Saturday, March 3, 2018

Graphic Novel Review of Jim Henson's Labyrinth Tales by Corey Godbey

Read for: Graphic Novel Challenge

Synopsis: "“What a flabbergastingly delightful series of events! Where ever to begin?”

Experience the endlessly imaginative world of Jim Henson’s Labyrinth through the eyes of its most fantastical and beloved characters! Witness a day in the life of Sir Didymus, the recklessly heroic fox-terrier; Ludo, the lovable oaf; Hoggle, an ever loyal companion; and others as they play games, work together, and revel in the magic of the labyrinth.

Written and gorgeously illustrated by acclaimed children’s book illustrator Cory Godbey (Have Courage, Be Kind: The Tale of CinderellaI), Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Tales takes readers deep into the adventure where magic knows no bounds."

My Review: I searched long and hard for this book and paid far too much for it, all because I read a short that was included in a bind up from Free Comic Book Day. I was so excited after reading that one short that I had to have this one. Sadly, I should have stuck with just reading that one short, it had a more complete story and substance than this book did. This was so short and it only briefly introduced us to 3 of the characters without really having any kind of story line. The one thing it does have going for it was the artwork was beautiful. I just wish there was more of Ludo. 

My Rating: I guess maybe if you were already a fan or knew the story and characters this would have been a fun addition, but not being in that category this didn't make much sense and was not all that enjoyable.  But the art is great and I wish there had been more.  I give it a rating of Two Paws.

Friday, March 2, 2018

Bedtime Story: Scrambled Eggs Super by Dr. Seuss

Happy Dr. Seuss Day!!

This is one of my favorite days of the year to celebrate and often go all out with books, movies and snacks.  I hope that you and yours all had a great Dr. Seuss Day!!


Read for: Children's Book Challenge/ Dr. Seuss Day

Synopsis: "When it comes to scrambling, Peter T. Hooper isn’t content with just any old egg! He uses something extra special for his super-dee-dooper dishes!

This delightful book forms part of the second stage in HarperCollins’ major Dr. Seuss rebrand programme. With the relaunch of 10 more titles in August 2003, such all-time favourites as How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? and Dr. Seuss’ Sleep Book boast bright new covers that incorporate much needed guidance on reading levels: Blue Back Books are for parents to share with young children, Green Back Books are for budding readers to tackle on their own, and Yellow Back Books are for older, more fluent readers to enjoy. Scrambled Eggs Super! belongs to the Yellow Back Book range."

My Review: This is one of the few Dr. Seuss books I never read as a child, so it was exciting to be able to read this with Munchkin. Munchkin is big on cooking and especially likes breakfast so that was an added element of interest. It was a fun book to read, full of rhymes, classic made up names, and lots of tongue twisters to trip me up and give Munchkin a good laugh. It was a bit long and did take a couple of sittings to read but all in all it was an entertaining read, but not our favorite Dr. Seuss.

My Rating: I am thankful my In-Laws found an old first edition copy of this book as it was one I hadn't had in my collection before.  It was entertaining to read but wasn't our favorite Dr. Seuss book.  We give it a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag.


Good Night! Sweet Dreams!

Thursday, March 1, 2018

February 2018 Challenge Update and March TBR

So February turned out a lot better than January; it was a successful month all around, I got myself organized, tackled the taxes for work and home, finished an order for 80 save the date cards and read a ton in the mean time!  I kind of went off my TBR for the month but I don't mind too much and maybe in the future I will try not really planning much of a TBR.  I also have given myself permission to DNF more books that I am not really enjoying (at least for the time), even review books which has taken a huge weight of my shoulder and I ended up putting down 3 books this month alone, that is probably the same that I DNFed all of last year.   So anyway why don't we get into my wrap up for February . . . 

