For What It's Worth


Monday, August 8, 2016

august reading…


august

I am FINALLY out of my summer reading slump. My focus is (mostly) back and even though I’ve read some duds – I’ve also seemed to hit my groove with quite a few lighthearted yet poignant YA. (The Great Whatever, A Week of Mondays, Whatever…)Which isn’t something I usually enjoy but they have been quick reads with a lot of humor.

I’m off to a good start for August. I’ve already read 3 of the above titles so only 3 to go and of course a few impulse/fun reads.

I’m probably jinxing myself but….I hope to get a jump start on my September arc’s.

I’m still in  a bit of a blogging slump. I’m reading but I don’t really feel like reviewing or talking about anything I’ve read but I’m learning to ride these times out and just blog when I have something to say. I’ve noticed a LOT of bloggers going through this the past few months so I take solace that I’m not alone.

So here’s a quick peek at my August books & thoughts for the ones I’ve already read.

Steeplejack (Alternative Detective #1) by A.J. Hartley – Goodreads Mystery/thriller/steampunk/historical 

Thoughts: Not bad – just not the adrenaline rush I was hoping for. There’s a lot of investigating – and that kind of bores me. I wanted more building jumping! lol I figured out the culprit pretty quickly so there’s little suspense for me. Great characters though in a diverse world that explores social/class issues and no romance so if you like: mystery/a large cast of diverse, complex characters/relationships then give this one a try.

Source: arc provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

First Star I See Tonight (Chicago Stars #8) by Susan Elizabeth PhillipsGoodreads “A star quarterback and a feisty detective play for keeps in this sporty, sexy, sassy novel”

Thoughts: This was my first book by Phillips and I loved the main couple, in particular the heroine, Piper, but the overall story was filled with a lot of unnecessary and distracting plots other than the romance.

Source: ALA16

The Hike by Drew Magary – Goodreads “From the author of The Postmortal, a fantasy saga unlike any you’ve read before, weaving elements of folk tale and video game into a riveting, unforgettable adventure of what a man will endure to return to his family.”

This sounds weird and *potentially* wonderful. We shall see.

Source: ALA16

738 Days by Stacey KadeGoodreads “At fifteen, Amanda Grace was abducted on her way home from school. 738 days later, she escaped. Her 20/20 interview is what everyone remembers—Amanda describing the room where she was kept, the torn poster of TV heartthrob Chase Henry on the wall. It reminded her of home and gave her the strength to keep fighting.”

I LOVE Stacey Kade so I’m super excited to read this one. I hear it’s very emotional and intense. Can’t wait!

Source: Borrowed

Spontaneous by Aaron Starmer – Goodreads “Mara Carlyle’s senior year at Covington High in suburban New Jersey is going on as normally as could be expected, until the day—wa-bam!—fellow senior Katelyn Ogden explodes during third period pre-calc. Katelyn is the first, but she won’t be the last senior to spontaneously combust without warning or explanation. The body count grows and the search is on for a reason—Terrorism! Drugs! Homosexuality! Government conspiracy!—while the seniors continue to pop like balloons.”

Thoughts: DNF’d - Mara is kind of a jerk - but I actually liked that about her. Her narration is unfiltered and honest. It's just that the book races through spontaneous constitutions and THEN develops the deceased at such a rapid fire pace that I just feel disconnected to the whole thing.
I did peek at a few reviews to see if it was worth continuing and found that Highlight to view spoiler: this is pretty much the whole novel and there's no explanation given at the end for anything) so I'm taking a pass.

Source: ALA16

Moo by Sharon Creech – Goodreads “Fans of Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech’s Love That Dogand Hate That Cat will love her newest tween novel, Moo. This uplifting tale reminds us that if we’re open to new experiences, life is full of surprises.”

I totally picked this one just because of the cover. It’s mid-grade but sounds really cute.

Source: ALA16


What are you guys hoping to read in August? 




21 comments:

  1. These are new to me but like the sound of Piper in First Star

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    1. She was awesome. I also think you would love 738 Days Brandi.

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  2. Blogging slumps is a way of life it seems

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    1. I don't think you've ever been in one! You are so consistent posting!!

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  3. Yea, I've been going through a bit of a slump myself. :( I hope the ones you have yet to read rock. I'm curious about that Kade book. Yea, I think I'll pass on Spontaneous by Aaron Starmer.

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    1. I just finished 738 Days and really liked it.

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  4. 3 books in seven days?! What is your secret Karen!?

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  5. 3 books in seven days?! What is your secret Karen!?

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    1. I've actually read closer to 5. I'm a really fast reader that's why the past few months have been so frustrating for me. I just couldn't stick with anything for very long. Summer mush brain lol

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  6. 738 Days was so good! And oh, is that a new Susan Elizabeth Phillips?! WANT.

    I hope you'll enjoy your reading selections for this month, Karen! Happy reading. :)

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    1. It's been a mixed bag but overall a good reading month!

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  7. I have a few August books to read still, but I'm mostly trying to focus on September ARCs. That would be great if you could get ahead too, but hey, do what you can! I'll be out of town in the beginning of September so I really want to be on top of things as much as I can. haha

    -Lauren

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    1. September is going to be a rough month. I have a lot of arc's to read. I'm really happy I've managed to stay on top of things even if I'm no good at getting months ahead like a lot of bloggers can.

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  8. Wow, you've already knocked off three? By the end of the week, you'll have read them all. Do you have a backup TBR or do you usually start on books you were planning to read in September? I'm feeling the same Karen, still loving my books and reading quite a bit but just writing up a review is daunting. I'm thinking of maybe trying a speech to text program to help me write them once my tonsillitis clears up and that might be easier and less time consuming.

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    1. FOUR! If I get through them this week I think I'm going to start on September arc's. There are a LOT of them lol

      I also have quite a few impulse/fun reads just to mix it up.

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  9. Yay for getting out of the slump. This summer has been rough on focus. Hope you enjoy the rest of your stack!

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  10. Don't feel bad girl because I've been sporadic with my posts too but I'm finally getting back into blogging and stuff. I've been seeing a lot of my friends go on hiatus and stuff so don't ever feel bad. ;) I'm glad you're back and reading again!

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  11. Don't feel bad girl because I've been sporadic with my posts too but I'm finally getting back into blogging and stuff. I've been seeing a lot of my friends go on hiatus and stuff so don't ever feel bad. ;) I'm glad you're back and reading again!

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  12. Not sure if I'm having a summer reading slump or just a general summer slump. I should have announced a hiatus, but I just come and go when I feel like it...
    Jen @ YA Romantics

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  13. Yay for being out of a slump!! 738 Days is one I bought not too long ago and really want to get to . I hope you enjoy it and the rest!!

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  14. I am so sorry to hear you are having a rough time of it this summer!! Hope your blogging and reading groove comes back with a bang. I have been curious about 738 days.

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