I'm back!! And with some science-fiction reads!

I cannot believe I haven't actively posted since November!  Boo to that.  We've had a lot of things going on in our little family which hasn't allowed a lot of free time for blogging (or reading sadly).  I do miss reading and reviewing titles though and am going to try harder to post and share!  
As I'm sure some of you read on my Facebook page, Eric and I are expecting a little girl this June :)  Between getting ready for her arrival and Everett being a very energetic two year old, I probably still won't be able to blog nearly as much as I want, but I'm hoping to at least keep this more current than I have.

I thought I'd start with a post on a couple science-fiction titles I've enjoyed recently.  I've actually been on quite a sci-fi kick lately and have discovered a few awesome authors in the process.

First: For the month of March, my book club chose to read the book The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen.  

Overview of the book:  A young woman. A kingdom. An evil enemy.  A birthright foretold . . .
With the arrival of her nineteenth birthday, Princess Kelsea Raleigh Glynn is ascending to her rightful place as the new Queen of the Tearling. Surrounded by enemies, including an evil sorceress possessed of dark magic, the young ruler stands little chance of success. But Kelsea possesses fearsome weapons of her own, including the Tear sapphire, a jewel of immense power and magic. As an epic war draws near, Kelsea's quest to save her kingdom and meet her destiny begins—a wondrous journey of self-discovery and a trial by fire that will make her a legend...if she can survive.

When I started reading this book, I was confused why it was categorized general sci-fi rather than YA... then I kept reading and found out why.  It took me a while to get into the world that Johansen had set up (is this meant to be futuristic? In the past?... wasn't quite sure), but once I understood what was going on and the characters developed a bit, I really enjoyed this book.  I like that the reader can never quite be sure who is "good" and who is "bad," or who Kelsea can really trust.  This book definitely has some dark and somewhat graphic scenes, so I wouldn't recommend it for an immature audience.  However, I do like that that violence and the turmoil that the characters face is not necessarily out of the realm of reality.  Magic has its place in this book (and I think the second book will have even more), but the struggles and the emotions within the story are very human.  All in all, I would give this book 3.5/5 stars.  I am looking forward to reading the sequel The Invasion of the Tearling when it's released in June.

Second: One day while shelving books at work, I came across a cover/title that caught my eye: A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab.

Overview of the book:  Kell is one of the last Travelers—rare magicians who choose a parallel universe to visit.   Grey London is dirty, boring, lacks magic, ruled by mad King George. Red London is where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London is ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. People fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. Once there was Black London - but no one speaks of that now.
Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell smuggles for those willing to pay for even a glimpse of a world they’ll never see. This dangerous hobby sets him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She robs him, saves him from a dangerous enemy, then forces him to another world for her 'proper adventure'.
But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to stay alive — trickier than they hoped. 

This book had me hooked from page one.  I don't know how V.E. (Victoria) Schwab does it, but her writing is addicting.  Not to mention the characters and world-building are incredible.  I'm almost afraid to say too much about this book, because I might end up going on and on and giving away too much.  I honestly think I'm just going to say, buy this book, read it, and then sit impatiently with me until next February when the sequel is due out.  Or better yet, get curious about V.E. Schwab like I did and pick up her YA books or her other sci-fi title Vicious.  I give this book 5/5 stars... no contest.

This month our book club is sticking to the sci-fi theme and reading The Martian by Andy Weir.  I'm not quite finished with it yet, but it will be included in my next round of reviews :)  

What are some good sci-fi books you've read?  Any that surprised you?

I hope you are all doing well, and it feels so good to post a short blog again!  Thank you for visiting and happy reading! :)

The Fragile World by Paula Treick DeBoard Review

I am so glad that I randomly stumbled upon Paula Treick DeBoard's book The Mourning Hours last year, because now I know I will look forward to every one of her upcoming books :)

Her newest title The Fragile World released just over a week ago, and I could not wait to pick up a copy.  The Fragile World is the story of the Kaufman family, a happy family of four living in California.  The oldest child, Daniel, is a musical prodigy, talented, smart and beyond likable. Daniel's younger sister, Olivia, although slightly feeling she is living in his shadow, adores him and cannot blame everyone else for loving Daniel as much as they do.  When Daniel suddenly dies in a freak accident, the Kaufmans all experience grief in different ways, and the toll it takes on their family is immense.  Not only does Olivia become anxiety ridden and keep fear journals containing the millions of things that have potential to hurt her or the ones she loves, but her parents are forced to reevaluate their relationship as well.

