It's been a long time since my last post!
I'm still reading and am spending my time training on Computer Basics and the Internet for seniors (older people not seniors as in college seniors) as well as Social Media Training for businesses and individuals.
Although I still read everything I can, I am finding content from all over the net and adding to my Pinterest board http://www.pinterest.com/ebbye/read-read-read/ it's just amazing how much information there is and how I can find ANYTHING about books, authors, reading, and content just by following people on Twitter and searching for pins and content via (or on) Pinterest.
So as you can see my blog is quieter, both this one, my pet minding business one - where I am more active on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LickandPurr, and my social media business blog - where I am more active on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.
Luckily I am a member of goodreads.com and of http://www.thereadingroom.com/
- two places where I find loads of information about new books, as well as book groups, quotes, and reviews - so I spend a lot of time on those sites.
I have spent the past few months writing courses - if you are interested in Pinterest for Beginners, Instagram for Beginners, or Twitter for Business - please let me know - there is a Twitter course available later this year and I am holding an Instagram talk in May (2014).
I have plenty of resources on offer and I am happy to train one-on-one, in groups/workshops/talks and even via Skype. Please feel free to contact me ebbyeryan@gmail.com
I have just finished The Necklace http://www.womenofjewelia.com/our_start.html which is an amazing book about 13 women and a diamond necklace named Jewelia. It is fantastic to see how all the women have evolved just by becoming part of this group and how they are continuing to help others and to give to their local community - it really is inspirational.
I have been reading a lot of free Kindle books via the app. It is amazing how many good books there are and I have chosen different genres I wouldn't choose normally just to keep my brain active. My pet minding business (which is very part-time helps to keep my body active, and I learn a lot about animals which helps my social media training business - funnily enough!).
In between all of that, I also volunteer on a regular basis, because my whole aim is to learn something new, and to keep educating myself which again helps my business.
I am in the middle of an easy, light, detective novel on my Kindle app - so off I go!
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Saturday, April 26
Monday, December 31
2012 Year of Reading
While I didn't actively participate in the Year of Reading 2012 - I challenged myself to read at least one book a week this year.
My challenge was to choose a favourite type of genre which is usually chick lit by an English author and a book or a genre that I would not really choose myself.
I usually buy about two or three books from St Vinnies at a time;
I have also been extremely lucky to have a bookshop called Oscar and Friends in Double Bay. One of the managers recommends books for me to read - and I am blessed to have such a warm relationship with the staff and management of Oscar and Friends - http://www.oscarandfriends.com.au/
The following books are the books I loved reading this year and they are the ones I reviewed on my Twitter - https://twitter.com/ebbye.
The books below are the books which really impacted me this year.
1. Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend - this was an absolutely beautiful book to read. After I read this; I discussed this book with my bookworm friend and we were both moved by the sheer compassion in this book. My friend told me that she was touched by this book, because it stirred so many memories in her. I found this book heartbreaking; because there is so much innocence in the characters. I highly recommended this - http://us.macmillan.com/memoirsofanimaginaryfriend/MatthewDicks
I
read about 30 or so more than the books I have listed. But these
are the ones that stood out and I posted brief reviews on Twitter:
2. Lawrence Anthony's book The Elephant Whisperer – This was a sensational book to read. It gave me an insight into Lawrence Anthony's relationship with wild elephants and the work on his Thula Thula game reserve in Zululand. I learnt some sensational information about elephants and the bond that they formed with Lawrence and his wife. This book is a must read but be warned - it will make you cry! http://www.theelephantwhisperer.com/
3. Beautiful by Kate Piper - Katie's book is actually very difficult to read. without giving too much away; Katie has to face an immense struggle and this book is a very detailed account of her trauma and recovery. Throughout the book, you realise (well the reader) that Katie is incredibly strong and courageous. It is an immensely difficult story and an extremely graphic account of her experience but as you read this book - you end up liking Katie more and more. Katie has started a foundation for people suffering from Burns and Scars in the UK - read this book but be prepared to hold your hand over your mouth throughout.
4. Mindless Eating - this is fascinating. Did you know that there are food laboratories set up to test what, how and why we eat? Full of food facts and marketing information - this book will challenge your thoughts and beliefs about food and what makes us choose to eat. It also challenges the marketing behind food products and our food choices.
5. A Twitter Year -
In 2011 - Kate Bussmann put together a review of top stories, events, news, facts and Tweets. I loved this because I love Twitter and found this is a great marketing book to decipher what was important to people on Twitter and why. Although it was written in 2011 - it's a fascinating book full of facts, tools, tips and things you probably don't know!
In 2011 - Kate Bussmann put together a review of top stories, events, news, facts and Tweets. I loved this because I love Twitter and found this is a great marketing book to decipher what was important to people on Twitter and why. Although it was written in 2011 - it's a fascinating book full of facts, tools, tips and things you probably don't know!
A friend of mine told me that they study John Barnes at uni because he is a sensational writer. After reading this book; I understand why. This book is short but his character descriptions are incredible. I have never got such an acute sense of character while reading and by the end of this I felt for Tony, for his sadness and for the path he chose for his life. I actually found this book incredibly sad and think I will read this again!
7. Hereafter – Tara Hudson – I took this book with me while travelling this year and I couldn't put this down. It's YA fiction about death (basically) and there is a lot of darkness in this book. Although it is a love story, I loved this book. It was chilling and intriguing and quite unusual. This book had some terrible reviews - but frankly I really liked it!
8. Annie Choi's book Happy Birthday or Whatever - Annie Choi is funny. I love her writing style and this book was a memoir about growing up with her Korean family while being exposed to a completely contrasting American culture. This book was charming. She writes with such wit and an accurate look into her culture and it was so wonderful to read a memoir that was laugh out loud funny (for a change!)
9. Dawn French's A Tiny Bit Marvellous - it may be because I absolutely love Dawn French so I found this book to be a lot like her; warm, funny and witty. Yet reading carefully about each character gave you an insight into their flaws and desires. It was a very light read, but her characters are spot on and her humour is perfect!
10. The Marriage Bureau for Rich People by Farahad Zama - I love books like this! Set in South India; this book is all about a bored middle-aged man who sets up a matchmaking business inside his home. It combines everything; different religions, the Indian culture, love, marriage and Mr Ali's insight into what makes people tick. This is Farahad Zama's first book and I cannot wait to see what he writes next - I dream of writing in this way - it seems to be light and fluffy but you are learning so much as you read!
11. Brixton Beach - This book delved into the history of Sri Lanka and Alice's journey to London. While Roma's novel is fiction she fled Sri Lanka at the age of ten, travelling to Britain where she has spent most of her life. This book is a fascinating look into her personal history as well as experiences of her former country.
12. Sleepwalk With Me by Mike Birbiglia – I found this book, or rather book of true and unusual stories rather unusual. while this is not normally the type of book I tend to read; this book was quite funny and odd simultaneously.
13. Lunch In Paris - a love story with recipes - Elizabeth Bard - Complete with recipes and combining a love story - this book is for anyone who loves to cook and for anyone who is curious about Parisian culture.
14. Before The Storm by Diane Chamberlain - This book reminded me of Jodi Picoult's writing or We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver. It's about Andy a boy who has FAD, his relationship with his mother, and a night in a Church. It's a fascinating piece of fiction which tests the readers because we tend to make assumptions and this book was surprisingly well-written.
15. The Midwife's Confession - Diane Chamberlain. I loved this book. It's based on a character Noelle and is full of secrets and plot twists! I read this in one sitting. I think Diane is very good at writing characters and helping the reader realise the depth of a character.
15. The Midwife's Confession - Diane Chamberlain. I loved this book. It's based on a character Noelle and is full of secrets and plot twists! I read this in one sitting. I think Diane is very good at writing characters and helping the reader realise the depth of a character.
16. 100 things - This was so fantastic I ended up emailing the author Sebastien Terry (who responded straight away!) and including myself as a helper on the website he set up - http://100things.com.au/
I liked Sebastien; he wrote with such honesty about his life and a struggle he had as well as why he wrote a list of things he wanted to do in the first place. I found him to be very approachable and likeable and I was inspired to write a little list myself!
