tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17378123580450110202024-03-18T21:00:31.753-07:00A Cocoon of BooksBecause sometimes you just want to be surrounded by books.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.comBlogger569125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737812358045011020.post-52195707167777905682024-03-18T21:00:00.000-07:002024-03-18T21:00:00.146-07:00Top Ten Books on My Spring TBR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="500" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmH1WDT006erGZeR6D2d3B0RmVrP2NvXQl9DIgZGoRhkeiOfDdLvIZBC0mV_so-m3W4MXI6jxdX-hd0jeC8yWl1Hrv0zr5R3taf4XAsVyNmBkrJTWi8hs2UD-YYxukNWyhsF-qrrT12a6U/s400/TTT-Big2.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" target="_blank">That Artsy Reader Girl</a> for another Top Ten Tuesday.<br />
<br />
It's time for a quarterly reading check-in! I read all the books on my <a href="https://cocoonofbooks.blogspot.com/2023/12/top-ten-books-on-my-winter-tbr.html">Winter TBR</a> except <a href="https://cocoonofbooks.blogspot.com/2023/12/top-ten-books-on-my-winter-tbr.html" target="_blank"><i>Elatsoe</i></a>, which I'm now reading. Here's what I plan to read this spring!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34840092-bingo-love" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="639" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYysO4bMHUFUffC54GLKHFA_l38KZs4MQU0Y8lOhFhtXark7UcCdMcwGF-3mse2uVVisRI8a0PaLKg6uUpngqt1PgiqHvS6-MoZOQwCJ1lJXb2fpLRd-VRTsk2DWYjo6pkf5dCNLxaO6Gr8w1-000jXG9n9OJRHLGven7fDMkZO0rYXGSGoYYd034m_W3/s200/Bingo%20Love.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>1. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34840092-bingo-love" target="_blank">Bingo Love</a></i> by Tee Franklin, Jenn St-Onge, and Joy San</b><br />
After reading <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50643249-snapdragon" target="_blank"><i>Snapdragon</i></a>, my partner reminded me about this graphic novel with a similar love story that they'd recommended to me previously.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/182484305-the-breakup-lists" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="4950" data-original-width="3300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jXbHb1I79wPVyetcVqLQ8KoNsbadbdoBaSDZwOcujp8RHuaUJFcOAIUDxLS8TWFX8UD5qBesDiLqQyuCVD6aQ8wfQBxelpfbiS2IePC2lqGtmybsmPSiyK7ptnhtybhXle47CKFOLXDPlEThTdft6muLrG4Kvj9urRXJdg665rotJL9E73Yfd8iymLzK/s200/Breakup%20Lists.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>2. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/182484305-the-breakup-lists" target="_blank"><i>The Breakup Lists</i></a> by Adib Khorram</b><br />
I love everything Khorram writes, so I'm excited he has a new one coming out at the beginning of April!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52339313-cemetery-boys" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTS_1fAPUl5ZRfuWPahcucWH4iwFuOxK8_Cg4lWxcUK0UHzOVlM7VEejq3RIKRrU2o5X8I0yhLLbq-O3fsAPC6kIX0aTUmK9zYWQowI3CkIjej60Z1r-JGOamir5anJjbyEuA4L9DUkO0Gtpy0OJxj_B6FcOWbTG7g1T6hZKh6ig-5S1ABrlQinrSEU2-M/s200/Cemetery%20Boys.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>3. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52339313-cemetery-boys" target="_blank">Cemetery Boys</a></i> by Aiden Thomas</b><br />
This has been on my TBR list forever, and I recently heard it recommended again, so I'm going to make it a priority to read it this spring.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41020850" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYgT9ruPLqP44DYjILWF8pKIprjuHo3MBUYTVqLiVdrC08p3A0OLeDBC3kZmJPy12ZCYFVSYGl6V6a8xK4rSmXXlg_WNUs7CEBKzdTMGTbeGFCSAyhYpEykJg2fdgai0WbJYeGTteyTBmzOwVLdI2Xw2zjvDfGViFpXHm2PVLvaVgemK7ALwblj7edhqT/s200/Dead%20in%20the%20Garden.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>4. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41020850" target="_blank">Dead in the Garden</a></i> by Dahlia Donovan</b><br />
I've wanted to read this cozy mystery for ages but it wasn't at the library; I finally realized I'd saved up enough Amazon digital credits to get the Kindle version for free. Done!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/121645" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="664" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1JrSs370r0W8aD-BzrT7dilHxR9wutDwGjBeA12EefZ8oc6cadRW8t5_KDs4MUvY0-JFdBbm81l1QMKwKvQSvuK5JpZgB7M6ltlAZD_pRe9sbVa8xIw_RDFpTm09ZisvyMtvJehSNCCDkNAxej5lu49zha4QUgP576DVay0v-uJaYFRzYz6TidJkkmbV/s200/Death%20Comes%20as%20the%20End.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>5. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/121645" target="_blank">Death Comes as the End</a></i> by Agatha Christie</b><br />
This is next in my quest to read Christie's complete works!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61365161" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="415" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOetx2B5txnriMAit2wm5AbqTn-Im2mNEo0zkcCckiVQNvdkpsCJ2U_D9B2HaHETtSITzmYzEnvcWPC7Z_8xo0nPSgFL2nQbEyDuYItsfKrTkU4PV6bCPAjcDhZCOeWPWG3mtpGsfxmTlzzEWSIV7AhdBJwphwDa_G7kqantQ6Tbi9dFJP7pkAJ4nPTi8/s200/I%20Am%20Ace.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>6. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61365161" target="_blank">I Am Ace</a></i> by Cody Daigle-Orians</b><br />
I was a fan of Daigle-Orians' channel in the time that I was on TikTok, and I'm excited to read his book.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63115485" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisUFjWEe9NWXmWwe5vcEgLx-h4xsAVHq0rWIyV1lE4lBf1vw857ocupr_iyXgElniy1FRyj5lVmvjnKhuCSKhYok2qcpSe7L7WJVoXisIenZMKjUlEHPjM1fzRAxOkdIJW0dmxFSxYpHaSrMH0swj-ggWf7n2cwhmL-AHTBMZeNF9_w2ZxCJEt7NZWeBq/s200/Polyamory%20Paradox.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>7. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63115485" target="_blank">The Polyamory Paradox</a></i> by Irene Morning</b><br />
I wanted to read this one after hearing the author on the Multiamory podcast, but like <i>Dead in the Garden</i> it wasn't at the library, and I've now used my digital credits to get the Kindle version.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75633428" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrphZbBYK0y2P8nJCB9P4TB6Uwh62l3wUs3HweWh2G4e_yMtM7y0i8eOgfx_Y4_1jQOpeViwLJ2aPIabzgaFnsvoOpMVyE21ae66ddM8boS8x8exiMg5KiepKaYyHEwTRilIuYsIiYLW15N3XeioY-NbA5sWEIeKZNehHbxnKcqU4jcSx5wagL9BD9DSX/s200/Setting%20Boundaries%20That%20Stick.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>8. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75633428" target="_blank">Setting Boundaries That Stick</a></i> by Juliane Taylor Shore</b><br />
I put this on my TBR list after hearing the author talk on several podcasts, and now my partner is reading it and encouraged me to actually put a library hold on it.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63193458" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="649" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCMy7jSuYd-uO87iF2IXK46GQW-dWN2Q1ZPQ58TN3L6yLnuCRNkHljOZeXEfaug8vpOBl9Hy7ioHXSgxhjBrGFCOTXU1cKjSEpKwjWFsMRBhZNaZ-Iq4wuzek-IvkNDajWL94w1Qth9A393mZuEWC0f3htguXf6B-3fE4TjGltv6z9Qs9V11oZPgNuSoC/s200/Tiny%20Beautiful%20Things.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>9. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63193458" target="_blank">Tiny Beautiful Things</a></i> by Cheryl Strayed</b><br />
This advice book has been on my TBR list forever, and I'm looking forward to finally getting to it.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/687278" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-DwZfBjVqQMnnYoykBaMaiPggbvW9wybrojMCJ7dAVhK65m5kL7WgYXGQ-CKSEqRLDQfRUMqzOvn8uN24PnqyyCQNEaDfPvPZM9tMdf0ecqFuaHWWgIYQjVPTi_o1mic9EKKSK6PHE_z4gzc53AeknWcaZcokedKC_Vw9NDf2n9n4rYrpv2ok9dfa3Lx/s200/When%20Things%20Fall%20Apart.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>10. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/687278" target="_blank"><i>When Things Fall Apart</i></a> by Pema Chödrön</b><br />
As I'm anticipating some possible big changes in my life soon, it seems like a good time to read this book about making it through challenging times of life.<br />
<br />
<i><b>What do you plan to read this spring?</b></i><br />
<br />
<b>Looking back:</b><br />
One year ago I was reading: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16068905-fangirl" target="_blank"><i>Fangirl</i></a>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41965392-when-pigmen-fly" target="_blank">When Pigmen Fly</a></i>, and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/341643.McDonald_s" target="_blank"><i>McDonald's</i></a><br />
