WWW Wednesday, 12-April-2017

12 Apr

Welcome to WWW Wednesday! This meme was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and revived here on Taking on a World of Words. Just answer the three questions below and leave a link to your post in the comments for others to look at. No blog? No problem! Just leave a comment with your responses. Please, take some time to visit the other participants and see what others are reading. So, let’s get to it!

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The Three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

Note: For users of Blogspot blogs, I’m unable to comment on your posts as a WordPress blogger unless you’ve enabled Name/URL comments. This is a known WordPress/Blogspot issue. Please consider enabling this to participate more fully in the community.


Currently reading: I was an hour early for a conference on Friday so I spent the time reading The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler at Starbucks. I got through a few chapters and I’m about halfway through the book now. Slow and steady but really enjoying this one.
A Son of the Circus has been a slow start. I’m hoping it picks up because this brick is over 600 pages long! I love Irving but this is very different from his earlier books. I hope I can still enjoy it.
I started listening to Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See on Saturday for a two-hour workout so I made great progress in it already. It’s not too long so I’m hoping I can get through this one quickly.

Recently finished: I finally finished Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs! Hubby and I split up to finish it and I came through on Friday, him on Saturday. My review of it went up yesterday and I warn you, it is not glowing. I gave it 2 out of 5 Stars. We watched the movie as well and I’ll post about that tomorrow.
I also got through Once In a Great City by David Maraniss. This was really fun to listen to and for anyone based in Detroit, I think it’s worth reading. It gives a great image of what our city was and what it could be again. I gave it 4 out of 5 Stars. I’ll be posting about this book again as Maraniss visits Detroit to talk about the book.

Reading Next: I think I’ll need another audiobook next, which seems crazy after finishing two this week! Next on my list is Terra Incognita by Ruth Downie. It’s been years since I read the first in this series so I may have to read some summaries to refresh myself. The subsequent books are also available on audio so I hope to move through some of them soon.


Leave a comment with your link and a comment (if you’re so inclined). Take a look at the other participant links in the comments and look at what others are reading.

Have any opinions on these choices?

Until next time, write on.

You can follow me on GoodreadsFacebookTwitterPinterest, and Instagram. I’m available via email at SamAStevensWriter@gmail.com. And as always, feel free to leave a comment!

78 Responses to “WWW Wednesday, 12-April-2017”

  1. Laurel-Rain Snow April 12, 2017 at 1:49 AM #

    I’m curious about Terra Incognita, Enjoy your reading, and here’s MY WWW POST

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:15 PM #

      I hope I remember the first book enough to enjoy it. I remember liking it a lot so I’m glad the author continued the series. Happy reading!

      Like

  2. Karen (@wellreadpirate) April 12, 2017 at 2:08 AM #

    The Riggs is the only one I’m familiar with and I’ve been putting it off simply because the second was so lackluster for me compared to the first. I may keep putting it off!
    My WWW is here : http://wellreadpiratequeen.blogspot.com/2017/04/www-wednesday-12-april-2017.html

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:15 PM #

      I don’t blame you! I put it off for over a year, lol. The first was by far the best of the series. Happy reading!

      Like

  3. cleopatralovesbooks April 12, 2017 at 2:09 AM #

    I do hope A Son of the Circus picks up for you; that’s definitely a chunkster! Here is my Wednesday post for this week. https://cleopatralovesbooks.wordpress.com/2017/04/12/this-week-in-books-april-12/

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:16 PM #

      Thank you. I want to feel accomplished I’m about 100 pages in, but it’s so long… Happy reading!

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Clare Stone April 12, 2017 at 4:06 AM #

    Well done on finishing Library of Souls! I will definitely check out your review because I never finished that series (and now think I probably wont).
    http://dualreads.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/wednesday-catch-up-12th-april-2017.html

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:16 PM #

      I don’t think you’re missing much, to be honest. The first book was the best and the other two really fell apart. Happy reading!

