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  • Archives - Wading Through
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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!

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

MMD 2018.jpg

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)

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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)

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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)

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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 2018.png

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)

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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)

tags: End of the Year, Popsugar, What's in a Name, a to z, Seasonal Series Readathon, Modern Mrs. Darcy, mount tbr, graphic novel, I Love Libraries, Share-a-Tea, Picture Books
categories: Reading Challenges
Saturday 01.05.19
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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Title: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Publisher: Washington Square Press 2017

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 389

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Popsugar - Recommendation

Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?

Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.

I’ve heard such great things about this book from blogs, podcasts, and articles. I’m so glad that I did pick it up and am joining in this month’s book club discussion about it. I know that Evelyn isn’t supposed to be a great person, but I found that I really really liked her. I loved following her life story through her seven husbands. I loved the big twist that came in the middle of the book. (Although to be fair, I did see it coming; hello foreshadowing!) I especially loved seeing many of the side characters come and go throughout her life. And yet, I’m not totally in love with the ending. The big twist regarding Monique felt a little too contrived for me. I would have preferred to keep the story about Evelyn instead.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg stolen.jpg jujutsu7.jpg jujutsu 8.jpg jujutsu 9.jpg how to be eaten.jpg alley.jpg frankenstein.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg black paradox.jpg tombs.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg jujutsu 10.jpg
tags: Taylor Jenkins Reid, historical fiction, mount tbr, Popsugar, 5 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Tuesday 12.11.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

On a Cold Dark Sea by Elizabeth Blackwell

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Title: On a Cold Dark Sea

Author: Elizabeth Blackwell

Publisher: Lake Union 2018

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 277

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

On April 15, 1912, three women climbed into Lifeboat 21 and watched in horror as the Titanic sank into the icy depths. They were strangers then…

Con artist Charlotte Digby lied her way through London and onto the Titanic. The disaster could be her chance at a new life—if she hides the truth about her past. Esme Harper, a wealthy American, mourns the end of a passionate affair and fears that everything beautiful is slipping from her grasp. And Anna Halversson, a Swedish farm girl in search of a fresh start in America, is tormented by the screams that ring out from the water. Is one of them calling her name?

Twenty years later, a sudden death brings the three women back together, forcing them to face the impossible choices they made, the inconceivable loss, and the secrets they have kept for far too long.

One of the book club selections for this month. As a young child, I was really into the Titanic and immediately went back to childhood when I read the summary of this book. I really wanted to love the story of three women dealing with the aftermath of the sinking. But I ended up being a bit disappointed by the ending. I wanted more. The book felt like it was 100 pages too short. We don’t get a good conclusion to the story, especially in regards to Anna and Esme. I felt like the book spent too much time and even not enough substantial time on Charlotte. Not bad until the ending. Then I was disappointed.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg stolen.jpg jujutsu7.jpg jujutsu 8.jpg jujutsu 9.jpg how to be eaten.jpg alley.jpg frankenstein.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg black paradox.jpg tombs.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg jujutsu 10.jpg
tags: mount tbr, 4 stars, historical fiction, Elizabeth Blackwell
categories: Book Reviews
Sunday 11.25.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian

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Title: The Light in the Ruins

Author: Chris Bohjalian

Publisher: Vintage 2013

Genre: Historical fiction

Pages: 322

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

1943: Tucked away in the idyllic hills south of Florence, the Rosatis, an Italian family of noble lineage, believe that the walls of their ancient villa will keep them safe from the war raging across Europe. Eighteen-year-old Cristina spends her days swimming in the pool, playing with her young niece and nephew, and wandering aimlessly amid the estate’s gardens and olive groves. But when two soldiers, a German and an Italian, arrive at the villa asking to see an ancient Etruscan burial site, the Rosatis’ bucolic tranquility is shattered. A young German lieutenant begins to court Cristina, the Nazis descend upon the estate demanding hospitality, and what was once their sanctuary becomes their prison.

