Monday, November 25, 2013

Top Ten Things I am Thankful For

Top Ten Tuesdays is a feature of The Broke and the Bookish.


Books- Of course!  I am thankful for the opportunity to live more than one life and to connect with people (fictional and factual) whom I have never met, but who changed my life.



Family- This goes without saying.  I am so blessed to have a family who has instilled positive, life-giving values, and which encourages open dialogue on the matters over which we disagree.  Not to mention the people who can make me laugh the hardest. Irreplaceable family, I love you.

Kindred Spirits- There are friends, and then there are kindred spirits.  Those people with whom you just connect.  We get each other even when words are insufficient.  In a great lonely world it is heartening to know there are souls cut from the same fabric.

Health- Being related to someone with serious medical conditions, I am acutely aware of my body as a vessel; the clean air in my lungs, the strength of my legs to carry me, my clarity of thought.
Opportunity- I’m a woman who can wear what she wants, live by herself, choose the person she marries, earn her own living.  Basic human rights not observed in all the world.

Music- Lisztomaniac. That’s me.  Now imagine back in the days pre-recorded music.  All those fantastic voices lost to history.  That night at the music hall that you can never hear again.  It makes me deeply grateful for my iPod that I can bring music with me everywhere, and have my favorite voices at my fingertips.

My Junior High English and Language Arts Teacher- Mrs. M., I owe so many “A”s on papers to you!  You gave me such a solid foundation in grammar and creative writing, I still think about you eleven years later.

Seasons- I love New England.  Even when it’s cold and blustery, I love that within the course of a year I can experience the crisp smell of autumn, cuddling by a window as the snow falls in winter, warm picnic nights in summer and a much earned springtime.

Windows-  A strange choice, perhaps, but there is nothing that can improve my day such as sitting by a window.  Imagine how awful life would be without them.

Gratefulness- Thankful for gratefulness?  Yes, that’s what I said.  I’m thankful I have the ability to feel how lucky I am, to feel a deep appreciation for my life and everything in it.




Being as there are millions of things to be grateful for this season, I'm looking forward to reading your lists!

-Kate

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Top Seven Books I Can't Wait to Get My Hands On! Or, Seriously, Publishers & Library, HURRY

Brought to you in conjunction with The Broke and the Bookish

Just One Year by Gayle Forman
I’m just diving into this volume after having devoured Just One Day.  Gayle Forman, you build some really awesome characters.

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare
Clockwork Princess managed to deliver (boy did it!) even when I was certain it would crush my soul.  I have every hope City of Heavenly Fire will give me equally as emotional and satisfying an experience (Magnus + Alec 4eva).

Allegiant by Veronica Roth
Many of you have probably already snagged a copy and know the ending (lucky!!) but I am patiently waiting for my library to tell me it’s my turn!  The world building seemed implausible to me, but I’m totally committed to Tris and Four.

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
I’m currently reading Lola and the Boy Next Door, which isn’t really my jam, but I loved how real Anna and the French Kiss felt- Perkins really captures the confusion and awkwardness of first love.

The One by Kiera Cass
While I have expressed my mixed feelings on The Selection series, I need to know what happens to Max.


Champion by Marie Lu
The third and final installment of the Legend Trilogy.  While I know June and Day have to end up together, I have grown a fondness for the Elector.  

Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
THIS BOOK CANNOT COME SOON ENOUGH!  It was due out this October, only to be moved to June 2014 (NOOOOOO!).  There’s no point in even trying to write a reasonable paragraph for this one- there is too much unresolved mystery and tension wrapped up in this series.  I’m desperate to finish it out.




I know I’ve cheated with only 7 picks, but these are the only series I’m in the middle of right now!  I look forward to seeing your lists for inspiration of other series and sequels I should be reading!

-Kate
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