Music: Give me f*cking zen...

This week has been a year. I have had zero urge to be on my computer. I’ve only been on twice to visit blogs and comment.

But! I’ve been reading a lot! 15 books so far for May – and several good ones! I think I might spend the day drafting posts for the next few weeks. We’ll see how that actually turns out though lol

Anyway…I just wanted to pop in a say hi. HI! And leave a few quarantine-ish songs for listening pleasure.

Twenty One Pilots – LEVEL of CONCERN

 

X-Ambassadors, K-Flay and grandson - ZEN 

 *F-bombs and mention of drug use ahead


 

Review: Real Men Knit by Kwana Jackson

When their foster-turned-adoptive mother suddenly dies, four brothers struggle to keep open the doors of her beloved Harlem knitting shop, while dealing with life and love in Harlem.

Jesse Strong is known for two things: his devotion to his adoptive mom, Mama Joy, and his reputation for breaking hearts in Harlem. When Mama Joy unexpectedly passes away, he and his brothers have different plans on what to do with Strong Knits, their neighborhood knitting store: Jesse wants to keep the store open; his brothers want to shut it down.

Jesse makes an impassioned plea to Kerry Fuller, his childhood friend who has had a crush on him her entire life, to help him figure out how to run the business. Kerry agrees to help him reinvent the store and show him the knitty-gritty of the business, but the more time they spend together, the more the chemistry builds. Kerry, knowing Jesse’s history, doesn’t believe this relationship will exist longer than one can knit one, purl one. But Jesse is determined to prove to her that he can be the man for her—after all, real men knit. ~ Goodreads

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

Review: Dnf - here are a few thoughts as to why...

I SO wanted to love this. I was really looking forward to it but the writing style didn't work for me.

First the good stuff! I really liked both Jesse and Kerry and was rooting for them. Jesse is a bit of a jerk at times but is trying to step up to the plate after Mama Joy's death to be the man she saw in him. Kerry is a kind soul - a little lost but understanding of how much the shop means to their Harlem community and is willing to jump in to help save it and reunite the quarreling brothers.

However, the writing felt so awkward and clunky that I couldn't get a rhythm going while reading. There is a lot of set up, being a first book and all. Some of it is understandable - you need to meet the brothers and have a little bit of backstory. But this is Jesse's story and we don't need so much detail about every brother yet. And, honestly, the brothers were real jerks. I expect some drama since they have differences on what to do with the shop and expectations for each other but damn. They were mean at times.

But the real problem I had was how the author would start a conversation or scene and just drop it - only to drift off in another direction, with inner monologue or backstory, then come back to it 3 pages later. For example - Jesse or a coworker would say hi to Kerry and instead of answering she'd describe what they're wearing, past conversations, their job, and then 3 pages later - she'd say hi! back. It was like this for both Kerry and Jesse's pov and it was a struggle to read.

I love, love, love the premise for this book but the writing style didn't work for me. But if you are looking for a slow burn, lower on the romance side of things, story with complicated familial bonds and a tight knit (get it -knit! ha) community give this one a go.

Tell Me Something Tuesday

Tell Me Something Tuesday is hosted by Rainy Day Ramblings and discusses a wide range of topics from books to blogging.

Question: If a book disappoints you by an author you read for the first time, how likely are you to try that author again?

Answer: It really depends on why I didn’t like it.

If I enjoyed the overall writing style but something about the book just wasn’t for me – like the setting or maybe the genre wasn’t my jam – then yes, I’ll give them another shot if they write a book more in line with what I like.

There are so many authors that write in multiple genres and for different age groups so I wouldn’t judge all future books with what I just read.

If there was something specific to the writing (purple prose or just bad) , the characters (they have a type I don't like - like alpha males), or they don’t stick the ending – a big deal for me, I’ll have trust issues and nope.

Unless someone I trust tells me that this book is different, I’ll take a pass.

Do you give new authors another chance, even if you didn’t like the first book you read by them?

Monday Minis…

I’m afraid to even say this but I think I may be back in my reading groove! I’ve read 9 books so far this month!

Here are two that hit me in the feels while providing all the swoony, romantic goodness I’m craving right now. Plus one more emotional one that still left me feeling happy in the end.



