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Friday, January 1, 2016

First Book Of The Year - 2016


Join Shelia from Book Journey and fellow book bloggers as we feature our first book read in 2016.

My first book of the year is:  

THE MURALIST by B. A. Shapiro

I have had this book in my toppling stack since last spring when I went to the BEA.

THE  MURALIST kept getting pushed down the stack, but it finally made it to the top. :)

I actually made it to Page 100 and had to stop.  Not my cup of tea.  Artists and political-minded people will like this.

I am still leaving it as my First Book Of The Year, though, because I was reading it as the clock struck midnight.  :)

*********

 Image courtesy of Big Stock.com

Happy New Year, and I am looking forward to everyone's first book of the year so I can add more books to my Toppling TBR Stack or to see if I already have the book on my shelf.

Isn't it such fun, though, to have a stack of books staring at you that are saying:  "pick me, pick me." :)

And such a comfort to know you will never be out of books to read.  :)


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97 comments:

  1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 5:57 AM

    Happy New Year and Happy Reading in 2016!!

    Thanks for stopping.

    ReplyDelete
  2. KristinJanuary 1, 2016 at 6:54 AM

    I just finished listening to The Muralist - I really enjoyed it, but can see where it wouldn't be for everyone. Happy New Year Elizabeth!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 7:05 AM

      Thanks for stopping, Kristin.

      It just didn't click with me. Glad to hear you enjoyed it.

      Delete
  3. Michelle Stockard MillerJanuary 1, 2016 at 7:16 AM

    It actually sounds like my cup of tea! Love the cover. Putting it on my list. Thanks for sharing...and for stopping by my blog today.

    Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 7:25 AM

      ENJOY, Michelle!!

      Thanks for stopping, and Happy New Year!!

      Delete
  4. UnknownJanuary 1, 2016 at 7:56 AM

    I have this book on my 'To Read' list. I loved The Art Forger by Shapiro. I will look forward to your review of this one. Have a very Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 8:15 AM

      Unfortunately, I won't be reviewing the book, Pat.

      I had to stop reading. Didn't care for it.

      Thanks for stopping, Pat.

      Delete
  5. AlexJanuary 1, 2016 at 7:59 AM

    Happy New Year, Elizabeth.

    ReplyDelete
  6. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 8:16 AM

    Thanks, Alex, and thanks for stopping.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Deb Nance at ReaderbuzzJanuary 1, 2016 at 8:28 AM

    Maybe we need to create a new category: First Book of the Year that We Loved! Lol.

    Happy New Year!

    http://readerbuzz.blogspot.com/2015/12/its-brand-new-year.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 8:39 AM

      That might be a good idea!!

      I didn't know until I had been reading. I kept trying, but it just wouldn't work.

      Thanks for stopping, Deb.

      Delete
  8. KayJanuary 1, 2016 at 8:34 AM

    Love the picture! Don't think the book is for me, but I don't own it anyway and my goal for this year is to read from my own shelves.

    ReplyDelete
  9. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 8:40 AM

    I agree about reading from what is already on the shelf.

    I have a ton of books to give to the library for their annual sale and a TON that I haven't read yet waiting on my shelves.

    Thanks for stopping, Kay.

    ReplyDelete
  10. JoAnnJanuary 1, 2016 at 9:37 AM

    Oh, this sounds good. Happy New Year!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 1:21 PM

      Happy New Year, JoAnn.

      I was disappointed in it.

      Thanks for stopping, JoAnn.

      Delete
  11. Sheila (Bookjourney)January 1, 2016 at 9:43 AM

    Cant wait to see what you choose next to be your first book :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 1:23 PM

      I already chose!! :)

      IN ANOTHER LIFE by Julie Christine Johnson.

      Thanks for stopping, Sheila. I love this yearly fun.

      Delete
  12. Laurel-Rain SnowJanuary 1, 2016 at 9:53 AM

    Happy New Year, and I'm sorry it didn't hold your attention. Thanks for sharing...and here is my FIRST BOOK OF 2016 POST

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 1:24 PM

      It wasn't bad, but wasn't a book I couldn't wait to get back to.

      Thanks for stopping, Laurel.

      Delete
  13. Laura at Library of Clean ReadsJanuary 1, 2016 at 10:32 AM

    Aww..too bad this one disappointed you. I have it on my TBR list since I picked it up at BEA too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 1:24 PM

      The cover is gorgeous.

      If you are an art lover, you may like it.

      Thanks for stopping, Laura.