1955: Serafina Bettini, an investigator with the Florence police department, has her own demons. A beautiful woman, Serafina carefully hides her scars along with her haunting memories of the war. But when she is assigned to a gruesome new case—a serial killer targeting the Rosatis, murdering the remnants of the family one-by-one in cold blood—Serafina finds herself digging into a past that involves both the victims and her own tragic history.

I was expecting a historical fiction novel about a. family dealing with the aftermath of WWII. I wasn’t expecting a murder mystery pushing the narrative along. Much better than I thought it was going to be. I especially enjoyed following Serafina’s involved in the case and the glimpses of her history. The whodunit kept me guessing until the last few chapters. The reveal was wonderfully staged and described. I enjoyed this random book from my shelf.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg stolen.jpg jujutsu7.jpg jujutsu 8.jpg jujutsu 9.jpg how to be eaten.jpg alley.jpg frankenstein.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg black paradox.jpg tombs.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg jujutsu 10.jpg
tags: mount tbr, historical fiction, Chris Bohjalian, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 11.09.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Rolling in the Deep by Mira Grant

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Title: Rolling in the Deep (Rolling in the Deep #0.5)

Author: Mira Grant

Publisher: Orbit

Genre: Horror

Pages: 128

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR: Popsugar - Lyrics; Seasonal Series - Duology

When the Imagine Network commissioned a documentary on mermaids, to be filmed from the cruise ship Atargatis, they expected what they had always received before: an assortment of eyewitness reports that proved nothing, some footage that proved even less, and the kind of ratings that only came from peddling imaginary creatures to the masses.

They didn't expect actual mermaids.  They certainly didn't expect those mermaids to have teeth.

This is the story of the Atargatis, lost at sea with all hands.  Some have called it a hoax; others have called it a maritime tragedy.  Whatever the truth may be, it will only be found below the bathypelagic zone in the Mariana Trench…and the depths are very good at keeping secrets.

A lovely, horrifying prequel to Into the Drowning Deep. Anyone who has read the main novel knows how this prequel is going to end, but I was still on pins and needles waiting to find out the fate of the crew on the Atargatis. And the sirens were just as horrifying (maybe even more so than the novel). A great read!

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg stolen.jpg jujutsu7.jpg jujutsu 8.jpg jujutsu 9.jpg how to be eaten.jpg alley.jpg frankenstein.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg black paradox.jpg tombs.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg jujutsu 10.jpg
tags: Mira Grant, horror, mount tbr, Seasonal Series Readathon, 5 stars, Popsugar
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 11.07.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Spinning Straw into Gold by Joan Gould

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Title: Spinning Straw into Gold: What Fairy Tales Reveal About the Transformations in a Woman's Life

Author: Joan Gould

Publisher: Random House 2010

Genre: Nonfiction - Fairy Tales/Folklore

Pages: 330

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

What’s your favorite fairy tale? Whether it’s “Cinderella,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Hansel and Gretel,” or another story, your answer reveals something significant about you, your experiences, and your soul. In this penetrating book, Joan Gould brings to the surface the hidden meanings in fairy tales and myths, and illuminates what they can tell you about the stages in your own life. As Gould explores the transformations that women go through from youth to old age–leaving home and mother, the first experience of sexuality, the surprising ambivalence of marriage, the spiritual work required by menopause and aging–her keen observations will enrich your awareness of your inner life.

Another long shelf resident that I finally decided to pick up. I enjoyed this exploration of fairy tales, but I caution that this is not for the feint of heart. The text is very dry and academic. The analysis of each fairy tale is deep and very long. And yet, I really did like the insights I gleamed from the text. If you really like fairy tales and literary analysis, pick this one up.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg stolen.jpg jujutsu7.jpg jujutsu 8.jpg jujutsu 9.jpg how to be eaten.jpg alley.jpg frankenstein.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg black paradox.jpg tombs.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg jujutsu 10.jpg
tags: Joan Gould, 4 stars, nonfiction, fairy tales, mount tbr
categories: Book Reviews
Tuesday 11.06.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant

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Title: Into the Drowning Deep

Author: Mira Grant

Publisher: Orbit 2017

Genre: Horror

Pages: 440

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR: Reading Assignment; Seasonal Series - Red on Cover

Seven years ago the Atargatis set off on a voyage to the Mariana Trench to film a mockumentary bringing to life ancient sea creatures of legend. It was lost at sea with all hands. Some have called it a hoax; others have called it a tragedy. 

