August 2017 Wrap-up

August's TBR Pile (11/14):

1. MVPA Book Club Selection: We are Never Meeting in Real Life by Samantha Irby √
2. Series Pick: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare √
3. Nonfiction Pick: ???
4. Read Your Book Shelf Pick: The Turn of the Screw by Henry James √
5. Discworld Pick: The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett
6. Romance Pick: Simply Unforgettable by Mary Balogh √
7. Young Adult Pick: Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel (DNF)
8. Added: The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 1 √
9. Added: The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 2 √
10. Added: The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 3 √
11. Added: Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine √
12. Added: Simply Love by Mary Balogh √
13. Added: Simply Magic by Mary Balogh √
14. Added: Simply Perfect by Mary Balogh √

1,000,000 Page Goal:

Monthly Total: 3861 pages
Pages Remaining: 712,212 pages

Current Read - One Night for Love by Mary Balogh; The Great Quake by Henry Fountain

Books I Gave Up On (1) -- Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel. I enjoyed the first book (Dearly, Departed), but could not get into this one at all. It was just boring me. After about 75 pages, I decided to let it go and move on to something I want to read.

Books bought/received (0)

September's TBR Pile:

1. MVPA Book Club Selection: Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff
2. Series Pick: Paper and Fire by Rachel Caine
3. Nonfiction Pick: The Great Quake by Henry Fountain
4. Read Your Book Shelf Pick: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
5. Discworld Pick: The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett
6. Romance Pick: One Night for Love by Mary Balogh
7. Comic Pick: The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 5

Movies watched

• Westworld -- We figured we would watch the original movie before embarking on the tv show.
• Arrival -- I liked it, but not sure if the hype was worth it.
• True Grit -- J couldn't believe I hadn't seen either the old one or the remake. We watched the remake. Really good western.
• Fantastic Beasts -- Fun movie. Nothing earth shattering, but a fun movie.
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 -- Of course we enjoyed this one.
• King Arthur -- Way too much plot shoved into this one movie. 
• xXX: Return of Xander Cage -- Utter ridiculousness.

TV Shows watched

• Ken Burns National Parks
• Supernatural S1 -- We finally finished the first season and started S2!
• Last Week Tonight
• Full Frontal
• Episodes -- So so glad this one is back. We love it so much.
• Bachelor in Paradise -- My silly guilty pleasure

Comments - Getting sick did wonders for my reading totals this month. I don't imagine that September will be as good, but I am hoping for some good reads. 

Next up on the TBR pile:

Music Tuesday -- The Tenors feat. Lindsey Stirling "Who Wants to Live Forever"

Great collaboration!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Quentin: 48 Weeks / 11 Months

11 months old! So close to one year. I can't believe it's been this long already. Seems like yesterday Quentin arrived in our lives. I better get the party planning going... 

Likes: Climbing all the things, making loud noises, wrestling with Arthur, snuggles

Dislikes: Nap times, not being paid attention to, wrestling with Arthur (when he's done with it)

Sleeping: A few hiccups this past week. He woke up screaming a few times during the night. Maybe teething, maybe tied to his developmental leap, maybe being woken up by Arthur, maybe none of these things. Hopefully this is just a temporary thing. Naps have been very hit and miss also. One day he will take a 30 minute nap, the next day he will take a 2 1/2 hour nap. It's a bit frustrating for me.

Eating: Mostly all the things. He will try just about anything we put on his tray. But right now he's a huge fan of fruit. He also loves snacks like Cheerios and Mum-mums.

Playing: Oh so much playing!!! He loves playing cars and animals with Arthur. He loves climbing all the things. He's turning into a little mountain goat. He loves peek-a-boo and tickles. He has been getting into anything that makes noise. And he's really exploring his surroundings everywhere we go.

