A heart-wrenching yet beautiful rendering...

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

I feel as if I have read many books set in World War II. 

I'm uncertain what the actual number may be, but it feels like a lot. 

And I never tire of them. Why? 

I think it is because I hope to be part of a critical mass of people who never forget...

that just one despot can kill millions of people in his own country. 

Then get two of them together fighting each other (e.g. Hitler and Stalin) and they can also manage to displace and kill millions from many other countries, too!

Also, check out Noami's review at Consumed by Ink. 
I feel that between the two of us, a comprehensive picture emerges regarding this book. 

The format Sepetys uses reminds me of All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, with the alternating viewpoints, each chapter narrated by one of four main characters: 

Joana, Florian, Emilia, and Alfred.

There is a cast of supporting characters, also: Heinz, Eva, Ingrid, the Wandering Boy...

Together they represent the millions who were hunted and haunted...

Joana by guilt. Florian by fate. Emilia by shame. Alfred by fear.

Though it could be argued each and every one of the people displaced or killed by either the Germans or the Russians suffered from all four: guilt, shame, fear...and fate.

These four conditions are the result of being hunted and terrorized by psycho-maniacs, 

as were these two 'leaders' and the people who perpetrated their evil intent upon others. 

It seems very easy for some humans to become misguided savages with no regard for others.            My hope is that as a species, humanity can evolve to a point where a critical mass of individuals have reached a level of spiritual and emotional development that prevents them being so easily controlled and manipulated by psychotic sociopaths.

Sepetys is excellent at using few words to denote characterization through actions. Her writing is powerful and intense, yet I found it to be subtle at times. A reader is exposed to many horrors of this war and these peoples' trek to purely survive, without feeling too beaten up by it all. Though when I make such comments, I realize that any one of us reading such a book should feel the heartache, abandonment, guilt, shame, and fear that forced our own ancestors to the fate of such total disorientation and displacement. Regardless of our own specific family's involvement, we are one "human family" and all who preceded us are our ancestors overall. I feel as if few of us know our own family's history well enough to know whether we are descended from some of those who were forced to endure such dire circumstances in the history of our world. I myself felt such a pull as Sepetys divulged some of the political history regarding changing borders before and after World War II. My grandmother had always told me her family was originally from Prussia, and although her ancestors immigrated to the U.S. in the 19th Century, it was due to many of the same circumstances--mainly war: forced conscription to fight and kill other human beings as imposed by similarly 'sick and twisted' tyrants preceding the monsters that were Hitler and Stalin. And, of course, unfortunately, in today's world we still have mass migration of peoples escaping persecution and improbably unsafe and deadly environments created by other individuals savagely determined to kill and destroy. I always shake my head and wonder when we will learn...

One aspect of such circumstances is that in order to survive, one must ironically be willing to kill others as necessary. And we learn that something as simple as leaving an innocent note can inadvertently result in the death of your closest friends.

"The Russians have this region surrounded," she said. 

"There are only two escape routes, through the port at Gotenhafen or the port at Pillau. 

We're all headed the same way. It will be safer if we travel together."...

She had no idea. It wasn't "safer" for anyone to be with me. (80)

Though in the end, Florian is safer than he might have imagined, mainly due to his efforts to save others.

                                                   "It's safer for you to stay with the others," he said.

Safer? he didn't realize.

I was already dead. (47)

Emilia had good reason to feel as if she was already dead. Though she would give life to others in many ways. 

Although they make it safely to the port and board the vessel, no one suspects this voyage is doomed. To compound matters, the Nazis overloaded it with roughly 6-7 times the maximum capacity of passengers. As with the Titanic, when it went down, all those below decks were drowned with the ship and all those on deck were immediately dumped into the below freezing water--neither group with a chance of survival. For example, though one girl in a life jacket ended up being pulled into a life boat, she immediately froze to death, unable to get her body temperature high enough to survive. 

Alfred is an example of a sick mind just fit for Naziism. He was forever 'composing' letters to his beloved Hannalore in his head...

Some at home did not appreciate my cleverness or abilities. They saw me as a birdie with a troubled wing that should remain close to the nest. They didn't know the truth.
I am quite confident that no one is aware of my ingenuity and objectives. 
I just might surprise them all, Hannalore. War is full of duty and decision. 
You know I have made that commitment. [Oh, does she ever...]
Yes, life can be lonely for the truly exceptional, darling. 
So I build my own nest and feather it with thoughts of you. (151)

And he continues to muse about her...

