What's On Your Nightstand?

My friend Trish over at Another Piece of the Puzzle participates in a bloggy thing where she talks about and reviews what she's reading. I love reading about what others are reading, but have no intention of participating. I'm just stealing the title!

Ever since starting my novel last spring I have been reading more. Coicidence? I think not. It has been like rediscovering a lost friend I haven't sat down with and enjoying a cup of coffee together; make mine a mocha caramel, nonfat, no whip, please. But I digress.

I am currently reading fiction; specifically young adult and middle grade fantasy and sci fi. For research ... as that is where I see my audience for my own work in progress. But once I started reading, I found myself branching out. Back into the nonfiction works I love and have read so much in the past. And some adult fiction too. Mysteries ... cozies, the english type way back when, along with a few american, modern day cozies. I even picked up a chick lit novel, on the recommendation of a blog review and loved it! Stayed up til 2:30 AM for that one and I don't think I've done that since before #1 son was born. A long, lost friend indeed!

But I know when and why I stopped reading. It was after #1 son was born. That whole first year of him not sleeping thru the night. Being sleep deprived for months on end, I didn't have the strength or ambition to read. I was just surviving. Getting by til things got better. Four Years Later! By the time, we figured out his sleep issues and had him on the right meds to help him sleep, I was dealing with his disability diagnoses and my own grief. When I did pick up a book it was pretty dry reading about Angelmans Syndrome, and I rarely had time even to do that.

In between then and now, I did think about reading. About finding a novel to dive into, but life seemed so busy. Well, I'm here to tell you its still busy. There is always something on my to-do list that could be tackled, but I guess I've finally figured out that life isn't just about my to-do list. So I'm giving myself permission to read. During the day, the evening or until 2AM.

So how 'bout you? Do you read? Have you ever stopped reading? Why? I love to hear other peoples stories. And tell me --- What's on your nightstand right now?

On my nightstand:
The Prophecy by Dawn Miller
Kingdom's Dawn by Chuck Black
The Power to Change Your Marriage by Stormie Omartian
Romancing Your Husband by Debra White Smith
The Wisdom of Menopause by Christine Northrup

update: fall into reading

i think we're about half way thru the fall into reading 2008 so i thot i'd give you an update, sorry thing that it is.

i have totally ignored my reading list, tho i do have 3 books on my sidetable just waiting to be picked up. i started reading dies the fire and couldn't get into it, so i'm crossing that one off my list. instead i went back to my fav author, agatha christie and read the blue train. another fine mystery from the queen of mystery. i have also started reading created to be his helpmeet and am in the first or 2nd chapter. i like to read it slow so i can chew on the good stuff she talks about.

at this rate i will probably not get to all my books, unless i put some serious time into reading. a new goal i have is to get my son to sleep before i need to go to sleep. that would give me some time to read before bed. we'll see if i can make that happen.


how 'bout you? how are you doing on your reading stack? did you join the reading challenge?

Fall Into Reading 2008

... over at callapider days, katrina is hosting her annual fall into reading carnival. i have been curious and interested ever since i started blogging, but never had the time to participate. this year i'm up for the challenge and want to join the fun.

so on my book list to read this fall is:

the two towers by jrr tolkien; started this summer but haven't got very far yet

a woman's call to prayer by elizabeth george; started this awhile ago but put it down for some reason. i really enjoy elizabeth george's writings.

the ragamuffin gospel by brennan manning; i have heard alot of good things over the years about this book. i found it at a thrift store a few years ago and i think its time to read it.

the power of a praying woman by stormie omartian; have read her other books and benefitted from them.

created to be his help meet by debbie pearl; this will be a reread. one i need to be reminded of.

those are the ones i have in my own library, then there are ones i want to borrow, beg or steal.

from clutter to clarity by nancy twigg; both monica and carrie wrote reviews of this book monday and it really peaked my interest.


Dies the Fire by SM Stirling; a fantasy/sci fi novel that looks interesting. i know nothing about this author or his works so it may be good or not

maybe a nancy drew mystery

and maybe a political tome

(can i do maybes?)

oh well, here it is. we'll see how i do. check back as i check off and give a review of each of the books i read.