      Like

  5. Ares . Three April 12, 2017 at 4:46 AM #

    Currently reading Devil At My Heels by Louis Zamperini. Finished reading Cosmos by Carl Sagan. Next up is a new genre for me, either And Then There Was None, a mystery. Or the classic Stephen King novel The Stand. I have yet to choose between those two. I will read them both, just don’t know which one I will read first.

    Enjoy the rest of your week!

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:17 PM #

      I read ‘Unbroken’ but haven’t read Zamperini’s own book. How is it? Have you read both? I hope you enjoy whatever you decide to read next. Happy reading!

      Liked by 1 person

      • Ares . Three April 12, 2017 at 5:43 PM #

        I haven’t read Unbroken, no. I saw the film. The film wasn’t bad, but I didn’t put two and two together when I read Zamperini’s book. Compared to the movie, I would say they are almost night and day. Jolie left a lot of parts out of the Unbroken film, and the parts that were included were either wrong, too short, or added for Hollywood fluff.

        Zamperini’s true, gritty account of what actually happened was a masterful read. It wasn’t until I was exactly half way that I thought, hey, this is familiar.

        Unfortunately because I had seen the film, now I had a hard time creating my own images in my mind. I hate that!

        Like

  6. boyishbookworm April 12, 2017 at 6:43 AM #

    Nice post as always. Congrats on finishing Library of Souls!

    My WWW post

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:18 PM #

      Thank you! It felt good to take it off the list. Happy reading!

      Like

  7. alilovesbooks April 12, 2017 at 6:51 AM #

    Have to admit I was quite surprised to see you give Library of Souls such a low rating yesterday. I haven’t read it so can’t comment but I kind of expected it to be higher.

    I have unfortunately joined Netflix so my reading has been a little slower but here’s my www: https://iwuvbooks.wordpress.com/2017/04/12/www-wednesday-12th-april-2017/

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:19 PM #

      I gave the second one 2 stars as well. I hoped it was ‘middle book syndrome’ but the third fell flat as well. I like the idea Riggs had with a visual book, but I think his plot suffered because of it. Happy reading!

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Kathryn April 12, 2017 at 7:20 AM #

    Here’s mine for the day, I’ll comeby and check yours out later. Gotts run!

    http://4thelvofreading.blogspot.com/2017/04/www-wednesdays-4122017.html

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Nadene @Totally Addicted to Reading April 12, 2017 at 7:24 AM #

    Glad to hear that you completed Library of Souls. I love your determination. I hope Sons of Circus picks up the pace. Reading a book with 600 pages that is slow moving, I consider that torture. 🙂
    My post
    http://totallyaddictedtoreading.blogspot.com/2017/04/what-are-you-reading-wednesdays-7.html

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:19 PM #

      Irving has a way of making his books pick up so I have faith in him. There is a murder going on now so I think this is the ramp up! Happy reading!

      Like

  10. The Gal Herself April 12, 2017 at 7:25 AM #

    I’ll be interested to hear how you feel about Son of Circus because I have a conflicted relationship with Irving. I never “get into” his books. I either love it from Page One (Cider House Rules) or I simply don’t get it (Hotel New Hampshire).

    This week I write about my two favorite food groups: mystery and biography.

    http://onegalsmusings.blogspot.com/2017/04/wwwwednesday.html

    Liked by 1 person

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:21 PM #

      Hotel New Hampshire was a weird one if I’m remembering it correctly. I remember the hotel and the stuffed dog for sure! What a bold image. Have you read Owen Meany? I think I got into Twister River as it went on, I wasn’t 100% vested at first. Happy reading!

      Like

  11. Emily Witt April 12, 2017 at 7:58 AM #

    I nearly went to bed without posting! Good thing the post was mostly drafted. I hope the Irving picks up for you!

    Here’s my post.

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:21 PM #

      I just got home from work and I wish I could go to bed, haha. Happy reading!

