The iconic sass and hilarity. Chef's kiss
Also. Holly just loves Artemis.
Everything is just so clever and like. gaaaaaaaaaah
384 Pages
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
The Opal Deception by Eoin Colfer
The iconic sass and hilarity. Chef's kiss
Also. Holly just loves Artemis.
Everything is just so clever and like. gaaaaaaaaaah
384 Pages
Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama
LONG POST OF A BINGE READ OF A MANGA AHEAD- BEWARE.
I tried not to mention anything that was spoilery, but like. Shrug.
I added a read more button because...I read like...basically the whole series and I don't wanna put you guys through that--there are some iconic gifs though
I like....kind of know things because I've read some articles and I made the mistake of reading a post that said "No Spoilers" but definitely had spoilers (which I have tried to forget)
WHY ARE ALL OF THEIR NAMES SIMILAR. I KNOW THEIR FACES BUT NOT THEIR NAMES. ...wait is this commentary on how we know people by how they look but not by who they really are.. No I'm overthinking and my one brain-cell can't take it.
208 Pages
2021 Reads by Meghan
Duncan the Story Dragon by Amanda Driscoll 36 Pages
A dragon loves reading despite the challenges of paper being highly
combustible.
Always Copycub by Richard Edwards 25 Pages
A curious baby bear gets lost and his mom finds him.
The Water Princess by Susan Verde 41 Pages
Story of a girl who lives in a place far from fresh, clean water.
Can you make a scary face? by Jan Thomas 40 Pages
A ladybug teaches scary faces
Go Sleep in your own bed by Candace Fleming 40 Pages
A chain reaction of animals needing to go to their beds
Little Penguin gets the Hiccups by Tadgh Bentley 40 Pages
A penguin is frustrated when he gets hiccups from chili
Class Picture Day by Margaret McNamara 32 Pages
A girl worries about how she stands out from her classmates, and her
father helps
Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann 32 Pages
A fun-loving police dog helps teach children how to be safe.
Vincent Paints His House by Tedd Arnold 32 Pages
A painter gets advice from residents around his house about what color
it should be.
Father's Flying Flapjacks by Else Holmelund Minarik 14 Pages
A father bear and baby bear make flapjacks for Mother's Day
Where the Wild things are by Maurice Sendak 48 Pages
A boy goes to the land of the wild things and comes home
The Whole Green World by Tony Johnston 32 Pages
A girl observing the world around her with her pet dog
Daniel's Mystery Egg by Alma Flor Ada 24 Pages
An egg is found, and no one knows what kind it is
The Cowboy by Hildegard Muller 24 Pages
A cowboy comes to the rescue.
Badger's Fancy Meal by Keiko Kasza 32 Pages
Badger longs for a fancy meal and discovers fancy isn't easy.
What day is it by Patti Trimble 24 Pages
An ant believes her friends forgot her birthday
Grace by Kate Parkinson 24 Pages
Grace wants to dance, but she's clumsy.
Who Wants a Tortoise? by Dave Keane 40 Pages
A girl gets a tortoise and discovers what a fine pet she has
Hickory Dickory Dock by Keith Baker 32 Pages
A mouse runs up a clock…
Look Out, Mouse by Steve Bjorkman 24 Pages
Mouse escapes predators…
Five Little Monkeys with Nothing to do by Eileen Christelow 36 Pages
Five monkeys help their mother clean for Grandma's visit
I like myself by Karen Beaumont 32 Pages
A girl shows her energy and self-esteem
Rex Wrecks It! by Ben Clanton 40 Pages
A dinosaur must learn self-control to make friends
Night Animals by Gianna Marino 34 Pages
Nocturnal creatures are afraid of "Night Animals."
Where are my books? by Debbie Ridpath Ohi 40 Pages
A squirrely situation sends a boy searching for his books.
The Pigeon Finds a Hotdog by Mo Willems 40 Pages
Pidgeon wants to eat a hot dog and learns to share with Duckling.
