For this month I already have a stack of books I want to read for either book groups or challenges but as is always the case other books usually cut in line so we’ll see how this goes. Some of the books I’d like to get to this month are:

The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad. Not only is this the selection for one of my book groups but I just found out about the Oxford University Press Book Blog. They have a World’s Classics Discussion and guess which book they are discussing now? Yep, The Secret Agent.

Another book I’d like to read this month is The Mermaids Singing by Lisa Carey. This is the upcoming selection for the Written Word book group. I’ve missed participating the last few times but I just received the book from BookMooch so maybe I will read it in time.

Finally, as far as book groups are concerned I really would like to read the Slaves of Golconda selection for July which is Sleepless Nights by Elizabeth Hardwick

I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to finish the Chunkster or the Once Upon a Time challenges, but hey there are always new challenges to try right? Here are some that I’ve just heard about and sort of want to join but am trying to resist:

The Summer Poetry Challenge
The Summer Reading Challenge – Part 2
The Book Awards Reading Challenge

So there you have it. Those are some of my reading goals. If only all the other books in my stacks didn’t seem so appealing as well. Ha. Anyone have major book plans for this month?

I have been surfing the Internet instead of reading my books this evening. I love finding cool things on the web but then I get mad at myself for wasting precious reading time. Don’t you hate it when that happens?

Oh well, I was reading some very cool stuff so I shouldn’t complain. Let me tell you what’s been keeping me occupied this evening.

First, there’s the latest Estella’s Revenge. I was excited to read the author interview with Cathleen Schine, whose novel The Love Letter I really enjoyed. It’s great to see she has a new book out, The New Yorkers, which is going on my TBR list. There are lots of other great articles and book reviews so check out Estella’s.

My other stop was the Powell’s site and look at what I found, a Nancy Drew purse & books combo. Is it wrong to say I want that? Granted it’s not like I really need another book bag but it is Nancy Drew.

Know what else I really want? The latest Gaslight Mystery book, Murder in Chinatown by Victoria Thompson. This is one of my favorite mystery series. Should I get the book now?

Finally, you know how everyone has a recommended Summer reading list? Lots of great books to be found for sure but I thought this Alternative Summer Reading list was clever. Heh.

Alright enough of the internet for tonight. I’m off to spend some quality time with To Say Nothing of the Dog. I’m nearing the end.