Friday, May 27, 2016

Weekly Rewind 5.28.16

Friday, May 27, 2016 8:18 PM with 11 comments
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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'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: Holy, am I ready for this year to be over. I love my school and job, but there is nothing like being a teacher the last couple of weeks of school. If it is like heading cats throughout the year, it is like herding...I don't know how to finish this simile...hamsters? Cats with even shorter attention spans. So, yeah. C'mon summer. I'm so ready for this long weekend and then just 11 more days. I'm home for the long weekend which is great. My beloved fat cat, who I've had for almost 19 years isn't doing well. I'm hoping that he will hold on for the last couple of weeks so I'm at least with him when he goes, so I'm glad I get to spend some time with him this weekend. I just don't want to get a phone call. I want to be there.

Blog and reading: A WoW this week. I'm currently reading Summer Days and Summer Nights, My Lady Jane and With Malice, and am enjoying all three. I'm currently listening to Size 14 Isn't Fat Either, a Heather Wells mystery I've read several times, but it's been awhile.

New Books: I have some books I'm very excited to share this week. I can't wait to read each and every one of these and am having trouble knowing where to start. So without further ado, I hope you are all having fabulous weekends!

For Review

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My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Aston, and Jodi Meadows
I've been excited for this novel that reimages the life of Lady Jane Grey for awhile now. I'm very early into it, but am enjoying it so far.
With Malice by Eileen Cook
It's hard not to think of the Amanda Knox case when reading the synopsis, which is probably the point. I'm in the very early stages of this one, as well, and so far so good.
The Cresswell Plot by Eliza Wass
This book about a girl stuck with her cult-like father who believes their time to return to heaven has almost come. I love this cover.
How It Ends by Catherine Lo
I love books about destructive female friendships. I had some not-so-great friendships in high school and just find girl dynamics fascinating.
The Museum of Heartbreak by Meg Leder
I'm going to assume this is about a girl getting over a break-up. I was too busy looking at that cover to read the synopsis. So cute.
The Loose Ends List by Carrie Firestone
A girl goes on a "death with dignity" cruise with her beloved grandma. This sounds sad...
The Leaving  by Tara Altebrando
Six kids are taken when they were in very young. Now teenagers, only five have returned without any explanation of where they have been. Sounds intriguing.
The Girls in the Garden by Lisa Jewell
I love a compellingly dark adult mystery every once in a while and this one sound great.


What I snagged from the library

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Books:
The Square Root of Summer by Harriet Reuter Hargood
I'm a little nervous about this one. Sometimes too much physics talk makes my eyes cross, but I've been wanting to read this for a while and am happy to have it in my hands.
Movie:
Krampus
Ok, so I love Adam Scott so I'm really excited for this...Even if it looks a bit silly.



Tuesday, May 24, 2016

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.


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Addie Bell's Shortcut to Growing Up

Author: Jessica Brody
Publisher: Delacorte
Release Date: February 14, 2017

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Everyone makes wishes. Addie's just happened to come true. Seventh grader Addie Bell can’t wait to grow up. Her parents won’t let her have her own phone, she doesn’t have any curves, and her best friend Grace isn’t at all interested in make-up or boys. Then, on the night of her twelfth birthday, Addie makes a wish on a magic jewelry box to be sixteen…and wakes up to find her entire life has been fast-forwarded four years! Suddenly she has everything she’s always wanted (including a driver’s license and a closet full of cool clothes)! But Addie soon discovers that a lot more has changed than she expected—including her friendship with Grace. Can Addie turn back time and take back her wish…or has she lost the chance to experience what could have been the best years of her life?

Why I'm Excited:
This sounds adorable. Very Big and 13 Going on 30. I kind of love stories that follow switches. This also sounds like it focuses more on friendship over romance, which is nice. Overall, this just sounds fun, so I'll definitely be keeping my eyes open for this one.

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

Hey lovely GFC and new followers, please follow me by Bloglovin. (I like to follow back, so please let me know if you're a new follower--and leave a link!) Thank you!!!

Friday, May 20, 2016

Weekly Rewind 5.21.16

Friday, May 20, 2016 10:15 PM with 9 comments
Image result for natflixandbooks
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'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: This week was loooong. My students took their state tests which means that I had to proctor exams (not for my students, but for other classes) 3 times this week. It's just part of teaching, and totally fine, obviously, but there is nothing more tiring than watching students take a test on a computer. You cannot do anything while they are testing. You can't read, you can't grade papers, you can't check your email. You just watch them take a test. It's exhausting. I can't believe there are only 16 more schools days this year. I'm definitely ready for summer.

My husband is coming down this weekend because he has an appointment in town on Monday. I'm hoping he comes on Saturday so that we have all day Sunday. I'm in the mood to do some exploring. Maybe walk around Georgetown or go to one of the museums.

