Top Ten Favorite Books of 2017 - Top Ten Tuesday

Today I am sharing with you my top ten reads from 2017. This post is part of Top Ten Tuesday, which is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. Each week there is a new theme, and this week the theme is - top ten books I read in 2017. Watch the video above or keep reading to find out what books made my list!

A Column of Fire by Ken Follett - Book Review

Book Quotes from "Lab Girl" by Hope Jahren // Five Quotes I Loved

I thought it would be fun to start sharing quotes from books that I really enjoyed. Sometimes it feels like a book is just full of amazingly quotable moments and I desperately want to share them with others. The first book I am going to feature is "Lab Girl" by Hope Jahren. I recently finished this book and loved it. Check out the video above or keep reading for five "Lab Girl" quotes that I loved and why!

Lab Girl by Hope Jahren - Book Review

Books to Checkout // November 2017

October 2017 was a pretty exciting book month for me. "Turtles All The Way Down" released which was a book I had been looking forward to for years! But November 2017 has some extremely promising new releases as well - seven of them, actually! Keep reading to find out what new releases I think you should check out this month, or watch the video above!

Reading Wrap Up // November 2017

November was an awesome reading month for me. I felt like I was knocking down book goals left and right, while also reading some books that have been on my list for quite a while! To see what books I loved, disliked, and passed on this month - check out the video above or just keep on reading!

Thred Up Haul // December 2017

I love finding a good deal, and thredUP has become my go to website for finding women's clothing at amazing prices. Check out the video above where I show some of my most recent purchases from the site. Referral Link : http://www.thredup.com/r/AJPGQX
Thanks in advance for using the above link to shop ThredUp : ) As a bonus, you get a 10$ credit.

Bullet Journal & Draw With Me // December 2017

Library Book Haul - November 2017

Anytime I feel like I am hitting a reading wall, I find that going to the library and picking up a new load of books always gets me out of my funk. Finding new books to read that I am excited about, especially as a mood reader, really gets me excited to power through some new reads. So that's what I did! Check out my newest library check outs for the month of November below!

City Baker's Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller - Book Review & Giveaway

TO ENTER A GIVEAWAY FOR THIS BOOK click here : )

Many thanks to the publisher, Penguin Random House, and author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. As a "girl about library" where books are always free, you can be confident that all opinions expressed are my own : )

Louise Miller’s second novel, "The Late Bloomers' Club", is forthcoming from Pamela Dorman Books/Viking.

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel - Book Review

Top Ten Books on My Winter 2017 TBR // Top Ten Tuesday

There is nothing that puts me more in the spirit of my former college final cram sessions, than trying to accomplish my Goodreads reading goal by the end of the year. #stress. Super pleased that I am well within meeting that mark this go around, and my excitement to read these ten books will certainly help me achieve it. Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. Each week there is a new theme, and this week the theme is - top ten books that are on my winter TBR. Keep reading to find out what books made my list!

They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera - Book Review

Paris for One by JoJo Moyes - Book Review

Thank you so much tot he publisher, Penguin Books, and author, Jojo Moyes,  for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. As a "girl about library", where all books are free, you can be sure that all opinions expressed are my own.

Q&A Answers I Part Two

To celebrate reaching 500 subscribers on my YouTube channel - I asked for subscribers to submit questions, and I got some really fun ones! So many that I decided to split my answers up into two different posts. Watch the video below for the second half of my answers, or keep reading!

Reading Wrap Up // October 2017

I read four books this month.. and it would seem like October wasn't a good reading month for me if you just looked at the number of books I read, but who cares if I only read four books this month!?! Actually - me, I care, and I talked about why I think my reading was so low this month in a video. Check it out here. Regardless, I picked some winners this October and really enjoyed all of the books I did manage to read! Keep reading to find out about the awesome books I read in October, or watch the video above!

Social Media and Reading // The Struggle and A Giveaway!!!

