Waiting on Wednesday (91) Da Vinci's Tiger

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.

Da Vinci's Tiger

Author: Laura Malone Elliott
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Release Date: November 10, 2015

Link to Goodreads:

Young, beautiful, and witty, Ginevra de’ Benci longs to take part in the artistic ferment of Renaissance Florence. But as the daughter of a wealthy family in a society dictated by men, she is trapped in an arranged marriage, expected to limit her creativity to domestic duties. Her poetry reveals her deepest feelings, and she aches to share her work, to meet painters and sculptors mentored by the famed Lorenzo de Medici, and to find love.

When the charismatic Venetian ambassador, Bernardo Bembo, arrives in Florence, he introduces Ginevra to a dazzling circle of patrons, artists, and philosophers—a world of thought and conversation she has yearned for. She is instantly attracted to the handsome newcomer, who admires her mind as well as her beauty. Yet Ginevra remains conflicted about his attentions. Choosing her as his Platonic muse, Bembo commissions a portrait by a young Leonardo da Vinci. Posing for the brilliant painter inspires an intimate connection between them—one Ginevra can only begin to understand. In a rich and enthralling world of exquisite art, elaborate feasts, and exhilarating jousts, she faces many temptations to discover her voice, artistic companionship, and a love that defies categorization. In the end, she and Leonardo are caught up in a dangerous and deadly battle between powerful families.

Why I'm Excited:

 I love pretty much anything that has to do with The Renaissance and I am particularly enthralled with Leonardo da Vanci, so I'm beyond excited for this one. It sounds amazing and I'm loving this cover. I'll definitely be keeping my eye open for this one. Hope I don't have to wait until November to get my hands on it!

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

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Top Ten Tuesday: Books for those who love boarding schools

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: Books for readers who like boarding schools

One of my very favorite settings for books is a boarding school. When I was younger I was dreamed of going to school back east on a campus full of stone buildings and crawling ivy. I just love the idea of a boarding school, and I hope to eventually work at one now that I'm a working English teacher. 

   

    

Upcoming Boarding-School Stories I'm Excited for:

 

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by e. lockhart

Listen, I know that you see this book from me, like, almost every single week. I just love it. Period. It follows a teenage girl who decides that not only is she going to infiltrate the male-only secret club at her boarding school, she is going to run it. Love.

Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld

I absolutely adore this novel. This is one of those books that is so gorgeously written and complex that every time I read it, it makes me want to write my own book. This one follows a teen girl throughout her four years of high school at a boarding school. While it is an adult book, those who love YA would enjoy it.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Boarding school in Paris with a cute English boy. Swoon.

Winger by Andrew Smith

This book is so freaking good. It follows a teen boy as he navigates life at his boarding school. Love, love, love. 

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

Obviously.

The Year of the Gadfly by Jennifer Miller

This novel follows a girl who, as a budding investigative journalist, decides to look into the vigilante secret society at her boarding school. 

The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger

This is too old for my eighth-graders, but I hope to be able to teach this one someday. 

Testimony by Anita Shreve

This adult novel follows multiple povs of a sex scandal at a New England boarding school. 

I Am Her Revenge by Meredith Moore

A revenge story set in a boarding school. Yes, please!

Hello, I Love You by Katie M. Stout

This book follows a teen who goes to school abroad and falls for a Korean pop star. It sounds fun and that cover is adorable. 

Well that's it for me. What books did you recommend today? Link me up!

Hey lovely readers: I love meeting new bloggers. If you decide to follow, my preference is through Bloglovin'. If you are a new follower, please let me know and leave a link so that I can follow back. Thanks! 

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The Skeleton Twins (Movie Review)

The Skeleton Twins

Starring: Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Luke Wilson, Ty Burrell

Director: Craig Johnson

Writers: Craig Johnson, Mark Heyman

Storyline from IMDb.com

After ten years of estrangement, twins Maggie and Milo coincidentally cheat death on the same day, prompting them to reunite and confront how their lives went so wrong. As the twins' reunion reinvigorates them both, they realize that the key to fixing their lives just may lie in fixing their relationship with each other.

