tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9980736179769475772018-04-25T05:36:00.313-05:00I'd So Rather Be ReadingI'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.comBlogger1646125blogspot/aCsFxhttps://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-77574136769761439972018-04-03T16:22:00.000-05:002018-04-03T16:22:13.440-05:00Book Review: Tarnished (Perfected #2) by Kate Jarvik Birch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KC3HDsm52LM/WsPoG3QUpRI/AAAAAAAAOsY/YxZcIYnzgXkmqtJdII2stLTXInF9nnt7QCLcBGAs/s1600/23310649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KC3HDsm52LM/WsPoG3QUpRI/AAAAAAAAOsY/YxZcIYnzgXkmqtJdII2stLTXInF9nnt7QCLcBGAs/s320/23310649.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Summary: <i><span id="freeText13613346927309117971">Freedom comes at a cost...<br /><br />Ella was genetically engineered to be the perfect pet—graceful, demure...and kept. In a daring move, she escaped her captivity and took refuge in Canada. But while she can think and act as she pleases, the life of a liberated pet is just as confining as the Congressman’s gilded cage. Her escape triggered a backlash, and now no one's safe, least <br />of all the other pets. But she's trapped, unable to get back <br />to Penn—the boy she loves—or help the girls who need her. <br /><br />Back in the United States, pets are turning up dead. With help from a very unexpected source, Ella slips deep into the dangerous black market, posing as a tarnished pet available to buy or sell. If she's lucky, she'll be able to rescue Penn and expose the truth about the breeding program. If she fails, Ella will pay not only with her life, but the lives <br />of everyone she's tried to save...</span></i><br /><br />Release Date: December 2015<br />Age Group: YA, Dystopian<br />Source: Review Copy from Publisher<br />Reviewed By: Nat<br /><br />Review:<br />For most series, book two sets you up for the big 💥<i>BOOM💥</i> in the conclusion book and that makes for a strong LOVE-HATE relationship for me. I want more of the story but know what's going to happen... the story is going to literally pause and leave me on a cliff dangling by two fingers! But it's cool, a little torment and anticipation is what makes the conclusion so sweet (unless it's Divergent, in which you regret EVER having started the series #Rothed).<br /><br />The cover of <i>Tarnished</i> had a Hunger Games vibe to it and was just beautiful but I don't think anything will ever beat the caged dress from <a href="http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2015/03/book-review-perfected-by-kate-jarvik.html#.WsPsMcgh1Bw" target="_blank"><i>Perfected</i></a>. For a second book, I liked it. I actually felt like the characters were more fleshed out and began to be more relatable. I mean, I was initially just shocked in <i>Perfected</i> with the entire concept of a pet and am happy to report I couldn't relate.&nbsp;<br /><br />I am happy to report that the love story has developed a bit more and moved from <i>instalove</i> to more of a Peeta &amp; Katniss situation in Catching Fire (still just a bit off). Ella is actually having life experiences and moving from a pet to an actual human being BUT her emotions are still pretty stunted.<br /><br />There are several new characters introduced and Missy by far is the fire. Dang she is a fighter. I think a novella about what happened to Missy between Perfected and Tarnished is a must! There is so much unsaid and I really want to know her full story.<br /><br />The good news is today is the release day of the final book in the series, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34921592-unraveled" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Unraveled</b></span></span></a>! I have waited a year for the conclusion and I'm ready to kick some butt and blow stuff up! 💣 #rebellion<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fAl5YsKra_o/WsPwDtPMW2I/AAAAAAAAOso/sSx2-KiXvHYhBWjusdI4AJq3zxcxm_3CgCLcBGAs/s1600/34921592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fAl5YsKra_o/WsPwDtPMW2I/AAAAAAAAOso/sSx2-KiXvHYhBWjusdI4AJq3zxcxm_3CgCLcBGAs/s640/34921592.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/aCsFx/~4/_cEtG32wUP4" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>I'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.com1http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2018/04/book-review-tarnished-perfected-2-by.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-48847598439442511052018-03-31T05:30:00.000-05:002018-04-03T08:30:08.913-05:00Book Review: Restore Me (Shatter Me #4) by Tahereh Mafi <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FB6aWsNvNJo/Wr2jl9h6VEI/AAAAAAAAOsI/5q7S9sUG9EMDQvjBJoPbSU0tig7FR5OzgCLcBGAs/s1600/34992929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FB6aWsNvNJo/Wr2jl9h6VEI/AAAAAAAAOsI/5q7S9sUG9EMDQvjBJoPbSU0tig7FR5OzgCLcBGAs/s400/34992929.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />Summary: <span id="freeTextContainer3699311081212046921">Juliette Ferrars thought she'd won. She took over Sector 45, was named the new Supreme Commander, and now has Warner by her side. But she's still the girl with the ability to kill with a single touch—and now she's got the whole world in the palm of her hand. When tragedy hits, who will she become? Will she be able to control the power she wields and use it for good?</span><br /><br />Release Date: March 2018<br />Age Group: YA, Dystopian<br />Source: Purchased<br />Reviewed By: Nat<br /><br />Review:<br /><br /><strike>The covers remain epic.</strike><br /><br /><b>It has all just gone to hell.</b><br /><br /><strike>I love it.</strike><br /><br /><b>I hate it.</b><br /><br />I<strike>t better not end like the Divergent series.&nbsp;</strike><br /><br /><b>Awaiting Maryn's thoughts...</b><strike><br /></strike><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IvpNvKXMesY/Wr2fiOx5AJI/AAAAAAAAOsA/Ey2NDb0vtckvR3wLS2ajA-MhXlx8PcrkwCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat_sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1600" height="116" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IvpNvKXMesY/Wr2fiOx5AJI/AAAAAAAAOsA/Ey2NDb0vtckvR3wLS2ajA-MhXlx8PcrkwCEwYBhgL/s200/nat_sig.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My feelings when I finished:<br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />HUH.<br />🤐<br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/aCsFx/~4/ZAXbiglCah8" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>I'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.com0http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2018/03/book-review-restore-me-shatter-me-4-by.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-59037744729666843402018-03-29T21:23:00.002-05:002018-03-29T21:33:14.959-05:00Series Review: Hotbloods 1-4 (Hotbloods, Coldbloods, Renegades, Venturers) by Bella Forrest<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AkFkiGXyocc/Wr2cU5_FB_I/AAAAAAAAOqo/Czku3pbZGZM2fySxMkJo10ztQUzdHbCBACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/36423643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AkFkiGXyocc/Wr2cU5_FB_I/AAAAAAAAOqo/Czku3pbZGZM2fySxMkJo10ztQUzdHbCBACK4BGAYYCw/s320/36423643.jpg" width="212" /></a>Summary: <i><span id="freeText16235285844238712032"><b>One last adventure.</b> That's all Riley wants before heading off to college and parting ways with her two best friends. Spending their last summer together on a Texas farm in the middle of nowhere isn't quite as exciting as they'd planned... <br /><br />That is, until they stumble upon secrets no human should know.<br /><br />Men who appear and disappear. <br /><br />A giant wing hidden in the creek.<br /><br />Screams in the dead of night.<br /><br />Every oddity seems connected to their strange--and alarmingly attractive--new neighbors, led by the stormy-eyed Navan. For reasons she can't explain, Riley feels drawn to him and the story of his past. <br /><br />But Navan has a monstrous side, one that grants him incredible powers that are not of this world...and ashen skin that feels like fire to the touch.<br /><br />When events take a dangerous twist, Riley is determined to protect her friends at all costs, but as she unravels each thread of the mystery, she finds herself entangled in a supernatural conquest that is far bigger than Texas... and even Earth itself. <br /><br />A mystery. <br />A romance. <br />And a journey that could change the fate of the human race. <br /><br />Prepare for a unique spin on the lore you love - and an adventure that is as thrilling as it is unexpected.&nbsp;</span></i><br /><br />Release Date: November 2017<br />Age Group:&nbsp; YA, Paranormal<br />Source: KindleUnlimited<br />Reviewed By: Nat<br /><br /><b>Review:</b><br />I am a devout Bella Forrest fan. Her series are the kind that keep on giving... like a lot... as in 50 books for A Shade of Vampire series... Yes, I've read <i><b>every.single.one.&nbsp;</b></i><br /><br />I had to download a series reading order off of Kindle just to keep me straight! These are the books that are my "<i>go-to</i> fillers" between review books. They are easy, quick and I can't guess the plot. #winning<br /><br />Today, I realized I've never reviewed a single one! <i><b>Why?!</b></i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Because I typically review series when they finish and guess what? <b>THESE DON'T END!</b> <i>Which is a big part of their magic.🎶🎶&gt;insert magical fairy music&lt;🎶🎶</i></div><br />I really enjoy the writing style of Forrest and how she has no problem wrapping up one group of characters and heading down a completely unexpected path with a new, related cast. I like the familiarity of the worlds and how easily I can jump back in at anytime.<br /><br />So, when I saw that she had a new paranormal series out <b>I drank the KoolAid</b>!<br /><br />The <b><i>Hotbloods</i></b> series may be about vampires but I assure you they are unlike any you have ever encountered (and VERY different from <i>A Shade of Vampire</i>). The world is vicious, galactic and unpredictable. And it takes the idea of a Wicked Queen to a whole new level.<br /><br />I'm not going to try to describe the twists and turns of each book, it's a waste of reading time. As a matter of fact, you are wasting time now. Go. Shew. Vamos Amigo! <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EXAf80L4SlI/Wr2cd95dOoI/AAAAAAAAOrI/eFNEH1I6_OAHsJbFNm_Co54lyri4JrG5wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/36423643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EXAf80L4SlI/Wr2cd95dOoI/AAAAAAAAOrI/eFNEH1I6_OAHsJbFNm_Co54lyri4JrG5wCK4BGAYYCw/s200/36423643.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GSQu1WK5EcM/Wr2c7Mwg2yI/AAAAAAAAOrU/cnvanif9fG0axGVvFLceSWWs-MQpElJGwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/36633688.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GSQu1WK5EcM/Wr2c7Mwg2yI/AAAAAAAAOrU/cnvanif9fG0axGVvFLceSWWs-MQpElJGwCK4BGAYYCw/s200/36633688.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0mOf7cxIecg/Wr2dBQrP3pI/AAAAAAAAOrk/A7-QDMY2vIwX5AGKsCOcJZ804-Oc0OX8ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/37657837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0mOf7cxIecg/Wr2dBQrP3pI/AAAAAAAAOrk/A7-QDMY2vIwX5AGKsCOcJZ804-Oc0OX8ACK4BGAYYCw/s200/37657837.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EsdfJLVWXXY/Wr2dGSDHkxI/AAAAAAAAOrs/UwK_C2F7hWgLi30ezuNkeQDXntegnXXPgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/38324836.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EsdfJLVWXXY/Wr2dGSDHkxI/AAAAAAAAOrs/UwK_C2F7hWgLi30ezuNkeQDXntegnXXPgCK4BGAYYCw/s200/38324836.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U3StdcPNPPM/Wr2cdLpNXDI/AAAAAAAAOq8/b2YgkXO_PTkXN9HQon-p7Z56xxypqxaDgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/38324836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you are interested in <span style="color: #990000;"><b>A Shade of Vampire</b></span> series, <a href="http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2013/02/book-review-shade-of-vampire-by-bella.html#.Wr2hcsgh1Bw" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a> is a review of book #1 </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IvpNvKXMesY/Wr2fiOx5AJI/AAAAAAAAOr8/pt0lvvq_DtsebYt0_-ieMvRWti2GTTdjwCLcBGAs/s1600/nat_sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1600" height="116" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IvpNvKXMesY/Wr2fiOx5AJI/AAAAAAAAOr8/pt0lvvq_DtsebYt0_-ieMvRWti2GTTdjwCLcBGAs/s200/nat_sig.png" width="200" /></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/aCsFx/~4/C1Hl2tJ8Cww" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>I'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.com0http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2018/03/series-review-hotbloods-1-4-hotbloods.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-16854622923206509172018-03-05T10:08:00.003-06:002018-03-05T10:15:49.243-06:00Book Review: The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors by Drew Daywalt & Adam Rex (🗿📄✂️ )<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OyyY1ec3OC4/Wp1gm07nw8I/AAAAAAAAOpk/oXpeh_6g-kA7tTzpS5zIDY5uF-oCBe5UwCLcBGAs/s1600/31215005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OyyY1ec3OC4/Wp1gm07nw8I/AAAAAAAAOpk/oXpeh_6g-kA7tTzpS5zIDY5uF-oCBe5UwCLcBGAs/s320/31215005.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>Summary: <i><span id="freeText1873367344717727569">You’ve played the game. Now read the legend of how it all began . . .<br /><br />Long ago, in an ancient and distant realm called the Kingdom of Backyard, there lived a warrior named ROCK.<br /><br />Meanwhile in the Empire of Mom’s Home Office, a second great warrior sought the glory of battle. And his name was PAPER.<br /><br />At the same time, in the Kitchen Realm, in the tiny village of Junk Drawer, lived a third warrior. They called her SCISSORS.<br /><br />These three were the strongest, smartest, and fastest in all the land. Time and again they beat the most fearsome opponents they could find: an apricot, a computer printer—even frozen, breaded, dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets! But when the warriors finally meet each other, the most epic round of battles begins . . . and never ends. That is why, to this day, children around the world honor these worthy adversaries by playing ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS!</span> </i><br /><br />Release Date: April 2017<br />Age Group: Childrens, Picture Books, Humor<br />Source: Purchased at Scholastic Book Fair<br />Reviewed By:&nbsp; Nat &amp; <i>The Boys</i><br /><br /><b>Review:</b><br />Playing <i>Rock, Paper, Scissors</i> is a right of passage in life. I mean, I'm pretty sure I've made the challenge in adulthood and thrown my hands up in victory. You know, winning is equivalent to the lottery because you have wagered something B-I-G. Like, who is going to turn off the bedroom light, who is going to pump the gas, who is going to do the walk of shame and drop the kids of tardy??? Who WHO W-H-O. The loser of course. The one that throws down Scissors at the wrong moment. The one who thinks you are always going to choose Rock and shoots down Paper! The Big "L" that's who. <br /><br />Adulting. It's hard.<br /><br />In childhood, <i><i>Rock Paper Scissors</i></i> determines who's "<i>it</i>" or decides who gets to go "<i>first</i>" or who has to follow through with "<i>the dare</i>". I know my monsters have been posted on our town crime watch thanks to losing a round of<i> Rock, Paper, Scissors</i>... yea, you read that right. They thought ding-dong ditching the grumpy neighbors (with cameras) was a brilliant idea. It wasn't.<br /><br /><i>The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors</i> was epic! <i>The Boys</i> thought the images were so strong and cool. I mean, I was a little intimidated by Rock and I wanted Scissors to do my homework (he/she had that nerdy vibe).<br /><br />The battles throughout were entertaining, hilarious and fun to read aloud. When rock battles the apricot we were cracking up at the <i>fuzzy little butt </i>reference. I mean, what little boy doesn't appreciate butt humor. Adam Rex really knocked it out with the illustrations! 👊🏽<br /><br />I feel like this picture book needs a warning:<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>WARNING:</b></span> <b>This book is guaranteed to result in an epic battle of <i>Rock Paper Scissors</i>. No one is safe. You may be challenged by your toddler or your grandmother. Be cautious when making eye contact, battles can occur at any moment. Take care of those fingers and keep your reflexes sharp.</b><br /><i><b><br /></b></i><i><b>You've been warned.</b></i>&nbsp; </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">xoxoxo<i><b> 🗿📄✂️&nbsp;</b></i></blockquote><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2317313630" target="_blank"><i>The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors</i></a> is an excellent gift. It is entertaining and fun to read aloud! Plus, you get to battle when it's over. <i><b>🗿📄✂️&nbsp; #forlife</b></i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZGer8AdEjA/Wp1ptEdnTSI/AAAAAAAAOp0/cMa4hlTziaMjpiQCn57LKrVzD3kljlfXwCLcBGAs/s1600/nat_sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1600" height="116" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZGer8AdEjA/Wp1ptEdnTSI/AAAAAAAAOp0/cMa4hlTziaMjpiQCn57LKrVzD3kljlfXwCLcBGAs/s200/nat_sig.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/aCsFx/~4/4UOeNCNwnOs" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>I'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.com0http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2018/03/book-review-legend-of-rock-paper.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-17428871905573477512018-02-19T11:16:00.001-06:002018-02-19T11:24:32.769-06:00Vlog Review: The Moonlight Meeting By Tracey Hecht (The Nocturnals Easy Reader #1)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KB8wigeCRkY/WosAiUS999I/AAAAAAAAOo8/Fyqy7_fAL5gshQYfYR_RmH0g_JJchOdJgCLcBGAs/s1600/34146868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KB8wigeCRkY/WosAiUS999I/AAAAAAAAOo8/Fyqy7_fAL5gshQYfYR_RmH0g_JJchOdJgCLcBGAs/s400/34146868.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>Release Date: September 2017<br />Age Group: Childrens, Easy Reader<br />Source: Review Copy from Publisher<br />Reviewed By: Macy Kate &amp; Nat<br /><br /><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Review:</b></span><br /><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Anything related to <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i>The Nocturnals</i> </span></span>series by Tracey Hecht will hands down be the best! When I first discovered that The Nocturnals was starting an easy reader set I was thrilled! My youngest monster has just started easy readers and when I showed him <i>The Moonlight Meeting </i>he was excited to read about new animals, I mean who doesn't want to read about a pangolin?</span></b></span><br /><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></b></span><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Said monster is not ready to review on camera so I passed it to Macy Kate because she (and Mrs. Leger) are our Nocturnals connoisseurs. They LOVE all things Nocturnals, I mean, Macy Kate sets her Dawn the Fox stuffed animal on her desk at school (for good luck of course) and Ms. Leger's classes study every single odd animal that makes an appearance in the series. We are <i>all in</i> around here.</span></b></span><br /><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="color: #073763;">It is exciting that young audiences can now get in on the action and learn about odd, unique animals and get to know The Brigade! And we are a house divided here at I'd So Rather Be Reading... we all have our favorites. I am partial to Bismark, the sugar glider and Macy Kate obviously loves Dawn the Fox. She wins the loyalty card. Macy Kate dressed as Dawn the Fox for Halloween this year. With fiery red hair and a swanky fur jacket, she OWNED it! #winning</span></b></span><br /><br /><br /><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xjLbiXEZYYU?rel=0&amp;controls=0" width="560"></iframe></center><br /><br />And I am thrilled that I just got in <span style="color: #351c75;"><b>The Slithery Shakedown</b></span>! Which is set to release this April (it's so new that I couldn't find it on Goodreads, which is like saying I have acquired a piece of the Holy Grail).<br /><br />Teachers and parents, start collecting these easy readers and prime the little minds because once they hit the middle grade reading level they are going to fall in love with <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27220549-the-mysterious-abductions" target="_blank">The Nocturnal</a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27220549-the-mysterious-abductions" target="_blank">s</a> series!<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iGLKFAmjCpk/WosFScZo4bI/AAAAAAAAOpI/oLGw3VTlhcc6q-FN4pKcfBslP0K-uQd1wCLcBGAs/s1600/nat_sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1600" height="116" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iGLKFAmjCpk/WosFScZo4bI/AAAAAAAAOpI/oLGw3VTlhcc6q-FN4pKcfBslP0K-uQd1wCLcBGAs/s200/nat_sig.png" width="200" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________________________________</div><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And don't forget about #WORDWEDNESDAY with The Nocturnals &gt;&gt;&gt;<span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2017/03/wordwednesday-with-our-favorite.html#.WosFxYJG1Bw" target="_blank">HERE</a></span>&lt;&lt;&lt;</b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/aCsFx/~4/_00LN1AxGJA" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>I'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.com1http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2018/02/vlog-review-moonlight-meeting-by-tracey.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-31471399006522408272018-02-19T09:59:00.000-06:002018-02-19T09:59:55.256-06:00Vlog Review: Heartwood Hotel: A True Home by Kallie GeorgeSummary: <i><span id="freeText16876124407414242915">When Mona the Mouse stumbles across the wondrous world of the Heartwood Hotel in the middle of a storm, she desperately hopes they'll let her stay. As it turns out, Mona is precisely the maid they need at the grandest hotel in Fernwood Forest, where animals come from far and wide for safety, luxury, and comfort. But the Heartwood Hotel is not all acorn souffle and soft moss-lined beds. Danger lurks, and as it approaches, Mona finds that this hotel is more than a warm place to spend the night. It might also be a home.<br /><br />This delightfully enticing start of a new chapter book series tells a tale of friendship, courage, and community, with exquisite black-and-white illustrations throughout.</span></i><br /><br />Release Date: July 2017<br />Age Group: Middle Grade<br />Source: Review Copy from Publisher<br />Reviewed By: Macy Kate <br /><br /><br /><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rt0TNhSNhjc" width="560"></iframe></center><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763;">I think it's safe to say that Macy Kate has found another "AWESOME SERIES" that she loves and Mona the Mouse is just so cute, fun and adventurous. <i>Heartwood Hotel: True Home</i> is a sure win for middle grade readers that love animal adventures.</span></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/aCsFx/~4/KG5ZzlEGBoY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>I'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.com1http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2018/02/vlog-review-heartwood-hotel.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-31670375884281231282018-02-01T08:41:00.000-06:002018-02-01T08:42:14.441-06:00Series Review: Storybook Valley by Stacy Juba (1 & 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h8WD7WFHU3w/WnMeRuNrv0I/AAAAAAAAOoQ/E6rlaHjFaEQIyANQVzoU8dZGWgxal3Q7wCLcBGAs/s1600/cinder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h8WD7WFHU3w/WnMeRuNrv0I/AAAAAAAAOoQ/E6rlaHjFaEQIyANQVzoU8dZGWgxal3Q7wCLcBGAs/s320/cinder.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Summary: <i><span id="freeText7704928719412036728">What happens when the glass slippers pinch Cinderella’s toes? When Jaine Andersen proposes a new marketing role to the local amusement park, general manager Dylan Callahan charms her into filling Cinderella’s glass slippers for the summer. Her reign transforms Jaine’s ordinary life into chaos that would bewilder a fairy godmother. Secretly dating her bad boy boss, running wedding errands for her ungrateful sisters, and defending herself from the park’s resident villain means Jaine needs lots more than a comfy pair of shoes to restore order in her kingdom. First in the Storybook Valley series, a blend of sweet romance, chick lit, and fairy tale fun.</span></i><br /><i><span id="freeText7704928719412036728">&nbsp;</span></i><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Release Date: November 2015<br />Age Group: YA, Romance (clean), Contemporary, Chick Lit<br />Source: Review Copy from Publisher<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ptnanTyt9DA/WnMe9J9cLsI/AAAAAAAAOoY/VUQFfMhUfdU1ecKmRbaSGHI40C_IucgtQCLcBGAs/s1600/sleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ptnanTyt9DA/WnMe9J9cLsI/AAAAAAAAOoY/VUQFfMhUfdU1ecKmRbaSGHI40C_IucgtQCLcBGAs/s320/sleeping.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Review: <i><span id="freeText17985434405170314428">Dance instructor Rory Callahan likes to play it safe. When she meets Kyle, he’s impulsive, persistent, and her exact opposite. He’s pushing her to tango way past her comfort zone and keeping Rory on her toes more than twenty years of dance teachers ever had.<br /><br />Unfortunately, he’s the grandson of her family’s archrival and she doesn’t want to disappoint them. After all, her parents imagine her as a proper princess - hence her namesake Aurora, AKA Sleeping Beauty. Complicating matters, Rory’s also dealing with a surgeon boyfriend who’s perfect for her (sort of), an obnoxious boss, and desperate dance moms. Kyle wants to change her whole life, but Rory doesn’t like the stakes. After all, princesses are the ones who get the happy endings. . .aren’t they?<br /><br />This sweet romantic comedy is a standalone and can be read on its own. All books in the series can be read in any order so jump in at any time.<br />Welcome to Storybook Valley...Your Vacation Escape<br /><br />The Storybook Valley books are the perfect beach reads. If you love small town romance, theme parks, fairy tale fun, and amazing love stories, then Storybook Valley will be your new favorite series. Look for the feel-good first novel in the series, Fooling Around With Cinderella.</span></i><br /><br />Release Date: November 2017<br />Age Group: YA, Romance (clean), Contemporary, Chick Lit<br />Source: Review Copy from Publisher<br />Reviewed By: Nat<br /><br /><b>Review:</b><br />I've finally found my <i><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/529252.Double_Love?from_search=true" target="_blank">Sweet Valley High</a></span></i> replacement! Yes, I am 35 years old and still want to read those teenage, angst-filled books! <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(And yes, I'll further admit, I'd pick up a Babysitters Club if things got real desperate around here #noshameinmygame).</span><br /><br />Storybook Valley is a sweet romance series that gives all #thefeels without having anyone strip down to their undies. They give you just enough romance without tipping the hat and turning smutty.<br /><br />The family of Storybook Valley is fairy-tale obsessed. So mush so, that they have named all their children after characters from classics like Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan and even stretched a little and actually named a daughter Tiara. I mean, why not? I say when you're all in, you commit. And naming your daughter Tiara shows commitment.<br /><br />And there's a theme park to boot! Imagine, first you are named after Sleeping Beauty AND you spend your afternoons playing at Cinderella's castle with your grandma who happens to be dressed as Fairy God Mother! Yea, we all come from <i>weird</i> or maybe dysfunctional <span style="font-size: xx-small;">*cough &gt;me&lt;</span> but this is one <i>weird</i> that I'd legit be interested in. 😂<br /><br />I really thought Juba did a great job of introducing several characters, in <b><i>Fooling Around with Cinderella</i></b>, that will take the lead in subsequent books in the series. I personally can't wait to read Tiara's story. There better be lots of glitter...<br /><br />Storybook Valley is a light, fun series that will deliver the HEA we all crave, make you believe in modern day fairy-tale romances and add to your ever climbing TBR list.<br /><br />I'm committed. I'll read every Storybook Valley that comes out because dang it, I CAN. I might even wear a tiara and call my husband Mr. Charming. Why not? YOLO, right.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LXTFcvNuOyc/WnMmp05iCzI/AAAAAAAAOoo/CIq678SISDMm5UXtBAYcg8b9ERJ9JAPGQCLcBGAs/s1600/nat_sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1600" height="116" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LXTFcvNuOyc/WnMmp05iCzI/AAAAAAAAOoo/CIq678SISDMm5UXtBAYcg8b9ERJ9JAPGQCLcBGAs/s200/nat_sig.png" width="200" /></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/aCsFx/~4/zWYzZ4Do8LU" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>I'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.com0http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2018/02/series-review-storybook-valley-by-stacy.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-75242538199420006862018-01-20T09:27:00.000-06:002018-01-25T09:45:33.299-06:00Love Between Enemies (Grad Night #2) by Molly E.Lee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jE3dWfuyHSY/Wmnyt6pTqzI/AAAAAAAAOn0/3CQa6oRglxA7owhj6rtgJWAuDQVVBDhkwCLcBGAs/s1600/enemies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jE3dWfuyHSY/Wmnyt6pTqzI/AAAAAAAAOn0/3CQa6oRglxA7owhj6rtgJWAuDQVVBDhkwCLcBGAs/s400/enemies.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>Summary: <i><span id="freeText16015157131060102797">Zoey Handler is ready to put an end to her decade-long rivalry with Gordon Meyers. They’ve traded top spot between valedictorian and salutatorian for years, but all that’s over now. Right? But after a crazy graduation speech prank gets out of hand, suddenly their rivalry turns into all-out war. Time to make peace with a little friendly payback.<br /><br />Step one? Make him believe they’re now friends.<br /><br />Step two? Show him the time of his life at an epic graduation party.<br /><br />Step three? Don’t fall for his tricks.<br /><br />Step four? Absolutely, positively, do not kiss him again.<br /><br />So what if he’s cute? (Okay, hot.) So what if he’s charming? (Heaven help her, tempting.) So what if he apologizes? (That has to be fake.) She knows the real Gordon. And no matter how much her heart begs her to stop, there’s no turning back.</span></i><br /><br />Release Date: January 2018<br />Age Group: YA, Contemporary (clean)<br />Source: Review Copy from Publisher (<i><b>Entangled Teen <span style="color: #cc0000;">Crush</span></b></i>)<br />Reviewed By: Nat<br /><br />Review:<br />Most of the time it's going to be the same song and dance when I finish an <i><b>Entangled Teen <span style="color: #990000;">Crush</span></b></i> book... they are just&nbsp; 🎧 to my ears! I love these easy, clean stories. Each one is unique and I never feel like I'm re-reading anything. The only time that re-visiting a good plot is in Hallmark movies. You can never have enough "cottage" "mistletoe" or "marry me" titles. 😂<br /><br /><i>Love Between Enemies</i> was unique in that it was based on revenge and a competitive heart. I wouldn't say this book gave me #thefeels like most of the <span style="color: #990000;"><i>Crush</i></span> books do but it did catch my interest.<br /><br />The entire story was set in the span of a few days and it was a lot to take in. You had to accept that they had an unspoken history with each other and there were several memories that built out their past. I kept waiting for the shoe to drop and when it did I was left feeling <i>meh</i> about it. I like the <i>Grad Night</i> series and the writing style of Lee and honestly think it was just the characters. Zoey and Gordon just didn't do it for me.<br /><br />Overall, this was an easy, quick read but just not one of my <span style="color: #990000;"><i>Crush</i></span> favorites.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NEdJTN6DjdY/Wmn3O9uWskI/AAAAAAAAOoA/yTjB1kr2Gb4WvRhPFewuQlTHvv56Yop5gCLcBGAs/s1600/nat_sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1600" height="116" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NEdJTN6DjdY/Wmn3O9uWskI/AAAAAAAAOoA/yTjB1kr2Gb4WvRhPFewuQlTHvv56Yop5gCLcBGAs/s200/nat_sig.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2093673293"><span id="freeText13907424387758070090"></span></span><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/aCsFx/~4/xMnNcKoDRVY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>I'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.com2http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2018/01/love-between-enemies-grad-night-2-by.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-24820530620405961102018-01-17T08:53:00.000-06:002018-01-25T08:53:35.503-06:00Book Review: Ryan's Bed by Tijan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bqXX-ri_Cv8/WmnqkojZ8KI/AAAAAAAAOnc/NQ53Iu51L34lfJChBF45-rHLyDhlFwjyACLcBGAs/s1600/ryan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bqXX-ri_Cv8/WmnqkojZ8KI/AAAAAAAAOnc/NQ53Iu51L34lfJChBF45-rHLyDhlFwjyACLcBGAs/s400/ryan.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>Summary: <span id="freeText17935000852484577435">&nbsp;</span><br /><span id="freeText17935000852484577435">I crawled into Ryan Jensen’s bed that first night by accident.<br /><br /> I barely knew him. I thought it was his sister’s bed—her room. It took seconds to realize my error, and I should've left...<br /><br /> I didn’t.<br />I didn’t jump out.<br />I didn’t get embarrassed.<br />I relaxed.<br />And that night, in that moment, it was the only thing I craved.<br /><br /> I asked to stay. He let me, and I slept.<br /><br /> The truth? I never wanted to leave his bed. If I could've stayed forever, I would have.<br />He became my sanctuary.<br /><br /> Because—four hours earlier—my twin sister killed herself.</span><br /><br /><br />Release Date: January 2018<br />Age Group: New Adult, Contemporary<br />Source: Review Copy from Publisher <br />Reviewed By: Nat<br /><br /><b>Review:</b><br />I've read most of Tijan's books and what draws me each time is how strong the women are in the face of absolute madness. Seriously, some of the plots are just straight nightmares but she has a way of developing these women, it's almost like a rebirth by the end.<br /><br /><i>Ryan's Bed</i> is not my typical kind of read because I don't like to cry buuuutttt I couldn't resist a Tijan. It was a heavy read in the sense of the topic- suicide but not in the way I thought. It is told in the POV of the surviving twin. The story really captures you in the thoughts and mental processes of the grieving who are left after someone leaves in such an unexpected, harsh way. Mackenzie's voice really hooked me and it was like a roller coaster of emotions, self discovery, grief and hope. There were times when I busted out laughing and then others where I wanted to reach into the book and choke a kid. I hate bullies. But I never got choked up until the very. last. page. What a punch in the gut! The final twist and the final piece of Mackenzie was perfectly laid out.&nbsp;<br /><br /><b>Novella Please: </b><br />Now, I know that this is a standalone and I am totally cool with that BUT there must be a novella or something for Ryan's backstory. You get bits and pieces of his trials and tribulations and in true reader fashion, I simply want more!<br /><br /><b>Young Adult or New Adult?</b><br />I know that this is labeled a YA because of the age of the characters but the content (i.e. sex) makes it a New Adult for me. It's not one I would recommend to the teens but I would tell my girlfriends about it. For a YA that focuses on loss (not suicide but similar grieving processes) I would recommend <a href="http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2017/08/book-review-short-history-of-girl-next.html#.Wmnu3ktG1Bw" target="_blank">The Girl Next Door by Jared Reck</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X4cdpPeuQF8/WmnvR9j90jI/AAAAAAAAOno/UyqDpVlitbATJZnJj-xvNZZY1pV1_0grACLcBGAs/s1600/nat_sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1600" height="116" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X4cdpPeuQF8/WmnvR9j90jI/AAAAAAAAOno/UyqDpVlitbATJZnJj-xvNZZY1pV1_0grACLcBGAs/s200/nat_sig.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/aCsFx/~4/0ZvHOTO9JY0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>I'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.com2http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2018/01/book-review-ryans-bed-by-tijan.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-83359638200049981202018-01-15T09:25:00.000-06:002018-01-15T09:25:30.943-06:00Book Review: Text, Don't Call: An Illustrated Guide to the Introverted Life by Aaron Caycedo-Kimura (AKA INFJoe)<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r2uBUzlrfY8/WlzB4BwgP1I/AAAAAAAAOm4/yvFPQM3JYss6gRFhhx8wKd0Y0-g9GfnAQCLcBGAs/s1600/INFJoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="318" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r2uBUzlrfY8/WlzB4BwgP1I/AAAAAAAAOm4/yvFPQM3JYss6gRFhhx8wKd0Y0-g9GfnAQCLcBGAs/s400/INFJoe.jpg" width="285" /></a>Summary:<span id="freeText4779268253319023533"><b>&nbsp;</b></span><br /><span id="freeText4779268253319023533"><b><i>An illustrated guide to the challenges and pleasures of the introverted life</i></b><br /><i>Introversion is "in." But there are still many misconceptions about introverts in the world. They're shy. Anti-social. They don't want to have close relationships. They're all cat people. They don't like big parties (okay, that last one might be true). <br />INFJoe, the cartoon persona of artist and introvert Aaron Caycedo-Kimura, is here to set the record straight. Filled with charming comic book style illustrations, this book provides invaluable insights into the introverted life with plenty of humor and wit. Full of moments that will make introverts say, "That's so me!" as well as helpful tips on surviving at parties and in the workplace, Text, Don't Call is the perfect gift for your quiet friends, or the extroverted ones who could use some help to better understand the introverts in their lives.</i></span> <br /><br />Release Date: August 2017<br />Age Group: YA/Adult Humor, Illustrated Guide<br />Source: Review Copy from Publisher<br />Reviewed By: Nat<br /><br />Review:<br /><i>Text, Don't Call</i> popped up in my mail box just before Hurricane Harvey hit and it couldn't have come at a better time. I really needed a fun, light read! This hit the spot.<br /><br />By nature I am a full blown extrovert that was born into a family of complete introverts (extended family included). For example, when my extended family gathered at the holidays they would literally choose starvation before saying a prayer over the meal. There would be 25 of us hanging out making small talk just waiting for that one uncle to get there because he was the designated Pray-<i>ee</i>. True story. They would choose death over praying in front of one another.<br /><br />I've glanced at some of the reviews on <i>Text, Don't Call</i> and wasn't surprised that most were from introverts relating. After all, most bookworms fall into the introvert category but you know I like to stand out and cause myself trouble, I blame it on my extrovert nature.<br /><br />INFJoe did a fantastic job of illustrating the situations and thought processes of both introverts and extroverts. I was cracking up and running back and forth to my bedroom shoeing my husband different pages. There were so many that I could relate too and even more that had me naming names!<br /><br /><i><b>"Hey, that's Miriam! I am so sending her this picture"&nbsp;</b></i><br /><i><b>"Oh my gosh that is what Nick says all the time, huh."</b></i><br /><i><b>"... yep, that's what she does, hides behind her phone and blocks us all out."</b></i><br /><br />This fun book is perfect for book exchanges, gifts and for those that just need a good, relatable laugh.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_t7k4A030M/WlzHXavzVxI/AAAAAAAAOnI/X0yt6sQbbFsvgVKAHKUodHLbAV5bxB77wCLcBGAs/s1600/nat_sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1600" height="116" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_t7k4A030M/WlzHXavzVxI/AAAAAAAAOnI/X0yt6sQbbFsvgVKAHKUodHLbAV5bxB77wCLcBGAs/s200/nat_sig.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/aCsFx/~4/wgMPA9JJpzU" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>I'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.com0http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2018/01/book-review-text-dont-call-illustrated.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-66541303686613621792018-01-05T05:00:00.000-06:002018-01-09T20:22:58.342-06:00Book Review: You're Weird: A Creative Journal for Misfits, Oddballs, and Anyone Else Who's Uniquely Awesome by Kate Peterson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0hpsO4eShAA/WlV0Kl6eKzI/AAAAAAAAOmc/zrAELeLWct8egg27XcOggsWzgJzWazFmACLcBGAs/s1600/32738951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="318" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0hpsO4eShAA/WlV0Kl6eKzI/AAAAAAAAOmc/zrAELeLWct8egg27XcOggsWzgJzWazFmACLcBGAs/s400/32738951.jpg" width="322" /></a></div>Summary: <i><span id="freeText16683858989022453404">Part journal, part activity book, and all fun, You're Weird is a valentine for the inner weirdo in everyone--that part of us that doesn't quite fit in, and secretly isn't even trying. Filled with hand-drawn creatures that are a bit...different...along with lists, writing prompts, activities, and more, it's a delightful and affirming book for creative oddballs everywhere.<br /><br />In our mass-produced world that wants everyone to fit in and fall in line, this quirky book give us permission to celebrate what makes us each unique--and amazing. It's the perfect gift for the creative teen, journal-loving best friend, or indie artist in your life...or for your own weird self.</span></i><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Release Date: July 2017<br />Age Group: Everyone<br />Source:&nbsp; Review Copy from Publisher<br />Reviewed By: Nat<br /><br />Review:<br />If you don't think you're weird then chances are you are super, duper weird. This journal/doodle/prompt book is a lot of fun! It's not something that you sit down and try to complete. Rather you sit back and really think about what quirks you have and reflect a bit on yourself.<br /><br />I wouldn't suggest this journal for children or even middle school-age children. Some of the prompts wouldn't mean much to them at their age. For instance, "<i>What kinds of weirdness are most important to you in a partner?</i>" or "<i>Craziest things I've ever done for love, work, friendship, etc.</i>" My younger kids better not have done anything for love... ya feel me.<br /><br />This is best suited for junior high and older, I just think they will get more out of it and beginning in Jr. High you start to see kids want to explore life a bit more (aka they become tween monsters).<br /><br />Overall, I really enjoyed You're Weird and I plan to fill mine up and give it to my kids as a journal of all my weirdness without apology. The prompts allow for stories and experiences to be recorded and I think it will justify a lot of my quirks or it may just further confuse them but hey, it will be fun!<br /><br />I would suggest this as a gift for a new graduate, doodlers, and adolescents who are having a hard time accepting their inner awesome. <b>It could also be used as an anti-bullying prompt book in the classroom.&nbsp;</b><br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vbXqPgHSVzE/WlV2W_FbZbI/AAAAAAAAOmo/f43RJUBQPNwajRk41KTEvgBfzteVjDk0QCLcBGAs/s1600/wreck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="262" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vbXqPgHSVzE/WlV2W_FbZbI/AAAAAAAAOmo/f43RJUBQPNwajRk41KTEvgBfzteVjDk0QCLcBGAs/s200/wreck.jpg" width="130" /></a>For a young audience (middle grade and below) I would pick-up a <i><b>Wreck This Journal</b></i> by Keri Smith. There are over a dozen different <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/117227.Keri_Smith" target="_blank">versions</a> and all the prompts are ridiculous and kid approved. My least favorite was when my daughter brought it to the dinner table and ate spaghetti off the book... good times.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xeo2G_3XPzU/WlVs3wccEgI/AAAAAAAAOmQ/ePwuwIaJ2Kc_c6tVoFiSTyU3nyeSqqurgCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat_sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1600" height="116" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xeo2G_3XPzU/WlVs3wccEgI/AAAAAAAAOmQ/ePwuwIaJ2Kc_c6tVoFiSTyU3nyeSqqurgCEwYBhgL/s200/nat_sig.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/aCsFx/~4/ZrQInHCB-Us" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>I'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.com0http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2018/01/book-review-youre-weird-creative.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-74914876740969294192018-01-02T05:00:00.000-06:002018-01-09T19:42:04.353-06:00Series Review: The Young Royals by Emma Lea<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LpaJip_nSrY/WZui_EBbToI/AAAAAAAAOI4/Mtqo8lJ8RiwzLYcc4lsfUFpP1zB6fzGDgCLcBGAs/s1600/theroyals.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="1600" height="257" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LpaJip_nSrY/WZui_EBbToI/AAAAAAAAOI4/Mtqo8lJ8RiwzLYcc4lsfUFpP1zB6fzGDgCLcBGAs/s640/theroyals.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><i><span id="freeText12900926946031655453">Despite being the second child of the King and Queen of Merveille, Alyssabeth thought that if she kept a low profile she could stay out of the media’s glaring spotlight and live a relatively normal life. That was until her father, the King, and her brother, the Crown Prince, are both killed in a hunting accident. <br />&nbsp;</span></i><br /><i><span id="freeText12900926946031655453">Her dream of joining the UN is no more and instead she needs to return to the small European country of her birth to pick up where her father and brother left off. Her Harvard degree in International Relations is forfeit and in it’s place she must become Queen, that is if the misogynistic Parliament can see past their prejudices. <br />&nbsp;</span></i><br /><i><span id="freeText12900926946031655453">Not much has changed in the small country in her four year absence, but there are two noticeable differences. Her brother’s two best friends Will Darkly and Jordan Wicks have grown up into two very intriguing men. Jordan practically sweeps her off her feet from the moment she steps off the plane, but Will’s more reserved, darkly intense interest in her gives her tingles. <br />&nbsp;</span></i><br /><br />Release Date: June 2016<br />Age Group: YA, Contemporary, Romance (Clean)<br />Source: Kindle Unlimited<br />Reviewed By:&nbsp; Nat<br /><br />Review:<br /><i>The Young Royals</i> series was a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/kindle/ku/sign-up/ui/rw/about" target="_blank">Kindle Unlimited </a>recommendation... I was on a bit of a <i>royal</i> bender... no matter my age I still enjoy a princess.<br /><br /><i>A Royal Engagement</i> felt like a modern day Pride &amp; Prejudice but with the twist that the girl wasn't going to be destitute, in fact it was the opposite, she was going to be Queen. Naturally I was hooked. I loved the MC Alyssabeth, Will and I loved to hate Jordan! A jerk is always a good ingredient when mapping out a love story and Jordan was totally Wickham material. All the characters are fleshed out so well and have their own struggles and story, which I find is hard in a contemporary series. Sometimes I feel like I am re-reading the same story just with another characters name.<br /><br />I sped right from one book to the next. Initially I thought there might be a theme of "re-telling" but each book had a unique story and no other had the P&amp;P feel.&nbsp; {As it shouldn't because there is only room for one Darcy!}<br /><br />Emma Lea does a great job of keeping it fresh and exciting throughout the series. I love that each subsequent story follows one of Alyssa's <span style="color: #741b47;"><i>Ladies in Waiting</i></span> ( and begins with an "E").<br /><br /><i><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">A Royal Engagement</span></i> introduces Queen Alyssa and her <i>Ladies in Waiting</i>.<br /><i><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">A Royal Entanglement</span></i> is Lady Alexandra's story.<br /><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">A Royal Entrapment</span></i> is Lady Priscilla's Story.<br /><i><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">A Royal Expectation</span> </i>is Lady Jeanette's story.<br /><br />You need to read them in order because you get little bits and pieces of each Lady and you will probably make the wrong judgments, I did. That made me love them more when I read their story! If I had to choose a favorite it would be between Lady Alex and <span id="freeTextContainer13789806985474804722"> Lord Frédéric's story {</span><span id="freeTextContainer13789806985474804722"><i><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">A Royal Entanglement<span style="background-color: white;">} &amp; Lady Jeanette and her Aussie {</span></span></i></span><span id="freeTextContainer13789806985474804722"><i><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;"><i><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">A Royal Expectation<span style="background-color: white;">}.</span></span></i></span></i></span><br /><br />Lady Jeanette and her Aussie, Drew, were really fun to follow. I kept thinking of the strong Australian accent he must have had and then that led to Thor and well.... he looks like Thor... #winning <br /><br />I know this can't be the end of the series because there are still Ladies and I am waiting Emma... these are like my Hallmark movies, I gotta have my fix!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xeo2G_3XPzU/WlVs3wccEgI/AAAAAAAAOmM/AEdSwXOu-e4XX07SMqcV74x6IuG09WCmACLcBGAs/s1600/nat_sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1600" height="116" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xeo2G_3XPzU/WlVs3wccEgI/AAAAAAAAOmM/AEdSwXOu-e4XX07SMqcV74x6IuG09WCmACLcBGAs/s200/nat_sig.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">*This is a clean contemporary romance series. If you like Emma Lea's writing style, she has loads of other series but they are not G rated like these.</span><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/aCsFx/~4/drTAhOd8pTo" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>I'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.com0http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2018/01/series-review-young-royals-by-emma-lea.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-59025162805074255182017-12-25T11:48:00.001-06:002017-12-25T11:48:24.390-06:00Merriest of Days Friends!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EwXckXGzdc4/WkE497Fom9I/AAAAAAAAOl0/rJiGHAqptFg2ZgRJgh6RsxAqVDcv6hGoQCLcBGAs/s1600/READINGchristmas2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EwXckXGzdc4/WkE497Fom9I/AAAAAAAAOl0/rJiGHAqptFg2ZgRJgh6RsxAqVDcv6hGoQCLcBGAs/s640/READINGchristmas2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>We hope your day is perfect! Whether that be snuggled in a book, gathered with family &amp; friends or saddled up on a motorcycle heading into the horizon!&nbsp;</b></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>M<span style="color: #990000;">a</span>k<span style="color: #990000;">e</span> i<span style="color: #990000;">t</span> M<span style="color: #990000;">e</span>r<span style="color: #990000;">r</span>y!</b></span></span></i></span></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/aCsFx/~4/2CDFlH7gXds" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>I'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.com0http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2017/12/merriest-of-days-friends.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-84904329890010505012017-12-07T10:20:00.003-06:002018-01-25T09:34:19.472-06:00Book Review: First Kiss Hypothesis by Christina Mandelski<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M8TeJNkzMC8/Wilfdjwr6ZI/AAAAAAAAOk0/v9zIXaAmnSc0VsNtDHJgJbADrLwugvMNwCLcBGAs/s1600/36407802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M8TeJNkzMC8/Wilfdjwr6ZI/AAAAAAAAOk0/v9zIXaAmnSc0VsNtDHJgJbADrLwugvMNwCLcBGAs/s320/36407802.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>Summary: <span id="freeText8460634968702050985">Nora Reid believes scientific laws control everything, even love. With her grandparents’ epic first kiss story cemented in her brain, Nora develops a hypothesis she’s determined to prove: for each person in the world, there is exactly one other person, and at first kiss, they’ll experience an immediate and intense reaction. <br /><br />But after four years of zero-reaction kisses, she comes up with a new theory: maybe that pesky crush on her stunningly hot best friend Eli Costas is skewing her results.<br /><br />She needs to get rid of him, and fast.<br /><br />Eli Costas is an injury-prone lacrosse star with a problem—the one chance he had at winning over the girl next door resulted in the most epically sucktastic first kiss ever. And now she’s…trying to get rid of him? Hell no. It’s time to disprove her theory and show her exactly what she’s missing. <br /><br /><b>Game. On.</b></span><br /><br />Release Date: November 2017<br />Age Group: YA, Contemporary (clean), Rom-Com<br />Source: Review Copy from Publisher (<i><b>Entangled Teen <span style="color: #990000;">Crush</span></b></i>)<br />Reviewed By:&nbsp; Nat<br /><br />Review:<br />When it comes to contemporary fiction I like it Hallmark style! I rate them like I do my previously recorded Hallmark movies:<br /><ul><li>Did I get the warm fuzzys?&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li>Was I a bit tortured by their love arc?&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li>Did it end in a nicely wrapped bow? (Don't come at me with no sad, tragic "no winners in this life" kind of story).</li></ul><br />With that said, A LOT of contemporary literature is predictable. Sometimes I even think I am re-reading something and that is a major turn-off.<br /><br />I know.<br /><br />First, I ask for all <i>the feels</i> and "the formula of Hallmark" and then I throw in "originality". I am a complicated woman.<br /><br /><i>The First Kiss Hypothesis</i> was a raving win for contemporary YA! I'll admit I went in on a TV high and maybe a bit amped up with all the holiday <i>feels</i> but once I started I did not stop. <i>FKH</i> had such an easy flow and there wasn't anytime wasted on story lines that didn't matter. <br /><br />I loved the alternating POV's of Nora and Eli. At one point I woke up Sweet Stuff from laughing so hard (I really tried to muffle with the blankets). I blame the kitten in the story. The banter between the two was comfortable &amp; witty and blind love is just so fun to read.<br /><br />What I really enjoyed about this story was that the characters weren't torn between their ambitions and dreams because of love. It was refreshing to read a love story that allowed both characters to be in love and still have their sights on their future goals.<br /><br />I am especially happy to report that <i>FKH</i> was pretty darn clean! Like I said, it was really like reading a Hallmark movie!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>First Kiss Hypothesis is a win for contemporary YA fans and Hallmark connoisseurs.</i></b></span> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ozUFlNUYQHI/WilqDTfGgHI/AAAAAAAAOlE/cflvFuxyAMwDVR_xUOvRWCi-ey8N_Oq_wCLcBGAs/s1600/nat_sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1600" height="116" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ozUFlNUYQHI/WilqDTfGgHI/AAAAAAAAOlE/cflvFuxyAMwDVR_xUOvRWCi-ey8N_Oq_wCLcBGAs/s200/nat_sig.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/aCsFx/~4/O4n-XQlghnQ" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>I'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.com0http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2017/12/book-review-first-kiss-hypothesis-by.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-2667487069759757982017-11-27T11:43:00.002-06:002017-11-27T11:43:43.979-06:00Book to Movie Review: Wonder by RJ Palacio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCOdO7OsW7s/WhxMqenTPKI/AAAAAAAAOkc/nUpdphoiY7gQ9FTXkTLP3_T9avIAihcBACLcBGAs/s1600/wonder.P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="560" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCOdO7OsW7s/WhxMqenTPKI/AAAAAAAAOkc/nUpdphoiY7gQ9FTXkTLP3_T9avIAihcBACLcBGAs/s640/wonder.P.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There is nothing that can be said about this book or movie that will do it justice. It is simply <span style="color: #073763;"><b>WONDER</b></span>ful and a <i>must-see for all humans</i>. The themes throughout <i>Wonder</i> are so beautiful, I related to so much as a mother.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson never act in another blockbuster hit, that will be just fine because this was a story worth sharing and this is what they should be remembered for giving society- KINDNESS &amp; unconditional love. I could feel the natural motherly love from Julia Roberts and it was so tender, what an ode to the true love of a mother. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And Jacob Tremblay... Oh man kid, you just moved mountains!!!&nbsp;</span></span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gtLdAvPLlU4/WhxNCbGjy1I/AAAAAAAAOkg/VlKKJyG4kEEqhVOQAr0b9HhJD0_QNIGMACLcBGAs/s1600/o-JACOB-TREMBLAY-WONDER-570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="570" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gtLdAvPLlU4/WhxNCbGjy1I/AAAAAAAAOkg/VlKKJyG4kEEqhVOQAr0b9HhJD0_QNIGMACLcBGAs/s400/o-JACOB-TREMBLAY-WONDER-570.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image source: google.com</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#CHOOSEKIND </b><span style="font-size: large;">always!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span></span></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/aCsFx/~4/ck5XMbVDEIc" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>I'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.com0http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2017/11/book-to-movie-review-wonder-by-rj.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-72275759300664531472017-11-20T08:00:00.000-06:002017-11-20T08:00:01.173-06:00Book Review: I Hunt Killers (Jasper Dent #1) by Barry Lyga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-449BswiIKPM/WfOdvRJxF5I/AAAAAAAAOiQ/rpC2pgiDgcwPcj-36BtlG6AeiEMzaJCiACLcBGAs/s1600/7766027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-449BswiIKPM/WfOdvRJxF5I/AAAAAAAAOiQ/rpC2pgiDgcwPcj-36BtlG6AeiEMzaJCiACLcBGAs/s320/7766027.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>Summary:<br /><span id="freeText10170956001718732493"><b><i>What if the world's worst serial killer...was your dad?</i></b><br /><i>&nbsp;</i></span><br /><span id="freeText10170956001718732493"><i>Jasper "Jazz" Dent is a likable teenager. A charmer, one might say.<br /><br />But he's also the son of the world's most infamous serial killer, and for Dear Old Dad, Take Your Son to Work Day was year-round. Jazz has witnessed crime scenes the way cops wish they could—from the criminal's point of view.<br /><br />And now bodies are piling up in Lobo's Nod.<br /><br />In an effort to clear his name, Jazz joins the police in a hunt for a new serial killer. But Jazz has a secret—could he be more like his father than anyone knows?</i></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Release Date: April 2012<br />Age Group: YA, Psychological Thriller<br />Source: Library<br />Reviewed By: Nat<br /><br />Review:<br />This was darrkkkk, a <span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer648724159"><span id="freeTextContainer5828547425010092005"></span></span><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer648724159"><span id="freeTextContainer5828547425010092005"> dark psychological thriller. </span></span><i>I Hunt Killers</i> <span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer648724159"><span id="freeTextContainer5828547425010092005"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer1379041821"><span id="freeText11942945909537466347"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer1504684995"><span id="freeTextContainer938861175847018773">is classified as YA because of the age of the characters BUT I think it is better suited as New Adult or Adult lit. because of the themes throughout: implication of rape, contains graphic violence and brutal murders. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone under 16. </span></span></span></span></span></span>With that said, I am 100% confident that all <i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://www.sho.com/dexter" target="_blank">Dexter</a></span></i> fans will love this series!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer648724159"><span id="freeTextContainer5828547425010092005"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer1379041821"><span id="freeText11942945909537466347"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer1504684995"><span id="freeTextContainer938861175847018773"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer248184096"><span id="freeTextContainer5348418564314682395">Do you believe violent offenders are the product of nature or nurture? </span></span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></b></i></span></span></span><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer648724159"><span id="freeTextContainer5828547425010092005"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer1379041821"><span id="freeText11942945909537466347"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer1504684995"><span id="freeTextContainer938861175847018773">&nbsp;</span></span> </span></span></b></i></span></span></span></div><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer648724159"><span id="freeTextContainer5828547425010092005"><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer1379041821"><span id="freeText11942945909537466347"></span></span></span> </span></span><br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer648724159"><span id="freeTextContainer5828547425010092005"><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer1379041821"><span id="freeText11942945909537466347"></span></span></span> Every aspect of this story leads back to this question. Is Jasper Dent a killer? It's something he can't answer yet. As sadistic as it gets in the mind of a serial killer, I was surprised at the sprinkles of humor throughout. I think I felt every possible emotion when reading <i>I Hunt Killers</i>. I sent several texts to the librarian telling her I thought I might have homicidal tendencies! Barry Lyga does such a fantastic job of warping your thoughts and blurring the lines of humanity that it was a bit scary at times. </span></span><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer648724159"><span id="freeTextContainer5828547425010092005">When I went to the store if anyone looked at me for longer than half a second I started to assume they were prospecting (specifically me, I fit the profile of an easy target)! </span></span><br /><br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer648724159"><span id="freeTextContainer5828547425010092005">I sat in shock half the time I read this book. I wasn't shocked by what I was reading because I've been desensitized from all the <i><a href="http://www.cbs.com/shows/criminal_minds/" target="_blank">Criminal Minds</a></i> I've watched, but more shocked at how I was so passive to the demented thoughts Jasper was having! </span></span><br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer648724159"><span id="freeTextContainer5828547425010092005"><br /></span></span><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer648724159"><span id="freeTextContainer5828547425010092005">This series is for fans of crime shows and psychological thrillers. If this is your cup of tea, then get ready to drink a gallon!</span></span><br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer648724159"><span id="freeTextContainer5828547425010092005"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-STEuLwMG4Do/Wg20w8G9LxI/AAAAAAAAOjU/WQTJKam9FBIVOi9dLdHHbj3fBtKbKgnIgCLcBGAs/s1600/nat_sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1600" height="116" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-STEuLwMG4Do/Wg20w8G9LxI/AAAAAAAAOjU/WQTJKam9FBIVOi9dLdHHbj3fBtKbKgnIgCLcBGAs/s200/nat_sig.png" width="200" /></a></div><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer648724159"><span id="freeTextContainer5828547425010092005"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer648724159"><span id="freeTextContainer5828547425010092005"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer648724159"><span id="freeTextContainer5828547425010092005"><br /></span></span><br /><br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer648724159"><span id="freeTextContainer5828547425010092005">PS. I'm a visual learner by nature and I stumbled upon this awesome graphic guide on GoodReads and had to share. Shout out to <i><span style="color: #073763;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/652877-flannery" target="_blank">Flannery</a></span></i> at The Adventurer for sharing!</span></span><br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer648724159"><span id="freeTextContainer5828547425010092005"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1WYdHHii584/Wg26WTWV-8I/AAAAAAAAOjk/tIivAlqpnYUpqwICGCkvjG6dNVRABVd5QCLcBGAs/s1600/6793246_orig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="600" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1WYdHHii584/Wg26WTWV-8I/AAAAAAAAOjk/tIivAlqpnYUpqwICGCkvjG6dNVRABVd5QCLcBGAs/s640/6793246_orig.png" width="640" /></a></div><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer648724159"><span id="freeTextContainer5828547425010092005"><br /></span></span><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/aCsFx/~4/ggzGekldtYA" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>I'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.com0http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2017/11/book-review-i-hunt-killers-jasper-dent.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-77463644830639343612017-11-18T08:00:00.000-06:002017-11-18T16:47:22.220-06:00Vlog Review: Greek Gods #squadgoals (OMG Classics) by Courtney Carbone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hlstnDmQB6c/Wg27l3JcjYI/AAAAAAAAOjs/b5ysfAZRdWUOnarmreHtfV0qYjT1zpbGwCLcBGAs/s1600/34353189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hlstnDmQB6c/Wg27l3JcjYI/AAAAAAAAOjs/b5ysfAZRdWUOnarmreHtfV0qYjT1zpbGwCLcBGAs/s320/34353189.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>Summary: <span id="freeText13213482772552168715"><b>&nbsp;</b></span><br /><span id="freeText13213482772552168715"><b>OMG Classics, the greatest stories ever told . . . in texts. Imagine: What if Mount Olympus got WiFi and the gods and goddesses had smartphones? The classic Greek myths get new life in irreverent and hilarious texts and posts!</b> <br />&nbsp;</span><br /><span id="freeText13213482772552168715">Zeus, a king of the gods always in search of a new bae.<br /> A squad of goddesses who can't resist stirring the pot.<br /> And the selfie-obsessed heroes out for all the likes. <br /> If you have trouble telling Perseus from Theseus (#Greek2Me) or have ever wondered about Oedipus's tragic dating profile or why Medusa's Instagram never got traction--this satirical book of Greek myths retold for the Internet age is for you! <br /><b>tl;dr </b>D'Aulaires' and Homer's Greek myths told through characters texting with emojis, posting photos, checking in at locations, and updating their relationship statuses. The perfect gift for any reader--young or old--with a sense of humor!&nbsp;</span><br /><span id="freeText13213482772552168715"><br /> A glossary and cast of characters are included for those who need it. For example: <b>tl;dr</b> means <b>too long; didn't read.</b></span><br /><br /><br />Release Date: November 2017<br />Age Group: Middle Grade, 📚📱🙌🏼<br />Source: Review Copy from Publisher<br />Vlog Review By: Macy Kate<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ClsarRFRyXE" width="560"></iframe></center><br /><br />I read Greek Gods while waiting in the parent pick-up line for my daughter &amp; Macy Kate and it was hilarious! The modern day spin of texting &amp; social media combined with the historical personalities of these God/Goddesses was really fun. I mean who doesn't like a good #hashtag or funny emoji? 🤓📱📚<br /><br />There are several books in this series, OMG Classics, and I actually want them all. They are such a fun way to introduce classics, in this specific case mythology. My daughter knows I L.O.V.E. Pride &amp; Prejudice (all versions, class and modern day) but she just doesn't get the Darcy vibe BUT I feel that an OMG Classic might peak her interests! Looks like I've found the perfect stocking stuffers for my graphic-novel-loving girl. 😎💃🏼👍🏼<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9gikuh3obSQ/Wg29bmGJ8mI/AAAAAAAAOj8/MHXytrLoqmsyuVdLH2HoTp1wpSIQWsIPACLcBGAs/s1600/25387441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9gikuh3obSQ/Wg29bmGJ8mI/AAAAAAAAOj8/MHXytrLoqmsyuVdLH2HoTp1wpSIQWsIPACLcBGAs/s200/25387441.jpg" width="140" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6iGAoVDiRE/Wg29bbcnJCI/AAAAAAAAOj4/L3KrUaGtfPoxXSO9rkJ7ZadAmOCqEJYVgCLcBGAs/s1600/28439618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="279" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6iGAoVDiRE/Wg29bbcnJCI/AAAAAAAAOj4/L3KrUaGtfPoxXSO9rkJ7ZadAmOCqEJYVgCLcBGAs/s200/28439618.jpg" width="139" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L6EY8KwwoFo/Wg2984i4I0I/AAAAAAAAOkE/rRlbuzCureojIrv0VnFJXiZl0FO0mqjYQCLcBGAs/s1600/28439536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="279" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L6EY8KwwoFo/Wg2984i4I0I/AAAAAAAAOkE/rRlbuzCureojIrv0VnFJXiZl0FO0mqjYQCLcBGAs/s200/28439536.jpg" width="139" /></a></div><br /><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/aCsFx/~4/96EERAg3ZHI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>I'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.com0http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2017/11/vlog-review-greek-gods-squadgoals-omg.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-38253989270324963242017-11-16T09:13:00.000-06:002018-01-25T09:35:14.429-06:00Book Review: Offsetting Penalties by Ally Matthews<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--2dX3WRaiGg/Wg2ixz-88YI/AAAAAAAAOi0/dKHV0DAngT02hAEgE2Mfs-_bJWWJEYDGACLcBGAs/s1600/36407782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--2dX3WRaiGg/Wg2ixz-88YI/AAAAAAAAOi0/dKHV0DAngT02hAEgE2Mfs-_bJWWJEYDGACLcBGAs/s400/36407782.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>Summary:<i> </i><span id="freeText6597798377011350254"><i>Isabelle Oster has dreamed of being a prima ballerina her entire life, so when the only male dancer backs out of the fall production, she’s devastated. Without a partner, she has no hope of earning a spot with the prestigious Ballet Americana company. Until hot jock Garret practicing stretches in one of the studios gives Izzy an idea, and she whips out her phone. But does she really want this badly enough to resort to blackmail?<br /><br />All-state tight end Garret Mitchell will do anything to get a college football scholarship. Even taking ballet, which surprisingly isn’t so bad, because it means he gets to be up close and personal with the gorgeous Goth girl Izzy while learning moves to increase his flexibility. But Izzy needs him to perform with her for the Ballet Americana spot, and he draws the line at getting on stage. Especially wearing tights.</i></span><br /><span id="freeText6597798377011350254"><br /></span><span id="freeText6597798377011350254"><br /></span><span id="freeText6597798377011350254"><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Release Date: November 2017<br />Age Group: YA, Contemporary (clean)<br />Source: Review Copy from Publisher (<i><b>Entangled Teen <span style="color: #990000;">Crush</span></b></i>)<br />Reviewed By:&nbsp; Nat<br /><br />Review:<br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2173118439"><span id="freeTextContainer5115171697246812220"><i>Offsetting Penalties</i> was a lighthearted contemporary read that was just perfect to binge on my porch swing. I didn't have to work real hard to follow the plot and it was just relaxing and had an easy flow. I've come to realize that I like sports romances and am a sucker for them!&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2173118439"><span id="freeTextContainer5115171697246812220">The POV changes between the two lead characters and I always love when the male POV gets a voice because let's face it, men are weird and it's interesting to get a peek into their thought process.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2173118439"><span id="freeTextContainer5115171697246812220">Izzy and Garret are very relateable characters and I think teens will find it easy to connect with them. They are both flawed and come from very different backgrounds. The stark differences in their family dynamics is what I think will make it so relateable to a wide range of teens. The banter between Izzy &amp; Garret was witty and I especially loved his reaction to ballet lessons. </span></span><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2173118439"><span id="freeTextContainer5115171697246812220"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2173118439"><span id="freeTextContainer5115171697246812220">I was especially happy that the blackmail scenario ended pretty quick and was not strung throughout the entire story; it ended and the plot matured. </span></span></span></span><br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2173118439"><span id="freeTextContainer5115171697246812220"><br /></span></span><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2173118439"><span id="freeTextContainer5115171697246812220">I'll be honest, it was a complete shock to me to learn that some professional football players take ballet to improve their game! I was so intrigued by it that when I finished reading I went online and researched it further. I even brought it up to my husband and got to act all superior with my newfound knowledge. He did look at me a little crazy because we are typical Texas football fans: FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. We go on Friday night to watch our local high school play but know nothing of what is happening in professional football... I can't name a single pro... WAIT! Payton Manning! I have no idea what he does but he looks pretty.</span></span><br /><br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2173118439"><span id="freeTextContainer5115171697246812220"><i>Offsetting Penalties</i> is sure to be loved by YA contemporary fans, especially individuals in ballet. In fact, I think this might puff-up a ballet dancer's pride a bit.</span></span><br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2173118439"><span id="freeTextContainer5115171697246812220"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6TigRfrTfQo/Wg2qF0aEkhI/AAAAAAAAOjE/PA9OF3nWY1EOncTJ2fqyp3h4-zSX4zUGQCLcBGAs/s1600/nat_sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1600" height="116" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6TigRfrTfQo/Wg2qF0aEkhI/AAAAAAAAOjE/PA9OF3nWY1EOncTJ2fqyp3h4-zSX4zUGQCLcBGAs/s200/nat_sig.png" width="200" /></a></div><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2173118439"><span id="freeTextContainer5115171697246812220"><br /></span></span><br /><br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2173118439"><span id="freeTextContainer5115171697246812220"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2164950399"><span id="freeTextContainer3279733128140649952"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2162910624"><span id="freeTextContainer16301280660286492040">&nbsp;</span></span></span></span>&nbsp;</span></span> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/aCsFx/~4/hk1zQcm9BpQ" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>I'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.com0http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2017/11/book-review-offsetting-penalties-by.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-78284800369773535792017-11-08T18:34:00.001-06:002017-11-08T18:38:07.823-06:00Book Review: Haven by Mary Lindsey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gnvICaV3iGo/WfOcOr0KPtI/AAAAAAAAOiE/E32XQQZ0wR0OLobvOK4iyx6nkZ_xADwaQCLcBGAs/s1600/34027316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gnvICaV3iGo/WfOcOr0KPtI/AAAAAAAAOiE/E32XQQZ0wR0OLobvOK4iyx6nkZ_xADwaQCLcBGAs/s320/34027316.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Summary: <span id="freeText829817071693712529"><b>&nbsp;</b></span><br /><i><span id="freeText829817071693712529"><b>"We all hold a beast inside. The only difference is what form it takes when freed."</b><br /><br />Rain Ryland has never belonged anywhere, He’s used to people judging him for his rough background, his intimidating size, and now, his orphan status. He’s always been on the outside, looking in, and he’s fine with that. Until he moves to New Wurzburg and meets Friederike Burkhart.<br /><br />Freddie isn’t like normal teen girls, though. And someone wants her dead for it. Freddie warns he’d better stay far away if he wants to stay alive, but Rain’s never been good at running from trouble. For the first time, Rain has something worth fighting for, worth living for. Worth dying for. </span></i><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Release Date: November 2017<br />Age Group: YA, Paranormal<br />Source: Review Copy from Publisher<br />Reviewed By: Nat<br /><br />Review:<br /><i>Haven</i> arrived as a <i>book-mail</i> surprise! I knew nothing about it, didn't read the synopsis and just dove right in simply based on the cover and the Godiva chocolate that accompanied the book (and was sent as a temptress). I can be bought with chocolate... well played Entangled Teen, well played.<br /><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Turns out that <i>Haven</i> was just as sweet as the chocolate!</b></span><br /><br />Let me start off by saying it was a real treat to have the boy chasing after the girl! <i>Haven</i> was a true original YA paranormal. There are parallels to Beauty &amp; the Beast mixed with the eternal love of a Twilight romance (in more of a Jacob Black sort of way) but with ALL the feels of Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver series! It is no secret that Stiefvater is one of my favorite authors and I couldn't help but think I was reading one of her novels as I sped through <i>Haven</i>.<br /><br />Whatever the right formula is for a shape-shifter novel, Mary Lindsey got the memo!<br /><br />I sat and read <i>Haven</i> straight through because there wasn't a good place to just simply break. The story pace was slow in the beginning as it built-up and fleshed everyone &amp; everything out, but midway it was full steam ahead and the pacing was fast and furious!<br /><br />I enjoyed the mystery &amp; history behind the little Texas town of New Wurzburg and at times I was reminded of Friedricksburg, Texas. Now when I visit there, I am going to be looking for a winery run by wolves... we can wish right? <br /><br />The characters were nice and flawed too. I hate reading #instalove. Rain &amp; Freddie's story is loaded with crazy and there's nothing <i>insta</i> about it. I do have a <span style="color: red;"><b>warning</b></span>, there is a scene on the porch that I could have lived without (maybe page 281). When I gave it to my teen reviewer I warned her about the scene and told her to skip that page and that "they smooch hard". She giggled and thanked me for the heads-up. Because of the porch scene and a few violent episodes, I would suggest this book for older teens.<br /><br />Simply put, Mary Lindsey has a talent for YA Paranormal and she must be forced to write book two! Here's why, it's a bit spoiler'ish so {highlight} the text below to read. Cool trick right?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{<span style="color: white;">WHAT HAPPENED TO MOTH?! He was bitten and lived.<span style="color: black;">}</span> </span></b><span style="color: white;"><span style="color: black;">Book two is waiting Miss Mary (that's how we do it in the South, everyone is a "Miss"</span></span> &amp; it is typically effective in getting you what you want because you are acting like such a polite person). Soooo Miss Mary, get to it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QFnRg1hKUvg/WgOifREFHMI/AAAAAAAAOik/OKtnnwfhe3IiNqZWc4SuTRnY0ZBpevc0gCLcBGAs/s1600/nat_sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1600" height="116" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QFnRg1hKUvg/WgOifREFHMI/AAAAAAAAOik/OKtnnwfhe3IiNqZWc4SuTRnY0ZBpevc0gCLcBGAs/s200/nat_sig.png" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp; </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/aCsFx/~4/EH1Hc7nm2do" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>I'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.com0http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2017/11/book-review-haven-by-mary-lindsey.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-69134247298628960582017-11-06T09:31:00.000-06:002017-11-08T17:08:09.854-06:00Book Review: The Glass Arrow by Kristen Simmons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--qUk80rd78s/WfEHMOMZ7nI/AAAAAAAAOhY/VbARdlgrKd8gvmiu2PN85QH8Eb2q3RsGQCLcBGAs/s1600/15750874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--qUk80rd78s/WfEHMOMZ7nI/AAAAAAAAOhY/VbARdlgrKd8gvmiu2PN85QH8Eb2q3RsGQCLcBGAs/s320/15750874.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>Summary: <span id="freeText11224811447634650941"><i>The Handmaid’s Tale</i> meets <i>Blood Red Road</i> in <i>Glass Arrow</i>, the story of Aya, who lives with a small group of women on the run from the men who hunt them, men who want to auction off breeding rights to the highest bidder.<br /><br />In a world where females are scarce and are hunted, then bought and sold at market for their breeding rights, 15-year old Aya has learned how to hide. With a ragtag bunch of other women and girls, she has successfully avoided capture and eked out a nomadic but free existence in the mountains. But when Aya’s luck runs out and she’s caught by a group of businessmen on a hunting expedition, fighting to survive takes on a whole new meaning.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Release Date: February 2015<br />Age Group: YA, Dystopian<br />Source: Review Copy from Publisher<br />Reviewed By: Maryn<br /><br />Review:<br />When trackers invade her home in the mountains, Aya is taken away from everything she's ever known, and thrown into an entirely new society where women are considered property. <br /><br />The first part of The Glass Arrow was very slow paced, and uneventful. I wasn't hooked until a third of the way into the book. Simmons spent so long explaining how the society worked, and it all mattered very little to the plot; however, if you love world-building, you feel differently and love that part. <br /><br />It was very refreshing to not have to deal with a forced love triangle, like in other dystopian books. The love story was so adorable and Kiran was such a likable guy.&nbsp; The best part of the book for me was that it was believable. Aya had to rely on her strength and intuition to solve her problems, unlike characters in other dystopians that magically solve their problems because they are somehow different than everyone else.<br /><br />I'm sad to hear that <i>The Glass Arrow </i>is a standalone story, because there's so much more I wanted to know!&nbsp; The end of the book did however make up for the slow start, and I was on the edge of my seat for those last few chapters.<br /><br />Overall, I liked the book a lot, and I'm so sad to hear that it won't be a series! Please reconsider Kristen! P.L.E.A.S.E. I am invested and the stage is set.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XEjlkFBL-H8/WfEE2WmxgLI/AAAAAAAAOhI/JNV8AFYjILouOP_0IQvZEJkDImIdIXz-ACEwYBhgL/s1600/marynsig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="700" height="160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XEjlkFBL-H8/WfEE2WmxgLI/AAAAAAAAOhI/JNV8AFYjILouOP_0IQvZEJkDImIdIXz-ACEwYBhgL/s320/marynsig.png" width="320" /></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/aCsFx/~4/4oaOsZQ8Jnc" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>I'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.com0http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2017/11/book-review-glass-arrow-by-kristen.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-14775486855328696112017-11-04T11:44:00.000-05:002017-11-04T11:44:00.188-05:00Book Review: Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yA-dlF-R5dI/WfNM6PUyv8I/AAAAAAAAOho/irOlFjUFYesqIFA21Im2CJEVmq4i9ImcwCLcBGAs/s1600/33163378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yA-dlF-R5dI/WfNM6PUyv8I/AAAAAAAAOho/irOlFjUFYesqIFA21Im2CJEVmq4i9ImcwCLcBGAs/s400/33163378.jpg" width="263" /></a>Summary: <span id="freeText9486721905482267527"><b><i>Moxie girls fight back!</i></b><br /><br /><i>Vivian Carter is fed up. Fed up with her small-town Texas high school that thinks the football team can do no wrong. Fed up with sexist dress codes and hallway harassment. But most of all, Viv Carter is fed up with always following the rules.<br /><br />Viv’s mom was a punk rock Riot Grrrl in the ’90s, so now Viv takes a page from her mother’s past and creates a feminist zine that she distributes anonymously to her classmates. She’s just blowing off steam, but other girls respond. Pretty soon Viv is forging friendships with other young women across the divides of cliques and popularity rankings, and she realizes that what she has started is nothing short of a girl revolution.</i></span><i>&nbsp;</i><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Release Date: September 2017<br />Age Group: YA, Feminism, Contemporary<br />Source: Surprise mail from fellow blogger!<br />Reviewed By: Nat<br /><br /><b>Build-up to Review:</b><br />Okay, this might be a little lengthy.<br /><br />I got an email to receive an ARC of <i>Moxie</i> &amp; by the time I replied they were gone and I was bummed. I didn't really know much about the book other than I liked the cover, the chick is wearing Van-like shoes. #fistbump Fast forward a few months later and I <i>*met</i> a student through Twitter, of all places, who happened to also be a book blogger and guess what she was reading?! MOXIE!<br /><br />I freaked and demanded it be mailed to me immediately... just kidding, she actually asked me if I wanted to read it and I stayed cool &amp; collected and quickly gave her my mailing address. Well, I didn't read the book when I got it- it turned out to be a tough semester. Fast-forward to Hurricane Harvey and I was desperate to mentally escape the storm. I saw a few tweets from the author, Jennifer Mathieu, about her woes &amp; worries with Harvey. I had no idea she was a Hustonian and a teacher so I thought, "<i>you know what, I'm going to read her book and let this place float away</i>". Coincidentally enough, this all happened as I was watching the news report on Rockport Texas, which was decimated by the storm. I shut off the TV and told my husband "<b>I'm out, I'll be reading until we float away!</b>"<br /><br />I opened the book and the first few pages I read began with a girl named Vivian who lived in the small Texas town of North Rockport. I immediately closed the book and thought No Freaking Way. Re-opened it and never left my recliner.<br /><br />I sat and read Moxie cover to cover.<br /><br />I regret nothing.<br /><br /><b>Review:</b><br />I've never thought of myself as a feminist. I love being a woman. I loved receiving an education. I love my career. I love being a mom (the most). But I've also been extremely fortunate to have been surrounded by strong, independent women that never allowed me to think anything was impossible. So I thought the word "feminist" was more of a radical term.<br /><br />I was so wrong. It's sad really that I am just connecting the dots because in truth I've always been a feminist, just without the label. <i>Moxie</i> was a game changer for me personally because it was so freaking relateable!<br /><br />I thought Mathieu was writing my high school memoir! I grew up (and still live in) a small Texas town. I even wrote about one of my memories about meeting the <a href="http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2017/08/an-abomination.html#.WfNRJIprxBw" target="_blank">Ku Klux Klan</a> when I was just nine years old.<br /><br />There are so many things to love about a small town and there are so many things that can drive you crazy. Mathieu does a supurb job of building a story based on real and meaningful problems that young women face in high school and life in general. It doesn't have to be a small town in Texas, discrimination happens everywhere, everyday and no one is fully immune.<br /><br />I loved how powerful <i>Moxie</i> made me feel. I can't imagine how it would have made me feel at 15, I probably would have ran for Mayor! No matter what your views are politically, religiously or personally, you have the right to feel them. <b>We need more books like <i>Moxie</i> that make our youth think &amp; feel. </b><br /><br />Sit back and really think about what you stand for and what you support. I am conservative in some areas of my life and liberal in others and that's okay. Do we laugh and sexualize women because it's simply tradition? Do we equally support one another? Girls can be their own worst enemies. And to put it simply, we need to STOP IT. Support and uplift one another. SHOW SOME MOXIE!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Moxie</i> is a must-read for all teens and parents. It is for the open-minded and the narrow-minded and the close-minded and those that just can't make their minds up.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Fantastic job Jennifer! I hope we meet one day!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oZmxpHcFIVk/WfOZpGWFq_I/AAAAAAAAOh4/JPJLtOi-SEwNOSVa1CNFc65vqFnpVO-AQCLcBGAs/s1600/nat_sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1600" height="116" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oZmxpHcFIVk/WfOZpGWFq_I/AAAAAAAAOh4/JPJLtOi-SEwNOSVa1CNFc65vqFnpVO-AQCLcBGAs/s200/nat_sig.png" width="200" /></a></b></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">Gift Recommendation: If you decide to gift <i>Moxie</i> to someone I would give one suggestion: add a few magazines with the gift, that's what I'll be doing this Christmas. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">Side note: Zines are still pretty popular in the skateboarding world. My daughter looks forward to getting her zines from <a href="http://theskatewitches.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank"><i>The Skate Witches</i></a> 💎</span> </span></div><br /><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/aCsFx/~4/3WwBNoVUysg" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>I'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.com1http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2017/11/book-review-moxie-by-jennifer-mathieu.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-63134598552729703432017-11-02T14:33:00.000-05:002017-11-02T14:33:32.909-05:00Mini Book Review: The Richest Man in Town by VJ Smith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EMXZu1TgsU4/WfEFZoICItI/AAAAAAAAOhM/sXrhoMkhc3kBLHda_ZIR1sVbAmhqmjNQwCLcBGAs/s1600/51ht06SwKwL._SX258_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="260" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EMXZu1TgsU4/WfEFZoICItI/AAAAAAAAOhM/sXrhoMkhc3kBLHda_ZIR1sVbAmhqmjNQwCLcBGAs/s1600/51ht06SwKwL._SX258_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" /></a></div>Summary: <i><span id="freeTextContainer12599425378772273779">This gift book published by Simple Truths is VJ Smith's story of getting to know Marty Martinson, an elderly Wal-mart greeter in Brookings, SD who affected thousands of people across the country, and all of the lessons on life he taught him. Give a little more of yourself. The only person who can make you happy is you. Be a better you.</span></i><br /><br />&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Release Date: 2005<br />Age Group: Non-Fiction; Inspirational; Biography<br />Source: Purchased<br />Reviewed By: Maryn<br /><br />Review:<br /><br /><br />I never could've imagined that a book with so little pages could have such a meaningful message. If I had to recommend one book to someone, this would be it. <i>The Richest Man in Tow</i>n is the kind of story that makes you want to be a better person. It is inspiring and shows how even the smallest gestures of kindness can have a lasting impact on a person's life. From now on, I'm going&nbsp; to start looking for the Marty's in my life. This book touched my heart, and I will definitely re-read it when I need perspective &amp; reminders of what matters.<br />All it took were simple gestures of kindness by a man named Marty and a Wal-Mart badge to forever impact my thoughts &amp; actions, I am a better person after <i>meeting</i> Marty.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XEjlkFBL-H8/WfEE2WmxgLI/AAAAAAAAOhE/CqwnB8iPim4L2UQ8rzAHaWOPrV82sfpLACLcBGAs/s1600/marynsig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="700" height="160" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XEjlkFBL-H8/WfEE2WmxgLI/AAAAAAAAOhE/CqwnB8iPim4L2UQ8rzAHaWOPrV82sfpLACLcBGAs/s320/marynsig.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;">*<i>Nat</i> recommends this as <b>a great book to gift</b> to people {and actually requires her students to read it at the beginning of each semester}. </span><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/aCsFx/~4/EiAZ-k40Hto" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>I'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.com0http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2017/11/mini-book-review-richest-man-in-town-by.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-74516361158193176002017-10-25T16:12:00.000-05:002017-10-25T16:12:17.970-05:00Whitey Tighties & a Cape<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kqPyBvdWh78/WfD5XWt0vXI/AAAAAAAAOgc/pZBfKCvRjEkhVtAUAXuDvTS7JiKM9VjiQCLcBGAs/s1600/heroedition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kqPyBvdWh78/WfD5XWt0vXI/AAAAAAAAOgc/pZBfKCvRjEkhVtAUAXuDvTS7JiKM9VjiQCLcBGAs/s640/heroedition.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Mob</i> loves the <i>Captain Underpants</i> series, so when it came to theaters we were <i>front row</i>. It was unanimous that we buy it as soon as it was released.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">When it hit the stores I snagged our usual Blu-Ray copy and headed for the register. Little did I know what treasure was hidden in the <span style="color: #990000;"><b>HERO EDITION...</b></span> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">... <span style="color: #0c343d;"><i>okay, if I had read the cover I would have known but I didn't... Don't kill my vibe.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>The Cape.&nbsp;</i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>THAT CAPE has brought tears to so many eyes. Oh the tears of pure laughter, what a treat! Truly a treat for me.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; </i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">This had to be the easiest character costume I have ever thrown together but it does take a special child to execute it. ***Drumroll for #tomtom.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AQNt0U3G-9s/WfD59pJpngI/AAAAAAAAOgk/yDMRF3b_hTQTvaDnELcXllsXCic582ZiQCLcBGAs/s1600/underpantscollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AQNt0U3G-9s/WfD59pJpngI/AAAAAAAAOgk/yDMRF3b_hTQTvaDnELcXllsXCic582ZiQCLcBGAs/s640/underpantscollage.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This is one of those memories where two things are bound to happen:</span><br /><ol><li><span style="font-size: large;">We laugh at these pictures at this child's wedding <i>OR</i></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">He tells his therapist about how damaged he was from this moment</span></li></ol><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="font-size: x-large;">&nbsp; <span style="color: #990000;">... but for now we laugh!</span></span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">Just one more for laughs &amp; giggles. You're welcome.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I'll hit you up for the therapy bill in about ten years.</span></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QT2t_k5KGT4/WfD6r3BgKcI/AAAAAAAAOgs/GJXyTXxff5QG-1AZi3Q4Uq8jarErrG8DwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QT2t_k5KGT4/WfD6r3BgKcI/AAAAAAAAOgs/GJXyTXxff5QG-1AZi3Q4Uq8jarErrG8DwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0318.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #990000;">&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/aCsFx/~4/t7zgX6vJKb0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>I'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.com0http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2017/10/whitey-tighties-cape.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-86214238517112138432017-10-22T21:35:00.001-05:002017-10-25T16:19:11.691-05:00Book Review: The Mad Scientist's Notebook by Elizabeth Snoke Harris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ssdAC9WtnTM/We1GaFiHG_I/AAAAAAAAOfk/9AkMl5WdU3YUKBysmcIIahfa8OG0onvdwCLcBGAs/s1600/3855374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ssdAC9WtnTM/We1GaFiHG_I/AAAAAAAAOfk/9AkMl5WdU3YUKBysmcIIahfa8OG0onvdwCLcBGAs/s200/3855374.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>Summary: <i><span id="freeText12552041893333610705">Plastic humanoids, dancing spaghetti, and rubber eggs: something wacky’s going on here—and kids will love it! After all, what could be more fun than peeking into a mad scientist’s notebook and finding 50 fizzing, popping projects that will light up their own laboratories…and minds? Young Einsteins (and Dr. Frankensteins) will discover really cool things to do, including building a hovercraft and rocket, boiling ice without melting it, and making their fingers smoke. Notes from the mad scientist himself on richly illustrated and lined pages make the projects even more entertaining! But don’t be fooled: these irresistible experiments demonstrate important principles of physics, biology, and chemistry. So kids will safely learn all about science…even if they’re too busy making a mess to realize it.</span></i><br /><br />Release Date: June 2008<br />Age Group: Science, Non-Fiction<br />Source: Purchased Copy<br />Reviewed By: Nat &amp; a Future {Mad} Scientist<br /><br />Review:<br />I have one future scientist. I am constantly scouring Pinterest for quick &amp; easy little experiments for him to do on the weekends. I have even had to use these as bribes and rewards for good behavior at school.<br /><br />My mom found this little nugget of wacky experiments and it has been a lot of fun not just for my science minded guy but for the whole family! We started off with <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Bendable Bones</i></b> </span>(pg 66). Because who hasn't tried to bend a bone before? In our case, we try to bend them way too often and have had every single monster in casts... multiple times... <span style="font-size: x-small;">CPS only evaluated us once...</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s5_bdYru7KM/We1VGXeh5DI/AAAAAAAAOgM/qjwpFsUoAvUML0w8xa-5ClyNYIhOa3LDwCLcBGAs/s1600/BENDABLEBONES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s5_bdYru7KM/We1VGXeh5DI/AAAAAAAAOgM/qjwpFsUoAvUML0w8xa-5ClyNYIhOa3LDwCLcBGAs/s640/BENDABLEBONES.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><br />Both my husband and myself have science-based degrees but it is often hard to explain certain principles regarding the properties of science. This book poses a question and then follows with the experiment. Then gives a simple concise explanation that is in terms kids can understand (explanations also have vocabulary words in red) and sometimes has a quirky thought based on the principles taught. For our experiment, it read this:<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MdBPEXAaxgo/We1OBoBcp3I/AAAAAAAAOf4/o9bdGfzDcXI-AM1UzpDoIxCNSG4KUY9kwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1137" data-original-width="1401" height="161" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MdBPEXAaxgo/We1OBoBcp3I/AAAAAAAAOf4/o9bdGfzDcXI-AM1UzpDoIxCNSG4KUY9kwCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_0505.jpg" width="200" /></a><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i><span style="color: #073763;">Now if I soaked my bones in vinegar, I could finally win a limbo contest. And I could sneak into places through the air ducts to steal stuff. Pardon me while I go fill my bathtub with vinegar...&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; </span></i></blockquote><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Where we got <i>the bone</i>?&nbsp;</b></span></span></span><br /><br /><i>Future Scientist</i> ran into my room yelling "<i>Mom, mom, I got what we needed today at lunch!</i>" And then he proceeded to pull out a wad of napkins from his pocket.<br /><br />A nice, oily chicken bone appeared.<br /><br />Then he hands me <i>The Mad Scientist's Notebook </i>and said we were ready to start.<br /><br />So we did.<br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/aCsFx/~4/ZTgAzstQeiE" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>I'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.com1http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2017/10/book-review-mad-scientists-notebook-by.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-27167826168656070222017-10-19T09:59:00.000-05:002017-10-19T09:59:47.670-05:00Dick and Jane and VampiresWhen I was learning to read, I remember reading the <b><i>Dick &amp; Jane</i></b> books. There weren't all the cool easy readers like today. <br /><br />There was Dick, Jane &amp; Spot the dog, later came Sally the little sister. <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">See Spot. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; See Spot run. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Look Sally. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Look at Spot run.</blockquote><br />I'm surprised we didn't all name our kids Sally &amp; Dick.<br /><br />When my oldest monster was learning to read my mom found this gem! <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Dick</span> <span style="color: #bf9000;">and</span> <span style="color: #38761d;">Jane</span> <span style="color: #bf9000;">and</span> <span style="color: #cc0000;">Vampires</span></b></i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v1E0Y7p2h0A/Wei4VbNOkGI/AAAAAAAAOe8/XbPLbvz3SKQotDlh8cqtfdSYkBlO5DAngCLcBGAs/s1600/41unVh242pL._SY344_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="228" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v1E0Y7p2h0A/Wei4VbNOkGI/AAAAAAAAOe8/XbPLbvz3SKQotDlh8cqtfdSYkBlO5DAngCLcBGAs/s400/41unVh242pL._SY344_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="262" /></a></b></i></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>My moral compass was set. Literacy plus a vampire, no brainer.</b></i></span></span></div>This book is actually a collection of several beginner readers and divided into three categories:<br /><ul><li>Look &amp; Find</li><li>Run &amp; Hide</li><li>Work &amp; Play</li></ul><b><i>Work and Play</i></b> is easily my favorite section because it is so bizarre &amp; awesome to see Dick with garlic wrapped around his neck and pages later see Dracula <i>playing house</i> with Sally!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mXX0-aBc6Tw/Wei6i0ZBxwI/AAAAAAAAOfI/IzZ2vFlWr4QWbEVGokgtt7eoDGKsuG1mwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mXX0-aBc6Tw/Wei6i0ZBxwI/AAAAAAAAOfI/IzZ2vFlWr4QWbEVGokgtt7eoDGKsuG1mwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0495.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4bNhs0xXMwU/Wei83UoJ8gI/AAAAAAAAOfQ/ZbtXl9sx1tg_cH06-sZr3FGSotER9kC7wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4bNhs0xXMwU/Wei83UoJ8gI/AAAAAAAAOfQ/ZbtXl9sx1tg_cH06-sZr3FGSotER9kC7wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0497.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />I'm pretty sure kids these days don't even know what <i>playing house</i> means...<br /><br />Anyhoo, every family should have a copy of <i><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Dick</span> <span style="color: #bf9000;">and</span> <span style="color: #38761d;">Jane</span> <span style="color: #bf9000;">and</span> <span style="color: #cc0000;">Vampires. <span style="color: black;">It will serve as nostalgia for parents and bring a little humor to the nail biting time of teaching young kids to start piecing together sentences</span></span></b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">... what a time it is...</span></span><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></b></i><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ahhh. I was never cut out to teach elementary kids, hats off to all the first grade teachers who fight in the trenches and make sure my kids are literate. You're thebomb.com</span><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></b></i><br /><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></b></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cb9An_LdHRc/Wei9RaGW-UI/AAAAAAAAOfU/SSx_iB3eUUUXlf7wWgySKlal4j6GdYKDgCLcBGAs/s1600/natblack_sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="700" height="100" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cb9An_LdHRc/Wei9RaGW-UI/AAAAAAAAOfU/SSx_iB3eUUUXlf7wWgySKlal4j6GdYKDgCLcBGAs/s200/natblack_sig.png" width="200" /></a></div><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></b></i><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/aCsFx/~4/swblNT8NIuc" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>I'd So Rather Be Readinghttps://plus.google.com/108580004072999806747noreply@blogger.com2http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2017/10/dick-and-jane-and-vampires.html
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