mini reviews

Here is what I've been reading for the past 3 weeks:

1. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan - Terrifying! I don't know that I've ever actually read a book that can be classified as horror. My husband is always pestering me to go see scary movies with him and I refuse. When FHT is made into a movie I don't know that I will be able to watch it! That being said, this is a fabulously exciting and well-written horror story.

2.Another Faust by Daniel & Dina Nayeri - I'd almost like to call this a quiet fantasy, meaning there are no dragons, wizards, or huge action-packed scenes. But I said almost. This is not a quiet story by any means; the characters are memorable and powerful and the story dark. I'm a big fan of fractured fairy tales and retellings and this is no exception. I linked to the audiobook for this one because I purchased my copy of this on iTunes and listened to it. The narration was SO well done!

3. Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko - I loved the book Al Capone Does My Laundry, and therefore had high hopes for this title. I was not disappointed. Al Capone Shines My Shoes is humorous and touching in a way that reminds me of Gary D. Schmidt's Wednesday Wars. I think this would be a perfect classroom read aloud. I can't imagine many kids in 5th - 8th who would read this and be disappointed. It's just as exciting, well-written and crowd-pleasing as the first!

[note: the copy I read was an ARC]

4. The Comeback Season by Jennifer E. Smith - Amazing parallels between life and baseball are drawn in this heartbreaking story of love and loss. Highly recommended for ages 14 and up, baseball fan or not.

5. The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen - I have read other books by Dessen and enjoyed them, but haven't particularly loved them...until now. I am so glad that one of my students gave this to me to read! I really sympathized with the main character, Macy, in this story as she explored loss and love. The character development in this story was intriguing and wonderful.

Alea, I dare you!

Alea, I dare you to accept this challenge. I dare you to complete all 9 items on the list below by October 9th.

9 great movies as decided by Tiff
[please note: Alea has seen almost every movie I have ever seen! It took me hours to find 9 that she hadn't!]

1. Away We Go
2. Before Sunrise
3. Before Sunset
4. Singin' in the Rain
5. Newsies
6. Avalon
7. Sunshine Cleaning
8. The Little Princess [one of my childhood faves!]
9. I saved the best for last... White Christmas - my all-time favorite movie :)

If you fail in this challenge you must send me a YA book that I haven't read and YOU have a loved! [don't worry, I will send it back!]

But if you succeed then I will send YOU a book!

If you choose to accept this dare you must follow these rules:

• Blog about your acceptance and log in with Mr Linky on the correct Acceptance Post here.
  
• Blog about your thoughts after completing each item. When you've completed the challenge check in with Mr Linky on the correct Completed Challenge Post on the I Dare You to Accept This Challenge Blog!
  
• Once you accept (or complete) this challenge then make a list of 10 related items (ie all Bollywood movies, your favorite tv show or book series, favorite genre of books etc) and challenge one of your friends...even the one who challenged you!
  
• Need help deciding on a dare? Check out what others are doing here.

An intro.

There are two things that make me very happy in life:

1. Books. I adore books. YA fiction is my absolute fav, followed closely by children’s picture books, middle grade novels, and anything else for ages 18 or under. I also enjoy a good photography book or art book from time to time.

2. Bargains. I get such a thrill out of a good deal! I have been known to come home from shopping and make a list of what I purchased, then compare the retail price to what I actually paid. Totally nerdy, I know. But it’s not a bad thing to be known [as I was in college] as ‘the girl who gets the best deals.’ Hopefully, people don’t think I’m too cheap!

I can’t guarantee these are the only topics I will blog about, esepcially as it is summer and I will be traveling ‘across the pond’ for the first time EVER, but I promise most blog posts will be about B & B. [and photography, my other love]

PS - you can see below that I started this blog a LONG time ago! Decided now with all of the reading I have been doing that I needed to start blogging about it!