Part Two: Books Bookity

Hooray! More books! This is the second half (first half here) of some of the favorites I've read in the past few months but hadn't gotten around to talking about. Go pick up a book!

Virals by Kathy Reichs: Kathy Reichs is an anthropologist and author of the Bones book series that then turned into the well-know TV show Bones on Fox. The books are inspired by her own work. Virals is the first book of hers in a YA series that takes place in the same reality as Bones. Tory Brennan is the niece of Temprence Brennan (main character of Bones) and lives on a small island off the coast of South Carolina. The island is the home of several scientist and their families. When Tory and her friends rescue a dog caged in one of the medical facilities they become exposed to an experimental strain that changes them. Not only do they need to figure out what is happening to them but what is going on, on this island. I enjoyed the book- it has the make to become a great series although nothing else has been released yet. We will see..

 The Vacationers by Emma Straub: I'm pretty sure everyone and their mother read this book this past summer but if for some reason you did not, it is worth picking up. A pretty quick read with minor twists here and there its the kind of book that lets you know your family isn't the only crazy one out there. Jim and Franny Post take their daughter Sylvia, son Bobby and his girlfriend, and Franny's best friend and husband on a trip to Mallorca. And while on the outside it looks like a picturesque time on the inside they are all having their own issues.

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell: Last week I talked about another Rainbow Rowell book, Eleanor and Park which was very cute. Attachment, in my opinion, was so much better. And I loved Eleanor and Park. I'm not quite sure how to describe this book other than that it is about two best friends (they work in the same building), the emails they exchange at work, and the hired security who has to monitor those emails. I will say it again that I'm not typically a romance lovey-dovey book reader but this one was adorable, funny, and just overall a fantastic novel.

Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight: A good friend of mine recommended this and I had no idea what it was about when I downloaded it. Kate Baron is a single-mother and high-profile lawyer who gets the phone call that changes her world- her daughter, Amelia, has been caught cheating at school. Kate can't believe her Amelia would ever do such a thing and when she arrives the school the news becomes devastating, Amelia is dead. A supposed suicide Kate knows that this was not her daughters own doing. She spends the book piecing Amelia's previous months back together learning more about her daughter than she ever could imagine and the truth. I think I stayed up way past my bedtime the day I started (and finished) this book because I couldn't put it down. Read it.

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken: I read the first two books of Alexandra's series The Darkest Minds and then found she had written this gem first. Brightly Woven is a story filled with magic, mystery and like most YA novels that too cute love story. Sydelle's life changes with one drop of rain, a drop that brings a wizard into town. Wayland North grants this gift of rain by choosing Sydelle as his reward. He takes her on an unforgettable journey that teaches her all about her true self. I wish this had a sequel because I loved it- magic has been done so many different ways and I enjoyed how this one presented itself. And you should definitely check out her other series, The Darkest Minds- so good!

If you need some more books to read go ahead and check out all my book reviews by pressing on that lovely button over there on my sidebar that says, you guessed it, Book Reviews (original, I know).

Go be happy! 

Part One: Bookity Books!

First off, this is my 200th post. 200. 200 times in the past year I've pressed publish. 200 times people have read what I have written. At least one person. I'm actually drawing closer to my blogiversary and all I can think is wow. Here is to 200 more!

On to the good stuff- I haven't written a book review post in a quite a while, partially because I was re-reading the Outlander series for several weeks. Which was super fun because it's a great series and I hadn't read the 8th book yet and also really annoying because the author totally left a cliff-hanger on book 8 and book 9 is probably a year away from release. I shake my fist at you Diana Gabaldon!

Besides that I've been slowly working my way through another Blogging for Books book, which has actually be great because it's all about goals and accomplishments and doing out of the box things (like hiking across the US or visiting every country) and is kind of needed for my trip next year. I will attempt to finish it soon and share the insights with you...

