tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51161744564875944322024-03-13T10:37:54.285-07:00Positively MiscellaneousSamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.comBlogger368125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116174456487594432.post-88705414188587408082024-03-04T16:16:00.000-08:002024-03-04T16:16:18.945-08:002024 Updates<p>Hello and welcome back to my blog.</p><p>Sorry for the super long delay. First, my husband needed to use my computer for over a month back in September/October. Then we didn't have internet for about another month or more. By then we were approaching the end of the year and the holidays. I was in the third trimester of pregnancy which brought back some of my nausea and left me generally exhausted. Work continued to kick my butt. We were trying to prepare for the baby. We took in a stray kitten in August and adopted two new rats in October (I was supposed to wait until after the baby, but they needed a home! I couldn't say no). It was just a crazy time.<br /></p><p>Our son was due on January 17th 2024, but decided to come early. My water broke a little before 9am on December 24th, 2023 and Gabriel was born at 10:17am. And then we had this little baby to care for which was new and scary.<br /></p><p>Being a parent is probably the hardest thing I have ever done. I think I have started to get the hang of some of it, but it is exhausting and challenging. It is impossible to keep up with everything, but I am trying my best. And there are wonderful things about having this little one. And I love that he is a baby and mom is still able to fix everything and make him feel better. He's starting to smile and make intentional noises, which is adorable and makes me immensely happy.<br /></p><p>My anxiety has been way up high. I want to make sure that Gabriel is getting cared for and that chores are getting done. I am also not getting much sleep, which always spikes my anxiety. And I am not back at work yet, but there have been changes made there that are very much against me and against my advancement. That has been discouraging, frustrating, and has also increased my anxiety. If I wasn't on anxiety medication, I would be having panic attacks about going back. I figure that isn't a great way to feel about my place of employment, which has been discouraging. I have been missing my work friends, though, and I am looking forward to seeing them and getting back in the lab.</p><p>I am trying to enjoy the rest of my time off. Obviously it is heavily spent on caring for Gabriel and doing the never ending dishes and laundry that come with that. Luckily for me, Kevin helps where he can and has kept up with many of the household chores so I don't have to worry so much about those.<br /></p><p>I have been going to counseling for a while now, mostly to deal with work anxiety, but we have been covering a lot of things surrounding parenthood now, of course.</p><p>I fell off of the journaling bandwagon last year and decided I wanted to get back at it this year. I needed a way to simplify it to make it easier for me to keep up with. But I also wanted it to be more fun and interactive so it felt less like a chore. That has been really nice so far. And I have started including different things that I never did before, like vision boards, inspirations and aspirations, and other notes that come in handy. I am trying to keep track of things that are important and trying to help myself since I have all of these big things going on. It has been really nice so far and I may make a little blog post about what I am doing and why.</p><p>I have still been reading, but these days it is easier to get through audiobooks than physical ones. And because of my anxiety it has mostly been re-reading. But I did join a group read through the Owlcrate Nest app for the January book. That has helped me stay on track, even though I haven't participated in the discussions (I do still read through the questions and some of the things other people post). Between that and my journal, I have had something else to focus time and energy on in the times I get a break. <br /></p><p>I haven't decided what this blog will look like moving forward. I'd like to still post about the books I read each month, but it can be very time-consuming. I will likely need to simplify what I have been doing. Maybe post two months at a time and stop reviewing re-reads. Which probably means it would be a good idea to go through my blog and update tags to include book titles in case anyone (or I) want to go back to those book reviews. That will be a bit of a long term project, but I will see if I can do that.<br /></p><p>I have a couple other posts started, one is a disease post and one is sort of about Gabriel. I have made it a goal to pick back up on my blog, but it might take a little time for me to figure out what it will look like. I hope you will bear with me.</p><p>Meanwhile, here are the books I read in January and February this year:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3404" data-original-width="2370" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HfBQSlOVeoPORGK-OMdVYsqQx1KQstf-mqEFGCg2-zO2RM7fpvnR9Ud-hsHB4mw0Fic-Wqrt0dqs2ipYDwsIuK57NacfcnApOfO-cVFkVrnomjxlOgdH_gmsRbYpFWFgqNRIwApDCkUtzNAoRnnJzmkQWYWe8HTnE8jOce9S16cLcjhfa0RIddPHVtiY/s320/IMG_5477.heic" width="223" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Lost Hero by </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rick Riordan</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Re-read<br /></div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="827" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8ZS04s88qmwS6gDh2Sqhyphenhyphenr3dQDp7wn0ob0EaP4yVnw0ISyDHTNMxjuLuzJJvIFS5w7RnUl2lF58pVq4oI3sIYgVDr0Icg91OrYOy8QHBA-Fp-A-Ni78bPJChEcd0su1bX6PjCJe6FPE27HjlFQT3wvOzBqAjACYValPqQBHXMLdygRZtwjKo5B2k0aHC/w198-h200/IMG_4892.jpg" width="198" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Red White and Royal Blue</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">by Casey McQuiston</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Re-read</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZep3HWc7PTT7ZkEwvrAN7VWcmTV8d_h4Y8eYYohrUsYH1DxF7Zjd868l8peUULV780cT7V4SJhWeqvfEfFZfFKaDKs9ymz_ey3BHP_o72AzY6bFokHNNRewmD80M86tlvZDd6zL23cHtyw3I05IHEPBsnZ9eXNMjgMQNHq45BXAGp29TNXR36PQJFyO_/w200-h200/4642B600-A528-4A58-B78D-B20FDFA19924.JPG" width="200" /></div> The Fablehaven Series</div><div style="text-align: center;">by Brandon Mull</div><div style="text-align: center;">5 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: center;">Re-read</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoh2u4roJom9eVyihhixOYu8v-0v5sGoBxOgSvRwYbWdk0O772A0AnHPCVVDsF-tFDSgHzK6ZpFZvv7w-UNTyRnA3XC-GFys1xmAILKRLHZ1zCUfkK_2WEsHAwd50vh9LR1f03YZy2ECQnqDt6F3B79OFnuWgN7HQOZhfkHeVwuVUfQOnntoHJx0zSK5P/w200-h200/9E076EB9-0F41-4FC5-B7F4-868C5CA9CF63.JPG" width="200" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Charmed Life and the Lives of Christopher Chant</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">by Diana Wynne Jones</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Re-read <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCPsfMPK2lwZWZWgoO9FVniPApOZuEzdgnoQgNO1GUdFpoieWug1gfL-lYJXrMcG2GQ03_DhRfhj_uORc0vz3l_P3lniY0CnG23QIAcrDDtZ2oRofAjKQ8DjaLoZlZYEkPlGphgD4bLFgWs_sTJNvOiAUb5d1ks3xpRw_6c8_MN4SUSJVh5E5UWb0lv57/w200-h200/97E26BE2-26AA-4378-802C-B7D8D8C91173.JPG" width="200" /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span></span><span> </span>The Foxhole Court and the Raven King</div><div style="text-align: center;">by Nora Sakavic<br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Re-read<br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="815" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2jvT0ctD_4k56caeB1fMSfeMrtsRE2xvRwemuAbcJl98fKDdsiKg1ZqTJjAruSLvqT_nGGRNxB5cQlmc7w59FdNY9AgJwFFXBxFveoW6810tFJwnDVY0PhfzjDpoqWugpvbrybBp2KzjJmzCnL80FQsh1gqk2sRhGqOjwvsIATpG8apCK6hRcqisPX52/w200-h200/IMG_5220.jpg" width="200" /> <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Jungle Book</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">by Rudyard Kipling</div><div style="text-align: center;">Synopsis/Thoughts: This is the traditional Jungle Book that most people are familiar with. This version is a full cast podcast read of the Jungle Book stories. I had never read them before, so it was a fun, quick read. I won't lie though, I spent much of the time trying to figure out how all of the characters and stories were represented in the Graveyard Book.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3751" data-original-width="2550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_LlRnXkJSVNpgnMMs8CTEzBU0bAfMSwH-XFoaZRVwILRZfzqIHO8LRsy4fYDXlrN-ZsFgsDajOUhAYuLnkNnNKReQLGYMbXWrtd82sMbUl-yuBYRBO0VHDwXU9swxe8_RgoooOTAsgZ3783vY65KZlf_kjJ3XiMDdYEfzlvRQtYCqkMevsojFpnTuwCK/s320/IMG_5478.heic" width="218" /></div>A Fragile Enchantment</div><div style="text-align: center;">by Allison Saft</div><div style="text-align: center;">Synopsis/Thoughts: This is a fairy tale of a girl, Niamh, brought to a palace as a royal tailor for the younger prince's upcoming wedding. And in normal fairy tale fashion, the two fall in love despite the prince's engagement and Niamh's common-born status. This was an enjoyable read. I liked a lot of the characters (and I liked Sinclair, but I don't feel that other people liked him as much) and I liked the magic (especially Niamh's). This was an Owlcrate book and I sort of participated in a read-a-long through the Owlcrate Nest app.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have read 13 books towards my goal of 75.<br /></div>Samarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116174456487594432.post-82359607496902649282023-09-01T19:32:00.001-07:002023-09-02T15:09:37.000-07:00July/August 2023 Wrap Up<p>Hello all.</p><p>I had to do another combination post since I couldn't get my ducks in a row at the end of July. I am not even sure I kept good record of all the books I read? Can I blame pregnancy brain? I haven't really had many problems in that realm, but I should be able to milk this for something.</p><p>Pregnancy is weird, but so far so good. I'm 20 weeks in now.</p><p>We lost the last of our ratties. It is sad, but it is OK. I am going to take a little break before getting more rats (after we've moved and adjusted to life with baby, I think). I love rats so I miss having them. But we did get another kitten. She was a stray I'd been seeing around our building and started feeding. She eventually decided she liked me and I brought her in. Marshmallow has been getting along with her so here she is. We haven't named her yet, but that's OK. You can check out my Instagram for photos.<br /></p><p>Work has basically been awful for the last couple of months. But that is all I am going to say about that. It's just been rough guys. Something needs to change, I am not sure how long I can keep going with the way things are. And that frustrates me because there is so much I love about my work, but the management is such a trial I think I am developing PTSD.</p><p>And then at the end of August, Kevin and I finally got COVID. After nearly four years of avoiding it, we both got it. It was a huge bummer. On the plus side, we were both fully vaccinated which helped us recover more quickly. I am still getting over mine though. It messed with my blood pressure and I haven't quite regained my equilibrium.<br /></p><p>Anyway, here are the books I finished this month. Hopefully I remembered them all!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hMe6PKBrZrJMIEeumqJqoZ2dzssS-AdnmbqYGhv8XgCW2UbSrQYAec969yLfkbpPUCjlg6986wcqebxCr2SPnLgdd3EEKkxa4DY9NIAOJ3umlLTByiBscnl2aForG2U1dpW51MK9Btlhbi3s87ooHey36QjOuEkg5xFZ71RksZbfRz8gYCNC5DPoQ43o/s2048/8D884713-64DE-4E7E-A7FD-49050C2FE027.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hMe6PKBrZrJMIEeumqJqoZ2dzssS-AdnmbqYGhv8XgCW2UbSrQYAec969yLfkbpPUCjlg6986wcqebxCr2SPnLgdd3EEKkxa4DY9NIAOJ3umlLTByiBscnl2aForG2U1dpW51MK9Btlhbi3s87ooHey36QjOuEkg5xFZ71RksZbfRz8gYCNC5DPoQ43o/w200-h200/8D884713-64DE-4E7E-A7FD-49050C2FE027.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Titles: Mister Impossible and Greywaren</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Maggie Stiefvater</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Will Patton</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis/Thoughts: I just read these a few months ago, so I am not really going to talk about them again. I read them again and I still enjoyed them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlgrA8lewIOW5E59LEAuZJvvJXb0I33fHbHbCuh065wxO0XtUgymGFvZMPjP6-JHcOsTfIHeQN8JhHruW4NudlRFIJubCqh54QFAnQTVN6Igjnh58j8D8NGpWEUh-02Hgycv-p7il0MG0EQ1QdP0Uvp8TpAJRRWL1QI29oEpKK9Z3gT_y_vlEfhEz2zfO/s3628/IMG_3144.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3628" data-original-width="2386" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlgrA8lewIOW5E59LEAuZJvvJXb0I33fHbHbCuh065wxO0XtUgymGFvZMPjP6-JHcOsTfIHeQN8JhHruW4NudlRFIJubCqh54QFAnQTVN6Igjnh58j8D8NGpWEUh-02Hgycv-p7il0MG0EQ1QdP0Uvp8TpAJRRWL1QI29oEpKK9Z3gT_y_vlEfhEz2zfO/w131-h200/IMG_3144.heic" width="131" /></a></div>Title: Little Women</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Louisa May Alcott</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Synopsis/Thoughts: I have probably reviewed this one before, too. I'm sure it has been several years, but it is a classic and I think most people know what the story is about. I just wanted a comfort read and I just really wanted to read this again. And it was a very nice read.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLn1Mz2v6F_lKJ_0smmDcL2nhpPoFuOcBrBpnB03QAbT3dM4RauHcxXoZYOJP079WqvyLwqCd0-Ca9Xa_VsMu8IWfFvYVjaBGHo6F618hBQuCC8r8ZmFD6Cf-x52i-MkHYvklg7WOuB-9BiTd2SPi0wmEM2SdTDjgwERnyHnHNII7CNgend_IUsEW54jOi/s4029/IMG_3387.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4029" data-original-width="2783" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLn1Mz2v6F_lKJ_0smmDcL2nhpPoFuOcBrBpnB03QAbT3dM4RauHcxXoZYOJP079WqvyLwqCd0-Ca9Xa_VsMu8IWfFvYVjaBGHo6F618hBQuCC8r8ZmFD6Cf-x52i-MkHYvklg7WOuB-9BiTd2SPi0wmEM2SdTDjgwERnyHnHNII7CNgend_IUsEW54jOi/w138-h200/IMG_3387.heic" width="138" /></a></div>Title: Divine Rivals</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Rebecca Ross</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrators: Alex Wingfield and Rebecca Norfolk</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Synopsis: Iris is an aspiring columnist at a local newspaper competing against equally driven Roman. With war waging and moving closer to home and her brother at the front with no news, life is a bit chaotic. When things shake out differently for Iris than she originally planned, she takes a job covering the war near the front and finds more than she bargained for. Especially when Roman joins her on the same assignment.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I did a combined reading/listening of this book. It is a fairly recent Owlcrate book, which I am trying to read more of. I enjoyed her last book, Dreams Lie Beneath, so I wanted to pick this one up. I enjoyed it quite a bit. I liked the characters and the overall story line. I am looking forward to the next book since this had a tiny cliffhanger and I need to know what happens next.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmplaEpU_gzPHi64DXynHd1X-oUu_NFnEYPPZwzlVISn3u7LWbP8GxVyusYiaMqO6pHKgjW5X7DCT06eHlqL1GdssD2YfXRlmQ9Y8Fuszx_oB1EmYEyWnSyVeqLuratxMfUzRlBi4KIkdzMcOoFnzgHz0bwjTVg2sCz37QPggRFSYuys-EtMKvenyoGCcc/s2048/B2493FF2-B292-4A3A-A082-F32DE07F60A3.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmplaEpU_gzPHi64DXynHd1X-oUu_NFnEYPPZwzlVISn3u7LWbP8GxVyusYiaMqO6pHKgjW5X7DCT06eHlqL1GdssD2YfXRlmQ9Y8Fuszx_oB1EmYEyWnSyVeqLuratxMfUzRlBi4KIkdzMcOoFnzgHz0bwjTVg2sCz37QPggRFSYuys-EtMKvenyoGCcc/w200-h200/B2493FF2-B292-4A3A-A082-F32DE07F60A3.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Titles: The Foxhole Court, The Raven King, and The King's Men (All for the Game series)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Nora Sakavic</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Alexander Cendese</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Neil Josten is on the run from his father and the mob he is associated with (and any rivals for that matter). In a series of odd events, he ends up playing Exy, a game he loves, and getting signed by a college Exy team. Palmetto State's Exy foxes have a reputation for being the broken people collected by Coach Wymack. Neil decides to stay and play for one year, becoming entrenched in other strange dealings and relationships. But through it all, he finds a family and people he can actually trust and count on to have his back and to accept him no matter what dark secrets he hides. And maybe they can even win the season!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I have very... mixed thoughts about these books. I had been hearing about them because of the title of the second book being the same title as the last in the Raven Cycle. Anyway, I decided to give it a try. I actually was very interested in the (fictional) game of Exy, even though I am super not a sports person. And I LOVED the found family aspect of the books. I liked Neil's character, even if I didn't always agree with him. Kevin was an asshole, but I think he meant well and I appreciated his development. And Andrew. I love and hate Andrew at the same time. There were a lot of things that happened in these books (some perpetuated by Andrew) that made me feel very conflicted. I distinctly hated the way Andrew's crowd tested Neil (for someone so insane about consent, non-consensual drugging seemed SOO messed up). But Andrew's protective streak makes me love him. But he's also an asshole. Despite all of that, I actually thought the development of Neil and Andrew's relationship was nice and sort of sweet. Anyway, there were things I didn't love and there are definitely triggers for people, but the found family aspect (especially with the older team members and Coach Wymack) made me really love them. And they must have held my interest because I have continued to think about them and about the story.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars for books one and two, 4 stars out of 5 stars for book three</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2U5wT1OHaHE4PUJCp_BBD_vIXrxvntiQmw0v1gGlQS5kEIJBYqj5R9tmXZmuBTtDwsxtp5INovu4G1ATASLSnrjOJfOI-ePB6wYtozBGMtJ82eb7l7o7e9m6dGbWcBZgdWdzhNSQrzgs4IkHAc8UyxHh2Wym6M_qb5WLnihCkHmkSy429kGPyXsGe9HY3/s810/IMG_3421.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="807" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2U5wT1OHaHE4PUJCp_BBD_vIXrxvntiQmw0v1gGlQS5kEIJBYqj5R9tmXZmuBTtDwsxtp5INovu4G1ATASLSnrjOJfOI-ePB6wYtozBGMtJ82eb7l7o7e9m6dGbWcBZgdWdzhNSQrzgs4IkHAc8UyxHh2Wym6M_qb5WLnihCkHmkSy429kGPyXsGe9HY3/w199-h200/IMG_3421.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>Title: I Was Told it Would Get Easier</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Abbi Waxman</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrators: Lisa Flanagan and Bailey Carr<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Synopsis: Single, high-powered lawyer Jessica and her daughter, Emily, set out on a tour of colleges. Jessica is hoping that Emily will go to college, enjoy herself, and find her place. Emily has NO idea what any of that would look like. And spending so much time with her generally absent mother isn't her idea of a great time either.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I really liked Jessica and the mother-daughter story and how their relationship grew throughout the book. Overall it was a nice, uplifting read for fans of contemporary stories.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3qYSiE6-YehgwtcJDLBETfPvh-9wnreSNFxXlrWVMX2TLFHnrwn5nqcTqm19xZyTN-ZQIbiX1x6d_UChEhmMgwHp2nJyaoOhnLeicNLUiwePHG5xw57j9cjCaIXiLrBi88m7oCrDrCBr4OBk42tejdi2lzjekb5DIs-VqORqza2V51r7kS7cPRrQ8PCU/s821/IMG_3531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="821" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3qYSiE6-YehgwtcJDLBETfPvh-9wnreSNFxXlrWVMX2TLFHnrwn5nqcTqm19xZyTN-ZQIbiX1x6d_UChEhmMgwHp2nJyaoOhnLeicNLUiwePHG5xw57j9cjCaIXiLrBi88m7oCrDrCBr4OBk42tejdi2lzjekb5DIs-VqORqza2V51r7kS7cPRrQ8PCU/w200-h200/IMG_3531.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Title: Thirteenth Child</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Patricia C. Wrede</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Amanda Ronconi</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis/Thoughts: Another book I have read too many times and reviewed multiple times. These books are comfort reads and that's what I was looking for. I still love them so much.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite book read in July/August: I'm not sure, there were so many good ones and it feels like cheating when so many of my comfort reads are in the mix<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Least favorite book read in July/August: The Foxhole Court, since it got the lowest rating</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have now read 53 books towards my goal of 75. I only got one Owlcrate book read, but I am working on another one.<br /></div>Samarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116174456487594432.post-51967487656653645052023-07-09T18:57:00.001-07:002023-07-09T18:57:12.845-07:00May/June 2023 Wrap Up<p>And the delays continue. Life has been super hectic. I went to the wedding of a good friend at the beginning of May. Then Kevin and I had our Morocco trip starting in May into June. And once I got back, work has been utterly consuming most of my life (and not in good ways). I had lots of messes to clean up and nonsense to deal with. It's been, frankly, ugly. We had to put one of our rats, Eros, down right before we left for Morocco, which was sad but definitely the right choice. Then we lost Dion shortly after we got back and Apollo had a weird cancer that he needed pretty big surgery for. Then another friend's elopement that I was able to attend. Lots of good things and some bad things, too. But with all of that, I also have not had any energy to work on my blog. I have still been reading though. And there have been other things going on, which I do plan to share, just not quite yet.</p><p>I feel like I have some sort of excuses for being late every month (or every two months as the case may be). I want to keep my blog going and I have some other posts started (not finished). Life has just been crazy. Maybe that is just how life is now? Is this what it means to be a grown up??</p><p>I will try to give some quick reviews of the books I read in May and June here. Due to the tardiness of my post, I will keep them very breif.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIv5s89W9gpGnBrPL3jpeJYdDBkfo8odg1uhSqbJV8o6DPJIUdF_v01B-roHEPp8Fz6TXEzOEGVkJCRWTFAHSPDdKIHJlAWme_JOgky5qSef-dIzAEeUL2DvazyE5FsX86vioaLTIAAzw0fHYgWkuj_ulvsfh9b-KOTOQsd7dxoxoLwUc3K-zfdqGy137m/s987/IMG_2167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="983" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIv5s89W9gpGnBrPL3jpeJYdDBkfo8odg1uhSqbJV8o6DPJIUdF_v01B-roHEPp8Fz6TXEzOEGVkJCRWTFAHSPDdKIHJlAWme_JOgky5qSef-dIzAEeUL2DvazyE5FsX86vioaLTIAAzw0fHYgWkuj_ulvsfh9b-KOTOQsd7dxoxoLwUc3K-zfdqGy137m/w199-h200/IMG_2167.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Dreams Lie Beneath</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Rebecca Ross</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Chloe Dolandis</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis/Thoughts: This was an Owlcrate book and I listened to the audiobook some of the time and read the physical book the rest of the time. I actually enjoyed it quite a bit, maybe more than I expected. Every new moon, nightmares stalk the streets in the kingdom of Azenor. The magical wardens are tasked with collecting information on nightmares and defeating them each new moon. Clementine is posed to take over her father's warden-ship when a couple of brothers take his position. To get revenge, Clem disguises herself and becomes the assistant to one of the brothers, Phelan. But the dreams they are fighting are more complicated than they realize and they may need to join forces to uncover the truth.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgClI5Hdfp80t_MXTSftKBlVCMwmOU-4Nv-JC9w3Tp-7KAgCtRCquBHMnrWQOt599Z2hbWDClhK6_HPUDGOgDG0ij0vtfznCfeLtZZZcnWZDsFCJtSqrbT96fvUM6fzLhSEjvTn7-RIlZ0qzj3BOfTTQ6uCRkrkTB0hnpScXNVd9cQ1NJeb9NDiPiQ_Kv3/s2048/1CAB2928-22D8-49C1-9E1F-F705165FD569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgClI5Hdfp80t_MXTSftKBlVCMwmOU-4Nv-JC9w3Tp-7KAgCtRCquBHMnrWQOt599Z2hbWDClhK6_HPUDGOgDG0ij0vtfznCfeLtZZZcnWZDsFCJtSqrbT96fvUM6fzLhSEjvTn7-RIlZ0qzj3BOfTTQ6uCRkrkTB0hnpScXNVd9cQ1NJeb9NDiPiQ_Kv3/w200-h200/1CAB2928-22D8-49C1-9E1F-F705165FD569.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Raven Cycle series</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Maggie Stiefvater</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Will Patton</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis/Thoughts: OK, I know I just read these back in March. But I just wasn't ready to leave this world. And I may have some Ronan obsession problems. I even have a character playlist. I don't know if I want to talk about it. But I just love these books.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCBXkTXLiDegfVO61mvSPILDiOAZZzoG78BDGP8ez2YjgsUTIH0ZxCvNqZE_GMKq7dIRgZ2bzKHVLZf0HRbpwzFuTYuODwQ37WRqm5UL11Ks2Gg8p1LJ6yeu46qkenPafzMqAfyjOIUqV8p-JfAphtXJsOftrFu1zVV3KYfOIJa2WKJZ3yeyqfmI54Hrv/s965/IMG_2930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="965" data-original-width="955" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCBXkTXLiDegfVO61mvSPILDiOAZZzoG78BDGP8ez2YjgsUTIH0ZxCvNqZE_GMKq7dIRgZ2bzKHVLZf0HRbpwzFuTYuODwQ37WRqm5UL11Ks2Gg8p1LJ6yeu46qkenPafzMqAfyjOIUqV8p-JfAphtXJsOftrFu1zVV3KYfOIJa2WKJZ3yeyqfmI54Hrv/w198-h200/IMG_2930.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>Title: The Sun and the Star</div><div style="text-align: left;">Authors: Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: A.J. Beckles<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Synopsis/Thoughts: I really like Nico and Will and I was glad to see the story of Bob re-visited and completed. I was exciting for this book, but there were some things that I didn't love. There was some dragging and repetitiveness. Maybe a side effect of dual authors? I don't know. I did enjoy it overall and if you are a fan of Rick Riordan's books, this is worth the read. I'm sure I will re-read it in the future and maybe my thoughts will change.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJ_SC8vyJyxi4RV6u-ICvho2uxM1HskTYBVGX_9oLz33NRnUQCPRC70rOBIThuSKBi7ZrAM-Sl-1nOupN-46WTxgIyZW0jJl6KAvZzQoek0oCJVwRjODI0vM8ZxZKTwLm5D_WCBKgCp45GoL3LyAjJoCMmB3ZCC84LB4lN7CIv6Co5aKDgcaDm0yo4j-F/s1697/IMG_2945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1697" data-original-width="1125" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJ_SC8vyJyxi4RV6u-ICvho2uxM1HskTYBVGX_9oLz33NRnUQCPRC70rOBIThuSKBi7ZrAM-Sl-1nOupN-46WTxgIyZW0jJl6KAvZzQoek0oCJVwRjODI0vM8ZxZKTwLm5D_WCBKgCp45GoL3LyAjJoCMmB3ZCC84LB4lN7CIv6Co5aKDgcaDm0yo4j-F/w133-h200/IMG_2945.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Jay's Gay Agenda</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Jason June</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis/Thoughts: This was a quick enjoyable read. Jay is the only gay teen (maybe gay person) in his tiny hometown. So when his parents announce they are moving to Seattle, he is ecstatic to experience life as a gay teen with other LBGTQ+ people around. He does a lot of growing up. It is sweet and funny and sometimes sad. But it is a good, happy story in the end.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwst5s-MOnzhdE9lZwk9XamwtmTtYf7r2i527zPwH0fsC_X1MQ_bp7uhhP4o4W-p-EGOHTgkjo_CF3eYHCMjspq5rw0wkKwM35n7iAyOeIbYjOgDfakaWttFqusrobdtt2Qw25w87RnDu1-Hlk3yUGMaoRMBICI5-Y7jfk2_xeqsbqiMlm3_7oRDgM4H3E/s990/IMG_1733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="986" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwst5s-MOnzhdE9lZwk9XamwtmTtYf7r2i527zPwH0fsC_X1MQ_bp7uhhP4o4W-p-EGOHTgkjo_CF3eYHCMjspq5rw0wkKwM35n7iAyOeIbYjOgDfakaWttFqusrobdtt2Qw25w87RnDu1-Hlk3yUGMaoRMBICI5-Y7jfk2_xeqsbqiMlm3_7oRDgM4H3E/w199-h200/IMG_1733.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Call Down the Hawk</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Maggie Stiefvater</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Will Patton</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis/Thoughts: Another one I just read a few months ago... I just needed to re-read the Dreamer Trilogy, too. I still really enjoyed this book. I like seeing more of the Lynch brothers (and of Ronan, obviously). It holds up.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Least favorite book read in May/June: All of them were good, but the Sun and the Star has the lowest rating.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite book read in May/June: the Raven Cycle books</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As of the end of June, I have read 44 books toward my goal of 75.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I promise that I will try to be better in July. Thanks for sticking with me anyway!<br /></div>Samarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116174456487594432.post-10859854650998813832023-05-10T18:42:00.002-07:002023-05-10T18:42:59.050-07:00April 2023 Wrap Up<p>April was an interesting month.</p><p>Work has continued to be what it is, which is not real great right now. It's frustrating to basically have your dream job and have other people ruining that for you. Kevin has also been dealing with some very tough things at work, so basically work has put a lot of stress on us and altered our lives some. Hopefully some of it will be resolved soon.<br /></p><p>But there have been good things in April. I still speak with many of my friends regularly. We are preparing for an elopement for a good friend of mine, which is exciting and fun. Kevin and I are still planning to go on a big trip at the end of May. And the end of this month was marked by a long weekend trip with a couple of my girlfriends to New Orleans. <br /></p><p>I didn't get as many books read this month as I would have liked. Partially due to me continuing to listen to Boyfriend Material on a loop (it is comforting, I don't know what to say) and partially due to me re-reading/re-listening to the Raven Cycle books. It felt like cheating to count them again. But I did read a couple of books so here are some quick reviews.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlucZjTIHMfiMPgl3ueQhH9Ui-SqFy1L1FQzBwnxv5uM8gbVbLHH0uls8ZLKxIvj0XaqcgW_Z07_uoRtUbbtHatTP9dqV8UemoW1HE6vVhGl9PiFr6En089TwFCkBnDI_2nLyuQu-qHCoOw2yiou7k5GMst8JbLYysHihJTI7TEdENi486LRcReftBw/s1008/IMG_1911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1003" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlucZjTIHMfiMPgl3ueQhH9Ui-SqFy1L1FQzBwnxv5uM8gbVbLHH0uls8ZLKxIvj0XaqcgW_Z07_uoRtUbbtHatTP9dqV8UemoW1HE6vVhGl9PiFr6En089TwFCkBnDI_2nLyuQu-qHCoOw2yiou7k5GMst8JbLYysHihJTI7TEdENi486LRcReftBw/w199-h200/IMG_1911.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: All the Crooked Saints</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Maggie Stiefvater</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Thom Rivera</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis/Thoughts: I think I have reviewed this book before, but this book is about miracles. The Soria family performs miracles on pilgrims that visit them. But the miracle works by bringing out the darkness within the pilgrim which the pilgrim must conquer without interference from the Soria family members. I loved this book when I first read it many years ago, but did not remember it well. It was nice to revisit. I think it is an interesting idea and I very much enjoyed it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAas1ZGp2KiGxWUN6Xc6r1aSkMTqrFRKCQRtD06-S0ClNPEVFKGufji6fj1x7uW6ceBj5U565p4gIeE9BvFOvryI1uJBb1zjnj-McsAbRFm-stz32y-fTrX14jKO0BgHnMu_gmvODgm8iijQ75gFGL0BfJox-DMGgMswP7gI6p7AN6oiH2MqOnoLoIw/s997/IMG_1944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="997" data-original-width="992" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAas1ZGp2KiGxWUN6Xc6r1aSkMTqrFRKCQRtD06-S0ClNPEVFKGufji6fj1x7uW6ceBj5U565p4gIeE9BvFOvryI1uJBb1zjnj-McsAbRFm-stz32y-fTrX14jKO0BgHnMu_gmvODgm8iijQ75gFGL0BfJox-DMGgMswP7gI6p7AN6oiH2MqOnoLoIw/w199-h200/IMG_1944.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>Title: Outbreaks and Epidemics</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Meera Senthilingham</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Deirdra Whelan</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis/Thoughts: This was an overview of various viral infections and epidemics. Most of it was not new information to me, but I enjoyed reading and reviewing some virus information.