Let me start by saying, Paula Treick DeBoard can write.  She develops her characters with startlingly real thoughts and emotions, forcing readers to question how they would react if they were in each of these character's shoes.  The book alternates between narrators from Olivia to Curtis, her father, which creates an interesting dynamic... getting the perspective of a troubled 16-year-old and her physics teacher father.  The two of them embark on a cross-country road trip, Curtis with a "plan" and Olivia struggling through her fears, but along for the ride.  As Curtis's plan unravels, their story becomes more dramatic and page-turning (I was up way past my bed time because I had to find out what happens next!).  What these characters go through, the moments, and memories Paula creates for them will change them forever.

I cannot wait to share this book with friends and family, and cannot think of anyone who would not enjoy The Fragile World.  It will pull at your heart-strings and remind you to be grateful for every second you have with those you love.  Thank you Paula Treick DeBoard for writing another incredible novel... if only I didn't have to wait another year for your next release!

October Book Club Picks

For the month of October, our book club attempts to pick a somewhat scary title to read.  

Last year, my choice fell on October and (after a lot of debating) I chose for us to read We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson.  I figured the majority of us had already read or seen the movie version of Shirley's classic The Haunting of Hill House, so I opted for a less popular title.  I actually didn't find this book all that "scary," it was more odd than anything.  It's the story of two sisters who live in their family's house where the majority of the family died due to arsenic poisoning.  The sisters have lived alone since this event, and have their routines and daily rituals, when suddenly a long lost cousin appears.  Now the truth of what happened and who is truly good and evil must be revealed.

This year one of our book-clubbers chose the book The Bird Box by Josh Malerman as our October selection.  Now, this book seemed creepy.  It's the story of a world where something is outside that, if seen, causes individuals to become murderously violent.  At the beginning of the novel, the main character, Malorie, has just found out she is pregnant when this epidemic suddenly begins. After losing her family, she finds her way to a safe house where she ends up staying with strangers who she hopes she can trust...

This book kept me reading well into the night (and honestly night probably wasn't the time to be reading this...).  The book switches between the time when Malorie is pregnant and trying to survive, to four years later when she is caring for two children, "boy" and "girl," still trying to survive.  There are many moments in this book where I think I forgot to breathe, because I was so anxious to get through a chapter and find out if everyone/everything was going to be okay.  The tension and relationships between the characters you are introduced to is perfectly written.  Readers assume they know who is good and who is evil, but really in a world gone mad can anyone truly be trusted?

I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5.  I loved that it was creepy and addicting, and I could still (eventually) sleep after reading it.

What are some of your favorite scary or creepy books?  

Pam Jenoff's Historical Fiction

Happy Friday everyone!  Okay, so Friday is almost over, but I wanted to write a quick note since it's been a while since my last post.

First... a huge THANK YOU to everyone who entered the Lisa Van Allen giveaway :)  And, congratulations to the winners!  I was so excited to be able to share such an amazing author with you all, and hope that you pick up a copy of either (or both) The Wishing Thread or The Night Garden to read.

Unfortunately, I haven't had a ton of reading time lately. However, I did finish a spectacular historical fiction novel by Pam Jenoff entitled The Things We Cherished.  I am a huge fan of historical fiction, and one of my favorite eras to read about is World War II.  Lucky for me Pam Jenoff has an unbelievable background (including working for the Pentagon and working at the US Consulate in Krakow, Poland) which gives her an edge when it comes to writing about this time period.

The Things We Cherished contains different characters and story-lines spanning from 1903 to 2009.  Beginning with a struggling farmer and his wife looking for a way to travel to a better life in America all the way to the modern story of a man being tried as a war criminal almost sixty years after his crimes were committed.  Everything ties together through a one-of-a-kind clock the farmer makes to sell for money to purchase passage to America.  After the clock is commissioned and sold, it ends up holding secrets to be revealed throughout the novel.

