Books Books Books! Fall 2019 Edition

Ok, so I'm month late on this one.  Mah bad.  There is a reason though.  So you see, what had happened was, last semester was... rough.  And subsequently, that meant not keeping track of my reading and also not achieving my Goodreads challenge (and accepting it gracefully with a no fucks given attitude) and not even creating a draft for this post (fret not, the "Winter 2020" draft has already been created).  Truthfully, something had to give me for me to stay afloat and reading really took the hit.  I made straight A's though, so I guess #WorthIt?

Audiobook and Run.
It's totally a thing.

I'm linking up with Steph and Jana for the Show Us Your Books linkup, because I needed motivation to post this post after being a slackass.


Ultimate TLDR** 
Definitely Read:  

• All Along You Were Blooming: Thoughts for Boundless Living by Morgan Harper Nichols
• Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane

Maybe Read:  

• Crossing Tinker's Knob/And Then You Loved Me by Inglath Cooper
• The Institute by Stephen King
• The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

Hard Pass:  

• True West by Sam Shepard

Rating scale*:

1/5 - Hated it, DNF (did not finish).
2/5 - Tolerated it on principle to finish, didn't like it.
3/5 - Eh, didn't love it, didn't hate it. Had some good parts/kept me interested/finished it on principle.
3.5/5 - I liked parts of it.
4/5 - I liked the whole thing.
4.5/5 - I liked it a lot, but not sure I'd read it again.
5/5 - I LURVED it and I'd read it again.

*Subject to change based on my mood, the phase of the moon, or other unpredictable variables.
PS. Possible spoilers included in reviews.

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October/November 2019:

Oathbringer (The Stormlight Archive #3) by Brandon Sanderson   3.75/5 (Audible, audiobook)

This is the book that killed my ability to complete my Goodreads challenge.  When I started listening to this "gem" I was 4 books ahead of schedule.  When I finished, I was one book behind, WITH completing this book.  FML.  Other comments I wrote included the fact that I wouldn't continue on if book 4 was over 40 hours long, it wasn't a commitment I could make.

My actual review:
The story was good.. but LAWDDDDD this book trudddddged on and on and on and on and on and on.. and I don't need to know that the spheres are dun if you tell me someone ran out of Stormlight. I GET IT.

I guess was "DUN" with that shit.

Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals by Rachel Hollis   3/5 (Audible, audiobook)

I struggled with this book because there were things I couldn't really identify with (mom life, entrepreneur dreams, etc), but I was still able to take away some solid points. The bonus portion at the end of the audio book from a Rise event was a solid choice.  It actually made me tear up, but that might have been the affects of PMS.  I didn't love this one nearly as much as Girl, Wash Your Face, but I think GWYF came at exactly the right time, where this one didn't.  This mostly had to do with the fact that I had just finished Oathbringer and I wanted something that wasn't 55 hours long.  This fit the bill, even though I knew it wasn't the right time.  Oh well.

I think the biggest reason this book didn't resonate with me is because I am 110% ok with NOT being the boss.  I don't want to own my own business and I'm totally ok with the peon, be-told-what-to-do, life.  I like being able to go home at the end of the day and be DONE.  As a boss/manager, that's difficult to do.  Work/separation balance is extremely important to me.

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December 2019:

A Fire Sparkling by Julianne MacLean   3/5 (Kindle, ebook) 

A historical fiction story that involved sister twins, life during WW2, and a modern timeline too.  This book had me hooked pretty quickly and I didn't hate it, but parts of it felt unbelievable.  I also still have no idea how much time actually passed in the modern timeline.  I will say I didn't expect what happened to actually be what happened, but it was logical as you went on.  Also, the drama of the modern timeline was unnecessary and childish, IMO.

Crossing Tinker's Knob/And Then You Loved Me by Inglath Cooper   3.75/5 (Kindle, ebook) 

IDK why Goodreads has this listed with a different title than on the cover of the book, but whatever.  I enjoyed this book but felt that parts of it pushed believability, or maybe not.  I never decided.  Emma's decision was a relief to me because I was tired of that storyline.  The mom made me hate her quick.  Becca started to get on my nerves but I couldn't help but like her.  I finished this pretty quick, so I was hooked right away and couldn't put it down/had a lot of free time.

Dark Age (Red Rising Saga #5) by Pierce Brown   3/5 (Audible, audiobook)   

This book was extremely gory and 85% of the book was battles while the remaining 15% was character interactions between characters with Roman names.  It had been so long since I read the prior books that I had no idea what side anyone was on anymore.  It ultimately sorted itself out, but it was pretty distracting for a while.  Part of me wants to know what happens to Darrow and Virginia and Sevro and Victoria, but after having to slog through parts of this, I'm not sure I am committed enough to find out.

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January 2020:

You Can Thank Me Later: A Novella by Kelly Harms   3/5 (Audible, audiobook novella)  

A Thanksgiving novella from Audible, a freebie.  This was a meh for me.  Not bad, but not good.  Despite not being very long, it got repetitious quickly; family gathering for Thanksgiving, some in between life, family gathering for Thanksgiving (same drama), in-between life, family gathering for Thanksgiving.  /rolleyes.  Cute premise but it just wasn't my cup of tea.

I understand it's a novella and supposed to be short, but we spent a long time on repeating what had already happened and then it was like, OH YEAH, sorry we didn't pay you attention all these years because we were more focused on someone else... THE END.

True West by Sam Shepard   1-DNF/5 (Audible, free audiobook novella)  

This was so stupid that it was intolerable.

Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane   4.5/5 (Audible, audiobook) 

I was hooked by 15% and that's unusual for my hyper-critical self. I appreciated how this book ended, even if every single issue wasn't tied up perfectly. This story felt REAL which is probably why I enjoyed it so much.

The Institute by Stephen King   4.5/5 (Kindle, ebook, won from SUYB!)  

This book had me hooked by 10%, which is rare. Luke is a child prodigy with special skills. Tim is a not-cop in Podunk. Ultimately, their stories will come together. I appreciated the realistic rawness of the story-telling, even if sometimes vulgar and almost unbelievable (it's fiction, so duh). It has been many years since I read a Stephen King book and I can't remember why I stopped now.

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes   4.25/5 (Audible, audiobook)  

I listened to this on audio and was not disappointed by the narrator's voices for the different characters and her KY accent. I was disappointed that Alice's inner voice wasn't with an English accent, but oh well.

Story wise, this story felt like historic fiction based on real life events, like these people could have actually lived. I was quickly drawn into the story, always a relief not to have to trod on and on waiting to get to the part that hooks you, and was genuinely curious how this would end, even though I had a solid (correct) hunch.

I did get a little tired of hearing how much sex everyone but Alice was having, but otherwise, very enjoyable.

All Along You Were Blooming: Thoughts for Boundless Living by Morgan Harper Nichols   5/5 (own, hard copy)  

MHN's new poetry book.  I preordered this the same day she sent the email that said she was releasing a book.  I had favorite "stories" but can't remember off the top of my head which ones they were.  Guess that means a re-read is in my future.

That said, I feel like this would have been better on the Kindle because then you can zoom in to read some of the tiny cursive and, depending on your device, you can screenshot and share.  Because it's not a standard book, it's a quick read.

There will be days when you do not feel
fearless
and you choose to get up
and go out anyway.

And my friend,
let me tell you,
that is what it means to be breave.
It is that gentle shove toward the water
that says "I will go,
and I will go afraid."

