Saturday, October 20, 2018

Fall 2018 Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon Kick Off

I am here ready to kick off my readathon today. I am going to have less time than I expected for reading today, between soccer, repairing the heat and hot water and a birthday party to take Munchkin to, I am going to have to squeeze my reading in some how.

But it is 8:00am here and I am going to squeeze in a little reading, hopefully start and finish Adventures of Laura and Jack before heading out to soccer. The plan is to maybe listen to an audio book while watching his game and then coming home to warm up with a cup of tea and read A Cup of Christmas Tea before starting on repairs.

As a note, I probably won't have time to update here, but you can follow what updates I can post over on my Instagram @EasternSunset9

I am looking forward to even a little reading time today.  So what are you reading to start your Dewey Day?

Friday, October 19, 2018

Early Reader Bedtime Story: Ready Set Boo by Judy Katschke

Read for: Early Reader Challenge

Synopsis: "Happy Halloween!
The kids in Ms. Fickle's class are having a costume parade.
But - uh-oh! -Molly forgot her costume. Can her friends help her make a new one?"

My Review: Munchkin got this in a bundle of fall themed books and was really excited to read this one. It was a great level 1 reader, lots of easy words and repetition for young readers. It also had a lot of great examples of kindness and sharing and imagination throughout the story. Munchkin and I had an idea of what was going to happen at the end but it turns out that the story didn't go quite that far. It was an entertaining book that kept him engaged and got us both into the mood for Halloween.

My Rating: Munchkin had fun with this story and so did I, a great one to prepare for those costume parties. We give it a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag!



Good Night! Sweet Dreams!

Friday Face-Off: If I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear!

Friday Face Off was originally the brain child of Books By Proxy but you can check Lynn's Books the co-host for the most recent updates and topics.  The plan is to use the theme of the week and pick a book with different covers and pick the best. 


This week's prompt is all about horror books, and with the phrase I could totally go with Frankenstein, but I am sure you are all getting sick of seeing the same thing from me all the time, and I have a full week of Frankenstein coming up starting next week.  So I decided to go with an oldie but goodie, one of my favorite books from back when I was in high school . . . 


Silence of the Lambs
 
 
  
 
 



The foreign editions got some truly amazing covers for this book and I am honestly a little jealous with the pretty standard mass paperback copy on my shelf.  And honestly, I am going to cheat because I could only narrow it down to 2 favorite covers.
 


Have you read the Hannibal Lecter series? Which cover would you want on your shelves?




Thursday, October 18, 2018

Review of The Haunted House Next Door by Andres Miedoso

Read for: Recently Added

Synopsis: "Meet Desmond Cole! A fearless eight-year-old who runs his own ghost patrol, looking for ghosts, monsters, and mischief makers everywhere. Oh, and he just so happens to be my new best friend…and thank goodness! Because I’m afraid of everything.

Welcome to Kersville, a town with a spooky history and a collection of ghosts and spirits who are major mischief-makers. Most kids spend their days without ever seeing or dealing with a ghost, but some kids get stuck with a haunt. When that happens, they call Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol. Desmond is the hall monitor of ghosts and monsters. There’s no job too spooky, icky, or risky for Desmond.

I’m not like that at all. My name’s Andres Miedoso. I’m Desmond’s best friend. We do everything together…including catch ghosts. Seems cool, right? There’s only one problem: I’m afraid of everything.

With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol chapter books are perfect for emerging readers."

My Review: Munchkin received this book quite a while ago and I honestly thought about donating it because it was above his reading level and he is easily triggered for nightmares. I decided first to give it a read. I was pretty pleasantly surprised by this one, it turned out not to be as spooky as the title indicates. It is also a nice transitional book from beginning readers to early chapter books. I did find it a little odd how the mother calls Andres by a term in another language but it isn't clear what it means or what language, and that is the only time something is said in that language, so it seemed a bit out of place. Also even though this is just at the edge of Munchkin's reading abilities, there are some unexplained things that he would question (ie: how did he get the ghost goo off the couch without his parents finding out)? All in all though it turned out to be a pleasant surprise and I will keep it on the shelf for Munchkin to try.

