WWW.Wednesday: This Weather Sucks Edition - AGAIN

What are you currently reading?

It’s so beautifully written but so very awful in its premise.

What did you recently finish?

This, I could barely give three stars on Goodreads. It was far too long, sheer drudgery. I’m not a horror fan but I’m not sure that had anything to do with it. I didn’t think it was very well written either. Maybe I’m nitpicking, but I just didn’t like it very much.

This book was really good. It’s like a space version of Castaway, and while it’s a man vs. nature story at least partially, it’s also man vs. himself as well (at least in my opinion). I listened to it so possibly I felt differently because I wasn’t reading every single word of technical jargon. I’d give it a try if I were you and the premise is of interest.

What will you read next?

I have no idea.

WWW.Wednesday = BOOKS

Blogger's Note: I made a mistake last week with regard to the book I was currently reading, which I wasn't enjoying. The book I meant was Night Film (I've corrected it here), and not The Woman Upstairs (which I really, really liked). 

I missed posting books last week because I didn’t have anything new to report. It was a sluggish reading week. But I’ve made some progress so I’m reporting in. (Please click on Goodreads caption under each photo to be directed there until I have time to figure out the linking stuff.)

What are you currently reading?

Ugh!!!!!!!!!!!!! This book is taking me far too long. It’s like I’m finding every single reason NOT to read it. It might be that I am not a horror fan and this is a horror story. I don’t know what to think but I am still plugging away, and with roughly 30% left, I will finish by week's end.

What did you recently finish?

Goodreads

I listened to this book written by the same author of (yet unread but will read) The Silver Lining Playbook. There is a point in every book, which I just love. It is when the inference of its title is revealed. It was sweet, light and tender as is this book. And there were definitely some laugh out loud moments. I liked it.

What will you read next?

Goodreads

I’ve been talking about reading this book for so long. It’s time. If you’ve read, please come back next week to discuss.

Also, I need an audio book recommendation for this weekend. Something interesting by lighter fare would be nice. Any suggestions?

As always, thanks to Should Be Reading for hosting.

A Sameness Funk

Dirty old snow? 

Dreary slate-colored skies?

Not just a weather funk?

I don't know

but

every single day

looks.

the.

same.

feels.

the.

same.

seems.

the.

same.

My Alarm goes off. 

Every single same morning.

Changeless.

DA DA DA Da Da Da da da da, 

DA DA DA, Da Da Da, da da da

DA DA DA Da Da Da da da da

OVER and Over and over.

Indistinguishable

Sameness.

load the laundry. 

clean the kitchen. 

change the laundry. 

unload the dishes. 

fix the dinner. 

load the dishwasher, 

clean the kitchen, 

fold the laundry.

OVER and Over and over.

Identical

Sameness.

Flip on the TV, 

maybe, 

just to hear a contrast.

OVER and Over and over.

Tedious

Sameness.

day in. day out.

everything's the same.

seems the same. 

It's killing me.

You Know What They Say About Revenge

girltripped.deviantart.com

Served Siberian style.

Think

Ice pick cold.

Bone-shivering,

Biting, Bitter.

That cold.

Blood draining your cheeks and lips white cold

(perfect)

Confirming your underestimation.

It’s going to be a three dog night, Honey.

***************************

This week Trifecta is asking for exactly 33 of our own words about love gone wrong.  But they're asking that we not use any of the following words:

love

sad

tears

wept

heart

pain

This weekend's challenge is community judged.

•               For the 48 hours following the close of the challenge, voting will be enabled on links. 

•               In order to vote, return to this post where stars will appear next to each link. To vote, simply click the star that corresponds with your favorite post.

•               You can vote for your top three favorite posts.

•               Voting is open to everyone.

WWW.Wednesday: Thank God For Books Because This Weather Sucks!!!

Are you over winter, too? Cars in ditches this morning! Tomorrow, subzero again? For Pete's sake!!! But it's Wednesday so let's talk books instead of nasty Mother Nature's vendetta against Chicago and the Plains states.

