Recent Listen: You Can Thank Me Later: A Novella by Kelly Harms

You Can Thank Me Later: A Novella by Kelly Harms
Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
Length: 3 hrs and 5 mins
Original Recording Audiobook
Release date: 10-31-19
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Original
Categories: Fiction, Contemporary

 

Format: Audible Audiobook
Source: From Audible as a Freebie in November 2019.

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

A short and sweet audio novella that'll leave listeners wanting second helpings, You Can Thank Me Later follows an unforgettable family over the course of three Thanksgivings.
When the Dickenson clan sits down for Thanksgiving dinner in 2016, it is the last holiday when their tight-knit family will ever be the same. Oldest brother Pete and his wife are expecting their first child. Youngest sibling Sophie is too busy running her restaurant, The Little Plum, to bother with any kind of social life. And middle child Charlie's happy, uncomplicated life as a Midwestern science professor is upended when his wife Annette is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Knowing this will be her last Thanksgiving, Annette asks Sophie to look after Charlie after she's gone. Which would be a lot easier if Charlie didn't show up with an insufferable new girlfriend at the next holiday meal.
From the best-selling author of The Overdue Life of Amy Byler, this heartwarming novella embraces the spirit and gratitude of the holiday, and shows how a family's love can endure anything.

Review: 
This freebie novella from Audible was a good listen, albeit pretty sad and a little depressing. It is always good to know that your family is not always the crazy one, and this story once again proves it. In this novella we follow a family through a few years of Thanksgiving and how it changes. In the first Thanksgiving we learn that Sophie's sister-in-law is diagnosed with a terminal illness, that is followed by the grief and acceptance of her death in the Thanksgivings to come.

There were a lot of emotions while listening to this audiobook. While I enjoyed it overall, it was a lot.  If you like books about grief and then growth this is a short listen and it is that. Getting to that point it rough though. I found Sophie the main character to be a bit annoying, judgmental, and really wanted to slap sense into her for about half of the book. Eventually she comes around but not after being a pain to all those around her. 

I am glad this was a freebie, otherwise I would not have picked it up, but it was a nice, short listen, and I think it was good story.

Recent Reads: USA Destinations That Spark Our Fascinations by Gene Lipen

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

USA Destinations That Spark Our Fascinations by Gene Lipen

Publisher: Arthurs World LLC
Publication Date:  October 27th 2019

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:







Goodreads Synopsis: 

"Kids Books for Young Explorers Series has a great addition in this NEW AND UNIQUE ADVENTURE around the United States! (book 2)" ★★★★★

Fun destinations will amaze kids and get them excited about the wonderful places that exist on our planet!Arthur is a happy, full-of-energy dog that just can't sit still. He loves to travel, meet new peoples, and visit amazing locations around the world. Join Arthur on this exciting, fun-filled and rhyming adventure around the globe. Jump in and explore the magical US destinations that have this planet buzzing in excitement. Learn what makes each location special and have a great time in the process, as you jump from one part of the country to the next just by turning the pages of a book. Don't wait another second - Adventure Awaits!

˃˃˃ Fun Destinations Included

• Mount Rushmore
•  Yellowstone
•  Niagara Falls
•  Golden Gate Bridge
•  Grand Canyon
•  Manhattan
•  Yosemite
•  Florida Keys

Review: 
Previously, I took the time to read and review 10 World Wonders and so the author asked me to read this one as well. In the last book, Arthur the dog visits all sorts of wonders of the world, in this new book Arthur is travelling all over the United States and showcasing some very interesting and fun places.

Like the last book each location has a two-page spread of images and content for each location and as the synopsis notes, we travel to Mt. Rushmore, Niagara Falls, and the Keys etc. The images are very bright and bold and younger audiences will love looking at them. The story is easy to read and there is a rhyme scheme to it, always a fun thing for bedtime reading. 

Overall, this was a great read. I think if you and your children are interested in travel and learning things about new and interesting places, this would be a great book to add to your collection.

Added bonus... there are coloring pages at the end of this book!! While I love this idea I also an not the biggest fan of telling kids they can color in non-coloring books, but I will overlook the bonus pages in my overall rating :)

Other books in this series

 

Building the Book Pile #319

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

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Things are getting weird my friends, but for an introvert like myself, the idea of stating home for a few weeks might allow me to get caught up on some reading and blogging.... positive thoughts all the way!
I hope that everyone is safe and well and washing their hands regularly 😋

I am still plugging along with work, school and reading/blogging. Luckily this course isn't as intense as the last few so it seems to be going smoothly.