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MO017OII6OwZYIhYPhIAz8ICqFPWv01X7x3Lx1C_KgXlF0RE5h6QJWniz7BINdGwVDlCghqjlvWKKttiBShJcg-J7u_sAtUGsWk-06Aoqv9a5VR0M7rFLaJyTe2O7RjXzq14XEAOpRT4Pkr47bhuUznE85t-CVIZwBo5RgrpqdfBm6CS58qDfEX9TA/s3759/IMG_2024.heic" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3759" data-original-width="2534" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MO017OII6OwZYIhYPhIAz8ICqFPWv01X7x3Lx1C_KgXlF0RE5h6QJWniz7BINdGwVDlCghqjlvWKKttiBShJcg-J7u_sAtUGsWk-06Aoqv9a5VR0M7rFLaJyTe2O7RjXzq14XEAOpRT4Pkr47bhuUznE85t-CVIZwBo5RgrpqdfBm6CS58qDfEX9TA/s320/IMG_2024.heic" width="216" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Sweet and Bitter Magic</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Adrienne Tooley</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: A witch cursed to never feel love and exiled from her home <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">teams up with a secret magical Source to end a plague started by a dark witch. Tamsin is a very powerful witch who cannot feel love or joy and was cast out of her home by the Coven after committing a magical crime. Meanwhile, Wren is hiding the fact that she is a magical Source who should have been training with the Coven as soon as she realized what she was. And a dark witch is destroying the land. When Wren's father falls ill, she approaches Tamsin and they agree to try to end the plague together.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: It took me a little bit to get into this book, but I actually enjoyed it. It was a nice read and I liked the characters and the story.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 stars out of 5<br /></div><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite book read this month: All the Crooked Saints<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Least favorite book read this month: None. Sweet and Bitter Magic got the lowest rating, but it was a good book.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I have now read 36 books towards my goal of 75 books. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sorry for the late post. My trip at the end of April into May and then another trip right after May started put me behind. I can't promise for next month, either, since we will be in Morocco into June. But I can combine May and June into one if I need to.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the meantime, I am working on some other posts and thank you for reading!<br /></div>Samarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116174456487594432.post-91843856962233697812023-04-02T15:55:00.000-07:002023-04-02T15:55:23.551-07:00March 2023 Wrap Up<p>Well, another month has gone by.</p><p>I think my March was less rough than my February, but I am still dealing with unpleasant things at work and in my personal life. That has been rather discouraging. Maybe one day I will discuss some things, but not right now.</p><p>I have been floating some other ideas for blog posts around my head lately. There are a couple of things that I'd like to write a little something about that aren't related to my monthly wrap ups and book reviews. My main problem is finding the time, motivation, and energy to do them. That is my problem a lot these days. I think work just takes it out of me. And my little ratties are getting older and having more health problems so they need more attention and care. So when I have time I just want to zone out or read a book or do a puzzle. At least I want to read, for a while there that was not the case. Also, if anyone has recommendations for smaller, book-ish puzzles, I want to hear them! I love the ones I have, but I can always use more.<br /></p><p>I wish I had something amazing or profound to share, but I don't.</p><p>I did read some books though! Mostly I continued reading Maggie Stiefvater's Raven Cycle and Dreamer Trilogy. I have still been listening to Boyfriend Material a lot because it is comforting and familiar, but not as much as I did in February, I think. And I don't really know what I will move onto reading next. Part of me just wants to go back to the Raven Boys and read the series all over again.</p><p>Here are some quick book reviews.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqQdteUy9rSlILzcteZtWU0l5f87-HZrg5nWX_F-mEIfx6Ak7FO-7a4sGaXV08vW3BXR11R9eok7Zz1OgT0xQkH9FBYIWwiIAs_CDXx-vsWPnxfCS_clGBEfKfafGLsYFBuQ31JkRekZfOTq2xsr0wHAGVBZGeUCWpMGPpeCtlXUm5psHDmhoqmCPYA/s2048/CD6C1BCF-CE47-4454-BF1F-EA0AE760133B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqQdteUy9rSlILzcteZtWU0l5f87-HZrg5nWX_F-mEIfx6Ak7FO-7a4sGaXV08vW3BXR11R9eok7Zz1OgT0xQkH9FBYIWwiIAs_CDXx-vsWPnxfCS_clGBEfKfafGLsYFBuQ31JkRekZfOTq2xsr0wHAGVBZGeUCWpMGPpeCtlXUm5psHDmhoqmCPYA/w200-h200/CD6C1BCF-CE47-4454-BF1F-EA0AE760133B.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Titles: Blue Lily, Lily Blue and the Raven King</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Maggie Stiefvater</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Will Patton</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis and thoughts: I finished my re-read of the Raven Cycle this month. I was surprised at how much I didn't remember. But I think I enjoyed them more the second time through. I did a mix of audiobooks and physical books. And can we talk about Ronan for a minute?? I greatly disliked him when I first read the Raven Boys. Then I felt like I understood him better (but didn't like him better) after reading the Dream Thieves. But then sometime during Blue Lily, Lily Blue, he suddenly became my favorite character. I have no idea why. But he still is. I love his story and I love that he is so full of emotions that he can't figure out how to express them so he's just angry. It was so much more obvious this time around how absolutely loyal and devoted he is to his friends, which I also love. I actually love all of the bonds and friendships between the characters in these books. I also think that Ronan and his pranks are often quite funny and I especially like it when Noah is involved in the pranks.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyWYlhqKllgff6A-lDw0n2W-U6h_WSliwdA_x1_dfT2XUYkxx7YxkdI5NDTcLjSpxqdjfsrseWoWpDA4uD4SbmYdcOziM2S7mGqnCh8GMPMiLU0c1wOkfiC02Rd9Iw6y6L2wwrx_SsMER7k9MV4h1cZkZ_IFJWFOBwuWzd5ub7qwoqib2NL4SM73ZpQ/s989/IMG_1681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="982" data-original-width="989" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyWYlhqKllgff6A-lDw0n2W-U6h_WSliwdA_x1_dfT2XUYkxx7YxkdI5NDTcLjSpxqdjfsrseWoWpDA4uD4SbmYdcOziM2S7mGqnCh8GMPMiLU0c1wOkfiC02Rd9Iw6y6L2wwrx_SsMER7k9MV4h1cZkZ_IFJWFOBwuWzd5ub7qwoqib2NL4SM73ZpQ/w200-h199/IMG_1681.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Title: Opal</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Maggie Stiefvater</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Will Patton</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Synopsis and thoughts: This is a short story that follows the Raven King. I read it on my Kindle a few years ago (but hadn't remembered the Raven Cycle very well at the time) and I am not sure if I reviewed it. But it is from the perspective of Opal, Ronan's hoofed dream girl who came to live with him in at the Barns. It is interesting to see things from a non-human, outsider point of view. Parts of it are sweet and parts are sad. It isn't crucial to read it before the Dreamer Trilogy, but it is a little stepping stone that has important information in it. You get that information eventually in the Dreamer Trilogy, too, so it isn't required. I think the sadness and oddness of this story makes it less of a favorite for me, but I'm still glad that I re-visted it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY47UC2FKqNQt6Gp15DCUMUli3ZgmQ4eh6st9T7VPWtsPnMS3VWnSbQ3N9ksIAmLV4hDHxB5IJS9DpqJyrNFClOWbj53KjDR5VYhjAFbyU-73VU3rW5w_TaH_YjHVJhZW1Ep7maSejVqrQuQk3kCcat11SpPG0LXKPJ8c-ZnS6NyjFtc9QswZu9unzLA/s2048/CF3A3134-6AF6-4F5F-97E1-336DA019E2EF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY47UC2FKqNQt6Gp15DCUMUli3ZgmQ4eh6st9T7VPWtsPnMS3VWnSbQ3N9ksIAmLV4hDHxB5IJS9DpqJyrNFClOWbj53KjDR5VYhjAFbyU-73VU3rW5w_TaH_YjHVJhZW1Ep7maSejVqrQuQk3kCcat11SpPG0LXKPJ8c-ZnS6NyjFtc9QswZu9unzLA/w200-h200/CF3A3134-6AF6-4F5F-97E1-336DA019E2EF.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Titles: Call Down the Hawk, Mister Impossible, and Greywaren</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Maggie Stiefvater</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Will Patton <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: The Dreamer Trilogy primarily follows Ronan after the Raven Cycle ends. It also follows the stories of his brothers Declan and Matthew. Ronan starts to discover other dreamers, like him. And he discovers the people who are trying to destroy the dreamers in the name of saving the world. Declan is trying to protect his brothers: Ronan who is a rouge dreamer on the run, and Matthew who is having an existential crisis about being a dream-thing. Meanwhile, Hennessy and her "girls" (duplicates of herself that she has dreamed into existence) are art forgers trying to make it in the world, while keeping Hennessy secret. Her first duplicate, Jordan, loves Hennessy, but also longs for a life as an individual. All of their stories (and others) collide and intercept with those of other humans and dreamers. More discoveries are made about their world, about dreamers, and about the Lynch family.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: These were intense books. I did a mixed audiobook and physical book reading of these, too. It took me a while to get into the first one, but once things were moving, they were really moving. I got so emotional a bunch of times, especially when Declan had his run-in with <span>MĆ³r Ć Corra<em> </em></span>and the new Fenian and learned about his parents. I had lots of strong feelings when I learned about the extent of Ronan's dreaming abilities and his history, especially with his father and Declan (side note, learning more about Niall just made his murder so much worse). And I just wanted everything to be OK. I ended up liking Declan (which I didn't before) and I really liked Jordan. I didn't always love Hennessy, but she was hilarious. And I just wanted Ronan and Adam to be in love and be together (though Ronan's emotional crisis when Adam didn't text him back did kind of crack me up). And the way they tell each other "I love you" is so them and I couldn't get enough of it ("Tamquam. Alter idem." Right in the heart every time). I will say, I kinda missed Ronan's pranks and the Murder Squash song. But that's alright. I really enjoyed these books. Sometimes I forget how much I love Maggie Stiefvater's writing. This was a good reminder. And the audiobooks were great. All of them have music written by Maggie Stiefvater and there is a little discussion at the end of Greywaren with Maggie Stiefvater and Will Patton, who narrated all of her books. Worth listening to, for sure.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite book read this month: I can't choose. I loved them all.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Least favorite book read this month: Opal had the lowest rating, but I still liked it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have now read 33 books towards my goal of 75.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I didn't finish any Owlcrate books (unless you count Greywaren since I ordered it from them?). But I am working on one that is good so far and planning to start a second one.<br /></div><p>...But I kind of just want to re-read the Raven Cycle again... I'm a big mood reader, so we will see what happens.<br /></p>Samarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116174456487594432.post-39489577117127657672023-03-01T18:03:00.004-08:002023-03-01T18:06:12.649-08:00February 2023 Wrap Up<p>February wasā¦ a month. We had some ups and downs, most of which I am not going to get into. Some has to do with work and some has been personal. Some possibly big things might be happening at work (some bad but some potentially very good) and I think Iām mixed up in it, for better or for worse, but probably better?</p><p>Iām also not going to get into all of my personal stuff. But Kevin and I had our sixth dating anniversary, which was lovely. Iāve gotten to spend time (in person, online, and via text) with friends. That has been a highlight for the month. Festus passed away sort of suddenly. I miss my dragon boy but it seems like he didnāt suffer too long, which I am glad for.</p><p>Books. Itās a good thing I read the rest of Fruits Basket this month or I would have fallen behind on my reading goals. My main problem was that parts of the month were hard and so I wanted to comfort read. Which I did in the form of listening to Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall over and over and overā¦ I donāt even know (or want to know) how many times. But I find it so freaking funny and sweet. Then the characters all feel like friends I canāt get enough of so I start over again. Hopefully I will move past that within the next few weeks, but we will see. I'm only counting it once towards my reading goal.<br /></p><p>I also casually participated in a read-a-long of the Raven Boys. This was a re-read, but it has probably been six or so years since I first read it. I forget how much I love Maggie Stiefvaterās writing and her characters. So that was great and kicked off a re-read of the series. And I plan to jump right into the Dreamer trilogy afterwards now that it is complete.</p><p>Since I read a few books, I will do some short reviews!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70d8HTl8MYsZj9I2GNYzzLwqK9qHMZhj7bhW3XADQWLwYDzmvm1S-xyW52F8MR1CGrwuzk2xd7m3uwkFvZiNDSvKpA7b3h-mK12CB7Pi0MIUHjxtbZnzbwNjYSOjwY_yo6bFbZDg4UmbgLtlehkOs0yOF3kFLAhpwztge6fDw-LNO9v3NN5x5WGHoRA/s2048/92AB831D-AB30-4A2D-9677-7308AD16E20C.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70d8HTl8MYsZj9I2GNYzzLwqK9qHMZhj7bhW3XADQWLwYDzmvm1S-xyW52F8MR1CGrwuzk2xd7m3uwkFvZiNDSvKpA7b3h-mK12CB7Pi0MIUHjxtbZnzbwNjYSOjwY_yo6bFbZDg4UmbgLtlehkOs0yOF3kFLAhpwztge6fDw-LNO9v3NN5x5WGHoRA/w200-h200/92AB831D-AB30-4A2D-9677-7308AD16E20C.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Fruits Basket Volumes 4-12</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Natsuki Takaya</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis/Thoughts: Tohru's adventures with the Sohma family continue and conclude! I didn't know the whole story since I had only seen the anime, which doesn't go very far in the series. But it was so readable and I loved it. And the ending gave me warm fuzzies.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RURUMNF2Pib204WxZwW2NgQi2oOpNtlokw_P1byeoibHwbPeTkp80YUelnENrlUuT0CLisbgOl5HYoMGP06W6vAKdoSsgM6fouVrUNbCHvUGgWwKtbp5BsJc8tAKLU6WKm2EFqLhTKyecsjSOOV3LL7VOrAKdALhvdmPWPurC2740IWBT9OWV8_Csg/s3789/IMG_1557.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3789" data-original-width="2623" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RURUMNF2Pib204WxZwW2NgQi2oOpNtlokw_P1byeoibHwbPeTkp80YUelnENrlUuT0CLisbgOl5HYoMGP06W6vAKdoSsgM6fouVrUNbCHvUGgWwKtbp5BsJc8tAKLU6WKm2EFqLhTKyecsjSOOV3LL7VOrAKdALhvdmPWPurC2740IWBT9OWV8_Csg/w139-h200/IMG_1557.heic" width="139" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Wild Beauty</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Anna-Marie McLemore</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: The Nomeolvides women have lived at and tended the grounds of La Pradera for generations. Each woman is bestowed with a gift to grow flowers. But the family is also haunted by a curse: if they fall in love too deeply, the object of their love will disappear.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This was an old Owlcrate book. I really liked it, maybe more than I expected to. I loved the Nomeolvides family and the book was sweet, sad, and lovely.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScJ7cjZAxYzst-5EIyrA170WG16YDSYApJOpQhEzD3fDob_gT1BNpc3iS8WJs0hc5HRMsgtsWX5tzsDnsmQu-XUS2N6jLhxH7MLDh3oaqMtja8I-0JK5nrgiTe1Dt403jc1Q4ZFY69rr0HNY1mlKDoX21D8Wf26mW4O7pzoAdwUXctnTbdzVoE6-ntA/s987/IMG_1417.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="987" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScJ7cjZAxYzst-5EIyrA170WG16YDSYApJOpQhEzD3fDob_gT1BNpc3iS8WJs0hc5HRMsgtsWX5tzsDnsmQu-XUS2N6jLhxH7MLDh3oaqMtja8I-0JK5nrgiTe1Dt403jc1Q4ZFY69rr0HNY1mlKDoX21D8Wf26mW4O7pzoAdwUXctnTbdzVoE6-ntA/w200-h200/IMG_1417.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Boyfriend Material</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Alexis Hall</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Joe Jameson</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis/Thoughts: I have reviewed this book at least once before, possibly more. I love it. It is so funny and sweet (and occasionally so awkward in the most charming way). The narrator is great. And does anyone aside from me want more about Ben and Sophie and the James Royce-Royces? Because I would be 100% here for more of them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HM03_FYneZMcygW5LY9VELW17hyG3ngIoEkaSDRO2mF8rR-dK-dQq2qdFkCoD5QTCrq9TZtgKWQB7zY_0twVYkIDEGVqXbJldJL1XaERuYiV7A3JfW-7ntP-JCgT4Cy4cCJsTfkT9JW6Zzx840zXoFK90_WhUb3O3D9lFuXaOvYKDmn6Tg_2HZFILg/s2871/IMG_1613.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2204" data-original-width="2871" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HM03_FYneZMcygW5LY9VELW17hyG3ngIoEkaSDRO2mF8rR-dK-dQq2qdFkCoD5QTCrq9TZtgKWQB7zY_0twVYkIDEGVqXbJldJL1XaERuYiV7A3JfW-7ntP-JCgT4Cy4cCJsTfkT9JW6Zzx840zXoFK90_WhUb3O3D9lFuXaOvYKDmn6Tg_2HZFILg/s320/IMG_1613.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Titles: The Raven Boys and the Dream Thieves</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Maggie Stiefvater</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Will Patton</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis/Thoughts: I think I have reviewed this series before, too. I did a mix of reading the books and listening to them. It is the 10 year publishing anniversary of the Raven Boys so I participated in a read-a-long through Owlcrate. And of course, I love her writing and characters. I think I am liking them even better this time around. They have been holding my attention well so I am excited to finish this series and get into the Dreamer Trilogy.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite book read this month: They were all really good!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Least favorite book read this month: Honestly, none of them. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have now read 27 books towards my goal of 75. And I completed one Owlcrate book. Can I also count the Raven Boys since I bought the special anniversary edition from them? No, I don't think so. I still need to do more Owlcrate catch up.<br /></div>Samarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116174456487594432.post-66996848540161673582023-02-01T18:37:00.000-08:002023-02-01T18:37:28.340-08:00January 2023 Wrap Up<p>Just like that, January is over.</p><p>I wish I had more to report for this month, but I think I've just been working all of the time. The big study I am leading is underway and it requires a ton of my time and attention. Plus I have other studies that also need my time and attention. Constant prep work and paperwork, being on call and working late/long hours/weekends. I haven't even been able to do laundry which is desperately needed.</p><p>But things are starting to wrap up. By the end of February my time should be a little less chaotic.</p><p>Despite the craziness, I managed to read more books than I expected. I will keep reviews short since I know this post is already a bit late.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRZG74XajWs9nGlMYLku6HD1KssFmoC1dWe6CBgOkJzpXPfwQnV0MrPsyCd0C2TCxiPzWqTIM6p-RcmzlnMTazgTQnOqsILcrDoT3ISenqXG61fN324J1oZ3dOsntCxg0SwLPYEc8xtf4yagKDcWlSKyI_ksiLvFCCP7vfWVn5MOA8z25Ho9mmbIcig/s2048/2F94C0EE-DF65-4298-8120-432B7C49059B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRZG74XajWs9nGlMYLku6HD1KssFmoC1dWe6CBgOkJzpXPfwQnV0MrPsyCd0C2TCxiPzWqTIM6p-RcmzlnMTazgTQnOqsILcrDoT3ISenqXG61fN324J1oZ3dOsntCxg0SwLPYEc8xtf4yagKDcWlSKyI_ksiLvFCCP7vfWVn5MOA8z25Ho9mmbIcig/w200-h200/2F94C0EE-DF65-4298-8120-432B7C49059B.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Titles: Cold Fire and Shatterglass</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Tamora Pierce</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis/Thoughts: These are the last two books of the Circle Opens quartet that follow Daja and Tris, respectively, as they travel and take on students. More comfort reads of course, but these two books are some of my favorites by Tamora Pierce.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcPkMWoo6JO4KCpYrd9klMaH-ybZiq9XVCO1q7bVyvQZby1i1c4148kulreOFuITb5DAT3sfQnttO82CY8PaMQ73Vh-f4E4cYnWgphrDhcC-5l5e6-OjCrswxKp5ajQc0o5h_6MXuXVc7pv0qngbIkApKIpJSvNvj0fSuaOITSn__w7lSnZ_sM6JdiA/s974/IMG_1292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="968" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcPkMWoo6JO4KCpYrd9klMaH-ybZiq9XVCO1q7bVyvQZby1i1c4148kulreOFuITb5DAT3sfQnttO82CY8PaMQ73Vh-f4E4cYnWgphrDhcC-5l5e6-OjCrswxKp5ajQc0o5h_6MXuXVc7pv0qngbIkApKIpJSvNvj0fSuaOITSn__w7lSnZ_sM6JdiA/w199-h200/IMG_1292.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Attachments</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Rainbow Rowell</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Laura Hamilton</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis/Thoughts: I have read and reviewed this book a few times. It is a good read and I love the email communications between Beth and Jennifer. It is an easy, lovely read.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ro3izlzBcN2vju8C1IcmDYY1EXH0pLJo98DOAMLit6NaL5NAQamxzUzSD1jvBSmHsbJEixL4icnHmIK6XPwe1Yg_XclriiFxXp4tvneqRwoktbfNItQdhzGpBixWdOQE9O22dHSr-qK-_r3oQnRTST7i1C90QOJm2ex9bfYk1czxtysmAWBkTSdslw/s990/IMG_1345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="988" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ro3izlzBcN2vju8C1IcmDYY1EXH0pLJo98DOAMLit6NaL5NAQamxzUzSD1jvBSmHsbJEixL4icnHmIK6XPwe1Yg_XclriiFxXp4tvneqRwoktbfNItQdhzGpBixWdOQE9O22dHSr-qK-_r3oQnRTST7i1C90QOJm2ex9bfYk1czxtysmAWBkTSdslw/w199-h200/IMG_1345.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>Title: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Mark Twain</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Nick Offerman</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis/Thoughts: I feel that this classic doesn't need much introduction. After seeing the Mark Twain house and museum in Connecticut, I figured I should read more than one story, so I did! It was a bit young, but still enjoyable.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYaw6uaj7Lx1dgVL-LvlbM9JBGVDQotF6v8ZdjF9PfrempS7rkk-bTRGlOpTzxEfe97HRlnNpO8EXjnk_-0uDKWOnPUlZsJt-xb6CQgJphXhqfzZ-xA3URngZS714ShOELnz1B5NEIOgUCbMvNsv0Y8aZpNJhO_6Gp7mqlMrTUPILbdJB0LW7UBsWew/s985/IMG_1297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="977" data-original-width="985" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYaw6uaj7Lx1dgVL-LvlbM9JBGVDQotF6v8ZdjF9PfrempS7rkk-bTRGlOpTzxEfe97HRlnNpO8EXjnk_-0uDKWOnPUlZsJt-xb6CQgJphXhqfzZ-xA3URngZS714ShOELnz1B5NEIOgUCbMvNsv0Y8aZpNJhO_6Gp7mqlMrTUPILbdJB0LW7UBsWew/w200-h198/IMG_1297.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Title: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Lewis Carroll</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Scarlett Johansson</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Synopsis/Thoughts: Another classic that needs no real introduction. Another one I had never read before and it was a fun little listen. While I didn't LOVE it, it was still good.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> Rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbPdO08SolaC4gw1M9Akh3B5i8dXw0rjRF7S2AQpwCyJWe1vmO_8wBhxSJABTJ2EVLY0jBETWSBSeuz167q3DaoVJI4NhjAMw__lcvsHTNHfuAiXtCDbgTPYqgXvSnUkvEQAeU5M4iGIhZcMK002zmHlWcYo_VhAce6EOUqAQ3HjzioOJDQunhwcd9w/s1002/IMG_1299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="997" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbPdO08SolaC4gw1M9Akh3B5i8dXw0rjRF7S2AQpwCyJWe1vmO_8wBhxSJABTJ2EVLY0jBETWSBSeuz167q3DaoVJI4NhjAMw__lcvsHTNHfuAiXtCDbgTPYqgXvSnUkvEQAeU5M4iGIhZcMK002zmHlWcYo_VhAce6EOUqAQ3HjzioOJDQunhwcd9w/w199-h200/IMG_1299.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Ballad of Perilous Graves</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Alex Jennings</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Gralen Bryant Banks <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: In an alternate version of New Orleans, ghosts are real, zombies work in the town, animals speak like humans, and music is the magic that holds the world together. When the core songs that protect the city escape and someone begins killing them, Perry (Perilous) and his friends and family must save the city.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I started reading this many months ago. It is actually quite good, but it didn't hold my attention well. That was completely on me, though, not the book. I just wasn't in the right head space for this type of story. It is one I will consider revisiting another time.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjfq-U2ROtDZn7jhzIL6zHszWBQY8bMbGOmxnetFJX98jhbYzesYTlYhs6gyGNUZvOWVDJYoOWt_vh6RClOJzCrSPo_H9WmIPnu_lDaIFN94yZ_M3Iz7ZReTF34FfcSfiAMPDAQUCfofjA6vmrc-hRLbSffo4QEfjtWVecK5t1jkzBbGcXEoSXwaevQ/s3941/IMG_1369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3941" data-original-width="2704" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjfq-U2ROtDZn7jhzIL6zHszWBQY8bMbGOmxnetFJX98jhbYzesYTlYhs6gyGNUZvOWVDJYoOWt_vh6RClOJzCrSPo_H9WmIPnu_lDaIFN94yZ_M3Iz7ZReTF34FfcSfiAMPDAQUCfofjA6vmrc-hRLbSffo4QEfjtWVecK5t1jkzBbGcXEoSXwaevQ/s320/IMG_1369.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Depths</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Nicole Lesperance</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Addie, having recently survived a near-death accident, is required to tag along to a remote island with her mom and new step-dad for their honeymoon. But the island is inexplicably strange; beautiful and unsettling and covered in mysteries. As she gets deeper into the islands mysteries, the island and its inhabitants seem determined to keep her.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This was an Owlcrate book from September that I started in October since it is a spooky book. There are two "ghosts" on the island (they are called ghosts, but they are really zombies if you ask me). One is good and the other gave me the worst creeps. Spoiler: that ghost is also good, but we don't know it right away. I only mention it because I was glad of that when it came out. Parts of this books were definitely eerie and creepy. I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37X9kaS76GLzMwEsEhCUq3WAhxxZ_EmYdlkxjI7JcxTlwJV2TSR76_6K6_0fFU9a1-_NV2y0B2pqus0MSwTBed4cZFFBd8sX9i_NWwoyYqT12LP2E93eH_YM2lrk5vpEHk_oLPiA45yfiIHkwEdQkiUaiH-Yvlv41i-4lnIYfa8azV4wUNNx01eb-VQ/s998/IMG_1316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="990" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37X9kaS76GLzMwEsEhCUq3WAhxxZ_EmYdlkxjI7JcxTlwJV2TSR76_6K6_0fFU9a1-_NV2y0B2pqus0MSwTBed4cZFFBd8sX9i_NWwoyYqT12LP2E93eH_YM2lrk5vpEHk_oLPiA45yfiIHkwEdQkiUaiH-Yvlv41i-4lnIYfa8azV4wUNNx01eb-VQ/w198-h200/IMG_1316.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Secret Garden</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Carrie Hope Fletcher</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis/Thoughts: Yet another classic that needs no introduction which I had never read before. I didn't actually know what to expect, I knew so little about this story. But it was a sweet, enjoyable read.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHh7BXD9HhSagq9pTcf90L1iWHkcH1iwDuKmI7oL7Kl6khCOVQACpaXKGEN-Ec9ILd-f2kGCm3D89lFO0EXTohw_U9ERH6T_k6xpAhY5q4BqltcKyAy_R36C5190iAYJNKsHpjn9CiZY4MZLCHo0bArDdM2E0zASeifsvzHGtLkPgKNYgE6fKa5qCBQg/s975/IMG_1396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="969" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHh7BXD9HhSagq9pTcf90L1iWHkcH1iwDuKmI7oL7Kl6khCOVQACpaXKGEN-Ec9ILd-f2kGCm3D89lFO0EXTohw_U9ERH6T_k6xpAhY5q4BqltcKyAy_R36C5190iAYJNKsHpjn9CiZY4MZLCHo0bArDdM2E0zASeifsvzHGtLkPgKNYgE6fKa5qCBQg/w199-h200/IMG_1396.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Four Dead Queens</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Astrid Scholte</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrators: Amy Shiels and Elizabeth Knoweiden</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Quadara is a nation is divided into four quadrants (Toria, Ludia, Archia, and Eonia), each ruled by a different queen. Keralie is a Torian thief and steals comm discs from an Eonian messenger. When things suddenly go wrong, she watches the comm discs and sees the four queens each being murdered in different, horrible ways. She and the messenger, Varin, set out to save the queens. But they don't know who they are looking for.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This was an older Owlcrate book that I finally picked up. The mystery was super intriguing and I loved the twists. It was so much more enjoyable than I thought it would be. If you are looking for a neat, captivating mystery, I highly recommend this one.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6dx1PsQNXb6a3zn8FIoSF4_6j4sbrtQoOtTs8mrmPJTydAIay6iNLQNO5X7ohtoX5SW9DpoksBi5oDNL1OW3DzVCALuaOY-3bIdm9NXQJHQYCcyEM2d9yIWL1A8Fvz32oISHoU5-r3a5OpQhnuQlCgdSAI-6kDy9Ky-54njLqH63Gj9iWDM7_2ka7A/s999/IMG_1405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="999" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6dx1PsQNXb6a3zn8FIoSF4_6j4sbrtQoOtTs8mrmPJTydAIay6iNLQNO5X7ohtoX5SW9DpoksBi5oDNL1OW3DzVCALuaOY-3bIdm9NXQJHQYCcyEM2d9yIWL1A8Fvz32oISHoU5-r3a5OpQhnuQlCgdSAI-6kDy9Ky-54njLqH63Gj9iWDM7_2ka7A/w200-h200/IMG_1405.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Something Fabulous</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Alexis Hall</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Nicholas Boulton</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis/Thoughts: I ADORE Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall, so I thought I should read this, too. It takes place in the past and involves a Duke falling in love with the brother of his meant-to-be bride. So some parts were funny and entertaining and some of the characters were fun. But there were um... spicy parts in this book that were a bit much for me. That usually isn't my favorite thing to read anyway, but I don't normally have to actually skip parts of the book. Which I definitely had to do a couple of times. That probably says much more about me than about the book itself though. I will keep Boyfriend Material (and re-read it soooooo many times), but I think I will leave this one behind.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 2 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaccprPzHQo6e9K8Vk1re8k4xSQMAOB3K9Q-MndEpGrs8QIsTPfOl9oq4vJInD_nWnzD5V8xtHmI2fqA8IJrH4_6-70TtV1pB_GfnfjjbNleePi8gEd8CjhmwiIrCUF_0vesOqzfHuU16tn7pj8hNHTkJAzcdTn8gBpWw35ewc_Wokm1x4DA6qRGN9jQ/s1009/IMG_1395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="1009" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaccprPzHQo6e9K8Vk1re8k4xSQMAOB3K9Q-MndEpGrs8QIsTPfOl9oq4vJInD_nWnzD5V8xtHmI2fqA8IJrH4_6-70TtV1pB_GfnfjjbNleePi8gEd8CjhmwiIrCUF_0vesOqzfHuU16tn7pj8hNHTkJAzcdTn8gBpWw35ewc_Wokm1x4DA6qRGN9jQ/w200-h199/IMG_1395.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Lunar Love</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Lauren Kung Jessen</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Raechel Wong</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Olivia is in the process of taking over the family match making business when she discovers a dating app that also uses the Chinese zodiac to match people. She infiltrates their app in order to meet the creator to try to bring him down. But Bennett is not quite what she expects and they keep getting thrown together. Then feelings happen.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This was a pick for the Happily Ever After group run by Jenny Lawson and it sounded interesting so I wanted to read it. It was interesting and I enjoyed some of the Chinese culture that we get to see. And the way Olivia and Bennett's relationship develops was different than most of these that I have read. But in a very good way.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZevzxTovB5KyENU0YTrgur4wg2ey5rgW76MAdOaWHuMLKQaO7fWtgC041FsQoY--68Vgzcg5HXe2YnGEUzAcU6RlEtcnV2fhqBuQfNH2-aUyHejIRFIlOou3I3q4DX0TvUnvLwmZJ5-dYvjJNMLREv2qcahtUorSzzshapjZzhgB5eV7s71ikrMJ8VA/s2048/0AE12FF6-D4F6-4969-84D7-97645C243B84.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZevzxTovB5KyENU0YTrgur4wg2ey5rgW76MAdOaWHuMLKQaO7fWtgC041FsQoY--68Vgzcg5HXe2YnGEUzAcU6RlEtcnV2fhqBuQfNH2-aUyHejIRFIlOou3I3q4DX0TvUnvLwmZJ5-dYvjJNMLREv2qcahtUorSzzshapjZzhgB5eV7s71ikrMJ8VA/w200-h200/0AE12FF6-D4F6-4969-84D7-97645C243B84.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Fruits Basket, volumes 1-3</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Natsuki Takaya</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis/Thoughts: Inspired by Lunar Love, I wanted to actually read these since they have the zodiac animals in them. I have seen the anime (many years ago, but still) and I have liked reading them very much. They are cute and fun and easy to read.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite book read this month: Probably have to pick Four Dead Queens<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Least favorite book read this month: Something Fabulous<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I have read 14 books towards my goal of 75 for 2023. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I want to work my way through some Owlcrate books (including the extra classic books that they sometimes send) and I managed to read 4 this month. I have some others in progress.