Building the Book Pile #291

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

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

It has been a few weeks since my last BTBP post - I have been busy. 
Last weekend we bought and put in new floors in our living room. It looks so nice and we got rid of a gross old rug. I am two weeks from finishing the class I am taking and so I have been writing a lot of papers lately and it takes a good amount of time. Not much reading is going on but hopefully this week I will have a bit more time for it.

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!

 

  Giveaways  on Cover2CoverBlog! 

None right now...

Coming up on the Blog

Early Reader Review: Amy's Diary #1 Space Alien...Almost? by Veronique Grisseaux and India Desjardins (MG, GN)

Early Reader Review: Julius Zebra Entangled with the Egyptians by Gary Northfield (MG) 

Books Received this Week 

 
 

Books for Review:

The Beast's Heart by Leife Shallcross from Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for review.

The Minimalist Way by Erica Layne from Callisto Publishers Group for review.

Ben Braver and the Incredible Exploding Kid by Marcus Emerson (Ben Braver #2)  from the publisher for review consideration.

Crow Flight by Susan Cunningham from author for a blog tour.



Have you missed anything lately?

Week of  February 3 - February 16

Early Reader Review: Quinn's Promise Rock by Christie Thomas (Youth) - 2 stars
Early Reader Review: You're My Little Sweet Pea by Kit Chase (Youth) -4 stars
Recent Reads: You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) by Felicia Day (Non-Fiction)-5 stars
Early Reader Review: The Secret Joy of Hygge: A Practical Guide to Cultivating Happiness in the Everyday by Alexandra Amarotico (Non-Fiction) -4 stars

Recent Reads: Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan (YA) - 3 stars

Early Reader Review: Thomas Wildus and the Book of Sorrows by J.M. Bergen (YA)

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

Happy Reading!

Early Reader Review: Thomas Wildus and the Book of Sorrows 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 Book of Sorrows by J.M. Bergen 
Publisher: Elandrian Press
Publication Date:  February 2, 2019

 

Format:  Paperback ARC

Rating:








Goodreads Synopsis: 

Magic is real, Thomas. No matter what happens, always remember that magic is real.
Seven years have passed, and Thomas hasn't forgotten. He hasn't forgotten the blue of his dad's eyes either, or the tickle of beard on his cheek as they hugged goodbye. Last moments with a parent are memorable, even if you don't know that's what you're having at the time.
Now, with his 13th birthday rapidly approaching, Thomas's search for magic is about to take a radical and unexpected turn. At an out-of-the-way shop filled with dusty leather books, a strange little man with gold-flecked eyes offers him an ancient text called The Book of Sorrows. The price is high and the rules are strict, but there's no way Thomas can resist the chance to look inside.
With the mysterious book guiding the way, a strange new world is revealed – a world in which Thomas has a name and destiny far more extraordinary than he ever imagined. But time is short. Even as Thomas uncovers his secret family history, enemies emerge, threatening to end his rise to power and destroy everything he holds dear. 

Praise for Thomas Wildus and The Book of Sorrows...

 “Reading this truly well-written novel was a lot of fun… It had plenty of exciting moments, funny parts, intriguing developments, and characters you just have to love. I assume that Harry Potter fans would love Thomas Wildus too. And while the story is aimed at younger readers, adults can also enjoy it.” – 5 Stars, Reviewed by Kim Anisi for Readers’ Favorite “In Thomas Wildus and The Book of Sorrows, J.M. Bergen has created a marvelous fantasy/sci-fi story for children and teens. With all the qualities a great book should have, the story holds your interest and offers a pleasing blend of legend and modern-day problems. Thomas must choose between good and evil… and accept the consequences of his actions. J.M. Bergen provides a wonderful tale that anyone can enjoy.” – 5 Stars, Reviewed by Melinda Hills for Readers’ Favorite
 “Thomas Wildus and the Book of Sorrows by J.M Bergen is a stunning fantasy novel… The book was very descriptive and incredibly well written. The plot was intriguing and well thought through … This book will entertain readers of all ages. I would definitely recommend this book.” – 5 Stars, Reviewed by Kristen Van Kampen (Teen Reviewer) for Readers’ Favorite

I am such a slacker and need to read faster! This book was recently release and I was hoping to have a review up for its release - alas life happens.

