It‘s been a busy year. Please forgive my absence. In my time away, I‘ve read A LOT of books, but I didn‘t have time to review them. It feels nice to be back. Hopefully I‘ll be able to review this one when I‘m finished.

Ooooooh, look what showed up in my online library today!! Can't wait to read this...when I have time...which has been extremely limited lately. I may have to plan an all-nighter, like in university.

I'm about 2 chapters in and I already feel like this one will make me cry.

Wasn't what I expected, but still a good book. I expected personal Wayne stories, but it was more history of hockey with a few of Gretzky's thoughts thrown in. Informative and well written.

I needed a break from my other book, so, like always, I rely on a good hockey book to keep my mind focused. And what better book than 99: Stories of the Game by Wayne Gretzky!
I'll leave you with this quote, which sums up hockey culture best...
"The fact is, greatness is not captured in statistics. It's captured in stories."

This one was tough to get into, but I'm glad I stuck with it. Interesting story. Completely different than her non-fiction. So far, so good. 👍🏼

Whooooooooa. This book will definitely be in my top ten favourite books from now on. Highly recommended read. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, you really don't. Amazing book - go get yourself a copy now!

A well-known secret among those in the know. But most civilians don't realize this fact. I'm glad someone finally put it in writing.

One word for this book so far - PROFOUND.

Another solid book by Grisham. Some of the twists and turns got a little confusing in the last half of the book, but, in Grisham style, it all came together at the end.

What a crazy web of twists and turns. It's so easy to get caught up in this novel. I've never read a bad Grisham book. So good!

Hilarious book. Yet again Jenny Lawson made me laugh out loud over and over. I think we could be good friends. Highly recommend read if you need to laugh.

The first two chapters have been so funny that I've literally had to cover my mouth so I don't laugh so loud that I wake my son in the middle of the night. Jenny Lawson is one of the funniest writers I've read in a long time and I love her books!

Yep, I bailed on this one. I was about 35% into it and my mind wandered more often than not. I'm not a science person and this book proved it. Although it was well-written, it just wasn't for me.

I'm almost a quarter of the way into this book and I'm finding it tough to keep focused. I feel bad because I've wanted to read this for so long, but I don't know how much further I can go before I just give up and bail on this one. Crossing my fingers that I can get more interested in it!

It wasn't exactly what I expected, but it was still a good story. And, yes, I'll be watching the movie eventually. :)

Being a hockey fan, I'm very excited to read Concussion because this is a hot topic in the NHL right now. Football and hockey may be very different sports, but the question of PTSD and concussions are similar. I find this topic very interesting.

My dad ended up in hospital last week and my grampa's funeral was this week. Needless to say, with everything going on, my reading time is sporadic. While dealing with the funeral, I had no time to read. But while waiting in hospital with my dad, I had a lot of time to read. It's been a rough month. These are the times when I appreciate having books to depend on. When I can escape my reality for a few mins at a time. Hoping Nov is better than Oct.

Being a prairie girl myself, I could totally relate to some of Bif's memories. Her story is sad yet enlightening, shocking yet inspiring. Definitely worth the time to read!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Jenny Lawson made me literally laugh out loud with this book. Sometimes serious, sometimes funny, always honest, she writes with a humble tone that almost everyone can relate to. She's quirky, fun, and interesting. I think we could be the best of friends.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked the unpredictable relationship between Alma and Nathaniel. Ichi is admirable. And the evolution of Irina made me smile. Another good book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Good read. A little predictable, but it was a cute story.

Wow, where has the time gone?? It's mid-October already! Needless to say, I've barely read an entire book because I've been so busy. I've missed you, Litsy friends. I hope to be around more often. Life takes over sometimes though and we do our best to get through each day moment by moment. Forgive me for my absence.

...still going...

The kids must be back in school because I spent last week nursing a sick kid back to health and now I'm sick. Not much time to read when you're on call 24 hours every day and then you get sick. But I'm still fighting the good fight and trying to get through this book. Eventually I've got to finish it, right...?

So far, I'm thoroughly enjoying the story of a chance meeting between Stephanie and Chase and watching their relationship grow.

Oh Litsy, I miss you. It's been a busy month so far, but I'll be back soon.

I've been working so much lately that I haven't even picked up my book in a couple days. I've fallen into bed exhausted every night and I couldn't even tell you where my book is right now. I'm hoping my schedule slows down a little in the next two weeks. Eventually I'll finish this book. Eventually.

