Are You a Member of Good Reads?

I've known about Good Reads for a few years now, but it wasn't until last month that I decided to become a member of Good Reads community. 

Just in case you're unfamiliar with Good Reads, here's a little bit about them from their 'about us' page:

Goodreads is the world’s largest site for readers and book recommendations. Our mission is to help people find and share books they love. Goodreads launched in January 2007.

A Few Things You Can Do On Goodreads

• See which books your friends are reading.

• Track the books you're reading, have read, and want to read.

• Check out your personalized book recommendations. Our recommendation engine analyzes 20 billion data points to give suggestions tailored to your literary tastes.

• Find out if a book is a good fit for you from our community’s reviews.

That's just some of the things you can do on Good Reads!! As a side note, it's also free to join the Good Reads website. 

Good Reads also offers a program called First Reads where "Prerelease books are listed for giveaway by publishers and authors, and members can enter to win. Winners are picked randomly at the end of the giveaway." I don't know about you, but I LOVE FREE BOOK GIVEAWAYS. Since I've become a member of Good Reads, I've entered more of the book giveaways offered through the Good Reads website than I care to admit. So far, I've won two free books that shall be arriving in my mail box in the next 4-6 weeks. I'm still eagerly awaiting to hear if I've won other book giveaways that I've entered as well!!

Good Reads also has offers other interesting features that I have yet to explore at this time.... I just haven't had the time to fully explore this website with all the other things that keep me busy.

Why did I wait so long to join Good Reads?? Good question. I've been both an avid and active member of Bookcrossing for over 7 years now. I'm usually pretty busy posting on the forums on Bookcrossing. Additionally, I participate in various book rays, book boxes, racbk's, etc. through Bookcrossing and of course, am busy with my blog and other hobbies. So, I simply hadn't had time to become a member of Good Reads until recently. I'm looking forward to exploring the Good Reads site more now that I'm a member.

If you're a member of Good Reads, which feature of Good Reads do you most enjoy about their website? Are you active in any of the online groups through Good Reads?

The Bookstore at the Vedanta Temple in Santa Barbara

The Bookstore at the Vedanta Temple, Santa Barbara

I love visiting bookstores. I visited The Bookstore at the Vedanta Temple in Santa Barbara, California earlier this week.

First off let me say that both the temple and the bookstore are off the beaten path... But don't let that stop you from visiting The Bookstore at the Vedanta Temple!

Vedanta Temple

What struck me the most about both the Vedanta Temple & Bookstore is the beautiful landscape surrounding both buildings. The architecture of each building is amazing and the view of the Pacific Ocean off in the distance is amazing. What a peaceful place to visit and hang out in.

I learned the following information from the about page from The Bookstore at the Vedanta Temple website:

Quietly nestled against a scenic mountain range, the Vedanta center in Santa Barbara overlooks the Pacific ocean. A convent of seven nuns oversees the maintenance of the 45-acre property, manages the bookstore and facilitates public activities at the temple. Activities include daily worship, meditation and vesper services, Sunday lectures, and pujas (special worship services).

Dedicated in 1956, the temple has received several awards for its design, and is a special point of interest for architects from around the world. The temple is open daily to the public.
The Bookstore at the Vedanta Temple is located next to the temple. It is well-stocked with religious classics and hard-to-find books on the major religions of the world. The store also carries incense, religious statues, music and imported gifts.

The Bookstore at the Vedanta Temple looks like it is located inside a former residence. The bookstore offers beautiful views of the surrounding property. I enjoyed perusing the two rooms filled with books, cashmere shawls, jewelry, clothing, singing bowls and other decorative elements. The selection of items offered for sale was awesome. Also, the staff on hand was friendly and knowledgeable. I enjoyed my visit to The Bookstore at the Vedanta Temple in Santa Barbara!

Beautiful Bell

The Bookstore at the Vedanta Temple Store Hours: 

Monday -Saturday 11:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday 10:00am to 1:00pm
Closed on Wednesdays

Telephone & Fax Numbers:

805.969.5697
805.565.0837 (fax) 

Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena, California

Rear Entrance to Vroman's Bookstore

Okay. it's no secret that I love visiting independent bookstores! Over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, my husband and I made a brief 30 minute visit to Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena, California on our drive home from visiting our families over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Vroman's Bookstore is an amazing place to visit! I enjoyed our brief time spent there. I wish now that we had been able to spend more time visiting this amazing bookstore. But we needed to head home.

I loved the layout of Vroman's Bookstore, the friendly staff members, the large selection of books and gifts, staff picks, in-store displays and so much more! Vroman's Bookstore is large for an independent bookstore and is two stories. Free parking can be found in a large parking lot behind Vroman's Bookstore. There is even a coffeehouse next to Vroman's Bookstore and boy, did the coffee smell delicious!! 

