Tag Archives: book addiction

Binge Reading

Posted in All The Mumbo Jumbo, Releasing Now Book Addicts by

Binge reading and I go way back. We’re like old friends that get together once and awhile, and have a total free for all. Crap gets crazy, emotions are on edge, and coffee has never tasted so good than during a binge read.

What is binge reading you ask?

Binge reading is the act of reading multiple books within a very short amount of time. Those books could be from a series, or just from one author you love so much you read all of their works at once. It has side effects that can include, but are not limited to:

  • Not eating for long periods of time
  • Not moving from one spot for even longer periods of time
  • Relying on heavy amounts of caffeine to keep reading
  • Wearing yoga pants so that you’re comfortable when you’re not moving around while reading
  • Possibly lying in your own filth because showering just isn’t important

In case you’re wondering, I’ve probably had one or all of those symptoms while binge reading a book series or author’s works. Those things are just what happens when you binge read, and there’s not really a way to prevent those things from happening.

(For the record, there are ways to prevent these things from happening, but when you’re as addicted to books as I am it can be really hard.)

photo credit: EpicReads.com

photo credit: EpicReads.com

Once, during what was my first binge read, I actually lost like 7 pounds because I wasn’t eating while I sucked in those books. I’m not really proud of that one, and I now try my best to eat and read at the same time. Call me Ms. Multitasker.

Remember to hydrate and eat binge readers!

I wanted to use this post to share with you all my last foray into binge reading, and hear from y’all what you’ve binge read. I know I’m not the only crazy book addict out there.

This last binge read involved 5 books that I promptly devoured in approximately 39 hours. About 1300ish pages later I was completely and totally in love with The Corps Security Series by the amazing Harper Sloan.

These books are hot with a capital H, and the characters in them are all freaking fantastic. (Especially Sway… He just brought a smile to my face!) Each book in this series follows one of the leading men in the Corps Security Group, while still giving you all the other characters you heart something fierce.

I absolutely loved every single word of these books, and I couldn’t put them down. Hence the binge read.

I started the first one at midnight on a Sunday, and by Tuesday afternoon they were all devoured. These books are filled to the brim with phenomenal male and female characters, a crap ton of emotion that you can’t help but feel, plenty of highs and lows, tons of excitement and energy, enough hot and spicy to get you fired up, and many moments that’ll leave you breathless and near tears.

(If you read my last post, you know that I have the emotional range of a piece of paper and tend not to cry while reading. Reading this series I almost cried TWICE which is huge! Those moments just got me, and I absolutely adored them!)

These books are just magnificent and I can’t recommend them to you enough. They were oh so worth a binge read, so if you’re looking for what needs to be read next, check out these books. (To see my reviews of the books, check out the Goodreads tab above.) The newest book in the series just released too, plus there’s 1 more book to be released, so it’s basically a win win for you!

You’re welcome.

photo credit: authorharpersloan.com
photo credit: authorharpersloan.com
photo credit: authorharpersloan.com
photo credit: authorharpersloan.com
photo credit: authorharpersloan.com
photo credit: authorharpersloan.com

So now that I’ve shared my latest binge read, I’d like to hear from you about yours. What series/author/books have you binge read, and what made them worth a binge read?

Binge reading ain’t for the faint of heart, so I can’t wait to hear from y’all about what books have been worth not being mentally present during the day because you’re so wrapped up in a book series/author.

To learn more about Harper Sloan and her fabulous books, check out the following links:

Website               Facebook                  Goodreads          Twitter                 Amazon

Life is Like a Game of Football (The One & Only by Emily Giffin)

Posted in Books I love, Releasing Now Book Addicts, Review Post by

I am a sports fan. Maybe not your traditional one, but I’m still a fan tried and true. I’ve participated in sports my entire life, and I thoroughly enjoy watching a good sporting event. (Especially baseball…Go Nats!)

I also happen to be a big Emily Giffin fan.

Never did I think that my fanaticism for both would combine to make for such a captivating reading experience. But that’s exactly what I got with Giffin’s newest novel, The One & Only. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever read a book that created and captured the magic of sports along with building some seriously engrossing and engaging characters along the ride.

The One & Only is a book about a lot of things. It’s about love. It’s about friendship. It’s about discovering what you truly desire. It’s about blinding passion for so many things. It also happens to be about sports, and the magic and loyalty that sports create.SONY DSC

This book presents a plethora of wonderful characters, but is told from the perspective of Shea, a woman who’s lived in the small town of Walker, Texas her entire life. She grew up there, went to school there, and even began working for the University after college. To say that Walker University football is her life is a pretty big understatement. She’s a diehard fan, and is as loyal as the days are long.  She’s grown up there with her oldest and best friend Lucy, the daughter of the College’s legendary football coach, Coach Carr.

This book has a serious Friday Night Lights feel to it. The world of Walker revolves around football. It’s the engine that keeps that town and its inhabitants going in more ways than one, and it’s what brings every one of these truly authentic characters together. But this book isn’t just about football (though football does play an extremely important role in many ways), it’s about so many more things…

Now I’ve read and absolutely loved all of Emily Giffin’s book, but I have to say this one set the bar on a whole new level. What I absolutely loved in The One & Only:

  • The out of this freaking world build up. I’m not going to reveal specifics, but let me tell you I could feel the buildup and tension growing with every page, and it was magnificent. In all honesty the whole book is a grand buildup to so many different things, and I constantly found myself waiting for the moments when that tension would finally come to ahead. And those moments coupled with the fanfreakingtastic build up took my breath away.
  • The true capture of the essence of sports. Emily Giffin did a phenomenal job of creating the true essence of sports, and what it means to be a sports fan. She made it so easy to understand the world of Walker University football because she beautifully captured a town and its people that breathes sports. The loyalty, the passion, and the magic of sports is all there. It’s also chalk full of sports references and metaphors that make so much sense individually and with the story as a whole.
  • The flow. This book just flowed. It covers a span of time easily, with no gaps, while it presents a seamless story that just moves. It’s extremely easy to read and you’re going to get absorbed into instantly.
  • The theme of deciding what feels right, what you want, and what you need. Shea is at a point in her life where she needs to decide what she’s looking for in her life. Up until now she’s made choices without giving anything a second thought. (Kind of the easy way out.) But the events in The One & Only force Shea to reexamine things. She’s got to decide what she wants and what she needs, and what she’s gonna fight for, because it’s time for her to step up to the field and play. The choices Shea makes thrust these characters into some interesting predicaments, and that was ridiculously enthralling in the best possible way.
  • Real human beings with real human feelings. All of Emily Giffin’s novels have this characteristic, but The One & Only has it in spades. All of its characters are real, with real feelings, thoughts, and actions. That’s what makes them all wholly believable, engaging, and easy to connect to in the blink of an eye. They’re all just real, and that’s what I adored about them all. (Especially Miller!)
  • The bond of friendship. Shea and Lucy have a friendship that has lasted decades. Reading about their friendship was refreshing, and it added another fantastic layer. One of Emily Giffin’s strong suits in writing is female friendship, and that rings true here yet again.