It's been a crap-tactic day for me so, instead of reading, I went for a walk to recharge. I had to get my blood pumping and my body moving. Still reading Country by Danielle Steel and it's been good so far. Hoping I have time to read before bed tonight.

I've had the flu, I didn't want to read my current book and not remember it, so I started reading The Dirt by Motley Crüe to fill time. For someone who has met the band, loved their music through the years, and been front and center at their concerts, I should not have read this book. The idealized version I had of the band was better than the reality they explained in this book. I still love the music though.

I've had the flu, I didn't want to read my current book and not remember it, so I started reading The Dirt by Motley Crüe to fill time. For someone who has met the band, loved their music through the years, and been front and center at their concerts, I should not have read this book. The idealized version I had of the band was better than the reality they explained in this book. I still love the music though.

Starting this one today. Will probably take me a while though because school is starting next week and I'll be busy getting my son ready for grade 4. Hopefully, after school starts, I'll have a little more time for myself to read. Hopefully.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ So much respect and love for Alan Cumming. After everything he's been through and the tough journey he's been forced to endure, I am so happy that he's found peace in his life.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A little predictable, but, because I love Italian culture, this book was thoroughly enjoyable. Highly entertaining read, especially because of the recipes thrown in to the story.

Been so busy lately that I haven't had much time to read. I'm back to working again and I'm very happy! Will be back soon to review the last book I read and maybe write a blurb about Alan Cumming's book that I've started.

Finally, a few minutes to myself. Hoping I can finish this one soon.

"I kind of have a thing for that caramel macchiato."

Me too. Going to Starbucks now...

I tried. I failed. I haven't even turned this on today. Yet it's sitting on my favourite chair taunting me and begging me to sit down for 5 minutes and read.

Alas, life happens when you're in renovation hell. I have two bathrooms and a bedroom to renovate before the snow flies in winter. I have to get as much done as I possibly can in the next few weeks.

Is there such a thing as "readers guilt"?? If so, I'm feeling it.

I now take pause from reading to honour a national icon, The Tragically Hip. Thank you, Gord. Canada loves you.
(Photo credit: Huffington Post Canada, Mark Horton - Getty Images)

About to start a new book...if only I can find a few minutes to myself. Wish me luck!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fairly predictable, yet still a good beach read. Abby may not be the most relatable character, but Bobby had me laughing out loud. The ending made the entire book worth the minimal effort. Good read if you want something light without a huge commitment.

I've been too busy to get a lot of reading done lately. Instead, I've been working on house renovations. Like this one, my ensuite bathroom.

Hoping to be able to relax a bit today though and get a little bit of reading in. Fingers crossed!

Another picture of the park where I spent most of my day reading. This is my happy place.

It's a gorgeous day to read in the park behind my house. So I'm taking the day off to read and relax.

Beautiful, clear sky tonight after a day of rain, but I can't seem to put down this book! I'll go for a walk tomorrow. ;)

Grey clouds are moving in. No more gardening for me today. Time to grab a coffee and my book!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This woman is hilarious and I'll always respect her for a few simple words, "I just don't hate myself." And why would she?? She's funny, pretty, intelligent, and has a kick-ass job that she loves. She's content with who she is and I admire that. This was an entertaining book that kept me hooked the whole way through.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This woman is hilarious and I'll always respect her for a few simple words, "I just don't hate myself." And why would she?? She's funny, pretty, intelligent, and has a kick-ass job that she loves. She's content with who she is and I admire that. This was an entertaining book that kept me hooked the whole way through.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This woman is hilarious and I'll always respect her for a few simple words, "I just don't hate myself." And why would she?? She's funny, pretty, intelligent, and has a kick-ass job that she loves. She's content with who she is and I admire that. This was an entertaining book that kept me hooked the whole way through.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This woman is hilarious and I'll always respect her for a few simple words, "I just don't hate myself." And why would she?? She's funny, pretty, intelligent, and has a kick-ass job that she loves. She's content with who she is and I admire that. This was an entertaining book that kept me hooked the whole way through.

Trying to find quiet time in a house with an 8 year old during summer is like brushing your teeth while eating Oreos. Completely futile.

But this book is hilarious so far and I sneak in five minutes of reading whenever I can.

On an unrelated note, when do the kids go back to school??