So on to a few of my favorites in the past months- part one:

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart: This was a great YA novel that built a lot on intrigue and suspense. Cadence spends her summers on her family's private island with The Liars- but this particular summer is different. Cadence is recovering from an accident and there is something going on that she just can't put her finger on. Now I have to say- the writing isn't necessarily the best, and a few things were predictably, but the story is excellent. Even with the negatives you will want to know what happens. And it's a pretty quick read. Go for it!

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell: My first Rainbow Rowell book, and it didn't disappoint. I'm not usually one for romance/lovey-dovey books but somehow Rainbow makes them seem so normal, cutesy- but not over the top and something you can genuinely enjoy. Eleanor and Park are high-school students from completely different worlds- and they bond over music. Very cute, a sweet read and now a favorite writer.

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken: A younger cousin of mine recommended this book to me over the summer, and it is the first in a great YA series- along the lines of The Hunger Games, Divergent, and so on. In a society where children start to die of a mysterious disease, the children who survive develop powers and abilities. Think mind-reading, supernatural, telekinesis powers. Instead of trying to figure out what is actually happening to them the government and the world shut all these children and teens up into camps, similar to concentration camps. Bad conditions, barely living. Ruby is one of these kids, locked up at age 10- she has now escaped as a teen and is struggling to make sense of everything going on around her, while fighting back to the powers that be. Sticking true with current trends, it is a trilogy with a few novellas in between. Worth the read and much better than Divergent!!

I am the Messenger  by Markus Zusak: Markus Zusak stole my heart away with The Book Thief, and while this is another excellent book of his, it is not to the same caliber. Great writing, but lacking a bit with the heart strings. Ed Kennedy is a 19-year old cab driver, going nowhere in his life, desperately in love with his best friend and has the worlds smelliest dog. After aiding to stop a robbery Ed receives a mysterious card with what seems like random names. And with it becomes the messenger- learning to care for and help others around his town.

Doctor Sleep by Stephen King: If you haven't yet read The Shining, then you need to go out and do so now. I know, I know- The Shining is scary! And it is- but not at all to the same level as the movie is, the book (as usual) is much better. After you read it, come back and read Doctor Sleep, the sequel to The Shining. A story just as excellent if not better. For those  you have read or watched- Doctor Sleep is about Danny, 25 odd years later, dealing with his crazy childhood and the powers he has. Danny meets Abra, a little girl who shines even harder than he does and desperately needs his help.

My Favorite Children's Books (right now)

Hello friends- long time, no see. I swear I'm still alive. Blogtober took a lot out of me and then one of my cats had to have surgery and I now have the lovely task of medicating her with 6 different things up to three times a day. The joy. Needless to say I've been a little stressed and this space has been pushed aside for a day or two. I'm coming back, like right now.

I originally wrote this post for Ashley over at That Southern Mama, but thought I'd bring it back because November is here which means SHOPPING!! These are some great picks for all those little ones in your life- and some wonderful stories.

As a reminder for my day job I am a house manager for a family- this means I take care of their two children, do all the errands, cooking, scheduling and just about anything else they can think of.

Thankfully both children adore reading just as much as I do- here are some of my favorite to read with them (for now, at least!)

All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon and Marla Frazee: This is such a sweet book with beautiful illustrations- almost like a day in the life of a family vacation or weekend, it describes the wonderful world we live in and how at the end of the day it's about you and your family.

Birdy's Smile Book by Laurie Keller: I'm not sure exactly when I discover this book but it is adorable as books get. Birdy loves her smile- and wants you to love yours too! Written as if a 4-year old is truly talking to you, full of fun tidbits and a happy message. Smile more!

The Snail and The Whale by Julia Donaldson: A little snail wants to go on an adventure! After being picked up by a whale and sailed around the world- the whale becomes beached! Although tiny, the snail uses his might and mind to help bring the whale back to safety. A great message for all ages and a fun ride around the world!

Everywhere Babies by Susan Meyers: This book is great for infants and toddlers- a fun board book about babies, what they eat, play, how they learn to move. The youngest I look after started talking about animals from this book. Same illustrator as All the World- beautiful pictures.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown: An absolute classic and should be in every home! Goodnight Moon is the ultimate bedtime story. The pictures, words, and colors urge you to speak slowly, softly and tuck your little one in, in the most comfortable way. And as a perk the author is an alumnae of the same university I attended, Hollins University in Virgina!

Feel free to check out some of my previous book reviews: 

Look Look, It's a Book/Travel to Your Imagination/you should all read more/ 

I love me some books/big B, little B, what begins with b?/

Blogging for Books: Bittersweet

A few weeks ago I posted about a new site I had joined called Blogging for Books, and reviewed the first novel I had received from them , The Martian. Blogging for Books is a fantastic site that allows bloggers to receive books for free (yes, for free) in exchange for honest reviews. The site even allows you to pick an e-book, paper or audio book. You can find my first review of The Martian here.

The second book I choose was Bittersweet by Miranda Beverly-Whittmore.

The story follows Mabel Dagmar, an ordinary girl who befriends her college roommate, Genevra (Ev) Winslow. Ev comes from a prestigious family, who has held reign over their sprawling Vermont estate for generations past. Mabel is invited to spend the summer with them in their quaint cottages, midnight skinny-dipping excursions, and days spent lakeside.

While she delightfully enjoys herself, learning to grow, befriend and succeed in the lifestyle, Mabel also learns of dark secrets- ones that could mean life or death.

I thought the book was excellent, intriguing and had great character development. Mabel is a relatable character, one with secrets herself. She dives deep into the Winslow clan, learning about them and their haunted past- which drives her to make a grave decision, become one them or expose them for what they truly are.

The book kept me on my toes and continuing to want more. And every time you thought you had figured out what was going on, another surprise was thrown your way.

 You will laugh, cry, cringe with fear.

I recommend this highly to anyone who loves a good thriller, mystery, or even just a coming-of-age story. The friendships, secrets and affairs of the heart are as familiar as your own and yet beyond anything else you can imagine.

*note- I received this e-book for free, in exchange for a review- all thoughts and opinions are of my own*

Blogging for Books: The Martian

Last week I was doing my rounds in the blogosphere when I saw a post from Jessica ,over at Please and Carrots, doing a book review from a site called Blogging for Books.  Naturally I was intrigued. As a blogger you can register with the site, pick a book to be sent to you for FREE- either a physical copy or an e-book. Seriously, what could be better?

Of course I signed up right away, filled out their forms and picked my very first book. The Martian by Andy Weir. I registered to get it as an e-book and had it on my kindle within 20 minutes. Naturally I started reading it as soon as I could.

I finished the novel on Monday night and I was very happy with it- to the point that I had already mentioned it to family and friends before I even finished reading.

The Martian is about an astronaut, Mark Watney, who while traveling with his space crew is abandoned on the surface of Mars during a dust storm. Through his knowledge and expertise, as a botanist and engineer,  Mark must figure out a way to survive until the next mission arrives, almost four years away. 

A good chunk of the book is written in first-person as Mark documents his trials, problems, successes and journey. It has a good mix of input from Earth's perspective, the NASA workers and his fellow crew-mates. 

I really enjoyed all of the scientific aspects of the book- the calculations he made, learning about the different pieces of equipment and what really goes into space travel. I'm not a space expert so I can't say how accurate that all is but it definitely sounded good and kept me reading. As a reader it was nice to have a sci-fi book that was somewhat realistic. No aliens, or way-off-chart issues- everything seemed as if it could be a situation we might see a fellow human in one day (except I hope not because that would suck!)

The book does have a large amount of profanity (I would be cursing too if I was stuck on Mars by myself), so if that bothers you I wouldn't pick it up- but if you like a good adventure story, then this comes highly recommended by myself. 

Enjoy! 

 *Note: I received this book for free in exchange for a review- all thoughts and opinions are of my own*

 

Look! Look! It's a book!

