WOW! It was a NO QUIT April! That’s right, I started what I finished this month….with only minor regrets, haha.

It had been a while since I immersed myself into thrillers, so I started out the month with bleak and miserable characters. D’oh! Then I over-corrected with some plain, silly fun that was ridiculous – making April a wide range of reading.

The April Report:
Audio – 3
Physical – 4
Mix Audio/Physical – 7 (Seriously, it’s the only way I can keep momentum….the ability to keep the story going on a walk or in the car is amazing. Libby and Hoopla for the win!)

Format: Audio
Rating: 4.25/5
Genre: Thriller/Mystery
Warnings: Domestic violence, mentions of pedophilia, maximum creepiness
Why I read it: It was on all the lists.
I’d recommend this to: fans of true crime podcasts

Well, thanks, Lisa Jewell, now I can’t sleep. I hadn’t read a good thriller in a while, and my Goodreads friends kept rating it 4-5 stars. Fine, I’ll bite. It did live up to the hype – and I was very impressed by the audiobook, as physically reading this would have been a completely different experience. Excerpts of this book were recorded as an actual podcast format with a complete cast and sound effects. It made it very addictive and captivating. Other than the phrase of the character’s “stomach curdling” over and over, I enjoyed the writing and twists until the end. I can’t describe it well – so just read it if you want to be very unsettled. Hooray!

Format: Audio & Physical
Rating: 2.25/5
Genre: Sci-Fi
Warnings: Language, Young Adult Angst
Why I read it: I liked the first book.
I’d recommend this to: someone who liked the first book but has low expectations for a sequel

I delighted by the first part of this book. It explored the POVs of all the sidekick friends (who were honestly the best part of the original novel). However, the book was about 157 pages longer than it needed to be and was soooooo preachy. I understand that the social media obsessed Gen Z characters would have a lot to say about the state of humanity and big corporations and technology, but it was pretty heavy handed and obnoxious – even when I agreed with them.

Format: Audio
Rating: 1.75/5
Genre: Thriller
Warnings: Mental health, murder, violence, domestic abuse, language
Why I read it: It was everywhere and I was curious.
I’d recommend this to: someone who disagrees with most of my reviews

Honestly, I read this because I was sick of seeing this cover on every must-read list and store bookshelf. Curiosity got the best of me. The hype might have tainted my overall view of the book, though, because when I got to the giant-twist-climax, I just sighed and said, “well that’s annoying….” OOPS. I might have also made a mistake listening to back-to-back thriller audio books that featured heavy British accents and depressing material.

Format: Audio w/a physical assist for pictures
Rating:3.75/5
Genre: Memoir, Humor
Warnings: N/A
Why I read it: My April reading needed to lighten up!!
I’d recommend this to: fans of Mindy Kaling/The Mindy Project

I might have read this when it came out in the middle 2010s, but it was fun to listen to the audio book. Mindy Kaling wrote this while making The Mindy Project, so it was fun to reminisce about that series, etc. She tells fun stories and random thoughts. I would absolutely love a book with updated takes now that she’s a mom and produces other projects.

Format: Physical
Rating: 3.25/5
Genre: Sci-Fi
Warnings: Pandemic, Violence, Claustrophobia
Why I read it: Friend recommendation
I’d recommend this to: Law & Order fans that want a sci-fi twist

After saying I enjoyed the most recent John Scalzi books, a friend recommended this one. I’m learning that Scalzi has really lightened up in his writing, as this one was much more serious. However, it still had some humor and the writing I enjoyed with his other books. If you have a phobia of getting trapped inside your body but still having full mental capacity, well, steer clear. It’s a good murder mystery – but it gets a little lost with a mega cast and body/robot swapping.

Format: Audio/Physical
Rating: 3.25/5
Genre: Fiction
Warnings: Grief, Climate Change
Why I read it: I loved her writing in Tanner & Louise
I’d recommend this to: fans of podcasts, quirky characters, and mediocre endings

I loved this book, then I hated it, and then I liked it.
A reporter travels to a small island community and discovers that the entire town is playing along with the notion that a dead man is actually alive for the sake of his widow. It starts out so charming, but then it takes a turn where the characters just become regular, stupid humans and deal with regular, stupid problems. It was fine but I wanted to change the back 35% of the book.

Format: Mix of Physical/Audio
Rating: 4.25/5
Genre: Fantasy, Humor
Warnings: Casual chats about severed heads, etc., discussion of assault
Why I read it: It kept popping up on my recommendation lists & I had pure curiosity.
I’d recommend this to: someone who doesn’t take themselves too seriously.

Big, dumb fun. That’s all I can say. This book knows exactly what it is – a cheesy adventure. Evie finds herself working for the town’s bad guy, but he’s also super hot. That’s all you need to know. Along the way, there are funny side characters and a bit of a mystery. This book is actually quite mild in the romance scenes – but it sets its reader up for (what I’m assuming will be) a much steamier book two.

Format: Audio
Rating: 3/5
Genre: Sci-Fiction leaning very YA
Warnings: Space War, Space Politics, Teen Angst
Why I read it: Friend Recommendation and enjoyment of other Scalzi books this year
I’d recommend this to: Teens wanting a gateway book to adult science fiction

Do you look at this cover and think, “Wow, this is going to be a very light book about teenage angst on another planet??” Yeah, me neither. When bonding with a friend about discovering John Scalzi this year, she recommended this book. Apparently it’s the fourth book in a very adult sci-fi series, but it is an outlier containing super YA-ness. I later learned that it’s a retelling of the third book in the series from the point of view of the teenager on the ship/planet. While it was decent enough on it’s own, it didn’t pull me in to the rest of the series.