Everything in this book is so well put together.  You can really tell that Pam understands the history behind each of these times as well as legal processes.  There is a little bit of something for everyone in this novel... mystery, family drama, love stories, and history.  I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a well-told World War II novel with a different angle.  Yes, the Holocaust is referenced and the horrifying events that surrounded it, but more than that, this is the story of real people dealing with raw emotions during a time when figuring out the "right" thing to do was not as clear as black and white.

Now the only problem is trying to decide which Pam Jenoff novel to read next!  I purchased her newest title, The Winter Guest, when it released a couple months ago, and I've put it on the top of my to-read pile :)  I highly recommend checking out one of Pam's books next time you're looking for something to read!

This upcoming weekend I have book club, so I will have a spooky story post coming up soon...  I hope everyone has a beautiful weekend!  Happy Reading!

Lauren Oliver's Rooms

As you might have noticed in past posts, I love Halloween.  One might then think that I enjoy scary books, movies, haunted houses, etc.  Yeah... not really.  I mean, I was obsessed with Goosebumps, Christopher Pike books, and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark when I was young.  But then had to sleep with the lights on.  I have seen a few horror movies that have given me nightmares, but Hocus Pocus will forever be my favorite Halloween movie.

This time of year though I do like to attempt to find a book that is mildly scary to enjoy (but hopefully one that won't interfere too much with the limited sleep I already get being mommy to a toddler).  This year I have two "scary" books on my list... Rooms by Lauren Oliver and Bird Box by Josh Malerman.  

I chose to read Rooms because I absolutely loved reading Lauren Oliver's young reader novel Liesl & Po which was her first published ghost story.  Rooms is definitely an adult novel, and perfect for someone looking for an atypical ghost story.  Rooms is the story of recently deceased Richard Walker's family and the ghosts that haunt his house.  The book is divided into parts which take place in the various rooms throughout the house.  Several narrators, both alive and dead, tell stories within each of these rooms.  The shift in narrators and place allows Oliver to seamlessly glide between different times and connect stories in unique ways.  I absolutely loved the creativity behind the way this book is presented.

The ghosts in this novel are not scary, they're more mysterious.  The novel unwraps their stories as well as the disappearance of a young girl taking place in the real world.  Every character in this novel is so damaged and is hiding something.  At times it seems the plot twists and story lines are never ending, but Oliver manages to squeeze them all into 320 pages.  I only wish she had focused more on a few stories rather than making every character so intense and convoluted.  But, I will give Rooms a solid 4 out of 5.  

Bird Box by Josh Malerman is our October book club selection, so a review will come for that title in the upcoming weeks.  But how creepy does this description sound...

"Something is out there . . .

Something terrifying that must not be seen. One glimpse and a person is driven to deadly violence. No one knows what it is or where it came from.

Five years after it began, a handful of scattered survivors remain, including Malorie and her two young children. Living in an abandoned house near the river, Malorie has long dreamed of fleeing to a place where her family might be safe. But the journey ahead will be terrifying: twenty miles downriver in a rowboat—blindfolded—with nothing to rely on but Malorie's wits and the children's trained ears. One wrong choice and they will die. And something is following them. But is it man, animal, or monster?"

I guess I'll be sleeping with the lights on again...

One last thing... I have some incredibly exciting news to share with you all...  just not quite yet.  Like my Facebook page and follow this blog to find out as soon as it's announced!

Happy reading everyone! :)

Book Club Title: That Night by Chevy Stevens

When Chevy Stevens published her first novel in 2010, Still Missing, I had heard her style was similar to Jodi Picoult and Jennifer McMahon, two authors I've enjoyed.  Still Missing was also met with excellent reviews from critics and advance readers, so I grabbed a copy and tried it out.  I liked Still Missing, it was a fast-paced thriller with definite twists and turns, but it wasn't my favorite book ever.  Now four years have gone by and Chevy Stevens released her fourth book, That Night, which was chosen for our book club's September read.  

I was actually pretty excited that one of her books was chosen.  I know several people who read her books each time a new one releases, and they tell me that they get better and better, but I had yet to pick up another book by Chevy.  Book club gave me that extra push to try out her writing again (love my book club)!  Review time...

