Tag Archives: reading

The Best Advice I Ever Got

Posted in Books I love, Review Post by

I have a bit of a secret to admit. Some of you may know this already. Some of you may not. (And before you ask, I am not admitting to book addiction again. You clearly already know I have that “problem”)

I am an advice/self-help/inspirational book junkie.

I adore and savor books that have any kind of positive message, whether it be from someone’s own personal experience or a fictitious story.

And do not even get me started on my love of quotes. I have those everywhere. (I may even have a notebook full of them…shhh)

Suffice to say, I love books that offer one person’s advice to another. I love to read other people’s ideas about life, love, adventures, TV, family, etc.

What can I say? I am an optimist and I hope to live the best life possible, so I figure reading what other’s think might get me to that best life may actually help. I have my fingers crossed on that one at least.

So in my never ending quest to create myself a lovely little life, I decided to pick up the book The Best Advice I Ever Got by Katie Couric.

The Best Advice I Ever Got

The Best Advice I Ever Got

Let me tell you, I am very happy I did. This book weaves in a multitude of what I love best: inspiration, advice, great words, and of course thought provoking quotes.

The Best Advice I Ever Got presents many stories by some pretty amazing people. The book is separated into different chapters, with each one focusing on a different topic. Anything and everything is included in this book including topics that focus on never giving up to finding the joy in life. Each chapter begins with a story by the author, Katie Couric, which adds a personable touch to each of the stories that follow. The stories that follow come from a wide array of celebrities, businessmen and businesswomen, as well as some amazing writers.

This book is filled to the brim with words of wisdom.

Don’t worry though. It is a very quick read, as some stories are just a few sentences long, while others span pages. But each one is unique and offers a dynamic piece of advice or viewpoint that you will love.

I was so in love with this book, and all of its advice that I decided rather than say what I like and what I might not like so much about the book, I concluded I should just share some of my favorite quotes. (I also just truly enjoy sharing really great quotes!)

There were many great stories in this book, and quotes to choose from, but the following are some of my favorites:

  • In the end, your finest moments in life aren’t necessarily those in which you finish first but, instead, the times when you know that you simply gave it your best-when you did it heart and soul, and held nothing back. –Michelle Kwan
  • So live your dreams and remember, whatever you choose to do with your life, you must also be a citizen of you country, your nation, and our independent world. Because while our differences make life more fascinating, our common humanity matters more. –Bill Clinton
  • So get out of the harbor. The territory may be uncharted and the water may get pretty choppy at times, but you’ll be amazed at what you can learn, especially about yourself.
  • Never be something that you’re not. To live your life as an honest and compassionate person. Those are the most important qualities to me. Stay true to yourself. –Ellen Degeneres
  • A boat is always safe in the harbor, but that’s not what boats are built for.
  • If the world puts you on a road you do not like, if you look ahead and do not want the destination which is being offered and you look behind and you do not want to return to your place of departure, step off the road. Build yourself a brand new path.
  • Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it. –Groucho Marx

So there you have it. Now you know my junkie status of with advice books, and quotes for that matter.

Before I depart again to read another book from my Never Ending Book Basket, a few parting words:

Yes, self-help/advice/inspirational books are from one person’s point of view. It is that person sharing their thoughts and wisdom on a topic. While you may not agree exactly with what they say, be aware that each of us as human beings have a very unique perspective to share with the world. And that perspective should be valued.

We are all in this thing they call life together, so why not look to others to find a way to make our lovely little lives just a tad bit better and happier.

Until next time book addicts. Happy reading, and good luck on that never ending battle to find the bottom of your book basket. (Yeah, good luck with that. I only have about 1,000 more books to go….)

p.s. Remember, some of the quotes and pieces of advice we find are worth remembering, so be sure to write them down. It’s worth it!

This is a picture of my quote book where I write down any and every quote/piece of advice that strikes me. (It's almost full, too!)

This is a picture of my quote book where I write down any and every quote/piece of advice that strikes me. (It’s almost full, too!)

Sea Change, By Karen White

Posted in Books I love, Review Post by

The time has finally come for the egg to hatch. It is now time for my first book review on The Never Ending Book Basket. If you’re new to the blog, please feel free to peruse the site to learn more about what is going on up in here. (Insert DMX song lyrics here… Now can’t you here that song in your head, or is that just me?)

But without further ado, let the book talking begin.

