Welp, I loved it. Lots of reviews focused on the dolphin-love, but I thought the dystopian themes of tech-gone-wrong were interesting, too. (Read about Elon Musk‘s brain chip plans the same week I read this book, and how thousands of Swedes are using their hand as a credit card, health monitor and key card via an implanted chip.) Hilarious, disturbing and sweet book all at the same time.

Bailed on this last summer, picked it up again this summer and pushed through. Just didn‘t do much for me, even though fantasy and kick-ass females are usually my jam. 🤷🏼‍♀️

The original 1969 cover. A truly terrible cover for a great book. Required a much slower read than I expected, but worth the time for the social commentary and the low-key roasts Fowles delivers. Some of the most humorous character descriptions I‘ve read in a long time.

Smart, honest YA novel about a teenage girl navigating her dad‘s sobriety after the fallout from his alcohol addiction. The author writes from some of her own childhood experiences, and this authenticity shows. A very human story, handled with sensitivity, humor and heart.

I don‘t work in the corporate world, but this was the best book about education I‘ve read as a teacher and site leader in years. I think parts of this book could apply to any career, and it serves as an inspiring reminder about core values, empathy, gratitude and relationships. Clever quips by author get old, but that‘s my only complaint. Fast, thought-provoking read. 🙌🏽

This is how this #restingbookface package arrived - and like the last one, somehow everything was intact (although if something did fall out, I‘d never know 😄). Thank you @Julsmarshall for the hot cocoa mix. @Onioons - hope to read this over winter vacation!

You know how they always ask, “Any liquids, perishables...”? Someone‘s extremely sticky liquid perishable broke all over the box - but didn‘t soak down far enough to reach my goodies! 🙌🏽 close call!!! Thank you @JHgotham for a fantastic #feedareader box! Love it 😊

Thank you @OriginalCyn620 for a fantastic goodie box! These three books were all ones I was hoping to read soon 🙌🏽 And of course chocolate and coffee...😍 #feedareader

Currently read. Nothing like Obama and Biden teaming up to solve murder mysteries. 😄

A great summer read - quick and entertaining, with interesting characters. Evelyn may seem larger than life, but her motives are at the core, quite simple, just like everyone else. A fun, jaunty read that also has thought-provoking moments.

@Carleneishere Your #restingbookface pick arrived to me today. (Thank you @Julsmarshall ) No need to keep cover a secret anymore since it will have traveled full circle once I read it and send to you!

I felt an unexpected tenderness toward the hapless protagonist of this charming, amusing little story. I know most readers describe it as light and quirky, but I found so many surprising moments of poignancy on life, love, grief, and on both the absurdity and beauty of life, love and grief. Maybe I related to Less and the ruminations of the narrator as someone “middle-aged,” myself 😄 Overall, a charming summer read that I‘ll look back fondly on.

Box #2! What a great way to come home!!! My #coffeebeanbookclub book has come full circle. This was a super fun book club and I‘m super grateful to everyone in the group who made it happen! @cobwebmoth Thank you for everything in the package! Opening your boxes was always such a treat. ❤️ 😊❤️

I spent almost this whole week on a road trip by myself to see some National Parks a couple states over. This was waiting for me today. Honestly, I had trouble fitting everything into one photo. @RiotMom you outdid yourself - this is AMAZING. Also you might be my soulmate because every single thing in this box was absolutely perfection. You had me at “brown sugar bacon biscuits.” Seriously, thank you so much. 😍😍😍

@JHgotham @OriginalCyn620 @RiotMom I‘d love anything off my TBR, but have been wanting to read Tin Man; Bluebird, Bluebird; and Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows, so they might be top picks. I have a tiny place and don‘t need any kitchen gadgets or bookish related gifts, but love and appreciate coffee and high quality chocolate :) #feedareader

My last #coffeebeanbookclub cozy mystery arrived! Next round our own books will have circled back. This box was packed with goodies as usual! Thanks @cobwebmoth ! Side note- the box was marked with “lock n lube” which I had not heard of and so decided to look up. I accidentally typed “lick n lube” into my phone. Different product. 😳😂

On its way @CoffeeCatsBooks #coffeebeanbookclub This has been a fun reading group, and has run super smoothly! Can‘t believe it‘s winding down in a couple rotations!

