Do you have a book pile by the bed?
I do along with a magazine pile and a catalog pile. There is no end to these things. And yet, I love it all. One magazine has a picture of how I want my hair highlighted the next time I get it done. A few catalogs show outfits I would like to own.
I also have books I am currently reading or have read and would like to read again. Then there is the pile of books I need to take over to the paperback book store to add credit to my account and buy more books.
Some of the books by my bedside are the books we read at bedtime. Dr. Seuss and other favorites gather around. My seven-year-old has been getting books about the planets and weather events from the library which is always fun. These two books are ones we have read recently. One is almost 20 years old (and still a lot of fun). The other is a newer book.
Image from AuthorHouse
I was recently sent a review copy of The Year the Snow Didn’t Melt by Dr. William Kirmes by AuthorHouse in Bloomington, Indiana to review. It is a small book, about 27 pages long. The pictures are worked in solid bold colors and fun in their depictions of snow falling all year-long.
The story is about a town that gets an early snowfall in October. The snow lasts through the winter and does not go away when the spring months arrive. Nor does the snow go away when summer comes around as well.
My children liked the story, found images of people playing baseball in the snow funny, and enjoyed the idea of ice cream cones lasting longer.
When I was cleaning up around the house I found The Three Little Wolves and the Big, Bad Pig by Eugene Trivizas and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. We received it through the RIF program at our school but it was published around 1993. There have been several re-tellings of old fairy tales and this one is just as clever and insightful as many of those.
Image from Barnes and Noble.com
Here we find that the three little wolves are being put in the world by their mother. They build wonderfully strong homes but the Big, Bad Pig destroys each and every one. Then one day they decide to try a different tack with the Pig.
Does it work? Well, you are going to have to read the book to find out. I find that this book tells a good story and makes the wolves likeable. Their creativity along with a real love for each other is something that the classic story does not always give to the readers. In any case, if you happen upon this book expect to have a good time.
Now a note for adults. Chick Lit Plus ran a challenge this year to encourage her readers to read twelve books in the Chick Lit genre, including two by debut authors. She enjoyed it so much that she is doing it again this year. I have already signed up and she is asking those who did sign up to tell others.
So if you are interested in taking a reading challenge, here is your chance.
What have you been reading lately?
Notes from Rumbly Cottage 
I do have piles of books around my bedroom. Mostly devotional material or Bible study. I try to read a few novels a year but I wish I had time for more. Maybe that should be my New Years resolution read more novels!!!!
There you go!. And if you are interested there is a whole genre of Christian fiction.
Yes, I have reading material piled up on the bedside table. They are books and magazines waiting in queue to read to my grandson over the phone or on Skype. The Year the Snow Didn’t Melt is new to me.
That book did not come out until this year in May. You can buy it from the AuthorHouse website.
I have a pile of books by the bed. Bedtime is the only time I have to read, but, then, by bedtime, I’m usually too sleepy to read.
I know what you mean. I need to clear out some books from my pile.
Always have had books by the side of the bed. Now I have books and a kindle so there are a lot of books but the stack is smaller. Currently I am just about to finish Blood Red Road by Moira Young. It is a young adult book for older teens. A post apocalyptic story with a strong female lead character. Along the lines of Hunger Games but different. Good read, but I think when I get to the last page there will be a sequel.
The Hunger Games is one book I need to read. I will put Blood Red Road on my list as well.
Yes, magazines (quilting and Vegetarian Times) and books to be read after I finish 2030 by Albert Brooks–interesting concept but could have been better crafted…
I love quilting magazines as well. Hmm, I like Albert Brooks but you were’t crazy about this one?
Right now I am working on Ron Hall & Denver Moore’s book ‘Same Kind of Different As Me’. And yes, I keep it by my bed. I don’t have much room on my nightstand, so I try to rotate the piles. The books seem to multiply like dust.
I have been reading Steve Jobs biography but my book pile is made up of an array of Jane Austen, Joan Clark, Anne Tyler, Lisa Scottoline and Mitch Albom books. Ah! Bliss!
Interesting list.
I just realised that I tend to read a lot of books by female authors 😛
I am an obsessive reader and always have a book next to my bed waiting to be read, or a book on my playbook, as well as the one I am reading!
I have a routine. I wait until the pile is so high that I can’t see the clock. Then I put some books back on the shelf. Then I wait again until….
Oh this is so me! I always have a stack of books on my coffee table, beside my bed, a stash of catalogs to leaf through. Iam transitioning to buying more on my Kindle and I’ve completely weaned myself off magazine subscriptions. Not an easy thing to do! I also keep favorite books to re-read. A good book is like a friend, and I will want to visit again.
I have kept a few classics and a selection of books from my children’s years at home…some are too precious to give away. But in the past year I’ve thinned out my collection to a large extent. Trying to let go of stuff and clutter. So now a book has to be really special to earn a place in my permanent collection!
Thanks ~ Sheila
I find it very difficult to let go of stuff, especially books. How do you like reading on a kindle? Do you get eyestrain at all?
I’m with you — I have a huge pile of books next to my bed. Even my daughter asked why I have so books. I also have a magazine pile. Plus all the children’s books I’m accumulating. There’s just not enough time to read all the books!
I have a pile by the bed and another next to my reading chair. I actually find myself getting anxious if anyone touches them. I could not imagine my life without books in it!!
Great post,
MJ
I have books piled on the nightstand, books that have fallen off the nightstand on to the floor, books stacked on my desk, books in the bathroom, books on bookshelves, books in boxes., books in the kitchen, books in my car, in my purse….it’s a sickness, really.
Currently reading: Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich.
Ooo, that sounds good.