Five years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40910991-becoming" target="_blank">Becoming</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35535003-redwall" target="_blank">Redwall</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/430569.Harry_Potter_l_cole_des_sorciers" target="_blank">Harry Potter à l'école des sorciers</a></i> and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/421285.Mankiller" target="_blank"><i>Mankiller</i></a><br />
Ten years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3189693-the-body-society" target="_blank">The Body & Society</a></i>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8171921-wolf-hall" target="_blank"><i>Wolf Hall</i></a>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3094222-war-and-peace" target="_blank">War and Peace</a></i><br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737812358045011020.post-35749498006422363032024-03-14T06:00:00.000-07:002024-03-14T06:00:00.338-07:00What I've Been Reading Lately (Quick Lit)<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHa8ulaGNfXSBHISLmqF-VOs7AQijFclVZbsWLGmFU28Hosb-i_9Wnwaawvo3YZbk-BvVd0f9qD6M2eDF4FbkiacfFxaSpin6pgpY7VVKvcpNDOAsskjk4udn7kiV7C8qtYogltVxnqi6qvxyEHxZV_2YpMfpjy3tcSZ2Zx9-r902f5rcljMICcXyBj82/s400/Quick%20Lit%20March%202024%20post.jpg"/></a></div>Today I'm linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy's <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/category/books-reading/quicklit/" target="_blank">Quick Lit</a> to bring you some short and sweet reviews of what I've read in the past month. For longer reviews, you can always <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/17561595-jessica" target="_blank">find me on Goodreads</a>.<br />
<br />
Not a lot of reading happened this month! Most of my reading time was listening to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28451695-the-secret-keepers" target="_blank"><i>The Secret Keepers</i></a> audiobook and then reading with my older kid in the evenings. Still happy with what I did read!<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59966628-the-bad-guys-in-the-others" target="_blank"><i>The Bad Guys in the Others?!</i></a> by Aaron Blabey: My 9-year-old finally called it quits on the series after this 16th book. It had some funnier bits than some of the previous books, but the series had just gotten too repetitive at this point.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28451695-the-secret-keepers" target="_blank"><i>The Secret Keepers</i></a> by Trenton Lee Stewart: This was my <a href="https://cocoonofbooks.blogspot.com/2024/02/best-of-bunch-february-2024.html" target="_blank">Best of the Bunch for February</a>. It was an engaging middle grade read about a boy who discovers a magical object and suddenly finds himself embroiled in the most recent chapter of a generations-long battle for power. It was a little on the long side and the characters a bit too impossibly clever at times, but it was an enjoyable story to get lost in.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209280602-polywise" target="_blank"><i>Polywise: A Deeper Dive Into Navigating Open Relationships</i></a> by Jessica Fern with David Cooley: This was an excellent follow-up to <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/52569124.Polysecure_Attachment__Trauma_and_Consensual_Nonmonogamy" target="_blank"><i>Polysecure</i></a>, and I encourage anyone who's thinking of opening up a previously monogamous relationship to read this first and complete the exercises.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28939261-dog-man" target="_blank"><i>Dog Man</i></a> by Dav Pilkey: This book is pretty ridiculous (like, the conceit is that it's written by two 1st graders, and it really feels like that), but my 3rd grader actually requested to get this book and read the entire thing themself, so I'm not complaining!<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22052330-elevating-child-care" target="_blank"><i>Elevating Child Care: A Guide to Respectful Parenting</i></a> by Janet Lansbury: Lansbury's writing summarizes many of the teachings of RIE pioneer Magna Gerber and matches a lot of the philosophies of my favorite parenting books. It's a self-published collection of blog posts so it's a little rough around the edges, but overall I think this is a really great summary of some key parenting ideas in a very readable, slim book.<br />
<br />
<b>Looking back:</b><br />
One year ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15820354-sparkling-cyanide" target="_blank">Sparkling Cyanide</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44774415-mooncakes" target="_blank">Mooncakes</a></i>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16068905-fangirl" target="_blank"><i>Fangirl</i></a>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41965392-when-pigmen-fly" target="_blank">When Pigmen Fly</a></i>, and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/341643.McDonald_s" target="_blank"><i>McDonald's</i></a><br />
Five years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40910991-becoming" target="_blank">Becoming</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39813020-indian-horse" target="_blank">Indian Horse</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/430569.Harry_Potter_l_cole_des_sorciers" target="_blank">Harry Potter à l'école des sorciers</a></i> and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/421285.Mankiller" target="_blank"><i>Mankiller</i></a><br />
Ten years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3189693-the-body-society" target="_blank">The Body & Society</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17188596-the-death-of-bees" target="_blank">The Death of Bees</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3094222-war-and-peace" target="_blank">War and Peace</a></i><br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737812358045011020.post-10833679217119520402024-02-29T21:00:00.000-08:002024-02-29T21:00:00.166-08:00Best of the Bunch (February 2024)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cocoonofbooks.blogspot.com/p/best-of-bunch.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Best of the Bunch header" border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdmwBcrAkUWPGaXJpos40KfdgZlWjzEsHA441aDfDQTXzw4ahXPFbdEBN010qsNf1vx7hihDt8GKlK30aqsFE6dS5wU0WHwfx5KvpBQV-kgsL4rZZmANwNmX7JmoGYEAbWLmyeI0OX4Pf/w400-h152/BotB-logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Today I'm sharing the best book I read in February.<br />
<br />
Of the six books I read this month, I had no 5-star reads and only one 4.5-star read, so that's my Best of the Bunch!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28451695-the-secret-keepers" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="343" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hoX0LbZF26Ia0Q9a5wmpQDupiXyy0RpcILzPLIA1FQmCEqS5PMU-cTEqWvakKrgHKLGQ4pPYJkcW-pfgKmi5MdVZhvLUr6YSuXNEUp8gTy_p5eNPXUsneWrKX_aeR4qN8f4LHXS3a83_IE_Q9umZOQB7AxZlYarH91kcwo0uPsnyumaOl0gTBGPFISRi/s400/The%20Secret%20Keepers%20BOTB.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28451695-the-secret-keepers" target="_blank"><i>The Secret Keepers</i></a> was an engaging middle grade read about a boy who discovers a magical object and suddenly finds himself embroiled in the most recent chapter of a generations-long battle for power. Stewart kept my attention by writing Reuben into impossible corners and then somehow finding a way out. I was literally gasping and yelling, "Oh no!" out loud at different points while listening. Overall, the book is a little on the long side and the characters a bit too impossibly clever at times, but it was an enjoyable story to get lost in.<br />
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<i><b>What is the best book you read this month? Let me know in comments, or write your own post and link up below!</b></i><br />
<br />
<b>Looking back:</b><br />
One year ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60389144-the-violin-conspiracy" target="_blank">The Violin Conspiracy</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59483431-fat-luther-slim-pickin-s" target="_blank">Fat Luther, Slim Pickin's</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41965392-when-pigmen-fly" target="_blank">When Pigmen Fly</a></i>, and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/341643.McDonald_s" target="_blank"><i>McDonald's</i></a><br />
Five years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18514170-the-shadow-of-the-wind" target="_blank">The Shadow of the Wind</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18903421-i-capture-the-castle" target="_blank">I Capture the Castle</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23275206-no-bad-kids" target="_blank">No Bad Kids</a></i><br />
Ten years ago I was reading: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4906098-the-omnivore-s-dilemma" target="_blank"><i>The Omnivore's Dilemma</i></a> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3094222-war-and-peace" target="_blank">War and Peace</a></i><br />
