I just finished Rule so I‘m heading into Rise!
And it not summer unless I read on my patio with a tasty beverage.

I just reread NOS4A2 so that I can watch the TV series, and I thought I‘d give The Fireman another shot. I can‘t seem to get past a quarter of the book. Did anyone else have that problem? Does the story get better? I loved NOS4A2 but this one I‘m not sure about.

First day as an elementary librarian for the summer. Just one Starbucks pick-me-up is not enough!!

I think it is time for a reread of this book since I am watching the new show on National Geographic. The show is great so far!

I loved this book! The idea of artificial intelligence and cyborgs set in a Disney-like park is engaging and a great addition to the fantasy genre. If you have watched HBO‘s Westworld, and enjoyed it, and you like young adult literature than you will enjoy this new work by Jess Rothenberg.

The grandbaby and I had a book date, and these are what I got. I‘m pretty excited!!

New book to read. I‘m only on page 45 and I am hooked!

Thanks to Book Beau for my hella cute Alice in Wonderland bags!

I bought this book last fall but it sat on my shelf until last night when I pulled it off to read, based on some negative reviews. It is a National Book Award Finalist, but I am not sure I can see what makes it so. The story begins like a typical fairy tale -- prince slaying a dragon, rescuing the damsel, going on to live happily ever after. Then it changes. The last three pages are really WTF moments. I'm still trying to process the ending.

I ordered this book for my high school library and I love it! It is written for young adults, by a young adult. Nadya Okamoto started her own company PERIOD that helps raise awareness of menstruating and the societal taboos associated with it. It is a must read for anyone.

April was a busy month but I am back to my reading. May will focus on some non-fiction! Today‘s choice is Period Power. A must read for all!

If you haven‘t read Cujo, you should. Not many Stephen King books bring me to tears, but this one does every time I read it. Cujo “had always always tried to be a good dog. He tried to do all the things his MAN and his WOMAN, and most of all his BOY, had asked or expected of him.”

Seriously a heartbreaking line.

If you haven‘t read The Handmaid‘s Tale, you should! I was hesitant about the graphic novel since I love the book. I was afraid that too much would be left out, but there was no reason to worry. It is fantastic!

For my birthday month I am rereading some Stephen King. First on the list is Cujo, which I haven‘t read since high school. King amazes me with his writing ability. To make me feel the confusion and fear of Cujo himself as he become a more sick! I will be cuddling with my puppy tonight!

I love this book. I was wary at first due to the format; some of the story is written in a transcript form for a podcast, while the rest is in a narrative format. The format became a moot point after a few pages because I became engrossed in the story. It is a hard story to read due to its topic - death of a thirteen year old and her sister‘s drive to find the person responsible - but Summers‘s characterization propels the story forward.

Now that the weather is warmer, its‘s time for reading on the patio.

I recently read a research study about incorporating LGBTQ+ literature in classrooms, and this novel was listed as one that the researchers found that fit their criteria of relevant and quality literature. I have to agree. Astrid Jones is strong female questioning her sexuality, while navigating through one of the toughest times in life...high school. A. S. King does a wonderful job developing her characters with authentic and relatable voices.

So, so good! I loved this Beauty and the Beast retelling. It kept me up reading because I couldn‘t wait to see what would happen next. The only problem with the book though is that is ends with an opening for a sequel and I can‘t wait!

A new Beauty and the Beast retelling, with a strong female protagonist who has cerebral palsy. So far, it is wonderful! And I love the cover!

I love this book! I just reread it with my high school book club, and I got so much more out of it when talking with the students. Morality, mortality, deciding for yourself what you believe...Shusterman creates a story that makes readers question their own beliefs in a way that is thoughtful, as well as engaging. My students have really enjoyed our discussions about it so far. And although it is a young adult novel, everyone will enjoy it.

I‘m still making my way through this but I want to finish today!

1. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Everyone in my book club loved this book but I just didn‘t. I prefer All America Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely.
2. Salty snacks for sure!!
3. Ida Mae and Robert on my mom‘s side and Perry Lee and Roger on my dad‘s side
4. The Goonies. I had such the crush in Corey Feldman
5. New York, that way I can see the Yankees and maybe the Mets.
@howjessreads #friyayintro

My first Blind Date with a Book display! My date is Mary Roach‘s Stiff!!

I‘m excited to start this novel!! As I wait for 8th grade electives night to start at my high school...
As the librarian, I don‘t feel bad about reading!

I read this for a book club. I would never have chosen it on my own as I am not really a reader of chick lit, and if this is a general example of the genre, I can see why. The book is 90% dialogue, with little descriptive paragraphs. The characters are one dimensional and lack depth and description of any kind.

With all that stated, the book is a quick read and those looking for something light to read may enjoy it. It is just not for me.

I struggled with this book. Maybe it was the descriptive writing or just life in general, but it took me longer than normal to finish...but with that said, I really enjoyed the story. It is somewhat a retelling of Beauty and the Beast with more magic and a battle against a malevolent force known as The Wood. I believe that fantasy readers will enjoy this book, but those who are not avid readers of fantasy may struggle with some of the writing.

I. Love. This. Book. Frankenstein is one of my favorite novels and Kiersten White does a fantastic job telling the story of Elizabeth Lavenza and her journey to discover her true self. This novel introduces us to the females in Frankenstein, Elizabeth and the doomed Justine, illustrating the constraints on women during the time period. And like Mary Shelley‘s iconic novel, this one also asks the question of who makes a monster.

I‘m starting this tonight after meeting Kiersten White. She was a delight. Next in the list is her newest book, Slayer, which is based in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series.

I reread The Cruel Prince before I read The Wicked King this weekend, and I love them both! Although the main character drives me nuts at times during the books, I love the depth of her character. Black‘s faerie world is described in beautiful detail, with multiple layers.

If you haven‘t tried Holly Black, you should give her a shot. Next on my list from her is The Coldest Girl in Coldtown.

I really enjoyed Spindle Fire but I feel that Lexi Hillyer dropped the ball with this sequel. The second half of the story feels rushed with Hillyer‘s characterizations and plot development falling flat. I think that a trilogy would have been better although I sometimes hate the fact that there are so many in YA lit.

Even if you‘ve read the first book, I would suggest passing this one by. There are far better fairy tale retellings out there.

I‘m at 85 Alice books and retellings! #Aliceinwonderland