March Volume 2

Title: March Volume 2

Author: John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell

Publisher: Top Shelf 2015

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 192

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

After the success of the Nashville sit-in campaign, John Lewis is more committed than ever to changing the world through nonviolence - but as he and his fellow Freedom Riders board a bus into the vicious heart of the deep south, they will be tested like never before.

Faced with beatings, police brutality, imprisonment, arson, and even murder, the young activists of the movement struggle with internal conflicts as well. But their courage will attract the notice of powerful allies, from Martin Luther King, Jr. to Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy... and once Lewis is elected chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, this 23-year-old will be thrust into the national spotlight, becoming one of the "Big Six" leaders of the civil rights movement and a central figure in the landmark 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

Finally felt like I was ready for volume two of John Lewis's story. The subject matter is very intense but oh so important to learn. I was very involved in the history and loved learning more about Lewis's personal experience during the Civil Rights Movements. Such great stories. Such great drawings.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Music Monday - Panic! At the Disco "Say Amen (Saturday Night)"

Always so catchy! And a super fun video.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #21

On my bedside table: March Vol. 2 and 3 by John Lewis; Parasite by Mira Grant

On my tv this week: We introduced the twins to Forbidden Planet. J and I caught up on Archer and Elementary.

Listening to: Not much really. A few podcasts here and there.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Leftovers
Tuesday - Sloppy Joes
Wednesday - Chicken Tortilla Soup
Thursday - Peach and Prosciutto Pizzas; Pepperoni Pizzas for the kids
Friday - Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken
Saturday - Leftovers
Sunday - Appetizer Night

On my to do list: I need to finish planning out the rest of the summer and especially the second week in July. I also need to plan this summer's craft classes, clean out the pantry, make a doctor's appointment, pick up my pictures, and meal plan.

Happening this week:

Monday - Half Moon Bay Beach Day
Tuesday - $1 Ninjago Movie
Wednesday - Seven Seas Park and Golfland Arcade
Thursday - Dublin Heritage Park, Library, and Errands
Friday - Home Day
Saturday - Vans Warped Tour
Sunday - Pirate Festival in Vallejo

What I am creating: Nothing at the moment. I do want to finish another couple of months of Arthur's Project Life album and get the 2018 one up to date.

My simple pleasures: A calmer week...

Looking around the house: I need to do some basic chores this week and catch up on laundry.

From the camera: Hello fancy hair!

Home for the Haunting by Juliet Blackwell

Title: Home for the Haunting (Haunted Home Renovation #4)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Obsidian 2013

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 312

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series - Spring Colors on Cover

San Francisco contractor Mel Turner is leading a volunteer home renovation project, and while she expects lots of questions from her inexperienced crew, she can’t help asking a few of her own—especially about the haunted house next door…the place local kids call the Murder House.

But when volunteers discover a body while cleaning out a shed, questions pile up faster than discarded lumber. Mel notices signs of ghostly activity next door and she wonders: Are the Murder House ghosts reaching out to her for help, or has the house claimed another victim?

Now, surprised to find herself as the SFPD’s unofficial “ghost consultant,” Mel must investigate murders both past and present before a spooky killer finishes another job.

Another great cozy mystery book from Juliet Blackwell. I really really enjoy this series so much. Mel and her various acquaintances are such great characters. This volume was another fun adventure for Mel and her growing ghost-busting business. I do wish the book had bit more ghost activity, but overall I still really enjoy this.

Haunted Home Renovation

#1 If Walls Could Talk
#2 Dead Bolt
#3 Murder on the House
#4 Home for the Haunting
#5 Keeper of the Castle
#5.5 A Haunting is Brewing
#6 Give Up the Ghost
#7 A Ghostly Light

Next up on the TBR pile:

Moonstruck Vol. 1

Title: Moonstruck Vol. 1: Magic to Brew

Author: Grace Ellis, She Beagle, Kate Leth

Publisher: Image 2018

Genre: Comics

Pages: 120

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Werewolf barista Julie and her new girlfriend go on a date to a close-up magic show, but all heck breaks loose when the magician casts a horrible spell on their friend Chet. Now it's up to the team of mythical pals to stop the illicit illusionist before it's too late.

The first chapter of the brand new, all-ages magical coffee-laden adventure from Lumberjanes creator GRACE ELLIS and talented newcomer SHAE BEAGLE.