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

Share about your week with me in the comments below!

 

Current Giveaways



Coming up on the Blog

Recent Reads: USA Destinations That Spark Our Fascinations by Gene Lipen (Youth)

Recent Reads:  You Can Thank Me Later: A Novella by Kelly Harms (Adult, Audio)

Early Reader Review: A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat (MG)


Books Received Recently...
For Review

        

Gotham High by Melissa de la Cruz from DC Comics for review
Mega Bat is a Fraidybat by Anna Humphrey from Netgalley and Tundra Books for review
A is for Another Rabbit by Hanna Batsel from Netgalley and Carolrhoda Books for review
Leo's Monster by Marcus Pfister from Netgalley and NorthSouth Books for review.
The Very Last Leaf by Stef Wade from Netgalley and Capstone for review
Fairy Tales: Beauty and the Beast by Jessica Gunderson from Netgalley and Capstone for review.

Have you missed anything lately?

Spotlight: Angels Among Us? The Celestial Assignment by Theresa Braun 
Recent Reads: What's Up Maloo? by Genevieve Godbout (Youth) - 3 stars
Early Reader Review: Fly Back, Agnes by Elizabeth Atkinson (YA)- 4 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!

Recent Reads: Fly Back, Agnes by Elizabeth Atkinson

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

Fly Back, Agnes by Elizabeth Atkinson
Publisher: Carolrhoda Books
Publication Date:  March 3, 2020

 

Format: Hardback

Rating:






Goodreads Synopsis: 

A story that tackles the everyday inner turmoil of growing up and staying true to oneself.
Twelve-year-old Agnes hates everything about her life: her name, her parents' divorce, her best friend's abandonment, her changing body . . . . So while staying with her dad over the summer, she decides to become someone else. She tells people she meets that her name is Chloe, she's fourteen, her parents are married, and she's a dancer and actor--just the life she wants.
But Agnes's fibs quickly stack up and start to complicate her new friendships, especially with Fin, whose mysterious relative runs a local raptor rehab center that fascinates Agnes. The birds, given time and care, heal and fly back home. Agnes, too, wants to get back to wherever she truly belongs. But first she must come to see the good in her real life, however flawed and messy it is, and be honest with her friends, her family, and herself.

Review: 
Fly Back, Agnes is a coming of age tale about a girl right when puberty strikes, trying to understand herself, the world around her and this new phase of her life. When she has the chance to live with her dad for the summer she decides to take on a new persona, one that is more confident and appealing that her normal self, but she comes to find that lying is difficult when you make genuine friends and now they have no idea who you really are.

Agnes is a typical teen, angsty, hating change and going through it in so many ways regardless. She is stubborn, but real and that made this book very refreshing.  Agnes is a little annoying on her journey, pretending to be someone else when her new friends are spilling themselves to her honestly and truthfully. It really bothered me that she had SO MANY opportunities to come clean and did not, but the build up was very well done. 

The story overall is a really wonderful tale about changing bodies and minds and growing up and what it means to grow up. This book will be really relatable for young teen readers and I think they will really enjoy it, I know I have.

Overall, this was a great coming of age story with a very real female main character, additionally the book has some very nice touches of diversity that are very well placed.

Recent Reads: What's Up, Maloo by Genevieve Godbout

Source: from Librarything Early Reviewers program and Tundra Books for review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

What's up, Maloo? by Genevieve Godbout

Publisher: Tundra Books
Publication Date:  January 7, 2020

 

Format: Hardback

Rating:









Goodreads Synopsis: 

Maloo the kangaroo has lost his hop. Can his friends help him find it again? This sweet picture book explores the idea of sadness and the importance of friendship through ups and downs.
No other kangaroo can hop like Maloo! But one day Maloo's friends find him stepping instead of hopping. What's wrong, Maloo? His pals look for ways to help Maloo regain the spring in his step. With patience, support and a little "hop" from his friends, Maloo gets his bounce back.
Simple text and adorable art convey the power of friendship over a gloomy mood in Genevieve Godbout's charming debut as both author and illustrator.

Review: 
What's Up, Maloo is a beautifully illustrated and simply written book about a kangaroo who does not feel like hopping anymore. His friends try to get a little pep back in his step but they are finding that it is difficult. 