<br /></div>Samarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116174456487594432.post-28710609865464752962022-12-31T19:09:00.000-08:002022-12-31T19:09:25.378-08:00December 2022 Wrap Up<p>December has been quite a month. Normally it is my favorite month, but it really got off to a rough start until closer to the end of the month. Mostly because of work. Because work is hard and frustrating and all-consuming. So that is all I will say about that.</p><p>December means Hanukkah, which I celebrated by getting new electric candles for my little menorah. That was lovely. December also means my birthday, which work almost ruined, but I managed some days off and had dinner with friends, went to see a play with Kevin, and some other fun things. </p><p>Kevin and I went out to Connecticut to visit his family for Christmas. Our flights were some that got totally messed up so we were stranded out there longer than planned, but it was a nice time. We went to see Mark Twain's house, which was very cool. And we went to the Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience, which was awesome. I posted photos and videos of that on my Instagram if you are interested in looking.</p><p>The rats are getting along in years. Festus and Dion turned two in November. Eros turned two this month and Apollo turns two in January. Festus is having respiratory issues, but we have tried so many antibiotics and treatments and nebulizers. I think it is just a matter of keeping him happy until it gets to be too much and we need to put him to sleep. But he's doing OK. Dion is still on heart meds and not exactly healthy, but also fine. Eros might have some sort of autoimmune or genetic something? He has lost some fur in weird places and not grown it back and one of his feet occasionally swells for a day or two. Otherwise he seems happy and healthy. And Apollo has never had a health crisis and hopefully never will!</p><p>Mallow had his second Gotcha Day on New Year's Eve. Little demon. I guess he's OK mostly and we kinda like him. Sometimes. He's cute though, so there is that!<br /></p><p>I did alright with reading this month. I am going to try to keep reviews very short so I can touch on goals for the coming year.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0dCr-Mz6jOiQs_zfsrP_oUT5GnPjs2lnDllYEXXxs59Jb-j8kTNWHUHPH-XYSl1w0l91_7Zm9uLSTmTCt_7T1MVmwvBNiXlSX-RWmEziRdl8NFYMTKSO_qLGe9zHyFzNO3H1RIOgw5V5yt1frgUlkprpuGTvSbOte5r2oX-_uw1bwM6pSWz3WpIBOA/s998/IMG_1016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="998" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0dCr-Mz6jOiQs_zfsrP_oUT5GnPjs2lnDllYEXXxs59Jb-j8kTNWHUHPH-XYSl1w0l91_7Zm9uLSTmTCt_7T1MVmwvBNiXlSX-RWmEziRdl8NFYMTKSO_qLGe9zHyFzNO3H1RIOgw5V5yt1frgUlkprpuGTvSbOte5r2oX-_uw1bwM6pSWz3WpIBOA/w200-h198/IMG_1016.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Landline</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Rainbow Rowell</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Rebecca Lowman<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis and thoughts: I don't need to review this one, right? It is one of my all-time favorites and yes, I read it more than once this December. I always love it so much.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCft9DaOoiN3f22f4ebQOd4yH1TjC-_sVNqit3UrElk4lAH7-9soYbTeRBSHThbzlHnuqKzrkRmB4TECmvKe5de4y4ZH5lC2Y5Fetmrq91cPPLaVF7SIQeiixoqrogcty0FWEWvI_GL-qtf4I7gaJ5PXg-lBoLMOHVexiURgk25WMexXHG8cR5hJbFQ/s2048/80AA18C1-A77D-47C7-800E-9C1C2EDFF171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCft9DaOoiN3f22f4ebQOd4yH1TjC-_sVNqit3UrElk4lAH7-9soYbTeRBSHThbzlHnuqKzrkRmB4TECmvKe5de4y4ZH5lC2Y5Fetmrq91cPPLaVF7SIQeiixoqrogcty0FWEWvI_GL-qtf4I7gaJ5PXg-lBoLMOHVexiURgk25WMexXHG8cR5hJbFQ/w200-h200/80AA18C1-A77D-47C7-800E-9C1C2EDFF171.JPG" width="200" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Titles: Magic Steps and Street Magic</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Tamora Pierce</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis and thoughts: The first two Circle Opens books about Sandry and Briar becoming teachers. I have read these books many times over the years. These are comfort reads and I do enjoy them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45Uebaz45CMU-w4qK62B0x7XDHIr43aJ0TeqvjWb_vYQi4b7ipWiGvMzjrZrYQ57IDzCke-2FzJL0CBArDKtxSxIRMol8DNi2AsjAkB623Z6-Ysoi1SzF9sBLr3O_je0NlNhnWRFfu6-nFsQ8NjMqbFEXe4DV_WMkd6rPJcwXPeS-oWGL6-6CVDaOyw/s983/IMG_1031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="983" data-original-width="980" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45Uebaz45CMU-w4qK62B0x7XDHIr43aJ0TeqvjWb_vYQi4b7ipWiGvMzjrZrYQ57IDzCke-2FzJL0CBArDKtxSxIRMol8DNi2AsjAkB623Z6-Ysoi1SzF9sBLr3O_je0NlNhnWRFfu6-nFsQ8NjMqbFEXe4DV_WMkd6rPJcwXPeS-oWGL6-6CVDaOyw/w199-h200/IMG_1031.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The House in the Cerulean Sea</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: TJ Klune</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Daniel Henning<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis and thoughts: This was a re-read for me. After I finished Under the Whispering Door, I wanted to revisit it. It is a lovely, sweet story and I definitely recommend it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47QYxjyKKjp7H0cAIWBuG6b3E1PVyzmjUT7pcEtM5DXuYV1Pd3g8E8i7DF1GWezErQO1op3wMDvglcCBElgi0UyVXBqI7OPc2MgfZCx4GLaXHCE9-7Vh9rmnfHbp6Akas9LSM7ImGewwt7k8imbrZrBAY_cqDY9Ik5yfMnVQ1_8fovlh02twZk164UA/s979/IMG_1112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="979" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47QYxjyKKjp7H0cAIWBuG6b3E1PVyzmjUT7pcEtM5DXuYV1Pd3g8E8i7DF1GWezErQO1op3wMDvglcCBElgi0UyVXBqI7OPc2MgfZCx4GLaXHCE9-7Vh9rmnfHbp6Akas9LSM7ImGewwt7k8imbrZrBAY_cqDY9Ik5yfMnVQ1_8fovlh02twZk164UA/w200-h200/IMG_1112.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Eight Nights of Flirting</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Hannah Reynolds<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Emily Lawrence<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Shira is determined to return from winter break with the perfect boyfriend. The only problem? She cannot, and I mean cannot, talk to boys without being totally awkward. Enter Tyler, her old crush and master flirt. They strike a deal where he will teach her to flirt and she will introduce him to her uncle for an internship. That will work, right?<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: A Hanukkah story! Yay! This was pretty cute actually. I didn't totally love everything (maybe because I am older than the target audience), but it was an enjoyable and easy read. And I am always interested in Hanukkah stories.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90RIDJcfwoV3-Ea9vS43r6hMOQjaRq9zUemq2Hiy4BrpZXcpjKPmXq5hvC9muNvM-m6L1L-yVtii7tfuo0n78hLkFqNcf1IZwFr4mnmC53n9CHH-62K5Mh9Adk_q4by9sfUHvMS6cTHhulFXbcg4j-fR5N9AcNkq2Ggt2KRWW_06OMh62Efv2DiaSZw/s993/IMG_1018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="990" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90RIDJcfwoV3-Ea9vS43r6hMOQjaRq9zUemq2Hiy4BrpZXcpjKPmXq5hvC9muNvM-m6L1L-yVtii7tfuo0n78hLkFqNcf1IZwFr4mnmC53n9CHH-62K5Mh9Adk_q4by9sfUHvMS6cTHhulFXbcg4j-fR5N9AcNkq2Ggt2KRWW_06OMh62Efv2DiaSZw/w199-h200/IMG_1018.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>Title: The Matzah Ball</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Jean Meltzer</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Dara Rosenberg<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Synopsis: Rachel, good Jewish girl and Rabbi's daughter has a secret: she ghost writes Christmas romance stories. She loves Christmas, the magic of it. But she is about to lose her job if she doesn't come up with a Hanukkah romance. In her search for inspiration, she gets in with Jacob who is running the biggest, fanciest Hanukkah event: the Matzah Ball. Rachel just needs to get in and she is sure she will find her story.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: A Hanukkah story! I always get a bit excited when I find Hanukkah stories. This story was cute and fun and chaos happens. The ending was definitely cheese-y, but you have to know that is coming when you go in. It was a nice story and worth a read if Hanukkah romances might be your thing!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyaa-nKCrm5crGY-xmSU37knjLNDQzLlDCRb3rMdYy8YPo01oS97jrvN_RdnopFcM6VJnqT3USA2iP0KD6mBkshTBZEpMVZNuwdCmNEe1xAkR5nZquDyRICuBeKgi3P3ndIgUqV9hIco6h6u3RNPS0MjAHk-RUgPt4DuKSyulsIzdhBT_HLoow_qg-Q/s1016/IMG_1017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="1016" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyaa-nKCrm5crGY-xmSU37knjLNDQzLlDCRb3rMdYy8YPo01oS97jrvN_RdnopFcM6VJnqT3USA2iP0KD6mBkshTBZEpMVZNuwdCmNEe1xAkR5nZquDyRICuBeKgi3P3ndIgUqV9hIco6h6u3RNPS0MjAHk-RUgPt4DuKSyulsIzdhBT_HLoow_qg-Q/w200-h199/IMG_1017.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: A Christmas Carol</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Charles Dickens</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Tim Curry</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis and thoughts: Another one I read nearly every year that I probably don't need to really review. I still enjoy this every year, this is a great version, I still picture them as Mickey Mouse characters.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_5Wv3KLV9LA9MQcAaja-ZM2QqV-tkescNldqyvNBBjXQ4vyWI04RL24R6d8DAP_-Yv_Vu7NkouD07lCuEWg2XC4xs6Aa33F9vytyTqn953ELZSHAdc0LcyqPQZhsi0AAw8z6Hn-coRiXhxBJkoI5M3kMJQ0SSRCqfyx8Z6wwrxSa4thPMquiH1_seQ/s979/IMG_1116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="979" data-original-width="978" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_5Wv3KLV9LA9MQcAaja-ZM2QqV-tkescNldqyvNBBjXQ4vyWI04RL24R6d8DAP_-Yv_Vu7NkouD07lCuEWg2XC4xs6Aa33F9vytyTqn953ELZSHAdc0LcyqPQZhsi0AAw8z6Hn-coRiXhxBJkoI5M3kMJQ0SSRCqfyx8Z6wwrxSa4thPMquiH1_seQ/w200-h200/IMG_1116.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Further Adventures of Ebenezer Scrooge</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Charlie Lovett</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Tim Gerard Reynolds<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: What happened to Scrooge after his life-changing Christmas experience? Well here is an answer for you. And he sets out to save other people like himself.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I was worried this would be bad. It was maybe a bit cheese-y and I didn't think that him needing to save the first and third people were really true to the story, but that's OK. It very much keeps the style and tone of the original story. It was a fun, quick read.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite book read this month: Landline? Always? I can't help it.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Least favorite book read this month: The Further Adventures of Ebenezer Scrooge, only due to it having the lowest rating.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I read a total of 91 books this year. My goal was 60.<br /></div><p>Now for the new year!</p><p>My reading goal will be to read 75 books.</p><p>I also want to make a real effort to get through more of my Owlcrate books. They are almost always fantasy and I so rarely want to read fantasy these days, but I need to either read them or stop subscribing!</p><div style="text-align: left;">In non-reading goals:</div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I want to be better about saving money. I have already been good about contributing to my retirement (at Kevin's insistence). </li><li>I want to cut down on the number of emails I am subscribed to. That sounds silly, but I am so tired of having to delete 50 ads in my email every day. I have already started this process. </li><li>I haven't been great at keeping my journal the last few months, so I'd like to get back on that wagon. Part of my problem was adding book reviews into my journal. Doing them in there and on this blog got exhausting and then I didn't want to do it anymore. I just need to modify how I journal. </li><li>I want to cut down on the number of stupid games that I play on my phone. </li><li>Lastly, I want to go through things that I have and get rid of anything I am not using. It is something I have been working on and I sometimes do well and other times don't.</li></ul><p>Anyone else have good goals for 2023?<br /></p>Samarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116174456487594432.post-39604863114869748362022-11-30T19:23:00.004-08:002022-11-30T19:23:56.030-08:00November 2022 Wrap Up<p>Another month flew by. I guess that will keep happening.</p><p>Things have been hectic for me, mostly due to work. I am almost the only person who can do any of my job which means a lot of work falls on me and I can't get help and support because no one is trained and the only one who can train them is me and I don't have time to train them... There are some big studies going on and a very big one coming up to prepare for.</p><p>In personal news, I have been missing Poseidon like crazy. The other boys are doing alright. Festus still battles respiratory issues and I recently started him on a steroid in a nebulizer which seems to help out. So we keep going along.</p><p>This might be weird, but I recently got into slime. I can't remember how I even found it at first, I think it was through a toy/asmr account that I follow on Instagram. And I loved listening to people playing with some of them, so I have ordered some! My first two were from <a href="https://slimeobsidian.com/" target="_blank">Slime Obsidian</a>. I got a fizz and an icee one. They smell amazing, first off. I took the icee one to work to play with when I feel anxious or while I am reading things. That has been nice. I have since gotten a few others from a couple other shops. I have enjoyed the ones I have ordered from <a href="https://blushingbb-slimes.myshopify.com/" target="_blank">BlushingBB Slimes</a>, one cloud slime that drizzles and one that has beads so it sounds crunchy. I need to post some photos and/or videos on Instagram. I find the crunchy and sizzle-y ones very satisfying!</p><p>Anyway, enough of that. Lets do some quick book reviews and figure out what I should read for the holidays!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYZgfCi4pIimpW32BjjDBDE1oYGyH5ognHNwQm7WJ9ita1tcbgTQe0aJk5-49bC2tsgwbYCWtEtigCPlmLth-J4L2lDY-vIENz_fH8o50u6oNdi79HndLL26wHD4WEKwMlSqjjF6Doc8eSwGDzyp-1y34ABDF8VY2LLh5gZcowSPpadXZVe1LcEGtng/s2048/62952F75-B7B7-4F31-B171-F31E584A5FD6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYZgfCi4pIimpW32BjjDBDE1oYGyH5ognHNwQm7WJ9ita1tcbgTQe0aJk5-49bC2tsgwbYCWtEtigCPlmLth-J4L2lDY-vIENz_fH8o50u6oNdi79HndLL26wHD4WEKwMlSqjjF6Doc8eSwGDzyp-1y34ABDF8VY2LLh5gZcowSPpadXZVe1LcEGtng/w200-h200/62952F75-B7B7-4F31-B171-F31E584A5FD6.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Titles: Daja's Book and Briar's Book</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Tamora Pierce</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis and thoughts: These are the third and fourth books in the Circle of Magic series where the four take on forest fires and a plague. I have read these books many times, they are comfort reads for me. I always enjoy them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciElFs2XLSP67js6e64l3Px0keEVdv6gf7sOsaZfAbjJp0vI1an6PygAQBG-Q7593r3oTvCc8S-9L0xAMjjxlrrQCCLoAnQbgjFI2376oUp_viZV7JPhHQynwJJ0qOsL0aoDYTlDTSqFI_P6_pLh3MaAQKQyHGjlxqg8ySIOldSrdmWLeVUDw61kxSw/s2048/EAC04D4E-3425-4E09-91AE-7C6E0A63384C.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciElFs2XLSP67js6e64l3Px0keEVdv6gf7sOsaZfAbjJp0vI1an6PygAQBG-Q7593r3oTvCc8S-9L0xAMjjxlrrQCCLoAnQbgjFI2376oUp_viZV7JPhHQynwJJ0qOsL0aoDYTlDTSqFI_P6_pLh3MaAQKQyHGjlxqg8ySIOldSrdmWLeVUDw61kxSw/w200-h200/EAC04D4E-3425-4E09-91AE-7C6E0A63384C.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Titles: Strange Practice, Dreadful Company, and Grave Importance</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Vivian Shaw</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Suzannah Hampton</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Synopsis: This series follows Dr. Greta Helsing as she treats patients who, according to the rest of the world, don't exist.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I have read these books at least twice each. I just think they are fun and wonderful. I can't recommend them enough. And they have the cutest illustrations in the front of the books that I get a kick out of.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrf9SjN07P9B6x3F7hlx03Wd5zeHbANqvKIHiA2ON2qpdm1VHy--msBljSFJcH-F5uLrnMVuokZ5piCS4vl2BDXYyQ1OVYckdJVMkUwXUhMYzxNeYWIu5ZSGMf4NbiGvOuUBrqflpwcRYh8jrwgrfleBcr399LufYlI5x0sHb-YG9plOtu_stCMjm0Q/s1008/IMG_0988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="1008" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrf9SjN07P9B6x3F7hlx03Wd5zeHbANqvKIHiA2ON2qpdm1VHy--msBljSFJcH-F5uLrnMVuokZ5piCS4vl2BDXYyQ1OVYckdJVMkUwXUhMYzxNeYWIu5ZSGMf4NbiGvOuUBrqflpwcRYh8jrwgrfleBcr399LufYlI5x0sHb-YG9plOtu_stCMjm0Q/w200-h200/IMG_0988.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Last Olympian</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Rick Riordan</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Jesse Bernstein</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis and thoughts: This is the last book in the Percy Jackson series. Another one I feel like I don't need to say much about. I have read these books many times and I always enjoy them. They are more comfort reads for me.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLG2mklDJDprIJipDiv9J6l7HIdhTZxw3EMlwRW3piQfEkwH_aiM1aM1HtYrsXJAySC43xxW6DvcRX9fEpGkCHEiSTiqxFkr7ACzo6FyEjYZx44b596eks0cp8u4C3FlI4afr7jL6G3yP1EM3tWyrz3DMp53xcC250zkxYKQvco0VhiRNZx3VkNHAERA/s1033/IMG_0925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1033" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLG2mklDJDprIJipDiv9J6l7HIdhTZxw3EMlwRW3piQfEkwH_aiM1aM1HtYrsXJAySC43xxW6DvcRX9fEpGkCHEiSTiqxFkr7ACzo6FyEjYZx44b596eks0cp8u4C3FlI4afr7jL6G3yP1EM3tWyrz3DMp53xcC250zkxYKQvco0VhiRNZx3VkNHAERA/w200-h196/IMG_0925.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Title: Under the Whispering Door</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: T. J. Klune</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Kirt Graves</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Synopsis: Wallace is dead, there is no doubting that. Especially when a reaper appears to take his soul to Charon's Crossing and the ferryman and tea shop owner, Hugo. Not ready to cross yet, Wallace remains at Charon's crossing learning about life and death and what it means to be a good person.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This book was recommended by a friend and I already read and liked House in the Cerulean Sea. This story was wonderful and charming, occasionally funny and touching and sad. I did guess about the Manager before we saw him, but it didn't take away from the story. This book was so great and I definitely cried, sometimes when it made me sad and sometimes when it made me happy. The characters are so great. They are flawed and they learn and they feel more real.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOyS_ksWJ-Jj3xHIs-vdAz-f_ZaZh7dO9yBpEBc_xVxQ-DdK1TwMiQCc9KUQB483JtqAAxlvfIPQ51JZO3Tke3kj09FFpVjAtfRgAk-CglYmhIJgbtJk1VPLsA6GuhPDiKcvw_yWkEQKy1xBJrCIdnxwvUwiayFynYkaoynWcN6QRBXFrOFuQY1k-2A/s1709/IMG_0944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1709" data-original-width="1119" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOyS_ksWJ-Jj3xHIs-vdAz-f_ZaZh7dO9yBpEBc_xVxQ-DdK1TwMiQCc9KUQB483JtqAAxlvfIPQ51JZO3Tke3kj09FFpVjAtfRgAk-CglYmhIJgbtJk1VPLsA6GuhPDiKcvw_yWkEQKy1xBJrCIdnxwvUwiayFynYkaoynWcN6QRBXFrOFuQY1k-2A/w131-h200/IMG_0944.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: My Evil Mother</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Margaret Atwood</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: This short story follows a teenage girl in the 1950s and her tumultuous relationship with her mother. Her mother is single and, apparently, is a witch. As this teenager grows up and she has different thoughts about her mother, finding her more and more outlandish, until she understands her.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I have never read anything by Margaret Atwood. This story was interesting and I definitely enjoyed the way that it progresses. I wasn't sure if it counted as a book since it is a short story, but I have already surpassed my reading goal for the year so I am going to count it.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite book read this month: Under the Whispering Door</div><div style="text-align: left;">Least favorite book read this month: My Evil Mother, but only because it has the lowest rating, it was good.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have read 83 books this year. My goal was 60.<br /></div><p>And holiday reads. Here are some of the books I have that I will probably select from. I may not read all of them and I have a list of others that might grab my interest instead. I know I will read Landline at least once (maybe twice because I love it so much). And the Matzah Ball because it is rare and fun to find Hanukkah books.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4g1WWkaXtBiXFPfXL0-BQIzg-9HwI2SkjYmB2hPlWOgU0OybgWbinuIJJ8dCI7qbsMlD4LAQOJ91-BXDUrb7VhWaDySTWbMdgm4H76yC0IjNyMU0o7Akbqy_2JeD_dipQwFN3tf_ImI2nL-nUmOvlNST0glW0PZixnG9LWtuWwIRnZVoGSUk-gZ6feA/s2048/EF1982D2-3E32-4257-B4E6-AEC688420AEC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4g1WWkaXtBiXFPfXL0-BQIzg-9HwI2SkjYmB2hPlWOgU0OybgWbinuIJJ8dCI7qbsMlD4LAQOJ91-BXDUrb7VhWaDySTWbMdgm4H76yC0IjNyMU0o7Akbqy_2JeD_dipQwFN3tf_ImI2nL-nUmOvlNST0glW0PZixnG9LWtuWwIRnZVoGSUk-gZ6feA/s320/EF1982D2-3E32-4257-B4E6-AEC688420AEC.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I hope you all enjoy your holiday season! Let me know if you have any good holiday reads!<br /></p>Samarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116174456487594432.post-24903854497838320902022-10-31T19:13:00.000-07:002022-10-31T19:13:19.509-07:00October 2022 Wrap Up<p>October is usually the best month, right? I love autumn and Halloween. And of course, Kevin's and my 1st anniversary!</p><p>Kevin and I did some fun things. We did a haunted Halloween cookie house together while watching Halloween movies. We went to a local pumpkin patch that we have gone to the past few years. It is very cute and has games and things around. Of course we took home a couple of pumpkins.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3kACR5wB9lgOajzmIVgdax2ZIZN_IfpRpRGw5fLzeXYXy4-v_JLZ8SxUwyHwFKNOfOPA-9GvzdsChUoGLAERNMmt54kt6Wa4cY1EhoRLXvu4IAecRPQ-hteeCCcNnuY_gZrRtysbOdtbBQ7jS-Fvha6MgLMBknz1-0ocFmEDCAcikeBIdOjky3ztMg/s4032/IMG_0490%202.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3kACR5wB9lgOajzmIVgdax2ZIZN_IfpRpRGw5fLzeXYXy4-v_JLZ8SxUwyHwFKNOfOPA-9GvzdsChUoGLAERNMmt54kt6Wa4cY1EhoRLXvu4IAecRPQ-hteeCCcNnuY_gZrRtysbOdtbBQ7jS-Fvha6MgLMBknz1-0ocFmEDCAcikeBIdOjky3ztMg/s320/IMG_0490%202.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div>Last Friday, we had a virtual Halloween party with my friends in Colorado. They set up on Zoom so the couple of us that live out of state could be part of it. It was fun and nice to see everyone. Then on Saturday we went to Boo at the Zoo. It is mostly for kids, but we still had a good time. They had some fun decorations and games and things.<p></p><p>The sad part about this month was that we lost Poseidon. We had an emergency vet visit earlier in the month and they found that he had pneumonia. We tried a couple of antibiotics with no luck, but he was still chipper and eating. Eventually, we were thinking we would need to take him in soon to have him put to sleep because he had mostly stopped eating and was having a harder time breathing and getting around. But that night he passed away on his own. I had spent a lot of time with him that evening because I felt like we were getting closer to the end. I hope that he didn't suffer much. I checked on him right before I went to bed around 11. When Kevin came to bed around 2:30am, I woke up and asked about Poseidon and he told me that he had passed. I wish I had been with him though. He was my oldest rat, nearly 3 1/2 years old. I miss him so much. Our vet kept saying that he was her favorite rat. When I took him over to be cremated, the front desk staff knew us and were very sweet and sympathetic. And they knew that our vet would be sad and they went to get her. She came out to see me and gave me the very best hug and cried with me. I miss my bright-eyed boy. I always called him my precious and my pill and he was so sweet and cute.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbW9Yj2Qf7BfSlt6qAAcsAb_D8SDEW7VqrjGT58GbghO857EYmaf2gb8gEFLtLRmYzRq2CpgfExS6CxoT2h2rIMcXX-Cml4DBq1r_N32Bft0Zbk7uP0irAv2F6mirpaYKiaFJzwGn4Zu1DIvJcfaj1oM3QpRfTvoPe9H4UwsXfOo1b0KewvgKXD3ggyQ/s4032/IMG_0659.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbW9Yj2Qf7BfSlt6qAAcsAb_D8SDEW7VqrjGT58GbghO857EYmaf2gb8gEFLtLRmYzRq2CpgfExS6CxoT2h2rIMcXX-Cml4DBq1r_N32Bft0Zbk7uP0irAv2F6mirpaYKiaFJzwGn4Zu1DIvJcfaj1oM3QpRfTvoPe9H4UwsXfOo1b0KewvgKXD3ggyQ/s320/IMG_0659.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>In other good news, I got my hair done. Kevin took me to see Moonage Daydream a while back and I was thinking that I really liked David Bowie's hair in his Thin White Duke and the Man Who Fell to Earth days. So I asked my hairstylist to use that for inspiration. I love it. I posted a photo on my Instagram if you haven't seen it.</p><p>I read more books this last month than I thought I would. I will keep my reviews very brief.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExvYF-hbjVQvfiQl7p5QQmNZhmVpS6CNfLXfkiGFI4OrlQP7L_dJhBRnre5Cf8b-7fJNNG80F6W8V7hKhaeTA43Srjc0LuqWjeDXEc85icblcJSQ4mtuiwxUUl_YC4y7tIooyHjc86ILLHQoYLT5Sofc7zDEAggxIMRSOobkUq19DK0qomUrmnWJ27Q/s1014/IMG_0501.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1014" data-original-width="1013" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExvYF-hbjVQvfiQl7p5QQmNZhmVpS6CNfLXfkiGFI4OrlQP7L_dJhBRnre5Cf8b-7fJNNG80F6W8V7hKhaeTA43Srjc0LuqWjeDXEc85icblcJSQ4mtuiwxUUl_YC4y7tIooyHjc86ILLHQoYLT5Sofc7zDEAggxIMRSOobkUq19DK0qomUrmnWJ27Q/w200-h200/IMG_0501.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Graveyard Book</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Neil Gaiman</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Neil Gaiman</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis/Thoughts: I don't think I need to keep reviewing this book. I love it very much and I read it every year and I never fail to cry at the end.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0pX_8S6eMpfQMvm3EPBspwyw_G2ahiQ8GhoLIPFA_zzHkgFJKhB88hB49QEQyrO0E1AnxIeC_A8NAtyyvX75eYHMzeFEgEJhkQpyTZ2LVcvFgqDULxkBzPhtsfpKMB_UnvfhSqh-DtRcRkrPi2pz2albTrrfN7WO3HoKezBG88XMepwNZPNoOPhpBg/s1005/IMG_0545.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="991" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0pX_8S6eMpfQMvm3EPBspwyw_G2ahiQ8GhoLIPFA_zzHkgFJKhB88hB49QEQyrO0E1AnxIeC_A8NAtyyvX75eYHMzeFEgEJhkQpyTZ2LVcvFgqDULxkBzPhtsfpKMB_UnvfhSqh-DtRcRkrPi2pz2albTrrfN7WO3HoKezBG88XMepwNZPNoOPhpBg/w198-h200/IMG_0545.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Ghostland: An American History in Haunted Places</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Colin Dickey</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Jon Lindstrom<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: A historical look at haunted places and what makes them haunted.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This was a good read if you like history, which I do. The author visits a few places so you get some first-hand view points. He also talks about what makes places haunted in the minds of people.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wyQgzEREjDPdqhQz5n5LXr3bdBwGrx_Ji-c7X2xFHdxV0Xe5GS_iac_GmmKMZvLol4jfyM_5Ib3kZ2TIutxflHbpQy6PPX_FRMyH2jKGMuLICc2Sjel-IFS43ueO2QBqy0NDFhXYyaAbo-3UTajSbI-LouZE3IY80agiLiJkBJDGcKmofrFhaY1hgg/s1009/IMG_0610.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="1009" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wyQgzEREjDPdqhQz5n5LXr3bdBwGrx_Ji-c7X2xFHdxV0Xe5GS_iac_GmmKMZvLol4jfyM_5Ib3kZ2TIutxflHbpQy6PPX_FRMyH2jKGMuLICc2Sjel-IFS43ueO2QBqy0NDFhXYyaAbo-3UTajSbI-LouZE3IY80agiLiJkBJDGcKmofrFhaY1hgg/w200-h199/IMG_0610.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Dead Romantics</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Ashley Poston</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Eileen Stevens<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Florence is a ghost writer for a famous romance author, but after a terrible break up, she can't seem to find the romantic inspiration she needs to finish a series. Her (handsome) new editor demands the document ASAP, even as she is called away after the death of her father. Oh, and she can see ghosts.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I didn't really know what to expect and I definitely guessed what was happening early on. But I enjoyed it more than I expected to. It was a nice read and I plan to re-read it in the future.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vBzjVUNkbLsH_5GOMoa-7WFB8DSjGhg_dBRkwc7C6vYRcanmhyCRwm2Mb60OPKktSFKecGkr8wTnz61MZCwzpvyNY0lpBgmX2kSaR2CFxJPY9zbVrjzxzxxFkaQ4hdeGyFN0GHdNIssG4S2STO80uB1melff9wPtrieBpVvDaImcUSLDmPOru7FiTw/s1007/IMG_0617.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="1006" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vBzjVUNkbLsH_5GOMoa-7WFB8DSjGhg_dBRkwc7C6vYRcanmhyCRwm2Mb60OPKktSFKecGkr8wTnz61MZCwzpvyNY0lpBgmX2kSaR2CFxJPY9zbVrjzxzxxFkaQ4hdeGyFN0GHdNIssG4S2STO80uB1melff9wPtrieBpVvDaImcUSLDmPOru7FiTw/w200-h200/IMG_0617.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: I Choose Darkness</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Jenny Lawson</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Jenny Lawson</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: A short essay about why Jenny Lawson loves Halloween and spooky things.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: In general, I enjoy Jenny Lawson's books. This was a very short listen, only about 30 minutes or so. And it was enjoyable.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJT760LEJjBtGOqbYV2Z8bR9vQS-rMRcLwURZo0-yMKH6BapR9FeyYDiM71rJ5YzFv56THhcZ2YMGZavOrcC_7k8xIKNn_mqkGVCRVMP_YQsUMSK_nocc5kIRUbkqQWfAehD4XKZkUytHMSFrBPa1pfpJvnDWWCqJR8kzTYNgrKW6IVECdA6tyNK9cg/s1007/IMG_0653.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="1007" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJT760LEJjBtGOqbYV2Z8bR9vQS-rMRcLwURZo0-yMKH6BapR9FeyYDiM71rJ5YzFv56THhcZ2YMGZavOrcC_7k8xIKNn_mqkGVCRVMP_YQsUMSK_nocc5kIRUbkqQWfAehD4XKZkUytHMSFrBPa1pfpJvnDWWCqJR8kzTYNgrKW6IVECdA6tyNK9cg/w200-h200/IMG_0653.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Dracula</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Bram Stoker</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrators: Greg Wise and others<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis/Thoughts: I have read/listened to this several times. I don't think I need to say much about it. I always enjoy this book. I love that it is written in diary entries, letters, and such things. Great classic.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars <br /></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTKjobb56opoCACjfJEbOG7BkOhT4Czt9cOBZaxWtkuZq3tTK0KRh9MHcifS9ATwnvV2EwT1w6Ci9NCSEERqEUmSscUlqTvWgNA6r3wTT3Qm3zp_dDlejoVa2_jXEXKq_x2fYhf63yskdF6ZoZ3De9m2orQR_T_50m7QqOq9J0tz0sHgBjOruj2U3pw/s3683/IMG_0696.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3683" data-original-width="2806" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTKjobb56opoCACjfJEbOG7BkOhT4Czt9cOBZaxWtkuZq3tTK0KRh9MHcifS9ATwnvV2EwT1w6Ci9NCSEERqEUmSscUlqTvWgNA6r3wTT3Qm3zp_dDlejoVa2_jXEXKq_x2fYhf63yskdF6ZoZ3De9m2orQR_T_50m7QqOq9J0tz0sHgBjOruj2U3pw/s320/IMG_0696.heic" width="244" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Gallant</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: V. E. Schwab</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Olivia never knew her parents, all she has is her mother's old journal. Until she gets a letter inviting her to her ancestral home. The one her mother warned her to stay away from.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This may not be my favorite of her books, but I did really enjoy it. The fact that Olivia couldn't speak and could see ghouls was interesting. There were a few parts that creeped me out, perfect for Halloween.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8L8_dNUNpXynRiO01rquy2_tqdClVwmntXb5m__aX0s87fD57H7hTHYHs3Z1E_VqU_m6JU-Ax6PVSdRl-H0p2-MWMhYxPnr167-oqkK11E1kr4ci8qeQaFcX0eQylyLSPn-a71GymUQoLMULRzvXp3sJm1nGEMalD6MM-sl9SEV4foGhBQjyuaKbdw/s2048/BF379407-58BE-456A-AF7E-0F50BB9AA127.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8L8_dNUNpXynRiO01rquy2_tqdClVwmntXb5m__aX0s87fD57H7hTHYHs3Z1E_VqU_m6JU-Ax6PVSdRl-H0p2-MWMhYxPnr167-oqkK11E1kr4ci8qeQaFcX0eQylyLSPn-a71GymUQoLMULRzvXp3sJm1nGEMalD6MM-sl9SEV4foGhBQjyuaKbdw/w200-h200/BF379407-58BE-456A-AF7E-0F50BB9AA127.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Titles: Sandry's Book and Tris's Book</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Tamora Pierce</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis/Thoughts: These are the first two books in the Circle of Magic series. They are comfort reads for me and I always enjoy them.