Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Show Us Your Books: Three Year Anniversary


What would we do baby, without us
What would we do baby, without us
 sha na na naaaaaaaaaa

Happy three year anniversary to this awesome reading community! Thank you for joining Jana and I on the second Tuesday of every month to talk about books, whether you are linking up your own post, commenting on ours, or just reading them and thinking about them on your own. Reading is so fundamental to who we are as people - it impacts how we think, how we relate to others and the world around us, how we cope, how we grow - I am so glad to share those pieces of me here with you, and to get those pieces of you through conversations about books and reading.

As usual we are hosting an anniversary giveaway that you can enter at the bottom of this post for a $25 gift card to Amazon + a $25 donation in the winner's name to the Children's Literacy Initiative, which is local to us (out of Philadelphia), and like us believes that reading = opportunity, reading = choice, reading = power. We know our booknerd community is as civic minded as we are and knows the importance of literacy so we figure you win and the community wins and the future world wins if we raise a generation of readers who are critical thinkers and we all freaking win.

And can I take a minute to wish my long long time BFF Melissa a very happy birthday? 

Linkup Guidelines:
This link up is the second Tuesday of every month. The next is  Tuesday, November 14, 2017 
Please: 
1. Visit and comment with both of your hosts, Jana & me
2. Display the button and/or link back to us on your blog post
2. Visit other blogs who've linked up and talk books as booknerds are wont to do

Here's what I've read from the last linkup.

Engrossing Reads


Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng - I was super pumped to read this and it did not disappoint. I liked it better than her first. I'd recommend this book to almost any kind of reader except the person who wants something very not thinky. BOTMC hardback, own

The Rules of Magic (Practical Magic 0) by Alice Hoffman - When Alice Hoffman is on, she is on, and I am in love with her books. When she's off she's way off. She is on here. Everything I love about Alice Hoffman is in this book and more time with the Owens family was a great treat. For lack of a better word, magic. Free e-book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward - Ouch. This book hurt in a way reminiscent of some Toni Morrison books. So good. BOTMC hardback, own

Passed the Time Just Fine

Brass: A Novel by Xhenet Aliu - This had some of my favorite novel components: more than one generation of mother daughter relationships, blue collar town, struggle, American dream...it was like a Bruce Springsteen song off The River album. I loved the writing, the story itself was a little secondary to that. Free e-book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Liar's Girl by Catherine Ryan Howard - Interesting premise for sure, and I had no idea where this book was going through most of it which is always a good sign. It kept me interested. Free e-book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Best Kind of People by Zoe Whittall - Really well written and emotional - character and subject-wise. It was a good move to focus on the family of the person committed of a terrible and ostracizing crime over the alleged criminal himself. Too often we forget the people who are in the orbit with no blame to share and we heap it on them anyway. Free e-book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Do This For Me by Eliza Kennedy - I think I was the first person to review this on Goodreads, so it's like new new new. LOL. Some books arrive in your life at the exact right moment. I loved how outrageously this woman lost and found herself. It was exaggerated and ballsy and totally not real life and I would not have appreciated it even three days earlier or later. Free e-book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

All of Us and Everything by Bridget Asher - I was super pumped to read this at the shore as it's set in Ocean City. Then the author made a total setting mistake and it annoyed me terribly - she talked about the boardwalk way down in the 50s streets. The boardwalk ends on 23rd. Totally lame error. Other than that and some excessive wordiness and explaining of shit we didn't need to know, the concept of this was really pretty interesting. Paperback, own

Burnt Mountain by Anne Rivers Siddons - Man, people on Goodreads shit all over this book. While it certainly is not her best, for me it was a perfect way to while a few hours away on the beach without asking too much of my brain or soul. Paperback, own

Fractured by Catherine McKenzie - This has been on my kindle for a while and I ended up liking it more than I thought I would even though some of the plot points were poorly developed and the end result seemed like the easy way out. Amazon kindle e-book

