Let me start off by saying that this book is totally up my alley. I love magical realism, ancient myths/curses, & pretty much anything where the setting is in Southeast Asia. The story takes place in the 1930s which adds a bit of a historical fiction aspect to it, as well. There was very little chance that I could wasn't going to love it. I really enjoyed the unraveling of events and the intersection of the two main storylines. Highly enjoyable!

I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book. I couldn't tell if it was going to be more of a fantasy or more of a horror/thriller. I soon found out that it was definitely a horror/thriller. Being someone who loves creature features, I was immediately hooked. Reminding me a bit of Jaws, Anaconda (with J Lo!), Lake Placid, Deep Blue Sea, Piranha 3D, and the Meg, I really enjoyed this book.

So exciting!! Today's the day #SummerSantaGoesPostal

Thank you SO MUCH @Hestapleton! I absolutely love EVERYTHING & can't wait to get reading! This is my first book sleeve so I'm super excited (the print is totally what I would have picked 🌠🌌). Also cinnamon is my fave!

Is work over yet so I can get in my jammies with tea in my new mug with gummy bears & new books?! 🤗💙

@BookishMarginalia Thanks again for hosting! You da real MVP 💪📚

I actually read this book a few months ago, but it really stuck with me. It's such a unique concept. My puzzle-loving brain had a great time reading it. It reminded me a bit of Clue, but where you get to play as everyone in the game. This book requires an active thought process but I highly recommend when you're in the right mood.

This book was much different than her previous books, in that it focuses more on self-reflection, change and adaptation. I absolutely notice a progression in her personality, empathy, and maturity. And honestly, I feel like I've grown in a really similar capacity right along with her. This book still had me laughing out loud but it also tugged on the heartstrings a bit.

Book mail & library books 📚📬🤓

It's easy to forget at times that this isn't a work of fiction. Tara Westover's writing is extremely captivating. The story of her life is intriguing, tough, and at times unbelievable, but also has a lot of heart. I had thought this was going to be a memoir that focused more on her time spent at academic institutions. But her education started long before that, and that's where the story truly lies. This is one of those books I'll never forget.

"Hubris. The worst sin."

I have to admit that I read this with the intention of proving the hype wrong, but I just proved myself wrong instead. I was hooked after the first chapter. I like how Angie Kim developed the plotline through flashbacks, internal dialogues, and interactions between characters. The moral was a stark reminder of how seemingly meaningless decisions can change the entire course of someone's life.

A mixture of Night Circus, The Game starring Michael Douglas, and the Lotus Hotel from Percy Jackson, #Caraval is a story full of fun, magic, mystique, and intrigue. But there's a darkness there too, and a partial murder mystery. I know I'm late to the game with this series, but better late than never, right? I enjoyed this book much more than I had expected to and I'm going to buy the rest of the series as soon as I finish writing this review.

"Reality continues to ruin my life." - Calvin

After seeing the synopsis for this new release, I was very excited to read it. It sounded super creepy, and I was not let down. This fast-paced psychological thriller was definitely creepy and disturbing (in a non-gore way). I read it in one sitting and got goosebumps multiple times I loved the dark fairy tale magical realism aspect to it. The ending was fantastic, and I hope Melanie Golding writes more novels.

A fantasy set in an era that evokes the Italian Renaissance told by the main character as a reflection back on a memorable time in his life. This is one of those books where the character development and focus on human nature is where the real beauty lies, but the plotline holds it's own here too. The inclusion of some Pride Month representation was a nice surprise, as well.

4 out of 5 stars. #booksparks #booksharks

"Few things in life ever go the way you imagine they will"

This old-fashioned ghost story/mystery/treasure hunt reminded me of scary stories that we told each other at sleepover parties as kids. The Invited kept my attention the whole read, anxious to find out what would happen next. While there were a few predictable events, I was still left guessing up until the end.

I am a new member of the @BookSparks #BookShark community.

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Pretty successful Goodwill trip 📚
Can't beat all of these for $5.88 🎉

At a snowed-in rest stop, chaos ensues. This was a great, action packed, horror/thriller. Keeps you guessing until the very end!

This is one of those books you read that opens up your perspective up a bit. To the point where you wonder how you were living without considering these ideas at all before. Each short story addressed an aspect of humanity - language, memory, morals, time, etc. And each was interesting, eye-opening and extremely thought provoking. Highly recommend.

