Tell Me (Top Ten) Tuesday

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Pupdate

Poor Zeba! She hates wearing costumes but she is so cute as a pirate pup!

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and Bookish. Each week they will post a new Top Ten list.  This week’s Top Ten list is a freebie so I decided to show some of my favorite costumes my kids and I have worn.  Some are bookish so I think it counts.

1.  My daughter as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz.

2. My son as Scooby Doo but since his name is Drew, we called him Scooby Drew.

3.  My kids as Darth Vader and Princess Leia

5. Me as Chewbacca!

6. My daughter as a Duck Dynasty character.

7. My son as Captain Jack Sparrow

8. My daughter and I dressed as Minnie Mouse and Piglet.

9. My daughter as an angel

10. More pirates!

WHAT I READ LAST

I re-read some of my favorite spooky reads.

and finished the 7th Outlander book

WHAT I AM CURRENTLY READING

Book Blurb

On a cool June morning, a woman is walking her dog in the idyllic coastal village of Salten along a tidal estuary known as the Reach. Before she can stop him, the dog charges into the water to retrieve what first appears to be a wayward stick, but to her horror, turns out to be something much more sinister…

The next morning, three women in and around London—Fatima, Thea, and Isabel—receive the text they had always hoped would NEVER come, from the fourth in their formerly inseparable clique, Kate, that says only, “I need you.”

WHAT I AM READING NEXT

Book Blurb

Based on the experience of real-life Auschwitz prisoner Dita Kraus, this is the incredible story of a girl who risked her life to keep the magic of books alive during the Holocaust.
Fourteen-year-old Dita is one of the many imprisoned by the Nazis at Auschwitz. Taken, along with her mother and father, from the Terezín ghetto in Prague, Dita is adjusting to the constant terror that is life in the camp. When Jewish leader Freddy Hirsch asks Dita to take charge of the eight precious volumes the prisoners have managed to sneak past the guards, she agrees. And so Dita becomes the librarian of Auschwitz.

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It’s Monday! What are you reading?

IT’S MONDAY! WHAT ARE YOU READING? IS A PLACE TO MEET UP AND SHARE WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN, ARE, AND ABOUT TO BE READING OVER THE WEEK. IT IS HOSTED BY KATHRYN AT THE BOOK DATE.

WHAT I READ LAST

I re-read some of my favorite spooky reads.

and finished the 7th Outlander book

What I am Currently Reading

Book Blurb

On a cool June morning, a woman is walking her dog in the idyllic coastal village of Salten along a tidal estuary known as the Reach. Before she can stop him, the dog charges into the water to retrieve what first appears to be a wayward stick, but to her horror, turns out to be something much more sinister…

The next morning, three women in and around London—Fatima, Thea, and Isabel—receive the text they had always hoped would NEVER come, from the fourth in their formerly inseparable clique, Kate, that says only, “I need you.”

What I am Reading Next

Book Blurb

Based on the experience of real-life Auschwitz prisoner Dita Kraus, this is the incredible story of a girl who risked her life to keep the magic of books alive during the Holocaust.
Fourteen-year-old Dita is one of the many imprisoned by the Nazis at Auschwitz. Taken, along with her mother and father, from the Terezín ghetto in Prague, Dita is adjusting to the constant terror that is life in the camp. When Jewish leader Freddy Hirsch asks Dita to take charge of the eight precious volumes the prisoners have managed to sneak past the guards, she agrees. And so Dita becomes the librarian of Auschwitz.

Weekend Wrap Up #11

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @The Caffeinated Book Reviewer It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. Here is what I have been up to this last week.

I WENT TO DISNEY WORLD!!!

My daughter and I went to Florida last week and had a FABULOUS time! We went to all four parks and to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.  I was keeping track of how many steps I walked and in those four days I walked over 90,000 steps and walked 39 miles!  I can’t wait to go back when Star Wars land opens in 2019.

 

I was able to get some reading done before I left and on the plane ride to Florida.  I read all the Halloween/Spooky/Creepy type books on my list.

Kellen Aug 19, 2012, 2012

Saturday Situation is put on by Pure Imagination. It is were we review our latest reads. Be sure to check out theirs as well.

I started reading the 7th Outlander book a while back when I had a lot of down time at work.  I wouldn’t say this was my favorite Outlander book but I will say I loved the two different story lines.  One takes place in 1778 and one in 1980.  Also, like most of the Outlander books, it ends with a great cliff hanger.  I have been enjoying the third season of the Outlander tv show on Starz.  Anyone else out there an Outlander fan?

Stacking the Shelves is put on by Tynga at Tynga’s Reviews. Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves. Here are the books I have added to my TBR list this week.

I checked this book out at my local library.

Book Blurb

Like its ambitious companion novel, Replica, this far-reaching novel by powerhouse bestselling author Lauren Oliver digs deep into questions of how to be a human being in a world where humanity cannot be taken for granted.

I received this book from Netgalley.

Book Blurb

Based on the experience of real-life Auschwitz prisoner Dita Kraus, this is the incredible story of a girl who risked her life to keep the magic of books alive during the Holocaust.
Fourteen-year-old Dita is one of the many imprisoned by the Nazis at Auschwitz. Taken, along with her mother and father, from the Terezín ghetto in Prague, Dita is adjusting to the constant terror that is life in the camp. When Jewish leader Freddy Hirsch asks Dita to take charge of the eight precious volumes the prisoners have managed to sneak past the guards, she agrees. And so Dita becomes the librarian of Auschwitz.

Out of one of the darkest chapters of human history comes this extraordinary story of courage and hope.

The Book Blogger Hop is put on by The Coffee Addicted Writer . There is a weekly prompt featuring a book related question.

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION IS SUBMITTED BY  Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

This weeks prompt is…

 Candy Corn, a chocolate bar, or Popcorn. Which of these snacks are your favorite to eat while reading?

My answer…

 

Tell Me (Top Ten) Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and Bookish. Each week they will post a new Top Ten list.  This week’s Top Ten list is…

Top Ten Yummy Foods Mentioned In Books

 

Throughout the entire Harry Potter series, there are some amazing foods mentioned.

1. BUTTERBEER!!!!

2. Pumpkin Pastie

3.  Treacle Tart

4. Cauldron Cakes

You can get recipes for these and more in the Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook.

Farmer Boy is one of my favorite all time books and every time I read it, I get hungry because there are so many mentions of good food that Almanzo eats.

5.  Pancakes with melted butter and REAL maple syrup

6.  Roast beef and brown gravy

7. Homemade apple pie

There is a cookbook with foods from the Little House books too.

I read this autobiography by Julia Child a couple years ago and it was very fascinating to read about how this woman who didn’t know how to cook and was not French became this professional French chef. The book also talks about the long and tedious process to write her first cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking.

8. Crepes with blueberry sauce

9. French Onion Soup

10. Quiche Lorraine

This book also has wonderful recipes by Julia Child.

Tell Me Tuesday is a weekly blog feature put on by LA LA in the LIBRARY. It is where we discuss what books we have been, are currently, and will be reading.  What have you been reading? Tell me!

WHAT I READ LAST

My Thoughts

I am a HUGE John Green fan so like most of his fans, I have been eagerly waiting for his latest book, Turtles All The Way Down. Of course there were high expectations but I had no doubt John Green would deliver.  Truthfully, it took me awhile to get into this book, almost half way to be exact.  I understand why Green wanted to write a book on mental illness, something which he has openly admitted to struggling with.  I think it is important for teens and adults to be aware of the stigma and fears of having anxiety, depression, and other mental illness.  Green’s main character, Aza, primarily struggles with having her thoughts on a loop.  Like Green’s previous books, the writing is excellent and the character development fabulous.  My favorite character was Aza’s best friend, Daisy.  With all that said, I feel like Green was trying too hard to insert himself into the story as Aza.  I would much rather read a separate autobiography about John Green and his struggles with mental illness and have Aza’s story be her own.  With that said, I highly recommend Turtles All The Way Down. I think it will be a book that I will re-read and enjoy more the second time around.

CURRENTLY READING

Book Blurb

After the grisly murder of his entire family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.

WHAT I AM READING NEXT

Book Blurb

At seven minutes past midnight, thirteen-year-old Conor wakes to find a monster outside his bedroom window. But it isn’t the monster Conor’s been expecting – he’s been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he’s had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments. The monster in his backyard is different. It’s ancient. And wild. And it wants something from Conor. Something terrible and dangerous. It wants the truth

PUPDATE!

My two dogs and my senior foster dog where happy to have my son home this past weekend from college.  They are all hanging out on the couch watching Stranger Things.

Have a great week reading what makes you happy!

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

IT’S MONDAY! WHAT ARE YOU READING? IS A PLACE TO MEET UP AND SHARE WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN, ARE, AND ABOUT TO BE READING OVER THE WEEK. IT IS HOSTED BY KATHRYN AT THE BOOK DATE.

What I Read Last

My Thoughts

I am a HUGE John Green fan so like most of his fans, I have been eagerly waiting for his latest book, Turtles All The Way Down. Of course there were high expectations but I had no doubt John Green would deliver.  Truthfully, it took me awhile to get into this book, almost half way to be exact.  I understand why Green wanted to write a book on mental illness, something which he has openly admitted to struggling with.  I think it is important for teens and adults to be aware of the stigma and fears of having anxiety, depression, and other mental illness.  Green’s main character, Aza, primarily struggles with having her thoughts on a loop.  Like Green’s previous books, the writing is excellent and the character development fabulous.  My favorite character was Aza’s best friend, Daisy.  With all that said, I feel like Green was trying too hard to insert himself into the story as Aza.  I would much rather read a separate autobiography about John Green and his struggles with mental illness and have Aza’s story be her own.  With that said, I highly recommend Turtles All The Way Down. I think it will be a book that I will re-read and enjoy more the second time around.

Currently Reading

Book Blurb

After the grisly murder of his entire family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.

What I am Reading Next

Book Blurb

At seven minutes past midnight, thirteen-year-old Conor wakes to find a monster outside his bedroom window. But it isn’t the monster Conor’s been expecting – he’s been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he’s had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments. The monster in his backyard is different. It’s ancient. And wild. And it wants something from Conor. Something terrible and dangerous. It wants the truth

Weekend Wrap Up #10

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @The Caffeinated Book Reviewer It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. Here is what I have been up to this last week.

My son and I binge watched Stranger Things in preparation for the new season starting October 27th.  We loved it! It is super creepy and I love the 80’s references.  It is the perfect show to watch in preparation for Halloween and there are only 8 episodes so it doesn’t take too long to watch the whole series.

I haven’t signed up for any Halloween Reading Challenges but I have decided to try and read two or three books that have a Halloween/Spooky theme this month.  Actually, they are books that I have been wanting to re-read for some time.

PUPDATE

 All three dogs were happy to have my son home for the weekend from college.  Here is a pic of them and him watching Stranger Things.

Saturday Situation is put on by Pure Imagination. It is were we review our latest reads. Be sure to check out theirs as well.

I READ TWO BOOKS EXCELLENT BOOKS THIS WEEK.

 

My Thoughts

I had heard a lot of buzz about this book so when I saw it on sale, I grabbed it!  Even though it is a middle grade book, I found it very inspiring.  The main character, Ada, was born with a club foot.  Her mother won’t let her out of the apartment, hits her,  and locks her in a cabinet under the sin when she is “naughty”.  I found some of the abuse, both mental and physical, hard to read at times.  The story takes place in London during WWII.  Ada’s little brother, Jamie, is being sent to the country for protection.  Ada is told by her mother that she can’t go because no one would want her.  Ada sneaks out. Even though she can hardly walk, Ada sneaks on to the train with Jamie.  They are taken in by Susan who has no experience with kids.  This was a beautiful story of love, sacrifice, and forgiveness.  Ada’s struggles with accepting love and help after so many years of abuse and neglect is both heart wrenching and inspirational.

My Thoughts

I am a HUGE John Green fan so like most of his fans, I have been eagerly waiting for his latest book, Turtles All The Way Down. Of course there were high expectations but I had no doubt John Green would deliver.  Truthfully, it took me awhile to get into this book, almost half way to be exact.  I understand why Green wanted to write a book on mental illness, something which he has openly admitted to struggling with.  I think it is important for teens and adults to be aware of the stigma and fears of having anxiety, depression, and other mental illness.  Green’s main character, Aza, primarily struggles with having her thoughts on a loop.  Like Green’s previous books, the writing is excellent and the character development fabulous.  My favorite character was Aza’s best friend, Daisy.  With all that said, I feel like Green was trying too hard to insert himself into the story as Aza.  I would much rather read a separate autobiography about John Green and his struggles with mental illness and have Aza’s story be her own.  With that said, I highly recommend Turtles All The Way Down. I think it will be a book that I will re-read and enjoy more the second time around.

Stacking the Shelves is put on by Tynga at Tynga’s Reviews. Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves. Here are the books I have added to my TBR list this week.

I checked this out from my local library.  This sounds like a nice creepy read.

Book Blurb

On a cool June morning, a woman is walking her dog in the idyllic coastal village of Salten along a tidal estuary known as the Reach. Before she can stop him, the dog charges into the water to retrieve what first appears to be a wayward stick, but to her horror, turns out to be something much more sinister…

The Book Blogger Hop is put on by The Coffee Addicted Writer . There is a weekly prompt featuring a book related question.

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION IS SUBMITTED BY Kitty @ Vicarious Bookworm

This weeks prompt is…

Who is your favorite horror/suspense author and why?

 

I love the Cormoran Strike series by Robert Galbraith (aka JK Rowling).  They are very well written and I haven’t figured out the murderer yet in any of the books.  The fourth book, Lethal White, comes out in 2018.

Tell Me (Top Ten) Tuesday

Tell Me Tuesday is a weekly blog feature put on by LA LA in the LIBRARY.  It is where we talk about what books we have been reading, are currently reading, and will be reading and why.  What have you been reading? Tell us.

CURRENTLY READING

Goodreads Summary

Nine-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada’s twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn’t waste a minute—she sneaks out to join him.
So begins a new adventure of Ada, and for Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take the two kids in.

WHAT I READ LAST

This was not my favorite Robert Langdon novel but it was still very enjoyable.

Goodreads Summary

Robert Langdon, Harvard professor of symbology and religious iconology, arrives at the ultramodern Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao to attend a major announcement—the unveiling of a discovery that “will change the face of science forever.” The evening’s host is Edmond Kirsch, a forty-year-old billionaire and futurist whose dazzling high-tech inventions and audacious predictions have made him a renowned global figure. Kirsch, who was one of Langdon’s first students at Harvard two decades earlier, is about to reveal an astonishing breakthrough . . . one that will answer two of the fundamental questions of human existence.

WHAT I AM READING NEXT

Goodreads Summary

Sixteen-year-old Aza never intended to pursue the mystery of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, but there’s a hundred-thousand-dollar reward at stake and her Best and Most Fearless Friend, Daisy, is eager to investigate. So together, they navigate the short distance and broad divides that separate them from Russell Pickett’s son, Davis.

PUPDATE!!!

Not much has changed in the foster doggie world.  So this week I am sharing a picture of my dog, ZEBA.  She is almost 8 and hates to wear clothes.  This picture is from Halloween many years ago.  You can tell she hates having the costume on and the funny thing is she won’t move if she has any sort of clothing on. If you have a dog or cat do you dress them up for Halloween?

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and Bookish. Each week they will post a new Top Ten list.  This week’s Top Ten list is…

Ten Books With Fall Themes and Covers

I could only find 5.

This is my absolutely FAVORITE book with a fall cover.  It is the 4th book in the Outlander series.

Here are a few more.

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

IT’S MONDAY! WHAT ARE YOU READING? IS A PLACE TO MEET UP AND SHARE WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN, ARE, AND ABOUT TO BE READING OVER THE WEEK. IT IS HOSTED BY KATHRYN AT THE BOOK DATE.

Currently Reading

Goodreads Summary

Nine-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada’s twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn’t waste a minute—she sneaks out to join him.
So begins a new adventure of Ada, and for Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take the two kids in.

What I Read Last

This was not my favorite Robert Langdon novel but it was still very enjoyable.

Goodreads Summary

Robert Langdon, Harvard professor of symbology and religious iconology, arrives at the ultramodern Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao to attend a major announcement—the unveiling of a discovery that “will change the face of science forever.” The evening’s host is Edmond Kirsch, a forty-year-old billionaire and futurist whose dazzling high-tech inventions and audacious predictions have made him a renowned global figure. Kirsch, who was one of Langdon’s first students at Harvard two decades earlier, is about to reveal an astonishing breakthrough . . . one that will answer two of the fundamental questions of human existence.

What I am Reading Next

Goodreads Summary

Sixteen-year-old Aza never intended to pursue the mystery of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, but there’s a hundred-thousand-dollar reward at stake and her Best and Most Fearless Friend, Daisy, is eager to investigate. So together, they navigate the short distance and broad divides that separate them from Russell Pickett’s son, Davis.

Weekend Wrap #9

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @The Caffeinated Book Reviewer It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. Here is what I have been up to this last week.

CURRENTLY READING

HAPPY OCTOBER!!!

I haven’t signed up for any Halloween Reading Challenges but I have decided to try and read two or three books that have a Halloween/Spooky theme this month.  Actually, they are books that I have been wanting to re-read for some time.

 

AWESOME FREE BOOK ALERT!!!

 A classmate of mine from high school wrote this amazing book a few years back but unfortunately was unable to get it published.  So he has decided to put it up on Wattpad.  Click on the link

HERE

to start reading.  Please share this with others if you enjoy the story.

PUPDATE

Trixie, my senior foster dog, is still here.  I think the couple that were interested in her have backed out.  If that is the case then I am going to adopt her.  I will keep you posted!

Saturday Situation is put on by Pure Imagination. It is were we review our latest reads. Be sure to check out theirs as well.

I read two books excellent books this week.

My Thoughts

A great book for dog lovers and to educate everyone about the rewards, triumphs, and sometimes heartbreak of adopting a rescue dog.  The author did an excellent job of keeping my attention by sharing lots of short stories and anecdotes of family, friends and strangers that have rescued, fostered and/or adopted a rescue dog.  The challenges that some of these adopters had to go through are truly awe-inspiring.  Many of the dogs from shelters or that are found abandoned have medical needs and emotional needs.  This can cost thousands of dollars to fix but the adopters know that it is worth the sacrifice. “My dogs don’t care what people look like, or the religion they practice, or their sexual orientation…we are bombarded all the time with anger, rage, and hate in the world.  No matter what happens, dogs just love you.  When you think of what they give back to you, love and unfettered devotion, it’s a chance to understand what it means to be patient and compassionate. “   Isn’t that a great standard to try and live up to?  One of the many other messages told throughout this book is that if humans acted like and loved like dogs, the world would definitely be a better place.  “Dogs are happy with what they’ve got.  They are in the present.  They don’t worry about the future.  You miss the good things happening right now if you are always worried about what’s going to happen after.”

My Thoughts

I adored Me Before You, mostly because of the main character, Louisa Clark.  She is so well written.  Louisa is smart, unique, funny but also struggles with self-esteem and self-doubt. I was reluctant to read the sequel, After You, because I had heard it wasn’t as good as the first book.  To be honest, the first book is better but I think After You is worth the read.  I had many laugh out loud moments and the author did a great job introducing a whole new plot and story for this book.  There is a third book in the series coming out next year called Still Me.

Stacking the Shelves is put on by Tynga at Tynga’s Reviews. Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves. Here are the books I have added to my TBR list this week.

I bought this one to add to my Harry Potter collection.  It is just as stunning as the first two.

This is a middle grade book but I have heard a lot of great buzz about this one.  The ebook was on sale for $1.99 on Amazon.

The Book Blogger Hop is put on by The Coffee Addicted Writer . There is a weekly prompt featuring a book related question.

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION IS SUBMITTED BY Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer.

This weeks prompt is…

Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein are both considered classics. Have you ever read either of them?

MY ANSWER…

Unfortunately, no I haven’t.  I tried to read Frankenstein last year for Halloween but I just couldn’t get into it.

 

Tell Me Tuesday

Tell Me Tuesday is weekly blog feature put on by the amazing LA LA IN THE LIBRARY.  It is where we discuss the books we have been, will be, and are currently reading.  What are YOU reading? Tell us!

AWESOME FREE BOOK ALERT!!!

 A classmate of mine from high school wrote this amazing book a few years back but unfortunately was unable to get it published.  So he has decided to put it up on Wattpad.  Click on the link

HERE

to start reading.  Please share this with others if you enjoy the story.

CURRENTLY READING

I just love the main character, Louisa, in this book. She is so quirky and funny and full of faults and self-doubt.  I can totally relate to her.

WHAT I READ LAST

Goodreads Blurb

In RESCUED, NYT bestselling author Peter Zheutlin interweaves stories and lessons from families who have welcomed rescue dogs into their homes with his own zany experiences adopting one for the first time in midlife to reveal what we can learn from these animals who were once lost and are now found.

WHAT I AM READING NEXT

Goodreads Blurb

Robert Langdon, Harvard professor of symbology and religious iconology, arrives at the ultramodern Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao to attend a major announcement—the unveiling of a discovery that “will change the face of science forever.” The evening’s host is Edmond Kirsch, a forty-year-old billionaire and futurist whose dazzling high-tech inventions and audacious predictions have made him a renowned global figure. Kirsch, who was one of Langdon’s first students at Harvard two decades earlier, is about to reveal an astonishing breakthrough . . . one that will answer two of the fundamental questions of human existence.

PUPDATE

Trixie, my senior foster dog, is still here.  I think the couple that were interested in her have backed out.  If that is the case then I am going to adopt her.  I will keep you posted!