Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke

Title: Childhood's End

Author: Arthur C. Clarke

Publisher: 1953

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 240

Rating: 4/5 stars   TV Miniseries: 2/5 stars

Reading Challenges: NPR SciFi/Fan (perpetual); Popsugar - Science Fiction; Book to Movie

Without warning, giant silver ships from deep space appear in the skies above every major city on Earth. Manned by the Overlords, in fifty years, they eliminate ignorance, disease, and poverty. Then this golden age ends--and then the age of Mankind begins....

My first Arthur C. Clarke book! And I think I did pick a good one. I love how we are throw right into the action and forced to figure out the situation along with most of mankind. From there we get three distinct books showing three different ages after the appearance of the Overlords. I loved reading about the progress of humanity and the implications of having no war, no starvation, etc. Clarke poses some interesting questions as to the fate of mankind. And then we learn more about the true intentions of the Overlords. I won't give away any spoilers, but I will say that I was very intrigued by the last third of the book.

TV Miniseries:

I had to wait until J finished reading the book, but we finally got around to watching the Syfy miniseries. And it was bad y'all... So very bad. The first episode was decent although the timeline was accelerated. Annoying, but not really bad. The second and third episodes went completely off the rails. The show focused on Ricky's invented dead wife for far too long. The tone became very confusing. I think we were to fear the Overlords and read into them a sinister intent which was so not what I read in the book. Milo was given an unnecessary girlfriend that resulted in a very disturbing scene right at the end. After finishing, I was left with a very bad taste in my mouth. Did not enjoy...

Curtsies and Conspiracies by Gail Carriger

Title: Curtsies and Conspiracies(The Finishing School #2)

Author: Gail Carriger

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company 2013

Genre: YA Paranormal

Pages: 329

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; 52 Books - W32

Sophronia's first year at Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality has certainly been rousing! For one thing, finishing school is training her to be a spy (won't Mumsy be surprised?). Furthermore, Sophronia got mixed up in an intrigue over a stolen device and had a cheese pie thrown at her in a most horrid display of poor manners.

Now, as she sneaks around the dirigible school, eavesdropping on the teachers' quarters and making clandestine climbs to the ship's boiler room, she learns that there may be more to a field trip to London than is apparent at first. A conspiracy is afoot--one with dire implications for both supernaturals and humans. Sophronia must rely on her training to discover who is behind the dangerous plot-and survive the London Season with a full dance card.

My fun series for August! After reading a bunch of nonfiction books, I needed something light and fluffy. This volume was just the thing! I love Sophronia and her motley crew of intelligencers and assorted helpers. I wished to see more of Soap and Vieve int his volume. We got a decent amount of Soap, but Vieve was left to just make appearances. And it seems that Vieve will not be regulated to guest appearances in the series. Boo! She's amazing! But we did get an appearance from some powerful vampires, most notable Lord Akeldama, one of my favorite characters from the Parasol Protectorate series. Will be diving into the third book soon...

The Finishing School

• #1 Etiquette and Espionage
• #2 Curtsies and Conspiracies
• #3 Waistcoats and Weaponry
• #4 Manners and Mutiny

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

• I can't decide if I like French Vanilla or Hazelnut coffee more. Perks up my morning everyday.
• Fourth week of work on this house. First it was the roof for three weeks. Now they're on to painting the outside (after a year of being a mess...). Feels like we'll always have workers blocking our driveway, in our courtyard, and messing about the backyard. So ready to be done with this.
• My Stampin' Up Holiday Catalog preorder has been sitting in my craft area since Monday. I really want to play with my new goodies, but life keeps getting in the way!
• Seriously need to go to the grocery store today. We are down to the weird bits and bobs of food. Nothing goes together.
• I think I'll be living in sandals and flips flops until December. None of my slip-on sneakers fit anymore. Darn you pregnancy-induced foot growth.
• Continuing my trend of Revolutionary War themed books with Bunker Hill by Nathaniel Philbrick. I may have a problem.
• Trying to decide if I want a new Happy Planner for Christmas. I like it, but it seems a bit bulky for me. Need to do some planner research.
• Need tor remember to buy diapers next time I'm at Target. Got to start stocking up when they have a sale!
• A fellow October mom is having some issues and may go into pre-term labor. Scared for her, but it's also making me realize just how little time I have left until the little one arrives.

Pregnancy Update at 32 Weeks

Due Date: October 5th

Weight Gain: Up to 19lbs. Not bad at all... Still hoping to keep it under 25 total. I have enough weight to get rid of after the birth as it is.

Symptoms: Lots and lots of scar tissue pain. Some Braxton Hicks contractions the other morning. Carpal tunnel causing numbness in my arms at night. A bit of plantar fasciitis.

What's different this time: I feel like the baby's movements are more intense this time compared to Arthur. He is just constantly stretching and kicking and burrowing into weird places. Arthur's slightly weirded out by the fact that my belly moves on it's own sometimes. The baby actually kicked Arthur's hand the other night surprising him greatly.

Cravings/Aversions: Been on a baking kick lately. I just want all the cookies, muffins, and cakes!