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My thoughts: 

Like Will Farrell's Everything Must Go or Adam Sandler's Punch Drunk Love, The Skeleton Twins is Bill Hader's (and to a lesser extent Kristen Wiig's--she's had other serious roles the past couple of years) showcase of his acting chops. I know that it makes the film sound contrived, but that isn't my intention. I quite liked Everything Must Go and Punch Drunk Love. I really liked The Skeleton Twins. This movie is funny and sad and charming and frustrating. It's a film that should definitely be getting more attention. Hopefully now that it is out on DVD it will find a wider audience.

The Skeleton Twins follows fraternal twins Maggie and Milo. In one of the opening scenes, Milo has slashed his wrists while blasting music in his apartment. Across the country, Maggie is holding a handful of pills. She is stopped from her own suicide attempt by a phone call telling her of her brother's attempt. Even though she hasn't spoken to Milo in ten years, she flies out to LA get her brother and bring him back to their home state of NY to live with her and her rugged husband, Lance. (Oh, Lance, I love Luke Wilson and he does such a good job playing the golden-retriever of husbands here. You just cannot help but feel for him.) 

The lingering effects of growing up in a dysfunctional household has continued to ravage their lives leaving both Milo and Maggie extremely unhappy people. Milo, who is gay, has never quite gotten over a relationship he had when he was younger. He drowns his sorrow with alcohol. Maggie, who wants to be a good wife to her energetic, joyful husband, finds herself drowning her sorrows in sex with her scuba instructor. The depression they share runs in the family. Their own father committed suicide when they were adolescents and their mother checked out of their lives soon after. The two really only had each other until they had their falling out.  

While the subject matters of depression and suicidal tendencies is a rough one, both actors bring their amazing comedic touches to their roles. The best scenes are the ones of them reconnecting in various silly ways, and sometimes obviously improved ones, (especially a lip syncing scene to the 80s favorite Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now). While they know how to make each other laugh, however, they also know just what to say to cut the deepest. It's hard for me to imagine many actors who could pull off such a believable sibling bond as these two do in this movie. 

Overall, I was extremely impressed with both Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig in this film. I wasn't crazy about the ending, but I think this film with its 90 minute run time tells an affecting and wonderful story about two siblings trying to reconnect. I really liked this one and would definitely recommend. 

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Weekly Rewind 3.7.15

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: Man am I glad this week is over. The students at my school are all so restless right now. The weather got really nice this week and spring break is right around the corner. Trying to teach them is like trying to herd hamsters. The veteran teachers I've talked to told me the third quarter is always the hardest. There are no real breaks and everyone is restless. Including me! I cannot wait to be home for a full week. I was just there three weeks ago, but I'm missing my husband so badly. We only have three more months to go. I know it will go by quickly, but this week was rough and not having him with me just makes the bad days even more pronounced (and the good ones not nearly as meaningful). Yikes! I'm in a mood apparently. Moving on...

Blog: I got a review for Vanishing Girls up this week and did posts for both TTT and WoW. I had planned on getting a movie review up, as well, but I was just too tired to write these past couple of days. Hopefully this weekend I can draft something up.

New books: I'm so excited for the books I'm going to share today. So without further adieu, I hope you are all having fabulous weekends!

Review Books

  

The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord

Even though I recently bought a copy of Open Road Summer (and checked it out from the library a couple of times before I bought it), I still haven't read it. (I know. I know.) Regardless, I am super excited that I snagged this book. I love that cover and it sounds very sweet. 

What Waits in the Woods by Kieran Scott

I'm going to guess that whatever is waiting in the woods isn't good. I adore this cover and hope what's inside is as creepy as it is. 

Girls, Texts, Cultures edited by Clare Bradford

Per GR: "This book focuses on girls and girlhoods, texts for and about girls, and the cultural contexts that shape girls' experience. It brings together scholars from girls' studies and children's literature, fields that have traditionally conducted their research separately, and the collaboration showcases the breadth and complexity of girl-related studies." I love a good non-fiction book every once in awhile, especially those that look at teen psychology. 

What I bought

 

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

Fucking finally. Mine. 