Format: Physical
Rating: 4.25/5
Genre: Romance/Fantasy
Warnings: Time Travel, Grief, Suicide, Pregnant Friend
Why I read it: Curiosity and seeing it all over the place
I’d recommend this to: readers who love that anxious feeling of missed connections

This was a lovely (and pretty tame) romance that had humor and fun – all while circling very serious topics of loss and the importance of self growth and timing in relationships. Adding in the magic of an apartment that time travels at random, it makes for a very interesting story. The author does an awesome job of weaving timelines together, but time travel in general gives me great anxiety. Ha! I couldn’t give it 5 stars, because it just made me tense. On the flip side, I finished it very quickly after a slow start. I read the first 25% in two weeks and then finished the book in two days. So it definitely picks up the pace!

Format: Physical
Rating: 5/5
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Warnings: Animal cruelty
Why I read it: I couldn’t avoid it any more.
I’d recommend this to: animal lovers and those in need of a quick read between genres.

Oh, Ivan. I avoided this book for 12 years. Still scarred from the movie Homeward Bound, I tend to avoid animal stories. Stupid tearjerker animal stories. However, I was subbing in fifth grade a few weeks ago and read aloud the first 16 pages after teaching a quick lesson about the real gorilla that inspired the story. I was hooked. Fast forward two days later to when I’m crying in my cereal. Stupid tearjerker animal stories. Sigh. It was wonderful.

Format: Mix of Audio/Physical
Rating: 2.75/5
Genre: Mystery, humor, light romance
Warnings: language, dead body plays a significant role
Why I read it: I enjoyed Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers
I’d recommend this to: Fans of Vera Wong and readers that don’t mind ridiculousness

Crazy Rich Asians (cultural/family dynamics surrounding a billionaire’s wedding) meets Finlay Donovan (light romance and funny accidental murder) meets Weekend at Bernie’s (yep, the dead guy makes an appearance in a suit). This is a funny and light read, but it is all over the place. The heart of the book tends to get lost in over the top antics and writing saturated in social media/pop culture phrases. “Oh my God. I look at the groomsmen. They’re drunk AF.” No, thanks.

Format: Physical
Rating: 5/5
Genre: Romance
Warnings: General family/relationship issues, fake dating
Why I read it: Emily Henry was my gateway to enjoying romance books.
I’d recommend this to: anyone wanting a gateway to enjoying romance books

I loved her other books, but this one is BY FAR my favorite. The way Emily Henry writes realistic friendships, relationships, and feelings – whew – I devoured this book in 24 hours. It had all the wonderful dynamics of her other stories, but especially catered to all of my preferences in the romance genre: one POV, strong female lead, non-dopey male love interest, chronological order w/out significant time jumps, healthy communication (or at least eventual healthy communication), and characters to root for. My dream. That said, it’s spicy enough where I would have to deny that you got this book recommendation from me, but if you don’t mind that….this book is just delicious.

Format: Mix of Physical/Audio
Rating: 1/5
Genre: Children’s (?) Fiction
Warnings: abusive sibling, family stress, middle/low class prejudice, violence
Why I read it: It was assigned to my fifth grader’s reading club
I’d recommend this to: No one. It was not fun.

As an elementary teacher, I had seen the cover of this book for years. Finally, I was pushed to read it, because I like to know what my kid is up to in his reading group. Well, I would have quit this one if my son didn’t have to finish it. It was a solidarity finish. This book was really disturbing and uncomfortable, with an abusive big brother and an overwhelming sense of unease throughout the entire book. The way it all wraps up is fine, but the 250+ pages before that are boring and painful. I understand that this would give book club groups a lot to talk about (middle school and class/wealth social dynamics, athletic policy, citrus farming, standing up for others), but it was really hard to find any character or story line likable in this one. Ben’s review: “Well, that was a roller coaster!”

Format: Mix of physical and (mostly) audio
Rating: 3.25/5
Genre: Sci-fi, Fantasy, Romance
Warnings: Language, 2 pages of spicy explicitness
Why I read it: Found on a list of “cozy fantasies”
I’d recommend this to: fans of Practical Magic and found family stories

I couldn’t end April with a depressing children’s novel, so I squeezed in this lovely little cozy fantasy to end the month. If you want a “found family with quirky characters” book, please put this down and go read The House in the Cerulean Sea instead. You’re welcome. But if you want a similar book with witches, keep going with this one. This book started so strongly with The Sound of Music vibes (who doesn’t love a nanny winning over children and falling in love with a hot curmudgeon??) but fizzled a bit at the end. It wrapped things up a little too conveniently with a random twist. And I don’t mind the occasional explicit sex scene, but this one was 2 pages and very out of place. If you removed those two pages and about ten curse words, I could easily recommend this to so many more people. Because the rest is just charming.

Congratulations, everyone! We made it through another month.

Please send me your recommendations (if you dare). The library just alerted me to pick up a couple more romance books that I’ve had on hold for a while. Eek. We will see if I have to over-correct again next month and find myself in the horror genre by June. But let’s be honest – romance books can be their own kind of horror. Happy Reading!

It was a great month of reading with a wide range of genres. In fact, three books this in March jumped to the top of my favorites for the year. I continue to lean hard on audio books – but sometimes it’s just hard to sit down (or read too late at night without falling asleep). I love Libby and Hoopla for free library books from the library and try to match them up with the physical books I check out as much as possible. I like options and momentum!

Here’s the monthly recap:
Audio: 7
Physical: 4
Audio/Physical Tag Team: 4
Quits: 3

Format: Audio
Rating: 3/5
Genre/Topics: Middle Grade Fiction
Warnings: N/A
Why I read it: Spotted in a 6th Grade Classroom Book Club
I’d recommend this to: upper elementary kids that like a little light mystery

The year is 2040 (Too Soon!?) and Dashiel is living on the moon with his scientist parents in the first lunar colony. When a scientist dies in an accident – could it be MURDER!? The set up and suspects are pretty boring, but the twist at the end is fun. It was fine.