What did you recently finish reading?

It's by the same author who wrote House of Sand and Fog, which I liked. This book has an interesting premise. It is actually 4 novellas in one book and a character (somewhat minor) becomes one in the next story so they are all linked by relationships. I liked it; I didn’t love it. However, if you see it in a discount book pile, give it a whirl!

Finally!!!!! I really liked this book. It’s hard to describe it, though, both during and even after reading it. I read a review I quite liked, which describes pretty much how I feel about it, over at a bookish blog I follow (Dunce Two is good at what he does, writing). For my more precise feelings on this book, I wrote a comment over there.

What are you currently reading?

I just finished The Woman Upstairs thirty minutes ago so I’m not sure. It’s been thirty minutes and I haven’t picked up another book yet? Oh, my!!!

What are you going to read next?

 But I’m feeling…

Or

Thanks to Should Be Reading for hosting this book share each and every Wednesday. I really need to start writing more!

Blogger's Note: Can someone please teach (or tell) me how to link a photo of a book to it's Goodreads page. I've tried. It, or I, keep(s) screwing up.

WWW.Wednesday: Books Read In The Sub Zero Midwest

What are you currently reading?

This book came highly recommended from a friend who has a great pulse on what I like to read. I was concerned because it had a slow-ish start and I couldn’t get into a rhythm with Messud’s writing style (probably because I went right from Stoner to it.) I am all in and so hooked. It is extremely intriguing.

What have you recently finished?

This book is beautifully written love story (of people and academia) and sad and tender. So simple yet lovely in every sense of the word. I can’t say enough about it. It’s set at the University of Missouri and spans the course of 50 years of one man’s life.

What will you read next?

This one, if my husband finishes soon. Otherwise, I’ll have to choose something else.

Check out more book lovers’ lists at Should Be Reading.

Trifecta: I Swear When I'm Uncomfortable

“I’m going to hate this,” I groan making very little attempt to disguise my pissy attitude about attending a paddle tennis couples mixer. “I wish we stayed home.”

 “Let’s just have fun. Not take it seriously.”

“That’s easy for you to say because you’re really good at it! Did you hear that one over there? ‘My tennis club doesn’t even have a league high enough for me.’ (I mimicked her country club intonation.) Isn’t that fucking quaint?”

“You’ll do fine. We’re going to be perfectly fine.”

“I’m doing this for you, you know, and I’m going to hate it. Ugh!!!!!! Look at the bracket. Of course, we’re playing against her! That’s fucking perfect!”

“You’re making this into a much bigger deal than it needs to be. Her husband’s a beginner, too.”

“It's going to be embarrassing. I’ll be horrible!”

“How do you know? You’ve never played before. Do you want a glass of wine? Let me get you a glass of wine.” He rushed off without waiting for my answer, leaving me alone.

My eyes swiftly surveyed the trendily outfitted room. As expected, it abounded with many more of exactly “her” cliquey kind. The already comfortably acquainted. The kind who can nonchalantly compare the quality of their racket, the best court shoes, semiweekly drills or private lessons. Things I knew nothing about.

He pushed a glass in my hand but, right then and there, I realized no amount of Pinot Noir could come close to quelling my nervousness or insecurity.

“They may know how to play, but you’re the prettiest in the room.” His words brushing my ear as he squeezed my wrist.

Looking at him sideways from the corner of my cynical eye, I almost answered, “What do you want?”

But his eyes were soft. And his smile was soft.

I reached up with gloved fingertips and grazed his cheekbone lightly.

“Let’s go kick some ass.”

“That’s my girl!”

*********************

33-333 words for the third definition of:

QUAINT (adjective)

1:  obsolete:  EXPERT, SKILLED

2a:  marked by skillful design <quaint with many a device in India ink — Herman Melville>  

b:  marked by beauty or elegance

3a : unusual or different in character or appearance :  ODD  

b : pleasingly or strikingly old-fashioned or unfamiliar <a quaint phrase>