Get Lost in Literature

Book Blogger Hop Q: What’s the creepiest book you’ve read that isn’t officially horror, but gave you chills? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee-Addicted Writer)  A: Quiet Dell by Jayne Anne Phillips . I would classify it as historical fiction (maybe with a little bit of a mystery crossover) based on a real crime. That something like what was in the book could, and sometimes does, happen makes me check the door locks before I go to bed.

Book Blogger Hop Q: As a book lover, what’s your biggest fear? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee-Addicted Writer)  A: Censorship. I firmly believe that everyone should have access to books and no one should have the right to tell you what you can and can’t read. What I do and do not read should be up to me and only me. When the government interferes with reading material, they aren’t just taking away a hobby, they’re meddling with your hopes, dreams, fears, and most importantly, your education. Don’t let the government put itself in a position to control your mind. That never ends well.

Book Beginnings on Fridays  now hosted by Bemused & Bookish - Share the opening sentence (or so) of the book you are reading this week. You can also share from a book that caught your fancy, even if you are not reading it right now. “Robert Stephens held his breath and counted to three, hoping to see Mama.” The Reformatory by Tananarive Due This is my Halloween read; I broke into it early. I’m only about 70 pages in and I already feel anxious. Book Blogger Hop Q: What’s the best investment you’ve made for your blog? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee-Addicted Writer) A: I’ve actually spent no money on my blog, the biggest thing I’ve invested here is time. I know my followers are few, but I really enjoy the time spent blogging regardless. Life gets a little busier each year and I feel like my love of books keeps me grounded and I want to share that passion.

Book Beginnings on Fridays by Rose City Reader -  Share the opening sentence (or so) of the book you are reading this week. You can also share from a book that caught your fancy, even if you are not reading it right now. “Sidestep the hangman’s noose, don’t show up for your own execution, and where has it got you?” The Oracle of Maracoor by Gregory Maguire For those of you new to my blog, I love love love Gregory Maguire. I'm maybe a little biased when I read his books because I am a fan. This trilogy follows Elphaba's granddaughter Rain and I'm two books in and am enjoying it so far. Book Blogger Hop Q: What do you think about rising prices for hardcovers, paperbacks, and eBooks? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee-Addicted Writer) A: Quite frankly, it pisses me off… and it makes me feel old. I remember when: When $5 could get me a paperback, the price of eBooks was $2, and hardbacks somewhere between $15-20. Now I’ve spent as much as $20 on paperbacks, ...

Book Beginnings on Fridays  by  Rose City Reader  -  Share the opening sentence (or so) of the book you are reading this week. You can also share from a book that caught your fancy, even if you are not reading it right now. "The darkness bled into itself- no beginning, no end." Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gilig So I've only just started this book but I love that first line of the story sets up for a gothic tone. Now I have to find out if that tone can be maintained. Book Blogger Hop Q : Is there a book you've been meaning to read forever but haven’t gotten to yet? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee-Addicted Writer) A : Justify: 111 Days to Triple Crown Glory by Lenny Shulman . I sometimes add books that I plan on reading right away to my Currently-Reading shelf on GoodReads... and I think I put it on that shelf two years ago which isn't quite forever, but long enough considering I own it. Am I currently reading it? No, I am not. And I can't j...

Book Beginnings on Fridays by Rose City Reader -  Share the opening sentence (or so) of the book you are reading this week. You can also share from a book that caught your fancy, even if you are not reading it right now. "Sing me, O Muse, the unheroic morning. When the bruised world begins to fracture for them all." The Brides of Maracoor by Gregory Maguire The book gets off to a pretty, lyrical start with a small sense of foreboding. I couldn't resist seeing what happens next. Book Blogger Hop Q: If you had to, would you pass your book collection on to someone special? If not, what would you prefer your family or friends do with your books after you’re gone? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee-Addicted Writer) A: If I had to, I would pass it on to my two nieces. If they don't want the whole thing, they can pick the titles they do want and donate the rest.

Book Beginnings on Fridays by Rose City Reader -  Share the opening sentence (or so) of the book you are reading this week. You can also share from a book that caught your fancy, even if you are not reading it right now. "A few years back I was running out of money so I volunteered for a research study at the University of Pennsylvania." Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak I can't say the first line wowed me, but it did stoke my curiosity... What kind of research study? This book didn't wait long to reveal a complex character and creepy vibes. Book Blogger Hop Q:    How many books did you read in 2025? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer) A:    I read 20 books in 2025. Which doesn't sound like a lot when some book bloggers are reading several hundred a year, but for me and the small amount of time I have to read, it is a lot. Plus, I only challenged myself to 12, so I'm proud of the number.