Vroman’s Bookstore was founded in 1894 by Adam Clark Vroman and the bookstore has long and wonderful history. To learn more about Vroman's Bookstore, visit their About page.

Don't worry, I didn't leave Vroman's Bookstore empty handed. I purchased a book from my wish list!! 

Until my next post, happy reading!

Oyster Books ---- It's like Netflix for eBooks!

I was excited to learn about Oyster Books last week. For $9.95 per month, you can read an unlimited amount of books on your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. Plus, according to the Oyster Books website there are "100,000+ titles: bestsellers, new releases, and more."

To learn more about Oyster Books, click on the above link.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Bookish Book Blog

I enjoy discovering new book blogs, especially ones that grab my attention. Recently, I came across a new book blog for me titled Bookish, with the subtitle, 'Reviews of books of many stripes.'

I haven't read all of the book titles reviewed on this website, but the book reviews I have read are well written and engaging. The blogger for 'Bookish' goes into much detail in the posts that she writes regarding the books she has read. I have now found myself adding new books to read on my wishlist!

I invite you to check out the 'Bookish' book blog by clicking on the link above!

Share with us which book blogs have captivated your own attention these days! Until my next post, happy reading.

Have You Donated to Your Local Public Library Lately??

Yesterday, I became a member of the Friends of the Carpinteria Library. It's the first time I've actually become a member of the local chapter of the Friends of Library and am happy I finally did because the money helps support the local public library here in Carpinteria.

For me donating to our local public library in some way, shape, or form is important to me. I feel everyone from all walks of life should have easy access to reading books, periodicals, and other educational materials.

Over the years, my husband and I have donated many of our books we no longer want or need from our own personal library, along with dvds, compact discs, and so forth to our local public library for them to sell and raise much needed funds. 


I also regularly purchase books from the local Friends of the Library Used Bookstore in town and all money raised from the sale of books is used to support the library.

At some point, I'd like to be a volunteer at our local library in some capacity when I have more time in my schedule to do so on a regular basis.

Do you volunteer your time or donate goods to your local public library? Share your story!

Friday Finds #7

Friday Finds is a book meme hosted by MizB at Should be Reading. It’s a chance to share and show off the books you discovered during the week and would like to add to your reading list. Or simply feature the books you've actually purchased throughout the week and have added to your to be read pile! 

Although I didn't receive any books for the holidays in 2012, I did receive a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble Booksellers! So, earlier this week, I found myself browsing the Barnes & Noble website looking for books to read. 

I have a long list of books on my wishlist, so choosing ones to read was a difficult one indeed. I've been in a nonfiction mood, so I ended up purchasing three nonfiction books with my gift card. 
 
The book titles are as follows:

1. You Had Me at Woof: How Dogs Taught Me the Secrets of Happiness by Julie Klam

2. Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything by Joshua Foer

3. An Eagle Named Freedom: My True Story of a Remarkable Friendship by Jeff Guidry

I am hoping to read these three books sometime in the near future, but have so many books in my to be read pile that I'm not sure when I'll get to them. Thank goodness books don't have expiration dates, so I can read them whenever I have the time just right for me.

 So, which books have you purchased in the new year?

Hudson Booksellers

Bookstore inside the Ft. Lauderdale Airport

My hubby & I recently returned home from a three week vacation overseas. On our return flight home, I visited a Hudson Booksellers brick and mortar storefront inside of the Ft. Lauderdale International Airport in Florida! 

Don't you just love bookstores inside airports?? Hudson Booksellers has a nice selection of books. So, if you aren't already reading a book while waiting for a flight, then visiting one of their bookstore is another great way to pass the time while waiting for a flight.

I saw quite a few books I wanted to purchase for myself while spending time at Hudson Booksellers, but alas I resisted the urge to do so. I already have way too many books waiting to be read as it is. 

Plus, our carry on luggage was already filled to the gills. I couldn't imagine carrying another item with us.

Flip Reads

Flip Reads is another new website (or at least new to me) that I came across recently on my quest to discover interesting and informative book related topics to share here with my blog readers.

The Flip Reads website describes itself in the following way:

Flipreads is your premiere source of electronic books (e-books) from and about the Philippines and Asia.

Flipreads serves as a secure distribution platform for Filipino and Asian publishers, authors, and other content providers and gives the Asian reader easier access to e-books.

Our e-books are in ePUB format or screen-optimized PDF e-book format. They can be read on the Apple iPad, and any device or computer running Android, Microsoft Windows, or Mac OS.

So, if you're interested in reading e-books written by or about the Philippines and Asia, then this may be the website for you to checkout. Click on the link about for more information!

Happy Book Blogger Appreciation Week 2012!!

 Unbeknownst to me, 2012 marks the 5th annual Book Blogger Appreciation Week! 

