Alex + Ada Vol. 3

Title: Alex + Ada Vol. 3

Author: Jonathan Luna, Sarah Vaughn

Publisher: Image 2015

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 136

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

In this final arc of the sci-fi drama, Alex and Ada struggle against the growing hatred for sentient robots and their human allies. Can they survive what's around the corner? Collects ALEX + ADA #11-15.

What a conclusion! You knew things were not going to end happily ever after at the conclusion of the second volume. I just didn’t expect the magnitude… Seriously this as an intense collection of issues. We get an ending to Alex and Ada’s storyline as well as a general progression of the larger issues. I was devastated about halfway through the volume but recovered by the end. A great series!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Alex + Ada Vol. 2

Title: Alex + Ada Vol. 2

Author: Jonathan Luna, Sarah Vaughn

Publisher: Image 2015

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 128

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Tensions rise between humans and robots in this sci-fi/drama. Alex took a huge risk to unlock Ada-now she can think for herself and explore life as a sentient android. As Alex and Ada spend more time together, they become closer. But as restrictions tighten on artificial intelligence, Ada feels unsure about her place in the world, and Alex questions being with an android. Collects ALEX + ADA #6-10.

And the plot thickens… We finally get to see more of Ada’s personality as well as Alex’s reactions to it all. And something more happens. There’s action in this volume and a big conflict looming. I sped through this volume just waiting to see what happens.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Alex + Ada Vol. 1

Title: Alex + Ada Vol. 1

Author: Jonathan Luna, Sarah Vaughn

Publisher: Image 2014

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 128

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Collects ALEX + ADA #1-5. From JONATHAN LUNA (GIRLS, THE SWORD, ULTRA, Spider-Woman: Origin) and SARAH VAUGHN (Sparkshooter) comes ALEX + ADA, a sci-fi drama set in the near future. The last thing in the world Alex wanted was an X5, the latest in realistic androids. But after Ada is dropped into his life, he discovers she is more than just a robot.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this volume, but I ended up really enjoying this story. On the surface, we get a story of an android gaining sentience, but really it gets into the question of “what is human?” I can’t wait to see where this is headed and learn more about Ada.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Paper Towns by John Green

Title: Paper Towns

Author: John Green

Publisher: Dutton 2008

Genre: Young Adult

Pages: 305

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual - NPR Teen, Top 100 YA; Modern Mrs. Darcy - Same Author; Literary Escapes - Florida

Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificent Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs back into his life—summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge—he follows. When their all-nighter ends and a new day breaks, Margo has disappeared. But Q soon learns that there are clues—and they’re for him. Embarking on an exhilarating adventure to find her, the closer Q gets, the less he sees the girl he thought he knew.

I’ve been meaning to read this one for a few years, but the library never seemed to have it when I was browsing. Holds to the rescue! After diving in, I basically read this one in two sittings. I was taken on an adventure with Quentin in his attempt to unravel the mystery of Margo. This is my favorite John Green book that I’ve read so far (only have Will Grayson Will Grayson and Turtles All the Way Down to go). I love the adventure and the mystery. I love the inclusion of poetry and music. I love the various side characters and their thoughts.of the events of the book. But most of all, I love Quentin and his need to unravel Margo and her disappearance. If I was 15, I would read and re-read this book often. So good!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Title: Norse Mythology

Author: Neil Gaiman

Publisher: W.W. Norton and Company 2017

Genre: Mythology

Pages: 304

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Random TBR Pick; MMD - Backlist of Favorite Author; Alphabet Soup - G

Neil Gaiman, long inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction, presents a bravura rendition of the Norse gods and their world from their origin though their upheaval in Ragnarok.

I finally picked this one up to read and loved all the re-imagined stories. Gaiman is a master at creating a beautiful turn of a phrase. I savor every sentence he writes. Beyond the writing, I really enjoyed his updating/condensing/retooling the Norse myths. I re-learned a ton of the stories. This was the perfect before bedtime book. I read a few stories every night. Just enough to get some quick interesting reading done, but not too much.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Beauty Vol. 4

Title: The Beauty Vol. 4

Author: Jason Hurley, Jeremy Haun, Matthew Dow Smith, Thomas Nachlik

Publisher:Image 2018

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 128

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Corporate espionage, government secrets, and private military contracts are uncovered as an investigative journalist looks deep into Abericorp, the most powerful pharmaceutical company in the world. Collects THE BEAUTY #17-21

