Just a mini book haul

Well, hello my lovelies!

I can't believe we're already in August. The year is just flying past so quickly. 

So, here we are again with more books finding their way onto my shelves. When I went to the Post Office on Monday I was expecting just 2 parcels, but walked out with 4 instead. eBay has been coming in clutch over the last few months for older books that are just ridiculously expensive on Amazon (yes, I would order from independent bookshops however not only are they generally more expensive, but the shipping is unbelievable in Australia). 

The Color Purple by Alice Walker is a book that I remember from Yr 8 English (way back in the 1990s) and I vaguely remember that I wasn't a fan. Perhaps it was the content, perhaps it was the way it was taught, or maybe - and most likely - a combination of the two, but apart from not enjoying the book we were also made to watch the movie. Not a great movie for Yr 8s. I'm hoping that this time around I will get more out of the book, picking up on the undercurrents and subtleties more than I did at 13.

Next there is The Camomile Lawn by Mary Wesley and The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy. More modern classics to add to my list. And while I have no knowledge of The Camomile Lawn apart from what I read online when searching for it, The Forsyte Saga is a name I remember from my teen years as I remember that the BBC had made that into a mini-series. I have not seen that (at least I don't think so), and after I finish the book I must remember to track down a copy.

Then there is my charming 1889 edition of Three Men In A Boat by Jerome K. Jerome. This was the highlight of my recent eBay searching, and to find it for less than $20 (inc. shipping) was quite the score. It has been just over 8 years since I first read the book - I know, I checked - and I find myself still thinking about it regularly. Surprised that I only gave it 4 stars, but I'll wait until I reread it before messing with my ratings ;D

Anyway, these are the books that arrived in the mail this week. I have been organising the pile of books I've bought over the last 6 months (not all of them, but a good selection) for an upcoming video, and with the new shelves I have come to realise that I really need to go through all my books and be vicious and weed out the books I don't want, have outgrown, are no longer interested in reading from my TBR, or have just hung onto for some reason. So far the donate pile is about 300+, but honestly I should get rid of at least 1000 more. I gave up counting my books in about 2015 and I stopped at just over 3600. Hope my local thrift shops, library and school book drive have room for me.

So, that's it. Let me know if you have any video ideas for me, or if you have any recommendations. I love hearing from you.

Thanks for stopping by, and until I see you next time, 

Back in the swing of things

This heatwave is ridiculous!

Hi there, my lovelies!  This is only going to be short so I can get hurry back to the AC in the living room as it's getting very very hot and muggy.  Seriously, what's up with this weather?

Anyway, I don't have any hauls planned for the next couple of videos, but I'm hoping some Top 5, or perhaps a bookshelf tour might be on the cards.  Let me know below if there is a specific video you would like me to do, and I'll put it on the list ;-D

Okay, I'm roasting in this room.  Thank you for watching, and until I see you next time...

 

Booksale Haul - Day 1

It's taken a little longer than I'd hoped to film, edit, and finally get around to uploading this.

As I was editing this I was struck with the thought that I'd bought way too many books.  Do I really need all of these?  Probably not, but they make me happy so I'm going with that.

I really do need those new bookshelves ASAP, especially now that I have this haul to add to my ridiculously large TBR pile.  I've got the name of a local carpentry place, and I'll bite the bullet soon and ask them for a quote to turn the spare rooms entire wall into built-in shelves.  It won't be cheap, but at least I won't have to worry about how the hell I'll fit in a new bookcase.

Anyway, I'm off to go and finish Day 2's haul video.  Wish me luck.  Finger's crossed I can get it up over the weekend.

Until I see you guys next time,

 

August Book Haul, Part 3 - Classics

Yes!  I have finally come to the end of this rather large (and if I'm honest, a pain in the arse) book haul.  Remind me not to do this again any time soon ;-D

As you can see, my collection of classics is growing steadily.  Enough so that I now need a large bookcase to keep them all together - they are scattered around various locations in the house at present - and with 3 very large bookcases crammed into the spare bedroom I feel the time has come to perhaps call a cabinet maker to make some custom shelves that cover a whole wall.  Expensive, I know, but there is so much wasted space in using standard bookcases that I think it will be worth it in the long run... maybe?

Anyway, I have more video's to edit, including a bit of bookmail from this morning, that I want to get up asap.  So I will leave you here, and until I see you guys next time,

August Book Haul, Part One

It's been a few weeks since I've felt like filming, or editing, a video.  However I have bought so many books during August that I really needed to get my butt in gear and film something, so welcome to the first of three book haul videos!

Today's video is just the new books I bought.  These either came from Book Depository, Booktopia, or from my local shopping centre.