Format: Physical
Rating: 4.75/5
Genre/Topics: Fiction, Light Mystery
Warnings: Domestic Abuse, Language, Grief
Why I read it: Friend Recommendation
I’d recommend this to: My Moms! (The highest honor)

My favorite book of the year so far – and maybe top 10 of the last two years. High Praise! It’s easy to read and a fun adventure with an unlikely friendship, character development, and fun twists. Unreliable narrators usually drive me crazy, but the main character tells half-truths for the entire book, so it’s okay if I fell for a few misleading plot lines and got surprised. It’s clever and sweet and funny. If you liked Finlay Donovan series, you will probably enjoy this one. I love when I finish a book and want to hug it.

Format: Physical/Audio
Rating: 3.75/5
Genre/Topics: Children’s Fiction
Warnings: Domestic Violence, Drugs, Poverty, Guns
Why I read it: Ben’s book club was reading it!
I’d recommend this to: Anyone needing a quick book to switch up genres

This was an intense story about a boy that finds belonging in a track team. It’s a story with a strong voice about friendship and empathy, giving second chances and looking beyond someone’s circumstances. It has my favorite quality in a book: someone to root for.

Format: Physical & Audio
Rating: 5/5
Genre/Topics: Fairy Tale, Magic, Childhood
Warnings: N/A
Why I read it: Friend Recommendation
I’d recommend this to: Anyone wanting to remember what it’s like to be a kid

A girl helps an imaginary creature find its home. This is the perfect example of a book needing to hit in the exact right mood. I actually DNF’d this book last year because I tried reading it out loud to the boys – and they weren’t that into it. But I picked it up again this year and thought it was the sweetest little book and cried at the end. So…..five stars.

Format: Audio/Physical
Rating: 3/5
Genre/Topics: Childrens
Warnings: N/A
Why I read it: A dose of cuteness in a classic
I’d recommend this to: Anyone needing short stories and a chuckle

I did not grow up with this story and actually saw the movie first. It’s a lovely little tale of a talking bear joining a family in England. The series of short stories are sweet but very random. Should we explain the whole talking bear thing? Nah, just roll with it.

Format: Physical
Rating: 3/5
Genre/Topics: YA Romance/Adventure
Warnings: Teen angst
Why I read it: Friend Recommendation
I’d recommend this to: teens and romcom fans

This was a hard one to rate. It started as the most adorable little five-star adventure (and that’s even when YA romance makes me throw up a little in my mouth), but slowly turned into an “ope, that’s weird” and finished up as a “I didn’t hate it”! An uptight American teen meets a depressed runaway Prince of Wales and they end up traveling Europe while a doomsday meteor heads to destroy Earth. Honestly, it’s pretty cute and charming – but the end is rushed and super weird. I was so confused, until I found out the sequel will arrive this summer. That fact definitely explains the seemingly unnecessary cliffhanger.

Format: Physical/Audio
Rating: 3.75/5
Genre/Topics: Sci-fi
Warnings: Language
Why I read it: Husband Recommendation
I’d recommend this to: someone that wants to dabble in Sci-fi but not too much

This was an interesting example of how I had to switch from an audio book to the physical book to enjoy the story. I knew I would like the plot, but the narrator was a little more snarky than how I would interpret it. It’s amazing what a difference it makes! It strays a bit from the sci-fi to give a little commentary on the impact of fame and social media. It came off a bit preachy at times, but it was an interesting (and fast-paced) read with a bit of a riddle thrown in. For better or worse, it comes with a pretty significant cliffhanger with an intimidatingly larger sequel. I’m interested in it – but it needs to wait in the queue!

Format: Audio
Rating: 3/5
Genre/Topics: Upper Elementary Fiction
Warnings: Financial Hardships, Family Conflict
Why I read it: It had a giant fluffy cat on the cover.
I’d recommend this to: parents wanting to talk about hardships with upper elementary kids

Look at that cover – gorgeous! And a giant imaginary cat!? Sweet! I wanted to preview this one to see if it would interest my fifth grader. However, it turned out to be much heavier than I expected. Yes, there’s a sweet giant imaginary friend story – but I found this part of the book to be greatly underutilized. That cat is barely in the book – which revolves around a family’s struggle to stay in their home and make ends meet. It’s a great (and sad) book about growing up – but do not expect much on the comedic giant cat front.

Format: Audio
Rating: 3.25/5
Genre/Topics: Adult Fiction, Light Mystery
Warnings: N/A
Why I read it: Fan of the other books in the series
I’d recommend this to: fans of the first three books

This was an easy and short read that is technically a prequel to the series. It gives more background into the Vero (sidekick) character. While it’s a cute mystery, this adventure is not nearly as exciting or funny as the full books. In fact, not too much actually happens. However, it got me excited about reading #4 very soon (I’m #1 in the library wait list!).

Format: Audio
Rating: 4.25/5
Genre/Topics: Children’s/YA Fantasy
Warnings: Peril
Why I read it: It was about time!
I’d recommend this to: Harry Potter fans, gateway to fantasy genre

I must have been at the exact age where I was too busy to start another fantasy series that was geared toward kids. It started in 2005, so that tracks. However, I’m glad that (19 years later), I finally got around to reading this one. It definitely echoes Harry Potter (hello, boy that finds out he has super abilities that goes to a special place where other kids like him have to go on adventures – and a boy/boy/girl trio are apparently the only ones that can take things on even though it seems like a grown up should somehow handle these things??). Anyway, it is a super fun adventure that woke up all that mythology knowledge that was shoved in my brain sometime in an elementary language arts class. I hope to continue the adventure soon!

Format: Physical
Rating: 2.75/5
Genre/Topics: Fantasy, Romance, Adventure
Warnings: Explicit doin’ it, language, violence
Why I read it: Sometimes you have to check out books that make you snort-laugh from reading the back cover
I’d recommend this to: No one. I just can’t. It’s too much. I’m embarrassed.

Ummmmm. So you know that old story about how a witch steals from her vampire ex and falls through a portal and gets picked up by a hot magical pirate and they get super lusty while also starting a revolution within pirate politics and then they eventually have to team up with the vampire ex to all survive? I hate that I didn’t hate this book and will probably read the sequel. BUT YOU DIDN’T HEAR ABOUT IT FROM ME.