    I actually had the awesome opportunity to meet Emily Giffin with one of my best friends. (And yes, my eyes are definitely 89% closed, but I don't care!)

    I actually had the awesome opportunity to meet Emily Giffin with one of my best friends. (And yes, my eyes are definitely 89% closed, but I don’t care!)

  • The magic. There is magic in this book. Not literally, but there is a true sense of magic flowing its way through this book and its characters. It’s there with every detailed mention of sports that’s beautifully created, and it’s there with the many relationships being built and examined in this book. That magic makes this book, and you will feel it from beginning to end.
  • We’re down to Earth here. All of these characters are down to earth in the best possible way. It all adds to that realness thing, and it makes it feel utterly real and believable.
  • Shea’s journey. Shea goes on one hell of a journey full of highs and lows. She goes through a ton of self-discovery to find out what it is that she wants to do and have with her life. She makes mistakes and has missteps over the course of this self-discovery, but that’s what makes her, her. Shea ends up in some pretty unexpected places and in some events that were just awe inspiring, but that’s what makes this book what it is. The One & Only is really about Shea and her journey to find something to believe in within herself and the world around her. And it’s gonna leave you speechless with one hell of a book hangover.

I have to say this may be my favorite of Emily Giffin’s books to date. It’s different than the rest, and I think that’s what makes it my personal favorite and what sets it apart.

Don’t get me wrong, the book is full of what makes all of her novels great, but this one pushes the boundaries. It makes you think, it makes you feel, and it makes you really wonder where the journey of this book will take you. Enjoy that journey, because that’s not something that happens every time you open a book.

I honestly don’t think I could recommend The One & Only or any of Giffin’s other booksto you enough. Reading this book will give you a seriously remarkable reading experience. It’s got truly believable characters that you’re going to eat up and adore, it’s got a world you’ll be able to fully sink into by about page 4, it’s got some serious plot with highs and lows that’ll take your breath away, it’s got the dynamics of love and friendship that make this novel, and in the end you’ll be oh so glad you had the chance to experience it all.

You’re really missing out if you pass this one up. So don’t be a sore loser, and check it out today.

(Oh, and if you’re real curious about how the title of this post ties into the book, you’ll just have to read the damn book to find out….)

Happy Reading!

To learn more about Emily Giffin and her books, check out the following links:

Website               Goodreads          Facebook            Twitter

 

I’m a Giver (22 Books Recommended Just For You)

Posted in Books I love by

In less than 72 hours I will end my 22nd year and begin my 23rd. Eeek!! So as to celebrate this not so momentous occasion, I am giving back to you my fellow book addicts at The Never Ending Book Basket.when-it-comes-to-advice-i-m-a-giver-170

What can I say, I’m a giver.

So how am I going to give back on here, you ask?

Well we all know I love to recommend books until the cows come home, so in honor of that sense of giving I am composing a list of 22 books that I HIGHLY recommend you read. I picked 22 since I am officially “ending” my 22nd year. (How cyclical, right?)

Yeah, I know I’m weird. Get over it.

Some of these books I’ve blogged about on here, and some I read well before I started this blog thing, but you need to read all of them ASAP. No joke. (If you look closely, you may even see a few of these books in the cover image for this blog…) This list represents a pretty wide range of books. It’s a little all over the place, but so am I, so it works.

And don’t let my horridly brief descriptions of each one deter you from these books. They are all oh so very worth a read!

(Be sure to click on the titles and authors in the list because they’ll take you to the Goodreads page for the book and the authors’ websites respectively. Click away!)

22 Books You Have Got to Read Today: (In no particular order…)

  • The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky: A coming of age story that I’ve loved since I was in high school. It truly is one of the best, and I will defend that this book isn’t a depressing one until the day I die.

    Books by Sarah Pekkanen

    Books by Sarah Pekkanen

  • Falling Home by Karen White: This one’s set in the south, has tons of family drama, and it’ll suck you in right away with its plethora of engaging southern charmers.
  • These Girls by Sarah Pekkanen: I’ve never connected to a book so personally as this one that follows 3 young women as their lives begin to intertwine while they build a friendship with one another. (It’s also got some multiple perspectives!!)
  • The Fault in Our Stars by John Green: This book is worth all the hype. I read it in one sitting, and my cheeks hurt from how much I was smiling throughout its reading. Literally.
  • 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher: This book is unlike any other book I’ve ever read. It follows Clay who is listening to a recording of 13 reasons why his classmate Hannah took her own life. It’s extremely emotional and it all connects in some really interesting ways.
  • On My Knees by Meredith Wild: Get ready for an emotional roller coaster full of some serious ups and downs that will tear you apart and put you back together all in the same breath. You’ll feel it in your core, and you’ll love it.
  • I Couldn’t Love You More by Jillian Medoff: A moving story of a blended family full of some seriously quirky and unique characters. This one also takes a major turn in the middle that you will NOT see coming, but will seriously love.
  • The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom: I heart me some Mitch Albom books something fierce. This one was particularly touching, and it just makes you feel like there’s some kind of purpose to all of this madness that we call life.
  • East of Eden by John Steinbeck: Two families. Multiple generations of turmoil. Good and evil. It’s all there and more in East of Eden.
  • Such a Pretty Face by Cathy Lamb: Stevie Barret has just had a major life change. She just lost over half her body weight, and is discovering that she’s now got to face what led her to this point in her life. And what led her there is hugely raw, and will make you adore Stevie and all her vulnerability.
  • Pieces of Perfect by Elizabeth Hayley: You gotta love a love triangle. Add in a heavy dose of sarcasm and you got Lily, Adam, and Max, and their overall awesomeness. I’m sworn to not reveal who I root for, but rest assured this one will suck you in until you figure out who you want to root for.

