2018 Reading Challenge Roundup - Completed

Oh my goodness! Check out all the reading challenges that I actually finished this year. So happy with my reading stats for 2018!

Popsugar 2018
Goal: 40/40 Books  100%

1. Made into a movie I've already seen -- Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell (3/23/18)

2. True Crime -- The Poet and the Murderer by Simon Worrall (2/18/18)

3. Next book in a series I started -- Spellcasting in Silk by Juliet Blackwell (1/26/18)

4. Involving a heist -- Sourdough by Robin Sloan (5/15/18)

5. Nordic noir --

6. Based on a real person -- Nefertiti by Michelle Moran (1/23/18)

7. Set in a country that fascinates me -- The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant (3/21/18)

8. A time of day in the title -- Dusk or Dark or Dawn or Day by Seanan McGuire (7/6/18)

9. About a villain or antihero -- The Gunslinger by Stephen King (2/25/18)

10. About death or grief -- As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner (3/1/18)

11. Female author who uses a male pseudonym -- Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen (7/31/18)

12. LGBTQ+ Protagonist -- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire (7/14/18)

13. Also a stage play or musical -- Dracula by Bram Stoker (10/24/18)

14. Author of a different ethnicity than me -- Their Eyes were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston (9/12/18)

15. About feminism -- Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman (2/7/18)

16. About mental health -- The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King (4/13/18)

17. Borrowed or was give as a gift -- The Dress Lodger by Sheri Holman (5/4/18)

18. By two authors -- The Passion of Cleopatra by Anne Rice and Christopher Rice (3/7/18)

19. Involving a sport --

20. Local author -- A Toxic Trousseau by Juliet Blackwell (2/9/18)

21. Favorite color in the title -- Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (11/24/18)

22. Alliteration in the title -- Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins (2/9/18)

23. Time travel -- No Time Like the Past by Jodi Taylor (1/16/18)

24. Weather element in the title -- Strange Weather by Joe Hill (12/22/18)

25. Set at sea -- The Great Halifax Explosion by John Bacon (4/7/18)

26. Animal in title -- Mad Hatters and March Hares edited by Ellen Datlow (5/12/18)

27. Set on a different planet -- Artemis by Andy Weir (9/18/18)

28. Song lyrics in the title -- Rolling in the Deep by Mira Grant (11/7/18)

29. About or set on Halloween -- The Elite by Kiera Cass (6/11/18)

30. Characters who are twins -- Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire (7/20/18)

31. Mentioned in another book -- Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (5/29/18)

32. From a celebrity book club -- Open House by Elizabeth Berg

33. Childhood classic I've never read -- Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery (5/30/18)

34. Published in 2018 -- The Philosopher's Flight by Tom Miller (3/24/18)

35. Goodreads Choice Awards winner -- Talking as Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham (8/22/18)

36. Set in the decade I was born --

37. Meant to get to in 2017 but didn't -- NOS4A2 by Joe Hill (4/17/18)

38. Ugly cover -- Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien (5/23/18)

39. Involves a bookstore or library -- 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff (3/30/18)

40. Fave prompt from 2015, 2016, or 2017 Popsugar Reading Challenge -- The Last Castle by Denise Kiernan (6/26/18)

Advanced 

1. Bestseller from year I graduated high school --

2. Cyberpunk --

3. Being read by a stranger in a public place -- Florida Lauren Groff (10/17/18)

4. Tied to my ancestry --

5. Fruit or vegetable in the title -- The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer (10/23/18)

6. Allegory --

7. Author with the same first or last name as you --

8. Microhistory -- College Girls by Lynn Peril (8/28/18)

9. About a problem facing society today --

10. Recommended by someone else taking the Popsugar Reading Challenge -- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (12/11/18)

What's in a Name?
Goal: 6/6 Books  100%

1. Word "the" used twice -- The Day the Dead Came to Show and Tell by Mira Grant (2/2/18)

2. Fruit or Vegetable -- The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer (10/23/18)

3. A shape -- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire (7/14/18)

4. Begins with Z -- Z-Burbia by Jake Bible (12/15/18)

5. A nationality -- The English Wife by Lauren Willig (2/1/18)

6. A season -- A Summer to Remember by Mary Balogh (3/10/18)

A to Z
Goal: 26/26 Books 100%

1. The Angel Stone by Juliet Dark (2/4/18)

2. The Bostonians by Henry James (1/30/18)

3. Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell (3/23/18)

4. The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky (1/9/18)

5. The Emerald City by Jane Yolen (4/29/18)

6. For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund (5/26/18)

7. The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky (1/8/18)

8. A Haunting is Brewing by Juliet Blackwell (1/24/18)

9. If Walls Could Talk by Juliet Blackwell (4/4/18)

10. Jennifer Government by Max Barry (4/26/18)

11. Keeper of the Castle by Juliet Blackwell (6/28/18)

12. Literary Wonderlands edited by Laura Miller (2/23/18)

13. Monstrous Creatures by Aaron Mahnke (4/11/18)

14. Nefertiti by Michelle Moran (1/23/18)

15. The Origin of Satan by Elaine Pagels (1/12/18)

16. The Poet and the Murder by Simon Worrall (2/18/18)

17. The Queen of Zombie Hearts by Gena Showalter (5/18/18)

18. A Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky (1/10/18)

19. Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal (2/26/18)

20. Through the Zombie Glass by Gena Showalter (5/6/18)

21. Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan (8/26/18)

22. A Veiled Deception by Annette Blair (10/3/18)

23. Washington Square by Henry James (8/18/18)

24. eXtinct by Ike Hamill (10/19/18)