Picture Day Perfection by Deborah Diesen 29 Pages
A young boy is determined to have "the perfect school
picture."
A Huge Hog is a Big Pig by Francis X McCall 32 Pages
Animal rhyming fun.
I Got a New Friend by Karl Newsome Edwards 23 Pages
A girl gets a puppy.
The Spelling Bee Before Recess by Deborah Lee Rose 32 Pages
Children compete in the spelling bee
Down by the Barn by Will Hellenbrand 31 Pages
All the baby animals go for a hay ride to meet the farm visitors.
Be Quiet by Ryan T Higgins 38 Page
A grumpy mouse wants to be in a quiet book without words, but his friends make that impossible.
Dragon was Terrible by Kelly DiPucchio 39 pages
Dragon discovers he needn't be the villain of every story.
Alphamals: A - Z by Graham Carter 53 Pages
Animal poems teaching the alphabet
Return of the Sea Otter by Todd McLeish 264 Pages
An environmental and historical significance of the sea otter to the
marine ecosystem
Politically Correct Holiday Stories: For an Enlightened Yuletide
Season by James Finn Garner 99 Pages
Holiday favorites made "more sensitive" in humorous ways.
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
369 pages
- Robin
The Madwoman Upstairs by Catherine Lowell
Samantha Whipple is assumed to be the last living Bronte and therefore heir to the rumored early drafts, unpublished novels, diaries, or anything anyone imagines the sisters left behind. Upon arriving at Oxford for her first year at Old College, items from Samantha's deceased father begin turning up on Sam's doorstep and in her room. How did they get there and what is Samantha supposed to do with them?
352 pages
The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
Yes I saw the cover when I was checking it out for Laura...shush.
Let's all kill Gerald. Slowly.. With paper cuts. From all the HR complaints he should have against him.
I know Aarong is chill, but like... Aaron answering Lina's phone: 
Catalina:
@Gerald:
Alexa play "I Can't Make You Love Me"
Insert the climax of "My Heart Will Go On" because it has dramatic entrance vibes.
....what do you mean that's the end..where's...where's the rest of my epilogue....
.....there wasn't really a place to put this but like.... I have to (he didn't, but like...I'm not missing my opportunity to use this gif)
482 Pages
Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert
Aaaaaaaand we're talking about how Hitler murdered millions of people....
Well this is all morally problematic...
Hey look, this reminds me of Revenge of the Sith
meh. Like. ok.
I've heard the series goes downhill, and I'm like...actually debating whether I should keep reading the series...becuase like...I'm no quitter, but like...I don't know if I have the strength.
352 Pages
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Somewhere out beyond the edge of the universe there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells the story of your life as it is, along with another book for the other life you could have lived if you had made a different choice at any point in your life. While we all wonder how our lives might have been, what if you had the chance to go to the library and see for yourself? Would any of these other lives truly be better?Nora finds herself here with her with the option and choice to live her life differently. Nora picks a book and is living a life slightly different than the one she left but it still just isn't "right". Returning to the library over and over again, Nora finally finds the perfect life for her
304 pages
The Heart of the Buddha's Teachings by Thich Nhat Hahn
Pages: 294
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages.
When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he's given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days.
I loved this story. The kids are so sweet and funny, and I liked seeing the changes in Linus as he spends more time on the island.
Pages: 394
Monday, August 30, 2021
Meet You in the Middle by Devon Daniels
I liked the beginning of this book, mostly because it gave me Dan & Amy vibes from Veep. But somehow, it just didn't hold up throughout. Sigh. Blegh. Back to re-watching Veep for the millionth time.
351 pages
What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
"In New York, you walk...In Georgia, if it's hot, you park your car by Target, go to Target, and then move your air conditioned car 100 feet to Starbucks" .....I'm not from Georgia, but I did not come here to be attacked.
Ok Ben, but do the cool Catholics go to Mass...cause like...
Hey bi-romantic ace. I see you.
Arthur: what's wrong with me?!? me: anxiety.
I am having so much second-hand anxiety.
And now I am tense because I cannot handle conflict. at all.