It is not a feeling.
It is not a thought.
It is that inward wind that pulls you out of sleep
and says "I will go forth,
with all I have now;
a breath, a dozen steps,
and a pocket full of fears,
but no matter what tries to pull me back,
I will find the strength to be here."
(Morgan Harper Nichols)

**TLDR: To long, didn't read.

Books Books Books! Summer 2019 Edition

Considering how busy life has stayed since my last book post, I'm impressed with how much I've read this summer.  In fact, Goodreads says I'm FOUR book ahead of schedule to meet my goal, which doesn't really surprise me.  I'm not strict about my Goodreads challenge, but it does get under my skin when I fall behind... irrational, I know.

Because I happened to plan this well, I'm linking up with Steph and Jana for the 5th anniversary of the Show Us Your Books linkup.


Ultimate TLDR** 
Definitely Read:  

• The Art of Racing in the Rain
• How to Walk Away

Maybe Read:  

• Warbreaker
• The Ragged Edge of Night
• Things You Save in a Fire

Hard Pass:  

• The Weight of Ink

Rating scale*:

1/5 - Hated it, DNF (did not finish).
2/5 - Tolerated it on principle to finish, didn't like it.
3/5 - Eh, didn't love it, didn't hate it. Had some good parts/kept me interested/finished it on principle.
3.5/5 - I liked parts of it.
4/5 - I liked the whole thing.
4.5/5 - I liked it a lot, but not sure I'd read it again.
5/5 - I LURVED it and I'd read it again.

*Subject to change based on my mood, the phase of the moon, or other unpredictable variables.
PS. Possible spoilers included in reviews.

Warbreaker (Warbreaker #1) by Brandon Sanderson   4/5 (Audible, audiobook)

It took a bit to get into this book.  It didn't help that I also started listening to this while I was in Germany and taking the train to/from school, so I was only getting in 20 minutes or so at a time.  By about 20% though, I was hooked and wanted to know all the things.  I really dislike initial confusion, but it was all resolved rather quickly.  As with most of Sanderson's books, this will be a series.  Yay/Ugh.

The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish   3/5 (library, ebook)

The prose of this book is beautiful, but I really struggled with the main characters who have secrets and refuse to let themselves be vulnerable.  UGH.  This book is set in 2 main times, the 1600s and current time.  I was more invested in the 1600s timeline than the current timeline, but I was often grateful to switch back to the current time when the 1600s got too heavy or tedious or boring.

That said, the problems of the current day characters were stupid, IMO.

How to Walk Away by Katherine Center   4.5/5 (library, audiobook)

Maggie is left paralyzed after a plane crash and this is the story of post-crash.  I enjoyed Maggie's sense of reality and the relationship with her sister and Ian helped pushed the book along.  Yes, the ending was a bit too tidy, but for such a heavy topic, I appreciated a happy ending.

Also, if you don't hate Chip, you're dead to me.

Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner   3.75/5 (library, audiobook)

I didn't expect the characters to end up where/how they did based on how the story started ramping up.  I'm sad and glad about that.  I would judge this book as "a solid beach read".  There were parts that were tedious, but I was invested by 65%.

Even Tree Nymphs Get the Blues by Molly Harper   3.25/5  (Audible freebie, audiobook)

A short freebie that was described as "hilarious"...  I definitely wouldn't say this book is hilarious by any means, but there were some snort-induced amusement parts.  A newcomer arrives in a strange town and sets about making her new place her home and finds love along the way.  This is actually a novella set between two other books in the series, which I didn't know until after the fact.  It was entertaining, but not so entertaining I'm going to seek out the rest of the series.  #SoManyBooksSoLittleTime

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein   5/5 (library, audiobook)

A reread that never wastes my time.  My heart always breaks for Denny, even though I know what is going to happen.  This book changed the way I think about my dogs when I first read it in 2013 and reminded me why I am the way I am in regards to my dogs to this day.  I hope the movie does the book justice, but just in case, I'll keep my expectations low.

Customs of the World: Using Cultural Intelligence to Adapt, Wherever You Are by David Livermore   3/5 (Audible, audiobook)

Audible had a B1G1 sale on lecture series and I had a millionty credits I needed to use, so I selected this one because I enjoy traveling and because I live with someone from a different culture.  There were some parts that were very interesting to me, but the over-arching point of this 12 hour lecture was to be aware of your own cultural mentality/training and don't apply that to other cultures because that will only create unrealistic expectations that will not be met.

And honestly, that's a life lesson that should just be applied in general, not just to people of other cultures.

I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak   3/5 (own, ebook)

I had high expectations of this book since it's Zusak, but I can't say they were met.  There was some lingo that was lost on me because I'm not from the regions Zusak wrote about, which annoys me in general.  The concept of the book was interesting at first, then just annoying.  Like, if you don't know why you are doing these things and you have become self-aware that your life is wasting away, then why don't you just change things and stop doing the actions that you are being "forced" to do?  IDK.  I just struggled with the cards and the actions after a while.

Just One Night by Gale Forman   3/5 (own, ebook)

A novella that fills in some blanks of the Just One Day series.  It had been so long since I'd read the series that I struggled with the characters clicking back into place at first.  Then with the weird Netherlands names, oh the struggles.  This book has been in my library for years, so I finally decided to read it on a whim since it was short.  Meh, could have lived without.

Rivals!  Frenemies Who Changed the World by Scott McCormick   3/5 (Audible freebie, audiobook)

This was a freebie from Audible so I figured why not.  Why not?  Because it wasn't THAT interesting.  That said, the narrator did a good job with dry subjects and the sound effects made me laugh sometimes.  For some folks, you might learn some history, but I think I knew about all the stories in this one.  There is a 2nd book in this "series" if you're truly interested.

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles   3/5 (Audible, audiobook)

A book friend HIGHLY recommended this book and I immediately used an Audible credit on it and listened to it and was super disappointed.  Nothing happens for 18 hours, mostly.  But apparently, I missed something crucial.  I'm willing to be educated about why I was disappointed by this book, but based on the Goodreads reviews, I wasn't the only one.

This book about a Russian Count who was under house arrest for the majority of his life.  He meets some interesting people at the hotel where he is under house arrest, as that is where he lived when the sentence was passed.  We do find out why he was under house arrest, eventually.   I still don't understand the end.  I didn't love this as much as everyone else.  Oh well, I'll be the minority.

I Was Here by Gayle Forman   3/5 (own, ebook)

Another book that was in my library for years.  Meg kills herself and her bestie, Cody, goes about finding out WHY Meg killed herself.  I caught the huge hint that was dropped in the first third of the book and from then on, the main character missing the obvious (to me) things was annoying.  Cody was also a real PITA when it came to Meg's friends/persons she knew.

I struggled with the fact that Cody was portrayed as so young, but she was old enough to "sneak off" to confront a stranger about some random shit.  It was weird.  The climax of the story annoyed me more than anything, but I was ready for the book to be over, so I trudged on.

A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum   3.5/5 (Audible, audiobook)

I think 2 less daughters would have been sufficient to make the point that the grandmother was anti-girl baby... instead, 4 daughters later, grandmother is STILL anti-girl baby and I'm tired of hearing about her comments.

I always appreciate multiple timelines/perspectives, so that was a plus for this book.  I also appreciate the portrayal of cultures different than my own, so another plus.

