Weekly Wrap up

 This is for the week of April 13th through the 18th.  I read 6 books which brings my reading total to 105 books. Total pages read were 1,977.

Just Mercy By: Bryan Stevenson

I gave this book 4 stars. It is a non-fiction book. I watched the movie first and it was good but mostly was about Walter and a couple other guys on death row. This book is about these men but also about women and children. He not only deals with death row inmates he works with life in prison without parole. The stories he tells are heart breaking and lets you know that our system needs work.

You Say It First By: Katie Cotugno

I gave this book 4 stars. It is a YA contemporary. This book is about an 18-year-old girl who is a senior in high school and is dealing with her parent’s divorce and what she wants to do in the future. When her parents divorce, she has changed how she acts because she is afraid that if she argues or disagrees with her friends it will start a fight and she doesn’t want that to happen because she is afraid the friendship will end. The other character is an 18-year-old boy who barely graduated the year before and he is dealing with the death of his father. His father committed suicide and he found him, so he is having nightmares. He is also trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life. They meet by mistake as the girl makes a call to his father not knowing he has passed to get him to register to vote. They get into a conversation which doesn’t end well. She calls back later to apologies and leaves her number if he wants to call her back, which he does. The book continues with them getting to know each other and things happen from there.

Moonstruck Volume 3: Troubled Waters By: Grace Ellis

I gave this graphic novel 3 stars. I can’t go into much detail because it is the third volume of an ongoing series. I do like the art in this novel, but the story line is getting confusing, and I wasn’t sure what was happening and why. This story is about a werewolf who doesn’t want to be one and she is in a relationship with another female and things go wrong. Two different events were going with several different characters in the story. The werewolf character is so unsure of herself it is kind of depressing. I will continue with the series since I can get them from the library because I am hoping that the female werewolf gets some confidence.

 

The Queen’s Gambit By: Walter Tevis

I gave this book 3 stars. I was enjoying it until there was underage drinking which wasn’t bad, but it was the purchasing of alcohol of a minor that bothered me.  This book is about a young orphan who learns how to play chess in an orphanage, at the age of 8. She is adopted by the age of 13 and goes to a normal school and discovers that girls don’t play chess. She finds out about a tournament and wants to play but she doesn’t have the money, so she writes the director of the orphanage for the money and promises to repay him if she wins. She does win and her mom is surprised that you can earn money by playing chess. The story continues with her playing chess and learning about life. 

Up From Slavery By: Booker T. Washington

I gave this book 3 stars. This book is about the life of Booker. He wrote this book. He goes into his life as a slave and how he learned how to read and write. It was interesting and I learned a lot about him.

From Blood and Ash By: Jennifer L. Armentrout

I gave this book 4.5 stars. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I want to compare it to The Maze Runner, The Scorch Trails to be more exact. This book is about a young lady who is preparing to Ascend for the people of the kingdom to save them. She is bored and takes chances to keep herself entertain but usually gets herself into trouble with the Duke. Her new guard is there to protect her but has other thoughts. So much has happened in this book and it kept me on my toes.

Have you read any of these books? If you have what did you think of them?

Until next time keep reading.

 

 

Book Outlet Haul

 

These are the books that I purchased from book outlet. They were running a special of buy three get the fourth free. I wanted to stay close to $35.00 to get the free shipping so I only ordered six books.

I always look to see if they have any books on or about Laura Ingalls Wilder. They had this book and since I didn't have it on my shelves I picked it up. The book covers says; Though best known as the author of the Little House books, Laura Ingalls Wilder led a full, rich life that spanned almost a century of American history. All through her life Laura saved mementos of her past, including early writings, letters, drawings, and photographs, which have since been lovingly preserved in private and public collections across the country.

Now these photographs, writings, and memorabilia have been gathered together in one incredible volume by noted Little House historian William Anderson. Each gorgeous page of Laura's Album is a doorway into the private world of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Her story is an unforgettable tale of America's past that will resonate with countless generations just as the Little House books based on her own life have done.

Another book about my favorite series. This book is by the person who played baby on the tv series.