I had a really rough reading month this October. I found myself in a reading slump induced by social media, and I don't like. I hate that I am choosing mindless social scrolling over my love of reading. How did this happen!?! In the video above I chat about how I noticed the problem and some things I am planning to do this November to try and fix it. One of the things I am trying this month is reading books by authors I love, such as JoJo Moyes. Check out the giveaway I am hosting for her book of short stories, "Paris for One" by visiting the Rafflecopter giveaway linked in the video above.

Do you struggle with balancing social media, blogging, and the online book world with your love of reading? How do you juggle all of the things? Let me know below in the comments!

Final Girls by Riley Sager - Book Review

Spooky Scary Book Tag

YAY! and also BOO! for spooky book tags :) This tag was originally created by Clever Fox. Check out her video here! I don't read "scary" books that often, so I had to dig deep for this tag! BUT! I thought of some *great* books that I don't get to talk about very often because I read them a while ago or they just haven't naturally popped up for me to mention. So I'm excited to have the opportunity to share them with you! Keep reading for my "spooky" answers or watch the video above!

ThredUp Haul // October 2017

I think I can count on one hand the number of times I have posted something unbook-ish. But this was just one of those times! I had to share! I have watched a million ThredUp haul videos and decided it was time that I try ordering some items myself - this website is a total game changer. I love the sustainability aspects of it, and also the amazing deals! Check out the video above for all of the items that I got, how I think they fit, what items I want to keep, and what I'll be returning!

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch - Book Review

I finally did it! I have been wanting to read this book for SO LONG, and it finally happened! Ah, that is such a good feeling, right!? What's even better is that "Dark Matter" totally lived up to the hype for me, becoming one of my favorite science fiction novels ever! Check out my 60 second book review for Dark Matter by Blake Crouch by clicking above!

October TBR & Currently Reading

October is here - it's been here, it's the middle of the month -oops! And I totally neglected to post my TBR list for the month. So instead, I'm letting you know what book ( or in this case book, I've only read one book so far this month...fail, but also a win because the book was so, so good) what books I still need to read, and a book that I DNF'd this month, which is super rare for me. For the full scoop, check out the video above, or just keep reading!

Q&A Answers I Part One I

To celebrate reaching 500 subscribers on my YouTube channel - I asked for subscribers to submit questions, and I got some really fun ones! So many amazing questions, that I decided to split my answers up into two different videos and posts. For the answers to these awesome questions and my attempts at giving an awesome answer, watch the video above or just keep reading!

Turtles All The Way Down by John Green - Book Review

Finally Fall Book Tag

It might not feel like Fall here in South Texas, but darn it - I'm going to put on a smile, turn up the air conditioning, and pretend : ) Check out the video below to see my answers to some fun prompts, or keep reading to see even more thoughts about my Fall inspired reading recommendations!

Reading Wrap Up // September 2017

Although it seems like the typical reaction to the end of the month is shock and dismay- I don't feel that way about the end of September. September 2017 was a full month for me - it is my birthday month, and enjoyed lots of fun and activities with friends and family, and of course, I also did a lot of reading! September was kind of an awesome reading month for me. Watch the video below to find out why or keeping reading to find out my favorite, and not so favorite, reads from September 2017.

Books to Checkout // October 2017

There are SO MANY good books coming out this October, and as a reader, it can be a little overwhelming at times! Which books should you pick up in a month filled by amazing new releases? I have seven books that I want to share with you, that I think you should check out this October or add to your ever growing TBR stack. One in particular I am super excited about- Let's dive in!

Booktube Channel Recommendations

As much as I love blogging about books  - the quiet moments of typing up a review and reading other blogs - I also love talking about books. I started engaging with a "book community" on Instagram, which grew to this blog, which grew to my Youtube channel. If you're new to watching other people talk about books on Youtube, or even if you are not, click below where I chat about seven bookish channels on Youtube that I think you need to check out!