I was on the edge of my seat for every panel in this volume. Just when I thought the conspiracy could not get any weirder or deeper, it does. Loved following Cooper as he investigates and meets with some of the already introduced characters. Really need the next volume…

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Beauty Vol. 3

Title: The Beauty Vol. 3

Author: Jason Hurley, Jeremy Haun, Thomas Nachlik

Publisher:Image 2017

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 126

Rating: /5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

THE BEAUTY returns, merging characters and storylines from earlier arcs into a twisting tale of vanity, power, and the quest to obtain both at any cost. In a world where achieving pure beauty means dying for it, the question of what life is actually worth becomes more important than ever. Collects THE BEAUTY #12-16

Another great volume. We finally get to see the origins of Foster and Vaughn’s partnership as well as a previous case alluded to in the first volume. Plus we get even more insight into the conspiracy surrounding The Beauty. Hmmm… I have lots of questions that I hope will be answered soon.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Beauty Vol. 2

Title: The Beauty Vol. 2

Author: Jason Hurley, Jeremy Haun, Brett Weldele

Publisher:Image 2016

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 128

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

After the shocking events of issue 6, we're introduced to Timo, Ezerae, and a host of new characters, as well as your favorites from the first arc, to further explore a dark and demented world tainted by THE BEAUTY, where perfection is a fatal disease, and not everyone wants a cure. The disturbing world of THE BEAUTY, from creators JEREMY HAUN and JASON A. HURLEY, expands with new stories featuring guest artists MIKE HUDDLESTON, BRETT WELDELE, and STEPHEN GREEN. Collects THE BEAUTY #7-11.

It took me a minute to realize that this volume begins in the past, but once I got my timeline sorted a bit, I was hooked again. I loved the introduction of the new characters. They added much needed dimension to the story told in the first volume. We get to see more of the larger background conspiracy and more answers to the big questions. Sped through this one enjoying every page.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Beauty Vol. 1

Title: The Beauty Vol. 1

Author: Jason Hurley, Jeremy Haun, John Rauch

Publisher:Image 2016

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 164

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Imagine a sexually transmitted disease that makes those infected better looking... a disease people want. That disease is real, and it's called the Beauty. Two years after the Beauty burst onto the scene, over half of America is infected. Now, it looks like the downside may be far worse than anyone suspected. Detectives Vaughn and Foster find themselves on the front line of the battle against the Beauty, embroiled in a conspiracy they never knew existed. Collects THE BEAUTY #1-6.

This little horror story really got me. I loved diving into the world of The Beauty and a vast conspiracy. This volume pushes the reader into the deep end and does not let up. I am hooked and must find out what happens next.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Road to Riverdale Vol. 3

Title: Road to Riverdale Vol. 3

Author: Mark Waid, Chip Zdarsky, Marguerite Bennett, Adam Hughes, Fiona Staples

Publisher: Archie Comics 2017

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 136

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

In the past two years, the little town of Riverdale has changed in a number of amazing ways. The entire Archie universe has been given a fresh coat of paint and it's only getting bigger and better from here. Road to Riverdale presents to readers all of the third issues of each of our new series so far, including Archie, Jughead, Betty and Veronica, Josie and the Pussycats, and Reggie & Me.

All the third issues from the Archie universe collected for my reading pleasure. Just like the first two, this collection was a lot of fun. I enjoyed following the various storylines, but my favorite was again Betty and Veronica.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Road to Riverdale Vol. 2

Title: Road to Riverdale Vol. 2

Author: Mark Waid, Chip Zdarsky, Marguerite Bennett, Adam Hughes, Fiona Staples

Publisher: Archie Comics 2017

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 136

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

In the past two years, the little town of Riverdale has changed in a number of amazing ways. The entire Archie universe has been given a fresh coat of paint and it's only getting bigger and better from here. Road to Riverdale presents to readers all of the second issues of each of our new series so far, including Archie, Jughead, Betty and Veronica, Josie and the Pussycats and Reggie & Me, timed to the Season One Finale of the brand new CW series Riverdale. This volume also contains a new story based in the show's universe as a bonus for viewers!

Another fun collection of issues featuring the inhabitants of the Archie Universe. I really enjoyed the Josie and the Pussycats storyline in this collection. And it was fun to see the one-shot story that sets up for the first season of Riverdale.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Road to Riverdale Vol. 1

Title: Road to Riverdale Vol. 1

Author: Mark Waid, Chip Zdarsky, Marguerite Bennett, Adam Hughes, Fiona Staples

Publisher: Archie Comics 2017

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 144

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

In the past two years, the little town of Riverdale has changed in a number of amazing ways. The entire Archie universe has been given a fresh coat of paint and it's only getting bigger and better from here. Road to Riverdale presents to readers all of the first issues of each of our new series so far, including Archie, Jughead, Betty and Veronica, Josie and the Pussycats, and Reggie & Me, timed to the release of the brand new CW series Riverdale.