And now, years later I am still confused by our final conversation. Do you remember it?

I remember it so clearly. I ran onto the sidewalk as they were taking you away. 

I told them that half of you was part of the master race.
You stopped in your tracks and whirled to face me. "No," you yelled.
And then you screamed so very loud. "I am Jewish!" 
I am certain everyone heard your proclamation. It almost sounded like pride.

And for some reason those words are now caught, like a hair, in the drain of my mind.

"I am Jewish!" (359)

So...as gross as that vision of a hair swirling around a drain is, it isn't as scary as Alfred!  

Florian's reaction to Alfred as he quotes Mein Kampf:

I didn't respond. Small hairs on the back of my neck lifted in warning. 
This guy wasn't a sailor. He was a sociopath in training. (280)

And as such, a perfect Nazi! Though he was as lazy as he was crazy! :)

Florian, on the other hand, had revenge against Hitler on his mind. At one point they must cross a waterway that is frozen over and Joana nearly falls into the water when the ice breaks. (That event involved a catastrophic loss for their traveling party...) Florian muses:

By grabbing the nurse I had saved her life. Why was she angry? It bothered me that she was mad. It bothered me even more that I cared. But I needed her help. 
So I had to say I was sorry. But I didn't have to hold her hand. (158)

True, Florian, you did NOT have to hold her hand...however...you did! :)

I lay back down on the cold tile floor. I reached into my pocket and pulled out her note about the sewing kit. What sort of girl leaves a promissory note in the midst of a bloodbath?

An honest one.

I stared at her pretty handwriting, memorizing it and tracing over her signature with my finger. 
I had slipped the drawing back into her suitcase. Yes, I was that good. (171)

Florian was definitely good...at many things, not the least of which was forgery. Though his father had encouraged him to create, he would rather duplicate...

He acknowledged and praised my talent, but wanted me to produce instead of reproduce. 
"You are so talented, Florian, why not create something of your own, something 
that comes from your imagination? As the philosophers say, 'Life is short, but art is long.' Contribute a piece of art instead of copying others, son."

But I wasn't interested. I loved the idea of restoring old treasures and pieces of art. 

And once in a while, I like copying them too.

Ironically, though it may seem more appropriate to create your own art, these 'duplication' skills are what allowed Florian to escape. Though it was without his 'ill-gotten gain,' he ended up with much more valuable things! He observes to Joana,

You seem happy working with the doctor. I bet you were top of your class."

She laughed. "Yes, top of my class, but what does that mean now? 
Can you believe I used to study instead of going to the beach?" She shook her head. 
"But I do like helping people. and I like being one step closer to my mother." (211)

However, if not for Joana's advanced medical skills, Florian would have died of his wound and the resulting infection! 

Little does Emilia realize how ironic and ultimately grotesque her lullaby would be...

All the little duckies with their heads in the water

Heads in the water

All the little duckies with their heads in the water

Oh, such sweet little duckies. (76)

This is what she thinks as she floats along, first with Alfred for a companion, then alone...until the raft finally beaches on land.

Sepetys does an excellent job of portraying the prejudice and discrimination resulting from stereotyping, even among those who have nothing and are all just trying to survive and make it to evacuation. For example, Eva constantly wanting to abandon Florian whom she assumed to be a deserter, and Emelia due to her Polish heritage! Sepetys describes her years of research and acknowledges the many people who helped her gather information along the way at the end of the book. I am so grateful for those like her who are willing to dig into the past and educate the rest of us about such human tragedies. Let us never forget just how easily we can be turned against one another, for it is still happening in numerous locations around the globe today. 

Powerfully written books such as this and Doerr's lead me into seemingly wild philosophical ramblings as posted here. It requires much time and effort for me to attempt to make it all understandable to myself, let alone others! Hence, the reason why I have yet to distill my thoughts into a full review of All the Light We Cannot See, which is, in my opinion, one of the best books I've ever read. However, Salt to the Sea definitely runs a close second to Doerr's work. Fortunately, since this is a library book and another patron has placed a hold on it, I was unable to renew it, and read it in two days during the workweek! So perhaps this library thing is good for more than just discouraging me from buying more books, but also encouraging me to review books in a timely manner! Whereas I can wait a bit to review those I own--they're not going anywhere! :) I am grateful to that patron and can only hope s/he derives just as much enjoyment and gains as much insight as I feel I have as a result of this reading experience!