Book Beginnings on Fridays by Rose City Reader -  Share the opening sentence (or so) of the book you are reading this week. You can also share from a book that caught your fancy, even if you are not reading it right now. "Nineteen years before she decided to die, Nora Seed sat in the warmth of the small library at Hazeldene School in the town of Bedford." The Midnight Library by Matt Haig I hear great things about this book, so I'm hoping it lives up to the hype. I found that the first line pulled me in, the warmth of the library contrasting with the cold decision to die... Based on the beginning, I'm hoping for a happy ending, but based on the beginning I don't know if I'll get it. Book Blogger Hop Q:    What are the top five books on your TBR (to-be-read) list right now? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer) A:    These are not listed in the order I'll read them, but these are the five on my list I'm most eager to read...

I did not have time to post on Friday so welcome to Friday Book Beginnings and Book Blogger Hop on Saturday. These should have been posted yesterday morning, but I was otherwise occupied. Book Beginnings on Fridays by Rose City Reader -  Share the opening sentence (or so) of the book you are reading this week. You can also share from a book that caught your fancy, even if you are not reading it right now. "Conscription Day is always the deadliest. Maybe that's why the sunrise was especially beautiful this morning - because I know it might be my last." The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros This book pulled me in from line one... What the hell is Conscription Day? Okay, so I knew this book was about an elite school of dragon riders so I could make a little assumption about the day in question, but I had no idea why it was deadly or who was the character wondering whether or not he or she was seeing their last sunrise. Book Blogger Hop Q: How many "bo...

Book Beginnings on Fridays  by  Rose City Reader  -  Share the opening sentence (or so) of the book you are reading this week. You can also share from a book that caught your fancy, even if you are not reading it right now. "Any child can be chased by their shadow. All they need to do is run straight toward the sun on a lazy afternoon." The Book of Night by Holly Black I can totally see a young child playing with their shadow in the sun on a summer afternoon. But what I didn't know in the first few sentences what was the significance. Holly Black didn't leave me hanging for long. Book Blogger Hop Q: Are there any books that are considered terrible, but you love? (submitted by Snapdragon @ Snapdragon Alcove) A: Two and they're both by the same author... The Twilight Saga and The Host by Stephenie Meyers. That's right... I liked Twilight . The writing wasn't that good, the characters weren't that complex, the plot was about a girl and her u...

Book Beginnings on Fridays by Rose City Reader - Share the opening sentence (or so) of the book you are reading this week. You can also share from a book that caught your fancy, even if you are not reading it right now. "The only impartial witness was the sun." The Wager by David Grann It's summer and the mere mention of the word 'sun' sent me overboard (pun intended). I could picture clearly in my eye, the sun shining in a flawless sky. Now the sky in this book is rarely flawless but I didn't know that at the time I read the first sentence...and so I kept on reading. Book Blogger Hop Q:   Has your perspective on reading changed as you've grown older? If so, has it affected how you write your reviews?  ( submitted by Billy @  Coffee Addicted Writer ) Yes, my perspective has changed a little. I have always read for fun and will continue to do so, so don't get me wrong, but when I was in college, I took a ton of literature courses,...

Book Beginnings on Fridays by Rose City Reader -  Share the opening sentence (or so) of the book you are reading this week. You can also share from a book that caught your fancy, even if you are not reading it right now. "Jake. There is so much I want to tell you, but we've always found it hard to talk to each other, haven't we?" - The Whisper Man by Alex North This is a thriller that starts with a lot of intrigue... First, a letter from a father to his son and the reader is immediately left wondering what inspired the letter. Soon after, a child goes missing and the feeling of dread creeps in because you just know something bad is about to happen.   Book Blogger Hop Q: Have you ever wondered why a passionate book blogger might suddenly stop posting or delete their blog without notice? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer) A: Yes, and then no. I imagine there are a lot of reasons why that happens, the first thing that comes to mind i...

Book Beginnings on Fridays by Rose City Reader -  Share the opening sentence (or so) of the book you are reading this week. You can also share from a book that caught your fancy, even if you are not reading it right now. "When I was born, the name for what I was did not exist." Circe by Madeline Miller I'm currently reading Circe and it's delightful. It's a retelling of a Greek myth about a witch-goddess but I can't tell you much more about it because I've never actually heard of Circe before... I resisted googling the story behind the story because I want to keep the ending a surprise. Seeing that The Song of Achilles was a tragedy, I'm assuming that this one is too, but I don't know yet. Book Blogger Hop Q: What are some of your favorite books to re-read? (submitted by Nicole @ The Christian Fiction Girl) A: Call of the Wild is at the top of the list, I think I have it memorized. There's Let the Right One In and The Fall of ...