It's that time again- a book review time. You may wonder sometimes how I am able to read all these wonderful books and I usually ask myself the same question... miraculously in the the time I have on this planet I am able to squeeze in precious minutes of reading time, usually when I'm on some form of public transportation. It is definitely a perk of living in NYC. Anyways.. on to the good stuff!

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern: I can't remember if I've talked about this book before- and if I have, ignore me- but at the same time, don't. This is one of the best books I've read in the the past few years. I was actually upset and super excited all at the same time when I found out it was the author's first. This lady is going places- or maybe it will be her one hit wonder and I might also be okay with that. As the title says- it's about a Night Circus- basically the circus of your wildest dreams, one filled with exotic tents, incredible food and that literally appears overnight. The book is about magic, and a competition so incredible you only wish it could be real. The descriptions are spectacular, the plot keeps you wanting more, and like Harry Potter all you want is for it to be real. Go and read it- knock yourself out and start it on a weekend because once you stop you won't want to finish. You're welcome.

The Lorien Legacies- Books 1-4 by Pittacus Lore: While in Florida I read the first four books in the Lorien Legacies series. The first being I am Number Four, The Power of Six, The Rise of Nine and The Fall of Five. The first story falls a boy named John Smith who is part of an alien race that escaped to Earth. Himself, along with 8 other children left their home planet after being attacked by another alien race called the Mogadorians. The Mogs (as they call them) are hunting down the kids, except they can only kill the children in numerical order. John is number four (surprise, I know) and at this point in his life the previous three have been killed, meaning he is next. They get cool powers from their home place called legacies (i.e flying, turning invisible, shape-shifting) and the existing aliens must find each and work together to save their race! Ah the drama! It's actually a fun series, with a somewhat predictable plot, but easy to read and enjoyable.

Panic by Lauren Oliver: I'm not sure how I stumbled upon this book but it was really great. The story takes place in a super small town where every summer the graduating seniors have an opportunity to play a legendary but dangerous game. The pay out is huge but the stakes are high. You follow two different teens playing the game, each for their own reason and experience why they are there, how their game goes, and the pressure they feel with every move.

Hollow City (second novel to Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children) by Ransom Riggs: This is the second book to the Peculiar Children series. Not going to get crazy with details bc spoilers- duh, but I thought they did an excellent job with it and I'm looking forward to the third in the series. Picks up right where the first drops off, we get to meet some new interesting peculiars (the children with awesome powers) and get a bit more insight into what they are fighting for. If you haven't read the first one yet check out my review here!

The Selection by Kiera Cass: I mentioned this book last week and I'm giving you more details. Future world- America (main character) lives in society broken into castes ruled by a royal family. When a prince is of age, a "selection" is made of all the eligible women in the society to become the future king. They live in the castle and compete in a the bachelorette show way to win over the current prince. America is of a lower caste and although doesn't want to enter is convinced by her mother and secret boyfriend. Alas she makes it to the competition and the book goes on. I loved it- fun to read, a different view on a future society, definitely up there with the other popular YA novels going around right now.

The Alchemyst (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel) by Michael Scott: I've seen this one floating around for a while and finally got a chance to actually sit down and read it. As the title says it's about Nicholas Flamel- yep the same one from Harry Potter who created the sorcerer's stone. The book takes place in modern day where the Flamels are living in San Francisco with their magical book of life. John Dee (also a historical figure who dappled in alchemy with Queen Elizabeth - the original 007) tries to steal the book and with the aid of twins, Sophie and Josh, they must fight the evil beings from taking over the world. Sha-bam. Pretty good story, I will read the next one. Also like the tie-ins from other recent books I've read (like HP with the Flamels, and Discovery of Witches, which talks about John Dee).

The Third Gate by Lincoln Child: I happened upon this book when trying to find some things to read for my vacation. It's a suspense-ish novel about a mysterious Egyptian tomb found by a famous archeologist. Along with some other specialists Jeremy Logan is brought out to help solve the curse on the tomb. Along with being in a very unappealing part of Egypt (the nasty Sudd) and the mysterious happenings that keep occurring they must discover what is inside! The book was okay- it's been a long time since I've read anything similar so it was a nice change of pace but I wouldn't tell you to run out and read it.
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travel to your imagination...

