February 2015 ~ Natflix&Books

Friday, February 27, 2015

Weekly Rewind 2.28.15

Friday, February 27, 2015 11:28 PM with 7 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 Tynga's 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: Not a whole lot going on this week. My classes are getting geared up to take the state writing test. This is my first experience with actual high stakes testing, and I have to admit that I'm super nervous to see how my students do. I feel like I've taught them what they need to know, but it is still nerve-wracking. I have two more weeks until I'm home again for spring break. I'm looking forward to a week off. Even with my long weekend home, February felt like forever. As of now, I don't have any plans to go home in April or May, but I really don't know if I can go the 11 weeks in between spring break and the end of the school year without seeing my husband and cats. 11 weeks is just so long.

Blog and new books: I did both a TTT and WoW post this week, and I also looked at the HB vs PB of The Winner's Curse in my own Why, Publishers, Why?! post. I have several new books (and movies) to share with you this week. So without further adieu, I hope you are all having fabulous weekends!

For Review

Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver

I'm a little over half-way through this right now. While I'm enjoying it--especially the deep look at sister relationships--I'm not enthralled with it. I hope to finish it this weekend and will hopefully get a review up next week.

Everybody Knows Your Name by Andrea Seigel and Brent Bradshaw

I've been really excited for this book about two teens in an American Idol/Big Brother reality show hybrid. It sounds really fun, and I love this quirky cover.

Split Second by Sophie McKenzie

I keep forgetting I have this--and it sound really good! It's about two teens whose lives are affected by a London terrorist attack. As the girl gets closer to the fella, however, she realizes he may know more about it than he is letting on.

Tether by Anna Jarzab

I still need to read Tandem, but it is high on my TBR, so I couldn't help but snag the sequel.

What I snagged from the library

Books:

Rites of Passage by Joy N. Hensley

It's hard to ignore all the four and five star reviews all of my GR/blogger friends have given this. I hope I'm not the black sheep...

Girl on a Wire by Gwenda Bond

Rival circus families. That's all I need to know about this.

Cut to the Chase edited by Linda Venis

I love books about writing. This compilation about screenwriting, which I'm a couple of chapters into, is interesting, well-written, and inspiring so far.

Audio:

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

I listened to the first book this week. A few CDs in, I ordered the next one so I could immediately continue with the series. While I have to admit that I'm not as enamored with the series as a lot of my friends, I am enjoying it quite a bit.

Movies:

Laggies with Kiera Knightley and Chloe Grace Moretz

From what I've gathered this is about an adult who can't figure out how to adult who befriends a young teen. I love both of these women, so I'm excited for this film.

This is Where I Leave You with Tina Fey and Jason Bateman

I've read this novel...twice...and loved it, so I cannot wait to watch the movie version.

Both of these films will definitely get watched this weekend, so I hope to have reviews up next week.

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!

Why, Publishers, Why?! (Episode 7)

Thursday, February 26, 2015 2:51 AM with 10 comments

My biggest pet peeve is when beautiful HBs turn into lackluster PBs. I completely understand that publishers may choose to change the cover due to various reasons, low sales especially, but the thing for me is: I don't buy new hardcover books. Ever. I can't afford them and I just simply prefer soft covers. Trade PB has always been my preferred format. So when I'm salivating over a HB cover only to have it change before it comes out into PB it makes me CRAZY. Publishers would probably make MORE money on PB sales if they kept the amazing HB covers!

That's why I call this post:

Why, Publishers, Why?!

Today's Pick:

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

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The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy, #1)

I know this isn't THAT different, but that is the issue! The best part of the HB is the way in which she is holding on to the R. So pretty! Also, I have to say that I prefer the muted colors of the HB. Her blond hair looks weird that bright on the PB. I've been waiting for this to come out in PB (March 3). I read the ARC, but need a finished copy. I'm super bummed about this change.

Which one do you prefer? The HB or the PB? Neither? Sound off below!

Waiting on Wednesday (89) The Dead House

Tuesday, February 24, 2015 10:57 PM with 8 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.