Children's Book Challenge:
30 - 40 books
4. 7 Ate 9


Early Reader Challenge:
30-40 books


Graphic Novel Challenge:
23-28 books


Audio Book Challenge:
28-32 books
10. Every Little Thing


Classics Challenge:
5 books (1 re-read)
None this month


Series Challenge:
4 full series & 6 duologies
Memoirs of Lady Trent Series (5 books & 1 novella): Book 1Book 2Book 3Book 3.5Book 4Book 5 - COMPLETE
Butler VT/Green Mountain Series (9 books & 2 novellas): (Books 1-3 read in 2017) Book 4Book 4.5Book 5Book 6, Book 7
Nevernight Chronicles (3 books so far): Book 1
Winternight Trilogy (3 books): Book 1Book 2
Unicorn's Secret (8 books): Book 1Book 2Book 3Book 4
Ree Verakai Duology: Book 1, Book 2 - COMPLETE
Ixian Chronicles: Book 1

Requested Reviews:
No more than 25
5. Tess of the Road (DNF)


TBR Challenge:
50-75 books that I already own as of 12/31/2017
1. Breath of Fire  (re-read)
12. Nevernight
13. Crewel Work (DNF)
14. Vengeance Road (DNF)
15. It's Only Love
16. Landscaper Series
17. The Star Touched Queen
18. Southern Spice
19. Ain't She Sweet
20. In the Labyrinth of Drakes
21. Within the Sanctuary of Wings



Books Added to Shelves in 2018:
As I read the books I purchase this year I will add a link (I will also note the month they were purchased/ read)
1. Plague of Giants (Jan./)  *currently reading
2. Moonsilver (Jan./ Jan.)
3. Silver Thread (Jan./Jan.)
4. The Silver Bracelet (Jan./ Jan.)
5. Mountains of the Moon (Jan./ Feb.)
6. Practical Magic (Jan./)
7. I Love My Love (Jan./ Feb.)
9. Gods of the North (Jan./)
10. We Have Always Lived in a Castle (Jan./)
12. Heart on Fire (Jan./ Jan.)
13.To the Sky Kingdom (Feb./ )
15. Letters from Wolfie (Feb./ )
16. Ketchup Clouds (Feb./ )
17. Dead Man's Walk (Feb./ )
18. Luck Love and Lemon Pie (Feb./ ) * Currently Reading
19. Beartown (Feb./ )
21. Listen, Slowly (Feb./ )
22. Ravenous (Feb./ )
23. Monstrous (Feb./ )
24. The Astounding Broccoli Boy (Feb./ )
25. Terrier (Feb./ )
26. Lonesome Dove (Feb./ )
27. As Brave as You (Feb./ )
28. Smuggler's Run (Feb./Feb. )
29. The Lost Stone (Feb./ )
30. The Scarlet Dragon (Feb./ )
31. Sea Monster (Feb./ )
32. Daughter of the Pirate King (Feb./ )
33. The Wolves of Winter (Feb./ )
34. Heaven on Earth (Feb./ Feb. )
35. Into the Fire (Feb./ )
36. Still Waters (Feb./ )




February Reading Stats:
I read a total of 28 books this month
3,173 pages read and 2 days, 19 hours and 44 minutes of listening


Resolutions Check in:
1. Read Less Books: I read 35 books in the month of February last year and 28 this year so - Check!
2. Be More aware while reading: I did note some quotes and favorite characters in a few books - Check!
3. Read More Chunky Books (12 books over 450 pages in 2018): I didn't quite get to this, I read a couple of books near that but not quite - work on this next month.
4. Use Library & Overdrive more: I did in fact borrow one novella that I didn't own and I borrowed several Ebooks and Audio books for streamlining. I also signed up for the Audible Romance where I can download up to 10 books at a time and used that for 2 books this month. - Check!
5. Purge & Re-organize shelves: I DNFed 3 books and pulled 5 more off the shelves for donation and made a pile for Try a Chapter for this month. Progress, and once I finish some of these big projects I hope to really be able to buckle down and focus. - Check!