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<!--end InLinkz code-->Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737812358045011020.post-14339527129623193942024-02-15T06:00:00.000-08:002024-02-15T06:00:00.254-08:00What I've Been Reading Lately (Quick Lit)<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhu8EhyphenhyphenE1Z-Uur9X9AeFhON4v2P85cYsDleT9o0qrUgaw1DGR2IBOHHUQztaIbX9aA96J6B5xNRCj_NsCe0g-j8QDn7kjvVU45FB5PC6Hj0zy-F2VF14GmEHBgeqyy3Ja0o9B9vujA759uh4Kk4jTL2iWuN_rAUqirdXmu5JwtTLyxtpO5s00i0PTh3Ti/s400/Quick%20Lit%20February%202024%20post.jpg"/></a></div>Today I'm linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy's <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/category/books-reading/quicklit/" target="_blank">Quick Lit</a> to bring you some short and sweet reviews of what I've read in the past month. For longer reviews, you can always <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/17561595-jessica" target="_blank">find me on Goodreads</a>.<br />
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I spent most of the month reading <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60317128-demon-copperhead" target="_blank">Demon Copperhead</a></i>, but between graphic novels with my kiddo and some middle grade reads, I was able to squeeze in quite a few more books!<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54958748-the-bad-guys-in-cut-to-the-chase" target="_blank"><i>The Bad Guys in Cut to the Chase</i></a> by Aaron Blabey: We jumped back into this series after taking an extended break after the last one. At this point most of the jokes are recycled and the plot isn't advancing much, but my 9-year-old likes doing the voices and is engaged enough to want to read every night.<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53808128-last-night-at-the-telegraph-club" target="_blank">Last Night at the Telegraph Club</a></i> by Malinda Lo: Lo has imagined what an Asian-American queer teenager might have experienced in the 1950s, not having language for what she's feeling, then finding a community but being exoticized by the white lesbians there. I think she tried to cram too much Asian-American history into the book and diluted the impact of the plot, but I'm still glad to have read it and glad it's gotten so much attention.<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56274024-the-bad-guys-in-they-re-bee-hind-you" target="_blank">The Bad Guys in They're Bee-Hind You!</a></i> by Aaron Blabey: This was more or less an extension of the previous book's plot. It seems like each book now is just putting the characters in a new universe and then having a bunch of chase scenes.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60317128-demon-copperhead" target="_blank"><i>Demon Copperhead</i></a> by Barbara Kingsolver: Kingsolver has essentially succeeded in what she set out to do: write the great Appalachian novel while retelling <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/58696.David_Copperfield" target="_blank"><i>David Copperfield</i></a> in a more modern era and bringing attention to the origins and effects of the opioid crisis. Kingsolver writes great characters, as always, and it was interesting to see how she adapted Dickens, though I think adhering so closely to the source material had some downsides, like an unnecessarily lengthy plot.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37822657-you-don-t-know-everything-jilly-p" target="_blank"><i>You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P!</i></a> by Alex Gino: I love Gino's books with queer main characters, but it was cool to see them use their platform to elevate a different kind of story, with a white hearing girl learning more about the experiences of those who are Deaf and/or Black. This is one that I'd most likely want to read with my kid so we could discuss as we go, as some story points aren't explained clearly. But I'm glad it's out there as a model for kids with more privilege to understand that how they go about learning about others' experiences matters and that their impact matters more than their intent.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39851109-front-desk-front-desk-1" target="_blank"><i>Front Desk</i></a> by Kelly Yang: This was an engaging middle grade story based on the author's own experience immigrating to the United States with her family and helping them run motels. It's a good introduction for that age group to some of the terrible ways people can treat each other, from racism to exploiting immigrant labor, but it also showcases how good people can work together to make change. <br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59048314-open-wide-and-say-arrrgh" target="_blank"><i>The Bad Guys in Open Wide and Say Arrrgh!</i></a> by Aaron Blabey: Blabey is reeeeeally stretching out the same plot lines at this point. Also, there are new magic powers that suddenly exist for no apparent reason except to keep the plot moving.<br />
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<b>Looking back:</b><br />
One year ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32961107-sing-unburied-sing" target="_blank">Sing, Unburied, Sing</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25548442-how-to-be-a-normal-person" target="_blank">How to Be a Normal Person</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41965392-when-pigmen-fly" target="_blank">When Pigmen Fly</a></i>, and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/341643.McDonald_s" target="_blank"><i>McDonald's</i></a><br />
Five years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13619289-prince-caspian" target="_blank">Prince Caspian</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36578443-on-the-come-up" target="_blank">On the Come Up</a></i>, and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/427283.Moneyball" target="_blank"><i>Moneyball</i></a><br />
Ten years ago I was reading: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6364161-adoption" target="_blank"><i>Adoption</i></a>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17609271-and-the-mountains-echoed" target="_blank">And the Mountains Echoed</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3094222-war-and-peace" target="_blank">War and Peace</a></i><br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737812358045011020.post-59877530184131929152024-02-05T21:00:00.000-08:002024-02-05T21:00:00.173-08:00Top Ten Graphic Novels/Memoirs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="500" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmH1WDT006erGZeR6D2d3B0RmVrP2NvXQl9DIgZGoRhkeiOfDdLvIZBC0mV_so-m3W4MXI6jxdX-hd0jeC8yWl1Hrv0zr5R3taf4XAsVyNmBkrJTWi8hs2UD-YYxukNWyhsF-qrrT12a6U/s400/TTT-Big2.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" target="_blank">That Artsy Reader Girl</a> for another Top Ten Tuesday.<br />
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This week's topic is "Top Ten Quick Reads." I chose to focus specifically on graphic novels and graphic memoirs, which I can typically read in a few hours!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/431274.The_Arrival" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1811" data-original-width="1364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4SXbC-_H2Eg4gLj5O97XxR2gWwtCo3i_P-6XW4jjyyKn2rT-s4CjzME7_BHsaBbc-zmz16W9kRQl4aESpg3S0z7WRT-OS8DtaTbh19g3zEpMvr0DLUqgE0KuXzlmMLw5_r-2a4-Opb3YiXXHENiZlqDSdQLFnceT3vTS-ufguIq3r9n3o6BCbOIuhyphenhyphenKa/s200/Arrival.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>1. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/431274.The_Arrival" target="_blank"><i>The Arrival</i></a> by Shaun Tan</b><br />
This is a lovely wordless graphic novel that reads like watching a short animated film. Tan puts the reader in the shoes of an immigrant through the fantastical world that he has designed; just like the protagonist, the language on papers and signs is unfamiliar to us, as are the strange animals, foods, and methods of transportation.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/223727-check-please" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtoCVc-wCcd-irhopKPXvqq6TXTe_88oGwNp13ZQCuRkiAqF5-RURxom01HI6xoWgZ1KCrPbUvID4sgksro4yGUJA92E6E90Gsl-G3703r5wgxIfhBjP6xBDFI0z1qoWFXqwyXQIeVYuZDb247AtedmMCWYhyphenhyphenBXtT7YNwTGSC7Udljq5ZJr4zIBvPFOI-/s200/Check,%20Please!%20Book%201.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>2. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/223727-check-please" target="_blank"><i>Check, Please!</i></a> by Ngozi Ukazu</b><br />
