Inbox/Outbox: May 11th–May 17th

Simon Vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Simon is awesome!  I should get a review written and posted in the next couple weeks.

Lies I Told by Michelle Zink

Mixed bag. Biggest warning is that it’s not a standalone book.  I was ready for the story to be over only to find out there’s another book.

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Beautiful, but I probably didn’t appreciate it as much as I should.  I’m so used to reading fast that I struggle when I should slow down. 

A large percentage of my library holds came in this week. Luckily I have a week of vacation coming up.  Plus I bought two on Kindle which I haven’t done in quite awhile.

 

Magonia by Maria Dahvana Headley 

From – Library

Where I heard about It

The synopsis sounds interesting but I’ll totally admit to loving the cover.  So pretty.

Tell the Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt 

From – Library

Where I heard about It  - I don’t remember.  I think I saw it on Twitter at some point.

June’s uncle/godfather/best friend dies mysteriously in 1987 of a disease her mother will barely speak of.  June meets one of her uncle’s friends who helps her understand  more about her uncle, but also changes things she thought she knew about herself.

Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee

From – Library

Where I heard About It

A former female slave, a Chinese immigrant, and the Oregon trail.  Sounds like a fascinating friendship and a pre-roads roadtrip.  I also read a great review last week that renewed my excitement to read this book.

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

From – Library

Where I heard About It

I’ve already read one graphic novel this year (for the BookRiot Read Harder Challenge).  I wasn’t a huge fan, but I don’t think one book is a good enough sample size to make a judgment and American Born Chinese shows up on tons of list for best YA graphic novels.

The Murder Complex by Lindsay Cummings 

From – Library

Where I heard About It

Sounds a little Hunger Games-ish, but possibly more intense. I haven’t read anything in that genre in a while.

Starry Nights by Daisy Whitney 

From – Kindle

Where I heard About It

While I was looking at sale books this one caught my attention.  I like fiction books about art.

Inked by Eric Smith

From – Kindle

Where I heard About It

I’ve been tempted to buy this before and never pulled the trigger.  An ebook sale made the decision for me.

99 Days by Katie Cotugno

I requested it at the library the first time I heard about it.  My turn came up last week. 

Very Brief Summary
Molly messed up pretty big.  Love triangle between brothers big.  When people at school found out and the bullying started her solution was to run to boarding school. Now she’s back for the summer, exactly 99 days until college starts and since she can’t run for the time being her plan is to hide out.
It turns out hiding isn’t in the cards and Molly stumbles into a job, a couple of friends, and back into the arms of Gabe (older brother).

The Good
A flawed heroine – I’m torn about whether to put Molly in the Good or Bad category.  She’s just…frustrating. I chose good, because I like flawed characters in novels.  Too often female characters are expected to be good and are judged way more harshly then their flawed male counterparts – a point that is made in the book.  When I look back on the reading experience I realize that Molly is 18 and just doesn’t know who she is.  She’s not purposely playing the brothers – she’s just stagnant – not choosing because she’s afraid.

Great female secondary characters – Imogen, Tess and even Julia are given depth even if they are briefly in the novel.  I thought Julia was going to be a classic bully, but the author does a really good job of giving you her side; not justifying the behavior but giving it context.

The Bad
Molly’s mother – I have two huge parental no-no’s that are chronic in YA novels. First, publicizing anything that your child told you privately.  I think this is going to get more and more common with children growing up with their parents on social media.  Second, parents trivializing their teen’s feelings.  I know it can be tempting because there is so much drama and angst associated with it, but that is because they genuinely feel that level of angst.  Minimizing it doesn’t help it makes them not feel heard.  Anyway Molly’s mother is the one who publicized the issue that resulted in the bullying and then in the first 4 pages of the novel proceeds to trivialize the trauma her daughter has faced because of it.  I was so seriously pissed.

The Results
I had strong feelings about 99 Days both good and bad.  That can make for a difficult read, but it’s not one I’ll forget anytime soon and I really want other people to read it so we can talk about it. 

