Why I still Buy Books

Why do you still buy books? 

I'm a book buyer. It's true. I have nothing against those who choose not to. But whenever I hear this question, I do have to kind of refrain from rolling my eyes. Because, despite the fact that I am in the library field, I am a firm believer that the things that you spend your money on say a lot about what you value and who you are.

I buy books because I value the entertainment and enjoyment that they bring to me. By purchasing books, I am investing in the authors that spend time putting them forth into the world to be valued. 

And yes, although the library does offer books for free, there is nothing like being able to bring a book home, not worry about due dates or wait lists, and to be able to re-read it whenever I want (YES! I re-read, please don't judge) 

So whenever I hear that phrase, a little part of me just sighs. Yes! I still buy books.Print or e-book, it doesn't matter. And yes, I use my library! I relish in the chances I have to go and support them by being a patron. 

But I will always buy books. 

Book Review: The Secret of Pembrooke Park

The Secret of Pembrooke Park
Julie Klassen 
Bethany House Publishers

Abigail Foster bears the weight of her family’s financial misfortune on her shoulders. When the chance to inhabit an abandoned manor arises, she encourages her father to move their family into it, despite local dark rumors surrounding its past. But the manor is only as mysterious as the neighbors of Pembroke Park and Abigail soon discoveries that some mysteries can only be hidden for so long.

The sheer amount of pages threatened to overwhelm me when I first glanced at Julie Klassen’s latest book. Therefore, it sat on my shelf for a little while before I picked it up to read.

I fully regret that decision.

Despite its volume, I was immediately drawn into the characters and plot that Klassen weaved together. This book is a truly well done mystery, set in a historical time period, and is a perfect example to others that there can be a balance between the two. It is not often that I find myself surprised, and this book definitely accomplished that! I was second-guessing myself most of the way, and was impressed that, at its core, the book didn’t seem improbable unlike some mysteries. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who feels that they have been mislead or worn out by this genre. Give it another chance! You won’t be disappointed.

I recieved a free copy of this book from the publishers in exchange for this honest review. 

Happy New Year!

Okay, it's a day late, but what did you expect?

2014 was a fabulous year. I graduated with my MLIS, started a new program, read some awesome books, and got to spend some amazing times with my family. God has truly blessed me, and I am so excited to see what 2015 will bring. While I really don't like resolutions (not sure why, but I don't), I do have some goals that I want to begin this year, and hopefully they won't end when the year does.


The Big Things:
1. Speak less and listen more
2. Be more gracious
3. Appreciate what I have
4. Reach out to others
5. Practice patience

The Little Things:
6. Achieve my Goodreads goal
7. Finally complete the t-shirt quilt I started months ago
8. Figure out what I'm going to put in my picture frame
9. Clean my closet
10. Stop giving in to impulse purchases when it comes to clothing (probably should be higher on the list but let's be realistic, this one probably will get put off until next year again)