Milestones: 

• Understanding simple words and effects — I think I'm seeing more recognition from him. He's learned words like bottle, snack, Arthur, a few others. 
• Standing unassisted — He's done it a few times unassisted, but has yet to take a step independently. He walks along the furniture constantly.
• Organizing objects (recognizing patterns) — I'm seeing a bit of this.
• Drop in appetite — Yep. He's slowly dropping his daily intake.
• Speaking a few words — Nope. No words yet.
• Communicating wants and needs — We're getting there. He's starting to kind of gesture towards things and is very vocal with his babbling.

Out and About: Two weeks ago we visit Chabot with J. We also went to La Petite Playhouse (indoor play place) and Stafford Park with some friends. On the home side, we had some friends over a playdate and other friends over for a pool party. And then I got really sick a nasty cough. We didn't go anywhere for a few days so I could rest. I started feeling better on Friday, so Saturday we hit the library and then went to brunch at Black Bear Diner.

Next up on the TBR Pile:

Bout of Books 20 Finish Line

Pages Read: 433 (Simply Magic) + 448 (Simply Perfect)

Pages Read Total: 1552

Books Read: 2

Books Read Total: 4

Comments: I started Simply Magic on Wednesday and finished it on Thursday. I wasn't planning on reading it, but I enjoyed Simply Love and decided I needed another fluffy romance during my sick week. And I just had to finish out the series with Simply Perfect.

Goals:

• Read 3 books √
• Review all books read √
• Read at least 1 hour a day √
• Read a total of 1000 pages √

TBR Pile:

• Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine √
• Simply Love by Mary Balogh √
• The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton
• The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
• Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff
• Added: Simply Magic by Mary Balogh √
• Added; Simply Perfect by Mary Balogh √

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda Shofner and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 21st and runs through Sunday, August 27th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 20 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Next up on the TBR pile:

Simply Perfect by Mary Balogh

Title: Simply Perfect (SImply #4)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: Bantam Dell 2008

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 448

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

As headmistress of Miss Martin’s School for Girls in Bath, Claudia Martin long ago resigned herself to a life without love. Until Joseph, Marquess of Attingsborough, arrives unannounced and tempts her to toss away a lifetime of propriety for an affair that can only lead to ruin, embarking on a plan of seduction that leaves them both yearning for more. But Claudia knows she has no place in Joseph’s aristocratic world. And now that world is about to be rocked by scandal.… An arranged marriage, a secret that will shock the ton, and a man from Claudia’s past conspire to drive the lovers apart. But Joseph is determined to make Claudia his at any cost—even if that means breaking every rule for a love that is everything he has ever wanted.…

After finishing Simply Magic I just had to finish out the quartet. At first I wasn't super excited about Claudia's story. I could only see her as the prim schoolmistress. But over the pages, she really grew on me. In the end, I respect her strong sense of self and integrity. I loved how she opened up over the course of the book. And then we get to the romance section. Joseph and Claudia were perfect together and I loved their journey. The big twist was a surprise for me. I should have picked up on the twist, but somehow it took me completely by surprise. Still I loved it. Definitely a good ending to the series. 

Simply Quartet:

• #1 Simply Unforgettable
• #2 Simply Love
• #3 Simply Magic
• #4 Simply Perfect

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #24

As I look outside my window: The last of the sun's rays are sinking below the hills. I love this time of day...

Right now I am: J and I are watching the ridiculous that is xXX: Return of Xander Cage. Haha! Some nights was just want a ridiculous movie.

Thinking and pondering: What dates will give me the best deal for Christmas-time plane tickets?  We really should buy them soon...

On my bedside table: Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff (October book club selection), The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 5, The Last Stand by Nathaniel Philbrick

On my tv this week: A decent amount of old episodes of Q.I., the end of S1 of Supernatural, and the start of S2 of Supernatural.

