Throwback Thursday - Reminiscing on Some of My 2020 Blog Posts!!

 

It's been fun reminiscing with regards to the blog posts I've made over the years!! I try to pick some of the most unique posts I've posted to my blog from 2020. Click on the links below to read what I've written.

1. Seriously?? Amazon Sells Books That Claim Satan Caused The Coronavirus...

2. Jackie as Editor: The Literary Life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis by Greg Lawrence

3. The Familiar Dark by Amy Engel

4. Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West

5. Today is the 75th Anniversary of Animal Farm by George Orwell

6. Cain’s Jawbone - A literary puzzle solved for just third time in almost 100 years!!

7. Out of Print - Documentary Trailer

8. The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

9. The Witchcraft of Salem Village by Shirley Jackson

10. Monster, She Wrote: The Women Who Pioneered Horror and Speculative Fiction by Lisa Kröger and Melanie R. Anderson

Throwback Thursday - Reminiscing on Some of My 2019 Blog Posts!!

 

It's been fun reminiscing with regards to the blog posts I've made over the years!! I try to pick some of the most unique posts I've posted to my blog from 2019. Click on the links below to read what I've written.

1. Are Textbooks Obsolete? Food For Thought!

Textbooks being obsolete is something I'd never pondered before. I shared a short video in the above post I published back in 2019 that discusses the topic if you're interested in hearing more.

2. California State Library in Sacramento, California

My husband and I visited the California State Library during National Library Week in 2019. What a fun library to visit!

3. Stanley Mosk Library & Courts Building in Downtown Sacramento, California!

The Stanley Mosk & Courts Building is fabulous place to visit!! It's located across the street from the California State Capitol . My husband and I took the self guided tour of this building during National Library Week. I wrote a detailed post of our visit, which includes several photos.

4. 2019 Bay Area Book Festival - Saturday, May 4 - Day 1

I am so grateful and thankful to have attended the 5th annually Bay Area Book Festival (BABF) in Berkeley, California with my husband! I had attended the Bay Area Book Festival annually since its inception in 2015. The above link takes you to a detailed post with photos of what I saw during day one of BABF.

5. 2019 Bay Area Book Festival - Sunday, May 5 - Day 2

I am so grateful and thankful to have attended the 5th annually Bay Area Book Festival (BABF) in Berkeley, California with my husband! I attended the Bay Area Book Festival annually since its inception in 2015. The above link takes you to a detailed post with photos of what I saw during day two of BABF.

6. Joy Harjo Just Became The First Native American U.S. Poet Laureate

FINALLY, a Native American U. S. Poet Laureate was selected! I've read some of Joy Harjo's poetry and enjoyed them.

7. Thousands Of Books Given Away At A Contra Costa County Library!!!

I still dream about this event!! I had so much fun attending this large scale giveaway at the Pleasant Hill, California public library back in 2019. 

I hope they offer this event again in the future. It was amazing to have such a vast selection of books to search through and take home for FREE!

8. Positive Options for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Self-Help and Treatment by Elena Juris

This is a book review on a health related topic that is near and dear to me. I have Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and have been dealing with the various physical pain that comes with this condition since 2009. 

My physical symptoms have varied/fluctuated over the years. This book offers treatment options and so on for those with CRPS/RSD. If you or someone you knows has CRPS/RSD, this book may offer some solution/relief ideas. Click on the above link for my review of Elena Juris's book and my CRPS/RSD journey.

9. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

Rebecca Skloot's work of nonfiction just so happened to be one of many favorite reads of 2019! Check out my review of it, if your so inclined.

10. The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony

Lawrence Anthony's work of nonfiction just so happened to be one of many favorite reads of 2019! Check out my review of it, if your so inclined.

Throwback Thursday - Reminiscing on Some of My 2018 Blog Posts!!

 It's been fun reminiscing with regards to the blog posts I've made over the years!! I try to pick some of the most unique posts I've shared to my blog from 2018. Click on the links below to read what I've written.

1. 112 Fabulous Russian Writers!!

During my college years, I was a Russian language major and took quite a few Russian literature courses as electives. I eventually graduated with a BA in Russian. I have a special place in my heart for Russian literature and Russian writers. I wasn't surprised to find that Alexander Pushkin took the top spot at #1... He's the cream of crop as far as writers go and it would be difficult to top him as a literary master!

2. Why We Can't Wait by Martin Luther King, Jr.

I read Why We Can't Wait for Black History Month in 2018. 2018 also marked the 50th anniversary od Martin Luther King Jr's assassination. Why We Can't Wait is written in King's own words and is an important work written one of the central figurines of the Civil Rights Movement. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Why We Can't Wait and highly recommend it!