    Books by Emily Giffin

    Books by Emily Giffin

  • Where We Belong by Emily Giffin: I adore all of Emily Giffin’s book, but this one truly stands out. It’s got a love story, mixed in with secrets and tons of OMG moments. And there’s a gorgeous character named Conrad who loves the Great Gatsby, so there’s that too. 🙂
  • Bared to You by Sylvia Day: Two extremely dynamic characters with some very rough pasts come together in this book and it’s electric. You can’t help but feel the heat, and you’ll just eat up some Gideon Cross.
  • The Promise of Stardust by Priscille Sibley: One of the most emotionally charged books I have EVER read, and pegs a question: What would you do? This book will make you wonder how you’d answer that very question and more.
  • Still Missing by Chevy Stevens: Tons of mystery, some seriously jaw dropping moments, and a main character with some serious flaws. This one was initially out of my comfort zone, but I loved it, and am so glad I took a chance on it.
  • Fade In by M. Mabie: This one is a new contemporary romance book that coupled a truly fantastic love story with tons of quick witted banter from some seriously engaging characters. I’m sold, and I know you will be too!
  • Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson: Melinda Sordino is a character I will never forget. She begins her freshman year of high school rougher than most for a lot of reasons, and getting to read her story and seeing her evolve is simply moving.
  • This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper: This book is partially responsible for my love of Yiddish terms. It’ll have you loving this crazy ass family as they come together to sit shivah together after the passing of a family member in this truly hysterical book that personifies what it means to have an out there family.
  • Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver: Living the day you die over and over again is what you’ll find in this one. It’s a rougher version of groundhog’s day, but it really is something.

    A little Meredith Wild and Elizabeth Hayley...

    A little Meredith Wild and Elizabeth Hayley…

  • These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf : This one was another leap outside of my typical comfort zone. Told in multiple perspectives, each chapter is a piece to the overall puzzle that’ll leave you guessing until the very end.
  • All You Could Ask For by Mike Greenberg: Cancer. It’s something we’ve all seen in some way, and this book focuses on 3 very different women and how come together in the face of something they never wanted or expected to have.
  • Two Kisses for Maddie by Matt Logelin: On the day Matthew Logelin’s daughter Maddie was born his wife passed away suddenly. This book follows the first year of Maddie’s life, and how they moved through that year together. I told myself I wouldn’t cry reading this book, and I was successful until the very last page.

And one more for good measure…

  • The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch: I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with so many fantastic messages than this one. Its chalk full of them, and once you read this book and embrace its message, you will be better for it. Trust me.

So there you have it. My gift to you. A list of 23 books you should plan on discovering today.

A little Perks of Being a Wallflower love...

A little Perks of Being a Wallflower love…

They are all out of this world for very different and distinct reasons, and while I could never pick one favorite book, rest assured that all of the books listed above would make my list of favorites any day of the week.

Now go off and enter the wonderful world of any of these books.

Ready, set, go!

p.s. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to enter to win a FREE SIGNED copy of Sarah Pekkanen’s newest book by clicking the following link:

http://tinyurl.com/loj7sm9

(I’m trying to spread all of the book love I can, so be sure to enter!)

 

There’s a First Time For Everything (It’s Giveway Time!)

Posted in All The Mumbo Jumbo, Releasing Now Book Addicts by

You know what they say: There’s a first time for everything…

Well, I’m about to do something I’ve never done before here at The Never Ending Book Basket…

It’s Giveaway Time!!

And what better to GIVEAWAY than a book?! (The answer to that is nothing by the way. Unless it’s a book and chocolate.)

Sarah Pekkanen and myself with a little Ryan Gosling thrown in for good fun!

Sarah Pekkanen and myself with a little Ryan Gosling thrown in for good fun!

I recently had the chance to meet the fantastic author Sarah Pekkanen at a book signing for her newly released book Catching Air.

Talk about a fabulous night! Not only does she write some spectacular books, she puts on one hell of a book signing. (She had a picture of Ryan Gosling’s face on a stick, and she gave us chocolate. What’s not to love?)

I have read every single one of this author’s books, and I can tell you that I have absolutely loved and enjoyed them all. Each of her books has a dynamic group of characters that provide a thoughtful, engaging, and highly entertaining reading experience.

On a more personal note, I also had a serious sense of connection with one of her books because of past events in my family’s life, and I honestly don’t think I had ever felt such a strong connection to a book or a character in a book until that point. That connection is something  I will truly never forget.

Suffice to say, I absolutely adore this author and her books.

You could win a FREE signed copy of Catching Air!

You could win a FREE signed copy of Catching Air!

So as a way to spread the book love, I am giving away a FREE SIGNED copy of her newest book Catching Air.

Don’t worry you don’t have to give blood or offer your first born to enter. I am just looking to give back to all of you, and introduce you to a truly phenomenal author and her remarkable books! (I just gotta keep spreading this book addiction thing around!)

To enter the giveaway* simply click on the link below for a chance to win: (I’ll let you in on a little secret. To enter all you have to do is like a Facebook page. Nothing too complicated at all!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway (Click here to enter!)

Be sure to check out Catching Air TODAY!! Each of Sarah Pekkanen’s books have provided me with a unique reading experience that introduced me to some pretty dynamic characters that I simply adored. I highly recommend all of her books! They’ve got all you want: truly engaging characters, plenty of moments that’ll make you smile, some much loved drama and tension, and of course a story that’ll capture you in right from the get go.

Catching Air is at the top of my Never Ending Book Basket, and I am looking forward to diving into it head first ASAP! (And I totally think you should do the same!)

We’re clearly in this together!

Catching Air by Sarah Pekkanen

Catching Air by Sarah Pekkanen (photo credit: Goodreads)

Catching Air by Sarah Pekkanen (photo credit: Goodreads)

A chance to run a B&B in snowy, remote Vermont—it’s an offer Kira Danner can’t resist after six soul-crushing years of working as a lawyer in Florida. As Kira and her husband, Peter, step into a brand new life, she quells her fears about living with the B&B’s co-owners: Peter’s sexy, irresponsible brother Rand, and Rand’s wife, Alyssa…who is essentially a stranger.

For her part, Alyssa sees taking over the B&B as the latest in a string of adventures. Plus, a quiet place might help her recover from the news that she can’t bear children. But the idyllic town proves to be anything but serene: Within weeks, the sisters-in-law are scrambling to prepare for their first big booking—a winter wedding—and soon a shy, mysterious woman comes to work for them. Dawn Zukoski is hiding something; that much is clear. But what the sisters-in-law don’t realize is that Dawn is also hiding from someone… Relatable and dynamic, Catching Air delves deeply into the vital relationships that give shape to women’s lives.

 

To learn more about Sarah Pekkanen and her wonderful books check out the following links:

Facebook            Website               Twitter                 Goodreads

Be on the lookout for my review of this book soon….
(Something tells me it’s going to rock my socks off!)

Be sure to enter the giveaway to win a FREE SIGNED Copy of Catching Air, and check out Sarah Pekkanen and her books today!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway (Click here to enter!)

