Saturday, September 2, 2017

Graphic Novel Review of Everyone's a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too: A Book by Jomny Sun

Read for: Graphic Novel Challenge & Recent Purchase


Synopsis: "The illustrated story of a lonely alien sent to observe Earth, where he meets all sorts of creatures with all sorts of perspectives on life, love, and happiness, while learning to feel a little better about himself—based on the enormously popular Twitter account.

Here is the unforgettable story of Jomny, an alien sent to study Earth. Always feeling apart, even among his species, Jomny feels at home for the first time among the earthlings he meets. There is a bear tired of other creatures running in fear, an egg struggling to decide what to hatch into, a turtle hiding itself by learning camouflage, a puppy struggling to express its true feelings, and many more.

The characters are unique and inventive—bees think long and hard about what love means, birds try to eat the sun, nothingness questions its own existence, a ghost comes to terms with dying, and an introverted hedgehog slowly lets Jomny see its artistic insecurities. At the same time, Jomny’s curious presence allows these characters to open up to him in ways they were never able to before, revealing the power of somebody who is just there to listen.

Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too is also the story behind the widely-shared and typo-filled @jonnysun twitter account. Since the beginning, Sun intentionally tweeted from an outsider’s perspective, creating a truly distinct voice. Now, that outsider has taken shape in the character of Jomny, who observes Earth with the same intelligent, empathetic, and charmingly naïve voice that won over his fans on social media. New fans will find it organic, and old fans will delight at seeing the clever words that made them fans in the first place.

Through this story of a lost, lonely and confused Alien finding friendship, acceptance, and love among the animals and plants of Earth, we will all learn how to be a little more human. And for all the earth-bound creatures here on this planet, we will all learn how sometimes, it takes an outsider to help us see ourselves for who we truly are."


My Review: I saw a picture of this book on Instagram and had to have it immediately. You really need to read the synopsis to get an idea of what the story will be about because there is limited dialogue and it does not necessarily follow a clear time line. I also suggest reading the end pages as you go along through the book, it coordinates with each of the pages and is the part that really kicks this book up a notch. I like the way that aliens and animals/plants are used to make pretty bold and true statements that will pack a punch and have you taking a step back to look at yourself and the way you interact with the world around you. This is one of those books that appears simple but in the end is one that make you stop and think for a bit. I could have done with out all the misspellings, I don't think they really add too much to the story but the don't detract too much.
 

My Rating:  This was one of those books that I just had to have and there was no way it was going to sit on my shelf long before being read.  I am really glad I did take the time to read it, at times it is a little obscure but once you put together as a whole it makes a lot of sense and has some thoughts that need time to sink in.  I give this one a rating of Four Paws!  If you get a chance to pick this one up, don't hesitate!

Friday, September 1, 2017

Bedtime Story: David Goes to School by David Shannon

Read for: Children's Book Challenge & Back to School

Synopsis: "David's teacher has her hands full. From running in the halls to chewing gum in class, David's high-energy antics fill each schoolday with trouble -- and are sure to bring a smile to even the best- bahaved reader."

My Review: We loved No David and the rest of the David books so far and I thought this would be a great one to read before Munchkin started kindergarten. As with the rest of the books in this set, they are great ways to start conversations about good behavior and what kids should and shouldn't do in different situations. Munchkin caught on right away having already been in a classroom situation about how the rules are different at school but not all that different at the same time. This is definitely a great one to read in preparation for school starting up again.

My Rating: These David books are so great for young kids, they are simple yet silly and great conversation starters.  We enjoyed this one and give it a rating of Four Paws!



Good Night! Sweet Dreams!

Early Reader Review of Pete the Cat: Too Cool for School by Kimberly & James Dean

Read for: Early Reader Challenge & Back to School


Synopsis: "Pete the Cat can't decide what outfit he should wear to make him look cool for school. He has so many colorful choices in his closet to choose from, how will he decide on one?

In this hilarious I Can Read tale, Pete learns it's not what you wear, but how you wear it that makes you cool."


My Review: I figured this would be a great book to kick off the school year for Munchkin. This was a fun book for beginning readers with a lot of simple words and sentences and a lot of sight words and color words. It also has a great message about being you and not worrying what other people like. 

My Rating: We really liked this book and while it didn't have the same rhythm as other Pete the Cat books it did have a great message about being true to your own funky self.  We give it a rating of Four Paws!

