I'm NOW Addicted to Hoopla!!

I signed up for Hoopla through my public library at the end of December 2025. Each month, I am able to borrow four items per month via Hoopla for FREE. This includes music, movies, audiobooks, ebooks, or some combination of these items as a digital download. 

So far, I've checked out only ebooks or audiobooks through Hoopla. I have checked out the maximum amount of books each month.

I have created a wishlist of 36 books that I will able to borrow through Hoopla this year. That's 9 months worth of books I can borrow before the end of 2026!

Is there anyone else out there hooked on Hoopla too?  I can't figure why I didn't sign up for Hoopla sooner.

Top Ten Tuesday - Books With Green Covers!!

 

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. Top Ten Tuesday was originally created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

I have plenty of books with green book covers in my personal collection. Below are ten books with green covers I still very much want to read.

1. Home Before Dark by Riley Sager

2. The Sisters of the Glass Ferry by Kim Michele Richardson

3. The Imposters by Tom Rachman

4. The Floating Girls by Lo Patrick

5. The House Girl by Tara Conklin

6. Furious Hours by Casey Cep

7. The Drunken Botanist by Amy Stewart

8. Weyward by Emilia Hart

9. When the Tamarind Tree Blooms by Elaine Russell

10. Creepers by David Morrell

Happy Saint Patrick's Day! I hope you're reading great books!

Redbone: The True Story of a Native American Rock Band by Christian Staebler et al.

 

I remember the rock band, Redbone, from the 1970s... And, I remembered them as a one hit wonder for the song, 'Come and Get Your Love'. Little did I know that Redbone actually had many other hits too.

I've had Redbone: The True Story of a Native American Rock Band by Christian Staebler on my reading wishlist for a number of years and finally decided to read the ebook edition this month.

I really enjoyed this comic book/graphic nonfiction book!! Redbone was an all Native American band and they made it big time. I learned not only a lot about the origins of Redbone, but also a lot about Native American history and Native American activism during the 1960s and 1970s. Pat Vegas, a co-founder of Redbone, is a Native American and Native American activist as well.

Below is a book trailer for Redbone: The True Story of a Native American Rock Band by Christian Staebler:

I am giving Redbone: The True Story of a Native American Rock Band by Christian Staebler a rating of 4stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

What Matters About Reading? Book Tag Time!

I watch Criminolly, a book related YouTube channel, about reading and books. Olly, from  Criminolly, did the "What Matters About Reading?" book tag, which I enjoyed watching. 

I decided to do the "What Matters About Reading?" book tag here on my blog too. 

1. What do you want to get out of reading? What stays with you after?

I read for a wide variety of reasons. I read for entertainment, escapism, relaxation, learning new things, empathy, and diversity.

What stays with me is the enjoyment of reading a book and feeling relaxed and satisfied after I've read a book. I also find joy in learning new things, which is probably why I love reading nonfiction books so much.

2. What is reading with intention?

Reading with intention is reading books that fulfill your interests and needs. Plus, being present and savoring the written word with relish.

3. What interests you about somebody else’s relationship to a book? 

I like knowing what makes someone excited about reading books in general, what genres they like reading, and hearing what makes a book they've read great. 

Sometimes, I am even swayed to read a book by another avid reader based on the book's summary and what this reader thought about the book.

4. How do you talk about books with others? What do you usually want them to know about a book? 

Usually, I share my thoughts about books I've read here on my blog. I also share my thoughts about books on Bookcrossing with other readers in the forums section. This year, I am also participating in a monthly online book club offered though the public library, where we discuss a book club pick we've read during the month. Additionally, I discuss books with other avid readers in person when I can.

5. Do you review books (publicly or privately)? 

I review books publicly! Hence my blog! Occasionally, I will leave reviews on Goodreads or Amazon.

6. Do you use a rating system? Why? Why not?

Yes, I use a rating system when reviewing books. I give my reviews a numerical rating between one and five. 1 = terrible, 2 = okay, 3 = like, 4 = really like, 5 = love. If the book I read falls between two ratings, then I'll give it a rating of 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, or 4.5.

I like to rate books after reading them to gauge how I liked reading them at that moment in time. 

7. Do you ask yourself if you’ve liked a book? And how much does liking a book matter? 

Yes, I ask myself if I've liked a book I've read and this is important to me. I don't want to read poorly written books or things I'm not enjoying... Or if, I'm reading something to learn a topic/subject, then I should learn something from reading the book.... Otherwise, what's the point (in this case) if I learn nothing from the book. So, enjoying a book matters a lot.

