Literary Quote of the Month

"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies," said Jojen. "The man who never reads lives only one." - George R.R. Martin, A Dance With Dragons

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

First Book of The Year 2014...

It's funny sometimes how we bloggers discover books, other blogs, meet new bloggers, meet other readers, new authors, publishers and other bookish people. I was reading a post from Vasilly of 1330v ~ Thoughts of an eclectic reader about her first read of the year and how it could almost set the tone of the whole year. I thought this was interesting as I never really thought about "the first" book of the year.     So, how am I going to set the tone of my reading year? I definitely have plenty of books to read, but now I am feeling the pressure of making the right choice!

All this talk about first books really started when Vasilly visited Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila asked readers on her blog what their first read of the year would be and created a link for everyone to enter their posts or photos of what the book would be…

OK, so I am stepping out of the box just a bit. I'm going to read The Unwelcomed Child by V.C. Andrews. It's a new book coming out by the same author who wrote the horror novel Flowers in The Attic. I remember being being so wrapped up in Flowers in The Attic, and unable to put it down. It has been years, probably over 20 years since I read it and it still stirs up feelings of dread. I am so excited to read an author I haven't read in years and whose books I use to love. It's stepping out of the box a bit because I haven't read any horror in years. This copy of The Unwelcomed Child is a review copy courtesy of Pocket Books, so it's not out on the shelves until Jan. 21, but here's the teaser from the publisher…

My mother had looked into the face of evil so many times she knew what it was. It was me. I was born without a soul. . . .

Elle Edwards grew up believing that because of her mother’s sinful ways she was born without a soul; that’s why she was abandoned and left in the care of Grandmother Myra and Grandfather Prescott, who try to ensure her evil will not infect them—by raising her in a virtual prison. Because her days are occupied with homeschooling, strict religious studies, and vigorous housekeeping in their upstate New York home, Elle knows practically nothing of the outside world, even as she emerges as a young woman with impressive artistic talent. But when she makes a secret, forbidden connection to vacationers at the nearby lake—a handsome boy and his precocious twin sister—Elle’s world will shatter. Will  discovering the truths about her past send her future plummeting to hell?

Hmmm, I wonder what tone I'm setting by reading a horror novel first?! :-) I guess we'll just have to see what the rest of the year brings. In the meantime, I'm going to start to record my "first reads" of the year. I love the idea of putting some thought into picking out the first book you'll read for the year. How about you? What's your first book going to be for the year? Want to participate in The First Book of the Year 2014? Here's the link to the Book Journey and what it's all about.

11 comments:

Vasilly said...

Yay! I'm so glad that reading my post inspired you to write one of your own! :-) I've never read anything by V.C. Andrews but The Unwelcome Child sounds really good. I hope it lives up to your expectations. Happy New Year!

FICTION STATE OF MIND said...

I'm reading flowers in the attic right now with an online group :) I'm loving it

Suzanne Yester said...

Hi Vasilly! You always inspire me with your great thoughts and ideas! I love reading your blog! Thanks for blogging about first reads! I never thought about it, but now it's going to be a fun annual event for me! Happy New Year!

Suzanne Yester said...

Hi Kai! I Loved Flowers in the Attic! I received a copy of that book from the publisher as well, so I could reread it. They are coming out with a Lifetime movie for Flowers in the Attic on January 18th, which might be fun to watch too!

Suzanne Yester said...

strange... I have a new google email with my new married name, and I thought I linked the accounts so that I could comment and people would know it was Chick with Books, but I guess not....

Shooting Stars Mag said...

I've never thought about my first book of the year, but I like the idea! I hope you enjoy your choice. I have Flowers in the Attic to read soon; I've never read it.

-Lauren from ShootingStarsMag

Harvee said...

I am too chicken to read horror, so my choice was a cozy with a yoga theme.
Harvee
Book Dilettante

The Writing Whisperer said...

Hope you enjoy your first read. Sounds really interesting!

Cynthia
The Things You Can Read
www.thethingsyoucanread.blogspot.com

Laurel-Rain Snow said...

I have never read Flowers in the Attic, but loved the movie. There is either a new version of that movie or an encore showing coming up soon on TV.

I like the sound of your "horror" book.

Here's MY FIRST BOOK OF THE YEAR POST

Elizabeth said...

I have read her other books, but haven't read this. I enjoyed Flowers in the Attic.

ENJOY your book!!

Happy New Year!!

Stop by my blog from January 2 to January 11 for an international giveaway of Jubilee's Journey.


Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
My First Book of The Year

Anonymous said...

I loved Flowers In The Attic when I read it years ago (about 25 I think) so I think this is an excellent start to your reading in 2014, I do hope you enjoy it!

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