Format: Audio
Rating: 2.25/5
Genre/Topics: Thriller, Fiction, Country Music
Warnings: Domestic violence
Why I read it: James Patterson is on my library challenge.
I’d recommend this to: someone who needs a nap

The audio book for this was very well done – Dolly Parton, Kelsea Ballerini, and a full cast – but wow, was it a snooze fest. There was no thrill in this thriller. I can’t roll my eyes hard enough when I can finish the sentences in audiobooks because they are so cliche. A girl with a mysterious past meets a boy with a mysterious past and helps her get in with a country superstar with a mysterious past. Nothing was surprising about any of the reveals and it was incredibly predictable.

Format: Audio
Rating: 5/5
Genre/Topics: Memoir, Motherhood, Pets
Warnings: Miscarriage, Grief, Pet loss, Pandemic, Childbirth
Why I read it: She’s one of the only social media influencers that seems relatable
I’d recommend this to: Millennial women, all moms and pet lovers that need to cry

I did not see this book coming. I’ve followed the author on Instagram for a few years and love her comedy. So, when she promoted that she wrote a book, I put it on the Libby waitlist. Months later, it popped up and I tried it out. Within two days, the book is finished and I’m crying. WHOOPSIE DOOPSIE. Just like her Instagram posts, she has the perfect balance of “I love motherhood, but I don’t love everything about it all the time”. It’s honest and funny and beautiful. I hate books that make me cry, but if they can trick me into it – automatic five stars.

Format: Audio/Physical Tag Team
Rating: 3/5
Genre/Topics: LEGO Nonfiction
Warnings: N/A
Why I read it: A lot of my life revolves around LEGO and I needed to cleanse my brain (see: pirate lust from above) with some nonfiction
I’d recommend this to: LEGO lovers wanting a deep dive into the founding family

Even though I have strong Danish roots, I was very thankful for the audiobook assistance to walk me through the dozens and dozens of names in this very dense book. I hopped back and forth between the pictures in the book and the auditory narrator, and that worked really well to get me through this giant tale of the Kristiansen family. I was actually drawn to this because Ben and I watched half of a documentary when we were resting at LEGOland, and I found it all fascinating. The story of the LEGO family and business itself is a full five stars, but this book was oddly paced. It went into lengthy descriptions of some topics (patent law and family politics/management) and glazed over some things that I would have found much more interesting (development of products and more on LEGO culture).

Format: Physical
Rating: 4.25/5
Genre/Topics: Fiction, Light Thriller, Comedy
Warnings: Dead bodies
Why I read it: I loved the rest of the series
I’d recommend this to: readers in search of a lighthearted mystery

I have to admit that I was a little annoyed at the end of the third book that this series was going to keep going – she just kept opening more cans of worms and the light fun of the first book was getting too complicated. That said, I’m so glad the Finlay Donovan books kept going, because this one (while still ridiculously over-the-top) wrapped up a lot of those plot lines from the first three books – while allowing room for a continuation/reboot in the future. I would love to see what is next for the entire cast of characters – this series is just fun and reliable.

No a bad month, eh? I had a lot of fun with this batch of books, but let’s go ahead and wrap up this post with: March’s Quit List – DNF With No Regrets

This was in my “If You Liked…..” recommendation list, so I tried it out. If you were already a fan of Maria Bamford, maybe this would be great. However, I knew very little about her and the audio book was pretty obnoxious and overstimulating. I just didn’t quite get it, and that’s okay! DNF @ 9% (audio).

The premise was adorable – match up the basics of the Wizard of Oz to a modern story. I was charmed by the concept but was then thwarted by my most hated character: Insecure Female Lead. Oh, it was painful. Imagine if Dorothy spent the entire plot of Oz hung up on the trauma from the tornado. Would it be justified? Absolutely. Would it be fun? No. I made it 38% before I was about to throw my book across the room if I heard one more mention of the following: her ex, the book her ex wrote, trying to interpret a text from her ex, missing her sister, her insecurities about her writing skills, her concerns about the future, wondering if she’s good enough, shocked she found a new friend in a new city. Okay, you get it. She was miserable, and I have liberated myself from her pouting.

I mean….look at that cover! So PRETTY!! Portals to other worlds!? So intriguing!! This is for the fans of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue – it was not meant for me. And that’s okay. I made it a whopping 138 physical pages before I could no longer go on. This book was such a tease – every time it flirted with being almost interesting, it would suddenly switch points of view and bore me to Boredomtown, USA. It would lose all momentum. I know it’s supposed to be amazing, but I just couldn’t put any more effort into it. When a book feels like a chore, NEXT!

That’s it for now. I’m starting April with a book from Ben’s book club, a sci-fi thriller, and a sci-fi comedy. Here’s hoping – and Happy Reading, Friends!

The Good News: my reading habits from 2023 have continued, and I was able to devour 5 physical books, 8 audio books, and 1 audio/physical tag team. And I only quit three! The momentum continues!

The Hilarious News: I am still a super big MOOD reader and my ratings don’t necessarily follow the trend of my own demographic. So feel free to say “She hated that? Ooh! That probably means I’ll like it!”

The Bad News: February didn’t give me any “OMG YOU HAVE TO READ THIS” books (unless you like spy cats and cursing dolphins – see below). My selection felt a lot like the month we are in: stay the course, try your best, and look forward to better things coming in summer.

Let’s begin the recap!

Format: Physical Book
Rating: 3.25/5
Genre/Topics: Memoir/Advice, SNL, Parenting, Race, Friendships, Acting/Comedy
Warnings: None, other than finding out that Kenan likes the club scene, haha.
Why I read it: Hollywood memoir, Kenan!