As always, sharing is caring, so feel free to share this post and spread the book and giveaway love!

*No purchase necessary. Open to US, Canadian, and UK residents only. Chances of winning depend on number of entries received. Giveaway will run from 5/14/14 to 5/22/14. Winner will be chosen at random on 5//14. Winner will need to claim prize within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

Don’t Judge a Book By Its Movie

Posted in All The Mumbo Jumbo, Releasing Now Book Addicts by

Now that we’ve said Good Riddance, let’s get down to some book talking business.

We all know the old adage don’t judge a book by its cover.

In laments terms, don’t make assumptions based solely upon how something looks. Now this saying is commonly applied to many facts of life, but a certain spin on it is one I think most book addicts can appreciate and understand.

Don’t judge a book by its movie.

We’ve all seen this fun little tidbit on Pinterest or other internet sites declaring to all those reading that they shouldn’t judge the books they might want to read based on the movies they helped create.

bac2dbe96eafdff48f07d08bafa3fd77Let’s face it. Film adaptations of books have been happening for years, and they are here to say. (I love that, but something tells me not everyone agrees with me on that particular thought.)

You see movie adaptations of books are a pretty sticky situation. And that’s putting it really lightly. They tend to range from extremely well loved, to sickeningly bad, to everything in between.

I think it’s really hard to take a book and make it into a film that does the book justice. This effort is valiantly attempted many times a year in every movie season, yet sadly many of these adaptations leave us feeling a bit down and disappointed or severely pissed off.

They always leave something we had to see out. Or we don’t like the actor/actress they picked to play a character we just adored. The couch in a particular scene could be a different color than in the book. (I am not even joking on that last one. I have heard people complain about that very thing many times before….)

photo credit:eaglesdiwaniya.wordpress.com

photo credit:eaglesdiwaniya.wordpress.com

Now I’ve reviewed some film adaptations of books on here before, and I tend to see these adaptations in a different light than most. Maybe I’m a bit of an optimist, but I always tend to give these films the benefit of the doubt. I realize movies are different than books, and as much as we’d all love to sit through a 6 hour movie that left nothing out, that just doesn’t work. (Seriously people, stop asking for that! It ain’t gonna happen.)

I’ve read my fair share of books that have been turned into films. More than I can honestly count. Some books I read before the film, some I even read after, but suffice to say, I’ve been doing this whole book to film thing since I became a book addict. Basically since birth.

So what brought on this discussion today at The Never Ending Book Basket?

I recently saw a new film based on a hugely bestselling young adult series. The film was really well done in my opinion. It was entertaining as hell. It made me laugh, my breath caught a few times at the action and events, and it had some characters I connected with and liked. Overall it was a good film adaptation that was truly engaging to watch and experience.

Here’s the thing though: I haven’t read any of the books in this series. Not one.

I am not kidding you when I say I have picked up the first book in this series at least 50 times over the last couple of years since its release. As you know I constantly seek out books in multiple locations, and this book has been everywhere. Each time I pass it by in the aisle, it calls to me.

I’ve picked it up. Read the back cover. Even read the first page. Yet each time I’ve put it right back onto the shelf without even adding it to my to be read list.

It just never caught my eye enough to make me want to read it, or buy it, or even add it to that list. What can I say? I am a self-proclaimed book snob.

So I must say I found it pretty interesting and surprising that after seeing the film adaptation of this highly loved book, I actually wanted to read it. I mean that’s kind of backwards for me. I’m the type of person who typically reads the book well before the movie comes out if I’m aware it exists. Or if I see a movie and find out it’s a book after watching the film, I’ll promptly read it.

But rarely have I ever knowingly saw a film based on a book series that I intentionally didn’t read or wasn’t 100% sure on.

The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth

The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth

I kid you not, I said those very words to my best friend as we left the movie theater. And I couldn’t help but wonder what had changed to make me want to suddenly read this series.

It’s not as if I didn’t know the premise of these books before I saw the movie. I also knew the actors and actresses they chose to portray characters, and I was sold there. (Hello, Fitzgerald Grant the President of the United States from Scandal is in this movie. How can you not love that?!) I also knew many other people loved them, so it’s not as if this book was for singular tastes.

So what changed?

I honestly don’t think I have an answer to that question. Maybe seeing the film made the story come alive more so than it had before just from those few pages I’d read. Maybe it made me take a second or fifty first look at the books. Maybe I just became less of a book snob. (Don’t hold out hope on that one!)

Whatever the reasoning was for my change of heart, I couldn’t help but wonder if I was one of the few people out there that looks at books time and time again, but don’t actually decide to read them until the movie is out.

So besides writing this blog post and sharing all my thoughts on this topic, I want to know what you think:

Have you ever done this, and felt this way after seeing a film adaptation of a book? Has a film adaptation of a book actually gotten you to read a book or series?

I know I’m not the only one out there, so feel free to share! I can’t wait to hear from you!

Oh, and if you’re sitting there wondering if I bought the books after seeing the film. Well let’s just say my checking account decreased in amount just a smidge because I may or may not have just bought the entire series…

Here’s hoping that was $40 well spent.

To see my other posts on film adaptations click the following links:

Fifty Shades of Grey

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Good Riddance

Posted in All The Mumbo Jumbo, Books I love, Places to Find Books by

For an optimal and seriously ridiculous reading experience, click play as you read this post.

It’s not you, it’s me. I need some space. I’m just going through a lot right now. We can still totally be friends.

We’re breaking up. It’s over and done. After today, we’ll never be together again. It’s time to face the music.

The Never Ending Book Basket is going through a breakup. We’re not breaking up with a person, or a dog, or an imaginary friend.

Nope. We’re breaking up with our name. You heard me. Our name is a changing.

Our domain name to be exact. (Had you worried there for a sec, didn’t I?)

No longer will you tirelessly have to type out neverendingbookbasket.wordpress.com into your address bar to visit this fabulously written blog. From now you will find all the wit and humor of The Never Ending Book Basket at the following website address: neverendingbookbasket.com

So what does this mean? (Besides that I paid like 20 bucks for this to happen.) Basically, it means the URL for the blog got a little shorter. Woohoo for laziness!

Now onto the important crap! 🙂

As you can see, I tend to have a flair for the dramatics. So in celebration of saying good riddance to our old URL, and hello to our new one, I thought we’d take a little walk down our drama filled memory lane.

We might be breaking up with our old domain name, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t plenty of good times had.

I’ve compiled a list of the posts oozing with drama in one way or another. Clearly all the posts on here rock (though I may be a bit biased in saying that), but the posts below kind of just hit it out the park. They’re deliciously dramatic, and I love it. (Be sure to click on all the highlighted links to take you to that post/author page!)