25. You’re the Rogue that I Want by Samantha Holt (10/13/18)

26. Z-Burbia by Jake Bible (12/15/18)

Seasonal Series Autumn
(September - December)
Goal: 25/25 Books. 100%

1. Read a book from a sci fi series - What Could Possibly Go Wrong by Jodi Taylor (10/6/18)
2. Read a book (partly) set in fall - Untold by Sarah Rees Brennan (9/22/18)
3. Read a book with PoC characters - Hocus Pocus and the All-New Sequel by A.W. Jantha (12/4/18)
4. Read a book with orange on the cover - Unmade by Sarah Rees Brennan (9/28/18)
5. Read a suspenseful/ scary/ creepy book - Dollhouse by Anya Allyn (10/12/18)
6. Read a book while eating candy - Larceny and Lace by Annette Blair (10/5/18)
7. Read a book set in the real world - A Royal Pain by Rhys Bowen (10/10/18)
8. Read a first book in a series - A Veiled Deception by Annette Blair (10/3/18)
9. Catch up on a series - A Magical Match by Juliet Blackwell (11/14/18)
10.Read a book with rain in the background - You’re the One that I Want by Samantha Holt (10/13/18)
11. Read a book with red on the cover - Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant (10/31/18)
12. Read while eating soup - Royal Flush by Rhys Bowen (10/16/18)
13. Free Space: read any book of a series - My Name is Markham by Jodi Taylor (11/28/18)
14. Read a book that's part of a duology - Rolling in the Deep by Mira Grant (11/7/18)
15. Take a walk while listening to an audiobook - The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken (12/7/18)
16. Read a book that scares you (b/c of size, hype,...) - Lies, Damned Lies, and History by Jodi Taylor (11/13/18)
17. Read a book while wearing a sweater - Royal Blood by Rhys Bowen (11/23/18)
18. Read a book while drinking a tea - The Great St. Mary’s Day Out by Jodi Taylor (11/17/18)
19. Read a book that you think will break your heart - Z-Burbia by Jake Bible (12/15/18)
20. Read a book that's not YA - Death by Diamonds by Annette Blair (11/26/18)
21. Read a comic or graphic novel that's part of a series - Monstress Vol. 3 (11/21/18)
22. Read bonus content from a series (novella/ prologue,...) - Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings by Jodi Taylor (10/9/18)
23. Read a book while eating an apple or apple pie - The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde (9/29/18)
24. Read a book with creatures of the night - Extinct by Ike Hamill (10/19/18)
25.  Use a leaf as a bookmark - Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand (12/14/18)

Modern Mrs. Darcy
Goal: 12/12 Books  100%

1. Classic I've been meaning to read -- The Bostonians by Henry James (1/30/18)

2. Recommended by someone with good taste -- The History of Love by Nicole Krauss (3/16/18)

3. In translation -- How to Fall in Love with a Man Who Lives in a Bush by Emmy Abrahamson (8/8/18)

4. Nominated for a 2018 award -- Florida by Lauren Groff (10/17/18)

5. Poetry, Play, or Essay collection -- Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson (2/27/18)

6. Read in a day -- Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal (2/26/18)

7. More than 500 pages -- The Arabian Nights (1/19/18)

8. Favorite author -- The Emerald Circus by Jane Yolen (4/29/18)

9. Recommended by librarian or indie bookseller -- The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman (1/4/18)

10. Banned book -- Looking for Alaska by John Green (12/12/18)

11. Memoir, biography, or book of creative nonfiction -- The Last Castle by Denise Kiernan (6/26/18)

12. Author of different race, ethnicity, or religion than me -- Their Eyes were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston (9/12/18)

Mount TBR
Goal: 48/48 Books 100%

1. The Origin of Satan by Elaine Pagels (1/12/18)

2. No Time Like the Past by Jodi Taylor (1/16/18)

3. A Haunting is Brewing by Juliet Blackwell (1/24/18)

4. The English Wife by Lauren Willig (2/1/18)

5. The Day the Dead Came to Show and Tell (2/2/18)

6. The Poet and the Murderer by Simon Worrall (2/18/18)

7. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson (2/27/18)

8. As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner (3/1/18)

9. A Summer to Remember by Mary Balogh (3/10/18)

10. Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell (3/23/18)

11. The Philosopher's Flight by Tom Miller (3/24/18)

12. Not That I Could Tell by Jessica Strawser (3/28/18)

13. The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King (4/13/18)

14. NOS4A2 by Joe Hill (4/17/18)

15. Slightly Married by May Balogh (4/25/18)

16. Slightly Wicked by Mary Balogh (4/25/18)

17. Slightly Scandalous by Mary Balogh (4/25/18)

18. The Radium Girls by Kate Moore (4/27/18)

19. Circe by Madeline Miller (5/5/18)

20. Slightly Tempted by Mary Balogh (5/16/18)

21. Slightly Sinful by Mary Balogh (5/16/18)

22. Slightly Dangerous by Mary Balogh (5/16/18)

23. For Darkness Shows the Stars Short Stories by Diana Peterfreund (5/27/18)

24. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (5/29/18)

25. Murder on the House by Juliet Blackwell (6/2/18)

26. The Stanforth Secrets by Jo Beverley (6/20/18)

27. The Anomaly by Michael Rutger (6/29/18)

28. Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed by Jo Beverley (7/10/18)

29. Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay (7/28/18)

30. The Stolen Bride by Jo Beverley (8/10/18)

31. Daisy Miller and Washington Square by Henry James (8/18/18)

32. Talking as Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham (8/22/18)

33. Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan (8/26/18)

34. Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik (9/5/18)

35. Flirting with Forever by Gwyn Cready (9/14/18)

36. I’d Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel (9/21/18)

37. What Could Possibly Go Wrong by Jodi Taylor (10/6/18)

38. Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings by Jodi Taylor (10/9/18)

39. Dollhouse by Anya Allyn (10/12/18)

40. You’re the Rogue that I Want by Samantha Holt (10/13/18)

41. Extinct by Ike Hamill (10/19/18)

42. Dracula by Bram Stoker (10/24/18)

43. Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant (10/31/18)

44. Spinning Straw into Gold by Joan Gould (11/6/18)

45. Rolling in the Deep by Mira Grant (11/7/18)

46. The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian (11/9/18)

47. On a Cold Dark Sea by Elizabeth Blackwell (11/25/18)

48. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (12/11/18)

