Sunday Post (74) / 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.

It's been awhile since I last participated. I had a nice Christmas and then caught a cold shortly before New Year's. I am feeling better now but I didn't get to read as much as I hoped. I did finish my first book of the year this weekend. 

At work I have been busy trying to catch up from my week off and getting ready for the winter reading program. This year I am having them read books that were made into movies and they can also watch movies based on books. The prize will be a gift card to the movie theater and a gift card to a restaurant. 

It is so cold here but I am thankful that we don't have the heavy snow that some places are dealing with around the country. We are supposed to get more of the white stuff as well as some ice Monday night into Tuesday. Winter is here to stay. 

Last three weeks on my blog:

Sweetshop of Dreams and Christmas at Rosie Hopkins's Sweetshop by Jenny Colgan (review)

The Christmas Surprise by Jenny Colgan (review)

First Book of the Year (post)

Books read:

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story by Alexander Freed

After talking to friends who saw the movie, I am glad I read the novelization. They liked the movie but they all felt that the character development could have been better. I think I got that from the book. 

And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman

This is a touching novella about a grandfather who has dementia and his relationship with his grandson and son. I was reminded a little of My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry.

Christmas Angels by Viola Shipman

I did not like this one. I ended up returning it. I usually like Christmas stories but this one just didn't work for me. 

A Daring Sacrifice by Jody Hedlund

I couldn't help but think of Merida from Brave while reading this. The main character is basically a female version of Robin Hood. Aside from some minor issues, I mostly enjoyed this inspirational historical romance.

Silver Bells by Debbie Macomber

Another Christmas novella that I ended up not caring for. 

The Life She Wants by Robyn Carr

I felt really bad for Emma who is dealing with the death of her husband and all the suffering he caused through his Ponzi scheme. She returns to her hometown where her ex-best friend Riley lives (their friendship ended during the college years when Riley cheated with Emma's then-boyfriend and got pregnant). I liked the friendship aspect of the story though I wanted to shake Riley at times.

Pax by Sara Pennypacker

One of my favorite books I read last year (and the final book I read in 2016). I recommend you read it with tissues. Also I now want a pet fox and you will too.

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

I've read reviews comparing this to Eleanor & Park and while I still think that one is better, I definitely agree with the comparisons. I can see why it made so many readers' "best of 2016" lists. 

Books listened to:

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (reread)

Christmas Jars by Jason F. Wright 

Currently reading:

The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher

So sad to hear of Carrie Fisher's passing (and Debbie Reynolds the day after). I've never read any of her books and I thought now was the time to start. She was a funny writer. I'm enjoying her anecdotes about Star Wars. I am now starting the chapter where she talks about Harrison Ford. 

On my TBR pile:

Uprooted by Naomi Novik

Bad Blood by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The Lady of the Lakes by Josi S. Kilpack

New books received:

Almost Autumn by Marianne Kaurin and Rosie Hedger (for review)

Wait For Me by Caroline Leech (for review)

News of the World by Paulette Jiles (purchased)

Come Away With Me by Karma Brown (purchased)

One Half From the East by Nadia Hashimi (library book)

Cold Sassy Tree by Olivia Ann Burns (library book)

Pax by Sara Pennypacker (library book)

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (library book)