WAIT. IS THE TITLE SUPPOSED TO BE THE DEAR EVAN HANSEN REFERENCE. WHAT.
Arthur calm down.
....Did I have this many feelings as a teenager..
wait.... a comic about dinosaurs...oh no.
480 Pages
Friday, August 27, 2021
Books Read - Chris
Sense of Grace by Richard McGonegal - 266 pages
Summary: This book features a rural county sheriff who is trying to solve the case of an ex-con who is repeatedly assaulted, while dealing with his own demons in his personal life. It is McGonegal’s first novel, and not a bad debut for a new author. Although this is not the type of book that I typically find myself reading, the story was enjoyable, even though the dialogue could use some work.
Dead Hot by M.K. Coker - 252 pages
Summary: Sequel to Dead News. A sheriff from South Dakota and one of her deputies travel to Arizona, where they find themselves involved in a case involving radiation poisoning at a government nuclear laboratory. Coker has numerous books in this series, and all are well written and entertaining.
Dead News by M.K. Coker - 314 pages
Summary: Another book in Coker’s Dakota Mystery series. The sheriff of a small South Dakota county finds herself under personal attack from a political challenger during election season, while trying to solve the murder of a newspaper magnate’s daughter. Coker has a writing style that is easy to enjoy, and presents nice mysteries that don’t have to rely on shock value for one’s attention.
Missouri State Constitution - 167 Pages
Summary: All the amendments that make up the state constitution. Not much to say, other than some very dry reading.
King of the Hill by A.E. Hotchner - 432 Pages
Summary: Playwright and novelist A.E. Hotchner writes of his childhood in St. Louis during the great depression. From having to evade landlords and debt collectors, making use of his imagination, a summer job at an Ozark campground, and many interesting neighborhood characters, Hotchner sucks the reader in with what was a surprisingly captivating memoir.
Reaching Dustin by Vicki Grove - 208 Pages
Summary: A schoolgirl takes an interest in a boy in her class who comes from a family of meth producers. Dealing with neglect and abuse, the boy has built walls around him that the girl is trying to help knock down. This book was meant for a younger crowd, and while not bad, wasn’t really my cup of tea.
Tales of the Missouri Indians by Dennis Edwards - 36 Pages
Summary: Edwards recollects tales and folklore of the Missouria, as they were told to him by a tribal member while growing up. Though short, it was a fairly interesting read.
Snack Attack by Terry Border - 32 Pages
Summary: In this children’s book, a few snacks leave the safety of their packaging to brave the unknown world of a human household. It was entertaining enough to keep me interested while reading it to my daughters, which they enjoyed.
Between the Star and the Cross by Laura Valenti - 254 Pages
Summary: The discovery of a small girl at the site of a meth lab explosion leads a rural sheriff to questions about his job and his faith. Although this book was not something I would normally read, it was fairly well written and the story was able to keep me engrossed.
Hey, Dog by Tony Johnston - 32 pages
Summary: A children’s book featuring a small boy discovering an abused dog. With a narrative focus on patience and compassion, the young boy slowly gains the dog’s trust and nurses him back to health. Not a bad kid’s book, but may be a bit much for very small kids.
Night Animals by Gianna Marino - 40 Pages
Summary: The animals of the forest hear a noise that scares them in this children’s book. My daughters loved it as the animals panicked, trying to figure out what was making the noise.
N is for Never Forget by Nancy Polette - 40 pages
Summary: Although this book is aimed for a younger crowd, and the topics present in the book are presented respectfully, this book may be a bit much for younger readers. Polette works through the alphabet, explaining P.O.W. camps, tap codes, air lifts, etc. In addition, each segment features a true story of an individual or group who were either prisoners of war, or working to free those captured. It was pretty interesting, even if I am a few decades outside of the target audience.
L.O.L. Ranch by Dan Burle Sr. - 256 Pages
Summary: A collection of stories and poems about life on a modern cattle ranch in Missouri. Written in a clean style of humor, Burle tackles everything from cleaning stalls, to cattle auctions. Burle and I have different sense of humor. I did not L.O.L.