      Like

  12. Kourtni @ Kourtni Reads April 12, 2017 at 8:05 AM #

    I’m very glad to see you’re enjoying The Book of Speculation! I’ve had my eye on that book for awhile now.
    Sorry to see that you didn’t enjoy Library of Souls. I really liked the first two books in the trilogy but haven’t read that one yet. Hopefully I’ll enjoy it more 😛

    Here’s my WWW: https://kourtnireads.wordpress.com/2017/04/12/www-wednesday-41217/

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:22 PM #

      I read some of The Book of Speculation at lunch today and I think I’m getting close to something big. I hope I find out more soon.
      I wasn’t a fan of the second Riggs book either but if you liked that, it seems likely you’ll enjoy the third. Happy reading!

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Hayley at RatherTooFondofBooks April 12, 2017 at 9:23 AM #

    I loved Snow Flower and the Secret Fan – it’s one of those books that really draws you in and then when you finish it you keep finding yourself thinking about it. I hope you continue to enjoy it.
    Here’s my www post: https://rathertoofondofbooks.com/2017/04/12/www-wednesday-11-april/

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:23 PM #

      Thank you! It’s great comfort during my long runs and I hope to knock out another 2 hours this Saturday. Happy reading!

      Like

  14. readinaflash April 12, 2017 at 10:20 AM #

    Thanks for hosting, as always. My WWW is here https://readinaflash.wordpress.com/2017/04/12/www-wednesday-41/?preview_id=9004&preview_nonce=36b00b7b38

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Ashley April 12, 2017 at 10:43 AM #

    Oh no, that sucks that you only gave Library of Souls 2 out of 5 stars. I still need to read it! I’ve had it since release day, but still haven’t picked it up.

    Here is my post:

    WWW Wednesday #34.

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:24 PM #

      I was in no rush to read it after I didn’t enjoy the 2nd book. I explain my thoughts in my review but I don’t recommend read it before you have read the book yourself. Happy reading!

      Liked by 1 person

  16. hmills96 April 12, 2017 at 10:45 AM #

    ooooh I’ve been wanting to finish the Peregrine series and only have LOS to read..haven’t made it to your review yet, will click over there at some point. http://ilayreading.com/2017/04/12/www-wednesday-4122017/

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:24 PM #

      I wasn’t a fan, warning! I wasn’t a fan of the series as a whole, though. Happy reading!

      Liked by 1 person

  17. whatadifferenceawordmakes April 12, 2017 at 11:22 AM #

    I’m glad you finally managed to get through Library of Souls, although its a shame it wasn’t a great read! I haven’t read any of the Ransom Riggs books, but I’ve read a mixed bag of reviews. Hope your current reads are more enjoyable! Here’s my post:

    WWW Wednesday: 12th April 2017

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:25 PM #

      A lot of the reviews I looked at were glowing but there were some things I couldn’t get past that struck me as lazy plotting and writing. Happy reading!

      Like

  18. anovelglimpse April 12, 2017 at 11:23 AM #

    Yay for lots of progress and finishing 2 books! You’ve really whittled down your number of books from last week. 🙂
    My WWW Wednesday.

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:26 PM #

      Haha, I always have at least 3 and it looks like I’ll stick to that number for a few weeks now. Happy reading!

      Liked by 1 person

  19. deannalcooley April 12, 2017 at 11:45 AM #

    Finishing a book that you’re not exactly thrilled with can be really rough. I’m excited that you finished Library of Souls.
    Here is my post this week: https://deannawritesabout.wordpress.com/2017/04/12/www-weddnesday-5/

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:26 PM #

      I’m glad it’s over, too. Now, as long as I get into Irving, I’ll be all set. Happy reading!

      Like

      • deannalcooley April 12, 2017 at 5:35 PM #

        Son of the circus is one of the few Irving books I have read. I genuinely love his books but he is not an author that you can read in one sitting. Good luck!

        Like

      • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:40 PM #

        I hope you liked Son of the Circus. I picked up some of his early novels a while back and I hope to get through them soon. Even if I don’t love his books, I always have fun picking up on ‘Irving tropes’ (wrestling, bears, parent issues, etc.).

        Liked by 1 person

  20. avgriffin April 12, 2017 at 11:58 AM #

    Hi,
    I’m new to WWW Wednesday. I haven’t read any of Ransom Riggs’ novels, but I did consider Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children as a selection for the book club that I run. Here’s my post: https://avgriffin.wordpress.com/2017/04/12/www-wednesday-april-12th/

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:27 PM #

      I thought the first book was well done though the adult characters in the book needed some developing. Welcome to the community and happy Wednesday!