Blog and reading: A WoW this week. I'm currently reading Something Blue after finishing the audio of Something Borrowed earlier this week. It's impossible to read one and not the other. I'm currently listening to Bossypants...for the third or fourth time. I snagged it from the library while waiting for my audio holds to come in. I just love it so much. I should really just buy it. I'm also listening to Riders and plan on starting Summer Days and Summer Nights this weekend.

New books: I have a handful of pretties to show you this week. So without further ado, I hope you are all having fabulous weekends!

For Review

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Sing by Vivi Greene
A famous pop star flees to a small town and falls for a local boy. Sounds cute.
Frannie and Tru by Karen Hatrup
A girl spends a summer with her older gay cousin after he is sent to live with her family.
The Inside of Out by Jenn Marie Thorne
After her best friend comes out, a girl leads the charge for gay rights in her community while falling for a dude who interviews her for his college.
Wanderlost by Jen Malone
Nothing says summer like a vacation story.
Lies I Live By by Lauren Sabel
The synopsis says this gives a physic twist to a classic spy story. Sold.
Beware That Girl by Teresa Toten
This says for fans of When We Were Liars and Gone Girl, so...
Hot Little Hands by Abigail Ulman
A collection of stories focusing on young women in their teens and twenties. I love a good short story collection.
Without Annette by Jane Mason
Girlfriends enroll in a boarding school to escape judgement, and then find their relationship crumbling.

What I snagged from the library

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Book:
Summer Days and Summer Nights by various authors
Yay!
Audio:
Riders by Veronica Rossi
After dying in an Army related incident, a boy find that he has become War, one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse. That is an amazing synopsis. I'm only about 30 minutes into the audio, but I'm enjoying it so far.
Movie:
Brooklyn
I'm not sure I'm actually going to watch this. It looks really slow. Anybody seen this? Worth watching?

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!

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

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.


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The Bear and the Nightingale

Author: Katherine Arden
Publisher: Del Rey
Release Date: January 17, 2017

Synopsis from Goodreads:

A young woman’s family is threatened by forces both real and fantastical in this debut novel inspired by Russian fairy tales.

In a village at the edge of the wilderness of northern Russia, where the winds blow cold and the snow falls many months of the year, a stranger with piercing blue eyes presents a new father with a gift - a precious jewel on a delicate chain, intended for his young daughter. Uncertain of its meaning, Pytor hides the gift away and Vasya grows up a wild, willful girl, to the chagrin of her family. But when mysterious forces threaten the happiness of their village, Vasya discovers that, armed only with the necklace, she may be the only one who can keep the darkness at bay.


Why I'm Excited:
This cover is just so lovely. I was immediately drawn to both it and the title. Add in some Russian fairy tales and I am sold, sold, sold. I will definitely be keeping my eyes out for this one. 

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

Hey lovely GFC and new followers, please follow me by Bloglovin. (I like to follow back, so please let me know if you're a new follower--and leave a link!) Thank you!!!

Friday, May 13, 2016

Weekly Rewind 5.14.16

Friday, May 13, 2016 9:19 PM with 8 comments
Image result for natflixandbooks
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'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.


Life and Blog

Life: Home in PA this weekend. I usually type this post up on Thursday night when I know I'm going to be doing the drive, but I completely forgot last night. Oops. I'm beat from the drive and waiting for my dinner to be delivered...so this is going to be short. I'm doing well. State testing for my students is next week, and there are only four more weeks left in the year! I'm so ready for a summer home with my honey. It is much needed!

Blog and reading: A WoW this week. I'm dying to get my hands on this book. I loved the author's last one. I've still been slumping this week, although I started rereading The Fixer a couple of days ago before the sequel comes out in a few weeks, and it is so fast-paced that it's been holding my attention nicely. On the drive this evening I stuck in Something Borrowed into the CD player. I've read this book several times, but it has been a few years. You know how beloved books look different to you after you start blogging? I was so nervous to reread this one in case my feelings have changed (I loathed Giffin's last book), but I still find the writing so engaging.

New Books: Just a handful of titles this week, but I'm excited to read them. So without further ado, I hope you are all having fabulous weekends!

For Review

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Outrun the Moon by Stacy Lee
This cover is so lovely, and I've heard the story is, too. It takes place in the early 1900s during the time of the great San Francisco Earthquake.
Please Don't Tell by Laura Tims
About a girl who thinks she killed the boy who messed with her twin sister. I love a good twisty mystery.
The Safest Lies by Megan Miranda
This is also a mystery about a girl whose mother goes missing.
26 Kisses by Anna Michaels
This looks like a fun and fluffy book about a girl who is trying to kiss 26 boys for each letter in the alphabet.

What I snagged from the library

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Summer of Sloane by Erin Schneider
This looks like the perfect title to get me in that summer groove. I'm excited for this one.