This adorable two-volume series covers the four years of college of a queer baker, vlogger, and former figure skater as he joins the college's hockey team and navigates friendships, crushes, and his fear of getting checked on the ice.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/284172-cosmoknights" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkaIN_AqiiKfJRyuyyBXBTWcTJbK1Hsx4JNexqRcN4VDdBkf2Qx_3gQtnIg-_6xgvhlloGa1hwe2nmXCAhjFxjvQrElOjHx7jjBNt6fr-3ve9oE6C1mBI7f5poK8EoCoVdPFEu6emqIAuUBxw3T9xaKquKliwg_RU1DreNlQbEnJApoRZ_CwEfrA5pvvKH/s200/Cosmoknights.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>3. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/284172-cosmoknights" target="_blank"><i>Cosmoknights</i></a> by Hannah Templer</b><br />
Also a two-volume series (so far...?), this features a fantastic group of queer women trying to take down a patriarchal system throughout the galaxy. Fun and satisfying!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20701984-el-deafo" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakKo8bPsRAgYMBuDfqI9AqnucEo4UZSuYBiTUvD5PI2U1gzbKExNeMJ7twQt937fii4mTqbGaOjjwUBNQC2hFURYVti2KW9cByb82_OXXMSeLJN0rLT-VL_-_N1lb42P_2t6Z6mmB7sRKLByahVDoJ2XBYNLd8aJS2Q3pc3_RHBym5ICvRssuRiFMMoWs/s200/El%20Deafo.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>4. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20701984-el-deafo" target="_blank"><i>El Deafo</i></a> by Cece Bell</b><br />
This is a graphic memoir of Bell's experience becoming hard of hearing after contacting meningitis at age four. Through her memories, you get some best practices for interacting with people who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing, and you also see her dealing with the relatable stresses of growing up, navigating school, friendships, and crushes.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisl-YTrm086zYLDeaQiIFfprsycAEvw8MhkRHD7SINC7FcrVEp7C9C71fXNzuh3qTiHOTYOme7xPfp6yukJmDAJ1cAGNUft-QlG4BM9uYr7rljkC8H6xh5-fpIR6lAlxt51nWJWnpUIFdOFMrsuuuYworxbyRUtWmz7FjSwn3dYl1lNdPhh80MdMIZ7UmI/s1000/Fun%20Home.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="668" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisl-YTrm086zYLDeaQiIFfprsycAEvw8MhkRHD7SINC7FcrVEp7C9C71fXNzuh3qTiHOTYOme7xPfp6yukJmDAJ1cAGNUft-QlG4BM9uYr7rljkC8H6xh5-fpIR6lAlxt51nWJWnpUIFdOFMrsuuuYworxbyRUtWmz7FjSwn3dYl1lNdPhh80MdMIZ7UmI/s200/Fun%20Home.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>5. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26135825-fun-home" target="_blank"><i>Fun Home</i></a> by Alison Bechdel</b><br />
This is a memoir, but a lot of it focuses on Bechdel's father and her attempts to understand his life after his untimely death; as she discovers her own sexual orientation, her journey is in the shadow of her father's revelations about his own sexuality, followed shortly by his death. It's a compelling read that makes excellent use of this format.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42837514-gender-queer" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="2009" data-original-width="1400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4ttod4faf9hxlXEO1NrV-GW_1ezLvbau3alYL9y5wixnAmjnZ0XbK9yE2LzryHlJaZT-K5wZnHn0ChJID-eKplfz4Nx3rX3ET1oU84yZM60q5Rv9RQcPrH7YzgSMqEr9QPZA7pbtoeduavmsdZYIJZnQJn6SwdUjukrnjK7eYM4_bDg8kZPcwe0cr5aC/s200/Gender%20Queer.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>6. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42837514-gender-queer" target="_blank"><i>Gender Queer</i></a> by Maia Kobabe</b><br />
Kobabe's graphic memoir of slowly understanding one's gender and sexuality more precisely is an affirming mirror for a common queer journey, where identities don't just land overnight and then stick forever, but that doesn't mean that labels can't be helpful signposts along the way.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/236821-heartstopper" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5tMgXB2Ulscj5WkdStkzBMkjSd-GvWJk5rALhTZvrNLheSXZYVLKOkAipb8jlA0gpSNUlc2E3zJm76dPIJb1npW8QNAp51bAnVsf1I9A4l4JyP8e7uFCQPRyq84n7pZ2JPEBDY5blIJI-iet3droezCoFaQixIAnkhApgZ5tegl3kp0uK195UhiGQB0N/s200/Heartstopper.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>7. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/236821-heartstopper" target="_blank"><i>Heartstopper</i></a> by Alice Oseman</b><br />
There is one more volume yet to be released in this series about two British schoolboys falling in love. Oseman has perfectly captured the experiences of crushes, friendships, family tensions, and the high school ecosystem throughout these graphic novels.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/132861-march" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1401" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnv2ser30ggey2_FcxjWc37HNXMg-ONBHaHlJjzoHTCr87OlT5VXorD1r-aoddieP0qQ6Hr7dy2mlht01jDAav3tz54pFtqYeSxrDmYIoswdn7fVBwIsEaXOdyVOfavYfLbiBMBby4k7YYpaaEXcBswIzQo_vTrt3T2rrILmjv93ULvcIQA6T3iNPtJ0U0/s200/March.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>8. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/132861-march" target="_blank"><i>March</i></a> by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell</b><br />
Framed by Rep. John Lewis showing up for President Obama's inauguration, this three-volume series tells the story of Lewis' childhood up through his extensive involvement with the civil rights movement. The story is clearly told, the artwork is cinematic, and you will likely learn a lot and gain a greater appreciation for how much the American civil rights heroes risked and sacrificed.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/395021.Persepolis" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyTwb72krZVv7FWIlWit5O2V6Fj6UFASiT_GkZoFyY4ZjwCSqAg7hCR_PQue5itLkH_ZslXadEX66lIhA5MyYhGrNWygo_cI7dpJ1ooOUPiFJer1m_smXOVTG26KW1n73xLe1W7b-WucbuukSPKpUuIVia0Bdxbk2_E2zpT22x_L7uixXIj26bMZQ2fbR/s200/Persepolis.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>9. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/395021.Persepolis" target="_blank"><i>Persepolis</i></a> by Marjane Satrapi</b><br />
This story is an overview of 15 years of Iran's history combined with Satrapi's own coming of age. It's a quick read that's an accessible history lesson and occasionally quite funny while at other times heart-wrenching.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50643249-snapdragon" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="688" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmR3q8XYgwaTuPaoTVxZV0uAR0vzCMntUfP6ASqJK4B2mdvfZZkw9IL_MktPuGZE4zjRHOtjFWrCTHOsP50HfamXokDENPgs7stKww8E5bZt-kEasbNVXlVtPtotxNXE5JvS2tU1bo_KwuLc_2RLtOJPSOEheqIYujX-Ag_S_nFJBVqg8n7vMhs-4fsEC/s200/Snapdragon.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>10. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50643249-snapdragon" target="_blank"><i>Snapdragon</i></a> by Kat Leyh</b><br />
This is one of my favorite books of all time. It's a story of found family and embracing the things you love (even when they're unusual) and gender expression and magic. It has so much heart and I can't recommend it highly enough.<br />
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<i><b>Which graphic novels do you love?</b></i><br />
<br />
<b>Looking back:</b><br />
One year ago I was reading: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/97830014-i-was-born-for-this" target="_blank"><i>I Was Born for This</i></a>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51840338-ace" target="_blank"><i>Ace</i></a>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42271308-curse-of-the-sand-witches" target="_blank">Curse of the Sand Witches</a></i>, and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/341643.McDonald_s" target="_blank"><i>McDonald's</i></a><br />
Five years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16372802-half-of-a-yellow-sun" target="_blank">Half of a Yellow Sun</a></i>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40198527-the-heart-is-a-lonely-hunter" target="_blank"><i>The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter</i></a>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8124305-let-the-great-world-spin" target="_blank">Let the Great World Spin</a></i><br />
Ten years ago I was reading: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/793297.The_Steerswoman" target="_blank"><i>The Steerswoman</i></a> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3094222-war-and-peace" target="_blank">War and Peace</a></i><br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737812358045011020.post-22524809918109643282024-01-31T21:00:00.000-08:002024-01-31T21:00:00.147-08:00Best of the Bunch (January 2024)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cocoonofbooks.blogspot.com/p/best-of-bunch.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Best of the Bunch header" border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdmwBcrAkUWPGaXJpos40KfdgZlWjzEsHA441aDfDQTXzw4ahXPFbdEBN010qsNf1vx7hihDt8GKlK30aqsFE6dS5wU0WHwfx5KvpBQV-kgsL4rZZmANwNmX7JmoGYEAbWLmyeI0OX4Pf/w400-h152/BotB-logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Today I'm sharing the best book I read in January.<br />