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNeqdBEELXUbWUPYipS_p_-NFkxEGwExHCHwrIVygAMvck9jGpiNqRI3JYq_pV7ksyrSj4PwllkDFTi0eSlLlHszFKTNyk-0cjKYoc0CdyYI18I70XL9G7D1L_e7YRa4D4aZ5kbnZAe_3MYZ03RPJE31w1-g0cEr6G0leTXPRKXnalPqDKkEANkNUcw/s1012/IMG_0697.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1007" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNeqdBEELXUbWUPYipS_p_-NFkxEGwExHCHwrIVygAMvck9jGpiNqRI3JYq_pV7ksyrSj4PwllkDFTi0eSlLlHszFKTNyk-0cjKYoc0CdyYI18I70XL9G7D1L_e7YRa4D4aZ5kbnZAe_3MYZ03RPJE31w1-g0cEr6G0leTXPRKXnalPqDKkEANkNUcw/w199-h200/IMG_0697.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Ghost and Mrs. Muir</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Josephine Leslie (Pseudonym: R. A. Dick)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Elizabeth Jasicki<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis/Thoughts: Another book I have read many times over. I love this book. Maybe not very spooky, but wonderful.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidoWgGzHPbZygNWqJMc6oVVCnIy0oudUa-GC9LjD3PQA6_RdQ5r8d09SDwLKeDeg1DIeRmeSDKjNPoSjngdHbrdSxVCOcImT8Bz2kwxZAyECGuhrDrNUB1yDyEOQtnKDnCrkryh1jnoG7VO39sH07IfgnkKsckiKSAN4Mxhdy0-Um4CBYIczWqNMWQPw/s1000/IMG_0711.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="996" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidoWgGzHPbZygNWqJMc6oVVCnIy0oudUa-GC9LjD3PQA6_RdQ5r8d09SDwLKeDeg1DIeRmeSDKjNPoSjngdHbrdSxVCOcImT8Bz2kwxZAyECGuhrDrNUB1yDyEOQtnKDnCrkryh1jnoG7VO39sH07IfgnkKsckiKSAN4Mxhdy0-Um4CBYIczWqNMWQPw/w199-h200/IMG_0711.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: All These Bodies</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Kendare Blake</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Matt Godfrey<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: A series of murders in the 1950s comes to a small town. The strange thing is that all the bodies found are drained of blood. In this small town, they have their first suspect. A girl found at the scene of the crime, drenched in the blood of the murdered family.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: There were some parts of this book that spooked me. And I would like a sequel because of the ending. But I definitely enjoyed it and thought about it when I wasn't reading/listening.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9_5eJJCweErq1_nynnFlhIrngnNnLgdQncSGIeQVSUcZ-21NP5R2ghNMb4hv8WcWgR8w9z6elnuaEC-sBgO0q43MQ3sxwn2ZHkcGB5IuiWqbsWHOxeBDYeyqZAZzDYWsNsNEutwS7edjsIHY-uqJTsfdQSRXYsVl8NQXGVoYdOgVTVa5htXCHS0fGg/s1035/IMG_0738.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1033" data-original-width="1035" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9_5eJJCweErq1_nynnFlhIrngnNnLgdQncSGIeQVSUcZ-21NP5R2ghNMb4hv8WcWgR8w9z6elnuaEC-sBgO0q43MQ3sxwn2ZHkcGB5IuiWqbsWHOxeBDYeyqZAZzDYWsNsNEutwS7edjsIHY-uqJTsfdQSRXYsVl8NQXGVoYdOgVTVa5htXCHS0fGg/w200-h199/IMG_0738.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Sangu Mandanna</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Samara MacLaren<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Mika is part of a group (a very secret society, if you ask her) of witches. Being a witch means witches are not supposed to gather for too long and they must keep their magic separate. But Mika gets a job offer that breaks all the rules, but one that she is just right for.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This was a last minute addition to my spooky reads. It was very sweet and cute. I enjoyed it. If you like found families, it is worth a read.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite book read this month: Besides the Graveyard Book and the Ghost and Mrs. Muir? I really enjoyed the Dead Romantics and the Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Least favorite book read this month: All These Bodies, only because it had the lowest rating. I did enjoy it.<br /></div><p>I have now read 75 books and my goal was 60. So that's good.</p><p>I hope everyone had a lovely October and a great Halloween!<br /></p>Samarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116174456487594432.post-51376755782093118712022-10-01T09:07:00.000-07:002022-10-01T09:07:24.711-07:00September 2022 Wrap Up<p>September was a blur. Anyone else feel that way?</p><p>Work has continued to be crazy. I have a lot going on that is all my responsibility including doing training. Which is great, but puts a lot more on my shoulders.</p><p>There were a couple hard, sad things that happened in September. But there were some good, happy things, too. One of my oldest friends got married at the end of the month, which was a very happy occasion.</p><p>I finished quite a few books this month so I will keep my reviews very brief.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVIJdXVDycXS3-9VNjELGqjdLyQjYfhg97eRFfCXjTT0Ywx8uq-NZurozVd-NfIYnCKlsK1A9LD6xUXbT6eiW2g5hh4A_7YfrlhmtVgsvh17YvHRdN_8xnXOLG2O_p8CPXG1DHK__ufmRTlRuZ3btBIm_jlX4qo58sbgtsKrNtJUed16be0z7v8dnKQ/s1016/IMG_0260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1016" data-original-width="1013" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVIJdXVDycXS3-9VNjELGqjdLyQjYfhg97eRFfCXjTT0Ywx8uq-NZurozVd-NfIYnCKlsK1A9LD6xUXbT6eiW2g5hh4A_7YfrlhmtVgsvh17YvHRdN_8xnXOLG2O_p8CPXG1DHK__ufmRTlRuZ3btBIm_jlX4qo58sbgtsKrNtJUed16be0z7v8dnKQ/w199-h200/IMG_0260.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">Title: A Thousand Steps Into Night</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Traci Chee</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Grace Rolek</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Miuko has always felt too big and too loud for the realm of Awara. A chance encounter one night with a demon changes everything. As she starts to turn into a demon herself, she goes through many adventures to save herself and her world.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I had heard some things about this book. It took a while for me to get into (may have just been me, I wasn't super focused), but I ended up really enjoying it. It was a good, creative story with a lot of Japanese influence.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars <br /></div><p> </p><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwgDyzP-CaNBaZaYkzOxM2Lj879xm9ntTgPsUWoIiMVLcMmI_f5x9Y2rZTlRcfra2orb6TRyPwree0BCDlUgzTnLKtDf8uj1EQbq58KLo-ldGpQspNPp_Wwvwz2hyy2mb388bX6sOCIxaDzDrI6aqnkMrVxXrpvIameBoDAz5NWu7yJ4NaMn1LLY1qA/s3933/IMG_0294.heic" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3933" data-original-width="2504" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwgDyzP-CaNBaZaYkzOxM2Lj879xm9ntTgPsUWoIiMVLcMmI_f5x9Y2rZTlRcfra2orb6TRyPwree0BCDlUgzTnLKtDf8uj1EQbq58KLo-ldGpQspNPp_Wwvwz2hyy2mb388bX6sOCIxaDzDrI6aqnkMrVxXrpvIameBoDAz5NWu7yJ4NaMn1LLY1qA/s320/IMG_0294.heic" width="204" /></a>Title: Lady Knight</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Tamora Pierce</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: The last installment of the Protector of the Small series finds Kel, a full knight, leading a refugee camp during the war. But being stuck in one place makes her feel like she will never fulfill her destiny to take down the Nothing Man and his metal monsters.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I don't know that I need to say much. I love these books and I still think this is one of Tamora Pierce's best series. I love the Protector of the Small. And I'd be lying if I said I didn't cry while I read this, even after so many re-reads.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SJZUtExEielC03SsP3zEcEDHczB9YtVtlScoGMtMnmjKcfGG3iWf36uglAyuaY3K8XEqYszIXDrMl7ZiEnOH1p-qKq8ByUR5b6E5fWpUh2HwwKydUgUtMHP0rcy_ay0IQoNnyiiRYAnpSPTgXwfALUtcS9zLiCsIP7Ge77RaIW7hHXI_Z8fGT962mg/s2048/9676C952-996D-4B9F-901F-F8A583063CA3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SJZUtExEielC03SsP3zEcEDHczB9YtVtlScoGMtMnmjKcfGG3iWf36uglAyuaY3K8XEqYszIXDrMl7ZiEnOH1p-qKq8ByUR5b6E5fWpUh2HwwKydUgUtMHP0rcy_ay0IQoNnyiiRYAnpSPTgXwfALUtcS9zLiCsIP7Ge77RaIW7hHXI_Z8fGT962mg/w200-h200/9676C952-996D-4B9F-901F-F8A583063CA3.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Titles: Wow, No Thank You and We Are Never Meeting in Real Life</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Samantha Irby</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Samantha Irby</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Synopsis: These books are collections of essays by Samantha Irby about her real life. They tell stories from her childhood, party days, aging, marriage, and more. They are funny, awkward, and real.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I am not sure how, but Wow, No Thank You crossed my sight a while ago and I got the audiobook. Later, We Are Never Meeting in Real Life crossed my path so I got that audiobook, too. Then I had to listen to them. I listened to Wow, No Thank You first and it took a bit to get into (probably because I didn't actually know who she is), but I was startled into bursts of laughter a few times. She is hilarious and her writing is great and sometimes super relatable. I enjoyed Wow, No Thank You more, but both were good.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars for Wow, No Thank You, 3 stars out of 5 stars for We Are Never Meeting in Real Life</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguK8iPXPEEb4ddN9bYfunoTXNGgkVqyMGCyHz-TraPR9YFpC84oZ_tcAu6KT1tU6TkNuA8JQwkqtXNyQe1c_YiYnevt_8d288TneC4XHbHU5S4Lm2GqJ-4EetgiNlplv-9wMTYT_8zC_7-FCq2ISwfv_kGHcc5qSUfHkE5WOTMF31kB9Bv8B7dKRbZOw/s968/IMG_0340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="966" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguK8iPXPEEb4ddN9bYfunoTXNGgkVqyMGCyHz-TraPR9YFpC84oZ_tcAu6KT1tU6TkNuA8JQwkqtXNyQe1c_YiYnevt_8d288TneC4XHbHU5S4Lm2GqJ-4EetgiNlplv-9wMTYT_8zC_7-FCq2ISwfv_kGHcc5qSUfHkE5WOTMF31kB9Bv8B7dKRbZOw/w199-h200/IMG_0340.jpg" width="199" /></a>Title: Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Neil Patrick Harris</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Neil Patrick Harris</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: The life, times, and adventures of Neil Patrick Harris over the course of his life and career. Need I say more?</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I love Barney in How I Met Your Mother (who doesn't?) and this was recommended to me by a friend. It may have been better as a physical book, but the audio adaptation was pretty good. I didn't actually know much about Neil Patrick Harris, so it was interesting to read. If you are a fan, it is worth a read.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBK7zRN5tmMoHavoqm9i4XSVCw4hPpcg8sGyhfTySfA7PK-Ooq6nc3WV3oUNVkTe-f-cTnLkuvF93SIZye_QaYwb3QYLK3Ze_RoCgVoZ_2CXwxKhm4pARH0DhP8q8LskZOJdM-wtDvANL7Nf4qBObjo9eCg_-wxw-7zi7TCC7Eqk6INt3T2vM0uNlDg/s2048/8E5911CE-0E81-436D-9A13-B5AC2D0C7F49.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBK7zRN5tmMoHavoqm9i4XSVCw4hPpcg8sGyhfTySfA7PK-Ooq6nc3WV3oUNVkTe-f-cTnLkuvF93SIZye_QaYwb3QYLK3Ze_RoCgVoZ_2CXwxKhm4pARH0DhP8q8LskZOJdM-wtDvANL7Nf4qBObjo9eCg_-wxw-7zi7TCC7Eqk6INt3T2vM0uNlDg/w200-h200/8E5911CE-0E81-436D-9A13-B5AC2D0C7F49.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Title: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, books 1-4</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Rick Riordan</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Jesse Bernstein<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Meet Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon and child of a great and terrible prophesy. Watch as he navigates the world of Greek gods and monsters while trying to be a sort-of-normal teen.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: How many times have I read and reviewed these? Too many times. I love them. There is a show coming out in the near future that I can't wait for and I wanted to brush up. If you like Greek mythology, these are wonderful and fun.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite book read this month: I always love Percy Jackson books and Lady Knight. Aside from those, probably Wow, No Thank You<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Least favorite book read this month: None, I think.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I have now read 64 books this year. My goal was 60.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">And now October is here! My favorite month! Spooky reads, Halloween, wedding anniversary, all the exciting things. I think we will get to do some fun, seasonal things and I can't wait! Maybe I can even get a couple of other posts up?<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Here are books that I hope to read. I don't think I will get to all of them, but this is the selection. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBxiWSrde7MlVANO8pDyjVJA952iKT-bZEE5q6XANt5XUXzr4Tfeajw3AFp7ls6ny7HxPRvPtSgDvk4U4h9qsSt-SUn5QHi8ygYWZxsEMHXpLY7k48gQOrzsrAWE_0qzzUsnaz9asq_Ooz4-4Yzgihrgm7Ce4L09R5QaU-Sc8YjHCv9ERoDsMd_BcZQ/s2048/D9434C59-F65B-4ED0-9A2E-D0FE2D8E059E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBxiWSrde7MlVANO8pDyjVJA952iKT-bZEE5q6XANt5XUXzr4Tfeajw3AFp7ls6ny7HxPRvPtSgDvk4U4h9qsSt-SUn5QHi8ygYWZxsEMHXpLY7k48gQOrzsrAWE_0qzzUsnaz9asq_Ooz4-4Yzgihrgm7Ce4L09R5QaU-Sc8YjHCv9ERoDsMd_BcZQ/s320/D9434C59-F65B-4ED0-9A2E-D0FE2D8E059E.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Anyone else have spooky reading lists planned? Please share, I am always looking for more spooky reads!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy spooky season everyone!<br /></div>Samarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116174456487594432.post-17653120635732321802022-09-05T16:29:00.000-07:002022-09-05T16:29:01.805-07:00August 2022 Wrap Up<p>August was a blur. It feels simultaneously like it lasted forever and like it ended before it started.</p><p>I got to go up to Colorado a couple of times in August to go to a bridal shower and help throw a bachelorette weekend for a good friend of mine. We had some great times and I enjoyed spending so much time with some of my best friends. And while I was there, I got to see my parents at least and celebrate my niece's 8th birthday. We also celebrated Kevin's birthday in August and had a few fun outings, just the two of us.</p><p>My little rat Poseidon passed his third Gotcha day in August. He is my oldest rat and he is definitely starting to show his age, but he's still going! Maybe he really will live forever. Or whatever "forever" is in rat years. <br /></p><p>Work has been nuts. My teammate has transitioned to another department (which is great for her and I think some good things will come of it) and that has been hard for me. Since I am the only other person in our department that can do her job (or parts of her job, anyway), I inherited her projects and am now leading a big, intense study coming up soon. I don't feel prepared for it and it has already been chaos (though the study doesn't technically start until October). And on that note, life might get really rough for me through the end of the year with work. I will need to be on call almost every day until the end of the year. So I want to apologize in advance for any delays you will see here. I still plan to read (audiobooks at least) and I will do my best to keep up and post. Or combine posts like I had to do a few times this year already. Though I may just re-read favorites and comfort books to get me through. Except for October of course, where I need to read all of the spooky reads! I promise work will not always consume my life...<br /></p><p>And with that, lets do quick reviews of books I read in August.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92X8rXOTsz1c30a5ktXI16Plm124CaiVMYMovSr9THlp8pgeq-nBqqbHUuaNpVmCSuxGviQq6K_aC5_O5kedKtLJFNZ1wBobiwchdVEYUZTea5MAqEt666_PLFIgO8JgPstUB7CnJRduyZjHEGrKdNwAS8nqmv2Q1vMCLp_pReWZqx0xMSxkvgw55jQ/s1022/IMG_9919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1010" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92X8rXOTsz1c30a5ktXI16Plm124CaiVMYMovSr9THlp8pgeq-nBqqbHUuaNpVmCSuxGviQq6K_aC5_O5kedKtLJFNZ1wBobiwchdVEYUZTea5MAqEt666_PLFIgO8JgPstUB7CnJRduyZjHEGrKdNwAS8nqmv2Q1vMCLp_pReWZqx0xMSxkvgw55jQ/w198-h200/IMG_9919.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Savvy Sheldon Feels Good as Hell</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Taj McCoy</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Adenrele Ojo</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Savvy's long-term boyfriend breaks up with her, saying she never takes care of herself and her appearance. Heartbroken and bent on revenge, she starts working out, getting back to things she used to enjoy, changes her hair, and renovates her house. With the help of her friends and the handsome contractor working on her house, she finds new depths to herself and finds her way back to happiness.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: There were some things that I really enjoyed about this book and somethings that I cared less for. I loved her friends and their relationship. I think Savvy was cool getting herself together for revenge but ended up finding contentment with herself. And while revenge was not actually the point, I still wish her ex had gotten more of a comeuppance than he did. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9aFxrwE85MV97F9AjpQHtiFAw38dK-NjG_oJWrBpIpXGDyzM6ro5a01-1AiUD1JosPjztMddO_OfwDBbSaxLQr1S9eP368TjsT1mph5ZqaxasM2zvVsaWA9j2Nmz5YbTvjiXR_NcKYRafwDr1Wi0ZzhzHC46O4Q1ac8agEYT9TDGvjqHROrzc_BncQ/s1018/IMG_9947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="1018" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9aFxrwE85MV97F9AjpQHtiFAw38dK-NjG_oJWrBpIpXGDyzM6ro5a01-1AiUD1JosPjztMddO_OfwDBbSaxLQr1S9eP368TjsT1mph5ZqaxasM2zvVsaWA9j2Nmz5YbTvjiXR_NcKYRafwDr1Wi0ZzhzHC46O4Q1ac8agEYT9TDGvjqHROrzc_BncQ/w200-h198/IMG_9947.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Act Cool</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Tobly McSmith</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Shaan Desani</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: August, a transgender teen, has run away to New York city to live with his aunt and attend a prestigious performing arts high school. He wants to be an actor and shows great promise. Until he lands a role that hits a bit too close to home. To become the actor he really wants to be, he needs to confront his own life including his parents who refuse to accept August as he is.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I LOVE Stay Gold by Tobly McSmith, so I had to read this book, too. And while I love Stay Gold more, this book was very good. It was often very sad and many of the characters feel very real. And you can't help but root for August. It was sweet and sad and sometimes redeeming.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQi88_TnqrpdqKo0smyMMBOEA1Ux9d2e_X8zgkB6TNECEFBQbRiGqKAsTPpX1r9bkGpwOeRJSlTfUeVhepsfCGmrD4zUmv06jKnz9qNq5Nas5fiazMkBgluDR0995gqAJSRwK1aEnOLZ_UIjoBcMkB05cOe6-nadMH8bycvDtwJsfAP_2wU07hjPHyw/s3856/IMG_0086.heic" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3856" data-original-width="2386" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQi88_TnqrpdqKo0smyMMBOEA1Ux9d2e_X8zgkB6TNECEFBQbRiGqKAsTPpX1r9bkGpwOeRJSlTfUeVhepsfCGmrD4zUmv06jKnz9qNq5Nas5fiazMkBgluDR0995gqAJSRwK1aEnOLZ_UIjoBcMkB05cOe6-nadMH8bycvDtwJsfAP_2wU07hjPHyw/s320/IMG_0086.heic" width="198" /></a></div>Title: Squire</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Tamora Pierce</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Synopsis: Kel's journey continues into her squire years. As the only girl squire, she fears that she will not be chosen by a knight master. Enter Lord Raoul of the King's Own who is willing to take her on and train her up. He sees potential in her that many others do not and she grows to meet his expectations.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: Another of these books I have read so many times it is probably ridiculous. As you can see by the battered cover of my copy. While the Kel books don't stand out as much in my mind for favorite characters, I do think they are some of the best ones Tamora Pierce has written. And I still love these books. I probably will forever.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0o00dvHhpJIbAR5thgj--LS8T8o5GexThFH33a7wC59zsiUz0q1kQWp0bkYK2mGF7mPiHi3U8AyDXUiwvMFiuy6I88zNMIc3B5nLqS9SCLDhUHh-nv-7koXK608W8FfObLFE9c4Bnl9K78IG7kpZJG2zdYYK_wCkAiCrUqBcsvdQO2Kabzudnr0Gd_g/s2048/B74F589C-77BB-4933-B6A0-639080281D4B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0o00dvHhpJIbAR5thgj--LS8T8o5GexThFH33a7wC59zsiUz0q1kQWp0bkYK2mGF7mPiHi3U8AyDXUiwvMFiuy6I88zNMIc3B5nLqS9SCLDhUHh-nv-7koXK608W8FfObLFE9c4Bnl9K78IG7kpZJG2zdYYK_wCkAiCrUqBcsvdQO2Kabzudnr0Gd_g/w200-h200/B74F589C-77BB-4933-B6A0-639080281D4B.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Titles: Boyfriend Material and Husband Material</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Alexis Hall</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Joe Jameson</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Luc is in need of an appropriate boyfriend to be seen in public with to save his reputation and his job. Oliver needs a boyfriend to bring to his parents' wedding anniversary. Luc and Oliver appear to dislike each other, but enter into a mutually beneficial agreement to pretend to be dating until their events are finished. But surprisingly, the relationship actually works. A couple of years later, Luc and Oliver attend a series of weddings (and one funeral) and decide to get married themselves. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I loved Boyfriend Material when I read it in the past (a year or two ago?) so I had to pick up Husband Material. So I listened to Husband Material and really enjoyed it. These books crack me up and I love all of the characters so much. I had mixed feelings at the end of Husband Material. But then I went back and re-read Boyfriend Material. Then re-read Husband Material. And then Boyfriend Material again (I needed comfort books, don't judge me). They are great, hilarious books. I definitely recommend them and eagerly await any other books that may be coming down the pipeline!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeQSWPC6afWpJVCu1o5V474Exc5Ut1zCHoYSTM3G5D1GmALFVjymXemAn1fQHtKGYqyt5Vd9dvgqHSGt5gFbzM7ymJpfH3Ug2OVbi4T5YdSRpBtVyOFA4_--bEw_pPS-chO3eMqBOEscbStUzSRDrVQ_8CslD_LA7Le0mFGub8gEAmbr5r_fSXv2edw/s1015/IMG_0102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1015" data-original-width="1010" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeQSWPC6afWpJVCu1o5V474Exc5Ut1zCHoYSTM3G5D1GmALFVjymXemAn1fQHtKGYqyt5Vd9dvgqHSGt5gFbzM7ymJpfH3Ug2OVbi4T5YdSRpBtVyOFA4_--bEw_pPS-chO3eMqBOEscbStUzSRDrVQ_8CslD_LA7Le0mFGub8gEAmbr5r_fSXv2edw/w199-h200/IMG_0102.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>Title: Jade Fire Gold</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: June C. L. Tan</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrators: Natalie Naudus and Kevin Shen</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Synopsis: Ahn is a peasant girl in a poor village who sets out to save her grandmother. Meanwhile, Altan is trying to take his rightful place as emperor and needs to find the life stealer to do it. Ahn and Altan's paths cross and change when they discover that Ahn is the life stealer as well as the daughter to a high-ranking official in the court that overthrew Altan and his family. Altan meant to kill Ahn, but maybe this is a problem better solved by becoming allies.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This was an Owlcrate book that I alternated reading and listening to. First off, I thought it was a stand-alone book, but based on the ending, I am guessing that is not true. Aside from that, it was pretty good. Parts were interesting and it was nice to follow the characters and see the friends and enemies they made along the way. If you are interested in fantasy novels with Chinese influence, it is definitely worth a read.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite book read this month: Squire or Boyfriend Material and Husband Material</div><div style="text-align: left;">Least favorite book read this month: Probably Savvy Sheldon Feels Good as Hell, but not because it was bad, just because it had my lowest rating.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have read 55 books towards my goal of 60 books for the year. That is pretty good. I may or may not adjust the goal. Maybe I will just see how many I read and base next years goal on that.<br /></div><p>Thanks for reading! I hope everyone is doing well and is getting ready for the spooky season! September is finally here!<br /></p>Samarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116174456487594432.post-35222328157395106112022-07-31T20:00:00.001-07:002022-07-31T20:00:59.760-07:00June and July 2022 Wrap Up<p>Sorry for the delayed post. I didn't get around to working on my June 2022 wrap up until half way though July. So I figured I might as well wait and post everything at once.</p><p>June was neat because I got to go up to Colorado and visit friends and family. I think I needed that more than I knew. It was a good trip and it was so nice to see so many of my people.<br /></p><p>I didn't update at the end of June because I ended up working all weekend and was exhausted all week from the extra hours (including working on the fourth of July). And in between all of that I was dealing with rats being sick, vet appointments, doctors appointments for me, internet issues, and more. It was just busy and I was so tired. I hope this will be the last post that I need to combine. But you never know. I will do my best.<br /></p><p>July was (obviously) a bit nuts at work for a while. More vet appointments and doctors/dentist appointments. We also lost the woman who was my daycare lady for many years of my life near the end of July. I think she started taking care of me when I was about 2 until I was nearly 12. She helped raise me and several of the kids in her care are still in touch. One of my best and oldest friends started daycare around the same time I did and my little brother met his two best friends there and they are still a great trio all these years later. It has been a sad week with her loss. She was such a big part of all of our lives. That has been on my mind a lot lately.<br /></p><p>I will keep my book reviews short since it is late and two months worth of them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSo3FY0zUiQG7uPebKdbIRikivcNiTpsCV7dMxlkUUanwL0R630utf8dgMBNwvmY4rbOSCIvex7x_UMFOm6k40ToT8rbtpqJj1WBePAFxY4zKRMVioBYC7mWIh6-19OerApcuc6sl-npP5gQd2HvbT4gpa62pC0kUqMyEoO84nUK8xYDrvHNMdt0GljA/s1040/IMG_9486.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1036" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSo3FY0zUiQG7uPebKdbIRikivcNiTpsCV7dMxlkUUanwL0R630utf8dgMBNwvmY4rbOSCIvex7x_UMFOm6k40ToT8rbtpqJj1WBePAFxY4zKRMVioBYC7mWIh6-19OerApcuc6sl-npP5gQd2HvbT4gpa62pC0kUqMyEoO84nUK8xYDrvHNMdt0GljA/w199-h200/IMG_9486.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Playing With Myself</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Randy Rainbow</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Randy Rainbow</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: An autobiography/collection of memoirs by and about Randy Rainbow. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I loved this book. It was great and often super funny. And one time I cried my eyes out. Listening to it being read by him made it more special. Absolutely recommend.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZzqwhfK4N1_EpSEcshgKLVr463vV1FuKQYvK4DYirHRrz5dxFpxj8wXgDwoBQYKPnBxemJmztm1OJ5faLs9NtPwhRmXMHK79I72BxKS57A67Y5RRCUz72tPS9B_jXW8idYIwfqUK5nsJw84HJ8fI0AKmjKDkWvQQPH819bwv7RBNtWHVwZJBs5kA4g/s1037/IMG_9517.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1032" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZzqwhfK4N1_EpSEcshgKLVr463vV1FuKQYvK4DYirHRrz5dxFpxj8wXgDwoBQYKPnBxemJmztm1OJ5faLs9NtPwhRmXMHK79I72BxKS57A67Y5RRCUz72tPS9B_jXW8idYIwfqUK5nsJw84HJ8fI0AKmjKDkWvQQPH819bwv7RBNtWHVwZJBs5kA4g/w199-h200/IMG_9517.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Song of Achilles</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Madeline Miller</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Frazer Douglas</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: This is the story of Achilles through the eyes of Patroclus, the man who best loved Achilles and was best loved by Achilles. Despite their differences, they become unlikely friends and eventually fall in love.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I feel like I'm behind on this one. And, oddly enough, I am not super familiar with Achilles' story. But this book was lovely and beautiful.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQInf3PVu2haiIhPImGKgS5pwzwu3_KP5yW5cDWYBMuL3UJMo_i_a5Y8SdWg5MegULPhJgL8m7UrKSh-pzTluXJXhNTC1V0-Ml-J86mtvCw7vwMuCwxl9QksSBLFz4EjISKKmGdtzXQJ8LCL1dlFbvLbmPXmCGYTBInSODU0cpbqTtk6lUCWZZMgQP2g/s1045/IMG_9575.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1045" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQInf3PVu2haiIhPImGKgS5pwzwu3_KP5yW5cDWYBMuL3UJMo_i_a5Y8SdWg5MegULPhJgL8m7UrKSh-pzTluXJXhNTC1V0-Ml-J86mtvCw7vwMuCwxl9QksSBLFz4EjISKKmGdtzXQJ8LCL1dlFbvLbmPXmCGYTBInSODU0cpbqTtk6lUCWZZMgQP2g/w200-h199/IMG_9575.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Other Man</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Farhad J. Dadyburjor</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Ariyan Kassam</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Ved is living as a closeted gay man in India where being gay is not accepted. He agrees to an arranged marriage with the seemingly perfect Disha. And he thinks that will be all until he meets Carlos and falls head over heals for him.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: There were some things that I loved about this book and some things that I didn't like much. But I sort of love Ved's parents and Disha. Overall it was a nice read.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJG4kR4zHY-uchFyCVkJXkiPkRZRfd4PJs6V7EvNHxJzttz7cv2XHulbwV4pgBzEgvMeFeCzfVhUxLEC9SUGPp8jlJkC65aSfTERkjjGV2sjQlrFU0XpzB90_aICPggW9irs_1xQ4NYdlzZSnNYocZilVL7rovik5xQECuhDso9oTCcGvovowfevL-GQ/s1038/IMG_9591.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="1034" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJG4kR4zHY-uchFyCVkJXkiPkRZRfd4PJs6V7EvNHxJzttz7cv2XHulbwV4pgBzEgvMeFeCzfVhUxLEC9SUGPp8jlJkC65aSfTERkjjGV2sjQlrFU0XpzB90_aICPggW9irs_1xQ4NYdlzZSnNYocZilVL7rovik5xQECuhDso9oTCcGvovowfevL-GQ/w199-h200/IMG_9591.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Born A Crime</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Trevor Noah</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Trevor Noah</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Trevor was born in South Africa to a Black mother and white father. Since this was illegal, it had to be hidden for much of his life. And it gave him a whole different life experience than most people would ever experience.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This was a great book. I honestly know little about apartheid. His life was so different from anything I could imagine. I found it very interesting and I thought it was a great read.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTm0sHoxpKSiGgLpPDZcEhxZWmeRKrRzgdVqGwQw_y9oCa-8jiYBfrqSdkvW5EsPSgiLV5Z4Zms9-Yrs2j7BCKW1j4FbdadAErSZEH4uNE0_4k6eqcyNtbxSO2iNSolY9B2X7wZ8BNIk0tUZFNNSTWPDOtcszjxQc7qccoLKun4O0KVL-WgRlVae9yQ/s1028/IMG_9656.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="1028" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTm0sHoxpKSiGgLpPDZcEhxZWmeRKrRzgdVqGwQw_y9oCa-8jiYBfrqSdkvW5EsPSgiLV5Z4Zms9-Yrs2j7BCKW1j4FbdadAErSZEH4uNE0_4k6eqcyNtbxSO2iNSolY9B2X7wZ8BNIk0tUZFNNSTWPDOtcszjxQc7qccoLKun4O0KVL-WgRlVae9yQ/w200-h199/IMG_9656.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: What if it's Us</div><div style="text-align: left;">Authors: Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrators: Noah Galvin and Froy Gutierrez</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: A brief, chance meeting between Arthur and Ben leaves both of them desperate to find the other. When Arthur posts an ad at a local coffee shop, it feels like destiny that Ben found it. But Arthur is only in New York City for the summer.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This book was sweet and pretty cute. I think I wasn't fully satisfied with the ending mostly. Still a decent read though. Fun little meet-cute story.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQTlKxzwFzUT1z6eYC2RARfAscHZIBiDRGIPepoafpAXJYPVwmHp2m9RTwfahJAlfmn_GKfWVPlLmjuTl9_4Up70RjSb1OeiovSAFwNb3Og_53wxwq5-kJ9bs74glSBTcmbcdnxvm4PQl4z-ti_mr5Cc-JUI__qQmYX8mEJsuiptuQR98KITlOdJa5A/s2048/52F73602-5906-45F8-8D88-D75929DD73E4.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQTlKxzwFzUT1z6eYC2RARfAscHZIBiDRGIPepoafpAXJYPVwmHp2m9RTwfahJAlfmn_GKfWVPlLmjuTl9_4Up70RjSb1OeiovSAFwNb3Og_53wxwq5-kJ9bs74glSBTcmbcdnxvm4PQl4z-ti_mr5Cc-JUI__qQmYX8mEJsuiptuQR98KITlOdJa5A/s320/52F73602-5906-45F8-8D88-D75929DD73E4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Titles: Emperor Mage and The Realms of the Gods</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Tamora Pierce</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Daine's adventures continue. First, she travels to Carthak with Tortall ambassadors to try and make peace with the Emperor and a goddess lends Daine the power to bring dead animals to life. Then, when she is in great danger, Daine (with Numair) is pulled into the realms of the gods by her parents. Once she recovers, she and Numair must find their way back to the mortal realms.