If you've read my blog for any length of time, you know one of my favorite pastimes is reading. It's a personal hobby, but I also spend large chunks of time reading with my kids, both for pleasure and for school.
I shared on my blog Facebook page in mid-August about a book exchange on another blog. It was nearing the deadline when I decided to participate. I had to compile a short wishlist and e-mail it to the hostess, Stephanie. She passed my list on to another participant, then sent me another reader's wishlist. I got to choose a book from the list and mail it on its way(with or without some special little bonus goodies).
When I told Brian how much fun it sounded, he said, "So basically you are buying a book for yourself?" I see his point, but I guess he didn't get the surprise element or the appeal of the social/friendship interaction.
Last Saturday I was inside alone cleaning and cooking in anticipation of dinner guests. My toes were sore from a 9-mile run I had done that morning. Brian was mowing the lawn and the kids were outside doing yard work and swinging on the tire swing. I decided to sneak a break with a cup of high-test hot chocolate when Maddie came running into the house with a package.
My book exchange package had arrived at the most perfect of times!
My book exchange friend, Christy, does not know me and did not have any way to know what I like aside from the short list of books she was given, but I love that she included page markers in my very favorite of colors-- aqua and turquoise.
A quick word on the books Christy chose from my wishlist:
Both books are outside of my normal reading comfort zone. The Witch of Blackbird Pond
is historical fiction and I tend to shy away from that genre. However, two bloggers who have book opinions that I trust highly recommended this book, plus I've been reading more than my share of Newbery books this year so it was fitting that I read another.
is historical fiction and I tend to shy away from that genre. However, two bloggers who have book opinions that I trust highly recommended this book, plus I've been reading more than my share of Newbery books this year so it was fitting that I read another. Life After Life
could be called fantasy and I read even less fantasy than I do historical fiction. Still, the story sounds highly plot and character driven. I first heard about it on another long Saturday morning run earlier this summer. I was listening to my favorite running podcast, but the theme for the day deviated from the sport and instead centered on summer reading. The hosts were discussing can't-put-down novels and mentioned this one.
Do you ever challenge yourself to read books that are outside of your norm? Have you read either of these two books?
could be called fantasy and I read even less fantasy than I do historical fiction. Still, the story sounds highly plot and character driven. I first heard about it on another long Saturday morning run earlier this summer. I was listening to my favorite running podcast, but the theme for the day deviated from the sport and instead centered on summer reading. The hosts were discussing can't-put-down novels and mentioned this one. Do you ever challenge yourself to read books that are outside of your norm? Have you read either of these two books?