Who was Walt Disney by Whitney Stewart - 112 Pages
Summary: A very short biography detailing the life of Walt Disney. Though not an in-depth examination of Disney’s life, there is plenty of information for kids to learn. Written for an elementary audience who should have no trouble reading this bio.
Great Walker: Ioway Leader by Greg Olson - 48 Pages
Summary: A brief biography of the Ioway chief. This book is targeted towards elementary school kids, and focuses on Great Walker, certain Ioway beliefs, forced relocation, and reluctance. Though short and outside of the target demographic, it was interesting to read about an often overlooked group of American Indians.
Gas House Gang by John Heidenry - 352 pages
Summary: Covers the story of the Cardinals, and players such as Dizzy Dean on their race for the pennant and winning of the World Series. As someone who is not a baseball fan, I found this book to be incredibly well-researched, very well-written, and was able to keep someone with zero interest in the game completely engaged. A very enjoyable read, for fans and history lovers alike.
Billy the Kid: A Short and Violent Life by Robert Utley - 342 pages
Summary: Utley provides a detailed biography of Billy the Kid. He covers legends and lore surrounding the young outlaw’s life, as well as dispelling myths (and even providing evidence that some myths might just actually be true). Utley does an excellent job of putting his research to the page, and this book is one that was an incredibly quick read because I would find excuses to keep reading.
In the Spirit of Crazy Horse by Peter Matthiessen - 688 pages
Summary: Where to begin with this classic work? Matthiessen focuses on the history of various American Indian tribes, most notably the Lakota Sioux, from their meeting of white fur trappers through the AIM movement of the 70’s and beyond. He explores the social impacts of broken treaties, boarding schools, and rampant poverty on reservations. While this is not the first time I have read this book, it was certainly worth reading again.
Devolution by Max Brooks - 304 pages
Summary: Brooks repeats the type of world building and narrative style that he used with World War Z, but this time, instead of a world overrun with the walking dead, a small community in the Pacific Northwest finds themselves under attack by a group of sasquatch following a volcanic eruption. Brutal, yet intelligently written, as Brooks always has done. Fans of previous works will enjoy it, even if it doesn’t have zombies.
To Hell on a Fast Horse by Mark Gardner - 336 pages
Summary: This is a combined biography of both Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett, and Garrett’s manhunt for the outlaw. While a good read, Gardner lets his bias show against Billy the Kid, where as Utley portrayed him as a more complex individual instead of a standard bad guy. Worth a read, but Utley’s work was better.
- read by Chris
The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren
"Christina Lauren" comes through again! What a sweet book and an even sweeter romance.
368 pages
The Ones We're Meant to Find by Joan He
THERE'S THE TITLE
Istg if you hurt my child emotionally.
Hero.
Are you. No. That's just. um. no.
WHAT
What?
Ok so I'm just confused. And I'm hurt. And honestly. Problematic characters make my life difficult.
384 Pages
For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten
I'm still gonna be like "Beauty and the Beast" vibes...because literally anything where there's a monster and a love interest.
BRO THE MAGIC SYSTEM
rolls eyes at Eric. Like.
The cloooooooooooooooooak
....why are all of the books that I'm reading recently about young adults with mommy issues...like... I did not plan to be attacked like this and honestly. Fine.
We stan Eammon. We love him.
I love his vibes and his personality. He smells like books and coffee. I will protect him with my life.
The atmosphere of the book, the magic system, the boy. Perfect. I like what I like.
480 Pages
2021 Reads -- Nora
Where the Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens, 370. I wanted to read this ever since it rose to popularity a year or so ago and I can say I was not disappointed. The story switches between the mystery surrounding the murder of a community member and the story of a girl trying to survive on her own out on the bayou. Both stories progress together until they merge for the final few chapters.
The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, Leigh Bardugo, 1215. (3 books) I re-read this series because Netflix was announcing its adaption to television. I fell in love with the world that Bardugo had created in this trilogy and now cannot wait to see how she continues to build it in the next series she is writing in the same universe.