For those who like star ratings – 3.5 out of 5 stars

Inbox/Outbox: May 4th–May 10th

I rarely put up book haul posts because I’ve never been that organized. But I think I’m going to give it a shot for a little while due to a resurgence of my library usage.  The Outbox portion is metaphorical – out of my TBR cause I’ve already read it – I’m probably keeping the book

I was kind of shocked to realize I read 4 books last week.  That’s what happens when I combine my weekly book, an audiobook, a quick self help book, and a MUST read new release.

Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas

Yes, I loved it. Read in one sitting which isn’t rare for me, but it’s not as common as it once was. Since I’m uncomfortable fangirling (seriously not a knock I love bloggers who can pull it off) I probably won’t review this one. 

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me by Mindy Kaling

Mindy is so charming and without a doubt the comedic book writer I identified most with.  I listened to the audio and it’s excellent – I just wished it was longer.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

I heard about this book a couple months ago and then it was like it was everywhere.  I’m constantly struggling to keep my house in order.  I’m probably going to have a series on the blog with before/after pics. 

99 Days by Katie Cotugno

So torn on this one.  It’s actually super ripe for discussion.  I really hope I get a full review written.

 

Come as You Are by Emily Nagoski

From – Library

Where I heard about It

I swear the older I get the more interested in gender studies I get. This is a little more niche – it’s about women and sex and how culture and context interfere. It also include advice on how to deal with these issues. I’ve actually already started and it’s fascinating. I feel like I’m gaining a new vocabulary to discuss sex.

All the Rage by Courtney Summers

From – Library

Where I heard about It

Sounds like a very good book that will be really hard to read so I’m putting the odds of finishing this one before I have to return it at about 50%. This is the type of book I’m rarely in the mood for, but really feel like I should read – and usually really love once I do.

The Secrets We Keep by Trisha Leaver

From – Library

Where I heard About It

I’ll admit it – I find the dynamics of twins fascinating so they tend to get place high on my TBR list. Ella wakes up after a fatal accident to discover that Maddy, her twin died – but everyone thinks she died and that she IS Maddy. Feeling guilt over her sister’s death Ella decides to pretend to be Maddy.

Simon Vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

From – Library

Where I heard About It

I feel like I’m seeing this EVERYWHERE now, but originally it was Book Riot recommendation. It sounds like a fun read.

Top Ten Authors I Really Want to Meet

Every Tuesday the ladies over at The Broke and the Bookish host a book related Top 10.

This week is “Top Ten Authors I Really want to Meet”.  I’m DQ-ing all authors I’ve already met even though I’d love to see them again – that’s why Rainbow Rowell, Stephanie Perkins, and Gayle Foreman are not on the list.

I would love to meet the woman who imagined Harry Potter and the world of Hogwarts into existence.  No brainer.

Reading her sermon’s and book made me think about my faith again.  Her insights always hit me right in the gut and she would be a really interesting person to talk to.

Dahl writes super sexy, feminist romances.  She’s funny and interesting on Twitter and I would love to meet her!

Kingsolver has written a lot of very compelling novels. As I’ve said many times, The Poisonwood Bible is written in alternating POV and every perspective is unique.  She touches on current issues and I love how she makes me think.

The Ramona series was my favorite as a child and Cleary is still writing and she just turned 99!  She has to have amazing life stories that I would love to hear.

I love the Amy and Tina have both written books so I can count them on this list. I even loved both books.  How much fun would they be to hang out with?  Seriously!

I love his writing and he’s super well read. I think he’d be really interesting to talk to.

Again love that she’s written a book that I liked so I could count her on this list. One of my favorite celebrities to watch on late night TV, she just seems like she has personality to spare.  At the same time she seems really down to earth and likeable.

I’ve been reading his books religiously for over a decade.

Another person who seems to have a ton of personality.  If there’s a topic that I need explanation on I always how he has a YouTube video about it.

Top Ten Books I Will Probably Never Read

Every Tuesday the ladies over at The Broke and the Bookish host a book related Top 10.