Such a cute little comic I randomly found at the library. I love the fun art style and the characters are too cute. I could give this to any teen and I think they would love it. Definitely recommend this series.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Across a Star-Swept Sea by Diana Peterfreund

Title: Across a Star-Swept Sea (For Darkness Shows the Stars #2)

Author: Diana Peterfreund

Publisher: Balzer + Bray 2013

Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction

Pages: 469

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual - YA Retellings; I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series - Duology

Centuries after wars nearly destroyed civilization, the two islands of New Pacifica stand alone, a terraformed paradise where even the Reduction--the devastating brain disorder that sparked the wars--is a distant memory. Yet on the isle of Galatea, an uprising against the ruling aristocrats has turned deadly. The revolutionaries' weapon is a drug that damages their enemies' brains, and the only hope is rescue by a mysterious spy known as the Wild Poppy.

On the neighboring island of Albion, no one suspects that the Wild Poppy is actually famously frivolous aristocrat Persis Blake. The teenager uses her shallow, socialite trappings to hide her true purpose: her gossipy flutternotes are encrypted plans, her pampered sea mink is genetically engineered for spying, and her well-publicized new romance with handsome Galatean medic Justen Helo... is her most dangerous mission ever.

Hmmm.... so I loved the first book in this duology (For Darkness Shows the Stars), but this retelling of The Scarlet Pimpernel just didn't wow me. I couldn't quite connect to any of the main characters. I was not completely on board with the terminology used throughout. The first book felt like a logical adaptation of a classic work redone into a post-apocalyptic world. This one felt a little too fantasy/candy-colored future for me. My mind wandered throughout attempting to get through the pages. Just really not my cup of tea.

Paper Girls Vol. 3

Title: Paper Girls Vol. 3

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Cliff Chiang, Matt Wilson

Publisher: Image 2017

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 125

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

The multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-winning series from BRIAN K. VAUGHAN and CLIFF CHIANG continues, as newspaper deliverers Erin, Mac, and Tiffany finally reunite with their long-lost friend KJ in an unexpected new era, where the girls must uncover the secret origins of time travel…or risk never returning home to 1988. Collects PAPER GIRLS #11-15

Oh what twists! I'm really enjoying this series to much. I have no idea where the storyline is going and I love it. I love not being able to predict every action. The paper girls are amazing and fun. Can't wait to see what happens next.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Summertime Videos

Tina's Sarah Palin is so spot on!

I'm here for bad-ass Jennifer Garner!

Just glorious...

"I hope you understand we're puppets" -- I died!

Love Tina and Lin-Manuel...

Next up on the TBR pile:

Paper Girls Vol. 2

Title: Paper Girls Vol. 2

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Cliff Chiang, Matt Wilson

Publisher: Image 2016

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 125

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

The smash-hit series from BRIAN K. VAUGHAN and CLIFF CHIANG continues with a bold new direction, as intrepid young newspaper deliverers Erin, Mac, and Tiffany find themselves launched from 1988 to a distant and terrifying future...the year 2016. Collects PAPER GIRLS #6-10

What an interesting twist?!!?!?!?! I really loved where this series is going. And the four paper girls are just great characters. I loved how we get a few more glimpses into the real situation and I'm starting topic up the language of the old-timers. Very interesting indeed.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Paper Girls Vol. 1

Title: Paper Girls Vol. 1

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Cliff Chiang, Matt Wilson

Publisher: Image 2016

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 144

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

From BRIAN K. VAUGHAN, #1 New York Times bestselling writer of SAGA and THE PRIVATE EYE, and CLIFF CHIANG, legendary artist of Wonder Woman, comes the first volume of an all-new ongoing adventure. In the early hours after Halloween of 1988, four 12-year-old newspaper delivery girls uncover the most important story of all time. Suburban drama and otherworldly mysteries collide in this smash-hit series about nostalgia, first jobs, and the last days of childhood. Collects PAPER GIRLS #1-5.

Oh my goodness, this volume is so good! I didn't quite know what to expect, but I do enjoy Brian K. Vaughan's other works. I immediately fell in with the four paper girls and their adventure. I went into this comic blind in terms of the storyline and I'm so glad I did. This was such a treat. I sped through it in just a few minutes needing to see where the story led. Must pick up the next volume!

Next up on the TBR pile:

The One by Kiera Cass

**Reading Challenge Note: When I set my reading challenges in December, I didn't realize that I would be reading just so much so quickly. As the last few months have progressed, I have realized that I need to up some of my challenges. So, I've decided to max out the I Love Libraries challenge and up my goal to 60 books!

Title: The One (The Selection #3)

Author: Kiera Cass

Publisher: HarperTeen 2014

Genre: Young Adult

Pages: 338

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries

America Singer searches for her happily ever after in this swoon-worthy YA dystopian romance, perfect for readers who loved Veronica Roth’s Divergent, Lauren Oliver’s Delirium, or Renée Ahdieh’s The Wrath & the Dawn.