<br />
I only read six books this month as I'm still slowly making my way through <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60317128-demon-copperhead" target="_blank"><i>Demon Copperhead</i></a>, but three of them were 5-star reads, so not bad!<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61272930-multiamory" target="_blank"><i>Multiamory: Essential Tools for Modern Relationships</i></a> by Dedeker Winston, Jase Lindgren, and Emily Matlack<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/125004877-heartstopper" target="_blank"><i>Heartstopper: Volume Five</i></a> by Alice Oseman<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60639290-remarkably-bright-creatures" target="_blank"><i>Remarkably Bright Creatures</i></a> by Shelby Van Pelt<br />
<br />
These are all great, but I feel like <i>Remarkably Bright Creatures</i> was on every Best of 2023 list and I recommend starting with the first volume of <i>Heartstopper</i> rather than the fifth, so I'm going to make the third one my Best of the Bunch for the month!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61272930-multiamory" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="312" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvbui7zTZuWZeUvMCxWC9sc-tVlXfBv2S3-zcz41K-A3S3FIwZYT4rZH4eOKj2PkBOeAq5aeqz2PG4Ud8lLjE0IG1eBQdXh6eI4D1-F34Ln4pQkdoFeFzV0kpnoSJbOtKMI4p2Hiz97jvKMyl8ec_45DUl5Sli-XbrH-uQuYuWLgNMHT176ORRyF3Cq3s/s400/Multiamory%20BOTB.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61272930-multiamory" target="_blank"><i>Multiamory: Essential Tools for Modern Relationships</i></a> is an excellent guide to the most helpful tools the <a href="https://www.multiamory.com/podcast" target="_blank">Multiamory</a> team has created over the years for having healthy communication in all kinds of relationships. Each chapter is dedicated to a different tool, with realistic example scenarios and dialogues showing common communication challenges and how the tools can help. The advice in this book is inclusive of non-monogamous relationships but isn't exclusive to that kind of relationship structure, nor is it applicable only to romantic/sexual relationships. I think anyone could find something valuable to take away from this book!<br />
<br />
<i><b>What is the best book you read this month? Let me know in comments, or write your own post and link up below!</b></i><br />
<br />
<b>Looking back:</b><br />
One year ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58890649-in-the-wild-light" target="_blank">In the Wild Light</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42271308-curse-of-the-sand-witches" target="_blank">Curse of the Sand Witches</a></i>, and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/341643.McDonald_s" target="_blank"><i>McDonald's</i></a><br />
Five years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18206255-the-call-of-the-wild" target="_blank">The Call of the Wild</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40230417-weird-parenting-wins" target="_blank">Weird Parenting Wins</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8124305-let-the-great-world-spin" target="_blank">Let the Great World Spin</a></i><br />
Ten years ago I was reading: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/793297.The_Steerswoman" target="_blank"><i>The Steerswoman</i></a> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3094222-war-and-peace" target="_blank">War and Peace</a></i><br />
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<!--end InLinkz code-->Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737812358045011020.post-4436294840088819532024-01-29T21:00:00.000-08:002024-01-29T21:00:00.248-08:00Ten New-to-Me Authors I Read in 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="500" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmH1WDT006erGZeR6D2d3B0RmVrP2NvXQl9DIgZGoRhkeiOfDdLvIZBC0mV_so-m3W4MXI6jxdX-hd0jeC8yWl1Hrv0zr5R3taf4XAsVyNmBkrJTWi8hs2UD-YYxukNWyhsF-qrrT12a6U/s400/TTT-Big2.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" target="_blank">That Artsy Reader Girl</a> for another Top Ten Tuesday.<br />
<br />
This week's topic is authors we read for the first time in 2023. As with <a href="https://cocoonofbooks.blogspot.com/2021/01/ten-new-to-me-authors-i-read-in-2020.html">previous iterations</a> of this topic, I tried to pick authors that have more than one book and weren't new to everyone in 2023!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58957432-a-place-to-hang-the-moon" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTkAcPh2cp__D8hQvpiqW2tKtbTPoPEM5BGArJYKv1BVQOVdH3Y5kR052Xojg465waVJ9NwHEv-5K_ccqwnBZODqKwWjy0WBju4PnE6cfglpKIXTNK1OVZY8OGq_XX5KZsFTIm34LI1b_OHgn18deKDnTmV2AfHjXCDZyQGMOkZu7DhXnreMZ8pGEx7Dk/s200/Place%20to%20Hang%20the%20Moon.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>1. Kate Albus</b><br />
I finally read <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58957432-a-place-to-hang-the-moon" target="_blank"><i>A Place to Hang the Moon</i></a> in 2023 after seeing it recommended for a couple years, and I know she came out with a similar book last year so I may pick that one up now.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30753786" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJ1JFYXa7zAR-OiALktINd36XN1DjWl-Tq99Unqx1LVAJfoEWUPpb2xpSk9iFMtwPUUar5QD2V9Q0ToLv3GddL3-HH-5p7uXGdAboh455iUmHpUWW-K0nCadAlWorHs4c1jwiioxhGmOy5bmujC55uaJZaeKWiXz12B88LMldlYidEYftgcYmhyphenhyphenmCQYLI/s200/Nabokov%27s%20Favorite%20Word%20is%20Mauve.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>2. Ben Blatt</b><br />
I really enjoyed Blatt's combination of statistics and literature in <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30753786" target="_blank"><i>Nabokov's Favorite Word Is Mauve</i></a>, which I'd wanted to read since it came out in 2017. I don't think I'm interested in his previous memoir about baseball, but I'd be interested in any future data books he writes!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50202953" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_4BHvZoMmeJ1-T8f1sqixo_RaOy8FyzOHxAahYRrCDVWPLVpuz6rm5y4EmQyrFPcJDrEsVIIp6V6IZwiGuc5UgP2pUUsGknOb9WFoFXCtnRjA1XwqG4TZ_XL_mL4qkkn01QsE3tk-Ewv1vQoWQGzTu7avKZRydNZi2tTF0GzyX14SqZBmKrmSCjloijU/s200/Piranesi.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>3. Susanna Clarke</b><br />
I still have yet to read Clarke's doorstopper classic, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14201" target="_blank"><i>Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell</i></a>, but after reading the much slimmer <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50202953" target="_blank"><i>Piranesi</i></a> in 2023 (which wasn't a favorite but was quite good), I'm more interested in bumping her first one up the list.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199915776" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6i6fcU-XtxVjjk4k0KXSxSIJkb_TJuWhyphenhyphenO1vnl-qaTUiPq-ZtgU0yAYSWZ6JWPMRgoO0CmFTu2W0GoG153SBTELX13cwc2QwQX0Ne29iSX8AHAYfJdNW2e4SoXlt7SEFTj5rkOpczgFDZVZqBNWgJz231r5H6HUWKNf1jjHPTBy2gWII05SPSj7eaSKga/s200/Polysecure.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>4. Jessica Fern</b><br />
I was very impressed by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199915776" target="_blank"><i>Polysecure</i></a>, which came out in 2020 and which I finally read in 2023. As soon as I heard about <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62998140" target="_blank"><i>Polywise</i></a>, which came out last year, I put that one on my holds list!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32075854" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSeAMM3FXRCY_4E5XwmUXRTmnXlJhWeHSQ3W6gvyKVW1O9sSfBxaAaTqDndoH0no24IpqsMgV5YRwf0zZ1zxWLptBdB5dfR7Dap5luxwzxenOjbPEoX5xwk2Ru_-dZVxOu22cd86m1jta7n3VthRIG_ymjh09CvZ8d43KibqQEYOx5EwlyDPm_ETr1J-n/s200/Magpie%20Murders.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>5. Anthony Horowitz</b><br />
The best part about waiting until 2023 to read <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32075854" target="_blank"><i>Magpie Murders</i></a> was that I was able to get the sequel, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56573605" target="_blank"><i>Moonflower Murders</i></a>, right away!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50643249" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="688" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8r9Yx8ITpl_NG0c_5zZqMLSQ4THplu0yeF-2rFSGYbMzZK-jXWxBhLh_lJ9DdxFjNIrPF8aovSisyVt6YdWXS59O7igxSh5r7DK46tbLPMA3RyPOSicF2KU1tJrt4AJvq07UlEkvtZT5BUTsSaeUHLZVjDejiniRc2BIQ2AKEJaFexWWjALTPq5JPnxUf/s200/Snapdragon.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>6. Kat Leyh</b><br />