8. What do you seek out from others who read publicly? Reviews, summaries, analysis, a curriculum? 

I like hearing other people's thoughts regarding what they think about the books they've read, whether they write reviews for blogs, etc., participate in book clubs, or just like discussing books in person with other people.

9. Who do you go to for those things?

The short answer is a variety of places...Sometimes I find books from blogger reviews or Bookcrossers, book club picks, the articles I read, the topics I'm interested in learning more about, genres I like reading, or books from authors who I have read books from in the past.

Bookish Quote of the Day!!!

 

Not Reading Could Undermine Democracy!!

 

I watched this YouTube video earlier this week from BBC Politics and BBC News. I found the topic interesting on why reading is important to democracy. Not only does reading books (both fiction and nonfiction) help with empathy, but many other things like critical thinking. 

Watch the above video to learn more from the panel of speakers.

Selling Used Books For Profit?!

 

This short video almost makes me want to start selling used books at various locations as a side hustle!

The Woman in the Garden by Jill Johnson

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of The Woman in the Garden by Jill Johnson, which is well narrated by Rachel Capell.

Jill Johnson is a new to me author. I'm always on the look out for new to me authors. I was drawn to the plot summary for The Woman in the Garden as this novel contains "a Professor of Botanical Toxicology with only her extensive collection of poisonous plants for company" and also a mystery is involved.

First off, I found the protagonist, Eustacia Rose, annoying!! She's very smart, but very odd, quirky and eccentric... These can be good things, but I found her to be simply annoying for the most part throughout much of this novel... However, by the end of the novel, Eustacia Rose had grown on me.

Overall, I liked this mystery novel featuring a woman sleuth. There was a lot of twists and turns throughout The Woman in the Garden. By the end of the novel, I was glad it was over with though. The Woman in the Garden is the first novel in Eustacia Rose mystery series. I think I'll be passing on reading the rest of the series.

Below is the publisher's summary for The Woman in the Garden by Jill Johnson, which I found on Goodreads:

Every garden has its secrets…

Eustacia Rose is a Professor of Botanical Toxicology with only her extensive collection of poisonous plants for company. Her life is quiet, her schedule is unchanging, and her closest friends are the specimens she tends to. But she does have one other watching her neighbors through her telescope, taking extensive notes on their lives for research.

When Eustacia hears a scream one evening, the temptation to investigate proves irresistible. Through her telescope, she catches a glimpse of her extraordinarily beautiful new neighbor, Simone, and soon becomes obsessed with her and her life. But who are these four men that orbit Simone? And why does Eustacia get the feeling she needs to protect her from them?

One day, Eustacia comes home to find her precious garden destroyed and learns that someone close to Simone has been murdered with a rare poisonous plant. As she is drawn deep into the crime, Eustacia's closed-off life begins to crumble, forcing her to break free from the walls of her secret garden and take matters into her own hands. Soon, she's forced to realize that the world is filled with people who are just as toxic as her plants....

I am giving The Woman in the Garden by Jill Johnson a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Tope Ten Tuesday - Book Titles With Ordinal Numbers

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. Top Ten Tuesday was originally created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Below are ten books with ordinal numbers in their title. These books sound like good reads to add to my reading wishlist.

1. The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff

2. Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare

3. The Third Life of Grange Copeland by Alice Walker

4. First Boy by Gary D Schmidt

5. The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult 

6. Second Nature by Alice Hoffman

7. The Fifth Agreement by Miguel Ruiz

8. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

9. Fourth Grade Rats by Jerry Spinelli

10. First Crossing by Donald R. Gallo

Have you read any of the above books? 

Book Recommendations For International Women's Day!

 I discovered an article on Bookbub's website titled, Celebrate International Women's Day with These Books. I have not read any of the books mentioned in the article. Most of them sound really good. I will be adding On Morrison by Namwali Serpell, The Sea Captain's Wife by Tilar J. Mazzeo, It Girl by Allison Pataki and The Woman and Her Stars by Penny Haw to my ever growing reading wishlist.

Happy International Women's Day!!

 

I hope all of the women of the world have an amazing day celebrating the amazing women they are!

Today, I wanted to highlight ten women writers I've discovered in recent years! I enjoyed reading and reviewing the following ten books by ten different women writers. I chose these women writers at random.

1. Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

2. My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

3. Pet by Akwaeke Emezi

4. The Seas by Samantha Hunt

5. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

6. City of Saints and Thieves by Natalie C. Anderson

7. Quintessentially: The One by Aleatha Romig

8. Brass by Xhenet Aliu

9. Steeped to Death by Gretchen Rue

10. The True Story of Hansel and Gretel by Louise Murphy

Have you read any of these books I've listed in my post today? Or enjoyed reading other books written by these women writers?

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

83 Days in Mariupol: A War Diary: A Graphic Novel by Don Brown

 

I am an English language volunteer/tutor for someone living in Ukraine via ENGin. I just started as an English language volunteer/tutor in January of this year and am currently working with a single person online at this time.

I accidentally stumbled across 83 Days in Mariupol: A War Diary: A Graphic Novel by Don Brown by performing an online search through our public library for comics/graphic novels. 

Because I am working with an individual living in Ukraine, who wants to learn to speak English better, I thought it would be a great idea to read this work of nonfiction written in the graphic novel format. So, I checked this ebook out from our public library via Hoopla.

83 Days in Mariupol: A War Diary: A Graphic Novel by Don Brown is geared towards young adults. I found this book to be a quick overview about the conflict/war between Ukraine and Russia as it happened in Mariupol, Ukraine in 2022. 

I wanted to read a book where I could slowly ease myself into learning more about Ukraine. Especially with regards to learning about the history of Ukraine and the conflict/war between Ukraine and Russia. There's a lot of history between both countries and I'm sure there's a lot to learn. But I wanted an easy book to read and understand in order to learn more about Ukraine. 83 Days in Mariupol: A War Diary was a good place to start for me.

I enjoyed the artwork, writing, and overview of the war between Russia and Ukraine as it pertains to Mariupol, Ukraine. The events took place in 2022 and the events were horrific! According to what I read in this book, 90% of Mariupol was destroyed and is still occupied by Russia today.

Below is the publisher's summary for 83 Days in Mariupol: A War Diary: A Graphic Novel by Don Brown from the Goodreads website:

A young adult graphic novel that captures the complexities of the war in Ukraine, focusing on the siege of Mariupol (Feb ’22 – May ’22) and the brave people who stayed to defend their city against Russian forces as well as the resulting effects on global politics.

A city ruined. In once quiet residential streets, two armies battle, driving people into cellars and basements with little food or water. No lights or heat. Dwindling medical supplies. Shells and bullets deliver cruel, random death to the young and old, men, women, and children.

This is Mariupol, a Ukrainian city and early target of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Bordering Russian-occupied territory, the coastal city seemed doomed to a defeat that would come within days, if not hours. Could Mariupol, and Ukraine, survive? As Russian rockets threatened the city, Ukrainians resisted, and with a heroic combination of sacrifice and bravery, the besieged city endured . . . for months. But it all came at a steep cost.

With compassion and his keen journalist’s eye, Sibert Honor creator Don Brown illuminates the horrors of Mariupol and the depredations of its people not seen in the city since World War II. He also shows that outside of Mariupol, the city’s agonies were mirrored by similar events occurring in towns and cities across Ukraine.

83 Days in Mariupol reminds us that the bloody defiance shown at the Alamo, Dunkirk, Leningrad, and Thermopylae isn’t confined to the past but has a violent, modern presence. It is the story of senseless destruction, patriotism, and grit against long odds—a brutal battle whose consequences still reverberate across Ukraine and continue to reshape the global political landscape.

I am giving 83 Days in Mariupol: A War Diary: A Graphic Novel by Don Brown a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading to all!

American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era by Nico Lang

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era by Nico Lang and narrated by the author via Hoopla.

American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era by Nico Lang is a work of nonfiction and is the March 2026 Online Rainbow Book Club selection.

I liked this work of nonfiction, but didn't love it. The best part of American Teenager for me was that the author focused on the lives of "eight trans and nonbinary teenagers across the country, following their daily triumphs, struggles, and all that encompasses growing up trans in America today." Each teenager came from different backgrounds and each teenager lived in different states. I feel it is important to learn about the lives of other people in order to become more empathic and also to learn about the lives of others to avoid making assumptions about what we think their lives are like.