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I have read these books too many times. These two were always my favorites when I was younger, but now that I am older, I actually like the first two better. But these are nostalgic, comfort reads for me and I think I will always love them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYBTY-oMd833muQG1TYKngAe_hwLsuxUj7pNr2AKoil273KsN7htTk-GDEXsqYsNVERvoFT84FIXC2GsHw67LWNug4DN3VntStHHmpHZ5iXIoDPq6UK4cxnyV4HFoTTCJo-Ru3VLkJ5WGV8xRP80KKyJv-IGKJz7QdlB4XFhGL4ObOUn0XAozxOvfgQ/s1035/IMG_9670.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="1030" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYBTY-oMd833muQG1TYKngAe_hwLsuxUj7pNr2AKoil273KsN7htTk-GDEXsqYsNVERvoFT84FIXC2GsHw67LWNug4DN3VntStHHmpHZ5iXIoDPq6UK4cxnyV4HFoTTCJo-Ru3VLkJ5WGV8xRP80KKyJv-IGKJz7QdlB4XFhGL4ObOUn0XAozxOvfgQ/w199-h200/IMG_9670.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Lady Killers</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Tori Telfer</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Sarah Mollo-Christensen</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: This book explores female serial killers in history. Women are generally seen as the victims of such crimes; society struggles when women are serial killers.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This book was great. My only wish was that more female serial killers were included in this book. Her exploration of the history and taking the fantasies out of the true story made it even more interesting. She also talks a lot about how female serial killers are viewed and downplayed by society.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLPJdI7lYuYuZreE7sIZmSH1hJvDKu8fHzwOs2gJ7LomhQ13LmCJucSkSnlLv057tvI9Oa_0wrmc2udnCw7PLo_ns9mM11VLsXnWHXXO2dmvp7d6suQK9jvxzYerDmsDRZVhWlSTl48VNidhDeKfdhEi9rR8gjyqJ1qeI_Jk76iICcn5C63Ch3WNdCw/s1039/IMG_9719.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1031" data-original-width="1039" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLPJdI7lYuYuZreE7sIZmSH1hJvDKu8fHzwOs2gJ7LomhQ13LmCJucSkSnlLv057tvI9Oa_0wrmc2udnCw7PLo_ns9mM11VLsXnWHXXO2dmvp7d6suQK9jvxzYerDmsDRZVhWlSTl48VNidhDeKfdhEi9rR8gjyqJ1qeI_Jk76iICcn5C63Ch3WNdCw/w200-h199/IMG_9719.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Female Serial Killers</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Peter Vronsky</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Charles Constant</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Vronsky takes a look at female serial killers and what makes them killers. He looks at many female serial killers and takes their histories and childhoods into account as well as some interesting psychological information and analysis.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I am not generally into serial killers, but the last book (see above) peaked my interest in female serial killers. This one looks at many more women, most much more modern than in the last book. Some of the information was very interesting and some was very disturbing (which is to be expected, I think). My only complaint is that, at times, his weird version of feminism got to me. He is occasionally very oddly harsh and opinionated in particular ways about feminist movements/thoughts/arguments. Sometimes I didn't even think he was wrong, but disliked how he brushed off other people/analysts without (in my opinion) much to stand on, seeing as he is a man.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8575kFLz9vE2xgvd4dHnDeww_HsGLdRyzwWnOtALhMUSEYcumncDhiANjLaAlL9RPBRTz68c4O2FBFyGqLpOSadBQ2bn0TZLGjia_kWVjxQUOmCzFvG9OWT_YhG0udzaynm-JM6H0yiWJmgLIkuSicwOKA1itKdFmJDBdEHjtWyCbQQsJATvPjjwpLw/s1019/IMG_9771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="1019" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8575kFLz9vE2xgvd4dHnDeww_HsGLdRyzwWnOtALhMUSEYcumncDhiANjLaAlL9RPBRTz68c4O2FBFyGqLpOSadBQ2bn0TZLGjia_kWVjxQUOmCzFvG9OWT_YhG0udzaynm-JM6H0yiWJmgLIkuSicwOKA1itKdFmJDBdEHjtWyCbQQsJATvPjjwpLw/w200-h199/IMG_9771.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Hidden Lives of Tudor Women</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Elizabeth Norton</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Jennifer Dixon</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: This book follows the lives of women (from peasants to royalty) during the reign of the Tudors. Most historical records concern men more than women, so this is some insight into the lives of women who are so often hidden from historical records.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: If you are into history, this is an interesting read. I enjoyed it.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GzAKZ3JDmFPAyFUe-uyALUGF75lXCyvj0urX58pLKjjdeennTrqZ9s4Zwi2oK1E_ky13i-ULNnyQQDNSv-GMWOzlwWwe_Onu4oet7USZLyjp_LQdFxZvtRQcAEbh_yG4loC4PvbPAxvw0EqgYRWmfn6GZ947OmZeZdN_PhV16CHCESdZqWLQdVRtmA/s1031/IMG_9799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1031" data-original-width="1018" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GzAKZ3JDmFPAyFUe-uyALUGF75lXCyvj0urX58pLKjjdeennTrqZ9s4Zwi2oK1E_ky13i-ULNnyQQDNSv-GMWOzlwWwe_Onu4oet7USZLyjp_LQdFxZvtRQcAEbh_yG4loC4PvbPAxvw0EqgYRWmfn6GZ947OmZeZdN_PhV16CHCESdZqWLQdVRtmA/w198-h200/IMG_9799.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>Title: Stay Gold</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Tobly McSmith</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrators: Theo Germaine and Phoebe Strole</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Pony is a transgender boy in rural Texas and he is transferred to a new school. Since no one knows he is transgender, he is living his dream of just being one of the guys. And then he falls for the beautiful cheerleader, Georgia who likes him back. But he is afraid to tell anyone his secret, though growing closer to Georgia he knows he really should.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I read this book last year and loved it so much. Reading it again this year did not at all change my feelings. I adore this book. It is hard and wonderful and redeeming and magic.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugQ3x_RT3BTHXb-tmbmhJdLrTMN8941c28czsR7QDVh9RLWvpnZ1BL1dhrNk3wvgaJKuVTajOQ1GAE02BnRXZeyg1VsCxOjw_2NrXByqgH2vRPWW8rP5Zjbetypjx_rCtMdWY2b0umIKWKR9nSkKyFDUftAEdf4vfUnSX2P5PX1kILviS60m8dvHo6Q/s1035/IMG_9837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="1032" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugQ3x_RT3BTHXb-tmbmhJdLrTMN8941c28czsR7QDVh9RLWvpnZ1BL1dhrNk3wvgaJKuVTajOQ1GAE02BnRXZeyg1VsCxOjw_2NrXByqgH2vRPWW8rP5Zjbetypjx_rCtMdWY2b0umIKWKR9nSkKyFDUftAEdf4vfUnSX2P5PX1kILviS60m8dvHo6Q/w199-h200/IMG_9837.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Love and Other Disasters</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Anita Kelly</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Lindsey Dorcus</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Dahlia loves to cook and enters as a contestant on a cooking show to win the money that would help turn her life around. Meanwhile, London, the first openly nonbinary contestant on the popular cooking show wants to pursue their dream of starting a non-profit for LBGTQ+ kids. Can Dahlia and London really compete as their feelings towards one another grow?<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I liked the cooking show premise of this book and the characters were interesting and likable enough. It was good, overall, but I didn't love the sex scenes (as is usual for me). That aside, it was sweet and fun.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSZzSXNXxnXmt2sBLR5lQuGLCQxUCngZtqiswqxJ7REqoMm94H5dHtDmBaSlOITmKiewHII7seoSggxQlvE22pR-TUErx1ZtSAucYnk-Sd2_jHkJhAoMIql9IcDnDCg4PpGv4CWkgtbmJd11ExlX7Y11rFDNYIJzGG5ThtAplsRmge0-S4qzEncKMXg/s1017/IMG_9882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="1013" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSZzSXNXxnXmt2sBLR5lQuGLCQxUCngZtqiswqxJ7REqoMm94H5dHtDmBaSlOITmKiewHII7seoSggxQlvE22pR-TUErx1ZtSAucYnk-Sd2_jHkJhAoMIql9IcDnDCg4PpGv4CWkgtbmJd11ExlX7Y11rFDNYIJzGG5ThtAplsRmge0-S4qzEncKMXg/w199-h200/IMG_9882.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>Title: Conventionally Yours</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Annabeth Albert</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrators: Kirt Graves and Joel Froomkin</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Synopsis: Conrad and Alden are rivals maybe. They both play a card game called Odyssey and have gained some notoriety online. They are invited to an Odyssey convention and competition with a grand money prize and a chance to turn professional. Each needs to win for different reasons. As they travel to the convention as reluctant travel companions, they grow closer and their perspectives start to shift.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I liked some of the nerdy aspects of this book and there were a ton of LBGTQ characters, which is nice to see. As usual, I did not enjoy the sex scenes, but the book was a fun read and I liked the characters' and their connections and relationship.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsV11Pe0uvQVl4oHXrCtsQRrDjtWo6kfOUxHjAKxpNkjTFIKkX_aqh7wnR6ZRuz-BqZsuzd6mXk9Ve6EBbewRCO_pErNl12JjxgVvw_ArBPKFlaTy3eKtPrTNW70oDIIF0O43Z7nYaPnTzRNShczLCwM-b7g19lE-yzLlXdXsMY849A9wYDxJwk2UdQ/s2048/A995B141-04D5-4FF7-9FDF-4F46EEA3311D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsV11Pe0uvQVl4oHXrCtsQRrDjtWo6kfOUxHjAKxpNkjTFIKkX_aqh7wnR6ZRuz-BqZsuzd6mXk9Ve6EBbewRCO_pErNl12JjxgVvw_ArBPKFlaTy3eKtPrTNW70oDIIF0O43Z7nYaPnTzRNShczLCwM-b7g19lE-yzLlXdXsMY849A9wYDxJwk2UdQ/w320-h320/A995B141-04D5-4FF7-9FDF-4F46EEA3311D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Titles: First Test and Page</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Tamora Pierce</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Synopsis: These are the first two books in the Protector of the Small quartet. The series follows Kel in her quest to become a female knight, the first known female knight in many decades. First Test follows her year as a probationary page and her adventures continue as she is accepted as a true page following the first year.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I have read these books many, many times. And while Alanna and Daine have always been favorite characters of mine, I really think that this series is probably the most well-written of her series. And they are still comfort reads for me. I always enjoy them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite books read in June and July: Playing With Myself and Stay Gold</div><div style="text-align: left;">Least favorite books read in June and July: Not sure, maybe What if it's Us, Conventionally Yours, or Love and Other Disasters. Not because they were bad, just that they got the fewest stars.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have read 49 books towards my goal of 60. I may increase my goal since I have been doing well lately.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for reading and for your patience! I appreciate you sticking with me.<br /></div>Samarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116174456487594432.post-20579265829131551532022-06-01T18:26:00.003-07:002022-06-01T18:26:59.775-07:00April and May 2022 Wrap Up<p>April was a crazy month. I was very stressed leading up to our trip. And I was hoping to get the April 2022 Wrap Up post up after I got back at the beginning of May, but then I was sick for a couple of weeks after we got back and just didn't have the energy to do it. And lately our internet has been awful, so that was another hurdle. So for these two months, I am doing a combined post. </p><p>Our trip to India and Nepal was incredible! If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter or are friends with me on Facebook you have seen some of the photos. People ask me what my favorite part was and it is hard to choose. I liked Jaipur and the Taj Mahal was absolutely beautiful. Paragliding in Pokhara was a pretty unforgettable experience. It was just really great and we had a good group of people on our tour, which made it even better of course. And Kevin and I didn't even get sick of each other!<br /></p><p>And then when I got back I was sick and working and that has been life for the most part. And I will be going to Colorado for a few days in June to see friends and family so I am really looking forward to that.<br /></p><p>I figured with vacation I would not read many books, but I read more than I thought! Here are the books I managed to finish in April and May. Due to the number of books and doing two months, I am going to try to make them extra brief (aside from Vengeful which I typed up before I left).<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKB7Z3JCWbAuNKwtEaNXaErHAM5il3U2Jv7g6vaPZBWG1WEnEc3esoThxO95JX0yJsiAHN71iUVjc67ce85nFip7j2drFZezjrd9rZMWApOtVP5dvP6xuFcQmmylq0bpXMH3vdaLAH7icdWIUnkXXUHwolypzebIKXwyrrSKrP-PDAKKQKklHTvgkkA/s3775/IMG_7877.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3775" data-original-width="2509" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKB7Z3JCWbAuNKwtEaNXaErHAM5il3U2Jv7g6vaPZBWG1WEnEc3esoThxO95JX0yJsiAHN71iUVjc67ce85nFip7j2drFZezjrd9rZMWApOtVP5dvP6xuFcQmmylq0bpXMH3vdaLAH7icdWIUnkXXUHwolypzebIKXwyrrSKrP-PDAKKQKklHTvgkkA/s320/IMG_7877.heic" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Vengeful</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: V. E. Schwab</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Jeremy Arthur</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Ever since Sydney brought Vincent back to life, Vincent has been experiencing problems with his powers and death episodes. He is desperately searching for a solution. Meanwhile, Marcella gains powers of destruction when her husband kills her. And she uses that power to gather some EO's to her and take control of the city. And Eli is locked away in the EON headquarters trying to figure out how EON can take down Marcella and Vincent.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I finally ended up doing a combined reading and listening to this book because I felt like I wasn't making enough progress on the physical book. This duology was intense. When I read Vicious I was surprised at how much I liked it because I would say these aren't my kind of stories. I have such mixed feelings about many of the characters. Each character is sort of good and evil in their own ways. I think I was not supposed to like Marcella, but I kind of did. I like Vincent most of the time. He is so unpredictable, sometimes he is good but sometimes he is awful. And then I hate Eli but hate Dr. Haverty even more for what he did to Eli. It is complicated and messy and much more amazing than it should be.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZCSPJEShL6OO3LVyy7-3Kdhjbq7bc0awTr99eCCBOIkQWX0lb6ZFsojM3o5Z34SLk0Mz085qp548V0uGQAA2vmoG0GNOpk07lAKWyXksfwL1JDrBq-Xq5xyTis6SZUeij0ywgsxEETqa34p1dvHaDj5LNTy6Q06Cu5r2iLI2PStnciXh9zvzm7NIUA/s1043/IMG_7911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1039" data-original-width="1043" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZCSPJEShL6OO3LVyy7-3Kdhjbq7bc0awTr99eCCBOIkQWX0lb6ZFsojM3o5Z34SLk0Mz085qp548V0uGQAA2vmoG0GNOpk07lAKWyXksfwL1JDrBq-Xq5xyTis6SZUeij0ywgsxEETqa34p1dvHaDj5LNTy6Q06Cu5r2iLI2PStnciXh9zvzm7NIUA/w200-h199/IMG_7911.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Title: Ariadne</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Jennifer Saint</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Barrie Kreinik</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Ariadne, famously associated with the labyrinth and the Minotaur, finally gets her own story. After falling in love with Perseus and his abandonment, her life takes a drastic turn.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This was neat, it was nice for Ariadne to have the spotlight and to see her story all in one place instead of in the background of the myths, which is what I am used to. If you enjoyed Circe, this is a good book for you.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 out of 5 stars</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRVPtB8HWwXRnjncLt31SwhGwKNV6MlJgJqcS9kceJu9M2iosH51TFr5HbOKY4-91jdNAGO9zxGN49_Jo0VSisp8ihYbfcJxBLwmEooudgsyqBpT_Lz5YsdOkqNY01QZ9XwvI7ZNDF_L1Jm2-SY5eN_Ziq-mTgkQgTBlnJi1TP1fsUpz4dGFrSEvR7g/s1041/IMG_7953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="1041" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRVPtB8HWwXRnjncLt31SwhGwKNV6MlJgJqcS9kceJu9M2iosH51TFr5HbOKY4-91jdNAGO9zxGN49_Jo0VSisp8ihYbfcJxBLwmEooudgsyqBpT_Lz5YsdOkqNY01QZ9XwvI7ZNDF_L1Jm2-SY5eN_Ziq-mTgkQgTBlnJi1TP1fsUpz4dGFrSEvR7g/w200-h199/IMG_7953.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Title: Sense and Sensibility</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Jane Austen</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Rosamund Pike</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: I hardly feel like this classic tale needs a synopsis. Briefly, this story follows two sisters as they navigate the land of romance and society.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I wanted more after I finished Pride and Prejudice, so I decided to pick this one up. I was a bit disappointed, I just didn't enjoy it as much as I did Pride and Prejudice. That being said, I still liked it alright and am glad I read it.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 out of 5 stars<br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCPNIP3zR7Bqz5eKbK4ZBAcb8JJnEy1Mkb1A8IWXvj5o_vHXdUMaaLB02Hlb1t9oF5eXHLTu7iJv5pZhe7h5jivD81X0KxSGjkuCaFA59ogrWiA1kKv1BW9gt8Bh02qoqkTotWM5B6c8_cdKvQIJWmH29xMmASalw3Bp69K71Lltvm_GkGR4Klf7qiQ/s2048/02962A50-A685-4B20-9D25-F6E9F52F090D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCPNIP3zR7Bqz5eKbK4ZBAcb8JJnEy1Mkb1A8IWXvj5o_vHXdUMaaLB02Hlb1t9oF5eXHLTu7iJv5pZhe7h5jivD81X0KxSGjkuCaFA59ogrWiA1kKv1BW9gt8Bh02qoqkTotWM5B6c8_cdKvQIJWmH29xMmASalw3Bp69K71Lltvm_GkGR4Klf7qiQ/w200-h200/02962A50-A685-4B20-9D25-F6E9F52F090D.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Title: Heartstopper volumes 1 through 4<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Alice Oseman<br /><p style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: These graphic novels follow the stories of Charlie and Nick as they become fast friends and their feelings develop into something more.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I had a couple of these on my Kindle, which was handy while I was traveling. These were pretty easy, enjoyable reads and definitely cute and fluffy.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 out of 5 stars</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChvOvF7j4pLUrinH3ZSp9Y3pUxt_mGAyeIvneVIrFpshwCR7gRDArLyJB1Cr0wYDn3sC-YN4nqcEp8M-ihEySwbfAnnAeQ9k47HH3r9fnxi89g_FJAWkL45XPHaukbnKovh2l5-GcLrX1r7DdX3UFSsurzJEAPaqGgxH--v9gSJ3Km7G4mO4t0pxH1w/s1797/IMG_9009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1797" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChvOvF7j4pLUrinH3ZSp9Y3pUxt_mGAyeIvneVIrFpshwCR7gRDArLyJB1Cr0wYDn3sC-YN4nqcEp8M-ihEySwbfAnnAeQ9k47HH3r9fnxi89g_FJAWkL45XPHaukbnKovh2l5-GcLrX1r7DdX3UFSsurzJEAPaqGgxH--v9gSJ3Km7G4mO4t0pxH1w/s320/IMG_9009.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Title: The Extraordinaries</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: TJ Klune</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Nick is obsessed with the mysterious people in his city called the Extraordinaries. Motivated by his enormous crush on Shadow Star (the Extraordinary hero of the city) Nick decides to become an Extraordinary himself. His best friend (and maybe soulmate?) Seth, seems oddly on the fence about Nick's endeavors.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This had been sitting on my Kindle for a while and I read it while I was in Nepal. I LOVED this book. I swore I saw the plot coming and the twist surprised me. It was funny and clever and just so great. I can't wait to read the next book (whenever it comes out).</p><p style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6kbuKmfIILLCccEHL8BnpC9caNQe4_0-zgsztNCSAPXxDjXFxgDCpriwPdcGANcYQI59QTA71kGzfdcV1L91aoW1ljwxAFqRDk1Xrvnq8RMDEwn6Aq32qbE_vdr-W1xVluDfdLSU4ob1gvYxi-KoEW1_vh_8s5NoFMymMd0HVLES2hdmKc9O6Y9kRA/s1048/IMG_9272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="1042" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6kbuKmfIILLCccEHL8BnpC9caNQe4_0-zgsztNCSAPXxDjXFxgDCpriwPdcGANcYQI59QTA71kGzfdcV1L91aoW1ljwxAFqRDk1Xrvnq8RMDEwn6Aq32qbE_vdr-W1xVluDfdLSU4ob1gvYxi-KoEW1_vh_8s5NoFMymMd0HVLES2hdmKc9O6Y9kRA/w199-h200/IMG_9272.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>Title: When Harry Met Harry</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Sydney Smyth</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrators: Teddy Hamilton and Malcolm Young</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: When Harry first met Herryy (also called Henry by his friends), they couldn't stand one another. But their paths are fated to cross over and over again. Eventually they become friends but maybe they could be more.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I can't even remember how/when this book crossed my radar. But I have to say, I didn't love it. The first half to three quarters of the book was actually alright, but after that I seriously lost interest and I'm not really sure why. Maybe it just felt too drawn out and overdone.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Rating: 2 1/2 out of 5 stars<br /></p><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEIUDGfhsejdqNQ7-I4xtA-Q3aNcbLoF_Vq5qC3sziCBa8by54MBJuZo0VlakPoO2A0S1OIE4DDjBhf8NX6LMkuO3hsQ5YjmkwDFEh0jTBq0tIj78STPfkyBSX_vS4zUJG-nUS54UrtFW9AyNl5lhZ23CiXFmUtt6syw3nWLz6UgXZbVhViIlH29Q-w/s1767/IMG_9267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1767" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEIUDGfhsejdqNQ7-I4xtA-Q3aNcbLoF_Vq5qC3sziCBa8by54MBJuZo0VlakPoO2A0S1OIE4DDjBhf8NX6LMkuO3hsQ5YjmkwDFEh0jTBq0tIj78STPfkyBSX_vS4zUJG-nUS54UrtFW9AyNl5lhZ23CiXFmUtt6syw3nWLz6UgXZbVhViIlH29Q-w/s320/IMG_9267.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Pumpkin</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Julie Murphy</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Waylon is not the most subtle of gay teenagers. And being a fat, fairly flamboyant guy in small town Texas has its drawbacks. Just when it feels like Waylon's life is maybe falling apart, he discovers drag and that is just the outlet he needs.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: Another book that has been on my Kindle for a while. I enjoyed the first two books in the Dumplin' series, and it is probably no surprise that I enjoyed this one, too. Waylon is a great character to follow and it was a lovely story.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 1/2 to 4 out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAnNQveGqRE-IHUIjAhPihJHGVP_5e8gALw0U_jN91PZsI68-o9meTOu1rrVwTTXKy_kUIMVUFq4bjURH6rCK6lYxdH-N-WcZxIL5eO5KZyGxZknvInQ32D7vdynQTMY9M1Q-u6dUlqWAkarrQpENZ6CGXrB3aCD0Du8vbUe0NxrBg371PfgNbtS-Vw/s2048/78C5192E-7F86-40B5-8F94-499C015E451B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAnNQveGqRE-IHUIjAhPihJHGVP_5e8gALw0U_jN91PZsI68-o9meTOu1rrVwTTXKy_kUIMVUFq4bjURH6rCK6lYxdH-N-WcZxIL5eO5KZyGxZknvInQ32D7vdynQTMY9M1Q-u6dUlqWAkarrQpENZ6CGXrB3aCD0Du8vbUe0NxrBg371PfgNbtS-Vw/s320/78C5192E-7F86-40B5-8F94-499C015E451B.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Title: The Pandava Series</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Roshani Chokshi</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Soneela Nankani</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Aru Shah is the reincarnation of Arjuna from the ancient Mahabharata. Aru doesn't feel much like the ancient hero though. Through a series of events, she releases the Sleeper from his prison and kicks off the next big war. Aru, along with her sisters (the other reincarnated Pandavas) and their friends, have to stop the Sleeper and end the war.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I had to re-read the first four books since the last book was just released and I wanted everything fresh in my memory. I love these books. I love the mythology and stories and the characters are great: funny, flawed, and heroic. It makes me want to read the Mahabharata (and maybe the Bhagvad Gita) to learn more about the stories and characters referenced throughout the series. But I definitely recommend this series.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 out of 5 stars for each</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtl_XsNyk8N7ngsOovk8yZE1ZFYBNQTduVsnZtqzur8cLyFqhM4oG39mhjO_NpGO1L6xK9bFsHIspHG6KziVCWTOevSJklRpCmBX7JCpNEnkMXMDsGLV_0ahRKQm2rRPjQTCCpXZoBpDqucG4r0oJKPl79SC_4YzhKt9pQgDsdPmLEbQOTNe8bTibW8Q/s2048/042C1BCE-8F36-43F6-9A9B-7B5F56FE757D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtl_XsNyk8N7ngsOovk8yZE1ZFYBNQTduVsnZtqzur8cLyFqhM4oG39mhjO_NpGO1L6xK9bFsHIspHG6KziVCWTOevSJklRpCmBX7JCpNEnkMXMDsGLV_0ahRKQm2rRPjQTCCpXZoBpDqucG4r0oJKPl79SC_4YzhKt9pQgDsdPmLEbQOTNe8bTibW8Q/s320/042C1BCE-8F36-43F6-9A9B-7B5F56FE757D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Title: Wild Magic and Wolf-speaker</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Tamora Pierce</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: I'm sure I have reviewed these books before because I have read them countless times. But real quick, this series follows Daine who has lost her family and comes to Tortall. She finds that her "knack" with animals is actually wild magic. As she learns how to use her magic, Carthak is gearing up to go to war with Tortall.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: These are comfort books for me. I'm not sure why, but I had the urge to read them. I seriously have read them more times than I could count since I discovered them in middle school. And I love Numair, so there is that, too.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 out of 5 stars for each<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> <br /></p></div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite book read in April/May: The Extraordinaries probably takes the cake. Also the Pandava series.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Least favorite book read this month: When Harry Met Harry</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have read 33 books towards my goal of 60. According to Goodreads, I am 9 books ahead of schedule, so that is pretty great!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I finished another series that I wanted to finish this year: the Villains duology! I have completed most of the series I wanted to finish this year. The only other one I want to complete is the sequel to King of Scars.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for sticking with me, guys! Hopefully now that things are a bit more normal, I will get back into the blogging routine. And hopefully get up some other posts for real this time.<br /></div>Samarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116174456487594432.post-15329075985322590662022-04-02T21:07:00.000-07:002022-04-02T21:07:33.407-07:00March 2022 Wrap Up<p>The end of March sneaked up on me. I was not prepared for this blog post, so I am sorry about that.</p><p>March has felt insane. Work has been slower mostly, I don't have a lot of bench work right now, mostly paperwork and training some of our newer people. It is nice to be able to catch up on some things, but work goes by faster when you are busy!</p><p>Kevin and I have been trying to get ready for India. We still have some forms to fill out and submit and paperwork to print/copy, but it is coming together. And I think we have our pet care situation handled. That was stressing me out pretty badly for a while there. I'm so glad that I have made some friends here who are willing and able to help me. And I know that I can trust them.</p><p>I read quite a few books this month and they were all enjoyable! That was nice. Since I am running late on this blog post, I will try to keep them short.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cT_eP17Y7Dj-QfzdXqCudzHkI9bFcdVp5gtakt9iFCmE9iszuwfFnIwDaMGVUKlXUd2ot1ImUNUOJPQWgHEzJ1XTN5kqKAQm7ktTmdn6GLk2oImto0BN97d85eE1lcz9XXGOvMySr31sV9LCbFwv5pdH-xk2zr4BFvIp0bA3KAbu7z9VLEEThwOgaQ/s1064/IMG_7710.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="1064" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cT_eP17Y7Dj-QfzdXqCudzHkI9bFcdVp5gtakt9iFCmE9iszuwfFnIwDaMGVUKlXUd2ot1ImUNUOJPQWgHEzJ1XTN5kqKAQm7ktTmdn6GLk2oImto0BN97d85eE1lcz9XXGOvMySr31sV9LCbFwv5pdH-xk2zr4BFvIp0bA3KAbu7z9VLEEThwOgaQ/w200-h179/IMG_7710.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Once Upon a Broken Heart</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Stephanie Garber</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Rebecca Soler</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: In a desperate attempt to keep her love from marrying another, Evangeline makes a deal with Jacks, the Prince of Hearts. But the price he asks may change everything.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: When I finished the Caraval trilogy, all I really wanted was more about Jacks. I was thinking this would be more about Jacks' past, but it isn't, it follows the Caraval series. And I will take it. I will continue to read just for him.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 1/2 to 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlDOMvuaH1PjKxX9Q7g9bowIrItSgBimcFJMcSxuHAB9QuGufHSklGYtXuhPawr8WV0-YWKggEsXZbvuqzYpkQscYEstQOucdMnzAwUYrWFpkEhJS51j1Pb9lepXtz_itzVIMtoazHsMhJKzCBorhFIhk5RgpAVmCkQkb50UJSinD4dtlZlRMidYNww/s1049/IMG_7725.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="1047" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlDOMvuaH1PjKxX9Q7g9bowIrItSgBimcFJMcSxuHAB9QuGufHSklGYtXuhPawr8WV0-YWKggEsXZbvuqzYpkQscYEstQOucdMnzAwUYrWFpkEhJS51j1Pb9lepXtz_itzVIMtoazHsMhJKzCBorhFIhk5RgpAVmCkQkb50UJSinD4dtlZlRMidYNww/w199-h200/IMG_7725.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Bennet Women</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Eden Appiah-Kubi</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: L. Morgan Lee</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: A modern Pride and Prejudice retelling about three close friends at Longbourn University. EJ is an ambitious black engineering major who loves dance. Her best friend Jamie is a newly out trans woman studying French and theater. And Tessa is a Filipina astronomy student with boyfriend trouble. When Lee and Jamie start to fall for one another, EJ is stuck with Lee's best friend, Will and she could not be less thrilled.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I enjoyed this book a lot even though I had not actually read all of Pride and Prejudice. And while I didn't always love the story between EJ and Will, I did love the side story about Jamie and Lee!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfFqrAzr4a6MaVWdioU0sC5uT5FBMVi0ueWA05grkYLfHKUf2714vTTc_Rgy1FQng7FRXh1EvAFCKL4I70U6zohuFW6eXpv4hzcY75WyRh8MDzRDkhC-7fl1AtByfzOIQuNQDK5NTwKEEvtCvHnODcrQFQtercemyxaVgcfN1KN0_y2E_hQmr69G6Nw/s1032/IMG_7755.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="1028" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfFqrAzr4a6MaVWdioU0sC5uT5FBMVi0ueWA05grkYLfHKUf2714vTTc_Rgy1FQng7FRXh1EvAFCKL4I70U6zohuFW6eXpv4hzcY75WyRh8MDzRDkhC-7fl1AtByfzOIQuNQDK5NTwKEEvtCvHnODcrQFQtercemyxaVgcfN1KN0_y2E_hQmr69G6Nw/w199-h200/IMG_7755.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Pride and Prejudice</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Jane Austen</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Rosamund Pike</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: I think the classic story that is Pride and Prejudice needs no introduction.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I read about a quarter of this book many, many years ago but then my copy was destroyed by a leaking water bottle. But I finally read it and I absolutely loved it. I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfgWQ6MZHvqU8wGsyEVoki7y-VZCh5gcQIAI9M-FSNljZKla7yu3qTTxusKPeY8Zcq_X2950fIuY918-gLW_HycOni4cDqmyQYDEH290Q0EeG9qRMXkcDUevDLAGkM5dXwwVQ6muYe2KT77MObJsAzL_RpeTqVcb-BWTix_Lx3xGSxpD1haI09G2E6A/s1036/IMG_7780.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="1033" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfgWQ6MZHvqU8wGsyEVoki7y-VZCh5gcQIAI9M-FSNljZKla7yu3qTTxusKPeY8Zcq_X2950fIuY918-gLW_HycOni4cDqmyQYDEH290Q0EeG9qRMXkcDUevDLAGkM5dXwwVQ6muYe2KT77MObJsAzL_RpeTqVcb-BWTix_Lx3xGSxpD1haI09G2E6A/w199-h200/IMG_7780.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Five Dark Fates</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Kendare Blake</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Amy Landon</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: The conclusion to the Three Dark Crowns series! What will finally happen to the three (four?) queens of Fennbirn? Arsinoe is helping lead the rebellion to put Jules on the throne. Mirabella and Arsinoe have become close, but she leaves to try to save Katharine from herself. And Katharine, as the Queen Crowned and host to the dead queens is trying to keep her country safe and under her control.