Thursday, August 31, 2017

August 2017 Challenge Update & September TBR

Where the heck did my summer go?! Tomorrow is already September but it seems like summer should just be starting.  I have said it time and time again, once August hits my busy season starts and runs all the way through the rest of the year! August while it didn't seem too busy really turned out to be hectic month with work and unexpected surprises at home (and not good surprises, skunks and leaking dishwashers).  While it doesn't seem like I read all that much, there were certainly some pretty chunky books in there and it wasn't too bad considering I am still teetering on that reading slump edge.  I read a total of 23 books this month, some really fantastic ones and a few that I really struggled with but not bad.

So here is what I read this past month. . . 


Children's Book Challenge
52. Ted and Friends

Early Reader Challenge

Graphic Novel Challenge

Audio Book Challenge:
17. Heir to the Shadows

Trilogy Challenge:
1.  Snow Like Ashes Trilogy: Book 1, Book .1, Book 2Book 2.5, Book 3 - COMPLETE
2. Winner's Curse Trilogy: Book .5, Book 1Book 2Book 3 - COMPLETE
3. Sons of the Revolution Trilogy: Book 1Book 2Book 3 - COMPLETE
4. Watersmeet Series: Book 1Book 2Book 3 - COMPLETE
5. A Court of Thorns & Roses Series: Book 1, Book 2Book 3 - COMPLETE
6. Ralph S. Mouse Trilogy: Book 1Book 2, Book 3 - COMPLETE
7. Grisha Trilogy: Book 1Book 2Book 3 - COMPLETE
8. Dark Jewels Trilogy: Book 1, Book 2,
9. Captive Prince Trilogy: Book 1Book 2,
10. Pendragon's Banner Trilogy: Book 1


Requested Reviews:
19. Mask of Shadows (netgalley)
20. The Tea Dragon Society (netgalley)
21. Ban this Book (netgalley)


Books Added to Shelves
4. Winners Kiss
5. Bubble Trouble
6. Blaze Loves to Race
7. Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book
8. Heartstone
9. Beauty and the Beast
10. Norse Mythology
11. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 
12. Beauty and the Beast: Belle's Library
13. Trapped 
14. Samurai Rising

15. Pancho Bandito and the Amarillo Armadillo
16. The Mating - DNF
17. Hold Your Breath
18. Fan the Flames
19. The Keeper
20. Love and Muddy Puddles
21. Irish Rising
22. The Sculptor
23. Huck: Book 1- All American

24. Dawn Study
25. The Princess Diarist 
26. 
Name of the Wind
27. Gone Camping
28. Saga Vol. 7
29. Over the Garden Wall 
30. The Hundredth Queen 
31. A Court of Wings and Ruin 
32. On His Watch
33. In Safe Hands 
34. After the End
35. Seduced by the Billionaire 
36. The Simplicity of Cider

37. Wise Man's Fear 
38. Dragon Teeth 
39. Flame in the Mist 
40. How to Tame a Willful Wife
41. New World: Rising
42. The Sandcastle Empire
43. And I Darken 
44. Finding Wonders 
45. World Mythology in Bite Sized Chunks
46. Eliza and Her Monster
47. Turning Pointe 
48. When Dimple Met Rishi
49. Truthwitch 
50. Windwitch 
51. Done Dirt Cheap 
52. Frogkisser
53. Lawn Boy 
54. Code Talker
55. Princess Leia: Royal Rebel 

56. This Savage Song
57. American Street
58. Pax
59. The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender
60. The Beast's Garden
61. Under a Painted Sky
62. The Misfits
63. Totally Joe
64. Addie on the Inside
65. Also Known as Elvis
66. Viking Warrior Rebel
67. New Leash on Love
68. Puss Without Boots
69. Northern Exposure
70. Southern Comfort
71. Eastern Ambitions
72. Western Ties
73. Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue
74. Monstress Vol. 2 
75. Everyone is an Aliebn when ur are an Aliebn too 
76. The Invisible Library 
77. Saints Blood 
78. Neverwhere 
79. P.O. Box Love 
80. Britt Marie Was Here
81. Nomansland 
82. The Secret Horses of Briar Hill 

83. The Secret Loves of Geek Girls 
84. Vengeance Road 
85. This One Summer 
86. Keep Me Posted 



TBR Shelf Books
60. Heir to the Shadows

61. Kingmaking


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Now looking forward into September and oh boy what another busy month! Munchkin starts kindergarten on Tuesday, on Thursday Hubby & I managed to get NFL season opener tickets to the Patriots game, Friday is the Hasbro Convention, all in the first week! We also have a trip planned to Floriday, the Boston Teen Author Festival and then we begin major construction at the house with all new windows, retaining walls for the yard, new patio and driveway.  I also need to get working on Fall/Thanksgiving and Christmas cards, I already have a custom order for 20 Christmas cards. Don't forget it is Banned Book Week at the end of the month too!  I have a feeling this month is going to be so busy that I won't have a whole lot of time to pick up an actual print book, most of my reading will most likely end up being audio books.

So here are my reading plans for September:

Kings Rising
Pendragon's Banner
Songlines
On the Chase
Done Dirt Cheap
Truthwitch
Under a Painted Sky
New Leash on Love
Neverwhere
Luin the Sapphire
Queen of the Darkness
Merry & Bright
This One Summer
One Summer Night
The Librarian of Basra
The Madman's Daughter
Wonder Woman: Warbringer
The Hearts We Sold


Boy, looking at that list I better get to reading and reading fast! Luckily I am really excited about all of these books so hopefully this reading slump that is niggling at my back of my brain won't be able to rear it's ugly head!

How was your August? What book was your favorite? What will you be reading next month?

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Review of The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee (& July Owlcrate)

Read for: Recent Purchases/Subscription Box & BTAF

Synopsis: "Henry “Monty” Montague was born and bred to be a gentleman, but he was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions—not for gambling halls, late nights spent with a bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men.

But as Monty embarks on his Grand Tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy.

Still it isn’t in Monty’s nature to give up. Even with his younger sister, Felicity, in tow, he vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt that spans across Europe, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores."

My Review: I received this book in my July Owlcrate box but had wanted to read it anyway in preparation for the BTAF. I had been expecting a lot more sights along the road in this European tour but it ended up off course. The journey ended up kind of meandering with reaction to events throughout, some of it seemed a little unnecessary and along a tangent. The characters were definitely each unique and well developed, even though I didn't end up liking Henry other than his humor. Percy was awesome and his struggles were unique and that really comes out throughout the book. The best character by far was Felicity, though she doesn't exactly fit the time period norms (Lee tried to work around those but the character personality was too strong to conform). In the end it really wasn't my cup of tea but I know a lot of other readers will really enjoy this book, it is a light and entertaining read (even though it does approach polarizing issues, it does not go in depth with them, just glosses over), perfect for a summer vacation.

My Rating: This one kind of let me down, it just didn't really work for me.  The plot seemed kind of meandering even though it was supposed to be some epic and dangerous adventure I wasn't left feeling that way.  Maybe it was the style of humor that took away from some of the dangers and excitement for me.  I know others will really love it but for me this was a Two Paw and a Stump Wag book.







I received this book as part of the July Owlcrate book subscription box. It has been a while since I last had a subscription box (after getting burned by NovelTea Club) but I have once again received a few different subscriptions and decided to start posting the box with the book review. 

The theme for July was Wander and it was full of fun travel themed bookish items.  I did love the extras that go with the book (letter & map), I also really love the Lord of the Rings backpack.  The little notebook is also cute and I think I will turn it into a bookish wishlist to carry with me in case of a book shopping spree. The rest of the items weren't high on my list, I wasn't a huge fan of Harry Potter so the Newt Pop keychain is just something extra hanging around the house.  Munchkin did take off with the luggage tag, but it was a bit bulky for small luggage anyway. And finally the pocket mirror for Darker Shade of Magic series may end up being good, but I have yet to read the series. All in all I think if you really like popular books and bookish items this box is worth it (if you have a coupon code).  August's box theme was Something Wicked Comes This Way and has already been shipped, but September's Box theme is Mythical Creatures which promises to be a great box and is currently for sale on OwlCrate's Website

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

It's Not Monday Reading List



Its Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Share what books you have finished in the last week, are currently reading and what might be coming up next!




Reviews Posted Last Week:
Links will take you to my review

Pax by Sara Pennypacker (Audio)
Berenstain Bears Gone Fishin' by Mike Berenstain (Early Reader)
Pete the Cat and the Bedtime Blues by Kimberly & James Dean (Bedtime Story)
The Misfits by James Howe (Mini Review)
Love and Muddy Puddles by Cecily Anne Paterson (Mini Review)
Turning Pointe by Katherine Locke (Mini Review)
Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander (Mini Review)
Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them: Screen Play by JK Rowling (Mini Review)


 Books Finished Last Week:
Reviews will be posted at a later date

Tea Dragon Society
Totally Joe
Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue
Lawn Boy
Meet the Minions
Too Cool for School


Currently Reading:

Scythe by Neal Shusterman - Print - on page 265 of 435
When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon- Print - on page 73 of  380
Ted & Friends by Usborne Books - Print - on page 119 of 206




 Books to be Read Soon:

Pages Read/ Time Listened
150:23 Hours (about 6 Days) Listened (none listened this week)
39,068 Pages Read (968 this week)

Books Added to Shelves Recently TBR
Beauty and the Beast by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve
Samurai Rising by Pamela Turner
Dawn Study by Maria V. Snyder
Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Saga Vol. 7 by Brian K. Vaughan
Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
Dragon Teeth by Michael Crichton
How to Tame a Willful Wife by Christy English
New World: Rising by Jennifer Wilson
The Sandcastle Empire by Kayla Olson
And I Darken by Kiersten White
World Mythology in Bite Sized Chunks by Mark Daniels
Eliza and Her Monster by Francesca Zappia
When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon
Truthwitch by Susan Dennard
Windwitch by Susan Dennard
Done Dirt Cheap by Sarah Nicole Lemon
Frogkisser by Garth Nix
Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen
Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac
This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab
The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton
The Beast's Garden by Kate Forsyth
Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee
Addie on the Inside by James Howe
Also Known as Elvis by James Howe
Viking Warrior Rebel by Asa Maria Bradley
New Leash on Love by Debbie Burns
Puss Without Boots by Shari L. Tapscott
Monstress Vol. 2 by Marjorie M. Liu
Everyone is an Aliebn when ur are an Aliebn too by Jomny Sun
The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman
Saints Blood by Sebastien de Castell
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
P.O. Box Love by Paola Calvetti
Britt Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman
Nomansland by Lesley Hauge
The Secret Horses of Briar Hill by Megan Shepherd
The Secret Loves of Geek Girls by various authors
Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman
This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki
Keep Me Posted by Lisa Beazley
The Prince of Fools by Mark Lawrence
The Nothing Girl by Jodi Taylor



Books Read From My Shelves




Interesting Tidbits on the Web:



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Well, I normally don't post my weekly update on Tuesdays unless Monday was a holiday and I didn't have time to schedule it, but this week I took Monday off as a little bit of a mental health day (and it was much needed).  This last week was insane with prep for our annual summer party and Munchkin's 5th birthday party and company from out of state.  It was a lot of work but it was all worth it! The parties went off without too much stress or issues, everyone had lots of fun and ate a lot of really good food.  It was also awesome to have my best friend here for a few days, we got to do some sight seeing. On Monday we had a girls day complete with pedicures, comic book store, local book store, pizza for lunch and then wine and reading at the beach.

Now it is time to get back to reality, playing catch up with work and chores this week in preparation for the totally insane September we have coming up!

Hope you have had a great week and month!!

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Mini Reviews: The Misfits, Turning Pointe, Love & Muddy Puddles & Fantastic Beasts

So with reading and reviewing so many books, I am running out of days in which to share them with you.  I am going to start posting Mini Reviews of books that I read through out the month but couldn't find the time to post on the last Sunday of each month.



It has been a while since I last posted some mini reviews.  Several of these books have been waiting many months to be shared so I figured I better do it now.


I had never heard of this series until searching for a banned book (the 2nd book in the series is on the challenged/banned book list).  This book while being a middle grade book really packs a punch. The characters are well developed and seem very real as are the issues they face. Four Paws & a Stump Wag!


A romantic comedy for YA set in Australia, packed with chic flick type cliche tropes but is still a fun and light read. Two Paws and a Stump Wag.


I am always attracted to ballet books and this was a quick and light read with some really fun characters.  Three Paws.


This was a fun addition to the Harry Potter series (odd that I would like a book outside the series better than the actual series),  I would have liked some sketches or illustrations more throughout the book, especially of the defining features. Three Paws and a Stump Wag.


I found this to be an interesting story and I liked all the animals and magical elements (I have yet to see the movie but will definitely be doing so).  I am not sure why it is written as a screenplay and not a novel though.  Three Paws.