That Night by Chevy Stevens 

4 of 5 Stars

The premise of this book: One night can change the course of your entire life... especially if someone is found murdered.  Tori, an eighteen year old girl, has a strained relationship with most people in her life (her mom, her sister, her dad, her "friends") and is viewed as a trouble-maker.  Her ex-best friend, Shauna, treats her beyond terribly, and seems to want nothing more than to ruin Toni's life for good.  The only light in Toni's life seems to be her unwavering relationship with her boyfriend, Ryan, and the fact that they are almost done with high school and ready to begin their lives together.  That is until Toni's younger sister, Nicole, is found brutally murdered one night when Toni and Ryan had taken Nicole out.  Toni and Ryan are found guilty of murdering Nicole, but claim they are innocent...

This book was a definite page turner!  The chapters jump from "that night," to Toni's time in prison, to the time after she is released back into society.  I found myself reading just one more chapter each time I read so I could try to figure everything out or gain another clue as to what really did happen "that night."  The ending was worth the wait.  Chevy threw in some good curve balls throughout the novel to keep her readers guessing until the very end.

The thing I was most impressed with was my hatred for Toni's antagonist, Shauna.  I despised her.  Every time her name came up or she found another way to make Toni's life miserable I would literally get angry.  Everyone who has attended high school knows there are school bullies and some can be absolutely horrid... Shauna... she wins the "worst ex-best friend turned bully award" of all the books I've read.  It's obvious that Shauna has some definite issues with insecurity, but seriously... what a...

I will say I wasn't in love with Toni's character either though.  I understand why Chevy made her imperfect (in many ways), but she was so flawed that it made it harder to empathize with her character.  Yes, I felt terrible for her when she was bullied, and I wanted the truth of what happened "that night," but she had messed up in so many ways with her family prior to "that night" that I understood why her family and community questioned her involvement in her sister's death.

Long story short, if you're looking for a good thriller with an interesting plot, pick up a copy of Chevy Steven's That Night.  You won't be disappointed and hopefully the ending will surprise you!

This novel did make me want to check out some more of Chevy Steven's books.  I actually saw that she has an e-novella, The Other Side, available too (for only $0.99!), so that might need to be downloaded for a quick read!  

I love chatting with my book club each month about the book we chose, but I also love that I can go to them for excellent recommendations.  Is anyone else out there in a book club?  What books have you chosen and enjoyed?  Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and got lots of reading time! :)

I've Got a Mystery For You...

To be honest, I'm not a huge mystery reader.  It's not that I don't enjoy reading books with cases to be solved or strange happenings that need explanation, I just haven't really picked up many authors that fall into the "mystery" genre.  I am, however, a huge J.K. Rowling fan so I decided to try out her Cormoran Strike mystery novels.

The Cuckoo's Calling

I chose to listen to the audio version of The Cuckoo's Calling, and am so glad I did!  The reader, Robert Glenister, is perfect for this series.  The story begins with detective Cormoran Strike, a war vet who lost his leg in Afghanistan, and is now trying to make ends meet as a private detective.  Struggling to pay rent, bills, or the new assistant the temp agency sent him, Strike must come up with something or be out on the streets.  Then out the blue, he lands the case of a lifetime when a former childhood friend comes to him for help finding his sister, Lula Landry's, killer.  Lula was a famous model, and suddenly Strike finds himself meeting with the famous and wealthy of London to put together how the events unfolded the night Lula died.  The plot of the main mystery is great with interesting characters and twists to make you second guess who you assumed the killer might be over and over again.  The side stories definitely deserve credit to... an interesting relationship between Strike and his newly found assistant, Robin, as well as Strike's background and connections throughout the novel.  I would give this novel 4 of 5 stars.

After finishing the first in this series, I put in a request at the library for the audio of the second book (because lucky me the second book had already been released!).  Of course there was a waiting list since the title was new, but within a month or so I got the audio of the second novel...