So put your big girl panties on, and let’s do this thing.

Save The Drama For Your Mama:

Here at The Never Ending Book Basket I’ve reviewed quite a few books. They’ve all got a little bit of delicious, gotta have it drama, but these three books kind of take the cake in the best possible way:

Love Unscripted and Love Unrehearsed by Tina Reber.

Love Unscripted and Love Unrehearsed by Tina Reber.

  • On My Knees by Meredith Wild: Be prepared for a tumultuous ride full of ups and downs for this couple, but by golly, it’s one hell of a ride you’re just gonna love.
  • Love Unrehearsed & Love Unscripted by Tina Reber: This is our two for one special, and boy does it deliver. The drama is literally busting out of these books, and they’ll make you see how that can be oh so good.
  • Picking Up the Pieces by Elizabeth Hayley: Looking to dive head first into a charming and tremendously enthralling love triangle? Well here is your ticket, and it’s definitely time to collect.

Don’t Judge a Book By Its Movie:

Photo Credit: Entertainment Weekly

Photo Credit: Entertainment Weekly

We all know that for every movie you see, it’s likely to be based upon a book. These movie adaptations range from alarmingly horrible to sinfully good. They say “don’t judge a book by its movie”, and while I readily agree, I did find the following 2 film adaptations exceedingly worth a look at:

  • Fifty Shades of Grey: What more can I say? Whether you love this series or love to hate it, you have an opinion on it. And you know it.
  • The Hunger Games: Catching Fire: This adaptation got me a new best friend, and his name is Francis Lawrence. And boy do I heart him something fierce.

Confessions of a Book Drama Queen:

This whole blog thing started with one post exorcising all of my addictions. Book addictions that is. You see, I am a book addict, and I’m proud of it. I’ve been this way for a while, and I don’t know if I’m ever going to change, but you know what:

The Name Game:

This entire post has been about saying so long to the old and hello to the new with the URL of this blog. While that might not be so monumental to you, it was pretty darn big to me. (Just like coming up with the name of the blog.) So while we continue our little stroll down memory lane, let’s play the name game:

  • What Lies in a Name?: Have you ever wondered where the hell the name for this blog even came from? Inquiring minds clearly want to know.

Going For Broke:

As we bid farewell to our walk in the past, I’ll leave you with the post that’ll surely brighten your day, or empty your wallet. Either way, it doesn’t really matter. You have to love a countdown, so we’re going out on top:

Ukazoo Books located in Towson, Maryland. (photo credit: Ukazoo Books)

Ukazoo Books located in Towson, Maryland. (photo credit: Ukazoo Books)

  • The Top 5 ½ Places to Find Books #1: You can’t just know what books to read, you gotta know where to find them. I think I assuredly found the best place, and something tells me, you’ll most definitely agree.

Thanks for joining me on The Never Ending Book Basket’s walk down memory lane, as we say good riddance to our old URL and WordPress moniker, and enter the new age with a shorter domain name.

Breakups usually have tons of crazy, some tumultuous ups and downs, and of course, plenty of drama. And our “breakup” at The Never Ending Book Basket was just that.

I hope you thoroughly enjoyed revisiting these drama laced posts today, as we bid adieu to the old and say hello to the future, shorter name in tow.

They say breaking up is hard to do, but something tells me we’re gonna be just fine.

The Best 5 ½ Places to Find Books: #1

Posted in Places to Find Books by

Are you ready for this?!

(Didn’t clicking on and listening to that song just put you in the best mood? C’mon admit it. You love it, and now you’re pumped, and really ready to watch Space Jam.)

It’s time to reveal the number 1 spot on The Never Ending Book Basket’s countdown of The Best 5 ½ Places to Find Books!

I hope this countdown has brought you some pretty darn fantastic places to find books. Us book addicts have to stick together, so I hope at the very least you discovered yet another way to feed your book addiction. (Because you should really keep feeding that addiction on a consistent basis.)

This countdown has been solely based upon my utterly biased logic of finding books, but the time has come to reveal the countdown in its entirety, by exposing the coveted number 1 spot.

The previous posts on the countdown were:

#5 Target (Aka my own personal hell)

#4 Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million (The big name book stores)

#3 The Miscellaneous Grab Bag (Flea markets, yard sales, and the good old Goodwill)

#2 Amazon Books (Also known as one of the reasons I have no money)

And without further ado….

Number 1: Used Book Stores (A book addicts own personal paradise)

Used book stores are pretty fucking fantastic. They have a lot to offer us book addicts, and god knows that I have been in my fair share of these fine establishments over the years. While there are a wide array of extraordinary used book stores out there, for the purpose of this countdown I am going to focus in on my very favorite one:

Ukazoo Books

(Before you ask, yes that is the name of the store, and yes the store is as out of this world remarkable as its name.)

Ukazoo Books located in Towson, Maryland. (photo credit: Ukazoo Books)

Ukazoo Books located in Towson, Maryland. (photo credit: Ukazoo Books)

Ukazoo Books is located in Towson, Maryland just up the street from my alma mater Towson University. It offers a varied selection of books across many genres, and has more books in it than you can shake a stick at. This book store has some pretty great features to it, and it honestly is the very best place I have ever found books at in all of my book buying days.

This store is also responsible for at least half of the books currently residing on my bookshelves. (And we all know I have a lot of books…)

Like most used book stores, Ukazoo is locally owned, and it is just waiting for you to walk into its doors and frolic. While my list of reasons supporting Ukazoo is specific to this particular used book store, the reasons of why this store is pretty darn magnificent can be applied to many used book stores out there.