I loved <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50643249" target="_blank"><i>Snapdragon</i></a> so much I read it twice in 2023. I haven't read any of Leyh's other work, but I want to now!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60059699" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NaGGvdEMErAa8_fQzGJs3wu5vd8VLGeNb-5exB61l477ZlDKGoCqmGJNSQAol9UgqBEsUCvkBYbSqvI0UPaVQHaYO8ALKnHnI_qpwOg8Ztn4XMF3h9jHeORpxIFGz1r4ZZZjQ-4Ry_fUeflA7hOe1Sx05opE2Su5s1fyEj5FT9Wail2zKIIp4IrWtb5a/s200/Ophelia%20After%20All.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>7. Racquel Marie</b><br />
I loved how <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60059699" target="_blank"><i>Ophelia After All</i></a> wasn't predictable or formulaic. Marie just had another book come out in 2023 that I'm interested in and another one coming out this year, so lots more good stuff to explore!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58520577" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOet7vKLkkek0ov-r6Fa0Sie4_xLogKhLG2Seqq5zpZRo5t2Kb5uuxV1lRUcDScKwVSKtQdRXEQ_-ZiotlmCAjAWS8TYAEX6WY6jRoqC4rPigpV2LWa6xi7bYfwnGCRrzCLhePbA1UkaCHvn_SPkOWe75DsIn-0kX35-4HiZkKXG1G05ptClR5dPVDMgI/s200/Cultish.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>8. Amanda Montell</b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58520577" target="_blank"><i>Cultish</i></a> was on my radar since it came out in 2021, and I'm glad I got to read it in 2023. Writing engaging, conversational nonfiction is challenging, and Montell does it well. The reviews of her previous book are mixed, but her upcoming book, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/176443264" target="_blank"><i>The Age of Magical Overthinking</i></a>, looks interesting.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43419730" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMk2ZmFIc4Q-2jF87Z5yLdZI9Y2-dv4MFtw1ZAQMAm5hLMe63-pZ0ochKPovX4OuPDVoiUkEfsv0xOMcviMgFwvfkF-kK0Ru2N7bwZLYte_UOPTdqao3WFtyefytEpMLqo79EmghSUXoP9YSVycw2kmTUcjTBfN_YwG0cJ_feavM2APtdcxmSsVKcr3uO4/s200/Cosmoknights.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>9. Hannah Templer</b><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/284172-cosmoknights" target="_blank"><i>Cosmoknights</i></a> wasn't even on my radar until a friend recommended the first volume to me. Now I'm very interested to see what Templer does next, whether another volume of <i>Cosmoknights</i> or something else entirely!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58890649" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINACn3x8GeIS_LLV0-Nuacipr9azeNiCItUqOMuQFF3RoeXgloKFF2xoIH7LSfOPwHhPybPscB-qxYaGzDwrYWg1bB2NN24Fiu4PazqXtKIuzPVsQVU3EjXv_uh0ZmRvLmLdFBWRSexRKpyAaCFKx0Lg-WPXBstMyYZ8jEh9BSAxB4e_6jBe1jZBWJPvE/s200/In%20the%20Wild%20Light.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>10. Jeff Zentner</b><br />
I hadn't heard of Zentner until <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58890649" target="_blank"><i>In the Wild Light</i></a> was nominated and selected for one of my book clubs, but it's actually only his third-most rated book on Goodreads (though his highest rated!). I'm glad his work was introduced to me.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Which authors were new to you in 2023?</b></i><br />
<br />
<b>Looking back:</b><br />
One year ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58890649-in-the-wild-light" target="_blank">In the Wild Light</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42271308-curse-of-the-sand-witches" target="_blank">Curse of the Sand Witches</a></i>, and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/341643.McDonald_s" target="_blank"><i>McDonald's</i></a><br />
Five years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42671295-the-night-masquerade" target="_blank">The Night Masquerade</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25228177-the-sympathizer" target="_blank">The Sympathizer</a></i><br />
Ten years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11974699-the-marriage-plot" target="_blank">The Marriage Plot</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3094222-war-and-peace" target="_blank">War and Peace</a></i><br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737812358045011020.post-16213772011948929922024-01-15T06:00:00.000-08:002024-01-15T07:31:52.972-08:00What I've Been Reading Lately (Quick Lit)<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4EgkNPDBKAKVTXUfRmcc3GiHpPE1WI659La2XBGfNYlmMcqLD1yAUotSN5GkhP6ByUWKXdd2PwKZZYO3JmyDo77YUovuQ_s8BUe4RXQSIWqx2DfBTue7PLm4evmwE8nX_RWBoS09Y-hNVEWVY0Tdd76HTAUTKMtb9x_AWIqcSgp8bKBb4alV5E75qWG2/s400/Quick%20Lit%20January%202024%20post.jpg"/></a></div>Today I'm linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy's <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/category/books-reading/quicklit/" target="_blank">Quick Lit</a> to bring you some short and sweet reviews of what I've read in the past month. For longer reviews, you can always <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/17561595-jessica" target="_blank">find me on Goodreads</a>.<br />
<br />
I had some strong reads at the end of 2023 and at the start of 2024, making a really great reading month!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62058091-something-wild-wonderful" target="_blank"><i>Something Wild & Wonderful</i></a> by Anita Kelly: This was another sweet romance from Anita Kelly. Our two main characters meet on the Pacific Crest Trail and fall in love over the many miles of hiking together. Great depictions of autism, queer faith, and anxiety (and a bonus chance to revisit some characters from <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/55297669.Love___Other_Disasters" target="_blank"><i>Love & Other Disasters</i></a>).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204237894-refusing-compulsory-sexuality" target="_blank"><i>Refusing Compulsory Sexuality: A Black Asexual Lens on Our Sex-Obsessed Culture</i></a> by Sherronda J. Brown: While the Asexuality 101 aspects of this book will be familiar to anyone who read <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/52128695.Ace_What_Asexuality_Reveals_About_Desire__Society__and_the_Meaning_of_Sex" target="_blank"><i>Ace</i></a>, Brown goes beyond what's covered in that book to talk specifically about Black asexuality and how it challenges our society's structures on every level. It was a thought-provoking and validating read that pushed me to consider the ways I'm still trying to make my identity palatable to the masses even while embracing its validity.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53511923-the-bad-guys-in-the-one" target="_blank"><i>The Bad Guys in The One?!</i></a> by Aaron Blabey: This one didn't much of a plot except to extend what happened at the end of the last book and give us a little bit of context about how we got here and what needs to happen next. My kiddo decided to finally take a break from the series after we read this one.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43419730-cosmoknights-vol-1" target="_blank"><i>Cosmoknights, Vol. 1</i></a> by Hannah Templer: This graphic novel was excellent. The first half was a lot of world-building, but the second half was fast-paced and engaging and ended on a cliffhanger that gave me chills. I immediately downloaded the second volume!<br />
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59763475-cosmoknights-vol-2" target="_blank">Cosmoknights, Vol. 2</a></i> by Hannah Templer: This was incredibly satisfying and had a fantastic (if relatively minor) plot twist. The art is cinematic — I can absolutely see this as a TV show — and all the characters are great. The ending leaves enough still to do that I hope there's another volume, but if there's not, this still has an action-packed climax and a hopeful ending.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/76857446-hazeldine" target="_blank"><i>Hazeldize: Volume One</i></a> by Angie Bee: This was more an exercise in world- and character-building than a story. Hazeldine is a town of the Old West where there is diversity of race, ability, and sexual identity and more than a little magic. I liked what Bee was trying to do with this book, and I wish it hadn't been so scattered and had had more of a central plot.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61272930-multiamory" target="_blank"><i>Multiamory: Essential Tools for Modern Relationships</i> </a>by Dedeker Winston, Jase Lindgren, and Emily Matlack: This is an excellent guide to the most helpful tools the <a href="https://www.multiamory.com/podcast" target="_blank">Multiamory</a> team has created over the years for having healthy communication in all kinds of relationships. Each chapter is dedicated to a different tool, with realistic example scenarios and dialogues showing common communication challenges and how the tools can help. The advice in this book is inclusive of non-monogamous relationships but isn't exclusive to that kind of relationship structure, nor is it applicable only to romantic/sexual relationships. I think anyone could find something valuable to take away from this book!<br />