Fall Bookshelf Tour

It's that time of the year, yay! I one of those annoying people who loves the change of season to Fall and Winter. Unfortunately for me, I also live in a place where the seasons don't change a whole lot ( South Texas). So I compensate by decorating! Click the video below for a quick tour of my fall bookshelf decor.

The Best Kind of People by Zoe Whittall - Book Review

Something I run into frequently reading adult fiction, are books with a really cool premise. Those ideas and topics that I am so excited to see the author explore, and for me to explore myself- that I scoop the book up as soon as I read the back cover- unfortunately, sometimes those books don't live up to the hype I've created in my mind. Keep reading to find out where I feel "The Best Kind of People" fell short.

The I Suck At Readathons... Readathon

Sometimes it is helpful to take a step back and acknowledge the things that we are not so great at in this world of books, a little constructive criticism, per se. Well I suck at readathons - I am absolutely terrible at them, but I think I've found one that I can do! Keep reading to find out what readthon may break my curse.

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

One of the most popular books of the summer, "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon was everywhere this August - and I scooped up a copy as soon as my library had it available. Keep reading to find out if I enjoyed this summers must read YA contemporary.

The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli - Book Review

When I started blogging and making videos on Youtube, I knew that I would probably start adding more YA books to my TBR- and I was definitely not mad about it- but I maybe wasn't that excited either? YA lit is, not exaggerating,*everywhere* in the online book community! Generally, I don't tend to enjoy YA( sorry)- which is a bummer. I'll hear about a YA book and think- wow, the premise sounds great - but once I am actually reading the book- the voice of the narrator, or the YA tropes, or the fact that I am a middle-aged woman, hits me, and I don't end up enjoying the book. "The Upside of Unrequited" is one of the few YA books I have read recently that defied those terrible odds. Keep reading to see what I loved so much about "The Upside of Unrequited" by Becky Albertalli

September 2017 TBR

I'm trying for a really good reading month, guys! How about you!?! I am trying my hardest to set myself up for success. Keep reading to see what books I will be reading ( I'm super excited for them!) and some tricks I am using to have a good reading month!

August Reading Wrap Up + Giveaway

Holy moly - August was a seriously insane month for me. But nothing compares to the craziness of the last week. My little family and I live about 30 minutes away from where the eye of Hurricane Harvey first landed. We evacuated on Thursday, and sat watching the TV, hoping that our home would still be here when we returned. I feel so incredibly blessed that our home was somehow miraculously unscathed besides minor fence damage. My heart and prayers go out to all of the people who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey #Texasforever.

Ten Hidden Gem Books in Non Fiction

Ah - nonfiction. Nonfiction books are often given the bad rap of being old, boring, grandpa books- and certainly, those nonfiction books are out there (snore)! But, I feel like, as readers, we have a much more developed appreciation for nonfiction and all of the amazing benefits there are to reading this genre. I weeded through all of the nonfiction books I have read in the last few years ( A LOT ) and found ten books that I felt were excellent examples of why I *love* nonfiction books as much as I do. Keep reading to see the list and some video reviews for the books I chose.


We Are All The Same
 Jim Wooten

goodreads// library// amazon

I recently read "We Are All The Same" and it is just such a good book that touches on so many of the reasons why I *love* non fiction so much. Not only is "We Are All The Same" incredibly touching - the book tells the story of a young South African boy born with HIV who is taken in by an adoptive mother, but you also learn so, so much history about South Africa and AIDS- but not in a boring text book way, of course! The author intertwines the stories together so while you are learning about Nkosi and his adoptive mother Gail,  your understanding of the AIDS epidemic increases and vice versa. Non fiction books like this are also great because it gives the reader the chance to catch up or refresh their knowledge on a topic- for me, the AIDS epidemic, apartheid, etc. started a little before my time, it was incredibly enlightening to be able to get a full history of these important topics while also enjoying such a touching story as well! Click the link to read my blog post about "We Are All The Same" where I list Five Things I Learned by reading "We Are All The Same". 