Graphic Novel
Goal: 52/52 Books  100%

1. The Walking Dead Vol. 27 (1/8/18)

2. The Walking Dead Vol. 28 (5/9/18)

3. The Walking Dead Vol. 29 (7/11/18)

4. The Walking Dead: Here's Negan (7/7/18)

5. Wonder Woman Rebirth Vol. 1 (1/7/18)

6. Wonder Woman Rebirth Vol. 2 (1/7/18)

7. Diana Prince Wonder Woman Vol. 1 (1/6//18)

8. Diana Prince Wonder Woman Vol. 2 (1/6/18)

9. Diana Prince Wonder Woman Vol. 3 (1/6/18)

10. Diana Prince Wonder Woman Vol. 4 (1/6/18)

11. Forbidden Brides of the Faceless Slaves in the Secret House of the Night of Dread Desire by Neil Gaiman (2/1/18)

12. Saga Vol. 8 (2/3/18)

13. Moonshine Vol. 1 (2/10/18)

14. Kingsman: The Secret Service (2/13/18)

15. Low Vol. 1 (2/14/18)

16. Monstress Vol. 2 (2/16/18)

17. Revival Vol. 4 (2/17/18)

18. Revival Vol. 5 (2/17/18)

19. Revival Vol. 6 (2/20/18)

20. Revival Vol. 7 (2/20/18)

21. Revival Vol. 8 (4/6/18)

22. ApocalyptiGirl by Andrew MacLean (2/21/18)

23. Jane by Aline Brosh McKenna (2/25/18)

24. The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 6 (3/9/18)

25. One Week in the Library (3/13/18)

26. Penny Dreadful Vol. 1 (4/6/18)

27. Creatures of the Night by Neil Gaiman (6/8/18)

28. The Haunted Mansion (6/9/18)

29. March Vol. 1 (6/10/18)

30. March Vol. 2 (6/19/18)

31. March Vol. 3 (6/19/18)

32. Paper Girls Vol. 1 (6/13/18)

33. Paper Girls Vol. 2 (6/13/18)

34. Paper Girls Vol. 3 (6/14/18)

35. Paper Girls Vol. 4 (6/25/18)

36. Moonstruck Vol. 1 (6/16/18)

37. Wayward Vol. 1 (6/26/18)

38. Wayward Vol. 2 (6/26/18)

39. Wayward Vol. 3 (6/26/18)

40. Wayward Vol. 4 (6/27/18)

41. Wayward Vol. 5 (6/27/18)

42. Giant Days Vol. 1 (6/28/18)

43. Giant Days Vol. 2 (6/28/18)

44. Giant Days Vol. 3 (6/2818)

45. Giant Days Vol. 4 (6/28/18)

46. Giant Days Vol. 5 (6/29/18)

47. Giant Days Vol. 6 (6/29/18)

48. Giant Days Vol. 7 (6/29/18)

49. Locke and Key: Heaven and Earth (7/7/18)

50. Rat Queens Vol. 4 (9/7/18)

51. Black Magick Vol. 1 (9/8/18)

52. East of West Vol. 8 (11/10/18)

Library Love
Goal: 60/60 Books 100%

1. The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman (1/4/18)

2. The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky (1/8/18)

3. The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky (1/9/18)

4. A Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky (1/10/18)

5. Spellcasting in Silk by Juliet Blackwell (1/26/18)

6. The Angel Stone by Juliet Dark (2/4/18)

7. A Toxic Trousseau by Juliet Blackwell (2/9/18)

8. The Gunslinger by Stephen King (2/25/18)

9. Literary Wonderlands edited Laura Miller (2/23/18)

10. Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal (2/26/18)

11. Demon Glass by Rachel Hawkins (3/8/18)

12. Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins (3/14/18)

13. The History of Love by Nicole Krauss (3/16/18)

14. Glamour in Glass by Mary Robinette Kowal (3/30/18)

15. 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff (3/30/18)

16. If Walls Could Talk by Juliet Blackwell (4/4/18)

17. Dead Bolt by Juliet Blackwell (4/6/18)

18. The Great Halifax Explosion by John Bacon (4/7/18)

19. Monstrous Creatures by Aaron Mahnke (4/11/18)

20. Bachelor Nation by Amy Kaufman (4/13/18)

21. Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter (4/20/18)

22. River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey (4/24/18)

23. Lost San Francisco by Dennis Evanosky (4/24/18)

24. Lost Worlds of the San Francisco Bay Area by Sylvia Linsteadt (4/25/18)

25. Jennifer Government by Max Barry (4/26/18)

26. The Emerald City by Jane Yolen (4/29/18)

27. Through the Zombie Glass by Gena Showalter (5/6/18)

28. The Little Book of Feminist Saints by Julia Pierpont and Manjit Thapp (5/11/18)

29. Mad Hatters and March Hares edited by Ellen Datlow (5/12/18)

30. Sourdough by Robin Sloan (5/15/18)

31. The Queen of Zombie Hearts by Gena Showalter (5/18/18)

32. A Conspiracy in Belgravia by Sherry Thomas (6/3/18)

33. A Mad Zombie Party by Gena Showalter (6/4/18)

34. The Selection by Kiera Cass (6/6/18)

35. The Elite by Kiera Cass (6/11/18)

36. The Selection Stories by Kiera Cass (6/12/18)

37. The One by Kiera Cass (6/12/18)

38. Across a Star-Swept Sea by Diana Peterfreund (6/15/18)

39. Home for the Haunting by Juliet Blackwell (6/16/18)

40. Happily Ever After by Kiera Cass (6/22/18)

41. The Heir by Kiera Cass (6/24/18)

42. The Crown by Kiera Cass (6/24/18)

43. Keeper of the Castle by Juliet Blackwell (6/28/18)

44. Symbiont by Mira Grant (7/4/18)

45. Dusk or Dark or Dawn or Day by Seanan McGuire (7/6/18)

46. Chimera by Mira Grant (7/13/18)

47. Give Up the Ghost by Juliet Blackwell (7/18/18)

48. Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire (7/20/18)

49. Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire (7/21/18)

50. A Ghostly Light by Juliet Blackwell (7/25/18)

51. Smoke and Iron by Rachel Caine (8/4/18)

52. Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco (8/14/18)

53. Pox Americana by Elizabeth Fenn (9/8/18)

54. Cocktails Across America by Diane Lapis and Anne Davis-Peck (9/11/18)

55. Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen (9/15/18)

56. Artemis by Andy Weir (9/18/18)

57. Untold by Sarah Rees Brennan (9/22/18)

58. Unmade by Sarah Rees Brennan (9/28/18)

59. A Veiled Deception by Annette Blair (10/3/18)

60. Larceny and Lace by Annette Blair (10/5/18)

Share-A-Tea
Goal: 20/20 Books  100%

1. The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman (1/4/18)

2. The English Wife by Lauren Willig (2/1/18)

3. As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner (3/1/18)

4. The Philosopher's Flight by Tom Miller (3/24/18)

5. No That I Could Tell by Jessica Strawser (3/28/18)

6. Monstrous Creatures by Aaron Mahnke (4/11/18)

7. Circe by Madeline Miller (5/5/18)

8. Mad Hatters and March Hares edited by Ellen Datlow (5/12/18)

9. A Conspiracy in Belgravia by Sherry Thomas (6/3/18)

10. Parasite by Mira Grant (6/20/18)

11. The Anomaly by Michael Rutger (6/29/18)

12. Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire (7/21/18)

13. Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay (7/28/18)

14. Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen (7/31/18)

15. Smoke and Iron by Rachel Caine (8/4/18)

16. Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco (8/14/18)

17. Daisy Miller and Washington Square by Henry James (8/18/18)

18. The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert (8/25/18)

19. Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik (9/5/18)