Date Me, Bryson Keller by Kevin van Whye ~ Goodreads “What If It's Us meets To All the Boys I've Loved Before in this upbeat and heartfelt boy-meets-boy romance that feels like a modern twist on a '90s rom-com! Source: e-arc provided in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley

My thoughts: Perpetually single Bryson Keller takes the dare to date a new person for one week – the first person who asks him each Monday. The girls all line up – but one fateful day, it’s shy Kai Sheridan who asks Bryson out. Kai isn’t out – and Bryson isn’t gay – but they agree to date on the down low for the week and as their friendship grows so do their feelings.

Finally! A book that advertises itself as a rom-com, that actually feels a rom-com! That’s not to say this book doesn’t delve into deeper waters or pack an emotional punch – because it does – but it also brings all those first love stomach flutters and secret crush cuteness.

It was interesting to read the contrast between how both Kai and Bryson approach coming out and the responses they get from friends and family. And Kai’s sister, Yazz, deserves the sister of the year award for her brutally honest take down of her parents. Whoop Yazz!

Bryson is a very one dimensional character and almost too perfect. I’m not sure I ever really understood how the challenge was a big deal but whatever…cute is cute and I neeeeeded this kind of book so I shall ignore my minor quibbles.

10 Things I Hate About Pinky (Dimple and Rishi #3) by Sanhya Menon ~ Goodreads “The follow-up to When Dimple Met Rishi and Theres Something about Sweetie follows Pinky and Samir as they pretend to date with disastrous and hilarious results.” Source: Borrowed

My thoughts: I read this back in April when it was originally planned to be released but because of a little thing called COVID – the release date has been pushed back to July 21st but I wanted to mention it here because this book is totally worthy of a pre-order!

Opposites - Pinky is vibrant and impulsive – out to save the world, while Samir is all about planning and schedules. Fake dating – Pinky needs to date a *good boy* to get her mom off her back & Samir needs an internship at a good law practice and Pinky’s mom is a top lawyer. Hate to more – my reading catnip.

I always enjoy Menon’s books but I think this one was my favorite so far. It had complicated relationships (especially between Pinky and her mom – something Menon frequently explores) and lots of fun moments as Pinky and Samir start to balance each other out and turn into something more.

I think the bump to a July release is perfect, as this has that summer, swoony vibe but with real issues that teens can relate to.

The Geography of Lost Things by Jessica Brody ~ Goodreads “In this romantic road trip story perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen and Morgan Matson, a teen girl discovers the value of ordinary objects while learning to forgive her absent father.” Source: arc provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

My (not so mini) thoughts: Oh dear – I’ve had this one on my shelf since 2018. Bad, bad blogger but now I’ve read it and it was fantastic. I’m a huge fan of Brody and how she’s able to write with such variety within YA, going from sci-fi, to rom-com and now something more in line with women’s fiction, although this is still very much YA with romantic elements.

Ali’s, drug addicted father abandoned Ali and her mom years ago, leaving them in debt and about to lose their home. Now he’s dead but has left Ali the title and keys to his prized possession – a 1968 Firebird. Ali sees this as an opportunity to save her home by selling the car. Only problem is, to sell it, she has to drive it 5 hours to the dealer and she doesn't drive a stick shift. Enter Ali’s ex, Nico, who is willing to help her out. She has no choice but to accept even though it brings back bad memories for her.

This book has a bit of a strange rhythm to it. It goes back and forth between memories of her father from her childhood, her past relationship with Nico and the present. They all work well independently from each other and suck you in but it takes a bit for it all to tie together but the payoff is worth the wait.

The road trip itself is fun as it takes a detour – as all good road trips do. They meet different people as they use Craigslist to try to trade up the different items they find to make cash, instead of selling the car, and even those fleeting stories and characters are fascinating. They also take in the sights as they leave California and make their way into my neck of the woods in WA & OR and it was fun to see them discover the places I’m just now finding for myself in the PNW.

The trip, and the car, bring all the suppressed feelings Ali has about her dad to a head and she really has to come to terms with and get closure before she can move forward. And maybe give Nico another chance.

There is a bit of mystery regarding her and Nico’s breakup and I think it drags out too long. I was irritated by Nico kind of pressuring Ali to forgive her dad or to at least let things go when he is clearly hanging on to his own secrets. Knowing that Ali has trust issues made his hesitancy to open up irritating. But, as I said, it ties together eventually and I got it. He's a good guy with good reasons to be wary of opening up to Ali. So, just hang in there lol

This was a really solid book about grief, forgiveness and finding value in the things we leave behind.

What are you all reading this week? Have you read any of these or will you be?

Review: Girls with Razor Hearts

It’s time to fight back in this second novel in a thrilling, subversive near future series from New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Young about a girls-only private high school that is far more than it appears to be.

Make me a girl with a razor heart…

It’s been weeks since Mena and the other girls of Innovations Academy escaped their elite boarding school. Although traumatized by the violence and experimentations that occurred there, Mena quickly discovers that the outside world can be just as unwelcoming and cruel. With no one else to turn to, the girls only have each other—and the revenge-fueled desire to shut down the corporation that imprisoned them.

The girls enroll in Stoneridge Prep, a private school with suspect connections to Innovations, to identify the son of an investor and take down the corporation from the inside. But with pressure from Leandra, who revealed herself to be a double-agent, and Winston Weeks, an academy investor gone rogue, Mena wonders if she and her friends are simply trading one form of control for another. Not to mention the woman who is quite literally invading Mena’s thoughts—a woman with extreme ideas that both frighten and intrigue Mena.

And as the girls fight for freedom from their past—and freedom for the girls still at Innovations—they must also face new questions about their existence…and what it means to be girls with razor hearts. ~ Goodreads

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

Review:  This is an incredibly difficult book to review without spoilers – so maybe consider the whole thing a spoiler if you don’t want to know anything about book #1 but there won’t be spoilers for this book.

Just to repeat SPOILERS FOR BOOK #1 ahead!!

Girls With Razor Hearts picks right up where Girls with Sharp Sticks left off. The girls, finding out they were created in a lab to be the perfect women and subservient to men, *woke up* and made their (violent) escape and are now free looking for a place to live safely, make a plan to go back and get the rest of the girls and take down the main investors of the Innovations Academy.

They end up enrolled in Stoneridge Prep academy, a private school, that brings them closer to the answers they need to truly be free but also shows them that escaping the academy doesn’t mean the end of their problems with men or misogyny.

The girls have never really encountered men outside of the academy – other than the main character’s love interest Jackson and his best friend. Their wary, with good reason, but also expect better of he *real* world. So they’re shocked when they encounter bro & rape culture and those in power, both men and women, who look the other way.

The generic high school setting isn’t nearly as interesting or compelling as when the girls were discovering who they were or fighting for their lives in book 1 – but this could have been kind of interesting. Imagine being free for the first time in your life and discovering that the world is just an endless fight with corrupt and abusive men. It wasn’t just an academy thing. Where do you go from there? Is anywhere a safe place? What constitutes a normal life for them?

Unfortunately, I felt like Young tried to cram in every single issue that women encounter ever. Alongside all the issues carried over from the first book that still needed addressing, It was a lot. Almost too much and very heavy handed. Men are bad. Message received like a hammer to the head.

My other issue is the how the girls/women in this book are portrayed. The girls that escaped have an unbreakable bond from what they’ve been through but their current state of mind an motivations vary greatly. Mena, the MC, just wants to save the other girls and end the academy. She believes there are good and bad people – including men. Some of the other girls and adult women want revenge.

And I get that – but it’s taking a dark turn. That could be cool to explore! Is revenge justification to becoming what you fear and loath? Are the women being just as controlling and manipulative of the girls as the men from the academy were? Mena kind of questions or disagrees with things but moves on. Young only half-heartedly explores this and it's a shame.

I’m not sure if this is middle book syndrome – lots of set up in book #2 – then race to a hastily wrapped up threads and moral quandaries in the last book or she has lost control of this story.

There are so many characters (I lost track since they come and go), so many points to be made, so many plot twists and so many remaining issues that a lot was left up in the air or hastily explored.

Suzanne Young knows how to write biting sci-fi social commentary and can write plot twists like nobodies' business, but in this case, it seems more like cramming in a lot of issues that, yes, are shocking, relevant, and fast paced but left me feeling like not a lot actually happened and how the heck is she going to resolve it all in just one more book?