I liked Sebastien; he wrote with such honesty about his life and a struggle he had as well as why he wrote a list of things he wanted to do in the first place. I found him to be very approachable and likeable and I was inspired to write a little list myself!
17. Wonder-RJ Palacio - Wonder was aimed at 9-11 year old facing the school system. They also face other issues such as popularity and bullying. While this book is aimed at really young kids; I found that this book covered a really simple premise - Choose Kindness.
This book blew me away - it focuses on such a simple thing; Who are you? And what kind of person are you? I absolutely loved Jack's character and his journey in this book (and I would love to write something this well!) This book inspired at anti-bullying campaign in schools - http://rjpalacio.com/ and I would suggest that everyone reads this book!
18. Band-Aid for a Broken Leg- Damien Brown - This was a fantastic book. Damien Brown wrote about his journey with Medecins Sans Frontieres in Africa. It gave me an insight into a world I have never seen myself and into people who struggle on a daily basis. This was Damien's first posting away from home and the reality was that it was very difficult. I wish I could have been there - it's full of stories about the people he met but it became a journey about the kind of person he was, a journey about all the assumptions he made along the way and the discovery of the person he wanted to become. Read this book, now!
This book blew me away - it focuses on such a simple thing; Who are you? And what kind of person are you? I absolutely loved Jack's character and his journey in this book (and I would love to write something this well!) This book inspired at anti-bullying campaign in schools - http://rjpalacio.com/ and I would suggest that everyone reads this book!
18. Band-Aid for a Broken Leg- Damien Brown - This was a fantastic book. Damien Brown wrote about his journey with Medecins Sans Frontieres in Africa. It gave me an insight into a world I have never seen myself and into people who struggle on a daily basis. This was Damien's first posting away from home and the reality was that it was very difficult. I wish I could have been there - it's full of stories about the people he met but it became a journey about the kind of person he was, a journey about all the assumptions he made along the way and the discovery of the person he wanted to become. Read this book, now!
19. Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children - As soon as I saw the bizarre images; I knew that I would love this fantasy novel. It's an utterly strange and compelling read. It was completely original, delved into fantasy and sci-fi and although it was written for young adults; I found that using quirky and highly improbable interlinking stories made this a must read on a very dark and rainy night! It will completely creep you out!
20. Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran. An amazing look into the history of the museum, the story of Marie, & the French Revolution. there was so much about this period of history and about this woman I didn't know and this book was a highly enjoyable read.
21. The Lost Girls - 3 friends, four continents and their separate
accounts of their trip around the world. Holly, Amanda, and Jen are very passionate about finding themselves and this travel memoir is really all about their journey. They seem like 3 very sweet, passionate, grab the world with both arms sort of girls and I loved their style and energy.
22. Saving Private Sarbi is about a cross lab/Newfoundland who got
lost and found in Afghanistan. In Dogs We Trust is the unofficial motto in the Explosive Detection Dog Section If you love dogs - this is a fantastic book for you.
23. Jack The Ripper, was he really a woman? In this book John Morris analyses whether in fact Jack the Ripper was a woman and attempts to prove it via records, witness accounts etc. I was not sure what to believe but the evidence and analysis in the book was utterly compelling and quite convincing!
24. How To Make a Camel Smoothie - I absolutely adore pop science and pop maths books. This is a quirky collection of short, slightly weird mathematical facts, figures and calculations (review by an Amazon reviewer).
25. The Terrible Thing that Happened to Barnaby Brocket - I actually felt very sorry for Barnaby Brocket because he was born into such an ordinary family. A younger person would read this book as a whimsical fantasy sort of book; but I as an adult read into it about being different, having to confirm and then deciding to just be yourself. It is very nicely written with fantastic illustrations by Oliver Jeffers.
26. Anna Fienberg's Escape - I had the pleasure of meeting Anna Fienberg this year and I liked her instantly. This is her first novel for adults and I felt that I really understood the characters in this book. It looks very deeply into two aspects, escape by using magic and the desire to escape from life. While I found this book extremely sad - I loved her writing.
27. Call The Midwife - a true story about a 22 year old midwife in the East end of
London in the 1950's. It was fascinating to learn about 1950s London and the very intimate role a midwife played within family dynamics. what really struck me is how much times have changed. There were also references to the best children's hospital in the world - Great Ormond Street Hospital. If you're interested in the history of London and the roles woman played - this book is fantastic.
28. The Fault In Our Stars by John Green - Would wow, just wow suffice as a review?
John Green said on Tumblr that he wanted the reader "to feel all of the things". I think this book made me think. I have never had cancer; I have no idea what it is to be a teenager and have cancer and have to fight through all the incessant so called having to be brave about having cancer. Hazel was wonderfully searingly honest and John green poses a lot of questions to readers about dying, living and looking at yourself!
John Green said on Tumblr that he wanted the reader "to feel all of the things". I think this book made me think. I have never had cancer; I have no idea what it is to be a teenager and have cancer and have to fight through all the incessant so called having to be brave about having cancer. Hazel was wonderfully searingly honest and John green poses a lot of questions to readers about dying, living and looking at yourself!
I also updated my Shelfari and GoodReads accounts and received some ARCs (Advanced Reading Copies) from this incredible site - http://www.thereadingroom.com
What were your favourite books this year?
I'd love to hear and I'd love any recommendations.
Contact me using the comment box below or via Twitter or ebbyeryan@gmail.com
 |
| Just one of my many piles of books |
Tuesday, March 29
Reading ...
I read on average a book a day. Which means I read a lot, mainly chick it - which I adore because I really relate to the modern 30 something, hip, positivity of these books even though I know the format.
Girls generally have menial or assistant jobs, they are single not happy with their lives and are looking for a change. Or a boyfriend. Or to leave their jobs. Or are choosing between two guys. Or are raising a child. Or are getting over something.
In chick lit books (I prefer to call them contemporary lit) I relate to the character because generally she is finding out things about herself and trying to make positive changes.
The books cover depression, break ups, moving to new cities, starting jobs, leaving jobs, money problems, weight issues, other issues and circumstances, starting their own businesses, really seeing a relationship for what it is and ultimately (and happily ending) finding their right paths.
And I gather the women who write these books (and men) write from their own experiences or observations or dreams or goals or imagination.
The books which stay with me are the ones with the least obvious endings and the ones where the main character finds her/his own path and happiness despite whatever happens to him/her throughout the pages.
Books, whether they are fiction or not, are to be a way of finding out who I am or not by reading about other lives. I love books that take pace in countries I haven't been to and about jobs which I have never done. The ones about parenting or money issues or weight issues, give me an insight into the choices or struggle or determination of characters and the ones that have a happy ending, make me feel good (and relieved - depending on the book itself).
I liked Jennifer Love Hewitt's The Day I Shot Cupid because it was sweet. It was how I imagined her to be. Sure, it was not the most brilliant nor there was nothing new there that I haven't already heard from peope who want to give others advice about love and relationships.
But it was honest. And quirky. About what she had learnt along her way and things she had found out about herself. And mistakes she had made and what she would and wouldn't do in the future. But it was too simple for me, a little too cutesy and as much as I love Jennifer Love Hewitt in Ghost Whisperer, I can see that she was reflecting and emphasising how much love, romance and getting it right with men (with some contradictions, from not playing games, to playing games, to being the woman the man wants you to be, to being more ballsy ... it was a bit confusing)
It got many many reviews, mainly referring to the book as cute, a bit pre-teen, a bit too fluffy and led me the to this blog about book reviews and Big Al's thoughts on negative book reviews. And got me thinking about book reviews.
We read what we want to read. I know that a lot of people have guilty reading pleasures and read books they would not admit to anyone, Mamamia's blog about book shame puts this very nicely; we don't all read classics and huge history tomes every day - at least I don't.
I don't read reviews and so don't really review books on here, because it is just my opinion. I am reading a book about influenza called the Last Town on Earth which I love because it is fascinating and intriguing and in my opinion very well written and I love learning about something whenever I read a book.
