Welcome to WWW Wednesday! My favorite meme was last hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and has found a new home with Sam @ Taking on a World of Words. Just answer the three questions below and leave a link to your post in the comments for others to look at. Don’t forget to check all the other participants. It is the #1 way I keep my TBR overflowing!

The Three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

What am I Currently Reading?

“Burnout” Pink Cover with ripped page

“My Novel, Chapter by Chapter,” A cartoon man sits at a desk writing.

“The Philosopher’s Flight” Three silhouettes fly towards a yellow cloud.

“The Zookeepers Wife” a gate to a zoo with the sky in the background.

I am still sucking down Burnout which seems to be written with my very soul in mind. This book. Oh man. I’m supposed to be reading it chapter by chapter but I sometimes can’t stop.

How to Outline My Novel, Chapter by Chapter is proving to be excellent if formatted a little….weird. I cannot tell if that is because I have an ARC copy of if this is just how it will be presented to the world. It is full to the brim of advice and examples from popular YA of how to outline but it manages to both simultaneously be very organized and slightly scattered.

I started The Philosopher’s Flight yesterday and it is so so good. I am a little distracted by the gender / power flip but I am hopeful that this is a minor detail. I mean, the whole historical fiction with magic woven into it is so fascinating that I find reason upon reason to just squeeze in one more chapter. PS: you can read a lot if you get up an hour earlier than you need to!

Finally, I have The Zookeeper’s Wife playing as an audiobook. I am more than 30% into the story and I just downloaded it Monday. I’m just blown away by how people survived and supported each other through WWII. I can’t help but wonder how I would cope in the same situation.

What did I Recently Finish?

Two green cloaked scythes stand on either side of a person wearing a purple robe.

“The Greatest Love Story Ever Told” Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally sit together surrounded by pink roses.

“A Curse so Dark and Lonely” Words are woven through with thorns on a blue background.

“A Heart so Fierce and Broken” words are woven with vines on a green background.

I spent all of last week completely sucking into the world of The Toll and then A Curse so Dark and Lonely and A Heart so Fierce and Broken. I actually loved A Curse so much that when I finished it I popped right up and walked a mile through a snowstorm to buy the second book. Now I am bereft because I have to wait until 2021 for book three.

When I wasn’t reading, I was listening to The Greatest Love Story Ever Told. All in all, it was an absolutely stellar week of books.

What Will I Read Next?

I make no plans this week! I have listed the same three or four books for the last month of WWWs so I am just going to admit that I have no plan at all.

Tell me, please!

What’s on Your WWW?

Welcome to WWW Wednesday! My favorite meme was last hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and has found a new home with Sam @ Taking on a World of Words. Just answer the three questions below and leave a link to your post in the comments for others to look at. Don’t forget to check all the other participants. It is the #1 way I keep my TBR overflowing!

The Three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

WHAT AM I CURRENTLY READING?

“My Novel, Chapter by Chapter,” A cartoon man sits at a desk writing.

“Burnout” Pink Cover with ripped page

Two green cloaked scythes stand on either side of a person wearing a purple robe.

I have five books on my currently reading list. This would normally be one more than I find works for me but Burnout, The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily and Amber Nagoski is a chapter-a-week buddy read. I have to say though: I am obsessed with this book. From the first chapter I felt like this was going to be an incredible useful and wonderful book and each chapter has me nodding my head and marking sections like mad.

Atomic Habits is similarly stress-less because it is a re-read. It was one of my favorite books of 2019 and it is my January book club pick. It is having a huge impact on again as I go back and refresh my memory on the different ways to build and break habits. This book was great for building habits last year. This year I hope it can help me break a few.

I am a third of the way through my audiobook of The Alchemyst and enjoying it tremendously. Denis O’Hare is the narrator and he is doing an impressive job with the huge cast of characters and all their different regional and historic accents.

I am also loving my way through an ARC copy of How to Outline Your Novel Chapter by Chapter by Sussu Leclerc. I decided to participate in NaNoWriMo 2019 somewhere on the evening of October 31st and, suffice to say, I could have used an outline. While I did technically “win” by finishing, the book I wrote is a big old stinker. Reading this book has given me loads of organizational ideas.

Finally, I could resist no longer and I cracked into The Toll. I love this series and I am so happy to finally have the third book in my hands!