The images are absolutely gorgeous throughout this book and I loved them. They are the reason for the number of stars I have given this book, because the story was not really all there for me. 

Maloo all of a sudden stops hopping, there is no further information in the test of the story... just Hop Hop.. nothing. Nothing happens, and that is fine, but nothing is explained either. The young reader is not even told he doesn't feel like hopping anymore. Maloo seems depressed, very depressed and his friends only try to address the hopping but not whatever cause the lack of hopping. 

I think this could have been a wonderful book about feelings and how sometimes you feel sad and don't want to play, but instead it just fell a little short for me.

Angels Among Us? A Spotlight for The Celestial Assignment by Theresa Braun

The Celestial Assignment by Theresa Braun

Publisher: Gorgon Blood Press
Publication Date:  February 14, 2020

 

Goodreads Synopsis: 

After a sudden death, Will, a misguided angel, is tasked with protecting a baby girl. Watching over her as she grows up and navigates the world appears a harsh punishment for his past failings. Can he redeem himself, or will he fall further from grace?  

Angels Among Us? Behind “The Celestial Assignment” 

with Theresa Braun

I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of angels, no matter what kind. Give me cherubs. Give me fallen angels. Give me everything in between. You don’t necessarily have to be religious to consider we might have guardian angels watching over us. It’s actually an extremely comforting thought. But it also lends itself to the question: to what extend can they interfere with our lives? I mean, many people claim to have been inexplicably saved from certain death. Even a select few describe celestial beings appearing to them in visions or in dreams, offering important messages. And why not? Countless classical mythologies and artworks portray just that. So, why in the modern world wouldn’t we have the same experiences? If we’d just be receptive to this, perhaps we’d have our own stories to share. 

Those of you who’ve seen movies like City of Angels with Meg Ryan and Nicolas Cage have experienced how fictional stories have blurred line between mortal and immortal. A quick summary for those who’ve missed this 1998 flick. Cage plays an angel who essentially falls in love with Ryan’s character. Consequently, he gives up his otherworldly existence to become human so he can be with her. Every time I think of the ending, I grab some tissues. What a tear jerker. Anyway, it’s the ultimate romance. A supernatural being sacrificing it all just to be with you? Talk about the ultimate compliment. Just heavenly (sorry, I couldn’t resist). And, I think it’s safe to say that he (or she) would definitely be a great catch—none of the human flaws that could sabotage a romantic relationship. Sure, there’d be other issues… but wouldn’t that be half the fun? 

The movie Meet Joe Black (another 1998 release) also toys with the pitfalls of mortality and what it means to be human—but from the POV of Death. Storytellers have been matching up mortals with immortals since the beginning of time. Just revisit Greek and Roman mythology, or even the Old Testament where the ‘sons of God’ impregnate the ‘daughters of men’. Yeah, that’s some spicy stuff right there.  

In the end, I’m a huge fan of these stories, which is probably why I wrote one of my own. “The Celestial Assignment” supposes that maybe some of us, when we die, get to become guardian angels. A removal from the human world forces a certain objectivity. While no none can really see or hear you, you’re adrift in your own thoughts. That’s what happens to my character Will. His metaphorical hands are tied while he watches a new baby blossom into a young woman. Can he finally self-reflect on his past incarnations on earth, while remaining emotionally detached enough to look out for her best interests? You’ll have to read to find out if he can redeem himself for his past mistakes. Or if he can offer us all some hope and understanding of what it means to graduate from the school of life. And, is there such a things as earning a set of angel wings?

Building the Book Pile #318

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

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

A few days late... but I am here!!! WOOOO! 

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

Share about your week with me in the comments below!

 

Current Giveaways






Coming up on the Blog

Spotlight: Angels Among Us? The Celestial Assignment by Theresa Braun 

Recent Reads: What's Up Maloo? by Genevieve Godbout (Youth)

Early Reader Review: Fly Back, Agnes by Elizabeth Atkinson (YA)



Books Received Recently...
For Review

   

What's Up Maloo? by Genevieve Godbout  - from Librarything Early Reviewer program and Tundra Books for review.

The Mosquito by Elise Gravel - from Netgalley and Tundra Books for review.

Have you missed anything lately?

Recent Reads: One Week 'Til Christmas by Belinda Missen (Adult) - 4 stars
Blog Blast w/ Giveaway: Angel Blood by Heather Burch
Spotlight: Fly Back, Agnes by Elizabeth Atkinson
Trailer Reveal: The Oracle Code by Marieke Nijkamp
Early Reader Review: Batman: Overdrive by Shea Fontana, Illustrated by Marcelo Di Chiara (GN, YA) - 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!

Early Reader Review: Batman: Overdrive by Shea Fontana, Illustrated by Marcelo Di Chiara

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

Batman: Overdrive by Shea Fontana, Illustrated by Marcelo Di Chiara
Publisher: CD Comics
Publication Date:  March 3, 2020

 

Format: Paperback

Rating:






Goodreads Synopsis: 

Batman: Overdrive tells the story of how a young, pre-Batman Bruce Wayne came to build the Batmobile while still processing the pain and guilt of his parents' death, and how he comes to understand that he doesn't have to walk through life on his own.

Driven to solve the mystery of his parents' murders, teenage loner Bruce Wayne hones his detective and combat skills as he scours the underbelly of Gotham looking for clues. Feeling responsible, Bruce is eager to find someone to pin the blame on so he can absolve himself of the guilt he feels. His quest for freedom while still clinging to the past is revealed in his effort to rebuild his dad's first car. Finding the correct parts forces Bruce to open himself up to new friendships and challenges, ultimately leading him to what he desires most: freedom!

Batman: Overdrive by writer Shea Fontana and artist Marcelo DiChiara is a heartfelt story touching on the importance of friendship, trust, and forgiveness.

Review: 
Batman: Overdrive is a fun new story of Batman as a teen, dealing with the grief of losing his parents, and the strict rules that Alfred has placed for his safety. This graphic novel is geared for readers age 7-11, and touches on a lot of lessons. There is a focus on friendship, grief, and trust. Young Bruce Wayne is impulsive and wants to do what he wants to do without really thinking about the consequences or the trouble he is causing others, in typical teen fashion. He learns that he needs to have allies to succeed and he comes to find that the help around him is much needed and should be appreciated. 

I really enjoyed the fast-paced story, and even when Bruce is an annoying head-strong teen, the character development was very well done. The illustration throughout the book was vibrant and I believe that the story line overall will be appealing to the age group it is geared toward.  Bruce does show some maturity in the end and I think that the younger audience will learn from him and the actions he takes. 

If you are already a fan of the Batman world, or you are tying to share the experience with your kids in a more reserved fashion, this will be a great book and series to add to your collection. There still is violence, which is expected in a hero story, so don't be surprised by that. There are also heavier topics like murder and grief, so just make sure your younger readers are emotionally and mentally prepared for those things.

Trailer Reveal: The Oracle Code by Marieke Nijkamp

About the Book

The Oracle Code
Written by Marieke Nijkamp
Illustrated by Manuel Preitano
Colored by Jordie Bellaire with Manuel Preitano
Lettered by Clayton Cowles
On sale everywhere books are sold on 3/10/2020
MSRP: $16.99

Synopsis
After a gunshot leaves her paralyzed below the waist, Barbara Gordon undergoes physical and mental rehabilitation at the Arkham Center for Independence. She must adapt to a new normal, but she cannot shake the feeling that something is dangerously amiss. Strange sounds escape at night while patients start to go missing. 

Is this suspicion simply a result of her trauma? Or does Barbara actually hear voices coming from the center’s labyrinthine hallways? It’s up to her to put the pieces together to solve the mysteries behind the walls.

In The Oracle Code, universal truths cannot be escaped, and Barbara Gordon must battle the phantoms of her past before they consume her future.

 

DC’s New Young Adult Graphic Novel by New York Times Bestselling Author Marieke Nijkamp and Artist Manuel Preitano Hits Stores Everywhere Books Are Sold March 10, 2020!

In celebration of International Wheelchair Day March 1,­­ DC revealed the official trailer for the publisher’s highly anticipated young adult (YA) graphic novel, The Oracle Code, written by Marieke Nijkamp and illustrated by Manuel Preitano. Set within a mysterious thriller, this moving coming-of-age tale follows teenager Barbara Gordon as she adapts to a new normal after a tragic accident and begins her path to becoming Oracle, one of DC’s fiercest Super Heroes.
Nijkamp is the author of bestselling YA novels This Is Where It Ends and Before I Let Go and has built a celebrated career advocating for and writing stories that elevate disabled voices. She is the editor of the YA anthology Unbroken: 13 Stories Starring Disabled Teens, and is also a co-founder of We Need Diverse Books, a nonprofit organization created to promote diversity of multiple forms in children’s literature and publishing. Now, Nijkamp brings her thoughtful and authentic storytelling expertise to DC to put a fresh twist on one of the publisher’s most beloved disabled characters.
 
