Mondays With Megan-Summer Throwdown #3 6/30/14

It’s a new week and we have awarded a new summer reading prize! One lucky winner will take home a basket full of goodies. And guess what? This week’s teen winner had only one entry in the box. The moral of the story is you can’t win if you don’t play! This week’s basket appears to be zombie themed…I see a zombie dice game, a universal battery bank, candy, the movie The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and of course, books! Come see us at the Reference Desk to sign up.

Starting tomorrow I will be participating in the Third Annual Summer Throwdown Readathon, hosted by The Brain Lair. What started as a friendly reading competition between teachers and librarians has morphed into one big reading challenge with everyone competing to reach a common goal. How nice, right? So far it looks like 90 readers are going to try to read over 3,000 books in the month of July! I signed up to read 12 books. Wish me luck. Or better yet, join me!

I took a few days off last week and I don’t know about you, but I often read less when I am on vacation (and I didn’t even go anywhere!). Of course, the books I chose to read were enormous! Here’s a quick Monday check-in.

Here is my It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? report. Be sure to stop by Books Journey and Teach Mentor Texts for more great reading suggestions.

 

Finished:

• Francona: The Red Sox Years by Terry Francona was an interesting look at the Red Sox franchise. I like Francona’s style.
• Sunrise by Mike Mullin is the spectacular ending to the Ashfall trilogy! I devoured this monster book in a matter of days.

Current Audio:

I am on the second to last disc of The Boys in the Boat. I will be finishing this week. I am about half way through The Girl With a Clock For a Heart.

Currently Reading:

• I have no idea what possessed me to request an arc of Amity by Micol Ostow! I am too scared to read it at home…
• The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair by Joel Dicker was recommended to me by a friend. It is such a fun read. It certainly does not feel like a 600 page book! I started this one on Friday and I guarantee I will be finishing it tonight.
• I am still plugging away at In the Shadows by Kiersten White and Jim di Bartolo. I am not in any hurry with this one.

On Deck:

Happy Reading!

∼Megan

 

 

The Originals by Cat Patrick Review

The Originals by Cat Patrick
Little, Brown, and Company
May 7, 2013
Hardcover, 304 pages

What it’s about:

Lizzie, Ella, and Betsey grew up believing that they were identical triplets. They are not. And no one can ever know. To protect their secret, they move to a new city and begin to attend school as one person, Elizabeth Best. Each girl takes a shift out in the real world, while the others remain hidden at home. It’s not ideal, and it becomes worse when Lizzie meets Sean Kelly. Sean is the first person to make Lizzie see herself as an individual and not just a copy of two other people. This realization leads Lizzie to start asking questions about the way they live. Her curiosity uncovers secrets that threaten all three of the girls, and the choices they make will forever change their family.

Why you might like it:

Are you looking for an interesting story with a romantic bent and a science fiction twist? The Originals could be just the thing for you. I like to think of this as “sci-fi light.” The sisters’ big secret is straight science fiction, but the real charm of the book is the romance, the relationships between the three girls, and the universal theme of identity. Do you ever think about how much you could do if there was more that one of you? Well, here is your answer. It sounds great in theory, but if you ask Lizzie, Ella, and Betsey, they would probably tell you it stinks! The mystery is not complicated, but there is enough suspense to keep readers engaged. This is a quick read with a dynamic family relationship, strong female characters, and a really awesome guy. This was a satisfying and entertaining read and another successful Random Reads selection for me.

Want more like this?

You might also enjoy Double Identity by Margaret Peterson Haddix, The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer, Mind Games by Kiersten White, and The Rules by Stacey Kade. Happy Reading!

∼Megan

Top Ten Tuesday-Book Cover Trends Likes and Dislikes 6/24/14

This week The Broke and the Bookish are talking book cover trends. I am not sure if all of these count as trends, but there are all likes and dislikes of mine.

LIKES:

1. I love an illustrated cover and I apparently also like black covers.

2. I also like when the majority of the cover is text or has a cool font.

3. As much as I love an elaborate cover, sometimes a simple cover with a bold color or pattern is just as appealing.

4. Covers that depict something relevant to the book.

5. Gender-neutral covers.

Dislike:

6. People on the cover. I am just not a fan. I feel like they date books and the majority of faces on book covers are white and/or don’t match the characters.

See how much better that new cover for Gone is?

7. People in general bother me, but girls in gowns? Ugh.

“Let me just sniff my pit real quick…”

8. Covers that make books too girly so guys won’t pick them up.

  

9. Covers that have nothing to do with the book or are misleading

I actually love the cover for Pointe, but I think it’s misleading. I originally avoided it because I thought it was about ballet.

I don’t have a #10 this week, so how about some other cover that I love?

Happy Reading!

∼Megan

 

Mondays with Megan 6/23/14 Summer Reading Week 2!

Summer reading is officially underway and our first winners have been chosen. Congratulations! A new basket full of goodies is just waiting to be won. Stop by to sign up (if you haven’t already) and check out this week’s prize. I see a beach towel, The Princess Bride on DVD, free Chipotle, some of my favorite books, really cute Duck Tape (it has owls on it!), Oreos, and more! You should win this one! If I could play, I would have a really good shot at winning because I read a bunch of books last week.

  

Here is my It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? report. Be sure to stop by Books Journey and Teach Mentor Texts for more great reading suggestions.

Finished:

• The One by Kiera Cass. There was something so ridiculously compelling about this series. I *had* to finish it. I *needed* to find out how it ended. I really did not like this series and my dislike seemed to grow with each passing book. And yet, I read them all. I could rant, but that’s not very nice, so I will just say that these books were too shallow for my liking.
• The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin. Now this book? This book was beautiful. A love letter to quirky little bookstores and the people who support them.
• Things I Learned in School by Connie Masters. That’s my aunt! She wrote a book! This is a thoughtful collection of essays discussing the author’s 30+ years working as a school psychologist.
• BZRK: Apocalypse by Michael Grant. I am still trying to wrap my head around this one. This was a brutal and brilliant ending to  the trilogy and I am so lucky to have gotten a sneak peek.

Current audio:

Still listening to Francona: The Red Sox Years and I just started The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown.

Currently reading:

I started In the Shadows by Kiersten White and Jim di Bartolo the other night, but decided the illustrations were to creepy for bedtime. I am a baby. So, I swapped it out for What I Thought Was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick. In the spirit of finishing up trilogies (The Selection, BZRK), I dove right into Sunrise by Mike Mullin. It’s a hefty book, so it should keep me busy most of the week.

Happy Reading!

∼Megan

 

Waiting on Wednesday-The Rosie Effect 6/18/14

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating. 

This week I am eagerly waiting for:

The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion

September 24, 2014

From Goodreads: ******Spoiler for The Rosie Project****

“Don Tillman and Rosie Jarman are back. If you were swept away by Graeme Simsion’s international smash hit The Rosie Project, you will love The Rosie Effect.The Wife Project is complete, and Don and Rosie are happily married and living in New York. But they’re about to face a new challenge.

Rosie is pregnant.

Don sets about learning the protocols of becoming a father, but his unusual research style gets him into trouble with the law. Fortunately his best friend Gene is on hand to offer advice: he’s left Claudia and moved in with Don and Rosie.

As Don tries to schedule time for pregnancy research, getting Gene and Claudia back together, servicing the industrial refrigeration unit that occupies half his apartment, helping Dave the Baseball Fan save his business and staying on the right side of Lydia the social worker, he almost misses the biggest problem of all: he might lose Rosie when she needs him most.

Get ready to fall in love all over again.”

I was charmed by Don and Rosie in The Rosie Project and can’t wait for more of their story!

Happy Reading!

~Megan

Top Ten Tuesday- My Summer TBR List 6/17/14

It’s summer time! It’s summer reading time! The Broke and the Bookish want to know: What’s on your summer reading list? I just did a quick check on my Spring 2014 TBR list, and it was depressing. I read ONE book on the list. So, so, sad. So, in addition to the awesome books that I did not read in the spring, I would like to also read these gems:

1. Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers. I loved Grave Mercy and need to be ready for the third book to come out this fall.

2. Landline by Rainbow Rowell. New Rainbow Rowell! Yes, please.

3. City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare. I need to take a vacation day or two in order to tackle this monster!

4. Killer Instinct by S.E. Green. Dear Killer didn’t work for me, maybe this one will.

5. Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter. This was my Teen’s Choice book for the summer.

6. Splintered by A.G. Howard. I seriously need to stop talking about how I should read this book and actually read the book!

7. I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson. I have this, courtesy of Netgalley!

8. Firebug by Lish McBride. Another e-galley!!

9. The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith. I am looking forward to more Cormoran Strike.

10. Top Secret Twenty-One by Janet Evanovich. It wouldn’t be summer without Stephanie Plum.

Happy Reading!

∼Megan

 

 

Mondays with Megan-Summer Reading Time is Here! 6/16/14

It’s here! On of my favorite times of the year at the library! Summer reading! Yes, all those exclamation points *are* necessary, thank you very much. Summer reading may conjure of images of being forced to read dusty old classics, but here at the library it is all fun and prizes. Reader of all ages can find a program, so be sure to stop by the Children’s Department and Adult Reference and we will get children, teens, and adults all signed up. Teen readers will have a chance to will a weekly basket full of goodies. This week’s basket has the movie Goonies and the book Cinder by Marissa Meyer, plus plenty of candy, coupons for free Chipotle, and much, much more. For a chance to win all you have to do is read. Fill out a slip for each book, drop it in the entry box at the AV Desk and cross your fingers. Easy, right? We’ll even give you prize just for signing up. See you soon! P.S. Adults, your summer reading is very similar-entry slips, awesome goodie baskets, prizes for signing up…come visit us soon!

Here is my It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? report. Be sure to stop by Books Journey and Teach Mentor Texts for more great reading suggestions.

Finished:

• 10% Happier by Dan Harris is a compelling memoir about the anchorman’s struggle with anxiety and how his discovery and practice of meditation helped calm his mind. This book definitely inspired me to continue learning how to meditate.
• Heaven is For Real by Todd Burpo tell the story of the author’s son’s experience with the afterlife. This book was definitely not for me. I completely understand why readers are fascinated by this story, but I just kept seeing gaping holes and major flaws with this story. I am neither an evangelical Christian or a skeptic, but this one didn’t work.
• Fairest: Return of the Maharaja by Sean Williams is just the latest installment of the Fables spin-off. I am always pleased to be in the world of Fables, but this one was more about Prince Charming than the leading lady. Not horrible, but not may favorite. I do look forward to what come after this installment.
• The Hero’s Guide to Being an Outlaw by Christopher Healy is the final chapter in the League of Princes trilogy. This book was epic. And huge. And all over the place! I am sad to see them go, but I have to say, the ending leaves room for more…maybe. Hopefully.

Current Audio:

I am so close to finishing The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry. It is so good! I am about half way through Francona. It’s pretty interesting. I did not realize what divas some of these players are/were. I suppose that is just naive on my part, but really?!?

Currently Reading:

I just started The Originals and In the Shadows. I am still slowly plugging away at BZRK. Not because it isn’t awesome, because it is.

On Deck:

Happy Reading!

∼Megan

Waiting on Wednesday Illusions of Fate 6/11/14

Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week I am so excited about this one:

Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White
September 9, 2014

From Goodreads:

“Downton Abbey meets Cassandra Clare in this lush, romantic fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Kiersten White.

“I did my best to keep you from crossing paths with this world. And I shall do my best to protect you now that you have.”

Jessamin has been an outcast since she moved from her island home of Melei to the dreary country of Albion. Everything changes when she meets Finn, a gorgeous, enigmatic young lord who introduces her to the secret world of Albion’s nobility, a world that has everything Jessamin doesn’t—power, money, status…and magic. But Finn has secrets of his own, dangerous secrets that the vicious Lord Downpike will do anything to possess. Unless Jessamin, armed only with her wits and her determination, can stop him.

Kiersten White captured readers’ hearts with her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy and its effortless mix of magic and real-world teenage humor. She returns to that winning combination of wit, charm, and enchantment in Illusions of Fate, a sparkling and romantic new novel perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare, The Madman’s Daughter, and Libba Bray.”

Kiersten White is a writing machine and she has yet to disappoint me!

Happy Reading!

∼Megan

Top Ten Tuesday-Top Ten Books of 2014…So Far! 6/10/14

As we approach the midpoint of 2014, The Broke and the Bookish are asking for a best of 2014…so far list. One things is clear to me: making an end of the year favorites list is going to be painful! After a little more than five months of reading I had to make two lists to accommodate all of my favorites. I made a best of YA and a best of Non-YA. It is obviously time for some cheating…

Favorite reads so far:

1. Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg. I loved this cute YA romance!

2. Shadow and Bone & Seige and Storm by Leigh Bardugo. I am late to the Grisha party, but I am so happy that I finally listened to this series. The final book comes out soon and I can’t wait to find out how it all ends.

3. Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys. This author is officially on my automatically-read-whatever-they-put-their-name-on list.

4. Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers. Two questions. 1. Why did I wait so long to read this book? and 2. Why have I not read the second book yet? Seriously. Excellent stuff.

5. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. This book was so unlike all of her other books. So unexpected and awesome.

6. Cress by Marissa Meyer. Why do have to wait so long for more? Love, love, love.

7. Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige. This dark debut sucked me in, kept me guessing, and left me desperate for more.

8. Far From You by Tess Sharpe. This is another intense debut novel. A little mystery, a little heartbreak. Certainly a solid first novel.

9. Tease by Amanda Maciel. I just finished this debut novel and I am still trying to wrap my head around it. The content is so upsetting, but I think it is a powerful and important book. It is not often that we get the bully’s side of the story.

10. The Universe Versus Alex Woods by Gavin Extence. This is such a special book. It has all the feels.

I also LOVED these Non-YA books:

Happy Reading!

∼Megan

 

Mondays With Megan-Listen Up! June is Audiobook Month. 6/9/14

It has been awhile since I publicly declared by undying love for audiobooks, so I figured this was the perfect opportunity to remind everyone how amazing it can be to listen to a book, and get in a plug about how EASY it is to get audiobooks from Rocky River Public Library!

I always have a book on cd in my car and a Playaway at home so that I can listen while I walk the dogs, work in the yard, or do boring housework. If I had a smart phone or other device, I *could* also download audiobooks to an mp3 player or stream audio using our new Hoopla service.

I have listened to nearly 200 audiobooks in the past few years. My favorite readers are still Jim Dale (Harry Potter, The Night Circus), Katherine Kellgren (Bloody Jack), and Jayne Entwistle (Flavia de Luce). This year I have already fallen in love with a number of new audiobooks. Here are a few of the highlights:

If you ever need an audio recommendation, let me know! I love talking about talking books!

If it weren’t for audiobooks, I would hardly be getting any reading done lately. I did manage to read (with my eyes) one book last week. I am kind of stuck with my other two in progress reads, which leads me to start new books…Here is my It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? report. Be sure to stop by Books Journey and Teach Mentor Texts for more great reading suggestions.

 

Finished:

• The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes is a story within a story, all surrounding a portrait of a young French woman painted by the subject’s husband before WWI. I really enjoyed both stories.
• Tease by Amanda Maciel is a complex look at bullying. When a teen commits suicide after months of relentless bullying, her parents press charges against the bullies. This story is told from the point of view of one of the girls being charged. It is hard to say that I liked this book because so much of the content is unlikable, but it was powerful and moving and satisfying in the end. I am considering this title for a book club read.

Current Audio:

It’s all about nonfiction for me right now! I am really enjoying 10% Happier by Dan Harris. I am also finding Francona’s autobiography quite interesting, even if I do have to hear about that other team he managed 😉

Currently Reading:

• The Hero’s Guide to Being an Outlaw by Christopher Healy has been my bedtime read for weeks now. The problem is, by the time I go to bed I can’t keep my eyes open for more than 5 minutes!
• BZRK: Apocalypse by Michael Grant is so creepy. I really can only read it in small bits…
• Pointe by Brandy Colbert is the book I am reading instead of the other two. I am hooked! It’s dark and gritty and mysterious.

On Deck:

Happy Reading (and Listening)!

∼Megan