Another recent YA audiobook that I really enjoyed.

Wren is a troubled teen whose parents have reached the end of their rope with her. She is sent off to a wilderness camp in #Utah to see if she can get herself together.

This is more a story about never giving up and realizing that no matter what mistakes you have made, take responsibility and start fresh. I definitely recommend this if you have an angsty teenager in your life.

#ReadingUSA2019

Creepy story by King and his son, Joe Hill. The premise was great. Two people traveling cross-country hear a kid yelling for help. They venture into the tall grass to help him and then the scare factor increases as they find themselves separated and lost. Things go extremely dark at the end and a little off the rails, which is why this is a so-so pick for me. Apparently, it is currently being made into a movie too.

#ReadingUSA2019 #Maine

Holy Cliffhanger!

I enjoyed this one probably more than the first book Scythe, and I loved that one too. Shusterman does an excellent job of making the reader think about moral issues, while delivering a fast-paced, creative story full of action.

I can't wait for the next one to see what twists he comes up with for our junior scythes.

Unpopular opinion.

I've seen lots of love for this book, but sadly it was just okay for me. Incorporating the podcast was interesting and I felt it was great addition to this YA book since teens use so many different forms of social media. In fact, I enjoyed the podcast sections more than Sadie's.

The story is intriguing, but I never felt a connection to the characters so it made the story drag a bit for me.

#ReadingUSA2019 #Colorado

Excellent YA book that deals with mental illness. Kletter addresses very serious issues, such as suicide, with empathy and understanding. Great book for teens feeling like they are different or do not fit in. It reminds them they are not alone. 💚

This was a re-read for me and I enjoyed it just as much as the first time I read it. 💜

It is a fun fairy tale for grownups that will not disappoint. There's a fallen star, witches, lions, and even a unicorn. I haven't seen the movie yet, but perhaps I'll give it a try.

Great month of reading for me. Lots of good books, but I narrowed it down to my top 4.

Sweet, heartfelt middlegrade read about an unexpected friendship between two very different people.

This was my audiobook while working today and it was very enjoyable.

Such a well done book. I picked this up for my 13 yr old nephew to read, but I got to it before him. Now I keep pestering him to read this book!

I loved the two different perspectives of the boys throughout the story. If you enjoyed The Hate You Give or Dear Martin, read this book.

I've said this before, but Jason Reynolds is an incredible author. I'm thankful that young people today have his voice to help them through difficult times.

Lately I've been dealing with family drama, and this book really helped put me in a more positive space. My childhood was awesome thanks in part to Mr. Rogers and Jim Henson 💚

I enjoyed finding out about his family and how he developed the show. I strive to see the good things around me as much as he did in his life. It truly is a beautiful day in the neighborhood if you just take a moment to look. ☺

Everyone should read this book. I highly recommend it as an audiobook as well. There were so many powerful messages that left a very long lasting impression on me. In our current political climate here in the US, the author does an excellent job of shining a light on the race problem and how we can come together to bring about change.

Regardless of your race, religious beliefs, or political views, you should read this book.

If you enjoy medical nonfiction, you'll love this book! 💚 Gawande writes in such an honest voice that you almost feel like you're talking to a friend. This book covers a wide range of medical topics and reminds us that doctors are only human, mistakes do happen and they have to live with that.

I received this from the wonderful @Crazeedi and I would like to return her kindness and pass this one on to another Litten. First response gets it. 😁

This was an Amazon First Reads choice for me at some point. I decided to read it as my choice for #Nebraska for #ReadingUSA2019.

Reading about the misguided passion of one man who followed his dreams was interesting, but this tale has a sad ending. The greed of people is shown as money is placed before the well-being of the animals. This book reminds me of why I have so many mixed emotions when it comes to zoos.

I recently read a short story collection by this author and loved it. I did not love this collection though.

Each story felt like the author was trying too hard and the twists seemed forced. I'll still read his other books though, this one just wasn't for me.

I finished this one last week, but to be honest I'm still not quite sure how I feel. It's definitely a unique, wild ride through the evolution of Borne; however, I'm still left wondering what the point was in all of it.

VanderMeer paints very vivid pictures with his words and Borne is a character I will not soon forget.

#Letter V #LitsyAtoZ @BookishMarginalia

Why did it take me so long to read this book? It deserves all the praise that it gets. Amazing and very well done for a middle grade read. Truly a masterpiece for readers of all ages.

Has anyone seen the movie? I plan on watching it the next chance I get.

It took me a few chapters to get accustomed to the unique language and names for this world, but once I did this was an epic journey. The world building was great, the characters were complex, and moral dilemmas and political scheming made me think of GoT.

I can't wait to read the next in this series. 💚

Hilarious, fast paced read that as a Southern I could relate to more than I'd care to admit. 😁 Lots of these essays made me laugh out loud. I've been a fan of Ellis for many years, and this one did not disappoint.

This was a recent audiobook, and I'll admit, at times I had to step away due to the subject matter. This book follows a family with a dark, disturbing secret that shapes the lives of not only the girls involved, but those closest to them.