On Immunity
Eula Biss

goodreads // library // amazon

Non fiction is such a good resource for "hot button" issues- a good, well researched non fiction book can get you caught up on an important issue way more reliably than Google. I was curious about immunizations when my son was born - I had heard a lot of talk about choosing not to vaccinate, a possible autism link etc. While I knew I wanted to have my son vaccinated, I also wanted to be able to discuss the topic intelligently and explain my decision. "On Immunity" is a great resource  for vaccine information,  is definitely pro vaccine, and presents all of the information in a very reasoned but also uniquely creative way. Check out my video review of "On Immunity" below!

Hillbilly Elegy 
JD Vance

goodreads // library // amazon

I had *no* idea what to expect when I started this book! It came onto my reading radar around the time of the recent election, and political books are kind of a big reading turn off for me, especially right now. The political climate is just exhausting, and reading is my safe/ self care space - but I am so glad that I took a chance on this book! "Hillbilly Elegy" never felt overly political- instead it was an incredibly interesting and motivational story about a young boy growing up in poverty who makes something of himself that no one would've predicted. I love that "Hillbilly Elegy" fights the assumption that is so common in low socioeconomic environments - no matter what I do, I'm going to be stuck here doing what I've seen my family/ friends/ etc. do. I can not tell you the number of times this book put a smile on my face because I was so proud and inspired by the author and his message. Check out my video review for "Hillbilly Elegy" below!

Juniper
Kelley and Thomas French

goodreads // library // amazon

Question of the day - do you cry easily when reading a book, or are you a little tougher to get to tears? What's the last book that made you cry? I do not consider myself someone who cries easily when reading, but phew, "Juniper" had me crying constantly! This is such a sweet and sincere story written by a couple who fought for years to become pregnant, and after finally successfully conceiving, gave birth to their daughter, Juniper, at 24 weeks gestation. I honestly have trouble even talking about this book because it makes me so emotional!!! Want some embarrassing ( to me : ) evidence?! Check out my video review of "Juniper" below!

Talking as Fast as I Can

Lauren Graham

goodreads // library // amazon

I have a ridiculously huge girl crush on Lauren Graham and could just gush about her, Gilmore Girls, and Parenthood for hours. I can count the number of times I have preordered a book on my hands, and this book was one of them! If you haven't read this insightful, funny, and adorable book yet, I highly recommend it. Lauren is such an excellent writer, and this book is the perfect peek behind the curtain of her life. I couldn't put it down and finished it in one day, one glorious perfect day ; ) Click here to read a blog post about my Top 5 Favorite Moments from "Talking As Fast As I Can" by Lauren Graham.


7: An Experimental Mutiny
by Jen Hatmaker

goodreads // library // amazon

"7: An Experimental Mutiny" is a super unique read, and gave me the benefit of reading about something I struggle with every day - materialism. This book explores the true story of the Hatmaker family and how for seven months they practiced extreme minimalism. Each month had a different focus, ranging from food, to clothes, to entertainment - but whatever the focus, the author tried to pare her life down to only seven items. What if I only had seven pieces of clothes? Seven different books? ( I KNOW! CRAZY!) Could only eat seven different types of food? This book challenges the way that you think about your belongings and how they define you. I feel incredibly blessed to have the privileges that I do, and I think non fiction books like this gem are perfectly humbling, and inspirational, as well!


Furiously Happy
Jenny Lawson

goodreads // library // amazon

Sometimes books fall into your life and lap at just the right moment in time- that is definitely the case for me with "Furiously Happy" by Jenny Lawson. While I had heard of "the blogess" before, I hadn't read much of her work. Shortly after giving birth to my son, I stumbled on her book about depression and anxiety- my heart swooned and felt a kindred connection with this stranger. Non fiction has this amazingly transformative power as you hear someone describe their inner thoughts and find yourself thinking- ohmygod, me too! If you struggle with depression or anxiety I highly recommend this book and author for some comedic stress relief.


