Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant

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.

Next up on the TBR pile:

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:

Art of Reading

Beautiful paintings of women engaged in reading.  I love the postures, the colors, the facial expressions.  Nothing is better than relaxing in a great setting reading a book.  Somehow I don't think that taking a photo of me reading would  convey the same sense of serenity.  These paintings are much more expressive of how I see the art of reading.  Hope you appreciate these as much as I do!