Building the Book Pile #331 - Another life update :P

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!  A Weekly meme inspired by Stacking the Shelves

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Hello Friends! I have missed you and seeing comments and love this past week on posts has made me feel at peace again!

So, where the heck have I been? 
Well we left VT on 7/20 and are now in SW FL!! We are hoping to close on our new home in the coming weeks but have been living at a family members place for now with the pets, which is very helpful but also stressful b/c of the pets and not having all of our stuff yet.

But speaking of the pets! They did REALLY well on the two day drive from VT to FL. Cooper cat had some meds from the vet to help but they both really did ok although they both seemed to really hate being in the car that long. 

I also just finished another course and am starting my next one in a few weeks...getting there though I think I graduate (again) in May 2021. WOOO! 

All that said I am trying to read and review more so stay tuned!

What are you reading this week? How are you feeling?

If you enjoy the blog and want to share some love and caffeine, you can buy me a coffee via Ko-fi

 

Current Giveaways

None for now...sorry!

Coming up on the Blog

Early Reader Review: Teen Titans: Beast Boy by Kami Garcia (YA, GN)
Early Reader Review: Fangs by Sarah Andersen (GN, Adult)
Spotlight: Caley Cross and the Hadeon Drop by Jeff Rosen (MG)
Early Reader Review: Time for Bed's Story by Monica Arnaldo (Youth)

Books Received Recently...
      

         

Teen Titans: Beast Boy by Kami Garcia - from Netgalley and DC Comics for review.

Builders by Reina Ollivier & Karel Claes - From Netgalley and Clavis Publishing for review.

The Water is Wide by Pat Conroy - Free for Prime Members, got for this months book club pick.

The Blue Witch (The Witches of Orkney #1) by Alane Adams - from the author in exchange for review.

The Rubicus Prophecy (The Witches of Orkney #2) by Alane Adams - from the author in exchange for review. 

Witch Wars (Witches of Orkney #3) by Alane Adams - from the author in exchange for review. 

Have you missed anything lately?

Book News: Teen Titans Beast Boy Loves Raven 
Early Reader Review: Oh My Ghost! Halloween Word Search Puzzle Book (Puzzles book) - 3.5 stars
Recent Reads: Thomas Wildus and the Wizard of Sumeria by J.M. Bergen (YA, MG) - 4 stars
Early Reader Review: Virtual Unicorn Experience by Dana Simpson (MG, GN)- 5 stars 

Comment and leave me a link to your Round-up/ STS/ Weekly...anything, post and I will stop by and say hello!

Happy Reading!

Book News: Teen Titans Beast Boy Loves Raven

New York Times Bestselling Author Kami Garcia and Superstar Artist Gabriel Picolo Expand Their Acclaimed Teen Titans Graphic Novel Series with

Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven

A Sneak Peek at the New Installment Will Be Featured in Teen Titans: Beast Boy, Available Everywhere Books Are Sold Tuesday, September 1


Both Young Adult Graphic Novels Are Available to Pre-Order Now

Exciting fans just ahead of the highly anticipated release of author Kami Garcia and artist Gabriel Picolo’s Teen Titans: Beast Boy young adult graphic novel, DC announced today that Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven is on the horizon and revealed the cover and a sneak peek at the artwork.

Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven is slated to be the third book in Garcia/Picolo’s New York Times and USA Today bestselling Teen Titans series and will debut in 2021. The new original graphic novel will follow events from Teen Titans: Raven and Teen Titans: Beast Boy and will give fans the romantic meetup between Raven and Gar Logan they have been waiting for.

A preview of the story will appear in the back of Garcia and Picolo’s upcoming Teen Titans: Beast Boy graphic novel, which debuts September 1, 2020. In Teen Titans: Beast Boy, Garcia and Picolo reimagine Beast Boy’s origin and follow 17-year-old Gar as he takes on a dangerous set of dares in an attempt to get in with the popular crowd and win over the girl of his dreams. But when he starts going through an unexpected transformation, he discovers the savage truth about himself and who his real friends are.

Each book in this acclaimed series is a standalone story, and fans looking to get into the Teen Titans fun can pick up Teen Titans: Raven now and preorder Teen Titans: Beast Boy and Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven everywhere books are sold.

About the Book

Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven

Written by Kami Garcia

Illustrated by Gabriel Picolo

Debuts in 2021

MSRP: $16.99

Synopsis

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia (Beautiful Creatures) and artist Gabriel Picolo, the creative duo behind the New York Times bestselling graphic novel Teen Titans: Raven, comes the romantic meetup we have all been waiting for!It seems like years, but it’s only been a few days since Raven Roth recovered her memories; trapped her demon father, Trigon, in her amulet; and had her heart broken for the first time. But she doesn’t have time to think about the past…she has to focus on finding a way to get rid of Trigon for good.Garfield Logan still can’t believe he has powers that allow him to change into different animals, but the price of knowing that his parents kept this secret hidden from him just feels too high. And what’s more, his difficulty controlling these abilities could have unexpected consequences.Both are seeking answers from the one person who seems to have them all figured out: Slade Wilson.When their paths converge in Nashville, Raven and Gar can’t help but feel a connection, despite the secrets they both try to hide. It will take a great amount of trust and courage to overcome the wounds of their pasts. But can they find acceptance for the darkest part of themselves? Or maybe even love?

  

Cover2CoverBlog Review of Raven 

Review of Beast Boy coming soon!

Early Reader Review: Oh My Ghost! Halloween Word Search Puzzle Book

Source:  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout via the author. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Oh My Ghost! Halloween Word Search Puzzle Book
Publisher: Independently Published
Publication Date:  August 10, 2020

  

Format: PDF

Rating:







Synopsis: 

Oh my Ghost !Halloween is slowly but surely coming, get ready with this Fun & Spooky Word Search Puzzle Book!

Are you prepared for this ?

• 40 Unique Halloween-themed puzzles, including Halloween festivities and different scary - supernatural creatures from most famous to less common ones.
• Easy-to-read content with Large Print and 8,5’ X 11’ format
• Reassuring Solutions included at the end of the book
• Around 600 chilling Words to find running backward and diagonally ; some puzzles will be easier, some will be more challenging
• Some small black-and-white illustrations to keep the fun going on
• A Beautiful ghostly glossy cover

This is an ideal educational activity to celebrate this special time of the year with your loved ones while stimulating your brain and expanding your vocabulary. Don’t keep all the fun to yourself and play with your family: suitable for kids (9-10+), teens and adults !

Also perfect for :
Halloween Gift ideas for friends (women or men)Halloween Party Favor and Goody bags

Review: 
As we gear up for Fall lets talk about a fun Halloween-themed puzzle book! (We all know I love Halloween and Fall...) Great for all ages. This is a Word Search Puzzle book full of spooky and Halloween related themes. The puzzles are not super difficult and are fun. The typeface used is easy to read and the puzzles are clear. 

Each puzzle has about 18-20 words to locate in the grid and they generally took me about 5-10 minutes to complete depending on how closely I was paying attention. 

The words can be round backwards and forwards, left to right, right to left, top to bottom, bottom to top and diagonally.  Overall, I found it to be a fun and easy puzzle book that will keep me entertained.

Recent Reads: Thomas Wildus and the Wizard of Sumeria by J.M. Bergen

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

Thomas Wildus and the Wizard of Sumeria by J.M. Bergen
Series: The Elandrian Chronicles #2
Publisher: Elandrian Press
Publication Date:  May 2020

 

Format: Paperback

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A boy discovering his destiny. An ancient object of unspeakable power. An impenetrable web of deception. 

It's been three months since Thomas and his friends faced off against the enigmatic Arius Strong in an epic fight for the future of humanity. They thought the battle was over. It was only just beginning. 

Now, with a mysterious message from an unknown hacker, the action starts again. This time an ancient talisman with legendary powers is at stake, and Arius will stop at nothing to make it his own. Dark witches and wizards are rallying to his cause, and behind it all, a mysterious figure with inexplicable abilities. The forces of light are gathering as well, but the web of deception is thick. Will Thomas and his friends see through the lies in time to stop the forces of evil and prevent a catastrophe of historic proportions?

Haven't read Book 1?

Read the review here

Review: 
The second in the Elandrian trilogy follows Thomas on another adventure. This time someone is after an ancient power, a staff that has been thought of as a myth for centuries. Full of adventure and danger this was a great second book. 

Like the first novel there is a large cast of characters all fighting for good. There are twists and turns around every corner, and sometimes literally around corners. 

Thomas is learning more about his father and his power and really coming into his strengths as a magician. 

I am still getting a Harry Potter feel from this series, mostly because it is a you g boy who is constantly faced with challenges way about his age-range and there is magic involved. Also in this book there was a bit of seeing what was to come and dreams that had that HP feel about them as well. However it was still an action packed and fun read. 

There are now friends involved and so there are more characters to love and some to hate. There is a technology wiz and loads of diversity in this installment which I really appreciate. 

I think if you are looking for a fun, adventurous and pretty dark middle grade/ ya read this is a great series to pick up. I have kept the review spoiler free so you can have the same surprises I had. 

Early Reader Review: Virtual Unicorn Experience by Dana Simpson

Source: From Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Virtual Unicorn Experience: Another Phoebe and her Unicorn Adventure by Dana Simpson
Series: Phoebe and Her Unicorn #12
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Publication Date:  September 1, 2020

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:








Goodreads Synopsis: 

With over 1.6 million copies sold, the Phoebe and Her Unicorn book series for middle-grade readers is an immensely popular and magical word of unicorns, adventure, and friendship.

Marigold Heavenly Nostrils is one magical unicorn—and she knows it! But sometimes it’s harder for humans like Phoebe to understand that they can be magical, too. In the latest Phoebe and Her Unicorn adventure, the pair visits the science museum, tests out an extra-special virtual unicorn reality, and performs in the school talent show. With the help of her best friend and an emergency sparkle transfusion, Phoebe learns about confidence, empathy, and resilience—and even how to live without her cellphone. It’s all part of the very real excitement of Virtual Unicorn Experience.

Review: 

PHOEBE and MARIGOLD! You know my love for these middle grade graphic novels, it is almost pointless for me to review them at this point but I adore them SO much and want to share them with the WORLD! They are an easy and light read and they are perfect for your reluctant readers. 

In this installment, Phoebe and Marigold celebrate some holidays, go to a unicorn trial, and learn a lot together. There was a lot of character growth in this book of the series though, so I thought that was wonderful. It turns out that Marigold might be holding back some of her magic from Phoebe. Luckily Phoebe knows that she doesn't always make the best decisions when magic is involved anyway. 

Phoebe is even developing an actual friendship with her nemesis Dakota. It is a weird friendship but the love/hate relationship is getting better and better in every installment.

These are pretty 'girly' graphic novels but they really are a blast to read, and the humor is even fun for me as an adult. Forever interested in the adventures these two have together and a lover of this series.

Other Books In the Series

[Images link to reviews]

               

 

Recent Reads: The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper by Hallie Rubenhold

The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper by Hallie Rubenhold
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date:  April 9, 2019

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Bought on Amazon. 

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis:

Five devastating human stories and a dark and moving portrait of Victorian London—the untold lives of the women killed by Jack the Ripper.

Polly, Annie, Elizabeth, Catherine and Mary-Jane are famous for the same thing, though they never met. They came from Fleet Street, Knightsbridge, Wolverhampton, Sweden, and Wales. They wrote ballads, ran coffee houses, lived on country estates, they breathed ink-dust from printing presses and escaped people-traffickers.

What they had in common was the year of their murders: 1888. The person responsible was never identified, but the character created by the press to fill that gap has become far more famous than any of these five women.
For more than a century, newspapers have been keen to tell us that "the Ripper" preyed on prostitutes. Not only is this untrue, as historian Hallie Rubenhold has discovered, it has prevented the real stories of these fascinating women from being told. Now, in this devastating narrative of five lives, Rubenhold finally sets the record straight, revealing a world not just of Dickens and Queen Victoria, but of poverty, homelessness and rampant misogyny. They died because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time—but their greatest misfortune was to be born a woman.

Review: 

I heard about this book online and added it to our options for book club, it seems that everyone was just as intrigued as I had been about it because it is the book that was chosen. The Five is a non-fiction book about the five women murdered by Jack the Ripper, however if you are looking for the gruesome details, crime logs etc, you will not find that here.

The author highlights each girl covering the backstories that are available in history as best she can and paints the picture of Victorian London as dark and devastating for them even before their deaths. Each one has her own section, which looks at her life from sometimes birth to her untimely death, chronicling how they were part of the English society at the time. Polly, Annie, Elizabeth, Catherine and Mary-Jane all led very different lives up to a point, but all succumbed to addiction in the form of alcoholism. 

This book was very factual and the first few chapters are a bit of a slog as the author portrays the working class of London through their types of jobs and their pay ranges, but it sets the scene although it was hard to get through. One thing that I had trouble with was that all the salaries and money were in GBP and did not include conversions, I know that is not the biggest deal, but I didn't want to stop reading or listening every time she mentioned pay to look up the conversion rate, and today's rate would not be the same; so it would have been nice to have at least one quick US rate.

I really liked how we got information about their lives without going into any detail about the murders, it was interesting to see them in this light, not as victims but as humans. It was hard reading about alcoholism affecting them, but it made me realize that maybe Jack the Ripper had an issues with drunks, or experienced abuse from a drunk somewhere along the line. Or maybe like prostitutes and women of the night, drunks were just easy targets. 


Most intriguing of the whole book was after all the tales, it was the list of the items found on each of the women at the murder site, one was wearing and carrying just about everything she probably owned, it was both eye-opening and sad, but very surprising. 

Recent Reads: Stories that Stick by Kindra Hall

Stories that Stick by Kindra Hall
How Storytelling can Captivate Customers, Influence Audiences and Transform your Business.
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date:  September 24, 2019

 

Format:  Audible Audiobook
Source: Bought with Audible account credits.

Rating:







Goodreads Synopsis: 

The moment you take control of your stories, you take control of your business and your life.

You keep hearing how story is the latest-and-greatest business tool, and that storytelling can do everything—from helping leaders better communicate to motivating sales teams and winning customers away from competitors.

But what stories do you need to tell? And how do you tell them?
In Stories That Stick, Kindra Hall, professional storyteller and nationally-known speaker, reveals the four unique stories you can use to differentiate, captivate, and elevate:

• the Value Story, to convince customers they need what you provide;
• the Founder Story, to persuade investors and customers your organization is worth the investment;
• the Purpose Story, to align and inspire your employees and internal customers; and
• the Customer Story, to allow those who use your product or service to share their authentic experiences with others.

Telling these stories well is a simple, accessible skill anyone can develop. With case studies, company profiles, and anecdotes backed with original research, Hall presents storytelling as the underutilized talent that separates the good from the best in business. She offers specific, actionable steps readers can take to find, craft, and leverage the stories they already have and simply aren’t telling.

Every person, every organization has at least four stories at their disposal. Will you tell yours?

Review: 
I forget where i heard about Kindra Hall, but I knew I had heard great things about her and this book so I picked it up to see what all the hype was about. Kindra puts together a book all about telling your story and how it can help you in business and to captivate audiences. 

I really enjoyed this book, and it was mostly because of the stories within it about how companies and people are using those stories to build rapport and inspire. The book is divided into sections based on the types of stories one can use to sell and build their business, while I am not really building a business at this time, it was all still very interesting. Each section includes examples and how-tos.

As a reader, I am captivated by stories of all kinds, not just fiction. I am also empathetic so a good story really hits me in the feels. It is so interesting to understand how some companies put those stories together to get them to pull at your heartstrings and provoke action. 

If you are looking to build a business, and the idea of using stories appeals to you... or you have a great story to tell, this is a great book to read or listen to. I really enjoyed the Audible version and think that others will too regardless of if it is something you will use or not.

Early Reader Review: Plastic Soup by Judith Koppens

Source: From Netgalley and Clavis in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Pastic Soup by Judith Koppens
Publisher: Clavis
Publication Date:  July 28, 2020

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:






Goodreads Synopsis: 

The animal friends are spending the day at the beach. Frog jumps in the water and comes up with a torn plastic bag on his head. Fox thinks Frog looks like a sea monster! But the plastic bag isn’t the only thing that floats in the water. Why is there so much plastic in the sea?
An simple story to introduce children to water pollution and little changes that can make a big difference. For children ages 5 and up. 

Review: 
It is beach day for a group of animals, only when they get there the realize that the beach and water are full of plastic and trash. The animals help clean up the beach to make it a better place for today and tomorrow. 

This was a cute read, with animal characters which younger readers will love. It also has a great message about recycling and reuse of plastics when you are able. I think that it promotes a wonderful concept. I also think it is import to talk about how real animals are affected every day by pollution and trash to convey this point even more. The images are vibrant and cute, making them welcoming to a no-so-great concept.

Sadly, in the current state of the world, it is becoming increasingly difficult to stay away from and reuse plastic. We have had a decline in the use of reusable bags and more cleaning products come in plastic than I think I even realized. I still think this is a great teaching tool that can be used now and after we get things back to normal. 

It can also be used to explain how things normally are and what has changed in the pandemic world. I think it is important for children to understand that while plastics might be increased during this time other types of pollution are dropping, like pollution from cars since many are still remote or quarantining.