My Summer Reading List (2014)

 

Working in a library, I (obviously) see many books. I get to see what is new, popular, and all the old stuff too. My reading list gets longer and longer every day. With work, hobbies, and especially when I am in school, I don’t get much time for leisure reading. This summer I am making a goal for myself to read at least a few books since my boyfriend and I both will be out of school.

I actually read a lot of children’s picture books. Partially because they are adorable, fun, and have great images that my artistic side loves. Mostly I read them for work. I fill in for storytime when we don’t have a volunteer. It is really fun to plan, and I get to be silly at work. I also read young adult books, which many adults will tell you are not just for teens! 

Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

                My boyfriend and I watched the movie, and we really enjoyed it. He does not like reading at all, but after watching the movie he said he actually wanted to read the book. I was flabbergasted! And immediately added it to our summer to do list. 

Libriomancer (Magic Ex Libris #1) by Jim C. Hines

                I started this a while back, but didn’t get to finish it when I moved. I figured I would give it another try. How could I resist since I work in a library? ;)

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness – All Souls Trilogy

                Another book filled with magic and a library. This book got really mixed reviews though, some people said it was amazing while others said it was horrid.

The Body Book by Cameron Diaz

                Part of me wonders if all the hype about this book is because it is written by a celebrity. I also wonder what her perspective is as a celebrity. I am excited to see what I can learn from her book.

Cress by Marissa Meyer – The Lunar Chronicles

                I listened to Cinder and Scarlet on BCD on my drive to work. I really liked the reader as well as the stories. Sometimes I even wished my car ride was longer so I could finish a chapter. I have been on hold for a while for Cress. I can’t wait for it to be my turn!

The Quarter-Acre Farm by Spring Warren

                I started my first real garden this year, and it has been a lot of work! Luckily, my boyfriend has been a huge help. Our backyard isn’t very big, but it is filled almost to the max. I hope this book will have some good tips. I am really excited to be working towards self-sustainability and eating healthier.

What is on your summer reading list? Have you read any of the ones on my list? Have any suggestions for what I should read next?

Happy reading!

Bookshelf: Starting (or Expanding) Your Crafting Business

I checked out two ebooks by Meg Mateo Ilasco from my library: “Craft Inc. Revised Edition” and “Craft Inc. Business Planner.” The two go hand in hand and offer some great advice about turning your hobby into a successful business.

Craft, Inc. Revised Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Turning Your Creative Hobby into a Successful Business talks about developing your company (name, identity, products, and pricing plans) obtaining licenses, paying taxes, and where to sell your items (online, Etsy, craft fairs, wholesale, stores, etc.). The book is pretty detailed, so it would be good for those who already have a basic understanding of how to sell their arts/crafts. It is not a comprehensive guide, but has very good information and tips.

I enjoyed the Q&A with artists and business owners, but I would’ve like to see their pictures and examples of their work. I didn’t want to spend time looking up each of them online. I also didn’t like the overall lack of pictures and graphics.

Craft Inc. Business Planner is great for starting and expanding your craft business. The book walks you through the steps, helps you define your business, has useful charts and lists, and helps you plan out goals. “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail,” right?

What I liked about this book is that it gives you some business basics, but goes beyond that as well. It helps you map out product lines and prices, tells how to market your items with a press kit, and prepares you for trade and retail shows.

Since I didn’t have the physical copy of the book, my experience with it is a little different than what was planned for the reader. The description of the book is a planner that you can write in, that has pockets, and that has tear off pages for notes. This is great for keeping things organized and in one place! You have your business plan and ideas right next to checklists, tips, and information which can be essential for creating a successful, organized business.

Amazon has both books in stock if you want to purchase them or read more reviews.

I have a third book Creative, Inc.: The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Freelance Business by Meg Mateo Ilasco on hold. This is the Craft Inc. version for Photographers, Illustrators, and Graphic Designers who want to be freelancers. So if you are interested in one of these fields instead of crafting, this would be the version for you.

This Book is Overdue!

Before I moved to the Sacramento area, I never drove long distances regularly. My work was about 15 minutes away and most stores were within that as well. I never really got into books on CD because I could never finish them in the car, and I didn't really listen to them in my home. Now, my work is 45 minutes away, but I only make it in that time when there isn't much traffic. Some days it can take an hour or so. Luckily for me, I work at a library and am a frequent user of it and the other library near my house. And now that I have started crafting and making jewelry, hopefully I will get into the habit of listening to them at home as well.

So... what am I reading or listening to now? Here's a look...

This Book is Overdue!

I work at a library and am planning to get a Master's degree in library science. I figured I had a duty to read it! I must say that I love the cover. Super hero librarian to the rescue!

The book focused on the role of the librarian and how it is changing with the invention and progression of technology. The author tells lots of great stories about libraries she visited and people she encountered. 

The main thing I came away with after this book was not to take librarians for granted or think they are easily replaceable even with the emergence of ebooks and online libraries. I was never one to think this, but it made me realize their importance even more. They do a lot more than just sit at a desk answering questions and looking up book titles. 

 You can read a description of the book here on Goodreads or add it to your list: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6702303-this-book-is-overdue

Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake!

I've never read a memoir before, so this was a first. I was leaving work one day and realized I had an hour drive and I finished my last BCD. I quickly browsed through a stack and grabbed this book which looked interesting. I had heard of the author, but never read any of her books. 

At first I wasn't too sure about listening to a memoir, but after a little ways into the first disc I found myself smiling and nodding as I listening to her stories.

Although many of the things she talked about haven't happened to me yet (I am only 23), I could definitely relate to many of the topics in her book. I also thought there was some great advice that will help me in the future.

You can read a description of the book here on Goodreads or add it to your list: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12752313-lots-of-candles-plenty-of-cake

I just finished the last disc of Lots of Candles... so I am on the hunt for a new good read! Let me know if you have any suggestions!