Weekly Rewind 12.24.16

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

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'v 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. This post is linked to Stacking the Shelves over at Tynga's Reviews and the Sunday Post over at Caffeinated Book Reviewer. 

My Life and Blog

Life: Home for the holidays! I got in on Wednesday night and get to spend the whole next week with my husband and kitty cats. I'm so happy to be in my own home and in my own bed. As I type this up, I'm sitting on the bed in our room while my husband is playing Playstation 2 feet away and one of the cats is napping in the doorway. Happiness. Because it is just the two of us this year, our current plan is to go see the new Star Wars on Christmas day with one of our friends and then maybe grab some Chinese food. 

Blog and reading: A WoW this week. I am currently still in the middle of a couple of rereads: Big Little Lies and now the third book in the Naturals series. I've started a few of my 2017 books, but nothing is really sticking so far. 

New books: I have a few new pretties to share with you this week. So without further ado, I hope you are all having fabulous weekends. For those who celebrate it: Merry Christmas! 

For Review

   

   

The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett by Chelsea Sedoti

A misfit becomes obsessed with the disappearance of a popular girl and gets entangled in her life in order to figure out what happened.

Siren Sisters  by Dana Langer

Despite teaching middle school, I have a hard time reading MG novels. I am looking forward to this one, though, and love that cover. 

The Continent  by Keira Drake 

This book has actually been pushed back due to people calling it out for racism. This wasn't really on the top of my list before, and it's not now, either, but I always try to form my own opinions when it comes to controversial books. 

Everything You Want Me To Be by Mindy Mejia

This is supposed to be full of twists and turns which sounds right up my alley. 

Different Class by Joanne Harris 

A suspenseful tale told in a prep school. I love these types of books. 

Love and First Sight by Josh Sunquist

This sounds like Shallow Hal: A blind boy who has been dating a girl gets his sight and discovers she doesn't fit the traditional sense of beauty. I'm gonna give it a chance, but...

We Were on a Break by Lindsey Kelk

During my early 20s, I almost excuslively read "chick lit" books. This looks fun and charming.

What I snagged from library

 

Forever, Again  by Victoria Laurie

This sounds interesting. It follows a modern girl who becomes interested in the story of a girl who was accused of killing her boyfriend years ago.
The Magnificent Seven
I'm not huge into westerns, but, you know, Chris Pratt. 

Well that's it for me this week. Feel free to leave a link to whatever weekend post you do (Stacking the Shelves, The Sunday Post, 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!

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Waiting on Wednesdays (176) Midnight at the Electric

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. Click the link to see the original post plus a whole slew of links to other blogs. After you read this one, of course.

Midnight at the Electric 

Author: Jodi Lynn Anderson
Publisher: HarperTeen 
Release Date: June 13, 2017

Goodreads:

Kansas, 2065 Adri has been handpicked to live on Mars. But weeks before Launch, she discovers the journal of a girl who lived in her house over a hundred years ago, and is immediately drawn into the mystery surrounding her fate. While Adri knows she must focus on the mission ahead, she becomes captivated by a life that’s been lost in time…and how it might be inextricably tied to her own. 

Oklahoma, 1934 Amidst the fear and uncertainty of the Dust Bowl, Catherine longs for the immortality promised by a professor at a traveling show called The Electric. But as her family’s situation becomes more dire -- and the suffocating dust threatens her sister’s life -- Catherine must find the courage to sacrifice everything she loves in order to save the one person she loves most. 

England, 1919 In the recovery following World War One, Lenore tries to come to terms with her grief for her brother, a fallen British soldier, and plans to sail to America in pursuit of a childhood friend. But even if she makes it that far, will her friend be the person she remembers, and the one who can bring her back to herself? 

While their stories spans thousands of miles and multiple generations, Lenore, Catherine, and Adri’s fates are entwined in ways both heartbreaking and hopeful.

Why I'm Excited: My students just did an cross-curricular assignment where they looked at the possiblity of having to colonize Mars, so the idea of it has been on my mind (I personally would never want to do it). This sounds really interesting. I love when books connect people who lived decades apart to each other, so I'll definitely be keeping my eyes open for this one. 

What are you waiting for on this Wednesday? Link me up!

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Weekly Rewind 12.17.17

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

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'v 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. This post is linked to Stacking the Shelves over at Tynga's Reviews and the Sunday Post over at Caffeinated Book Reviewer. 

My Life and Blog

Life: I've made it through the last full week before winter break! My school goes through Wednesday, but next week should be a pretty chill one. Because so many students stop coming the last couple of days before break, our department has catch-up time/teacher's choice. I plan on doing my hero's journey unit which my students always love. I'm so ready to be home for a full 10 days. It just sounds like heaven to just be at home with my honey and kitty. Cooking yummy food. Reading as much as I want. I can't wait! Just five more days. 