      Delete
  14. Katherine PJanuary 1, 2016 at 10:50 AM

    I've been on the fence about this one myself. I might get it from the library and test it to see. Thanks for sharing your experience and I hope your 2nd book of the year is amazing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 1:25 PM

      Thanks, Katherine.

      I was disappointed, but I will find another good book. :)

      Thanks for stopping, Katherine.

      Delete
  15. Bev HankinsJanuary 1, 2016 at 11:27 AM

    Happy New Year! Sorry your first book of 2016 turned out not to be your thing. Hopefully, your next book will be a winner.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 1:26 PM

      Thanks, Bev.

      I am sure I will find something to my liking. :)

      Thanks for stopping, Bev.

      Delete
  16. DianaJanuary 1, 2016 at 11:30 AM

    Aw, too bad you had to stop, but it happens. Hope your next book works better. Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 1:26 PM

      Yes...not too often, but it does happen.

      Thanks for stopping, Diana.

      Delete
  17. Judy KruegerJanuary 1, 2016 at 11:50 AM

    At first I thought it was funny that you were reading when the clock struck 12 last night. Then I realized, so was I! Reading nerds forever. I am still on my reread of Cloud Atlas. So that will be the first book I finish in 2016.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 1:27 PM

      LOL....Yep....reading nerds!!

      I don't know Cloud Atlas...ENJOY!!

      Thanks for stopping, Judy.

      Delete
  18. Gigi AnnJanuary 1, 2016 at 12:15 PM

    I hate it when I start reading a book I've waited so long to read and than find out I don't really like it. Oh Well, it happens, so I just move on to the next one on the pile. I hope you have a Happy Reading 2016 Year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 1:29 PM

      I have a huge pile to choose from. :)

      I am sure I will find something, but it was disappointing.

      I kept saying keep reading, you may like it, but that didn't work. :)

      All books aren't for everyone. :)

      Thanks for stopping, Gigi Ann.

      Delete
  19. Cleopatra Loves BooksJanuary 1, 2016 at 12:51 PM

    Good for you for picking one from way down the TBR - I do hope it is a good one - thanks for visiting my first book earlier today.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 1:29 PM

      Thanks, Cleo.

      Yes...a bottom of the stack one didn't work this time.

      Thanks for stopping, Cleo.

      Delete
  20. bermudaonionJanuary 1, 2016 at 12:52 PM

    Sorry you didn't enjoy it. I bought that for my book club's Dirty Santa swap and it was highly coveted that day. Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 1:31 PM

      The cover is gorgeous, but the plot and I didn't click. :)

      Thanks for stopping, Kathy.

      Delete
  21. Mary (Bookfan)January 1, 2016 at 12:53 PM

    Sorry it wasn't the book for you but it sounds like you gave it a fair shake.
    Happy New Year, Elizabeth!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 1:31 PM

      I did give it my best. :)

      Thanks for stopping, Mary.

      Delete
  22. StefanieJanuary 1, 2016 at 12:55 PM

    Hau'oli Makahiki Hou. Don't you love it when instinct guides you to pick a book? I'll be interested in reading your review on this book as I really liked the author's first book. You look terrific, BTW.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 1:32 PM

      I won't be writing a review, Stefanie. I had to stop reading. Not a book I liked that much.

      Others raved about it, but I guess we all can't like the same things.

      Thanks for stopping, Stefanie.

      Delete
    2. StefanieJanuary 1, 2016 at 8:51 PM

      Oh dang. Sorry it was a bust. It makes me think now...

      Delete
    3. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 10:00 PM

      It's ok.

      I have plenty more books to read.

      Delete
  23. Captivated ReaderJanuary 1, 2016 at 2:09 PM

    I like your photo of reading your first book of the year!!

    Happy reading to you in 2016... Once again, you've inspired me to make a post of me reading my 1st book of the New Year!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 4:04 PM

      Smiling here - can't wait to see your photo.

      Thanks for stopping, Captivated Reader.

      Delete
  24. Kathryn TJanuary 1, 2016 at 2:14 PM

    Happy New Year Elizabeth. Well at least you've discovered it's not for you and then decided onwards and upwards. Love your photo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 4:06 PM

      Yep....onwards and upwards for sure!!

      Thanks for stopping, Kathryn. Thanks about the photo.

      Delete
  25. MarceJanuary 1, 2016 at 2:20 PM

    From being away from the blog last year I am super excited on the list I have came up with from all the Top Ten lists. Fun Fun Fun, I am really looking forward to this year. Happy New Year

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 4:09 PM

      Welcome back, Marce.

