Monday, December 30, 2013

Bout of Books 9.0 TBR

Bout Of Books 9.0 Goals

Salaam Alaikum and Hello,

   Who isn't excited about the Bout of Books Readathon? For me it can't get here fast enough. So just how many and what books will I be reading between the 6th and 12th? If you have been following me on Youtube, then you would know that in 2014 my plan is to buy less books and read more from the copious amount of gems that are already on my shelves. I want to start on that endeavor with a bang, so I have pulled almost every book from my library that is less than 300 pages. I say almost because I didn't select any installments from the House of Night series. That is an incomplete series on my shelves so I didn't include it. (I hope it holds no ill will towards me.) I also left a sequel on the shelf,but if given the opportunity I will read it. It's just that my TBR is 14 books long, and even though they are short reads I don't want to get in over my head. (As if I haven't already.)



  So, let's go down the list and get page counts and whatnot shall we.
                     BOB TBR
1. Matilda by Roald Dahl - 232 pgs
2. Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms by Lissa Evans - 270 pgs
3. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness - 205 pgs
4. (Graphic Novel)The Infernal Devices:Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare - 243 pgs
5. (Graphic Novel) The Infernal Devices:Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare - 260 pgs
6. The Poison Eaters And Other Stories by Holly Black - 212 pgs
7. Mine To Tarnish by Janeal Falor - 121 pgs
8. Captured by Erica Stevens - 184 pgs
9. Snow White by The Brothers Grimm - 80 pgs
10. Alice's Adventures In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll - 160 pgs
11. The Short Second Life Of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer - 178 pgs
                         The Hogwart's Library
12. Quidditch Through the Ages - 103 pgs
13. Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them - 85 pgs
14. The Tales Of Beedle the Bard - 105 pgs

   It seems like a lot of books. The total page count is 2,438 pages. But there are some secrets in this seemingly monstrous pile. Matilda is small in size, and has half and full page illustrations. Horten's is small in size, but big in font. The two Infernal Devices novels are graphic novels so illustrations take center stage. The pictures speak the thousands of words. (The Infernal Devices is my favourite YA trilogy of 2013-of all time. It's my plan to reread the books in 2014.My excitement will speed me through these two novels.) The Poison Eaters is a collection of 12 short stories ranging from 9 pages for some to around 30 for others.Needless to say it is a "one sitting" book. I won't have a chance to get bored with this one. Snow and Alice are books that are HEAVILY illustrated by Camille Rose Garcia. (My daughter read Snow White in 15 minutes.) And let's just face it. The Hogwart's Library? It's the world of Harry Potter guys, come on.
   Even with all that explained,this TBR is challenging. With the exception of The Infernal Devices,all of the books are first time reads for me. And I've never even read the graphic novels,but I've read the books. So there will still be an element of novelty about The Infernal Devices story. I've only seen Disney's Snow White in the past two decades. I was probably 6 years old the last time I read the fairy tale. I've never read Alice's Adventures In Wonderland-ever. The rest of the pile is all new to me, and there are sprinklings of illustrations but lots of words to be read. I'm super excited to read my first Patrick Ness book. A Monster Calls comes highly recommended. I read the Twilight Saga ages ago, (I'm long overdue for a reread), but I never read Bree's story. As deep as my love runs for Harry Potter I have never read any of the short stories associated with his world.
   So if I finish all 14 books and there is time to spare I will pick up
.
  It is 350 pages. Being over 300 pages, it didn't make it on the list. But if time allows why not           finish the duology. I'm also currently reading the third and final book in The Bronze Horseman Trilogy- The Summer Garden- by Paulina Simons. I can always read some more of it if there is some time but not enough to finish an entire book.                                                                                                                                          
 So there you have it. My goals for the BOB 9.0. I have a great pile of books, and I'm just going to read, read, read. I have no idea what challenges, if any, that I will be participating in. I will make sure to enter into as many as possible.They are usually a lot of fun. Twitter chats are high up on the list for me. My typing skills are a bit slow, but I love them. I also want to take more time to check out some new bloggers. (I'm hoping to improve my blogging skills,so maybe I can find ideas and inspiration as far as content and design.) I will be posting daily updates. Not only here,but also on my Youtube channel. I will simply link the video at the end of each blog post.
So I will see you guys later 

https://www.boutofbooks.blogspot.com     

Monday, December 16, 2013

BoB 9.0 Baby!!

Salaam Alaikum and Hello,

   Its that time again.Well technically there's three weeks until. Im not talking about any holiday. I'm jumping up and down about the Bout of Books readathon. I know, I know you can't see me. But trust me, I'm jumping. So what is this BoB you ask?


Bout of Books
The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 6th and runs through Sunday, January 12th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 9.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team




   The blurb just doesn't do this event justice.It failed to mention all the cool people,being introduced to new books and blogs and vlogs, and chats on Twitter. So of course I'm signing up.       And did I mention that January 10th is my birthday! This is going to be so awesome!!