The Ragged Edge of Night by Olivia Hawker   4/5 (Amazon Prime freebie, ebook)

Anton is a friar turned solider turned husband.  Elizabeth is a widow with 3 kids.  Set it Germany during WW2, my ideal story setting.  I get immense joy from knowing German words that are used in books.  While the ending felt rushed, overall, I enjoyed this book.

Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center   4/5 (Audible, audiobook)

After reading How to Walk Away, I wanted more Center, so I put myself on the waitlist for this book and a millionty years later, it finally came.  A #GirlPower book about a female firefighter who is a beast, but she enters a world of woman-hating men when she has to move away from Austin.

Part of me was annoyed that she went into the new situation with such bias after being warned of "those kinds of men" from her Austin fire chief, but at the same time, it worked, so whatever.  The slow burn with the Rookie started to get on my nerves because Cassie was emotionally stunted from something that happened to her when she was 16 and she refused to tell anyone about it.  In fact, of all the things that annoyed me the most... Center never comes out and actually SAYS what happened to Cassie when she was 16, only that it was "very very very bad" or something to that effect.  Saying what happened gives a victim more control over the situation and that was the worst #GirlPower moments of the book.

Sapphire Flames by Illona Andrews   3/5 (Audible, audiobook)

I wanted more Nevada, but ended up with Catalina.  Ugh.  The slow burn between Catalina and Alessandro annoyed the shit out of me.  Emotionally stunted, I can't, but I want to, characters are my least favorite.  Either you do or you don't, shit or get off the pot.  Also, making assumptions about others is the best way to make an ass of yourself.. but this is fiction.  Another reviewer (on Goodreads) mentioned that this book read like a YA slow burn, and I think they were right.

Also, the Nevada bombshell at the end felt completely out of left field.  WHY?  As set up for the next book?  No thanks.

Everything You Are by Kerry Anne King   3.75/5 (Kindle freebie, ebook)

This was an Amazon Prime free book and I wasn't disappointed.  It was an easy read, but I really get tired of dancing around character's problems for over half of the book.  It's tedious and tiresome and I need to find books that create tension in some other way than failed communication.  That said, the story kept me interested and I ended up breezing through this book fairly quickly for an ebook. 

The ending felt rushed, like King was just tying up loose ends, but it also worked.  IDK, it was a weird feeling.  Also, I hated the fact that Phee was made out to be such a weirdo.  The weird curse thing was weird.  That was my least favorite thing about the book.

**TLDR: To long, didn't read.

Books Books Books (Spring)

March and April Reads!!
If you don't want to read this entire post, that's fair.  

But here's ultimate TL;DR:
Definitely Read: Hillbilly Elegy, Year of Yes, The Great Alone
Maybe Read: Now That You Mention It
Hard Pass: Lord John series, The Giver series.


Linking up with Steph and Jana since this post was ready for posting tomorrow and today happens to be SUYB day, which is convenient!

Rating scale*:

1/5 - Hated it, DNF (didn't finish).
2/5 - Tolerated it on principle to finish, didn't like it.
3/5 - Eh, didn't love it, didn't hate it. Had some good parts/kept me interested/finished it on principle.
3.5/5 - I liked parts of it.
4/5 - I liked the whole thing.
4.5/5 - I liked it a lot, but not sure I'd read it again.
5/5 - I LURVED it and I'd read it again.

*Subject to change based on my mood, the phase of the moon, or other unpredictable variables.

Skimmers, stick with the bold text (TL;DR* parts).
PS. Possible spoilers included in reviews.

Iron Gold (Red Rising Saga #4) by Pierce Brown  3.75/5 (Audible audiobook)  

I didn't realize that this series was continuing until a classmate told me.  I was sad and glad about this.  Darrow's adventures are always tedious and consuming and heavy.  As always, Sevro is my favorite character and he always provided the comedic relief the story needed.

TL;DR: If you're already committed to this series, read this. 

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance    4.5/5 (library audiobook)

This book taught me about Dew Mouth which is essentially putting sugary drinks in bottles for babies/children and their teeth rotting out.  The book also spoke to the reasons poor people stay poor and how difficult it can be to overcome the obstacle of poverty...... KINDA.

I cried with Mawmaw died. It was like I was a part of this family and wanted people to genuinely get do better, be better, get better. I was extremely interested in the social research part of this book, but it left something to be desired. Nonetheless, I appreciated the narrative about "pulling yourself up by the bootstraps" (if you will). Vance was able to overcome the poverty and abuse of his childhood and end up with the "American Dream"... Except, what if that isn't what you are looking for?

Even if you don't come from a poor family, the likelihood of attending an ivy league university is low. I was disappointed that he didn't talk more about how his military career affected his life WHILE he was in the military. He went into such detail about the abuse he encountered, it didn't make sense to me that he would gloss over how difficult BEING in the military is (other than being apart from your family and AFTER bootcamp).

He never explained WHY he decided to attend an Ivy League school or what influenced him to join the military (that I can recall). There were gaps in things that he discussed, so certain things felt glossed over. This book seemed mostly focused on white people, even though these same issues aren't just applicable to white people.


TL;DR: Minus the "Hillbilly Elegy" part of the title and more people would read this book.  It's worth a read, IMO.

The Giver (The Giver #1) by Lois Lowry    3/5 (library audiobook)

I read The Giver in middle school, during a particularly shitty time in my life (while my parents were at their nastiest pre-separation) and I hated this book.  When I discovered that this was actually a series, I was like, ok fine, I'll try again.

This book was HORRIBLE.  Not like written horribly, but the content of this book is HEAVY and horrible and why would we read this in middle school?!  I didn't really understand the book at 13.  As an adult, I get it.  The only part that I remembered of this book was that he starts to see color and it was a big deal.  Again, that was my favorite part.

TL;DR: If you read this as a kid, you should reread this and see if you come away with something new.

Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes   4.99/5 (Audible audiobook)

-0.01 for being overly repetitive sometimes.  I appreciate Shonda's conversational tone (kinda like my own, maybe?) but in a book, it doesn't necessarily translate well.  Nonetheless, I LURVED this book.  It made me cry, which made it difficult to drive down I-26 during morning rush hour...

There were times that I thought the whole Say Yes thing was gimmicky, but I can see how it worked for her.  This isn't a self-help book, it's a memoir, that's important to note.

TL;DR: She really hates public speaking (as witnessed in the clips) but this book speaks to sooo many personal struggles of every person and this book is so relatable.

Gathering Blue (The Giver #2) by Lois Lowry   2.5/5 (library audiobook)

So I powered through The Giver so I could move on in the series and read more about Jonah and the 2nd book is in NO WAY related to the 1st book.  FUCK YOU Lowry.  I did read reviews for books 3 and 4 of the series and apparently it ties back in, but it's tedious and plot holes galore and I doubt I'll be finishing this.  Ugh.

TL;DR: If you're interested in finding out what happened to Jonah from The Giver, you have to be willing to read 3 more books to find out.  You've been warned.

Lord John and the Hellfire Club (Lord John Grey 0.5) by Diana Gabaldon  2/5 (audiobook)

I wanted to love the Lord John series, but I don't.  This is just a novella, so it was short and it seems to only be written to fill in some backstory for the first actual novel about Lord John Grey (LJG).  I found myself being annoyed with the story line and the characters in general.  But it was short, so I powered through.  Blech.

TL;DR: Unnecessary novella to the LJG series.

Lord John and the Private Matter (Lord John Grey #1) by Diana Gabaldon  3/5 (audiobook)

I found this novel more interesting than Hellfire Club and there was actually a story.  But it was tedious at times and there really are so many characters, a Gabaldon trait for sure.  I did eventually get interested in what was going to happen, but it took a while.