      Will be looking forward to see what you found to make up your Top Ten list.

      Thanks for stopping.

      Delete
  26. AnonymousJanuary 1, 2016 at 2:23 PM

    What a pity it didn't work out between you and your first book. I hope the second one will be more enjoyable.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 4:11 PM

      I am sure I will be able to find another book that I like from my toppling TBR. :)

      Thanks for stopping, leeswammes.

      Delete
  27. Brooke ShowalterJanuary 1, 2016 at 2:39 PM

    Sorry this book wasn't your cup of tea - I'm hoping you find another book to start that you love. :)

    Check out my first book of the year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 4:11 PM

      Thanks, Brooke. I am sure I will.

      Thanks for stopping, Brooke.

      Delete
  28. Reading with JadeJanuary 1, 2016 at 2:55 PM

    I haven't heard of this book before, but as I've seen in the comments you didn't quite enjoy it. That's a shame, especially being the first book of the year, but there are many more books on your shelves, I'm sure :-P. I hope your next read is enjoyable!

    Reading With Jade

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 4:20 PM

      I do have tons of books to choose from. :)

      I think I am going to go with In Another Life by Julie Christine Johnson.

      Thanks for stopping, Reading With Jade.

      Delete
  29. westmetromommyJanuary 1, 2016 at 2:58 PM

    Oh, so sorry your first book of the year didn't work for you....but I'm sure there are many, many better books yet to come for you in 2016!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 4:21 PM

      Definitely going to find many more that suit my fancy. :)

      Thanks for stopping, Melinda.

      Delete
  30. UnknownJanuary 1, 2016 at 3:07 PM

    My first book of the year is The Locker by Adrian Magson. It starts out great. Hope it keeps up with the fast start. :)
    @dino0726 from 
    FictionZeal - Impartial, Straightforward Fiction Book Reviews

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 4:23 PM

      That sounds interesting...hope it continues to be good.

      Thanks for stopping, Diane.

      Delete
  31. Leslie (Under My Apple Tree)January 1, 2016 at 3:45 PM

    Awww, too bad it wasn't a hit for you. Good thing there are lots more to choose from. :)

    I started my first book right a midnight and so far it's a good choice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 4:25 PM

      It was fun reading after midnight.

      I started before midnight, but then stopped shortly after.

      I will find something good.

      Thanks for stopping, Leslie.

      Delete
  32. AnonymousJanuary 1, 2016 at 4:10 PM

    I bet I would like this one! Good luck on the next one :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 4:27 PM

      Take a look at it, stacybuckeye.

      I hope you find you like it.

      Thanks for stopping.

      Delete
  33. Terra January 1, 2016 at 5:18 PM

    I do like the comfort of shelves and stacks of TBR books, all wanting some Terra attention.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 6:39 PM

      LOL...I love the stacks too. :)

      Thanks for stopping, Terra.

      Delete
  34. BronaJanuary 1, 2016 at 6:19 PM

    Happy New Year & I hope your first book is a memorable one :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 6:40 PM

      Mine wasn't a good pick, but I will find another one.

      Thanks for stopping, Brona Joy.

      Delete
  35. Literate HousewifeJanuary 1, 2016 at 7:46 PM

    I just finished The Muralist this week. I enjoyed it, but I also love books about art. I can take or leave the politics. Here's hoping your second book of the year works out better.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 9:29 PM

      I like art also, but I just couldn't get into it.

      So glad to hear you enjoyed the book. It is very well written.

      Thanks, Literate Housewife, and thanks for stopping.

      Delete
  36. Nise' January 1, 2016 at 7:49 PM

    Too bad you had to set it aside. Hope the next one you pick up will be great. Happy New Year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 9:30 PM

      Thanks, Nise.

      I do feel badly when I have to put a book aside.

      Thanks for stopping.

      Delete
  37. SukoJanuary 1, 2016 at 8:42 PM

    Happy New Year, Elizabeth! I hope your Second Book of the year is more to your liking!

    Thanks for your blog visits and comments in 2015! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 9:30 PM

      You are welcome. I thank you for all your comments too.

      Thanks for stopping, Suko.

      Delete
  38. Heidi’sbooksJanuary 1, 2016 at 8:50 PM

    You've done well to set it aside when it wasn't working. I tend to get bogged down and discouraged, and I totally derail. There is a life lesson here I think.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 9:32 PM

      I don't like to stop reading a book, but sometimes that just happens.