20. I’d Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel (9/21/18)

Picture Books
Goal: 88/88 Books  100%

1. Title beginning with A - Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty (January)
2. Author beginning with A - And the Tide Comes In by Merryl Alber (May)
3. Title beginning with B - Boo, Bunny! By Kathryn O. Galbraith (March)
4. Author beginning with B - Arthur Goes to Camp by Marc Brown (February)
5. Title beginning with C - Crazy Hair by Neil Gaiman (January)
6. Author beginning with C - Pug in a Truck by Nancy Coffelt (January)
7. Title beginning with D - Duck by Randy Cecil (February)
8. Author beginning with D - The Conductor by Laetitia Devernay (February)
9. Title beginning with E - Even Superheroes Have Bad Days by Shelly Becker (February)
10. Author beginning with E - Rain Fish by Lois Ehlert (March)
11. Title beginning with F - Friendshape by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld (April)
12. Author beginning with F - Lunch by Denise Fleming (February)
13. Title beginning with G - Good Night Planes by Adam Gamble (March)
14. Author beginning with G - Chu's Day at the Beach by Neil Gaiman (February)
15. Title beginning with H - Half a World Away by Libby Gleeson (January)
16. Author beginning with H - Duck & Goose Let’s Dance by Tad Hills (March)
17. Title beginning with I - Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty (January)
18. Author beginning with I - I Hear a Pickle by Rachel Isadora (June)
19. Title beginning with J - Joshua's Masai Mask by Dakari Hru (January)
20. Author beginning with J - The Incredibly Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers (March)
21. Title beginning with K - The Koala Who Could by Rachel Bright (March)
22. Author beginning with K - It's Vacation Time by Lerryn Korda (February)
23. Title beginning with L - Lovely Old Lion by Julia Jarman (March)
24. Author beginning with L - Thumpy Feet by Betsy Lewin (February)
25. Title beginning with M - Monsters Love Colors by Mike Austin (February) 
26. Author beginning with M - Touch the Brightest Star by Christie Matheson (February)
27. Title beginning with N - A Night at the Zoo by Kathy Caple (March)
28. Author beginning with N - If You Give a Mouse a Brownie by Laura Numeroff (June)
29. Title beginning with O - One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote by Bonnie Worth (March)
30. Author beginning with O - Little Billy-Bob Eats It All Up by Pauline Oud (March)
31. Title beginning with P. - The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog by Mo Willems (January)
32. Author beginning with P - Ghost in the House by Ammi-Joan Paquette (March)
33. Title or Author beginning with Q - Quest by Aaron Becker (May)
34. Title beginning with R - The Rise and Fall of Oscar the Magician by Matthew Porter (January)
35. Author beginning with R - Ten Sleepy Sheep by Phyllis Root (February)
36. Title beginning with S - South by Daniel Duncan (March)
37. Author beginning with S - Big Choo by Stephen Shaskan (May)
38. Title beginning with T - Train by Elisha Cooper (January)
39. Author beginning with T - Tumford the Terrible by Nancy Tillman (June)
40. Title or Author beginning with U - The Quiet Book! by Deborah Underwood
41. Title or Author beginning with V or W - This is Not a Good Idea by Mo Willems (January)
42. Title or Author beginning with X or “Ex” - Extraordinary Jane by Hannah E. Harrison (August)
43. Title beginning with Y - You Can Do It, Bunny by Pamela Kennedy (August)
44. Author beginning with Y - Meow! By Victoria Ying (August)
45. Title or Author beginning with Z - Zootopia The Essential Guide (May)
46. An alphabet book - 123 Versus ABC by Mike Boldt (March)
47. A counting book - 1 Zany Zoo by Lori Degman (February)
48. A color word in the title - Little Green Peas by Keith Baker (January)
49. A number word in the title - Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems (January)
50. Concept book of your choice: picture book - Patterns from Nature: The Art of Klimt by Myeong-Hwa Yu and Seung-Beom Yu (January)
51. Concept book of your choice: board book - Crocopotamus by Mary Murphy (January)
52. Bedtime book: board book - Dream Animals by Emily Winfield Martin (February)
53. Bedtime book: picture book - The Wrong Side of the Bed by Lisa M. Bakos (July)
54. Book that rhymes: picture book - And to Think that I Saw it on Mulberry Street by Dr. Seuss (January)
55. Book that rhymes: early reader OR board book - Hide and Seek Harry at the Playground by Kenny Harrison (March)
56. Holiday of your choice: board book or early reader - Happy Holidays Blaze (June)
57. Holiday of your choice: picture book - Little Mouse’s Big Valentine by Thacher Hurd (March)
58. Wordless picture book - Wave by Suzy Lee (May)
59. New to you author - Fins, Fluff, and Other Stuff by Bruno Merz (February)
60. New to you illustrator - The Perfect Hug by Joanna Walsh, illustrated by Judi Abbot (February)
61. Favorite author - The Pigeon Wants a Puppy by Mo Willems (January)
62. Favorite illustrator - Duck and Goose by Tad Hills (January)
63. Free choice - I Love You Like a Pig by Mac Barnett (February)
64. Fairy or folk tale adaptation - Little Red Riding Hood by Trixie. Bell (January)
65. Fairy or folk tale traditional - The Tortoise and the Hare by Jerry Pinkney (February)
66. A title with the word “first” in it - First Steps by Lee Wardlaw (February)
67. A book set in the state you live - Hello, National Parks by Martha Day Zschock (June)
68. A book set in a place you’d like to visit - Lily's Garden of India by Jeremy Smith (January)
69. A book set in an imaginary place - Extremely Cute Animals Operating Heavy Machinery by David Gordon (February)
70. A book set in the past: fiction or nonfiction - Madeline and the Old House in Paris by John Bemelmans Marciano (May)
71. A book set in the present -- Emma and the Whale by Lee White (March)
72. One word title - Pirasaurs by Josh Funk (January)
73. Long title (four or more words) - The Problem with Not Being Scared of Kids by Dan Richards (January)
74. A book about playing (hide and seek, tag, or peekaboo, etc.) - The Monsterator by Keith Graves (February)
75. A book about school - Steve, Raised by Wolves by Jared Chapman (May)
76. A book about hobbies (art, dance, music, crafts, sports) - Good Morning Yoga by Mariam Gates (March)
77. A title that is a question - The Duckling Gets a Cookie? by Mo Willems (January)
78. A title that is an exclamation -- There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat! By Lucille Colandro (March)
79. An award winner or an honor book -- Inch by Inch by Leo Lionni (March)
80. A collection (of poems OR stories) - The Rooster Grows by Maud and Miska Petersham (March)
81. A book with animals (fiction) - You Can Do It Bert by Ole Konnecke (February)
82. A book with animals (nonfiction)  - Apatosaurus by Charles Lennie (March)
83. A book about books or reading - Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk (March)
84. A book celebrating family - My Mommy Hung the Moon by Jamie Lee Curtis (February)
85. Book with an adventure or misadventure - This Book is Out of Control by Richard Byrne (January)
86. A book about a pet - Looking for Luna by Tim Myers (February)
87. Impulse Pick -- Land Shark by Beth Ferry (March)
88. Picture book published in 2018 - Go Go Cars by Jennifer Liberts (May)

