2017 Backlist Reader Challenge: April Roundup

It's time for another round of mini-reviews for the Backlist Reader Challenge!  I think I'm making pretty good progress - I've read 12 of the 26 books on my TBR for this challenge, so I'm about 46% done!

The 5th Wave (The 5th Wave #1) by Rick Yancey (2013)

A teenage girl searches for her brother when they are separated after an alien attack decimates Earth's population.

I'm always up for survival stories like this, whether it's a natural phenomenon like an avalanche or something more science fiction-y, like an alien attack.  I'm always interested to see how people change and adapt.  In this case, Cassie was a great main character - just an average teenager before the alien arrival, she becomes a street-smart, resourceful survivor.  That is, until she meets Evan Walker, and then she becomes a ball of mush more concerned about the chocolate-y color of his eyes. 

I enjoyed the parts of this book that were gritty and intense and emotional - Cassie's desperate search for the last living member of her family, her younger brother, and Ben's indoctrination into an army that he thought would be fighting against aliens, not for them.  Unfortunately, the book suffered a bit when it came to the romance portion, which I felt was unnecessary.  It would have been enough for Cassie to gain an ally without having the two of them fall in love for no reason.

There are lots of POVs in the book, which I liked because it allowed me to see the invasion from many sides.  I didn't think it was confusing at all; it was pretty easy to figure out who was talking.  All in all, this was a good (but not great) and fast-paced read.  3 stars

                                                                                                                      

Bury Your Dead (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #6) by Louise Penny (2010)

In the 6th installment of the series, Inspector Gamache is in Quebec, trying to recover from a terrorist plot, when he is asked to join a local investigation of the murder of an amateur archaeologist.

This was my favorite book of the series so far.  Three separate story lines kept the pace fast.  The main storyline involved the murder of an archaeologist trying to find the remains of Samuel de Champlain, the founder of Quebec.  It was an interesting mystery and I learned a lot about the tense history between the French and English in Quebec. 

The second storyline brought us back to the murder of the Hermit in Three Pines from the last book.  Olivier had been convicted of the murder, but his partner Gabri was not convinced of his guilt.  Gamache, too, is now feeling uncertain about the outcome of that case, and he sends his second-in-command to Three Pines to do some subtle investigating.  I had a feeling this story wasn't over!  And this time, the outcome is very surprising!

But my favorite parts of the book were the flashbacks to something that happened off-page, between this book and the previous one.  One of Gamache's detectives is kidnapped, and the team finally realizes it is part of a much larger terrorist attack.  I don't want to give too much away, but this storyline was so tense and heartbreaking; I teared up a few times.  There's an underlying sadness that permeates the whole book, as Gamache tries to heal both physically and emotionally.  You can just feel the guilt weighing heavily on him.  5 stars

                                                                                                                                  

 

Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2015)

 

With each book I read of hers, Taylor Jenkins Reid is quickly becoming one of my new favorite authors.  In Maybe in Another Life, two parallel stories take place, sparked by a decision made by Hannah Martin - should she go home with her best friend, or stay awhile longer with her ex-boyfriend?

 

This concept isn't new - there are movies with this plot device and at least one book that I've read (The Post-Birthday World by Lionel Shriver).  But Taylor Jenkins Reid does it so well that I didn't mind it.  Her stories are very relatable and the writing just resonates with me.  It's not over-the-top or too flowery or poetic - it's just straightforward good writing.

The decision Hannah makes sets off two very different paths for her.  Almost immediately, things happen that will drastically change her life.  But, as different as things are, there are some things that remain the same - her deep friendship with Gabby and a thawing of the distant relationship she has with her family in London.

Like with her previous books, the author touches on deep topics - the "what ifs" in life, is there such a thing as a soul mate, and how much of our life is predetermined by fate.  Without giving too much away, I like that each story ends with Hannah in similar yet at the same time very different places in her life.  I think it shows that there are some things we are meant to do, but that in other areas, we choose our own way and could be just as happy with any outcome.  4.5 stars





Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

One of the things my husband was most excited about during our Las Vegas trip was a visit to Red Rock Canyon.  Located less than a 1/2 hour west of the strip, Red Rock Canyon is a beautiful place to spend a few hours.


For more information, click here.

There is a $10.00 per car entrance fee.  A 13-mile one-way road loops around the canyon, offering several parking lots to pick up trailheads and locations to take some spectacular photos.

With 20+ trails of varying lengths and levels of difficulty, there's something for everyone here, even trails for small children.  The trails themselves range from dirt/gravel to sand to small rocks to large boulders.

Red Rock Canyon is so different from the hikes we usually go on.  We're used to being in the woods, surrounded by shade and trees.  This time, we were in the desert, wide open spaces with little in the way of shade (although, it was a little more green than I expected!).  They're pretty obvious, but I want to offer the following tips for hiking in Red Rock Canyon:

1. Wear a hat and sunglasses.  Don't be dumb like me and give yourself a headache by squinting the whole time.  You're in the desert, it's going to be very sunny.
2. Put on plenty of sunscreen.  It was only in the mid-50s when we were there, but it felt a lot warmer, so I didn't even wear a jacket.  Protect your exposed skin from the beating sun.
3. Bring plenty of water.  You should always have water when you're hiking, but even more so when you're in this type of terrain and weather.  Stay hydrated! 