Let me know in the comments if you have read any of these, and what you thought of them.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on these classics.  And until next time,

August Book Haul, Part 2

Well, this is odd.  Who would have thought that I'd get Part 2 of my August Book Haul up so quickly? ;-D

Thankfully I was able to film this on my small camera instead of the webcam (why are they such  poor quality?) and after a bit of editing, voila, Part 2 is up.  This video includes the romances I found, some miscellaneous titles (dystopian, non-fiction, horror/fantasy, etc.), and concludes with the small stash of cosy mysteries I was able to find.

Let me know in the comments if you have read any of these.  I'd really like to hear your thoughts on them, and until I see you next time,

Hey, I actually finished a book!

It's been a boring couple of weeks where I just have not had the inclination to pick up a book.  This does not happen often, but when it does, it's a real problem. Thankfully, my mum lent me her copy of Nora Roberts new book, Shelter in Place, and that did the trick.  Roberts is an almost guaranteed good read so... 'Thank You, Mum!'.

However, I only picked this up after finishing The ABC Murders by Agatha Christie.  I don't know what it was about this book, but it took me three reading sessions to get through this teeny, tiny, little book of 192 pages.  I know, right.  I've read three books in a day (1000+ pages worth) and done it again the next day!  Yet, trying to get through this Poirot was like pulling teeth.  Which is silly considering I actually liked it, and I can't wait to see the new BBC adapation.

Yes, April to mid June has just been the pits.

Thankfully it looks like that slumpy, grumpy, not-reading time is over and I've been enjoying rereading some old favourites which I will be talking about in my next video.

So until I see you next time,

 

Easter Book Haul

Hello again.

Due to unforeseen circumstances (aka, pulling a muscle in my back/hip) the video I'd planned on filming has been put on the back burner for now.  Instead I filmed a really quick video on Easter Sunday so I could share with you the bookmail that had been trickling in over the last week.

I was hoping to save all my parcels, and some still aren't here!, until I had them all in a glorious pile and then I'd open them on camera.  However, I got so excited when I ended up with 5 parcels in one day that I forgot about that and tore into them - oops! ;-D

Anyway, I've already devoured two of the Amanda Quick titles, Til Death Do Us Part and The Girl Who Knew Too Much, and they were just the thing I needed to get me out of the reading funk I'd slipped into after binge watching seasons 1 & 2 of Wynonna Earp (ps. such a great urban horror/western series!).

Still have to get to the two cozy mystery books, as well as the final two Jayne Ann Krentz novels and The Immortals (which I have my fingers crossed for because I love a good urban fantasy with gods and goddess' in a modern setting).

So with all that reading still to do I'm going to love you and leave you.  And until I see you next time,

 

Stephen King Mini Book Haul

Had a pile of books arrive yesterday, so I thought that I'd do a quick book haul video.  Forgive any mistakes, I'm still trying to get a handle on the filming - using webcam for the moment - and editing, but I'm having fun so that's the main objective ;-D

There are more King books on their way, so I'll be doing more SK hauls in the near future.

So until next time,

June Used Book Haul

Hello, my lovelies!

Yes, I have finally joined BookTube - well, new to posting videos anyway ;-D

My used book haul is the third video that I've posted.  I'm still getting used to some things, and I keep forgetting exactly where to hold up the book so it shows the full cover at times, but I'm enjoying this new (to me) way of sharing my love of books.

This is not a King haul, but I'll be hoping to have a reading update of The Stand up at some point in the near future as that it a chunker!

Hope you enjoy my foray into BookTube, and until next time,

Friday sucked

I bought this on Friday afternoon, desperately trying to find something to distract myself from the decision to let my furry old friend, Titchy, go.  My mother and aunt took her home with them - and to their lovely vet.  So, after bawling for about an hour, I pulled myself back together and went back to our small local shopping centre and picked up a copy of Nevernight (which I had eyed off earlier in the day).

Unfortunately I didn't, and still don't, really feel like picking up a book.  I've been binge watching multiple seasons of The Murdoch Mysteries, and snuggling up to my remaining furry buddies.  Will try to get to it after I move into my new house next month.  In the mean time I need to avoid all the spoiler reviews!

Also, isn't the cover art beautiful!  Love how the artwork wraps around the whole book.  Reminds me of the artwork of Kerby Rosanes (that gorgeous and quirky adult colouring book, Animorphia).

Let me know in the comments what you thought of Nevernight.  Did you enjoyed it, or perhaps not.  But please, no spoilers!

Thanks, and until next time...

