Michelle’s Comments (group member since Aug 07, 2013)

Michelle’s comments from the Something Old, Something New group.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

I'm writing today to tell you all that I am waving my white flag in defeat and finally admitting that I just can't keep this group going with the current participation (or lack of) levels that it is at.
Even though we have had over 100 members for over a year and a half, only 2-3 members seem to be interested in regularly participating or commenting and I just can't keep having conversations with myself.
It actually takes a fair bit of effort to put up all the posts for the monthly reads, design challenges and monitor all of the threads and if there was a bit more participation I wouldn't feel like all my efforts were for nothing.
Originally I had such grand plans for this group but have to admit that with the turns my life has taken I just don't have the spare time to put toward maintaining it in the way I would like on my own and although it greatly saddens me I don't feel that anyone would really miss this group anyway.
I am totally open to any members who may wish to put their hand up and assist as a moderator in the hope that we might be able to revive this group and make it a bit more exciting otherwise I don't really see what other option I have than to step aside and let it be.
I'd love to hear of any other suggestions that anyone might have as I feel like we have a great idea going with the mixture of classic and newer books this group has been reading and I really don't want it to end

Well I finished reading this book a little while ago and after churning it over and over in my head ever since I still feel completely lost as to what it was even about.
Did I miss something?? I have to admit that I have absolutely no idea what on earth he was 'On trial' for and it's driving me bloody crazy.
I'm guessing there is obviously some unspoken meaning in this book that I'm just not getting and it's seriously bugging me!

Has anyone else read this book?
I'm around two thirds through and am a bit up in the air about how I feel about it.

So because December is always so hectic and busy for everyone due to Christmas and all of its associated events, I thought an easy challenge for this month was a good idea.

Therefore, our challenge for December is going to be a simple Spell-It-Out challenge where I want you to pick your favourite Christmas word and try to read books for the month that spell out that word.

You can use either the title of the book as well as the author's first and last name to spell out your word.

Have fun and Merry Christmas everyone!

Colleen wrote: "Work out! I discovered this just last year, now unfortunately my fitness studio is closing due to lack of memberships, which means I need to find a new place. Love to shop and do things with my kid..."

I used to be an absolute shocker at cooking but was determined to get better because my mother was always really average at it and was never interested in learning how to do new things. I love it now and my husband has turned into a really great cook too since we met. It's so much fun creating something in the kitchen together.

So I've only crossed four books off my challenge list this year and doubt I will get another one in :-(
Oh well, there's always next year!

Todd wrote: "I ended up reading All the Light and really enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend it!"

Todd, I haven't read that one yet but keep seeing it get really good reviews. I may need to try and get to it one day....

Keeley wrote: "Hi Michelle
My New Year's Resolution is to read a good book regularly - I know quality time reading is good for a person in so many ways. I have always wanted to, but a full life gets in the way. S..."

Hi Keeley, thank you for joining us here! I hope you enjoy our group reads and have fun participating.

Here's something that I have never admitted to anyone before but think I should here - until around 2 years ago I was sure Harper Lee was a male author and had absolutely no idea it was a female. Yep, that's how stupid I was!

Here is the spot to discuss all things regarding this classic book.

Please be aware there could be spoilers!

Here is the place to discuss all things regarding this book.

Please be aware there could be spoilers!

I thought it might be nice to see what other interests our members have besides reading.

Personally, I also love gardening, cooking, scrapbooking and crochet. Unfortunately I don't get to do much of any of them anymore for the same reason I hardly get any reading time, that is juggling my business and my 4 year old and 3 month old kids but I live in hope that one day I will get to fit all of these things into daily life again.

What does everyone else love to do other than read?

It's been so long since I updated this thread!

Currently I am reading our group read The Spartan and I'm actually really enjoying it so far.

I also recently started reading Eyrie and it really hasn't grabbed me yet. I'm finding the writing a bit too fluffy for my taste but I'm hoping once I get further into the story I'll start to enjoy it more.

Here is the spot to discuss this classic book.

Please be aware there could be spoilers!

Here is the spot to discuss all things re this book.

Please be aware there could be spoilers!

Linda wrote: "Hi, I am Linda , I love reading and also belong to another book women book club, we meet every 4-6 weeks, but as others have said ... so many books, so little time.
I am 56 and live in New Brunswic..."

Hi Linda, nice to meet you and glad you could join our little group!

Elaine wrote: "So I will attempt this challenge, although it looks like everyone has absconded from this group.

1. Must Read Book: The Girl on the Train..."

Great Elaine! I don't know what has happened to everyone. I'd love to be on here all day to keep conversations going but i just cant

Oooopsie! I seem to have totally missed the month of October. Sorry guys!

Anyway, here is the challenge for November to hopefully assist in reducing that ever growing TBR pile!

1) A book from one of the "Must Read" lists

2) A book from Oprah's book club

3) A book in a genre you don't usually read

4) A book in a less popular genre - eg. Steampunk

5) A book published this year

Get 2 points for each book read!

Elaine wrote: "Oh and I just read the comment above your last one. Congratulations on the new addition to your family. I hadn't realised....no wonder you are so busy. A newborn and an active 4 year old. How old i..."

Thanks Elaine, she was born on the 10th August so was 8 weeks old yesterday.
Yes, things are very hectic in our household at the moment but I'm doing my best to keep up with it all.

I finally managed to finish this book a few days ago and I actually really enjoyed it.
There was no horror at all as it's more a mystery/crime type novel, similar to Mr Mercedes, but it was still engaging and I didn't want to put it down towards the end.
There is a very tiny hint of the supernatural in it that I'm guessing will be explored in a lot more depth in the third instalment in this series so I cannot wait for that to come out.
Has anyone else read this book yet?