Saturday, July 12, 2014

Weekly Rewind 7.12.14

Saturday, July 12, 2014 12:12 AM with 13 comments





Weekly Rewind
The new books on my shelves and my week in a nutshell.





Since I started this blog I've participated in Stacking the Shelves, which is a weekly feature hosted by Tyngas Reviews, and I'm going to continue linking to that meme. Throughout my student teaching semester I was using my weekend post as a way to let people know what's going on in my life, so I've decided to rename my weekend post because this feature is more personal than just what books I've received. The Weekly Rewind will be about what's going on with me and my blog, as well as about the books I've added to my shelves.

My Life and Blog

Life: My husband and I have pretty much decided that I should take the job in FL. I seriously cried for, like, 4 solid hours on Thursday night as we discussed it, but I just cannot imagine a full year of subbing. It's seriously the worst. Plus, I'm already coming into teaching as a career-change. I don't have the time to mess around like I would if I was in my early 20s. I applied for literally every single job in my city, and even the state, sans Philly, and didn't even get a single interview, besides one for a long-term sub which would only be for 2 months (I'm actually still waiting to hear back about that job--and I may consider it if it's an option). I have a master's degree, I graduated with a 4.0, I rocked the PRAXIS (which is the subject-specific exam teachers have to take to get certified). What's holding me back is a lack of experience--and the fact that I don't have any real connections here since we are from WY. Connections seem to play a huge role in the education system in this state. While it will SUCK to be away from my husband for 10 months, where I'm moving is less than an hour from my parents and less than two hours from my sister and her family, so at least I won't be ALL alone. I should know for sure what I'm going to do next week.

As such, the next few weeks are going to be insane (probably) as I (most-likely) pack and figure things out. I know I haven't been posting much already with what has been a never-ending job search, but hopefully I'll be able to find the time to put a couple of posts together here and there. I haven't been reading much at all lately, and the books I have been picking up have mostly been comforting re-reads. I recently snagged a couple of books I'm excited to read, though, so hopefully I'm getting my mojo back.

Blog: Yeah, so this week wasn't great, but again: STRESSED OUT.
New Books: I have a few books I'm super excited for this week, so without further adieu...I hope you are all having fantastic weekends!

Review Books

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Bitter Greens by Kate Forsyth
Those who read this blog know how excited I've been when I found out this book was finally getting a US release. I seriously almost fainted when I saw this pop up on NG (ok, that's hyperbole, but I was really excited). Thank you so much to the good people at Thomas Dunne Books for not making me wait more than a day to getting the approval. I only checked 50 times in those 24 hours. I'm showing this earlier than I normally would because I know I'm going to read it early.
Welcome to the Dark House by Laurie Faria Stolarz
I've been so excited for this book, too, and started reading it a couple of weeks ago, but the formatting on the e-arc is jacked. The book follows several characters, but the e-arc isn't formatted right, so the POV keeps changing without in any way signifying WHO it is currently focused on. I gave up around the 20% point because I was confused and felt just waiting for the finished book was in my best interest. I was bummed, but not too much longer now.
One Past Midnight by Jessica Shirvington
Another Aussie export I've been dying to get my hands on. I've featured the first 3 of these on WoW posts. Don't you love it when you get books you've featured?
Dissonance by Erica O'Rourke
I was so excited for this book when I first heard about it...a year ago. Since then, I've read a couple of multi-verse novels, so the premise isn't as exciting, and, frankly anything over 400 pages is just daunting to me in my current mind-set. That's not to say I'm not still stoked to read this--I am--but I may actually wait until it comes out in PB next summer (or whenever) to actually read it.

What I Bought


The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler
Despite having a couple of her books on my Kindle, and checking out some of her earlier books from the library, I've never actually read anything by this author. I'm excited to read this one. 
Nantucket Blue by Leila Howard
I read this last summer, but wanted to own a copy.
Another Little Piece by Kate Karyus Quinn
I've heard good things about this creepy story. I had the arc of this, but never got around to it. 
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
So this book totally brings out my inner snob (sorry, I know it's not a great trait). I read this when it first came out a couple of years ago. AND I totally figured out what was going on almost immediately. I love this book and even though I remember it clearly--which is saying something since it has been a couple of years--I want to re-read before the film.