Monday, December 9, 2013

Book Review-Luminous by E. Bell

 Hello and Salaam Alaikum,
I'm back.And this time with my first ever author solicited review.


 "Luminous tells the story of a sixteen-year-old-girl whose burden is not boys, clothes, or school. She has the burden of saving the world. Lucia Carboni was born into a cult, the Ascended Ones, whose plan is to depopulate the world so they can take over and make the remaining survivors their slaves.

The year is 2049 and she is living out her mission, which is to be sent to school with what her cult refers to as the Others and be somewhat of a spy. Here, she develops friendships with the very people her people seek to destroy, and therefore she makes a bold decision to run to New York City.

She is immune to her cult’s brainwashing, and, with her inability to be mind-controlled she can pose as an alter and seek proof for the world of the Ascended Ones’ Plan.

On her journeys she embraces spirituality and begins to realize that much of what she understands of the world is fiction created by the Ascended Ones, as part of their suppressive plan to weaken society and dominate…and the plan is nearing completion. Lucia’s race against time on earth can not only enlighten the world, but she can prevent it from enslavement.

Luminous explores the possibility of the Illuminati, rumored to be the world’s top secret society with a plan to instill New World Order."


                                                            MY REVIEW


  I had serious issues with this book.The plot jumped all over the place with various conspiracy theories,and there was no character development except with the main character-and even that was lacking.It made it very difficult to connect with her and her story. The only thing I understood about any of the supporting characters was that her dad is just plain mean,(to put it nicely). The rest made their appropriate appearances, but other than that just didn't really exist. Her quest for the truth was so ridiculously easy it was boring. It takes place in the future, but the world building was so inefficient that it seemed more like a weak alternate/parallel reality than futuristic. I had to really push myself to finish this book. The only reason why I did was to be fair and so that I could give the most thorough review as possible to others interested in the book. One star for taking on such an original and mysterious topic such as the Illuminati.

Monday, August 26, 2013

BoB Wrap-Up

Salaam Alaikum,

   So another BoB has come and gone, and I am sad to see it go.It was even more fun than my first.I participated in three challenges, I vlogged everyday, and I wrote here in my blog everyday.I read six books-two more than my normal for a week- and I got 3 books ahead of schedule for my 100 in 2013 GR's goal.To me that is good.I realized that had I read just 4 more pages I would have read 2,000 pages in a week.But oh we'll, I still got to immerse myself in books that I was dying to read.I was holding on to the idea that the BoB would be extended another week.It's just so much fun.It was obvious that we were all enjoying ourselves immensely and would not have thought twice about keeping the party going.But all good things must come to an end.So six books read, 1,996 pages, three challenges,one twitter chat,daily blogs/blogs, and getting to know a great group of people.My Bout of Books 8.0 readathon was a huge success. I want to say a big thank you to our BoB hostesses, and all the other participants for a great week. Most of you I'll be be following on Twitter, and for the rest I'll see you at the next Twitter chat and the next BoB  January 6,2014:-)

Sunday, August 25, 2013

BoB Day 6 Update

Here it is :)

BOOKS READ:6
    Wake Trilogy by L.McMann
     City of Ashes by C.Clare
     Blood Promise by R.Mead
     The Blood of Flowers by A.Amirrezvani
TOTAL PAGES READ:1,996

Saturday, August 24, 2013

BoB Day 5 Update

Here we go.

BOOKS READ:5
     Wake Trilogy by L.McMann
      City of Ashes by C.Clare
      Blood Promise by R.Mead
CURRENTLY READING:
       The Blood of Flowers by A.Amirrezvani pg 119/368
PAGES READ TO-Date:1,846
CONTESTS ENTERED: Bookish Mad Libs

Friday, August 23, 2013

Bookish Mad Lib Challenge


 A. Place name or type (from a book title) can be a proper name or noun like Italy or mountains
B. Fave Villain (from a book - list title/series)
C. Adjective (from a book title) (hot, cold, dark, etc.)
D. Number (from a book title)
E. Noun (from a book title)
F. Fave Hero/Heroine you wouldn't mind spending a LOT of time with (from a book - list title/series)
G. Dessert (from a book title)

A .Duma Key (Steven King)
B. The Darkling (Grisha Trilogy)
C.Beautiful (The Castor Chronicles)
D.5 (The Fifth Wave)
E.Circle (The Circle)
F.Rose (Vampire Academy)
G.Plum (Plum Wine)



Help! I'm being held captive (in/in the/at) Duma Key, by the Darkling!
It is very Beautiful here!
(He/She) is demanding five circle(s) to set me free!
I have just discovered that Rose was captured too!
On second thought, please send plum(s), and don't worry if you don't hear from us for awhile!