TL;DR: If you're reading this for LJG's take on Jamie, this isn't for you.

Now That You Mention It by Kristan Higgins   4.5/5 (Audible audiobook)

I was hooked on this book around 20% in.  I wanted to see how Nora's life panned out.  I appreciated the Maine and Boston setting.  Nora's mom was a super emotionally-constipated twat-waffle.  I laughed so hard I cried at the dinner scene.  And Boomer, throughout the book, helped me suffer through tedious or less interesting parts of the book.  I kinda guessed they would end up together, but I also assumed something would happen between Nora and Luke.

I got super annoyed at references to the Big Bad Event after a few mentions.  I kinda guessed what it was before it was finally revealed.  I really enjoyed the high school backstory to clarify things. 

TL;DR: A good contemporary fiction with a dash of romance and a lot of drama.  Good beach read.

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah   5/5 (library/Audible audiobook)

Lawd, this book.  It broke my heart and stitched it back together.  I re-listened to the last 2 hours because I kept getting interrupted while I was listening and I felt like I had done the book a disservice.  Even re-listening the story made me cry.  This book is about a family with an abusive father and moving to a homestead in Alaska and having to survive in the wilderness, essentially.

Lenny's self-blame for everything that happened tended to get annoying, but it worked.  After such a tumultuous journey, the ending soothed my stitched together heart.

TL;DR: Trigger alert for domestic violence, but lawwwwwddd this journey was worth taking.

A Wind in the Door by Madeleine L'Engle   1.5/5 (own, hardcopy)

I hated this book, but I finished it on principle, thus 1.5 rating.  I really thought I wanted to read this series, but really I was deluded.  BUUUTTTTT, I'm hoping that this book just had "2nd in a series" disease and the rest will be better?  I doubt it, since I didn't really love A Wrinkle in Time, but I bought this whole book set (for $10 from Amazon and now it's $45) and want to read it because it's "a classic"...  This book was essentially Meg's 3 tests that no one could tell her what they were or when they would happen, just that they were coming and she had to Name things or people would get Xed?  There was no less than an entire chapter dedicated to Meg saying, "No, I can't do this!" and various characters telling her that she could.  All in all, this book was obnoxious and I can't tell if I'm over the age limit on this book or if I'm just an asshole.  This review actually said everything I want to say about this book.

TL;DR: Meg was annoying in book 1, but she didn't hold a candle to how annoying she is in book 2.

DNF Books:

• The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Cafe by Mary Simses   1/5 (library ebook)
• I started this book and didn't love it and the over-description of places got on my nerves so I said Bye, Felicia.  It probably isn't a bad book, but it was also giving me the munchies.
• Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth    1/5 (library ebook) 
• The names were weird, I had too much going on, and the reviews weren't stellar.  I was maybe 20 pages in when I decided the mental anguish wasn't worth it and called it quits.
• Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon  1/5 (audiobook)
• I just wasn't interested.  The mystery plot was too complicated for me and really, I was only reading to get more about Jamie and that wasn't coming quickly and I didn't really need that.  No thanks.

 

In Progress:

• Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews   */5 (library audiobook)
• Kristen recommendation that I had shunned because the cover made it look like smut.  It's not.  I don't think.  So far it's going well.
• Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit   */5 (library ebook) 
• I wanted an ebook to pass the time.  I'm not yet decided on this, but I think Solnit might be an overly-critical man-hater... I'm willing to see if my opinion changes.
• Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark T. Sullivan   */5 (own, hardcopy)
• Steph donated this to my cause and I got 20 pages into it and then school happened.  I'm hoping that I can finish this up during my school break.

 On Deck:

• Everless by Sara Holland   */5 (???) 
• I found this one on a "must-read" list and I've never seen my last name in a book before so this is a must read.
• More Outlander
• I will finish this series, even if it takes me the rest of my life. 
• The Time Quintet series (aka The Wrinkle in Time series)  
• Slow progress is better than no progress...
• More Tales of the Otori 
• TBR list

YAY for books!
*TL;DR = too long, don't read

SUYB: December Books

Not being in school really frees up my reading time.  Well, that and finishing up a 55 hour audiobook.  I have, disappointingly, decided NOT to do Erin's Challenge this session because I don't want to add anymore stress to myself for the semester.  I will probably participate in the summer challenge because I will have a month and a half before school starts.  We shall see.

While this month looks impressive, it's really not.  2 of these books were at least halfway complete when I posted my last book post...

Rating scale*:

1/5 - Hated it, didn't finish.
2/5 - Tolerated it on principle to finish, didn't like it.
3/5 - Eh, didn't love it, didn't hate it. Had some good parts/kept me interested/finished it on principle.
3.5/5 - I liked parts of it.
4/5 - I liked the whole thing.
4.5/5 - I liked it a lot, but not sure I'd read it again.
5/5 - I LURVED it and I'd read it again.

*Subject to change based on my mood, the phase of the moon, or other unpredictable variables.

Skimmers, stick with the bold text (TL;DR* parts).
PS. Possible spoilers included in reviews.

The Fiery Cross (Outlander, #5) by Diana Gabaldon   2.75/5 (Audible audiobook)

I swear, it's just the narrator that keeps me "reading" these.  This book was torturetastic.  First off, it took EIGHT HOURS to get through one day.  I was over it. Then there was so much about Brianna's boobs and breastfeeding and it was like she had a kid.  The whole drama with the paternity of the baby annoyed me.  Which leads me right into the hour long biology lesson from Gabaldon about recessive and dominant genes and who the fuck cares?!?!?!?!  Another 6 hour chug through another day.  Roger must be Gabaldon's favorite character to torture because nothing bad ever really seems to happen to other characters to scar them for life.. well at least in comparison to Roger.  I'm annoyed/glad that Ian is back, despite the already overabundant amount of characters I'm trying to keep up with in my mind.

TL;DR: There are better ways I could have spent 55 hours of my life, but this is what I chose.  #FML

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood   4/5 (ebook, own)

Teh Running Bestie bought this book for me for the Kindle because she knew I wanted to read it and I told her the library had a million year long wait list.  This book kept my interest because I wanted to figure out when this story was taking place and how society ended up this way.  In my post-reading-research, I learned that this book was written in the 80s.  Also, I may have skipped the epilogue of the book because I thought it wasn't actually part of the book, but like an author's speech about the book or something.  I skimmed it and was like, Meh, fuck this.  In my research, I learned that was actually a part of the book and maybe I should reread it.  I'm still deciding.

PS.  I read this because I want to eventually watch the series.

TL;DR: Written in the 80's, men have all the power and women are categorized in this dystopian society. 

Across the Nightingale Floor (Tales of the Otori, #1) by Lian Hearn   4.5/5 (hard copy, own, reread)

While I know what is going to happen, I've forgotten WHEN things are going to happen, so it's nice "defragmenting" my brain.  I still love this story as much as I did the first time.  I actually found the first book of this series in the clearance section at Barnes & Nobles years and years ago when I was still in high school.  When I realized it was a series, it was game on.  I own all of these books and they are special enough to have been retained through many book purges.

This book is about a teenage boy who has ties to 2 different families in "feudal Japan" ("" because these books involve powers so it's kind of fantasy themed).  He meets Kaede and they are instantly in love.  Kaede got on my nerves with her girlishness through this entire book, but the way the book is set up, it's to be expected.