I liked the switch between different girls in the past and present. It gave a nice depth to the story, but sadly I didn't like any of the characters.

Fulfilled #Kansas for #ReadingUSA2019 @Librarybelle

Reading the tagged book at my local library. I've been busy lately with my nephew and end of the school year tasks, but hopefully things will calm down soon because I miss my Litsy friends. I'm going to try and catch up on some reviews while I'm here too since I'm behind.

My recent haul from the HPB sale. I spent $22 on all the books I got. One of the Katie DiCamillo books is even signed. 💚 My nephew walked away with a huge stack of comics (only 50 cents each!) and my husband bought some cookbooks and gardening books as well. It was a lot of fun and I'd definitely go again if I get the chance.

I like to support/promote local authors when I can, and this author is in my library bookclub.

I'll admit, cozy mysteries aren't for me. That being said though, if that genre interests you, this book is a fun, easy read about two best friends who own a bakery who suddenly start receiving strange, threatening notes. There are lots of references to sweets of all kinds, so you might want to read this one with a bag of cookies. 😁

Half Price Books is having a huge book sale, and I get to go! So excited. 😍 Now time to get some sleep so I'm rested and ready for a big day of trying not to buy all the books I see. 😉

@Crazeedi The book came yesterday, I just didn't get a chance to post. This one and the last one you sent are next up on my TBR. I'm excited for them both. 😍

One of my furballs kept me company this evening while I finished up this book for my local bookclub.

I'll admit, my opinion is an unpopular one when it comes to this pick. I didn't love it; I didn't hate it. Yes, it's dark and twisty, but it leaves too many unanswered questions. And the contrast between the normal family life vs. the couples secret life felt too forced.

It's fast paced, keeps you engaged, just didn't quite make a pick for me.

This is a wonderful story full of so much heart. 💚 I found it randomly while looking for an audiobook today and I'm so glad I did.

Max and Kevin are characters that touched my heart and made me fall in love with their friendship. Fair warning though, there are parts of this book that will break your heart too, but reading it is worth it.

Excellent example of why middle grade books are for adults too.

1. Sorry, I never have pics of me. Here's my nephew from his performance last night at his school and one of my puppies, Willow, when she went to work with us recently.
2. I haven't had much reading time this week, the tagged book is the only one I've finished so far and I loved it.
3. Working all weekend
4. Today it's 73 and raining here in TX.
5. Vegan black bean, sweet potato enchiladas.

#Friyayintro @howjessreads

Update on my book/reading challenges.

➡I've competed 21/50 States for #ReadingUSA2019
➡I've read 12/26 books for #LitsyAtoZ
➡I've finished 10/12 for my #ReadHarder Journal
➡My #Nonfiction2019 Bingo card has 21/25 spots filled
➡ And my GoodReads Reading Goal is at 81/130

😀🎉

Books finished this month- 23 Total 😁
✳ 14 Books (4,564 pages read)📚
✏ 5 Library Books, 7 ebooks, 2 from my shelves
✳ 9 Audiobooks (61:57 listening hours) 🎧

➡ Fiction= 9 books ➡ NonFiction= 3 books
➡ YA= 4 books ➡ Juv= 4 books
➡ GN= 3 books

My favorite this month is the tagged book. Highly recommend if you haven't read it.

Only 4 spaces left for #Nonfiction2019. Something with Politics will probably be my hardest since that's a topic I generally don't read much of.

I've really enjoyed this challenge. 💚

@Riveted_Reader_Melissa

1. Handmaid's Tale and I've already preordered the sequel. 💚
2. Little Women or Matilda. They are my go to books when I'm in a slump.
3. Goodreads and just last year I started keeping a book journal too.
4. A photo of our little pond. One of my favorite reading spots.
5. Thank you @Crazeedi for the tag. 😀 @Reggie @RadicalReader @ShyBookOwl

#wondrouswednesday @Eggs

This is one of the hardest books I've ever read. I knew going in that the subject matter would be difficult, but I felt this was one of those stories I just had to read. Very powerful read.

The research for this book was well done, and I was thankful that the author included sections connecting Till's tragic death to our society today and the acts of ignorance and racism that are still occurring and robbing young people of a future.

Since the weather here in Texas is gorgeous today, my husband and I are taking advantage and clearing some brush and trees from our property. Because @sblbooks has been posting for her upcoming #middlegrademay reads, I was inspired to download these 3 from Overdrive to keep me company while I work today. 💙

I'm really not sure how I got anything accomplished before I discovered audiobooks. 😉

This was a great audiobook. I'm a big fan of Schwab's writing, and although this is not my favorite by her, it is still an enjoyable book. It's an interesting ghost story about a girl who can travel between the world of the living and the spirit world. Bonus: there's a kitty named Grim too.

The second in this series is Tunnel of Bones, which I will definitely have to read to see what adventures await for Cassidy.

After reading the Jim Henson Biography I wanted to know more about Sesame Street and this book did not disappoint. If you grew up loving these characters as much as I did, this book will give you a deeper look into the people behind the scenes of this groundbreaking show.