Cause to Run (Avery Black Mysteries #2) by Blake Pierce - Solid Avery story, pretty solid suspense series if you're into that. Amazon kindle e-book

Don't Tell a Soul (Detectives Kane and Alton #1) by D.K. Hood - First, D.K. Hood, why is Kane listed first? Because he's the male? They are co-lead characters. How about alpha order? Anyway, this was fine. Fine. It didn't knock my socks off but it entertained. Free e-book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Not Worth It



Did Not Finish

The Art of Hiding by Amanda Prowse - Yeah, no. Sorry, Netgalley, I cannot finish books that are weak, whiny, and unreadable with female leads who have no fucking clue what is going on in the real world. I am sick of those female characters. Free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Poison by Galt Niederhoffer - Another turd bomb. This book spent over 20% of itself electronically giving too much background detail about these people. It was literally the build up that would not end, so I ended it. Bye, boy. Free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

This is How it Always Is by Laurie Frankel - So, this is a weird situation, I don't think I've ever had it before. I loved the writing - it read like a love letter to family and kids who are different. I loved the characters, all of them. I loved the world Frankel created. But it never seemed to move more than a foot forward. I never got any closer to the end, and I just put it down lovingly, like a toy that has served me well and was much loved but that I grew out of. I think this subject is important. I think the way it was written about was beautiful. I am annoyed that I couldn't stick it out, but that goes against my reading philosophy. I'd rather put it down still loving it 3/4 of the way through than push to finish and end up hating it. So that's what I did. I read it the week before Geege died, when I knew the end was coming. I'm sure that had something to do with it. OCNJ library hardback

And you? What have you been reading? 




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46 comments:

  1. Happy three years! I have The Rules of Magic on my NetGalley and need to read it soon! I keep hearing how good Little Fires Everywhere is,too.

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  2. Happy 3rd Anniversary! Show Us Your Books is my favorite link-up and thanks again to you and Jana for hosting it! I am probably the person who has not yet read Everything I Never Told You. It's been on my TBR but the subject matter is a tough one for me, which is why I'll probably read Little Fires Everywhere first (I love Mae's expression with the book).

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  3. 3 years! So great Steph. I read and loved Burnt Mountain too. I don't understand the hate!

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  4. I love reading your reviews- beautiful writing. I just read Jackie’s Girl. Non-fiction. Kathy was governess to Caroline and John Kennedy , taking over for Maud Shaw, who was aging and Jackie’s right hand girl. Kathy came on the scene right after JFK went to the other side.
    A very special relationship between Kath and the kids and Jackie❣️ Happy 3 years. Love that you donate ❣️
    Love. Your. Momma.

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  5. I heard John Green talking about Little Fires Everywhere as the best book of the year. I put it on hold at the library & cant wait to get it.
    Congrats on 3 years of this... I know I look so forward to it every month - I seriously sit all day long with my Goodreads up on one monitor & scrolling through all the link ups all day long & constantly updating my book list. It's a public service you create here ;)

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  6. Congrats on three years! That's awesome - I do love talking about books. I'm really curious about Little Fires Everywhere. I haven't read the author before, but people seem to really enjoy this one.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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  7. I'm loving Little Fires Everywhere. It was just what I needed in a book right now (I'm only about halfway through it). I know we've already talked about This is How it Always Is, but I'm happy that you liked what you read of it. That has happened to me with a few books too, and you're right, sometimes it is better to just leave it where it is and appreciate the experience you had with it. I've never read Practical Magic though I have seen the movie, but I've heard that the prequel is fantastic, like you said :)

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  8. Congrats on the 3 years! Though it's apparent that you two have been booknerds for much longer. :) I've got some of these on my list to read - Little Fires and Alice Hoffman ... and i just realized that I have never read anything by Alice Hoffman but I have her books either on my shelf or on a list to read. Must remedy that.

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  9. My book club is considering Little Fires and Sing Unburied Sing for December and I want to read both of those. I'm just in such a rut! Hopefully the beach vacation will snap me out of that.