When Breath Becomes Air 
Paul Kalanathi

goodreads // library // amazon

Another tear jerker that is absolutely worth the read. "When Breath Becomes Air" is about Dr. Paul Kalanathi, his life, and following his diagnosis with cancer, his death. Typically books like this scare me, as I have quite a bit of health anxiety - but Paul's writing about his coping with cancer while completing his medical training, the birth of his daughter, and overall just living a wonderful and meaningful life, was incredibly inspiring. The conclusion by his wife was touching as well. "When Breath Becomes Air" truly led me to mourn the death of the author- he was such an incredibly talented person and finishing his book I felt so glad to have shared the time I read it with him in the only way possible. Click here to read a full review of When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi!


Quiet 
Susan Cain

goodreads // library // amazon

Can you tell I love non fiction, yet? Well, here is another example of why! : ) "Quiet" by Susan Cain is all about introversion - a personality type that in general is sometimes looked down upon or questioned. Prior to reading this book, I knew I was an introvert- but I didn't know why, or what relationship that had with my tendency to prefer/ crave quiet, alone time. If you've ever wondered about what makes introverts tick or how family/friends/workplaces can become more introvert friendly- this is a great book. After reading "Quiet" I felt this sense of freedom to be me and embrace my introversion- it is incredibly liberating to know that your natural instincts have a reason and a purpose!



Brain on Fire 
Susannah Cahalan

goodreads // library // amazon

Medical mysteries are fascinating to me - and the story of Susannah Cahalan's descent into "a month of madness" definitely caught my attention from the very start. I was moved by the faith that her family had in her, and she had in herself, to overcome this mystery illness that completely transformed her life practically overnight! The author, Cahalan, does such an excellent job weaving her personal experiences together with medical information, accounts from her friends and family, as well as the heroic doctor who fought for a proper diagnosis. Definitely a book I recommend.


Have you read any of the non fiction gems that I loved? Let me know what you thought of these books below! What non fiction books have you read and enjoyed? I'd love some recommendations!

My Experience with Havenly : free, online design help from a professional

Raise your hand if you feel like you have zero decorating knowledge- yep, me too. I love my house and its current style, but if I'm being the least bit honest with myself- I'm not responsible for it. I am incredibly blessed to have ridiculously helpful family, who are incredibly skilled at decorating. Outside help is a must for me. I know what I like but I am terrible at implementing it, and finding products to match --- enter Havenly. Keep reading to see the awesome design ideas they suggested and how I plan on implementing to totally update my style!

The Thicket by Joe R Lansdale - Book Review

" To some extent I find sin like coffee. When I was young and had my first taste of it I found it bitter and nasty, but later on I learned to like it by putting a little milk in it, and then I learned to like it black. Sin is like that. You sweeten it a little with lies, and then you get so you can take it straight." - The Thicket by Joe R. Lansdale

You know those books that pop up on your TBR list and leave you racking your brain trying to figure out how the world it landed on your list? That is totally this book for me! I have no earthly idea where I got the recommendation to read this book, but it made it not just onto my TBR list, but all the way onto my library holds list ( a competitive place to be!)- and so, here we are! "The Thicket" was definitely unlike any book I have read lately, and reminded me of "True Grit" meets "The Wizard of Oz" - kind of? Keep reading to learn more about my experience reading "The Thicket" by Joe R. Lansdale.

Check out my video review of "The Thicket" below or keep reading for my thoughts on this historical fiction novel.

Five Things I Learned From "We Are All The Same" by Jim Wooten

Non fiction is one of my absolute favorite genres to read. As amazing as fiction authors can be at setting a scene, imagining vivid characters and situations that explore ideas and emotions - real life "true" stories have a lasting impact that is incredibly difficult for me to find in literary fiction. That impact was definitely felt after I finished reading "We Are All the Same" by Jim Wooten. This book shares the story of Nkosi Johnson, a young South African boy who was born with HIV, and how his courage and determination, as well as his bond with the white South African woman who adopted him, brought attention to such an important issue at an incredibly crucial time.