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So normally March finds me totally freaking out about April and the RI Author month, but I have decided to put it off until June. I know I keep pushing it back but I think this will find me a lot less stressed in the long run. But I decided to really test my limits by signing up for quite a few readalongs/readathons and challenges.  I honestly couldn't resist joining many of my favorite bookish people!  So here is my TBR for March . . .

Godsgrave by Jay Kristoff
A Plague of Giants by Kevin Hearne *currently reading
Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young
Tarnished City by Vic James
Love, Luck & Lemon Pie by Amy E. Reichert * currently reading
The Selection by Kiera Cass (buddy read)
Addie on the Inside by James Howe
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Letters from Wolfie by Patti Sherlock
Gods of the North by Lucy Coats
Listen, Slowly by Thanhha Lai
Monsterous and Ravenous by Marcykate Connolly
Astounding Broccoli Boy by Frank Cottrell Boyce
As Brave as You by Jason Reynolds
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (readalong)
The Red Racecar and Dinosaur Racing by Thom Ring
Into the Fire by Mari Carr
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (readalong - reading 3 versions at the same time)
Can't Buy Me Love by Marie Force


And a maybe a few more for the Middle Grade March Readathon and hopefully a few for the RI Author month but we will see, I think this is plenty for now.


How was your February? What are you most excited to read in March? Does the changing season change your reading moods?







Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Series Review: Memoirs of Lady Trent by Marie Brennan (Natural History of Dragons)

I have been trying to figure out a way to share all these books I read with you but still include other non-review posts on the blog.  One method I have come up with was to share the reviews for an entire series (or pair) of books in one post.  I will do my absolute best to keep spoilers out of these posts in case you plan to read the books, but there is a slight chance that even the synopsis of a book can give away the result of the previous book. So if you don't want to know anything at all about the later books in a series that might giveaway something in the first book STOP READING NOW!



I think this is my first completed series this year, and what a great series to kick off the year.  I had seen The Natural History of Dragons in the bookstore several years ago but was hesitant to pick it up but for some reason it kept attracting my attention this last year.  The final book in this 5 book series was released last year so I figured it was time for a binge read of the series.  I bought all the print books (which I suggest because there are some great pencil sketches throughout the books) but I had also borrowed the audio books from the library and the narrator, Kate Reading is AMAZING! If you get the chance definitely listen to these books!

So anyway on with my reviews . . . 

 Synopsis: "Marie Brennan begins a thrilling new fantasy series in A Natural History of Dragons, combining adventure with the inquisitive spirit of the Victorian Age.

You, dear reader, continue at your own risk. It is not for the faint of heart—no more so than the study of dragons itself. But such study offers rewards beyond compare: to stand in a dragon's presence, even for the briefest of moments—even at the risk of one's life—is a delight that, once experienced, can never be forgotten. . . .

All the world, from Scirland to the farthest reaches of Eriga, know Isabella, Lady Trent, to be the world's preeminent dragon naturalist. She is the remarkable woman who brought the study of dragons out of the misty shadows of myth and misunderstanding into the clear light of modern science. But before she became the illustrious figure we know today, there was a bookish young woman whose passion for learning, natural history, and, yes, dragons defied the stifling conventions of her day.

Here at last, in her own words, is the true story of a pioneering spirit who risked her reputation, her prospects, and her fragile flesh and bone to satisfy her scientific curiosity; of how she sought true love and happiness despite her lamentable eccentricities; and of her thrilling expedition to the perilous mountains of Vystrana, where she made the first of many historic discoveries that would change the world forever."

My Review: Why didn't anyone tell me to read this book sooner?! Wow, I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read the rest of the series. I highly recommend the audio book, the narration is fantastic! Kate Reading really captured the not only the voice of Isabella but also the tone of the story as a whole. The story is obviously intellectual but it is approachable and told in a conversational way that is entertaining. The illustrations in the print book were also a great addition and while I would have loved to see more field work type illustrations, I really enjoyed that extra touch to draw you into the story. I could go on and on, especially about the events towards the end of the book but don't want to give any spoilers. I will definitely be consuming this series!