I picked up this volume (and the next two) because I’ve really enjoyed watching Riverdale. I was hoping for some more fun stories from the same world. Thankfully, I enjoyed this collection of first issues from the newest Archie series. I liked all of them, but my favorite is the Betty and Veronica series. Love those frenemies.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Music Monday - Within Temptation "Supernova"

Love the sound of this one…

Bellman & Black by Diane Setterfield

Title: Bellman & Black

Author: Diane Setterfield

Publisher: Atria 2014

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 336

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: UnRead Shelf; Alphabet Soup; Women Authors

Caught up in a moment of boyhood competition, William Bellman recklessly aims his slingshot at a rook resting on a branch, killing the bird instantly. It is a small but cruel act, and is soon forgotten. By the time he is grown, with a wife and children of his own, William seems to have put the whole incident behind him. It was as if he never killed the thing at all. But rooks don’t forget…

Years later, when a stranger mysteriously enters William’s life, his fortunes begin to turn—and the terrible and unforeseen consequences of his past indiscretion take root. In a desperate bid to save the only precious thing he has left, he enters into a rather strange bargain, with an even stranger partner. Together, they found a decidedly macabre business.

Setterfield always knows how to unsettle her reader. There is someone almost unseemly in reading about the life of William Bellman. The reader can see his failings and knows what is missing from his life, but he never seems to understand. And the reader is left to hope that they do not turn out like William Bellman. I really enjoyed this very strange twisted tale. I loved the interludes about rooks and the various thoughts on time and memory. I finished the book and had to sit with the story for a few hours before being able to decide if I really liked it or not. I felt the same way about Setterfield’s previous work The Thirteenth Tale. Now I must pick up her newest novel…

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #6

On my bedside table: The Beauty Vol. 1-4; Newt’s Emerald by Garth Nix

On my TV: We’ve been watching a few movies this week including Aquaman. And catching up with The Magicians (oh this week’s cliffhanger!!!).

Listening to: Slowly making my way through This Podcast Will Kill You and Presidential podcasts.

On the menu:

• Monday - Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

• Tuesday - Apricot and Cheddar Grilled Cheese

• Wednesday - Sunday - The boys and I will be Indiana. Not sure of our dinner plans right now.

On my to do list: My biggest tasks all involve prepping for our road trip. I also want to finish a few small house tasks before we leave.

Happening this week: Before we leave, Q has a gym class and we’re hosting a playdate. We leave for Indiana on Wednesday. Not quite sure of our plans once we get there…

What I am creating: Still working on my 30 Days of Brithday Cards (I have about 6 more to go). And I need to finish my February Memory Planner pages.

My simple pleasures: German Chocolate Cake for my birthday, a variety box of tea, library hold system

What I’m planning: Trying to nail down our Indiana plans. The twins want to have a small birthday party, but otherwise we don’t have a lot of plans set.

Looking around the house: We have a few small tasks to finish but mostly I want to put away the random things before we leave.

Looking forward to: Spending time with the twins. Can’t wait to see them!

From the camera: We had a visitor this week…

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty

Title: Smoke Gets In Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematory

Author: Caitlin Doughty

Publisher: W.W. Norton & Co. 2015

Genre: Nonfiction - Memoir

Pages: 272

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Nonfiction Bingo - Free Space

Armed with a degree in medieval history and a flair for the macabre, Caitlin Doughty took a job at a crematory and turned morbid curiosity into her life’s work. She cared for bodies of every color, shape, and affliction, and became an intrepid explorer in the world of the dead. In this best-selling memoir, brimming with gallows humor and vivid characters, she marvels at the gruesome history of undertaking and relates her unique coming-of-age story with bold curiosity and mordant wit. By turns hilarious, dark, and uplifting, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes reveals how the fear of dying warps our society and "will make you reconsider how our culture treats the dead" (San Francisco Chronicle).

