Library Loot

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and me that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries.

More books for the Foodies Read Challenge.

Cooking As Fast As I Can

I spotted this one on the shelf at the library. I like Cat Cora and looking forward to reading more about her.

The Call of The Farm

I have these fantasies of becoming a farmer. Now that we have a house, I know those are fantasies. I don't have the patience to grow plants, let alone food. But I'll keep reading about those growing food and dreaming.

Cooking Dirty

The title and the comparisons to Bourdain were enough to make me pick this one up. 

Life Without a Recipe

This one just sounded good.

What about you? What did you pick up this week? Share your loot below.

Library Loot

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and me that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries.

Cheesemonger

I'm always looking for good non-fiction food books. Cheesemonger came highly rated so I'll give it a try. 

A Country Road, A Tree

I picked this one up for the What's In A Name challenge.

I Remember Beirut

I got sucked into looking for graphic novels by and about POC. This is one find.

Darkroom

Another from my previously mentioned search.

What did you get this week? Claire's got the linky.

When Reason Breaks by Cindy L Rodriguez

I'm sorry it took me so long to read When Reason Breaks. I must have checked out from the library multiple times before now when I actually read it. I wish I read it soon. It was a fantastic read but more than I was ever expecting.

Emily and Elizabeth are both in high school and are both struggling. Elizabeth's a little more outspoken so people see her as the problem child. Emily is quieter but still hurting. At the beginning both girls don't really know one another. But a class project about Emily Dickinson draws the two girls together and they realize they aren't that dissimilar. Friends, family, school puts pressure on Emily and Elizabeth. They both really see each other especially when they feel no one else sees them.

Rodriguez really wrote two very beautiful characters. Emily holds all her pain in. At the beginning of the book, it's starting to show. Sleeplessness, withdrawing from friends and activities she enjoyed. Elizabeth has been living with the pain longer. Elizabeth is starting to lash out-punching lockers, talking back to teachers. Rodriguez really explores depression and how it affects these two girls. I really loved Emily and Elizabeth. I did tear up at the end because watching them grow was so moving.

I was pleasantly surprised that Emily and Elizabeth were Latina and the book was set in a mostly Latino area. I enjoyed the Spanish sprinkled through the book.

I can't wait to read Rodriguez next book. When Reason Breaks would be a great read for older teens and up. A fantastic one for book clubs too. Plenty to discuss. Others who shared their thoughts on When Reason Breaks: Rich In Color, Disability In KidLit, and What Sarah Read.

Library Loot

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and me that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries.

Truly, Madly, Guilty

I've been looking forward to another Moriarty book.

What did you get this week? Share your loot below.

July Book Tally

At the Water's Edge by Sara Gruen
The Astonishing Ant Man vol 1 by Nick Spencer
Gena/Finn by Hannah Moskowitz
Drowned City by Don Brown
The Grownup by Gillian Flynn
When the Duke Was Wicked by Lorraine Heath
You Know Me Well by Nina LaCour
Stars Above by Marissa Meyer
Six Gun Snow White by Catherynne Valente
Southern Bastard vol 1 by Jason Aaron
Paper Girls vol 1 by Brian K Vaughan
Secondhand Souls by Christoper Moore
The Boy In The Black Suit by Jason Reynolds
The Crown by Kiera Cass

Fourteen this month! Woo Hoo! Great month. I hope I can keep this up!

Stats:

Graphic Novel Challenge: 4 (Paper Girls, Southern Bastards, Drowned City, The Astonishing Ant Man)  YTD: 11

Foodies Read Challenge: 0 (none this month)  YTD: 0

What's In A Name Challenge: 0 (none this month)  YTD: 1

LGBTQIA Reading Challenge: 1 (You Know Me Well)  YTD: 3

Total: 52

Library Loot

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and me that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries.

Titans

Another sweeping family drama from Meacham.

Girl In Dior

I found Girl In Dior while browsing the graphic novel shelf at the library. Looked right up my alley.

What did you get this week? Claire's got the linky this week.

July Graphic Novel Review

Paper Girls vol 1

I'm a huge fan of Brian K Vaughn so I really liked Paper Girls. The time period, the plot, it was all very cool. I look forward to more.

Southern Bastards vol 1

I'm not sure how I heard about Southern Bastards. The drawing was good. The story was good but brutal. I don't know if it's something I'll continue.

Drowned City

I remember Katrina vividly. This felt brief and would be better suited to someone who didn't remember Katrina. But a good primer on what happened there. A little gritty, better for an older teen reader. 

