The Challenge: Microhistory

If you’re like me then your primary drive to read is to lose yourself in another world and that typically has me reaching for fiction.  So when one of the categories for the BookRiot Read Harder Challenge was to read a Microhistory I was a little thrown.  First of all, obviously a nonfiction category.  Second, uhm what’s a Microhistory?

Microhistory is the intensive historical investigation of a well-defined smaller unit of research (most often a single event, the community of a village, or an individual).

Since I knew this was going to be a stretch for me I immediately began researching possibilities.  I found a few options that sounded somewhat interesting and then discovered When Books Went to War by Molly Guptill Manning.  Slam Dunk, it’s a book about books.

During World War II boredom was a problem for the troops.  Wars come with significant downtime and pre-internet/Television you could go a little stir crazy.  When the problem first became apparent during training here in the States, Librarians around the country organized a massive book drive to restock Fort libraries.  While it helped, the books were hardback and didn’t travel well.  They also struggled to collect books the soldiers were interested in reading. 

To get books that could easily travel with the soldier, Armed Service Edition were born.

Armed Services Editions (ASEs) were small, compact, paperback books printed by the Council on Books in Wartime for distribution within the American military during World War II.

Working with the major book publishers, two versions of ASE’s were created each designed to fit into a uniform shirt or pant pocket.  By the time the war was over, more than 1200 titles had been printed.  During WW2 Hitler burned 100 million books.  The US printed 120 Million.

Just a few fun facts about the ways these books impacted life post war:  The Great Gatsby was a failure until it was revived as an ASE.  Most of us never would have read it.  Post war soldiers were readers.  They came back very prepared to take advantage of the GI Bill and get college educations.  And third the Mass Market Paperback book market was born, making books more accessible to more people.

This ended up being the third challenge I completed this year, and eight months later I still bring it up if the opportunity arises in conversation (yeah I’m that person). This book is the perfect example of why I’m doing the Read Harder Challenge – I loved it, but never would have read it without the Challenge.

Read Harder Challenge Update

I intended to do this update midyear…oops it’s mid August.  But late is better than not at all.

Of the 24 categories in the challenge I have completed 16.  Sound great in theory right?  Not done with August and I’ve essential maintained a 2 challenge book per month pace which should put me on track to finish by the end of the year.  Unfortunately, I have hard categories left.

To see what categories I’ve finished check out my main Challenge Page.

What’s Left

A collection of short stories
I’ve barely attempted this one, but I didn’t think it would be this hard.  I just haven’t seen any options I’m excited about so I would love suggestions.

A book that takes place in Asia
When I started the challenge I thought I’d read And the Mountains Echoed because I’ve loved his other books and already own it, but I just haven’t been in the mood for it.  I have The French Connection checked out from the library and I’m hoping to tackle this one over my vacation week from work.

A Book by an Author from Africa
I’ve started 3 books for this category and none have kept my attention.  I’m currently, slowly reading The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith.  I’m enjoying it, but in a different way – I don’t feel COMPELLED to read it, but it’s interesting when I choose to.

A Book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture
I have Tracks by Louise Aldrich check out from the library right now.  Fingers crossed it keeps my attention.

A Book that was originally published in another language
Zero ideas I’m excited about.  I have Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier on Kindle so maybe I’ll be feeling that soon.  I could also finish The Girl who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Steig Larsson. 

A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize, or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade
Pretty sure I’ll check this one off the list soon.  I’m reading and really enjoying All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.  It’s beautiful, I just put it down for a little while every time it gets sadder and considering it takes place during WWII there’s plenty of sad.  There’s hope too, but I take a break from time to time.

A book published before 1850
I knew I would struggle with this category. I started Jane Eyre at the beginning of the year planning to read it slowly, but I just haven’t gotten back to it.  I might give it a shot in audio.

Anyone else doing this challenge?  What categories are you struggling with?  Any suggestions for me?

Top Ten Authors I've Read The Most Books From

Every Tuesday the ladies over at The Broke and the Bookish host a book related Top 10.