Book Blogger Appreciation Week takes place this year from September 10th through 14th. All week long, book bloggers will be able to participate in a daily "book blog" themed topic. 

I'm not sure I'll be participating in all of the daily blog topics, but I will be participating in the Book Blogger Appreciation Week Interview Swap on Tuesday, September 11, 2012.

Check out the link above to learn more about Book Blogger Appreciation Week or visit their Facebook page for more details!

Zooba --- Connecting Community & Commerce!

Now here's an exciting website I've recently discovered by accident! It's called Zooba --- Connecting Community & Commerce.

The basic idea of Zooba is to "create your own bookshelves, share them with your community & earn rewards for yourself, friends or charity." Learn more about Zooba or sign up with Zooba by clicking on the link above.

Until my next blog post, happy reading!

Kindlegraph

Do you use an electronic reading device to read books? Have you ever wished you were able to have the author autograph your copy of their e-book for you, along with a personalized inscription? 

Well, wish no longer, because now you can have your dream fulfilled in the form of a Kindlegraph!! 

So, what's a Kindlegraph, you ask? According to the "About" page on the Kindlegraph website, it states that the "Kindlegraph lets authors send personalized inscriptions and signatures ("kindlegraphs") directly to the electronic reading devices of their fans." Pretty cool stuff, right?

To learn more about the Kindlegraph, checkout their website by clicking on the link above. Also, view the following YouTube video of Evan Jacobs, the creator of Kindlegraph, talk about his creation! 

Amazon Rumored to Open Its First Retail Store

Who would have guessed that Amazon would ever open (or consider opening) a retail store? Not me anyway! Amazon has been so success as an online retailer, that it never occurred to me they'd consider opening a brick and mortar store.

I read an article on the Technology Digital site titled Will Amazon Really Open Its First Retail Store? The following was written in the article:

Rumors in the business world are claiming that soon Amazon will open its own bookstore in Seattle, Washington. According to Forbes, this would be the first retail store for the electronic commerce giant since it was founded in 1994. Amazon’s bookstore would presumably feature its own products, the Kindle e-book reader and e-books among them. This company is already the largest online retailer in the world, so it will be interesting to see how an Amazon store will affect its sales. The combination of Amazon’s brand recognition and exclusive titles may change the way other bookstores operate.

Brick and mortar retailers often feel threatened by Amazon, says the New York Times. Robin Lewis of the Robin Report explains that, “A lot of people think this is a category — electronics — that Amazon will crush just as they did bookstores.” Kindle products are especially popular and some retailers have even refused to carry them for fear they will reduce sales of their own books. Many are of the opinion that an Amazon store can only benefit the consumer in the end, though.

Only time will tell if Amazon does open a retail store. I'd be curious to see what their retail outlet looks like.

U Star Novels ~~~ Star in Your Own Classic Novel!

Are you looking for a unique and special gift for yourself or that special book lover in your life? Look no further! U Star Novels, makes personalized classic novels for only $24.95! The U Star Novels website states the following about their product/service:

U Star Classics allows you to step into a personalised edition of your favourite classic book starring you alongside your friends, family members or even work colleagues!

Step into a famous tale of adventure, romance, paranormal or humour! Now you can star in some of the world's greatest first edition personalised classic novels, from Pride and Prejudice, Alice in Wonderland, Romeo & Juliet to Dracula, Frankenstein  and many more coming soon. Become part of these classic books that have thrilled readers for generations. Gifts to be treasured forever!

With U Star Personalised Classics, the plot remains the same, the only thing that changes is that it could be you following the yellow brick road, or your brother hunting vampires in the darkest depths of Transylvania, or your best friend starring in one of the best-loved romances of all time alongside her own Mr Darcy!

It may sound complicated, but getting yourself inside one of the classics is as easy as selecting who out of your friends and family should make up the cast list for your favourite book, entering their details on our online order form and before you know it you’ll receive a uniquely tweaked edition of a literary classic.

You can even write a personal dedication and read the story behind the novel you're about to star in.

Let them walk in Dorothy's ruby slippers or fall down the rabbit hole like Alice with these wonderful personalised classic novels. Even your pet can have a starring role on your journey to Oz.

With several years’ experience in personalising novels, and a print team up-to-date with the latest advances in print-on-demand technology, our personalised Classics seamlessly integrate your personal details and are a produced to an exceptionally high quality.

For further information, visit the U Star Novels website by clicking on the link above!

Mysteries to Die For Bookstore

Last Friday afternoon I visited the Mysteries to Die For bookstore in Thousand Oaks, California. What a fabulous little specialty bookstore devoted to the mystery and thriller genres! 

Mysteries to Die For is a charming book bookstore in a cute strip mall and is easy to find. The staff is friendly and helpful, which makes visiting bookstores fun.

I purchased a bargain hardback edition of Leslie Meier's Christmas Cookie Murder, while visiting Mysteries To Die For. I look forward to reading this novel closer to the holiday season.