A couple of the topics that were discussed in American Teenager included gender affirming care and puberty suppressing hormones. I understand the need/importance for individuals to have a body that matches their gender identity and how this mismatch can lead to depression, suicide, etc.... BUT, personally, I am concerned about the long term, negative effects of using puberty suppressing hormones. Especially on prepubescent children. Is it really healthy to suppress puberty through drug therapy? 

I did a quick search on Google and learned that studies on puberty suppressing hormones show that "some studies suggest potential risks to neurodevelopment, such as changes in memory, stress response, and reduced IQ, evidence is not conclusive." (Clinical Advisory Network on Sex and Gender) and "reduced bone mineral density, hot flashes, fatigue, mood fluctuations, headaches, and potential long-term impacts on fertility and growth velocity." (PubMed Central) In other words, more studies need to be done to show the risks and benefits for puberty suppressing hormones. 

Below is the publisher's summary for American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era by Nico Lang from Chirp's website:

From an award-winning journalist comes a vivid and moving portrait of eight trans and nonbinary teenagers across the country, following their daily triumphs, struggles, and all that encompasses growing up trans in America today.

Media coverage tends to sensationalize the fight over how trans kids should be allowed to live, but what is incredibly rare are the voices of the people at the heart of this debate: transgender and gender nonconforming kids themselves. 

For their groundbreaking new book, journalist Nico Lang spent a year traveling the country to document the lives of transgender, nonbinary, and genderfluid teens and their families. From the tip of Florida’s conservative panhandle to vibrant queer communities in California, and from Texas churches to mosques in Illinois, American Teenager gives readers a window into the lives of Wyatt, Rhydian, Mykah, Clint, Ruby, Augie, Jack, and Kylie, eight teens who, despite what some lawmakers might want us to believe, are truly just kids looking for a brighter future.

Drawing on hundreds of hours of on-the-ground interviews with them and the people in their communities, American Teenager paints a vivid portrait of what it’s actually like to grow up trans today.

I am giving American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era by Nico Lang a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Quitters, Inc. by Stephen King

Quitters, Inc. by Stephen King had been on my radar for quite a while. I wanted to read this horror, short story ever since first learning about it. 

This month, I listened to the unabridged audio version of Quitters, Inc. via Hoopla. in one sitting as Quitters, Inc. is only 43 minutes in length. 

Quitters, Inc. is narrated by actor, Eric Roberts. I was expecting to be blown away by Eric Roberts's narration of Quitters, Inc., but I wasn't. His performance was very average.

I enjoyed Quitters, Inc. by Stephen King overall. For a short story, Quitters, Inc. is pretty well developed. Loved the ending!

Below is the publisher's summary for Quitters, Inc. by Stephen King, which I discovered on Goodreads:

Dick Morrison's life has become a nightmare of addictions, filling his days with overeating, overworking, and smoking way too much. When an old friend tells him about a surefire way to quit, he's more than willing to give it a shot. But what Dick doesn't know is that Quitters, Inc. demands a high price from anyone who strays from their rigid rules-like a few volts of electricity for the nearest and dearest... or maybe a missing thumb?. Forced to choose between his desperate need for cigarettes and the dire consequences of giving in to his addiction, Dick must decide just how important another drag really is.

I am giving Quitters, Inc. by Stephen King a rating if 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!
 

The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens

 

The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens is my third read by this author. Thank you Dorothy @ The Nature of Things for introducing me to Allen Eskens works! I've enjoyed his novels very much.

I listened to the unabridged audio version of The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens, which was nicely narrated by Ilvana Muratovic.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this thriller! It was super engaging. I finished The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens in four days. The novel is well written. The storyline follows two time lines, present day Minnesota and Bosnia in 1995. Each chapter alternates between each time line until the storyline converges. Then the remaining ten chapters takes place in Minnesota for the grand finale.

I liked the main character Hana Babic/Nura Divjak a lot. She seems like an unassuming, quiet librarian working in Minnesota. Hana/Nura is 47 years old and originally from Bosnia. At the start of this novel, a police officer comes to visit Hana/Nura at work. Hana/Nura learns her best friend (also from Bosnia) has been killed in a suspicious manner. It's at this point onward where we begin to learn more about Hana/Nura and that not all about her is as it seems. 

Hana/Nura lived a very difficult existence in Bosnia during the war. We learn that Hana/Nura witnessed her entire family being killed right in front of her. We continue to learn about what happens to Hana/Nura in Bosnia throughout the novel and how she came to the USA. We also read about Hana/Nura doing her own sleuthing into her friend's death.