3. The 10 Most Well-Read Cities In The United States

Before viewing the list of the most well-read cities in the USA, I tried guesiing which cities made the list.

4. 2018 Bay Area Book Festival in downtown Berkeley, California!

I have attended the Bay Area Book Festival 5 times and have had an amazing experience each time attending this 2 day event!! Checkout which authors I saw in 2018 by clicking on the link above!

5. My Favorite Author Meeting Experience To Date!

I've been blessed to meet several authors in person at either author signing events at independent bookstores or at book festivals. However, briefly meeting Thomas Steinbeck (eldest son of John Steinbeck) twice in person happens to be one of my most memorable and favorite author meeting experiences ever!

6. American Bookbinders Museum in San Francisco, California

Until 2018, I never knew that San Francisco, California had a bookbinders museum!! It wasn't until I discovered that the American Bookbinders Museum was hosting a literary event, that I first learned about this place. The American Bookbinders Museum is a small museum and fun to visit. Check out the link above for photographs from my visit with my hubby.

7. SF In SF - Science Fiction in San Francisco. - The Perfect Fit!

I'm not a huge science fiction fan, but I am a fan of attending literary and author signing events at local venues within theSan Francisco Bay Area where I reside. 

The SF In SF event is a spectacular event to attend, where science fiction authors gather to give readings of their work and sign books. SF In SF is an ongoing monthly event.

8. Quirky Berkeley by Tom Dalzell

Occasionally, I enjoy reading about local history. 'Quirky Berkeley' is a short, nonfiction book about the very quirky artwork found in the yards of those who reside in Berkeley, California... And let me tell you that the 'quirky artwork' isn't your run of the mill quirky stuff you might expect to find in your average neighborhood yard. No Way! This is full frontal UNIQUE and very QUIRKY artwork that one would come to expect from only those living in Berkeley, California.

I live about 45 minutes away from Berkeley, California. In 2018, my husband and I decided to seek out some of the quirky artwork mentioned in the book. Oh, what fun we had finding four of the works of art mentioned in 'Quirky Berkeley'. Click on the link above to see my post and view the photos of the artwork we saw.

9. 13 Libraries For Book Lovers To Follow On Instagram!!

Do you have an Instagram account? Are you a library and a book lover? Then you may want to follow the 13 libraries for book lovers via Instagram!

10. 12 Literary Nonprofits to Support This Holiday!!

It's a great idea to support literary nonprofits year round. Not just on the holidays!

Throwback Thursday - Reminiscing on Some of My 2017 Blog Posts!!

 

It's been fun reminiscing with regards to the blog posts I've made over the years!! I try to pick some of the most unique posts I've shared to my blog from 2017. Click on the links below to read what I've written.

1. The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey

I was blown away by just how much I enjoyed reading this book. The writing is exquisite. The author, Elisabeth Tova Bailey, came down with a mysterious virus, which leaves her weak and virtually bedridden for many years. During this time she begins studying mollusks after watching a live snail on a plant she'd been given as a gift. 

2. 8 Hacks For Spending Less While Reading More

I was familiar with 7 of the 8 hacks for spending less while reading more!! But am always on the look out for how to spend less on reading whenever possible.

3. Tender Wings of Desire by Colonel Sanders

I couldn't believe that Kentucky Friend Chicken actually came out with a romance novella featuring Colonel Harland Sanders as a character... I figured this novella would be super cheesy! Seriously, have you seen the book cover?? The book cover is super cheesy looking... However, Tender Wings of Desire by Colonel Sanders was FREE and a short read, so figured what did I have to lose? I could always stop reading this novella if it wasn't very good. Surprisingly though, Tender Wings of Desire by Colonel Sanders was actually decent.

4. Recipe for Murder: Frightfully Good Food Inspired by Fiction by Estérelle Payany

I love the layout and how the information is presented in Recipe for Murder: Frightfully Good Food Inspired by Fiction by Estérelle Payany! A page or two is devoted to the villain, then a short excerpt from where the villain is found in literature is presented, which is then followed by a recipe that would be perfect for the the said villain. Plus, the amazing vintage artwork/graphics by Jean-Francois Martin are sprinkled throughout this book as well. I loved the author's sense of humor too in Recipe for Murder: Frightfully Good Food Inspired by Fiction by Estérelle Payany.

5. Alana Dakos --- Knitter, Knit Designer, Author, Business Owner, Knitting Instructor, & More!

I am a knitter. So, in 2017, I was thrilled to learn that Alana Dakos would be at a local independent yarn store. I was thrilled to meet her in person and have her sign two copies of knitting books she had written!

