Saturday, January 3, 2015

December in Books

It's time for my monthly reading round-up before we get too far into 2015! December was a month of holiday books, audiobooks, and dipping a toe into the world of children's books. I also finished book #2 in my Outlander re-read, so overall a very good month!

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Holiday Humor
Borrowed from Library / Audiobook
4 stars

It's hard to really consider this a book since it is just recordings of old-time radio shows, but it's cataloged as an audiobook at the library, so why the heck not? They even left in the commercials which were a truly fascinating look back in time. The selections are from Jack Benny, Life With Riley, Baby Snooks, and The Burns & Allen Show -- I always loved to hear the residents at my old job reminisce about these programs and tell me about them, but had never listened to a sample. I would definitely listen to this one again and see if there are other Christmas selections to be found for next year.

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The Christmas Doll
by Elvira Woodruff
Borrowed from Library / Audiobook
4 stars

A sad, but lovely tale of two orphaned sisters and the spirit of Christmas. I felt cold just thinking about those poor girls trying to survive on the street, but a very heartwarming story that I would definitely listen to again in future years.

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A Child's Christmas in Wales and Five Poems
by Dylan Thomas
Borrowed from Library / Audiobook
1 star

I really didn't care for this one -- the narration was way overdone and I found it extremely distracting. I finished it off because it was very short, but if it were any longer I probably would have put it aside.

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The Polar Express
by Chris Van Allsburg
Borrowed from Library / Hardcover
5 stars

A classic children's Christmas book that to the best of my memory I had never read before. If it was read to me as a kid, I don't remember it. Anyway, such a great story! I can see why it has become a holiday classic and I definitely will want to get a copy for the baby someday.

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My Pet Book
by Bob Staake
Borrowed from Library / Hardcover
5 stars

I have a major soft spot for books about books and being pregnant has made me more aware of and curious about children's books. So when I heard about this one, I had to check it out from the library. Such an adorable story and it is definitely on my wishlist for my kid's future "library."

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How to Bake a Book
by Ella Burfoot
Borrowed from Library / Hardcover
4 stars

Continuing with my curiosity about children's books, I borrowed this one from the library as well. I didn't love it quite as much as My Pet Book, but it was a lovely little read with great illustrations.

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Dragonfly in Amber
by Diana Gabaldon
Purchased / Paperback / Re-Read
5 stars

I'm so happy with my decision to re-read this series. It takes me a while to finish each book, but it's so worth it -- I will follow Jamie and Claire anywhere! I've moved onto Voyager and plan to continue through until I get to the newer books I haven't read at all yet. (And if you've been thinking about reading or re-reading this series in 2015 check out Kay's reading challenge -- it hasn't officially begun yet, but I'm getting a bit of a headstart!)

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TOTALS:
7 Books Read (4 print + 3 audio)
1051 Pages
7 Audiobook Hours

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Reading Challenges:
New to Me
Audiobook
Prequel & Sequel
Re-Reading
Scotland
Book to Movie
Chunkster
Historical Fiction
Newbury

12 comments:

  1. I don't have any memory of having read (or having listened to) The Polar Express either, and I've never read it to my kids. I have no idea why!

    Happy New Year!

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    Replies
    1. Maybe next year! Happy New Year to you as well :)

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  2. Voyager is my favorite of the 8 Outlander books. I love The Polar Express as well.

    Terri M., the Director
    Second Run Reviews

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    Replies
    1. I still have a soft spot for the original Outlander, but Voyager is great too, of course, since I love them all :) Polar Express is definitely a *new* holiday favorite!

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  3. I have been meaning to read The Polar Express - I should really make it a new holiday tradition
    I am going to do this one too! Excited to see where it takes us!
    New follower :)
    Missie @ A Flurry of Ponderings

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    Replies
    1. I can't believe it took me so long, but it was definitely worth it :)

      Thanks for the follow!

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  4. My Pet Book and How to Bake a Book look adorable! I need to read them next time I'm at the library. lol I love the idea of you checking out children's books for you baby. So exciting and fun!

    Very nice on the head start for my challenge!! :D

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    Replies
    1. They really are adorable! I have my eye on another one too "A Book is a Book" -- can you tell I'm hoping to raise a reader? lol I hope you get a chance to check them out :)

      Had to take a break to squeeze in a book club book, but so excited that I've actually been sticking my decision to read/re-read these chunksters -- they take a lot of time, but I find them a bit addicting!

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  5. Such holiday-appropriate reads! All the best for 2015 :)

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  6. We read The Polar Express at Christmas too. It was both mine and Alexander's first experience of reading the story and so it was lovely to share together. In all honesty, I'm surprised he sat that long because he is a total busy bee these days and rarely sits down for 'longer' books.
    :-)
    Bits & Bobs

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    Replies
    1. It is a bit of a longer book for a picture book! I really had no idea of the storyline going in and think it's such a wonderful holiday book -- definitely will be getting a copy for next Christmas I think :)

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I'd love to hear what you think :)