Waiting on Wednesday-As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust-10/29/14

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

This week’s pre-publication “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is:

As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust (Flavia de Luce #7) by Alan Bradley
January 6, 2015

From Goodreads:

“Hard on the heels of the return of her mother’s body from the frozen reaches of the Himalayas, Flavia, for her indiscretions, is banished from her home at Buckshaw and shipped across the ocean to Miss Bodycote’s Female Academy in Toronto, her mother’s alma mater, there to be inducted into a mysterious organization known as the Nide.

No sooner does she arrive, however, than a body comes crashing down out of the chimney and into her room, setting off a series of investigations into mysterious disappearances of girls from the school.”

I LOVE Flavia and her precocious ways.

Happy Reading!

∼Megan

Top Ten Tuesday-Books to Get You in the Halloween Spirit-10/28/14

This week The Broke and the Bookish are getting into the Halloween spirit! I am a big scaredy cat and can’t even watch the horror movie previews/commercials on tv, so I am going to stick to books…that are sort of spooky.

 

1. Amity by Michol Ostow. Super creepy haunted house!

2. Evil Librarian by Michelle Knudsen. The title speaks for itself-the new librarian is a demon!

3. Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy.  A skeleton detective solving supernatural crimes.

4. Through the Woods by Emily Carroll. Gothic, graphic ghost stories.

5. Screaming Staircase by Jonathon Stroud. Clever middle grade/teen ghost story.

6. In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters. Spiritualism and Spanish Influenza, plus creepy photos!

7. Diviners by Libba Bray. The scariest book on my list! Flappers, the occult, supernatural powers…and that song. Oh, man, that song.

8. Bad Girls Don’t Die by Katie Alender. Evil ghost out for revenge.

9. Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride. Wicked, dark humor.

10. Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan. My favorite zombie book!

Happy (Spooky) Reading!

∼Megan

 

 

 

Mondays with Megan-Tonight is the Night I Get to See Holly Black and Cassandra Clare! 10/27/14

Today is the day! Holly Black and Cassandra Clare will be speaking at Barnes & Noble in Crocker Park tonight at 6:30. I am so excited! I hope that Holly Black is working on some new YA material. I enjoyed her Doll Bones, but I really miss Cassel. I guess I just need to hear her say that she is done with the Curse Workers. 😦

My sister was visiting from Montana all last week so I really didn’t get much reading in and I continue to be way behind on my goal, but I am confident I can make things up before the end of the year. Here’s what I have been up to:

 It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is hosted by Book Journey and Teach Mentor Texts. Be sure to stop by for more reading lists and reviews.

Finished:

 

• Killer Instinct by Jennifer Lynne Barnes is the exciting sequel to The Naturals. I really enjoyed this one and will have a longer review up soon.
• Hinterkind by Ian Edington is the first volume in a new graphic novel series. It has an interesting concept-humans have finally fallen to the bottom of the food chain while creatures of legend have regained power. I think I will watch for the next volume.
• Fun Home by Alison Bechdel is another graphic novel, this one a memoir. I really liked this one!
• The Revenge of Seven by Pittacus Lore. This is such an entertaining series. This installment picks up where the last left off. Full of interesting twists, it sets things up for the final battle. I can’t wait!

Current Audio:

 

Currently Reading:

 

On Deck:

Afterworlds was my Random Reads selection for the month of October…That didn’t work out so well for me. I suppose I will have to carry it over to November!

Happy Reading!

∼Megan

Waiting on Wednesday-Black Dove, White Raven-10/22/14

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

This week’s pre-publication “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is:

Black Dove, White Raven by Elizabeth Wein
March 31, 2015

From Goodreads:

“Emilia and Teo’s lives changed in a fiery, terrifying instant when a bird strike brought down the plane their stunt pilot mothers were flying. Teo’s mother died immediately, but Em’s survived, determined to raise Teo according to his late mother’s wishes-in a place where he won’t be discriminated against because of the color of his skin. But in 1930s America, a white woman raising a black adoptive son alongside a white daughter is too often seen as a threat.