Entering the Selection changed America Singer's life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she arrived at the palace, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen—and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's made her choice . . . and she's prepared to fight for the future she wants.

Such a great ending to this trilogy (even though I know there are two more books, I came to think of this as a trilogy). The first two books were pretty fluffy with a big focus on the romance. I was so glad to see this volume branch out and get into the larger issues within the society. I loved finally meeting the Northern Rebels and hearing their point of view. I loved how all the secrets just started coming out in this volume. And while I thought that the ending was a bit rushed, I did enjoy the storyline. I will have to pick up the next two books and the remaining short stories.

The Selection:

#0.5 The Prince
#1 The Selection
#2 The Elite
#2.5 The Guard
#3 The One
#3.5 The Queen
#4 The Heir
#4.5 The Favorite
#5 The Crown
#5.5 Happily Ever After

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Selection Stories by Kiera Cass

Title: The Prince (The Selection #0.5) and The Guard (The Selection #2.5)

Author: Kiera Cass

Publisher: HarperTeen 2014

Genre: Young Adult

Pages: 240

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries

Before America arrived at the palace to compete in the Selection, there was another girl in Prince Maxon’s life. In The Prince, follow Maxon from the week before the Selection begins through the first day of the competition.

Loved this story from Maxon's perspective. We get to see his actions and hear his thoughts as the Selection begins. And we get to see the first interaction with America.

Raised as a Six, Aspen Leger never dreamed that he would find himself living in the palace. In The Guard, get an inside look at Aspen’s life as a palace guard—and the truth about his world that America will never know.

Not quite as enamored with this story. Try as I might, I never really came to like Aspen as a character. Hearing his story did not change anything...

The Selection:

#0.5 The Prince
#1 The Selection
#2 The Elite
#2.5 The Guard
#3 The One
#3.5 The Queen
#4 The Heir
#4.5 The Favorite
#5 The Crown
#5.5 Happily Ever After

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Elite by Kiera Cass

Title: The Elite (The Selection #2)

Author: Kiera Cass

Publisher: HarperTeen 2013

Genre: Young Adult

Pages: 337

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - Halloween; I Love Libraries

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection, and to win Prince Maxon’s heart. Now six girls remain, and the competition is fiercer than ever—but America Singer is still struggling to decide where her heart truly lies. Is it Prince Maxon—and life as the queen—that she wants? Or is it still Aspen, her first love?

I couldn't help myself and blew right through this volume in one day. I enjoyed it very much, although America's behavior occasionally grates on me. I just want her to make a choice! (Although I imagine that the choice is coming in the third book.) I did enjoy getting to know Maxon more and the various side characters. You know I'll be picking up the next volume soon, but first, I am going to read the next short story.

The Selection:

#0.5 The Prince
#1 The Selection
#2 The Elite
#2.5 The Guard
#3 The One
#3.5 The Queen
#4 The Heir
#4.5 The Favorite
#5 The Crown
#5.5 Happily Ever After

Next up on the TBR pile:

Music Monday - Bad Wolves feat. Diamante "Hear Me Now"

Randomly found this gem

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #20

On my bedside table: The Elite and The One by Kiera Cass -- must finish this fluffy YA series.

On my tv this week: I finally got to watch the first episode of this season's The Bachelorette. I'm so here for Becca!

Listening to: Lots of podcasts - Lore, NPR Politics, Pod Save America, What Should I Read Next

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Smothered Pork Chops
Tuesday - Leftovers
Wednesday - Monterey Chicken
Thursday - Tilapia
Friday - Smoked Sausage and Potatoes
Saturday - Appetizer Night
Sunday - Fiesta Chicken

On my to do list: I need to renew our Costco membership, check in with the in-laws about their visit, take care of my appointments, and do a list of household chores.

Happening this week:

Monday - Home Day?
Tuesday - Oakland Zoo
Wednesday - Errands, Grocery
Thursday - Doctor Appointment (for me); Pool Party
Friday - Point Pinole Beach
Saturday - I'm finally getting my hair dyed!!!!
Sunday - Pirate Festival in Vallejo

What I am creating: Last week I finished cards for Stamp Club, May's Memory Planner pages, and three months of Project Life for Arthur's album. I'm hoping to knock out another three months of PL spreads this coming week, start planning June's MP pages, and make a few more cards for the blog.

My simple pleasures: Brownies, snuggles, curling up on the couch with a good book

Looking around the house: Things were in good shape, but after staying in all weekend the boys have destroyed the playroom.

From the camera: Someone grabbed my computer, opened it, and started typing...