TL;DR: Feudal Japan meets fantasy meets YA... and the series is complete.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng   4/5 (Audible audiobook)

No one writes books about communication failures like Celeste Ng.  That summary could also include dysfunctional families.  In this book, what appears perfect is far from it.  How horrible Mrs. Richardson was to Izzy made me angry throughout the entire book, even after getting an explanation.

I appreciated that there was a single tipping event that moved the story along (finally) and how it tied everything together.  I guessed the mystery about Mia well before it was discussed, but that is ok.  I was sad for Perl and hated the way Lexy used her, which I knew would only cause problems.

TL;DR: Family dysfunction and communication failures are Ng's forte. 

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman   3.5/5 (Audible audiobook)

I wanted to like this a lot more than I actually did.  The part that kept me interested was finding out the details about the fire.  I won't lie, the ending kinda threw me for a loop and I did not anticipate that ending with the mom.  As Steph would say, passed the time just fine... considering I spent 6 hours listening to this while puzzling last weekend...


TL;DR: Eleanor is obviously NOT completely fine.

In Progress:

Grass for His Pillow (Tales of the Otori #2) by Lian Hearn   */5 (hard copy, own, reread)
The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett by Chelsea Sedoti  */5 (library audiobook)

On Deck:

• More Outlander
• I will finish this series, even if it takes me the rest of my life.
• More Tales of the Otori 
• The Time Quintet series (aka The Wrinkle in Time series) 
• I bought the boxed set from Amazon for $10 and I'm pumped to read those before I eventually watch the movie.
• Something from my TBR list (whatever I can find from the library/Audible)

YAY for books!
*TL;DR = too long, don't read

SUYB: Fall Books

For real reviews, check out my Goodreads.  I'm writing this in real time and that's probably the best for brevity.  You're welcome for small blessings.

Also, Erin has posted her challenge topics.  I'm not sure I'll be participating because skool sucks, but I haven't decided yet.  We shall see.

Rating scale*:

1/5 - Hated it, didn't finish.
2/5 - Tolerated it on principle to finish, didn't like it.
3/5 - Eh, didn't love it, didn't hate it. Had some good parts/kept me interested/finished it on principle.
3.5/5 - I liked parts of it.
4/5 - I liked the whole thing.
4.5/5 - I liked it a lot, but not sure I'd read it again.
5/5 - I LURVED it and I'd read it again.

*Subject to change based on my mood, the phase of the moon, or other unpredictable variables.

Skimmers, stick with the bold text (TL;DR* parts).
PS. Possible spoilers included in reviews.





via GIPHY

Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy  4/5 (hard copy, own)

Ramona is a teenager who takes care of everything in her world.  Poor girl.  A solid coming of age story, even though Ramona needs to figure out the whole "Not my circus, not my monkeys" saying.

Winter by Marissa Meyer 4/5 (library, ebook)

The "Snow White" of the Lunar Chronicles.  I liked this book, but that could be because I was ready to be done with the series.  The ending with Cinder and Kai was weird, but that could have been me.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas   4.5/5 (Audible audiobook)

If you haven't heard of this book yet, you're living under a rock.  Solid book that discusses topics that are completely relevant RIGHT NOW.

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson  3.5/5 (Audible audiobook)

A mabillionty 45 hour fantasy audiobook I purchased because I wanted to get my credit worth.  It took about half the book for me to start getting into it.  Apparently, Sanderson is a world builder, which is cool and all, but it was tedious AF.  I almost considered getting the 2nd book in the series in physical form but I know there's no way I will actually read a tome like that.  Maybe once I get through the mabillionty hours of Outlander I have left, I'll consider it.

Stars Above by Marissa Meyer  3/5 (hard copy, own)

The Lunar Chronicles short stories.  This collection was ok, but nothing to really write home about.  Nothing from the short stories really did anything to enhance the main books, IMO.  If it hadn't been for YALL Fest, I would have probably passed on this one.

Fairest by Marissa Meyer  *3/5 (library, ebook)

This is Levana's backstory and I wasn't sold.  I was so not interested that when the library took this loan back from me when I was only 30 minutes from the end and I didn't even bother to get upset about it.  I would have requested it again, but there's a waitlist (8+ people) and #aintnobodygottimefordat.

In Progress:

Now that the semester is over, I'm hoping to actually make some headway through the non-audiobooks.

• The Fiery Cross (Outlander, #5) by Diana Gabaldon   */5 (Audible audiobook)
• It's 55.5 hours long.  I'm trekking along, but it sure feels like I'm also lost in the Appalachian mountains with them.
• The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood   */5 (ebook, own)
• This book is written very interestingly but the first half was moderately tedious for me.  Written well enough to keep me interested in though.
• Across the Nightingale Floor (Tales of the Otori, #1) by Lian Hearn   */5 (hard copy, own, reread)
•  I read these when I was 16/17ish and loved them.  I'm hoping the love remains.

On Deck:

• More Outlander
• I will finish this series, even if it takes me the rest of my life.
• More Tales of the Otori 
• I loved this series as a teenager and want to see if it still lives up to my expectations
• Something from my TBR list (whatever I can find from the library/Audible)

YAY for books!
*TL;DR = too long, don't read

Five on Friday #127

EINS

Random Shit:

• I worked from home on Tuesday because I had 2 different doctor's appointments.  I had lofty goals of accomplishing homework.  I accomplished nothing but spending money for wedding things on Etsy.  BUT I GOT SO MANY AWESOME THINGS (and spent so much money)!
• 6 more months of handicapped parking for meeeeeeeeeeeeee and I seriously need to do my exercises regularly.
• Math test today.  FML.  Just need to pass, just need to pass.. and this time I didn't have hurricane week to study.  No bueno.
• I hired a house cleaner this week.  I feel like such a lush, but the reality is, Teh German isn't going to do it (and if he did it wouldn't meet my OCD standards) and I don't have time.  Additionally, the stress of thinking about cleaning when I have so much shit going on was making life even worse.  I am committed to the laundry and Teh German is committed to the dishes and we are a pretty good team about dinner these days, but when it comes to cleaning the floors and the bathrooms and dusting... it just isn't happening.  Honestly, paying for someone to come once a month to take care of these things is totally worth the hit to the GI Bill money we're getting.
• Remember back when you could watch your computer defragment itself?  I miss that.  Oh, just me?  Nevermind.
• Teh PT Kid asked for Willie Jewell's this week and we were happy to agree on a dinner date on Wednesday.
• When I drink Teh German's coffee, it keeps me up for approximately 24+ hours.  I wish I was kidding.  I did a test on Wednesday and drank less than half of what Teh German makes at home (he drinks more coffee at work) and I wasn't tired at 11pm.  I had gotten up at 0530 that morning and finished that coffee (water down with milk and creamer and sugar) by 0730.  WTF AM I BUYING HIM AND HOW DOES HE FALL ASLEEP SO EASILY AT NIGHT?!?!?
• After class today I'm going to a HUGE book sale and I hope I'm not disappointed.  Teh PT Wife and I have been planning on attending this event for over a month now.  Since books are half off on Sunday, I'm totally willing to go back.  #priorities #bookworm4life
• My genius idea to do photos at Charleston Library Society may flop.  I need to deal with that disaster in the very near future... considering I wanted to do the portraits next Wednesday.  /facepalm #thisismylife
• I have approximately 4x2 hours worth of Chem homework to do this weekend.  The professor said the assignment was supposed to take 4 hours, which means at least double that for me.  I cannot wait to waste my life this weekend learning shit that I plan on forgetting in 2.5 months.