First, we hiked the Calico Springs Trail.  The trails were marked way better than I expected.  There were some signs, and when it made sense, the trails were lined by rocks, marking the path.  Calico Springs featured all different types of terrain along the way, but it was still a pretty easy hike.

Is it just me, or does this rock formation look like an iguana?

We also hiked the Keystone Thrust Trail.  This trail had a pretty decent incline the whole way, as well as a path of small rocks, which made for rough going.  But, the view down into the canyon made it all worth it!

My photos don't do this beautiful place enough justice - Red Rock Canyon is a must-see if you're in the Las Vegas area!

"Waiting on" Wednesday: Mr. Rochester

"Waiting on" Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!

Mr. Rochester
Sarah Shoemaker
Expected publication date: May 9, 2017

A gorgeous, deft literary retelling of Charlotte Bronte's beloved Jane Eyre--through the eyes of the dashing, mysterious Mr. Rochester himself.

"Reader, she married me."
For one hundred seventy years, Edward Fairfax Rochester has stood as one of literature's most romantic, most complex, and most mysterious heroes. Sometimes haughty, sometimes tender-professing his love for Jane Eyre in one breath and denying it in the next-Mr. Rochester has for generations mesmerized, beguiled, and, yes, baffled fans of Charlotte Brontë's masterpiece. But his own story has never been told.

Now, out of Sarah Shoemaker's rich and vibrant imagination, springs Edward: a vulnerable, brilliant, complicated man whom we first meet as a motherless, lonely little boy roaming the corridors and stable yards of Thornfield Hall. On the morning of Edward's eighth birthday, his father issues a decree: He is to be sent away to get an education, exiled from Thornfield and all he ever loved. As the determined young Edward begins his journey across England, making friends and enemies along the way, a series of eccentric mentors teach him more than he might have wished about the ways of the men-and women-who will someday be his peers.

But much as he longs to be accepted-and to return to the home where he was born-his father has made clear that Thornfield is reserved for his older brother, Rowland, and that Edward's inheritance lies instead on the warm, languid shores of faraway Jamaica. That island, however, holds secrets of its own, and not long after his arrival, Edward finds himself entangled in morally dubious business dealings and a passionate, whirlwind love affair with the town's ravishing heiress, Antoinetta Bertha Mason.

Eventually, after a devastating betrayal, Edward must return to England with his increasingly unstable wife to take over as master of Thornfield. And it is there, on a twilight ride, that he meets the stubborn, plain, young governess who will teach him how to love again. - from Goodreads

Celebrating My First Blogoversary By Saying Thank You!

 

 

 I can't believe it has already been a year since I started this little blog!  I've had so much fun putting it together, and today I wanted to thank some of the people that have been so helpful and encouraging along the way!

 

 

My sister, Michele

Michele was one of the first people I told that I wanted to start a blog.  From the start, she was so encouraging, telling me that my doubts were unfounded, that this was really something I could do.  She has given me great ideas for posts (the Try It series was all her!) and she's even guest-blogged!  Plus, she doesn't mind when I email her draft posts and ask for her opinion in the middle of the work day. 

 

My husband, Tom

Tom was not even fazed when I told him I was thinking of starting a blog.  His first words were, "Go for it!"  I can run ideas past him (although he doesn't have much of an opinion when it comes to books!) and he's so patient when I just want to get one more thing done or read just a couple more pages.  He's my hiking buddy, and I'm always sending him links to new places we should visit.  He's also learned to accept that I will take too many pictures wherever we go!

 

My readers

I'm so grateful to everyone who makes their way here each day, reads my stuff, and even comments on it from time to time.  I'm so glad we've gotten to connect and look forward to more in the future!  I hope you've gotten some good book recommendations and enjoyed the pictures from our outdoor adventures!

 

The blogging community

I was a little nervous about entering the blogging community - all these amazing bloggers with beautiful sites.  It was a little intimidating!  But I'm so glad I did, because everyone has been really wonderful and welcoming and friendly.  You guys inspire me, make me laugh and think, and cause my TBR to grow exponentially. 



Thank you!!

My Dream Reading Nook

If you could design your own perfect reading space, what would it look like?  It's a topic I've been thinking about recently, and when I was approached by Molly from Arhaus, a home furnishings store, to put together a post sharing my vision of a dream reading nook, the timing was perfect!

My style is very eclectic - each room in our condo has a different feel, including a beachy bathroom and a bright, cheerful bedroom.  But I also love lots of wood; warm, earthy colors; and personal touches, including tons of framed family photos.  I don't worry about our home being magazine-worthy - I just want it to reflect us and the things we love.  My dream reading nook would be cozy and inviting, the perfect place to curl up with a cup of tea and a good book (or several!), and here are some things I would include:

THE BIG THINGS

First, I'd start with the large pieces of furniture: lots of rich dark wood bookshelves (I love the rustic look of these), a comfy chair, and a cool lamp that ties in my love of the outdoors.