Received this in the mail today! Yay! Thank you so much @Hestapleton! Now I just have to practice patience & self-control through June 21st

#SummerSantaGoesPostal
@BookishMarginalia

Poet X was NOT a fluke, Elizabeth Acevedo is the real deal. An absolutely fabulous writer, and an extremely enjoyable narrator. She is so skilled at bringing characters to life. While Emoni is someone who I have little to nothing in common with, I was able to completely relate to her. I don't normally like a romantic plot thread at all, but it's done so well here that even I was shipping Emoni and Malachi. 💜💜💜

I've been aware of the existence of this series for years, but had thought it would be more of a love story. However, this retelling is so much more than that. There's a great sci-fi aspect, some decent world-building, good character development, political intrigue, and a touch of romance. I'm disappointed in myself for waiting so long to start this series, but I'm also excited I now have a few more books to read in the Lunar Chronicles.

Getting this in the mail today ☀️⛱️🎅📬📦

#SummerSantaGoesPostal
#SummerSolsticeBookExchange

@BookishMarginalia

I had no idea what this book was about apparently, as I was pleasantly surprised when it took a bit of a horror/scifi turn. I was definitely the target audience for this book. I currently live an hour from where the majority of the book takes place and love the space program. I definitely recommend this and can tell that this is a story I will routinely think back to.

I'd give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. The last line of the book almost bumped me to a 4 star, honestly. Great finish. The rest of the story was fun too, very YA. Reminded a bit of a CW show, or Pretty Little Liars. And not just because the title includes words from the theme song. This was a guilty pleasure book for me, so I will definitely be picking up other Karen McManus books soon.

I read this book in one day, and I honestly wasn't even sure I was going to like it before I started it. Besides being a super easy read, it approached some important topics without ever getting too deep or serious. I absolutely loved the main character of Bri. The story is told from her point of view. Even though I have never personally experienced most of what she goes through, I found her to be extremely relatable.

Having not read Lilac Girls yet, I wasn't sure how I was going to like this pre-quel to it. However, I absolutely loved it. I enjoyed the focus on the women's lives as they were affected throughout history by the unrest and the war. Showing how the situation was for those in Europe and abroad in America, gave a nice overall view of the circumstances at the time.

"Something that is wonder and comfort and mystery all together."

Oh, what I wouldn't give to spend a night wandering around the Night Circus. It reminds me a bit of the Electric Daisy Carnival held in Vegas annually. The mystique, the interaction, and the play on all of your senses. Throw in a fantastic cast of characters and this book is near perfect. I liked how the romance was central to parts of the story but not an all-encompassing plotline.

This was a fun, quick, guilty pleasure read. While pretty unrealistic at times, I enjoyed hating the character of Amber, and liked the twists as the book neared it's end. I hadn't realized that the author is really 2 sisters, but for some reason I liked the story more because of this. I'm extra grateful for my healthy, loving sister after finishing this book.

Spring Book Sale at the Orlando Public Library
... got all of these books for $6.76 !!! 🎉📚

Another great middle grades novel by Margaret Peterson Haddix. As usual, she pairs a unique concept with delightful characters. I absolutely adored Finn. This book leaves you wanting more. I can't wait until the next in the series comes out.

The Baby-Sitters Little Sister series by Ann M Martin is being adapted into graphic novels! What a fun surprise 💜💙

"Intentions were not always kind nor just"

This book was a fun, quick, gothic, YA read. It wasn't really my cup of tea, as the romance became too big of a part of the plotline. It's a good first novel, but I do wish there had been a lot more character development and world building. I was never invested enough in any of the characters to feel fully absorbed by the story.

1) Candy (gummies or chocolate)
2) Keychains, bookmarks, pop sockets
3) GoT, Orphan Black, Westworld, Vanderpump Rules, Veep, Grey's Anatomy, Anne with an E, Friends
4) Harry Potter, Hunger Games, anything Disney
5) Black, Lime Green, Blue, Purple
6) Water, coffee, tea
7) Trips to the beach on Fire Island & out to Montauk, hanging by the pool in the backyard
@BookishMarginalia
#SummerSantaGoesPostal
#SummerSolsticeBookExchange

Before reading this book, I had never heard of the island of Jeju, where gender roles were reversed and abelone diving was the way most women made their living I also never knew anything about the atrocities that occurred during the April 3rd incident back in 1948. While I learned a lot, this engrossing story is so much more than a history lesson. It's about generations of a family and the importance of culture, friendship, and forgiveness.