The Silkworm

This book, I felt, was more twisted and even more "adult" than the first novel.  The main case that Strike is investigating is the gruesome murder of a writer, Owen Quine.  Once again, the characters are extremely well thought out and unique, but even more unique, Quine's last book (which was not published before his death) is the main evidence and motive for his murder.  Quine was an interesting man and very interesting writer.  The world of writers in this novel is full of jealousy, greed, and high emotions (I wonder where J.K. Rowling got these ideas from...), and if Strike doesn't get to the bottom of this murder fast enough, the wrong person just might be charged.  I like this novel just as much as the first one (perhaps not some of Quine's writing, but really that's secondary lol), and I love that Robin's character is developing as well as Strike's.  I would also give this novel a 4 of 5 stars... and now this time I have to play the waiting game for the next book...

Lucky for me, my friends have my back when I need a new recommendation.  Since I enjoyed these mysteries, a friend of mine recommended that I try Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Gamache novels on audio.  I got the first book Still Life a couple of days ago, and I have a feeling I'll enjoy this series as well.  Of course, this series already has 10 books in it... so it'll keep me mighty busy if I do like it :)  

What are some of your favorite mysteries and mystery authors? I could use some more good recommendations!  Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and got lots of reading time in!

Lori M. Lee and Erica O'Rourke Author Event

I love reading YA books and discovering new YA authors, so imagine my glee when I found out there is a YA author who lives right in the Fox Valley!  She just published her first novel GATES OF THREAD AND STONE, and was having a book signing at the local library.  I had to check out her website and see if she was willing/able to do other events!  Google Lori M. Lee and this wonderful website appears.  

Lori is the sweetest person you will ever meet... she writes a badass leading female, but as a person, she is nothing but lovely.  After meeting with her, we talked about having her do an event... to which she responded, "Can I bring a friend?"  Anytime an author wants to bring a fellow author to an event... the answer is always yes.  I mean come on, as if it's not awesome enough to meet one incredible author, two just makes it double the fun!

Google Erica O'Rourke and this amazing website appears.  I'm going to be honest, I hadn't heard of Erica until Lori told me her name... but now I've come to find out what I'm missing (love discovering new authors!).  Erica's latest book is DISSONANCE, and before that she wrote the TORN TRILOGY.

Prior to their event, I wanted to read both of the author's newest books (obviously always a good thing to try to do!), and I have to say they were hard to put down, making this an easy "homework" assignment to give myself.  I started with Lori's book GATES OF THREAD AND STONE, and my review ended up being:

4 of 5 Stars

The world that Lori Lee creates is very interesting, and the backstory behind the citizens and their ruler unravels as the story goes on, but it took a bit to get there. The main character, Kai, is a pretty awesome chick with powers that can toy with the threads of time, causing time to slow or even stop. She doesn't know why she has this ability, but knows that she shouldn't let anyone know about it. When her adoptive big brother, and only "family" that she knows, goes missing, she decides to seek answers with her friend Avan (a boy she just happens to have a slight crush on) and bring her brother home. This leads to interesting plot twists as the journey through different parts of the world that they have never been to, especially through the last third of the book. Lee did throw some great surprises into her work that I did not see coming, and that I really enjoyed.
That being said, I am glad that I kept going with this book. Once the history of the world and Kai's family tree are unearthed, it really makes for a great story. This is book one of a series/trilogy, and I am curious where Lori Lee is going to take these characters.  I'm looking forward to the sequel next year!  I'd recommend this book for anyone who enjoys YA fantasy with a bit of romance thrown in.

The more I thought about this book, the more I loved it.  The world-building that Lori must have put into Kai's world is crazy.  To develop the powers for each character and lace them all together... be sure to check this book out!

Next up, Erica's latest book DISSONANCE.  

5 of 5 Stars

I was slightly hesitant about this book since it's classified "teen romance," which can be a bit much to take (think the neediness of Bella in Twilight). But man can Erica O'Rourke write an independent, dominant female! I absolutely loved Del's character and the way O'Rourke uses string theory and music to help develop Del's world. I've been a huge music person since I was young, and dissonance in music is used as a way to tell if an alternate world is stable or unstable. Del is a "walker" who are individuals that can go between worlds and "tune" or destroy them in order to keep the Key World (our world) safe. When the boy Del has a crush on begins appearing in almost all of the world she visits and causes some interesting fluctuations in these worlds, she knows something is wrong... but once he notices her in school, does she really want to make it right?
This book is full of interesting characters, who you're never quite sure you can trust, and a family story at its core (who can Del really trust in her family?). But, the thing I was most impressed with was O'Rouke's world-building. The idea that a new world is created each time someone makes a choice, and the choice you do not choose becomes an alternate universe that plays out differently is so fascinating to me. I definitely recommend picking up a copy of this book... now I just have to impatiently wait for the sequel...