I have just finished I Never fancied Him Anyway where Cassie spends a lot of the book dealing with being psychic and finding out about herself. And love. And men. And work. I found the book fascinating because not all pyschics are stereotypical and Cassandra has to face strangers opinions of her.
Even if we are not love a holics like Jennifer or psychics or into a certain genre of books, reading reviews comes (for me) after I have read the book or when I write a post about a certain book . I don't read book reviews that often.
Funny, I am not like this with movies, I will read a review and then not go see a movie based on a stranger's opinion, I love Rotten Tomatoes and I think with me I'd prefer to read than see a movie and when I do, I want to make sure it is something I really want to see.
Not with books, I love to read, and if something is not as good, not as well written, I forget about it very quickly. But the ones that are good, well written, made some sort of impact on me, stay in my head.
Books give me insight, educate me, comfort me, feed me and inspire me. I read to learn.
Do you read reviews before you buy a book?
Or do you just read and read?
I choose books by their titles and covers and the little blurb at the back. And because I read so much, I buy second hand or from charity shops. You?
Girls generally have menial or assistant jobs, they are single not happy with their lives and are looking for a change. Or a boyfriend. Or to leave their jobs. Or are choosing between two guys. Or are raising a child. Or are getting over something.
In chick lit books (I prefer to call them contemporary lit) I relate to the character because generally she is finding out things about herself and trying to make positive changes.
The books cover depression, break ups, moving to new cities, starting jobs, leaving jobs, money problems, weight issues, other issues and circumstances, starting their own businesses, really seeing a relationship for what it is and ultimately (and happily ending) finding their right paths.
And I gather the women who write these books (and men) write from their own experiences or observations or dreams or goals or imagination.
The books which stay with me are the ones with the least obvious endings and the ones where the main character finds her/his own path and happiness despite whatever happens to him/her throughout the pages.
Books, whether they are fiction or not, are to be a way of finding out who I am or not by reading about other lives. I love books that take pace in countries I haven't been to and about jobs which I have never done. The ones about parenting or money issues or weight issues, give me an insight into the choices or struggle or determination of characters and the ones that have a happy ending, make me feel good (and relieved - depending on the book itself).
I liked Jennifer Love Hewitt's The Day I Shot Cupid because it was sweet. It was how I imagined her to be. Sure, it was not the most brilliant nor there was nothing new there that I haven't already heard from peope who want to give others advice about love and relationships.
But it was honest. And quirky. About what she had learnt along her way and things she had found out about herself. And mistakes she had made and what she would and wouldn't do in the future. But it was too simple for me, a little too cutesy and as much as I love Jennifer Love Hewitt in Ghost Whisperer, I can see that she was reflecting and emphasising how much love, romance and getting it right with men (with some contradictions, from not playing games, to playing games, to being the woman the man wants you to be, to being more ballsy ... it was a bit confusing)
It got many many reviews, mainly referring to the book as cute, a bit pre-teen, a bit too fluffy and led me the to this blog about book reviews and Big Al's thoughts on negative book reviews. And got me thinking about book reviews.
We read what we want to read. I know that a lot of people have guilty reading pleasures and read books they would not admit to anyone, Mamamia's blog about book shame puts this very nicely; we don't all read classics and huge history tomes every day - at least I don't.
I don't read reviews and so don't really review books on here, because it is just my opinion. I am reading a book about influenza called the Last Town on Earth which I love because it is fascinating and intriguing and in my opinion very well written and I love learning about something whenever I read a book.
I have just finished I Never fancied Him Anyway where Cassie spends a lot of the book dealing with being psychic and finding out about herself. And love. And men. And work. I found the book fascinating because not all pyschics are stereotypical and Cassandra has to face strangers opinions of her.
Even if we are not love a holics like Jennifer or psychics or into a certain genre of books, reading reviews comes (for me) after I have read the book or when I write a post about a certain book . I don't read book reviews that often.
Funny, I am not like this with movies, I will read a review and then not go see a movie based on a stranger's opinion, I love Rotten Tomatoes and I think with me I'd prefer to read than see a movie and when I do, I want to make sure it is something I really want to see.
Not with books, I love to read, and if something is not as good, not as well written, I forget about it very quickly. But the ones that are good, well written, made some sort of impact on me, stay in my head.