I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel

Title: I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life

Author: Anne Bogel

Publisher: Baker Books 2018

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 160

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Share-a-Tea

For so many people, reading isn't just a hobby or a way to pass the time--it's a lifestyle. Our books shape us, define us, enchant us, and even sometimes infuriate us. Our books are a part of who we are as people, and we can't imagine life without them.

I'd Rather Be Reading is the perfect literary companion for everyone who feels that way. In this collection of charming and relatable reflections on the reading life, beloved blogger and author Anne Bogel leads readers to remember the book that first hooked them, the place where they first fell in love with reading, and all of the moments afterward that helped make them the reader they are today. Known as a reading tastemaker through her popular podcast What Should I Read Next?, Bogel invites book lovers into a community of like-minded people to discover new ways to approach literature, learn fascinating new things about books and publishing, and reflect on the role reading plays in their lives.

A delightful slim volume full of celebrations about reading. Many of the sentiments included in these short essays have been expressed on Anne Bogel’s podcast in the past, but it was nice to read them in a prose form. I think my favorite essay was about Anne’s reflection on living next door to a library for many years. Oh my dream! I would definitely be a frequent patron of the library. I savored this book a few pages at a time. It may be short, but it is packed with great stories and insight.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik

Title: Spinning Silver

Author: Naomi Novik

Publisher: Del Rey 2018

Genre: Fantasy 

Pages: 480

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Share-a-Tea

Miryem is the daughter and granddaughter of moneylenders, but her father’s inability to collect his debts has left his family on the edge of poverty—until Miryem takes matters into her own hands. Hardening her heart, the young woman sets out to claim what is owed and soon gains a reputation for being able to turn silver into gold.

When an ill-advised boast draws the attention of the king of the Staryk—grim fey creatures who seem more ice than flesh—Miryem’s fate, and that of two kingdoms, will be forever altered. Set an impossible challenge by the nameless king, Miryem unwittingly spins a web that draws in a peasant girl, Wanda, and the unhappy daughter of a local lord who plots to wed his child to the dashing young tsar.

But Tsar Mirnatius is not what he seems. And the secret he hides threatens to consume the lands of humans and Staryk alike. Torn between deadly choices, Miryem and her two unlikely allies embark on a desperate quest that will take them to the limits of sacrifice, power, and love.

Finally dove into July's BOTM selection and why oh why did I wait so long? I love fairy tale retellings so much and this was was beautifully layered and new. The first 40 pages were a bit slow, but looking back I realize that Novik was allowing the reader to spend time getting to know the three main female characters. We spend a lot of time in each of their worlds before they really interact with each other. I loved how Novik wove their individual stories into a larger story involving the Staryk and a fire demon. Once I the characters connected with each other I couldn't put the book down. It was just too lovely! I sped through to the end desparately wanting to see how Irina, Wanda, and Miryem dealt with the trials they faced. Definite recommend!

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

Title: The Hazel Wood (The Hazel Wood #1)

Author: Melissa Albert

Publisher: Flat Iron Books 2018

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 359

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Reading Assignment; Share-a-Tea; Seasonal Series - Someone Travels

Seventeen-year-old Alice and her mother have spent most of Alice’s life on the road, always a step ahead of the uncanny bad luck biting at their heels. But when Alice’s grandmother, the reclusive author of a cult-classic book of pitch-dark fairy tales, dies alone on her estate, the Hazel Wood, Alice learns how bad her luck can really get: Her mother is stolen away—by a figure who claims to come from the Hinterland, the cruel supernatural world where her grandmother's stories are set. Alice's only lead is the message her mother left behind: “Stay away from the Hazel Wood.”

Alice has long steered clear of her grandmother’s cultish fans. But now she has no choice but to ally with classmate Ellery Finch, a Hinterland superfan who may have his own reasons for wanting to help her. To retrieve her mother, Alice must venture first to the Hazel Wood, then into the world where her grandmother's tales began—and where she might find out how her own story went so wrong.

I've been waiting for this book to come off hold at the library. I've heard such good things about this volume. A dark fairy tale sounds right up my alley! Thankfully this book delivered on an amazingly creepy story with great characters and full of twists and turns. It took me awhile to move through this book not because it was bad but because I savored every paragraph. For most of the book I was a bit unclear as to whether the events I was reading were real or in some weird dream state. Sounds bad, but I loved it! I loved the questioning and dream-like state that most of the books existed in. Loved it!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Daisy Miller and Washington Square by Henry James

Title: Daisy Miller and Washington Square

Author: Henry James

Publisher: 1878; 1880

Genre: Classics

Pages: 288

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Share-a-Tea; A to Z - W

In Daisy Miller, James paints a vivid portrait of a vibrant young American girl visiting Europe for the first time. Lovely, flirtatious, eager for experience, Daisy meets a wealthy American, Mr. Winterbourne, and a penniless but passionate Italian. Her complex encounters with them and others allow James to explore one of his favorite themes, the effect of Americans and Europeans on each other.

I enjoyed the styled writing of this short novella. However, I can't quite get behind the characters. Daisy is very much like another Daisy of literature, completely one-dimensional. I just couldn't deal with her lack of depth. So mixed feelings on this one I guess...
 

Washington Square’s Catherine Sloper is Daisy Miller’s opposite. Neither pretty nor charming, she lives with her wealthy, widowed, tyrannical father, Dr. Austin Sloper, who can barely conceal his disdain for his shy, awkward daughter. When a handsome suitor, Morris Townsend, comes calling, Catherine’s father refuses to believe he is anything other than a heartless fortune hunter and sets out to destroy her romance.

This story I enjoyed a bit more than the first one. I enjoyed the interplay between all the characters and personalities. I have read that James disliked this story very much, but I enjoyed this slice of life. 

