UP!–My First Book of 2017

Posted on by

first-book-of-the-year-2017-banner

I’m not sure if I’ve ever mentioned here that I don’t really place much significance on the shifting from one year to the next other than prepping a new datebook and having to remember to change the number when filling out documents like bank checks. Now, if you’ve followed this blog for a while, you are well aware of what an organizational nerd I can be, so you can imagine what I do to a datebook with all the color-coding and reminders and such. It’s a project, for sure, so it’s not like it’s something I actually look forward to, but over the past few years the ONE thing I do look forward to as a new year begins is the annual meme that Sheila at Book Journey hosts: “First Book of the Year.”

Not only does it push me to pick my next book to read and be sure I’m reading it as the date changes over, but it’s SO much fun getting to see all the pics Sheila’s blog followers send in of them with their “first book” picks. I’m glad I blog about it, too ’cause I get to look back at my previous picks from 2014, 2015 and 2016 😎 😀 .

You may recall that at the 2016 Princeton Book Festival in September, I very selectively chose to purchase a few novels—all of them worth owning, for sure! They stand at my bedside waiting their turn so whenever I glance their way and they see that “Who’s next?” look in my eyes, aching to read all of them, they wave their pages frantically and scream “Pick me! ME this time!” only to settle down as I pick up the book I’m already reading.

Last week when I knew I had to choose, you should’ve heard the ruckus as I sat there deliberating. Their pleas were deafening and I was sure a cover or two would escape their bindings to flap in my face like runway flags to gain my attention. The decision was a tough one, but it seems that one book in particular, just as it had grabbed me the first time I heard its title and lay my eyes on its mesmerizing cover—grabbed me again. I found it irresistible, and even more so when I’d read its first chapter, having been captured by the story and was completely smitten by its voice. Reading Kelly Barnhill‘s The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a wonderful way to start 2017 😀 Seriously, is this stunning or what?…

the-girl-who-drank-the-moon-cover

…and I’m ALREADY THOROUGHLY ENJOYING IT! 😀

So, tell me—since I’d LOVE to know—what will you be reading as 2017 begins?…

 

 

 

30 thoughts on “UP!–My First Book of 2017”

  2. I love that cover and title! It does sound like the perfect book to start off the new year with. I am glad you are enjoying it so far! I carried over one read and will be starting another this evening. This is my first time participating in First Book of the Year. I’m really excited about it. 🙂

    I hope you have a Happy New Year!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  4. Have fun colour-coding your datebook, Donna. I love the title and cover of your first read of the year. It is indeed captivating. I might have to have a read of it myself! Thanks for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  5. It’s always a challenge picking that first book with so many great ones out there. So far I read a short book called Clay Tongue and am now tackling books 4-6 of Anthony Powell’s a Dance to the music of time. I am hoping to add more YA to my reviews this year as well, just to keep things more surprising.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Well, what are you reading now, Eric? You could’ve started it before the New Year turned over, according to Sheila’s rules 🙂 I know Sheila took a few late comers, but I’m thinking she’s done (?). It’s so cool seeing all the book covers 😀

      Like

      Reply ↓

  7. That cover is amazing! And I write this early in the morning, looking out at the moon shining through my writing window. I L O V E the moon, and somehow, I feel she loves me. I’m reading WHEN BREATH BECOMES AIR, which is amazing, and the new book my young grandson loves me to read to him is GRANDAD’S ISLAND by Benji Davies.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

        • Pam, I just finished reading it and it got me choked up 😦 I forget how old your grandson is, but I’m so curious what it is he loves about the book and how he interprets it. It’s a subtle, moving way to explain death to a child.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply ↓

          • This grandson is 7 and very active, yet very sweet and sensitive. Maybe it’s the sound of my voice with the words? He has two granddads (my guy and my son-in-law’s dad) who are very much a part of his life. I don’t think he gets the ‘death’ part, but certainly the love and sweetness of the goodbye.

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply ↓

    • Hi, Stephanie! So nice to see you here 🙂 I never thought about the “first book of the year” or “anything else of the year” either lol, till Sheila’s meme and now that I’ve started, it’s a fun thing to do 🙂

      Like

      Reply ↓

  12. I don’t have an actual list this year but a goal of 75+. Of course that includes my books and chapter books I’m reading to our little man. I’ve currently got about 11 on my Goodreads list and, yes, I’m truly reading them all though some more actively than others. Right now I have Tired of being Tired in my lap…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Carol, wow! Long time no see! Life’s just so busy, right? You’re one busy woman, I know that! I have no doubt you’ll do 75+ since, even though they take time to read, picture book titles are racked up more quickly 🙂 So glad you stopped by 😀

      Like

      Reply ↓

Express yourself :)