It's Monday, What Are You Reading (180)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.

I am so glad that June is finally here and summer reading programs start this week at the library. Usually I have the prizes for adult SRP ready to go (gift baskets that people earn tickets to win by reading) but I don't have a single basket finished. Oops. I have a busy week ahead of me at work. This year we only have 3 baskets instead of 6 to put together and we are giving away a grand prize (Kindle Fire HD). That will make it easier at least and hopefully our patrons will like it.

On the downside my car's AC and CD player have decided not to work. I am trying to be positive and appreciate the sunny days anyway and at least it isn't sweltering out yet. The CD player isn't as big of a deal as I have started listening to audio books on my iPhone while I drive (cranking the volume up nearly all the way). It's kind of nice in away since my CD player was so finicky about playing audio books. I was even able to download one for free from the library :)

Books reviewed:

Fool Me Twice by Mandy Hubbard

Books read:

The Staff of Serapis by Rick Riordan

I love the whole concept behind these novellas combining the worlds of the Kane Chronicles and the Percy Jackson series. I would love it even more if Rick Riordan would decide to write a whole novel or series featuring both the Egyptian and Greek and Roman gods and demigods. 

That Summer by Lauren Willig

This was a nice combination of historical fiction and contemporary fiction with elements of a mystery and some romance. I liked that it included the Pre-Raphaelites. 

Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern

I was worried that I wouldn't like this book because of all the hype (the blurb compares it to both The Fault in Our Stars and Eleanor and Park) but I ended up mostly enjoying it. 

Breaking Free: True Stories of Girls Who Escaped Modern Slavery by Abby Sher

It is hard to read about what these women endured but their stories are also uplifting and inspiring. I had heard of the Somaly Mam Foundation but I didn't know anything about her so when I saw she was one of the people featured in the book, I really wanted to read it. Because it is marketed for teens, the stories are not detailed biographies and not too graphic (though definitely more suited to older teens).

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman (reread)

I read this book a few years ago and when I needed an audio book for a long drive I decided to check this out from the library to listen to on my iPhone. I love the narration. I think Jenna Lamia perfectly captured the voices of CeeCee as well as the other characters. Hearing the story read in Southern accents definitely added to the charm and atmosphere!

The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street by Susan Jane Gilman

If you decide to read this book I recommend having ice cream on hand! It was fascinating to find out the history of ice cream and the ice cream making process. Lillian is quite a character. I felt sorry for her at times, admired her at times, and found her annoying or disappointing too. This might make a good book discussion book and readers who enjoyed The Shoemaker's Wife may like this as a less starry-eyed/more pessimistic alternative to the immigrant experience.

Currently reading:

Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman

Gretchen is the honorary "niece" of Adolph Hitler whom she calls "Uncle Dolf". Her dad died saving Hitler's life in the 20's and Hitler kind of took them under his wing and has been indoctrinating her in his twisted beliefs. Then she stops her brother from beating up a Jewish man and she finds out her dad may have been murdered by another member of the Nazi party. The story is interesting but because Gretchen is so brainwashed I find her annoying too. Hopefully she wises up to the truth about her "Uncle Dolf" soon...

The Help by Kathryn Stockett (reread)

This is the first time I am listening to the audio version (I read the novel back in 2011) and I love it so far. I am glad that Octavia Spencer is the narrator for Minnie. I thought she was fantastic in the movie.

What I might read next:

Nantucket Sisters by Nancy Thayer

This author is hit or miss with me but I thought this story sounded like a great summer read and I like the setting so hopefully I will enjoy it.

Of Marriageable Age by Sharon Maas

I think this book sounds so good and I enjoyed the sample I read on Amazon so I requested it for review. 

Waiting on You by Kristan Higgins

I am not sure if I will get to this book yet but it is a library book with holds so I want to read it soon.