Why YOU should visit Ukazoo Books as soon as you finish reading this blog post:

  • The book selection. Ukazoo Books offers every genre of book your little heart could desire. It has books on music, books on film, traditional fiction, a huge mystery and thriller section, memoirs, humor books, a plethora of kids’ books, new books, bestsellers, books by local authors, and so many more genres and types than I can even list. Suffice to say it’s got a lot to offer.
  • The best book deal this planet has ever seen. Ukazoo Books offers a lovely little deal that all their used books are buy 3 get 1 free. I have never left this store without taking advantage of this deal. Be warned that if you find more than one book, you just better find two more books to take advantage of this deal. (This is also why my book shelves are full of books from this fine establishment.)
  • The support of the local author and artist. Ukazoo is huge supporter of local authors and artists. The store is chalk full of books written by locals (it has its own section!), and the walls of the store are covered in art for sale. Be sure to check out all these little gems ASAP because you’re sure to find something brilliant.
  • The staff.  The staff at this store is beyond helpful. Looking for a specific book? They can help you. Want a recommendation? They have plenty! Need help with anything? They will seriously do anything to help you. Honestly, the staff at this store makes Ukazoo feel like you’re walking into the most welcoming place around. (On a side note, the other customers who shop here are pretty cool too. Just saying.)
  • The prices of the books. Not only does Ukazoo have that amazing aforementioned book deal, it also offers amazing prices on used and new books. I kid you not, I have regularly gotten 4 books for what 1 book at the big name book store will typically cost you. (That’s a lot of bang for your buck people!)
  • The wonderful books you’ll find here. I’ve already shared that Ukazoo offers a wide variety of books. What you may not know is that this store is full of some amazing finds. I cannot tell you how many phenomenal books and authors I have discovered in the walls of this store. Some of my all-time favorites were found here, and for that I will truly be eternally grateful.
  • The name. The name of this store just works, is wholly unique which completely fits this store, and I just love it.
  • It’s organized. It’s organized. It’s organized. IT’S ORGANIZED!

Suffice to say, Ukazoo is hands down my #1 choice on The Best Places to Find Books countdown. This store has so much to offer, and it is one of my favorite places

As you can see this thing is completely full, and at leas t half of these books are from Ukazoo.

As you can see this thing is completely full, and at least half of these books are from Ukazoo.

to visit and shop for books. I have so many fond memories of this place, and I still continue to visit it to this day. (And that’s with me living an hour and a half away now!)

Ukazoo is the cream of the crop. It’s the best of the best, and there’s no doubt in my mind about that.

While I focused specifically on this used book store, you should know that this is only one of many wonderful places like this out there, and the reasons of why Ukazoo is incredible can also be found in many other stores across the country.

I challenge you to find your own amazing used book store to explore, because believe me, it is just waiting to be found, and you will be oh so happy when you finally find your favorite book finding place.

After all is said and done, you may be wondering why this countdown turned out the way it did. You may think, how did a place like Ukazoo beat out big name book stores like Barnes and Noble? Well let me explain my madness a little:

The title of this countdown is aptly named the best places to FIND books, not just buy them. My goal for this countdown was to give fellow book lovers and addicts’ places to find the books and authors that are just waiting to be discovered. If you want to go buy any old book, you can do that just about anywhere. But if you’re looking for a one of a kind experience where you can explore and find truly extraordinary books (that you might not have found normally), these are the places you need to go.

Ukazoo will provide you with something like that every time, which is why it found its way to the top of this countdown.

So there you have it folks. This post concludes the countdown of The Best 5 ½ Places to Find Books. I hope you found these posts helpful, and that someday very soon you’ll find yourself perusing some of these marvelous places in search of that next great book experience.

To learn more about Ukazoo Books check out the links:

http://www.Ukazoo.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ukazoo-Books/6091694731

ps. If you’re wondering when the hell I’m going to talk about that pesky little ½ thing, don’t you worry your pretty little head. That post is on its way. 😉

The Best 5 ½ Places to Find Books: #2

Posted in Places to Find Books by

Welcome back to The Never Ending Book Basket’s completely opinionated list of the Best 5 ½ Places to Find Books.

We’re getting close to the homestretch of this countdown, and I for one can’t wait to reveal the two remaining spots! (These remaining spots are some of my very favorite places to find the books that I must acquire ASAP!)

As we all know, there are many different places that us book addicts can find books, but let’s be honest: some of those places are way better than others.

That’s why I created this countdown: to list the best places I’ve found to find the books we all desire to acquire.

Previously on the countdown I detailed the #5 spot Target (My own personal hell!), the #4 spots Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million (The big name book stores), and the #3 spot The Miscellaneous Grab Bag (aka yard sales, flea markets, and the good old Goodwill)

Up today on the countdown is a place that is majorly responsible for all of my book buying. (I place my blame on this place, rather than myself because that’s easier than admitting I have a problem….)

Number 2: Amazon Books (Also known as one of the many reasons I have no money.)

I dare you to find someone in this country who has never heard of or bought something from Amazon. Seriously, is there anyone out there who hasn’t heard of Amazon?

(That’s completely rhetorical by the way, because I do realize there are people who haven’t heard of this amazing establishment. The question is for effect people, calm down.)

Amazon Books: #2 Place to Find Books (photo credit: Twitter)

Amazon Books: #2 Place to Find Books (photo credit: Twitter)

Amazon is a website that will sell you anything from clothing, to knick knacks you don’t really need, to an underwear dispenser. (I shit you not on that last one.) Its got something for everyone, and I swear Amazon is bound and determined to make people spend all their money.

Although you can find just about anything on Amazon, I’m sure it’s no real shock that the department I find myself frequenting the most is the book section. (Was that ever really a question?)

The book section on Amazon is about as large as they get. You can get all types of books on this website including textbooks, children’s books, e books, and of course your standard novel.

If you frequent this website as much as I do, you’ve probably seen that Amazon has a section on its website for books and for e books for your Kindle. I am not even going to try to open the can of worms that is the “e book vs. traditional paper or hard back books” debate. (I ain’t going there, because that battle will never truly ever end.)

My point in identifying these two categories of books is to point out that Amazon offers a wide array of book types, so you’ve basically got a plethora of ways to pick whatever book poison you want.

As you can tell, I am a HUGE fan of Amazon Books, and as always I plan to justify that sentiment with my list of completely biased reasoning.

Why Amazon Books basically rocks my socks:

  • The recommended for you section. Amazon Books has this lovely little thing that’s kind of like the Pandora for books. It has this section that recommends books specifically for you based upon what you’ve looked at or bought. I love this section. It has so many books that you may not have seen normally, and I have personally found a multitude of fantastic books from this section. It is also constantly updating, so don’t you worry your pretty little head. Soon enough you’ll have more recommended books just for you!
  • It has so many genres of books you can buy. I am basically schvizting over all the different genres of books Amazon has to offer. You can find anything and everything on here from paranormal romance to history to self-help. Suffice to say there is something for everyone on Amazon Books.
  • The reviews of other customers. A huge feature on Amazon Books is the reviews of other customers who have bought the books that you’re looking at. These reviews are painfully honest sometimes, but when you get past all the bias they can really help you decide if a book is worth taking a chance on. They can also be really funny to read. (Believe it or not, I have seen many a fight take place in this review section between some pretty passionate readers!)
  • The organization of the books is to die for. Finding books on Amazon is easy as pie. You can search for books, browse through the many genres of books they offer, or just get lost in it all. No matter what way you choose to find books on here, it is pretty clear that the organization of this website is phenomenal, and it makes it all the more easier to find the books you want.
  • The fantastic lists of books. Amazon has a pretty cool feature of creating lists of books that are grouped together in some way. These lists could be about the best romances, the books you have to read before you die, or the books everyone is currently talking about. These lists are always worth a gander, and are sure to provide you with something good to read.
  • The buy with one click feature. One of the best and worst features of Amazon is that you can buy items with one click. (All you have to do is set up your billing
    The Buy With One Click feature that is my downfall. (photo credit: sherrysnider.com)

    The Buy With One Click feature that is my downfall. (photo credit: sherrysnider.com)

    information, and you’re good to go.) This feature is my downfall, as it makes it way too easy to buy books from here. (Especially e books.)