Next up on the TBR pile:

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

Title: Stalking the Jack the Ripper (Stalking Jack the Ripper #1)

Author: Kerri Maniscalco

Publisher: Jimmy Patterson 2016

Genre: YA Horror

Pages: 337

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Share a Tea; Library Love; Seasonal Series - Book from YA series

Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.

Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.

A lot of book bloggers I follow have read this and loved it, so I put it on my short TBR. Fate stepped in and put it in my face on the featured books shelf at the library. I had to get it. I proceeded to devour this book in just a few days time. I loved the fictionalized account of Jack the Ripper complete with gorey details and some great new characters. Audrey Rose is a treat. I loved seeing a young woman wrestling with her love of fine things and her love of dissection and the medical sciences. So great! And Thomas is just perfect as her foil. The characters really have a Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes feel to them without making the book too derivative. I really enjoyed this volume and hope to grab the second on at the library soon.

Stalking Jack the Ripper:

• #1 Stalking Jack the Ripper
• #2 Hunting Prince Dracula
• #3 Escaping from Houdini

Next up on the TBR pile:

Smoke and Iron by Rachel Caine

Title: Smoke and Iron (Great Library #4)

Author: Rachel Caine

Publisher: Berkley 2018

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 448

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Share-a-Tea; I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series - Book on the go

The opening moves of a deadly game have begun. Jess Brightwell has put himself in direct peril, with only his wits and skill to aid him in a game of cat and mouse with the Archivist Magister of the Great Library. With the world catching fire, and words printed on paper the spark that lights rebellion, it falls to smugglers, thieves, and scholars to save a library thousands of years in the making...if they can stay alive long enough to outwit their enemies.

I snagged this volume off my library's Lucky Day shelf. So incredibly excited to read this one. I was in from page one and sped through the entire book in just a few days. I loved the varying narrators to give a bigger picture of the characters. Khalila has become my favorite character in the entire story. Her quiet strength and leadership is just amazing. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that this wasn't the end of the series. I have to wait who knows how long until the final volume is this great series. 

The Great Library

• #1 Ink and Bone
• #2 Paper and Fire
• #3 Ash and Quill
• #4 Smoke and Iron
• #5 TBD

Next up on the TBR pile:

Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen

Title: Out of Africa

Author: Isak Dinesen

Publisher: 1937

Genre: Memoir

Pages: 399

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual (Rory Gilmore); Popsugar - Male pseudonym; Share-a-Tea

With classic simplicity and a painter's feeling for atmosphere and detail, Isak Dinesen tells of the years she spent from 1914 to 1931 managing a coffee plantation in Kenya.

This one has been on my list for years, especially after I read Circling the Sun. I was a little thrown off by the nonlinear nature to this book, but quickly got over the format. The volume is part memoir, part travelogue. I really fell into the atmosphere of Kenya and Karen's life there. Passages of this book were incredibly beautiful. It took me a bit of time to get through this one only because I had to reread some of the descriptive passages. 

Next up on the TBR pile:

Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay

Title: Picnic at Hanging Rock

Author: Joan Lindsay

Publisher: 1967

Genre: Classics

Pages: 198

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Share-a-Tea

It was a cloudless summer day in the year 1900. Everyone at Appleyard College for Young Ladies agreed it was just right for a picnic at Hanging Rock. After lunch, a group of three girls climbed into the blaze of the afternoon sun, pressing on through the scrub into the shadows of the secluded volcanic outcropping. Farther, higher, until at last they disappeared. They never returned. . . .

One of those books that I have wanted to read, but never actually got to it. This is our book club selection for July so I had to read it. This book was great! I loved the characters and Lindsay's descriptions of said characters. I didn't know exactly what I was getting into, but quickly I dove into the mystery of the disappearance. I didn't quite realize that the focus of the story was on the side character more than the disappeared. I love that the mystery is never truly resolved, but left to the reader's imagination. I can't wait to watch the movies and new mini series. 

Next up on the TBR pile:

Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire

Title: Beneath the Sugar Sky (Wayward Children #3)

Author: Seanan McGuire

Publisher: Tor 2018

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 174

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Share-a-Tea; I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series - Hyped Series

Beneath the Sugar Sky, the third book in McGuire's Wayward Children series, returns to Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children in a standalone contemporary fantasy for fans of all ages. At this magical boarding school, children who have experienced fantasy adventures are reintroduced to the "real" world.

When Rini lands with a literal splash in the pond behind Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children, the last thing she expects to find is that her mother, Sumi, died years before Rini was even conceived. But Rini can’t let Reality get in the way of her quest – not when she has an entire world to save! (Much more common than one would suppose.)

If she can't find a way to restore her mother, Rini will have more than a world to save: she will never have been born in the first place. And in a world without magic, she doesn’t have long before Reality notices her existence and washes her away. Good thing the student body is well-acquainted with quests...

A tale of friendship, baking, and derring-do.

Still so in love with this series and the worlds McGuire has created. I love that we finally get to see Confection and Sumi's story gets to continue. Plus we get to visit Nancy and are introduced to new characters. Such a great adventure story. I devoured this one in less than two days. I just couldn't help myself. This volume was great, but what I really want is more of Christopher's story. I really hope we get to see more soon.

Wayward Children

• #1 Every Heart a Doorway
• #2 Down Among the Sticks and Bones
• #3 Beneath the Sugar Sky
• #4 In an Absent Dream
• #5 Come Tumbling Down

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Anomaly by Michael Rutger

Title: The Anomaly

Author: Michael Rutger

Publisher: Grand Central 2018

Genre: Thriller

Pages: 352

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Share-a-Tea; Seasonal Series - Cool Drink

If Indiana Jones lived in the X-Files era, he might bear at least a passing resemblance to Nolan Moore -- a rogue archaeologist hosting a documentary series derisively dismissed by the "real" experts, but beloved of conspiracy theorists.

Nolan sets out to retrace the steps of an explorer from 1909 who claimed to have discovered a mysterious cavern high up in the ancient rock of the Grand Canyon. And, for once, he may have actually found what he seeks. Then the trip takes a nasty turn, and the cave begins turning against them in mysterious ways.

Nolan's story becomes one of survival against seemingly impossible odds. The only way out is to answer a series of intriguing questions: What is this strange cave? How has it remained hidden for so long? And what secret does it conceal that made its last visitors attempt to seal it forever?

My June selection from Book of the Month. I picked it to get away from the dysfunctional family and Gone Girl-esque books that are the usual offerings. This one sounded like a fun spooky thriller with strains of Indiana Jones and Ghosthunters. Thankfully the book delivered all that I hoped for and was a very fun and enjoyable read. The first three chapters were a bit slow, but once the expedition hit the canyon, everything sped up dramatically. I immediately fell for the motley crew of characters and their approach to the mystery of Kincaid's Cave. By the time the halfway mark arrived, I was speeding through the pages on edge just waiting to find out what was going to happen next. Very creepy I must say. And I love the slightly ambiguous ending. Could there be a sequel in the works?