This week is “Top Ten Authors I’ve Read the Most Books From”.  Awkward phrasing aside – and I couldn’t find a better way to phrase it either - I thought it was an interesting topic.

I’m not counting childhood series like Sweet Valley Twins or Babysitter’s Club.  These are all books I read in high school or later.  That said most of these are authors I started reading pre-blog.  Pre-blog when I found an author I liked I read their whole backlist.  I’m aware of so many more authors and books now that it’s rare for me to read several from the same author except maybe trilogies.

 

Which authors take up the most real estate in your brain?  Any that surprise you?

Silver Linings and Routine Travel

As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve been traveling consistently for work this year. Mostly it’s tiring, but the last few weeks have been spent in Grand Island, NE (third largest city!).  In addition to having more dining options, Grand Island also has a very condensed collection of antique stores downtown and last week I decided to browse the largest one over lunch.

I only had about 45 min but I still saw several things I would actually love to own and lots of others that I would love if I had a different house.

First off, this chair was in the display window.  I’m very sorry for my inability to take a picture through glass.

The lines are interesting and it’s in great shape.  If I hadn’t just picked these up on Craigslist I’d have been really tempted.

I loved the lines of this for maybe an entryway piece and of course anything that will hold books is a huge plus in my house.

To be honest I would say most of what my eye is drawn to in a store like this is book storage related.  I don’t love the door with shelves but I think it’s an interesting idea. 

And of course I would love a place to put a library ladder.  If only I had space for a library.

There’s so much cute small stuff that totally depends on the person whether it catches your eye or not. The only purchase I made where these candlestick holders. They are heavy and attractive and I’ve been looking for a reasonably attractive affordable pair so these are perfect.

If I didn’t already have really colorful dishware in the kitchen (God I love Fiestaware!) I’d have been really tempted by these canisters.

Speaking of kitchens I want the right kitchen for these next two pieces really bad.  The first would make a great additional pantry for a kitchen without one but a little spare floor space.

I’m also in love with this small island.  It’s the perfect option for additional counter space in a kitchen that’s not quite big enough for a traditional island.

I actually have more pictures but I decided this was enough for now.  There are several other stores to check out on future lunch breaks so you can probably anticipate future posts.

Seasonal Reading Habits

Over the last few years of keeping track of what I’ve read and WHEN I’ve noticed that I have a few consistent seasonal reading preferences. 

January through June

I read a LOT the first half of the year.  At the beginning of the year I read a mix of topics and reading levels.  I tackle at least one book that intimidates me and I try new genres and POVs.  I read recommendations that I’ve been meaning to get to and at least one book that a parent has challenged on their teen’s school reading list and is subsequently trying to keep ALL the other teens from reading it.

I think this has something to do with being really gung-ho to start a new reading year.  I’m always really aware of what new books are coming and know I need to get to the books that I missed the previous year before I forget about them. 

July though August

I would love to know why I struggle to read during the summer.  I actually feel bad for books I read during these months because I just don’t focus as well.  Books read in July and August HAVE to completely suck me in or I will leave them 30% finished for weeks.  As of right now it’s August 2nd and I have five books in progress.  Normally I would DNF one or two at this point, but am I giving up because they aren’t good or because it’s me and summer? 

Romance is my go to genre in the summer.  I think because I’m more likely to feel immersed by romance.  I also trust my summer feelings for this genre more so it I’m bored at 30% I’m confident it won’t get better and DNF.  I also re-read a lot.  And I shouldn’t even attempt to read fantasy during the summer.  I don’t have the focus for it and they end up DNF’d or I hate them.  It’s really not fair to the author.  I read Daughter of Smoke and Bone in July of 2013 and did not like it.  Ditto The Girl of Fire and Thorns summer of 2012. Both of these were loved by readers who I generally agree with.  Sometime I feel like I should give these series another shot, but my initial reactions are too hard to get passed. 

September through early October

Brief return to my early year habits.  If I have another tough or long book I really want to get done or a challenge to complete now is the time. 

Late October through December

Work is CRAZY busy at the end of the year.  Pre-blog/Goodreads I assumed I read less during this time period, but I actually read at my normal pace.  What I cut out are bookish decisions.  I don’t read to complete challenges or stretch my habits.  If I’m going to binge on a series/author this is when it will happen.  It’s also the time of year I’m most likely to enjoy the fantasy genre.

Last year I read binged on the four available books in Sarah J Maas’s Throne of Glass series.  I also read Shadow & Bone by Leigh Bardulo.  Once January rolled around, I decided to wait until Nov-Dec this year to finish the series because I loved book one and wanted to give myself a good shot at enjoying books 2-3.  In 2013 I read 6 books by Jennifer Armentrout/J Lynn. I’ve read some since and haven’t been all that impressed.

I purchase more books late in the year also. When I find an author I want to binge on I don’t have the patience to wait for their books at the library (or the time to go get them).  I go a tiny bit Kindle crazy.

What about you?  Have you noticed any seasonal reading habits?  Slumps that happen every year at the same time?  Any other patterns I didn’t bring up?

Ten Fairytale Retellings I've Read/Want To Read

Every Tuesday the ladies over at The Broke and the Bookish host a book related Top 10.





This week is Top Ten Fairytale Retellings I've Read/Want To Read. I struggled with this topic a bit, but I think it’s cause I’m just not aware that books are retellings.


Top Four I Want to Read





Winter by Marissa Meyer – This might be my most anticipated book this year. Meyer has done a stellar job of retelling of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel while also creating a cohesive fantasy/dystopian world around them. I can’t wait for her take on Snow White.


Darcy’s Tale by Stanley Alexander Hurd – Pride and Prejudice from Mr. Darcy’s perspective.  I struggle to read Jane Austen, but I love the story of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.


Never Never by Brianna Shrum – The Captain Hook origin story. Only reading the synopsis had me looking at the Peter Pan story differently.


The Red Tent by Anita Diamant – Not really a retelling, but the story of biblical women from Genesis who only get passing mentions in the Bible.


Top Five I Recommend





Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier – This is a retelling of an Irish story The Swans.  It barely counts as I was familiar with the original story when I read this one, but it’s a gorgeous story and it’s technically a retelling.


A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas – A very interesting fantasy story that re-imagines Beauty and the Beast.


Cinder/Scarlet/Cress by Marissa Meyer – See my notes on Winter above.

July Recap

And my July reading slump continues.  This is annual.  I only read 5 books in July.  Seriously 5.  I knew I was slumping but that’s a bigger slump than I though.  I did one review post of two mini books reviews.  So at least it wasn’t a review goose egg month.

Books Read

Paperweight by Meg Haston
Bully by Penelope Douglas
Up in Smoke by Tessa Bailey
Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
Between the Notes by Sharon Huss Roat

Challenge Update

Shockingly, I made no progress for the Read Harder Challenge from Book Riot this month.  In total I have 16 complete out of 24, but everything left is proving very challenging.  I started (slowly) reading All the Light You Cannot See by Anthony Doerr and The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith so hopefully I’ll be able to check off two more categories in August.

On My Blog Roll

Vox.com has had several articles lately on how we view meat and the ethical consequences of meat consumption.  I’ll never be a vegetarian – I’m a 34 year old who struggles to eat vegetables – but I still found these really thought provoking.

What’s the difference between eating pork belly and puppy belly? Not much.

Why eating eggs causes more suffering than eating beef

The Dorito Effect: Healthy food is blander than ever — and it's making us fat

Emily Henderson is always good and this month had an bookish post.

DIY ‘BOOK’ BOOKENDS

In Other News

I rewatched Jurassic Park a couple weeks ago and came away with two observations: the soundtrack is iconic and it’s too scary for me. Yes I’m pathetic.

Lot of purging of excess stuff lately.  I’ve taken several loads to Goodwill lately and Salvation Army is coming for bigger stuff today. 

I’m still traveling for work and the town we’re in now has quite a few antique shops.  I hit one of them over lunch last week and found some really interesting pieces.  Hopefully I get a post with pics up soon.  AND I only bought a set of candlestick holders.  I need to NOT replace all the stuff I’m purging.  At least not right away.