      Like

  21. dez | the fun in reading books April 12, 2017 at 12:00 PM #

    I wasn’t into Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children series when it first came out so I decided not to read it. Few friends loved it but seeing that you gave it only 2 stars, I think I’ll finally ditch reading it.

    Here’s my WWW: https://thefuninreadingbooks.wordpress.com/2017/04/12/www-wednesday-april-12-2017/

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:29 PM #

      I saw a lot of great reviews for it, but I wish he’d made it a single book instead of a series. The pictures gimmick couldn’t carry me through three long books. Happy reading!

      Liked by 1 person

      • dez | the fun in reading books April 13, 2017 at 7:52 AM #

        The pictures are creepy! Haha.

        Like

  22. Alex @ Young At Heart Books April 12, 2017 at 12:40 PM #

    Congrats of finishing the trilogy! I started the first book multiple times…I just don’t know what it is about the book. The story seems original but I just kept getting bored. Here’s my WWW 🙂 https://youngatheart1blog.wordpress.com/2017/04/12/www-wednesday-17/#more-8314

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:30 PM #

      I think the characters were underdeveloped and it made it hard to like them and get into the book. I don’t blame you. The advantage of audiobook is it’s easier to press forward, haha. Happy reading!

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Mammabear April 12, 2017 at 12:55 PM #

    Great to see some audiobook love! I listen to books while working out as well and I’m a big fan of audio. Great list. My WWW is here: http://furchatter.blogspot.com/2017/04/www-wednesday.html

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:31 PM #

      Audio is the best for working out. I convinced my husband to ditch music for books, too, haha. I found it helps me forget how far I’m running! Happy Wednesday!

      Like

  24. Kelly | Kelly's Rambles April 12, 2017 at 1:17 PM #

    You finally finished Library of Souls – well done! You certainly persevered on that one! I think out of the trilogy the first book was the best, to be honest I’d say the series as a whole was ‘okay’.

    Here’s my WWW.

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:34 PM #

      Okay at best, I’d say. I agree the first was by far superior to the second and third. I hoped the second had middle book syndrome but, alas, it was just a series let down. Sigh. Happy reading!

      Liked by 1 person

  25. LairOfBooks April 12, 2017 at 2:00 PM #

    Congrats on getting through Library of Souls! the mixed reviews always make do a half step when it catches my eye on my bookshelf smh. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is on my TBR hope you’re enjoying the read.

    Here’s my WWW: https://lairofbooksblog.wordpress.com/2017/04/12/www-wednesday-5/

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:35 PM #

      Snow Flower is great so far! I’m already over half way through it and can’t wait to turn the audio on again while I cook dinner tonight. Happy reading!

      Liked by 1 person

      • LairOfBooks April 13, 2017 at 4:45 PM #

        OH GOSH! That’s the best! audiobooks in the kitchen or when doing laundry lol. I kind experienced a audiobook slump in January & haven’t picked one up since but i’m feeling ready *eeeeK* happy reading 🙂

        Like

  26. Candy @ So little time... April 12, 2017 at 4:31 PM #

    Echoing everyone here by saying, I’m glad you got through Library of Souls. Lol! I have the series sitting on my shelf. Bummer you didn’t like the finish. Hopefully, I’ll enjoy it…whenever I get around to reading it! 🙂

    Here’s my post: http://candy-m.blogspot.com/2017/04/what-are-you-reading-april-12-2017.html

    As always, thanks for hosting! Have a great week!

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:36 PM #

      I enjoyed the first book a lot but the second and third let me know. I’ve read a lot of really positive reviews and I hope you enjoy them like those reviewers did. Happy reading!

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Sarah April 12, 2017 at 4:53 PM #

    Sorry you didn’t enjoy Library of Souls! Onto better things! This is my post!

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:36 PM #

      I hope so. I’m loving my new audiobook so far so it’s looking up. Happy reading!