Read by Nora Wesselmann
Thursday, August 26, 2021
Three Cozy Mystery Series
Just going to put down three fun, quick cozy mystery series
that I have read in 2021. The fact that I read all the books in each of these
series is a testament to how much I enjoyed them!
Rosie A. Point’s Mission Inn-Possible Cozy Mysteries
Charlotte “Charlie” Mission is a spy who outs her husband as a double agent. As a result, she is sent into hiding to work as a maid at Gossip Inn, which just happens to be owned and operated by her superspy, ex-agent grandmother. Somehow Charlie’s arrival coincides with a murder spree in her newly adopted community and she and her grandmother must solve each murder so they can both stay under the radar.
|
Title |
Pages |
|
Vanilla Vendetta |
208 |
|
Strawberry Sin |
278 |
|
Cocoa Conviction |
270 |
|
Raspberry Revenge |
270 |
|
Mint Murder |
272 |
|
Chocolate Chills |
252 |
Elain Viets’ Dead-End Job Mysteries
After Helen Hawthorne catches her
unemployed, unfaithful husband with her neighbor, she divorces him. Then,
vowing her ex will never receive another dime from her, she goes on the run,
winding up in Florida where she works a series of dead-end, low-wage jobs where
she is paid under the table to avoid a paper trail. Somehow or other, each job
seems to have an accompanying murder which she has a knack for solving.
|
Title |
Pages |
|
Shop Till You Drop |
292 |
|
Murder Between the Covers |
292 |
|
Dying to Call You |
292 |
|
Just Murdered |
292 |
|
Murder Unleashed |
249 |
|
Murder with Reservations |
232 |
|
Clubbed Together |
283 |
|
Killer Cuts |
284 |
|
Half-Price Homicide |
274 |
|
Pumped for Murder |
306 |
|
Final Sail |
350 |
|
Board Stiff |
359 |
|
Catnapped! |
290 |
|
Checked Out |
304 |
|
The Art of Murder |
320 |
Bea Sickles aka Betty Snickerdoodle is the unexpected author of a cozy Christmas stories. But she is also a poker-playing, humorous curmudgeon who loves to solve mysteries ala her role-model Jessica Fletcher.
|
Title |
Pages |
|
The Return of Betty Snickerdoodle |
240 |
|
A Sleuth Is Born |
298 |
|
Bake It Like Betty |
219 |
|
Mixed to Death |
262 |
|
Murder Takes a Bough |
368 |
The Eternity Code by Eoin Colfer
Juliet. Can we just. like appreciate her.
And Butler. As always.
And Mulch. Of course.
hehehe. Butler and Mulch at the end.
384 Pages
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Redemptor by Jordan Ifueko
Whelp. Sigh. That's fine.
Bro that wording--I see you
Ok so he's growing on me. like a leech
Me trying to remember the rest of the drama with crocodiles in African mythology (yes I recognize that Africa is a continent not a country, and mythologies are hyper-specific)
Son of a nutcracker. Ok so that's complicating my ship again. And maybe it's uncomplicated. I don't knowwwwwwwwww
Feelings. I have feelings. And the commentary on emotional manipulation and the use of workers, fjkldlfdkllsfjkd
400 Pages
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko
Is that an ace I spot?
Hey look at that trauma.
Aha. I know who NOT to ship.
Gaslighting is still gaslighting
We stan Sanjeet. Like. I will give you a soapbox, boo.
I'm sorry. Library ribbons...no. As a library person. No.
The concept, the magic, the world, the relationships.
Also, do I want to go off about pelican's and imagery. yes. will I. I will resist.
Me @ Dayo:
400 Pages
Monday, August 23, 2021
The Golem's Eye by Jonathan Stroud
Go off Bartimaeus about the Brits stealing stuff for their museums.
Alexa play Empty Chairs at Empty Tables
I love Bartimaeus giving Nathanael tons of crap about his sense of style.