The Dead House

Author: Dawn Kurtagich
Publisher: Little, Brown Books
Release Date: September 15, 2015

Link to Goodreads:

Part-psychological thriller, part-urban legend, this is an unsettling narrative made up of diary entries, interview transcripts, film footage transcripts and medical notes. Twenty-five years ago, Elmbridge High burned down. Three people were killed and one pupil, Carly Johnson, disappeared. Now a diary has been found in the ruins of the school. The diary belongs to Kaitlyn Johnson, Carly’s identical twin sister. But Carly didn’t have a twin . . .

Re-opened police records, psychiatric reports, transcripts of video footage and fragments of diary reveal a web of deceit and intrigue, violence and murder, raising a whole lot more questions than it answers.

Who was Kaitlyn and why did she only appear at night? Did she really exist or was she a figment of a disturbed mind? What were the illicit rituals taking place at the school? And just what did happen at Elmbridge in the events leading up to ‘the Johnson Incident’?

Chilling, creepy and utterly compelling, THE DEAD HOUSE is one of those very special books that finds all the dark places in your imagination, and haunts you long after you've finished reading.

Why I'm Excited:
I love "mixed-media" storytelling, so this sounds really fun. I also love a good creeper, and this sounds promising as far as chills are concerned. I'm not a fan of the cover, honestly--although I do like the building--but it isn't a deal breaker. I'll definitely be keeping my eye open for this one.

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

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Top Ten Tuesday: Best. Heroines. Ever.

Monday, February 23, 2015 10:29 PM with 7 comments

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.

Today's Topic: Best. Heroines. Ever.

Books:

Jessica Darling from, well the Jessica Darling series, is my spirit animal. Sarcastic, smart, and independent.

Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games is a no-brainer. She kicks ass. Period.

Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series is one of my favorite characters of all time. She is smart and sassy and brave and awesome.

Frankie Landau-Banks from The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks is whip-smart and a feminist. I adore her.

Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice was smart and independent before those were considered virtues for women. She's awesome.

TV:

Angela Chase from My So-Called Life. I was in high school when MSCL was on the air, and I immediately identified with Angela. I cried when it was cancelled and wrote in to the studio. When MTV picked it up, I recorded every episode on VHS tapes and can still recite whole episodes verbatim. I've upgraded from self-recorded VHS tapes when it was re-released on DVD a couple of years back. I can not even begin to explain how much I love this show. I just need to do a post on it already...

Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation is hilarious and smart and dedicated. She loves her friends and loves her job. And how cute are her and Ben?

Movies:

Kat Straford from 10 Things I Hate About You is so awesome. Based on The Taming of the Shrew, Julia Stiles does a great job showing how few fucks Kat gives about what anybody else thinks of her. Love.

Cher Horowitz from Clueless may seem like a brainless fashionista, but deep down she really cares about her friends and family and just wants them to be happy.

Olive Pendergast from Easy A refuses to lay down and take it when she starts to get slut-shamed. Instead she sews a bunch of "Scarlet As" on lingerie tops and flips everyone the bird.

Well that's it for me. Who are your favorite heroines? Link me up!

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Weekly Rewind 2.21.15

Friday, February 20, 2015 9:53 PM with 8 comments

My Blog and Life

Life: It was so nice to be home last weekend, but it went by way too quickly! My next trip is already booked, though, and only 3 weeks away, so it won't be bad. As much as it sucks to be away, I have to admit that this year is flying by. I also have to admit that my weekend in PA made me realize how nice it's been to not spend a winter in PA. Lol. It was so f-ing cold I really didn't even want to leave my house the entire time. My husband said it was supposed to drop down to -20 windchill yesterday. That's just way, way too cold. Even in FL it dropped down to the 20s overnight. Super ready for spring. I'm looking forward to May, especially.

New Books: I have a few books to show you today. March is going to be an excellent month, book-wise. Not only do I have some awesome ARCs, but a lot of books I want to own are coming out in PB. That's about all that's going on. I'm pretty tired tonight, so will skip the blathering on. So without further adieu, I hope you are all having awesome weekends!

For Review

Dead to Me by Mary McCoy

I've been looking forward to this YA answer to LA Confidential. I hope to read it this weekend.

Bone Gap by Laura Ruby

This book about a small town and a missing girl sounds intriguing. I really like the minimal cover, too. I've heard this one is pretty weird, but sometimes weird is good.
Flunked: Fairytale Reform School by Jen Calonita
I'm not going to lie, I snagged this MG book on the cover alone. Seriously, how charming is this cover?