I still watch SNL and remembered Kenan Thompson since his days on All That. This was an entertaining memoir, but I wish I would have gone with the audio book – I’m sure his delivery would have made all of the stories so much better. The written version is super unorganized and sometimes repetitive. It reads like a diary or transcripts of random thoughts. So, I’m still a fan and enjoyed his point of view, but the book was super choppy and fell flat.

Format: Physical Book
Rating: 3.75/5
Genre/Topics: Middle Grade Fiction, Friendship, Survival/Reality TV, Everglades, Adventure, Family Relationships
Warnings: Child/Domestic Abuse, Guns
Why I read it: My kid was reading it for a book club.

This is the second Carl Hiaasen book they’ve read this year, and Chomp is far superior to Hoot. While it does delve into issues of parental alcoholism/drugs/abuse, the setting is entertaining (the Everglades as the background for a survival show) and the characters have depth and humor.

Format: Audio
Rating: 3.5/5
Genre/Topics: Middle Grade Fiction, Fairy Tale/Adventure, Friendship, Magic
Warnings: Parent/Grandparent Death, Fairies are annoying
Why I read it: It was an available audio book. One time I checked it out and never read it.

I’m a sucker for any kind of “fractured fairy tale”, and this one was adorable. It’s not a must read and some of the magical plot is clunky, but there are fun twists and entertaining characters. It’s a solid adventure to explain Rumpelstiltskin’s point of view. If you want your middle grade student to eventually binge Once Upon a Time, this would be a good gateway book.

Format: Audio
Rating: 4.25/5
Genre/Topics: Little/No-Spice Romance, Strangers to Lovers, Oops – One Bed!, Fake Dating
Warnings: Grief, Cancer, Guns, Hostage/Suicide Talk, Drowning, Alcohol Abuse, Domestic Violene (I swear this is actually a lighter and funny romance!)
Why I read it: Goodreads “You Might Also Like….”

I don’t like many spoilers, so the biggest gamble when it comes to picking books in the romance genre is wondering what is going to happen behind the cute, animated cover. Last month’s gamble led me to a very explicit scene where I can’t unknow what I know about a character’s penis. This time, there was barely any description of body parts – but don’t worry, she is still regular size and he is SO TALL. (Please text me immediately if you have read a good romance book with a short male character. I need to know it exists.) But this was just a cute, lovely, easy romance. She’s hired to protect him – and is hilariously bad at it – and he is a celebrity with a cute family on a ranch.

Format: Audio
Rating: 2/5
Genre/Topics: YA Fiction, Dystopian Fractured Fairy Tale, Space Politics
Warnings: Global Pandemic, Space Politics
Why I read it: This was one of those books that had been on my teaching shelves for years, and I had never read it.

The concept – cyborg Cinderella – was super appealing. A book from 2012 with the setting of a plague in China was a super bummer. I wanted to like this book so much, but it was extremely bogged down and slow. The last 10% ramps up for a cliffhanger – so you find out that this entire book was just a launch to set up the series. But just like Shadow & Bone, the slow burn of setting things up in book one did not spark my interest to continue the series.

Format: Audio
Rating: 1.75/5
Genre/Topics: Dramatic Fiction, Making Deals with the Devil, Romance – kind of?
Warnings: Sexual assault, Mildly graphic sex, Curses, Unending talk of trees and stars, Suicidal talk/depression
Why I read it: The synopsis hooked me

She sold her soul for an eternity of being forgotten – but she can still influence history? Intriguing! But instead of hearing about being a spy in WWII, we get to hear about how she spends 300+ years hung up on the guy that cursed her? Blargh. I will completely admit that this was a compatibility issue between myself and Addie LaRue. I know that I’m supposed to love the poetic repetition and lengthy descriptions of every single thing, but it was not my jam. It could have used half of the words and been the same story. By the time I dragged myself to the end of the book, I honestly didn’t care if she broke her curse or not. I was exhausted.

Format: Physical
Rating: 4.75/5
Genre/Topics: Underdog Story, Humor
Warnings: Mild Violence, Language
Why I read it: Husband’s recommendation – Huzzah!

This book was just FUN. I totally rate my books on my overall emotions and reading experience. This was just the right book at the right time. I mean, the main character is a substitute teacher just trying to get by. Ha! When his estranged uncle dies, he gets swept up in the world of super villains. Any book that can be totally normal and then easily transition to a world where dolphins hilariously spout profanity for three pages gets an immediate five stars. Oh yeah, and typing spy cats. Winning.

Format: Audio
Rating: 2.75/5
Genre/Topics: Coming of Age story, Mob Mentality, Friendship, Outcasts, Artists
Warnings: Extreme Teen Angst, Mental Health, Attempted Sexual Assault
Why I read it: I really liked Nothing to See Here.

Kevin Wilson has a great way of making unlikable characters likable. I enjoy his writing style, but this book was a tough read. It oozes teen angst and obsession. So if you want a super creepy book with 90’s teens and cult like behavior, this might be for you!

Format: Audio/Physical Tag Team
Rating: 1.25/5
Genre/Topics: Fiction, Riddles
Warnings: Foster Care, Miscarriage, Child Abuse
Why I read it: The synopsis sounded up my alley.

Willy Wonka – but with books? Sounds good, right? This book had so much potential with that premise, but it was so uncomfortable. It could have been FUN!!! But instead, it swapped out Charlie Bucket with an insecure 26 year old named Lucy. The riddles were simple and the book was slow. It was a game of how many awkward and creepy relationships could fit in one book: Lucy promises a kid with lots of trauma that she’ll be his mom, Lucy and the illustrator have a super awkward romance, Lucy has daddy issues with the author, Lucy and her estranged sister, Lucy and the abusive ex, the author and the other contestants that are just kind of hanging around with their own trauma. I could go on. No fun at all for a book that has WISHING and GAME in the title.

Format: Audio
Rating: 4.25/5
Genre/Topics: Rivals to Lovers, Writers, Second Chance Romance
Warnings: Adultry, Grief, Mild/Medium Spiciness (they do it, you guys)
Why I read it: It was a grumpy/sunshine sure thing.

