Finally getting around to posting what I read last month. I'm kind of late, I know. Nath, go ahead and poke fun of me now. I deserve it! ;)
But first! I've been playing Words with Friends on my iPhone a lot lately, thanks to Linda and Lisa who both brought the game to my attention a couple of weeks ago. For those who don't know what that is, it's a Scrabble-like game app on the iPhone (and maybe on other smart phones, too?). Anyway, it is very, very rare occurrence for me to beat my husband at Scrabble. And Words with Friends. And pretty much most games. And sports... Last night, luck was on my side and when I got the following set of letters, I was thinking this had to be my game. [Check out my letters at the bottom of screen shot]
I RUNNER. What are the odds, right?
Well.......
I WON! I FINALLY WON!!!!!! It only took about a million games. Okay, maybe 20, but it sure felt like a million. ;)
The nicest part is that I think he was just as happy that I won as I was. He's sweet like that. :)
Now about the books I read last month. I read a total of 7 books in May. Here's a break down of the genres:
Crime fiction ............ 2
Graphic novel ........... 1
Young adult............... 1
Romance .................. 3
I usually list my monthly books in the order that I read them, but this time I'm going to follow Hilcia's method of listing the books in order of favoritism.
Another fantastic installment in the Psy-Changeling series, this is book #8. This story featured a Psy-Psy pairing. Dev Santos who is one of the Forgotten Psy who survive with others of his kind on the ShadowNet and Katya who is a pure blood Psy who has been tortured and broken by an elite and powerful member of the Council and programmed to infiltrate The Shine--an organization founded to find and help other Forgotten Psy with their psychic gifts. If you're not reading this series, you should!
Yet another funny yet emotionally stirring contemporary romance that borders along the genre lines of chick lit from one of my favorite authors. The protagonist was a bit cold and harsh for liking in the beginning, but she sure grew on me as I learned more about her past and boy was I routing for her happily ever after by the end.
A charming historical romance anthology with misfit war heroes and atypical heroines in their final season. You can read my review HERE.
4. Remember When by Nora Roberts and J.D. Robb B+
A Nora Roberts romantic suspense about a diamond heist and a J.D. Robb In Death futuristic crime fiction story relating to the very same heist and families fifty years later. My review can be read HERE.
5. Will Grayson, Will Grayson
by John Green and David Levithan B
Slightly over the top in the believability factor, yet all the teenage emotional drama rang perfectly true in this fun and touching contemporary young adult novel about friendship and sexuality and broken hearts and love.
6. The First Cut by Dianne Emley B
A suspenseful crime fiction thriller lead by the female Pasadena police officer Nan Vining who has just returned to the force after recovering from the physical and emotional wounds of an brutal attack while in the line of duty. The story started out slow for me, but took off towards the end. I felt the characters were not developed to their full potential when I wanted to be emotionally invested in them, particularly with the protagonist, Nan Vining. I still may read the next book in the series as the series arc is promising. My review can be read HERE.
7. The Odyssey by Gareth Hinds A
A spectacular artistic interpretation of Homer's epic poem "The Odyssey" that can be understood and enjoyed by readers of all ages.
I realize it doesn't make any sense that The Odyssey is listed last when it has the highest grade. It's the combination of the beautiful illustrations and the classic epic story that makes this book stand out, but it didn't induce the same level of personal satisfaction as the other books this month.
June reading is off to a bit of a slow start. Not what I had in mind... but isn't it always the case that there's too many books, too little time?
Do you play Words with Friends?
I noticed I wasn't playing any games against you. I remedied that :) Hope it's ok. My phone seems to be behaving itself recently.
ReplyDeleteBetter late than never on posting your last month tally.
It always amazes me that you manage to read a little bit of everything across the board.
ReplyDelete:)
And congrats on finally winning!! :D
Teehee, Chrissy, I think your Blaze of Memory post has Bonds of Justice picture. :D
ReplyDeleteI personally am terrible at board games, ergo, Go Chrissy!
I've been playing, too! I'll try to find you... Especially since I lose almost every game, as well. I really stink at scrabble but it's so much fun!
ReplyDeleteSo how are you?
I walked 4 miles last night. In just over an hour. Then I jogged with the kids. Of course I can barely move this morning...
You read a pretty good mix of books! And sadly I think I've read less than 7 books last month. My reading mojo's been to hell lately!
ReplyDeleteOop I play words too. Wanna play? I'm not very good though!
Linda, we have had some very good Words games between us! I think we are competitively matched!
ReplyDeleteAlex, I have been really enjoying reading across several genres, but I have to say romance will always have my heart. : )
little_alys, omg you're right! I fixed it. Just finished Bonds of Justice this morning... had it on my mind, I suppose and those two covers are a similar color palette. It's easy to mix them up, right?
Gina, thanks for starting a game up with me! And gee, for someone who stinks at scrabble, you're sure off to a great start!
If your weather in PA was anything similar to ours, it was a beautiful night for a walk and jog. We did some serious running up hills in Friday's bootcamp class that wiped me out. I can relate to "I can barely move!" lol!!
tabzyreads, sorry to hear your reading mojo is shot right now. Then the longer you're out, the harder it is to get back in... I know what that's like.
Definitely hit me up for a game of Words! My username is krauscakes.
I don't have many games on my new phone. And I got out of the habit of playing word games with a friend. (Sorry!) Chris is evil at Scrabble and cheats to boot (I call it cheating-he calls it using all the resources available to him). *g*
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy reading the Odyssey, but you're right, the sense of satisfaction just wasn't the same as reading a full length book.
You read across a broad spectrum and that's awesome. I wish I did more of that, but lately don't seem to do it as much.
I hope you're having a spectacular day!
I've never heard of Words With Friends. Sounds like something I should try because I hate to think how bad I am at Scrabble...probably as bad as I am at crosswords *grin* And YAH on beating the hubby :)
ReplyDeleteOh, lots of good books - YAH! I need to get on and read Bonds of Justice. Maybe after my big fantasy book ATM?
Brandy ... And I got out of the habit of playing word games with a friend. (Sorry!)
ReplyDeleteOh no! Is this because of me not playing my turns on Scrabble on Facebook? I swear that game app on Facebook kept disappearing all together from my profile. I don't know what was up with that!
Glad to hear we agree regarding The Odyssey. I have been reading across the spectrum, but I still love my romance best of all. :D
orannia, you can be one of my new Words with Friends playmates! I'll be a good boost for your ego... I think I'm currently losing at all four games I'm playing right now. LOL!
Bonds of Justice was very good!!! Human-Psy pairing. Interesting stuff. I already started Play of Passion last night... this one's changeling-changeling with two alphas! Lots of delicious tension.
Sounds like you had a great month of reading! I love J.D. Robb's series and just finished Innocent in Death the other day. I literally couldn't put it down :O)
ReplyDelete1. I've never even heard of words with friends...lol. But YAY to you winning! :-D
ReplyDelete2. It looks like you did have a successful reading month in May! That is awesome and I'm so happy you've been able to read several books that you are enjoying.
samantha, those In Death books are so absorbing, but I'm afraid I've lost a bit of enthusiasm reading one every month. :( There's just SO many books out there that are calling me!!!!!
ReplyDeleteDeanna, Thanks! :D