  • The prices. All of the books on Amazon are discounted in some way, shape, or form. Books on here can range from free (And yes I mean absolutely free!) to a few dollars, to just below the regular retail price. Whatever book you’re looking for, rest assured that you’ll save a few bucks at least finding it here. They also sell used books on here that are always worth a look at.

There you have it. I could go on and on about why Amazon Books is a completely amazing place to find books, but that would take more time than you or I have. Suffice to say Amazon is a place book addicts can frolic freely in.

(Not so freely because you’ll buy more books there than you actually weigh, but it’s the thought that counts.)

I solemnly swear that Amazon Books has something for you, and if you’re ever looking for that next great book, this place is where you should start. This place really deserves to be at the top of YOUR list of places to find books.

Until next time book addicts, may your book shelves continue be full as you keep searching for that next out of this world read.

Up next on the countdown is the #1 spot! YAY!!! I won’t give you a hint about what this place is, but I’ll let you in on a little secret: it’s my very favorite place to find books.

(See what I did there?)

ps. You should totally head over to Amazon Books right now, and check out all their books. Like now. Now. Now. NOW. NOW! http://www.amazon.com/books-used-books-textbooks/b/ref=sa_menu_bo?ie=UTF8&node=283155

During the writing of this blog post 2 e books were purchased through Amazon’s one click feature. Be warned people, this website feeds addictions…..

Forever Interrupted

Posted in Books I love, Review Post by
Welcome back to book addiction central!

I hope time has found you well, and that you’ve been able to sink yourself into something deliciously enthralling.

Now as most of you know, last week I took a little walk on the dark side by reading Gillian Flynn’s Sharp Objects. While that little trek was fun and fantastically crazy, I decided that my next book unearthed from The Never Ending Book Basket should be something a tad bit little lighter.

(Or at least something with a little less body dismemberment.)

Despite my quest to find something lighter to read, I found myself in the throes of a story that can be described as anything but light. Sure there weren’t murders and mystery weaving their way through the book, but I surprisingly still found myself reading a story full of anguish and despair.

(Luckily this book wasn’t all doom and gloom because it was full of some seriously sweet moments !)

So while I may have come up a tad short on my desire to find something a little lighter, I did find a lovely little book that is described as being “not your average love story.”

Today at The Never Ending Book Basket I tackle that not so average love story by reviewing Forever Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Forever Interrupted tells the story of Elsie Porter, a young woman who finds herself head over heels in love for Ben Ross. (And we’re talking “Real love. Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, cant-live-without-each-other love.” Yay for you if you know where that quote is from!)

Forever Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Forever Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

After a romance that seems as long as a blink of an eye, the two have eloped and find themselves blissfully happy. Then just 9 days after eloping, Ben is killed on impact in a car accident, and Elsie is thrust onto the path of mourning the loss of her husband. She’s also dealing with the fact that she’s just now meeting her mother in law who didn’t even know she existed. (And that is just the first 15 pages.)

Forever Interrupted is told in alternating timelines that start with an ending and a beginning. These timelines trace Elsie and Ben’s, as well as Elsie and Susan’s relationships as they develop over the course of the story.

  • The ending timeline starts from the moment when Ben’s life ends, and follows Elsie as she mourns her late husband, and begins her very complicated and raw relationship with her new mother in law Susan.
  • The beginning timeline begins at the very start of Elsie and Ben’s relationship, and follows them from their very first meeting until the very end of their short, but extremely passionate love affair.

Through these alternating timelines and stories you see how Elsie and Ben came to be, and you fall in love with how they fell in love. (It will seriously make you want to melt into a puddle of emotion.) You also get to see the tumultuous ride that Elsie begins after she has to bury the love she thought would be with her forever. Elsie’s journey throughout this book is truly what moves and makes this book, and the feelings she has rightfully set the pace and tone for this book.

What I simply loved in this book:

  • The alternating timelines. This honestly made the book for me. I loved seeing Elsie and Ben at the beginning and end of their love affair. It made their love story come alive to see these timelines interwoven together so beautifully, and it honestly made me love this story so much more. This set up also created the absolute perfect balance between the happiness and sadness throughout the book.
  • Ben’s death. Clearly since Ben’s fate is determined 10 pages in, I knew what was coming, but it made it all the more real seeing the emotion build to and from this defining event. In the present tense you got to see the aftershocks of such a horrific event. In the past building up to the present you literally get to feel every emotion that made you fall in love with Ben. Having these feelings “backwards” made me feel for Ben and those affected by his death so much more because I already knew the fate that laid ahead.
  • Elsie’s pain and anguish. So I told you this book had a lot of despair and anguish, and I am not exaggerating on that. You are literally thrown head first into Elsie’s pain, and its sink or swim time. (At times I think you can literally touch the pain that Elsie is feeling. It’s just tangible.) The author does a fantastic job of making you absorb this pain and anguish, and as much as you may not like that, it makes the feelings in this book very, very real.
  • Elsie and Susan’s relationship. In addition to Elsie and Ben’s relationship, you also get to see the ebbs and flows of Elsie and her mother in law Susan’s relationship. This one takes a little more time to develop into something substantial, but when you get there, it’s just grand. (And messy, and complicated, and funny, and painful, and just so fucking real. But in the end it’ll just blow your socks off.)
  • The multiple kinds of love. This book is full of different kinds of love and relationships, and I really enjoyed getting to read every single one of them. You get to see the love between couples, parents and their children, friends, and even strangers. Love is in the air in this book, which makes you feel just a tad bit tingly inside.
  • The complicatedness. Life and people are complicated. They are messy, complex, and difficult, but that is just the way it is. Forever Interrupted does a spectacular job of showing this complicatedness in many dynamic ways. It also just adds a grounding aspect to the book that makes you realize that these “complications” are what makes life what it is.