Of course, the more I learn about rich American businessmen who made literal fortunes off supplying the Nazi regime with all types of goods, the more I believe wars could simply be a function of the 'rich despots' who may not physically hold seats of power, but covertly manipulate policies and politics for no more than their own financial gain, to the detriment of the world's population. Ah, yes, despite the old adage, greed is definitely NOT good! I strongly encourage you to watch this video! Knowledge of such things makes me so angry and sad beyond compare... But this book, this book, is a beautiful rendering of humanity. 

Simply stated--you should read this book!

I cannot imagine being disappointed!

More Andy Carpenter!

Bury the Lead  

by David Rosenfelt

This is the third installment in the Andy Carpenter series 
written by David Rosenfelt.

Bury the Lead opens with Andy searching for his associate, Kevin Randall, in Kevin's "Lawdromat" where free legal advice is dispensed to customers "along with detergent and bleach." :) A woman is giving Andy "the eye" and he muses,

  "Truth be told, even if we were in a nightclub and the woman looked more like 

Halle than Boysen Berry, I doubt I could accurately gauge the situation. 

I'm no better than average-looking myself and thus have almost 

no experience with women giving me the eye. 

In fact, though I'm not in the habit of counting offered body parts, 

it's safe to say that over the years I've gotten the finger more than the eye." (1)

Yep! That's on the first page! Start me off laughing! I love it! 

Rosenfelt also gives us a bit of information about Jersey in each book, it seems. For instance, he is a die-hard sports fan, watching sports on TV for hours/days on end. Since our TV has been shut off in our house for over 15 years, I know nothing about TV stations, networks, etc. He fills us in on Jersey's woes...

  The most embarrassing part is that all the major TV stations that cover New jersey 

are based in New York. Ottumwa, Iowa, has its own network affiliates, but Jersey doesn't. 

It should thus come as no surprise that those same stations 

treat Jerseyites as second-class citizens. (4)

Awww... ;) Even Andy realizes that he really needs to get to work. He is independently wealthy after inheriting a previously undiscovered insane amount of money from his father's estate, so he doesn't have to work... (Yes, I am insanely jealous of this fictional protagonist! :)) Problem solved when Vince Sanders, "editor of what passes as the local newspaper in Paterson," calls...

I've known Vince for about a year. He's cantankerous and obnoxious on the surface,

but when you chip that away and dig deeper, you find him to be surly and disagreeable.

You probably could say Vince and I have become good friends, 

if your definition of "friends" isn't too rigid. We're not "Ya-Ya Brotherhood" types, 

but we hang out some in sports bars and trade insults, which fits my definition pretty well. (10)

Sounds like a "typical" male definition, doesn't it? ;) It made me laugh! Vince wants Andy to protect his star reporter, Daniel Cummings. 

I'm not understanding any of this. "So, you're going to pay me?"

"Pay you? Are you out of your mind?"

My friends share two common views about money. 

They think they don't have enough, and that I have too much. 

"This is what I do for a living, Vince. I'm a lawyer. 

I got an A in money grubbing in law school." (11)

Again...I'm laughing! 

Andy performs a bit of self-psychotherapy while on the road. 

On the way to meet with Daniel Cummings, I reflect on why I've been in a foul mood lately.

I'm not big on self-reflection, so I try to get this session over while sitting at one traffic light.

I quickly come up with four possibilities. One, I need to get back to some real work.

Two, I'm thirty-seven years old and beginning a mid-life crisis, whatever that is. 

Three, I miss Laurie terribly. And four, Laurie doesn't seem to miss me nearly as much. 

I don't know which of those is true, but the one I'm rooting against is number four. (23)

I admit to loving Rosenfelt's snarkiness! There is a killer loose and he appears to be using Daniel as his communication 'window to the world.' Daniel is discovered at the scene of the most recent murder nearly unconscious with a rather serious head-wound. Andy arrives...

"Captain Millen, my name is Andy Carpenter," I say, my voice deep and powerful so as to convey my authority. "I'm representing Mr. Cummings."

"Good for you." He doesn't seem to be cowed.

"My client is obviously injured."

"And Linda Padillo is obviously dead. So stop interrupting or I'll have you obviously removed."