Keep reading to explore the five things I learned from reading " We Are All The Same" by Jim Wooten and to find out if you would like to read this book, too!

Book Blogger Newbie Tag 2.0

I feel like I will forever be a newbie- at everything, but especially at book blogging. lol. No matter how many years I might blog, vlog, instagram - what have you - the internet is such a vast and constantly developing place, it can be hard, to impossible to feel like you can stay on top of it! So in that spirit, I decided to adapt a tag which has been floating around Youtube, the Booktube Newbie Tag 2.0, and answer the questions for book blogging. Keep reading to see my answers to some pretty interesting questions!

Library Book Haul - August 2017

I've been quite a few states away from home, visiting family for the last month - one of the first things I did before heading home from vacation - put book on hold so that they would be ready for me to pick up at the library the day I came home. I think I may have a problem. jk, the library is life. Keep reading to find out which books I'm excited to read in the month of August and comment below to tell me which of these books you've read and I need to read first/ immediately return to the library!

Ginny Moon- by Benjamin Ludwig - Book Review

This book is one that grabbed me right away because of the description and the reviews. "Meet Ginny. She’s fourteen, autistic, and has a heart-breaking secret… Ginny Moon is trying to make sense of a world that just doesn’t seem to add up…." I had to know what Ginny's secret was, and I was really intrigued by the idea of an autistic narrator-  while there have been a couple of well known books from that perspective, I haven't read a book like this before and wanted to see how that might work as a narrative choice. Read more to see my thoughts on "Ginny Moon" by Benjamin Ludwig. 

When We Collided- by Emery Lord- Book Review

A YA book!? whaaaa!? Maybe it's thanks to #booktube, #bookstagram, my blog reading obsession- so many possible reasons- but YA has been on my brain lately. And with a million different titles to start with it was hard to know where to begin. The premise and cover for "When We Collided" just called my name- was it a good place to start? Did I break my curse of disliking YA fiction? Keep reading to find out! ; )

Hillbilly Elegy - by JD Vance - Book Review

 

Rarely ( like close to never) do I hear that a book is "politically charged" and then decide to pick it up- so I'm *super* surprised with myself that I picked this one! Not only did I pick it up, but I finished it in record time, and I'm even more surprised that I *so* enjoyed it! Keep reading to see my thoughts on "Hillbilly Elegy" by JD Vance.

Book of the Month Club- I'm in Love

June was my first month with BOTM Club- but I am already hooked...

Siracusa - by Delia Ephron - Book Review

Delia Ephron, screenwriter of much loved films such as "You've Got Mail", "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants", and "Michael" wrote a fiction book? Well, sign me up! Sounds super cute, and just what I want to read these beachy weeks at the beginning of summer! But, oh boy, was I surprised by what waited for me in Ephron's book, "Siracusa"!

Allie and Bea - by Catherine Ryan Hyde- Book Review

"Pay it Forward" is one of my favorite movies. While the cast is obviously wonderful, the story is just as strong and enjoyable. When I found out the author of the book that inspired "Pay it Forward", Catherine Ryan Hyde, had a new release, I jumped at the chance to read it - and I am so glad that I did! "Allie and Bea" was an absolutely delightful book with strong characters and a diverse range of questions that it asks the reader to explore.

Check on my video review of the book below or keep reading for all of my thoughts about "Allie and Bea" by Catherine Ryan Hyde.

I Know What I'm Doing and Other Lies I Tell Myself - by Jen Kirkman - Book Review

 

I'm sure that this goes against one of the main rules of blogging - but if you have not seen Jen Kirkman in Drunk History - I'm going to have to ask you to leave, you can't sit with us. You need to go to Youtube, watch Drunk History, and then, or course, you should head back here. annddd you're welcome. I love Jen Kirkman on that show. She is honest, fresh, and sharp, as well as drunk - and just so relateable. All of which pretty well sums up for me why I love her comedy and why I jumped at the opportunity to read her newest book.

Book Review - A Man Called Ove - by Fredrik Backman

" She just smiled and said that she loved books more than anything, and started telling him excitedly what each of the ones in her lap was about. And Ove realized that he wanted to hear her talking about all the things she loved for the rest of his life." - A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

April 2017 Wrap up and May 2017 TBR

Oh, is it the middle of May? Sounds like a really good time to do my April wrap up ; )

Books I Read April 2017

I read 4 books in the month of April 2017. Not anything to write home about, but! it was a pretty busy month between traveling home from Missouri after visiting family and getting back into the swing of things at home with my kiddo. Below I have links and a few quick comments about each of the books as well as YouTube videos I made this month for the books I read.

We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter
(my review) (amazon)

I absolutely love WWII historical fiction- particularly when it is written about real individuals. "We Were the Lucky Ones" is just the kind of book, as it tells the story of Georgia Hunter's family. I really appreciate the unique aspects of this book - I have not read very many World War II novels about Polish families- and their story of survival spans the globe, which definitely gave a different perspective than what you might typically find in a book like this. I did struggle with some aspects of this book- it was a bit slow at times and I had a difficult time keeping the characters straight or connecting with them when the story and perspective changed so frequently.


Becoming Bonnie by Jenni L Walsh 
(my review) (amazon)

It's a double blessing when on top of finding a book you really enjoy, you also find a new author that you love! This was the case for me after finishing "Becoming Bonnie" by Jenni L Walsh. I enjoyed reading about Bonnie Parker and her transformation into Clyde's accomplice. I was so impressed by how plausible the author made this transformation seem. I can not wait to read another book by her!

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
(my review) (amazon)

I read this book for my book club, it was my turn to pick - and it was between this and The Circle by Dave Eggers, which I still very much want to read! I had heard of this book so many times, and didn't even read the synopsis before I purchased it several months ago. I was a little anxious when I started the book and found Ove to be such a grump. I really struggled with him as the main character and accepting his grumpy nature - but the writing in this book is just so beautiful that it completly made up for it! Another great author find this month as I am sure I will be reading more book by Fredrik Backman soon!


Always by Sarah Jio 
(my review) (amazon)


My only two star read of the month was "Always" by Sarah Jio. I really struggled to finish this book and I think my not enjoying it might be an issue of personal taste, as the book has almost four stars on goodreads. I just found so much of the book unlikely or uncomfortable. While I did like that the book addressed homelessness, it also felt heavy handed in that as well which took away from the story.

May 2017 TBR

I have six books on my May 2017 TBR. This month is already flying by, and so is my reading. Looking at the list, I have already finished half of them - woohoo!

Boundaries with Kids by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
This book was recommended and lent to me by a neighbor. This is one in a series of books that Dr. Cloud has written regarding the use of boundaries in relationships. "Boundaries with Kids" emphasizes the importance of teaching empathy and kindness to your children while setting firm and known boundaries with known consequences. I am already impressed by this book and plan to purchase a copy for myself to review as my little guy gets older.





I Know What I'm Doing by Jen Kirkman

I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher. When I accepted the offer to read it, I didn't know that I knew who Jen Kirman is- but I do, and she is hilarious! This is a bit of a throw back, but if you have not seen her on Drunk History - you really need to check it out. Her stand up generally speaking is so funny and I really enjoy it. Hoping I enjoy this book as well!






Allie and Bea by Catherine Ryan Hyde
I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher. The first thing that really interested me about "Allie and Bea" was the author, Hyde also wrote "Pay it Forward" - which was adapted for film and stars some amazing people like Helen Hunt, Kevin Spacey, and Haley Joel Osment. I freaking love that movie. I haven't read "Pay it Forward", so I was super excited to read a book by the same author since I enjoy that movie so much! "Allie and Bea" just sounds like a really sweet story with a good heart and message- I am excited to start it.




Other books I am hoping to read this month -