What I snagged from the library

 

  

Books:
Compulsion by Martina Boone
I've heard good things about this and that might be my favorite cover ever. I seriously love it. 
Audio:

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

I'm currently listening to the second book, but I'll be starting this one this week. I'm enjoying the series, but I have to admit that the love triangle is driving me crazy. I hate it when it is so obvious who the girl is going to choose. It's like, why even bother with the charade? Triangle aside, I do like the story. 
Movies (Why do they always come in at once?!):
Wish I Was Here starring Zac Braff
I adored Garden State. Adored. I'm a bit nervous to watch this one, but I hope I love it.
St. Vincent starring Bill Murray and Melissa McCarthy
Um, starring Bill Murray and Melissa McCarthy. Is there really anything else to say?
The Skeleton Twins starring Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader
I love that these two made a more serious film. I'm sure there will be some funny parts, but I'm looking forward to seeing them act. 

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!

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Waiting on Wednesday (90) Walk on Earth a Stranger

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.

Walk on Earth a Stranger

Author: Rae Carson
Publisher: Greenwillow
Release Date: September 22, 2015

Link to Goodreads:

The first book in a new trilogy from acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Rae Carson. A young woman with the magical ability to sense the presence of gold must flee her home, taking her on a sweeping and dangerous journey across Gold Rush–era America.

Lee Westfall has a secret. She can sense the presence of gold in the world around her. Veins deep beneath the earth, pebbles in the river, nuggets dug up from the forest floor. The buzz of gold means warmth and life and home—until everything is ripped away by a man who wants to control her. Left with nothing, Lee disguises herself as a boy and takes to the trail across the country. Gold was discovered in California, and where else could such a magical girl find herself, find safety? Rae Carson, author of the acclaimed Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy, dazzles with this new fantasy that subverts both our own history and familiar fantasy tropes.

Walk on Earth a Stranger, the first book in this new trilogy, introduces—as only Rae Carson can—a strong heroine, a perilous road, a fantastical twist, and a slow-burning romance. Includes a map and author’s note on historical research.

Why I'm Excited:

What is drawing me to this novel is the historical aspect. I'm trying to remember if I've ever read a book set during the Gold Rush, and I don't think I have. I also love a good slow-burning romance. I'm not crazy about the fact that this is the first in a trilogy (I've been doing my best to stay away from series lately), but I'll make an exception for this one. I'm loving this cover, too. I'll definitely 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!!!

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Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Books Since 2012

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: Favorite Books Since 2012

Holy crap this was hard! There are a lot of books I really enjoyed these past couple of years, but I've been trying to actually keep these lists to 10 (except for my season TBR lists because that will just never happen...)

    

   

   

Vicious by V.E. Schwab

This book is beyond amazing. I adore it.

Winger by Andrew Smith

I almost didn't pick this one up based on this ugly ass cover, but what inside is funny and heartbreaking and just so wonderful. I cannot wait for the sequel.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

I'm going to do a little gloating here...sorry. I read this book a couple of weeks after it was released back in 2012 and was blown away. I actually figured out the mystery almost immediately, but was still blown away.

The List by Siobhan Vivian

This ambitious book is a slice of life. It looks at a single week in high while following 8 different girls. I've read it a couple of times these past couple of years and was just thinking it was time for another re-read. 

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

I had an arc of E&P and just couldn't get into it for the life of me. I tried to read it...twice..and tried to listen to the audio book, but it just wasn't my bag. I'm so glad I gave this one a try regardless because I adore Fangirl. I love Cath and her fanfic. 

Golden by Jessi Kirby

One of my favorite aspects of this lovely little book is the positive role the English teacher plays.

The Reece Malcolm List by Amy Spalding

Even though this has a cute romance, my favorite aspect of this story is the realistic mother-daughter relationship--something that is way to rare in most YA.

The Diviners by Libba Bray

People with special powers set during the Roaring 20s. Need I say more?

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Swoon, swoon, swoon. I never had a dude like this living next to me...

Tease by Amanda Maciel

This book really stayed with me. I loved how it wasn't a black and white look at bullying. The victim wasn't an angel and the bully wasn't a demon. Both girls were real. This book is a truly important work, and I admired it a lot even if I didn't necessarily love it. 

Well that's it for me. What are your favorite reads from the past couple of years? Link me up!

Hey lovely readers: I love meeting new bloggers. If you decide to follow, my preference is through Bloglovin'. If you are a new follower, please let me know and leave a link so that I can follow back. Thanks! 