Now a new crew has been assembled. But this time they're not out to entertain. Some seek to validate their life's work. Some seek the greatest hunt of all. Some seek the truth. But for the ambitious young scientist Victoria Stewart this is a voyage to uncover the fate of the sister she lost. 

Whatever the truth may be, it will only be found below the waves. 

I finally got this one through my Care Exchange group and I immediately dove into the book. I couldn’t put it down, it was just too good. Horrifying, but good. I fell for all the characters we met and desperately wanted all of them to survive (but knew that some definitely would not survive). Grant gives the reader a horrifying set-up and payoff on a boat in the middle of the ocean. I was looking over my shoulder and my ceilings for monsters from the deep. Very scary! They even invaded my dreams. I love when a horror book unsettles me. I was completely sucked into this world and was so incredibly disappointed when I reached the last page. Now I must read the prequel story.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg stolen.jpg jujutsu7.jpg jujutsu 8.jpg jujutsu 9.jpg how to be eaten.jpg alley.jpg frankenstein.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg black paradox.jpg tombs.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg jujutsu 10.jpg
tags: Mira Grant, 5 stars, horror, mount tbr, reading, Seasonal Series Readathon
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 10.31.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Dracula by Bram Stoker

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Title: Dracula

Author: Bram Stoker

Publisher: 1897

Genre: Horror

Pages: 488

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual (NPR Horror); Popsugar - Play or Musical; Mount TBR

Dracula is an 1897 Gothic horror novel by Irish author Bram Stoker. Famous for introducing the character of the vampire Count Dracula, the novel tells the story of Dracula's attempt to move from Transylvania to England so he may find new blood and spread undead curse, and the battle between Dracula and a small group of men and women led by Professor Abraham Van Helsing. 

A fun spooky reread for my October. I think it’s been at least 5 years since I last read this book and have forgotten how much I really enjoy it. I love the rich descriptions of Transylvania and The Count. I always forget the journey to the castle and the foreshadowing we get about the horror that awaits. So good! And then we get an expansion of characters featuring some truly memorable ones. Renfield! My favorite! I love every encounter with him. I sped through the rest of the book just to get to the demise of The Count. Love it!

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg stolen.jpg jujutsu7.jpg jujutsu 8.jpg jujutsu 9.jpg how to be eaten.jpg alley.jpg frankenstein.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg black paradox.jpg tombs.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg jujutsu 10.jpg
tags: Bram Stoker, horror, NPR Horror, perpetual, Popsugar, mount tbr, 5 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 10.24.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Extinct by Ike Hamill

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Title: Extinct (Extinct #1)

Author: Ike Hamill

Publisher: 2013

Genre: Horror

Pages: 389

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; A to Z - X; Seasonal Series - Creatures of the Night

Channel Two predicted a blanket of snow for Thanksgiving weekend--unusual, but not alarming for the little Maine island. What comes is a blinding blizzard, and a mass disappearance of nearly every person Robby Pierce knows. He and his family flee, trying to escape the snow and the invisible forces stealing people right from the street.

Miles away, Brad Jenkins battles the same storm. Alone, he attempts to survive as snow envelops his house. When the storm breaks, Brad makes his way south to where the snow ends and the world lies empty. Join Brad, Robby, and the other survivors as they fight to find the truth about the apocalypse and discover how to live in their new world.

I have very mixed feelings about this book. I love the world-building and the overall plot line. I loved the creep factor, especially the first 1/3 of the book. But, I just didn’t love the characters. If I had to pick a favorite, I guess I would say Brad. However, I just wasn’t a fan of any of the characters. By the end of the book, none of the characters really appealed to me. And yet, I really really wanted to find out what happens with the thing in the snow. I wanted to get a closer look at the shadow creatures and the water. And there was a big question when it came to the Chinese buffet. Who was actually in there? As I still really need answers to these questions, I’m going to read the next book in the series.