The back of the book says: Loyalty, hard work, and love of God, neighbor, and country have never been more cherished or needed. For nostalgic fans seeking a more meaningful approach to life, A Prairie Devotional offers powerful lessons drawn from the beloved TV series.

Each entry invites you to see how God weaves His love, care, and plan into our everyday lives. Devotions include quotes and memorable moments from the Little House on the Prairie TV series, Scripture verses, and thought-provoking questions to take you deeper into God's Word.

With more than 90 devotions by Wendi Lou Lee, who played Baby Grace on the series, these delightful devotions encourage you to settle in and be inspired by heartwarming stories from the prairie.

This is the third book in a series. I also bought the second book. Last month I bought the first book. I will give you the information from the first book because of spoilers. Here is the synopsis of the first book. Leonora Logrono's family owns the most beloved bakery in Rose Hill, Texas, spending their days conjuring delicious cookies and cakes for any occasion-and no occasion is more important than the annual Día de los Muertos festival. Leo hopes that this might be the year that she gets to help prepare for the big celebration...but once again, she is told she's too young.

Sneaking out of school and to the bakery, she makes a startling discovery: Her mother, aunt, and four older sisters are brujas-witches of Mexican ancestry-who pour a little bit of sweet magic into everything that they bake.

Leo knows that she has magical ability as well, and she's more determined than ever to join the family business-even if she can't let her mama and hermanas know about it yet. And when her best friend, Caroline, has a problem that needs solving, Leo has the perfect opportunity to try out her craft. It's just one little spell, after all...what could possibly go wrong?

Book two of the series Love Sugar Magic.

Book two of the series called Bat.  I will give you the synopsis of the first book.

For Bixby Alexander Tam (nicknamed Bat), life tends to be full of surprises—some of them good, some not so good. Today, though, is a good-surprise day. Bat’s mom, a veterinarian, has brought home a baby skunk, which she needs to take care of until she can hand him over to a wild-animal shelter.

But the minute Bat meets the kit, he knows they belong together. And he’s got one month to show his mom that a baby skunk might just make a pretty terrific pet.

I have been pleasantly surprised how much I like Sanderson's writing. I saw this book and decided to get it. There were some others that I will probably pick up at some point. This is what the back of the book says.

Stephen Leeds is perfectly sane. It's his hallucinations who are mad.

A genius of unrivaled aptitude, Stephen can learn any new skill in a matter of hours using hallucinatory people-he calls them aspects-to hold and manifest the information. Wherever he goes, Stephen is joined by a team of imaginary experts. He uses them to solve problems...for a price.

His brain is getting a little crowded, and the aspects tend to take on lives of their own. When a company hires him to recover a stolen camera that can allegedly take pictures of the past, Stephen finds himself on an adventure that may finally give him a vital clue into the true nature of his aspects.

What do you think of the books? Have you read any of them? If you have what did you think of them without spoilers. I am putting my link below for you to check them out if you haven't. With this link you will get $10.00 off your first purchase and I will also get $10.00 off.. I hope you give them a try they have great books for a low price.

http://bookoutlet.com/Loyalty/Referral?raf=gZcf3z3f&c=url

Until next time keep reading.

Top Ten Tuesday

 Today's Top Ten is Books Titles That Sound Like They Could Be Crayola Crayon Colors. This was hard but I think I found some good ones. Most of these I have not read in fact 8 of them.

I hope you can see them, some look like you may trouble. The two I have read are In a Holidaze and Frostheart.

Have you read any of these if you have what did you think? What books would you chose?

Until next time keep reading.

Weekly Wrap Up

 This is for the week April 5th through April 11th. I read 5 books which brings my yearly books to 99. I read a total of 1,686 pages.

These are the five books. Not as good as the week before but it was a busy week.

Class Act By: Jerry Craft

I gave this graphic novel 4 stars. This is the sequel to New Kid which won the Newbury Award in 2020. This book is about the second year in a private school. This school does not have a whole lot of diversity, but it is trying. The children in this book are learning about each other and what their lives are about as well as their friends. I enjoyed reading it.