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!



Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Waiting on Wednesday (150) A Perfect Disaster

Tuesday, May 10, 2016 8:42 PM with 5 comments
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.


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A Perfect Disaster

Author: Amanda Maciel
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Release Date: January 1, 2017

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Boys have always liked Rosie Fuller, and she has always liked them back. Which is how she has developed a reputation as being the most beautiful - but also easy - girl in her small town in Tornado Valley. Now at the start of her senior year, her best friends Madelyn and Ryan are acting more judgmental of her 'easy' ways. Rosie doesn't let it get to her, though - she's just having a good time.

Then Alex, the cousin of her most recent fling, moves to town. Last year Alex earned hero status by stopping one of his classmates from carrying out a shooting rampage at his old high school. Rosie is immediately drawn to Alex - in a way she's never experienced for a boy before - and he has no pre-conceived notions about her and for once a boy is treating her with respect.

Things are looking brighter . . . until a party turns disastrous in more ways than one, throwing her life into a tailspin. Forced to face uncomfortable truths about herself and high school culture, Rosie is set on a journey to discover the type of person she is - and who she wants to be.

Amanda Maciel, the author of the acclaimed Tease, unflinchingly explores ideas of beauty and reputation, as well as issues of slut-shaming and homophobia, in this story of a teen girl learning to truly see herself and her world.


Why I'm Excited:
Tease was unbelievably good. I'm so very,  very excited for this one. I cannot wait to get my hands on this.

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

Hey lovely GFC and new followers, please follow me by Bloglovin. (I like to follow back, so please let me know if you're a new follower--and leave a link!) Thank you!!!

Friday, May 6, 2016

Weekly Rewind 5.7.16

Friday, May 6, 2016 9:54 PM with 6 comments
Image result for natflixandbooks
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'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 plan was to close my eyes for just a minute after school...and I've just woken up 3 hours later, and I'm still tired. I'm always happy it's Friday, but I'm really happy today. That end of the year slump is hitting me hard. Just five more weeks! Teacher appreciation week was this week, which was nice. The PTA and administration provided breakfast Monday and Tuesday and got us lunch today. I also got an incredibly nice email from a parent that said that her daughter's strength was never in English until she had me as a teacher and how thankful they are that she has me as a teacher this year. It's the little things like that make me take a breath and say: Ok. I do this. It's worth it.

My husband has one last dentist appointment here on Monday, so he is coming into town on Sunday. I'm glad I don't have to do the drive this weekend. I was thinking about it, and I will actually only have to do it two more times until I do it to go home for the summer. Pretty cool.

Blog and reading: A WoW this week. I'm elbow deep in a trillion books this week, but nothing is really holding my full attention. I don't know if that has to do with being so close to the end of the school year, or what, but little slumps like this happen to me A LOT. I'm not not reading...I'm just not finishing anything. I'm listening to Landline, which I'm enjoying. I've been kind of reading A Court of Roses and Thorns and just started Asking For It.

New Books: I have a pile of pretties I'm super excited for this week. So without further ado, I hope you are all having fabulous weekends!

For Review

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The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye
I love this cover, and the story sounds interesting, but I've really been struggling with fantasy lately.
Girls on Fire by Robin Wasserman
Books that look at destructive female friendships are often resonate with me. I'm excited for this one.
Girl Against the World by Paula Stokes
A girl with rotten luck meets a boy who swears he can turn her luck around. This sounds adorable while dealing with real issues.
Places No One Knows by Breanna Yovanoff
I've never read anything by this author despite thinking her books always sound interesting. I'm excited to give this a try.
This might actually be the book I should pick up next. I love a love/hate relationship and a lighter book might be what I need...
Roses and Rot by Kat Howard
I don't know what exactly this is about. I do know that it is about fairy tales and a graduate school that isn't all it seems, which is enough to be intriguing.
Ok, so this sounds awesome. It is about a girl frozen at 17 for a decade who is being hunted by a group called the Church of Light. I'm excited.
This adult novel of a woman who is always forgotten sound so very interesting.

What I snagged from the library

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Books:
Asking For It by Louise O'Neill
A shockingly violent sexual attack rocks an Irish town. I was so happy when my library got a copy of this. I really wanted to read it last year, but it wasn't available over here yet. I've read the first chapter, but I can tell that this is one of those books you have to be in the mood for (if you can ever be in the mood to read about a sexual assault).
No Love Allowed by Kate Evangelista
This sounds like a pretty typical "fake boyfriend/girlfriend who fall in love" story...but those are usually pretty cute.
Audio:
Landline by Rainbow Rowell
I'm not loving this as much as Fangirl or Attachments, but I am enjoying it.
Movie:
Sisters
Yay!!! So excited! These two should be in every movie.

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!