Extinct

  • #1 Extinct

  • #2 Instinct

  • #3 Black Friday

  • #4 Distinct

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg stolen.jpg jujutsu7.jpg jujutsu 8.jpg jujutsu 9.jpg how to be eaten.jpg alley.jpg frankenstein.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg black paradox.jpg tombs.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg jujutsu 10.jpg
tags: horror, Ike Hamill, 3 stars, mount tbr, a to z, Seasonal Series Readathon
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 10.19.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

You're the Rogue that I Want by Samantha Holt

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Title: You’re the Rogue that I Want

Author: Samantha Holt

Publisher: 2016

Genre: Romance

Pages: 227

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; A to Z - Y; Seasonal Series - Rain in Background

Red never shies away from a challenge. 

Never.

But when Miss Hannah St. John strides into his life demanding—yes, demanding—he help her, he’s certain she’s more challenge than even he can handle.

Hannah is determined to transport an artifact from France—one that will change everything—even if it means working with a lawless man like Red. Nothing is more important than preserving history. 

Nothing.

Not even the touch of a smuggler who inconceivably makes her stomach twist.

When it becomes clear the irritating bluestocking will do anything for this blasted artifact and needs saving from herself, the earl-turned-smuggler steps in. 

Carting a cursed stone across the country with a know-it-all woman is not Red’s idea of fun, particularly when their journey runs far from smoothly…so why does he find himself enjoying her company just a little too much?

I love a good fluffy romance and this was just what I needed this week. I really enjoyed the misadventures of Red and Hannah on their journey to London. A couple of the instances really were too much of a coincidence, but I still loved their reactions to everything. And a very steamy ending to the book. I might just have to pick up the next in the series.

Rogues of Redmere

  • #1 You’re the Rogue that I Want

  • #2 When a Rogue Loves a Woman

  • #3 Waiting for a Rogue Like You

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg stolen.jpg jujutsu7.jpg jujutsu 8.jpg jujutsu 9.jpg how to be eaten.jpg alley.jpg frankenstein.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg black paradox.jpg tombs.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg jujutsu 10.jpg
tags: romance, Samantha Holt, 4 stars, a to z, Seasonal Series Readathon, mount tbr
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 10.13.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Dollhouse by Anya Allyn

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Title: Dollhouse (Dark Carousel #1)

Author: Anya Allyn

Publisher: 2017

Genre: Horror

Pages: 311

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Seasonal Series - Creepy Book

A dark presence is collecting girls, deep in the forest. Two girls have vanished, and now a third. Cassie and her friends desperately search the forest for their friend, who went missing on a hike. When they find vintage dolls hanging from strings on branches, they should have turned back.
But they didn't.

The dolls lead to a crumbling mansion. Beneath the mansion lies a macabre, life-sized dollhouse that is controlled by a terrifying being. In the dollhouse, you must dance until your feet bleed, sit on the toy shelf if you're bad, and if you've been very bad, you are sent to the toy box - a pitch-dark cavern that contains beings beyond nightmares.
And now there is no escape.

As I’m still in Indiana, most of my reading is done at bedtime, but I can’t have the lights on or the kids won’t go to bed. So… I started with the As on my Kindle and picked some random read. This one starts out fairly slow, featuring four kids talking a nature hike in the bush in Australia. And then things turn extremely creepy. I’m a bit confused about the ending, but really enjoyed the horror story up until then. I wonder if the second book is a continuation or a different set of characters? I Might just have to buy it and find out.

