Friday 19 April 2013

My name is Serena and I am a bookaholic!

Hi everyone!

It's been another busy week with Aaron 
starting back at school for another term. 
I've pottered around at home and, 
since getting my new glasses, 
I've found myself being a bit of a bookworm again
and loving it!
I have missed reading books regularly.


James lives hand-to-mouth by busking 
on the streets of London. 
He is also a recovering drug addict and,
one day, he finds a ginger street cat 
which is injured and in a poor state of health.
James named the cat, Bob,
and the two fast become inseparable. 
James shares their adventures together and 
how it transforms both of their lives.  



This is a true and heart-warming story.
Being the animal lover that I am and, the fact that my heart always goes out
to the underdog, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
It also gave a busker's perspective of how things work on the streets.
It has certainly given me a higher appreciation and respect for buskers
 and I'll no doubt be wondering about their personal struggles too
the next time I see them performing on the streets of Brisbane.
I loved the fact that I was able to track down 'James and Bob' on YouTube.
I wish them all the best.

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Despite the tumour-shrinking miracle drug that bought her a few years, 
Hazel has never been anything but terminal since the time of her diagnosis. 
However, when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears 
at the Cancer Kids Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be rewritten. 

This book was recommended by a  friend on Facebook and
I'm very glad I followed up on the recommendation.
It made me smile, laugh, and cry!

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I've been re-reading a few of my favourite author's earlier novels lately and
I was thrilled to see that Dean Koontz also has a new book 
on the shop shelves which I quickly snapped up! 
I confess to being a little disappointed in his last novel -
Odd Apocalypse - but I'm hoping this one makes up for it.


From the inside book cover -

In a sinister encounter with a rogue truck driver, 
Odd - who has the gift of seeing the dead and the soon-to-be-dead
has a disturbing vision of the slaughter of three innocent children. 

Across California, into Nevada and back again, 
Odd embarks on a road chase to prevent the tragedy. 
But he is to discover that he is not up against a single twisted sociopath 
but a mysterious network of evil men and women whose resources 
appear supernatural.

Luckily, in this world that Odd finds so beautiful and full of wonders, 
and deeply odd as well, he meets a collection of like-minded eccentrics 
who will help him to take the next giant step towards his destiny.

Odd is a recurring and likeable character in a few of Dean Koontz's novels.
I'm enjoying it so far.....

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In the images above, you can see my new coasters.
They are the Boathouse series by Australian artist, Sarina Baker.
I love her beach/bayside themes!

Here is the whole set of coasters

This framed picture is on the wall behind my computer desk.
I cut the picture from a calendar I bought featuring Sarina's artwork some years ago.
It was a little hard to get a decent photo with the glare from the glass but
I love that I happened across the matching coasters this week.



Have a beautiful weekend!

~ Love, light and peace ~

12 comments:

  1. Serena, I too didnt read books for for years and years because of my eyes and the problems reading created. Now that I have my special reading glasses, I am fine and like you rediscovering the wonderful books around! have a lovely weekend too!

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    1. I'm glad you're able to enjoy reading again too, Krissie. :) Over the last year or so, my eyes would be so badly strained from reading the I wasn't able to read as much as I would liked....now there are no restrictions. YAY! xo

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  2. those all look great! I'm really intrigued by the top one, I've never seen a cat ride around on a man's shoulder like a parrot before!! Especially outside!

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    1. Me either, Cat, and I was wondering how the cat manages to stay balanced around his shoulders like that but it sure does appear very comfortable. :)

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  3. I am so glad you can enjoy reading again, Serena!!!!!!!! Yeah!!!!!

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  4. Sounds like great reads and glad you are enjoying books again! That first one looks really good! Dagan had a cat named Hank who would lay around his neck like a collar and he could walk all over with Hank draped around his neck. Hank totally trusted and loved Dagan so much! Good memories. :)
    That is so cool that you saved the calendar picture for the wall and then found the coasters! Beautiful artwork. Meant to be.
    Have a good reading weekend. :):)

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    1. Yes, I enjoyed the first book a lot. How neat that Dagan had a cat that did the same thing. Yes, I was so happy to come across the matching coasters. xo

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  5. Enjoy your reading Serena. A companion for the homeless man. It's sad to know that we have so many people on the streets. I'll have to check on that book. Glad you are reading. Have a wonderful weekend.

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    1. Thanks, Gloria. Just to clarify, James isn't actually homeless as he does rent a small, run-down apartment, however, he does live hand-to-mouth and earns his way by busking or selling papers. I hope you're enjoying a lovely weekend. xo

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  6. I read the fault in ours stars because so many people recommended it, but I didnt like it, and seem to be the odd person who didn't. felt it was very clichéd and well there were a few spots i laughed at, found it pretty boring :/

    very pretty coasters :D which reminds me, i need to find the coasters :p

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    Replies
    1. I was like that with The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. A lot of people thought it was great but I was in the minority who didn't it at all. In fact, I can safely say it would have to be the most boring book I've ever read. I forced myself to read it to the end thinking it would improve at some point but it was just a complete waste of time.

      LOVE my new coasters! :)

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