Razorhurst by Justine Larbalestier
Per GR: In the vein of The Diviners and The Petal and the White,Razorhurst reimagines the notorious history of a mob-controlled Sydney—with a paranormal twist. Sold.
Not Otherwise Specified by Hannah Moskowitz
This story of a bi-sexual girl who loves ballet and is recovering from an eating disorder sounds kind of heavy, but good.

The Storyspinner by Becky Wallace

Per GR: Drama and danger abound in this fantasy realm where dukes play a game for the throne, magical warriors race to find the missing heir, and romance blossoms where it is least expected.

What I snagged from the library

Books:

All Fall Down by Ally Carter

I started the e-arc of this a few weeks ago, but ended up setting it aside. It wasn't bad, but I have to admit that I'm not loving it nearly as much as The Heist Society. I do want to finish this, though, and hope it was just my mood.

The Cure for Dreaming by Cat Winters

Yes, I've checked this out again. I truly want to read it...

Audio Books:

A Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

This is my first book by Cassandra Clare. I started this a couple of days ago and am enjoying it so far.

Waiting on Wednesday (88) Young Widows Club

Wednesday, February 18, 2015 12:05 AM with 7 comments

Young Widows Club

Author: Alexandra Coutts
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Release Date: November 10, 2015

Link to Goodreads:

First came love, then came marriage, and then...

For seventeen-year-old Tam, running off to marry her musician boyfriend is the ideal escape from her claustrophobic high-school life on the island, and the ultimate rebellion against her father and stepmother. But when Tam becomes a widow just weeks later, the shell-shocked teen is forced to find her way forward by going back to the life she thought she’d moved beyond—even as her struggle to deal with her grief is forcing her to reinvent herself and reach out to others in ways she never imagined.

Why I'm Excited:

I love a good contemporary, and the teen as widow is definitely new. I thought this was going to be an adult novel looking at the title (not that that's bad--I read adult novels, too), and so was surprised to see this is YA. I've been leaning towards meatier reads lately, so this looks right up my alley. I'll be keeping my eye 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!!!

Weekly Rewind 2.14.15

Friday, February 13, 2015 8:03 PM with 6 comments

My Life and Blog

Life: I'm home for a long weekend! I'm going to skip the long update today. My husband is making me dinner--crab and artichoke dip and some salmon (nom, nom), so I figured I would type this up quickly. As always, it is awesome to be home with my love and my cats.

Blog: I did finally post a review for Little Big Lies earlier this week. I enjoyed it quite a bit.

New Books: I've been checking and checking to see when the PB of The 5th Wave was coming out and never could find a date, and then out of nowhere--bam--there it was on Tuesday. Of course I snagged a copy. I was going to bring it on the plane, but it wouldn't fit in my purse, and my carry-on was already overflowing, but it is definitely high on my TBR list now that I own it. As far as review books are concerned, I have a handful to show you this week, so without further adieu I hope you are all having awesome (hopefully long) weekends! And Happy Valentine's Day if you celebrate it (we don't, but to each her own).

For Review

A Wicked Thing by Rhiannon Thomas

Early reviews of this after the kiss look at Sleeping Beauty have been fairly mediocre, but I do love that cover and hope I enjoy it more than others.

The Sin Eater's Daughter by Melissa Salisbury

An executioner who can kill just with her touch + that cover. So excited.

The Third Twin by CJ Omololu

I love a good YA Thriller, and this book about twins whose DNA matches the scene of a crime looks really fun.

Liars, Inc by Paula Stokes

It's hard to ignore this blurb: For fans of Gone Girl, I Hunt Killers, and TV's How to Get Away with Murder.

Kalahari by Jessica Khoury

An educational safari goes wrong and a group of teens find themselves stranded in the desert without a guide...and with a deadly virus outbreak. Everything about that sounds like my worst nightmare.

Remember by Eileen Cook

Per GR: A thrilling tale about what a girl will do to get back a memory she lost…or remove what she wants to forget.

No Parking at the End Times by Bryan Bliss

A family that is falling apart gets in a van and travels to San Fransisco to be with a "prophet" calling for Armageddon.

My Near-Death Adventures by Alison DeCamp

While this historical MG book is far from my usual read, it looks really fun.

What I Bought