What I snagged from the library

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Landline by Rainbow Rowell
If you follow me on Instagram (@natflixandbooks), you know that I drove across town to snag this at a library that had a "no requests" copy even though I was pretty high up on the request list and probably wouldn't have had to wait very long. Whatever. I do what I want.
Thousand Words by Jennifer Brown
After enjoying similar "issue books" The Truth About Alice and Tease, I decided to give this book about a girl who gets caught sexting a try.

Upcoming Reviews

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I am going to optimistically predict that I get a review for Landline up next week. I'm reading it now, so...

Well that's it for me this week. Feel free to leave a link to whatever weekend post you do (Stacking the Shelves, In My Mailbox, etc). I love to see what books people have recently snagged and especially enjoy hearing about my fellow bloggers' weeks. I hope you are all having a fabulous weekend!


13 comments:

  1. I'm starting Landline tonight! Can't wait to hear what you think. I'm sorry you're super stressed out! Moving and new job and everything can be super stressful but I am hopeful it will be a good path for you guysI really hope that your husband can join you sooner than 10 months!!

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  2. I'm so sorry to hear about the job hunt woes...that will be rough being away from each other for so long if thats the job you take, but remember with this day and age...smart phones, and skype and face time and all that, it's a little easier to stay close than it was even a few years ago. Or you could always go the romantic route and write hand-written letters! ;) Best of luck to you, whatever you decide!

    LOL, I love that you drove across town to get Landlines! That's dedication :D Someday I'm going to have to read an RR book and see what all the fuss is about! I'm excited to get my hands on One Past Midnight---looks so good!

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  3. I got Landline as well this week. Sorry to hear about the Job Hunt Woes. Sometimes we have to do what is best for us. You got some amazing books this week. I hope you love everything that you got.

    Grace
    Books of Love

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  4. I've been meaning to read Nantucket Blue for so long, but just haven't gotten to it yet. I finished reading Landline a couple of days ago and it was great! I hope you enjoy all you got :)

    Here's my STS!

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  5. Hey things will perk up at some point. Happy reading though!

    Tsuki’s STS

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  6. Haha...I'd totally do that for a book I coveted, too. I'm sorry to hear that things are so difficult on the job front. That sounds unbelievably rough, but the bright spot in all of it is that you'll be closer to your family, at least. I really hope things work out for the best for you!

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  7. Ugh, job hunting is awful, and seriously, the fact that you did so well in school and you don't even get an interview in your state just seems crazy to me! I understand the experience aspect, but sometimes I wonder just what HR departments want out of people. I hope it all works out as it should!

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  8. I hope it goes well for you in Florida. Kara is a Floridian - she is a great person to turn to with any questions regarding the state.

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  9. I love love loved Landline, it was such an enjoyable book, it was so realistic it just made it hit home. I just finished Welcome to the Dark House, it is quite scary. I can understand how frustrating that ARC could be to read. It struggled a bit keeping all the POVs straight with proper formatting.

    Ashley @ The Quiet Concert

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  10. *sends hugs your way* Hopefully everything works out with your job!
    -Scott Reads It!

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  11. Good luck with the job hunt. I know how stressful it can be. Where in Florida will you be? That's good you are near your parents…the first year of teaching is SO time consuming and tough. It will be good to have family nearby. Regarding your books, I can't wait to hear what you think of Landline. I also am dying to read Dissonance. Enjoy your books and good luck with your decision!

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  12. Great haul and good luck with the job hunting. Hope you'll find something soon!
    My new pretties :)

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  13. I'm sure that it was a tough decision for you and your husband to make, but I do understand about starting a different career later in life. I was an accountant for about 2 years, then I went back to law school, was a lawyer for 3 years, then got my Ph.D in political science and I had to move to a different state for my first job teaching. My husband was able to get a job and move with me, but I still felt guilty for moving us away from our friends and he left a really great job (and I also have a daughter as well and felt guilty for moving her from her friends). But it all worked out…and I love my job.

    One Past Midnight was really good…I just love Jessica Shirvington. I have no idea why the name changed, I read it when it was Between the Lives (for some reason, the audiobook was available in the US at the same time it released in Australia). And Dissonance!!! I really want to read that one. Just finished Landline yesterday…I enjoyed it. Fantastic dialogue. Have fun reading! ~Pam

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Hello, there! Thanks for taking the time to comment. I read each and every one and will do my best to respond--usually on your blog instead of on mine. I will, however, always answer direct questions. Due to serious time restraints, this blog is now an award free zone, but I appreciate the thought!