Dark Carousel

  • #1 Dollhouse

  • #2 Paper Dolls

  • #3 Marionette

  • #4 Music Box

Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg stolen.jpg jujutsu7.jpg jujutsu 8.jpg jujutsu 9.jpg how to be eaten.jpg alley.jpg frankenstein.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg black paradox.jpg tombs.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg jujutsu 10.jpg
tags: Anya Allyn, horror, 4 stars, mount tbr, Seasonal Series Readathon
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 10.12.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings by Jodi Taylor

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Title: Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #6.5) 

Author: Jodi Taylor

Publisher: Accent Press 2015

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 51

Stars: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Finishing the Series; Seasonal Series - Bonus Content

It's Christmas again at St Mary's and time for Max's obligatory illegal jump. On this occasion, however, they're right up against it. A loaded gun has been left behind in Ancient Egypt and it's up to St Mary's historians to retrieve it before someone accidentally blows their own head off, thus affecting the timeline for centuries to come. And as if that's not enough, Max has inadvertently poisoned Mr Markham. It's hot, they're running out of supplies, they can't find the gun, and it's all going horribly wrong. Again.

I so love these cute little short interlude stories featuring the crazy characters at St. Mary’s. This story is another fun Christmas-time adventure with a visit to ancient Egypt. I love every time Markham shows up to add to the fun.

The Chronicles of St. Mary’s:

  • #0.5 The Very First Damned Thing

  • #1 Just One Damned Thing After Another

  • #2 A Symphony of Echoes

  • #2.5 When A Child is Born

  • #3 A Second Chance

  • #3.5 Roman Holiday

  • #4 A Trail Through Time

  • #4.5 Christmas Present

  • #5 No Time Like the Past

  • #6 What Could Possibly Go Wrong

  • #6.5 Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings

  • #7 Lies, Damned Lies, and History

  • #7.5 The Great St. Mary’s Day Out

  • #7.6 My Name is Markham

  • #8 And the Rest is History

  • #8.5 A Perfect Storm

  • #9 The Long and Short of It

Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg stolen.jpg jujutsu7.jpg jujutsu 8.jpg jujutsu 9.jpg how to be eaten.jpg alley.jpg frankenstein.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg black paradox.jpg tombs.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg jujutsu 10.jpg
tags: Jodi Taylor, fantasy, science fiction, 5 stars, mount tbr, Finishing the Series, Seasonal Series Readathon
categories: Book Reviews
Tuesday 10.09.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

What Could Possibly Go Wrong? by Jodi Taylor

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Title: What Could Possibly Go Wrong? (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #6) 

Author: Jodi Taylor

Publisher: Accent Press 2015

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 300

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Finishing the Series; Seasonal Series - Science Fiction

Max is back! New husband, new job, and a training regime that cannot fail - to go wrong! Take one interim Chief Training Officer, add five recruits, mix with Joan of Arc, a baby mammoth, a duplicitous Father of History, a bombed rat, Stone Age hunters, a couple of passing policemen who should have better things to do, and Dick the Turd. Stir well, bring to the boil - and wait for the bang! Join Max in the sixth instalment in the off-the-wall Chronicles of St Mary's series.

Every time I started a Chronicles of St. Mary’s book, I’m expecting a light and fluffy story. They usually start that way and then Wham! something tragic happens. This volume was no exception. And the tragedies that occurred really hit me. Full of emotion. And yet, I loved every page of this book. I love continuing the adventures of Max and her band of misfits. Such a great series.

The Chronicles of St. Mary’s:

  • #0.5 The Very First Damned Thing

  • #1 Just One Damned Thing After Another

  • #2 A Symphony of Echoes

  • #2.5 When A Child is Born

  • #3 A Second Chance

  • #3.5 Roman Holiday

  • #4 A Trail Through Time

  • #4.5 Christmas Present

  • #5 No Time Like the Past

  • #6 What Could Possibly Go Wrong

  • #6.5 Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings

  • #7 Lies, Damned Lies, and History

  • #7.5 The Great St. Mary’s Day Out

  • #7.6 My Name is Markham

  • #8 And the Rest is History

  • #8.5 A Perfect Storm

  • #9 The Long and Short of It

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg stolen.jpg jujutsu7.jpg jujutsu 8.jpg jujutsu 9.jpg how to be eaten.jpg alley.jpg frankenstein.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg black paradox.jpg tombs.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg jujutsu 10.jpg
tags: Jodi Taylor, fantasy, science fiction, 5 stars, mount tbr, Finishing the Series, Seasonal Series Readathon
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 10.06.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel

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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.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg stolen.jpg jujutsu7.jpg jujutsu 8.jpg jujutsu 9.jpg how to be eaten.jpg alley.jpg frankenstein.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg black paradox.jpg tombs.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg jujutsu 10.jpg
tags: 5 stars, Anne Bogel, mount tbr, Share-a-Tea, reading, reading behavior, nonfiction
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 09.21.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Flirting with Forever by Gwyn Cready

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Title: Flirting with Forever

Author: Gwyn Cready

Publisher: Pocket Books 2010

Genre: Romance

Pages: 415

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Seasonal Series - Contemporary series

A door to the past
Ambitious art historian Campbell Stratford is about to make a name for herself with her scandalously sexy biographies of famous seventeenth-century artists. Suddenly she is catapulted back in time and comes face-to-face with one of her subjects: bad-boy painter Peter Lely, portraitist to the king.

Creates chaos of classic proportions
Peter is entranced by his mysterious visitor, and Cam can't resist becoming one of the lovely ladies to pose on his modeling chaise. But Sir Peter knows a lot more than he's telling about time travel in general and art historians in particular. What he doesn't know is that Cam is the one responsible for the very project he's about to sabotage. And when Cam finds she's been tricked, she exacts her revenge on paper...

Overall a pretty boring romance. I usually love fun romance novels and really wanted to love the time travel aspect of this one. But I found the characters pretty boring. I just couldn't really get behind Peter and Cam as love interests. The time travel aspect made the story confusing as opposed to enhancing it. Based off of my reaction to this one, I'm not even going to start to the companion novel. 

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg stolen.jpg jujutsu7.jpg jujutsu 8.jpg jujutsu 9.jpg how to be eaten.jpg alley.jpg frankenstein.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg black paradox.jpg tombs.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg jujutsu 10.jpg
tags: Gwyn Cready, romance, time travel, 3 stars, mount tbr, Seasonal Series
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 09.14.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik

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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!

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg stolen.jpg jujutsu7.jpg jujutsu 8.jpg jujutsu 9.jpg how to be eaten.jpg alley.jpg frankenstein.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg black paradox.jpg tombs.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg jujutsu 10.jpg
tags: Naomi Novik, 5 stars, fantasy, fairy tale stories, mount tbr, Share-a-Tea
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 09.05.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan

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Title: Unspoken (The Lynburn Legacy #1)

Author: Sarah Rees Brennan

Publisher: Random House 2012

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 373

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; A to Z - U; Seasonal Series - Eating Fruit

Kami Glass is in love with someone she's never met—a boy she's talked to in her head since she was born. This has made her an outsider in the sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale, but she has learned ways to turn that to her advantage. Her life seems to be in order, until disturbing events begin to occur. There has been screaming in the woods and the manor overlooking the town has lit up for the first time in 10 years. . . . The Lynburn family, who ruled the town a generation ago and who all left without warning, have returned. Now Kami can see that the town she has known and loved all her life is hiding a multitude of secrets—and a murderer. The key to it all just might be the boy in her head. The boy she thought was imaginary is real, and definitely and deliciously dangerous.

One of those books that's been on my shelves for way too long (have you been noticing a trend in my book choices lately?). I finally picked it up and found myself enjoying this tale of self-discovery, ancient secrets, possible romance, and real magic. I enjoyed uncovering the secrets of the Lynburns and Sorry-in-the-Vale over the course of the book. I was right there with her in suspecting almost everyone in the town. At times I got a little annoyed at Kami's naiveté but had to keep reminding myself of her age. That made it much more developmentally appropriate. Unfortunately, this volume ended on a huge cliffhanger. Guess I need to go find the second book in the trilogy. 

