Networking/Commenting with Bloggers

Friends,

I have been blogging for almost 2 years now and think I have found the 'style' that works for me, which is:

• Participate in Memes and comment - I try to respond to all those that I already follow during memes and when a meme has 50 or less participants I will respond to all most times.
• Visiting and Commenting on blogs, my favourites and others I have followed at some point
• Those that comment that are new to me, I will go visit their blog and most times comment

Does this style work for you?  Do you feel I show appreciation or recognition for you as a blogger?

I am always looking at ways to improve so would like to know: (Please participate in Poll - sidebar)

• Do you go back to blogs to see if they commented back to you?
• If you ask a question, do you come back for the answer or prefer a response on your blog or an email?
• Do you like email responses to comments?  (BTW - I love this from my favourite bloggers because it helps to build relationships but I find it odd from bloggers I don't really know, unless they are responding to a query)

How do you think I can improve more with networking?  I am up for suggestions.

Thank you for the comments and feedback.  I appreciate you.  Bloggers have really changed my life and added in many ways, like my unbelievable TBR and Wishlist :-)

Reading overall is my escapism.

NOTE:  For new bloggers.  If you want genuine followers, comment, I am amazed by how many followers I have had for almost the whole time of blogging that still comment.  I am happy with my approx 300 followers and getting approx 7 - 12 comments on each post, I find that rewarding but know it is only because I have also tried to be a good networking blogger.



Review - Before I Go to Sleep by S. J. Watson

Book Summary from S J Watson's site


Christine wakes up every morning in an unfamiliar bed with an unfamiliar man. She looks in the mirror and sees an unfamiliar, middle- aged face. And every morning, the man she has woken up with must explain that he is Ben, he is her husband, she is forty-seven years old, and a terrible accident two decades earlier decimated her ability to form new memories.

But it’s the phone call from a Dr. Nash, a neurologist who claims to be working with Christine without her husband’s knowledge, that directs her to her journal, hidden in the back of her closet. For the past few weeks, Christine has been recording her daily activities—tearful mornings with Ben, sessions with Dr. Nash, flashes of scenes from her former life—and rereading past entries, relearning the facts of her life as retold by the husband she is completely dependent upon. As the entries build up, Christine asks many questions. What was life like before the accident? Why did she and Ben never have a child? What has happened to Christine’s best friend? And what exactly was the horrific accident that caused such a profound loss of memory?

Every day, Christine must begin again the reconstruction of her past. And the closer she gets to the truth, the more un- believable it seems.

My Review - 3 More Sugar Please

I consider this to be Psychological Fiction with a glimmer of Mystery.  The story was a very scary thought, to live life without memories every day.  Who do you trust, what is reality, do you believe what you think or are you making it up, very intriguing concept.

I did think due to Christine waking up every day without memory it got repetitive. Also, the execution of her journal entries just didn't seem real to me and I wish there was more of a distinct difference from the present moments.  I also couldn't get past how she would remember not to say things at times, to keep secrets.

Christine realises her husband is lying to her but why, to protect her from the truth maybe.  Figuring out you do not know yourself or anyone else everyday is hurting enough so he loves her enough to know when to be honest.  Some truths are to painful for him to relive also.

I think my biggest issue is why does she go sleep every night, hello.  I'm sure I could stay up 3 days minimum if I had to and with this lifetime issue but she doesn't suffer from sleep deprivation or even consider it, weird to me.

Psychological mysteries are my favourite, I always try to figure them out, which I did in this one. I found the first half of the book hard to continue, it grabbed me and didn't keep my attention, considered stopping and going back later.


I think this is a good debut, good try.

Top Ten Books That Tackle Tough Issues



I enjoy these kind of books when not reading Suspense, Thrillers etc.  They are not in any specific order of enjoyment, but I have put an * next to all time favourites.