My Rating: I am glad I held on to this book, it will be a nice way to bridge the gap from early reader to chapter books and it will be a good way for Munchkin to explore interests without it being too scary.  I give it a rating of Three paws.

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Fall Dewey' 24 Hour Readathon Sign Up/TBR

Time for Dewey's Fall 24 Hour Readathon!

It has been a couple of years since I could really participate in the Fall Readathon, but I am going to take a stab at it this year. I am due some down time anyway.  I will have Munchkin's soccer game in the morning, but other than that, I plan on spending a lot of time reading. With that said I am still planning to keep my goals kind of simple and laid back. I am also participating in the Spookathon this week so I will be picking up a book or two from that list as well.

'
A Couple Goals:
1. Read/listen for 6+ hours
2. Read at least 500 pages
3. Update regularly on Twitter and/or Instagram and/or Blog
4. Read and have fun, of course!

 TBR List
I certainly won't get to all of these but these are the books I am most likely to select from

 
     Young Scrooge  - 185 pages                    The Dogs of Christmas - 233 pages

        Adventures of Laura & Jack - 112 pages    Frostbite - 144 pages                          

 
A Cup of Christmas Tea - 48 pages          Escaping from Houdini - 416




So are you going to read for the readathon? Any special books planned? What are your goals?




Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Review of Ruin of Stars by Linsey Miller & Giveaway

Read for: Recently Added & Loved the first book


Synopsis: "The thrilling conclusion to the Mask of Shadows duology that weaves a tale of magic, shadows, and most importantly, revenge.


As one of the Queen’s elite assassins, Sal finally has the power, prestige, and permission to hunt down the lords who killed their family. But Sal still has to figure out who the culprits are. They must enlist the help of some old friends and enemies while ignoring a growing distaste for the queen and that the charming Elise is being held prisoner by her father.



But there’s something terribly wrong in the north. Talk of the return of shadows, missing children, and magic abounds. As Sal takes out the people responsible for their ruined homeland, Sal learns secrets and truths that can’t be forgotten."


My Review: I loved the first book in this series, I adored the characters and the dark world and political structure. I was super excited for this book to come out, but for some reason I really struggled with it. Ruin of Stars picks up shortly after the cliffhanger ending of the previous book but it really felt like I missed something. I also found this book to be a lot darker than the previous book (even with all the kids assassinating each other), Ruin of Stars was a lot more internal with more almost PTSD type issues and flashbacks. I really missed the snark of Sal and Maud that added a fun element to the previous book. I did however really love Maud's character in this book, she is awesome and my favorite of the series. Miller also threw some really interesting twists in the story, things I was not expecting and that was fun to see. I also really enjoyed the ending, though it didn't go quite as far as I had hoped, it was still really well done. Even though it took me a while to get through this book, I did enjoy it but for me the first book was better; it is worth reading to the conclusion of the series though.


My Rating: It isn't often that I struggle with a book for several months, but I did with this one. The reason was that something felt disconnected for me, I felt like I was missing something in the dialog or the world but couldn't quite figure it out.  It was worth it to stick with it in the end though and I did end up enjoying it once I pushed myself to pick it up and read it straight through. I give it a rating of Two Paws and a Stump Wag.



Are you ready for another giveaway?!  (By the way congrats to Vanessa for winning the And I Darken giveaway, I will be in touch shortly to get your prize on the way).   Mask of Shadows was one of my top 3 favorite books last year, I enjoyed it so much that I had an extra copy signed by Linsey Miller at last years Boston Teen Author Festival to giveaway to one of you.  I also obtained an ARC of Ruin of Shadows to giveaway.  (Note: Only Mask of Shadows is signed, also I have some swag that I will add to the package)


So here we go, same rules as last time,

~You must be 16 or older to enter 
~This giveaway is for my followers, as a thank you for sticking with me over the years, or joining me now, I, of course welcome new followers!
~Enter the giveaway via the below Rafflecopter methods (I will be checking the required items and if you are not a follower as required, your entry is void, I have had too many entries in the past looking for quick handouts and not actually interacting with my blog).
 ~Open internationally but the winner is responsible for any extra customs fees that your country may add on.
~Giveaway ends midnight on the 22nd, winners will be selected the next day (I will be contacting you via email)