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Vanishing Girls (Early Book Review)

Vanishing Girls

Author: Lauren Oliver

Publisher: HarperCollins

Release Dates: March 10, 2015

Synopsis from

New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver delivers a gripping story about two sisters inexorably altered by a terrible accident.

Dara and Nick used to be inseparable, but that was before the accident that left Dara's beautiful face scarred and the two sisters totally estranged. When Dara vanishes on her birthday, Nick thinks Dara is just playing around. But another girl, nine-year-old Madeline Snow, has vanished, too, and Nick becomes increasingly convinced that the two disappearances are linked. Now Nick has to find her sister, before it's too late.

In this edgy and compelling novel, Lauren Oliver creates a world of intrigue, loss, and suspicion as two sisters search to find themselves, and each other.

"Alarming and uplifting, a rare psychological thriller that has a kind heart at its center. Read it with all the lights on." -- E. Lockhart, author of We Were Liars.

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My Thoughts:

The arc of this book that I read opened with a letter from the author in which she described her thoughts about the lives of sisters. What stuck out to me about this letter was this:

     ...We form our identities in opposition to our siblings--at a certain point, we deliberately strive for separateness and difference, although in doing so we unconsciously stay very closely aware of our sibling counterparts, basing our characteristics and preferences in part on an inverted sense of what they would do/say/like. 

Again, this sincerely struck a chord deep within me. You see, I have an older sister. A sister whom I love, but have very little in common. She is 4 years older than me, and although we have a great relationship now that we are adults, we were not close growing up. We don't even look like we are related.  Where she is dark (brown hair and eyes, tans easily), I am light (blonde--very blonde as a girl--green eyes, as fair as can be). I was the wild one with, somewhat paradoxically, a deep love for reading. This isn't a new thing; books have always played a huge role in my life. Every summer, I would hole up in my room and read the summer vacation away while she wanted to play outside. Even with these nerdy tendencies, though, our first times getting drunk were mere weeks apart despite the four year gap, for example. Because of our differences, I understood this idea that these disparities between sisters may be an unconscious way to separate themselves. To find a way to be an individual. Reading this letter before reading the story also helped open my eyes to the writing and the characteristics of our two main characters. I was conscious of what the author was trying to do which could have ended up being a bad thing, but I liked the awareness.  

Nick and Dara were always close until the two got into a terrible car accident some months before the start of our story. The circumstances of the accident are a bit of a mystery as Nick doesn't really remember it, and Dara--who was once so beautiful--doesn't want to talk about it as it has left her face scarred. After spending the past couple of months with her father, Nick is about to live in the same house as Dara again and she is resolute that she will find away for the two of them to connect and be close again. Dara, however, doesn't want anything to do with her older sister. 

It isn't just the accident that has driven a wedge between the two of them, though, there is also a boy (of course). Parker, the gorgeous boy next door, has been Nick's best friend for years. The two have always done things together--with Dara tagging behind--but in the months before the accident things began to change between the two of them. They changed because sexy, wild Dara decided to make Parker her own. Even though the two split up before the accident, things don't feel complete between the two...and things between Nick and Parker are still off, as well. 

When Nick's mom decides that Nick is going to work at the local amusement park, the same park that Parker happens to work at, Nick is forced to examine her own feelings about her former best friend, and Dara's former boyfriend.

While I ultimately ended up liking this one quite a bit, not everything in this story worked for me. There is a sub-plot about a missing little girl that didn't quite fit, in my opinion, although it ties to Dara's own disappearance over half-way through the story. Honestly, even though I was enjoying this story, I ended up putting it down for a couple of weeks because it wasn't holding my attention completely.

What ended up making this story for me were two things: 1. the realistic look at sister relationships which is honestly quite refreshingly done in this book, and 2. the last 25% or so of the book when it both picks up the pace and throws in a couple of serious loopy-loops I didn't see coming. 

In the end, I would definitely recommend this book--especially if you have a sister. It is so hard to write realistic family dynamics, and Ms. Oliver does it splendidly here. While my personality is probably more in-line with Dara's, I really liked Nick and found myself siding with her. And while the mystery aspect wasn't my favorite (which is weird because I LOVE a good mystery), it was hard for me to put down in the third act because I just had to know what happened. This was well-written and different. 

Definitely Recommend. 

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