1)  Still Alice *

   Alzheimer's

2)  Push

   Incest, Abuse

3)  Speak

   Rape

4)  Glass Castle

  Dysfunctional Family

5)  Night Road

  

Parenting

6)  Murder on the Down Low

   Straight men sleeping with men (Gay/Bisexual)

7)  motherless child (Memoir)

   Adoption

8)  Dibs in Search of Self *

   Learning Disability

9)  My Sister's Keeper

  Choices and consequences

10)  Thirteen Reasons Why

  Suicide

Another word I would use instead of Tackling Tough Issues is Sad Emotional reads.

What are we reading this week........

It's Monday, What are You Reading.  Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while continuing to add to your 2011 Wishlist.

Currently reading

The Kid, sequel to Push, here is my review of Push.  I am a part of the Book Tour for The Kid

I just completed Before I Go to Sleep, review coming this week

Last week I finished Bad Things Happen, loved it.

What I think is next......

What are you reading? Have a great week.

Review - Bad Things Happen by Harry Dolan

From back of book


The man who calls himself David Loogan is hoping to escape a violent past by living a quiet, anonymous life in Ann Arbor, Michigan. But when he's hired as an editor at a mystery magazine, he is drawn into an affair with the sleek blond wife of the publisher, Tom Kristoll - a man who soon turns up dead.

Elizabeth Waishkey is the most talented detective in the Ann Arbor Police department, but even she doesn't know if Loogan is a killer or an ally who might help her find the truth.  As more death start mounting up - some of the m echoing stories published in the magazine - it's up to Elizabeth to solve both the murders and the mystery of Loogan himself.


My Review - 5 Tea Time Perfection


During the whole time reading this I kept on thinking there is something quietly fascinating about this mystery. I loved every page, the writing was captivating and kept you engaged the whole time.

Loogan was an unusual man, but one everyone seemed to like and trust, but is he trustworthy?  Loogan took it upon himself to become Detective, even while knowing he was a suspect.  When you meet him in the beginning of the story any background was purposely kept from you so you begin to draw your own conclusions while trying to figure out the mystery also.

I thought Harry Dolan did a brilliant job with the characters, all intense in their own way.  They were like a puzzle piece to a complicated puzzle without the straight edges that had more than one possible place to go. This was the most intricate mystery that I have ever read, so involved and entertaining.

The characters were mostly writers, editors or part of the Gray Streets magazine family. The dialogue between them was interesting and when murders start to happen you don't know what is real or possibly from one of the mystery stories that was published by Gray Streets.

Elizabeth, the Detective on this case would have Loogan on the phone and say 'This isn't a story from Gray Streets Loogan' and he would say 'but if it was, it would have happened like this'.  Entertaining with  reserved sarcasm, kind of lightly dark humour.

I can't believe this is a debut book, I think it is a masterpiece.  This totally worked for me in every way, I think many will enjoy it but something about the quiet way this was in my face amazed me, where it may not be enough of a thrill for others.

I added this to my Wishlist after reading Jennifer's review over Crazy-for-Books.

I have to say I am surprised I haven't seen this one around the blogosphere more.  And what great timing for me reading it, the sequel, Very Bad Men is available, yaaaay.

Two for Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along!

Just do the following to participate:

 

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) 'teaser' sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
Share the title &; author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

 

I LOVED this book, you have to read it.  My review

Teaser on Kindle at 50%

Jeez... I've had enough trouble with the books.  I stare at it blankly, trying desperately to determine how I feel about this.  I am appalled on one level, grateful on another, shocked that he's actually done it, but the overriding emotion is anger.

My current read

Teaser on Kindle at 2%

He must know so much about me, yet still this feels like the morning after a one-night stand: breakfast with a stranger in his house, plotting how soon it would be acceptable to make an escape, to go back home.

I look forward to your Teasers.

Non book related - Anyone watching Bachelorette?  I know I know, lol, my mom got me into it and she is not even watching this season. 

What are we reading and back to work

It's Monday, What are You Reading.  Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while continuing to add to your 2011 Wishlist.