Much Love,

(Nerdy Niqabi)


BoB day 4

Progress Time

BOOKS READ:
   Wake Trilogy by L.McMann
      Wake
       Fade
       Gone
    City of  Ashes by C.Clare
CURRENTLY READING:
    Blood Promise by R.Mead pg369/503
TOTAL PAGES READ TO-DATE:1,494
CHALLENGES ENTERED:I Spy...Challenge

Thursday, August 22, 2013

(Bout of Books) I Spy... Challenge

the moonThe girl is holding swords


 
a wedding dress
high heel shoe
fog
sunglasses
lightening
I don't have books with pictures of combat boots, a Christmas tree, or handcuffs.


BoB Day 3

Salaam Alaikum and Hello,

BOOKS READ: 4
  Wake Trilogy by L.McMann
       Wake
        Fade
       Gone
   City of Ashes by C.Clare
CURRENTLY READING:
    Blood Promise by R.Mead pg.18/503
PAGES READ TO-DATE: 1,143


http://www.boutofbooks.blogspot.com
Twitter: #boutofbooks
 

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

BoB Day 2 Update

Salaam and Welcome,

 BOOKS READ: 3
    Wake Trilogy by L.McMann
       Wake
        Fade
       Gone
CURRENTLY READING: City of Ashes by C.Clare pg250/453
PAGE COUNT TO-DATE:1,022
CONTESTS ENTERED: TBR List Challenge
                                          Book Spine Poetry

Still going quite strong. The challenges for today are so much fun.I'm am blogging and vlogging as planned.


http://www.boutofbooks.blogspot.com
http://www.twitter.com/#boutofbooks

Book Spine Poetry Post

The Darkest Minds are Rebel Angels
Everbound in The World Below.
Lost Souls, Once tricked by Memnoch the Devil,
and cursed 'til the end to exist in a City of Bones, a City of Ashes.
 


Monday, August 19, 2013

BoB day 1

Salaam and welcome,
 
   So what's the progress for day one? Needless to say that I am very proud of myself. I hope I can get through all seven books this week and blog/vlog daily.

BOOKS READ: 2
  Wake (Lisa McMann)
   Fade  (Lisa McMann)
TOTAL PAGES:558

  That's great right! Two books in one day. Two short books, but books none the less. And I'm posting my blog and about to film my video. It feels so good when things go according to plan.


http://boutofbooks.blogspot.com/

Sunday, August 18, 2013

I Beat the Heat-Readathon That Is

Salaam Alaikum and Hi,

   So 12 books and 3,896 pages. That is wild.I am proud of myself and angry at the same time.I started four days late on August 2, and I have no idea what happened, but I screwed up my entry into the Readathon.I was not able to post progress updates in the second week, my link not working.So I do not know what to think.I just continued, posting updates via Twitter. In my mind I was a participant, and I was a reading fool.I read and completed:

Ghostgirl 1&2 by Tonya Hurley
Days Of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor
Deathnote 3&4 by Tsugumi Ohba
Chinese Cinderella by A.Y. Man
Does My Head Look Big In This? By Randa Abdel-Fattah
Curses!A F***ed Up Fairy Tale by J.A. Kazimer
Death Comes To Pemberly by P.D. James
Speak by L.H. Anderson
Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead
The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

   That is not bad for a three week Readathon. I did blog more during this time, and it seemed that I was constantly reading.So before I jump onto the next Readathon on Monday, I spend Sunday catching up on YT videos.


Saturday, August 17, 2013

Bout Of Books Readathon Goals

Salaam Alaikum and hi,

   My goals for this Readathon? Read,read,read-and read.I have so many books that I want to read,but only a week's time.I am positive on 5 books, but waffling between to books that I am desperate to get to.I can't make up my mind.So here are at he books:

The Wake Trilogy by Lisa McMann
    Wake
     Fade
     Gone
Blood Promise by Richelle Mead
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
The Blood of Flowers by Anita Amirrezvani
Beautiful Darkness by K. Garcia & M. Stohl
 
   The last two are the ones I can't decide between. I prep them both and chose when the time come, but I hoping I will catch reading fire and be able to read them both.I still have no other strategy other than just read like the wind.Seven books in one week!That is a feat for me and I will give it my best go. The Wake trilogy has fairly short books, and all the books in the reading pile are ones I REALLY want to read.So wish me luck  to keep the slumps at bay and that I can accomplish this seven book person reading coup.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Beat The Heat Readathon Update

Salaam Alaikum and Hello,

   So we are going into Readathon overtime.Thats just great!I love readathons.I have goals with my reading and writing and they help a lot in my accomplishing those goals.So Im on my eight book.I finished one trilogy toward my 2013 finish 5 series goal, and I am on a roll towards my 100 bk goal having read 56 books so far.
    I finished the Ghostgirl trilogy by Tonya Hurley and it was so entertaining.Its hard to believe, looking back as I read, that I survived high school with my psyche in tact.I loved reading this series.This is one case where the cover lived up to the content.I read the second volume,Black Edition of Deathnote by Tsugumi Ohba. I went out on a limb and added Manga to my reading repertoire and I am so glad I did. Volume two introduces two new characters- and the plot thickens. I've vlogged/blogged about how much I love Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead and The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin. And I have just finished Speak by L.H.Anderson.Not since We Were The Mulvaneys by Joyce Carol Oates have I been so emotional when reading. It's probably the first book in where an open ending is fitting.It allows every reader to have the ending they want.So it's safe to say that it has a happy ending after all.
   I will continue on with Death Comes To Pemberly by P.D. James. In this book Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice meets murder mystery.Then I will finish with Does My Head Look Big In This by Randa Abdel-Fattah.Im hoping that it's a bit funny.I was hoping to end this readathon on a funny note.
   So that's my update.I hope you enjoyed it.