6. English novelist Kazuo Ishiguro wins the 2017 Nobel Prize in Literature!

Every October, I am on pins and needles waiting to learn who will win the Nobel Prize for Literature... And it's so difficult to know who's going to actually win the Nobel Prize for Literature. Sometimes the Nobel Prize for Literature goes to an author I've heard of before and other times I've never heard of the author before ever... So the news as to the winner's identity of the Nobel Prize in Literature always makes for interesting reading to say the least.

7. Joyce Maynard ~ Author Speaking Event!!

It's so cool that our local, public library has hosted several author events. I had the wonderful opportunity to attend one of these events and meet Joyce Maynard in person. Fun event for sure!!

8. Lisa See ~ Author Signing Event!!

It was so much fun hearing Lisa See speak about her novel, The Tea Girl on Hummingbird Lane, and obtain a signed copy before leaving!!

9. Several Ways Readers Can Support The Women's Movement On 'A Day Without A Woman'

I loved the idea behind 'A Day Without A Woman'!! Click on the above link to read more!!

10. The Roanoke Girls by Amy Engel

I received an advance reader's edition of this novel and loved it!! Amy Engel has become a new favorite writer.

Throwback Thursday - Revisiting Posts I Published Here on My Blog in 2013!!

 

I've been blogging over 10 years now. It's been fun rediscovering some of my early posts from 2013. Click on the links below to read my full posts of places I've visited, articles I've read, or author event I attended.

1. The Bookstore at the Vedanta Temple in Santa Barbara

2. The Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum in Santa Barbara, California

3. Book Collecting Tips!

4. Life Lessons from Tolstoy's 'Anna Karenina'

5. 7 Ailments Named After Literary Characters

6. How to Spot Fake Rare Books!!

7. Stevenson House in Monterey, California

8. Henry Miller Memorial Library in Big Sur, California

9. The 1st Bookless Public Library in the USA!

10. The Search for Meaning in a Medical Life with Abraham Verghese, M.D.

Throw Back Thursday - Children's Books I Read As An Adult For the First Time

There's so many books I didn't read during my childhood that I would have enjoyed reading back in the day. In fact, there are still many children's books I'd love to read that I never read when I was youngster! I should probably make a list of those books I'd still like to read as an adult.

In the meantime, here's 12 novels I read as an adult and enjoyed reading from the children's genre.

1. Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume

2. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

3. Mary Poppins by P. L. Travers

4. Starring Sally J. Freedman As Herself by Judy Blume

5. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Ian Fleming

6. The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery

7. The Witches by Roald Dahl

8. War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

9. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

10. Nosebleed by Ged Maybury

11. The Giver by Lois Lowry

12. Anne of Green Gable by L. M. Montgomery

Have you read any of the above books? 

Throwback Thursday - Cozy Mystery Novels I enjoyed reading!

I enjoy a good cozy mystery novel every now and again. How about you? It's amazing how many cozy mystery novels I've read and reviewed here over the lifetime of my blog, Captivated Reader!! 

Below is a small sample of the cozy mystery novels I've enjoyed reading and reviewing since the start of 2012. Each title has been randomly selected and placed in no order of special importance. Click on the links below to read my review for each novel.

1. Lye in Wait (Home Crafting Mystery #1) by Cricket McRae

2. Louisiana Longshot: A Miss Fortune Mystery (Volume 1) by Jana Deleon

3. A Killer Kebab by Susannah Hardy

4. Deadly Readings by Laura Bradford

5. Death at Wentwater Court (Daisy Dalrymple #1) by Carola Dunn

6. Mimi Gets A Clue by Jennifer J. Chow

7. Assault and Pepper by Leslie Budewitz

8. The St. Valentine's Day Cookie Massacre by Elisabeth Crabtree

9. Playing At Murder by Gillian Larkin

10. May Day by Jess Lourey

Have you read any of the above cozy mystery novels? Are there any cozy mystery series or novels you have really enjoyed reading over the years?

Throwback Thursday - 12 Works of Fiction That Exceeded My Expectations

Since I began blogging at the start of 2012, I've come across and read many novels by not so well known authors or novels written by well known authors that haven't garnered much attention. Below are twelve novels I enjoyed reading that I wanted to spotlight this week. Click on the links below to read my review for each novel.

1. The Obituary Society (The Obituary Society #1) by Jessica L. Randall
2. The Forty Fathom Bank by Les Galloway
3. Nosebleed by Ged Maybury
4. Shadow on the Sun by Richard Matheson
5. Imperfect Chemistry (Imperfect #1) by Mary Frame
6. Bone Deep by Bonnie Dee
7. Kentucky On The Rocks by Gwendolyn Grace

8. All By My Selfie by Jo Noelle
9. Fantasticland by Mike Bockoven
10. Ravens in the Rain: A Noir Love Story by Christie Santo & Jeff Santo

11. The Taster by V. S. Alexander

12. Brass by Xhenet Aliu

Have you read any of the books mentioned in my blog post today?