I have been on vacation for 2 1/2 weeks, awwwww so relaxing.  Back to work tomorrow and I am so not looking forward to it.  I love HR but working in a hospital has been so stressful, not sure how much longer I can really do it.


One of the best parts of vacation though, hands down, would be reading.......


I have had such an amazing few weeks of reading, if this continues the rest of the year, I will be a happy excited blogger.  


What I completed  


The Surgeon - my first time reading TessG, definitely won't be my last





and


Bad Things Happen - review coming this week







I am currently reading - have you seen the reviews on this one, wowsa









How is everyone doing with their Challenges, now that half the year is done?  I have completed 2, another 2 almost done, so i'm feeling pretty good about it.

Completed E-book Challenge (Kindle)

The eBook Challenge is Hosted by

The Ladybug Reads 

I originally went for the Obsessed level, but she has added more for those fast readers.  My goal is 50 books a year, I don't think I will get to reading all my books on my Kindle, even though I love it.  Look at those other levels, wowsa.

-- Obsessed – Read 20 e-books.

-- Possessed – Read 50 e-books.

-- Fanatical – Read 75 e-books.

-- Monomaniacal – Read 100 e-books.

*If you have a Kindle, would you be willing to lend with me?  Here is my Lending Library.*

My Kindle Reads for challenge

Beneath the Skin by Nicci French 4 Jan

 I am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells 4 1/2 Jan

The Stormchasers by Jenna Blum 3 Jan  (Bookclub)

 motherless child by Sarah Gordon Weathersby 3 1/2 Feb

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie 4 Feb

All The Pretty Girls by J.T. Ellison 3 Feb

Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann 3 March

My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Journey 4 March

Exposed by Kimberly Marcus 4 1/2 March

Last Exit in New Jersey by C.E. Grundler 2 1/2 March (For review)

Mr. Monster by Dan Wells 4 1/2 April

Still Life with Husband by Lauren Fox 3 1/2 April  (Bookclub)

The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton 3 1/2 May

The Girls by Lori Lansens 2 1/2 May

What my Mother Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones 3 1/2 May

The First Cut by Dianne Emley 3 1/2 May  (Bookclub)

Megan's Way by Melissa Foster 4 1/2 June  (Book Tour)

Go the F**K to Sleep by Adam Mansbach 5 June

The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes by Marcus Sakey 4 June (Netgalley)

Three Wishes by Carey, Beth and Pam 3 June (Bookclub)

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James 5 July (I won)

How are you doing with your challenges?  I have completed 2, almost completed 2 others and 2 are worrying me, may not complete.

Review - The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen

Book Summary 


                            A serial killer is on the loose in Boston. The victims are killed in a particularly nasty way: cut with a scalpel on the stomach, the intestines and uterus removed, and then the throat slashed. The killer obviously has medical knowledge and has been dubbed "the Surgeon" by the media. Detective Thomas Moore and his partner Rizzoli of the Boston Homicide Unit have discovered something that makes this case even more chilling. Years ago in Savannah a serial killer murdered in exactly the same way. He was finally stopped by his last victim, who shot him as he tried to cut her. That last victim is Dr. Catherine Cordell, who now works as a cardiac surgeon at one of Boston's prestigious hospitals. As the murders continue, it becomes obvious that the killer is drawing closer and closer to Dr. Cordell, who is becoming so frightened that she is virtually unable to function. But she is the only person who can help the police catch this copycat killer. Or is it a copycat? To complicate matters even further, Detective Moore, often referred to as Saint Thomas as he continues to mourn the loss of his wife, is getting emotionally involved with the doctor.






My Review - 4 1/2 Great to the last drop


First, how have I never read a book by Tess Gerritsen, wow, I look forward to catching up on her works.  You can tell TessG was in the medical field, the details are perfect and when dealing with surgeries and death, for many it will be gruesome.    


I love the title of this book, so relevant, they named the killer The Surgeon.  I first thought he was getting kicks out of practicing his techniques on the women he killed but then I realised he is motivated by Dr. Cordell which is a Surgeon, double meaning for me.