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/125004877-heartstopper" target="_blank">Heartstopper: Volume Five</a></i> by Alice Oseman: This was another amazing volume of Heartstopper from Alice Oseman. I love how real the characters feel in these books and how there's a perpetually hopeful thread throughout, even when tough things happen. I'm glad that Oseman ended up pivoting and deciding to do a sixth volume, and I look forward to reading one more story of Nick and Charlie.<br />
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60639290-remarkably-bright-creatures" target="_blank">Remarkably Bright Creatures</a></i> by Shelby van Pelt: This was everything it was billed as: a heartwarming story with memorable characters, most notably Marcellus the octopus. The audiobook narrators were outstanding. I will join the many voices wholeheartedly recommending this book.<br />
<br />
<b>Looking back:</b><br />
One year ago I was reading: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15820423-towards-zero" target="_blank"><i>Towards Zero</i></a>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60059699-ophelia-after-all" target="_blank"><i>Ophelia After All</i></a>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/341643.McDonald_s" target="_blank"><i>McDonald's</i></a>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26193706-sex-is-a-funny-word" target="_blank">Sex Is a Funny Word</a></i><br />
Five years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32670042-cutting-for-stone" target="_blank">Cutting for Stone</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8200918-cold-comfort-farm" target="_blank">Cold Comfort Farm</a></i><br />
Ten years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/128429.Against_the_Gods" target="_blank">Against the Gods</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18902634-the-goldfinch" target="_blank">The Goldfinch</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3094222-war-and-peace" target="_blank">War and Peace</a></i><br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737812358045011020.post-3424906275761190892024-01-01T21:00:00.000-08:002024-01-01T21:00:00.138-08:00Top Ten Fiction Reads of 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="500" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmH1WDT006erGZeR6D2d3B0RmVrP2NvXQl9DIgZGoRhkeiOfDdLvIZBC0mV_so-m3W4MXI6jxdX-hd0jeC8yWl1Hrv0zr5R3taf4XAsVyNmBkrJTWi8hs2UD-YYxukNWyhsF-qrrT12a6U/s400/TTT-Big2.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" target="_blank">That Artsy Reader Girl</a> for another Top Ten Tuesday.<br />
<br />
Last week I shared <a href="https://cocoonofbooks.blogspot.com/2023/12/top-ten-nonfiction-reads-of-2023.html">my favorite nonfiction reads of 2023</a>. This week I'm sharing my top ten fiction reads of 2023. To read more about why I liked them, you can search for them on the blog or check out my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/17561595-jessica" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>! (To see my favorite read every month, I encourage you to check out — and link up with — the <a href="https://cocoonofbooks.blogspot.com/p/best-of-bunch.html">Best of the Bunch linkup</a>.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/284172" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6caFwKo-88dYAF4G0109KZS9AuhIkcFtq6GCUOR3EQrm5ByJW5CeSOHelBTUgE33mq_ToB2-cjyvd3OWXJ5ZWW1hn1NmPKXzaINeHTGjIc6cnrqmw60ekYO6GXuz8mffcvbgFpZRP7Ab3KK6E8AHApxcLYMakTsYwCCkKWRDjEzeaM6Olb1nzDb722tRM/s200/Cosmoknights%20Book%20Two%20BOTB.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>1. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/284172" target="_blank"><i>Cosmoknights</i></a> by Hannah Templer</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61896624" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1274" data-original-width="842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivo0l4W59WABdOoZy2RO8KfysS_GkYcAPQnrCaxBMUi3r9PlODyrN1wVonYwCJ5IkFNaLnzPloeWr7bTX7LWu1EHYUMEWaEh9Cv8BnZe175wTzB7AF52lHHSNCjtX_YYWiHg7s80FsMPRxBgeFN-RoCLh3Wm0dgTaqhA7fFd-jNEd8usQNEe1DLwBWQIUb/s200/Imogen,%20Obviously.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>2. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61896624" target="_blank"><i>Imogen, Obviously</i></a> by Becky Albertalli</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58890649" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit02ecsDND4rVdw1rlUrLjICk82a4cxOqYIR6ewh4E0lUnelhAZhm2g6VDUcRumJ5DGEQaRrATlfvK5BJC2sPnh7wjwB3FpEku3uy-W35bewDnRUrrMWnmIVOb06Eue5UF0t0mgBgSo2zLFXSivLVG76-m8ObfPFHfJaptBiZA8h_NBWZaU4UUZCuDwXLa/s200/In%20the%20Wild%20Light.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>3. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58890649" target="_blank"><i>In the Wild Light</i></a> by Jeff Zentner</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56234627" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfRo0eil83l3CkrfjBdWsbPduQfFl5Rj5B8TZdA0gCYMNBlV46qwznfuYK6JI12VNPaLRTM3aPKLTxeHZaBteWn6IGaOBXnwYfMkSqilElB5onfSjTX-WGE5vPc-4xbaKUiLe-HN2B-zVpSNiyKIpctr_A1thrZdkT8MUsu6F2bZDxLjMvPEac11OWED7/s200/Loveless.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>4. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56234627" target="_blank"><i>Loveless</i></a> by Alice Oseman</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32075854" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIflddyZ4jVHNKM-BkNmASbOTpdbzQkVrAy3sMG81nwmOGpOxCD-6Uauk9_FoiW-rutoWhdgBZt1kQa2rJAAx4Zs5SPCIypTAiCFI7JBtuFfXRsFwfXpUSY6VIyK0i9mhpw_Z3RwVpHN__g8wYTfmuwykeBw-11r4geDA8PhHvPGl8srKFGn2VRSkpDaYf/s200/Magpie%20Murders.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>5. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32075854" target="_blank"><i>Magpie Murders</i></a> by Anthony Horowitz</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60059699" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNYTuyKoNTt3GPLiTHKlTDtZdeNNz4hbCjvPqsnlXPleLobFsMOBUHq2IFRiw-mU2iDX7MhCXw1PgiZkhyA1KKduTK26gnpZBCUmpM3wjw2i3tnGxMxycxtZN355qWT6AQ8MkzD7xoxvlkjbRgn5Eg2XAqUTHpT0jF-Ph6sMPV7lzSh4Zz77Cr5mjfMoL/s200/Ophelia%20After%20All.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>6. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60059699" target="_blank"><i>Ophelia After All</i></a> by Racquel Marie</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58604942" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEQJJ8u4g2dLxQOO2Fq6ksH8rGCJ4bpskvWqKNiScNRxId0yOaUZTgbMS6hSpRJJOQWQlEmlUyjTkOX1x_kHP_yLrJ2t8wP80JuJmMTwwAH5pavb0-wUaP7g7K0E-dhZeEpjz_simpljXdZWRgfJEwQJ_4nEfsaRWVaY-cA-K3bu5dnHeUSLNYuX8J4vY/s200/Our%20Favorite%20Songs.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>7. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58604942" target="_blank"><i>Our Favorite Songs</i></a> by Anita Kelly</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53399305" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71dyxhUVxnUMmPgxrhXRSNmUGK4TtNQfSn-TEYcUAEHAaxNwXxfx44k-g37mDEZiuK8UWAO_STRVKmB6-FxhO2hr70HdnhsFzZ5M917tw0IPRnDf-EfSE4pgo4An6ZC5xa7-URwmHVLLWlZ95PEyORQ83D3LdLjsrcJy3yFdc6FfAPT_2PCqFGYw_NzCC/s200/Place%20to%20Hang%20the%20Moon.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>8. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53399305" target="_blank"><i>A Place to Hang the Moon</i></a> by Kate Albus</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50643249" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="688" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVGS02cMp3COWJxbcXf3DEcyGejPxab9vY1eV-s0m6yTHQIJ7mPO6c8S2-w6U_-eN8HiRqEBKInorsNSG4yvljXtRonz8t-Gkw1nvk_eYyGVzAbfuuNTYisys9MbgOG98h2LD4NF38-YFUxEM946h4CvcM84yfhrk6vajmTUeMX5dorL6u6Mw9wSxrq7p/s200/Snapdragon.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>9. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50643249" target="_blank"><i>Snapdragon</i></a> by Kat Leyh</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="hhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59131231" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="3270" data-original-width="2212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMNWvAcs2tkTZIAhcdC3rQnroXVLNFkK4Ikg0ltZ8W4EL7v0MNeDbqN9F3_WeyZXiH4i4kA4xWwcH-HqXB-IuJ-ftazFJ8TBZYQVK6_jWDMrFZjqEAycT5YbtPb_B2qk0H9hC_zJIXlBv_QQ9V5AhHK1RPGEtHEspTbHJeOhSI5LwI_lvQBWL5SQMjn3x/s200/Wherever%20Is%20Your%20Heart.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>10. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59131231" target="_blank"><i>Wherever Is Your Heart</i></a> by Anita Kelly</b><br />
<br />
<i><b>What great fiction books did you read this year?</b></i><br />
<br />
<b>Looking back:</b><br />