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: Admittedly, I put off reading this book for quite some time. I actually adore this series. Though I read them all really far apart from each other and really need to go back and re-read the whole series. I am just sort of obsessed with the Queens. And even though I should not like Katharine, I really do. The poisoners fascinate me as much as they repel me. And I love Braddock the bear. I'm glad that I finally read the conclusion. I am a little sad that it is over and that Fennbirn is forever changed. But Three Dark Crowns merchandise is always a favorite with me and I own an awful lot of it. I just can't help it!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7i-rJFiWnwBBBPNBbwXcZBlEtniG4Ebc6dN7BivjMaL7-CakuCil6saCDSYUhA1piY16JoPppD-UTx0BbUMzzEC3bf45J5h3cPxj6nzQ-tLpewNwazrb6RL63RnaOWliZ1-t8j8KqAuJCg3achagcrSsEHDJzF0hvipEW_JL-b4_Msku9vUBODjzG4A/s1033/IMG_7786.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1027" data-original-width="1033" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7i-rJFiWnwBBBPNBbwXcZBlEtniG4Ebc6dN7BivjMaL7-CakuCil6saCDSYUhA1piY16JoPppD-UTx0BbUMzzEC3bf45J5h3cPxj6nzQ-tLpewNwazrb6RL63RnaOWliZ1-t8j8KqAuJCg3achagcrSsEHDJzF0hvipEW_JL-b4_Msku9vUBODjzG4A/w200-h199/IMG_7786.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Penelopiad</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Margaret Atwood</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Laural Merlington</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: This is the classic story of Odysseus as told from his wife, Penelope's point of view. Penelope reflects on her life and story as she wanders the fields of Asphodel.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This book was recommended to me by a friend who always recommends great books. And I really enjoyed this story and Penelope's perspective. It is creative and well-researched. Definitely worth the read.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFcV52iustFVsv1LVHCC280FORkc--m6mkQAU1G9azTssLyS0yQWh8Ixu9Ck2SjhcIHUw704F4qf2N_4kC4rJGb4NckN8M3a9avoihWNvO_2vyDiemgcTmIOF0QLkRxdOpbNTghV-KBghXTQvkU7LzeGJDtcw_O_lV0VUbWQw3RDM4Rw_SlBVJ_-S3Q/s1038/IMG_7827.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1031" data-original-width="1038" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFcV52iustFVsv1LVHCC280FORkc--m6mkQAU1G9azTssLyS0yQWh8Ixu9Ck2SjhcIHUw704F4qf2N_4kC4rJGb4NckN8M3a9avoihWNvO_2vyDiemgcTmIOF0QLkRxdOpbNTghV-KBghXTQvkU7LzeGJDtcw_O_lV0VUbWQw3RDM4Rw_SlBVJ_-S3Q/w200-h199/IMG_7827.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Stone Sky</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: N. K. Jemisin</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Robin Miles</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: The final installment of the Broken Earth trilogy. The fate of the world and humanity is in the hands of Essun and/or her daughter, Nassun. Both have mastered the Obelisk Gate and have some conflicting information and views of how the world should be.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This is a series I have been meaning to finish for a while. The first book was amazing and I have enjoyed following the stories. The characters are so imperfect and different and it makes them all feel more real, I suppose. I was a little shocked about the ending with Essun and Nassun, but oddly actually pleased in the very end. Very good series, definitely recommend it!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6dNqkTqW4AZ4t1EgEKtaCHZqyoFndz3ZNd21WiQuKPuAOhT4zowlrQmZVeyuEcmsBTxwyV-t5eNUFSfzVyJQXieC736bJ2ATmosaZxKnd7R7ZVt5WrgTDoHkcHCVghgtwdIsjjmH64KD9Rgy_-V3mQHmmKsJDVIGHa-5Bf-Gebj7zsgRqgHhiyuPRg/s1608/IMG_7836.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1608" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6dNqkTqW4AZ4t1EgEKtaCHZqyoFndz3ZNd21WiQuKPuAOhT4zowlrQmZVeyuEcmsBTxwyV-t5eNUFSfzVyJQXieC736bJ2ATmosaZxKnd7R7ZVt5WrgTDoHkcHCVghgtwdIsjjmH64KD9Rgy_-V3mQHmmKsJDVIGHa-5Bf-Gebj7zsgRqgHhiyuPRg/s320/IMG_7836.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Prince and the Dressmaker</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Jen Wang</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Frances is a dressmaker who dreams of becoming a famous designer and dressmaker. Her unique designs gain the attention of Prince Sebastian who hires her. The prince secretly enjoys wearing dresses and Frances helps create his persona as Lady Crystallia. But the prince is afraid to let people know, which ends up keeping Frances from gaining the fame she deserves. But maybe these two friends can find a way to overcome all of the odds.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This graphic novel was recommended to me by a lady I used to work with and someone I follow on Instagram. I forgot my book when I had my hair appointment so I pulled this up on my phone Kindle app. It isn't very long and I finished it within a few hours. It was cute and gave me warm fuzzy feelings.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssPnBy889EZdTrsxjkSPAlQgDwAxRbhERU65rGS-lVLVIMmDvcxpJhoOGHmAuYN64lqsdp7yRgCyJrBSneDhoeCA7X0feWqLJ1Xi9h_B4Mtpuw2H_uuVsvK8sLP8-Pyt3C6zOlD0rp4hJG-VgZamxCcKVQgSyokfVL080Kt_g_UdZl2quotXWi4LhXw/s1045/IMG_7869.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="1045" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssPnBy889EZdTrsxjkSPAlQgDwAxRbhERU65rGS-lVLVIMmDvcxpJhoOGHmAuYN64lqsdp7yRgCyJrBSneDhoeCA7X0feWqLJ1Xi9h_B4Mtpuw2H_uuVsvK8sLP8-Pyt3C6zOlD0rp4hJG-VgZamxCcKVQgSyokfVL080Kt_g_UdZl2quotXWi4LhXw/w200-h199/IMG_7869.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Unravel the Dusk</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Elizabeth Lim</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Kim Mai Guest</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: This is the second book in the Spin the Dawn duology. Maia managed to sew the dresses of the sun, the moon, and the stars, but at a terrible price. When one of the magical dresses lashes out at the emperor's wife-to-be, Maia is forced to take her place while she recovers. But the bride's father eventually sees through her disguise. With the peace of her country in tatters and her humanity slowly draining away by the demon that possesses her, Maia will do nearly anything to save her country and the people she loves.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: In some ways I feel like each of these books had two separate parts and sometimes I forget the other parts. I can't describe it without giving things away, you will just have to believe me. Overall I enjoyed it, but for a while I felt like it was dragging and I just wanted to finish the book. But then something would take me by surprise and I would find myself tearing up at certain parts. I was more invested than I thought I was.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite book read this month: There were a lot of great ones this month. If I have to choose one, probably Pride and Prejudice</div><div style="text-align: left;">Least favorite book read this month: They were all so good, but probably Unravel the Dusk. <br /></div><p>I have read 15 books towards my goal of 60 books. According to Goodreads, I am one book ahead of schedule. Which is good since I don't know how much reading I will be able to do while we are on vacation. On that note, my next blog post will almost definitely be late. I apologize in advance.</p><p>There were several series that I wanted to finish this year. As of this month, I have completed almost all of them. The only series I have left to finish is the Vicious duology (and I am so close to finishing Vengeful). And I suppose the King of Scars duology. That was not originally on my list but I feel like I should add it. It feels good to have met some of my reading goals. I just have to figure out what I want to read next.<br /></p>Samarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116174456487594432.post-36255732856697253272022-03-02T20:09:00.001-08:002022-03-02T20:09:48.869-08:00February 2022 Wrap Up<p>February is sort of a special month. Kevin's and my dating anniversary is in February, which we like to celebrate. So we started dating five years ago as of the 12th. And life has not been the same since. I'm so lucky to have him in my life.</p><p>One sad thing was that we lost Hermes suddenly and unexpectedly near the beginning of the month. He seemed OK that morning and when I got home he was unresponsive. I tried to get him in to an emergency vet and they were either closed or wouldn't see an exotic. So I tried to keep him comfortable and I kept him with me. He didn't seem to be suffering much, which was good. It was mostly like he wasn't really there. He did cuddle and sleep with me for many hours and even boggled several times, which helped make my sad heart a bit happier. He went pretty quickly and peacefully around 2 or 3 the next morning. I'm glad that he isn't suffering anymore, but I miss him (biter that he was). He was the smartest rat I think I have ever had and I think if we'd had more time, we could have had a great connection. <br /></p><p>In other news, we are preparing for our India and Nepal trip. We leave in about a month and a half. Lots to do before then! I have never traveled so far for so long and I get anxious about what all needs to be done/packed/prepared. And leaving our home and fur babies is a whole thing, too. Luckily we have friends here to take care of things. That helps.</p><p>Work has been work. Sometimes it is great and I get to work with infectious diseases and I love that. Sometimes it is just rough. I can't figure out what I want to do when I grow up. The thought of going to med school still circles my head regularly, but it is such a huge, long commitment. I need someone to tell me what to do!</p><p>I didn't read as many books this month as I had hoped. I am still making progress on Vengeful (which is great but I have been lacking time/motivation to sit and read). I also managed to finish Winter after working on it on and off for about a year. I also listened to the Mysterious Island which was about 19 hours and some minutes long. I rarely listen to such long books, so that slowed me down. Anyway, lets focus on the books I managed to complete this month.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXXRhyvF54cy4X5qFFZmq3GLA07j3ken1k4HqseLyJTH80x4XGknhjA6H2ewD1Y4hkl9RUjBOIUyqaX-fqNK6UFVpMo1JDQZmkQl0_WrUWeqgcwS9Gk3W0SkKBRiyYQCgC2K9LGC-kjqjukUa8Urrqjcjy_ZavXdbXbRpkNTu5hK4jGq1uTRlt7nMEpA=s3845" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3845" data-original-width="2496" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXXRhyvF54cy4X5qFFZmq3GLA07j3ken1k4HqseLyJTH80x4XGknhjA6H2ewD1Y4hkl9RUjBOIUyqaX-fqNK6UFVpMo1JDQZmkQl0_WrUWeqgcwS9Gk3W0SkKBRiyYQCgC2K9LGC-kjqjukUa8Urrqjcjy_ZavXdbXbRpkNTu5hK4jGq1uTRlt7nMEpA=s320" width="208" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Winter</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Marissa Meyer</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Rebecca Soler</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: This is the last installment of the Lunar Chronicles. Princess Winter joins the resistance against her stepmother, Queen Levana. Together, they infiltrate Luna to try and put Cinder on her rightful throne. Will Cinder, Winter, Cress, and Scarlet manage to find their happily ever afters?</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: Don't let the fact that it took me over a year to finish this book deter you. It was a good book and I did enjoy it. I read the first half and then finished with a combination of reading and listening to the audiobook. I was definitely anxious for our heroes and rooting for the happy endings. This is a great series for sure.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8ewQTkoLNMYC1Ea5yauIwXT9zyoXIhdMS3nfyZ-TeUrnzsLAyRHPVOjbFJXjxyMSSU-p615C3vU0cADxKbuBLwmwbIB15y0AlfQ9SxZlMVerNSCZ-QMRXs4-e_WxlHuo0eA3e1W9I7ZlBpua39lQQt6388KMzbGRUqwpydH-vF1OO-GFIqJCJ-lAdzg=s1120" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="1120" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8ewQTkoLNMYC1Ea5yauIwXT9zyoXIhdMS3nfyZ-TeUrnzsLAyRHPVOjbFJXjxyMSSU-p615C3vU0cADxKbuBLwmwbIB15y0AlfQ9SxZlMVerNSCZ-QMRXs4-e_WxlHuo0eA3e1W9I7ZlBpua39lQQt6388KMzbGRUqwpydH-vF1OO-GFIqJCJ-lAdzg=w200-h194" width="200" /></a></div>Title: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Jules Verne</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: David Linski</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Synopsis: This is the classic tale of Captain Nemo and his legendary Nautilus. Aronnax along with his servant, Conseil, and fellow voyager Ned Land, find themselves aboard the almost magical submarine piloted by Captain Nemo. They spend months traveling the seas and seeing and learning new things. Despite the wonderful adventures, the three are determined to escape their captivity.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I wanted to read this after reading Rick Riordan's Daughter of the Deep. Because of that book, a few things were sort of spoiled, but it was still enjoyable to see where Rick Riordan got his ideas from. I enjoyed it. I did not like Ned Land (but didn't expect to after Daughter of the Deep). I was excited to learn that the name "Aronnax" came from this book.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTi5dsuHoPMt7EMal88VL1mY1DQA362X9XNHq98xzveMym3MkvNFzKt4Uha_48IX-4NaK_oY-Aa8LN2xB2BePztmWr0ylkS3BUbK8smKukEs8i6xCxI8lAEF8hH2gJEAbOn14Yy1SsP0SO4yfZ5dMqbM7uIgcFJGrBtWVBT2-Q5GI7l5vmhQr18JNXnw=s1044" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1038" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTi5dsuHoPMt7EMal88VL1mY1DQA362X9XNHq98xzveMym3MkvNFzKt4Uha_48IX-4NaK_oY-Aa8LN2xB2BePztmWr0ylkS3BUbK8smKukEs8i6xCxI8lAEF8hH2gJEAbOn14Yy1SsP0SO4yfZ5dMqbM7uIgcFJGrBtWVBT2-Q5GI7l5vmhQr18JNXnw=w199-h200" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Mysterious Island</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Jules Verne</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Berny Clark</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Five men captured by the south during the Civil War escape via hot air balloon. They get so blown off course that they crash land on an island in the middle of no where and have to find a way to survive. Due to their innovations, intelligence, and cooperation, they manage to make a good home. But one thing doesn't sit right. No other people have been found on the island, but some events transpire that they cannot explain.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: Again, reading Daughter of the Deep was a bit of a spoiler for this book. And despite its length and knowing how it (mostly) ultimately ended, I really enjoyed it. There were a couple of small parts I skipped (hunting scenes namely). But I generally enjoy survivor tales, I think, but I forget that and I think I need to be in the mood. But it was great and I was so glad to "see" Captain Nemo again.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite book read this month: they were all good for different reasons. If I had to chose, probably the Mysterious Island</div><div style="text-align: left;">Least favorite book read this month: none!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I have now read seven books towards my goal of 60. Goodreads says that I am two books behind schedule. Oh well. I will try to catch up. But I have managed to finish two series that I wanted to finish this year and I am working on Vengeful. I have a couple more series that I want to finish this year, but I am happy with my progress so far.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And I wanted to share a new discovery with you all. I started using an app called Finch which is a self-care app. And you have a little finch that you name and interact with. It's really interesting actually and I have been enjoying using it. And I hope others will check it out and also find it useful! It is free (but you can pay to unlock more features). The free version has been great though and it makes me reflect on things differently than I think I would otherwise because I am "interacting" with my finch. It has shifted my perspective a bit. Very cool, try it out. Maybe we can be friends!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for reading! Here's to a happy March!<br /></div>Samarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116174456487594432.post-37049266276601959102022-01-31T18:55:00.001-08:002022-01-31T18:55:46.856-08:00January 2022 Wrap Up<p>It is 2022!</p><p>I realized a week or so ago that maybe it wasn't good that I didn't really set goals for the new year. Aside from my goal to read 60 books.</p><div style="text-align: left;">So I decided I want to finish the following books in order to finish the respective series:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Winter</li><li>The Bronzed Beasts</li><li>Five Dark Fates</li><li>Vengeful</li><li>The Stone Sky</li></ul>I have already made some progress (as you will see). And while there aren't any formal goals aside from reading, I think it is better than nothing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">In the last couple of months I have started to see a counselor. It was determined several years ago that I have anxiety which has been pretty nicely under control due to my medication. Lately I have been experiencing pretty specific emotional issues and when I think about it, it sounds like a different manifestation of anxiety. And I think it was really triggered by my work/place of work. Unfortunately, I think it has changed me enough that this will continue to be a problem for the rest of my life, even after I leave this job (one day). So I started counseling. And that has been very good, I think. I still don't feel "better" per se, but I have learned more about myself and become a bit more aware of my thoughts and feelings. And my counselor recently suggested starting a vision board (or multiple, if that works). I have been looking into that, but haven't started anything concrete. I like the idea of them. And that is what made me think about setting goals and that maybe it was bad that I didn't set many.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I do still want to make some more disease posts. I haven't figured out which disease I want to cover yet, but I have a few top options. And I still have plans for some wedding posts that some people might appreciate. I will try to turn these into more concrete goals.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lets look at the books I finished this month.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMFEXrDdXJU5oE2kyZPVvphadY1fsUkmwwIZplYa_ib4AkI6nhTisaJiPZnjR75q2lips78tFFxDzOiF_yNJL-e73lmE96au8qwsy_m3ManqWzyO8_2h4PGGFgbPPduDFk-Idyidc3iCwX24dgnLU6AKaNfUHFY9mwu_QAdcgCEWaIWAS-4ftzZ-ou2g=s1043" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="1038" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMFEXrDdXJU5oE2kyZPVvphadY1fsUkmwwIZplYa_ib4AkI6nhTisaJiPZnjR75q2lips78tFFxDzOiF_yNJL-e73lmE96au8qwsy_m3ManqWzyO8_2h4PGGFgbPPduDFk-Idyidc3iCwX24dgnLU6AKaNfUHFY9mwu_QAdcgCEWaIWAS-4ftzZ-ou2g=w199-h200" width="199" /></a></div>Title: Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow<div style="text-align: left;">Author: Jessica Townsend</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Gemma Whelan</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis:
Morrigan is now a scholar at the Wunderous Society. All the time she
had been dreaming of her unit becoming her allies, like brothers and
sisters. But life is not so easy. Someone is blackmailing her unit and
the members of her unit resent Morrigan for it. Meanwhile, people are
disappearing all around Nevermoor and the few that reappear are forever
changed. Morrigan must unravel the mystery and try not to alienate her
unit at the same time.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts:
This was a re-read. And I still love these books. They are so good and fun and well-written. I
absolutely adore Jupiter North, I think he is hilarious and wonderful.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlupv9plAtOfbG1uPlNUXrYTvG3TTfz1kzAqre6PSbFeE0zgwfUcpkEEElHUxy-Oe6j4ltpAxC-Eh9r4FR9jdoGkb-CpWkLQ_8MKcdp_I6pmy9j6DBZKPMfFuHvatzKE-yznSD1avGxGoD/s1042/IMG_4239.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1041" data-original-width="1042" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlupv9plAtOfbG1uPlNUXrYTvG3TTfz1kzAqre6PSbFeE0zgwfUcpkEEElHUxy-Oe6j4ltpAxC-Eh9r4FR9jdoGkb-CpWkLQ_8MKcdp_I6pmy9j6DBZKPMfFuHvatzKE-yznSD1avGxGoD/w200-h200/IMG_4239.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Jessica Townsend</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Gemma Whelan</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis:
Morrigan is finally training to be a real wundersmith. In the meantime,
a mysterious disease is sweeping through Nevermoor that turns Wunimals
into Unimals. No one is able to prevent or cure the disease that leaves
the Wunimals hollow. Morrigan realizes that it might be up to her to
stop it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: The first book and this one are my favorites so far. I love the story and characters and I absolutely cannot wait for more!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 out of 5 stars</div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5CdyF84jG9VdOTLa4hbQlAuA3Cau-8aSA6QoTFMYNENl9tXj6jj0T0f0AVSs_1lySvQa1kVI03EUHSRoTv3IzVRKW_xnX7NUQPlQZYV1aN22Mwi0b6mhaEfWT341Y88VgAH7nFGc0t0NR1qAQIqiStxcHLr64ciC07Ze6ZkKdJLrH4c4XxqvrPAtPbA=s1042" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1042" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5CdyF84jG9VdOTLa4hbQlAuA3Cau-8aSA6QoTFMYNENl9tXj6jj0T0f0AVSs_1lySvQa1kVI03EUHSRoTv3IzVRKW_xnX7NUQPlQZYV1aN22Mwi0b6mhaEfWT341Y88VgAH7nFGc0t0NR1qAQIqiStxcHLr64ciC07Ze6ZkKdJLrH4c4XxqvrPAtPbA=w200-h200" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Daughter of the Deep</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Rick Riordan</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Soneela Nankani</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Ana Dakkar is attending an elite school: Harding-Pencroft Acadamy. Their studies focus on the ocean, marine life, manning ships, exploration, and more. When she and the rest of her freshman class leave the school for their weekend trial at sea, something destroys her school and (likely) all of the other students including her older brother, Dev. With their one faculty member and rivals from Land Institute after them, they set course for the Mysterious Island and Ana's ideas of fact and fiction get turned upside-down.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I am not sure why I waited so long to read this. When have I NOT loved a Rick Riordan book? It was great, I loved it. I think it is a stand-alone book and I hope he will write more like it. And I have never read 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea or the Mysterious Island, but I want to now!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6MPd_YNQzzY1srgJ7E9ijPo6eidVOeScmO_NjdJyPFqA-WNMWRYXmIOi5EnX3kvVtpdbS3lYEQl4bJRsYXtzKm3k3jGxeTEguM84vwvJ9HRERMYVV0cg5Nsx9rJgI6fD-5a_dT_oBb4gXrYnwDRexn4sHphznIHqG8LwE4-4lR5gXe-gcLgUbQ7dX9Q=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6MPd_YNQzzY1srgJ7E9ijPo6eidVOeScmO_NjdJyPFqA-WNMWRYXmIOi5EnX3kvVtpdbS3lYEQl4bJRsYXtzKm3k3jGxeTEguM84vwvJ9HRERMYVV0cg5Nsx9rJgI6fD-5a_dT_oBb4gXrYnwDRexn4sHphznIHqG8LwE4-4lR5gXe-gcLgUbQ7dX9Q=w200-h200" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Bronzed Beasts</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Roshani Chokshi</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrators: Laurie Catherine Winkel and P.J. Ochlan</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: After <span id="freeText3527589499965339970">SĆ©verin seems to betray his friends and team, he is whisked away to Venice to find the temple in which he can play the lyre and grant Ruslan godhood. With only a few hints about where they need to meet </span><span id="freeText3527589499965339970"><span id="freeText3527589499965339970">SĆ©verin, Enrique, Hypnos, Laila, and Zofia have to find him and the temple. And time is running out, especially for Laila who only has days left to live.</span> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I'm glad I finally finished this trilogy. It was creative and interesting and I really enjoyed it. I couldn't help but love the characters and be invested in their stories. And it was a good conclusion to the series.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite book read this month: Daughter of the Deep<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Least favorite book read this month: honestly none of them <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have now read four books towards my goal of 60. I have already started Vengeful (and am really enjoying it so far) and I am newly committed to finishing Winter. I've been in such a reading slump. Starting books and never finishing them, nothing holding my interest. Vengeful has been the first book in a very long time that I have just wanted to sit and read for hours.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And generally life is pretty good. I'm still working to better socialize our newer rats. Aside from Hermes (who bites), they are doing alright and are spoiled. Poseidon is still hanging in there with no medical issues that we have seen. He is now my oldest living rat. Sprite may have been about this old, but she had many, many health issues. Poseidon is still moving around and eating and being his adorable, sweet self.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The cat is a monster still. I call him the worst cat ever.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Married life has been good so far. We are only three months in, but it has been lovely.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And otherwise I work a lot, which is mostly good and sometimes less good. But I am glad that I have a job and I am glad that I am getting a lot of different experiences. I think this job has done wonders for my lab skills. And I am even more glad for my team of ladies who have also become friends. I love that I get to work with them and spend time with them.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One last thing. Can we talk about Encanto? It might be my new favorite. I adore it and watch it waaay too much. I listen to all of the songs and spend too much time thinking about the movie.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9EnBzIVCBV1sXaOmbkI53ZYz0wVYmD9be6KH7KMSG-3FmYSFkeB0w0gLlK3EjG3hh4z6GgB2iBAz3vtG621Qq5nPDaOr7cXiEI_f-ZTA-lqS7-yL5IaP-D32X9beYTDtgW0SH9LnrSbNh4Bxs3l243HbpL5CLUDVnYvhvwyTF7YSfOdtgbSK5twrBEQ=s1298" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1298" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9EnBzIVCBV1sXaOmbkI53ZYz0wVYmD9be6KH7KMSG-3FmYSFkeB0w0gLlK3EjG3hh4z6GgB2iBAz3vtG621Qq5nPDaOr7cXiEI_f-ZTA-lqS7-yL5IaP-D32X9beYTDtgW0SH9LnrSbNh4Bxs3l243HbpL5CLUDVnYvhvwyTF7YSfOdtgbSK5twrBEQ=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image from <a href="https://movies.disney.com/encanto" target="_blank">Disney: Encanto</a></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Anyone have thoughts about the colors the family wears? I noticed it on Pepa's side because they all wear yellow, but I couldn't figure out why that was. Until I finally realized that Julieta's family wears blue. Except for Isabela, which is what threw me. She wears pink (though it looks kind of blue in shadows). But who else wears pink? Abuela. Isabela is supposed to take over her role. But near the end when she gets her power back, she dyes her dress different colors, but mostly blue. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLzuUrWxx4yE5avM0V8mpPLGT4isNSDpe5IzGlANVH_lbieu_ASMiBqqj22crdeG4zRc4bLTJxopD6HWFHNgTkEKGxu7APbuvxFqLU7dKYx5thef0Wb7ep_bokzraxdQBAHYwzw1J9CGZ0cWfO4x9rxQBg0lbikZxgcu6Mz0WWUc5Wp8TX1NBxLrAvzQ=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLzuUrWxx4yE5avM0V8mpPLGT4isNSDpe5IzGlANVH_lbieu_ASMiBqqj22crdeG4zRc4bLTJxopD6HWFHNgTkEKGxu7APbuvxFqLU7dKYx5thef0Wb7ep_bokzraxdQBAHYwzw1J9CGZ0cWfO4x9rxQBg0lbikZxgcu6Mz0WWUc5Wp8TX1NBxLrAvzQ=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image from <a href="https://www.slashfilm.com/750190/the-best-moments-in-encanto-ranked/" target="_blank">Slash Film: Encanto</a></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table> </div><div style="text-align: left;">And the triplets wear the same colors they wore as babies! That helped clue me in. I am not sure what the significance is, but I think it is interesting. And probably significant that Mirabel has different colored embroidery on her outfit. My guess is that her "gift" is bringing the family together and she will take over Abuela's spot. Technically, Abuela doesn't have a gift either; she was given the miracle, but not magic. So Mirabel is like her. And are her green glasses significant? Green is Bruno's color.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Also, I love Pepa. She is a bit nuts and I adore it as well as her husband! And I am very fond of Bruno. I'm sure that has nothing to do with all of the rats that he keeps around... Camilo is hilarious, I never get enough of his parts. I love that Dolores knew that Bruno and the rats were around. Kevin and I love all the capybaras (we call them capyboppys because of the book Capyboppy by Bill Peet). The characters are all so interesting, it's great. I don't know how you can NOT like them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And did everyone notice Bruno (or Camilo disguised as Bruno??) in the background when Dolores sings her part in We Don't Talk About Bruno? I keep meaning to check if he is lurking any other time, but I keep forgetting and end up just watching the movie.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Anyway, random thoughts that I wanted to get down. Maybe others will weigh in and share thoughts, too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for reading!<br /></div>Samarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116174456487594432.post-22349601525953915832022-01-01T17:30:00.000-08:002022-01-01T17:30:30.144-08:00December 2021 Wrap Up<p>We made it to the end of another year. But everything feels so different with covid, right? I feel like time passes differently. </p><p>It's been a busy month: end of Hanukkah, birthday, Christmas, and the New Year. I thought a bit about New Year's resolutions, but I may forgo that this year and stick with a few personal goals with no pressure. I will set a reading goal. I managed to get through 58 books this year, even with wedding planning and so on. My 2022 goal will be 60. I will adjust it (up or down) if I feel like I need to.<br /></p><p>My other reading goal was to finish/continue some series that I haven't gotten around to yet. I managed to read Silvered Serpents and the Obelisk Gate to continue those series (maybe I can finish them this year). I read the Night of the Dragon and finished that series. I started reading Winter at the beginning of the year and haven't managed to finish it... not because it isn't good, I just haven't been feeling it. I wanted to read Vengeful, which is still high on my list once the new year starts. And I seriously need to finish the Three Dark Crowns series. I love the books, I think I am just scared to read the last one. <br /></p><p>And I decided I am actually going to put together some DIY wedding posts. I have remained part of a couple wedding planning groups on Facebook and I actually have helpful information, apparently. I will get to work on those in the new year, too.</p><p>Another goal will be to get at least a couple new disease posts up. It has been a while and I do so love infectious diseases!<br /></p><p>And December is the time for holiday reads! And I have a whole list of ideas for holiday reads and I read none of the ones on my list because I just wasn't feeling them, but that's alright. I'm a big mood reader and this year it has been extra hard to read books I am not in the mood for. So here are the books I read this month.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNOjBqgDn2x3EJeF0M4pxF7fb0Z_MPQj6AgS80KOZ_1iDa9QxpQqSeUrBodk_pvg83-YbRG1fAp1yz25K-bU9oSm8Le9fbCQRHIBovsVyE5hig8zrIoOWsztG8L7HfN_E8Do-tuOPRqWsudDctkgAPL9weTkhgyMroAqNurdpJU7gW8E7TijgaISvfuw=s1030" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="1030" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNOjBqgDn2x3EJeF0M4pxF7fb0Z_MPQj6AgS80KOZ_1iDa9QxpQqSeUrBodk_pvg83-YbRG1fAp1yz25K-bU9oSm8Le9fbCQRHIBovsVyE5hig8zrIoOWsztG8L7HfN_E8Do-tuOPRqWsudDctkgAPL9weTkhgyMroAqNurdpJU7gW8E7TijgaISvfuw=w200-h199" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Landline</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Rainbow Rowell</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Rebecca Lowman</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: (Copied from last year's post.) Georgie
loves her husband, Neal. And she know he loves her. She's pretty sure,
anyway. At the last minute, her job requires her to stay in LA to work
and Neal takes their daughters to Nebraska for Christmas. Georgie all
but moves back in with her mother, who thinks Neal left Georgie, though
Georgie argues that this is not true. Desperate to connect with her
husband, she keeps calling but can never get through. Until she tries
her old yellow rotary phone in her childhood bedroom to call Neal's
landline. And she gets through! To Neal in the past, during the
Christmas week he had broken up with her and gone to Nebraska alone.