Blog and reading: I posted a TTT and a WoW this week. I've mostly been rereading lately. I'm rereading Big Little Lies in preparation of the HBO show. I'm so excited for that! I'm also still in my reread of the Natural series (still on book 2). I did start reading Confessions of a High School Disaster on a whim a couple of nights ago (it's a bit earlier than I would like to start since it doesn't come out until March), and got hooked almost immediately. The way to my reading heart is super short chapters, epistolary writing, and a keen sense of humor and this has it all. I've also started The Princess Diarist. 

New books: I have a few pretties to share with you this week. So without further ado, I hope you are all having fantastic weekends! 

For Review

   

Confessions of a High School Disaster by Emma Chastain

I love a good diary book, and am loving this one so far. 

Ever the Hunted  by Erin Summerill

I've tried to get into this one, but am really struggling. I just haven't been in the mood for fantasy/kingdoms at all lately. I do love this cover, though. 

The Secret of a Heart Note by Stacy Lee

This book about a girl who is an aromateur who will lose her power if she falls in love sounds pretty cute. 

Small Admissions by Amy Poeppel

I'm intrigued by highly competitive private schools, so this novel about a woman who works in the admissions department of a NY private school so interesting. 

What I snagged from the library

 

The Princess Diarist  by Carrie Fisher

I love Carrie Fisher and am enjoying this so far. 

War Dogs

I already watched this, and really liked it. Jonah Hill, while despicable, was amazing in this film. I also had no idea that this activity happened in the US. Really good. 

Well that's it for me this week. Feel free to leave a link to whatever weekend post you do (Stacking the Shelves, The Sunday Post, 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!

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Waiting on Wednesday (175) If We Were Villains

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. Click the link to see the original post plus a whole slew of links to other blogs. After you read this one, of course.

If We Were Villains

Author: M.L. Rio
Publisher: Flatiron
Release Date: April 11, 2017

Goodreads:

Oliver Marks has just served ten years in jail – for a murder he may or may not have committed. On the day he's released, he's greeted by the man who put him in prison. Detective Colborne is retiring, but before he does, he wants to know what really happened a decade ago.

As one of seven young actors studying Shakespeare at an elite arts college, Oliver and his friends play the same roles onstage and off: hero, villain, tyrant, temptress. But when the casting changes, and the secondary characters usurp the stars, the plays spill dangerously over into life, and one of them is found dead. The rest face their greatest acting challenge yet: convincing the police, and themselves, that they are blameless. 

Intelligent, thrilling, and richly detailed, If We Were Villains is a captivating story of the enduring power and passion of words.

Why I'm Excited:
I rarely feature adult books on this meme, which is silly since I don't limit myself to just YA. It probably won't surprise you to hear that I'm a huge Shakespeare nerd. I've been waiting for ages for this cover to finally be revealed (it's been on EW for ages, but not GR). From the murder mystery to the arts college to the Shakespeare references, everything about this book sounds amazing to me. I'm definitely keeping my eyes open for this one. 

What are you waiting for on this Wednesday? Link me up!

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TTT: Most Ancipated of the First Half of 2017

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme/original feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Click the link to go to their site to see the original list for today, plus links to a whole slew of other blogs...After you read mine, of course.

TTT: 1st half of 2017 most anticipated

As much as I love the TTT meme, pretty much the only ones I participate in are the TBR ones. I'm not even going to try to limit this to 10. Sorry, not sorry. 

January

   

February 

   

March

   

April

   

May

   

June

   

Caraval  by Stephanie Garber

The description of this somewhat reminds my of the Night Circus for some reason. Regardless, it sounds amazing and is getting some fantastic reviews. I already have it on hold at the library.

Our Own Private Universe by Robin Talley

I really enjoyed As I Descended and am looking forward to reading something else by this author. 

Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth

I didn't read the synopsis of this, and don't plan to. While I didn't love the Divergent series (and didn't even finish it after the end was spoiled for me), I am curious to see what she does next. 

The Careful Undressing of Love by Corey Ann Haydu

The girls who live on a certain street in Brooklyn are all considered cursed. I love this cover and am excited for this book. 

Beautiful Broken Girls by Kim Savage

Two sisters drowning themselves definitely gives Virgin Sucide vibes, but I'm excited for this one and love that cover.

Wintersong by S. Jae Jones

I shared that I got this a couple of weeks ago. I'm old enough that Labriynth played a huge role in my childhood, so I'm both terrified of this book and beyond excited. 

A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab

I've all but stopped reading books that are a part of a series until all the books are out. I'm excited for this one because that means I can finally read the first two.

To Catch a Killer by Sheryl Scarborough

I love me some murder mysteries. 

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

Want!

Queens of Geek by Jen Wilde

The ComicCon like setting plus that amazing cover hair have me sold.

