All tagged book blog

May 2018 Kansas City Book Haul

One of our adventures involved book stores. There’s a severe shortage of bookstores in my area, so I specifically asked if we could go to one (thinking Barnes and Noble) and LeAnn found a whole list of places we could check out! We only stopped at two, but that just means that there’s more to explore next time!

The Hobbit

I first read The Hobbit when I was in third grade, and it was like learning how to run before learning how to walk. I didn’t really like reading before I stepped into Middle Earth. My dad had a yellow copy with tattered corners that I always looked at on his bookshelf. His bookshelf was impressive. I used to stand and run my fingers over the spines. I wanted to like reading, but it was too hard for a long time. I would look at his books, and The Hobbit was one of my favorites.

Uninvited

Uninvited is definitely on my “to be re-read” list. I’ll be curious to see what things stood out to me the first time, and if they still ring true on the second and third readings.

The Biggest Story

Every time I read the book I notice something else about the illustrations—its like it’s full of Easter eggs, just waiting for you to see and find them all.

The Pharaoh’s Daughter

This book. This book is just what I want in historical and biblical fiction. It takes the building blocks of a well-known Bible Story and builds around it without changing the original story. There wasn’t a moment where I felt like Mesu Andrews crossed a line. You can tell that she has great respect for the source material.

Everland

Everland came in my second Owl Crate and the theme was Steampunk. I’ve never thought about Steampunk as a genre … I thought of it as a wardrobe choice—more like cosplay than anything else. So I didn’t know what to think about a Steampunk book. But I really like Peter Pan, so was excited to jump into this one!

Cinder

I’m late to this party. Like, really late. A lot of people have already read these books and fallen in love with them. I remember when Cinder first came out—and I don’t know why I didn’t jump all over it. It’s definitely the kind of book that I would be drawn to … but maybe it came out when I was in my phase of YA fiction apprehension? I think that’s it.

Chimera (Universal Eventual #1)

I read this book because a friend co-wrote it with his sister and his best friend. My friend, Nathan, was in my grad school program and offered (and still offers!) me a lot of advice and support in my own writing. I respect him and his craft. He is very good at what he does.

Artemis Fowl

The integration of James Bond spy-thriller and fantasy was fascinating. I didn’t know how I would feel about it, but I think it really worked. Colfer writes a vivid world, the concept of mixing the two genres adds nuance to both sides of the world. It’s well written, and easy to get swept up in the story.

A Whale in the Bathtub

When I picked this one up off the shelf and flipped through the pages, I just had to tuck it in the crook of my elbow. It came home with me for three primary reasons.

Flawed

This book was chosen for me. My family got me a subscription to OwlCrate for my birthday, and this is the first book I got with my subscription. And let me tell you, I was a little nervous about the theme for my first box—dystopia—but it did not disappoint.

Dragons Love Tacos

This is a fun book that is sure to make kiddos and adults laugh together. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes dragons or anyone who likes tacos. Anyone, really. Track down a copy of this book and read it with your kiddos. Or read it for you. Adults can enjoy picture books too.

The Golden Braid

This book caught my eye because it was in the Christian Fiction section of Barnes & Noble. It’s beautiful cover was faced out and I was intrigued by the idea of a Christian version of Rapunzel. When I looked inside the dust jacket, the blurb at the top convinced me to buy it: “The one who needs rescuing isn’t always the one in the tower.” This made me curious about how Melanie Dickerson was going to turn the story upside down.

Camilla the Cupcake Fairy

I bought this book on a whim at a Scholastic Book Fair. How could I resist a book about a fellow cupcake fairy? Surely she and I would be kindred spirits. And I’m also on the lookout for books to read with the kiddos in my life (someday I’ll share this with my daughter or granddaughter).

The Wild Robot

This is a book that I picked up on my April book haul. I recognized Peter Brown’s name from Mr. Tiger Goes Wild and thought that I would probably enjoy The Wild Robot.

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole

This is the first book from my April Book Haul that I am reviewing—and I’m so excited to share with everyone! I love this book. I love the illustrations and the subtlety in the story telling.

The Day the Mustache Took Over

The Day the Mustache took Over is a middle grade novel—meaning it’s great for upper elementary. It’s the story of a set of twin boys who get into a ton of trouble and can’t keep a nanny. They fight a lot and struggle with following rules.