Next up on the TBR pile:

Parasite by Mira Grant

Title: Parasite (Parasitology #1)

Author: Mira Grant

Publisher: Orbit 2013

Genre: Sciences Fiction

Pages: 502

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Pile; Share a tea; Seasonal Series -- Set in the real world

We owe our good health to a humble parasite -- a genetically engineered tapeworm developed by the pioneering SymboGen Corporation. When implanted, the Intestinal Bodyguard worm protects us from illness, boosts our immune system -- even secretes designer drugs. It's been successful beyond the scientists' wildest dreams. Now, years on, almost every human being has a SymboGen tapeworm living within them.
But these parasites are getting restless. They want their own lives . . . and will do anything to get them.

Why did I leave this book sitting on my shelf for this long? I loved Mira Grant's Newflesh series and couldn't wait to read this newer series, but somehow it just got shoved to the back. I finally picked this one up and holy cow! I love love loved it! Love Grant's mix of science and fiction. In this series, we follow a seemingly normal girl on her journey to find out what's really going on in the world. Had my suspicions about what was really going on and it turns out I was right. And yet, I didn't care. I was along for the ride and loved every minute of it. I'm ready to read the next in the  series!

Parasitology

• #1 Parasite
• #2 Symbiont
• #3 Chimera

Next up on the TBR pile:

A Conspiracy in Belgravia by Sherry Thomas

Title: A Conspiracy in Belgravia (Lady Sherlock #2)

Author: Sherry Thomas

Publisher: Berkley 2017

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 332

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Share-a-Tea; I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series - Read a series with a new book coming out in 2018

Being shunned by Society gives Charlotte Holmes the time and freedom to put her extraordinary powers of deduction to good use. As “Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective,” aided by the capable Mrs. Watson, she’s had great success helping with all manner of inquiries, but she’s not prepared for the new client who arrives at her Upper Baker Street office.
 
Lady Ingram, wife of Charlotte’s dear friend and benefactor, wants Sherlock Holmes to find her first love, who failed to show up at their annual rendezvous. Matters of loyalty and discretion aside, the case becomes even more personal for Charlotte as the missing man is none other than Myron Finch, her illegitimate half brother.
 
In the meanwhile, Charlotte wrestles with a surprising proposal of marriage, a mysterious stranger woos her sister Livia, and an unidentified body surfaces where least expected. Charlotte’s investigative prowess is challenged as never before: Can she find her brother in time—or will he, too, end up as a nameless corpse somewhere in the belly of London?

Picked this one up at the library and devoured it in just three days. I love the twists on the original Arthur Conan Doyle stories. I love the updates in language and subject matter. But most of all, I love Charlotte Holmes. She is just a great character full of interesting quirks. The best part of the book is how she interacts with the rest of the characters. I can't wait for the next book to be published in October.

Lady Sherlock

• #1 A Study in Scarlet Women
• #2 A Conspiracy in Belgravia
• #3 The Hollow of Fear

Next up on the TBR pile:

Mad Hatters and March Hares

Title: Mad Hatters and March Hares

Edited by: Ellen Datlow

Publisher: Tor 2017

Genre: Fantasy Short Stories

Pages: 332

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - Animal in Title; Share-a-Tea; I Love Libraries

From master anthologist Ellen Datlow comes an all-original of weird tales inspired by the strangeness of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There.

Between the hallucinogenic, weird, imaginative wordplay and the brilliant mathematical puzzles and social satire, Alice has been read, enjoyed, and savored by every generation since its publication. Datlow asked eighteen of the most brilliant and acclaimed writers working today to dream up stories inspired by all the strange events and surreal characters found in Wonderland.

As with every short story collection, the results are a bit mixed. But this collection really redeemed itself with a few key stories. My favorites:

• "Mercury" -- Love the twist on the Mad Hatter idea. The twist at the end was definitely the best part. 
• "Alis" -- Hands down the creepiest story I have read in a very very very long time. I seriously had a nightmare about it the night after I read it. And I have avoided mirrors for awhile. Horrifying...
• "All the King's Men" -- This was such a weird little story. I might just have nightmares about little Humpty Dumpties.
• "In Memory of a Summer's Day" -- Love the idea of Wonderland turned into a tourist attraction. And yet, Wonderland is still a very dangerous place.
• "Sentence Like a Saturday" -- What if a creature from Wonderland got stuck in our world? And grew up, but never really became a part of our world? Oh... I am here for this story.
• "Eating the Alice Cake" -- Hmmm.. I wasn't expecting this story, but loved the twists and turns. 

Next up on the TBR pile:

Circe by Madeline Miller

Title: Circe

Author: Madeline Miller

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company 2018

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 394

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Share-a-Tea 

In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child--not powerful, like her father, nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power--the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves.

Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus.

But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from, or the mortals she has come to love.

My Book of the Month selection for April and I definitely picked the right book for me. This is a wonderful retelling of the myth of Circe told from her perspective. I'll admit that the book started out a bit slow. Once Circe was exiled to her island, I really dove into the book and loved every word. Miller tells a compelling story with a gorgeous voice. Miller makes her fair share of changes and expansions of Circe's story, but every choice made sense. I really loved the twists and turns. Overall, a great read!

Next up on the TBR pile:

The World of Lore: Monstrous Creatures by Aaron Mahnke

Title: Monstrous Creatures (The World of Lore #1)

Author: Aaron Mahnke

Publisher: Del Rey 2017

Genre: Horror

Pages: 299

Rating: 3/5 stars*****

Reading Challenges: Share-a-Tea; A to Z - M; I Love Libraries

In this beautifully illustrated volume, the host of the hit podcast Lore serves as a guide on a fascinating  journey through the history of these terrifying creatures, exploring not only the legends but what they tell us about ourselves. Aaron Mahnke invites us to the desolate Pine Barrens of New Jersey, where the notorious winged, red-eyed Jersey Devil dwells. He delves into harrowing accounts of cannibalism—some officially documented, others the stuff of speculation . . . perhaps. He visits the dimly lit rooms where séances take place, the European villages where gremlins make mischief, even Key West, Florida, home of a haunted doll named Robert.