March Volume 1

Title: March Volume 1

Author: John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell

Publisher: Top Shelf 2013

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 128

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Before he became a respected Congressman, John Lewis was clubbed, gassed, arrested over 40 times, and nearly killed by angry mobs and state police, all while nonviolently protesting racial discrimination. He marched side-by-side with Martin Luther King as the youngest leader of the Civil Rights Movement that would change a nation forever.

Now, experience John Lewis' incredible story first-hand, brought to life in a stunning graphic novel trilogy. With co-writer Andrew Aydin and Eisner Award-winning artist Nate Powell, John Lewis' MARCH tells the story of how a poor sharecropper's son helped transform America, from a segregated schoolhouse to the 1963 March on Washington and beyond.

I've been wanting to pick up this one up for awhile now and lucky me, the library just had it sitting there last week. This volume is such. powerful depiction of John Lewis's early life through the lunch counter sit-ins. We get to meet some of the big names of the Civil Rights Movement. I really enjoyed the stark black and white panels that accompanied the text. Such a great slim volume.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Haunted Mansion

Title: The Haunted Mansion

Author: Joshua Williamson, Jorge Coelho, E.M. Gist

Publisher: Marvel 2016

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 128

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Welcome, foolish mortals, to the Haunted Mansion — enter if you dare! You might think no one lives in this elegant house on the hill — but then where’s that creepy organ music coming from? Are its iron gates meant to keep people out — or keep something in? Get ready to meet the 999 spooks of the Haunted Mansion. But be warned, they’re looking for the thousandth! Legendary ghouls like Madame Leota, the Hatbox Ghost, Constance the Bride and the Hitchhiking Ghosts lie in wait and could appear at any moment. But poor Danny is trapped inside and just wants to escape the foreboding abode. Is there anyone he can trust to help him? Marvel brings the chilling fan-favorite Haunted Mansion attraction to (after)life in the latest spine-tingling Disney Kingdoms adventure!

The Haunted Mansion is my favorite ride at Disney World and Disneyland and I was excited to pull this from the library shelf. It was a fun comic featuring all of the fun ghosts that live in the mansion. I liked the connection to our real world.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Creatures of the Night

Title: Creatures of the Night

Author: Neil Gaiman, Michael Zulli

Publisher: Dark Horse 2016

Genre: Comics

Pages: 48

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Two of literary comics modern masters present a pair of magical and disturbing stories of strange creatures who are not quite what they seem! In The Price, a mysterious feline engages in a nightly conflict with an unseen, vicious foe. The Daughter of Owls recounts an eerie tale of a beautiful orphan girl who was found clutching an owl pellet--and how those who would do her wrong would face bizarre, unforeseen consequences.

Two great stories illustrated for the fans. I loved "The Price" when I read it in strictly text form, but it's even better with pictures. I loved the adaptation. "The Daughter of Owls" wasn't quite as excited for me, but it was still enjoyable. I wasn't the biggest fan of the illustration style, but it was nice few minutes reading.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

It's so great to have all four of my boys in the house again.
Once again, I'm flying through books. So excited about the among of reading I have been doing.
My crafting well is full again, thank goodness. I was in a dry spell last week.
Warm, just out of the oven cookies are heaven.
My sandals have given me a weird criss-cross tan on my feet. Guess it's summer time here!
Speaking of, I just wish the temps would stay warm so we could go swimming. We keep missing the hot days.
I can't wait to go mini golfing today. I do so love it.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title: The Selection (The Selection #1)

Author: Kiera Cass

Publisher: HarperTeen 2012

Genre: Young Adult

Pages: 338

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual - 365 Days of YA; I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series - Parents Still Alive

Prepare to be swept into a world of breathless fairy-tale romance, swoonworthy characters, glittering gowns, and fierce intrigue perfect for readers who loved Divergent, Delirium, or The Wrath & the Dawn.

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape a rigid caste system, live in a palace, and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon. But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her, and competing for a crown she doesn’t want.

Then America meets Prince Maxon—and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

This book is so incredibly light and fluffy. It's the young adult romantic comedy. And it was just what I needed to read this week. I sped through this volume and enjoyed every minute of it. Definitely a lot of fun. And that cliffhanger just killed me. I must grab the next book in the series soon. In the meantime, I can at least read the short story prequel "The Prince."

The Selection:

#0.5 The Prince
#1 The Selection
#2 The Elite
#2.5 The Guard
#3 The One
#3.5 The Queen
#4 The Heir
#4.5 The Favorite
#5 The Crown
#5.5 Happily Ever After

Next up on the TBR pile: