Sunday Post (53) / It''s Monday, What Are You Reading

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s 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. It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme now hosted by Kathryn at Book Date, where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.

Well it was a busy week with our summer library programs starting up. Monday night was our kick off event. I wasn't outside for that because I had to work at the reference desk but I didn't mind missing out on the pouring rain! Thankfully it didn't rain the entire time and kids were able to enjoy the bounce house and other outdoor activities. Tuesday night was the first swing dance class and three couples showed up (at least someone did!). Yesterday was our African penguin program. The penguin walked around in our meeting room and then later kids (and adults!) got to pet her. She was really cute and I learned a lot about African penguins. You can check out a video of her taken by our children's librarian: Simon the African Penguin. 

This week should be a little calmer before my murder mystery dinner next week. Unfortunately I had to change the theme from the 80's Prom murder to a garden party murder because we didn't have enough men to play the suspects and the garden party one is all women. I am planning to do the 80s one in the fall on a night when some of my male coworkers can step in and play suspects if needed. I guess summer is just a busy time or my usual suspects wanted a break from it!

Tomorrow is my mom's birthday and then Sunday is Father's Day so I'll be heading home this weekend for a visit. I still need to figure out what I'm getting them for gifts and I have to get a birthday card. I plan to do some shopping this afternoon :)

#FitReaders Weekly Check In

#FitReaders is hosted by Felicia at The Geeky Blogger and Jen at That's What I'm Talking About

Another week without reaching my step goals most days. The extreme heat and some muscle soreness kept me from moving as much as I wanted. Yesterday I came so close to meeting my goal but I ended up developing a sinus headache and didn't quite get there. I hope to do better this week!

Sunday--1,115 steps
Monday--13,599 steps
Tuesday--7,198 steps
Wednesday--3,780 steps
Thursday--10,130 steps
Friday--4,190 steps
Saturday--8,992 steps

Last week on my blog:

The Flip Side by Shawn Johnson (review)

Books read:

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

I loved this book though I know some will definitely hate it. Maas takes the story she told in A Court of Thorns and Roses and turns it upside down so that readers will see everything in a completely different way. I can't wait for the sequel!

One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This was a thoughtful story about love and loss and the possibility of having more than one "true love" and what "true love" means (if you thought about The Princess Bride while reading that sentence you get extra points). 

Almost Like Being in Love by Beth K. Vogt

Definitely not as satisfying as the first book in the series but this was okay. I felt bad for the heroine because she had a difficult relationship with a cold and demanding father. He reminded me of a meaner and colder version of Richard Gilmore. My issue was with the romance and how little I felt the connection between the characters.

Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

This was a delightful book and I enjoyed reading about Florence and Lina's emotional journey and growth. The romance was sweet and I liked how the author used Lina's mom's journal.

Books listened to:

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling (reread)

Currently reading:

738 Days by Stacey Kade

I am almost done with this book. I like it and really want Amanda to have a happy ending because after all she's been through she deserves it. I even like the hero though Chase doesn't always make the best decisions and I want them to find happiness together. My issue with the book is the timeline and Amanda's recovery process. 

Currently listening to:

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling (reread)

This is my least favorite Harry Potter book in a way--not because of the story which is fantastic but because of the way that Harry suffers at the hands of Umbridge, people not believing him and then that big loss at the end. Poor kid! It is just hard to read (or listen to). I still think Umbridge didn't get what she deserved. She is the second most odious character in the books.

On my TBR pile:

I Will Send Rain by Rae Meadows

I have to read this one soon because my review for Library Journal is due next week. I think it sounds interesting at least. I've only read Out of the Dust by Karen Harper so I don't know much about the Dust Bowl. 

River Road by Carol Goodman

My afternoon book group picked this for our June book. It sounds kind of interesting though I know some of the ladies won't like it because they aren't fans of suspense. 

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman

This is what we'll be reading in my evening book group. We loved A Man Called Ove so hopefully this will be just as good. The dog on the cover reminds me a little of my furry nephew Raji (he is a black haired goldendoodle though I don't think this dog is).

The Winemakers by Jan Moran

I decided to add this to my TBR pile after reading an excerpt earlier this week. It was published in April I think so I want to get to it soon.

The Girls in the Garden by Lisa Jewell

I haven't read anything by this author though I have considered her books for our book discussion groups. This one sounded kind of good with the mystery element.

Summer Days and Summer Nights by Stephanie Perkins et al.

I started reading this earlier but I thought the first story was really weird so I put it down. I think I will skip the first story for now and read the rest if I can.

The Geek's Guide to Unrequited Love by Sarvenaz Tash

New books received:

Exile for Dreamers by Kathleen Baldwin (library book)

Lizzy Bennet's Diary by Marcia Williams (library book)

Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn (library book)

Best of My Love by Susan Mallery (library book)