My local library asked me to review some ARCs and give them suggestions on what to purchase. This beautiful, poignant story is my first. Immigration is a topic popular in today's media, and this book shows many different sides and how one lost little boy searching for his father can make a lonely woman rethink so much of her life.

The relationships and characters are well done and unforgettable. Great book that will hit you in the feels.

1. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 🐢 @BarbaraTheBibliophage

2. Going to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade @Melissa_J

3. Random choice of whatever looks good at the time. @emtobiasz

4. See the tagged book. @youneverarrived

5. Favorite bookstore to visit? Mine is the Half Price Books Flagship Store in Dallas.

#Friyayintro @howjessreads

1. My worst slump was right after we moved to Texas. I didn't read anything for almost a year.
2. Re-reading Little Women, which is a childhood favorite.
3. Either a fantastical made up world or the Southern US.
4. See the tagged book for both the title and cover.
5. @Jinster Welcome to Litsy, feel free to play along if you'd like.
#wondrousWednesday @Eggs

Grady Hendrix does such a great job with this story. Horrorstor is set in a fictional department store called Orsk and creepy things happen once the lights turn off and the customers leave.

I am a huge fan of Hendrix and this might be my favorite of his. I loved how at the beginning of each chapter there was a product picture with description, and as the story becomes more intense the products change.

Horror fans should read this one. 💀

This collection of creepy short stories was my first by Stephen Graham Jones, and I'm a big fan.

There's a story in here to cover almost any horror topic you like- aliens, haunted houses, werewolves, and even Stephen King. The black and white illustrations with each story add an extra bit of spookiness. 👻

Definitely worth checking out if you're a fan of this genre. Thanks to @Canndor for picking this one for our family bookclub.

I'm taking a journey through Neil Gaiman's dark and dreamy Sandman world. It's been over 5 years since I read this, and I still enjoyed it as much as the first time.

Gaiman does such a great job of weaving together the slightly macabre topics with an amazing storyline that makes you feel like you're part of this dreamworld he's created.

Cain, Abel, and Gregory are my favorite characters in this volume. 💚

Magic always makes for a fun story, but when the story involves a secret, magical circus it's even better. 💙

This well written middle grade book follows Micah on his journey to help his grandfather. There are elephants, sassy talking birds, a magician, an invisible tiger, and so much more along the way. Micah's life has been tough, but Circus Mirandus helps him navigate the sad parts in his life to find where he belongs.

What a crazy ride! I've seen lots of good reviews about this book, which made me a little uneasy when I started it. I loved it though. 😸

The co-dependent sister relationship was well done. The two sisters were an interesting contrast to each other, and even though the basis of the story is a serial killer, I have to admit the fast paced story was fun to read.

I'm excited to read more by this author. 💜

The writing in this book is beautiful. The descriptions transported me to a secluded, forested area in rural Idaho where the lives of several individuals diverge in many different ways after an unspeakable tragedy occurs.

The book lost me though with the time jumps between past, present, and future. Each storyline never seemed to reach its full potential, which left the book feeling unfinished to me at the end.

#ReadingUSA2019 @Librarybelle

Random YA audiobook that I picked on Overdrive and I loved it. Generally YA with a romance at the center I'm not a fan of, but following Pen as she figures out who she is while facing ridicule from friends and family, and navigating her first love was a truly enlightening experience.

Great book for high school teachers to offer in their classrooms. Lots of thought provoking topics are covered in this one.

I listened to this as an audiobook read by John Lithgow and it was amazing and so relaxing. ?

Excellent book to read with your kids and a great reminder to those of us "older" kids, that sometimes all it takes to change how good/bad a day is going is a simple act of kindness.

Most of these poems/songs I remember from watching the show as a child, and hearing them again put me in a very happy place. ???

I'm catching up on my reviews from the past couple of weeks.

First off, I love the GrishaVerse and Six of Crows is my absolute favorite by Bardugo. I was a fan of Nikolai in the first trilogy and excited about him getting his own duology. However, this book didn't quite live up to my expectations. It's a good story, good character development, but I wanted more background on Nikolai. I'll still read the next one though. 😀

I have owned this book far longer than I care to admit. Lately I've been in a slump, starting books I like, but just can't seem to stay focused on. However, this book hooked me from the beginning.

I love the mix of science/medical writing with a heartfelt story of the family Henrietta left behind. In a genetics lab in college we actually used HeLa cells for several experiments and until this book, I had no idea of the story behind those cells. 5⭐

@Crazeedi Thank you so much for the book and the very sweet card. 😍 I can't wait to read this!

I think my kitties might have smelled your kitties. I caught my littlest one Dot loving all over the envelope. 😀

I found this book by accident on Overdrive.

Set in rural Kentucky during segregation, Olivia tells her story of growing up poor with a mentally unstable Mama, raising her grandson, and uncovering secrets her Pap tried to hide from her.

I enjoyed this. It felt like talking to my grandma. Older people in the South have their own language, and Wall captured that with lines like "While I love the boy more than life, Ida's a hole in another sock."