Seeking a home where her children won’t be held back by ethnicity or gender, Rhoda brings Em and Teo to Ethiopia, and all three fall in love with the beautiful, peaceful country. But that peace is shattered by the threat of war with Italy, and teenage Em and Teo are drawn into the conflict. Will their devotion to their country, its culture and people, and each other be their downfall or their salvation?

In the tradition of her award-winning and bestselling Code Name Verity, Elizabeth Wein brings us another thrilling and deeply affecting novel that explores the bonds of friendship, the resilience of young pilots, and the strength of the human spirit.”

I am excited for a new historical fiction book from Elizabeth Wein. I am even more excited that it is not a Holocaust book!

Happy Reading!

∼Megan

Top Ten Tuesday-New Series I Want to Start-10/21/14

This week’s Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by The Broke and the Bookish is all about series. They are asking what new(ish) series we would like to start. I have a love-hate relationship with series. On the one hand, I love a series. I love getting to know a character and anticipating new adventures. On the other hand, I hate waiting. I also get really cranky when a series drags on too long. *cough*  Mortal Instruments *cough* I am almost always nervous to start new series, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t tons out there that I think about starting…Many of these are not actually new and some are coming soon!

1. CHERUB by Robert Muchamore. This one has such mixed reviews, but I think I should give it a try. It’s about spies. I like spy books.

2. Splintered by A.G. Howard. I ordered copies for my high school book club in the hopes that we can start a new series together!

3. Young Elites by Marie Lu. I have this one at home now. I will be reading it very soon!

4. After the End by Amy Plum. I have heard this one has a cliffhanger ending, so I think I will wait until the next one is out to get started.

5. The Blackcoat Rebellion by Aimee Carter. I was randomly sent an ARC (YAY! Thanks!), but I haven’t read the first book yet. I have it at home now too.

6. Insignia by S.J. Kincaid. This one has been on my TBR list for a while. I don’t even remember why I was interested in it, but it looks and sounds like an action-packed adventure.

7. Messenger of Fear by Michael Grant. I love his books and can’t wait to start a new series!

 

8. Embassy Row by Ally Carter. Ditto with Ally Carter. Love, love, love.

9. A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab. I really enjoyed Vicious and am looking forward to this new series…magic, parallel universes…fun!

10. Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard by Rick Riordan. I haven’t read the final Heroes of Olympus book yet, but I am glad to know that I still have more Rick Riordan to look forward to! Bring on the Norse god!

Happy Reading!

∼Megan

Mondays-Read-a-thon Recap 10/20/14

As you may recall, I was super excited about Dewey’s 24-Hour Read-a-thon last week. What’s not to be excited about? This event is a biannual excuse to sit and read and snack and drink fancy coffee beverages all day (and if you are tough enough, all night. I am rarely tough enough.)! This year I had the best of intentions. I truly did. You should see the piles of library books that are cluttering my living room. I had a good night’s sleep the night before. I had walked the dog in the rain the morning of the event. I had snacks ready. I had a partner and a destination. It was read-a-thon time! And then it really wasn’t. I turned into chatting time. My reading pal and I work together and there was lots to talk about. So we read a little, chatted a lot, had tasty beverages and a lovely dinner and when our separate ways sometime in Hour 14. I had read exactly 1 book. Later I  finished a second and got 2/3 of the way through a third book and fell asleep on my couch around 3:30 am. I only participated in a few mini-challenges and I didn’t win any prizes, but this was still a great way to spend a cold and rainy Saturday! Here’s look forward to April!

Finished:

• Not My Father’s Son by Alan Cumming is a heartbreaking, insightful and charming memoir. Cumming describes how his difficult childhood shaped and influenced his adult life. He also talks about his experience on the show Who Do You Think You Are?, where the mystery of his maternal grandfather’s death is finally solved and revealed. My only regret is that I read it myself instead of waiting for the audio version!
• Iron Trail by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare is the first book in a new middle grade series. Maybe I am judging this unfairly, but I could not stop comparing it to Harry Potter and therefore, could not enjoy it as a unique work. So disappointed.
• Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast is a graphic novel memoir in which the author recounts her aging parents’ failing health and eventual deaths. This book is on the longlist for the 2014 National Book Award for nonfiction. It is hilarious and touching, but I found it to be so sad that I had to take frequent breaks.
• El Deafo by Cece Bell is another graphic novel memoir (I am sensing a theme here…) about the author’s experiences as a deaf child in school. I was clever and sweet and I very much enjoyed this one.

Current Audio:

Currently Reading:

Happy Reading!

∼Megan

Dewey’s 24-Hour Read-a-Thon October 18, 2014

Good morning! It’s time for another Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-a-Thon. Like last year, I will posting everything here throughout the day on one giant post, so scroll down for the new stuff! We like to start the day with a little getting to you sessions:

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?

I am reading in Cleveland, Ohio, where it is gray and rainy and cold. the PERFECT weather for a read-a-thon, if you ask me!

2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?

I have been hoarding books like crazy for weeks now! I am starting the day off with The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare.
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?

It is now tradition that the day starts with fancy coffee and breakfast sandwiches at out local coffeeshop. I also have some honey sesame stick to contribute. Stacey was on snack duty this time, so it will be a surprise to me.
4) Tell us a little something about yourself!

I am a Teen Librarian and I love my job. When I am not facilitating a book club or making candy sushi, I am usually at home with my neurotic dog, Kevin. I usually enjoy gardening, but this year it just didn’t happen and the weeds took over. I will be spending all next wee resisting the urge to set fire to my back yard! I like to putz around in the kitchen and am excited for the arrival of soup season. I am often found reading AND watching tv at the same time, but I do love disconnecting everything and hitting the mat for some yoga. This is my seventh time participating!
5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?

I feel like a seasoned read-a-thoner by now and I can finally say, that this is one unpredictable day! I haven’t completed 24 hours in ages and this year may be no different. We’ll see what happens!

Happy Reading!

∼Megan

It’s Hour 4 already! I think it’s finally time to do a little update and participate in an mini-challenge. This hour’s mini-challenge is Quotable Quotes. I chose a quote from my first book of the day, The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare. So far it is difficult to not compare it to Harry Potter.

HOUR 6 ALREADY?!? I am more than half way through my first book. I don’t really feel a big rush this time around. I am pausing for a mini-challenge, and then maybe a sandwich. This hour’s challenge is to name our read-a-thon. The Geeky Book Blogger is hosting this one. Using my stack of books I have decided to call my Read-a-thon: My Sister Can’t Talk About the Prophecy Read-a-thon. I used these books to get that name:

My Sister Lives on the Mantlepiece by Annabel Pitcher
Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast
Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane by Suzanne Collins

Hour 8 is great! I just finished my first book, The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare. What a major disappointment! Time to shake it off and move on. Next up, a nonfiction graphic novel. Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant by Roz Chast has been longlisted for the 2014 National Book Award for nonfiction. I hope I like it!

Hour 12!

Mid-Event Survey:
1. What are you reading right now?

Killer Instinct by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

2. How many books have you read so far?

I have finished one and 2/3 of a second, but it is very sad so I am taking mini breaks.

3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?

El Deafo by Cece Bell

4. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?

Tons! I am not stressing out about this event. I have been enjoying my interruptions!

5. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?

That we are already half done!

Hour 14: my reading pal and I spent all of hour 13 and some of hour 14 having a lovely dinner. Now I am home and in jammies and ready to see how much longer I last. This hour’s mini-challenge is cover colors. I chose four that I have recently read that have red and black covers:

Hour 16: I have finished by second book, Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast. There were tears…I have moved on to my third book of the event, Killer Instinct by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. This hour’s challenge is a Pet Parade! This is Kevin. This is actually one of the first pictures I took of him after bringing him home from the shelter. He is a three-year-old golden retriever/chow mix. He is a hot mess of neuroses and fear, but he has made lots of progress in our 2 years together!

Evil Librarian by Michelle Knudsen Review 10/14/14

Evil Librarian by Michelle Knudsen
Candlewick Press
September 9, 2014
Hardcover, 352 pgs.

What it’s about:

There is a new librarian at Cyn’s high school and he is hot…too bad he is also a demon who has enthralled her best friend, Annie, and is sucking the life essence from the students. Cyn has an unusual immunity to his charms so while she juggles school and the set design for the school’s production of Sweeney Todd, she also now has to save her best friend. Luckily she has help from her long-time crush and star of the musical, Ryan to help her out.