Sea Change, By Karen White

Sea Change, By Karen White

I will preface this review by saying that this is not the first book that I have read by this author, Karen White. It is actually the fifth. I stumbled across one of her books in a used book store a few years ago, and fell in love with the fantastic characters she created in her book Falling Home.  Since then I have been hooked, and I have slowly been making my way through the many wonderful books she has written. (Let’s just say I am really happy I stumbled across that first book, because she is by far one of my favorite author’s currently, and pretty much has been since I read that first book)

This time I found myself reading her book Sea Change, which was published in 2011. Sea Change follows two interwoven stories set on St. Simons Island in Georgia. The book presents two love stories two hundred years apart: Pamela and Geoffrey in the early 1800s, and Ava and Matthew in the present day. The way that these characters love stories intertwine together is simply breathtaking, and will have you reeling to figure out how everything and everyone fits together.

One of the most notable characters in the book is the setting of the story itself. Karen White does a simply remarkable job of describing the south, and how life works there. As someone who has lived in the grey area between the north and the south, it was easy as taking in a breath to feel as if you were standing there with the characters in the setting that Karen White describes. (Though I will point out Maryland is below the Mason Dixon line, technically making it apart of the south) The setting of the book is a character unto itself, helping set up many of the story lines that occur, as well as just being so thoughtfully described that it is easy to imagine you can taste the salt of the St. Simon’s air on the tip of your tongue.

Sea Change, like many of Karen White’s books is told in multiple perspectives of women who are interconnected throughout the story. Ava, her mother Gloria, and Pamela’s stories are seamlessly created and connected together over the course of the book. Each of their stories presents an intricate puzzle piece that helps make the big picture clearer by the end. One thing I love about the books I have read by Karen White is that she does a glorious job of meshing a little bit of mystery, and a whole lot of love together to make a story that will hook you in until the very last page.

I won’t get too deep into the actual plot line of the story, to find that out you’ll just have to read the book. Now before you get all pissy, didn’t I tell you I wouldn’t be revealing anything on here, but I will be super sweet and give you a smidge of a tease. 🙂

This story follows Ava as she embarks into a new chapter in her life after marrying Matthew after a rather short, but meaningful courtship. She then finds herself living in a new place, surrounded by people who know more about her husband and his past then she does, while she still finds herself looking for something she doesn’t yet know how to describe. Ava is searching for something, has been all her life, and this story captures that journey at its most mysterious peak.

Along with her story, you will get to see inside the head of Gloria, Ava’s mother, and will begin to understand more about Ava’s past, and how present events came about. And if that isn’t enough to get you hooked, the book then presents Pamela’s story, told 200 years prior to present day. Pamela’s story in itself is enough to make you swoon, and will have you desperately trying to connect all the puzzle pieces you will receive while reading this book.

Let’s just say, the finished puzzle is well worth making your mind go into overdrive to connect it all. Once realized, the connections and stories created throughout the book are simply magical, and will probably make you want to call your mother. (You don’t have to do that, but let’s just say you’ll probably want to.)

I must say that when I often describe Karen White’s books to others, I usually say “Her books are what I imagine a Nicholas Sparks book would be like if I ever actually read a Nicholas Sparks book.”(I only say Nicholas Sparks just so that the people who are more familiar with his books, can begin to have a frame of reference for what I am saying)  I have said this quite often as I adore her books, and while I have actually read one Nicholas Sparks book, I’m not sure my descriptor of this author’s books is doing her enough justice. Every single one of Karen White’s books that I have had the joy to read has been simply unforgettable. In each book she presents a dynamic group of characters all linked in some way, while setting her stories in various mesmerizing locations in the south. If you never considered loving the south, be warned, you will LOVE it after reading any one of her books.

Simply put, Karen White’s books are the go to for brilliant stories filled with vibrant characters set in the charming south.

In closing, Sea Change presents a moving story told by a dynamic group of connected women who will go to extraordinary odds for those they love. That is honestly what I took away most from reading this book. Love. This story demonstrates the power within love, and within those who will do anything in their power to show it, create it, find it, and spread it to those who matter most.

If you would like to learn more about Karen White and her books, the link to her website and Facebook page is below. (And I truly recommend any of her books. This was my fifth time reading a book of hers, and I cannot wait to read the rest. Be assured, this will not be the last time one of her magnificent books is on this page.)

http://www.karen-white.com/

https://www.facebook.com/karenwhiteauthor

Until next time fellow book addicts, may your desire to read far outweigh any errant thought that could drive you to stop.

What Lies in a Name?

Posted in All The Mumbo Jumbo by

Welcome back to book addiction central, or as I lovingly refer to it, my life. I am hoping that if you are reading this current post that means you have found my blog in some miraculous way. I am also fully aware that it is most likely from my shameless self-plugging on Facebook and Twitter.