Books give me insight, educate me, comfort me, feed me and inspire me. I read to learn.
Do you read reviews before you buy a book?
Or do you just read and read?
I choose books by their titles and covers and the little blurb at the back. And because I read so much, I buy second hand or from charity shops. You?
Sunday, November 15
Books ...
I have read so many books in the past 6 months. I really love mixing up genres especially chick lit and memoirs. Once a week, I pick an unusual book and because I am budgeting I have been buying books from op shops and outside bookshops in their 50c or $1 sections.
Reading helps, I've really enjoyed looking for work and then going to a park or beach to read. It also keeps me interested and when I read a memoir or a book like Traffic, I research the information and try to learn more about it.
I also have spent a lot of time in my local library reading about marketing and communications and I am doing an online marketing course at the end of November.
Here are some of my more memorable reads of late:
Cleo
Twenties Girl
Where Underpants Come From
Remembering the Bones
I Am The Messenger
Blind Submission
Straight Up and Dirty
Traffic
Textbook Romance
Everything Must Go
The Illustrated Man
Some Kind of Wonderful
The Last Anniversary
Date Expectations
The Sad Truth About Happiness
The Public Confessions of a Middle Aged Woman
The Last to Know
Things I Want My Daughters To Know
The Bedroom Secrets of the Masterchefs
and The Fashionistas
What books have you read lately?
Reading helps, I've really enjoyed looking for work and then going to a park or beach to read. It also keeps me interested and when I read a memoir or a book like Traffic, I research the information and try to learn more about it.
I also have spent a lot of time in my local library reading about marketing and communications and I am doing an online marketing course at the end of November.
Here are some of my more memorable reads of late:
Cleo
Twenties Girl
Where Underpants Come From
Remembering the Bones
I Am The Messenger
Blind Submission
Straight Up and Dirty
Traffic
Textbook Romance
Everything Must Go
The Illustrated Man
Some Kind of Wonderful
The Last Anniversary
Date Expectations
The Sad Truth About Happiness
The Public Confessions of a Middle Aged Woman
The Last to Know
Things I Want My Daughters To Know
The Bedroom Secrets of the Masterchefs
and The Fashionistas
What books have you read lately?
Friday, July 3
In a moment ...
I've been reading and reading.
It seems that most of the books I have been choosing have been about choosing. About meeting someone and making choices. Or trying to figure their lives out.
It's interesting that all the books I have been reading and choosing are simply about moments. And relationships.
Like Perfect Day which is all about one day. A couple who are no longer sure about each other and in one day have to choose what they want from each other and their lives.
And The Make Up Girl who has to decide how to pull her own life together and stop living in her fantasy world and has to stop lying to everyone around her.
Or Vintage Alice which is about Alice deciding what she wants and what she is willing to leave behind.
Even though this are all light books and are very chick lit, the lead characters are all introspective and are looking for some kind of clarity and meaning in their lives. I picked these off the shelves because I am looking for clarity and meaning in my life. While job hunting. And trying to put my life into perspective.
It seems to be that our lives are made up of moments.
And that in a moment everything can change. Things can become clear and that the decisions we make are based on moments. It's easier for me to read it in a book.
It seems that most of the books I have been choosing have been about choosing. About meeting someone and making choices. Or trying to figure their lives out.
It's interesting that all the books I have been reading and choosing are simply about moments. And relationships.
Like Perfect Day which is all about one day. A couple who are no longer sure about each other and in one day have to choose what they want from each other and their lives.
And The Make Up Girl who has to decide how to pull her own life together and stop living in her fantasy world and has to stop lying to everyone around her.
Or Vintage Alice which is about Alice deciding what she wants and what she is willing to leave behind.
Even though this are all light books and are very chick lit, the lead characters are all introspective and are looking for some kind of clarity and meaning in their lives. I picked these off the shelves because I am looking for clarity and meaning in my life. While job hunting. And trying to put my life into perspective.
It seems to be that our lives are made up of moments.
And that in a moment everything can change. Things can become clear and that the decisions we make are based on moments. It's easier for me to read it in a book.
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