In short – I felt like this book needed a scalpel and not a sledgehammer to make it truly bone-chilling and subversive.

For a different POV – read Greg’s review! He thought it was a worthy sequel that didn’t suffer from middle book syndrome.

Currently: May

Currently is a monthly feature hosted by In Residence

Making

I decided to try my hand at baking bread. I tried years (decades) ago and usually killed the yeast or couldn't figure out kneading. YouTube is the greatest though!! And after watching sixthousandsomething yeast/kneading videos, I decided to start with a small batch recipe for focaccia recipe from Dessert for Two. This site has helped me so much in mastering techniques that are too overwhelming when done on a larger scale.  

It came out delish! My only mistake was thinking the oven was fully preheated when it wasn't - so the oven wasn't hot enough to give it that full rise. 

Missing

Puttering around stores. I'm not a huge shopper and I'm an introvert, so this hasn't been totally horrible for me. And I am able to get outdoors for hikes and fresh air while still staying away from people. 

But the spring is my time of year. I LOVE it. And I love plants and it's a bummer not to be able to just wander around everywhere plant shopping. I have ordered bulbs and our plant nursery is open but I don't want to go out too much and I plan my trip around when I think it will be quieter.  

So I just miss that carefree time where you could just go wherever without having to enact a whole plan.

Learning

Cutting Kevin's hair and coloring mine.  Kevin has a really short hair cut so it's fairly easy to just shave his head but he likes the sides tapered and even shorter so I was afraid to attempt it. 

Again - YouTube to the rescue!

I watched several until I found the closest thing to his style and started with longer blades and it turned out great! 

Then I needed to cover my grays. I usually do a quick touch up with the cheap stuff in between visits but this has to last longer (& it's been 3 months so more gray too!) 

I went with Madison Reed and took their quiz and bought their recommended color based on my results. 

The package comes with everything you need (except a brush but you can do it with your hands and bottle - I happened to have a brush & a cape but you can buy all that from them). It went really easy but I had Kevin do the back of my head. It had 100% gray coverage and left a nice multidimensional color overall. I'll assume the back of my head looks good and Kevin isn't lying lol

The one thing I hated was the included shampoo and conditioner. It was really strong and perfumy smelling. I;ll use my own the next time. 

Will I always do it at home? No. I'd rather let someone else do all the work but it was a good option to have. 

Loving

Being outdoors. The weather has been gorgeous! We've been eating outside on our little deck and taking walks by the water at sundown.

We also did this puzzle over the weekend. I love how bright and colorful it is. I have another one but learned the lesson to do it at the table next time. I'm too old to do puzzles on the floor now lol

#backpainfordays

Reading

*whispers* I think I'm reading again. I've already read 7 books this month and they've been a mix of review arc's, books from my TBR shelf and a few for fun that I sometimes review & sometimes don't. 

Today I'm finishing a review arc of Defy or Defend by Gail Carriger. It's the low angst fluff and sweetness that I can handle right now. 

I think I'm starting the Geography of Lost Things by Jessica Brody once I'm done.

What have you been making, missing, learning, loving, and reading?

My Monday Musings...

How are we all doing? Hanging in there or hardly hanging? (that's what my dad used to say all the time lol)

I've actually been reading some! I read all my May arc's and cleared a few more books off my book cart TBR. Not a lot but I'll take it!

And it seems I'm more successful at getting arc's during a pandemic than in regular times. Is that all I needed to happen??!! lol

I don't usually request many books anymore but there have been a few I've had my eye on so I went for it on Netgalley & then several publishers have been sending pre-approved widgets with their newsletters. Sweet!

Netgalley:


The Fell of Dark by Caleb Roehrig ~ Goodreads I always enjoy his books - especially the characters - and when I saw this LGBQT take on the Buffyverse I jumped on it. Actually, this was supposed to be in my summer Macmillan arc box but they left it out - to be mailed later and then...all this... so I asked if I could get the widget instead and they kindly said yes! Pub date: July 13, 2020

Conventionally Yours by Annabeth Albert ~ Goodreads Albert is one of my favorite romance authors and I was super excited to see her writing her first NA, LGBQT romance. I never thought I would be approved for this one so I was doubly excited. Two rival fans head to a fan convention for a face off in a gaming tournament. Sparks fly! Pub date: June 2, 2020

Date Me, Bryson Keller by Kevin van Whye~ Goodreads I got rejected for this one on Netgalley and then, oddly enough, contacted by the publisher to review it. Welp, okay! Yes!! Yes!! Described as a modern take on the 90's rom-com's and IS ACTUALLY A MODERN TAKE ON A 90'S ROM-COM. Finally, a book that is exactly as the summary describes. I've read this one already and it was adorable and fun. I'll have a review coming up soon. Pub date: May 19, 2020





A few random tidbits:

Ways to support indie bookstores!

Bookshop is a new site that offers centralized ordering and shipping but allows you to choose an indie bookstore to reap the profit.

Libro.fm is a similar service that offers audiobooks with multiple subscription options from a la carte to monthly with profits going to your local bookstore.

Like romance? Order a mini ($20) or full size ($50) Surprise Box from Love's Sweet Arrow - a romance only bookstore based out of Chicago. The offer has been extended through the end of May.

That's it for now - what are you all reading this week? More importantly, are you reading?? The struggle is real!

Tell Me Something Tuesday

Tell Me Something Tuesday is hosted by Rainy Day Ramblings and discusses a wide range of topics from books to blogging.

Question: Goodreads reviews: Do you round your ratings up or down? Do you think it matters?

Answer: Reviews are so subjective anyway, then add in 1/2 stars and it makes everything even more confusing.

First off, I review for myself on Goodreads. It’s my way of keeping track of what I read and how I felt so I’m never worried about what others think about my rating. I hope people find the reviews helpful but I’m not agonizing over it.

In my own experience, I follow a reviewer – not ratings – if that makes sense. I may peruse ratings on Goodreads but I tend to hone in on a few trusted reviewers to help make my choice. In doing that, it’s more about knowing their likes and dislikes – and transferring that to my tastes.

But back to the up or down star question!

Yes, I use 1/2 stars both up & down, which is contradictory but logical to me lol I like the 1/2 star option rather than rounding up or down because it gives me flexibility to say - Yay! but with reservations or Nay! but it had good things too.

Say I read a book that was very good but it left me a little irritated about something – overall it might have been a 4 star read but had those pesky issues – like editing, the ending or something problematic. Then it would go down to 3.5 with mention of those problems in my review.

But now say I read a solid 3 star book (which is good to me!) that did not particularly stand out or wasn't memorable, maybe an issue or two but left me with a happy feeling overall. I would round up to 3.5 stars. Also mentioning what elevated it to that or kept it from a 4.

I don't feel right giving something a 4 if it has issues or rounding down if it made me happy overall. I hope the reviews speak louder than the rating anyway which is why I don't do star ratings on my blog. Like I said, I consider Goodreads a record for myself and I understand my ratings lol

I get how ratings can be a big deal for authors and readers/reviewers but, honestly, I have always just gone with my gut on it. I do wish more review sites – including Goodreads would let you give 1/2 stars though!

What’s your stance on the round up or down or the dreaded 1/2 star?

Monday Minis…

I need to do a little bookish housekeeping…I’ve barely been reading, or when I do, it takes me a month to finish a book (as opposed to my usual 4-6 hours). But here’s a quick round up of the books I’ve managed to clear off the shelf with mini-ish reviews.

The Life Below (the Final Six #2) by Alexandra Monir ~ Goodreads Good for fans of dystopian with a sci-fi twist that uses the timely subject of Earth’s climate change as a catalyst to ask…what if Earth was being destroyed and we HAD to leave to save humanity? And what if where we’re going is even more dangerous?

Earth is being destroyed by violent storms and rising water. Nations have banded together to find another planet to relocate everyone. In book #1, The Final Six – there is a competition and training program to find 6 teens who will make the mission to Europa to see if it’s inhabitable.

In The Life Below, the Final Six is on their mission, while one of the failed finalists is left behind to unravel the secrets that endanger the crew and the human race.

I enjoyed this series (I believe it’s just this dulogy) but there’s nothing too groundbreaking. Teens competing, romance, betrayal, government secrets.