Forever Interrupted is described as being “not your average love story”, and that sentiment rings very true. While it is overflowing with love, (and does have a wonderful love story within its pages) it is a book about beginnings and endings. (I couldn’t help but link to that song there.) It shows a couple at their beginning and their end, and everything in between is full of magic, pain, anguish, laughter, and of course, love.

It was also extremely easy to relate to the characters even though I’ve never been in any of their shoes. I found it really simple to love and accept all the characters for all their quirks and faults, because it made them who they are, and they accepted that. (And in turn I accepted them. How cyclical!)

In the end, Forever Interrupted is still a story about love. Reading this book you get to watch that love as it begins, grows, breathes, ends, continues, and weaves its way through. That love is definitely something you’ll want to see for yourself.

To end this post I leave you with the epitaph for this book. It was originally posted on Craigslist, and it honestly does a phenomenal job of summing up the mountain of feelings in Forever Interrupted:

“Every morning when I wake up I forget for a fraction of a second that you are gone and I reach for you. All I ever find is the cold side of the bed. My eyes settle on the picture of us in Paris, on the bedside table, and I am overjoyed that even though the time was brief I loved you and you loved me.”

(I may or may not have just started crying typing that. You can take a guess on that one…)

To learn more about Taylor Jenkins Reid check out the following links:

https://www.facebook.com/taylorjenkinsreidbooks (Facebook)

https://twitter.com/tjenkinsreid (Twitter)

http://www.taylorjenkinsreid.com/ (Website)

The Best 5 ½ Places to Find Books: #4

Posted in Places to Find Books by

Welcome back to The Never Ending Book Basket’s countdown of The Best 5 ½ Places to Find Books!

(Pause here for silent cheering! Wahoo!)

If you’re wondering why on Earth I am counting down the best places to find books, let me enlighten you a little to my madness.

Finding books is a science. (At least to me.) There are many different places that you can find books, but let’s be honest: Some of those places are way better than others!

Thus, in my never ending battle to continually talk about books and all things related, I decided to countdown what I think are the best places to come across those amazing books we all seek. (Because you gotta know where to go to get the good stuff!)

Each spot on the countdown will have its very own post to discuss its awesomeness, and why YOU should go there ASAP to find books!

In my previous post I discussed the #5 spot on the countdown, Target, which I lovingly refer to as my own personal hell. Target is a prime example of how two rows of bookshelves can make a pretty darn good book section.

Up today on the countdown in the #4 spot is where most of us go to find a good book:

Number 4: The Old School Place to Get Books (aka The Book Store!)

So if you are a book lover, you have got to just adore the book store. That is kind of like an unspoken rule. I mean, c’mon.

Books-A-Million (photo credit: booksamillioninc.com

Books-A-Million (photo credit: booksamillioninc.com)

Book stores come in all shapes and sizes, and each one is unique in its own way. While there are plenty of big and small book stores out there, the ones many of us find ourselves in are the large chain ones that frequent the many strip malls this country has.

Now this is just my opinion, but I think it’s safe to say the two major book stores most people in this country physically go to are Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million.

I personally have frequented both of these stores, and have spent way more money there then I will ever admit. (My lips are fucking sealed on that one!) I have also spent countless hours perusing the shelves of both of these major chains, and can safely say an afternoon spent there is well worth it.

Now it may seem like real common sense to say that a major book store chain is a fantastic place to find books, but you’ll note that this isn’t the post discussing the #1 spot on the countdown! (You’ll find out why soon enough!)

Why Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million are pretty fantastic places to find books:

  • You can get any kind of book you want. (It’s a book store, hello!) Of course when you go to a big chain book store like Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million you can find every genre of book out there. There is something for everyone there, and that’s kind of a big thing. If you want that one random book that’s a little on the specific side, it’s probably at one of these major chains.
  • The people who work there are books biggest fans. I have been to many a book stores, and have never met a book store employee who didn’t like books. (That would be a serious oxy moron!) The people who work at these places clearly like books, and are usually more than willing to help you find that next great page turner.
  • The themed book displays. So I have to say I love the book displays they have in Books-A-Million and Barnes and Noble. These displays are full of books that are similarly themed, and they are a great place to find new books just like the ones you already love. This is also where the books on promotion are, and sometimes those deals are pretty good.

    Barnes and Noble (photo credit: barnesandnoble.com

    Barnes and Noble (photo credit: barnesandnoble.com

  • The Clearance Section. Now this particular one pertains more to Books-A-Million because the clearance book section there is out of this world. It is literally rows and rows of books that are severely discounted. The clearance section there also represents a wide variety of books that are all looking for a good home. They all scream, “Pick Me! Choose Me! Love Me!” (I’ll personally high five anyone who knows where that last line is borrowed from!)
  • The “We Recommend” Section. So I already mentioned that most of the staff members at these stores love books. One of my favorite staples of these book chains is that they have this nifty little section of books that the staff recommends. I LOVE this section. It is filled to the brim with books that fellow book addicts love. What’s not to squeal over?
  • There’s coffee. Okay so this really has nothing to do with finding books, but as I’ve said before, coffee and books kind of go together splendidly. And luckily both Books-A-Million and Barnes and Noble have coffee places in them to help us all pair our caffeine addictions with our book addictions.

So I’m sure you’re wondering what could possibly be the fallbacks of the major book stores we all love, and I’ll tell you there aren’t many, but I do have a some:

  • The Prices. While both Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million have clearance sections, the majority of their books are on the pricier side. (At least for my poor ass self.) As I am a self-proclaimed book addict, my addiction can get a tad expensive shopping at these places. But on a more positive note, it’s easier to control my addiction when I literally can’t afford to buy the books I want. (There’s the upside!)
  • Paying to belong. So at both of these places you have to pay to become a member to receive pretty much any kind of coupon or discount. (And in my opinion that’s a bunch of bs, because all us book lovers gotta stick together, and we shouldn’t have to pay to be at least some kind of member.) I still to this day majorly miss the major book retailer (which has since gone out of business) that gave out the best coupons and had free membership.(RIP Borders)

Major book stores like Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million have a lot to offer book addicts like you and me. They carry all the bestsellers, all the books you’ve got to read, and even that one specific book that nowhere else has.

Places like these are overflowing with books and book addicts alike. It is not only a spectacular place to find books, but a great place to meet and see other addicts out in their natural habitat.

And remember, they sell coffee too!!

Please stay tuned for more on The Never Ending Book Basket’s countdown of The Best 5 ½ Places to Find Books. (I know you’re still waiting to find out what that ½ thing means!)

Next up on the countdown is the place I refer to as the miscellaneous grab bag of where to find books.

Ps. If you have an opinion on Barnes and Noble or Books-A-Million and their spot on the countdown, I’d love to hear from you!