I agree with @Jas16 about the ending of this one. The story went off the rails in the last 3 chapters due to the Antigone parallels, which hobbled an otherwise OUTSTANDING novel. The first 3/4 took my breath away. A necessary and powerful story with fascinating perspectives.

If you‘re in the mood for serious themes treated with a sensitive, often humorous touch, this is a good pick. It has a (too) tidy, feel-good ending, but was a quick read and a lovely story overall.

Got my next installment for #coffeebeanbookclub, complete with goodies from @cobwebmoth ! Time to dive into another cozy mystery!

#restingbookface #coffeebeanbookclub Packages sent out today! @CoffeeCatsBooks (I ended up repacking yours in a different box) and @Carleneishere

The saga continues! Saw this article in a local news journal. Sounds like the whole situation is pretty sketchy - no one can answer how money is being spent, what the plans are, what the foundation president is actually paid to do, why certain random donors have given grants...or when it will be open to the public instead of sitting as an empty mansion.

This was a longtime TBR I‘ve been looking forward to, so maybe my expectations were unrealistic. Not an author who believes in “show, not tell” -messages are about as subtle as a whack on the head. Also some “white (wo)man to the rescue” (literally) issues. But it‘s a touching story, has some lovely scenes, and offers a narrative on Apartheid that is seldom heard here in America. I appreciated it even more having already read Born A Crime.

YA is hit or miss for me, and there‘s a little too much going on in this story, but there‘s lots to love. It‘s the story of so many of my own high school students - mental health struggles, finding your place in the world or even within your own family, coming to peace with secrets vs. honesty, immigration issues, sexuality, and simply trying to find happiness. Authentic, and I loved the mix of Spanish/English in dialogue and narration.

My face when a book club package arrives! I couldn‘t find a way to take a photo without giving away the book (if other #restingbookface members see this), but it‘s here, with a bunch of goodies! @Julsmarshall My girls LOVED the squishies and immediately stole them. 😄

It‘s been awhile since I‘ve even had time to read anything, let alone check out books. Logged in today and discovered I‘ve been blocked!!! My offense -owing $1.75 in fees! 😂 My library is hardcore!

Totally spoiled as usual by @cobwebmoth for our #coffeebeanbookclub . I just got back from a 4 days chaperoning a group of students out of town and this was waiting for me. ☺️ the perfect “Welcome home”!

This was between a pick and a so-so for me, and it prob ended up with the so-so because it was such a let down after how hyped up I‘d been for it. It was one of my most anticipated books of last year (finally got to it now after months) but I didn‘t buy in emotionally like I thought I would. Still, a book with lots to offer - especially if you haven‘t been exposed to this history - and I can see why others enjoyed it.

“Open anytime!” 😄 I ripped that package open immediately!!! thank you so much, @tracy.m.ng ! I‘m super excited for the book and the chocolate! And I love Ina Garten‘s recipes and everything garlicky and potato-y! It‘s been a crazy couple months for me, and it‘s perfect packages like this that keep me sane. ❤️❤️❤️ #feedareader

These are the books I wanted to read this month. I started Pachinko and haven‘t even finished it. Brutal month, folks. After the largest CA wildfire scorched the ground bare, the rain pounded in a freakish storm and the earth melted, carrying cars, trees, houses and bodies with it. Everyone in town knows someone affected. It was a weird month. I don‘t even know the last time I went a whole month without finishing a book.

These are both so pretty - makes me want to be using them all the more. Totally recommend Passion Planners BTW!