Nathanael whenever Kitty outsmarts him:
I just want all of the children to stop doing stupid things. Like...Stop making bad choices that back in the day you hated other people for making. Babe.
Kitty at the end of the book:
592 Pages
Sunday, August 22, 2021
Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood by Danny Trejo
The by products of an abusive household are the heroin addiction and crime sprees a young Danny Trejo finds himself dealing with. These lead to time in some of the United States’ most notorious prisons, including Folsom and San Quentin. After a gut-wrenching reality check, Danny begins to rebuild himself, finding sobriety and spirituality along the way.
His checkered past comes in handy, though. Danny uses it as inspiration for acting roles in everything from The Muppets to Machete, which make him a household name across the globe. His personal life remains far from rosy, however. While Danny speaks at prisons and rehabilitation centers, helping others to know they’re not alone in their struggles, he can’t seem to break through to his children, who have inherited his battles.
288 pages
Friday, August 20, 2021
Raven: Teen Titans #1 by Kami Garcia, Illustrated by Gabriel Picolo
Starting over isn’t easy. Raven remembers how to solve math equations and make pasta, but she can’t remember her favorite song or who she was before the accident. When strange things start happening—things most people would consider impossible—Raven starts to think it might be better not to know who she was in her previous life. Raven has to decide if she’s ready to face what’s buried in the past...and the darkness building inside her."
The illustrations - BEAUTIFUL! I loved the way he drew Raven - just perfect. HER HAIR! I need more.
192 pages
The Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer
I love all of the characters. Butler, Mulch, Artemis, Holly, Butler, Mulch,
My little grinch child, heart growing and all that
352 Pages
Thursday, August 19, 2021
Dune by Frank Herbert
I'm really glad that the book had a cast performing, because like....
It was good, and I can see why it was a classic, and I see all the ways that it influenced science fiction and Star Wars, but like..
I'm here for Chani mostly..because... like...yeah.
896 Pages
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake by Alexis Hall
I loved how the chapters were set up and I just.
Harry. That's all I'm saying. That's all I need to say.
Harry is so anxious and I love him.
You know when a character is being stupid and you just. you wanna give them a motivational speech and tell them that they deserve better but they have to learn themselves.
Character talks about being 27. Me: remembers I'm 25. Laughs uncomfortably.
448 Pages
Friday, August 13, 2021
Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds
Groundhog day as a teen love story.
Jack meets the girl of his dreams at a college party. They spend time together. They fall in love. Kate dies. Jack meets the girl ....
Poor Jack. Will it ever end? Will he save Kate?
480 pages
The Dragon and the Queen by Kaitlyn Davis
My ships. All of my ships. I'll go down with all of them.
I loved the addition of the diary and the new characters and I'm just like...dying. the tension. I can't.
We stan Rafe. And Xander. And Lyanna. And Cassi. Basically everyone.
I know I already said it, but Xander and Rafe.
Hey look at that character growth.
That cliffhanger
548 Pages
Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
inserts gif of American Dragon Jake Long
Gaaaaaaaaaaaah who do I ship.
gfjdkslgjskdlfjkldsfgjkldfgjkld names names names
oh crud crackers
Can all these books I'm reading please stop making me cry.
All of the fairy tale vibes. I'm here for it. fdsjaklfjal
Shiori is so fierce and I love her. I just. dsklfjaksljf
It is so fluffy and I'm going to die.
464 Pages
Gods and Monsters by Shelby Mahurin
Reid being grumpy is all I need in life. I love him. I just. gah.
I'm sorry.
This book has the audacity to make me cry at 8 in the morning.
Reid. I LOVE THIS TROPE. Gaaaaaaaah.
Pants. We do love pants.
I. am. snickering.
I'm just gonna..snort at these chapter titles.
The last two chapters are just... I can't. I need more content. and I bet there's no fanfiction because the book is new. ugh.
I am overwhelmed. I love these characters and I'm just.... Reid. Reid. Reid. I can't. Don't talk to me. I'm dying alone.
624 Pages
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