Sunday, January 8, 2017

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:




The Christmas Surprise by Jenny Colgan (review)



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. 


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)

14 comments:

  1. Sorry to hear you caught a cold...it's definitely going around--that and the dreaded stomach bug! I'm glad you had a nice Christmas though. I look forward to your thoughts on The Sun is Also a Star...been meaning to read that one! I hope you had a nice weekend!

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  2. I love what you're doing with the winter reading program. That's so cool!

    I have been considering reading the Rogue One novelization. I really enjoyed the movie, but I've never actually read any Star Wars books or anything. Also, glad to see you enjoyed The Sun is Also A Star. That's been on my tbr for a bit now. Have a great week!!

    My Sunday Post!

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  3. I think I caught something as well :( I hope you feel better soon!

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  4. Happy New Year if I haven't already said it! Your reading program sounds good, I love book to movie adaptations and discussing them. :) And yeah- winter's here to stay. Ugh.

    I am very intrigued by the Rogue One novelization as I'd like a little more characterization too- plus any details we get on the planets (Lah'mu I found interesting, and I wanted to see more of that place where cassian shot the informant early on).

    Pax looks cute.

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  5. I've read one book by Josi Kilpack and loved it. I didn't know she had another book out! I'll have to check it out.

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  6. Sorry to hear you've been poorly, but glad you're feeling better now!

    It sounds like you've got some great books coming up - Happy reading!

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  7. The audio edition of A Christmas Carol narrated by Patrick Stewart is my favorite! This is the first year in a while that I haven't listened to A Christmas Carol over the holidays, but I did attend a dramatic reading of it, so I got my annual hit that way.

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  8. I have always wanted a pet fox - ever since I first saw Fox and the Hound. I have wanted to read Pax but don't think I can! Lol.

    Carrie Fisher's death is one that hit me - all these childhood icons of mine, and she is one I held most dear. I loved Princess Leia. I plan on reading that book as well, I am glad to hear it is good. :)

    Glad to hear you are feeling better!

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  9. Glad you are feeling better and managed your first read of the year. I want to read the Fredrik Backman book you picked up. I have read A Man Called Ove and Britt-Marie Was Here. I love this author!

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  10. Glad to hear that you are on the mend. It seems like a lot of people got sick over the holiday break. I absolutely loved Eleanor and Park but I only liked The Sun is Also a Star which I know I'm in the minority. It just didn't have enough character development for me and I was really annoyed by the insta-love.

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  11. Ah yes, I wanted to shake Riley in Robyn Carr's book a few times too! Hope your feature on books/movies goes well. After rereading Anne of Green Gables it happened there was a movie on of it on TV so I watched it, Martin Sheen was Matthew. It stuck reasonably close to the book.

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  12. I really need to read Bad Blood. I've enjoyed the rest of that series. I haven't bought it yet because I need to read a few more from TBR mountain before giving myself permission to add to it. Come see my week here. Happy reading!

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  13. I liked the Robyn Carr book...and I also enjoy Fredrik Backman's characters. I read Ove, and have the book about the grandmother, which I must read soon. Adding this new one to my list.

    Here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES

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  14. Wow...nice books.

    Nice to know Fredrik Bachman has a new book.

    ENJOY your books and your week. Looks like a great last three weeks for you.

    Elizabeth
    Silver's Reviews
    My It's Monday, What Are You Reading

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