Listening to: Lots of politics themed podcasts including NPR Politics, It's Been a Minute, and Pod Save America.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Leftovers
• Tuesday - Bacon and Egg Hash with Scones
• Wednesday - Savory Chicken and Veggies
• Thursday - Sesame Chicken
• Friday - Smothered Pork Chops
• Saturday - Avocado, Bruschetta Chicken
• Sunday - Mexican Street Corn Soup

On my to do list: I'm so close to finishing my blog fix, I only have 2 months to go. Hoping to get this done this week. I also have some random tasks like making eye appointments for myself and Arthur. Plus I need to start buying supplies for the birthday party.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Errand day
• Tuesday - Possibly a park?
• Wednesday - Children's Discovery Museum
• Thursday - Bay Area Discovery Museum
• Friday - Home Day
• Saturday - Arthur's friend's birthday party; SU Bingo party
• Sunday - ??? 

What I am creating: Working on my 30 Days of Lists cards. I'm also finalizing my designs for the Bingo make n takes.

My simple pleasures: Tea with lemon and honey to soothe a sore throat,

Looking around the house: I cleaned up the living room and vacuum yesterday and yet it looks atrocious again...

From the camera: Sick all week. Very few pictures to hightlight.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Simply Magic by Mary Balogh

Title: Simply Magic (SImply #3)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: Bantam Dell 2008

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 433

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

On a splendid August afternoon Susanna Osbourne is introduced to the most handsome man she has ever seen . . . and instantly feels the icy chill of recognition. Peter Edgeworth, Viscount Whitleaf, is utterly charming—and seemingly unaware that they have met before. With his knowing smile and seductive gaze, Peter acts the rake; but he stirs something in Susanna she has never felt before, a yearning that both frightens and dazzles her. Instantly she knows: this brash nobleman poses a threat to her heart . . . and to the secrets she guards so desperately.

Another fluffy romance for this sick week. I fell for Susanna and Viscount Whitleaf immediately and loved them throughout the book. It was a fun adventure following them from Bath and back. Not a ton to really say about this book, but I did enjoy it. 

Simply Quartet:

• #1 Simply Unforgettable
• #2 Simply Love
• #3 Simply Magic
• #4 Simply Perfect

Next up on the TBR pile:

Video Fest

Could be funny...

Too much fun!

I love Bill Hader so much!

Thank you Adam. Seriously Columbus Day is one my most hated "holidays." 

A great video about the Wild West!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Bout of Books 20 Midway Update

Pages Read: 223 (Ink and Bone) + 448 (Simply Love)

Pages Read Total: 671

Books Read: 2

Books Read Total: 2

Comments: Spent a good chunk of Monday reading the majority of Ink and Bone (amazing!). And started Simply Love Monday night finishing it on Tuesday. Being sick with a cold has done wonders for my reading totals...

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda Shofner and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 21st and runs through Sunday, August 27th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 20 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Next up on the TBR pile:

Simply Love by Mary Balogh

Title: Simply Love (SImply #2)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: Bantam Dell 2007

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 448

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh returns to the elegance and sensuality of Regency England as she continues the enthralling story of four remarkable women–friends and teachers at Miss Martin’s School for Girls. At the center of this spellbinding novel is Anne Jewell, a teacher haunted by a scandalous past…until she meets a man who teaches her the most important lesson of all: nothing is simple when it comes to love.…

Another fun historical romance while I am down with a cold. I loved the first half of this book. The budding relationship between Anne and Sydnam is great. Their conversations are what kept me turning the pages. But then the second half comes in. The predictable event threw me a bit and I debated putting it down. Thankfully the book redeems itself in the end with growth of both of the main characters. 

Simply Quartet:

• #1 Simply Unforgettable
• #2 Simply Love
• #3 Simply Magic
• #4 Simply Perfect

Next up on the TBR pile:

Music Tuesday -- Andrew Bird feat. Fiona Apple "Left Handed Kisses"

I really missed Fiona's voice and this song is just great!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine

Title: Ink and Bone (Great Library #1)

Author: Rachel Caine

Publisher: New American Library 2015

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 351

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - Steampunk (sorta)

Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly—but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden. 
 
Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family. Jess has been sent to be his family’s spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library’s service. 
 