 

New in March

I've been a tad tardy with my book hauling this month - seasons 1-7 of Castle has been taking up way too of my free time lately.  However since I'm expecting the last of my book order to arrive before the end of next week, I thought it would be a good time to revisit what's new in my library.

Okay, as you know I pre-ordered copies of Marked in Flesh and Fire Touched.  Marked in Flesh, by Anne Bishop, arrived and looked fabulous once it was beside the first three books in the series (read it before lunch the following day! Review up soon-ish)  However, Fire Touched, by Patricia Briggs, never arrived {see HERE for more}.  Still miffed over that one so I'll move on.

Not long after that bookish drama I picked up two Miss Marple's at my local newsagents.  Talk about a lucky break as I needed them to add to my A Year of Marple book collection.  Still have a few more titles to pick up, but I think I'll have to resort to Book Depository for them.

And finally, I recently ordered the mass market edition of Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews - I'll now be up to date when the new book in the series is released later this year! - and Perdido Street Station by China Mieville.  This is definitely my 'wildcard' book for the month as I have never read any thing by him, but after watching more than a few BookTube reviews that recommended this book in particular, I thought I'd give it a go.

So, this is what's new to my shelves in March.  I hope you found something new that you might like to check out.  What did you add to your shelves this month?  Let me know below as I'd love to find some new authors ;-D

Until next time,

 

I think I went a tad overboard...

Books and cats - a great combination!

I really think I had a few too many books on hold at the shop, but hey - at least I'm supporting local business, right? ;-D

Just before Christmas I was in the shop, browsing for gift ideas, when I spotted all five of the Ben Aaronovitch books!  I couldn't believe my eyes.  I grabbed those puppies up before someone else bought any (or just one) so that I could have the complete set.  Thinking that this was a pretty good score, I was just about to leave when two white spines caught my eye further down the shelves.  Yep, it was parts one and two of the Words of Radiance book.  Another score.  And finally, I spotted a copy of The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss.  Seriously, by that time I knew I had to get out of there before I bought even more books!

Mini book haul

Hi there, my lovelies!

Today I've got a few new books to show you.  I bought these either at Book Depository, or at my local Big W (now the only source of new books in town!).  

Books 1-3 : Book Depository

Books 4-8 : Big W

I was so excited to get Alice in Wonderland and Gone with the Wind in the post last week.  As an AiW fan - I have 8 adaptations so far ;-D - and I have been coveting this edition since I saw it on BookTube last year thanks to Jean Bookishthoughts {watch video HERE}.  It is quirky and colourful, and the illustrations are just gorgeous.  

Then we have GwtW. This book was recommended to me a few years ago, and I could never find a used copy, never in the library when I go, and has generally been a pain in the butt to find.  I didn't really want to borrow it from the library as I don't want to keep having to renew my loan.  Then, I saw this gorgeous copy on Book Depository.  I've had it in my wishlist for about 9 months now and when I got an email telling me that the price had dropped (I'm on a book budget, ok) I snapped this puppy up.  It also happens to be my 2016 challenge for myself.  I'm giving myself a year to read this... wish me luck.

Then Going Postal arrived in the mail . . . 'nough said ;-D

Yesterday I picked up The Martian by Andy Weir {yippee!}.  I've been haunting Big W this week - still waiting to see if they will get The Shepherd's Crown! - and just as I was about to leave, I noticed they had tucked 4 copies of The Martian on the very bottom shelf.  I almost missed it as I have been keeping an eye out for the orange covers. Very tricksey.

On Friday I'd picked up this lovely copy of Mr. Holmes (can't wait to see Sir Ian McKellan as Holmes), plus rescued a copy of The Secret of Crickley Hall (I didn't know this was a BBC mini-series!) from the bargain bin.  The Miles Franklin omnibus was an unexpected bonus buy.

The Great Gatsby came into my life 2 weeks ago . . . I think?, however they are all lovely to have.

So many books, and still not nearly enough!

Until next time,

 

Friday's Haul

Yesterday was a great book day.  Finally got my books out from local shop.  Had them on hold for a while - oops! - but they are home now, and going on my bookshelves.

However, I didn't make it out of the shop so easily... as I was leaving I found 6 Sookie Stackhouse books on sale ($5 ea) and put them on lay-by for mum as she's really into, and loving, Charlaine Harris at the moment.

Looking at this pic, I can't believe that I had to haul these heavy books home! 

Until next time,

Huge Book Order for April

Yes, I know that I really should be used to this by now.  However I was not technically on a book buying ban - wouldn't even delude myself by trying to attempt one - so I can take some comfort in that.