All in all, The Quiet Librarian is a great read, especially if you like thrillers. I highly recommend it. The ending for The Quiet Librarian is great. I loved it!!

Below is the publisher's summary for The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens through the Goodreads website:

After the murder of her best friend, a librarian’s search for answers leads back to her own dark secrets in this sweeping novel about a woman transformed by war, family, vengeance, and love, from award-winning writer Allen Eskens.

Hana Babic is a quiet, middle-aged librarian in Minnesota who wants nothing more than to be left alone. But when a detective arrives with the news that her best friend has been murdered, Hana knows that something evil has come for her, a dark remnant of the past she and her friend had shared.

Thirty years before, Hana was someone else: Nura Divjak, a teenager growing up in the mountains of war-torn Bosnia—until Serbian soldiers arrived to slaughter her entire family before her eyes. The events of that day thrust Nura into the war, leading her to join a band of militia fighters, where she became not only a fierce warrior but a legend—the deadly Night Mora. But a shattering final act forced Nura to flee to the United States with a bounty on her head.

Now, someone is hunting Hana, and her friend has paid the price, leaving her eight-year-old grandson in Hana’s care. To protect the child without revealing her secret, Hana must again become the Night Mora—and hope she can find the killer before the past comes for them, too.

I am giving The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

Alta Journal - California Book Club - Grand Avenue by Greg Sarris

 

Earlier this month, I attended Alta Journal's California Book Club virtual event featuring author Greg Sarris and his book, Grand Avenue. Lisa See was this month's special guest interviewer.

I'd never heard of Greg Sarris before or any of his books. He's a Native American writer from Santa Rosa, California, who has lived quite a colorful life. 

I must say that listening/watching Greg Sarris speak during this live, online event was amazing! I now want to read Grand Avenue and another one of his books. I'd say that this month's California Book Club event is one of my favorites!

Above is the YouTube video of Greg Sarris talking about his writing!

Have you attended any author events recently?

Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Gamez

 

Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Gamez is my tenth read for 2026. I listened to the unabridged audiobook of Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Gamez, which was nicely narrated by Ruby Corazon.

Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Gamez is the Online Rainbow Book Club selection for the month of February 2026, which is perfect as it is a romance novel and fits in nicely for the month of February and Valentine's Day. The Online Rainbow Book Club is an online book club offered through my county's public library system. Lgbtqia+ books are read and discussed on a monthly basis within the Online Rainbow Book Club.

Kiss Me, Maybe is a romance novel featuring an asexual (or ace for short) lesbian, named, Angela Gutierrez, as the protagonist. Angela is a librarian and social media influencer. She has never been kissed. After posting a video on TikTok, which goes viral by the way, Angela's status as a late bloomer becomes widely know with her TikTok followers. 

Based on the interest of Angela's TikTok followers regarding her late bloomer status and admission that she is asexual, Angela decides to host a scavenger hunt through TikTok where one lucky recipient becomes her first kiss. Sounds like a straight forward proposition. What could go wrong? A lot that is!

There's a lot that made Kiss Me, Maybe a great read. It's an easy, breezy romance read. It's fun and quick. As a cis gender, heterosexual female, I learned a lot about ace lesbians that I didn't know prior to listening to Kiss Me, Maybe. 

This novel deals with the struggles of trying to figure out one's own sexual identity, which can be difficult, especially when you don't know who to turn to for advice or answers. Kiss Me, Maybe also discusses the struggles of coming out to family, friends and co-workers. Being bullied by some family members while other are accepting of your sexual identity is another topic addressed in Kiss Me, Maybe. Plus, other topics were discussed as well that are important too.

Additionally, Angela has had a massive crush on Krystal for years. Krystal is a bisexual bartender at the bar Angela and her best friend have visited regularly over the years. Angela holds no hope that they will ever become a couple because Krystal thinks she is incapable of loving anyone after her last serious relationship ended badly.

As much as I like Kiss Me, Maybe, it isn't perfect. The major gripe I have is the typical one I have with most romance novels. Angela and Krystal have major chemistry throughout this entire novel and flirt like crazy. Their flirtation ebbs and flows as they both try to assess how they feel about the other person romantically and whether their feelings will be reciprocated. I dislike this type of trope where you have to wait until the very end of a novel to learn whether the two characters become a couple or not. 

Below is the publisher's summary for Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Gamez from Chirp Book's website:

Librarian Angela Gutierrez has never been kissed. But after posting a video about her late bloomer status and ace identity, she's finally ready to get some firsts out of the way. Using her new influencer status to come up with a scavenger hunt idea in which the winner earns her first kiss, Angela realizes she may need some help to pull off the event. Enter Krystal Ramirez, hot bartender and Angela’s unrequited crush of five years. Despite vowing that romantic love isn’t for her, Krystal seems awfully determined to help Angela pull off the scavenger hunt and find true love.

There’s just one problem: the connection between Angela and Krystal is getting stronger and stronger the more they hang out, until Angela isn’t sure she wants to go through with the scavenger hunt after all. But Krystal is convinced that she isn’t capable of love and before long, Angela realizes she's falling head over heels for a woman who may never love her back.

I am giving Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Gamez a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Top Ten Tuesday - The Best First Sentencess From Books That Make You Want to Read Them!!

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. Top Ten Tuesday was originally created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

A first sentence in a book can make a HUGE impact on one's desire to read it! 

Below are ten first sentences from books I've yet to read. Each sentence listed below makes me want to read the book it came from.

1. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.—Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities (1859)


2. Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.—Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina (1877; trans. Constance Garnett)


3. Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anybody else, these pages must show.—Charles Dickens, David Copperfield (1850)


4. I am an invisible man.—Ralph Ellison, Invisible Man (1952)


5. Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins. —Vladimir Nabokov, Lolita (1955)

6. I am a sick man . . . I am a spiteful man.—Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Notes from Underground (1864; trans. Michael R. Katz)


7. It was a pleasure to burn.—Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451 (1953)


8. Justice?—You get justice in the next world, in this world you have the law.—William Gaddis, A Frolic of His Own (1994)


9. It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen. —George Orwell, 1984 (1949)

10. It was a wrong number that started it, the telephone ringing three times in the dead of night, and the voice on the other end asking for someone he was not.—Paul Auster, City of Glass (1985)

Use This 1972 Rule to Improve Reading Comprehension

 

A 1972 experiment that changed educational neuroscience through schema activation. Watch the above YouTube video to learn more about schema activation and the pre-reading technique that helps with reading comprehensive.

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

Choose Your Own Adventure Books!

 

Does anyone else remember the Choose Your Own Adventure books? I remember they were popular books in elementary school when I was a child. I remember you could but the mass market paperback copies at the grocery store. I read a few of these books and enjoyed them as a kid. 

I hadn't thought about the Choose Your Own Adventure books in years. I came across the above YouTube video that took me down memory lane and discusses the rise and fall of the the Choose Your Own Adventure books.

Fire Exit by Morgan Talty

 

I recently found the hardback edition of Fire Exit by Morgan Talty at a Little Free Library in Livermore, California last month. 

I've had this desire to read more books written by Native American writers. So, when I saw Fire Exit at the Little Free Library last month, I felt like it was serendipity that I read Fire Exit this month.

I'm not sure what I was really expecting from Fire Exit, but it wasn't this. I liked Fire Exit, but it was a darker read for me. The novel deals with Native American culture and identity, mental health and dementia, alcoholism, and touches upon the lgbtqia+ topic. 

Also, the fact that in order to be considered a Native American, one must have a certain percentage of Native American blood in them. This was a huge topic/storyline in this novel! The protagonist, Charles Lamosway, is the biological father of a girl named, Elizabeth, but he only has one interaction with Elizabeth as a child because Elizabeth's mother, Mary. Mary wants a man named Roger to assume the role of father to Elizabeth, so that Elizabeth can be considered a full member of the Penobscot Tribe as Roger is Native American.

Over the years, it becomes apparent that Charles Lamosway continues to long to be part of Elizabeth's life and regrets not being a part of her life. He wrestles with the idea of whether or not to confront Elizabeth and tell her that he is her biological  father. Charles Lamosway wants Elizabeth to know her true background and cultural identity and not solely what Roger and Mary have told Elizabeth.

Charles Lamosway also deals with alcoholism. Charles Lamosway's friend, Bobby, is an alcoholic too. So this is another topic touched upon in Talty's novel. 

Mental health issues and dementia are also a big part of Fire Exit as Louise (Charles Lamosway's mother) has dementia and he takes care of her. Elizabeth also has mental health issues throughout the novel as well.