ZWEI

Money spent:

• 1 year of Bagheera insurance.  I saved $5 from last year!
• A new beer collar for Pax, which Teh German asked for when we got Pax, but I couldn't find one either of us liked enough to purchase.  Then, Teh Dental Hygienist accidentally stumbled on the most perfect collar a few weeks ago and I contacted the seller with my needs and she said she was happy to comply.  Done.
• Razors for Teh German from Meh.com since they were $1 each.  I got him the women's razors because I liked the colors better.  It's good he loves me.
• Groceries... 3 different times.  Yay for Walmart Grocery pickup.  Seriously.
• Wedding - cake topper, personalized hangers (which are completely frivolous, I know but I was finally starting to feel giddy about wedding things, so I went with it.)
• Doc copay to tell her that anxiety meds were working and for her to order more meds for me. Ugh.
• Ortho copay (ugh, I'm tired of paying this one)
• $1 to the DMV for my handicapped sign.

DREI

From my phone:

Teh German tried on his entire wedding ensemble.
I'm gonna marry that sexy man.

We coffee-ed together last weekend.
Pretty sure Teh German's coffee kept me awake most of Sunday night.

I found out that my homies are doing a Princess themed bachelorette party for me.
This image represents what is probably going to happen.

When your math homework looks like this, everything sucks.

The Neighbor Besties gang went to the rodeo on Saturday night.
The ladies found it humorous that the men all were in the same position.

Wedding presents are awesome.

Finally wore my rain boots this week!
My chem lab teacher complimented the fact that it was raindrops and not polka dots and said it was very fitting.

When your chem lab calls for making bubbles in a compound with a straw and you think,
"I do this all the time with my adult beverages, so I'm practiced at this."
and then no chemical reaction takes place because the compounds were too weak....
So much hot air wasted.

PSA: Creamer will make you fat.

What do you call Dracula when he has hay fever?
The pollen Count.

I won't lie.  Testing out wedding cupcakes hasn't hurt my feelings a little bit.

You can't really read the output of this script, so I will write it for you:
Enter a string to be tested.
Type quit to quit.
quit (<NO.

The edge of the clouds looked like a woman overlooking an area on my dog walk last night.

Mamaaa, touccchhhhhh meeeeeeeeeeeee....

VIER

From the internet:

• Steph's notes from the Philadelphia Women's Conference where she listened to some awesome women speak, to include Michelle Obama and Shonda Rimes.  I won't lie, I'd jizz my panties to see Michelle Obama speak.
• My favorite take away from Steph's notes:
  If you meet someone and they tell you you are too much for them, they are right. Do not dim your light for someone else's convenience.  ~Carla Harris
• The names you give people and things matter.  Words are power.  ~Shonda Rimes

Very few of you probably noticed that I did not do a SUYB post this month.  A handful of you probably noticed there was no weekend review this week either.  You are not mistaken, these posts did not happen. 

I've had the SUYB post drafted since last month's post went live and have kept the book list updated as the month chugged along, but never bothered to write reviews and my Goodreads reviews are seriously lacking this month..  Priorities have shifted (sadly) and blogging about reading is just not as doable as it once was, such is the effect of spending so much of your free time doing homework.  If you are interested in my #bookwormlife, I update my reading progress daily on Goodreads.

I will give you a general summary of my progress since I would be remiss if I didn't:
Completed:
Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy  4/5 (hard copy, own)
Winter by Marissa Meyer  4/5 (library, ebook/Audible audiobook)
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas   4.75/5 (Audible audiobook)

In Progress:
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson  */5 (Audible audiobook)
Stars Above by Marissa Meyer  */5 (hard copy, own)
Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers   */5 (ebook, library)  


TL;DR: If you're wanting social commentary, check out The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.  Don't worry about being late to the game on this one.  Julie Murphy followed up Dumplin' with Ramona Blue and I'm not disappointed I own it.  I would still like to read Fairest by Marissa Meyer to finish off The Lunar Chronicles, but we'll see if I receive it from the library before YALL Fest.  The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson is approximately a mabillionty hours long (45.5 hours to be exact) and after 10 hours of listening to it, I'm ready to find out what happens, but not ready to need to feel like I need to read/listen to ~10 follow-up books in the series.  I have Jamie and Claire to get back to!  I am most excited about reading Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers because Brit gave it ALLCAPS REVIEWS and I'm all, #FOMO over here, so I downloaded the first book of the series the day after I read her review because I have no self-control when it comes to reading.

PS.  School work definitely interferes with reading progress, but I'm soooo lucky that my commute is even longer to school than to work!  All that extra listening time!  LOL.

FÜNF

10 things that made me happy this week:

1. Fantasy books that intrigue me.
2. Not needing to drink coffee this week.
3. Peppermint mocha creamer.
4. Buying wedding decorations and starting to get giddy excited about the wedding.
5. Writing my vows, that really took a burden off my shoulders and I only cried a little bit when I read through them.
6. Feedback from my instructor saying that I was doing well on my computer science tasks.
7. Teh German's encouragement to step away from my math book and decompress before my math test instead of sitting and staring at the book trying to understand it.  PS.  Proof by induction and all it's relatives are fucking stupid.
8. Dog walks where I listen to my audiobooks.  I can't run, so this is my substitution.
9. Planning surprises for people.  
10. UNDER 20 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Friday, Gentle Readers.

SUYB: August Books

Erin's Challenge = COMPLETE!  I do not participate in the bonus round so I can give myself some time to read books that have been gathering e-dust on my e-shelves.

I fucking SLAYED some books this month.  Partially because many of these were in progress last month, but I kept breaking up my progress for library books, because return due dates are the wooorssttt.

Rating scale*:

1/5 - Hated it, didn't finish.
2/5 - Tolerated it on principle to finish, didn't like it.
3/5 - Eh, didn't love it, didn't hate it. Had some good parts/kept me interested/finished it on principle.
3.5/5 - I liked parts of it.
4/5 - I liked the whole thing.
4.5/5 - I liked it a lot, but not sure I'd read it again.
5/5 - I LURVED it and I'd read it again.

*Subject to change based on my mood, the phase of the moon, or other unpredictable variables.

Skimmers, stick with the bold text (TL;DR* parts).
PS. Possible spoilers included in reviews.

Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex by Mary Roach  DNF/5 (library ebook)

Essentially, this book is a research paper on sex and orgasms and bodies and etc etc etc.  I think I would have been able to power through this as an audiobook because I could have just tuned the book out when it was droll.  As an ebook though, I had to pay attention to the words for, ya know, comprehension, and I just kept thinking to myself, this book is stupid and it feels like she just wants to talk about the clitoris to talk about the clitoris and I'm over it.  When the library took this book the first time, I requested it again, and then when it arrived I decided no mas.  #notsorry

This was a challenge book, so I substituted it with Beartown and had NO regrets.

TL;DR: Teenage Megan probably would have enjoyed the "educational yet risque" nature of this book, but Adult Megan was like, I'll figure it out myself, hard pass.

Morning Star by Pierce Brown  4.75/5 (Audible audiobook)

Books 1 and 2 of this trilogy sometimes felt like a slog, but this book SLAYED ME.  It was so good that at the end I was sending Kristen snaps about my feelings because I was so overwhelmed and needed to share them with someone who would understand.. and since she's the reason I read this trilogy, she was my victim.