I read this last year as my gateway to romance and Emily Henry books, so I went back for the audiobook. I flew through the reread/listen and really enjoyed revisiting this story. The tension! The banter! The miscommunication was more frustrating than I remember, but it’s still just a solid little romance about a couple of very stubborn writers.

Format: Physical
Rating: 3.25/5
Genre/Topics: Second Chance Romance, Friendship Reunions, Holiday Fiction
Warnings: Friend Suicide/Grief, Bullying, Adultery
Why I read it: A friend loaned it to me!

Nory owns a cute bookshop in London but needs to reunite with her snobby friend group for a wedding. The romance with the hot gardener is lovely (and fades to black when things get going), but the love story is buried underneath the drama of the annoying friends. Overall, it’s a lovely Hallmark type holiday movie, but it would also be the same exact story with 100 fewer pages and 10 fewer characters.

Format: Audio
Rating: 4.5/5
Genre/Topics: YA Fiction, Social Justice, Teen Experiences
Warnings: Racism, Language, Police Shooting, Riots, Drugs
Why I read it: It kept popping up as an available audio book, and I couldn’t believe I hadn’t read it yet.

I will totally admit that I read to feel good and escape – so I put off reading this heavy book for way too long. However, I’m glad that I finally read/listened to it, as it lived up to all the hype and chatter surrounding it. This is a textbook for empathy and seeing things from different perspectives. It’s heartbreaking and beautifully told and intense and hopeful and depressing and all other feelings in one book. The audio book was very well done.

Format: Audio
Rating: 1/5
Genre/Topics: Fake Dating Romance
Warnings: Lots of Doin’ It
Why I read it: DMPL Challenge Author

Hey. I know that you flew to see me for the weekend and you can’t keep your hands off me – but do you even like me?
I’m a confident career woman, but why won’t he text me? I feel pretty, but other girls are so much prettier. Does he even like me?
If you like those vibes, you will love this book.

Format: Physical
Rating: 4.25/5
Genre/Topics: Sci-Fi
Warnings: Language, Mild Violence, Set in 2020 Covid times
Why I read it: I loved Starter Villain.

Sometimes you just need to escape into a world where average food delivery employees get caught up in a top secret world of traveling to other dimensions and studying Godzilla-like monsters. Why not? With a great cast and fun banter, I am 2/2 on enjoying John Scalzi novels. And any author that can make a book set in 2020 lighthearted is a star in my book.

The February Quit List! Drumroll pleeeeeeeease:

She’s a big city woman. He’s a country boy. They both have secrets.
Do you remember when Whose Line is it Anyway did film noir spoofs? That is how this book is written, but I think it was trying to be serious. I seriously thought it was a parody. When I’m literally laughing out loud during a thriller, I need to embrace it or stop immediately. This one had short, choppy sentences oozing with cliches that were super cringe-tastic. Within 24 hours of meeting her, the dude was “drawn to her like a moth to the flame” and wanted to bite her plump bottom lip. Even now, if I described the plot, it might seem interesting – but it’s just so uncomfy. I quit this book rather early on but still had to hear about the woman’s “blue, blue eyes” at least three times. DNF @ 16%.

I’ve seen this author everywhere and saw positive reviews of this while looking for a thriller. Apparently, I am just not in the mood this month, hahaha. Infidelity, a shoe obsession, bullying, teacher accusations, and so much teen angst. It was better writing than the Jeneva Rose book – and I’m sure there was a cool twist coming – but it’s a pause for now. DNF @ 27%.

It’s not a bad book. In fact, it’s a promising fairy tale adventure. However, I was not in the mood and the characters just couldn’t pull me in – even when the audio book narrator had a fun accent and did voices. DNF @ 23%.

That’s the February wrap up! I’m in the middle of 3 very promising books, so stay tuned for March!

Hey! I’m still reading!! I leaned heavily on audio books this month to keep the momentum going, and I’m happy to report that my reading journey continues.

The Cat Who Saved Books
Format: Audio
Rating: 2.75/5 Stars
Themes/Issues: Grief, Friendship, High School, Books are Good
Library Challenge: Read a Book that has been Translated

In a quest to find more “cozy fantasy” reads, this book popped up and looked interesting. I want to retitle it: If Mary Poppins was a Cat. Basically, a high school boy needs comfort, a talking cat pops up and takes him on adventures, and we all feel better. It’s pretty boring and incredibly preachy about how books are the key to empathy. However, if you need a gentle and quick tale about friendship and the benefits of reading, this would do the trick.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Format: Physical Book/Play
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Themes/Issues: Middle Child Syndrome, Time Travel, Grief, Parenting/Relationships, Magic
Library Challenge: Read a book you meant to read in 2023

On one hand, this did not need to be made at all if you love Harry Potter. Seeing him as a frustrated dad is kind of a bummer. However, it would make an interesting play, and I’m really curious how they pulled it off on stage. It was fine, but – unless you love the time turner plotlines – it’s okay to skip this one.

Nothing to See Here
Format: Audio
Rating: 3.75/5
Themes/Issues: Friendship, Child Abuse, Empathy
Library Challenge: Read a book out of your comfort zone

My husband recommended this book, and it’s one of the weirdest, sweetest, and unique books I’ve read yet. A woman gets recruited to take care of an estranged friend’s step-children….who just happen to spontaneously combust from time to time. It’s funny and heartbreaking and lovely.

Raiders of the Lost Heart
Format: Physical Book
Rating: 4.25/5
Themes/Issues: Rivals to Lovers, Archeology, Ridiculous Adventure

I have to read any book that makes me snort-laugh in the middle of the library just by reading the cover. This was over-the-top and super dumb and a lot of fun. It is spicy and stupid and don’t judge me.