Monday, October 15, 2018

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

And I Darken by Kiersten White (Series Review)
Now I Rise by Kiersten White (Series Review)
Bright We Burn by Kiersten White (Series Review)
Binti by Nnedi Okorafor
Time to Get Started by Bryan Smith (Bedtime Story)
Monstress Vol. 3: Haven by Marjorie M. Liu (Graphic Novel Review)

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

Ruin of Stars
The Frankenstein Adventures
Snowhook
Fierce Fairytales


Currently Reading:
Beneath the Same Stars by Phyllis Cole-Dai - Kindle - 15%



Pages Read/ Time Listened
501:31 Hours Listened (11:40 listened this week)
34,327 Pages Read (561 this week)

Books Added to Shelves Recently: TBR
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
To the Sky Kingdom by Tang Qi
Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher
Dead Man's Walk by Larry McMurtry
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
Terrier by Tamora Pierce
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
Reflections of Yesterday by Debbie Macomber
Jedi Search by Kevin J. Anderson
Caging the Merrow by Heather Rigney
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Opel
Black Powder War by Naomi Novik
Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik
The Scandalous MacKenzies by Jennifer Ashley
The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley
The Stolen Mackenzie Bride by Jennifer Ashley
Hard to Serve by Laura Kaye
Mastering Her Senses by Laura Kaye
Theirs to Take by Laura Kaye
Nightblade's Vengeance by Ryan Kirk
Tomorrowland by Steven Kotler
The Wolf by Leo Carew
My Lady's Choosing by Kitty Curran & Larissa Zageris
Beyond the Darkened Shore by Jessica Leake
Defiant Heir by Melissa Caruso
True North by Marie Force
The Sorting Room by Angelina Singer
Lost Stars by Claudia Gray
Frankenstein Dreams by Michael Sims
The Belgaraid by David Eddings
Death Sworn by Leah Cypess
Sherlock Holmes and the Army of Dr. Moreau by Guy Adams
Zenith by Sasha Alsberg & Lindsay Cummings
In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick
The Queen of Sorrow by Sarah Beth Durst
Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Princesses Behaving Badly by Linda Rodriguez McRobbie
Fight for Everything by Laura Kaye
Light as Air by Mari Carr
Furyborn by Claire Legrand
Sweet Tea and Sympathy by Molly Harper
Half Drowned King by Linnea Hartsuyker
The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows
The Mirror King by Jodi Meadows
The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner
Such Wicked Intent by Kenneth Opal
Frostbite by Joshua Williamson
Memoirs of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Theodore Roszak
The Bird and the Blade by Megan Bannen
The Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss
Gunslinger Girl by Lyndsay Ely
Unhooked by Lisa Maxwell
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch
Assassin's Gambit by Amy Raby
Refugee by Alan Gratz
Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao
Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier
Heretics Anonymous by Katie Henry
None of the Above by I.W. Gregorio
Words We Don't Say by K.J. Reilly
The Light Between Worlds by Laura E. Weymouth
Misty Inn Collection Books 1-4 by Kristen Earhart
Adventures of Laura and Jack by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Escaping from Houdini by Kerri Maniscalco
Not Even Bones by Rebecca Schaeffer
Fierce Fairytales by Nikita Gill
May B. by Caroline Starr Rose
Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate
The Dogs of Christmas by W. Bruce Cameron
The Christmas Light by Donna VanLiere
Young Scrooge by R.L. Stine



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gah! Even though I had an extra day off last week, I still felt behind all week long! I have been frantically trying to keep up, I had so many books I wanted to read this month but I just don't know if I will be able to get to them all! Good news is that Spookathon starts today, so I will be diving into that stack of books now. Then this Saturday will be Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon, I am still compiling my TBR for that readathon but I plan on spending a large chunk of my Saturday switching between spooky books and holiday books.