Why you might like it:

Are you looking for a creepy Halloween book? Look no further! You have found your evil, murdering demon. Are you a fan of musical theater? Well, you will definitely appreciate all the Sweeney Todd references and Cyn’s dedication to making the best murder chair. Want a fast-paced horror story full of memorable characters? Cyn is a fantastic heroine. She is smart and snarky, full of fight and optimism. And how often do you come across a smarmy, hot librarian guy? What a rare literary gem! But wait! There’s more! How about an awesome teen romance? That’s right, folks, even a soul-sucking demon can’t temper all the raging, lusty hormones. Ryan is total dreamboat. As a librarian I admit to laughing out loud at some of the library jokes. I also really loved being in Cyn’s head when she was around Ryan. News flash: girls think about IT too! Finally a female character who gets to be all lusty and swoony and not be labeled a slut.

Want more like this?

Try the Maggie Quinn: girl vs evil series by Rosemary Clement-Moore, Firebug by Lish McBride, and Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst.

Happy Reading!

∼Megan

 

 

There is a new librarian at Cyn’s high school and he is hot! He is also a demon who has enthralled her best friend, Annie and is sucking the life essence from the students. Cyn has an unusual immunity to his charms so while she juggles school and the set design for the school’s production of Sweeney Todd, she also now has to save her best friend. This devilishly hilarious book has a little something for everyone-horror, humor, romance, as well as musical theater! And while a soul-sucking demon is not necessarily an improvement, I find this librarian to be a refreshing change of pace from the stereotypical shushing old lady librarian!

Waiting on Wednesday-Dream a Little Dream-10/15/14

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

This week’s pre-publication “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is:

Dream a Little Dream (The Silver Trilogy) by Kerstin Gier
January 6, 2015
Originally published at Silber:Das zweite Buch der Träume: Roman on March 8, 2013

From Goodreads:

“Mysterious doors with lizard-head knobs. Talking stone statues. A crazy girl with a hatchet. Yep, Liv’s dreams have been pretty weird lately. Especially this one where she’s in a graveyard at night, watching four boys perform dark magic rituals. The really weird thing is that Liv recognizes the boys in her dream. They’re classmates from her new school in London, the school where’s she’s starting over because her mom has moved them to a new country (again). But they seem to know things about her in real life that they couldn’t possibly know, which is mystifying. Then again, Liv could never resist a good mystery. . . .”

I loved Kerstin Gier’s Ruby Red time-travel trilogy, so I was very excited to learn that a new series was being translated and released in the U.S. The wait is always longer for a translation, but Kerstin’s books are worth the wait! I do have one tiny complaint. The cover is dreadful! Check out these foreign covers:

Happy Reading!

∼Megan

Top Ten Tuesday-Places Books Have Made Me Want to Visit 10/14/14

Books that the ability to magically transport readers to new worlds, both real and make-believe. The week, The Broke and the Bookish want to know where books have inspired us to want to visit.

1. Hogwarts. I imagine this magical boarding school is at the top of many lists today!

 

2. Ireland. Tana French, Marian Keyes, Roddy Doyle, and Derek Landy are just a few of the authors who make me want to visit Ireland.

3. Virginia. Apparently Virginia is home to many of my favorite boarding schools! I could check out the top-secret Gallagher Girls home, or hang out with the Raven Boys or maybe look up Evie and Lend!

  

4. Prague. Thank you, Laini Taylor!

5. Massachusetts. I actually did get to go Boston this summer as well as Newport, Rhode Island and it was amazing. I image that Alice Island is a little like Newport.

6. Brittany, 15th century. The Convent of St. Mortain seems full of danger and intrigue.

 

7. Camp Half-Blood. Percy and friends forever!

8. New Orleans. But maybe not during Mardi Gras. I am not fan of crowds.

9. Australia. I would enjoy playing cards with Ed and his friends. Maybe say hi to Taylor and Jonah Griggs?

10. Westeros. I mean seriously, how amazing has HBO made the seven kingdoms look?

Happy Travels, er, Reading!

∼Megan