Fire Exit deals with so many topics/subjects. I feel like Morgan Talty does a good job combining all of them to make a cohesive novel.

Below is a short YouTube video of Morgan Talty discussing his novel, Fire Exit. I always enjoy hearing authors discussing the inspiration behind what made them write their novels.

Below is the summary for Fire Exit by Morgan Talty, which I found on the Goodreads website:

Does she remember this day? Does she remember it at all? Does she know this history—this story—her body holds secret from her?

From the porch of his home, Charles Lamosway has watched the life he might have had unfold across the river on Maine’s Penobscot Reservation. On the far bank, he caught brief moments of Roger and Mary raising their only child, Elizabeth—from the day she came home from the hospital to her early twenties. But there’s always been something deeper and more dangerous than the river that divides him from this family and the rest of the tribal community. It’s the secret that Elizabeth is his daughter, a secret Charles is no longer willing to keep.

Now it’s been weeks since he’s seen Elizabeth, and Charles is worried. As he attempts to hold on and care for what he his home and property, his alcoholic, quick-tempered and big-hearted friend Bobby, and his mother, Louise, who is slipping ever-deeper into dementia—he becomes increasingly haunted by his past. Forced to confront a lost childhood on the reservation, a love affair cut short, and the death of his beloved stepfather, Fredrick, in a hunting accident—a death that he and Louise cannot agree where to lay the blame—Charles contends with questions he’s long been afraid to ask. Is it his secret to share? And would his daughter want to know the truth?

From award-winning author of Night of the Living Rez, Morgan Talty’s debut novel, Fire Exit, is a masterful and unforgettable story of family, legacy, bloodlines, culture and inheritance, and what, if anything, we owe one another.

I am giving Fire Exit by Morgan Talty a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

Six New to Me Little Free Libraries in Santa Rosa, California! Plus, Valentine's Day Weekend Fun!!

 My husband and I took a long, four day vacation weekend to celebrate both Valentine's Day and President's Day. 

We decided to stay at an Airbnb in Santa Rosa, California as a way to have a fun, romantic time spent together.

We started our long weekend by visiting the Charles M. Schulz (Peanuts comic creator) Museum and Research Center on Friday, February 13th. 

We'd been wanting to visit this particular museum for probably a decade now. I'm happy we finally made the visit. 

This two story museum is charming! It's small, but still packs a punch in terms of current exhibits, interactive displays, and beautiful outdoor grounds to walk through. We enjoyed reading the various comic strips on display, learning the history of the Peanuts comic strip (last year the Peanuts turned 75 years old!), and more about the life of Charles M. Schulz (like how he got the nickname, Sparky). 

I think I enjoyed the mock up of Charles M. Schulz's office on display within the museum, the Baccarat Snoopy also on display, the architecture of the museum itself, and the outdoor grounds the most during my visit.

Me Outside the entrance for the Charles M. Schulz Museum

Me standing next to the Charlie Brown statue outside of the Museum.

On Valentine's Day, my husband and I found six Little Free Libraries near our Airbnb! In fact, one of the LFLs was a tenth of a mile away from where we stayed in Santa Rosa, which was super cool! We loved finding all six of the LFLs in Santa Rosa. Below are the photos of the LFLs we found. 

We probably would have found more Little Free Libraries on Valentine's Day if the rain hadn't started coming down fairly hard. So, we headed back to our Airbnb and chilled out until dinner time.

This is the LFL closest to where we stayed in Santa Rosa, California.

Our 2nd LFL discovery.

Our 3rd LFL discovery!!

Our 4th LFL Discovery in Santa Rosa!

This was the largest and cutest LFL we discovered in Santa Rosa!!

This was the last LFl find in Santa Rosa!!

On Sunday, February 15th, my husband and I visited Safari West in Santa Rosa, California! Safari West is another place my husband and I've had on our bucket list for a very long time. We LOVED our two hour visit at Safari West and look forward to coming back for a different in person experience next time.

Safari West is a 400 acre "immersive (animal) preserve where people could encounter wildlife, connect with nature, and learn through experience." They offer an onsite glamping experience, dining options, gift shop, safari tours where visitors can view "giraffes, rhinos, zebras, cape buffalo, and wildebeest on an unforgettable open-air adventure.", and several behind the scenes experiences.

