What’s On Your Nightstand: September 2016

What’s on Your Nightstand is a monthly meme hosted by 5 Minutes for Books that summarizes what you’ve read for the month, what you’re currently reading, and what you plan to read next. It’s basically a wrap-up, though not as detailed, depending on how you structure your reading wrap-ups. The meme is held the last Tuesday of every month.

It’s back to school season, which means a busy schedule for me though I’m not in school and do not have kids and do not work directly with schools. But due to a packed schedule, my reading has slowed a little…or maybe it seems that way because I have less items on my list of completed reads since I didn’t read any comics this month. Hmm…anyways, here’s what I completed since I last did this post.

Books read:

The Life of Elves by Muriel Barbery is a well-written, lyrical fantasy novel about two girls who must use their unique powers to save the world. I admired the writing but wasn’t much interested in the story. However, I would like to try another of Barbery’s books.

When Hitler Took Cocaine and Lenin Lost His Brain: History’s Unknown Chapters by Giles Milton is a nonfiction book of short essays on little-known facts in history. It’s quite an interesting read and is very entertaining.

The Sound of All Things by Myron Uhlberg, illus. by Ted Papoulas, is a short, heartfelt illustrated children’s book about a boy describing the sound of things to his deaf father. I enjoyed it and really liked the illustrations.

Lucy by Randy Cecil is a fun illustrated children’s book about a homeless dog and the little girl who feeds her. This one crept up on me. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling, narrated by Jim Dale. Life is being annoyingly difficult at the moment so I needed a dose of Harry Potter to pull me through. Listening to the audio book was delightful. It’s the first I’d done so and was surprised to enjoy it. Dale does a great job narrating it though I don’t like the voice he sometimes uses for Hermione. Also, Hagrid pisses me off sometimes. I mean, he let a bunch of first years clean up his dragon situation for him. Really Hagrid?! Really!

By the way, I did the Patronus test TWICE and got myself a wild boar and basset hound. I like the wild boar. It means I’m crazy and tasty (probably not a good thing this last one).

That’s all I read. I didn’t read any articles that stood out because I don’t recall them. As for podcasts, I’m currently listening to Welcome to Night Vale, which is bizarre but I love it, and Writing Excuses.

Currently reading:

Assassin’s Quest by Robin Hobb, which I’m buddy reading with Emily from Embuhlee liest. We’re almost done with the book and OMG! I’m on edge. I wonder how it will all wrap up.

Cress by Marissa Meyer, the third book in the Lunar Chronicles series. I’m tempted to DNF this. I don’t think I like this sort of YA, meaning the romance heavy ones. In a way, the story is kind of cheesy now because all the characters are paired up and they’re soooo into each other. Ugh! (rolls eyes) Also, it bothers me in YA romance that once characters get strong romantic feelings for someone, it’s because they’re in love and it’s accepted and decided that they will be together forever and ever and ever… Isn’t this misleading? Not saying this doesn’t happen but shit, if it’s not a stupid love triangle, it’s the characters assuming they are in love and will be together forever. 😦 Also, Levana sucks and I don’t like Wolf and I prefer Cinder and Thorne together because he annoys her and I find that funny and I really want to like Cress but I don’t know what to think of her and Scarlet still annoys me. Hmpf! End of rant.

Thunder & Lightning: Weather Past, Present, Future by Lauren Redniss is an illustrated nonfiction book about the weather. It’s an easy read and though the illustrations are simple, I really like them.

I hope to finish all three of these this week though I will be crazy busy. But where there is a will, there is a way. I have a will. Just need to find the way.

So, what you been up to?

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