He's speaking to me as if I am an annoying child. This is unacceptable and demeaning, 

but I back off, so as to avoid getting sent to my room for a time-out. (36)

Ha! Ha! However, it becomes more serious when Cummings is arrested for this crime. 

"I'm not going to lie to you, Daniel." My mind registers that I've started thinking of him as "Daniel," rather than "Cummings," because I need to get personally close to my clients. 

Then my mind registers that I am thinking of him as a client, which means I must at least be considering taking on the case. Sometimes my mind has a mind of its own. (50)

You guess correctly...more laughing from me! 

Vince reveals that Daniel is actually his biological child. 

Vince goes at the french fries with both hands; he's feeling a hell of a lot better. 

"I really surprised you, didn't I?" he asks, smiling for the first time.

I nod. "You sure did. I still can't believe it. You actually had sex with someone." (56)

Ah, yes, those insults! :)

From this point on, the 'case' becomes quite intense and twisted. Not only does the reader benefit from Rosenfelt's humor, but you get an A-one mystery along with it! Once your client has been arrested and is imprisoned, it is rather good news that the "serial killer" strikes again...however, Rosenfelt never hesitates to depict the ethical/moral dilemmas.

The first thing Daniel says when he's brought in is, 

"Is it all true? Did he really kill someone else?"

I confirm that it is in fact true and bring him up-to-date on where we stand. 

He takes it all in, a look of wonderment on his face. When I finish, he says, 

"It's weird: An innocent person dies and it makes our case." 

My opinion of him instantly goes up a very large notch; 

his reaction is exactly what mine should have been. (218)

As always, in the end Andy gets to the bottom of the case and discovers the true criminal. Though there are more criminals than you might imagine and he takes a helluva chance by enlisting some organized crime people to help. Whew! He is brave. Except perhaps when it comes to Laurie...

"Andy, are you asking me to marry you?"

Uh-oh. The direct approach. This is not my strong suit. 

[Which may account for the fact they aren't married? :)]

The fact is, it's not so much that I want to get married, but more that I want Laurie to want to.

"Would you say yes if I did?"

She smiles slightly. "Okay, I'll let you off the hook and answer your question without you having to ask it. No, I don't want to marry you. Not now."

I feel like somebody just hit me in the stomach with a seven-hundred pound snowball. "Why?"

"Andy, I love you. Right now I want to spend the rest of my life with you. 

I don't know if that will ever change; I hope it doesn't. 

But I've just never had a need to be married. If it's important to you, I'll do it. 

But it won't make me love you any more, 

because I couldn't love anyone any more than I love you." 

Tara barks, which I think is her way of telling me to keep my mouth shut and leave well enough alone.        I can't stifle a smile as I look up toward the sky and take a deep breath. 

"The air really feels great, doesn't it?" (261)

Awww...though I know, since I've already read the next book in the series, this idyllic time does not last...

I love Rosenfelt's writing and keep resisting reading the next book in the series because I have other books to read for book clubs, etc., first!

If you think this series might at all appeal to you, I strongly suggest you try it!

Ana is not Anne--a great read all the same!

Ana of California by Andi Teran

I cannot recall exactly how I got wind of this book, 

but am glad I did!

I was reminded of The Lemon Orchard by Luanne Rice and 

The Same Sky by Amanda Eyre Ward, 

probably because of the Mexican protagonists.

I am not a fan of books strongly compared to 

or supposedly inspired by other works. 

For example, this book was billed as a 

modern-day Anne of Green Gables and I get that, 

but I hated having this in the back of my mind as I read. 

This was a really good read, but not because of any other work to which it may be compared, in my opinion.

It was a well-written book, period.

Ana is an orphan about to become emancipated, but she has been through five foster homes, and a couple of placements into group homes during the past ten years. Her case manager has one last opportunity for her--a farm internship. Poor Ana has experienced much deprivation and abandonment in her lifetime. First her parents die, and then her grandmother, who was the only one to actually provide her with a real "home" and who demonstrated love to her. Though she feels/knows she can trust the social worker, she still cannot bring herself to talk of the tragedy she has witnessed in her very young life. Having worked as a case manager, I know that foster homes can be anywhere on a scale from Great to Horrible--as are homes headed by biological parents/caregivers, unfortunately. Ana's parents created and maintained a Horrible home but her abuela (grandmother) created a kind, caring, loving, and respectful/Great home. Unfortunately, she didn't live long enough to see Ana raised. :(

Ana is a logophile, she loves words and hesitates not to use the 'big' ones! Such as "ludicrous"... And she does like to talk, as she states, it is a "nervous habit," this "filling the air." I can relate. I was all about that when younger. It is only after reaching age 45 or so that I truly learned not to panic and just start talking, but rather to wait and listen first! :) (And, no, I do not manage to do this ALL the time, but I usually remember... As with anything else, the more I practice, the better I get.)