Mysteries to Die For offers many author signing events, they have many autographed books on hand, a newsletter and a monthly book club that meets the first Thursday of each month at 7:00pm. 

Please visit their website for upcoming author events, to join their mailing list, store hours and more!! Or you may call them at (805) 374-0084.

The Bookman --- "Providing Books To Anyone Who Wants To Read And Learn"

"The Bookman is a registered charity that donates new and used books to children and adults around the world who do not have easy access to reading material."

I had the honor of meeting Mr. Irwin Herman (aka the Bookman) in 2010 at his book warehouse in San Diego with my mom and her neighbor. I'm in awe as to what Mr. Herman has achieved in promoting reading and learning. He seems to be very passionate and devoted in promoting literacy and education through providing access to free books for those in need. Mr. Herman spent a large amount of time talking with us about how he started his charitable organization, showing us around the warehouse, and talking about the promotion of reading and learning.... According to the Bookman website, an estimated 8 million books have been given away for free.

Here's more information about The Bookman provided from their website:

The Bookman is a global charitable organization based in San Diego, California. A registered 501(c)3 charity, The Bookman supplies books free to teachers, institutions, and groups that ask, providing they can pick them up, or have another agency do that for them. However, The Bookman is not a bookstore and does not provide books to individuals or sell to the general public.

Operated with all volunteer labor, the organization now gives away almost one million new and used books per year, primarily to groups and agencies serving the underprivileged, to teachers, to our military veterans, families, and active-duty troops, and to other charitable groups. Since its creation in 1990, The Bookman has given away more than 8 million books to people in San Diego County and through local charities, to every state and 70 other countries. There are no restrictions on who can obtain free books - those who need them can have them, as long as they are part of a deserving group and, as long as they can arrange to pick them up from the warehouse. The Bookman does not select, pack, or ship books.

The Bookman operates out of 5,000 square feet of warehouse space at the corner of 37^th St. and El Cajon Blvd. in San Diego. Donated by the building owner, Jack Grace, the floor contains an estimated 150,000 volumes, with a daily turnover of 2-3,000 books. Row after row of shelves neatly filled with books of every description. Encyclopedia sets, classic literature, self-help, biography, fiction, non-fiction, and reference books. You name it and its there. More than one third of the usable space is devoted entirely to children's books.

 Hours of operation for the Bookman are Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 11:30am. The warehouse phone number is 619-521-9830.

Book Off Bookstore

I visited Costa Mesa, California over the weekend with my husband for a short weekend getaway. 

While we were there we visited a bookstore chain called Book Off Bookstore, which is an eclectic mix of both English and various Asian Language books, comics, magazines, cds, dvds, and games. Many of the items are used, but in good condition and sold at low prices. Book Off even buys products from customers as well. 

We enjoyed visiting the Book Off storefront as it is clean, well lit and maintained, nicely organized with a large and varied selection of merchandise for sale. You'll also find an ample amount of free parking their storefront.

Many of the books seen for sale were offered at a dollar a piece, in nice condition, and the sorts of books that are currently popular reads. 

I was tempted to add more books to my ever growing collection, but managed to walk away empty handed! Perhaps next time I find myself at a Book Off location, I'll purchase a few books to add to my collection!

Literature Map -- The Tourist Map of Literature.

I stumbled onto the Literature Map website by accident as I am always on the lookout for interesting websites that pertain to reading, books, authors, etc. and may be useful for other readers like myself.

The basic idea of Literature Map is to enter the name of an author whose works you've enjoyed reading in the past. Then Literature Map will then display a list of other authors that you may also enjoy reading. According to the Literature Map site "The closer two writers are, the more likely someone will like both of them."

So, check out Literature Map and let me know what you think!

Paperback Swap

I've heard of Paperback Swap before, but have never joined their website as I've been heavily involved with Bookcrossing the past five years. I've really enjoyed being a member of the Bookcrossing community, but am also open to other online book sharing sites as well.

So, now I'm now a bit more curious about how the Paperback Swap website works and hearing from Paperback Swap members about their experience being a member of the Paperback Swap community at large. If you're a member of Paperback Swap, then please share your experiences with me!

Here's what Paperback Swap writes on their website:

What our Book Club is all about...

We help avid readers Swap, Trade & Exchange Books for Free.

• It's easy: List books you'd like to swap with other club members.
• Once a book is requested, mail it to the club member.
• In return, you may choose from 5,102,172 available books!

- Books you request are mailed to you for free.
- No late fees. No hidden charges.

This sounds like my kind of book club!

Flavorwire Website

One of my favorite places to find interesting news about books is from the Flavorwire website. I love the variety of newsworthy book related topics on the Flavorwire website. There is always something for someone to read there. Checkout the Flavorwire website and discover which book related posts captivates you!