2014 Books, Books and More Books

One of my New Year’s resolutions was to read more as for 2013 I read about eight books which for a writer is shocking. And that includes a holiday in the sun where you’d think I’d have read a book or two. But no. I read nothing, not even a magazine. It was too darn hot.

It’s not as if I haven’t anything to read. My Kindle is choc full of books downloaded but not read. My paperbacks are building up, gathering dust as they wait to be opened. Imagine all those journeys waiting to be travelled just by opening a book.

Already my reading journey for 2014 has started well, having finished two novels and half way through a third at the start of Feb.

I hope to at least triple last year's pathetic total and then some.

The first book I read was given to me by a friend.

If ever there was a character that needed a slap around the face, she was in this book. Spoilt, fickle and annoying, creating situations and drama out of nothing. And you could see what was coming up a mile off; sooooo predictable. But it was a light, fluffy piece of escapism with a cute ending.

The second book I read in Jan was for teens, based on the experiences of a teenage Jewish girl escaping Hitler’s Germany.

Written by Judith Kerr, it explores the life of Anna as she moves from country to country to find safety and an identity.It’s a captivating read and I’m already halfway through the second book.

  

A strong start to the year for sticking to my resolution. Of course, my reading isn’t limited to books. I spend a great proportion of my time reading short stories on blogs as well as writing them myself. And I am currently reading my own novel for the purposes of editing in the hope of self publishing.

One month down, eleven to go. I wonder if I can keep it up? I have books from Christmas (2012) I haven’t even read as well as 2013. There’s no shortage of material. I just have to organise my time better when it comes to reading and become engrossed in the story so it’s hard to put down.  

I've also started another book, a classic that I've never read and some of you may be shocked to hear that I've never it. I'll leave that admission for the end of the month when I hope to have finished it.

Do you have recommendations for my reading journey of 2014? And what's on your reading list for 2014? I would love to hear and expand my reading lists too. xxx

  

Books Day 15

Excitedly yet delicately, Amber turned the fragile page of the old, musty leather bound book. She knew it was forbidden until she was of age. The magic inside was of the most powerful and dark kind but that wasn’t enough to stop her.

Only one tincey wincey spell; what harm could one spell do? Her sister, April, had already used it successfully and Amber was far more talented than her older sister when it came to casting spells.

And there it was. Amber took a deep breath and began the incantation.

“Stop!” But as Amber looked up, a surge of energy grabbed her and she was pulled into the book before April’s eyes. The book snapped shut and April was alone. . . .

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Oops, gone over the word count, but needs must and all.

Day fifteen and half way through the  jump-on-board-for-blogflash2012-30-days-30-prompts-30-posts/ coutesey of Terri Giuliano Long. Pop along to her page The Art and Craft of Writing Creatively for wonderful tips and advice on writing and for reading the entries from wonderful writers.

My Favourite Books as a Child Day 14

As a child

·         I wanted to go On The Ning Nang Nong  to see the cows go Bong.

·         I wanted to peek under the Quangle Wangle's Hat  (202ft) to see his face.

·         I loved hearing about The Owl and the Pussy Cat sailing off in their pea green boat and I wanted to meet the Piggy Wig with a ring at the end of his nose.

·         I loved From A Railway Carriage  by Robert Louis Stevenson. I loved how my mum read it to me to the rhythm of a train.

 I loved  sharing with my son when he was little.

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Just over the word count today. Hope you enjoy the links to some wonderful books/poems.