No matter what way you found yourself on this blog, here we are again to talk about books. Now before you go counting your chickens before they hatch, I thought I’d take one more blog post to immerse you within my self-proclaimed book addiction prior to starting a discussion about actual books. Don’t worry, they say good things come to those who wait. I’m not sure what exactly those good things are, but it might wine and a book, and those are always worth waiting for.

The sole purpose of this post, besides convincing more and more people of my craziness, is to explain the meaning behind the title of this blog. Now you may not think finding a title warrants an entire blog post by itself, but believe me when you are as OCD as me about things, nailing down a title for your blog is a milestone unto itself.

As I have previously explained, I love books and a buy them a lot. Here is some context on what “a lot” means: I rarely go into a book store without buying a new book or at least adding 2 books to my list of books to buy. Don’t even get me started on what happens when I walk past the Target book section. Bad things happen there.

Basically, it can be surmised that I buy an exorbitant amount of books, and that I buy them often enough that I have a pile if you will of books that need to be read. In an effort to be “organized” I have consolidated this pile of books into what I call my book basket. Now I know what you all must be thinking “Wow, she must have this very fantastic and special place to hold all of her books that need to be read, especially since she loves reading so much!” In actuality my book basket is a tote basket with flowers on it from the Target clearance section. Just what you were thinking I’m sure. Didn’t I ever mention to you that I could read minds? (That thought is probably best left to another kind of blog…)

As fate would have it though, that lovely little book basket was my inspiration for the title of this blog, The Never Ending Book Basket. You see I have had that book basket for about 4 years now, and I have yet to see the bottom of that sucker since the day I bought it. That poor little basket has moved with me in and out of my college dorm at least six times, and has even made the trek with me as I moved back home after graduation to live with my parents again. (eek!) My friends will be the first people to tell you that that basket is almost always filled to the brim, if not overflowing the top of the basket. That thing probably weighs a good 20 pounds. (If you don’t believe me, at the bottom of this post I have some pictures of the basket in its current state; be forewarned, it isn’t too pretty)

It’s easy for me to say that that book basket is one of my favorite possessions, and it holds many great books that I am dying to sink into. The only “problem” is that I have yet to find an end to the book basket. As I said earlier, I haven’t seen the bottom of that thing since I bought it, and there are some books in it that I have owned for years. For instance, some of the books in there may or may not have price tags on them from a major book store chain that is no longer even in business. The thing is that I buy books so often that the books on top get read first, thus the ones at the bottom don’t get much sunlight if you catch my drift. It isn’t as if I don’t want to read them, I just can’t stop buying books long enough to actually get to them.

Hence I refer to that basket as never ending. Even though there may never be an actual end to that book basket, and I may not ever see its bottom again, that basket is my pride and joy. It contains a plethora of different books, each with its own distinctive story to share. That is why I have to say I am quite happy that it will most likely never end, because that means I will never stop finding books to buy, read, enjoy, and discuss with others.

Now, don’t you see why The Never Ending Book Basket was the perfect title for this blog? That book basket represents at its core that there will always be another book out there that needs to be read. Clearly weren’t my hours of laboring and thought into the title well spent? I think they were, but this is my blog so I am probably a smidge biased. (If I’m being completely honest with you though, which I will always strive to be, coming up with the title for this blog took about 3 minutes while I was driving home from work)

As a personal challenge for this blog I am also going to attempt to not buy a crap ton of books in the near future, so that I can attempt to decrease the overflow of books over the top of that little never ending basket. I should probably let you know before you get your hopes up though, that I have tried to do that before, and have pretty much failed catastrophically every time. And I mean every time.

So as I begin this blog, and my reading challenge I proclaim that I will try valiantly as ever to find the end to the never ending book basket. It will be a tough battle that I will surely lose in the end, but the challenge itself is all the fun. I mean let’s face it, this challenge involves me not buying more books, which will never happen. But, it also involves a hell of a lot of good books, great discussion, and tons of good times. What’s not to like? (By the way, if you actually have an answer to that question, please feel free to keep that answer to yourself. Remember friends, kind words go a long way.)

Are you ready, because I think that chicken is about ready to hatch. Let The Never Ending Book Basket challenge begin, right after I get back from the book store. (Just kidding…. But not really)

p.s. At the bottom of this post are pictures of my book basket in its current state. I’m going to be honest and share that this is the probably the most books I have ever had in it, and just to remind you these are just the books I own that I haven’t read. I also have a five shelf bookcase from Target completely filled to the brim with books. (Told you I had a book addiction, but it’s not hoarding if they’re organized, right?)

Fun Fact: The Never Ending Book Basket currently contains 45 books that I have purchased but not read. (And my mother wonders why I have no money to speak of….) And in case you were wondering, my list of books to buy currently has 43 books on it. What can I say? At least I’m consistent with my addiction, and from what I’ve heard consistency is key.

 
The infamous Never Ending Book Basket

The infamous Never Ending Book Basket

They Say Step One is Admitting You Have a Problem

Posted in All The Mumbo Jumbo by

My name is Megan, and I am an addict. I have had this addiction for quite a while now, and I guess at this point it’s time to admit that it is probably never going to go away. My addiction has ebbed and flowed over the years, but I have to say that I am currently in the midst of full blown addiction. I deal with this addiction every day. It can get bad at night, and weekends are even worse. This is rock bottom. They say step one is admitting you have a problem, so here I am declaring it to the world.  I have a problem, and I am fully admitting it.

Now before you go calling A &E to set up an intervention, I guess I should tell you that what I am addicted to is perfectly legal. To fill my addiction I don’t have to break the law, go to any dangerous sketchy place in the middle of the night, or spend an arm and leg to fill my need. Even though it does cost me more money per year than I (or my mother for instance) would like to admit, I won’t be arrested anytime soon for my addiction, though I will probably wonder where all my money went. Some of you are already aware that I have this addiction, as I have had it for quite some time now. It is quite obvious it takes up a good part of my life. Some of you have even fed this addiction over time, but no blame or shame can be put on your shoulders. The true blame falls on me, and now the time has come to fully expose myself to the world, and proclaim what I have known for years.

I am addicted to books.

While I may admit my introduction to my addiction could be a tad more serious than it needed to be, the sentiment is still the same. For as long as I can remember I have loved books. I lovingly refer to the book store as my mecca. (And before you ask, I have actually said that out loud to multiple people in public places besides the book store) I have also spent more money than I am willing to admit on buying books. Let’s just say that inside of a good book is where I love to spend some time. For the record, let it be noted that when I say “some time” I really mean a crap ton of time, to the point that I have actually lost weight before because getting up to eat meant I had to stop reading. But don’t you worry, that has only happened a few times, and when I say a few I actually mean more times than I’d like to admit.

So what have we deduced so far, besides that I have a “slight” problem? I love to read. It is one of my biggest passions. Anyone who knows me knows that I can read, or talk about the books I read all day every day. If you think that is even a minor exaggeration ask me about a book I have read, or one that I am reading. I. Dare. You.

Finally we have come to the point where I explain the purpose of the proclamation of my book addiction. As I have previously stated about 45 times by now, I love books and reading, and in the never ending search to continue discussing the books I read, I decided to start this blog. My goal for this blog is simple. I want a new outlet to discuss the books I am currently reading, and maybe even a few I have already read, but can’t seem to let out of my mind. I also hope this blog will serve as a way for me to recommend books to others, as I truly think good books need to be shared with the world IMMEDIATELY. (Just ask those close to me, because I have frequently called them out of the blue demanding they read a book ASAP)

Thus, to save you all hours of my endless talking about books day in and day out in person, I decided that I should take to the internet and spread my thoughts to the World Wide Web. (Or the few friends and family members who may actually read this blog. Clearly I have very high expectations.) I will admit that this is my first real attempt at blogging, but I figured I would give it my very best try. Let’s be honest though, this just gives me another way to keep talking about something I love, and God knows I so enjoy doing that.

Whether or not the whole word or just my crazy band of merry book reader friends see this blog, I truly hope that these posts will bring about some great discussions about the many fantastic books out there today. That last sentence can essentially be translated into this: I hope to use this blog as a means to spread my book addiction to the world in a way that does not require an actual intervention in a conference room at the local Clarion Inn.

I have said it before, and I will say it again. My name is Megan, and I am addicted to books. It is an all too consuming problem, and I am admitting it freely here and now. They say the first step is admitting you have a problem. Well I have done that, and the time has come to accept my addiction.  Book addiction is not to be taken lightly, but when done correctly it is the best kind of addiction to have. Let me be clear that while I may be acknowledging here that I have a problem, it in no way means I am going to stop with my addiction.

You should join me on my path of addiction. It’s one hell of a ride, but so totally worth it.

I am a book addict. This is what book addiction looks like. Not so bad, right?

I am a book addict. This is what book addiction looks like. Not so bad though, right?