Darrow finally ends the revolt that he started.  This entire series is a roller coaster and you never know who to trust and this book has ruined me for all other books because now I have trust issues.  #TRUSTNOONE  At the end, I had resigned myself to one ending, then BAM!  NOPE!  Megan was wrong!  All the tricksies were pulled on me and I was sad and glad and omg feelings!

In fact, when I finished this book, I didn't want to start another audiobook because I didn't want to end my book high from this book.  I have The Hope U Give on Audible waiting on me, but I just didn't want to lose my Golden Son feeling.

Also, there was great joy from all the Pax references.  That said, I didn't name our dog, Teh German did, but so much Pax in my life brought me so much joy.

TL;DR: This final book of the trilogy made up for the less enjoyable parts of books 1 and 2.  I WAS BLOWN AWAY by the ending and didn't see it coming.  I even almost cried at the very end and I'm heartless and it wasn't even PMS time.

A Dog's Journey (A Dog's Purpose #2) by W. Bruce Cameron  3/5 (hard copy)

A book about a dog who is reincarnated to take care of his human family.  This is book 2 and I probably could have lived without this book in my life.  Gloria was a horrible person and CJ's bulimia wasn't something I was super interested in.  I get it, people have problems that I shouldn't choose to ignore, but I just didn't dig this book (see what I did there?).  It is what it is.  If you want to read a from-the-dog's-perspective book, check out The Art of Racing in the Rain.
 TL;DR: I wanted to like these books, but I really didn't.  I finished this book since it was an easy enough read and there's a movie that I might watch one day.  Overall though, I'd pass on these book.  PS. Yappy dogs are annoying even in print, who knew.

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate   3.75/5 (library ebook) 

I originally thought this was a kid's book, but I think the subject was a bit too heavy for a child.  It was a super easy read about an elephant and a gorilla who are used as an attraction at a mall with goals of eventually finding more of their own species.  Apparently, this book is based on a true story?  IDK.  It was entertaining enough and I used it as a challenge book substitute after a selection didn't get published.

TL;DR: An easy read that is geared towards NOT children about a showcase gorilla who can "paint".

Destiny’s Escape: A Greyhound’s Tale by Tony Feeherry  2/5 (free Amazon ebook)

Someone in one of my dog groups posted about this free book and I figured why not.  I'll tell you why not, this book is so obviously anti-greyhound racing, it was painful.  This is how children get brainwashed.  Horrible bias in this book and I was just not really that impressed.  I am mostly neutral on the subject of greyhound racing due to the increase in standards maintained at tracks now.  If this book had come out in the early 90's, then it would be different.

TL;DR: An anti-greyhound racing children's book.  Pass.

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer  4.25/5 (library audiobook)  

After finishing Cinder last month, I knew I'd be continuing on with The Lunar Chronicles, especially with Marissa Meyer coming to Charleston in November for YALL Fest.  I really enjoyed Scarlet.  I didn't enjoy the narrator's accent inconsistency, but I'm trying to overlook my OCD problems for the greater good.

I thought that the characters in the books would run parallel with each other, but eventually they overlapped, which I really enjoyed.  Cinder is obviously based on Cinderella while Scarlet is based on The Big Bad Wolf/Little Red Riding Hood, if you didn't assume that.  After dealing with all of Darrow's betrayals, I thought the worst of Wolf, and we'll see if his good behavior continues.

I did keep thinking to myself, "My what big eyes you have.  My what big teeth you have," during all of the descriptions of the wolf characters.  I can remember stories from before I started school, but I can't remember math from 12 years ago.  #ItsHardToBeMe

TL;DR: A play on Little Red Riding Hood and Cinder does eventually join in, because it's a series.  It sound weird, but it works well.  Good jorb, Meyer.

Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley   4.5/5 (hard copy, own)

One of the books I bought from the bookstore in a trailer.  I had seen good things about it.  I wasn't disappointed.  This story follows Rachel and Henry.  Rachel doesn't want to tell people that her brother is dead and it makes things awkward, but I kinda get it.  She feels like a failure and doesn't want people to think that she's using her brother's death as an excuse for her poor choices.

Not to be punny, but this book feels like going swimming at night while the water is warm and you just float.  Refreshing, buoyant.  IDK, this was a book I didn't know I needed.  I enjoyed that it was about books and that the characters were original.

TL;DR: Coming of age story that isn't filled with too much drama and angst.

Cress by Marissa Meyer  4.5/5 (library audiobook) 

Continuing on with The Lunar Chronicles, Cress is based on Rapunzel.  As with Scarlet, all the characters eventually join up.  It didn't feel like there were too many characters, but maybe because you get to know them slowly in the first 2 books so it isn't overwhelming. 

In this book the characters pair off into couples, which I figured was bound to happen at some point.  I was glad and sad that Scarlet was abducted, because it would have been too perfect if she hadn't.  I mean, eventually, something bad has to happen, otherwise there is no book.

The little connect with Dr. Erlund and Cress were interesting touches, though I'm wondering if that will be relevant for anything else in the series.  I am interested to get more of Winter in the next book.

TL;DR: Book 3 of The Lunar Chronicles and probably my favorite of the 3 I've read.  Continuing on with Winter!

In Progress:

Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy  */5 (hard copy, own)
-I bought this book at the traveling bookstore and I'm about halfway and so, so, so confused.

Winter by Marissa Meyer  */5 (library, ebook)
-Continuing the series. I need to get my hands on Fairest, but I own a hard copy of Stars Above so I can read the novellas when I finish.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas   */5 (Audible audiobook) 
-I started this after finishing Morning Star, but then library books came through, so I had to hit pause. I'm already hooked and I'm only 5% into the book.  I've heard so many good things about this one, so I'm excited to get to it.

On Deck:

Stars Above by Marissa Meyer  */5 (hard copy, own)

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver   */5 (library ebook)
-I started this one and got maybe one chapter into it when other library books for my challenge came in and this one was no longer a priority.  I was highly interested from the first few chapters, so I will probably check this back out before November since Lauren Oliver is one of the YALL Fest authors.

Nightmares! by Jason Segel, Kirsten Miller   */5 (library ebook)
Jason Segel is going to be in Charleston for YALL Fest and I already bought tickets to see his talk, so I wanted to read his book to be able to keep up with the conversation.  It seems to be aimed towards youths/young adults, but it's a "scary" book, so I'm not sure how young is too young.  The library took this back before I could finish it and I started the audio version (which is narrated by Segel), but I couldn't get into it and I needed to finish Scarlet before it expired.


The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson  */5 (Audible audiobook)

Outlander 4-infinity, including the novellas (most of which happen to be contained in one handy dandy book).





YAY for books!
*TL;DR = too long, don't read

SYUB: July 2017

We're a little over a month into Erin's Challenge and I'm making great headway.  Additionally, I'm owning my Goodreads challenge for this year.  I will admit that I purposely low-balled my reading goals because I didn't want to stress myself out meeting a goal that doesn't really matter, but I like having a goal.  To say I'm killing that goal doesn't hurt my feelings.

PS.  Today's Shirt Woot was fated for today!

Do you even read, Bro?

 

 Rating scale*:

1/5 - Hated it, didn't finish.
2/5 - Tolerated it on principle to finish, didn't like it.
3/5 - Eh, didn't love it, didn't hate it. Had some good parts/kept me interested/finished it on principle.
3.5/5 - I liked parts of it.
4/5 - I liked the whole thing.
4.5/5 - I liked it a lot, but not sure I'd read it again.
5/5 - I LURVED it and I'd read it again.