      Liked by 1 person

  28. siderealday April 12, 2017 at 5:13 PM #

    Congrats on getting through some books! Sorry you didn’t like Library of Souls, but hopefully your other books are enjoyable.
    Here’s my WWW post: https://siderealday.wordpress.com/2017/04/12/www-wednesday-412/
    Thanks for hosting and happy reading!

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:37 PM #

      I’m hoping the Irving picks up soon, it’s a long one if it’s not going to hold my interest. Happy reading!

      Like

  29. Melanie @ Bookmarked Bliss April 12, 2017 at 5:34 PM #

    I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying Snowflower! How crazy is the foot binding stuff?! I couldn’t believe I’d never known about it before reading the book, but reading about it was unbelievable!

    My WWW:

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 5:39 PM #

      I knew about foot binding but not all these details! I thought I was going to be sick during my run when they talked about the initial binding and all the breaking… YUCK! I’m past that part now and I feel much less nauseous as I read, haha. Happy reading!

      Liked by 1 person

      • Melanie @ Bookmarked Bliss April 12, 2017 at 5:40 PM #

        Oh my god I thought I was going to be sick during that part too! I was sitting in Subway reading and couldn’t handle it!

        Liked by 1 person

  30. Kwizgiver April 12, 2017 at 7:14 PM #

    You had a good reading week! I agree with you about the Library of Souls, it didn’t do it for me.

    http://www.kwizgiver.com/2017/04/www-wednesday_12.html

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 7:31 PM #

      Glad I’m not alone! All the other blog reviews I read were glowing and I started to wonder, haha. Happy reading!

      Like

  31. Charlie @ Girl of 1000 Wonders April 12, 2017 at 8:05 PM #

    When I saw the cover of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan I immediately thought of the parasol on the cover of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. I finished two audiobooks lately and I need another break. Happy reading!

    WWW Wednesdays (April 12th)

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 8:18 PM #

      Nice job finishing two! This book also talks about Chinese culture but the setting is much earlier than Hotel! Happy reading!

      Like

  32. Yvo April 12, 2017 at 8:10 PM #

    Ouch! Sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy Library Of Souls… It makes me more hesitant to finally continue the series for sure. I hope you will enjoy your books this week and happy reading! Here’s my WWW.

    Like

    • Sam April 12, 2017 at 8:19 PM #

      I know a lot of people liked it, but I had a sour taste in my mouth after the second one already. Happy reading!

      Liked by 1 person

  33. Literary Weaponry April 13, 2017 at 7:20 AM #

    I’m a day late, whoops! It happens, right? I have tried two Riggs books and they just haven’t been there for me. I don’t understand what the draw is to them. My WWW post for April 12th (even though it’s late) – https://literaryweaponry.com/2017/04/13/www-wednesday-april-12/

    Like

    • Sam April 13, 2017 at 8:52 AM #

      I think some people loved the visual tie with the books. I listened to the audio so it wasn’t there for me and being forced to focus on plot pointed out it’s holes to me. Happy reading!

      Like

  34. samfalston April 13, 2017 at 9:12 PM #

    Hi Sam, here is my WWW: https://samslifeinbooks.wordpress.com/2017/04/11/www-wednesday-april-2017/
    I’m curious as to whether you would recommend the Miss Peregrines series as a whole?

    Like

    • Sam April 13, 2017 at 10:01 PM #

      I would not. I thought the first one was okay and fun but the second and third lacked a consistent plot, had too many characters, and the ending felt contrived. I actually thought the movie had a much more satisfying ending. Happy reading!

      Liked by 1 person

  35. poseidons99 April 16, 2017 at 1:23 PM #

    this week I was swept away by Locke & Key graphic novel series, read four volumes and only two left before the series is over. Also read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and for the first with I combined listening to the audio book and reading the physical copy – https://poseidons99.wordpress.com/2017/04/16/izlasiju-lasu-lasisu-73-10-04-17-04/

    Like

    • Sam April 16, 2017 at 2:13 PM #

      I loved Larson’s series! I hope you can enjoy the rest of the books as well. Happy reading!

      Liked by 1 person

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