In a world of “emotional vampires” and “zombie malls,” the monsters of folklore have become both a part of our language and a part of our collective psyche. Whether these beasts and bogeymen are real or just a reflection of our primal fears, we know, on some level, that not every mystery has been explained and that the unknown still holds the power to strike fear deep in our hearts and souls. As Aaron Mahnke reminds us, sometimes the truth is even scarier than the lore.

So I am conflicted on this collection. I'm giving it 3 stars, but for most people, I would give it 5 stars. I thought I would be reading more and/or extended stories from the Lore podcast, but by and large, it was just the podcast episodes written out. Given that I have listened to almost all of the episodes of Lore, I was just revisiting the same stories. For those that do not listen to the podcast this is a very fun collection of scary maybe true/maybe not stories. I really did enjoy that aspect. And the illustrations are really great.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Not That I Could Tell by Jessica Strawser

Title: Not That I Could Tell

Author: Jessica Strawser

Publisher: St. Martin's Press 2018

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 324

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Share-a-Tea

When a group of neighborhood women gathers, wine in hand, around a fire pit where their backyards meet one Saturday night, most of them are just ecstatic to have discovered that their baby monitors reach that far. It’s a rare kid-free night, and they’re giddy with it. They drink too much, and the conversation turns personal.

By Monday morning, one of them is gone.

My Book of the Month selection for March. I picked this one as it was a read-alike to Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. I really loved that book and was hoping for an intriguing mystery with interesting characters. Unfortunately, this book lacked the hook that got me invested in the characters. For the most part, I just didn't care about them. I wanted to figure out what happened to Kristin, but wasn't perched on the edge of my seat with suspense. The plot line was okay. I was just really not connected to any of the characters. 

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Philosopher's Flight by Tom Miller

Title: The Philosopher's Flight

Author: Tom Miller

Publisher: Simon & Schuster 2018

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 422

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Popsugar - Published in 2018; Share-A-Tea

Eighteen-year-old Robert Weekes is a practitioner of empirical philosophy—an arcane, female-dominated branch of science used to summon the wind, shape clouds of smoke, heal the injured, and even fly. Though he dreams of fighting in the Great War as the first male in the elite US Sigilry Corps Rescue and Evacuation Service—a team of flying medics—Robert is resigned to mixing batches of philosophical chemicals and keeping the books for the family business in rural Montana, where his mother, a former soldier and vigilante, aids the locals.

When a deadly accident puts his philosophical abilities to the test, Robert rises to the occasion and wins a scholarship to study at Radcliffe College, an all-women’s school. At Radcliffe, Robert hones his skills and strives to win the respect of his classmates, a host of formidable, unruly women. 

This was my Book of the Month selection for February, but I wasn't quite sure what I picked. Turns out, this is exactly the type of book that I enjoy reading. We're drawn into an alternate history where women (and a few men) have discovered and begun practicing a version of science/magic. This, of course, has impacted the course of history in very interesting ways. The book itself is set decades after the discovery of these powers and we connected to an unusual man who has the ability to do empirical philosophy. Obviously there is a fantastical element to the book. But really the book connects us to interesting characters that go on a journey of self-discovery. Slow-moving in certain parts, but overall a really entertaining read. 

Next up on the TBR pile:

As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner

Title: As Bright as Heaven

Author: Susan Meissner

Publisher: Berkley 2018

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 387

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Popsugar - About Death or Grief; Share-a-Tea

In 1918, Philadelphia was a city teeming with promise. Even as its young men went off to fight in the Great War, there were opportunities for a fresh start on its cobblestone streets. Into this bustling town, came Pauline Bright and her husband, filled with hope that they could now give their three daughters--Evelyn, Maggie, and Willa--a chance at a better life.

But just months after they arrive, the Spanish Flu reaches the shores of America. As the pandemic claims more than twelve thousand victims in their adopted city, they find their lives left with a world that looks nothing like the one they knew. But even as they lose loved ones, they take in a baby orphaned by the disease who becomes their single source of hope. Amidst the tragedy and challenges, they learn what they cannot live without--and what they are willing to do about it.

I really enjoyed the other book I've read by Susan Meissner, so I had high hopes for this Book of the Month selection (from January, but shhh.... I'm a bit behind). This book had a very different field, but I really did enjoy this story. Taken as a whole, the story is a beautiful exploration of death and grief within one family. The story takes us on a journey that I wasn't quite expecting. The level of tragedy surprised me, but I was completely on board. The switch between chapters narrated by the four Bright women added another level of interest. At times I was drawn out of the story by the youngest daughter's voice, but for the most part I was right there with all of the characters. 

I enjoyed this book while drinking multiple cups of Stash's Acai Berry Herbal Tea. It has a very strong berry flavor, but was a good choice before bed. No caffeine to keep me up all night, but warm tea to comfort me.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The English Wife by Lauren Willig

Title: The English Wife

Author: Lauren Willig

Publisher: St. Martin's Press 2017

Genre: Historical fiction

Pages: 376

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Share-a-Tea; What's in a Name - Nationality

Annabelle and Bayard Van Duyvil live a charmed life in New York: he's the scion of an old Knickerbocker family, she grew up in a Tudor manor in England, they had a whirlwind romance in London, they have three year old twins on whom they dote, and he's recreated her family home on the banks of the Hudson and renamed it Illyria. Yes, there are rumors that she's having an affair with the architect, but rumors are rumors and people will gossip. But then Bayard is found dead with a knife in his chest on the night of their Twelfth Night Ball, Annabelle goes missing, presumed drowned, and the papers go mad. Bay's sister, Janie, forms an unlikely alliance with a reporter to uncover the truth, convinced that Bay would never have killed his wife, that it must be a third party, but the more she learns about her brother and his wife, the more everything she thought she knew about them starts to unravel. Who were her brother and his wife, really? And why did her brother die with the name George on his lips?

This was my first Book of the Month selection from December 2017. I didn't get the book until I returned to California, but was super excited to read it. I loved Willig's Pink Carnation series and hoped this volume would also keep my attention. And keep my attention it did! I immediately dove into this historical murder mystery. Who killed Bay? What happened to Annabelle? I loved the premise and then really fell for the characters. Janie was my favorite character. I loved her growth throughout the book. I loved the family intrigue and secrets. Overall I really enjoyed Willig's story and writing. There were passages that reminded me of her Pink Carnation series even though this book was a lot more serious and straight forward. Definite recommendation!

I'm counting this book for part of the Share-a-Tea Reading Challenge. This was the perfect book to read while enjoying a nice cup of tea. For this particular book, I was enjoyed Zhena's Gypsy Tea's Raspberry Earl. Loved the hints of sweetness overlaying a classic black tea. Yummy!

Next up on the TBR pile: