Sunday Post (2)

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

I had a busy schedule this week but I finally feel like I'm getting organized for my library's summer reading program. The overall theme this year is "superheroes" which is fantastic for children's programming but less inspiring when it comes to programs for adults! I attended an adult services programming workshop on Wednesday with other area librarians and came back with some good ideas like holding a back to school clothing swap. I also ironed out the details for our summer reading program which involves book bingo and a grand prize of an iPad Mini 3. I still need to figure out smaller prizes but I think that the iPad Mini should be a big draw. We still have a lot of planning to do for our all ages event which started out as a mini Fan Con but has now become "Hero Fest" since our patrons were kind of confused by the idea of "Fan Con" (so was I).

On the reading front I read two books and tried and failed to listen to two audio books (The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater and Z by Therese Fowler). I am going to try those books in print sometime in the future I think but the audio books just didn't work for me. I am very picky when it comes to audio books. I love Jenna Lamia's narration of other audio books but Z just wasn't holding my attention. I also think I'd appreciate The Raven Boys more if I read it instead of listening to it.

Last week on my blog:

The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord (review)
Edible Book Festival (post and pictures)

Books read:

Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult

I thought this book started out really well. I thought the elephant information was interesting and I wanted to know what happened to Alice. I should have prepared myself better for the "shocking twist" that happens in every Jodi Picoult book. Maybe then I wouldn't have been so taken off guard! It definitely made me want to go back and read things to see the clues that were planted. I liked the book but I don't know how I feel about the twist. I was definitely emotionally punched in the gut by it. I wish she'd picked a different twist as this one has been done before. I won't say where or it will spoil the book for other readers :)

Conspiracy of Blood and Smoke by Anne Blankman

This is the sequel to Prisoner of Night and Fog and continues the story of Gretchen and Daniel after escaping Hitler's clutches. The book picks up in England in 1933 but quickly moves the action to Germany after Daniel goes back to help his family and ends up framed for murder. I liked the book but thought Gretchen still had a lot to learn. She heads to Germany without any kind of solid plan to help Daniel which although touching is really a reckless thing to do. Once there she continued to make reckless choices. She is brave which I admired but not as cautious or wise as I had hoped she'd be after the last time.

Currently reading:

Things We Know By Heart by Jessi Kirby

I loved Golden and Moon Glass so I knew I was going to like this book and so far it is really good. The main character is dealing the the pain of her boyfriend's death by meeting the recipients of his organs. The only one who never replied to her letter is the boy who received Trent's heart. After tracking him down she visits his town just to see him from afar but she ends up running into him and is surprised to find herself connecting with him even though she keeps the truth a secret.

What I plan to read next:

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

This is my evening book group's selection for April. The story is about a cranky old man and what happens when a friendly young family with two little girls moves in next door. It sounds funny and hopefully will be a lighthearted book. Our last one was kind of dark.

Inside the O'Briens by Lisa Genova

I loved Still Alice and I've read many positive reviews of this book which deals with Huntington's Disease and how it affects a family.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

This is sort of a retelling of Beauty and the Beast with other mythical folklore. I've heard that this book is considered "new adult" fantasy. I thought "new adult" usually referred to contemporary novels. I think it sounds like a fantasy novel for adults but maybe the publisher wanted to emphasize that it may be more mature than a teen fantasy novel. Some early reviews have mentioned that it is a little racy in the romantic content so that may be why.

All the Rage by Courtney Summers

I've heard this book is amazing and powerful and emotionally charged. It is about a girl who is raped and then suffers at the hands of her disbelieving community.

New books received:

Flame Tree Road by Shona Patel (for review from Netgalley)
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (from library)
Z: a novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Fowler (audio book from library)
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (audio book from library)