The connection between the women being raped, killed and Dr. Cordell is a scary thought.  Women continue their life but dying in silence from the attack on them and then you wake with someone over you and you are slowly being gutted, knowing their death is coming.  These scenes were amazing horrifying.  The Surgeon was taunting Dr. Cordell and was stunningly effective.  As more is revealed it sucks you in more and I was a little in disbelief.   The scariest part for me is how The Surgeon chose the women, the thought is scary and makes you wonder how many medical staff are truly 'crazy'.


I was not impressed with the cops in this book though.  The lack of team work in my mind, not taking signs seriously, a little to detached for me.  Of course there is the Detective that Dr. Cordell trust and their relationship becomes a conflict of interest.  Consequences and timing are everything. 


My favourite was the constant edginess the story had, I couldn't get enough of the hunt and couldn't wait for them to figure out who The Surgeon was and how they will capture him.  Would it be to late, will he be dead or alive and how many will have to kill before they catch him.  There isn't enough to know who The Surgeon is but all the evidence keeps you on the edge of the seat trying to figure it all out and put it together. 


I recommend this one for true crime suspense fans, this one is edgy, gruesome and good at trying to terrify you.  I can see why my bookclub said this was to scary, lol, not a bookclub read at all.

Review - Psycho by Robert Bloch

Book Summary

It was a dark and stormy night when Mary Crane glimpsed the unlit neon sign announcing the vacancy at the Bates Motel. Exhausted, lost, and at the end of her rope, she was eager for a hot shower and a bed for the night.

Her room was musty but clean and the plumbing worked. Norman Bates, the manager, seemed nice, if a little odd....

My Review - 5 Tea Time Perfection

A horrifying classic, I loved it.  No bows and whistles, just the gore, right in your face and a little messing with your head also.

Psycho is a great story about Norman Bates, the hotel's landlord.  Everyone thinks his weird but not enough to stay away, which of course they should.  Weird is how they describe him but Psycho truly is what he is.  The story is told from Norman's point of view which actually makes it more disturbing.

I enjoyed getting a glimpse of the other characters in the book, everything was put together nicely in this short psychological horror. 

If you have stayed in a motel before you may never again after reading this (scary hahahahaha)

I must go watch the movie now, I don't know how I haven't since I love a great horror. 

I read this one after reading Natalie's review, Coffee and a Book Chick

This is the 2nd recommendation I have loved from her.

Back from Vacation - What I read...

Going Boston was a getaway relax vacation for us with the main event going to see Sade and John Legend.  Sade is the Queen of Elegance, she exceeded my expectations, I am a fan of her music but how creative she was for a concert, very impressed.

We stayed at the Back Bay Hotel, which I love, the best service, food and luxury comfort.

We woke after 12 everyday, big smiles, love that.

We visited the Boston Aquarium, shopped to we dropped and tried a few restaurants and bars.  If you go Boston, I highly recommend Mistral for a romantic exquisite food experience.

On to the books.............

I completed 2 books and they were SO good, gruesome, just how I like them.  Reviews coming this week.

and   

I am currently reading

I have had a few great weeks of reading, last week was.

My Review - I gave it 5 stars

If there is a post I missed you want me read, let me know I will definitely come visit, going to catch up tomorrow, about to pick my daughter up from school and enjoy our evening together :-)

Review - Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

Summary

When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating.  Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind - until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time.

The unworldly, innocent Ana is shocked to realize she wants this man, and when he warns her to keep her distance it only makes her more desperate to get close to him.  Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her - but on his own terms. 

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey's singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success – his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving adoptive family – Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a passionate, physical and daring affair, Ana learns more about her own dark desires, as well as the Christian Grey hidden away from public scrutiny.

Can their relationship transcend physical passion? Will Ana find it in herself to submit to the self-indulgent Master?  And if she does, will she still love what she finds?

Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

My Review - 5 Tea Time Perfection


What a special beauty, this is an exquisite book that you won't want to stop reading and a bonus is that you learn about a sexual lifestyle, BDSM, specifically, the Dominant and Submissive. 


I truly felt this was perfection, the characters...... amazing, the title....... so appropriate, the cover..... ohhh hot once you read the book, the writing..... completely engaging, honestly the full package.  This is promoted in the erotica genre but the mystery of Christian, the suspense of what will become of them, the thrill of the newness of their relationship, just wow, so much more, their love story totally kept me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this to those that are not offended by descriptive sex and are up to having some knowledge about the 'taboo'.  An amazing read, this definitely will be on my favourite 2011 book list and top 5 erotic book and I only read 1-2 a year so to get a gem, wow.


I have so many favourites in this book.  The newness of the relationship, what they teach each other and try all because of trust.  This created numerous mysterious moments.  They email or blackberry each other often, it was refreshing to see the honest, sarcastic realness of a relationship, these personal messages were high up on my favourite list.  Christian uses so many new words, I had to use the dictionary, petulant, somnambulant, this was a good distraction though and the ironic thing is Ana is an editor so she totally gets it and teases him about, once she said do you see the year that word was created, hello, it is 2011.  Music and books play a huge part in their relationship also, totally losing themselves, mesmorizing, I had to youtube a few, I listened while writing my review.  Spem in Alium the 40 Part Motet by Thomas Tallis and Villa Lobos bachianas Brasileiras 5 Aria.  Last but not least, Ana's inner goddess and subconscious, omg, these moments had me smiling, laughing and even taken sides.  My subconscious has passed out, and my inner goddess is endeavoring to look brave.  Honestly this book had a little for everyone.  


One small complaint at 85% I felt like the editing ended and there were a few typos but this didn't  interrupt the love I have for this story.


Christian and Ana in my opinion are perfect for each other but the lifestyle becomes a deal or a deal breaker, you have to read to find out which.  I highly recommend this one, I am in love and I am so happy it is a series.

Aren't the covers gorgeous, the next is available for pre-order August 11.

Did I interest in this one ;-)  Go here to order:

The Writers Coffee Shop Publishing House (TWCS)

Perfect Read, Perfect Timing and Vacation

It is nothing like picking up a book and it being perfection, the perfect book to start vacation, a perfect moment.

I was a BEA Armchair winner and was able to choose an ebook from The Writers Coffee Shop Publishing House (TWCS).   I hadn't heard of any of the authors or recognised the covers so I said I'll choose another day after researching.

I received a text out of the blue from an old friend 2 days later and she said you have to read this book.  I immediately knew where I had seen it, yaaay a won a book highly recommended by a friend.  Coincidence, I think not.

This is the book, I just completed it and it gets a 5 - Tea Time Perfection, I will schedule my review to post sometime this week.

Summary

When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating.  Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind - until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time.

The unworldly, innocent Ana is shocked to realize she wants this man, and when he warns her to keep her distance it only makes her more desperate to get close to him.  Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her - but on his own terms. 

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey's singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success – his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving adoptive family – Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a passionate, physical and daring affair, Ana learns more about her own dark desires, as well as the Christian Grey hidden away from public scrutiny.

Can their relationship transcend physical passion? Will Ana find it in herself to submit to the self-indulgent Master?  And if she does, will she still love what she finds?

Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

Tomorrow, I leave for vacation, we are going to see Sade and John Legend in concert, can't wait.  This is the trip without child, big smiles.

Happy July 4th to those that celebrate, it will be our first time in the US for this holiday, can't wait to experience the fireworks.

I am only taking my Kindle, no computer so I won't be blogging, I don't do meme's unless I can network.  We may take the iPad so I can comment a little.  We really need time away and just enjoy each other.

See you on my return, know that I will miss you guys.

I am unsure what I will start reading today and during vacation, but these are on my mind.

• The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen
• Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson
• Psycho by Robert Bloch