Sleep: Insomnia has been creeping in lately. Some nights it feels like I've been awake the entire time. Thankfully Arthur has been sleeping until 8am or so. And sometimes he just plays quietly in his room until 8:30am.

I am loving: Arthur snuggles when I'm not feeling very good. He gives the best snuggles.

I miss: Wine. I've had a glass here or there throughout, but I try to limit it to one glass.

I am looking forward to: My parent group is throwing myself and another pregnant friend a sprinkle on August 21st. Can't wait!

Movement: Crazy crazy crazy. This kid is just so active at all hours of the day. He's definitely stretching his limbs to their full extension. Ow!

Preparation: Still haven't picked a name yet. Arthur's insisting we call the baby "Milk" to which J then suggests Harvey. Um no. I did post a Baby Hunch pool for guessing weight and such. If anyone wants to participate, click here.

Baby’s (name pending) Stuff: This little boy already has an entire wardrobe curtesy of Arthur, but we do have a few holes. The major hole is socks! I seem to have lost every single baby sock we ever owned. Thankfully Target had these fuzzy little striped socks on clearance last week. And while I was there, I picked up this adorable dog outfit for $3.28! I couldn't resist. I did remember to get it in 6m size instead of tiny.

Photo bomb from the big brother...

Bout of Books 17 is Coming!

I'm so out of it that I didn't even realize that this was coming up... But I am so on board. I am hoping to get in a good week of reading before the baby comes in October.

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 22nd and runs through Sunday, August 28th 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 17 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Music Monday - Bastille "Good Grief"

Listened to Bastille's Lollapolooza set last week and loving their new single.

Life Right Now #25

On my bedside table: Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin; Bunker Hill by Nathaniel Philbrick

On my tv this week: I finally got to watch Pride and Prejudice and Zombies while J was away on business. I loved loved loved it! Together we watched Zootopia (Arthur loved!), Rise of the Planet of the Apes. On the tv front, I've caught up with Season 3 of The Great British Baking Show. Makes me so hungry, but it's such a delight.

Listening to: The Scot and the Sassenach, One Bad Mother, Gilmore Guys, and The Simple Show podcasts.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Tortellini
• Tuesday - Leftovers
• Wednesday - Potato Bacon Casserole; Coffee Cake
• Thursday - Tilapia
• Friday - Cajun Stuffed Chicken
• Saturday - Kielbasa Skillet
• Sunday - Black Bean Soup; Nachoes

Happening this week: I have no idea. We're still figuring out this one car thing so I didn't make any definite plans with others this coming week. Hopefully Arthur and I can make it to the grocery, park, and pool.

What I am creating: I caught up the family album and Arthur's album this weekend. I'm hoping to get the twins' albums up-to-date and start laying out the new baby's album. Plus, I have my Stampin' Up Holiday Catalog preorder coming tomorrow. I'm sure I'll spend some time playing with those goodies.

My simple pleasures: Green grapes! Snuggly toddlers! Cooler than 90 degree days.

Looking around the house: The downstairs need to be vacuumed again. And I should probably sweep the kitchen.

From the camera: Goodies from my One Bad Mother gift exchange. So excited about all these things!

What Jefferson Read, Ike Watched, and Obama Tweeted by Tevi Troy

Title: What Jefferson Read, Ike Watched, and Obama Tweeted: 200 Years of Popular Culture in the White House

Author: Tevi Troy

Publisher: Regnery 2013

Genre: Nonfiction - U.S. History

Pages: 332

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction; Nonfiction Adventure (perpetual)

America is a country built by thinkers on a foundation of ideas. Alongside classic works of philosophy and ethics, however, our presidents have been influenced by the books, movies, TV shows, viral videos, and social media sensations of their day. In What Jefferson Read, Ike Watched, and Obama Tweeted: 200 Years of Popular Culture in the White House presidential scholar and former White House aide Tevi Troy combines research with witty observation to tell the story of how our presidents have been shaped by popular culture.

An interesting collection of tidbits about pop culture and presidents. I learned a decent amount of trivia. Well, the volume is well-written, I knew a fair amount of the information presented. I especially enjoyed the chapters focusing on the presidents of the mid 20th century. Very interesting discussions on how Nixon and Reagan used pop culture.

Rat Queens Vol. 1 and 2

Title: Rat Queens Vol. 1: Sass and Sorcery

Author: Kurtis J. Wiebe, Laura Tayishati, Roc Upchurch, Fiona Staples

Publisher: Image 2014

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 128

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novels

Who are the Rat Queens? A pack of booze-guzzling, death-dealing battle maidens-for-hire, and they're in the business of killing all god's creatures for profit. It's also a darkly comedic sass-and-sorcery series starring Hannah the Rockabilly Elven Mage, Violet the Hipster Dwarven Fighter, Dee the Atheist Human Cleric and Betty the Hippy Smidgen Thief. This modern spin on an old school genre is a violent monster-killing epic that is like Buffy meets Tank Girl in a Lord of the Rings world on crack!

