martin Luther King Jr.'s words and perspective.
* Read a detailed history of the Civil Rights Movement with special emphasis on Birmingham, Alabama, which in 1963 was the most racially segregated city in the USA at the time.
* MLK, Jr. goes on to describe why 1963 was the right time for the 'Negro Revolution' to begin and he also emphasized why the Birmingham Campaign was the perfect starting point for this revolution.
* MLK, Jr. also describe's what direct nonviolent action is, why it was used, and why it is so powerful.
* Read MLK's letter from jail in Birmingham, Alabama, which was his response to a published statement by eight clergymen who felt King's activities at the time were 'unwise and untimely'. Not everyone agreed with how to proceed/move forward, which is also discussed in the book
* MLK, Jr. emphasized 'Why We Can't Wait' was so important.
* The afterward by Jesse L. Jackson was also worth the read as well.
* And so much more!

I really learned so much through reading Why We Can't Wait by Martin Luther King, Jr. The information I've learned through reading Why We Can't Wait has only enriched my understanding of American history as it pertains to the Civil Rights Movement.

Click on the above link to read my full review for Why We Can't Wait.

Happy National Thesaurus Day!!

 

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

RIP - Scott Adams

Last November, I blogged about Scott Adams having metastatic prostate cancer. This morning I learned that he passed away today.

This morning, I came across an NPR article titled, Scott Adams, the controversial cartoonist behind 'Dilbert,' dies at 68 by Rachel Treisman. Rachel Treisman wrote the following:

Scott Adams, the controversial cartoonist who skewered corporate culture, has died at age 68, He announced in May 2025 that he had metastatic prostate cancer and only months to live.

Months later, in November, Adams took to X to request — and receive — some very public help from President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in addressing health insurance issues that had delayed his treatment with an FDA-approved cancer drug called Pluvicto.

Adams said he was able to book an appointment the next day. Despite the Trump administration's public intervention, Adams shared on his YouTube show in early January 2026 that "the odds of me recovering are essentially zero."

Adams' former wife, Shelly Miles, announced his death Tuesday during a YouTube livestream, and then read a statement from Adams who said, "I had an amazing life. I gave it everything I had. If you got any benefits from my life, I ask you pay it forward as best you can."

Rachel Treisman writes quite an in-depth article about the life of Scott Adams. Click on the top link to read the full obituary.

The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney

I received an ARC/pdf version for The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney for FREE from Booksirens in exchange for an honest review.

The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney is a work of historical fiction and it also falls into the mystery genre as well. The release date for The Green Baize Door is on January 27, 2026. 

I am a fan of historical fiction novels and also mystery novels, which is why I was drawn to The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney as this novel falls into both genres equally. 

Eleanor Birney is a new to me author. What better way to explore a new to me author than by reading the ARC edition for FREE to see how I enjoy their writing?

I was hoping for more when it came to The Green Baize Door. I was drawn to this novel's cover, the storyline, the fact that it has a female leading character, and the genres it falls into. However, I found the first 30% of this novel to be kind of boring after the first chapter or two, which made me not want to continue reading it. I'm glad that I did finish reading The Green Baize Door as the storyline did pick up and become more engaging and continued to be more captivating as the story moved along.

I enjoyed the characters of both James Lett and Marie Chevalier. I didn't expect the murderer to be the person revealed at the end of the novel!! 

The writing was good overall for The Green Baize Door, but I won't go out of my way to read another novel by Eleanor Birney.

Below is the publisher's summary for The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney, which I discovered on Amazon's website:

An atmospheric historical mystery where every character has their own agenda, and their own truth.

In the fashionable mansions on Chestnut Hill, a simple green baize door separates the masters’ world from the servants’. That door is thrown wide when an elderly housekeeper is found brutally murdered on the first day of the new century. Marie Chevalier, the housekeeper’s poor but ambitious granddaughter, and James Lett, the mansion owner’s kind but indolent son, suspect the killer is connected to one of their families—but which one?

From drawing rooms to alleyways, their separate investigations lead them through the sometimes lavish, sometimes brutal, landscape of turn-of-the-century New England. When long-buried secrets begin to unravel the fragile threads that hold both households together, Marie and James must find a way to bridge the gulf between them—if only to prove that the murderer belongs not to their own world, but to that strange and foreign land on the other side of the green baize door.Inspired by real-life events, The Green Baize Door is a richly layered historical mystery that explores themes of class identity, family loyalty, and the sometimes blurry line between virtue and vice.