Thomas Wildus is about a boy whose father is no longer around, but who instilled this belief in Thomas that magic is real. Thomas has been searching for evidence of this from bookshop to bookshop his whole 12 years, this year though, he stumbles upon a bookstore and a book that just might make his dreams come true.

The book is the first in a series about a world of magic and a struggle between good and evil forces, not unlike a lot of books on the market. However this one was still very fun and engaging. The first half of the plot was a build up, Thomas reading The Book of Sorrows and learning about magic and what was out there. The second half was more of the adventure you find in a fantasy novel. There was good build up in the first half though, questions with just enough of an answer to keep pushing the reader through. I really enjoyed this plot line and the fantasy parts of the book. The lead into the magic and fantasy aspects were very well done, there was just enough mystery to it to keep my attention. 

Thomas, the main character, was perfectly written for his age (and I have brothers this age so I have good case studies). He was realistic - he had school issues and fun, had an after school activity that he was involved in and he had to spend some time at home alone because a parent worked. It was all very real, except for the fantasy elements thrown in, so it really did well as a normal boys gains magic book.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and the story was very interesting. While the boy meets magic theme is a common one, I think this book did very well with it and it adds another good story into the genre. This is also the start to what seems to be a new series, so if you are looking for a new MG/YA Fantasy series this may be a fun one to pick up.


About the Author

A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away…

J.M. Bergen graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in creative writing and a minor in business. Over the years his writing has appeared in a variety of publications under a variety of pen names, and though his favorite stories are about magic and adventure, his best-known work to date has been non-fiction.

J.M.’s debut series originally started as a bedtime story for his oldest son. The story turned into a saga, and one book turned into five. The first book in the series, Thomas Wildus and The Book of Sorrows, is scheduled for release in February 2019. The second, Thomas Wildus and The Wizard of Sumeria, will be published in late 2019, with the remainder of the series released before the end of 2021.

When J.M. isn’t working on the Thomas Wildus books, you can find him playing with his kids, splashing in the ocean, or dreaming up new adventures. If you ever meet him and can’t think of anything to talk about, you might ask about Herman the Shark, the Kai and Eli stories, or why Riddle-Master by Patricia McKillip is his all-time favorite book. Or maybe, just maybe, you’ll have questions and stories of your own (if you do, he’ll think that’s far more interesting). To learn more, visit www.jmbergen.com. 

Readers can connect with J.M. Bergen on Facebook and Goodreads.

Recent Reads: Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

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

Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan
Series: Girls of Paper and Fire #1
Publisher: James Patterson Books
Publication Date:  November 6, 2018

 

Format: Ebook 

Rating:







Goodreads Synopsis: 

Each year, eight beautiful girls are chosen as Paper Girls to serve the king. It's the highest honor they could hope for...and the most cruel.
But this year, there's a ninth girl. And instead of paper, she's made of fire.
In this lush fantasy, Lei is a member of the Paper caste, the lowest and most oppressed class in Ikhara. She lives in a remote village with her father, where the decade-old trauma of watching her mother snatched by royal guards still haunts her. Now, the guards are back, and this time it's Lei they're after--the girl whose golden eyes have piqued the king's interest.
Over weeks of training in the opulent but stifling palace, Lei and eight other girls learn the skills and charm that befit being a king's consort. But Lei isn't content to watch her fate consume her. Instead, she does the unthinkable--she falls in love. Her forbidden romance becomes enmeshed with an explosive plot that threatens the very foundation of Ikhara, and Lei, still the wide-eyed country girl at heart, must decide just how far she's willing to go for justice and revenge.

Review: 
Trigger Warning: This book contains scenes of violence, cruelty, and sexual assault and abuse.

I picked this book up not knowing too much about it, the cover is gorgeous and the tagline for the book had been popping up and it was enough to make me want to read it. 

The tagline: 

We might be Paper Girls, easily torn and written upon. The very title we're given suggests that we are blank, waiting to be filled. But what the Demon King and his court do not understand is that paper is flammable. And there is a fire catching among us.

After reading the book, I had mixed emotions. This book was a lot... I knew going in that there would be violence and I also knew about the sexual assault aspect, however I was very surprised to find a F/F relationship. I am perfectly ok with it being there but it was so hidden, and that makes me a bit sad. There was no mention of it in the synopsis. Other feelings about this book, was that it was very intense, all the way through. There is a kidnapping and then the slavery of these girls and their job to please the king, it you don't like intensity in this way, this book will not be for you.

I enjoyed the book, but I feel weird saying that since it had so many violent aspects, but the plot was pieced together enough for it to all come together pretty well. I was not completely in love with it though and I had trouble understanding the world. In the first few chapters it seemed like we were going to get this vibrant exploration of this new world with humans and animal human hybrids and then once the girls arrive at the palace, all of that pretty much fell off. There were no more details about the overall world, and while this may be a symbolic way of making the reader fell like the girls who are imprisoned, I still wanted more as a reader. There is a war coming and I feel like I don't know enough to want to pick up the next book in the series.

The characters were interesting and only a few fell flat for me, but they were not so strong that I need to be in their lives. I am interested to see where the romance leads though and so again it is sad that that aspect was left out of the overall synopsis. If I were looking for a book like this, I would have to find it via the words of others, there is no stumbling upon it (unless you have a wonderful librarian or bookstore helper to add it to an LGBTQ end cap because they happen to know). 

So if you are looking for this kind of drama and intensity, this may be for you. If these themes already seem too strong, do not pick this one up, it is very violent in all aspects.

Early Reader Review: The Secret Joy of Hygge by Alexandra Amarotico

Source: From Callisto Publishing Group and Althea Press in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Secret Joy of Hygge: A Practical Guide to Cultivating Happiness in the Everyday by Alexandra Amarotico

Publisher: Althea Press
Publication Date:  February 12, 2019

 

Format: Paperback

Rating:








Synopsis: 

Spread hygge happiness throughout your life. 

The Secret Joy of Hygge (HOO-gah) shows you how to make small changes to bring more warmth and joy to your everyday life. Sipping a cozy cup of tea. Nesting at your desk surrounded by your favorite plants and pictures. Gathering loved ones around your table. All are the hygge way. 

With simple, actionable techniques, you’ll learn how to embody hygge inside―and how to live it at home, at work, and with family and friends. If your life is a little frantic and you’re looking to slow down, de-stress, and increase your overall happiness, this book is for you. 

The Secret Joy of Hygge includes: 

Hygge 101―defines hygge, explains the history behind the concept, and describes its role in creating happiness 

Hygge for all―shows you how to apply this Danish idea to your life no matter where in the world you live 

Beyond hygge―examines related topics like meditation, feng shui, and minimalism 

Explore hygge and discover the simple joys of unplugging and reconnecting with yourself and your world. Let these step-by-step strategies be your guide.

Review: 
I have seen a few stories online about hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) and they called to me mostly because most of the things I was reading were about curling up with a good book with lots of blankets and pillows and a pet and just enjoying your surroundings... and after reading this book... I can say that that is in fact part of it, but there is more to learn here too.

Hygge is about finding joy in the simple things, about sharing time with others, and about being comfortable. All things that I am trying to get better with this year. I want to take more me time and stop to smell the roses and relax - because let's face it, even reading for me is kind of like a job... the blog and review books do keep me busy. But I also need to look at it in other ways - I love reading and I love the blog and sharing great books with the internet and I get lots of books in order to do that, I need to savor that time. 

This book is a great stepping stone into the culture of Hygge. You first learn about the word itself and all the variations of it and how they can be used. Then you learn about how to apply it to different things - self, Home, Friends, and Work. All of these chapters has wonderful pointers that I will use to improve my the amount of hygge. 

I also found though, that like those first articles I was reading I already do use a lot of the techniques the author outlines. I love pillows, blankets, comfort and reading. I love the ambiance a good candle gives off on a cold winter night, and I love having plants on my desk at work - all suggestions she makes. 

Overall I think this is a fun book to learn about having this joy in your life and if you are looking for more joy in your like it gives you a way to adapt things you are doing so that you can stop and smell the roses whenever you want. 

Recent Reads: You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) by Felicia Day

You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) by Felicia Day

Publisher:  Simon & Schuster Audio
Publication Date:  August 11, 2015
Listening length:  6 hours and 49 minutes

 

Format:  Audible Audiobooks
Source: Own/Bought (when it was on sale😀, I looooooove book sales)

Rating:






Goodreads Synopsis: 

In the tradition of #Girlboss and Mindy Kaling’s Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?—a funny, quirky, and inspiring memoir from online entertainment mogul, actress, and “queen of the geeks,” Felicia Day, about her unusual upbringing, her rise to Internet-stardom, and embracing her individuality to find success in Hollywood. 

The Internet isn’t all cat videos…almost. 

There’s also Felicia Day—violinist, filmmaker, Internet entrepreneur, compulsive gamer, hoagie specialist, and former lonely homeschooled girl who overcame her isolated childhood to become the ruler of a new world…or at least the world of Internet-geek fame and Goodreads book clubs. 

Growing up in the south where she was homeschooled for hippie reasons, Felicia moved to Hollywood to pursue her dream of becoming an actress and was immediately typecast as a crazy cat-lady secretary. But Felicia’s misadventures in Hollywood led her to produce her own web series, own her own production company, and become an instant Internet star.

Felcia’s short-ish life and her rags-to-riches rise to Internet fame launched her career as one of the most influential creators in new media. Now, Felicia’s strange life is filled with thoughts on creativity, video games, and a dash of mild feminist activism—just like her memoir. 

Hilarious and inspirational, You’re Never Weird On the Internet (Almost) is proof that everyone should embrace what makes them different and be brave enough to share it with the world, because anything is possible now—even for a digital misfit.

Review: 
I really love Felicia Day. I have watched and loved The Guild, I follow her on all the social medias, and I really enjoyed Geek and Sundry when she first started it along with her show The Flog. I find her nerdy anxiety refreshing and relatable. She is one of my heroes - she is a hard worker, likes what she likes without embarrassment and adorable while doing it all. (I sound like a stalker - I am not, I promise). I just really love people that can be themselves and appreciate the nerdy things that they enjoy. I love to read (I think my readers know this by now) and I used to hide my reader-nerdiness, once I fully embraced it I really was able to be myself.

Anywho! The Audiobook was wonderful. Felicia Day herself reads it to you and interjects with times to stop and look at the PDF that as also included to look at pictures of her craziness. She talks fast and tells her story with so much enthusiasm and it feels right to listen to her telling it. 

She goes through various parts of her life step by step, from her wacky family and homeschooling, to wanting to act and getting herself through those phases. She is honest and not every step was wonderful for her so it is down to earth.
(Random note: a few times she comments on her future children, and I love that because she is a mom now and I am wondering is she looks back on this book and takes note of the things she said).

If you are nerdy, more specifically internet and World of Warcraft nerdy, this will strike a cord with you. If you are female, I think even more so, but I am not saying that men won't enjoy it as well - being inside the female brain is a scary and fun place. 

It took me a long time to pick this one up and finally take the time to read/listen to it, but I am SO glad that I did.

Early Reader Review: You're My Little Sweet Pea by Kit Chase

Source: From Booklook Bloggers and Zonderkidz in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

You're My Little Sweet Pea by Kit Chase 
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Publication Date:  January 22, 2019

 

Format: Board book

Rating:






Goodreads Synopsis: 

You’re My Little Sweet Pea is a heartwarming board book about the deep bond between a parent, grandparent, or any loved one and their little one. The sweet rhymes and adorable illustrations by Kit Chase help show all the wonderful moments shared with a child, reminding children how special they are and how much they are loved. 

Little Sweet Pea, I love you. 
From button nose to baby coo.

Squishy cheeks and sparkly eyes, 
Pure delight and perfect size.

Tender feet and tiny toes, 
Where they’ll take you, no one knows.  

If you love books from authors like Nancy Tillman (On the Night You Were Born) and Sam McBratney (Guess How Much I Love You), then You’re My Little Sweet Pea is the perfect book for you.
A wonderful gift for a new baby, baptism, birthday, or any occasion to show your child or grandchild they will always be your little sweet pea.

 Review: 
You're My Little Sweet Pea is an adorable board book from Zonderkidz which illustrates the bond between parent and little one. It has a rhyming scheme throughout the text and is illustrated beautifully with parent animals and their little babies. There are foxes and bears, and rabbits, it is all very very cute.

The story has heartwarming message of sharing love with your child. I think parents and children will like this one. As the synopsis notes, it would also be a great gift book... which is what I intend to do with my copy. 

Overall, this was a very quick, easy, and fun read for both me and the husband while we were also making dinner :)

Early Reader Review: Quinn's Promise Rock by Christie Thomas

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

Quinn's Promise Rock by Christie Thomas
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Publication Date:  February 5, 2019

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:








Goodreads Synopsis: 

Help Your Child Grab Hold of God's Promises
Quinn, the thoughtful little owl, has a lot of worries and questions for her father.
"What if I get lost?"
"What if you dive and I don't notice?"
"What if you get too far ahead of me and I can't find you?"
Written for children experiencing moments of separation anxiety or other common fears, Quinn's Promise Rock reminds kids that God will always be there for them, whatever happens or wherever they go. Share this comforting truth with your child today.

Review: 
Quinn's Promise Rock is a book for youth readers about questioning when might happen if they get lost and being comforted. The book has two owls a father and little girl who are out hunting for dinner when Quinn asks what might happen, her father directs her to look for a mountain and tree to find her way home and then the book turns more religious and is about God always being with you. 

To symbolize this, Quinn gets a rock to reminder her that while she can't always see it, it is always there. This was a cute book, but the use of the rock is weird to me. If she wants to see the rock she can, I know that those that are religious might say the same about God but it is a bit far fetched for me. 

The illustrations throughout were very pretty and the details were nice. There is even an information page about owls at the end which I found the most amusing of the whole book. So while the religious aspect kind of fell a bit short for my liking, the images and information page gained it a few stars.

As always, this might not be for me, but you and your family may love it. It is all in the eye of the beholder. If you are into religious children's books, this might just be for you.

Building the Book Pile #290

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

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Happy Monday readers! Sorry this is a late edition, but I had school work and house work to get done yesterday and didn't have the time to sit down and go this. I am about to get a jumpstart on my classwork for this week, but wanted to make sure a re-cap of last week was up and that I shared ALL the reviews that will be up this week - because there are a bunch.

Last week was a good one and the weekend, while very busy was very productive and I am in a great mood. I hope that everyone else ended January on a high note too.

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!

 

  Giveaways  on Cover2CoverBlog! 

Coming up on the Blog

Early Reader Review: Quinn's Promise Rock by Christie Thomas (Youth)
Early Reader Review: You're My Little Sweet Pea by Kit Chase (Youth)
Recent Reads: You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) by Felicia Day (Non-Fiction)
Early Reader Review: The Secret Joy of Hygge: A Practical Guide to Cultivating Happiness in the Everyday by Alexandra Amarotico (Non-Fiction)
Early Reader Review: Thomas Wildus and the Book of Sorrows by J.M. Bergen (YA)

Books Received this Week 

     

Audible Freebies for February

Killer by Nature by Jan Smith (Adult)
Folsom Untold: The Strange True Story of Johnny Cash's Greatest Album by Danny Robins (Adult, Non-Fiction)

 
Books for Review:

Truman the Dog: My Furry Foster Family (Youth) from Netgalley and Capstone for review.

Glint: The Cloud Raiders by Samuel Sattin and Ian McGinty  from Netgalley and Diamond Book Distributors for review.



Have you missed anything lately?

Week of  January 27- February 2

Early Reader Review: The Monster Friend by Asaf Rozanes (Youth) -3 Stars
Book Blitz w/ Giveaway: Remote by Lisa Acerbo (YA)
January Re-Cap
February TBR Pile

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

Happy Reading!

February 2019 - TBR Pile

THE BOOKS
I actually made a pretty good dent in my TBR from January, so there is only one overlap from last month :) Going light on the TBR this month though so that I can read other things too....

         
 

  

What do you want to read this month?
Have you read any of these yet? 
If so, let me know what you thought!