WHAT DID I RECENTLY FINISH READING?

cover of Elton John book “”Me” featuring Elton wearing rainbow sunglasses

I just finished Me by Elton John and, you guys, it is so good. I have always enjoyed Elton John’s popular music but I don’t own a single album. I was more intrigued by him as a person. Much as Mercury made me an enormous fan of Freddie Mercury, Me has made me a die-hard Elton John fan. His world view and growth mindset are a thing of envy and listening to the history that he lived through was jaw-dropping interesting. I listened to the audiobook and Taron Egerton was as delightful to listen to as you would suspect. My full review is here for NonFiction Friday.

Denton’s Little Deathdate by Lance Rubin was a spontaneous purchase and an enormously enjoyable YA book. If you think gallows humor is funny, this book is for you. You can read my full review here.

I also read Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. This was Goodreads Best Romance of 2019 and I found that I just couldn’t resist it. I am pretty desperate to chat about this book because I have a LOT of thoughts. Short comments: I really enjoyed it as a young adult book. If you want to know what that means to me, check out my full review here.

WHAT WILL I READ NEXT?

The same three books are still just waiting for their turn this week. I did start Hearing Happiness but not enough to move it from “next” to “currently reading.” Am I the only person that does this?

Tell me, please!

What’s on your WWW?

Well, Happy New Year! With all the festivities and the planning and posting of the 2020 Challenges I nearly forgot that today was Wednesday! That means it is time for WWW Wednesday. Thanks go to Sam @ Taking on a World of Words for hosting this meme again – it’s an absolute miracle for keeping me organized! Make sure and pop over to all the other participants – you will have a fully stocked TBR forever.

One of my 2020 Challenges to myself was to more fully participate in everything and that means I am even going to list these books in the order requested. I’m so wild.

The Three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

What am I Currently Reading?

I have two audiobooks going which is a bit difficult but I started The Alchemyst by Michael Scott during a drive home to visit family. Then, suddenly, Me, by Elton John became available on my Libby app. I couldn’t forsake The Alchemyst and I cannot stop listening to Me. Both are amazing and the tiny bit of confusion I have in listening to two audiobooks feels completely worth it. Also, my house is staying very clean and my dog is getting twice as many walks.

I also started Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily and Amelia Nagoski this morning in preparation for a blog tour. Ummm, it is jaw dropping good. Like, I immediately made my best friend sit down while I regurgitated everything I have already read. I can only hope it continues to be this good and insightful because so far I am just blown away.

Atomic Habits by James Clear is a re-read for my January book club meeting. It was my favorite nonfiction book of 2019. Even reading it the second time I am struck by how good his tips are for forming and breaking habits.

Finally, I couldn’t help myself. I jumped with both feet into Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. It was on top of so many lists for 2019 so I am excited to read it. Alex and Henry are amazing characters and I cannot wait for the romance to bloom!

What Did I Recently Finish Reading?

I finished Don’t Panic, Douglas Adams & The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Neil Gaiman. I really enjoyed Hitchhiker’s Guide but I had no idea at all how many different mediums the story had been through. The book is fascinating and a true fan will get much more out of it than I did (and I loved it). A full review is coming asap.

Christmas Australis is a short story collection set in Australia that is both holiday themed and scary. I was surprised by how much fun it was to read scary stories at Christmas time! If you are the kind of person that enjoys Die Hard as a Christmas movie, this book might be for you.

Finally, I may not have finished my Harry Potter re-read-through but I did finish the fourth book in illustrated form. I think this is my favorite illustrated book so far. It is just stunning.

What Will I Read Next?

These are all ARC books I need to get on before the pile becomes insane. I am excited about each one and I am trying to get them all done by the end of the Month. Any suggestions?

Tell me, please!

What’s on your WWW?

Yahoo! It’s Wednesday! That means it is time for WWW Wednesday and, as always, a big thanks goes to Sam @ Taking on a World of Words for hosting this weekly meme that asks the four questions that keep me (decently) organized.

What Did I Recently Finish Reading?

The only book I finished this week was Kindness and Wonder; Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever by Gavin Edwards. You can read my full review by clicking the title but it is easy to gush about this book. If you need to be reminded of the wonder that was Mister Rogers, this book will do it for you.

What Am I Currently Reading?