My Rating: I absolutely fell in love with this book, the writing style, the honest and critical tone, the narration, the subject, it all really comes together in this book for me.  Without a doubt a Four Paw and a Stump Wag book for me!


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Synopsis: "The thrilling adventure of Lady Trent continues in Marie Brennan's The Tropic of Serpents . . . 

Attentive readers of Lady Trent’s earlier memoir, A Natural History of Dragons, are already familiar with how a bookish and determined young woman named Isabella first set out on the historic course that would one day lead her to becoming the world’s premier dragon naturalist. Now, in this remarkably candid second volume, Lady Trent looks back at the next stage of her illustrious (and occasionally scandalous) career.

Three years after her fateful journeys through the forbidding mountains of Vystrana, Mrs. Camherst defies family and convention to embark on an expedition to the war-torn continent of Eriga, home of such exotic draconian species as the grass-dwelling snakes of the savannah, arboreal tree snakes, and, most elusive of all, the legendary swamp-wyrms of the tropics.

The expedition is not an easy one. Accompanied by both an old associate and a runaway heiress, Isabella must brave oppressive heat, merciless fevers, palace intrigues, gossip, and other hazards in order to satisfy her boundless fascination with all things draconian, even if it means venturing deep into the forbidden jungle known as the Green Hell . . . where her courage, resourcefulness, and scientific curiosity will be tested as never before."

My Review: This series certainly captured my attention and I am loving it. While I do own the print copies, and suggest that you at least see the beautiful illustrations included, I highly recommend the audio book narrated by Kate Reading! Again, as with the first book, the voice and tone of the book were captured beautifully in the audio book. I feel like I have come to know Isabella Camherst and while I don't agree with all of her decisions I do love her intelligence and determination throughout this book. I also love the way that she can admit when she was wrong and own up to her own lacking in fumbling through various situations. I did find this book in the series to be a little bit anti-climatic as the first book even though there is clearly a lot going on, I think it might be the slightly detached, analytical way of looking at it hindsight and more in a scientific way, which does go right along with the tone of the book but I still felt like it was slightly lacking in comparison, but still a very interesting read and one I did enjoy.

My Rating: While I wasn't quite as into this book as I was the previous book, it was still fantastic, and I really appreciate how the story developed with additional scientific discoveries and also the addition of political messes.  I give this one a rating of Four Paws.


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Synopsis: "Devoted readers of Lady Trent’s earlier memoirs, A Natural History of Dragons and The Tropic of Serpents, may believe themselves already acquainted with the particulars of her historic voyage aboard the Royal Survey Ship Basilisk, but the true story of that illuminating, harrowing, and scandalous journey has never been revealed—until now. Six years after her perilous exploits in Eriga, Isabella embarks on her most ambitious expedition yet: a two-year trip around the world to study all manner of dragons in every place they might be found. From feathered serpents sunning themselves in the ruins of a fallen civilization to the mighty sea serpents of the tropics, these creatures are a source of both endless fascination and frequent peril. Accompanying her is not only her young son, Jake, but a chivalrous foreign archaeologist whose interests converge with Isabella’s in ways both professional and personal.

Science is, of course, the primary objective of the voyage, but Isabella’s life is rarely so simple. She must cope with storms, shipwrecks, intrigue, and warfare, even as she makes a discovery that offers a revolutionary new insight into the ancient history of dragons."