TBH, I forgot most of book #1 and spent a good amount of time trying to remember things. Most of the crew doesn’t really stand out but there are several really tense scenes in this one - both psychological and physical because there’s other life in space…and it’s not very nice. And I was impressed by the pretty solid, mature romance – not a lot of drama on that front.

* Finished copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Gotham High by Melissa de la Cruz & illustrations by Thomas Pitilli ~ Goodreads Gotham High is  a new graphic novel series that reimagines the Batman universe with the characters in high school.

The artwork and colors are vibrant and fun, de la Cruz added as much needed dose of diversity in her telling, Bruce is Asian American, Uncle Alfred is gay and married, the story itself is a bit bland high school drama.

We get a glimpse of Batman, The Joker & Catwoman as teens, well before they embody those personas – as Bruce, Jack and Selina with a bit of insight into who they will become - but overall this felt like generic teen drama and any character could have been used interchangeably. But maybe this is a case of needing to read the next one in order for it to all come together or possibly being more attractive to new comic book readers or teens that want their drama more high school focused with just a touch of super hero/villain dynamics.

*Finished copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review


Crave (Crave #1) by Tracy Wolff ~ Goodreads Unpopular opinion – I DNF’d this at page 50 & I’ll just repeat here what I said on goodreads about this “feminist update of Twilight* – This book was everything I expected it to be. Take that as you will.











Pax by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen ~ Goodreads I’ve had this book on my shelf since I got it at ALA in 2016. It is a GORGEOUS book and I have it signed (complete with a little fox drawing) by both the author and illustrator.

Peter and Pax get separated and try to find their way back to each other while encountering others (people and in Pax's case - foxes).

This is a beautiful story about the bond between animal and boy, trying to change expectations for yourself, dealing with anger and to some degree, war and its impact on both humans and nature.

Pax and his fox friends are in frequent danger and there are multiple animal deaths. SPOILER –> Pax lives and is not hurt in any way <- The pain both Peter and Pax went through missing each other hurt my heart but I'm a wimp with animal stories.

It was written very well though, especially Pax's pov, discovering his senses and wild side, missing his boy. Their ending is bittersweet but perfect.

If I have any complaints, it would be with how it handles the war and father/son aspect. While the war and encroaching soldiers is a constant drumbeat and danger to the foxes, the story never really fleshes that out. Same with Peter and his father (who is serving in that war) who have a very angry and abrupt conclusion.

Otherwise, this was a really sweet story.

So that brings me up to speed and I read 2 books this week that I really enjoyed and have coming up for review so yay!

I also got approved on Netgalley and bought a few fun books so I might post about that soon too.

What are you all reading/doing, watching?

May of Books Giveaway Hop

I’m joining in with the May Of Books Giveaway Hop hosted by It Starts At Midnight and @ FLYLēF

The winner can choose any ONE book, up to $25 value, as long as it is released during the month of May

Need a little inspiration?

May 2020 Book Releases
YA Releases of May 2020
New and Upcoming Book Releases May 2020

Rules & stuff!

The winner will be announced on June 1st on this post in the rafflecopter form - and notified by email. Winner has 48 hours to respond or I will pick another winner. (read my full * My Giveaway Policy here)

International entries OK as long as The Book Depository ships to your country.

To enter – fill out the Rafflecopter form and leave a comment!

What book are you most looking forward to in May 2020?

*Extra entries not required - but if you do - my SM links are in the sidebar. Twitter is where I like to chat, Instagram is where I mostly post about books, food, nature and one grumpy, clingy cat named Figment and Goodreads if you want to know what I’m reading.

But wait…there’s more!

Win a book – give a gift card to a friend!

I wanted to do something to support small business, especially small booksellers, so I’m letting the winner choose a $20 Gift card to any indie bookstore (not Amazon or the Book Depository) to give to a friend! The store must have an online GIFT CARD buying option for me.

This might be limited to US people only and I’m sorry international followers – I try to make all my giveaways inclusive but in this case, I’m also really trying to help out small bookstores as well. If you find ones that will ship outside the US then that’s fine too! But the main giveaway is still international!

Don’t forget to enter the other giveaways in this hop and GOOD LUCK!


a Rafflecopter giveaway