The Astonishing Ant Man vol 1 

Meh. Not my favorite Ant Man volume. 

The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson

I don't remember how I heard about The Art of Being Normal, but I'm glad I did. Another great read.

David is a freak or so say the kids at his school. David's parents think he's gay but David is really a girl trapped in a guy's body. He desperately wants to be a girl but he doesn't know how to tell his family. Leo's new to David's school. The rumors that surround him make him sound like a monster. But David feels drawn to Leo. And when Leo stands up to David's tormentors, Leo and David start a friendship. Both boys are hiding something from everyone.

The story goes back and forth between Leo and David. Leo's a bit of a loner. David's got 2 friends who know his secret. I really liked getting to know Leo and David. I liked how their stories unfolded. I would love another book about Leo and David. Others who shared their thoughts on The Art of Being Normal: Shiny New Books, Pretty Books, and Inclusive Minds.
This is my sixth read for the LGBTQIA reading challenge.

Library Loot

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and me that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries.

How To Say I Love You out Loud

This one looked good.

Marrying Winterborne

I enjoyed the first in this series, Cold-Hearted Rake. I'm looking forward to this one. 

Never Missing, Never Found

I'm not usually a fan of thrillers but this one caught my eye. 

What did you get this week? Share below!

Library Loot

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and me that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries.

Shiro

I'm looking forward to this one. For the Foodies Read Challenge.

That Part Was True

I read about this on The Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell. It sounded good.

Dating Tips for the Unemployed

Sounded good.

What did you get this week? Claire's got the linky this week.

Six-Gun Snow White by Catherynne M Valente

Despite it's graphic novel-esque cover, Six-Gun Snow White is a short story, not a graphic novel. And one definitely for adults. Valente's Snow White retelling isn't for kids. Valente moves Snow White from the dark forest to the Old West. And it's amazing. I would have never thought of this kind of retelling.

Valente weaves the Snow White tale with Native American folklore.  Snow White is so much more than a Disney princess here. In fact she's no princess at all. And there's no prince and no rescuing. Definitely a more feminist retelling. Sometimes the story is hard to understand with all the magic and mysticism thrown in but still very beautifully told. Despite it's shortness, I took my time reading it. Valente's a beautiful writer and I enjoyed every word. I highly recommend this for fans of retellings especially if you like when other cultures get mixed in. Others who shared their thoughts on Six Gun Snow White: Book Swoon, Mermaid Vision Books, and The Literary Omnivore.

You Know Me Well by Nina LaCour & David Levithan

When I saw LaCour and Levithan had teamed up to write You Know Me Well, I immediately added it to my library queue. I was not disappointed. I expect top notch writing and wonderful characters from both of these authors and got it. You Know Me Well was hard to put down.

Mark is a baseball player and has lately been fooling around with his best friend, Ryan. Since Ryan isn't out yet, their romantic relationship is secret. Mark is ready for them to be out in the open. Kate is anxious to meet the love of her life as soon as she stops running away. Mark and Kate, who have known each other all school year but never really talked, run into each during pre-Pride festivities in San Francisco, just when they needed each other the most.

Ok, I adored Mark and Kate. Kate is scared. Life is moving too fast. Unlike other high school seniors, Kate isn't anxious for college. She's terrified. In fact she's terrified of a lot. She wants to meet Violet who she's pinned her romantic hopes on. Kate runs away and finds Mark who's in love with his best friend who doesn't appear to be in love with him. Kate and Mark band together to discover themselves and their true loves. I love it when you meet the right person at the right time. And despite not knowing them forever, it feels like you have. Mark and Kate help each other without all the drama of lifelong friends. They have no baggage and are able to really help each other during a tough time. You Know Me Well was an adorable read, a lot like Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist or Will Grayson, Will Grayson. Others who shared their thoughts on You Know Me Well: Ninja's Read  Too, Pen To Paper, and Lia's Bookish Obsession.
This was my fifth read for the LGBTQIA reading challenge.

Library Loot

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and me that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries.

Stiletto

This is my most anticipated book of 2016. I read The Rook back in 2012 and have been anxiously awaiting the sequel. 

Pretty Good Number One

For The Foodies Read Challenge. 

What did you get this week?  Share your loot below!

Full House Reading Challenge Mid Year Update

By Author You Wish Was Better Known:
Had Laugh Out Loud Moments: Yes Please by Amy Poehler
Way Out of Comfort Zone:
Self Challenge:
New Author To You: Cold-Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas

Published in 2016: The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater
Book Club Worthy: At The Water's Edge by Sara Gruen
Family Relationship in Title:
Memoir:
Would Make A Good Movie:

Book from series you love: Staked by Kevin Hearne
Color Word In Title: A Red Rose Chain by Seanan McGuire
Book You Bought:
First in a series: The Rogue Not Taken by Sarah MacLean
Library Book:

Debut Novel:
Author's surname starts with same letter as yours: Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky
Setting beings with a B:
You'd Like To Change the cover: The House You Pass on The Way by Jaqueline Woodson
Published in 2015: Dead of Winter by Kresley Cole

Thought Provoking Book:
You didn't want to put it down:
Author outside own country:
A dominant color on cover: The Light Between Oceans by ML Stedman (blue)
Been on TBR list "forever":

Mid Year Book Challenge Update

 Graphic Novel & Manga Challenge

I've read 7 graphic novels this year but only reviewed 2. I think this will start improving. 

 LGBTQIA Reading Challenge

I'm aiming for 6-12 and I've read 3 so far. I've got more LGBTQIA books in my library queue so I think I'll wrap this one up before year's end.

 Foodies Read

I signed up to read 9-13 and I've read none so far! I love this challenge and I used to have no problem completing it. I do have a couple of foodie related books on the way from the library including a book about Shiro. 

What's In A Name?

I've only read one book out of the six categories. So much harder this year!

How are you doing on your challenges?

Library Loot

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and me that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries.

The Study of Seduction

I'm really enjoying this series.

Persepolis

A friend recommended Persepolis to me. It's been on my radar forever. I'm looking forward to actually reading it.

What did you get this week? Claire's got the linky this week!

Gena/Finn by Hannah Moskowitz and Kat Helgeson

I spotted Gena/Finn on one of those must read YA lists. I'm glad I did. Gena/Finn hit on so many things I like in a book-love, a fandom, mental health issues. A fantastic book for older teens and adults about so many life issues.

Gena is a senior in high school. She's looking forward to college. College will be better than high school. No one gets Gena in high school. Finn has moved to California to be with her boyfriend. Finn isn't sure this what she wants but she really isn't sure what she wants. Both Gena and Finn are fans of the tv show, Up Below, about 2 cops. Gena and Finn bond through the miracle of the internet about their love of Up Below. Gena writes fan fiction and Finn draws the characters. Slowly both start talking about their lives beyond Up Below and become best friends.

I loved that the story was written through emails, texts, blog posts, and journal entries. It felt very appropriate for this story. I really liked both Gena and Finn. They felt very relatable to me. I had a hard time putting Gena/Finn down. I wanted to see where things were going. I wanted to hear more of their stories. I would recommend Gena/Finn. Others who shared their thoughts on Gena/Finn: Books for A Delicate Eternity, Pretty Deadly Reviews, and Rocket Reads.

Library Loot

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and me that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries.

The Earl Takes All

The second of the Hellions of Havisham. I like this series.

A Trip To The Stars

I don't remember where I heard about this one. It's huge, nearly 500 pages. 

What did you get this week? Share your loot below.

June Book Tally

Ant-Man vol 1 by Nick Spencer
Bloodline by Claudia Gray
The Art of Sinning by Sabrina Jeffries
Ascension by Jacqueline Koyanagi
The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater


This month wasn't as good as last month. But I read some good books. Looking forward to a good July.

Stats:

Graphic Novel Challenge: 1 (Ant-Man vol 1)  YTD: 7

Foodies Read Challenge: 0 (none this month)  YTD: 0

What's In A Name Challenge: 0 (none this month)  YTD: 1

LGBTQIA Reading Challenge: 1 (The House You Pass on The Way)  YTD: 2

Total: 38

Five On Friday

Amazon Echo

Tai bought an Echo a while ago but we were waiting til we moved to unbox it. I love it. She tells me the weather, plays my playlists, looks up stuff for me on the internet. Pretty cool.

Yoga
I love yoga. But I haven't done it in months. I haven't found a studio I like. I need to just find a way to do it. My body and mind need it.

Timehop
I love Timehop. It's an app that shows you what happened on the same day years before. It syncs with Swarm so I know where I went, with Instagram so I can see pictures, with Facebook and twitter so I can posts and pics. It's pretty fun.

Rainier Cherries
Tai and I are  crazy about Rainiers. We've been eating some every night. I'll be sad when the season is over.

Fuzzy Socks
I have a dozen pairs of fuzzy socks. I love to wear them around the house. I hate sleeping without socks and these are fun and comfy.