The year has already started off with some interesting reads. I’ve only finished one book so far, a good mystery which I’ll tell you about soon, but today I just wanted to share some tidbits on the books I’ve been shuffling on the nightstand.

First, is After The Quake by Haruki Murakami. I’ve read two Murakami novels which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed but this short story collection is leaving me a bit unsatisfied so far. I think this particular collection is the reason why I sometimes feel like I don’t get a complete story with short stories. I’ve only read three of the stories here so far, which all have the Kobe Earthquake in common in some way, and while I’ve liked the characters I’ve encountered and appreciate the situations I feel like I’m missing something.

Has anyone read this and felt the same way? I will continue with it because like I said I enjoy the writing style and who knows maybe in the end it will all come together for me.

My other read is Leaving Home by Anita Brookner. Again, another writer whose previous novels I’ve read and have really liked. I’m not very far into this book so I’m still not quite sure about it but I always find something to relate to with Anita’s characters.

I like that she explores women at a crossroads in their lives and how they try to break free from traditions or what is expected of them. In this story the main character realizes that to gain freedom she must leave her mother and her home. Plus, I always like the author’s interesting word choices: intemperate, somnolescent, etc. Have you read any Brookner? Got a favorite?

Finally, you know I have to have a mystery on the shelf right? So I am about half way through The Chalk Circle Man by Fred Vargas. Remember how I said I would love to work with Inspector Gamache from the Louise Penny books? Well, I cannot imagine working with Inspector Adamsberg. He is always distracted and he seems to be in his own little world.

Now, that’s not to say I’m not liking the mystery. Actually I am. I’m very intrigued by the little crimes that have been taking place and now something big has happened. I cannot imagine how it’s all going to be tied together so the author has definitely got my attention there.

So those are my current reads. I don’t know which I’ll pick up tonight or if maybe I’ll just throw in another book in the mix.

We did go to the bookstore on Saturday and spent a bit of time at Borders. I had been looking forward to going all week because I was looking for a couple of magazines but when we got to Borders their magazine section was chaos.

I guess they are still in after-holiday mode but so many magazines were out of place. Two of the magazines I was looking for weren’t in and another one I like to read, Somerset Studio, was old. They still had the September/October issue.

I did find the latest Art Journaling so I couldn’t be that upset. I love this magazine and I need the inspiration. After I went to Journalfest last Fall I was all ready to play and create but then we got all caught up in our house move, I got busy with the shop and the holidays and so no art was created. I still journaled because I need that but I didn’t get to spend any time exploring more of art journaling.

Now that I have my tables in the studio set up and all of my supplies in order I’m hoping that I can venture out more into this form of journaling. So tonight before I go to bed I will spend some time with this magazine and maybe I’ll have some wild dreams I’ll have to journal tomorrow.