My Review: As soon as I finished the second book in this series, I dove right into this book. There is a bit of a break in timeline between these two books, and it is nice to have that little bit of breathing room. I once again chose to listen to the audio book with Kate Reading narrating and I really think it just adds so much to the book. I did find this one to be a bit more enjoyable to read, you get to hear Isabella starting to develop more theories and hear/read her reasoning those theories out. This is also much more adventurous with a long sea voyage, a variety of locations, characters and dragons, as well as political climates and peoples. I love the way that Isabella is written so frank and clearly up front about bumbling through and stumbling upon discoveries, it makes the story so much more believable. While this is a truly fascinating series, I feel like I might take a tiny bit of a break before jumping into the final two books, I don't want to be deadened to the writing and story after reading too much at once, which I feel is possible with a series like this that has a little more distance between the characters and events.

My Rating: Another great installment, though at times it veered a little far from the original dragon research, it did manage to bring all the tangents back around into it.  I give this one a rating of Four Paws.



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Synopsis: "After risking the neck of her loved ones and herself during her perilous sea voyage aboard The Basilisk, and the discoveries made at Keonga, Isabella, Lady Trent, returns to Scirland with the aim of publishing her research. And yet, given the level of secret knowledge she now posses, she is reduced to waiting to reveal her new academic discovery until royal decrees can be lifted and a fraught political situation avoided. In her idle frustration, Isabella vents her spleen upon the shoddy research published by lesser men with swollen heads in local journals. Enjoy the following collection of letters, found in a trunk of mislaid scholarly documents left behind when she removed to Linshire for the season." 

My Review: I have really enjoyed the Lady Trent series and I when I discovered this little extra addition to the series, I just had to read it. It isn't really a novella but just an extra little tidbit that isn't entirely necessary to the series but a fun extra read. It was fun to read the back and forth between Isabella and a supposed scholar with regards to a new find. Her voice comes through so strongly in her intelligent and while not entirely condescending but definitely informed letters and argument through the publication.

My Rating: While this isn't directly involved with the research of dragons it does give quite an idea of how Isabella has to really work for all of her research and overcome being a female in the male dominated world.  I give it a rating of Four Paws.


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Synopsis: "The thrilling new book in the acclaimed fantasy series from Marie Brennan, as the glamorous Lady Trent takes her adventurous explorations to the deserts of Akhia.

Even those who take no interest in the field of dragon naturalism have heard of Lady Trent's expedition to the inhospitable deserts of Akhia. Her discoveries there are the stuff of romantic legend, catapulting her from scholarly obscurity to worldwide fame. The details of her personal life during that time are hardly less private, having provided fodder for gossips in several countries.

As is so often the case in the career of this illustrious woman, the public story is far from complete. In this, the fourth volume of her memoirs, Lady Trent relates how she acquired her position with the Royal Scirling Army; how foreign saboteurs imperiled both her work and her well-being; and how her determined pursuit of knowledge took her into the deepest reaches of the Labyrinth of Drakes, where the chance action of a dragon set the stage for her greatest achievement yet. " 

My Review: I have absolutely been loving this series and even though I have it in print I have much preferred the audio book version as narrated by Kate Reading, which I have been borrowing from the library. Because of that I had to wait about halfway through the book since I ran out of time, but honestly it didn't diminish my enjoyment at all, I was able to pick right back up. Once again our dragon obsessed narrator, Isabella finds herself stumbling into political quandaries, dangerous situations and of course making huge strides in the world of dragon studies. I love the way these books are written as memoirs but not in a pompous self righteous manner, but in a completely honest, some times dumb luck, accounting of events. I am thrilled with the direction of both the study and adventure direction the story has been taken but also the personal development in this book too. There will not be any waiting for the final book at the library, that will be a must purchase and read now book!

My Rating: The excitement is certainly ratcheted up in this book, with great strides in discovery, danger, politics, and even a bit of romance.  I really enjoyed this book and give it a rating of Four Paws and a Stump Wag!'

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Synopsis: "The conclusion to the thrilling memoirs of Lady Isabella Trent and her legacy of dragon evolutionary research and anthropological adventures.