When his friend inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe knowledge is more valuable than any human life—and soon both heretics and books will burn.…

Oh so good! I caught wind of this series about 6 months ago, but for some reason, just didn't get it immediately, I saw the third book on the New Books shelf at the library, went to check it out, but thankfully realized that it was the third book. So I found and checked out the first book.

First of all, I loved the world Caine throws us into. It's sorta steampunk, sorta fantasy, sorta alternate timeline. We see certain technological advances, but also a bit of magic. Then we get to the characters. I loved Jess immediately, but then we met all the rest of the postulants and scholars and guards. Such interested people who grew throughout the story. I loved how Caine peels back the layers on each character until we all see exactly who they are. Loved it! Finally we get the storyline. I loved the idea of a 1984-esque society headed by a library and librarians. We get wonder and intrigue, great action pieces, quiet moments dealing with relationships, and more. I sped through this volume in just a few days, the bulk of which was today. I could hardly put it down! So good! I can't wait to get the next volume.

Great Library

• #1 Ink and Bone
• #2 Paper and Fire
• #3 Ash and Quill

Next up on the TBR pile:

Bout of Books 20 Starting Line

Here we go again! I'm so excited about kicking off my favorite readathon again this August. I collected my potential reads and thought over my goals.

Goals:

• Read 3 books
• Review all books read
• Read at least 1 hour a day
• Read a total of 1000 pages

TBR Pile:

• Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine (in progress)
• Simply Love by Mary Balogh
• The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton
• The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
• Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda Shofner and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 21st and runs through Sunday, August 27th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 20 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #23

Right now I am: Listening to J sharpen our knives. They needed a good sharpening, but my goodness I hate that sound!

Thinking and pondering: What should we eat next week? It's the constant question in my mind...

On my bedside table: Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff; Simply Love by Mary Balogh

On my tv this week: We caught up with Last Week Tonight, started Ken Burns's The National Parks, and watched a few movies.

Listening to: I've been catching all the podcasts dealing with Charlottesville and the aftermath. Pod Save America's one was good, but I really enjoyed Sam Sanders on It's Been a Minute. Very interesting dissection of the events and what people should be doing.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Sweet Potato Nachoes
• Tuesday - Fish and Chips
• Wednesday - Lemony Goat Cheese Pasta 
• Thursday - ???
• Friday - ???
• Saturday - ???
• Sunday - ???

On my to do list: Some craft projects, more blog fixing, making eye appointments, creating shopping lists for the upcoming birthday party and Halloween, plus some other small tasks.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Errands probably
• Tuesday - No idea
• Wednesday - Bay Area Discovery Museum
• Thursday - Die Cuts Class
• Friday - ???
• Saturday - Hoping to get to a craft sale
• Sunday - Book Club

What I am creating: I'm prepping for September's 30 Days of Lists, Fall Bingo Party, and Holiday Catalog Classes.

My simple pleasures: Wacky cake, silence, snuggling up in blankets

Looking around the house: Eh. We're good I think...

From the camera: Play time!

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 4

Title: The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 4 Rising Action

Author: Kieron Gillen, Jamie Mckelvie

Publisher: Image 2016

Genre: Comics

Pages: 144

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Every ninety years, twelve gods are reincarnated as young people. They are loved. They are hated. And sometimes - just sometimes - they fall into open Superstar wars. The fourth volume of the award-winning, best selling series from acclaimed creators KIERON GILLEN, JAMIE McKELVIE and MATT WILSON is the most explosive yet. Collects issues 18 through 22

After finishing Volumes 2 and 3 last night, I had to make time today to read Volume 4. It's such an explosive storyline. And we finally get more information about what's exactly going on and what Annanke's plan is. I loved all the reveals in this volume. Plus, we get to see Persephone in action! Loving it! I'm hoping to get Volume 5 soon...

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 2-3

Title: The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 2 Fandemonium

Author: Kieron Gillen, Jamie Mckelvie

Publisher: Image 2015

Genre: Comics

Pages: 168

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

The second volume of the award-winning urban fantasy series where gods are the ultimate pop stars and pop stars are the ultimate gods. Following the tragic and unjust death of Lucifer, it takes a revelation from Inanna to draw Laura back into the worlds of Gods and Superstardom to try and discover the truth behind a conspiracy to subvert divinity. Includes issues #6-11 of the series, plus supplementary material.