So many coffee goodies with my cozy mystery! Thank you @cobwebmoth ! #coffeebeanbookclub

😂 This emoji sums up my feelings toward 2017 pretty well! 2017 was not kind to me, and I know it was a rough year for some other Littens who suffered the loss of loved ones, or other personal difficulties. Here‘s to a new year, new possibilities, new hopes, and fresh starts. And here‘s to Litsy, my favorite online community! Thanks for being a bright spot in my stinky 2017. ❤️

Found a bookish surprise on my porch this morning that I didn‘t even realize was delivered last night! Thank you @Julsmarshall ! Both are from my TBR and I can‘t wait to crack them open! 🎁📚❤️

1. I read around 85 books this year, hoping to read at least that many in 2018!
2. Pachinko most likely, since I have a physical copy
3. I want to revive a book club I was a part of!
4. I do #coffeebeanbookclub, #restingbookface, #litsyAtoZ. Thinking about the book/recipe swap!
5. My dog 🐶 and hot chocolate with a splash of whisky ☕️
@Wbabdullah @Julsmarshall
Tagging @Carleneishere

@EloisaJames I see what you did there! 😄

I‘m a HUGE sucker for the pirate trope. Swashbuckling adventure on the high seas? Yes please! And a strong female lead? Double yes! And this was a quick, fun YA read. But be forewarned that the writing (syntax, characterization, descriptions... everything) is super basic, in the extreme. I‘ll be trying the sequel when it‘s out, in hopes it lives up to its potential. ☠️🧜🏼‍♀️⚔️💰💎

The DJ on the radio this morning warned listeners, “If you‘re going out Christmas shopping today, be sure to bundle up! It‘s FREEZING out there today!!!” Then she emphasized her point by adding, “61 degrees!!!” 😄🌴☀️

Blue sky!!! Update that the fire perimeters by where people live is contained now and evacuations have been lifted. It‘s still burning in the back country, and ash is still everywhere, but we can go outside without respirator masks. Happy holidays!!!

Reminded me of Everything I Never Told You (which I also loved). Themes of family, grief, communication and honesty (or lack thereof), and healing. Not a book for everyone, but if you have experienced trauma and grief, many of the lines and descriptions will likely resonate with you. It‘s not a fun book, but for me it rang true.

What a fun surprise this morning! Thank you @Meeko93 for the thoughtful gifts. (My dog already ate the treat 😄). Neil Gaiman is one of my favorite authors! Happy holidays!! @MrBook @BookBabe @Avanders

Do you know what this is? I do, because I wrapped it myself weeks ago and put it under the tree so I could unwrap it Christmas morning. It‘s Wilde in Love by @EloisaJames and I can‘t wait! #singlemommaneuvers #merrychristmastome

California fire over NY for scale, and it‘s still burning. 2018 has been a rough year, folks. Houston, Puerto Rico, Trump and devastating wildfires. If I can find a babysitter for my dog, I‘ll be leaving town for a couple days to find breathable air. Let‘s hope for a happier New Year.

Ash fall from the fires. You can see how muted the sun is through the smoke, reflected in the windshield. Fire at 15% containment (an improvement from the 5% two days ago). It‘s a good day to stay indoors with a book!

#secretsantagoespostal package on its way to the recipient! Should arrive around Wednesday. @MrBook @BookBabe @Avanders #wintersolsticebookexchange

Photo from the news. The Thomas fire has been burning since Tuesday and tens of thousands of people in Southern California have evacuated. While my house is thankfully not in the path of the fire, smokey air is at hazardous levels. It‘s gray and eerie all day with the smoke cover and everyone is antsy from being cooped up indoors. I‘m looking at everyone‘s snow pics with envy. ❄️⛄️🌨

It‘s here!!!!! I‘m super excited! @Meeko93 @BookBabe @MrBook @Avanders let the #wintersolsticebookexchange #secretsantagoespostal waiting game begin!

Emily St. John Mandel was at the high school where I teach today, answering questions about Station Eleven. Yay authors who take the time to do things like this!

I would never have guessed this was first published in 1936. This charming story is perfect for a cozy weekend!

What I liked: the cover, Little Bee‘s narration/voice, the first chapter. What I didn‘t like: every chapter voiced by Sarah, Sarah‘s character, Lawrence‘s character, all dialogue by adults, the ending, how heavy-handed the issues were dealt with. The refugee theme is so important and I loved the voice of Little Bee enough to keep this a so-so instead of a pan.