My husband and I participated in the Animal Care Enrichment Experience Tour with animal keeper, Kelsey (I hope this is how she spells her name???), at Safari West. While we were there, we made enrichment toys filled with food for the DeBrazza's Monkeys. We learned so much about the Debrazza's Monkeys during our time spent with Kelsey. Kelsey was so engaging, knowledgeable, sweet, and answered our plethora of questions about the monkeys and Safari West. 

After putting together the enrichment toys for the DeBrazza's Monkeys, we were taken over to their enclosure where we were able to see both Meeka (17 year old female DeBrazza's Monkey) and Mojo (18 year old male DeBrazza's Monkey) interact with the enrichment toys we made for them. What fun this was!!

See the following four photos I took during the enrichment experience of Meeka and Mojo.

Meeka

Mojo

Mojo

Mojo

I hope you had a marvelous Valentine's Day/President's Day weekend!!

Two New to Me Little Free Libraries in Rohnert Park, California!!

 

Today, my husband and I made our way home from a four day, long weekend getaway to Santa Rosa, California to celebrate both Valentine's Day and President's Day!

On our way home, we passed by Rohnert Park, California where we found two new to us Little Free Libraries. There were plenty of other LFLs to find, but the rain started coming down harder. So, we decided to stay warm and dry and just headed home.

Rohnert Park, California is also home to CSU Sonoma State.

Another post coming soon, where I share my Santa Rosa Little Free Library finds.

Until then, happy reading!!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

Happy Love of Reading Month!!

 

What A Cool Idea For A Book Club!

 

The Redondo Beach walking club turns audiobooks into group activity!! I love audiobooks. I also love walking for fitness and book clubs. What a great way to combine one's love for reading, fitness, and book clubs! It would be wonderful if they had something like this in our area.

How You Ruined My Life by Jeff Strand

 

I found a used paperback copy of How You Ruined My Life by Jeff Strand inside a Little Free Library. I've read four other novels written by Jeff Strand and enjoyed them, so snagged this one when I saw it. Little did I realize at the time that How You Ruined My Life by Jeff Strand is a book for young adults!

I have enjoyed many young adult novels in the past. However, How You Ruined My Life by Jeff Strand flopped big time for me, which is disappointing for me as I've enjoyed the previous novels I've read by Jeff Strand. How You Ruined My Life came off as immature to me.... Yes, I realize How You Ruined My Life is a book for young adults, but it felt like he was trying to hard to be humorous and write a book that teens will love. 

The ending was decent... I was kind of concerned that it was going to be unsatisfactory, but the ending was better than expected. There were also a few plot devices used by Jeff Strand that were redeeming, but overall How You Ruined My Life wasn't very enjoyable for me. I'll stick with his books written for adults in the future.

Below is the publisher's summary for How You Ruined My Life by Jeff Strand I discovered on Goodreads:

Rod's life doesn't suck. If you ask him, it's pretty awesome. He may not be popular, but he and his best friends play in a band that has a standing gig. Yeah, it's Monday night and they don't get paid, but they can crank the volume as loud as they want. And Rod's girlfriend is hot, smart, and believes in their band-believes in Rod. Aside from a winning lottery ticket, what more could he ask for? Answer: A different cousin. When Rod's scheming, two-faced cousin Blake moves in for the semester, Rod tries to keep calm. Blake seems to have everyone else fooled with his good manners and suave smile, except Rod knows better. Blake is taking over his room, taking over his band, taking over his life! But Rod's not about to give up without a fight. Game on. May the best prankster win . . .

I am giving How You Ruined My Life by Jeff Strand a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Top Ten Tuesday - Romance Reads I'd Happily Reread Again!

 

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. Top Ten Tuesday was originally created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Generally, I am not a huge fan of the romance genre. However, there are a few romance novels I'd definitely reread again as they were that good! 

Below are ten romance books I've read and reviewed here on my blog over the years. I would reread them again.

1. Hearts in Darkness (Hearts in Darkness Duet Book 1) by Laura Kaye

2. Love in the Light (Hearts in Darkness #2) by Laura Kaye

3. Bone Deep by Bonnie Dee

4. A Hearing Heart by Bonnie Dee

5. Kentucky on the Rocks by Gwendolyn Grace

6. Quintessentially the One by Aleatha Romig

7. All By My Selfie by Jo Nelle

8. The Ghost and The Graveyard by Genevieve Jack

9. Ivan (Her Russian Protector #1) by Roxie Rivera

10. A Christmas Valentine by Jamie Carie

Are there any romance novels you would reread?