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  10. I've seen Little Fires Everywhere [ha, see I'm so clever] and I'm intrigued but worried the expectation might not match everyone's YOU HAVE TO READ THIS. I guess since I didn't love Girl on the Train like everyone else i get nervous when things are HUGE in the literary world, does that make sense? I want to try the Alice Hoffman book.

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  11. Happy 3 Year Link-up Anniversary! That's impressive! You are the second person to recommend Celest Ng in a week (I hadn't heard of her prior!) so she's going next on my to-read list!

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  12. I think that Little Fires Everywhere is going to be our next book club book, so I'm happy to hear that it's such a good read! I didn't read her first book so I really don't have anything to compare it to. And I hate when books get settings wrong and it annoys the heck out of me too! Just do a little bit of research, and it'll all turn out great!

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  13. Happy Three Years!!! Your review definitely makes me want to check out Brass :)

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  14. Happy three year anniversary!!!! so exciting. the Children's Literacy Initiative sounds amazing. 'very not thinky' haha. i got that from BOTM as well and i think it will be our next book club book (because as of today i am a member of a book club and i am very excited). good to hear about alice hoffman, i've only attempted one of her books and was not a fan, but i've heard her others are really good. i've also heard the practical magic books are nothing like the movie, and even though i'm always book over movie, when i've seen the movie first, it's hard, you know? maybe i'll start with that one rather than the one that's been out for ages. The Best Kind of People sounds really interesting. adding Do This For Me to my list! and go you for being the first to review it lol.
    oh man... setting mistakes annoy the crap out of me. either make up a fictional town or do your research down to how many cracks are in the sidewalk. seriously. makes me cringe!
    interesting about This is How it Always Is. it's on my list. you can think a book is important or well written without enjoying it.
    congrats again on 3 years!

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  15. Thank you for hosting! I love your paragraph in the intro! Reading IS fundamental to us as humans! Books give us such big worlds!

    Congratulations on 2 years, I wish I would have found this link up sooner!

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  16. all of my books sucked this month which ...well, sucked.

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  17. I am currently reading The Art of Hiding on my kindle.....actually, I've been reading it for weeks now! LOL! I always seem to find something better to do than sit and read it! I really liked This Is How It Always Is. Yes to beautiful writing and an important story in light of today's times. I added Little Liars and The Best Kind of People to my to read list.

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  18. Just added Little Fires Everywhere to my wish list - I've been on the hunt for good books lately and I think I'll love it!

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  19. Love how you stated how some books find their way to you at the right time. I, too, have had that experience on more than one occasion. True serendipity or something bigger, I don't know. I'm always amazed when it happens.

    I am very interested in the new Celeste Ng book. It was good to read your thoughts on it.

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  20. I'm really excited to read The Rules of Magic - it comes out today! I read Practical Magic in anticipation of it last month and am doing a post on it this weekend :) Hopefully I can find a food-tie in ROM too...

    Glad you liked Little Fires Everywhere. I LOVED Everything I Never Told You, so I'm a little nervous about this one, but I'm on the waitlist at the library. I'm hoping it comes through soon!

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  21. Do this for me and little fires everywhere are going on my list. Congrats on three years and love that the giveaway includes a donation to a great cause! I just read Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi and it was really powerful. I am starting on the River at Night now.

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  22. Happy link-up anniversary, I always look forward to reading through everyone's posts each month! I've obviously seen Little Fires Everywhere, but really have no idea what it's about, so I'll have to check it out.

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  23. Definitely going to add Little Fires Everywhere since you recommended it :) Happy 3rd Anniversary to you and Jana!! I wish I had more than one book to link up but I had a crazy month, lol.

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  24. I have too many books to read right now (I didn't know that was a thing either until recently), but this linkup always gives me more titles to add to my wishlist!

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  25. I love love this link up! Always so many new books to add!