*Subject to change based on my mood, the phase of the moon, or other unpredictable variables.

Skimmers, stick with the bold text (TL;DR* parts).
PS. Possible spoilers included in reviews.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid   5/5 (audiobook)

I almost nevaarrr give books a 5/5.  I'm extremely stringent in my ratings.  But TJR knows the keys to my heart.  This book blew me away.  The life of Evelyn Hugo had me completely enthralled.  It makes me sad to think that we (the US) is reverting back to ways of the 20th century in terms of gay rights.  Maybe it just felt like we had made significant progress to me because I'm not directly affected by the lack of rights.

Evelyn has a huge secret that she never let ruin her career: she's gay.  Except that in the 50s/60s, that is unacceptable and even illegal.  She goes to great lengths, and mulitple marriages, to protect her secret.  Eventually, she "marries" Cecilia.

The twist though.  There's always a twist with TJR books, I just happened to forget because I was so into the story of Evelyn's life.  It was like all the air was sucked out of my car when I got to the twist.  I won't tell you because I don't want to ruin it.  BUT HOLY SHIT BALLS.

TL;DR: The story of an actress's life and, eventually, how the actress's life connects with the journalist's.

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson   4.25/5 (library ebook)

Lawson does a good job in this book about making it about her mental illness rather than just talking about random things from her life.  The reality is, a book is not a blog, and this book shows that.  The same self-depreciating humor is there, but with a tenderness that reaches out to other people who suffer from mental health issues. 

TL;DR: If you have a mental illness, you are not alone = the key takeaway from this book.  With some funny stories.. and pictures of taxidermied raccoons, which I've become uncomfortably interested in recently...

South of Broad by Pat Conroy  3.5/5 (audiobook)

I've never read a Pat Conroy book before, but now that I live in Charleston, it felt like a right of passage.  I selected this book for Erin's Challenge last winter but it didn't make it the cut.  For this challenge, it made the cut.  Right off the bat though, Conroy has a way with words.  Not a short amount of words, sadly.  Verbose is probably a good description of Conroy's writing.  While the narrator did a pretty solid job with the various Southern accents, there were certain words that glared at me.  It's not Cupper River, it's the Cooper River.  I've never heard an old Charlestonian pronounce it Cupper.  Also, no one from the mountains of NC calls the Appalachians "Appa-LAY-shun."  It is pronounced, "Appa-LATCH-un."  Trust me on this, I'm from there.  #IWillCorrectYou

I didn't get to finish this before the library took it back, but with 3 hours left and some discussion within the FB group, I'm pretty sure I know what happens and I will finish it when the library finally deems me worthy again, hopefully soon since I requested it 2 weeks ago and that's the max check out period time

This book is spent discussing the lives of a group of friends who meet while they are in high school and it skips around in time.  The main character, Frog/Leo, has a ho-hum attitude about life.  His friends seem like they could be real people, with the exception of Sheba Poe (rarely mentioned without her last name) who mostly just got on my nerves.  I'm interested to see what happens between Starla and Leo and mostly for this drudgery to end, but since I am so close to the end, I will consider this read for July.

Side note: Poe is a famous name around Charleston since Edgar Allan Poe spent a little over a year here while he was stationed at Fort Moultrie and the setting for 3 Poe works are set in Sullivans Island.

TL;DR: A ho-hum story about a ho-hum life.  Nothing really special, IMO, unless you like very descriptive descriptions of the Charleston Battery.

Beartown by Fredrik Backman  6/5 (library ebook)

Let me preface this review with a disclaimer: I had sworn never to read another book by a Swedish author.  I suffered through 3 different Swedish books before I finally made that vow and Beartown got suuuuchhh good reviews that I broke my vow.

Stop reading this post right now.  Go to your favorite book source and obtain a copy of this book and read it IMMEDIATELY.  I'm just going to detail out my thought process while I read this book for you.  It's easier.

• Wtf is that banging?  I'm so glad this isn't an audiobook.
• Hockey is cool.  I like hockey.  I wonder when the Stingrays start up again?
• Ohhh, I get it, banging = the hockey puck.  
• Hockey is cool.
• I'm confused at all these white people names.
• Are we in Minnesota? Yeah, cause Canada.
• Why are there so many characters?
• Wow this book is really tackling some 2017 issues.
• Oh, this party will end well.
• No.  Why aren't there trigger warnings on books?  Why didn't I read the summary?  This wasn't in the summary.  Ok, I can get through this.  It is not the same.  It's kinda the same.
• Holy fuck.
• A definitive yes is the only go ahead for sex.  No doesn't mean yes.
• Why is no one saying anything? Faaaakkkkkkkk.  Not that it's any different.
• This book speaks on so many levels to different levels of character within people.  I love this book.
• That feeling of responsibility for the fall out of honesty.  I completely get that.
• Is that helicopter parenting?  Is Maggan (a horrible spelling btw) a good example of that type of parent or is her character playing up to the stereotype?
• Why does this 15 year old have the weight of everyone's happiness on her shoulders?
• I appreciate that all the tragedies are realistic.
• Oh Benji, why are you a twat waffle?
• Kevin, I know too many people like you.  Nothing is ever your fault.
• Go Team Mom!
• Go Team Dad!
• Go Team Kevin's Mom!
• I think that screaming in the middle of a forest is an undiscovered pleasure that I seem to be missing out on.
• I knew it, Benji!  I knew it!
• I think I need to go back and read the intro.
• Ohhhh, we're in Sweden or in that area.
• Please don't die, BabyKindle.  Pllleeeaaassseeeee...
• Please don't take this book away from me library, puuullleeeaasssee, I'm so close to the end! 
• Please don't let David be a homophobe.
• She's gonna kill herself.
• She's gonna kill him.
• She's gonna kill herself in front of him!
• WTF is happening?!
• That ending though.
• YAAASSSS.
• MUST TELL EVERYONEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

TL;DR: an unexpectedly good story about human character and hockey and so many 2017 issues.  There are so many different themes going on in this book and there are so many takeaways that I feel like I didn't get to discover all of them.  This book is still resounding through my brain.  In fact, I gave this a 6/5 because it was so good.  I never love books quite this much.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer  4/5 (library ebook)

A retelling of Cinderella that kept me interested throughout the entire book!  There was expected sister drama, but I really like the way Meyer set this world up.  I did struggle with some inconsistencies, but I think that was more of an editing issue.  The narrator also struggled a bit, but I'm OCD.  I am planning on continuing on with the Lunar Chronicles, so I'm glad to finally start this.

Cinder is a cyborg, which are apparently bad.  Cinder's stepmother is, unexpectedly, a bitch.  Slowly we learn that Cinder is a mechanic.  She's immune to some disease that is killing everyone.  Cinder is obviously special.

I really liked the world of androids and cyborgs and humans.  This book was an easy listen and I enjoyed it very much.  It is too bad that Cinder was an obvious set up for the rest of the series.

TL;DR: Cinderella isn't the housekeeper anymore... and I won't get to find out what happens unless I read the rest of the series.


 

In Progress:

Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex by Mary Roach  */5 (library ebook)
Morning Star by Pierce Brown  */5 (Audible audiobook)

On Deck:

Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosh (..if by some miracle it actually gets published..)
A Dog's Journey (A Dog's Purpose #2) by W. Bruce Cameron
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
Outlander 4-infinity, including the novellas (most of which happen to be contained in one handy dandy book).




YAY for books!
*TL;DR = too long, don't read