Sunday, August 4, 2013

The Evolution of Mara Dyer-Review

Salaam and Hello,

   What can I say about this book? I thought it was AWESOME!! Mara came undone in the first book and completely unraveled in this book.And she had some help from the most unlikely of sources. But there was a major aspect of her story I could identify with.
    I was young once,(a long time ago), and I remember adults selectively believing in the easier lies that the more difficult truths. It was easier to believe answers lay in drugs and bad influences. They in themselves are evil.Everyone can see it.But the possibility of the problem being the adult themselves is an impossibility. Why would it be? They are there to help. It is apparent to everyone that they love the child and want nothing but the best. So cut and dry,the line between good and bad.And this is what also plays out this book. Mara may be crazy, but she had help getting there and it comes from the most unlikely of places whether they,the adults,realize it or not.
     The line between good and evil is blurred- in this story, and in real life. Maria's mom think she is helping her daughter. I want to smack her because she is such a know-it-all. So trusting in the "system."Mara's father is clueless.He blindly follows his know-it-all wife, making himself a mediocre chofer. He does a better job as a lawyer than as a father. Her brother Daniel gives me a slight relief in my anger towards the family. He's smart, heck he's almost a genius, but he is a teenager in every sense of the word.I thought it cute the way he and Mara got along. I'm glad she has him.Without him Mara's life could be even more difficult than it is. Joseph is truly a kid.It is just hard to believe he is the way that he is- so innocent.Kids his age in the real world are such suckers.Sorry for associating him with such a word, but I can't think of any other. My younger brother spent the majority of his childhood ratting his older siblings out to our parents. But this is just a story, a work of fiction.
     Noah Shaw.He takes my words away.So cool,controlled,strong.I pity him and I am in love with him. Honestly, Noah Shaw could only exist in stories.And his parents aren't too good either. He has a father who's never there, and a step-mom who seems to be there just so that CPS doesn't remove him from the home.But even with her there I wonder how he hasn't been taken by them.In real life he would never be so lucky.
    Then we have Jaime. He's a more real character.I don't have much to say about him. His is the most believable character in the book.
   Poor Mara. So many problems and not many people to count on. Her parents are unknowingly the problem, her brothers can only do but so much, and her boyfriend's social reputation doesn't help her that much-although his money does make up for it.
   Jude, I hate as I should.But I also have pity for him because he is a victim just like Mara. I won't say how, but I feel that he is.
   I won't say anymore than that on this book.It was highly entertaining, intriguing, I picked it up and finished it in one day it was so good. I gave it a 5/5 stars on Goodreads.If asked, I would recommend this book to everybody.

Beat The Heat Readathon

Salaam Alaikum and Hello,

   This is my progress so far for the Beat the Heat Readathon.

BOOKS COMPLETED: 2
    Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor
    The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
TOTAL PAGES: 1,040
CURRENTLY READING:
      Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead pg 128/443
PAGES READ TO-DATE:1,168


Follow the Readathon on Twitter
Http://www.twitter.com/#BTHReadathon

Friday, August 2, 2013

Days of Blood and Starlight Review

  Salaam Alaikum and Hello,
   There is something odd about this book.Something odd in me.I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what it was.The story was interesting.I did not find it to be boring.Thank goodness there were no exhausting love triangles.But still there was this pull in the back of my head that just wouldn't let me fully enjoy the book.
   After much thought I've finally figured it out.There are only 3 humans in the book. The first book, Daughter of Smoke and Bone, was the same.Sure there are ex-boyfriend and bystanders present, but the main characters are not human.And those in the friend role accept these non-human beings with no problem. There's a world filled with angles and beasts killing each other, and there like,"COOL. Can I go?" "Let's all sit down to couscous and eggs and sing and play the drums and violin."Well, no one actually said that, but that is the vibe I get.If I were in that situation I would have been terrified. If I were Karou, I certainly would have made my own Adonis. or two,,,or three.Just kidding.
   But back to the story, and my review.It was interesting. Laini Taylor did a good job bringing the world of Chimera and Seraphin to life, and making the characters real.All of the traits and character that makes us human were found in her creatures.And that is why I kept reading.I knew it was just a story.But for all the beastliness and angelic- ness, the characters still suffered the same as us humans.They had the same faults in character, the same dreams, and the same determined spirit when faced will evil. And I can get down with a story like that.I just wish Thiago was more human and less douchbag.
    So that's my review.Great story.I will be picking up the next book.Ive got my fingers crossed for Akiva and Karou. Although it feels as though there will be a love triangle in the next book. But the way Karou's love life was when the second book ended I feel that it's kind of unavoidable.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Beat The Heat Readathon

Salaam Alaikum and Hello,
   Yep, that's right I'm doing a two week readathon. You're probably thinking I'm crazy, but I assure you I'm not.I just happen to really enjoy reading, and even more so when it's reading with a large group of people.So, even though I am 3 days late-LET'S DO THIS!!