Bookcase from Ashley Homestore  //  Tufted Chair from Target  //  Floor Lamp from Arhaus

THE LITTLE DETAILS

Next, I'd start filling it in with fun pieces: a cozy blanket, beautifully scented candles, fun wall prints, and some cool bookends to style my shelves.  As you can see, I like pretty much everything!  Different colors, textures, styles - I love mixing them all together and getting a unique look!

Throw Blanket from Target  //  Bibliophile Bookends from Etsy

Pineapple Bookends from Target  //  Read Books, Be Happy Print from Etsy

Literary Candles from Uncommon Goods

So, if you were designing your dream reading nook, what would you include?  Or if you already have the perfect space, what does it look like?  What's your personal style - traditional, contemporary, something different altogether?  What are your favorite home decorating stores?

 

 

* I have not received anything in exchange for this post, and all thoughts are my own.



Review: The Mermaid's Daughter

The Mermaid's Daughter
Ann Claycomb
Published March 7, 2017

Kathleen has always been dramatic. She suffers from the bizarre malady of experiencing stabbing pain in her feet. On her sixteenth birthday, she woke screaming from the sensation that her tongue had been cut out. No doctor can find a medical explanation for her pain, and even the most powerful drugs have proven useless. Only the touch of seawater can ease her pain, and just temporarily at that.

Now Kathleen is a twenty-five-year-old opera student in Boston and shows immense promise as a soprano. Her girlfriend Harry, a mezzo in the same program, worries endlessly about Kathleen's phantom pain and obsession with the sea. Kathleen's mother and grandmother both committed suicide as young women, and Harry worries they suffered from the same symptoms. When Kathleen suffers yet another dangerous breakdown, Harry convinces Kathleen to visit her hometown in Ireland to learn more about her family history.

In Ireland, they discover that the mystery—and the tragedy—of Kathleen’s family history is far older and stranger than they could have imagined.  Kathleen’s fate seems sealed, and the only way out is a terrible choice between a mermaid’s two sirens—the sea, and her lover. But both choices mean death… - from Goodreads

Fun fact: I was in a co-ed service fraternity in college and the nickname my Big gave me was Ariel, for my long hair and love of the beach.  And Ariel has always been my favorite of the Disney princesses, so when I heard about this book, I knew I had to read it.

The Mermaid's Daughter builds on the original Hans Christian Andersen version of The Little Mermaid.  Kathleen is a college student who experiences strange pains in her feet and longs to touch the sea.  When she and her girlfriend, Harry, travel to Ireland to learn more about Kathleen's family tree, they discover a curse that has been passed down through the generations.  It started with a mermaid who longed for a human, but that human chose another.  To break the curse and return to the sea, the woman must kill her lover, but the women of Kathleen's family have all chosen suicide, instead.  Now that Kathleen knows the truth, how will she make the decision between her life or Harry's?

Some things I loved about this book:

• Kathleen's totally devoted father and girlfriend.  These two characters were really the stand-outs for me.  They would do anything for Kathleen, Harry especially.  And Harry is basically a saint; even when not dealing with the whole "my girlfriend is a mermaid" thing, she's clearly the more responsible, stable one in the relationship.  She's a calming force and is always taking care of Kathleen.  It would have been so easy for her to just leave, but her love for Kathleen made her want to stay and help her, even though the outcome looked bleak.
• The melancholy, dark feel.  This definitely isn't a Disney movie.  The original Little Mermaid story is dark, and this story stays true to that, with its themes of murder and suicide.  And as much as I love feel-good stories, I appreciated the fact that this story didn't gloss over the hard parts.  It made it more realistic.
• The ambiguous ending.  I don't mean ambiguous in the sense that the reader doesn't know what happens, but more in the sense that it's unclear if this is a happy or sad ending, or at least that's how it felt to me.  The choices all the characters had to make were difficult, and it's not clear that anyone is a winner.

The one thing that gave me pause about this book was how the characters intended to break the curse.  Harry and Kathleen's father come up with a plan that they think will work, but I honestly didn't understand how it would fulfill the sea witches' requirements.  However, if you love fairy tale retellings, definitely add this one to your TBR.

4 stars

"Waiting on" Wednesday: Into The Water

"Waiting on" Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!

Into the Water
Paula Hawkins
Expected publication date: May 2, 2017

A single mother turns up dead at the bottom of the river that runs through town. Earlier in the summer, a vulnerable teenage girl met the same fate. They are not the first women lost to these dark waters, but their deaths disturb the river and its history, dredging up secrets long submerged.

Left behind is a lonely fifteen-year-old girl. Parentless and friendless, she now finds herself in the care of her mother’s sister, a fearful stranger who has been dragged back to the place she deliberately ran from—a place to which she vowed she’d never return.

With the same propulsive writing and acute understanding of human instincts that captivated millions of readers around the world in her explosive debut thriller, The Girl on the Train, Paula Hawkins delivers an urgent, twisting, deeply satisfying read that hinges on the deceptiveness of emotion and memory, as well as the devastating ways that the past can reach a long arm into the present. - from Goodreads