After nearly five decades (and, indeed, the same number of volumes), one might think they were well-acquainted with the Lady Isabella Trent--dragon naturalist, scandalous explorer, and perhaps as infamous for her company and feats of daring as she is famous for her discoveries and additions to the scientific field.

And yet--after her initial adventure in the mountains of Vystrana, and her exploits in the depths of war-torn Eriga, to the high seas aboard The Basilisk, and then to the inhospitable deserts of Akhia--the Lady Trent has captivated hearts along with fierce minds. This concluding volume will finally reveal the truths behind her most notorious adventure--scaling the tallest peak in the world, buried behind the territory of Scirland's enemies--and what she discovered there, within the Sanctuary of Wings."

My Review: This is probably one of my all time favorite final book in a series! I loved this exciting and dramatic conclusion to the Lady Trent series. I was wondering prior to starting it, where exactly the story would wind up, what would be the crowning achievement for Isabella and how that interwove with Suhail's as well. I can honestly say this was not exactly what I expected but it was so exciting. Again, I listened to the audio version because I just love Kate Reading's portrayal of Isabella, and I was completely captured the entire story. I love how even though this is clearly fiction and set in a fictional world and time, it is so closely modeled after our own and the style of narration is so informative, it really comes to life and is almost believable. It also makes me wish that I had sought a more exciting and adventurous (and rewarding) career in science. This is definitely a highly recommended series and totally worth reading to its conclusion.

My Rating: This book threw a twist at me that I never saw coming and certainly a fantastic adventure.  With everything that is going on, it still managed to wrap up this series so beautifully, something that so many authors struggle with but Brennan managed so perfectly! I can't help but give this one a rating of Four Paws and a Stump Wag (if only dogs and cats had more than 4 paws!)!


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Full Series Review: Wow! I never expected to fall as in love with this series as I did, but it was entirely earned.  If you love dragons, or fantasy or science or even historical fiction (because even with the fantasy elements it reads a lot like a historical fiction set in the victorian age), you will probably enjoy this series.  All the elements really came together to create something fantastic.  I will definitely be ranking this among my all time favorite series! So I cannot give it any less than a Four Paw and a Stump Wag rating.  Even when things lagged a bit in the middle, it was all for a purpose, the tangents in the end were needed to complete the story as a whole.  It was so well structured and written, and again the narrator capturing the perfect tone and voice really just solidified the story as a whole!  




Monday, February 26, 2018

Middle Grade March Readathon Sign Up

Because I am just flat out crazy and on top of all the other readalongs and challenges I am joining this month, I came across one more that I just had to join, Middle Great March Readathon.  I came across this challenge on one of my favorite Youtube channels, Life Between Words.  You can check out the Readathon announcement in her video HERE or her co-hosts (BooksandJams) video HERE for all the exact details but here are the basics:


The Readathon runs from March 1st - 31st
The goal is to read as many middle grade books throughout the month of March as you can or like. 
There are a few live videos and a giveaway that you can find details for in their videos.
You can also use the hashtag #MiddleGradeMarch on Twitter and Instagram throughout the month

And of course there are some challenges:
1. Read an award winner
2. Read a book to movie adaptation
3. Reach a children's classic
4. Read a childhood favorite
5. Read a diverse book


So how about my TBR for the month:
In addition to Anne of Green Gables, I plan to read the following books this month

For the challenges I will be using:
1. Award Winner: Letters from Wolfie
2. Book to Movie: Anne of Green Gables 
3. Children's Classic: Wind in the Willows 
4. Childhood Favorite: TBD
5. Diverse Book: Listen, Slowly and/or As Brave as You

I adore Middle Grade books and find them to be some of the most influential and satisfying reads and I hope even if you aren't a big middle grade fan that you will try at least one this month!   
I will post updates throughout the month here and more than likely on Instagram as well.



What is your favorite Middle Grade book?