Lynburn Legacy

  • #0.2 The Spring Before I Met You
  • #0.5 The Summer Before I Met You
  • #1 Unspoken
  • #1.5 The Night After I Lost You
  • #2 Untold
  • #3 Unmade
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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg stolen.jpg jujutsu7.jpg jujutsu 8.jpg jujutsu 9.jpg how to be eaten.jpg alley.jpg frankenstein.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg black paradox.jpg tombs.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg jujutsu 10.jpg
tags: fantasy, Sarah Rees Brennan, 4 stars, mount tbr, a to z, Seasonal Series Readathon
categories: Book Reviews
Sunday 08.26.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Talking as Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham

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Title: Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls

Author: Lauren Graham

Publisher: Ballantine Books 2016

Genre: Memoir

Pages: 224

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Popsugar - Goodreads Choice Award Winner

In Talking as Fast as I Can, Lauren Graham hits pause for a moment and looks back on her life, sharing laugh-out-loud stories about growing up, starting out as an actress, and, years later, sitting in her trailer on the Parenthood set and asking herself, “Did you, um, make it?” She opens up about the challenges of being single in Hollywood (“Strangers were worried about me; that’s how long I was single!”), the time she was asked to audition her butt for a role, and her experience being a judge on Project Runway (“It’s like I had a fashion-induced blackout”).

I really really wanted to like this memoir. I enjoyed watching Lauren Graham on both Gilmore Girls and Parenthood. I was looking forward to hearing her fun stories about life in Hollywood. And yet, I just didn't really enjoy this one. I felt that the stories were very meandering. I just kept getting pulled back out of the narrative. Her references and silly asides seemed very dated already. I would hope that care would be taken when adding very time specific references and the ones chosen just weren't that great two years on. Pretty disappointed in this one.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg stolen.jpg jujutsu7.jpg jujutsu 8.jpg jujutsu 9.jpg how to be eaten.jpg alley.jpg frankenstein.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg black paradox.jpg tombs.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg jujutsu 10.jpg
tags: Lauren Graham, memoir, mount tbr, Popsugar, 3 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 08.22.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Daisy Miller and Washington Square by Henry James

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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. 

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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg stolen.jpg jujutsu7.jpg jujutsu 8.jpg jujutsu 9.jpg how to be eaten.jpg alley.jpg frankenstein.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg black paradox.jpg tombs.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg jujutsu 10.jpg
tags: classics, Henry James, mount tbr, Share-a-Tea, a to z, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 08.18.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Emily and the Dark Angel by Jo Beverley

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Title: Emily and the Dark Angel (Renfrew/Kyle #4)

Author: Jo Beverley

Publisher: Signet Eclipse 

Genre: Regency Romance

Pages: 273

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Seasonal Series - Read while Eating Ice Cream

Emily Grantwich lives quietly with her crippled father and eccentric aunt, managing the family's land, until the fateful day she walks down the main street of Melton Mowbray and is showered with Poudre de Violettes, thrown by a lady of loose morals at the handsomest man Emily has ever seen. 

He is Piers Verderan, known by many as the Dark Angel. His friends lay the blame for his scandalous ways on his troubled past. No decent woman should be seen in his company, but Emily must dutifully manage her father's estate-which Verderan's land adjoins. 

Soon Emily learns that the Dark Angel is very dangerous, especially to her sanity and her heart...

Another great Regency romance. I really fell for Piers Verderan in the last book and couldn't wait to see more from him. I immediately fell for Emily but over the course of the book, I really wanted to see a bit more fire from her. Her character progressed over the course of the story, but I was still left wanting more from her. On the other hand, I really loved Ver so much! 

Renfrew/Kyle

  • #1 The Stanforth Secrets
  • #2 Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed 
  • #3 The Stolen Bride
  • #4 Emily and the Dark Angel
  • #4.5 If Fancy Be the Food of Love
  • #5 The Fortune Hunter
  • #6 Deirdre and Don Juan
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Next up on the TBR pile:

lovesickness.jpg venus blind.jpg stolen.jpg jujutsu7.jpg jujutsu 8.jpg jujutsu 9.jpg how to be eaten.jpg alley.jpg frankenstein.jpg deserter.jpg water moon.jpg liminal.jpg black paradox.jpg tombs.jpg gyo.jpg soichi.jpg uzumaki.jpg jujutsu 10.jpg
tags: Jo Beverley, romance, 4 stars, mount tbr, Seasonal Series Readathon
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 08.15.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 
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