Goals:
In 11 days I aim to read, (in no particular order):
Ghostgirl(Tonya Hurley) bks 1 &2
Days of Blood and Starlight(Laini Taylor)
The Evolution of Mara Dyer(Michelle Hodkins)
Shadowkiss & Spiritbound (Richelle Mead)
Deathnote Blk Edition Vol 2

   So that's a total of 7 books in one week and three days.I can do that.It all starts with that first page

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Trying New Things

   Salaam Alaikum and Hello,
   I'm always up for trying new things. At least that's what I say to myself and others. But when it comes to books, I have to admit I am a bit stubborn. I don't know why, I just am. But I have to admit that this year trying new books, and genre has paid off big time. I haven't had not one reading slump this year, (knock on wood), and my reading has gone thought the roof. My family and bank account may say different, but to me that's FANTASTIC! Between the addition of YA and Manga I am in reading heaven.I never thought angles would be interesting, but they really are; and, I sometime dream about being in the places of the girls I read about.Granted, the first thing I would set straight are the silly little love triangles.But through my new reading journeys I have gotten back my imagination station.My books are taking me away, relaxing me, resting me. They are doing what books are meant to do- entertain. I still read my historical non-fiction- I don't think I'll ever stop wanting to learn.But books are becoming my entertainment of choice.Im still trying to figure out how am I going to fit in Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones, and this fall TV line-up of my favorite shows.These days I would just rather read than state at a screen.Give me a book and my cellphone and I am good to go.I can read and tweet my reading is sheer bliss. I haven't been on my desktop in months and my iPad looks brand new.I only use it to vlog, blog, and update my GR.Oh yeah, and to pay bills. But other than that you are more likely to see the top of my head, my nose in a book.
   Of course, I have my family to take care of, but Im never just lounging on the sofa or outside 'sans une livre'. I can thank books for one thing.At a time when communication should  be breaking down between my teenage son, it's gotten better. We scour the book websites and store for books together, discussing plots, and characters.My son has shown me he has good tastes on books, and I am showing him that I still know the meaning of fun. He is by no means a book rat like myself-yet- but he knows the excitement of a good book. He even surprises me.Like when I caught him still awake at 4 am- READING!!
   The most awesome news is that since starting my GR account on May the 8th, I have read 50 books. I'm upping my goal to 100. I plan on participating in as many read-a-thons as possible to help me, and just reading books that I like. I really do enjoy read-a-thons.Great books, and great people. Guaranteed good times. My house is transforming- bookshelves being put up wherever there is wall space.Books with beautiful covers wrapped in plastic so that they can be read as many times as possible and still attract the eye of my up and coming  readers. It's great.
   So I going to stick to the new bookish me. Who knows, maybe this time next year I be blogging about how great beach reads are.Its a stretch, but then again so is everything I've been reading this year.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Nerdy Niqabi: Bout of books 8.0

Nerdy Niqabi: Bout of books 8.0: The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon ...

Bout of books 8.0


The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 19th and runs through Sunday, August 25th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 8.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team
I'm all in.I love read-a-thins, and the BoB has a special bookmark in my heart.So if you love books and you want to spend a week with others who share the same love participate:)


https://twitter.com/boutofbooks

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

The Power Of Books

Salaam Alaikum,
    If you do not know by now I love books. I love reading, I love seeing what books people are buying, reading, not reading- everything and anything bookish. What started out as an effort for my children has become one of my favorite pastimes. I was never interested in YA.I was mainly buying it for my teenage son. But I got the idea in my head that soon my daughter would be a teenager, and since she was a bookworm she would need lots of good books to read. And I, who carefully screens everything that my kids are exposed to, decided that I would build a library. A library  filled with books that I have already read and approved as safe.One little push from my dear sister Farrah and I was hooked on YA with the Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare.It was her reccomending The Clockwork Prince that started it all.After that series- which I devoured in three days- I was buying whole series at a time and reading more than I ever had before.
   As a young girl I did not read a lot of books aimed at my age group. There was The Baby-Sitter's Club, Sweet ValleyHigh, V.C. Andrews- I read those too-but was really interested in European history. More accurately, stories of royalty.The painful and dangerous process of becoming a princess, murderous royalty, aristocratic scandals. The Russians are my favorites with England coming in at a very close second.I still remembered the time when I came to realize that all European royalty were related, and that the lunacy I poured over night after night was a product of intentional inbreeding.I still cannot look at Queen Elizabeth without thinking that she is married to her cousin.
   I still read what I grew up on, but I have branched out in a most delicious way.In some respects I am returning to my childhood through books.On many a night you will find me in bed at 4 am with a book.Before I was hiding under the sheets with a flashlight. Now I can read freely and out in the open.Although I do admit to hiding every once in a while from my husband who just doesn't see how anyone could give up sleep for a book.But I happily cook for him during the World Cup no matter the hour so he doesn't overly hound me.(Last World Cup I was sometimes cooking at 3 am. and I will be doing the same if necessary next year.)
   My library is awesome and I actually smile when I look at it. All those stories at my fingertips is just wonderful.And yes I have a never ending TBR. What started out as a stack is now a five shelf ordeal.But every book on it is there waiting to be read, not forgotten but in line. I must say that I have yet to meet a YA that I do not like. The stories are not life changing, but that is because of my age.The genre is meant for an age group that I have long since left.The problems already hashed out and dealt with.But they are none the less entertaining.And I do have to remind myself ever so often that the characters are 14-19 so love triangles, although frustrating to me, are still problems for this age group.I just with that authors would tone it down a bit. Not every teen is having to decide Edward or Jacob.The love triangle is just such an overused item in YA, and sometimes It ruin a story for me.I think,"Man. That was a great story, but the love triangle could have been replaced with more world building or deepening just one love interest. But alas they a books for kids who are indecisive and confused about everything. I will not let love triangle put me off.
   My books are my Calgon. They take me away to times and places where dirty diapers, laundry, and dusting dare not follow. I love my family, but I need my breaks.There is no shame in it. I do include my family.We talk about what we are reading, and I am currently discussing with my son the possibility of my taking up Manga. Deathnote is what I have in mind.
   So books are it for me. I make no excuses, I make no apologies. It's another bond between my children and me.It is a way to travel to distant lands, and worlds.And it is one of the few things about me that remains constant as I aged, got married, and started having children.And I hope it is one of the things that my children remember.So that when they are off doing their own thing in the world  and where are separated by miles, or I am long gone they will know where they can find me-where I  always am when someone asks, "Where's your mom?" With the books I hope they answer.She is always with the books.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

I'm Still Here

Salaam Alaikum,
    I am still here.I have just been on a reading bender,(I'm still on it in fact),and books and family has kept me away.As well it should.But my goal this last half of the year is to blog regularly.I just have yet to decide what that means.I am definitely going to write about the books I read.There will be spoilers, but not like a retelling of the story.Just how I feel, characters that I like/dislike, and things like that.Not to mention written rants on family life.I have all three kids for the summer and my quiet tranquil 7:30-3 is gone until the end of August
   So what's up with me? Taking care of the family, and book reading and buying.I have a Facebook for family, a Twitter, I vlog on YT.Just search for NerdyNiqabi and you will find me.Why all of this, all of a sudden? Friends. I am alone. Not all alone. I do have my family and a few friends, but I am starting to feel cut off from the world.Social networks are filling the void I feel. I am not the most proficient with the Internet-I am downright handicapped.I just feel that as long as I am putting my thoughts and voice out I am part of the group. I am happy when I get questions and comments from others. I'm not looking to be popular. I just want to participate. And I have met some awesome people so far.
   The books- oh my, the books.I am loving the YA.I still read other genre.A good book is a good book.But I find a joy in YA, a simplicity and innocence. The love triangles can be infuriating, but I understand that the characters are teenagers and so love triangles are par for the course, (I hope I am using this phrase correctly). But it's so good. I am reading books that I never thought I would like. I started a Goodreads and none of the books on my list match what I am reading. My list is majority Historical fiction/non-fiction. that was what I was reading the most of when I started the account. However, my reading, rating, and reviews have all been on YA books with a pinch of  the historical. But it's all good.
   So that is a quick blurb on my end.Whoever reads this, thank you for taking your time.I will be posting as often as possible catching up on writing review for the books I've been reading.I read three this week so I need to get on it. Until then,Asalaamu Alaikum:)

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Books On the Brain

Salaams and Hello,
   I'm back and in full force.I was always an avid reader, but it seems that lately I've taken reading to new heights.Maybe it's because I've been introduced to YA. Who would have thought that fairy-tale retellings, love triangles, witches,warlocks,and magic would grab me by the boo-boo like it has.I didn't see it coming.Now I am all about the series, the trilogy,and companion book.IT'S GREAT!
   I have to say, I was getting tired of TV-and the computer as well. Books just seemed like a logical choice.So I vowed to unplug myself and return to my nerdy ways.
   Now Im not saying that book readers are nerds.Im just a nerd who happens to be infatuated with books.Its no ordinary infatuation,but a deep rooted adoration which causes me to return daily to bookstores,to beat myself up when I forgo buying a book, and to buy entire series based on the synopsis of the first book. I love my books.I drool over book covers, I wrap them before I read them, I put them on display.Nothing makes me feel like my bookcase does.
   I know it sounds weird but my books bring me great satisfaction. My library will probably be one of the best things I give to my children.My mother gave me my love of books.If it hadn't been for her and her Romance novels I wouldn't have found out that Romance was not for me.After my first attempt at reading one of her books in secret I went off I search of books that I did like.Soon I was devouring Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary, and soon afterwards Shakespeare and V.C Andrews. Then in my Middle to High school years I found historical non-fiction, and fiction.Even now I can not get enough of royalty.
   And now it's YA. Im 35 so YA can get frustrating.I have to remind myself sometimes that the characters are under 20 so the things that I find ridiculous is just me showing my age.But I like YA and its has gained it's own bookshelf in my library. My hope is that my kids will read these books that I have so lovingly chosen.That is part of the reason that I picked them.But while they wait for my children there is no reason why I can't enjoy them right?

Monday, May 20, 2013

SUNDAY PROGRESS(5/19) and WRAP UP

BOOKS READ:4
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
The Twentieth Wife by Indu Sandaresan
The Oracle Glass by Judith Merkle Riley
A Series of Unfortunate Events(#1) by Lemony Snicket

Salaam Alaikum and Hello,
   This was a great week.I learned a lot of new things about myself and I met many new people.I learned about many new books out there that I am planning on reading very soon.And I have to say that it is nice to see that I am not the only person with an obsession for books.
   My goal of four books was not really a goal.To be honest I normally read read books a week anyway.I just wanted to be part of something good,and fun.It was cool knowing that there were a bunch of people reading a lot of books at the same time as I was.So I only read four when others read six or eight.Some kept a page count, I did not.None of that mattered to me and I did not feel in competition.I just hoped that someone else knew that I was reading with them- the I was part of their literary community and they are a part of mine.I now have a TBR bookshelf.Yes, you read right- a BOOKSHELF! All titles of fellow participants,(book-tubers,bloggers,both),that I am chomping at the bit to read.
   So a big thank you to the organizers of the BoutofbooksBooks read-a-thon.It was a lot of fun and I cannot wait for the next one.Count me in ladies!!!!

Sunday, May 19, 2013

the midnight garden: A Conversation with Leigh Bardugo + Siege and Storm Giveaway!

the midnight garden: A Conversation with Leigh Bardugo + Siege and Storm Giveaway!

Siege and Storm

Salaam Alaikum and Hello,
   Is anyone getting antsy for the release of Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo? This is the second installment of the Grisha Trilogy, the first being Shadow and Bone. I really, really want this book. I have read of at least two people having read arcs and I must admit that I am green with envy.
   I do not think that there was one thing about Shadow and Storm that I did not like.One of the one things that I did like- or should I say appreciated- was that the author forwent the usual love triangle.(I think the reason why I do not like love triangles is just because I too old for such stuff.I will not call it nonsense because it happens or has happened to all of us.I was young and naive once, trapped between two desires.But I do not allow this one little dislike deter me from YAs).I liked that the ending seemed hopeful, but even I knew that it was just the beginning to something more wonderful than what I had just finished reading.I have a couple of endings in mind-a couple of theories-and I am anxious to find out if any of them are right. June can not get here fast enough.

SATURDAY PROGRESS (5/18)

BOOK:The Oracle Glass by Judith Merkle Riley
PAGES READ:418/521

BOOK:A Series of Unfortunate Events (#1) by Lemony Snicket
PAGES READ:162/162
COMPLETED

BOOKS READ TO DATE:3

Salaam Alaikum,
   So I made it. I met my goal. I know what you're thinking. Lemony Snicket? A Series of Unfortunate Events??But, it's a book right? And a good book at that.
    A Series of Unfortunate Events was a great book to change things up a bit with. The Oracle Glass was getting a bit monotonous, and I needed to change gears or else I feared that I would drop the book out of boredom. My strategy worked because after that quick reading detour with the Baudelaire children I returned to the Marquise de Morville with a renewed interest in her story.So now I will spend my morning reading the last 103 pages of The Oracle Glass. And then perhaps book two in the Series of Unfortunate Events as my interest in the Baudelairs has peeked also.

Http://www.boutofbooks.blogspot.com

Saturday, May 18, 2013

FRIDAY PROGRESS(5/17)

BOOK:The Oracle Glass by Judith Merkle Riley
PAGES READ:270/521
BOOKS READ TO DATE:2

Salaam Alaikum,
   This book has slowed down considerably.Its still somewhat interesting- I just wish something major would happen already.I am hoping that it picks up in the end.I thought I would be finished with it by now,but I can see that this will be the last book I read for the read-a-thon.

http://www.boutofbooks.blogspot.com

Friday, May 17, 2013

THURSDAY PROGRESS(5/16)

BOOK:The Oracle Glass by Judith Merkle Riley
PAGES READ:229/521
BOOKS TO DATE:2

   This book,in spite of reviews, is really entertaining. It moves at a good pace, and is full of suspense.I am hoping to finish the book today (Friday).If I do then I will have met my goal for the week and quite possibly add another book before the read-a-thon finishes this Sunday.I'm really proud of myself.Reading like this takes me back to my childhood when I would spend every second I could with my nose in a book.