This is a book review post- I've been reading some new ones lately and since my taste is flawless- I recommend you all read them.

Cambridge by Susanna Kaysen:
    As a child of a Harvard professor, Susanna is taken to London, Athens, and Florence- all places she would rather not be. As the narrator of her life, Susanna is a precocious child floating through a life she doesn't want. She hates school, loves reading, and only wants to be in her beloved Cambridge home. Susanna is a feisty narrator taking you through her childhood and adventures. I found the book to be a quicker read but it was enjoyable and I do recommend it.

Black Moon by Kenneth Calhoun:
    I had this story on my list of books to read- although by the time it arrived in my inbox I had forgotten what it was about. Insomnia is taking over the world in this story, and it is told from the view of a handful of people who have not yet been affected by the lack of sleep. They watch as their friends, family, neighbors, and everyone around them strive for sleep while turning insane. The insomniacs trash stores, attack the "sleepers" and cause chaos everywhere. This was a weird twist on a common ailment that we see on an everyday basis- one that could potentially happen. While few try their best to cure, the sleepers must find safety to continue on their way of life.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs:
       Growing up,  Jacob was always intrigued by his grandfathers stories of the children's home he grew up in- girls that could float, invisible boys. After his grandfather mysteriously dies, Jacob travels to try and find this old home for closure and finds more than he could have ever dreamed of. A mix of fantasy, history and the unknown this was a great YA/Children's novel- neither of which you need to be to read the book. I have yet to read the sequel but very much enjoyed this story.

The Goldfinch by Donna Tart:
          I only picked up this book up because its been on about every book-list I've seen in the last few months. I literally had no idea what is was about- which can either be good or bad when reading those first few pages. The story is about a boy, a man- you meet him as a teenager on the day his mother dies, they were both in a museum when a bombing occurred. You follow him as he lives with family friends, to living with his estranged father, then as he grows and finds his way back to NYC. The title comes from painting he steals, one which inevitably wreaks havoc on his life. I liked the book, it was a bit slow at times but the premise was interesting and I liked the character development.

   

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn:
      This is by the same author who wrote Gone Girl (another fantastic crazy book) and on the same wavelength with twists and turns. Camille must go back to her childhood town, back to a crazy mother, an unseen father and a bitch brat of a half-sister, to report on the story of two missing young girls.  While putting together the clues and pushing to solve the mystery she learns more about herself and her family then she ever thought she would. Gillian Flynn writes a fantastic book- it's between this one and Gone Girl of which of hers is my favorite. If you liked that book, you will definitely like this one as well.And if you haven't read either yet, add them both to your list- pronto!

Happy Reading!!

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you should all read more

Obviously books are amazing. Recently I've just been re-reading some of my favorites because why not. In my opinion if you have not yet read any of the following you should start on it pronto, but that's just me...

My Top Five Favorite Book Series:

1) Harry Potter: I'm pretty sure I cannot ooh, ahh, and rave about this series enough. It's just brilliant in all aspects.  Every time I read them I laugh, cry, and almost always find out something new. I was reading some weird google search thing the other day (sorry that was vague) and someone asked "Why is it okay to be a Harry Potter fan but not a Twilight Fan?"  Now I've read Twilight and while it is an entertaining and easy read it does not grasp the detail and depth that Harry Potter contains. HP is well written, beautiful and there is something in it that everyone can relate. If you haven't read it or tried to read it in the past but didn't like it- I encourage you to try the story again. The first few chapters of the first book are a little tough to get through at first (my opinion they are kind of boring ) but once past that you are golden. And if you truly do not like it then that's okay too (not really though, jk, but no really).