Bunny By: Mona Awad

I gave this book 2.5 stars. I picked up this book because Kayla from Booksandlala recommended it. I thought it was a mystery and it is a romance. This book did not make any sense to me. I was confused most of the time. I know that it is based in college and a group of friends or supposedly friends are getting together for some fun and things go way bad. Not a book for me.

Because of the Sun By: Jenny Torres Sanchez

I gave this book 5 stars. I never heard of this book or author before. I received this book in a book subscription book a couple of years and have finally gotten around to it. It is a tearjerker. This book is about a teenage girl who is dealing with the death of her mother and having to move in with her aunt that she did not even existed. She learns a lot about her feelings and her life and other people including her mother’s family and what happen to make her mother act the way she did. I highly recommend this book.

A Memory Called Empire By: Arkady Martine

I gave this book 3 stars. I read it for a book club I am a member of. It is a sci-fi novel. This had a mystery element to it. 

Descendant of the Crane By: Joan He

I gave this book 3 stars. I heard a lot about this book last year and decided to read it.  This is royal story and what it takes to run a country and solves issues such as the death of her father and the making of war.

This weeks reading wasn't all that great. One disappointment and a couple Meh books. Have you read any of these books? If you have what did you think?

Until next time keep reading.

April Book Of The Month Books

These are the books that I chose for the month of April. I have been subscribing to this company for over 2 years. It is a great product for the price. You pay $14.99 for the first book and $9.99 for each additional. You can only get up to three books and they are new releases and hardback. Here is my link to the website if you want to give them a try. https://www.mybotm.com/0cxpwrpoiqlivn29?show_box=true.

Now onto the books I chose. I will give you the synopsis of each one.

This book is a cozy mystery so should be a quick read if you like this type of book.

The First book in a new culinary cozy series full of sharp humor and delectable dishes-one of which might just be killer...

When Lila Macapagal moves back home to recover from a horrible breakup, her life seems to be following all the typical rom-com tropes. She's tasked with saving her Tita Rosie's failing restaurant, and she has to deal with a group of matchmaking aunties who shower her with love and judgment. But when a notoriously nasty food critic (who happens to be her ex-boyfriend) drops dead moments after a confrontation with Lila, her life quickly swerves from a Nora Ephron romp to an Agatha Christie case.

With the cops treating her like she's the one and only suspect, and the shady landlord looking to finally kick the Macapagal family out and resell the storefront, Lila's left with no choice but to conduct her own investigation. Armed with the nosy auntie network, her barista best bud, and her trusted dachshund, Longganisa, Lila takes on this tasty, twisted case and soon finds her own neck on the chopping block...

This book is a thriller.

The hunting wives share more than target practice, martinis, and bad behavior in this novel of obsession, seduction, and murder.

Sophie O'Neill left behind an envy-inspiring career and the stressful, competitive life of big-city Chicago to settle down with her husband and young son in a small Texas town. It seems like the perfect life with a beautiful home in an idyllic rural community. But Sophie soon realizes that life is now too quiet, and she's feeling bored and restless.

Then she meets Margot Banks, an alluring socialite who is part of an elite clique secretly known as the Hunting Wives. Sophie is completely drawn to Margot and swept into her mysterious world of late-night target practice and dangerous partying. As Sophie's curiosity gives way to full-blown obsession, she slips further away from the safety of her family and deeper into this nest of vipers.

When the body of a teenage girl is discovered in the woods where the Hunting Wives meet, Sophie finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation and her life spirals out of control.

 This is a romance book.

Two best friends. Ten summer trips. One last chance to fall in love.

Poppy and Alex. Alex and Poppy. They have nothing in common. e's a wild child; he wears khakis. She has insatiable wanderlust; he prefers to stay home with a book. And somehow, ever since a fateful car share home from college many years ago, they are the very best of friends. For most of the year they live far apart-she's in New York City and he's in their small hometown-but every summer for a decade, they have taken one glorious week of vacation together.

Until two years ago, when they ruined everything. They haven't spoken since.

Poppy has everything she should want, but she's stuck in a rut. When someone asks when she was last truly happy, she knows without a doubt that it was on that ill-fated final trip with Alex. And so she decides to convince her best friend to take one more vacation together-lay everything on the table, make it right. Miraculously, he agrees.