I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend
Format: Audio
Rating: 3.75/5
Themes/Issues: Comedy, Family, Cancer, Hollywood

The audiobook is the way to go for this one – he does alllll the voices. While he is over-the-top in the most Martin Short of ways, there is a lot of heart to this book. Between the name-dropping and crazy tales, it’s grounded in his love of family and friends. If you like Martin Short’s comedy, you will probably like him more after this book (which is not always the case in some of these memoirs…).

The Toll
Format: Physical Book
Rating: 4.25/5
Themes/Issues: Bleak Dystopian Future, Light Romance, Mystery, Cults, Ethics

The finale to the Scythe trilogy was a monster of a book. The author realized that he opened three billion cans of worms and tried valiantly to wrap them up over the course of 600 pages. It was…..a lot. But it kept me engaged and interested for those 600 pages, so that’s good enough for me to rate it pretty high. The most impressive thing in this book series is the connection that the main characters have when they are constantly separated. It wasn’t as good as the second book, but it was a satisfying end to the series.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Format: Audio
Rating:4.5/5 Stars
Themes/Issues: Quests, Friendship, Random Adventures
Library Challenge: Read a Book Written over 50 Years Ago

It’s time for another classic that I realized I never read! The shoes were silver, the wicked witch played a minor role, and it wasn’t necessarily a dream. This was a full dose of weirdness and it hit me while in the exact right mood.

Ghosted
Format: Physical Book
Rating: 1/5
Themes/Issues: Abandonment, Toxic Family, Car Accidents, Mental Health, Infertility/Pregnancy, Mystery

Once again, the beauty of varying book opinions struck again. A lovely friend loaned me this book (thanks for trying, friend!), and I had to tell her I didn’t like it. Oops! While it was an intriguing mystery (WHY WAS SHE GHOSTED!?), it also checked a hilarious amount of tropes/plotlines that I despise: time jumping, unreliable narrators, infertility/childbirth, and miscommunication. It was not my friend’s fault that it triggered me so, and I do understand why people would like it – it’s just not for me, and that’s okay!

Gleanings
Format: Audio
Rating: 3/5
Themes/Issues: Bleak Dystopian Future, Ethics, A Sentient Dog?
Library Challenge: Read a Collection of Short Stories

But, wait! There’s more of the Scythe universe?!? This collection of short stories was based off of the characters and plots of the original trilogy, but it only skirts the edges of the main characters and stories. It was an interesting concept with a variety of authors and narrators, but it was rather unnecessary and short story collections are really my jam.

The Wild Robot Protects
Format: Audio Book
Rating: 3/5
Themes/Issues: Environmentalism, Courage, Futuristic Adventures

The amazing robot, Roz, is back for her third book. It is much more heavy handed in its lessons (pollution is bad, y’all) and a little less charming than the first two books, but it would still be a fun read for any kid (or adult) that likes lovely illustrations, daring quests, and saving the planet.

Format: Audio
Rating: 1.5/5
Themes/Issues: Fake Dating, Enemies to Lovers, Family Relationships

Beware the cute animated covers! This book was super raunchy and borderline crude. I don’t mind that occasionally, but I at least want to be rooting for the couple at the time. The only thing more colorful than the language used in the book is the amount of red flags in the relationship. They are doomed. (Trombone slide sound effect)

Format: Physical Book
Rating: 4.75/5
Themes/Issues: Acceptance, Empathy, Child Abuse, Found Family
Library Challenge: Reread a Book that You Love

Is this book perfect? No. A bit preachy and not-so-subtle? Sure. But if you have an open mind and a weird sense of humor, this book is just lovely. It houses one of my favorite book characters of all time (A kid blob monster that just wants to be a bellhop? Yes, please.) TJ Klune has written one of my favorite books and one of my least favorite and one in the middle – ha! – but his writing makes me want to write, which is pretty cool.

Even though the greatest key to my reading success last year was being able to *quit* books, I really wanted to try to stop adding to the DNF (did not finish) list. However, sometimes books aren’t compatible with your brain or season of life. These books got the honor of being my first quits of the new year:

I might come back for this one later, but reading about mom cliques did not mesh with my mood.

Huge bursts of potential fun and adventure – but I was just so bored in between those bursts. Quit @ 33%.

I realized this is the second time I’ve quit this book – Oops! It starts out so funny – and I love a good Hollywood memoir – but this one just lost me in the super-casual style and obsession with designer handbags. DNF @ 33%.

A dystopian tale set in the year 2049?! TOO SOON. The “Read with Jenna” book club had gone 2/2 in winners, but this one did not do it for me. 3 POVs and I didn’t really care about any of them. OOPS. Quit @ 23%.

Let’s see what February will bring. Thanks for following along!

I never understood people who said they liked to read books for fun, so I set a goal of 23 books in 2023. And I……got a little carried away. I wound up with 130 books under my belt and found joy in the hobby. I’m going to give my highlights and book awards below, but feel free to find me on Goodreads and check out all the titles from this year.

A Quick Disclaimer
I had the most fun discovering how wide the range of opinions can be about the same exact book. It’s a beautiful thing. I really tried to push my boundaries and try new things this year. That said, I will try my best to add a symbol for some basic trigger warnings for books that had significant events in the following areas:

* Graphic/Explicit/Raunchy. (See #8 above) These books still made the list, but I won’t be reading them in front of my mother anytime soon.
^ Violence or Gore. I am not a fan of blood or torture, but it’s going to sneak into plots I liked – especially fantasy and thrillers.
% Other: Abuse, addiction, death, or other trauma

Books that Made Me Fall in Love with Reading Again:

Favorite Series:

Best Fantasy/Science Fiction:

Best Romance:

Best Thrillers/Mysteries:

Best Nonfiction/Memoir:

Popular or Recommended Books that I Didn’t Like at All:

Crazy Endings or Intense Cliffhangers (No Spoilers!):

Woah. That was Weird:

Honorable Mention for Books/Authors that Helped Me Read this Year:

Thanks for coming along on this ride of 2023 with me! I’m excited to continue this hobby in the new year. Let me know if you have any recommendations – but remember #2 from above. My opinions are many and vary wildly. Ha! Happy Reading in 2024!