This is a city girl sent to do a country girl's job! Ana is able to connect with Emmett and Abbie through music and art, but admits she knows nothing about farming and isn't particularly interested, however, she is motivated to try simply to avoid group home placement again, if nothing else. Those connections both help alleviate some of the tension created when Ana accidentally pulls all the parsley plants rather than pulling the "weeds" from among the parsley plants. This reminded me of a former co-worker of mine whose husband finally forbade her from weeding in the garden after pulling up the pepper plants instead of the weeds twice in one season! Hey, if you don't know, you don't know! They should have done a better job of educating her before placing her out in the field, in my opinion. 

Alder is a typical old mountain man who knows the natural world like no other! He even gives Abbie and Ana a 'tour' of his beehives and Ana learns that bees die as a result of stinging someone. On the way home they discuss his statement that bees are really "angels on earth." Ana:

  "Maybe they have stingers for that very purpose. To give life, take it, and also 

to maybe keep the rest of us from realizing how good they can be. 

And maybe when we see one, away from any others, nowhere near a hive, maybe 

it's there to remind us that goodness in disguise is always buzzing around in the periphery." 

It is actually Ana who saves the day for Garber Farms. She acts selflessly and through her artwork and caring, helps the other workers feel like family. But she proves she is not perfect, particularly in her relationship with Cole. I especially appreciated the way that Teran juxtaposed the different lives of these teens and the way they all felt unhappy and unloved with their families and 'homes.' Though Ana reminded them that even having a "home" about which to be unhappy and dissatisfied was an improvement upon her own situation. Ana was quite empathetic and accepting of others, as proven by her accompanying Brady into school on the first day, as well as willingly accepting Rye's personal disclosure to her. She also had some almost unbelievable experiences within foster homes regarding lack of food and illogical long-term 'punishments.' I loved the fact that she made sure her case worker was well aware of the horrid conditions in these certain homes. She wanted to be an agent for change...in a good way. As she stated: "Sorry, but not sorry," for helping the younger children get something to eat even if it was against "the rules" imposed by the foster parent. 

As Ana and Cole would say to each other..."To beautiful endings." 

This was a bit 'happily ever after,' but that's okay. It works! 

Have you read this one?

Or Anne of Green Gables?

I've read them both and loved them both! 

Anxious to read Before Green Gables 

by Budge Wilson now!

(Of course, I love the cover on the left 

with the kitty!)

A Re-Readathon!

This is a new one for me! A Re-Readathon! 

I really wanted to support this event that Bex of An Armchair by the Sea is hosting, but...

much as I wanted to participate, I realized my 'reading schedule' wouldn't permit me to fit in a reread or two during this time frame. 

But then I realized that one of those books on my "must-read by a certain date" list was Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell. This must be read by March 26, 

so that works out very well, since this will be my second time 

to read this absolutely wonderful book! (The above link is to my review.)

I. Cannot. Wait! 

I very seriously doubt I'll have time enough to reread any others, though I might manage to squeeze in a children's book or two...we shall see! :)

I have one that I just recently purchased for my grandkids that I want to re-read and review sitting next to me: The Cay by Theodore Taylor. 

I just remember reading this as a child and loving it. 

I am anxious to see what I think of it now...

The only thing I can honestly remember is surviving on the island.

How about you? What would you like to re-read?

If you can do it yet this month, you should register to participate in Bex's event!

Do you have one book you re-read periodically? 

To List or Not To List...that is the question!

Shannon at River City Reading started quite a discussion yesterday with her 

How I Read (HAPPY) Without a TBR List post!

(She even created a lovely graphic!) ----->

What I truly loved and appreciated about all the comments and discussion was that all of us have very different systems, or none at all, for tracking books we wish to read. 

It was great to see the immense diversity 
among our various systems; 

it truly runs the gamut of possibility!

Each person seems to be satisfied with their system! Cool!