Now she has a week to fix everything. If only she can get around the one big truth that has always stood quietly in the middle of their seemingly perfect relationship. What could possibly go wrong?

Don't you agree that they sound like great reads. I am hoping to get to them soon but I have many books I want to get to soon. Are you a member of The Book Of The Month? If so what  books did you choose this month? And why?

Until next time keep reading.

Top Ten Books Set At Sea or the Ocean

 I haven't done one of these in awhile. I say this from one of the blogs I followed so I decided to it.

It is technically suppose to be 'Books I'd Gladly Throw into the Ocean' but like her I don't know if I have ten books that I dislike that much and if I did they wouldn't be on my shelves. These books have at a 4 star rating since I got them off my shelves.

Have you read any of them and if so what did you think.

Until next time keep reading.

Weekly Wrap Up

  

These are the books that I read for the week of March29th through April 4th. I read 10 books and DNF'D 1 book. My total books read for the year is 94 and page total for the week was 2,089 pages.

Camp Half-Blood Confidential By: Rick Riordan

I gave this book 4 stars. I was able to read it in one day. It was marked as part of series so I wanted to read it so I can mark off the series as read. I really do not know why it is considered part of series but that is okay. The series is called The Trials of Apollo. This book is about the orientation film for newcomers to the camp. The only person who ever saw it was Nico.

He goes and shows the other people the film and they decide to update it. The film mostly included Apollo who did everything in the film. They decide to keep some of Apollos stuff but added some new things.

I did enjoy it and it does give you a little more information about the camp.

Saints and Misfits By: SK Ali

I gave this book 4 stars. I have a full review up on another post so go check it out. I will say this brought back some high school memories.

Camp Jupiter Classified By: Rick Riordan

I gave this book 4 stars and it finishes up the series called The Trials of Apollo.

This book is a journal of a camper called Claudia who writes about her first week or so in camp. A lot of strange things seem to be happening and people in the camp are wondering if she is the one doing them. She does have a couple of friends who are willing to help her figure what or who is really causing the problems. It was a cute story and a fast read. I read it in a day.

My Contrary Mary By: Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows

I gave this book 3 stars and it starts a new series. I am not sure if I will read the rest of the series, but I might if my library gets them when they come out. This book is not even published yet. I was able to review it for NetGalley. I do have a review up on a previous post so  take a look.

Dear Miss Kopp (Kopp Sisters #6) By: Amy Stewart

I DNF’d this book at 55 pages. I was a little disappointed because I really like this series. This book was written in letter format. Reading letter format is not new to me but they have to be interesting enough for me to continue and these letters were boring.

The Phoenix and The Carpet Book 2 in the Children Series By: E. Nesbit

I gave this book 3 stars. This book is just more adventures of the children from the first book. The Phoenix and the carpet are companions. 

 

All Quiet on the Western Front By: Erich Maria Remarque

I gave this book 3 stars. I must admit that I saw this movie years ago when I was in school. I liked the movie better. This book is about the first world war. This is based off his time that he served in the army.

The Midwinter Witch By: Molly Knox Ostertag

I gave this graphic novel 4 stars. This is the third volume of the witch boy series. This novel is about a festival where shapeshifter and witches compete for top position for the year. This is the first that a boy witch will going against girl witches. There are other things happening, but they are based on things that happen in book two and I do not want to spoil anything.

The Story of Anne Frank By: Emma Carlson Berne

I gave this book 5 stars. I have always been interested in her life. It is sad that these things happen to the Jewish people and others. I am glad that people are writing for the younger children to be able to learn history in an easy way.

Monstress Volume 4: The Chosen By: Marjorie Liu

I gave this graphic novel 4 stars. I enjoyed this volume than the third volume. Our main character meets her father in this volume, and she finds out that an ally ends up being a spy. I am looking forward for the next issue.

The Story of Michelle Obama By: Christine Platt

I gave this book 5 stars. I read her book Becoming and enjoyed it a lot. This is just a simple version of her life for young readers to learn about her. She is a remarkably interesting person and down to earth. I am glad to learn more about her and what she is up to next.

Have you read any of these books? If so what did you think? Until next time keep reading.