I have ordered more than a few books from my favourite online retailers (my local chain store bookshop has a poor range) and I had two discount vouchers to use as well which made the damage done to my wallet slightly less.

My spending has been reasonable so far this month, but today I went a tad overboard.  I couldn't go down to celebrate ANZAC Day as I'm sick, and I didn't want to either a) give it to anyone else, or b) catch something that will make me feel worse, so naturally I ended up online.  Today wasn't supposed to be about buying books.  I just wanted to catch up on some YouTube and do a few other bits and pieces.  But did that happen?  NO!  Last night my mother asked me to get a book for her so it all started from that request. 

Today I managed to order...

The Hobbit - Tolkien

The Return on the King - Tolkien {both these Tolkien books are beautiful cloth-bound editions!}

A Darker Shade of Magic - V. E. Schwab

The Winter Sea - Susanna Kearsley

Heraclix & Pomp - Forrest Aguirre

MOAB is my Washpot - Stephen Fry *

The Virgin Suicides - Jeffrey Eugenides *

Lady Audley's Secret - Mary Elizabeth Braddon *

Cut Throat - Sharon Sala {this was mum's request!} *

On Thursday I went a little mad and ordered,
A Blight of Mages - Karen Miller
Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle {Barnes & Noble leather editions!}
The Arabian Nights
The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas

and earlier in the month I ordered - and am still waiting for mind you - these titles;

The Shining - Stephen King *
Tennant of Wildfell Hall - Emily Bronte
Shirley - Charlotte Bronte
Hounded - Kevin Hearne
Wolfsbane - Patricia Briggs
Air Bound - Christine Feehan

And I am still waiting for The Dragon of Despair* by Jane Lindskold to find it's way into my post box as I ordered it over 4 weeks ago!

* AbeBooks {I can now finally find my OOP editions, God bless them!}

Amongst this rather large amount of books that will be winging their way to me during May I have tried a few new editions.  There are some Penguin English Library books.  I just love the spines and the lovely almost suede feeling of the covers!  As mentioned, the Sherlock Holmes volume is one of those gorgeous B&N leather bound editions with the gilding.  Today I seemed to have a thing for hardcovers, so I hope that they have that they have dust jackets, and there is also a smattering of my usual mass market paperbacks.  Yes, I know that they're quite delicate as the spines almost always break, but they are reasonably priced which matters a hell of a lot when books cost so much in Australia! 

I could tally up all the money I've spent on books this month, but I think I'd keel over in shock.  Thankfully I was able to use some 10% off vouchers - thank you Book Depository! -  and Booktopia always has some amazing bargains.  Even op shops have some great titles.  I found my The Fry Chronicles - hardcover! - at a local thrift shop for $4 last year! 

Speaking of thrift shops, I nearly forgot to mention the great books I found yesterday when I went looking for some cheap bowls {I use them for plant saucers - they look nicer and are easier to keep clean inside!}.  As soon as I walked in the door I was sidetracked by the books.  I haven't been to my local St. Vinnie's in months, and I'm so glad I went because I found a couple of books that I've been meaning to get - as well as one that I'd just put in my wishlist!

As per usual, I spent more time and money on the books than I did on the items I actually went for.

Well, I think I've spent enough.  Have to leave you all as I'll just want to start compiling another cart full of books if I keep thinking about them for much longer ;-D 

Okay, must go watch a DVD to take my mind off this dead tree purchasing ...

Until next time,

 

Unexpected Book Haul

Just happened to drop in on a local secondhand/charity store in town only to find that they are having a 50% off sale - off everything!!  OMG! That's like waving a red flag to a bull and I was in there before I realised that I'd even parked the car ;-D

I found a few classics - including a copy of Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier that I'd read in high school!  After watching WORDS OF A READER and her review on Rebecca {SEE REVIEW HERE} , I thought I'd give it another try.   The other classics I bought were James Joyce's Ulysses, a really interesting black and red cover of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, and an old copy of Anna Karenina by Tolstoy.  Oh, and I actually found a hardcover of an little known Australian classic, The Nargun and the Stars by Patricia Wrightson.  I have vague recollections of this being made into a TV series in the early 80's on the ABC.  

There are a few copies of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books that I picked up.  I always like to get different covers for books I like, so I had to get these.  Mistral's Kiss is also a cover buy as I have the hardcover, and I couldn't believe that this paperback was so short!

Finally, there are Black Lynx, Red Riding Hood (movie tie-in), and a Marian Keyes book.  I've never read anything by Keyes, but this sounded interesting even if it is a big ass book ;-D

So I bought 14 books, and only paid $5!  Wow, that's actually more than 50% off! :-D  

Until next time,