I had to laugh at some of us, like myself, who admitted they would be " bereft" 

(that was Jenny @ The Reading End's comment) without a TBR list. 

I think my jaw dropped to the ground when reading this posting!

I would be lost lost lost, and more lost, without my TBR list! 

Along with all those other lists on Goodreads (Each shelf is really just another list!), 

and now the ones I have created on my Library's website! 

While I strongly dislike the fact that Jeff Bezos (Yes, of Amazon fame...) 

owns Goodreads, I am not giving it up unless I absolutely must. 

Although I in no way otherwise support or shop at Amazon, just on basic principles.

(The only two times I have mad purchases was when 
I received a gift card and had no choice!)

Though I am, quite simply, hooked on Goodreads! 

You might say I am a Goodreads junkie!

I remember when Heather, one of my "Borders" Book Club members 

first used her phone to scan a book while we were at a meeting. 

I almost yelled across the table at her--"Wait! What are you doing?" 

She replied, "Scanning that book." Me: "What? How are you scanning the book?" 

This was my introduction to Goodreads, which I downloaded immediately onto my phone!

I was definitely like a kid with a brand-new toy! I was off and running!
That was in July 2012 and...the rest...is as they say...history!

Though I did immediately discover that it was easy to overload the scanning system 

and I couldn't just scan every book I own one right after another. 

And...there are times, and it seems to happen in bookstores most often, when the system seems to take forever to scan a book, many times I must type in the title.

So, is it perfect? Certainly not. Shannon listed several bugaboos she had with it,

as did some who left comments on her blog post. 

As do some others who commented, I use the "To-Read" shelf on Goodreads 

for literally any book that grabs my interest for any reason! 

That list is my reading "bible" and it is irreplaceable to me!
I can even track where I saw it or saw mention of it, etc. 
Now...ummmm...I currently have 5183 books on that "To-Read" shelf!
Am I ever going to realistically be able to read ALL those books in this lifetime?
Of course not! But it is my "go-to" list for every book in which 
I have become interested since that fateful day in July 2012!
And I am more than okay with that! I do not view this listing as a "to-do" list, 
rather it is a record of my interests, not necessarily my reading goals!
(Though the analytic side of my brain thinks it might be fun 
to calculate how many years it might take me to do so!) 

And it serves as a very handy device when selecting future reads.
For example, when I decided to participate in "Book Challenge by Erin 4.0" this spring,
it was so easy to select the books using this listing as my guide! 
In addition to the "shelves" I have created in Goodreads, since I am concentrating on reading books from the library and not purchasing as many books as I have in the past, 
I have "lists" on my library website! These are a bit more timely so that, once again, 
it is easy for me to place holds, since I can do that directly from the lists.
Those library lists include: Book Challenge by Erin 4.0, Borders Book Club, Diversity, Nonfiction, Emma Watson's Feminist Book Club (on Goodreads), 
and Really Really Want to Read, Once Available!
This last one mainly refers to new releases which may not be available from one of the member libraries until 6 months after the release date.

Plus I keep several listings in the "notes" function on my phone, 
mainly dealing with (1) those books I want to post reviews for on my blog, 
(2) those books I really want to own, so will watch for when out and about, 
and (3) my "reading schedule" which includes those books for which I have deadlines: Literary Wives, Borders Book Club, Little House Read-Along 2016 
(which I am cohosting along with Bex of An Armchair by the Sea), 
including any and all challenges in which I am participating. 
Some of those challenges for which I have registered:
Classic Children's Literature Event 2016, 2016 Cloak and Dagger Reading Challenge, 
2016 Southern Literature Reading Challenge, just registered for 
The Pickwick Papers Read-Along which should remedy the fact 
that I've NEVER read a book written by Charles Dickens! 
And the one at which I am already failing rather miserably, #ReadMyOwnDamnBooks. 
The only good news about this last one is that comparatively with the past, I am purchasing and bringing into my house very few books and am reading most all that I don't already own from the library, so there is improvement, 
I just need to READ THE ONES I ALREADY OWN FIRST! :)
But others grab my attention and seem to be immediate must-reads! 
Ah, it is quite the conundrum!

For me, the secret is not to over-stress about any of these lists 
except the "reading schedule"! 

So, thank you for bringing this topic of discussion to the forefront on your blog, Shannon!
How about you? Do you keep a TBR list? Or not?