Nevermoor was so fun, like a trip back into my childhood. The audiobook was extra fun, reading almost like a play. Full of magic and excitement, this story reminded me a bit of Alice in Wonderland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fablehaven and The Series of Unfortunate Events. I absolutely adored the main character, Morrigan, feeling terrible for her at times, and rooting for her all along the way. I can't wait to read the next installment.

I decided to read this graphic novel because I have been enjoying the Netflix series so much. It seems the series follows this comic book pretty closely, with some elaborations. This volume leaves off on a cliffhanger, so now im dying to read the next issues.

This was a great contemporary, coming of age, YA book. It takes place in the late 80s between two Mexican teens. There's a bit too much "talking about feelings" for my liking, but I'd bet even Aristotle would agree with me. Talking feelings is way more of Dante's type of thing. I really liked the family aspect here where Aristotle is realizing that his parents are more than just parents. They are real people with real emotions and a tough history.

Michael Grant never disappoints. I enjoyed Monster, but absolutely LOVED Villain. This book tapped into what made the original Gone series great. Excellent, diverse character development and a darkness you don't expect in a YA book. HBO and Netflix are really sleeping on this series. It offers battle scenes, mutants & superpowers that rival any of the current Marvel movies. I pre-ordered Hero, it's going to be a long wait to November. #Gone

"It occurred to me that perhaps the paper-mache world that I accepted as real was only a stage setting." - Daniel, The Shadow of the Wind

My favorite book is on sale for $1.99 ?
https://amzn.to/2PKFvah

This is the first book I have read that's written in verse, and I actually really enjoyed it. It's a quick read that most women will be able to relate to. Xiomara is a NY teen that's finding herself, and having to deal with a lot of life's crap along the way. Having a strict mother isn't making it any easier on her. While this book deals with some emotional teenage and family issues, none of the topics addressed are too heavy.

#24b4Monday

Wow, that was the saddest book I have ever read. It was also fantastic so I recommend it regardless. It's based partially on the true story of Georgia Tann, a woman who kidnapped and mistreated children before passing them off as orphans and selling them to the wealthy. The storyline of Rill and her siblings is fabricated but is beautifully tragic. This is one of those books that you just know will live in your heart forever.

#24b4Monday

This story was full of magical realism.and exactly what I was looking for when I started reading it. While the interweaving of the lives of multiple characters was slightly confusing at times, all of your questions are answered by the end. I loved the moral compass, Mr. Armstrong, and how it's not just the love of a mother highlighted in the book, but also the love a father can feel too.

"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies,...The man who never reads lives only one." George R.R. Martin

Happy World Book Day!
#WorldBookDay2019

"They told us we had no history but darkness, so they kept the books away for fear we might understand the truth better, and thus find those lost selves"

I had a tough time getting into this book in the beginning, but really starting enjoying it about a third of the way through. I loved learning the history of the founding of Liberia. For once, I actually feel like this story would be stronger portrayed on screen than as a novel.

Thank you so much again @GripLitGrl, my Gilded Wolves giveaway book arrived today...with a bookmark!! 💚🎉🐺

I can't wait to read it! Still can't believe I won 😁 Thanks!!

Follow @GripLitGrl on Litsy, Insta, FB, Twitter, WP & NetGalley.

To be honest, I doubt I would have read this book if it weren't for the upcoming screen adaptation. While I liked the character of Bee and was intrigued by Bernadette, there were a few times I was bored. I didn't really like the mixture of email/letter correspondence, first-person narration, articles, police report, etc. I understand how the reason for this was built into the plotline, but I still feel that it made the book flow less smoothly.

"Here is my secret. It‘s quite simple: One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes."

—Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

I'm sad this book is over, I really started to feel at home in the marsh. The author did an excellent job of pulling me into this story. She was able to describe the setting brilliantly, weaving it into the storyline so well. I laughed, and cried, both sad and happy tears. I recommend this book to anyone who has a heart and/or an appreciation of nature.

I don't read graphic novels usually but I was intrigued after watching Umbrella Academy on Netflix. I enjoyed reading this much more than I expected to. The addition of the short stories at the end was a fun surprise. While this graphic novel differs very slighty from the screen adaption, it doesn't change the overall plot. I plan to buy the next volumes, as well, after enjoying this one.

My cousin's husband (early 40s) had a stroke a couple of months ago and is currently recovering. We are passing around copies of this book to all our family members. The book offers very helpful tips on dealing with the patient during this time in ways that are beneficial but not overwhelming. We understand the recovery process will be long and hard, but this book proves that full recovery is possible. It is the inspiration we all need right now.