Book Beginnings on Fridays  by  Rose City Reader  -  Share the opening sentence (or so) of the book you are reading this week. You can also share from a book that caught your fancy, even if you are not reading it right now. "Twice upon a time - for that is how some stories should continue - there was a mother whose daughter was stolen from her. Oh, she could still see the girl... But the child was silent, and her eyes remained closed." The Land of Lost Things by John Connolly I absolutely loved John Connolly's book The Book of Lost Things so when the sequel came out, The Land of Lost Things , I rushed out to get it. If you liked the stories of the brothers Grimm, you'll like these books too (most likely). They're about people who get swept away into the darkest of fairytales. Book Blogger Hop Q:   What's your typical process for writing a book review, from reading the book to publishing the review on your blog? (submitted by Page @ Pa...

Book Beginnings on Fridays by Rose City Reader - Share the opening sentence (or so) of the book you are reading this week. You can also share from a book that caught your fancy, even if you are not reading it right now. "I was beginning to believe that I was never going to see a horse capture the Triple Crown." American Pharoah by Joe Drape This is the first sentence from the author's note at the beginning of the book, and I'm in total agreement. I wasn't even alive in 1978 when Affirmed claimed the title. I was beginning to think it couldn't be done. Book Blogger Hop Q: Have you ever read a Nicholas Sparks romance novel? If so, what is your opinion on his endings? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer) A: No, I haven't read anything by Nicholas Sparks as I don't read a lot of romance.

Book Beginnings on Fridays by Rose City Reader -  Share the opening sentence (or so) of the book you are reading this week. You can also share from a book that caught your fancy, even if you are not reading it right now. "On the White House roof, tucked into a corner of the Promenade, there's a bit of loose paneling right on the edge of the Solarium. If you tap it just right, you can peel it back enough to find a message etched underneath, with the tip of a key or maybe a stolen West Wing letter opener." Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston I just finished my first romance novel Red, White & Royal Blue . It was cute. Maybe someday I'll read another one. Book Blogger Hop Q: Do you prefer to read series one book after another, or can you read other books in between? (submitted by me, Idea-ist @ Get Lost in Literature) A: I prefer to read a series one book after another, but sometimes that's not possible if the sequel hasn't...

Book Beginnings on Fridays by Rose City Reader - Share the opening sentence (or so) of the book you are reading this week. You can also share from a book that caught your fancy, even if you are not reading it right now. "Zodiac's unmasked features first came into focus one blazing summer day upon the crystal face of a watch." Z odiac Unmasked by Robert Graysmith I'm reading my first true crime novel this month. I had tried to get a copy of the original Zodiac book, by the same author, but they haven't adapted it to an e-book format, and I downloaded this from my library instead.    Book Blogger Hop Q: January is National Hobby Month. Do you have any pastimes or interests other than reading that go well with your love of books and literature? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer) A: Oh, boy, do I have pastimes. I do counted-cross stitch and that takes up a lot of time, I have an embarrassing stack of adult coloring books that I bought during the craze...

Book Beginnings on Fridays by Rose City Reader -  Share the opening sentence (or so) of the book you are reading this week. You can also share from a book that caught your fancy, even if you are not reading it right now. "Delilah Bard-always a thief, recently a magician, and one day, hopefully, a pirate-was running as fast as she could." A Conjuring of Light by VE Schwab I'm on the final installment of the Shades of Magic trilogy , and it's still the rollercoaster ride I remembered. But I think the rereads did break my reading slump, as I'm already planning my first books to read for 2025. I recommend this trilogy, if fantasy is your thing, it's a lot of fun. Book Blogger Hop Q: Do you have any reading goals for the new year? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer) A: I always set a goal of 12 books to read in the new year, and usually read more (sometimes less). This year I'm adding a secondary goal of reading at least 6 books off my cu...

Book Beginnings on Fridays by Rose City Reader -  Share the opening sentence (or so) of the book you are reading this week. You can also share from a book that caught your fancy, even if you are not reading it right now. "Kell wore a very peculiar coat. It had neither one side, which would be conventional, nor two, which would be unexpected, but several , which was, of course, impossible." A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab So I quite loved this series and am rereading it to break out of a reading slump. I think it was better than The Villians duology which was also quite lovable, and way better than The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue which was however enjoyable, a little overrated (unpopular opinion). And the fact that I'm using it to break out of a reading slump makes today's Book Blogger Hop question very well timed.  Book Blogger Hop Q: How do you deal with reading slumps or moments when you can't get into a book? (submitted by Bill...

Book Beginnings on Fridays by Rose City Reader -  Share the opening sentence (or so) of the book you are reading this week. You can also share from a book that caught your fancy, even if you are not reading it right now. "Richard Strickland reads the brief from General Hoyt. He's at eleven thousand feet. The twin-prop taking hits as hard as a boxer's fists." This is one of my top ten favorite movies of all time. And while I don't remember what came first the movie or the book, either way it's great. If you've never heard of Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water, it's a sci-fi/fantasy/romance about a mute woman who falls in love with a thing that's essentially The Creature from the Black Lagoon. Book Blogger Hop  Q: Do you like to annotate your books or leave them untouched? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer) A: I leave them untouched and take notes in a separate notebook.