I am giving The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney a rating of 3 stars out of 5 Stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

NASA Permanently Shuts Down Its Largest Research Library!!

 

What the everliving HECK? I am not onboard with this news at all!! Yes, I understand the need to save money on the annual cost to run  NASA's Goddard Library and the additional money needed for repairs to fix issues and the continued upkeep of such a massive library.... But isn't the expense worth it for this unique library for the future of space travel, sending telescopes into space, the development of rockets, and so on? It's not like there isn't a future for exploration outside our planet. The information provided within Goddard Library is valuable for researchers, students, historians, and more.

Additionally, there is so much material that hasn't even been digitized from the Goddard Library for future reference to be used in aiding scientists and engineers!  Goddard Library has materials which came from the former Soviet Union space program. It feels like we're erasing history by not keeping and maintaining this library's physical presence. We do not want to lose valuable material that will help future space programs.

I am fine with the concept of digitizing scientific materials for onsite and online research purposes. But I also overwhelmingly feel there is a need for the balance between digital and analog resources. Why not have both a physical and digital presence with regards to NASA's Goddard Library?

What are your thoughts regarding the shutdown of NASA's Goddard Library?

7 Libraries Set Inside UNESCO World Heritage Sites!!

After coming across an article on the Conde Nast Travel website titled, 7 Libraries Set Inside UNESCO World Heritage Sites by Navya Verma, I now I want to visit these unique libraries and see them for myself!

In the article, Navya Verma wrote the following:

For book lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and travelers who read a place through its past, some libraries offer more than quiet rooms lined with manuscripts. A rare few are set within UNESCO World Heritage Sites—meaning that whether they are perched on hillsides, embedded in historic city centers, or surrounded by forested mountains, they show how knowledge has been shaped, stored, and protected across centuries. From monastic scriptoria and Renaissance design experiments to purpose-built repositories for sacred texts, each space reflects the intellectual and cultural priorities of its time. Below are seven stunning libraries housed within UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from Portugal to South Korea and beyond.

Check to see which libraries made the list by clicking on the above link. 

I Finally Signed Up For Hoopla Account With My Public Library Card!!

 

In an effort to start using more of the services/products provided by our public library system, I signed up for a Hoopla account at the end of December 2025!

I look forward to using the Hoopla benefits in 2026. In fact, I already have an audiobook lined up for later on this month. The benefits for Hoopla are described below (information provided from the Hoopla website):

Your public library at your fingertips.

Borrow and enjoy audiobooks, eBooks, comics, movies, TV, magazines, or music everywhere you have a screen-your computer, your phone, your car, even your TV. All you need is a library card. hoopla syncs across all your devices, so you can stream titles immediately or whenever you're in the mood. Most titles can also be downloaded to your phone or tablet. hoopla offers more content, in more places, than any other digital library platform and it's all FREE thanks to your public library! Titles may vary based on library catalog.

Is anyone else using Hoopla's services? If so, how do you like using Hoopla?

Top Ten Tuesday - Best Books I Read in 2025

 

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.

I read 83 books in 2025. I surpassed my goal of reading 52 books this years. I gave a lot of both 5 star book reviews and 4 star book reviews this year. So, I had a difficult time narrowing down my choices for this post with all the great books I read in 2025! Sure, I read some stinkers, but overall a great year in reading.

I've included both fiction and nonfiction books on my list of best reads for 2026. You'll also see my rating for each book and also whether it is fiction or nonfiction below. 

I've added a link to each review should you care to read my thoughts for each book.

1. The Seas by Samantha Hunt (fiction 5 stars out of 5 stars)

2.  Pet by Akwaeke Emezi (fiction 5 stars out of 5 stars)

3. My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite (fiction 5 stars out of 5 stars)

4. Botanical Curses and Poisons: The Shadow-Lives of Plants by Fez Inkwright (nonfiction 5 stars out of 5 stars)

5. Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron (nonfiction 5 stars out of 5 stars)

6. The Case of the Velvet Claws by Erle Stanley Gardner (fiction 5 stars out of 5 stars)

7. Millionaire Mission: A 9-Step System to Level Up Your Finances and Build Wealth by Brian Preston (nonfiction 5 stars out of 5 stars)

8. Death by a Thousand Sips by Gretchen Rue (fiction 4.5 stars out of 5 stars)

9. The Greatest Gambling Story Ever Told: A True Tale of Three Gamblers, The Kentucky Derby, and the Mexican Cartel by Mark Paul (nonfiction 5 stars out of 5 stars)

10.  Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (fiction 5 stars out of 5 stars)

Have you read any of these books?