Recent Reads: Night Lunch by Eric Fan and Illustrated by Dena Seiferling

Source: From Librarything Early Reviewers program and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Night Lunch by Eric Fan and Illustrated by Dena Seiferling 
Publisher: Tundra Books
Publication Date:  September 27, 2022

 

Format: Hardback


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A mysterious cook whips up midnight meals for fellow night owls in a lavish lunch cart while a hungry mouse looks on in this atmospheric picture book inspired by the forerunner of food trucks and diners. A delectable picture book inspired by forerunners of food truck, for fans of The Night Gardener.

Noses sniff the air as mouthwatering smells waft down city streets, luring growling bellies to the Night Owl. Inside this elegant, horse-drawn establishment, a feathery cook works the grill, serving up tasty dishes for shift-workers and operagoers alike: a mince pie for Fox, a ham sandwich for Badger and puddings for little Possums. Mouse, a poor street sweeper, watches as the line of customers swells, ever hopeful that someone will drop a morsel of food -- but Owl's cooking is far too delicious for more than a crumb to be found. As the evening's service winds down, weary Owl spots trembling Mouse. Has he found his own night lunch, or will he invite this small sweeper inside for a midnight feast for two?

From the imagination of two acclaimed picture book creators, together for the first time, this dreamlike picture book is a magical ode to Victorian lunch wagons. Evoking the sounds, sights, smells and tastes of the city at night, Night Lunch reveals how empathy and kindness as well as dignity and gratitude can be found -- and savored -- in the most unexpected places.

Review: 

As always a short review for a short book...

Such a cute book! I was pleasantly surprised by this adorable and heartwarming kid’s book. I thought it was going to be about an owl's lunch (the mouse) based on the cover, but the owl runs a lunch cart that travels out at night for all the other critters. He is a chef to all the animals, preparing their meals thoughtfully through the night. All the while a little mouse is looking for scraps and cannot find any. The owl notices and prepares a meal for them to both to share.

The book is heartwarming and sweet and also so pretty. The animals are drawn well, and the sepia-toned images lend to the nighttime atmosphere with lots of shadows and blurred edges. 

It was nice to see an owl as a friend versus a predator. Overall, this was a very cute book, and I can't wait to share it.

Recent Reads: Haven: A Small Cat's Big Adventure by Megan Wagner Lloyd

Source: From Librarything Early Reviewers program and the publisher in exchange for review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Haven: A Small Cat's Big Adventure by Megan Wagner Lloyd 
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication Date:  August 2, 2022

 

Format: Paperback ARC

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

When her cherished Ma Millie falls ill, a timid housecat ventures into the wild to seek help in this adventure about love, loss, and finding the truest version of ourselves.

A warm, cozy lap. The toasty smell of baking bread. Tasty food served in a bright-blue bowl. These make Haven’s life as an indoor pet heaven. All thanks to her beloved human and rescuer, Ma Millie. But when Ma Millie becomes too sick to care for her, the cat’s cozy life is turned upside down, and Haven decides she must seek out another human for help. Anything for Ma Millie! Her vow pulls her out of her safe nest into the shadowy forest and down unfamiliar and dangerous roads. When her first plan fails, Haven meets a wilderness-savvy fox who volunteers as an ally, and their perilous journey together brings some victories. But Haven finds herself pitted against creatures far wilder than she ever could be, testing her strength and spirit to their limits. Will her loyalty to Ma Millie—and her newfound confidence in herself—be enough to help Haven see the quest through to its conclusion? Can she stand up against the fierce predator that is tracking her every move?

Review: 

This was a short and cute story about a cat who goes on an adventure to help her owner.  Haven, the cat, lives with an older woman named Ma Millie, in a little cottage out of town. She was found when she was a kitten and loves the human who took her in. Now Ma Millie is very sick, and Haven has to venture out of the house to get her help. In order to do so she has to go through the forest into town and lucky for her a little fox decides to help her. They are also being tracked by a bobcat though and so their outing could be dangerous. 

This was a fun story about unlikely friendships and love. Haven is determined to get help for her owner regardless of her own safety and comfort. She is tested along the way and must overcome so many struggles. It was a beautiful book about powering through when you feel strongly about a mission/adventure. 

While the ending was a little sad, it was also comforting in a way. I think that pet lovers of all ages will enjoy this book and the little cat.

Recent Reads: The Way Back Home by Courtney Peppernell

The Way Back Home by Courtney Peppernell   

Publisher:  Andrews McMeel Publishing

Publication Date:  August 23, 2022

 

Format: Paperback
Source: Bought/Own

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

When a dark storm settled upon the earth, you lost many things—your hope, your strength, yourself. One day, in the middle of the darkness, you meet a spirit, washed from the ocean onto the shore. The spirit hands you a key.

 

It is time to find the way back home.

Returning with her newest poetry book, beloved poet Courtney Peppernell combines storytelling, poetry, and prose in a uniquely inspirational way. Filled with heartfelt anecdotes and insightful messages, The Way Back Home is a tribute to rebuilding our lives after loss. Divided into sections that draw on themes of courage, resilience, purpose, and hope, the collection has Peppernell once again walking us through a redemptive journey of the heart, mind, and soul.

 

Discover what it means to continue forward in life, despite all the challenges we face, to find the way back home.

Review: 

I was not sure what to expect from this book, but the cover was adorable, and the synopsis was interesting. I don't read a lot of poetry but sometimes a book just calls out to you, and you don't know why, and that is what happened here. 

This book is about loss and each section is about rebuilding yourself after loss. I have had a lot of loss in the past few years and so it seemed fitting, and the poems hit close to home for me. 

The book itself is broken up into sections including courage, support, strength, resilience, love, purpose, and faith. The poems talk about loss, loss of self, depression and grief but also how to re-love the world, life and self. The book showcases cure illustrations at each section start and while hard-hitting in theme, it was also a comfort in some ways. 

Overall, I enjoyed the book and if you are looking fro some poetry, you might think about picking this one up. 

Early Reader Review: The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera 
Series: Death Cast #0
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date:  October 4, 2022

 

Format: Hardback


Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

In this prequel to #1 New York Times bestselling phenomenon They Both Die at the End, two new strangers spend a life-changing day together after Death-Cast first makes their fateful calls.

It’s the night before Death-Cast goes live, and there’s one question on everyone’s mind: Can Death-Cast actually predict when someone will die, or is it just an elaborate hoax?

Orion Pagan has waited years for someone to tell him that he’s going to die. He has a serious heart condition, and he signed up for Death-Cast so he could know what’s coming.

Valentino Prince is restarting his life in New York. He has a long and promising future ahead and he only registered for Death-Cast after his twin sister nearly died in a car accident.

Orion and Valentino cross paths in Times Square and immediately feel a deep connection. But when the first round of End Day calls goes out, their lives are changed forever—one of them receives a call, and the other doesn’t. Though neither boy is certain how the day will end, they know they want to spend it together…even if that means their goodbye will be heartbreaking.

Told with acclaimed author Adam Silvera’s signature bittersweet touch, this story celebrates the lasting impact that people have on each other and proves that life is always worth living to the fullest.

Review: 

Trigger warnings: gun violence, domestic abuse, assault, grief, 9-11 deaths, profanity, and homophobia.

I should have known what I was getting into with the title of this one, but I don't think that even prepared me for the devastation this one had on my heart. This book is the prequel to They Both Die at the End, which I still haven’t read because I know it will make me cry. In this prequel, we learn about the creation of Death-cast, the revolutionary subscription that will notify you on the day you are going to die. We follow Orion and Valentino as they cross paths and then help each other through a final day for one of them.

 

This book wrecked me repeatedly…and yet I was able to finish it. I found myself crying a lot but the touching interactions of these two made it worth it. This is a lovely book showcasing gay main characters, which are wonderful. Orion has a heart condition and is always trying to stay optimistic while Valentino is starting anew after being disowned by his parents for being gay. They come together at the release party for Death-Cast and find that they are the perfect match. It is a love written in the stars but not to last.

I am really trying not to spoil anything here at all, but the plot is about one of these boys dying at the end, even knowing that I was not prepared for the amount I loved them through their entire journey. The book also has a number of other point of views on this opening day of Death-Cast including the owner, a worker for the company, a pawn-shop owner, a landlord and his wife. The mix of all of these characters was well done and added interesting elements into the story, but at times I found it hard to believe that there was this much overlap in a city as large as New York. 

Overall, this was a wonderful read. I really enjoyed the characters and the story, even though I cried through a lot of it. I think that you really have to be in the right mindset to read this one if you are going to tackle it though – so just be prepared. Some of it seemed over the top but it was a cute story about friendship and love and the best in people. 

Building the Book Pile #413

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Hi there - I am here... I am just so tired and fall is busy.

Thanks for sticking around. In the past few weeks, we have pulled up the veggie garden because it is already starting to get cold and frost. I planted a bunch of garlic that will be ready next spring (hopefully). 

On the event front, I had to travel for work for a few days, it was nice to get away but I didn't sleep well and got my booster before leaving so I felt icky too. We have had a few fall parties and we went to see Marcel the Shell with Shoes on. Now I want to put eyes and shoes on any shells I find. The movie was super cute, a little sad, but I found it adorable overall. 

We also went to see the 1920 silent version of Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde with a live piano accompaniment. We saw Nosferatu last year in the same way and it is such a fun way to experience these older silent films. 

On the book front, I am working on reading a large stack of books I have received for review. It has been a bit overwhelming but I am always appreciative to get books. 

If you are interested in supporting my ability to stay awake and read please consider dontating - Coffee  is appreciated ... Ko-fi

 

Coming up on the Blog

Early Reader Review: The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera (YA)

Recent Reads: The Way Back Home by Courtney Peppernell (Adult)

Recent Reads: Haven: A Small Cat's Big Adventure by Megan Wagner Lloyd (MG)

Recent Reads: Monster Club by Darren Aronofsky and Ari Handel (MG)

Books Received Recently...   

 

  

Dark Room Etiquette by Robin Roe - from the publisher for review, out as of October 11.

Night Lunch by Eric Fan - From Librarything Early Reviewers program for review.

Have you missed anything lately?

Early Reader Review: Drawing Outside the Lines: A Julia Morgan Novel by Susan Austin (MG, YA) - 4 stars

Blog Tour: Review - Quest for Atlantis by Marisa Noelle (YA) - 4 stars

Comment or leave me a link and I will see you online again soon.

Happy Reading!

Early Reader Review: Drawing Outside the Lines: A Julia Morgan Novel by Susan Austin

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Drawing Outside the Lines: A Julia Morgan Novel by Susan Austin 

Publisher: Sparkpress
Publication Date:  October 18, 2022

 

Format: Paperback ARC


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Meet the brilliant, fearless, and ambitious Julia Morgan. In 1883, eleven-year-old Julia visits the amazing new Brooklyn Bridge—an experience that ignites within her a small but persistent flame. Someday, she decides, she too will build an astounding structure.

Growing up in horse-and-buggy Oakland, Julia enjoys daring fence walks, climbing the tallest trees, and constantly testing her mother’s patience with her lack of interest in domestic duties and social events. At a time when “brainy” girls are the object of ridicule, Julia excels in school and consistently outsmarts her ornery brothers—but she has an even greater battle ahead. When she enrolls at university to study engineering, the male students taunt her, and the professors belittle her. Through it all, however, Julia holds on to her dream of becoming an architect. She faces each challenge head-on, firmly standing up to those who believe a woman’s place is in the home. Fortunately, the world has yet to meet anyone like the indomitable Miss Morgan.

Drawing Outside the Lines is an imagined childhood of pioneering architect Julia Morgan, who left behind her an extraordinary legacy of creativity, beauty, and engineering marvels.

Review: 

This was a fun historical fiction about Julia Morgan a now famous female architect, but as a young woman she faced a lot of adversity for being female. The book follows Julia through grade and high school and into college while she learns about mechanical drawing and engineering and pushes herself in a world of boys, men, and constant under-estimation on their part. 

I liked the way this book took a historical figure and adapted her early years into a whimsical fiction tale. Julia was determined to make it. She fought with parents, teachers and peers to make it to where she ended up, which was one of the first females to hold an architect license in California. The plot of the book moved through her younger years and into college at a pretty fast clip but the book was well paced and easy to read. I enjoyed Julia and her friend Mary and how they changed throughout the book but also kept up appearances as well. 

I think that this book would be a great encouragement for young girls and the history here would be good for young boys to read as well. I think that this book could span from middle grade through young adult reading well and it is such a fun book. The blend of fiction and fact with real letters was so well done.

Blog Tour: Review -Quest for Atlantis by Marisa Noelle

Quest for Atlantis by Marisa Noelle 

Series: The Mermaid Chronicles #2
Publisher: Marisa Noelle
Publication Date:  September 29, 2022

 

Format: Ebook
Source: From the author in exhange for an honest review.


About the Book: 

MERMAIDS ARE BEING HUNTED.

They are no longer safe in the human world.

When one of their closest mermaid friends is imprisoned in a science lab, Cordelia and Wade insist on taking up the quest to find the lost island of Atlantis, a sanctuary for all the water species. But the island is guarded by the dragon kings, an ancient and formidable race who are determined to keep it for themselves.

Cordelia and friends must travel to distant pockets of the earth to collect the magical jewels that open the portal to Atlantis. But no one remembers how the jewels work, instructions are non-existent, and tensions are rife as Wade's ex-girlfriend appears on the scene.

Cordelia's heart breaks as she watches the love of her life waver. If they can't repair their broken relationship and defeat the dragon kings, the mermaids will be captured by the humans and face the threat of extinction.

Rating:

Review

Quest for Atlantis is the 2nd book in The Mermaid Chronicles and follows Cordelia and Wade as they must work together to find the lost island of Atlantis. 

I really appreciated that at the beginning of this book there was a short recap of what happened in Book 1, although I didn't have time to read book 1 before picking this one up, I felt fully briefed to read what came next. This is a new adventure for Cordelia and Wade, but they are very much in tune with one another from book one and they have a number of friends and relatives here to assist as well.

I really enjoyed the world that was built around these characters and around their adventure. There was a lot of the norm and just enough fantastical elements to keep me interested throughout the book. I enjoyed the cast of characters as they worked together to fight monsters, locate clues, and overall, just be united in their quest for Atlantis. While there is some Romeo and Juliet like feuding of families, it worked well. I really enjoyed the overall adventure, there were a lot of gasping moments, and I liked the twists and turns that were taken throughout the book. 

I liked Cordelia as the main character, she was a good person to follow through the sequence of events and Wade was good support at times. I think that while much of this plot revolved around these two being a couple, there was a lot of miscommunication that I did not really enjoy. I understand teen relationships are touch and go but this was a lot and I found myself wanting to skip past the bickering to get to the adventure parts. 

I have also seen some note that this could be mid-grade, I would have to disagree, there is a lot of love, sex, physical plot points that come into play here that while I think mid-graders could read, it might not be ideal. It was not spicy but there were a lot of mentions of intimacy. 

Overall, this was a fun, fast-paced adventure into the mountains, sea, and a mysterious land that worked really well for me. I enjoyed the tied up ending with just enough to add more later if needed/wanted, but that I could read it as a standalone. I think I will loop back and read book one when I have a chance. If you are into mermaids and mystery, and Atlantis adventure, this is a fun read, but be prepared for all sorts of teen-swoon romance that may make your eyes roll at times.

About the Author

Marisa Noelle is the writer of middle grade & young adult novels in the genres of
science-fiction, fantasy & mental health including The Shadow Keepers, The Unadjusteds Trilogy (The Unadjusteds, The Rise of the Altereds, & The Reckoning), and The Mermaid Chronicles – Secrets of the Deep. 

She is a mentor for the Write Mentor program that helps aspiring MG & YA authors. With dual citizenship, Marisa has lived on both sides of the Atlantic and uses settings in both the USA and UK as inspiration for her novels. 

When she’s not writing or reading or watching movies, she enjoys swimming. In the pool she likes to imagine she could be a mermaid and become part of some of her make-believe words. 

Despite being an avid bookworm from the time she could hold a book, being an author came as a bit of a surprise to her as she was a bit of a science geek at school. She lives in Woking, UK with her husband and three children. You can find her on Twitter @MarisaNoelle77 or her website www.MarisaNoelle.com

Find the Author

Facebook |  Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads | Website 

Building the Book Pile #412

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

IT'S SPOOKY SEASON! 🎃🎃🎃

My favorite season! But also SO busy at work these days. I am trying to push my reading time but I am just exhausted lately. I have finished and reviewed a few fun ones but have so many more to come.  It has been a few weeks since I posted the weekly re-cap, so sorry about that. Trying to make the most of the Autumn and days off.

I need to plan for October TBR but might just mood read it... we will see, stay tuned.

Photo credit: H. Tucker

Yesterday, we did our yearly run of the Great Vermont Corn Maze - 24 acres of maze. It took up 4 hours to complete, almost 6 miles of walking... and we took clues! It was a hard one this year. 

Photo credit: H. Tucker

On another note, did you watch Hocus Pocus 2? What did you think?!

Any good books recently? Lemme know in the comments!!

If you are interested in supporting my ability to stay awake and read please consider dontating - Coffee  is appreciated ... Ko-fi

 

Coming up on the Blog

Recent Reads: The Way Back Home by Courtney Peppernell (Adult)

Blog Tour: Review - Quest for Atlantis by Marisa Noelle (YA)

Recent Reads: Haven: A Small Cat's Big Adventure by Megan Wagner Lloyd (MG)

Books Received Recently...   

 
I did some damage at the bookstore the other day...no regrets.

  

  

Babel by R.F. Kuang - Bought

I'm Glad my Mom Died byt Jennette McCurdy - Bought

The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera - from the publisher for review, available October 4.

The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake - Bought

The Night and Its Moon by Piper CJ - Bought

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna - Bought

Have you missed anything lately?

Last 2 weeks ...

Recent Reads: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (Adult) -5 stars

Early Reader Review: Rust in the Root by Justina Ireland (YA) -3 stars

Early Reader Review: A Starlit Trip to the Library by Andrew Katz (Youth) -4 stars

Early Reader Review: One Cup at a Time by Matt Tarpley (GN, Adult) -5 stars

Early Reader Review: My Self, Your Self by Esme Shapiro (Youth)- 4 stars

 Blog Tour: Review - The Dark Alchemist by Rhys A. Jones (YA) - 3 stars

Comment or leave me a link and I will see you online again soon.

Happy Reading!