This volume is so much fun! I love to see some ladies kicking ass and the Rat Queens definitely do that! The series has an awesome mix of action and humor. It's definitely got a bit of mystery thrown in there also. My favorite character so far is Dee. I love her backstory and her whole attitude. Definitely going to pick up the next volume when I visit the library again.

Title: Rat Queens Vol. 2: The Far Reaching Tentacles of N'Rygoth

Author: Kurtis J. Wiebe, Stjepan Sejic

Publisher: Image 2015

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 136

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novels

A brand-new, booze-soaked tale of the Rat Queens reveals a growing menace within the very walls of Palisade. And while Dee may have run from her past, the bloated, blood-feasting sky god N’rygoth never really lets his children stray too far.

Oh... loving this volume. we get a continuation of the mystery storyline and lots of great action. Dee is still my favorite character in the series. I loved learning more about each of the Rat Queens through the glimpses of the past brought on by alcohol and monsters. Trust me it works. Sad that my library doesn't have Volume 3 yet...

Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

Title: Everything I Never Told You

Author: Celeste Ng

Publisher: Penguin 2014

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 297

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsguar - Summer; Women Authors; 52 Books - W31

“Lydia is dead. But they don’t know this yet.” So begins this exquisite novel about a Chinese American family living in 1970s small-town Ohio. Lydia is the favorite child of Marilyn and James Lee, and her parents are determined that she will fulfill the dreams they were unable to pursue. But when Lydia’s body is found in the local lake, the delicate balancing act that has been keeping the Lee family together is destroyed, tumbling them into chaos. A profoundly moving story of family, secrets, and longing, Everything I Never Told You is both a gripping page-turner and a sensitive family portrait, uncovering the ways in which mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, and husbands and wives struggle, all their lives, to understand one another.

This was our book club selection for August and I have to say that I'm disappointed. I don't think this is a bad book necessarily. I just didn't really connect to the characters or like the plotline. It reminded me of The Virgin Suicides without the atmosphere. I wasn't very excited about anything that happened. The emotional connection to the characters just fell flat for me. After so many recommendations and appearances on Best of Books lists, I was expecting something that would really hit home. But nope... Oh well.

Monthly Life Goals August 2016

Let’s check in on July’s goals and my progress.

• Read 3000 pages —Success! Super excited that my reading has been able to progress even dealing with crazy family stuff.
• Send out July cards, prep August and September cards —50% success. July's card have been send, August's cards have been prepped, and I haven't started on September's card.
• Transition Arthur to twin bed —Success! Amazingly, it's been going really well so far.
• Finish the summer with 5 twin activities —Success! We ended our summer with a few fun activities and excursions.
• Back to School shopping with twins —50% success. I got them some things before they left. The basic school supplies will be bought online and shipped directly to their dad's house this week.
• Pull off the summer social —Success! It was small, but it was a nice day.

August's Goals:

• Figure out Arthur childcare for October -- The planner in me wants this set before August is finished.
• Read 3000 pages -- Continuing my monthly page goal.
• Update all calendars and plan activities for August and September -- We're down to one car due to my car's lease being up. Planning and executing activities will take a bit of effort due to J's work schedule.
• Clean out the playroom -- We need to do another big reorganization/clean out before the baby comes.
• Meal plan for August and September; include a few freezer meals for October -- More planning ahead. I also want to make a few freezer meals to use after the baby comes.
• Plan out TBR for Sept-Dec -- Feeling like I've been utilizing the library too much. I need to get back to reading from my shelves and clear at least one shelf completely. This will require making a plan to keep me on track.

An Innocent, A Broad by Ann Leary

Title: An Innocent, A Broad

Author: Ann Leary

Publisher: William Morrow 2004

Genre: Nonfiction - Memoir

Pages: 244

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction; Popsugar - Autobiography; Perpetual (NonAd)

When Ann Leary and her husband, then unknown actor-comedian Denis Leary, flew to London in the early nineties for a brief getaway during Ann's second trimester of pregnancy, neither anticipated the adventure that was in store for them. The morning after their arrival, Ann's water broke as they strolled through London's streets. A week later their son, Jack, was born weighing only two pounds, six ounces, and it would be five long months before mother and son could return to the States.

In the meantime, Ann became an unwitting yet grateful hostage to Britain's National Health Service -- a stranger in a strange land plunged abruptly into a world of breast pumps and midwives, blood oxygen levels, mad cow disease, and poll tax riots. Desperately worried about the health of her baby, Ann struggled to adapt to motherhood and make sense of a very different culture. At once an intimate family memoir, a lively travelogue, and a touching love story, An Innocent, a Broad is utterly engaging and unforgettable.

Our book club selection for August and I'm just not that impressed. This memoir of early motherhood in a different country until hard circumstances just didn't pull my heartstrings that much. The focus on the neonatal unit wasn't that interesting. The focus on life in a foreign city was more interesting, but was too infrequent for me to really be excited. Overall I read this, but I'm afraid it's just not for me.

Music Monday -- CHVRCHES and Hayley Williams "Bury It"

Really digging this redone version featuring Hayley Williams.