Oh man. After the ending of Volume 1, I was left on a ledge. Instead of getting me to safety, Volume 2 pushed the story right on over. I love that we get to meet more of the pantheon and even more from Annanke. I sped through this volume.

Title: The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 3 Commercial Suicide

Author: Kieron Gillen, Jamie Mckelvie

Publisher: Image 2016

Genre: Comics

Pages: 200

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

After the detonation of FANDEMONIUM the gods-as-pop-stars of THE WICKED + THE DIVINE try living in the long dark shadow. Team WicDiv are joined by a stellar cast of guest artists to put the spotlight of each of the gods. The multiple Eisner-award nominated series continues in the only way it knows how: darker, weirder, faster. Don't worry. It's going to be okay.

I loved the storyline in this volume, but I wasn't quite as excited as the artist. The plot line took some crazy twists and turns and I was along for the ride. Such a great volume. But I'm so confused about the big cliffhanger. Hmmm... I hope that they bring back Persephone in the next volume. Otherwise that whole scene was a bit wasted. 

Next up on the TBR pile:

Bout of Books 20!!!!

It's almost here! I can't wait for the Bout of Books Readathon. I've participated in almost every single one of these and #20 is happening at just the right time for me. Summer's over in this house and the holiday craziness has yet to begin. We're in that nice lull period. So I'm ready to focus on reading some great books! Now I'm off to figure out my goals and my TBR pile. Wish me luck!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Odds and Ends

Here is my randomness for the week:

• So many books to read and so little time! Sometimes I get so overwhelmed about the height of my TBR pile. I really need to not look at the big pile. Just take it one book at a time...
• Feeling the itch to read some nonfiction. Maybe some history...
• Q is so snuggly lately. I'm loving the baby snuggles. 
• Looking at Christmas plans. Ugh! I love Christmas, but the planning is daunting to me.
• The cooler temperatures have been lovely, but I'm not ready for summer to leave us completely.
• My last few new-to-me recipes have turned out great. I'm on a roll!
• Although I feel like we need more vegetarian dinners in our rotation. 
• Decluttering feels so good!

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 1

Title: The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 1 The Faust Act

Author: Kieron Gillen, Jamie Mckelvie

Publisher: Image 2014

Genre: Comics

Pages: 144

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Every ninety years, twelve gods incarnate as humans. They are loved. They are hated. In two years, they are dead. The team behind critically thermonuclear floor-fillers Young Avengers and Phonogram reunite to start a new, ongoing, superhero fantasy with a beautiful, oversized issue. Welcome to The Wicked + The Divine, where gods are the ultimate pop stars and pop stars are the ultimate gods. But remember: just because you're immortal, doesn't mean you're going to live forever. Collects The Wicked + The Divine #1-5.

I picked up this series randomly at the library last week. At this point, I'll try out anything that Image puts out. And I'm so glad I did. The premise was fascinating and the comics just dive right into the fray. I loved that we start with Luci's story and move into introducing the other gods. I'm intrigued about how Laura fits into the story. Can't wait to the next volume.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Title: Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2)

Author: Cassandra Clare

Publisher: McElderry Books 2011

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 501

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

With the help of the handsome, tortured Will and the devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal and fueled by revenge. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister knows their every move—and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Eh. I must say this one was a bit of a struggle to get through. I like most of the characters, especially Will in this volume. I like the storyline. The over reaching world is pretty interesting. And yet I struggled to get through this book. I think I've decided that Clare's writing bothers me. She draws out chapters and situations way longer than they need to be. I think this would have been a much better book at 350 pages instead of 500. Still debating about whether or not to finish this series. 

The Infernal Devices

• #1 Clockwork Angel
• #2 Clockwork Prince
• #3 Clockwork Princess

Next up on the TBR pile: