Weekend Wrap Up #79

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.

What I Watched

A wonderful, heart wrenching movie!  See it if you get the chance.

I was on Spring Break for two weeks and took a much needed break from reading and blogging.  I went to Japan to see my son who is studying over there.  Here are a few photos of my trip.  I highly recommend visiting Japan.  The food, people, and country are amazing.

SINCE, I LIKE TO READ BOOKS ABOUT DOGS AND OTHER ANIMALS, I DECIDED TO BLOG ABOUT THEM IN A SEPARATE BLOG POST ON RANDOM THURSDAYS.  IF YOU HAVE READ A GOOD BOOK ABOUT A FURRY FRIEND OR WITH A FURRY FRIEND IN A BOOK, FEEL FREE TO JOIN ME! DON’T FORGET TO LINK MY BLOG TO YOUR POST.

CHECK OUT THIS WEEK’S FUR-DAY FEATURE HERE.

CURRENTLY READING

GOODREADS

For twelve-year-old Cora Landry and her friends Violet and Jordyn, it was supposed to be an ordinary sleepover–movies and Ouija and talking about boys. But when they decide to sneak out to go to the abandoned rail yard on the outskirts of town, little do they know that their innocent games will have dangerous consequences.

What I am Listening To

WHAT I READ THIS WEEK

I am so disappointed in this book.  It had so much potential. Instead, the writing was only average with cheesy one liners at the end of each chapter; none of the characters were likeable.  The main character stressed me out endlessly! She is bipolar and wouldn’t take her medicine so that she could “focus” on trying to find her boyfriend. The premise of the book was promising, a vaccine being used as bioterrorism, but it fell flat.  I felt there could have been more suspense about that part of the plot instead of looking for a killer. The “twist” at the end was predictable. I really wanted to like this one but weak writing and plot development just didn’t work for 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 RECEIVED THIS FROM NETGALLEY.

GOODREADS

In Berlin in 1941 during humanity’s darkest hour, three unforgettable young women must act with courage and love to survive.

I RECEIVED THIS FROM FIRST TO READ.

GOODREADS

From the New York Times-bestselling author comes a pulse-pounding domestic thriller about a group of friends who have been bound for twenty years by a single secret—and will now be undone by it. Someone Knows is an emotional exploration of friendship and family, as well as a psychological exploration of guilt and memory.

Henri Skinner is a hardened ex-war reporter on the run from his past. On his way to see his son, Sam, for the first time in years, Henri steps into the road without looking and collides with oncoming traffic. He is rushed to a nearby hospital where he floats, comatose, between dreams, reliving the fairytales of his childhood and the secrets that made him run away in the first place.

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…

Name one classic novel you have always wanted to read.

MY ANSWER:

Furs-Day Feature #5

WELCOME TO FURS-DAY FEATURE. SINCE, I LIKE TO READ BOOKS ABOUT DOGS AND OTHER ANIMALS, I DECIDED TO BLOG ABOUT THEM IN A SEPARATE BLOG POST ON RANDOM THURSDAYS.  IF YOU HAVE READ A GOOD BOOK ABOUT A FURRY FRIEND OR WITH A FURRY FRIEND IN A BOOK, FEEL FREE TO JOIN ME! DON’T FORGET TO LINK MY BLOG TO YOUR POST.

Goodreads Book Blurb

Author Annie grew up having dogs throughout her life that helped her with her Autism. Her love of animals, specially dogs, helped her find her passion in life to help animals therefore became a veterinarian. After many years of working with dogs she researched how canine companionship can help children with Autism. She explains the benefits of dogs as alternative treatment to those on the autism spectrum.

My Thoughts

“Confidence came easily when I had acceptance every day, all day, which is what a dog provides for a person.”- Annie Bowes, DVM

If you are thinking about getting a dog, then this is the book for you.  The author, a veterinarian, does a thorough job of explaining the benefits of having a dog, how to obtain a dog, what different types of breeds there are, service dogs, and dealing with the death of a dog.  I love that she promotes adopting dogs from shelters rather than breeders and puppy mills.  I also love that she lists the many benefits to the reader of having a dog.

“…dogs have been able to calm anxiety, decrease heart rate, and drop blood pressure just by their presence alone.”