I picked this up from the library based on the rave reviews on GoodReads and I’m so glad I did. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I ended up loving the mix of memoir style essays and facts about death and cremation. I’ve previously read Mary Roach’s Stiff and this one feels like a continuation of a similar theme. I really enjoyed. My biggest takeaway from this book is that I need to get my death wishes in writing and make sure that everyone knows what i want. Definitely going the cremation route, possibly a green burial. I really love Doughty’s thoughts on reconnecting to death.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay

Title: The Cabin at the End of the World

Author: Paul Tremblay

Publisher: William Morrow 2018

Genre: Horror

Pages: 272

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - Multiple POVs; Literary Escapes - New Hampshire; Horror

Seven-year-old Wen and her parents, Eric and Andrew, are vacationing at a remote cabin on a quiet New Hampshire lake. Their closest neighbors are more than two miles in either direction along a rutted dirt road.

One afternoon, as Wen catches grasshoppers in the front yard, a stranger unexpectedly appears in the driveway. Leonard is the largest man Wen has ever seen but he is young, friendly, and he wins her over almost instantly. Leonard and Wen talk and play until Leonard abruptly apologizes and tells Wen, "None of what’s going to happen is your fault". Three more strangers then arrive at the cabin carrying unidentifiable, menacing objects. As Wen sprints inside to warn her parents, Leonard calls out: "Your dads won’t want to let us in, Wen. But they have to. We need your help to save the world."

Goodness. This book is not for the faint of heart. It is intense. The action is graphic at times. But even more, the emotions are so high in this book! I was riveted to the spot while reading. I just couldn’t wrap my brain around the actions of the four intruders and those of the family thrown into the situation. The only part that I really didn’t like was the ending. I’m all for ambiguous endings or even open-ended endings, but this one was just too blah after the actions of the book.

Next up on the TBR pile:

And Then You Die of Dysentery by Lauren Reeves

Title: And Then You Die of Dysentery: Lessons in Adulting from The Oregon Trail

Author: Lauren Reeves

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2018

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 112

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries

Pack your wagons, find your ride-or-(literally) die friends, and roll up to Matt’s General Store with a sack of cash—it’s time to hit the Oregon Trail, twenty-first-century style! …And Then You Die of Dysentery is the perfect send-up to the sometimes frustrating, always entertaining, and universally beloved Oregon Trail computer game. Featuring a four-color design in the game’s iconic 8-bit format, alongside pop culture references galore, the book offers 50 humorous, snarky lessons gleaned from the game’s most iconic moments.

Such a cute little book that I grabbed off of the new releases shelf at the library. Definitely funny for all of us that played Oregon Trail obsessively at a child.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Birthday Videos

Yeah. I’ve seen all those movies…

Definitely need to watch this series.

Oldie, but oh so good!

Ryan Reynolds gets me every time…

I love cooking and baking shows and this one is hilarious!

Hell yes!

After the trainwreck that was the movie (even though the casting was great), this one better be good!

Grilled Cheese Adventures: January and February

Part of my 2019 goals is make a different Grilled Cheese recipe each week. I find grilled cheese to be so comforting, but just cheddar or Colby gets boring after awhile. So, I checked a few books out from the library and make a Pinterest Board with lots of options. Here’s what we ate:

Week 1: Pesto, Bruschetta, and Mozzarella

We started the new year off right yesterday with a pesto, bruschetta, mozzarella gc on homemade Hungarian fennel white bread. It doesn’t look like much, but it sure was tasty!

Week 2: Jalapeño Popper

Good but the cream cheese was almost too much. And don’t get me started on removing the skins from jalapeños. Not as easy as the recipe made it seem.

Week 3: Cranberry, Brie, and Prosciutto on Marbled Rye

I really enjoyed this one! Next time I’m going to get the Brie more melty.

Week 4: Fancy BLTs

One of our regular in rotation recipes. I love love love this grilled cheese! For this week, we put it one some thick Italian bread.

Week 5: Spinach and Feta (with Mozzarella) on Sourdough

I really enjoyed this one. The secret is to add red pepper and a bit of garlic to the spinach before grilling!

Week 6: Cheddar, Bacon, and Tomato on Sourdough

Liked it even though I ended up partially burning it. Kids and kitchens don’t mix...

Week 7: Shrimp and Cheddar

Decent, but next time we need to add some cajun seasoning to the shrimp or something similar. Also, this sandwich was the inaugural run of our new sandwich press.

Week 8: Spinach and Artichoke Dip Melts

This is in contention for my favorite GC so far. I love spinach artichoke dip and this is even better as it’s sandwiched between crispy bread.

Week 9: Blueberry Breakfast Grilled Cheese

We switched things up and made grilled cheese for breakfast. Frozen blueberries and cream cheese made a pseudo-strudel to enjoy.