Five is one too many for me!! I just cannot seen to get back into The Heart Forger after putting it aside to focus on nonfiction. The parts I have read are too good and I need to just let it rest and start again fresh. Meanwhile, just a touch of insomnia has me diving into the new selection of Smartypants Romance selections with Weight Expectations and it is cute!

What Will I Read Next?

These are all the nonfiction books I have waiting for me. I think Empire of the Summer Moon is probably going to be next but if anyone has any other suggestions, let me know!

Tell me, please!

What’s on your WWW list?

This week has been too long already so I’m doubly thrilled that it is Wednesday. Not only are we half way through the week but it is also time for my favorite meme of them all, WWW Wednesday! If you want to join it – please do! Just answer the following questions:

What did you just Finish Reading?

What are you Currently Reading?

What will you Read Next?

Thanks (as always) goes to Sam @ Taking on a World of Words for taking the time to host the meme that keeps me as organized as possible.

What Did I Just Finish Reading?

I am having a wonderful time focusing on my giant stack of nonfiction books for NonFiction November!

I finished Snacks: A Canadian Food History.  It was excellent and a true test of my healthy eating plan. Thankfully, most of the snacks highlighted are only available to ship from Canada at an exorbitant rate but the next time I am there I plan on buying all the Old Dutch chips, Cheezies, and locally made chocolates. Yum. My review should be up either today or tomorrow.

The Time Chunking Method by Damon Zahariades was a fast read (less than an hour) and has some good tips and tricks for getting things done. None of the information was new to me as it relies on the Pomodoro technique that I’ve been using for years. But if you are looking to increase productivity, this is a great primer on one way to get stuff done.

I also finished Glorious Freedom: Older Women Leading Extraordinary Lives by Lisa Congdon. I love this book and the premise is so freeing: there is never a time when it is too late to start a working on your dream. You can read my full review here.

I also read Beard Necessities by Penny Reid and Geektastic by Mary Frame. Both are authors that I adore and both books were wonderful! If you are in the market for a new contemporary romance author – I highly recommend both of these.

What am I Currently Reading?

I offer my formal apology to The Heart Forger by Ron Chupeco. I was reading this book in October and I got so excited about my nonfiction stuff I put it aside. But, if I have time to read new romance books, I have time to finish this story! I hope to complete it this week.

As expected, I’m still working through Hand Reading. This is the longest and most details palmistry book I own and I just want to finish it by the end of 2019.

I am reading and listening to Black Count, the story of the real Count of Monte Cristo. The audiobook is really helping me keep the pace with this historically rich adventure and I am almost 30% into it.

Finally, this morning I started Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This is one of my 2019 Resolutions and, gulp, the year is really starting to close in on me.

Sadly, the library demanded Haben back before I could finish it. I put my name back on the list through because I really want to know her story.

What Will I Read Next?

I have a stack of nonfiction left to choose from and these are on top. I’m especially drawn to Have You Eaten Grandma? because I could use all the punctuation help in the world and look at the cute Grandma!

Tell me, please!

What’s on your WWW?

I don’t know what it is about the start of November but I feel totally invigorated! Perhaps it is just the magic of “the first” or because NaNoWriMo has me sitting in front of my computer more frequently but I have been reading and posting. I mean, I haven’t been reviewing quite on schedule like I should but, no one is perfect right?

There is nothing like posting a WWW when you feel good about yourself though is there? It feels so good to thank Sam at Taking on a World of Words for hosting the meme that, this week, adds to my momentum instead of just resetting it. To participate, just answer three questions:

The Three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

Feel free to link to your blog below so I can see how your week has been or just comment with what you have been reading. Please note: I just cannot bring myself to answer the questions unless they are in chronological order.

What Did I Just Finish Reading?

In November I participate in Nonfiction November. I love the wonderful group of people who take turns hosting this event and I always find so many NonFiction books for my shelves.

This week I have already enjoyed the delightful ethical journey James M. Russell takes us on in The Forking Trolley. If you enjoy watching The Good Place you might also enjoy this fun look at all the ethical theories presented on the popular television show. You don’t need to have seen the show to enjoy the book but there are spoilers included and, honestly, it all just makes so much more sense when you understand the show. My full review is here.

I also read and reviewed The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin. I cannot stop thinking about this book and I desperately want to sit and talk through the whole thing with someone. Has anyone else read it? Thoughts?? My full review is here.

What am I Currently Reading?

This is one more book than I like to have going at one time but I lost any measure of self control and downloaded Beard Necessities onto my kindle early this morning. The darn time change had me awake too early! It won’t be on my list for long though because I have been waiting to hear the story of Billy and Scarlet forever.

I am three chapters in Snacks, A Canadian Food History and I desperately wish I had pre-ordered all of the snacks covered in the book before I started reading. This will be yet another excuse for me to visit Canada (I’m still embarrassingly obsessed with everything Canada).

I am nearly half way through The Heart Forger by Ron Chupeco. This is the second book in the series and it is excellent. It was supposed to be one of my last books for Frighteningly Good Reads but I didn’t finish it by the end of October. Now, admittedly, I am struggling to finish the book because I am far more fascinated by my NonFiction Stack.

I have finally, after putting Black Count on my list last year, getting around the reading the story of the true Count of Monte Cristo. I managed to get a copy of the audiobook and I am loving it. This is one of the gems I discovered during 2018’s NonFiction November!

As was expected, I am still working through The Art and Science of Hand Reading.

What Will I Read Next?

I cannot wait to start reading A Glorious Freedom by Lisa Congdon. It is a collection of stories of women who started a new business or hit their personal / professional stride after 50.

Haben the true story of Haben Girma is going to be wanted back by the library soon. I really need to start reading it before I run out of time.

Tell me, please!

What’s on your WWW list?

Welcome to WWW Wednesday! This meme was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and is now hosted by Taking on a World of Words. Just answer the three questions below and leave a link to your post in the comments for others to admire. Then, take some time (or, if you are me, all of your spare time on Wednesday) to check out everyone else’s list. Let’s begin!

What Did You Just Finish Reading?

Well, I’ve been home sick for the past three days and up a lot in the night so I have gotten a lot of reading done in the past week. This is why I have an unusually large “just finished” pile. This is also why I have so few reviews in the past week – reading is comforting but I am not sure about my editing abilities with this virus still pumping through my system.

I finally finished The Wonderling by Mira Bartok and it was such a sweet story. I just loved the whole world the author created with hybrids called groundings. The main character, a one eared fox called Arthur, and his best friend Trinket are orphans. Trinket is just so full of positivity and hope and watching her give the gift of hope to Arthur was absolute perfection. The slight tinge of magic that covered the whole world is just a bonus. I loved this book and I’m only sorry it languished on my bedside table for so long.  I can’t wait to feel better and review it.

I also finished listening to / reading Magnus Chase and the Ship of the Dead by Rick Riordan. I’m a huge fan of this series because Riordan does such a good job with diversity representation without sacrificing the action. A full series review is coming soon!

I finished A View to a Kilt by Wendy Holden and it was a nice light diversion. Holden’s books always have fantastic casts of characters and this group didn’t disappoint. I hated the romance but it was such a small part of the story that it was easy to overlook. However, I wonder if I would be so forgiving if I wasn’t already a dedicated fan of the author…

My library came through for me in full force this week and I picked up a bunch of graphic novels and books to keep me company. I checked out and finished What If Its Us by Becky Albertini and Adam Silvera very quickly. I was reluctant to read this because I love Becky Albertini but I was concerned that writing with a partner would make it, I don’t know, less Becky somehow. I was so wrong! It was excellent. I don’t know much about Adam Silvera but I am intrigued now. If anyone has any recommendations – let me know!

As for the graphic novels, Likely Stories by Neil Gaiman was too violent and dark for me but Sweet Tooth by Jeff Lamare was weird and intriguing. I have only read volume one but I can hardly wait to get my hands on the next books. I have to know what is going on in this story!!

What am I Currently Reading?

I am quickly working my way through Hamlet. I am in Act Four and I am trying to finish it before the weekend. I want to have plenty of time to tuck deeply into The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett. It is the first of his Discworld books. I thought that Pratchett might be too weird for me but after reading Good Omens I think he might be just the right kind of weird. I am only a few chapters in and I am really enjoying it.

What Will I Read Next?

I have finally received my pre-ordered copy of The Bride Test by Helen Hoang. I am sure this contemporary romance will help balance out my library picks – The President is Missing, The Power, and One of Us is Lying. It is interesting the books I pick out when I am sick versus the ones I buy when I feel healthy isn’t it? I’ll need to add back more nonfiction and an audiobook to my stack this week – again, if you have a recommendation please let me know!

Tell me, please!

What’s on your WWW?