I thought this book would be more about the benefits of autistic individuals having a dog but in reality it was more about the benefits of everyone having a dog.  The author does relate her own experiences having autism and growing up with dogs and how they helped her and she has a whole chapter on how dogs understand autism and the research to back it up.  Overall, this is a wonderful book for any dog lover and those looking into adopting a dog into their family.

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 discuss what we have been, currently are, and will be reading.  What are you reading? Tell me.

WHAT I READ LAST

GOODREADS

I had high hopes for the second book by Angie Thomas, and for the most part it didn’t disappoint. Like most people, I loved her debut novel, The Hate U Give. This book addresses poverty, stereotypes, racial profiling, and staying true to yourself. It is just as wonderfully written as her previous book but I felt it was too long and dragged in areas. There were parts of the book that I just couldn’t put down and others that I would skim through because it would slow down too much. Overall, I highly recommend this book and look forward to more from Ms. Thomas.

 

GOODREADS

Jo Knowles is one of my favorite YA/MG authors.  Her books are realistic and don’t sugar coat difficult situations.  This one made me cry. Twice! The book addresses poverty and sexual identity in a simplified way that is perfect for MG readers.  Rachel’s family doesn’t have lots of money so her clothes come from thrift stores and she feels so much shame that it broke my heart.  I connected with the main character, Rachel, and her love of animals. My favorite parts of the book were when she went to go take care of all the farm animals across the street. She fed chickens, horses, a calf, sheep, and a pig named Lucy. Rachel found comfort and solace talking to the animals about her troubles.  I loved her heart and empathy for the animals and also, her little sister. The ending is realistic which means it is sad yet hopeful at the same time. I believe it is good for young readers to know that even though things don’t go their way, it will be ok.

CURRENTLY READING

GOODREADS

After years of learning how to manage her bipolar disorder, Emily Firestone finally has it under control. Even better, her life is coming together: she’s got a great job, her own place, and a boyfriend, Paolo, who adores her. So when Paolo suggests a weekend sailing trip, Emily agrees—wine, water, and the man she loves? What could be better? But when Emily wakes the morning after they set sail, the boat is still adrift…and Paolo is gone.

WHAT I AM READING NEXT

GOODREADS

For twelve-year-old Cora Landry and her friends Violet and Jordyn, it was supposed to be an ordinary sleepover–movies and Ouija and talking about boys. But when they decide to sneak out to go to the abandoned rail yard on the outskirts of town, little do they know that their innocent games will have dangerous consequences.

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

THIS WEEK’S TOP TEN TUESDAY TOPIC IS…

Audio Freebie

I hadn’t listened to audio books very often before last year but I started listening to them when I had an hour commute for a part time job last summer.  Since then, I have listened to several audio books.  Here are some of my favorites.

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

GOODREADS

I had high hopes for the second book by Angie Thomas, and for the most part it didn’t disappoint. Like most people, I loved her debut novel, The Hate U Give. This book addresses poverty, stereotypes, racial profiling, and staying true to yourself. It is just as wonderfully written as her previous book but I felt it was too long and dragged in areas. There were parts of the book that I just couldn’t put down and others that I would skim through because it would slow down too much. Overall, I highly recommend this book and look forward to more from Ms. Thomas.

 

GOODREADS

Jo Knowles is one of my favorite YA/MG authors.  Her books are realistic and don’t sugar coat difficult situations.  This one made me cry. Twice! The book addresses poverty and sexual identity in a simplified way that is perfect for MG readers.  Rachel’s family doesn’t have lots of money so her clothes come from thrift stores and she feels so much shame that it broke my heart.  I connected with the main character, Rachel, and her love of animals. My favorite parts of the book were when she went to go take care of all the farm animals across the street. She fed chickens, horses, a calf, sheep, and a pig named Lucy. Rachel found comfort and solace talking to the animals about her troubles.  I loved her heart and empathy for the animals and also, her little sister. The ending is realistic which means it is sad yet hopeful at the same time. I believe it is good for young readers to know that even though things don’t go their way, it will be ok.

CURRENTLY READING

GOODREADS

After years of learning how to manage her bipolar disorder, Emily Firestone finally has it under control. Even better, her life is coming together: she’s got a great job, her own place, and a boyfriend, Paolo, who adores her. So when Paolo suggests a weekend sailing trip, Emily agrees—wine, water, and the man she loves? What could be better? But when Emily wakes the morning after they set sail, the boat is still adrift…and Paolo is gone.

WHAT I AM READING NEXT

GOODREADS

For twelve-year-old Cora Landry and her friends Violet and Jordyn, it was supposed to be an ordinary sleepover–movies and Ouija and talking about boys. But when they decide to sneak out to go to the abandoned rail yard on the outskirts of town, little do they know that their innocent games will have dangerous consequences.

Weekend Wrap Up #78

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.

This will be my last post for March!  I am going on Spring Break for a couple weeks.  I will be visiting my son in Tokyo, Japan.  He is studying over there for 11 months.  He left in September so I haven’t seen him for 6 months!   I will not be able to respond to blog comments but I thank you for visiting.  See you in April.

SINCE, I LIKE TO READ BOOKS ABOUT DOGS AND OTHER ANIMALS, I DECIDED TO BLOG ABOUT THEM IN A SEPARATE BLOG POST ON RANDOM THURSDAYS.  IF YOU HAVE READ A GOOD BOOK ABOUT A FURRY FRIEND OR WITH A FURRY FRIEND IN A BOOK, FEEL FREE TO JOIN ME! DON’T FORGET TO LINK MY BLOG TO YOUR POST.

Check out this week’s Fur-day Feature HERE.

CURRENTLY READING

GOODREADS

After years of learning how to manage her bipolar disorder, Emily Firestone finally has it under control. Even better, her life is coming together: she’s got a great job, her own place, and a boyfriend, Paolo, who adores her. So when Paolo suggests a weekend sailing trip, Emily agrees—wine, water, and the man she loves? What could be better? But when Emily wakes the morning after they set sail, the boat is still adrift…and Paolo is gone.

WHAT I READ THIS WEEK

GOODREADS

I had high hopes for the second book by Angie Thomas, and for the most part it didn’t disappoint. Like most people, I loved her debut novel, The Hate U Give. This book addresses poverty, stereotypes, racial profiling, and staying true to yourself. It is just as wonderfully written as her previous book but I felt it was too long and dragged in areas. There were parts of the book that I just couldn’t put down and others that I would skim through because it would slow down too much. Overall, I highly recommend this book and look forward to more from Ms. Thomas.

 

GOODREADS

Jo Knowles is one of my favorite YA/MG authors.  Her books are realistic and don’t sugar coat difficult situations.  This one made me cry. Twice! The book addresses poverty and sexual identity in a simplified way that is perfect for MG readers.  Rachel’s family doesn’t have lots of money so her clothes come from thrift stores and she feels so much shame that it broke my heart.  I connected with the main character, Rachel, and her love of animals. My favorite parts of the book were when she went to go take care of all the farm animals across the street. She fed chickens, horses, a calf, sheep, and a pig named Lucy. Rachel found comfort and solace talking to the animals about her troubles.  I loved her heart and empathy for the animals and also, her little sister. The ending is realistic which means it is sad yet hopeful at the same time. I believe it is good for young readers to know that even though things don’t go their way, it will be ok.

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 received these from NetGalley.

GOODREADS

Author Annie grew up having dogs throughout her life that helped her with her Autism. Her love of animals, specially dogs, helped her find her passion in life to help animals therefore became a veterinarian. After many years of working with dogs she researched how canine companionship can help children with Autism. She explains the benefits of dogs as alternative treatment to those on the autism spectrum.

GOODREADS

Madeline Finn and the Shelter Dog centers on budding independent reader Madeline Finn, her newly adopted puppy Star (one of Bonnie’s puppies!), and their unique quest to help animals at their local shelter. This sequel was a natural leap for Lisa Papp. After spending time with so many library dogs writing the first Madeline Finn book, she became aware that many of them are former shelter dogs. Papp is a passionate animal lover and pleased these special pups are at the heart of this installment.

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 Angelica @ Paperback Princess

THIS WEEKS PROMPT IS…

Do you buy all your books? If yes, do you keep it all? If no, where do you source them?

MY ANSWER:

I get my books mostly from NetGalley and my local library.  I only buy books from my favorite authors.  I have five bookshelves where I keep my books. When I go through my books, I donate them to thrift stores or put them in little libraries in my neighborhood.

My bookshelves.

Furs-Day Feature #4

Welcome to Furs-day Feature. Since, I like to read books about dogs and other animals, I decided to blog about them in a separate blog post on random Thursdays.  If you have read a good book about a furry friend or with a furry friend in a book, feel free to join me! Don’t forget to link my blog to your post.

GOODREADS

I was not a fan of this book.  Even though the illustrations are adorable, I didn’t like the story at all.  It was very negative.  The poor animals in this book are just doing what comes naturally to them and the kids are constantly saying “Bad dog!” and “No!”  I mean goats will eat paper sacks!  They can’t help it.  And to have a line that says, “The bad dog sits on Dad!” is a horrible message to share with kids.  Dog’s are man’s best friend, of course they want to sit on a lap.

 

GOODREADS

A funny and uplifting book.  Zora wants to fly so she can catch that pesky squirrel that sits on the fence.  My dogs can definitely relate!  They are constantly trying to catch squirrels in my back yard too.  This book teaches perseverance and believing in yourself.  It also encourages helping one another and friendship.  The perfect book for kids that teaches never giving up and helping one another.

They Call It Puppy Love Reading Challenge Wrap Up

I read these 3 books for the They Call It Puppy Love Reading Challenge hosted by Barb @ BookerTsFarm.  Thanks Barb for another fun reading challenge! Click on the links below the photo of the book for my reviews on each book.

A Dog Called Jack

 

A Boy and His Dog at the End of the World

 

Hero Dogs

I plan to continue my Furs-day Feature on random Thursdays because I love reading dog and animal books.

Tell Me Tuesday

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

WHAT I READ LAST

 

I loved both of these books.  They were both super creepy!  YOU was stalker creepy and The Hiding Place was ghost creepy.

GOODREADS

A beautifully written story based on the author’s dad’s experiences growing up.  Almost every day Stella goes to a segregated school and she witnesses some of the townspeople threaten and hurt the other black people. I was heartbroken during the scene when Stella’s dad registers to vote.  People were so disrespectful and just plain evil.   Through out all of these trials, Stella continues to try and write about all of these experiences even though it is difficult for her to get the words on paper.  This book is a great example of resilience, friendship, family, love, and hope.

GOODREADS

This was definitely a 5 star read!  Click here to read my review.

CURRENTLY READING

GOODREADS

WHAT I AM READING NEXT

GOODREADS

 

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 loved both of these books.  They were both super creepy!  YOU was stalker creepy and The Hiding Place was ghost creepy.

GOODREADS

A beautifully written story based on the author’s dad’s experiences growing up.  Almost every day Stella goes to a segregated school and she witnesses some of the townspeople threaten and hurt the other black people. I was heartbroken during the scene when Stella’s dad registers to vote.  People were so disrespectful and just plain evil.   Through out all of these trials, Stella continues to try and write about all of these experiences even though it is difficult for her to get the words on paper.  This book is a great example of resilience, friendship, family, love, and hope.

GOODREADS

This was definitely a 5 star read!  Click here to read my review.

CURRENTLY READING

GOODREADS

WHAT I AM READING NEXT

GOODREADS

Weekend Wrap Up #77

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.

WHAT I WATCHED

I watched this very short (30min) documentary.  Very interesting and informative about how girls in India have to quit going to school when they get their periods because they can’t afford hygiene products.  Students in California raised money to provide a machine to make feminine pads.  The women of the village learn to make them and sell them.  A very empowering video on women and girls in a country where they are treated as second class citizens.

CURRENTLY READING

GOODREADS

This book is super creepy.

This is the American Cover

I prefer the UK cover and title.

 

GOODREADS

WHAT I READ THIS WEEK

GOODREADS

A beautifully written story based on the author’s dad’s experiences growing up.  Almost every day Stella goes to a segregated school and she witnesses some of the townspeople threaten and hurt the other black people. I was heartbroken during the scene when Stella’s dad registers to vote.  People were so disrespectful and just plain evil.   Through out all of these trials, Stella continues to try and write about all of these experiences even though it is difficult for her to get the words on paper.  This book is a great example of resilience, friendship, family, love, and hope.

GOODREADS

This was definitely a 5 star read!  Click here to read my review.

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.

GOODREADS

 

I received this book from NetGalley.

GOODREADS

I requested this book because the author is from my home state, Iowa.

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 Elizabeth @ Silver’s Reviews

THIS WEEKS PROMPT IS…

Have you made the switch from print to e-books? Is either one exclusive?

My Answer:

I read both types of books about equally.  I like print books for sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee and I read ebooks on my phone when I am riding in the car, on my lunch break, or waiting for an appointment.