Throwback Thursday - Rediscovering A Few of My Bookish Blog Posts from 2012!

January 1, 2012 is when I created and started posting to my blog, Captivated Reader. Recently, I found it fun to stroll down memory lane and review my blog posts made during 2012. I didn't have many followers back then, but I was proud of the fact that I'd made a bookish related post each day of the year. Talk about dedication! My purpose for blogging on a daily basis was to create the habit of posting on a regular basis about all things book related.

Click on the links below to view and read my posts!

1. Books Wrapped In Human Skin - Yes, can you believe it? There are actually books wrapped in human skin! I posted about this topic on Halloween day in 2012.

2. Rules For Bookstore Flirting - Again, another fun article!

3. What Makes A Memoir 'Great'? - Love reading memoirs? See if you agree with the author of this article on what makes a memoir 'great'.

4. DIY Book Purse Craft Project! - Calling all crafters!! If you like bookish themed craft projects this may be the perfect diy project for you!

5. The Early Jobs of 24 Famous Writers - Check out this article to learn what some famous authors did for work.

6. Do these books REALLY make ONE undateable?? - What do you think?

7. Make Your Own Accordion Books!! - Another crafty project for book lovers! Go ahead and have fun with making your own accordion book.

8. Factoid of the Day! - Interesting publishing factoid.

9. The Old Man & the Sea by Hemingway Stop Motion Video! - A new spin on Hemingway's classic novel.

10. After 244 years, the Encyclopaedia Britannica is going out of print. - With advent of the internet and Wikipedia, this was bound to happen.

Happy reading!

Throwback Thursday - 12 Novels Written By Women That Are Worth The Read!!

March is Women's History Month. So for this post I've decided to do a slight twist and focus on novels (vs women's history specifically) written by women that are very much worth the read in my humble opinion.

Below are twelve novels written by women that I've read and reviewed here on my blog. Each of the novels are extremely well written. I enjoyed reading each of them and would enjoy reading them again as they're all thought provoking in one way or another.

Additionally, all of these novels would make great book club reads as I think each novel would generate loads of discussion among book club readers.

Click on the links below to read my review of each of the following novels listed should you care to read/learn more about each novel and why I liked reading it.

1. All Is Not Forgotten by Wendy Walker

2. Juliet Takes A Breath by Gabby Rivera

3. The Giver by Lois Lowry

4. Asking For It by Louise O'Neill

5. The Vegetarian by Han Kang

6. An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

7. The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier

8. The Second Mrs. Hockaday by Susan Rivers

9. An Untamed State by Roxane Gay

10. Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel King

11. The Roanoke Girls by Amy Engel

12. The Familiar Dark by Amy Engel

Have you read any of the above novels? Did you like them as much as I did? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Throwback Thursday - Favorite Memoirs I've Read and Reviewed on My Blog

I didn't realize how many memoirs I've read and reviewed over the years here on my blog until I did a search!! I've always enjoyed reading memoirs and biographies throughout my entire life... I just didn't think I'd read so many.

There were so many great memoirs to chose from that I'd rated 4 stars or higher. However, I chose to stick to ten of them to keep my list from overflowing. 

I've listed the ten memoirs below in no order of importance. I've added links to each review I've written should you decide you'd like to read what I enjoyed about each memoir.

1. Toni Tennille: A Memoir by Toni Tennille

2. A Life In Parts by Bryan Cranston

3. Out Came the Sun: Overcoming the Legacy of Mental Illness, Addiction, and Suicide in My Family by Mariel Hemingway

4. Becoming by Michelle Obama

5. The Rules Do Not Apply by Ariel Levy

6. Life In Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina by Misty Copeland

7. Born A Crime by Trevor Noah

8. They Called Us Enemy by George Takei

9. My Life On The Road by Gloria Steinem

10. I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai

Do you like reading memoirs and biographies? Have you read any of the above memoirs? Do you have a favorite memoir or biography? Please share in the comment section below.

Throwback Thursday - Revisiting Books I've Read

The following nine novels are ones that I've read in recent years and found to be thought provoking reads. Many of the following novels fall into the historical fiction genre... Twain's novel is an American classic. Butler's novel features time travel. And Beatty's novel features satire.

1. Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

2. Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim

3. The Girls in the Stilt House by Kelly Mustian

4. The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier

5. Jubilee by Margaret Walker

6. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

7. Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

8. The Sellout by Paul Beatty

9. The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

Have you read any of the above novels? Did you enjoy reading them?