This week is “Top ten Books I will probably never Read”.  This could be a very easy topic (ie - pick 10 random sci-fy or religious fiction books).  I’m choosing ten books that are currently on my TBR and I’ve considered deleting, but still hope I read someday and a few very popular books that just don’t appeal to me. I tried to pick books I was genuinely excited about at some point but at this point I doubt they’ll ever get read.

Anything on your list that you’re starting to feel like you’ll never read?  Any books I really should give another shot?

*Book cover images courtesy of fuzzimo.com

April Recap

I read 7 books this month but it really felt like a slump month. I started and put down at least 7 more books that I just couldn’t get into.  Again I complete 2 reviews – that is seriously my magic number for a month, I just can’t seem to break the 2 review barrier.

Books Read

Yes Please by Amy Poehler

Nice Girls Don’t Ride by Roni Loren

17 First Kisses by Rachael Allen

I’ll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios

Finding It by Cora Carmack

Girl Defective by Simmone Howell

Chase Me by Tessa Bailey 

Books Reviewed

Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Mariller

My Heart and Other Black Holes by Jasmine Warga

Challenge Update

I made ZERO progress on the Read Harder Challenge from Book Riot this month except to realize that reading The DUFF back in February counted as my book by an author under 25.  That adjusts my total to  In total I have 14 complete out of 24.  I’m 50% complete with my choice for Sci Fy – not my favorite category and my goal is to finish at least one more in May.

In Other News

Totally stuck about 15% into the fifth Harry Potter book.  I remember it being a frustrating book to read and it’s even more frustrating in audio.  Teenage angst can be like nails on chalkboard for me, once you add it that the reason for Harry’s angst is justified makes listening to it so hard. 

I binged on the first season of The Americans on Amazon Prime and I totally recommend it.  So addictive.  

I started running again…and stopped running again.  And started running again…and stopped.  It’s about the only exercise that’s convenient with the travel I’m doing but I so wish I could take a dance class or go back to kickboxing.

Top Ten Books with Characters who have Passion at a Young Age

Every Tuesday the ladies over at The Broke and the Bookish host a book related Top 10.

This week is “Top ten books that feature characters who ________”.  The blank can be anything from “grew up poor” to “have lost someone”.  I’m choosing “have passion at a young age”.  Growing up I played violin and piano, was in several honor choirs, and took about 10 hours of dance class per week.  I loved all of it and really admired people who were super dedicated to their art.

1) The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay  - this is a heart breaker because Nastya has lost her dream.  After dedicating over a decade to piano and injury ends any chance of a future.  She has to deal with starting over around two other people who also have passion and I think that forces her to deal with her grief.

2) Did You Hear About Amber by Cherie Bennett – Another heart breaker.  Instead of piano it’s dance, and instead of an injury it’s an illness.  But the end result is that Amber has to deal with the grief of losing her dream and finding another.

3) This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales – Elise finds a passion for DJing when she is 16.  In this book you’re just seeing the beginning of it, but

4) Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez – Carmen has been studying the violin her entire life.  Now she’s in the competition of a lifetime, but she’s also possible falling in love with a competitor she can’t trust, and dealing with tons of parental pressure.

5) Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham – This is a funny story of Franny Banks who is doing everything in her power to “Make it” as an actress by the deadline she set up when she moved to New York.  Unfortunately three years is now six months so the clock is ticking.

6) Slammed by Colleen Hoover – I knew nothing about slam poetry before reading this book and found it really interesting.  Add in an addictive love story and I’m sold.

7) Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins – Lola has put so much energy into fashion and design.  Her passion for costume just bleeds through the page and briefly infects this reader (who lives in yoga pants).

8) Where She Went by Gayle Foreman – I didn’t really connect with If I Stay but adored Where She Went.  Both main characters are dedicated to music – Adam has his rock band, and Mia is a classical cellist.

9) Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell – Cath loves to write.  Specifically she loves to write fan fiction.  It’s fun to read her struggles as she grows from writing in someone else’s world to building her own.

10) The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay – This is one of my top 3 books of all time and everything I know about boxing I learned in here.  Due to extreme bullying (understatement) as a small child, Peekay discovers boxing as a way to feel power -  a way for little to beat big.