Georgie hadn't talked to him the whole week, but he showed up to propose
on Christmas morning. But now she is talking to past Neal. Is she
supposed to change something? Fix something?<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I still love this book. It is one of my very favorites. I usually cry all the way
through the last few chapters and it makes me hopeful, I think. I just
love it so very much. After I finished listening to it, I read/listened to some other books and then turned around and
listened to this one again... So technically, I read it twice this year. I did that last year, too. I'm not sure what that says about me, but oh well.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 5 out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNxiZzZR30j2NulbsOB__EvdrVvkhBsQZxb-GGOySVingAxZzXjlLsauak3Atd_zh69HdGKGmAUKxg3VYvCmIrDBL2NyIwIwBTeeocUiOOVDIweV4M5M4B7E1ZRmeFAF-hdQ4dwKEXpf2m-9tmq2Qr7IPSO1v5VhQ9lcz95DITDsMoqws_Zj_X4Gqjlg=s1015" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1011" data-original-width="1015" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNxiZzZR30j2NulbsOB__EvdrVvkhBsQZxb-GGOySVingAxZzXjlLsauak3Atd_zh69HdGKGmAUKxg3VYvCmIrDBL2NyIwIwBTeeocUiOOVDIweV4M5M4B7E1ZRmeFAF-hdQ4dwKEXpf2m-9tmq2Qr7IPSO1v5VhQ9lcz95DITDsMoqws_Zj_X4Gqjlg=w200-h199" width="200" /></a></div>Title: A Christmas Carol<div style="text-align: left;">Author: Charles Dickens</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Tim Curry</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: I don't think I need to describe this classic! Christmas ghost story. A bit spooky and otherwise lovely.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: One of my annual re-reads. I still love it and I still imagine the characters as Disney mice and ducks. And Tim Curry's narration is just awesome, I highly recommend it.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXINbkbO_sKvQQYhJIeQqsxixlUKRmnprgKVK9yMej46mkruMzmkqQkuwemlJJ6ZekI4P4tq4mpbT9tcJEH2yoVm2ok8-RJr8n3arAczXg4mRuFBaBeUjOH32jhZw3WQy-15O6ZJm4swG9HvCreCFUkYgrUDXO6Hl4LDFX81t379qW8h75IWzz6rZTzQ=s1045" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1045" data-original-width="1036" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXINbkbO_sKvQQYhJIeQqsxixlUKRmnprgKVK9yMej46mkruMzmkqQkuwemlJJ6ZekI4P4tq4mpbT9tcJEH2yoVm2ok8-RJr8n3arAczXg4mRuFBaBeUjOH32jhZw3WQy-15O6ZJm4swG9HvCreCFUkYgrUDXO6Hl4LDFX81t379qW8h75IWzz6rZTzQ=w198-h200" width="198" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: If the Fates Allow</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Rainbow Rowell</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Rebecca Lowman<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: In the midst of the Covid pandemic, Reagan prepares to spend Christmas with her grandpa. She is great at social distancing and has made sure she couldn't expose her grandpa. Maybe if they can spend Christmas together with grandma's traditional Jello salad, things will feel normal again.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This is a short story that Rainbow Rowell released this year. I enjoyed it (even if the idea of Jello salad horrifies me). It was a nice, short holiday read.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJP8pCkuDSvu35POY2Roeir4FHjpRXj12Htb0aCZW_5cPbsw-d3MHOQtgF34U65iUlx7Mn3d4r6HaRkLuAM2q4cuBZueHvW5jU6aCmZ-T6UjoeqxPAvMYmUNxImwZncaDBpZfPVFlx3d5h2HQR7EfUs7VttYVj4sRa15Nycgr-APHZ9iZ7gKIIuZ32hQ=s992" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="992" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJP8pCkuDSvu35POY2Roeir4FHjpRXj12Htb0aCZW_5cPbsw-d3MHOQtgF34U65iUlx7Mn3d4r6HaRkLuAM2q4cuBZueHvW5jU6aCmZ-T6UjoeqxPAvMYmUNxImwZncaDBpZfPVFlx3d5h2HQR7EfUs7VttYVj4sRa15Nycgr-APHZ9iZ7gKIIuZ32hQ=w200-h199" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Christmas Every Day</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Beth Moran</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Helen Keeley</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Jenny's life has just taken an extreme turn for the worst so she decides to start over. She has inherited her grandmother's cottage in a remote village. And she certainly has a project on her hands to make the cottage livable. Meanwhile, she tries to make friends with the locals, including her handsome and cranky neighbor.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This was actually better than I thought it would be. And while I cared little for the main romantic story line, I did like Jenny's friendship with Mack and I enjoyed the side characters.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 out of 5 stars </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfHIqptqaut5FlaA_BUqjJwY34Ry31H3dxqxKm0QQQNbS1QP6mbU5iLhfAMg8f53zDJncdj2QtSsUnDPdhrDXu2psW4wiRbxo4rO3n68slwfGPjD4X85B4JRMtLDodd_0ZWchSG_001gDQ71x3UQgXeKt7Suqh05vQNdJVqdvEj8CF0OCKVp1jzKY8mg=s1007" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="999" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfHIqptqaut5FlaA_BUqjJwY34Ry31H3dxqxKm0QQQNbS1QP6mbU5iLhfAMg8f53zDJncdj2QtSsUnDPdhrDXu2psW4wiRbxo4rO3n68slwfGPjD4X85B4JRMtLDodd_0ZWchSG_001gDQ71x3UQgXeKt7Suqh05vQNdJVqdvEj8CF0OCKVp1jzKY8mg=w198-h200" width="198" /></a></div>Title: The Trials of Morrigan Crow<div style="text-align: left;">Author: Jessica Townsend</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Gemma Whelan</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Synopsis: Morrigan Crow is a cursed child, doomed to die by her twelfth birthday
and blamed for any and all bad things that happen anywhere near her.
Just before she is due to die, she is rescued by the eccentric Jupiter
North who spirits her away to Nevermoor. Once she arrives, Jupiter
enters her into a competition to enter the very prestigious Wonder
Society. But she doesn't even know what her knack is. But she knows that
if she doesn't get in, she is as good as dead.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts:
This was a re-read. I was going to try to wait until 2022 to re-read these books, but I was impatient. And I still loved it. It was unique and fun and kept
me interested the whole time.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZ52IR9loB_3PhxA_szBGxU3-tJSuZKLMPWQVJUMQzxIEkwTHvew9xTW464SdQRplO-MlG5aage9fuKngvqCK5Llrpv_55BeBMIgU6DRtZPxAL7GVABx_woo3_Avnr6H4yURSXwblgDj2UnLyZI-18psc4Z4NSt4GT1stWSEfyT59iyXNNw0cmuwf5xQ=s3713" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3713" data-original-width="2414" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZ52IR9loB_3PhxA_szBGxU3-tJSuZKLMPWQVJUMQzxIEkwTHvew9xTW464SdQRplO-MlG5aage9fuKngvqCK5Llrpv_55BeBMIgU6DRtZPxAL7GVABx_woo3_Avnr6H4yURSXwblgDj2UnLyZI-18psc4Z4NSt4GT1stWSEfyT59iyXNNw0cmuwf5xQ=s320" width="208" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Fire Rose</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Mercedes Lackey</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: A twist on the Beauty and the Beast story. Rosalind Hawkins is a recently orphaned and destitute scholar recruited by reclusive rail baron Jason Cameron to read and translate obscure books for him. But then Rose starts to wonder if all this magic the books talk about might actually be real.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I loved this book when I was younger and had not read it for nearly 10 years. It is still not the best and a bit contrived. Once I get into the story it bothers me less. But it is still kind of a fun take on the beauty and the beast tale.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 out of 5 stars<br /></div><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite read this month: Landline (always)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Least favorite read this month: probably the Fire Rose</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And now on to the new year. I hope it will only get better.<br /></div>Samarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116174456487594432.post-64261744560904634552021-11-30T20:46:00.001-08:002021-11-30T20:46:56.285-08:00November 2021 Wrap Up<p>November felt so fast. Probably because the first part of the month was finishing wedding things and going on our honeymoon. And then my October wrap up being sooo late. I will try to be better from now on.</p><p>But our honeymoon to Hawaii was lovely! We got to see a ton of things on Oahu. Saw a bunch of different beaches and areas of the island, the Dole plantation, Disney Aulani resort, sea turtles, and so much more. It was great and coming back to real life was hard.</p><p>We have now been married for a month! Had our first married Thanksgiving together, just the two of us. That was also very nice. He's my favorite person and being married to him has made me very happy. We finally ordered and got our thank you cards so we need to work on getting those out soon.<br /></p><p>I managed to read a fair number of books. I have felt a bit bummed because I just haven't found a book to read (a physical book) that I LOVED in a long time. It has made me feel discouraged. I have soooo many books that I haven't read and some of them seem good, but nothing has really sparked my interest. I have picked up several and none have held my interest. I guess I am in a rut. I hope I will find something to get me out of it soon.</p><p>Here are the books I managed to finish this month. All audio books.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89lI3vH23JnZ6WJbSTP_eSwDCA60G9YbSZEAkvdARzbQ55-25OJ6rYPn0fTTM1mAWJRsh7bTak8P5scCASkr_JizroTOmbkSwC2MgRx_kSyqOl1Qrif_vI2XmEAZMo0u5W_AMcABb7D5D/s2048/F82F80DB-B8F2-4363-B565-7653875D2265.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89lI3vH23JnZ6WJbSTP_eSwDCA60G9YbSZEAkvdARzbQ55-25OJ6rYPn0fTTM1mAWJRsh7bTak8P5scCASkr_JizroTOmbkSwC2MgRx_kSyqOl1Qrif_vI2XmEAZMo0u5W_AMcABb7D5D/w200-h200/F82F80DB-B8F2-4363-B565-7653875D2265.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Frontier Magic trilogy</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Patricia C. Wrede</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Amanda Ronconi</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: This series follows Eff, the unlucky thirteenth child. Her twin brother, Lan, is a lucky seventh son of a seventh son. Lan is a natural magician and powerful. Eff is afraid of her magic hurting someone when she "goes bad." So Eff's magic develops a little bit differently, but it gives her a unique perspective that, turns out, is just as important as Lan's.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I have read these books many, many times. They are old favorites, old friends. And comfort books. I can't explain it, but I just adore this series.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEms10IxsIH21P_4aV2xIumA3AiW7ksBgijgBAPdc_IuBzpR4ivrUJlRVoTLZ3R47b2I5_FaP8jB6HVsG3GSQD-S1YymYpRWfDk3RIFp4AZ2tuDEeHCx0S7nM6rFN24Dsb2cT9yJlaM2BR/s1041/IMG_7001.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1030" data-original-width="1041" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEms10IxsIH21P_4aV2xIumA3AiW7ksBgijgBAPdc_IuBzpR4ivrUJlRVoTLZ3R47b2I5_FaP8jB6HVsG3GSQD-S1YymYpRWfDk3RIFp4AZ2tuDEeHCx0S7nM6rFN24Dsb2cT9yJlaM2BR/w200-h198/IMG_7001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Charm Offensive</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Alison Cochrun</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrators: Vikas Adam, Graham Halstead, and Cassandra Campbell</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: (Copied from my review in September) Charlie is a socially awkward,
anxiety-riddled wealthy and eligible bachelor who agrees to be on a
dating reality show to help improve his public image. Dev is a huge
romantic and it has been his dream to work with the reality dating show
Ever After. Despite his lack-luster romantic life, he really believes in
true love. And then he is promoted to being Charlie's handler for the
show. And Dev has his work cut out for him getting Charlie to be the
prince he is expected to be. After spending some (awkward) time
together, Charlie realizes that his chemistry with Dev feels like so
much more than his chemistry with the 20 women on the show. Dev agrees,
but his career and heart are on the line. Can they find happily ever
after?<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I just had to re-read this again. But I loved this book just as much the second time. And if you want to know more, you can read my review from September.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoVqVcw1zcICwm-amSdwqrgNZPkBya6GpLiQ45Wr4M7SZOAOa1iIUzcIio8Sx9CBZGqJ6JUZha6dFvs7dLA-gxmhPGprg6CoXkRbjz1GhGbioY9yc0_E4ZWoQQlRnQqkUKVA3FBkavyEa/s1024/IMG_7064.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1020" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoVqVcw1zcICwm-amSdwqrgNZPkBya6GpLiQ45Wr4M7SZOAOa1iIUzcIio8Sx9CBZGqJ6JUZha6dFvs7dLA-gxmhPGprg6CoXkRbjz1GhGbioY9yc0_E4ZWoQQlRnQqkUKVA3FBkavyEa/w199-h200/IMG_7064.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Boyfriend Material</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Alexis Hall</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Joe Jameson</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: (Copied from my review in March) Luc has to clean up his image
fast or risk losing his job. He needs to be seen with a nice, normal,
appropriate boyfriend. Enter Oliver, a serious, ethical barrister with a
squeaky clean record. The two enter an agreement to be fake boyfriends
as it will be mutually beneficial. And then real love happens.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I generally love the fake dating trope. This was yet another re-read. And I still loved it and thought it was sweet and funny!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6La04k90u9da-JSCdisVTs_VpiCpZVUVqufsBxj4d7psJXgb3oIf4BrGOuy2mz_G0-ldBWumGnYfSHGuj9n2XUHYz6gJnY_ODXdYPq0BvB05WKBCrqI6zNA81dqNqrXlHr78bRDXOL9P/s1033/IMG_7109.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1027" data-original-width="1033" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6La04k90u9da-JSCdisVTs_VpiCpZVUVqufsBxj4d7psJXgb3oIf4BrGOuy2mz_G0-ldBWumGnYfSHGuj9n2XUHYz6gJnY_ODXdYPq0BvB05WKBCrqI6zNA81dqNqrXlHr78bRDXOL9P/w200-h199/IMG_7109.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Love Hypothesis</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Ali Hazelwood</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Callie Dalton</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: PhD candidate Olive is in a weird position. She needs a boyfriend, or a fake boyfriend, ASAP in order to convince her best friend, Anh, to date Olive's ex (who Anh really likes). The only man at hand, however, is Dr. Adam Carlsen, notoriously unapproachable and harsh. Luckily for Olive, Adam needs to convince the administration that he isn't going to leave Stanford any time soon and having a girlfriend will help him look more settled. So they fake date. And of course, real feelings happen.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: Fake dating trope, need I say more? That's sort of my thing I guess. As a scientist myself, I enjoyed the science parts. I really enjoyed the book overall. My only complaint was that it felt like the ending fell really flat for me but I can't put my finger on why exactly. But it was happy and fluffy and definitely worth the read!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite book read this month: geez... since I mostly re-read favorites, nearly all of them?</div><div style="text-align: left;">Least favorite book read this month: none, really. I guess the Love Hypothesis only because it has a slightly lower rating, but not because it was bad and I didn't enjoy it. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have read 50 books towards my goal of 50! Yay! Maybe I didn't need to lower my goal as badly as I thought. So now I am ahead of schedule for my 2021 reading goal and I will see how many books I get in and plan next year accordingly.<br /></div><p>And now it is December! Hanukkah has already started, but I always enjoy Hanukkah and "lighting" my menorah (they are electric tea lights...). Then my birthday and Christmas. Kevin and I will be going out to visit his family in Connecticut for a few days over Christmas, which will also be nice. I love December. And I love holiday reads. Especially Landline (which I believe I read twice in a row last year...). Anyone else have exciting holiday reads planned?<br /></p>Samarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116174456487594432.post-83076311403462993492021-11-14T20:51:00.000-08:002021-11-14T20:51:21.162-08:00October 2021 Wrap Up<div style="text-align: left;">I really had the best of intentions. This post was nearly finished before I went out of town for our wedding. I also hoped to finish it while I was out of town (which was so silly in retrospect). Then I even took my laptop on our honeymoon thinking I could do it then. And I didn't even look at my computer the whole time we were gone. And getting back into town threw me right back into a crazy work week. So I'm sorry this is so very late.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">My main life updates were all wedding related. I think I will put together a short blog post to share a few things about that if I can. <br /></div><p>But here are the books I read in October. Spooky reads are the best reads. Also, I read almost NONE of the spooky reads I posted in my last blog post. Oh well. I just wasn't feeling them I guess. But despite my busy month with wedding things, I read many more books than I have the rest of the year. I caught up with my reading goal and then some.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_Ftw2AXNdlg78PFY4t9DQOn-JaKXuu-5BRu8Z8rxikbfr9xlEeKevZZjLDxbnfMGNB2sR5ro6DvrlSgiNtf_TNm_h7LR-CkUALi_eHKoFE5G6LN63KsfUB8YgnXqynIJXLpLVLHyEd0Z/s1017/IMG_6273.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="1005" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_Ftw2AXNdlg78PFY4t9DQOn-JaKXuu-5BRu8Z8rxikbfr9xlEeKevZZjLDxbnfMGNB2sR5ro6DvrlSgiNtf_TNm_h7LR-CkUALi_eHKoFE5G6LN63KsfUB8YgnXqynIJXLpLVLHyEd0Z/w198-h200/IMG_6273.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Mystery of Mrs. Christie</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Marie Benedict</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Nicola Barber</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: In early December, 1926, Agatha argued with her husband and disappeared the next day. Her car was found abandoned and there was a large manhunt in order to find her. But she did not appear until nearly two weeks later at a spa with, apparently, no recollection of what had happened. This story takes a spin on the true story. What if she did know what she was doing in order to expose her husband and maintain her reputation?<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I found this book a bit ago and just thought it sounded interesting. And maybe a good way to get into spooky season: with a little mystery. I have not read anything by Agatha Christie, but I am hoping to do so. I also know next to nothing about her or about her life. But this was a great story and definitely makes you wonder about what really happened!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkEOV5qdIJm0ih9SQ-Jv0b7CI3-OmDD8C6U6l17yzh7KX8Lg8NLsgQ08Ozt5r3oRL7vNu627bI2ruf0tMddRhtcIWw-cY-ZqtuaVl31t7Hr7cPj3Oc1c8Qk2FCvKZUVl55Fag0nJUdKOL/s1017/IMG_6345.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1003" data-original-width="1017" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkEOV5qdIJm0ih9SQ-Jv0b7CI3-OmDD8C6U6l17yzh7KX8Lg8NLsgQ08Ozt5r3oRL7vNu627bI2ruf0tMddRhtcIWw-cY-ZqtuaVl31t7Hr7cPj3Oc1c8Qk2FCvKZUVl55Fag0nJUdKOL/w200-h198/IMG_6345.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Title: Night Shift Witch</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Cate Lawley</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: April Doty</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Synopsis: Star was just hired onto the night shift of a funeral home. But right when she starts, a body comes in and the man had been murdered. And he was not actually human. Star has to use her witch-y powers and friends to help solve the mystery.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This popped up in a audiobook sale notification I get, and it sounded good so I went for it. It was much shorter than I was expecting which made it feel a bit rushed and almost anti-climatic. And some parts were repetitive. However, I generally enjoyed the story.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 2 1/2 to 3 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbQYe6E9r9UQMSMsYnYOErVhFNMLop1SRRiTBPnQX-EoVtnIqHJCZftN9y3dwbi9RBzaEMts-yakgg0Md9O1Rj9jQenmZGEKfsQ4cvZqNnIojo8oY7cIDHPapsIfhPo5fjjSRAIHv7GN5/s1033/IMG_6272.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1030" data-original-width="1033" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbQYe6E9r9UQMSMsYnYOErVhFNMLop1SRRiTBPnQX-EoVtnIqHJCZftN9y3dwbi9RBzaEMts-yakgg0Md9O1Rj9jQenmZGEKfsQ4cvZqNnIojo8oY7cIDHPapsIfhPo5fjjSRAIHv7GN5/w200-h199/IMG_6272.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The World of Lore, Dreadful Places</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Aaron Mahnke</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Aaron Mahnke</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Aaron Mahnke is the host of the podcast "Lore." In this book he explores a bunch of different haunted places. What happened to make them haunted and what have people experienced? <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I have heard of the Lore podcast but it always sounded too scary for me. When I saw this book, I thought that maybe this would be OK. It was certainly interesting and enjoyable, but there were some parts that scared me. And some parts that horrified me and made me gasp and/or cover my mouth. Despite my not going for scary things, this one was alright.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKpkrj_TDyreo3n_PLcgZb_XBGxVyxbGZpjFZun6QZ-YpLU5VO24iIbOM0liYnLe7lPvFub19UettUMkfn-3DHrOsgoEoLWSCXdcf4rc3G5NLpkIEs3Aff-mEcrm6HOs49D91Rr3miPLD/s1594/IMG_6364.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1594" data-original-width="1125" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKpkrj_TDyreo3n_PLcgZb_XBGxVyxbGZpjFZun6QZ-YpLU5VO24iIbOM0liYnLe7lPvFub19UettUMkfn-3DHrOsgoEoLWSCXdcf4rc3G5NLpkIEs3Aff-mEcrm6HOs49D91Rr3miPLD/w141-h200/IMG_6364.jpg" width="141" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Pumpkin Heads</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Rainbow Rowell</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Deja and Josiah are best friends and now high school seniors. Which means this is their last year working at the pumpkin patch together. It is their last night and they set out on an adventure. Deja wants to try all of the foods she never has been able to eat and she is determined that Josiah finally talk to his long-time crush.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This was a cute, fun story. And an easy read. I love Deja's focus on food! And I thought it was funny every time Deja changed Fudge girl's name.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMdHctbJ_Pn-NrBx7MZ4vnomdqvMysbl3WyNSznYo3JguOC8aziPeqk5loxr4u315HlZQuznOqkcvRWBimrmWEib-_urxN_7OlnFF4ibP3SSCFfoHX9GejNdWSHE4F81jwaqcF8i3c_mU/s1030/IMG_6458.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1030" data-original-width="1023" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMdHctbJ_Pn-NrBx7MZ4vnomdqvMysbl3WyNSznYo3JguOC8aziPeqk5loxr4u315HlZQuznOqkcvRWBimrmWEib-_urxN_7OlnFF4ibP3SSCFfoHX9GejNdWSHE4F81jwaqcF8i3c_mU/w199-h200/IMG_6458.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Not Your Average Hot Guy</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Gwenda Bond</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrators: Graham Halstead and Karissa Vacker</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Callie has been left in charge of her family's escape room for the weekend along with her brother and best friend. She is expecting a quiet weekend when cultists show up to use an escape room prop to summon a demon. Meanwhile, Luke is the heir to Hell and doesn't quite measure up. In an effort to raise his standing, he allows himself to be summoned in the place of a demon. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This was the October selection for the Happy Endings Book Club from Nowhere Bookshop. Since I adored the last book, I decided to read this one, too. It was alright. I did not love it as much as the last book, but there were enjoyable parts. And I really liked how the escape rooms factored in because I love a good escape room!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP17ZA7i1bSDQOVUg973kNGm7J8zr971P8s_AoXZufeEM3GnMj6iunLwylSL0RMC5uzpWg6GGU2zBDCSzI6kmjEo8wEV2SlZN8WYaAxo2byVKvgrli6gUkf8TmA0LEz5P_OuAaMIS7JFzS/s2048/IMG_6516.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1292" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP17ZA7i1bSDQOVUg973kNGm7J8zr971P8s_AoXZufeEM3GnMj6iunLwylSL0RMC5uzpWg6GGU2zBDCSzI6kmjEo8wEV2SlZN8WYaAxo2byVKvgrli6gUkf8TmA0LEz5P_OuAaMIS7JFzS/s320/IMG_6516.heic" width="202" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Ghost and Mrs. Muir</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Josephine Leslie</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Recently widowed, Mrs. Muir sets out to find an affordable house for herself and her family. And she finds the perfect house. Except it is haunted by the former owner, Captain Gregg. She makes a deal with him in order to live in the house, but they eventually become friends and companions through life's hardships.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I absolutely love this book. This is not the first time I have read it. And I'm sure I have reviewed it on my blog before. I love the movie, too, but the book is different and I love it at least as much.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 5 out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkxHsvgo0DnOCVAjShAUsRJkv8jrfWrNB6TaDqnODDkqJ2nV5jtyCplGwLq6CSK1H0pVwNqH6CMbAu6esyCWziRkq8AH2KDr1cw-Ze5Q7wJJaJ0HvzjAd5gtGD4KVsv1PHexpzzlDcT91/s1049/IMG_6577.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="1039" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkxHsvgo0DnOCVAjShAUsRJkv8jrfWrNB6TaDqnODDkqJ2nV5jtyCplGwLq6CSK1H0pVwNqH6CMbAu6esyCWziRkq8AH2KDr1cw-Ze5Q7wJJaJ0HvzjAd5gtGD4KVsv1PHexpzzlDcT91/w198-h200/IMG_6577.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Ex Hex</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Erin Sterling</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Caitlin Davies</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: After young Rhys breaks 19-year-old Vivienne Jones' heart, Vivi and her cousin cast a drunken curse on him. But they are pretty sure it didn't actually work. Fast forward about a decade. Rhys has to return to Graves Glen to represent his family since his ancestor founded the town. But when everything seems to start going wrong, Vivi and Rhys have to figure out how to fix it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This book was very hyped and I've sort of been in the mood for more romantic or romantic comedy stories. So I picked it up. I have to say, I did not love it. Some things felt too contrived for me mostly. It was fine as witchy romantic books go though, if that is what you are in for.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 2 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcnXsNusPXeIG1Xjfr2Cw4Pan936iS1gKwZn_uHxD1aBuy1Ldr60w3odB5P-xEflKg10p0sqMKx6MrhC8t-4-JdNCyo3g71JYw5HnZaAvOvrqkEThyphenhyphenbENZy6PHNdemFzWL1x2Z6X7FIi4/s978/IMG_6603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="975" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcnXsNusPXeIG1Xjfr2Cw4Pan936iS1gKwZn_uHxD1aBuy1Ldr60w3odB5P-xEflKg10p0sqMKx6MrhC8t-4-JdNCyo3g71JYw5HnZaAvOvrqkEThyphenhyphenbENZy6PHNdemFzWL1x2Z6X7FIi4/w199-h200/IMG_6603.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Anna Dressed in Blood</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Kendare Blake</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: August Ross</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Cas inherited a special knife and a special profession from his father. He hunts and kills ghosts. Namely those ghosts who have legends about them and who have taken many lives themselves. His hunt leads him to a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood. But for the first time, Cas finds a ghost who is unlike many he has encountered. For one, she knows she is dead and he sees that she is not completely in control of her actions. She kills any person who enters her house. Except for Cas. So he sets out to figure out why.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I haven't quite finished Kendare Blake's Three Dark Crowns series, but I have enjoyed them so far, so I figured I would give this a try. It was interesting and occasionally very gruesome. I also had many suspicions, some of which were correct but many of which were not, so that made it intriguing. And I won't lie, there were a couple of parts that really got me. I was creeped out by a couple of things for sure. I think if you read it, you could probably guess the big ones. It was a good spooky read for the season though!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGnpd2_uczyEqww514dVP1eCzFcusy_FW6LKNw26CE5LEQppHRu4SwiRyBS7INkl2tNj82F8s33NcHNVM49O6Q03ci2nkB4sbK6rQbKW8eXByGe8zwHzn-PuJCYaGt9IOnPhUoWv3bqpu/s1027/IMG_6601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1027" data-original-width="984" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGnpd2_uczyEqww514dVP1eCzFcusy_FW6LKNw26CE5LEQppHRu4SwiRyBS7INkl2tNj82F8s33NcHNVM49O6Q03ci2nkB4sbK6rQbKW8eXByGe8zwHzn-PuJCYaGt9IOnPhUoWv3bqpu/w192-h200/IMG_6601.jpg" width="192" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Night Circus</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Erin Morgenstern</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Jim Dale</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: The Night Circus is a completely unique, magical experience, like no circus you've ever seen. For one, it is only open at night. Second, it moves all over the world and you never know where it will be next. Behind the scenes of this amazing place is an intense competition going on between two magicians: Marco and Celia.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I have read this book a few times now and I'm sure I have other reviews lurking around on this blog. But I just adore this book and I would love nothing more than to visit the night circus! While Celia and (especially) Marco's stories are of less interest to me, I love just about everything else about this book. And I always cry at the death of one (rather minor) character. I love the magic and the story and the fun of this book.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 5 out of 5 stars <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite book read this month: Does the Ghost and Mrs. Muir count? Or The Night Circus?<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Least favorite book read this month: Probably have to say Night Shift Witch or the Ex Hex<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have read 44 books this year towards my goal of 50. After being behind nearly all year, I managed to get about two books ahead of schedule in October despite wedding preparations.<br /></div><p><br /></p>Samarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116174456487594432.post-33285414513909138542021-10-02T10:28:00.000-07:002021-10-02T10:28:27.266-07:00September 2021 Wrap Up<p> September was a pretty exciting month.</p><p>I got to have my bachelorette party with all my bridesmaids who definitely spoiled me. On the Friday evening we all got in, we just hung out, had some snacks and drinks, and talked. On Saturday morning we had breakfast and most of the girls tried on their dresses. They all picked infinity dresses and were toying with different ways to tie and wear them. Then we grabbed lunch and did an escape room at <a href="https://www.coescape.com/" target="_blank">Colorado Escape</a>. We did the wizard themed room. It was very fun. We finished with seven minutes left on the clock and only had to get a few clues. After that we went to a wine tasting at <a href="https://www.water2wine.com/denver/" target="_blank">Water 2 Wine </a>and that was fun and we had some great wines! That evening we played MASH in the hotel room and then got ramen for dinner nearby.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TQSqv4NJvzGPkoYdPDV0veDMJye9J8_16HcKoyPmbd9oHwSk7eUdxESNKPWd3jQAM4Pv-fCno988eqOfLdUeHsFEoNz0xKQFE78GUkTwZFDkfiLGRiXFgLS5ycxz_jhQ-2BBhBMLpSlO/s2048/0A835BC7-5DC2-4E17-8A3A-28BA34760AD0.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TQSqv4NJvzGPkoYdPDV0veDMJye9J8_16HcKoyPmbd9oHwSk7eUdxESNKPWd3jQAM4Pv-fCno988eqOfLdUeHsFEoNz0xKQFE78GUkTwZFDkfiLGRiXFgLS5ycxz_jhQ-2BBhBMLpSlO/s320/0A835BC7-5DC2-4E17-8A3A-28BA34760AD0.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt49PBZ2Ii9kxsoO6C9VF8n-LYjZRJTvukEejG187mPcW4DaDptejhyT504gerImZILi_2bFlmtyvmVdoa7kfmtLjqEDTHwhb4gXHk_f6yDWypMwOrza3XhIQrBl7VeL2-oOO68zEuSc8x/s2048/IMG_6171.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt49PBZ2Ii9kxsoO6C9VF8n-LYjZRJTvukEejG187mPcW4DaDptejhyT504gerImZILi_2bFlmtyvmVdoa7kfmtLjqEDTHwhb4gXHk_f6yDWypMwOrza3XhIQrBl7VeL2-oOO68zEuSc8x/s320/IMG_6171.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Sunday was my bridal shower. My mom and bridesmaids arranged all of this. We had tea at the <a href="https://www.boulderteahouse.com/" target="_blank">Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse</a>, which was lovely. Had some good tea and food. And almost everyone invited was able to come! I was so happy to see my friends and family and I felt very spoiled.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuqgcpX7c5NaWN7FxJNx2_PdkQMhn0VqpsojCzgKo35mh03_2t80dPdLcsqxSar2mGoYgtFEmNitsAgyvVE32hkbgaORyVWSo1XKsYHeTl-Fyk00wVdVEXqz-N2Kf-upE7WKjcDOWy_Zb/s1124/IMG_6172.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="1124" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuqgcpX7c5NaWN7FxJNx2_PdkQMhn0VqpsojCzgKo35mh03_2t80dPdLcsqxSar2mGoYgtFEmNitsAgyvVE32hkbgaORyVWSo1XKsYHeTl-Fyk00wVdVEXqz-N2Kf-upE7WKjcDOWy_Zb/s320/IMG_6172.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8HRiljvlfnXURBB50xC1Aln8E_-dNnkuRKKg6NbhefUvlTdM9BEyrf8OV1Y_f4-sUXBCzewNu_rZQEhW8ogy9rmDnh7bYT7q3zSLWXgTFUdkeX7tNyqWmiS1LVZx1Ho_qmODFP5UanWA/s1125/IMG_6173.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1125" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8HRiljvlfnXURBB50xC1Aln8E_-dNnkuRKKg6NbhefUvlTdM9BEyrf8OV1Y_f4-sUXBCzewNu_rZQEhW8ogy9rmDnh7bYT7q3zSLWXgTFUdkeX7tNyqWmiS1LVZx1Ho_qmODFP5UanWA/s320/IMG_6173.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <p></p><p>So that was a pretty great weekend. I was sorry for it to come to an end. Then Kevin and I got to go back to attend a friend's wedding, which was also great. It was nice to see a few of my old Idexx friends and it was just a nice time overall.</p><p>Kevin and I are starting to get down to the wire on wedding planning ourselves. Our venue needs our final headcount and we need to arrange the catering when we have that, too. Our music planner is due very soon so we have been working to get that done and submitted. After that, the photography planner and bar information are due. And I think that will be about it. I still have plenty to do though and am starting to feel a bit nervous. But I am excited for the wedding and the short honeymoon. I am excited to marry Kevin, who is the best guy I have ever met in my life.<br /></p><p>Here are the books I managed to read in September.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcr8Wr8PcudQMd3YZCePJ9l9yk5aMZPRcnemkqxsT6zw_sRJDV0XCei9vyON8ABF6RSNdoY32-xkrc1T3B6t_u-J05LQeGxd2ZQxVotMWWwQsl5kg-17hmkZ8bKvLaxeHcjTCVV_PIwb4/s1018/IMG_6188.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1011" data-original-width="1018" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcr8Wr8PcudQMd3YZCePJ9l9yk5aMZPRcnemkqxsT6zw_sRJDV0XCei9vyON8ABF6RSNdoY32-xkrc1T3B6t_u-J05LQeGxd2ZQxVotMWWwQsl5kg-17hmkZ8bKvLaxeHcjTCVV_PIwb4/w200-h199/IMG_6188.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Yes No Maybe So</div><div style="text-align: left;">Authors: Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrators: Tiya Sircar and Michael Crouch</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Jamie is very interested and involved in politics. He would like to be a politician one day. If only public speaking and speaking to strangers didn't make him so awkward and nervous. Maya is having a rough time. It is Ramadan, but her best friend is slipping away from her and her parents are separating. Through a series of events, Maya and Jamie end up canvassing neighborhoods together to support a local politician. But they grow closer and the political climate starts to become more personal and important than ever before.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This had been on my TBR for a little while. And since I apparently only want to read contemporary rom-com books, I decided to listen to it. It was very cute and I enjoyed the political aspects of the story.