www.boutofbooks.blogspot.com

Thursday, May 16, 2013

WEDNESDAY PROGRESS (5/15)

BOOK:The Twentieth Wife by Indu Sandaresan
COMPLETED
BOOKS READ TO DATE:2

BOOK:The Oracle Glass by Judith Merkle Riley
Page:59/521

   My second book I really enjoyed. Why wouldn't I? Its my genre .This book is Historical Fiction but more like non-fiction strung together with fictional filler.I had to keep in mind that the main female protagonist,although a real person, lived in a time and place where the goings on of women were not put to record.Unless, that is, they did something extreme.So the characters were real,but there was such large gaps that the author had to be creative in order to tell a cohesive story.I loved the story.All the intrigue associated with royalty, but none of the frustrating love triangles found in many YA books.Don't get me wrong-YA has found a spot in my heart and bookshelf.It definitely has a high entertainment value.But, I am 35 and love at my age is a whole lot different than that of a 15-18 yr old.
   I did keep getting the feeling that I had read the story before.Like I knew the plot,but I didn't know what was going to happen next.It could just be that when women in history found themselves leading such lives as our main female protagonist they may have just all followed the same recipe.Either way, it always makes for great reading.

http://www.boutofbooks.blogspot.com

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

TUESDAY(5/14)PROGRESS

UPDATE 5/14:
BOOK:The Twentieth Wife by Indu Sundaresan
PAGES READ:200
BOOKS READ TO DATE:1
Asalaam Alaikum,
   So far so good.I am actually ahead of schedule.I did have to change my second book.'The Other Tudors' was hideous-and I'm not talking about the story.I do wish I had the extra time to chat with other participants.But this is my first read-a-thon, so I' m no very proficient with these things.By the next one I will be more comfortable.I've just been so happy because I now know so many other book readers like myself- not to mention learning about great,new books.
    So today it's just read,read,read.I'm going to finish with my current book and start on my final book of the list InShaAllaah.If all goes well,I can squeeze in one more book.But which one?TBR bag to the rescue!!


http://www.boutofbooks.blogspot.com

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Monday, May 13, 2013

Day One and I'm Feeling Fine

Assalamu Alaikum,
   The first day of the Bout of Books read-a-thon and I am right on target-a little ahead in fact. I am really enjoying Shadow and Bone.It reminds me of Clockwork Angel and the main protagonist Tessa. Both girls know nothing of who they really are, but everyone else does.And they are both unique within their own kind. I wish I could discuss more but I don't want to spoil it for those who have not read the books yet. Just know that it is a fascinating read. So fascinating that I reached my daily goal before the evening fell. Knowing me I just go ahead and finish the book tonight.
   I am surprised by the fact that today was so easy. Mondays are usually spent with me cleaning after a weekend of a full house.It's my busiest cleaning day of the week.It was fun alternating housework with reading breaks.Nonstop reading is no fun, and neither is nonstop cleaning.So they were reliefs for each other, and my Monday was fantastic.I do wish to maybe take on a challenge and see if I can win a prize,(or two). I wonder though if I would have the time to do one with a five month old rolling around and screaming all day. My son has discovered the joy of self mobility and his voice. Its cute, but as I write this I am so thankful for the silence. And the cats have come down from their perches and kitty condos-free to roam about the living room with no fear of their tails being pulled.
   So day two I welcome you.I am praying that its better than today.Hope you guys are having as successful a start and that you are meeting your daily goals.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

With Bated Breath and Fingers Crossed

 I don't even know if I worded the title correctly, but that is how I feel. I don't think anyone will really care to hear what I have to say about anything. One thing is for sure though-I need to do something with myself.Whether I like it or not, my contentment is MY responsibility.I do not have very many friends to speak of, so those few that I have of YT,FB, and soon on various blogs are near and dear to me. This is my first blog-EVER. I've never kept so much as a diary, and hear I am blabbing on the Internet.So here it goes.
   It has officially begun;the Bout of Books read-a-thon. I plan to read three books,in one week, at a rate of half a book a day. This blog will be my guide and my connection with other avid readers such as myself.I have just only discovered the joys of YA books, and I am eager to see what else I might find entertaining. I normally am a die hard Historical,non-fiction type. Anything to do with Europe,kings,queens, princess,tsars, and the such is right up my alley. Then came the Infernal Devices and I felt my sense of reading burning with a whole new light. It is only the 13th and I have bought so many fairy-tale retellings, series, and trilogies that my husband has to spend next weekend building me a shelving unit in the living room. I already have a whole wall in our bedroom and now I shall annex the living room. If I neglected to say before-I LOVE BOOKS.
   So I am excited for this week. BoB, and two orders of books await me this week- I couldn't be happier and filled with a refreshing sense of purpose. Its 1:00am and time for me to get a bit of reading in. I'm starting with Shadow and Bones by Leigh Bardugo. See you in my post tonight and HAPPY READING!!!