Our Ben and milestones: from getting teeth to losing teeth, from speaking to potty training to learning how to read – he waits until I am sure it will *never* happen. Then, in one day, he decides to be an expert and never looks back. It’s the same pattern every single time. And yet, I’m surprised every. single. time.

So it is no surprise that, as of last Thursday, I was sure he was never going to ride a bike. He didn’t have interest. He wasn’t brave enough to try. He’s not the most coordinated buddy on the average day. He was in love with his scooter and had no need to ride. We had been encouraging him and trying to get him on a bike for two years. It just wasn’t going to happen.

And then Friday came. All of the sudden, he could ride on his own with a single push.

And then Saturday came. And he was able to get on and start pedaling on his own. So we decided to go on a family ride around the block – which turned into a ride to the nearest middle school – which turned into a FIVE MILE RIDE LED BY BEN DOWN A CURVY BIKE TRAIL.

This kid, you guys. Just give him some time and he’ll be just fine….

Once upon a time, I kept a monthly blog for six years. Then we moved…and the baby days faded…and the blog fell to the wayside. What can I say? Life got in the way. No regrets.

But then you know what got in the way of life? A GLOBAL PANDEMIC.

Yep, hello 2020. You are a strange little year, aren’t you? Here you go, taking all the toilet paper and canceling school. What a jerkface year you have been. Yet, our family is incredibly fortunate – as our jobs can be done from home and our kids are “easy” – but it’s still hard. I can be thankful and sad at the same time. It’s a roller coaster.

Part of MY therapy has been getting a new cat (more later) and sorting through the overwhelming amount of new – or newly found – resources on the internet. I thought it would also be good therapy to start writing again. I plan on jotting down some of our activities during this strange time – and giving my reviews of some of those overwhelming online resources. I’ll give links to the ones that worked, and I’ll give links to the ones that crashed and burned. I’ll also provide a handy scale:

SCORES TO UNDERSTAND PANDEMIC IDEAS DURING THIS INCREDIBLY MINDBLOWING EVENT (the S.T.U.P.I.D.T.I.M.E rating scale)

1: Don’t even click on the link. It will sound good, but just don’t.
2: It was okay. If you need to kill some time during a global crisis, do it.
3: The kids enjoyed it, but it was a pain in the…
4: The kids enjoyed it and Mom enjoyed it.
5: Totally click. This might have just saved my sanity.

The 2020 Covid 19 Time Capsule: Writing Activity
the S.T.U.P.I.D.T.I.M.E rating scale – 2
If I had fifth graders, this would have gotten a much higher score. But my sweet 4 & 7 year old boys did not have the enthusiasm for documenting this time in their lives. I might make it mandatory later, but it just seemed like forcing something that no one was in the mood for. I also took off the cover, as it was just too cute. I imagined finding a colored journal called “My Polio Diary” or “My Adventures through Smallpox” and it just made me feel weird. Here are some highlights from my boys’ reflections:

Rapping Fox in Socks
the S.T.U.P.I.D.T.I.M.E rating scale – 5
If you have ever fought your way through this book, please enjoy. Seriously. Stop what you’re doing. Rap to Dr. Seuss books with Dr. Dre instrumentals. Why haven’t you clicked on this link yet?!

Melting Crayons into Crayon Pucks
the S.T.U.P.I.D.T.I.M.E rating scale – 4
Do you know what’s more fun than crayons? Melting crayons into giant chunks of crayons! The hardest part was actually taking off the crayon wrappers. TIP: let them soak in water before peeling. Ben got into this much more than Freddy, and I was shocked at how long he engaged in tearing paper off of crayons. I liked the final product more than the kids – but really, they aren’t big into coloring anyway. I might do this again without them.

Sending Hugs in the Mail (No link, but a billion similar things on the internet)
the S.T.U.P.I.D.T.I.M.E rating scale – 1
I thought this was a really nice idea until we made them. It was fun to do, but wow – that’s some depressing crap right there. For Valentine’s Day – cute. For a pandemic when we don’t know when we will see grandparents again – hold my glue stick while I weep. Or, as my husband responded in text: “Dang. This is sweet and some dystopian future YA novel crafting here”. So we sent painted cards instead.

Our school district has been doing a great job of providing links and resources during this crazy distance learning experiment, but I’m extremely thankful that the lessons are “voluntary”. I am able to pick and choose and modify to my heart’s content. This option also lets me trick my son into learning….like how his writing assignment today changed from “Write about people in your community” to “Nintendo desperately needs to you design a new Mario power-up”. Speaking of, Mario has become my co-teacher in other ways….

Scrabble Math
the S.T.U.P.I.D.T.I.M.E rating scale – 5
Back when I taught fifth grade, I would throw this in as a random activity – it’s super easy to change the difficulty. However, I had totally forgot about the awesomeness of adding up the letters of words. Ha! Fred had a blast finding the letters, and Ben loved figure out which name would score the most points. A++, will do again.

Coloring Squared
the S.T.U.P.I.D.T.I.M.E rating scale – 5
I LOVE this way to combine art and math. It has different levels, so Freddy just had to identify numbers and Benny was able to practice subtraction facts. To be a mean mother, I cut off the title of the picture, so they didn’t know what they were creating. Freddy got bored fast, and I gave him a free pass to LEGO. Ben was curious, then annoyed, then determined. We took a lunch break and then I started working on my sweet, sweet Princess Peach design. Ben announced, “Why are you making us do this pixel art!???” And I was like, “Dude. I just wanted to finish mine. You don’t *have* to do anything……” Then he kept going and uncovered his Super Mario design over the next 30 minutes. Hahahahaha. FOOLED YOU, SON!

So that’s just a glimpse into some of the things we’ve been up to, and I hope to get this blog going again. WordPress has made some significant improvements over the last couple of years, so it was much easier to whip this up. Much love to you all. Now go wash your hands.