It's Monday, What Are You Reading (78)

It's Monday What Are You Reading? is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. I always enjoy seeing what other people have read and reviewed over the past week. It is also a great way to find new books to add to that ever-growing TBR list!


Tuesday was the first meeting of my book discussion group. While only one person was able to attend the initial meeting, once I started advertising our first book pick, several people picked up copies so I hope that the first actual book discussion later this month will be well attended. Plus I'll be serving Chinese food to go with the book (Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok) so it should be fun.


I didn't post a single review last week which is unusual for me. I hope to remedy that this coming week! I did get some more reading in though and really enjoyed some fantastic books. 


I am also holding a new giveaway for The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson, a YA fantasy novel that will be published later this month. It is open Internationally so be sure to check it out!

Books read:

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

I was a little worried that I would be disappointed with Bloodlines since it would have Sydney as the main character rather than Rose but I was surprised by how much I liked Bloodlines anyway. It is the start to a great spin-off series and I think most Vampire Academy fans will be pleased with it.

Small Town Sinners by Melissa Walker

I had a feeling I'd like this book and I wasn't wrong. It is not without some flaws but I am glad it tackled issues of religion and that the main character wasn't just a caricature of a Christian teen. I know I would have been able to relate to Lacey if I'd read the book as a teen.

The Postmistress by Sarah Blake

I am still a little torn about this book. I liked it but at times the pacing was slow and I was bothered by the ending. Still it is well written and it has some memorable characters and historical detail.

Little Black Dress by Susan McBride

This book was entertaining if a little predictable. It reminded me quite a bit of The Violets of March by Sarah Jio but with a touch of Sarah Addison Allen because of the magical elements.

Currently reading:

Shadows on the Moon by Zoe Marriott

I love this book so far! It is a fantasy retelling of Cinderella set in an Asia-inspired world. I think it is something that fans of Cindy Pon and Alison Goodman would enjoy.

Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok

I love this book! It is one of my favorites and it is the September selection for my book club. I am having fun listening to it on audio this time around. Grayce Wey does a fantastic job narrating the story. I am really really picky about audio books but her voice is so believable and somehow listening to it makes it more emotional than when I read it last year.

What I plan to read next:

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

I am looking forward to reading this since it is so highly recommended. I know it is popular with book groups too.

The Third Wave: A Volunteer Story by Alison Thompson

I know this will be an emotional read. The author was at both Ground Zero on September 11th and she went to Sri Lanka to help after the tsunami. Should be a powerful story and timely as we head towards the 10th anniversary of September 11th.

Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

I am determined to at least start Uncommon Criminals this week. I hate when I buy books but don't read them for a long time. Sometimes I never read them and end up donating them to my library. While I think I will eventually donate this, I want to read it first!

Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter

I loved Michelle Moran's Cleopatra's Daughter and I am hoping that this YA book about Selene will be good too. 

The Kitchen Daughter by Jael McHenry

I have heard excellent things about The Kitchen Daughter and look forward to reading it. There are supposed to be tasty recipes featured too. I don't know that I will be brave enough to try them but maybe there will be something easy :)

So that's my reading plan for the week. 

What have you been reading lately?