2) A Discovery of Witches: I'm sensing a theme here... whoops! This is a great first book to what will end up being a trilogy. (book two is called Shadow of Night, it is also fantastic!) Diane is historian studying alchemy. She is also a witch- who refuses to use her powers. After she calls a mysterious book from the Oxford library the town is overrun with other witches, daemons and vampires. On a journey to figure out what this book is, while also learning what her powers truly are, she ventures ,with the aid of a vampire, into a expedition of discovery. The third book is due out this July!

3) Outlander: If you like history, romance, and adventure- this is a series for you. First off, each book is huge and there are like at least 6 already published so they will certainly entertain you for awhile. It is about a woman, Claire, who trips over some rocks while on a honeymoon with her husband in Scotland and is transported back in time 200+ years. Where she has to learn to manage her surroundings, the obvious time change and the locals. The series branches in many wonderful directions full of some fun characters and changes. This is coming out as a Showtime/Starz? show sometime this summer/fall- crossing my fingers it's as good as the book!

4) The Hunger Games: I know that at this point everyone in their mother has read this one, but it's for a good reason- the comparisons to our own society really makes you think with this one. Is this our future? Is this us now? Are we already sacrificing our children? Katniss is a character to root for, to love, to hate, to want to be. The third book (Mockingjay) was very mixed for me the first time I read it - but as I continue to re-read the series (often) I have to grown to enjoy it more and more each time. This series has also seemed to spur on the whole dystopian/futuristic society genre we have had an influx of in our libraries and bookstores. and I'm totally fine with that...

5) A Song of Ice and Fire (i.e Game of Thrones): Also popular now and has enough material to last you for weeks. George RR Martin has created an incredible world filled with so many details I'm not sure how he keeps track of it. Basically, as the first book is called- this is a series about the game of thrones. What does it take to be a leader, how do you get into that positions and what kind of chaos is caused by it. This is a fantasy series that takes place in a realm similar to what we think of as our medieval times. There are mythical beings, a million people to keep track of, and the one thing I have learned in reading them is to never get attached to a character. They have done a marvelous job with the tv show- if you are watching them, it follows the book very closely. But you should still read the books!!

Clearly I seem to have a theme of history and fantasy. What can  I say, I like to jump into other worlds. 

Happy Friday!

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Check my review post here!

I love me some books

Even with my busy schedule and all of life's other shenanigans - I always make time to read. Living in the a city, where you commute by public transport, is definitely helpful for this. Instead of having to pay attention and drive for the some odd minutes to work, you can pick up your book! These are a few of the books I have read in the last few weeks.


The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri:

This is a story about two brothers who grew up in India during the 1960s-both brothers are smart but go separate ways for grad school- one moves to America and the other joins the Naxalite movement. The book looks at the consequences of their decisions on their family, wives, and children. I really enjoyed the novel and it was interesting learning about the different lifestyles of those living in India versus America, especially during that time period.











The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp:

This book is about a popular high-school senior who meets a girl, one who is less popular/a bit nerdy, and their story. It is from the boys perspective and honestly wasn't what I thought it was going to be about. They just recently made it into a movie, an independent film, and it got really good reviews in all the girly/gossip mags as an adorable love story. But the book was not really that. It was decent but I don't think I would recommend it to anyone. From the magazine reviews I think the movie must have changed many aspects of the book, I haven't seen it though so I really don't know- will keep you updated.








Matched by Ally Condie:

This was a great YA novel of the dystopian-esq genre. It has similar feels to The Giver- everything isn't black and white but society is very well laid out for the citizens in this world. To the point that sometime during the year between their 17th and 18th birthdays they are "matched" with another person in the society- one who will make the best genetic matches for future children and so on. Cassia is matched with her best friend Xander, but while viewing his card another classmates photo appears- who is here real match? What is really going on with the government? It is a trilogy and so far so good- I'm excited to read the next two books.







Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro:

This is a book that takes place in future England and is about clones- although it takes a bit a time for them to say that. It's about three friends who grew up in a home for children who are clones of people and they are expected to donate their bodies as they grow up. They spend the first 16 years of their lives at this home, then move to a house with other students from different schools and then start working as carers for students who are already doing donations and then turn to giving their own donations before "finishing" aka death. It's a love story and a very interesting take on what society could be, what makes us human, and does every life count. It has been made into a movie, several years ago with Kiera Knightley, Carrie Mulligan and Andrew Garfield






Vampire Academy: Books 1-3 by Richelle Mead:

Vampire Academy is also a recent movie and despite how cheesy it looks the books have actually been a cute read- if you like vampires and the supernatural. In this world their are good vampires called the moroi- these vampires are still "alive" they drink blood but can go out in sunlight and have a soul. They are haunted by the bad vampires, strigoi- ones without souls, kill humans, blah blah.The moroi are guarded by dhampir's- half human/half vampires who have the best of both worlds. Rose is Lissa's guardian and best friend who ran away from school thinking they were protecting themselves. After being forced to go back to school they face the forces of evil... I've been enjoying them so far.


Swamplandia! by Karen Russell

Swamplandia is about a gatorland-esq theme park in Florida and the children who live there. The park is owned by their parents, but after their mother dies they are forced to accept that the park is shutting down and that their father really does not know how to care for them. The son moves to the mainland, one daughter falls in love with a ghost, and the youngest daughter is forced to go on an adventure through the unknown Florida swamp lands to save her family. I read a Buzzfeed article that was about if you liked certain books as a child you should read these books as an adult- this book was compared to A Wrinkle In Time. It was an okay book- I've heard other good things about the author so I want to read some of her other stories, this just wasn't my favorite.





One Summer: America, 1927 :

One Summer in American wrapped up my non-fiction kick and it was super cool. It is a bit ridiculous the amount of things that happened in America during the summer of 1927- and significant things too. Breakthroughs with radio, movies, sports, airplanes, the law. I've always been a fan of Bill Bryson and once again he gave a great interesting book about something we have all studied before. I think its nice to brush up on your history facts every once and awhile and this is definitely a recommended read.

Harry Potter is my homeboy

I feel that sometimes I have quite a problem when it comes to this topic- maybe even an obsession. And I'm down with the fact that J.K Rowling wanted Harry and Hermione together- sure Hermione and Ron were cute but I never thought they would last... 

Cue real life- yes this is a book , and yes I've read the series more times than I can count (typically I re-read the whole thing at least twice year). I remember the glorious day I was introduced to my most favorite characters of all time. It was the summer between 6th and 7th grade and I was at horseback riding Girl Scout camp with my bestie at the time, N. Actually two life-changing books were introduced to me during these two weeks (kinda crazy). Anyways the girl in the bunk next to me received a package from her Aunt who lived in England. Obviously I was curious, because why wouldn't I be, and low and behold she was ecstatic to have received a book. Now, this is nothing I was a stranger too at this point in my life, I loved books, adored them- had already created a passion beyond anything for them, but a new book from England? 

So I asked- "What is that?" Her answer- "Oh, this the second book in this series called Harry Potter." Hmm- "Well, what is it about?" - I replied. And then this answer "Oh, its about this boy who finds out he is a wizard, it's pretty cool- they act like chess players."

What, huh,- this sounds interesting. 

Then camp ends- I go home, I' wandering around the bookstore with my mom a few weeks later and I see the first book (only about two or three copies were on the shelf). "Hey, Mom- this is that book, that girl at camp was telling me about- can we get it?" Why indeed we did, and boom one of the greatest relationships I have with a book was born. 

Looking back I was almost upset with that girl on how she described the book- a boy who finds out he is a wizard and then plays chess?! That was all of the vital information she had processed from the first book! Outrage I cry!

Unless you've been living under a rock then you know how the rest of the story goes- by the time the 3rd book was released in this beautiful land of the US of A the series had taken off as one of the most popular in the world. 

My favorite thing about them- they never get old, I laugh at the same parts, cry at the same parts- feel the same emotions every time I read them. I always want to strangle Umbridge, reach out my hand to save a character, smell a potion or taste a meal. 