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  26. YAY! Three years! That's so awesome. I love this link up even when I fail on reading very much. Making a library trip today!!

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  27. Happy linkup anniversary! I look forward to this day most every month in blogland, so I’m glad that I found you ladies! The Alice Hoffman book is one I definitely want to check out.

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  28. I can't WAIT to read Little Fires Everywhere. I'm number hold # 152 on 24 copies at the library...won't be long now, HA

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  29. Currently reading Little Fires and have had Sing Unburied on my Kindle since NetGalley gave it to me in April. We'll discuss when I'm finished.

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  30. Congrats on three years! You had a lot of good ones this month. I'm similarly picky about details when a book is set somewhere I know well. C'mon, authors, you can at least Google Maps to make sure something isn't totally off base!

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  31. I have books I can never go back to or don't care to think about just because of when I read them. So that makes a lot of sense with Geege and that book.
    I'm glad someone out there didn't enjoy it (though I don't wish a DNF on you) because I've heard nothing but rave reviews and dissension is comforting.

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  32. Happy 3 years! I've been hearing good things about all of your engrossing reads...so at the rate I usually pick up new releases I'll probably be reading them in a year or so...

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  33. Happy 3 years! You guys are amazing :-)

    I have read none of your books this time around. Celeste Ng seems to be everywhere right now though!

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  34. I might try All of Us and Everything. I love books that are set somewhere I have a connection to.

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  35. I'm brand new to this linkup, but I learned about it from my blog bud Alexandra from Simply Alexandra, a fellow book nerd :) I can't wait to join in each month. I can't wait to read Little Fires, and Sing Unburied Sing is high on my TBR list as well. I read and enjoyed All of Us... a while ago and really enjoyed it (but would never have caught the setting error since I'm not familiar with the location--hate it when books do that though!).
    This Is How It Always Is might be my very favorite book I read this year, but I can totally see what you mean about the lack of movement. I'm always so intrigued to hear why someone didn't enjoy a book I loved and vice versa.

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  36. Happy 3 years! & thank you for hosting this great linkup. It is my favorite one each month! :) Sounds like a lot of good reads. :) I hate it when people rag so much on one in particular book. I like that you label your categories and that "passed the time just fine" is one of them. I feel that way about a lot of books, and that's an ok way to feel.

    XO,

    Alexandra

    Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things

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  37. Yay, happy 3 years! I can't remember how I came across this linkup in the first place, but I'm so glad I did! And I'm also so glad to hear you loved Little Fires Everywhere - I cannot wait to get my hands on it.

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  38. Ohhh I didn't know that there was another Practical Magic book!!! I love that author. I will add that and Little Fires Everywhere to my list! I can't believe it has been three years of sharing our books. By far the best link up ever!

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  39. Happy 3 year anniversary! That's awesome!

    Can't wait to read Little Fires Everywhere. I've heard so many good things.

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  40. Thanks to you and Jana for hosting this enriching community!
    Sing, Unburied, Sing sounds like I book I'd enjoy (in the difficult way we enjoy some painful topics in books.)

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  41. Thanks to you & Jana for continuing to host Show Us Your Books. I have always loved reading and writing and each month I look forward to the link -up and connecting with other book bloggers :)

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  42. According to CloudLibrary, I'm 83 days away from getting Little Fires Everywhere. Sigh. I'm adding the Laurie Frankel against your better judgement... I don't like slow, but I feel the need to try this one out for myself. Question- is Rules of Magic the prequel to Practical Magic? Saw (and loved) the movie, but I didn't realize it was based off of a novel.

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  43. Thanks to this link-up, my goodreads list is neverending :) So, thank you for bringing so many good books into my life!

    Did you read Salvage the Bones? Perhaps I need to push Sing, Unburied, Sing up on my list.

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  44. I need to follow your lead and DNF books that just don't speak to me. I always end up thinking, oh it will get better. And then it doesn't and I feel like I've wasted my reading time.

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  45. Three years of awesome recommendations! Thanks so much!

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