“The Oracle Code is my love letter to Barbara Gordon, to Oracle,” said Nijkamp. “It’s a book for everyone who’s ever felt like the puzzle pieces don’t quite fit, whether they’re in a creepy Arkham institute or simply figuring out themselves. And it’s for every disabled reader who knows they can be a hero too.”
 
The Oracle Code marks Nijkamp and Preitano’s first work with DC. Preitano is an Italian illustrator and graphic designer, best known for the Destiny, NY, series he co-created with author Pat Shand.
 
“Illustrating The Oracle Code was a great challenge and an opportunity to grow as an artist,” said Preitano. “The strength Barbara, Yeong, Issy, and the other characters displayed was truly inspiring, which reflects Marieke’s attention to details. The script really made me feel the mood of the scenes I was going to draw and we worked together to get the best out of each sequence.”
 
Nijkamp added, “Manuel’s art brought the story to life in a way that was beyond my wildest dreams. He got the characters from the very first sketch and his eye for detail made their whole world shine!”
 
“I hope readers will see the incredible work the whole team (writer, colorist, letterer, editors…and maybe this humble artist, too!) did with this book, reflected in every page!” said Preitano. “And I hope this will inspire them too!”
 
The Oracle Code is available to preorder now and hits stores and online retailers everywhere books are sold March 10, 2020.

Spotlight: Fly Back, Agnes by Elizabeth Atkinson

Hello Book Lovers, 

Today is a quick spotlight on a book that I am in the process of reading, so there is a review coming very soon! 

Fly Back, Agnes by Elizabeth Atkinson is "a heartfelt story that sensitively tackles the everyday inner turmoil of growing up and staying true to oneself. It follows 12-year-old Agnes as she decides to be someone else and create the life she wants for the summer — instead of dealing with her divorcing parents, changing body, and best friend's abandonment. But when her fibs begin to quickly stack up, Agnes is left to find the good in her real life and come clean to those she has lied to." 

The book is out NOW so if this seems like something you would enjoy, go pick it up!

 XOXO,

 Steph

Fly Back, Agnes by Elizabeth Atkinson

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books
Publication Date:  March 3, 2020

 

Goodreads Synopsis: 

A story that tackles the everyday inner turmoil of growing up and staying true to oneself.
Twelve-year-old Agnes hates everything about her life: her name, her parents' divorce, her best friend's abandonment, her changing body . . . . So while staying with her dad over the summer, she decides to become someone else. She tells people she meets that her name is Chloe, she's fourteen, her parents are married, and she's a dancer and actor--just the life she wants.
But Agnes's fibs quickly stack up and start to complicate her new friendships, especially with Fin, whose mysterious relative runs a local raptor rehab center that fascinates Agnes. The birds, given time and care, heal and fly back home. Agnes, too, wants to get back to wherever she truly belongs. But first she must come to see the good in her real life, however flawed and messy it is, and be honest with her friends, her family, and herself.

About the Author

Elizabeth Atkinson’s award-winning middle grade novels include FROM ALICE TO ZEN AND EVERYONE IN BETWEEN (Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Books), I EMMA FREKE (starred School Library Journal review, Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Books, 2010 Gold Moonbeam Award, Honor Book Award by the Society of School Librarians International, the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Award shortlist, Sunshine State Young Reader Award), THE SUGAR MOUNTAIN SNOW BALL (2016 Gold Moonbeam Award, 2016 Maine Literary Finalist, LitPick Top Choice Award), and THE ISLAND OF BEYOND (2018 NYC READS 365 Book List, 2017 Maine Literary Award Finalist, National Council of Teachers of English 2017 Notable Book, New York Public Library’s 2016 Best Kids & Teen Books List). FLY BACK, AGNES will be released Spring 2020.

Raised in Harvard, Massachusetts, Elizabeth received her BA at Hobart & William Smith Colleges, and her MA in Liberal Studies at Dartmouth College. She currently divides her time between the north shore of Massachusetts and western Maine.

Her favorite part of writing novels for children is visiting with (in person and virtually) schools, libraries, book clubs, and offering fun, interactive writing workshops to middle grade students. Contact her at www.elizabethatkinson.com to learn more!