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 have a lot to say about this week, but I'll try to be concise. I woke up at 3:30 on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning to an America I truly never fathomed. I cannot understand how this happened. I cannot believe that the people of this country could say: we will take a narassistic, sexist, racist bigot over this qualified woman. I sobbed as I got dressed. I sobbed as I drove to school. I sobbed as walked through the doors to the band teacher mournfully playing the National Anthem on the violin. And then I had to clean up and pull my shit together because it is my job to make my students feel safe and protected. I have an incredibly diverse group of students, and they will know that each and every one of them are important to me and important to that school. I am terrified of the four next years. I cannot even imagine what life is going to be like if we make it to 2021.
I'm still working on my NaNo novel, but I'm not even close to the number I'm supposed to be at. I wrote over 2000 words yesterday, which I'm pretty proud of. I know that I'm not going to "win", but I have a solid start to something that I'm interested in writing. I have some research that I need to do, but I'm also trying to study for a couple of Praxis exams to get certified in a couple more subjects to make myself more desirable to those impossible PA schools. I HAVE to get a job at home next year. So I know my focus is going to have to swing in that direction in order to make that happen.
Blog and reading: I'm still reading Illuminae which I'm enjoying. I've also been kind of reading Scythe, which is interesting so far. Between NaNo and the election and starting to study, though, I haven't had the chance to read as much as I'd like. The cd player in my car broke last week which SUCKS! I listen to books on cd on my commute every single day, but especially on that 8 hour round trip I do almost every weekend. My car doesn't have any kind of adapter for my phone either. Audiobooks is by far the majority of my reading, so I need to figure something out.
New books: Just a few books this week, but I'm excited for all of them. So without further ado, I hope you all have fabulous weekends!
For Review
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
In a future where natural death no longer occurs, members of society are made scythes to take lives to stop over population. One of those scythes chooses two teens, a boy and a girl, to become his apprentices. After one year under his guidance one of them will become a scythe. I've only read the first 60 pages of this, or so, but it is intriguing so far.
Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst
A fantasy novel with a LGBQ+ love story. I hope this is as amazing at it sounds (and looks--I love that cover!).
Trouble Makes a Comeback by Stephanie Tromly
I can't really remember the first book (to the point where I might have to reread it before I pick this up) beyond that it was quick but baffling. We'll see. I am curious.
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!
I couldn't even comprehend my thoughts on that day. In the morning, I was so keen on not going into school that day. I did end up going but I was like a zombie. My stomach was hurting, and I ended up leaving without writing down the homework in my notebook. I was bloodshot, tired, angry, and just overall confused. I received Scythe as well and I'm intrigued by the synopsis.
ReplyDeleteAlex @ The Book's Buzz
I am still in shock. :( I could write a whole blog post about it. :( I hope you have a better week next week. I look forward to your thoughts on Scythe.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way, Natalie. We're in San Diego at the moment and we can't turn watch tv without the news talking about this vile human being. And I can't. I can't watch him and his family take over the White House. One of the most respected position of power in the world and you'll have this monster living in there? I can't stand it. :(
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping that there will be more teachers like you that will teach of love and acceptance even if their parentspossibly have voted for this evil man.
I feel the same way. The state of everything right now is so sad. On the book side of things, Scythe has been on my radar forever. I'll be glad when it's finally out!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a great weekend too, and I hear you on the election. Mind boggling. I feel like the White House is going to be besmirched- like Obama or not at least he had class. Even presidents I've disagreed with I never thought they were UNFIT per se- until now. But I won't get into all that. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd the kids need teachers like you to model the right stuff, especially diverse classes where kids might feel vulnerable. Some of the reports have been terrifying. Kids shouldn't have to fear. So good for you. Anyway good luck with NaNo and your exams. And have a good reading week hopefully!
I don't think you were alone in how you felt earlier this week. We are entering a strange, scary, world.
ReplyDeleteI was shocked by what happened with the elections also. I just hope things get better soon.
ReplyDeleteHere’s my Sunday Post!
Ronyell @ Rabbit Ears Book Blog and join in this week’s Book Photo Sundays!
I love the cover for Scythe. Have a great day.
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental My Sunday Memes
A lot of us were shocked:( But you are doing what you need to for your students and that is the most important thing now...making the kids feel safe.
ReplyDeletePS. regarding the audiobook situation...for the longest time in my old car all I had was a tape deck. I just listened with my phone and one earbud in and the other out so I could hear the road noise etc. That worked just fine for me for years.
A very shocking election result. I'm in Australia and we were gobsmacked.
ReplyDeleteMy NaNo efforts are non-existent I have to admit so it's good you even started!!!
I have been crying all week, too. All I want to do is sleep. As the days pass I am becoming saddened by the "shruggers" also. Liberals who are saying, "Oh well... maybe he won't be so bad," are killing me. :(
ReplyDeleteI have been interested in what people are thinking about Scythe. I haven't seen any reviews yet. I will be reading Of Fire and Stars soon. Have a better and peaceful week. :)