Don't forget, today is the last day to enter my giveaway for And I Darken and Now I Rise! A new giveaway will be going up tomorrow, and possibly another later this week.


Are you reading any heart pounding books?

Sunday, October 14, 2018

Spookathon Readathon Sign Up & Updates

I have really been enjoying some darker books than are my norm, and I have a bunch more on my TBR for this month so I thought I would join the Spookathon Readathon hosted by Books and Lala, you can check out all the information in her announcement video on Youtube. The readathon will run from October 15th through October 21st this year (and as you know I love week long readathons that can fit my schedule).

So this post is going to be my base for the week, I will try to come back and update it every few days with my progress (as I already have a lot of posts planned for this week and don't want things too jumbled up).  I will also be updating on Instagram @EasternSunset9


The Challenges

1. read a thriller
2. read a book with purple on the cover
3. read a book not set in the current time period
4. read a book with a spooky word in the title
5. read a book with pictures


Books to Read

Not Even Bones - Thriller

This Monstrous Thing - Purple on the Cover/Not Current Time Period

The Haunted House Next Door - Spooky Word in Title



Other Possible Books

Escaping From Houdini - Other Time Period/ Purple on Cover
Practical Magic - Purple on Cover
Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein - Other Time Period/ Spooky Word in Title
Sleepy Hollow & Other Short Stories - Thriller


Updates:


Monday
Number of Pages I've read today: 320 pages
Total Number of Pages: 320 pages
Time spent reading today: 2 hours
Total number of books I've read:  3
Books completed: 3 (Frankie Stein Starts School, Haunted House Next Door, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde Graphic Novel)
Thoughts: I got off to a bit of a slow start, a typical Monday at work didn't allow for any reading time.  But I did manage to read after everyone went to bed last night and completed 2 of the challenges so far (Spooky Word in the Title & Book with Pictures).  I am starting Practical Magic today for Purple on the Cover and I am also planning to start Not Even Bones tonight. We will see how far I can get today.



Tuesday

Number of Pages I've read today: 166 pages
Total Number of Pages: 486 pages
Time spent reading today: 1.5 hours
Total number of books I've read: 6
Books completed: 3 (Frankie Stein Starts School, The Haunted House Next Door, Dr. Jekyll & Mr, Hyde Graphic Novel)
Thoughts: While I didn't get as much reading time yesterday, I certainly expected to get more reading done than I did.  I started off listening to an audio book of Practical Magic, only to find out it was abridged and flipping back and forth between it and the ebook wouldn't work, so I am now just reading the ebook version. I started the audio book for Escaping From Houdini instead and I am really enjoying it and have gotten almost a quarter of the way through the book.  I also started the Sleepy Hollow book (and finished the title story), but again there are issues, this book has tiny print and very narrow margins so the pages seem to take forever to read, adding on to the already overly descriptive language of the era made for a very tedious read.  But today is a new day and I plan to get at least halfway done with both Practical Magic and Escaping From Houdini and read one more of the short story collections in Sleepy Hollow.





   Wednesday
Number of Pages I've read today: 0
Total Number of Pages: 486
Time spent reading today: 0
Total number of books I've read: 
Books completed: 
Thoughts:
 
Thursday
Number of Pages I've read today: 158
Total Number of Pages:  644
Time spent reading today: 3 hours
Total number of books I've read: 6
Books completed: 3 (Frankie Stein Starts School, Haunted House Next Door, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde Graphic Novel)
Thoughts:  I have been really bad this week about reading, we had a bit of an issue over the past couple of days with no heat or hot water and have been trying to get things fixed. So reading has taken a bit of a back seat to huddling up and staying warm. Last night we finally had heat so I stayed up and listened to more of Escaping from Houdini, I am nearly 60% done and I hope to get near finishing at least that book tonight. Dewey's Readathon kicks off tomorrow so other than soccer and maybe continuing to help work on the hot water part, I hope to be able to read a bunch more.
Friday
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Total Number of Pages:  
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Books completed:  
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Saturday & Sunday
Number of Pages I've read today:
Total Number of Pages: 
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