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?…
…and I’m ALREADY THOROUGHLY ENJOYING IT! 😀
Happy New Year, Donna! Currently reading w/Noah, Ms. Bixby’s Last Day.
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Thanks, Robin 🙂 And to you, too! I hear nothing but good stuff about that book. If you think of it, please pop back in and let me know how you liked it 😀
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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!
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So glad you found Sheila 🙂 I really do enjoy this meme! There’s just something about it and seeing all those pics and books 😀 I see your daughter is a Pinkalicious fan!
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Looks like a wonderful book to start the year.
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Thanks for stopping by, Nise 🙂 I’m REALLY enjoying it. About a third of my way into it and am captivated 🙂 Did you do Sheila’s “First Book”?
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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.
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lol, yeah, I do a LOT of color-coding in it, for sure! I really, really, really am enjoying this book, Norah. If you do read it, please let me know! 🙂
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Unfortunately it’s not available as an ebook on Kindle and quite expensive as an audiobook. I’ll have to look for it in a bookstore, but it’s on the list. Sounds good. 🙂
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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.
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Ste J, you’re SO well read and have SUCH a huge TBR, I can’t imagine it not being difficult. And YA, huh? This should be VERY interesting 😉
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Dang! I read this too late! I guess the next book I read will be my “first” book. Symbolically. 🙂
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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 😀
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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.
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I love the moon, too, especially when it’s full 🙂 And just now I ordered GRANDAD’S ISLAND from the library since Benji Davies is REALLY good and I never read that one before. So glad you mentioned it 😀
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Let me know what you think. My grandson doesn’t get the ‘metaphor’ of the grandfather going, but the adult reader surely does.
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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.
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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.
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I enjoyed your review. I have heard so many goo things about it. I have it on reserve at the library. Thanks for visiting my website!
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I’ve really been enjoying your posts, Patricia 🙂 And thanks for stopping by! You’ll love this book when you get to it. I’m about 2/3 through and have been enjoying every page 😀
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Thank you! Meant to mention I recently read “The Reader,” “The Last Cherry Blossom,” and snuck in Danielle Steel’s novel “The Award” (about WWII) over the weekend.
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It sounds like you read more than I do. It takes me too long to get through novels 😦 I really wish I could read more!
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Happy New Year! That looks like a great pic for first read. 🙂
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I finished a couple of days ago, Yvonne, and LOVED it 🙂 Beautiful writing. Wonderful story 😀
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I didn’t even think about the first book I read this year. I just dove right in and started reading. I, too, don’t put much stock in the year changing over. Just another day.
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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 🙂
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I started with a middle grade and four picture books followed closely by The Girl Who Drank The Moon. SOOO worth the read!
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Lynn, thanks so much for stopping by 😀 I’m so glad you read this book, too. And I’m THRILLED it won the Newbery! While I was reading it, I wondered if it was in the running because it was just THAT GOOD 😀
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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…
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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 😀
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