The Finished Book Questionnaire

1 . Do you keep a list of the books you have read?

You bet. I use Storygraph, Primarily. I just personally love the granularity of control over the user experience. I am also still on Goodreads because that's how my reviews get on this blog. I also use Librarything, which is super amazing and  a great place to get reviewer copies. before these services existed at least once a year or so I would accidentally pick up a book I previously DNF'd and start reading it again only to realize I still didn't like it.

2. If you record statistics, what statistics do you record?

Librarything likes you to track physical dimensions and weight of your books, so I do that over there. Storygraph provides me with stats on genres, how many books by which author, pages read, total books read, all by the year or the month.

3. Do you give star ratings for books and if so, what do you score books out of and how do you come about this score?

Yes, I do:

My rating System:
* = I got through it, but it barely held my attention
** = It was just okay
*** = I Liked it quite a bit
**** = I really enjoyed it/it made me think
***** = Phenomenal, outstanding, author on my automatic library list.

I also have certain author's I will automatically by at thrift stores or Friends of the Library/charity book sales, or garage sales. I never buy something new without reading it first.

4. Do you review books?

Absotively, but you already knew that. *wink*. This is a book blog after all. I post my reviews here, Librarything, Storygraph, Goodreads, and tumblr.

5. Where do you put your finished books?

I usually return them to the library. If they are a review copy and I disliked it, I follow the instructions from the provider. Either recycling it or donating it as appropriate. for audiobooks that are Advanced Listening copies I delete them when finished/DNF'd.

6. Do you have any other rituals for when you have finished a book?

Aside from writing that review, not really. Though I am considering making a book bandana, or scarf maybe.

Credit to the Twirling Book Princess for the idea to do this post

Crown Villa Repairs

 

A Go Fund Me has been launched on behalf of the residents of the Crown Villa. This property has fallen into extreme disrepair. A circumstance that befalls many who are low income. A local news paper the Vernon MorningStar has independently verified the offer from a business that wishes to remain anonymous. The organizer is one Rhonda Poffenroth, a concerned citizen.

Poffenroth will steward the fundraiser and ensure all donations go directly to the company for repairs. The fundraiser is not in any way for the landlord, whom many feel has been negligent. This is the latest development in a saga of woe for the residents. 

As of this writing the fundraiser has raised $1900. The need is $80,000.

Review: Trust Me, I'm Dr. Ozzy: Advice from Rock's Ultimate Survivor

Trust Me, I'm Dr. Ozzy: Advice from Rock's Ultimate Survivor by Ozzy Osbourne
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This one had its' good moments. Mostly it was a major head scratcher as to why anyone would want to get advice from him. In this book you will find topics spanning from ball care to dyslexia and everything else besides. Some of these questions are quite disgusting, and some are quite disturbing. You have been warned. 

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Review: Of Jade and Dragons

Of Jade and Dragons by Amber Chen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought this book was going to be so predictable until the last 40-5o pages. Then it veered so hard I'm still digesting it.

This book is part (Hua) Mulan, and part Cinder, with a heaping helping of original flair. I think Silkpunk may be my new favorite genre. Our intrepid main character is Ying...

When her father has his life brutally cut short in front of her, Ying embarks on a quest of revenge. Infiltrating elite organisations and falling for forbidden souls are just some of the things awaiting anyone who choses to read this fantastic novel.

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Review: As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is for anyone who loves The Princess Bride in particular or Cary Elwes in general. Rob Reiner also read his own parts of this memoir.

The Passion it takes to get a project like this made, has increased exponentially since the movie first came out. Against all odds it prevailed. A very enjoyable listen.

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Things to do in BC to Celebrate Autumn

 Looking for some fun in the autumn sun?

Well, look no further. Below I have compiled some of my personal favorite harvest season activities.

First up is visiting your local pumpkin patch. This works for outings with friends and family alike. It also works as date opportunity, too. Basically any time you want to get some fresh air and have some great photos. 

Of course picking out your own pumpkins from a local, organic grower has great benefits for the local economy as well. I've Included some ideas to get you started:

1. The Pumpkin Patch in Armstrong
   
2. McMillan Farms in Kelowna
3. Greendale Acres in Chilliwack 
4. Davison Orchards in Vernon
5. Glacier Valley Farm in Brackendale

Next up, corn mazes and Corn picking. This is a great one for atmospheric pictures, and for some fun, and frustration, while honing navigation skills.

1. Greendale Acres in Chilliwack
2. Field of Screams in Vernon (Halloween horror themed)
3. Cariboo's Corn Maze north of Williams Lake

If you prefer your autumn fun a little more structured, many communities have harvest festivals:

• Armstrong
• Feast of Fields
• Nelson

Review: The Third Gilmore Girl

The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Don't cry because you think your best days are gone. Smile because you had them in the first place. - Kelly Bishop

Words to live by, truly. In her memoir Kelly Bishop take you through her professional career, her love life, her home life, and her faith. From the Radio City Music Hall to The Watchful Eye, and, hopefully, beyond. Enduring through numerous red eye flights, bad relationships, good relationships, cancers (Lee) and blood clots (Kelly).

I've always known she is a force of nature. Since the first moment she drew breath as Emily Gilmore, I have loved her work. This book is no exception. Even if you have never, ever, seen Gilmore girls this book is worth the read.

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Review: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future...

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future... by Michael J. Fox
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Michael J. Fox is inarguably in my top 5 favorite actors.

In this book, which he reads, Fox takes us through what it was like getting Marty Mcfly, being diagnosed with Parkinson's, and the process of grieving the life he would never have, and the realization he could still have an amazing one.

I found this book to be illuminating, sad, and, uplifting. Illuminating because he shares information about his life and career that was news to me. Sad because his disease is known to shorten lifespans, a fact he does not shy away from. Uplifting because he actively chooses life, which is evident in this book. Definitely worth the listen.

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