This being said, I do like the movies, but I don't love them- I like the actors who were picked to play each part but they just leave way too many things out. I have also visited the theme park- it's also cool, but not as cool as the book is in my mind... 

And obviously if you haven't read this series you really should. It's pretty awesome.

Do you have any favorite books? Series? How were you introduced to them?

*side note*- the other book introduced to me that same two weeks was A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, which is another life long favorite of mine.

Big B, Little b- what begins with B?

Books of course! A truly simple pleasure of mine is reading- sometimes I wish I could just read all day long. It's kind of funny because honestly I was a slow learner when it came to the reading scene. I have clear memories of looking at books in kindergarten and 1st grade, not understanding what was going on. But the summer between 1st and 2nd grade it all clicked- woah- my eyes were opened for the first time to the amazing literary world. I even remember the first chapter book I read by myself. The Baby-Sitters Little Sister book # 52 - Karen's Mermaid. It felt amazing, I was proud of myself and I couldn't wait to see what else was out there. 

 

Last week I mentioned I was reading The Monuments Men, which I since finished along with several other books ( I like reading multiple books at a time, I mean not all at once but I read a few chapters of this, read a few chapters of that..)- thought I would give a few  reviews and pass the titles along to all the other book lovers out there.

 Labor Day by Joyce Maynard : I thought this was an excellent read- the point of view is from the son, and tells a somewhat unconventional love story. It has recently come out as a movie with Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin. A prisoner escapes from a local jail finds a mother and son in a supermarket... things go from there. I read this one pretty fast, in about a day, mostly because a) it was good b) I wanted to know what happened. Kept me surprised and not all at the same time..

   The Monuments Men by Robert M. Edsel : This was a great look at a side of history we don't normally see. Things that in history class you didn't even think about questioning- but what did happen to all the amazing European artwork when Hitler was doing his thing? This is about the very small group of men who helped save and bring back some of the most famous pieces of art during and after WWII. The book is long and very dense in some places ( I admit, I might have skipped some paragraphs here and there) but the underlying story is great and you get to learn something new and true. Also a new movie out, but apparently its gotten bad reviews- not sure if I will see it. And for the  movie watchers- the characters in the movie are not of the same names as the actual people in the book.

 The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey: This is a great Young Adult novel. I told my family it was a mixture of Independence Day, The Host, Ender's Game and War of the Worlds. If you like the new "end-of-the-world/teen take over" books, like Hunger Games and Divergent, this is a good one for you. I also read it very quickly- it's a bit confusing in the beginning, but it catches you up quickly. Part of a series and the next isn't due until the fall... Noooooo!!! I want it now!

 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: Talk about beautiful tear-jerker. Make sure you have some kleenex handy. I read this book sometime in middle-school/high-school (I can't remember) and I recently watched the movie (amazing, go see it and bring some tissues for that too) and decided to re-read the book. Takes place in Germany during WWII, girl is fostered by a family, discovers how amazing books are (perfection, I know)  all while befriending a Jewish man living in their basement. I wish they added this to school required readings- maybe the do?- it is an excellent story and the narrator is Death. Also the movie does a good telling of the book, on my top list of adaptations.

Not going to lie, I saw some buzzfeed list a few months ago about books you should read before they come out as movies and that is why almost all of these are movies. Even so, the books were all great and I think you should all read them and then tell me what you think.

Thank you to all of you, who are out there ,and reading this blog, and I know there are several of you- thank you, thank you! If you want to be even more awesome than I know you already are... you could do me a huge great favor and click follow! There are several ways, below my name (that cool giraffe with Rebekah) is a button saying "Follow Me on Bloglovin" click that, sign up for a free account, and voila - you will be following me. This a great option for those who like to follow multiple blogs. Two more options are on that left-hand side bar, you can follow me by email or connect your gmail account/google+ , and follow me via that. Did I mention that all of these options are free? Guess what?! They are FREE- I know, right, you get to have all this wonderful information from me all for the price of $0. I'm overwhelmed by it myself. So go click whichever is your fancy and enjoy beautiful moi. Thanks again!!