So, now that I've finished this book... I had to go on my nook and download a copy of TORN while I await DISSONANCE's sequel next year.

I already knew Lori and Erica's author event was going to be wonderful because their books offer lots of opportunity for questions... but it was such a blast!  Both women were so fun and had such great answers and advice to share with everyone who attended.  

They were asked questions about being a budding author... L: "Just keep writing, and never stop."  E: "Read critically... find what you love about a book and dissect it... use what you learn from books you love to make your own works stronger." About how they come up with character names... E: "I typically don't name characters after anyone I know, especially not bad characters... you don't want to give them that power over you." L: "I pick names I like... and have a name for my characters before I start writing."  Books/authors they'd recommend... L: "Leigh Bardugo's Grisha Trilogy, Otherbound by Corinne Duyvis, and anything by Neil Gaiman" E: "Anything by Libba Bray, The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth, and The Testing Trilogy by Joelle Charbonneau."  

Along with solid advice and fun trivia/facts they talked to everyone who came and signed copies of their books.  They were both so encouraging to the teen readers and writers who came... their young fans will definitely remember meeting such inspirational authors.

I have nothing but gratitude and admiration for both of these women.  Be sure to pick up a copy of their books and enjoy!  

P.S. They *might* both be coming back to do another event this December!!  Possibly on December 14th!  Perhaps at 1:00 in the afternoon! :)

Taylor Jenkins Reid

I love discovering new authors.  There's something so exciting about hearing a fresh, new voice.  I had been hearing rumblings on social media about an author named Taylor Jenkins Reid, and after seeing her name posted on several pages I follow, I figured I better check her out!

Her first book, Forever, Interrupted, was what I had planned on reading, but I ended up finding a copy of her new book, After I Do, for a really good deal, so I started with that.  I read it in a matter of days... I didn't want to put it down!  Taylor writes with such honesty and heart... she writes true love stories.  It's not a story of perfect, magical love, but a story of what happens when love is no longer in that new, everything-is-perfect stage.  A story of when love has become expected and routine rather than being cherished and exciting.

My Goodreads review ended up being: 

5 of 5 Stars

I found out about Taylor Jenkins Reid through social media. All of a sudden a bunch of people were discussing her books and how amazing they are. I found a copy of "After I Do," and picked it up to give it a try. I breezed through it, and the night I finished it, I went online and ordered a copy of her first book "Forever, Interrupted." In other words... I'm a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid.
"After I Do" is about couple, Lauren and Ryan, who have been together for eleven years (married for six) and are realizing that they actually cannot stand to be around each other anymore. They don't enjoy each other's company, don't talk about things, and have lost any spark their relationship once had.  After discussing some options of possible solutions, they decide to take a year-long break; no seeing each other, talking, emailing, texting, etc. Then after that year they will meet again and figure out how they feel. I was a little leery of the subject matter... I mean this couple decides after 11 years together to basically allow each other to be single for a year... they can have relationships with other people... do whatever they want. But I loved the way Taylor Jenkins Reid wrote their story. She made it real.
The novel is told from Lauren's perspective, and the feelings she goes through during this year... the highs, the lows, the jealousy, and ultimately the ability to discover herself and what she wants from her life are so honest. This book will make you laugh, and yes, make you cry. I think anyone looking for a realistic take on love should check this book out.

In other words, I cannot wait to dive into "Forever, Interrupted."  

Who are some authors that you have recently "discovered"?  

Audiobooks

Audiobooks really weren't my thing... I mean I love the Harry Potter audiobooks, but honestly who wouldn't love Jim Dale reading one of the best series written?  But, I never really gave listening to audiobooks a thought.... until my husband changed the way I think!  

After my son was born, I was telling my husband that I'm bummed out that I don't get as much reading time as I once had.  Don't take that the wrong way... spending time with Everett is the highlight of my day, but my reading time practically disappeared.  Or if I found time to read, I was so tired that I'd get through a page or two before falling asleep with my glasses on and a book resting on my face.  So, my husband said, "You drive 40 minutes to work and 40 minutes back each day, why don't you listen to audiobooks in the car?"  I stared at him.  Audiobooks?  Hmm...

I gave it a try.  I started with Me Before You by Jojo Moyes because it was on sale on iTunes.  I think this was definitely a good choice for me to start with.  First of all Jojo Moyes is a British author and the reader has an British accent.  I love audiobooks read with a British accent (possibly a throwback to the Harry Potter audios!).  The story is about a young woman who comes from a lower-middle class background and suddenly loses her job in a cafe forcing her to find something else.  She applies for a job taking care of a man (approximately her age) who had been in a horrible motorcycle accident and is now a paraplegic.  I loved the way Jojo Moyes told this story, and the topic and ending make it a perfect book for a book club discussion.

When I finished the book, my little blurb about it on Goodreads was:

4 of 5 Stars

I really thought this was a great book, but I just don't think I related to it enough to really "love" it and give it 5 stars. I actually listened to it on audio which I think made me enjoy it more. The actresses/actors who read were really good (and British!). I thought Moyes developed her characters wonderfully and made readers care about their lives and decisions. The most important part of my short "review" of this book... the ending did not disappoint. With a book on a topic such as this, I'm always afraid the author will write an ending I'm unsatisfied with, and Moyes did not disappoint!

I decided that I would definitely make audiobooks a necessary part of my commute to and from work... it allows me to get so many extra books in!  The next book I chose was The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom.  This was a very different experience from Jojo Moyes.  I was not a fan of this book.  For such a short book, it felt incredibly long.  I tried really hard to get into the story, and the reader for the audiobook was fine... I just felt Albom could have written the entire novel in two sentences.  I didn't really care about the characters, they just felt like pawns used to drive home a very obvious message.  I have read other Albom books that I've enjoyed, but this one didn't work for me.  I didn't write an official "review" for it, but I gave it 2 of 5 stars.

My next pick was the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio.  The reader for the book took a little getting used to, but in the end I absolutely loved it.  Here's my Goodreads blurb:

5 of 5 Stars

This book really was everything it's said to be. R.J. Palacio has written a book that I believe everyone should read... not just young adults... but everyone.

Yep.  That's all that needs to be said about Wonder.  It's the story of a boy, Auggie, who was born with a severe facial deformity which prevents him from going to school until 5th grade.  The book begins as he is about to start his first year at Beecher Prep school.  Not only is he the "new kid," but he's the new kid with a face that will stand out amongst the crowd.  The book is told in alternating perspectives which gives the reader an opportunity to see Auggie's story from different points of view and how this situation affects not only him, but those around him.  

So, audiobooks and I have been living happily now for the past few months, and I thank my husband for finding another way to support my reading habit!  My newest audiobook addiction has been The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher.  The first two books were okay and the audio quality wasn't the absolute greatest, but the third book really made the series take off (and I think James Marsden got a better studio to record the books in!).  I also really enjoyed The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling) on audio and my current car-read is the sequel The Silkworm.

What are some books you've listened to on audiobook that you've enjoyed?  

Small Town Wisconsin

Everyone likes to read books that take place in their home state.  It's fun to see how authors use scenery that we are so familiar with to create these marvelous stories (and it's fun to check their accuracy!).  Being a Wisconsin girl, I enjoy picking up books not only by Wisconsin authors, but books that are set throughout the state.  What's funny is most Wisconsin books tend to take place in "small town" Wisconsin.  Since I grew up in Green Bay, I've never lived in a rural area, but I've definitely seen my fair share of small town life.  I love the way many books that take place in these small Wisconsin towns show what an effect an incident or story can have on an entire town. 