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnbrR_d24u7R1Xmr0OH8hO7vfawIQP2EcPv74IeobHNOrBAqhmc2I7F5xd3ji66HHcl9JJCaN1HR8oFiogtMowUZe_Sv0mEqkvFMtjLeS2zu1WIN-zQvScgV4zI69X9t6rorlbCkX9juJ/s1037/IMG_6237.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1032" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnbrR_d24u7R1Xmr0OH8hO7vfawIQP2EcPv74IeobHNOrBAqhmc2I7F5xd3ji66HHcl9JJCaN1HR8oFiogtMowUZe_Sv0mEqkvFMtjLeS2zu1WIN-zQvScgV4zI69X9t6rorlbCkX9juJ/w199-h200/IMG_6237.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>Title: The Charm Offensive</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Alison Cochrun</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrators: Vikas Adam, Grahm Halstead, and Cassandra Campbell</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /> Synopsis: Charlie is a socially awkward, anxiety-riddled wealthy and eligible bachelor who agrees to be on a dating reality show to help improve his public image. Dev is a huge romantic and it has been his dream to work with the reality dating show Ever After. Despite his lack-luster romantic life, he really believes in true love. And then he is promoted to being Charlie's handler for the show. And Dev has his work cut out for him getting Charlie to be the prince he is expected to be. After spending some (awkward) time together, Charlie realizes that his chemistry with Dev feels like so much more than his chemistry with the 20 women on the show. Dev agrees, but his career and heart are on the line. Can they find happily ever after?<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This was the book of the month for the Happy Endings Book Club that Jenny Lawson and her bookstore, <a href="https://www.nowherebookshop.com/" target="_blank">Nowhere Bookshop</a>, picked out. I was vaguely thinking about joining the book club but wasn't sure that romance books are really my jam so I just wanted to sort of participate. I saw this was the first pick and got the audio book to try it out. But I loved this book. It was cute, sweet, and so fluffy. I finished it and just wanted to turn around and read it all over again. But spooky season is coming so maybe it will be my first read after Halloween is over! But I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved this book. Even though the smut is still not really my thing, it was such a good book that I didn't even mind!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxMUjFEt9OSJUpdBh5aUGqSToqcKnolGsSfUUcw4ftyiyPECDt0BPPg2LE8Z2jQVm7S3uLXfLUJDz6j_2lrgGBa3EHfuDASlwNfGTfBuN8N7IQrKJAxl-A6ikHeqEoTAdtl9CgIqSuGiV/s1029/IMG_6277.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="1022" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxMUjFEt9OSJUpdBh5aUGqSToqcKnolGsSfUUcw4ftyiyPECDt0BPPg2LE8Z2jQVm7S3uLXfLUJDz6j_2lrgGBa3EHfuDASlwNfGTfBuN8N7IQrKJAxl-A6ikHeqEoTAdtl9CgIqSuGiV/w199-h200/IMG_6277.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>Title: From the Desk of Zoe Washington</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Janae Marks</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Bahni Turpin</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Synopsis: Zoe just turned 12, practically and adult, right? Her dream is to be a baker and she would love to go on a kids' baking show and show the world what she has to offer. But on her birthday, she receives a letter from her father in prison. She has never met him and her mom does not like to talk about it. But she is 12, and she decides she is old enough to know her father and she writes back. When he tells her that he is innocent, Zoe puts everything on the line to figure out the truth.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I know this was targeted toward a much younger audience, which may have made me enjoy it a bit less than I may have otherwise. But it was still a good book. I like the way it addressed systemic racism without it being the entire point of the story. It made it this problem obvious, relatable, and understandable because of the way this book was written, but the characters were very much their own, real people with real lives. And it was a very good and nice story. It makes me believe that good really can win.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4XCs1c3uR1IbRqlxMGRiHmVq06j3rCCr2g2TMHb_-_RjVqlYHU1_w4HsO9Kjg7VipURap9gG9AL2A8lacSI8G7igqnlp-ErU5lxrHZ65OOsU42Qm8bIWVjere4dbcZLGmcFZfIgkhzc8/s1042/IMG_6271.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1038" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4XCs1c3uR1IbRqlxMGRiHmVq06j3rCCr2g2TMHb_-_RjVqlYHU1_w4HsO9Kjg7VipURap9gG9AL2A8lacSI8G7igqnlp-ErU5lxrHZ65OOsU42Qm8bIWVjere4dbcZLGmcFZfIgkhzc8/w199-h200/IMG_6271.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>Title: The Graveyard Book</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Neil Gaiman</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Neil Gaiman</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis and thoughts: I am going to skip this for this book because I have read it every year for... well, many years. I adore this book, I re-read it every fall. This is what helps start my Halloween season. I can't get enough of this book and I cry like a baby at the end every single time. There is also a brief synopsis and review on my Goodreads if you are interested.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite book read this month: The Charm Offensive or the Graveyard Book (obviously)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Least favorite book read this month: I suppose my least favorite was From the Desk of Zoe Washington, but it was a good book still. I read good books this month! I love it when that happens.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have read 35 books towards my goal of 50 for this year. I will try to pick up more next month since it is Halloween month. Usually I can catch up to goals in October, but I'm not sure if I can with the wedding. And it is very possible that my October wrap up post will be quite late. You know, wedding and all. I apologize in advance. I will post a wrap up early if I can.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy spooky season everyone!<br /></div>Samarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116174456487594432.post-64942227815267255672021-09-23T19:06:00.001-07:002021-09-23T19:06:25.193-07:002021 Spooky Reads<p> Alright! It is that time of the year! The best time of the year and the time for spooky reads!</p><p>Here are my goals for this spooky season. Or maybe not "goals," these are all audio books that I already own that are at least a bit spooky. I will just pick them as I feel like. I only really have time for audio books these days so those are the only ones I have included this year.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHMiuXj7cdIXfjYbm2qc-_Jsbq2FIDoeMAY9OQZVFomrHDiukF7nZ4InyAwwXPTx67BLUxGLrvr2cgBN9JfYaWGwm9Knyi4noECXb9J5wuECf2fZEJLBkb70T-Bv2ZoBTcaU60fdVPOLF/s2048/E9CBA27A-586B-401F-B95B-F20A1AC98552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHMiuXj7cdIXfjYbm2qc-_Jsbq2FIDoeMAY9OQZVFomrHDiukF7nZ4InyAwwXPTx67BLUxGLrvr2cgBN9JfYaWGwm9Knyi4noECXb9J5wuECf2fZEJLBkb70T-Bv2ZoBTcaU60fdVPOLF/s320/E9CBA27A-586B-401F-B95B-F20A1AC98552.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeg9Tn38ZY-mcKlS88OkQWqLj6_y4BxMxaTazZPW_OoxjaTdC2Npzm1Aspdy7DyjeiMD-7IycOuRVyLAMSlw96IBibCjOOZPp-6nuy3CFEaxoYKrAawkCmw4GbLYiEbNMT1MmcTdUUhTFB/s2048/614FDEC5-8902-4254-92C3-B34EC73BC818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeg9Tn38ZY-mcKlS88OkQWqLj6_y4BxMxaTazZPW_OoxjaTdC2Npzm1Aspdy7DyjeiMD-7IycOuRVyLAMSlw96IBibCjOOZPp-6nuy3CFEaxoYKrAawkCmw4GbLYiEbNMT1MmcTdUUhTFB/s320/614FDEC5-8902-4254-92C3-B34EC73BC818.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, of course, will be read. I actually am nearly finished with it already. I love it so much.</p><p>There will also be a spooky book coming in the September Owlcrate. I don't know what it is, but I want to read it! Last year's was pretty good so I have pretty high hopes. This is the only physical book I plan to read, but I do have a couple of others if I have time and the mood strikes me.<br /></p><p>We have some Halloween decorations out. We might take it a bit easy this year since we are trying to finish up wedding planning.</p><p>Anyone else have spooky reads for this year? Any books to recommend to me? As long as it isn't very scary, I'm game!<br /></p>Samarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116174456487594432.post-23152714545160540872021-09-11T11:12:00.003-07:002021-09-11T11:12:59.167-07:00August 2021 Wrap Up<p>August went so fast. I was not at all prepared for this blog post. Which is why it is so late. Sorry about that.<br /></p><p>The wedding is only two months away! We are trying to get everything squared away. I feel like there is so much to do, but I don't know what all those things are.</p><p>September has been exciting so far. I will tell about my bachelorette party and bridal shower in the September post! And we get to go to a friend's wedding this month. And maybe I will have a couple of good stories at the end of September.</p><p>This month I got to have tea with my lady scientist friends at work which is always lovely. We have done this a few times and its fun to get dressed up and hang out outside of work. And the tea and food is always delicious.<br /></p><p>I took Poseidon to the vet for some skin issues he was having that seem to be doing better now. And Hephaestus was neutered this month. I hope that will help the new boys calm down. But I might need to have Eros neutered. <br /></p><p>I actually got through quite a few books this month, so lets talk about those. Sorry for the not-so-great reviews. I decided to sacrifice some quality in order to get this post up sooner. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XVhot0gefqHEyisYNAweJ2wTzYsvJu2r346YhshChGqwuOpiXjU1Bdu7TmJKlGbZxs_mwcx1jqVcFZNIAMt9H1UjAbuOI5MPn23KJyIN5I6zs49-zKtBiQ__Rd3r9QSo8R7DxG0HeXM2/s1056/IMG_5937.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1054" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XVhot0gefqHEyisYNAweJ2wTzYsvJu2r346YhshChGqwuOpiXjU1Bdu7TmJKlGbZxs_mwcx1jqVcFZNIAMt9H1UjAbuOI5MPn23KJyIN5I6zs49-zKtBiQ__Rd3r9QSo8R7DxG0HeXM2/w199-h200/IMG_5937.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Get a Life Chloe Brown</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Talia Hibbert</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Adoja Andoh<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Chloe is chronically ill which makes having a life difficult. She decides to come up with a list of things she should do in order to feel as if she has really lived. And her apartment handyman, Red, gets enlisted to help her, though they seem to be complete opposites.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: Chloe was my favorite of the Brown sisters and this book was my favorite of the three. I'm not big on reading the smut portions, but I really enjoyed everything else! It was sweet and cute and made me feel warm and fuzzy.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbAB3PkDi84n8kzXvvZJHSmopXuMQksV3XcsI23RkfAuy1zhC7YtukYa8dzR3pOvnYMDzqMhmdipFGmRqifISXs_PrCz64W27B6oz2Ejy2cYR1BXhGEqM2qqVij8Adwr-94wKU1VQad8AB/s1042/IMG_5980.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1029" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbAB3PkDi84n8kzXvvZJHSmopXuMQksV3XcsI23RkfAuy1zhC7YtukYa8dzR3pOvnYMDzqMhmdipFGmRqifISXs_PrCz64W27B6oz2Ejy2cYR1BXhGEqM2qqVij8Adwr-94wKU1VQad8AB/w198-h200/IMG_5980.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Act Your Age Eve Brown</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Talia Hibbert</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Ione Butler</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Eve has had a difficult time finding her place in the world and her purpose in life. Faced with being disowned if she doesn't get her life together, she sets out to get a real job and decide what to do with herself. She ends up taking a job as a chef at a bed and breakfast owned by a prickly and finicky man named Jacob. But this job and place might just be the best fit.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I didn't love this one. I'm not entirely sure why. Again, the smut didn't appeal to me. But I was interested in the autism aspect of the story. It was alright overall, but this may have been my least favorite of the three books. But who doesn't love a happy ending?<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQcvWlYIZ3FICziJm22H56uFF3GyLXnpQ93sGCceBIuRyKY529a5-OG0u5WhhR0ho8gsqTZtTEf3lhX_oBaNEWlcTUiHHDmeXy2qp3L1kyOdlDhTSJQ-2HVoCiB-LKnKZ1IYaXkkfOZu2/s1041/IMG_6015.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1041" data-original-width="1034" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQcvWlYIZ3FICziJm22H56uFF3GyLXnpQ93sGCceBIuRyKY529a5-OG0u5WhhR0ho8gsqTZtTEf3lhX_oBaNEWlcTUiHHDmeXy2qp3L1kyOdlDhTSJQ-2HVoCiB-LKnKZ1IYaXkkfOZu2/w199-h200/IMG_6015.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Celtic Mythology</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Philip Freeman</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Gerard Doyle</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: This is a collection of gods, myths, and heroes from Celtic mythology. But very little is actually known of their whole culture. This book pieces together some of the stories and characters from ancient Celtic times.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This book was just interesting and fun. I listened to it but I wish I had the physical book in front of me as the names were way beyond me. I wish I could have seen the spelling and the names as I listened. It was informative and neat to listen to. Definitely recommend if you are into mythology.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJHxC666rEsVr_ca3delQn6kfk9jgE0bCclNBP3-QrneEbIlvWw0nLziT1gr8WC4bRcSA_WhT5XeH5-rag5u2KGH7KorLOn81KyFMC4Bm20UKNANiqUrOQunK8c_2WlogPKv7dNr_t2nH/s1023/IMG_6070.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="1018" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJHxC666rEsVr_ca3delQn6kfk9jgE0bCclNBP3-QrneEbIlvWw0nLziT1gr8WC4bRcSA_WhT5XeH5-rag5u2KGH7KorLOn81KyFMC4Bm20UKNANiqUrOQunK8c_2WlogPKv7dNr_t2nH/w199-h200/IMG_6070.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Friend Zone</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Abby Jimenez</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrators: Teddy Hamilton, Erin Mallon</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Kristen is her best friend's maid of honor in her upcoming wedding. And Kristen is determined to make it memorable. And then the best man, Josh, moves into town and the two start to fall for one another. But Kristen has a secret that is a deal-breaker for Josh. Can love overcome such differences?<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I started this book and then stopped. It took a while for me to get into. Parts of it were good and interesting and sad. Other parts I guess I just didn't care for. Some things felt a bit forced maybe? Or maybe this just wasn't meant to be a winner for me. Overall it was still a decent read.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLjw9Xct_RF34cvTwewPgieDuW-7xP_o2WhyphenhyphenF_3Iet3_XMsarKLUzJNak80HqQng5GPqQn4nXazMl1L6MftWRGVO68R5UycwCPkF-YR1h8w6-d8G6xz3TKGvdM9-RaklZ0B5Rp8PlYY1q/s1027/IMG_6147.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="1027" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLjw9Xct_RF34cvTwewPgieDuW-7xP_o2WhyphenhyphenF_3Iet3_XMsarKLUzJNak80HqQng5GPqQn4nXazMl1L6MftWRGVO68R5UycwCPkF-YR1h8w6-d8G6xz3TKGvdM9-RaklZ0B5Rp8PlYY1q/w200-h199/IMG_6147.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Felix Ever After</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Kacen Callender</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Logan Rozos</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: There is one thing that Felix would like to experience more than just about anything: love. He wants to know what makes it so wonderful and so worth the risk of having your heart broken. But he has had a difficult time finding people to date. Being black, queer, and transgender makes the task seem impossible at times. Then a troll exposes his dead name and posts photos from before his transition. To make matters worse, the person starts sending hate messages on Instagram and Felix is obsessed with figuring out who it is. As he becomes more obsessed with finding the answer, he ends up falling in love with a couple of people. And he starts a quest to discover more about his own identity.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. But it was very charming and definitely won me over. I was a bit nervous for Felix at times, but the good won out! Also, I love his friendship with Ezra soooo much.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 and 1/2 stars out of 5 stars </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdWS4dscQF4RIN6ocSBxbTweGnTrrwqTseOfLq8frM6bjxgfvS_gPPlqL_JdIu7RDpUNTELzqUKoH9gNMDkh-va76nEPiCeS-QQbzzRUUBrAAy_acCgdzt-N2GH04UHOrwPhAgFMSAp0G/s1126/IMG_6152.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1125" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdWS4dscQF4RIN6ocSBxbTweGnTrrwqTseOfLq8frM6bjxgfvS_gPPlqL_JdIu7RDpUNTELzqUKoH9gNMDkh-va76nEPiCeS-QQbzzRUUBrAAy_acCgdzt-N2GH04UHOrwPhAgFMSAp0G/w200-h200/IMG_6152.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: 10 Things I Hate About Pinky</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Sandhya Menon</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Pinky has always been a rebel with a cause. She is out to make the world a better place, no matter what anyone else (like her mom) thinks. But after being blamed for an accident that was not her fault, she makes up a story about having a boyfriend that even her mom would love. Enter Samir, whose summer internship tragically fell through. With nothing to look forward to, he plans to go home when Pinky texts him. If he will pretend to be her perfect boyfriend, Pinky can get him an internship with her mother's law firm. And Pinky's mother is a very prestigious lawyer. But he and Pinky can't stand one another, so how can this possibly work? <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This book was a re-read. I wanted something easy and lighthearted to read because I am having problems getting through larger, heavier books at the moment. I adore this one. It is fun and sweet. And I love the fake dating and enemies to lovers tropes.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite book read this month: 10 Things I Hate About Pinky</div><div style="text-align: left;">Least favorite book read this month: Either Act Your Age Eve Brown or The Friend Zone</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I have read 31 books towards my goal of 50. I am still about two or three books behind, but I made good progress this month! I usually read a bunch at the end of September and through October because it is time for spooky reads, but I don't know if that will be the case this year. Oh well. If I can fit it in, I will try to get up a post about spooky reads for this year.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">That is all for August. I will see you all in September! And I will try to be more on top of the September wrap up post. Thanks for your patience!<br /></div>Samarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116174456487594432.post-20500811645719040272021-08-01T16:10:00.000-07:002021-08-01T16:10:15.361-07:00July 2021 Wrap Up<p>I did not keep up with much this last month it seems. Work was kind of nuts and I had to work several weekends in a row which made me tired and irritable. It looks like I still got some things done though.</p><p>We managed to get most of our wedding invites out this month and have even gotten some RSVPs already (which I am not complaining about, the sooner I know, the better I feel). I still have some that need to go out though.</p><p>I made my petticoats. They didn't turn out quite the way I'd wanted, but I think they will be fine. I may add a bit more to them to make the dress more puffy. But then I found that the layers of the dress don't let allow as much "puffing" as I want. So I started altering my dress by adding extra panels of fabric into the seams in each layer so the petticoats can give the skirts more volume. It is a work in progress and I hope I don't mess it up too much.</p><p>Other wedding things are slowly falling in to place. We ordered our wedding bands so those will be here soon and I will need to get mine re-sized. My bridesmaids have had a couple of meetings and I am excited for the bridal shower and bachelorette party. They have all been amazing and their involvement and excitement make me very happy and excited, too. We met with my good friend who will also be our officiant for the first time to talk about the ceremony. Basically we have lots of homework to do. I wish I could just have everything done now so I don't have to worry about anything later, but that's just not how it works. That is OK though, I am still enjoying the process more than I am stressing about it.</p><p>My little Poseidon rat has been having some skin problems which we are trying to figure out. The vet can't get him in for a little bit unfortunately. The new boys are getting better socialized. Hephaestus has an appointment to be neutered because he picks on Eros. Admittedly, Eros is a bit of a drama queen and squeals like he's dying anytime Hephaestus gets close to him... But they are all really cute and Hermes hasn't bitten me in the last couple of weeks, so that is exciting.</p><p>And now on to books. Here is what I managed to read this month.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0fyIt9PhCnPyvBFuQKrX1znifkC8hSyBRomCDJX-MNMTthoSin8v52aUGvRIL4jTZxNzdHjslNshMmSpR5dgdawGKwN23NJOH5AzLnrXuVOJjqkWO6Uvk3s6CFTM35gazid-SyO6y-es/s1036/IMG_5757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="1031" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0fyIt9PhCnPyvBFuQKrX1znifkC8hSyBRomCDJX-MNMTthoSin8v52aUGvRIL4jTZxNzdHjslNshMmSpR5dgdawGKwN23NJOH5AzLnrXuVOJjqkWO6Uvk3s6CFTM35gazid-SyO6y-es/w199-h200/IMG_5757.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: A Happy Catastrophe</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Maddie Dawson</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Amy McFadden</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: This book follows Matchmaking for Beginners. Marnie is now the local matchmaker and is happy in her new life. Patrick doesn't care for her generally social, chaotic lifestyle and Marnie wants more from him and more for their relationship than he is prepared to give. Enter a series of crazy events that will propel their lives forward (and in different directions) whether they like it or not.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: While I enjoyed Matchmaking for Beginners, I did not much care for this one. Not enough to bail, there were some things that I liked, but I sort of hated Patrick the whole time. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 2 1/2 to 3 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QispNDqF5Tj0zBWApSxUEjd2HTtIw1tqzF7KCmoJ5TJrvOov4c9F_qHcxTCjwob0MZYvlvTsB6FT5pjBp3t1uHO96P7Ou_JCRSjCnujQ_wroeyMG7Y62slYmtbttsyAuOlrkhkRHfbcd/s1047/IMG_5800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1046" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QispNDqF5Tj0zBWApSxUEjd2HTtIw1tqzF7KCmoJ5TJrvOov4c9F_qHcxTCjwob0MZYvlvTsB6FT5pjBp3t1uHO96P7Ou_JCRSjCnujQ_wroeyMG7Y62slYmtbttsyAuOlrkhkRHfbcd/w200-h200/IMG_5800.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: A Thousand Ships</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Natalie Haynes</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Natalie Haynes</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: This book looks at various perspectives of women during the Trojan War. The story jumps around from woman to woman, occasionally returning to a few of them. What were they thinking and experiencing during the war? Was their home destroyed? Did they lose their families? Did they lose their own lives? Who waited for their men for so many years they may as well have been dead? Which women took their fates into their own hands? Finally, the ignored women are given their chance to be heard.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: This was originally a book club book, but I had read the other selection that month. This one was on my "To Read" list, but after hearing about it during book club discussion, I wanted to read it even more. When I scored it on sale, I was very excited. I really liked this look at the women involved (directly or indirectly) in the Trojan War. Also, I really need to go back and re-read the Iliad, the Odyssey, and maybe the Aeneid as well. If you like the classic stories and myths, you will probably enjoy this book.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 4 out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTo4CkRLH6v3riMrIuzAjx-GXs5rtfvCMP81ClZOxweR7d07DzwG33arLbHr2MyjwWY1Vi5El9z2uOz1m5dYPAvQPymQ80WGJ5pRY-VCpTe7P_2b5Z6yZ-nWSmrRjRDJwll791DrTrYkBK/s1035/IMG_5878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="1029" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTo4CkRLH6v3riMrIuzAjx-GXs5rtfvCMP81ClZOxweR7d07DzwG33arLbHr2MyjwWY1Vi5El9z2uOz1m5dYPAvQPymQ80WGJ5pRY-VCpTe7P_2b5Z6yZ-nWSmrRjRDJwll791DrTrYkBK/w199-h200/IMG_5878.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: The Great Mortality</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: John Kelly</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Matthew Lloyd Davies</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: The first major outbreak of plague happened in the mid-14th century and it decimated Europe and most of the known world. The consequences had long lasting affects.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: As most of you probably know, I LOVE the plague (<i>Yersinia pestis</i>) and just about anything that has to do with it. So it probably goes without saying that I enjoyed this book. I did have a little trouble getting into it. It felt like the topics kind of jumped around too much, but I think I may not have been focusing enough. It was still informative and fascinating and enjoyable. And I learned a few things I didn't know before, so that is always exciting!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 1/2 to 4 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEUaExwKZAvwMow9TyMRY2xo_CIdgXR1trrKhMKuk1En69m7Qf12k4ir1-xY6ezqYjZiRlqx84yinX0o2MHKFcfMnXfihA3kQQItLQEDFAStXI3_G7pA0x032m-Y7N9gjT_pIiZaXSovw/s1054/IMG_5920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="1050" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEUaExwKZAvwMow9TyMRY2xo_CIdgXR1trrKhMKuk1En69m7Qf12k4ir1-xY6ezqYjZiRlqx84yinX0o2MHKFcfMnXfihA3kQQItLQEDFAStXI3_G7pA0x032m-Y7N9gjT_pIiZaXSovw/w199-h200/IMG_5920.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Take a Hint, Dani Brown</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Talia Hibbert</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrator: Ione Butler</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: This is a romantic comedy about Danika Brown and her friend Zafir. When he rescues her and carries her out of the building they work in, videos of the event go viral. Zafir is trying to get his charity off the ground and the video of him carrying his "girlfriend" to safety starts gaining him and his work some attention. He asks Dani to go along with it and she agrees but her only goal is to make Zafir her regular fuck-buddy. The fact that both of them have a little crush on the other just complicates things.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I usually love the fake dating trope, but I liked it less in this book. I'm not entirely sure why. Maybe because the other ones I adored were also more enemies to lovers tropes, too. Also, I started with book two in the Brown Sisters books, which maybe isn't ideal, but not much from the first book was spoiled. And I was not prepared for all of the smut, which is definitely not up my alley. That aside (not a flaw of the book, just not my thing), it had very sweet and charming moments. I didn't love it per se, but I did like it enough to go back and read the first book.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite book read this month: A Thousand Ships</div><div style="text-align: left;">Least favorite book read this month: A Happy Catastrophe</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have now read 25 books towards my goal of 50 books, which puts me about 4 books behind schedule. Oh well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think that is about it for the moment. I can't believe it is already August. Thanks for reading!<br /></div>Samarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116174456487594432.post-46285268786754735722021-07-01T18:57:00.002-07:002021-08-01T15:19:23.678-07:00June 2021 Wrap Up<p>And here we are at the end of June!</p><p>Our wedding is only four months away! My dress has been shortened (but not as much as I would have liked, but I'm trying to just get over it) and I just barely started my petticoat. The petticoat will also make it look a bit shorter, so it really might be fine. </p><p>I finished be-dazzling my wedding shoes and I am excited to wear them! I will post pictures below. We have managed to figure out other details, too. Our save the dates went out this month and we started getting invitations ready. We want to get them out earlier in case they get held up in the mail. Our wedding website is done. I painted rat figurines to possibly use as a cake topper if they turn out cute and not too weird.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OEhyphenhyphenXz2qHERcUGw7P3Ff9wIRnznPD263ZZXToUEjEDZVYQR7ogspgg6Z16w7RQcXUioAPP7DhdED1g_RQv84gq0obkKJQon4BpLgVeu-4ujLQkFFsEn60PDK9SX-OqmQ0umIa672FNUi/s2048/IMG_5685.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1285" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OEhyphenhyphenXz2qHERcUGw7P3Ff9wIRnznPD263ZZXToUEjEDZVYQR7ogspgg6Z16w7RQcXUioAPP7DhdED1g_RQv84gq0obkKJQon4BpLgVeu-4ujLQkFFsEn60PDK9SX-OqmQ0umIa672FNUi/w126-h200/IMG_5685.heic" width="126" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJez_8qBQXZ5ZqBKgwznpz7UdF9YVARSws7pOPU_4neKrZYxtsturCarlTzVo301a4Q_AMt2VxmCnfMrdMRWEjjUvpDHZGAq5q80g6pgA7qNU8o-I_whSF6pwXRDzVbPJPIsMvIbdI37A1/s2048/IMG_5686.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1993" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJez_8qBQXZ5ZqBKgwznpz7UdF9YVARSws7pOPU_4neKrZYxtsturCarlTzVo301a4Q_AMt2VxmCnfMrdMRWEjjUvpDHZGAq5q80g6pgA7qNU8o-I_whSF6pwXRDzVbPJPIsMvIbdI37A1/w194-h200/IMG_5686.heic" width="194" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGCeY1tE3eGJSXQ0Ar5TXd2JruQMdWCEHgz-tV3_-wthlvvbtGyGe8gL3bMvWtZtKiqi0lZhn-Y54fvKiSaiKYybYRznspUDgM9pHc8Z8ggxrlgElGr2bZCVON8DZlCmqvu8YpyWavUpz/s2048/IMG_5687.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1247" data-original-width="2048" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGCeY1tE3eGJSXQ0Ar5TXd2JruQMdWCEHgz-tV3_-wthlvvbtGyGe8gL3bMvWtZtKiqi0lZhn-Y54fvKiSaiKYybYRznspUDgM9pHc8Z8ggxrlgElGr2bZCVON8DZlCmqvu8YpyWavUpz/w200-h122/IMG_5687.heic" width="200" /></a><br /> <p></p><p>And here are the books I completed this month.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8Mwx36YYMNuTaNv2oDyM2e8T_CoRPQ3NVOAaXVrtFVjA9PaY-7QdnYEwOF4ydd4nIPE1_bZos22U-VJA9SY61zr8wgVjwVZMGiRyWbVM0r2qK6jOD0G9-Gus__FHXDuRRMianpnEswrV/s1034/IMG_5465.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="1027" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8Mwx36YYMNuTaNv2oDyM2e8T_CoRPQ3NVOAaXVrtFVjA9PaY-7QdnYEwOF4ydd4nIPE1_bZos22U-VJA9SY61zr8wgVjwVZMGiRyWbVM0r2qK6jOD0G9-Gus__FHXDuRRMianpnEswrV/w199-h200/IMG_5465.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Spoiler Alert</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Olivia Dade</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrators: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Marcus is a popular actor on a now famous TV series that was based on a series of books. Books that he, secretly, happens to love and he belongs to the fandom. Undercover of course. He exists on the fan forums under a tag name where he is friends with a ton of other like-minded fans. April is one of those fans. In fact, they are online friends, though they have never met in person and don't know each others' real names. April decides to post a cosplay photo of herself on Twitter. And because she is fat, the photo goes viral. When Marcus sees it he thinks two things: that she is absolutely gorgeous and that the people with the negative comments need to be brought down a few notches. So he asks her out, via Twitter.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I just... wanted to love this book so badly. And there were some parts of it that I really liked. But I was not so much a fan of a few things. And it was much more smutty than I was expecting which is just not really my thing. Nothing against the book itself. I loved that she was fat and beautiful and confident and that he was so in awe of her. Those parts were sweet and nice. But I ended up feeling like some things were way too drawn out and other parts too abrupt.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 2 1/2 out of 5 stars</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxpGbEIxZMpZ3Bl61Oe_yFP16ysXvF2xI0M8QQGENU_m2H13jZUgDYaVSX3hQ_llQ39HJjT5PCDDvbvIeUMFWjTVXK_WsroIbFzVTOMK1ZSbXfQl0aEpDzkeDi6Vi9Bxb391N6FpXaKqT/s1036/IMG_5636.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="1031" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxpGbEIxZMpZ3Bl61Oe_yFP16ysXvF2xI0M8QQGENU_m2H13jZUgDYaVSX3hQ_llQ39HJjT5PCDDvbvIeUMFWjTVXK_WsroIbFzVTOMK1ZSbXfQl0aEpDzkeDi6Vi9Bxb391N6FpXaKqT/w199-h200/IMG_5636.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">Title: An Introduction to Infectious Diseases</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author/Lecturer: Barry Fox</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: This isn't really a book, it is a Great Courses series of lectures all about different infectious diseases! It gives a pretty good overview of the field and includes bacterial, viral, and fungal diseases. He tells good, relevant personal stories most lectures, which made it more interesting. He is an infectious diseases doctor and has loads of experience.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: Most of this information was not new to me since I am a microbiologist. But I just wanted something fun to listen to (yes, infectious diseases are fun). So while I didn't necessarily learn much, it was a nice review and I just liked it!<br /></div><p> Rating: 3 1/2 to 4 stars out of 5<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeV8c7y9ype5nna59ZfcafpmdCHOF05L5f-FWbN7TIrsUxpFlRnOhlyBy4NAc9rXo7xW0wjBgHpKmtE_Mx5fVg9Pyeh4x2at3EiRWNwp-uwU73jt8J1v1ehm2ugZrsH7emhsVoxCcTrCiL/s1036/IMG_5684.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="1029" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeV8c7y9ype5nna59ZfcafpmdCHOF05L5f-FWbN7TIrsUxpFlRnOhlyBy4NAc9rXo7xW0wjBgHpKmtE_Mx5fVg9Pyeh4x2at3EiRWNwp-uwU73jt8J1v1ehm2ugZrsH7emhsVoxCcTrCiL/w199-h200/IMG_5684.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Title: Stay Gold</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author: Tobly McSmith</div><div style="text-align: left;">Narrators: Theo Germaine and Phoebe Strole</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Synopsis: Pony is a transgendered teen in Texas entering his senior year in a new high school. Having been known for his transgender status at his previous school, he decides to go undercover (so to speak) and not let anyone in on his secret. But then he starts to fall for Georgia--popular, cheerleader and a secret writer. And she starts to fall for him, too. But they both have lots of truths that they have to face, truths to find, and the biases of the people in a small Texas town to overcome.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts: I just loved this book. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but it was lovely and amazing and redeeming. I cried a few times (mostly happy crying). I don't know much about the transgender experience, though I am an ally and supporter of LBGTQIA+ rights. But it was very well written. And when we finally learn Pony's dead name (and I will admit to being curious) it is just NOT him at all. It was kind of an amazing thing to feel after getting to know him and learning his story. I just had so many strong feelings throughout the story and the ending was, well, gold.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rating: 5 out of 5 stars <br /></div><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite book read this month: Stay Gold<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Least favorite book read this month: Spoiler Alert<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I have read 21 books towards by goal of 50 books for the year. I'm about three books behind... Oh well.<br /></div>Samarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448173914973765504noreply@blogger.com0