      Thanks for stopping, Heidi.

      Delete
  39. ChaosIsAFriendOfMineJanuary 1, 2016 at 9:31 PM

    Bummer that it didn't work out! Hopefully the next one you pick is a great one. Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 1, 2016 at 9:36 PM

      Thanks, ChaosisAFriendOfMine.

      I am sure I will find another book.

      Thanks for stopping.

      Delete
  40. Stacy at The Novel LifeJanuary 1, 2016 at 10:48 PM

    Wishing you the happiest of new years! Hate that The Muralist did not work out for you but glad you're amongst the ones who will DNF a book. Very, very helpful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 2, 2016 at 11:27 AM

      Happy New Year to you too, Stacy.

      It isn't too often that I DNF a book, but it wasn't grabbing me and I figured no sense continuing.

      The book was very well written and researched, just not my cup of tea for content.

      Thanks for stopping, Stacy.

      Delete
  41. Jo @ Booklover Book ReviewsJanuary 2, 2016 at 2:28 AM

    Happy new year Elizabeth! Shame this didn't work for you. It's on my wish list as I really enjoyed Shapiro's previous title The Art Forger.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 2, 2016 at 11:28 AM

      You will most likely enjoy the book.

      She is an excellent author, but just not something I enjoyed.

      Thanks for stopping, Joanne.

      Delete
  42. shelleyrae @ book'd outJanuary 2, 2016 at 5:41 AM

    Happy New Year Elizabeth!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Laurie CJanuary 2, 2016 at 11:13 AM

    I wanted to love The Art Forger because the author is from my home state of Massachusetts. I liked it all right but didn't love it as so many people did. I was wondering if The Muralist would be too similar to The Art Forger for me to enjoy it, but I should probably give it a try. To be fair, I'm not an art person, so that probably doesn't help!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 2, 2016 at 11:30 AM

      Yes...give it a try.

      I never did get to read The Art Forger.

      We all like different topics so it might just be for you.

      Thanks for stopping, Laurie.

      Delete
  44. DebbieJanuary 2, 2016 at 3:43 PM

    Sometimes at this stage of the game, we don't have time for books that don't speak to us. Happy Reading in 2016 to you!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Gayle WeiswasserJanuary 2, 2016 at 11:21 PM

    Thanks for stopping by my blog! Looking forward to exploring yours. Happy new year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 3, 2016 at 8:15 AM

      Happy New Year!!

      Thanks for stopping back, Gayle.

      Delete
  46. UnknownJanuary 3, 2016 at 2:44 PM

    It's a bummer this book wasn't for you, but that happens sometimes! Thanks for stopping by my blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 3, 2016 at 2:51 PM

      Yes....not too often but it does happen.

      Thanks for stopping, Ashley.

      Delete
  47. LisaJanuary 3, 2016 at 7:50 PM

    Kudos to you for being able to pull the plug on a book you weren't enjoying. I'm terrible at doing that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 3, 2016 at 7:54 PM

      It was difficult, but I needed to do it.

      It doesn't happen too often.

      Thanks for stopping, Lisa.

      Delete
  48. Martha EskuchenJanuary 3, 2016 at 8:55 PM

    Great photo! Sorry you didn't enjoy the book. It is fun to have that stack calling "pick me". And sometimes hard to choose.
    Happy New Year and happy reading!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 3, 2016 at 10:14 PM

      Oh yes....some books have been calling out for a while. :)

      Thanks for stopping, Martha.

      Delete
  49. Colleen TurnerJanuary 4, 2016 at 9:26 PM

    Love the photo! My first book of the year called out to me from the toppling pile as well :). Sorry yours didn't work out for you! Happy reading!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 4, 2016 at 9:41 PM

      I wanted to choose a book that has been waiting. :)

      A few others did too.

      Yes...I wish it had worked out.

      Thanks for stopping, Colleen.

      Delete
  50. List AddictJanuary 7, 2016 at 1:08 PM

    I think you should just start another pile next to the one you have. It'll be symmetry and neatness and seem like you haven't gone overboard n the first pile. And of course, if the second pile only has a couple of books on it, then you will have to get a few more just so that it seems even. Enjoy reading in 2016 and thanks for sharing your book one with us!

    Charlie
    Fur Earwig

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ElizabethJanuary 7, 2016 at 1:34 PM

      I am sure I can easily start another pile and probably another. :)

      Thanks for stopping, Charlie.

      Delete