Two novels that I would highly recommend for this "small town" Wisconsin feel are:

The Mourning Hours by Paula Treick DeBoard
5 of 5 Stars

I discovered this book before its release while looking through an advance magazine at work.  I saw the words Manitowoc, Wisconsin and had to stop and read the description (I mean honestly how many books take place outside Manitowoc, WI??).  The Mourning Hours is the story of a teenage girl, Stacy, who goes missing from her small town.  The last person to see her was her boyfriend, Johnny, the local high school's star wrestler.  The thing I love the most about this book is the narrator is Johnny's younger sister, Kirsten, who at the time of Stacy's disappearance is just nine years old.  The reader only knows and sees what Kirsten experiences, which adds such an unique element to the story.  
The mystery of Stacy's whereabouts tests the entire town and basically splits it in half.  It really shows how one event impacts everyone, since everyone knows with everybody else, and can leave even those who think they know Johnny and Stacy reevaluating their opinions.
Bottom line: This book kept me turning pages way past my bedtime.  I was addicted to the storyline and Paula's writing.  I recommend it for anyone looking for a great mystery/family drama... anyone who lives/lived in Wisconsin... anyone who likes books that feel like they're ripped from the news headlines... anyone who likes well written novels...really to anyone.
The best news: Paula's second book, The Fragile World, comes out exactly two months from today!  I *might* have a countdown going for this release date... and I *might* have to take off from work and read it all day!

Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler
4.5 of 5 Stars

This book was actually a book club pick.  It was one of those books that I had heard wonderful things about, but had I not been told to read it for book club, I probably would have never picked it up.  One of the many reasons I adore my book club!  
How much I enjoyed Shotgun Lovesongs actually surprised me.  The novel is told from alternating perspectives of four men and one woman who grew up together in a small town just outside Eau Claire, Wisconsin.  There isn't a lot of action or anything overly dramatic about the plot, and I loved that.  It's a down-to-earth story of friendship, love, and real life.  Nickolas Butler does an amazing job creating the characters and setting for his novel.  I was completely immersed in this small town and the lives of those living in it.  I felt what the characters felt because the emotions and struggles they were facing are so universal... it could have been a story about anyone's life.  
Bottom line: I really hope Nickolas Butler is working on something new, because I would love to read another book by him.  I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an escape from the action-based, thrill-seeking, drama of many novels to a quiet little town filled with characters with human hearts and minds.


What are some of your favorite Wisconsin books?  Or books from your home state that you've enjoyed?

Everett's Top 5

Everett and I got to spend the entire day together, and that always means we got to enjoy more books together :)  Some of his favorite requests right now are:

1. Richard Scarry's Cars and Trucks from A to Z 

by Richard Scarry

This book was recommended to us by a mom Ev and I met at a bookstore one day.  She had a little boy about 2 years old who also loves cars and trucks.  She said this book was perfect for little hands and for learning letters.  She was right!  It's small size makes it easy for Everett to hold, and the different vehicles for each letter (such as the pickle car and egg car) teach him the alphabet and the sounds that go with each letter.

2. Orange, Triangle, Fox by Sarah Jones

The cute illustrations in this book are what first caught my eye.  Each page consists of an animal that is a certain color and shape (ex. one page has an orange fox in the shape of a triangle).  The only words are the color, shape and animal shown on the page, and Everett loves it!  I've been looking for books that teach shapes, and this works wonderfully because Ev can tie in his knowledge of colors and animals while learning his shapes!  

3. The Berenstain Bears and the Big Road Race 

by Stan and Jan Berenstain

I LOVED Berenstain Bear books when I was growing up, and while Everett is still too little for most of the stories, he adores this particular book.  This is one of the Berenstain's "First Time Readers" books, so it's not as lengthy as the average Berenstain Bears book.  It teaches things such as colors, rhyming words, and opposites, while telling a cute story about a car race.  It also has the message that you don't have to be the biggest or fastest, but with persistence and by playing fair you can win the race.

4. I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt

We received this book through a book swap, and I figured it would be a while before Everett had any interest in it.  But, I picked it up and read it to him one night to find that he really enjoyed it.  It's a bit longer than the books he usually sits through, but he loves to say "But mama, but mama" for each page.  It's a super cute story about a mom loving her child no matter what.

5. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.

"A told B and B told C, I'll meet you at the top of the coconut tree!"  How can anyone not love this book?  The sing-songy rhymes and repetition of words (especially BOOM BOOM) make Everett request this book a lot.  The best part, it comes in a board book, AND there's now a version with numbers (Chicka Chicka 1-2-3)!

Hopefully you've enjoyed Everett's latest book round-up! :)  And, Everett's always looking for recommendations (especially if they come in board book form!).  Happy reading!