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

The Storied Life of AJ Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
My Tooth is About to Fall Out by Grace Maccarone (Early Reader Bedtime Story)


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

The Storied Life of AJ Fikry
Star Touched Queen
In the Labyrinth of Drakes
Labyrinth Tales
Southern Spice
My Tooth is About to Fall Out



Currently Reading:

Within the Sanctuary of Wings by Marie Brennan - Audio - 62%
The Plague of Giants by Kevin Hearne - Print - on page 28 of 624
Tess of the Road by Rachel Hartman - Kindle - on Page 49 of 367


Pages Read/ Time Listened
106:25 Hours Listened (19:53 listened this week)
6,268 Pages Read (616 this week)

Books Added to Shelves Recently: TBR
Plague of Giants by Kevin Hearne
Moonsilver by Kathleen Duey
Silver Thread by Kathleen Duey
The Silver Bracelet by Kathleen Duey
Mountains of the Moon by Kathleen Duey
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
I Love My Love by Reyna Biddy
The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
Gods of the North by Lucy Coats
We Have Always Lived in a Castle by Shirley Jackson
Life Changing Manga of Cleaning Up by Marie Kondo
To the Sky Kingdom by Tang Qi
Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage by Jennifer Ashley
Letters from Wolfie by Patti Sherlock
Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher
Dead Man's Walk by Larry McMurtry
Luck Love and Lemon Pie by Amy E. Reichert
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert
Listen, Slowly by Thanhha Lai
Ravenous by MarcyKate Connolly
Monstrous by MarcyKate Connolly
The Astounding Broccoli Boy by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Terrier by Tamora Pierce
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
As Brave as You by Jason Reynolds
Smuggler's Run by Greg Ruka
The Lost Stone by Jordan Quinn
The Scarlet Dragon by Jordan Quinn
Sea Monster by Jordan Quinn
Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
The Wolves of Winter by Tyrell Johnson
Heaven on Earth by Jayne Rylon and Mari Carr
Into the Fire by Jayne Rylon & Mari Carr
Into the Fire by Jayne Rylon & Mari Carr



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I really cannot believe that February is already at the end! This month once again flew by but this last week was a rather successful one.  I did a lot of reading, I got a lot of accounting done and am almost ready to prepare taxes both personally and for the office, I am nearly done with the 80 Save the Date cards I have been hand making for a friend of mine and I have started going through a full house purge again too.  With all that done I am starting to look forward to March and it is going to be a busy month again too.  You have seen some of my upcoming reading plans for the month, I have my own Try a Chapter challenge, 3 readalongs of Anne of Green Gables, Frankenstein and The Selection (with my Sister in Law) and I am also going to be participating in Middle Grade March (more on that later today).  Having only done a couple of readalongs and never buddy reads, it should be a fun filled and interesting reading month for me, but I am so looking forward to it.


What have you been reading lately?  Have you ever done a buddy read?

Sunday, February 25, 2018

Frankenstein Readalong Sign Up



March is going to be a busy month but there was no way I was going to turn down a readalong for my all time favorite book in the year of it's 200th birthday! One of my all time favorite Youtubers, Steph at Novel Tea Corner has decided to host a readalong of Frankenstein throughout the month of March, you can check out her video announcement HERE.  

Here is the reading schedule:
March 9 - Chapters 1-3
March 16 - Chapters 4-6
March 23 - Chapters 7-9
March 30 - Chapters 10-12

I will be posting throughout the readalong with updated both here and on my Instagram (@EasternSunset9).  I am particularly excited because since my last re-read I have managed to get my hands on an edition that contains the original 1818 text (the story was apparently revised in 1831 and that is the one you see on shelves now), and I also found a book that claims to have studied the original text and figured out what was the original story as written by Mary Shelley herself, and what were the edits made by her husband Percy Shelley. I am going to see if I can read them and compare what I have come to know as my favorite all time book and also what was the originally intended story.  


So let me know if you plan to join in too and even if you don't I hope you will stop by for some updates!