The Other F-Word by Natasha Friend

Two teens who were concieved via in vitro fertilization search for answers. 

The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco

I will always pick up a book that features a witch.

Fireworks by Katie Cotugno

This is about the boy and girl bands in the 90s! 

Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han

I still need to read book 2, but only because I've been waiting for this one. 

The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli

I loved Simon and can't wait to read this. 

Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett

This is YA You've Got Mail!!

Dreamfall by Amy Plum

A group of teens get stuck in a dreamworld where nightmares have come to life. Very Nightmare on Elm Street 3. 

One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus

This is billed as The Breakfast Club meets Pretty Little Liars, and I feel like that's all I need to know. 

Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia

A girl who secretly writes a popular online comic meets her biggest fan when he transfers to her school. This has parts of the comic and his fanfiction, and I just love originally formatted books. I'm seriously so excited for this one. 

Romancing the Throne by Nadine Jolie Courtney

If the setting is a boarding school, you know I'm going to pick it up. Plus this one has royalty. 

Once and for All by Sarah Dessen

Last summer felt a bit incomplete without a new Sarah Dessen. 

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzie Lee

In 18th Century France, two teens fight pirates and their feelings for each other. Sound fun! 

The Unlikelies by Carrie Firestone

When a book is compared to Frankie Landau-Banks, I have to give it a try. It's like, a rule. 

The Possible by Tara Altebrando

This follows a girl with possible telekensis powers. I'm intrigued. 

Well that's it for me. What 2017 books are you most anticipating? Link me up!

Hey lovely readers! I love meeting and connecting with new bloggers. If you decide to follow, my preferred method is Bloglovin'. Let me know if you are a new follower as I like to follow back. Thank you!

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Waiting on Wednesday (174) When I Am Through With You

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. Click the link to see the original post plus a whole slew of links to other blogs. After you read this one, of course.

When I Am Through With You

Author: Stephanie Kuehn
Publisher: Dutton Books
Release Date: August 1, 2017

Goodreads:

“This isn’t meant to be a confession. Not in any spiritual sense of the word. Yes, I’m in jail at the moment. I imagine I’ll be here for a long time, considering. But I’m not writing this down for absolution and I’m not seeking forgiveness, not even from myself. Because I’m not sorry for what I did to Rose. I’m just not. Not for any of it.”

Ben Gibson is many things, but he’s not sorry and he’s not a liar. He will tell you exactly about what happened on what started as a simple school camping trip in the mountains. About who lived and who died. About who killed and who had the best of intentions. But he’s going to tell you in his own time. Because after what happened on that mountain, time is the one thing he has plenty of.

When I Am Through With You is a gripping story of survival and the razor’s-edge difference between perfect cruelty and perfect love.

Why I'm Excited:
I love twisty thrillers--which I'm assuming this is. I also love unrelible narrators--which I'm also assuming this is despite what the synopsis says. I'll definitely be keeping my eyes open for this one. 

What are you waiting for on this Wednesday? Link me up!

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Weekly Rewind 12.3.16

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

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'v 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. This post is linked to Stacking the Shelves over at Tynga's Reviews and the Sunday Post over at Caffeinated Book Reviewer. 

My Life and Blog

Life: Thanksgiving break was wonderful. My husband and I had a wonderful time in Florida with my family. The weather was absolutely perfect, and my sister has such a beautiful house. They have this huge stone enclosed pation with a pool and hot tub. I loved seeing her and my niece and nephews and my parents. This week was a rough one, though. I barely slept and felt like crap almost all weekend. I'm staying in VA this weekend and plan on just sleeping and recupurating. Only two and a half weeks until Christmas break. I cannot wait to be home for a couple of weeks.

Blog and reading: Nothing this week. Again, this week was a rough one. I just finished my reread of The Naturals and plan to jump into book number two. I am currently reading Scythe, This is Our Story, and Scrappy Little Nobody. 

New books: Just a couple this week. So without further ado, I hope you are all having fabulous weekends!

For Review

 

Wintersong by S. Jae Jones

I was nine when Labyrinth was released and was immediately smitten. I watched it almost every single day after school on the ole VCR. I memorized Sarah's speech and am pretty sure that David Bowie caused my sexual awakening. Lol. I am both excited and terrified to have this book in my hands.

What I snagged from the library

  

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

I had this before, but didn't get to it before it was due back. I've heard nothing but good things for this book and am excited for a good old fashioned, cute adult romance. 

Bad Blood by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

I am excited to read this final book of a great series, but after reading the first few pages, I realized I needed to go back and do some rereading. I just finished the first book today and hope to get through at least the second book over the weekend. 

Movie:

Sausage Party

This looks ridiculous, but I'm still curious. Anyone see this one? Worth it or no?

Well that's it for me this week. Feel free to leave a link to whatever weekend post you do (Stacking the Shelves, The Sunday Post, 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!

Read More