One year ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52057544-gideon-the-ninth" target="_blank">Gideon the Ninth</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17857279-giovanni-s-room" target="_blank">Giovanni's Room</a></i>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/341643.McDonald_s" target="_blank"><i>McDonald's</i></a>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38673002-when-endermen-attack" target="_blank">When Endermen Attack</a></i><br />
Five years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32670042-cutting-for-stone" target="_blank">Cutting for Stone</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6569858-if-you-come-softly" target="_blank">If You Come Softly</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18118051-the-lion-the-witch-and-the-wardrobe" target="_blank">The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29983711-pachinko" target="_blank">Pachinko</a></i><br />
Ten years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18393609-david-and-goliath" target="_blank">David and Goliath</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16181718-life-after-life" target="_blank">Life After Life</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3094222-war-and-peace" target="_blank">War and Peace</a></i><br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737812358045011020.post-76154429187179194372023-12-31T21:00:00.000-08:002023-12-31T21:00:00.174-08:00Best of the Bunch (December 2023)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cocoonofbooks.blogspot.com/p/best-of-bunch.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Best of the Bunch header" border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdmwBcrAkUWPGaXJpos40KfdgZlWjzEsHA441aDfDQTXzw4ahXPFbdEBN010qsNf1vx7hihDt8GKlK30aqsFE6dS5wU0WHwfx5KvpBQV-kgsL4rZZmANwNmX7JmoGYEAbWLmyeI0OX4Pf/w400-h152/BotB-logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Today I'm sharing the best book I read in December.<br />
<br />
I had a good reading month, reading 9 books total with many 4- and 4.5-star reads. There was one 5-star read, which is my Best of the Bunch!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxLzWk8YSe_TuGOpwj68KgA2Q0uyOliffyQWFBCVFUUkfUNXIeygLpV7f6M1J37-HgZ7XrWs5MOAOMbkc4uCxJgmyncr0WV92qD-57GhtjOVe4owBea1t0L1qsFqihrq79VoN7_mOAYg9z7ZZtj4DLEJmVRsIYCP_M8hkXSLAONm5espQlMs5HEtOPydc/s500/Cosmoknights%20Book%20Two%20BOTB.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="350" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxLzWk8YSe_TuGOpwj68KgA2Q0uyOliffyQWFBCVFUUkfUNXIeygLpV7f6M1J37-HgZ7XrWs5MOAOMbkc4uCxJgmyncr0WV92qD-57GhtjOVe4owBea1t0L1qsFqihrq79VoN7_mOAYg9z7ZZtj4DLEJmVRsIYCP_M8hkXSLAONm5espQlMs5HEtOPydc/s400/Cosmoknights%20Book%20Two%20BOTB.jpg" /></a></div>
Just to be clear — you should definitely read <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43419730" target="_blank"><i>Cosmoknights, Vol. 1</i></a> (to which I gave 4.5 stars) first; there's a lot of world-building that makes it take a bit longer to get to the action, but it's worth it for the setup it provides for this volume. It's basically badass queer women in space, tearing down the patriarchy — do you need to know more? The art in this graphic novel is beautiful and cinematic, the characters are real and flawed, and the plot is fast-paced and compelling. I'm not sure if Templer is planning a third volume, but the ending of this one means I'd be happy either way. I highly recommend these books!<br />
<br />
<i><b>What is the best book you read this month? Let me know in comments, or write your own post and link up below!</b></i><br />
<br />
<b>Looking back:</b><br />
One year ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52057544-gideon-the-ninth" target="_blank">Gideon the Ninth</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17857279-giovanni-s-room" target="_blank">Giovanni's Room</a></i>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/341643.McDonald_s" target="_blank"><i>McDonald's</i></a>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38673002-when-endermen-attack" target="_blank">When Endermen Attack</a></i><br />
Five years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32670042-cutting-for-stone" target="_blank">Cutting for Stone</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6569858-if-you-come-softly" target="_blank">If You Come Softly</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18118051-the-lion-the-witch-and-the-wardrobe" target="_blank">The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29983711-pachinko" target="_blank">Pachinko</a></i><br />
Ten years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18393609-david-and-goliath" target="_blank">David and Goliath</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3094222-war-and-peace" target="_blank">War and Peace</a></i><br />
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<!--end InLinkz code-->Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737812358045011020.post-79183986401330405462023-12-25T21:00:00.000-08:002023-12-25T21:00:00.152-08:00Top Ten Nonfiction Reads of 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="500" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmH1WDT006erGZeR6D2d3B0RmVrP2NvXQl9DIgZGoRhkeiOfDdLvIZBC0mV_so-m3W4MXI6jxdX-hd0jeC8yWl1Hrv0zr5R3taf4XAsVyNmBkrJTWi8hs2UD-YYxukNWyhsF-qrrT12a6U/s400/TTT-Big2.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" target="_blank">That Artsy Reader Girl</a> for another Top Ten Tuesday.<br />
<br />
Once again, I'm ignoring this week's actual Top Ten Tuesday topic in order to split my favorite reads of the year into nonfiction and fiction. For next week's "Favorite Books of 2023" I'll be sharing my favorite fiction of the year, but now that I've wrapped up my nonfiction reading for the year, I'll share my top nonfiction reads from the year this week. To read more about why I liked them, you can search for them on the blog or check out my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/17561595-jessica" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>! (To see my favorite read every month, I encourage you to check out — and link up with — the <a href="https://cocoonofbooks.blogspot.com/p/best-of-bunch.html">Best of the Bunch linkup</a>.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17465709-braiding-sweetgrass" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqhZPvE7-KJUIVqwT4c4e0ZounI4ot4DdgULa3lhRhBrj6KAYB0kPPtLLwIr69W4dcvdood3-1iCnn1la2IeCqHqk1sgtQkukaV0vKo_E6C8mTJEwS1wWGnpzka1NRFjntFb5w_pLUlU-TROIvwPGXB-RaEouMXHxotL4IQK-CRAOxXNLiQZiUxe1Tvwd/s200/Braiding%20Sweetgrass.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>1. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17465709-braiding-sweetgrass" target="_blank">Braiding Sweetgrass</a></i> by Robin Wall Kimmerer</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55012000-handsome" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZJZSDIPjj8XHhli-O8ArJk-7nTStSLAIrfx2CnA62K8OO_FXP9yAjCijtPAjHKkfLTkS2hAca92jI-QynYREcSn5_vndsn6FtN70auhPvhpOQufCLnOfWuaGvU0u7Pzz-Fie0sEicx0syaW4ZYpKZmCoeD9OozZOeXLKdoloBjUaJH8ZS_WEA2ivmfiG/s200/Handsome.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>2. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55012000-handsome" target="_blank">Handsome</a></i> by Holly Lorka</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198505323-hijab-butch-blues" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="662" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4KYZdojGLRfJ99tQq4i8ZNoSwpDr7B36n2KOxzDT4LB3q4P3SVSb_RlS7wThRiwLVT9XWIv9qrgR_gD275uJoib_d8rffeDI76NZORaEcWIZsWtJe9Yx_Rg0iOhtwTCDPKImXIqxTHpOnwQ42QJikG9gIzWhj_kbbqdymBtM9-F56g1x4E6teLkyvxPD/s200/Hijab%20Butch%20Blues.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>3. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198505323-hijab-butch-blues" target="_blank">Hijab Butch Blues</a></i> by Lamya H.</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56003994-how-the-word-is-passed" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="645" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjW6a7756qdzEn-vHerb-xG4Skt3y0BYt-gok7riIMNsECmrsNTSsXI3sWLF6E8phlBJZ906h7IE0m6JXDU0xkq5pbukNMrHBvYDV6iMd-UUZTWs5pA-N3aGj1nodofDAtAaOQIrWTdwxXpN6IuNYOnGnMRIKLVPBHA3PsJ-x4a5u6o8pEJXhcxwfF271e/s200/How%20the%20Word%20Is%20Passed.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>4. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56003994-how-the-word-is-passed" target="_blank">How the Word Is Passed</a></i> by Clint Smith</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63092699-i-won-t-shut-up" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27O5LjmnWs4sBX_NeJxO173nUJXubqcOuDO624WeZXa11fwwurrERrb9_p7eFkd4dhDkHLxIKelNZfhD3pmoGV-OrasH1fEEafQnbec6HDToHIfjtUxNRdejmG3IyZiTPqofvCm9jEQvt9BGKn0QQ09_IPJ4xzkqwqOGYMPifJlyF-xxBONF00sNNwISP/s200/I%20Won%27t%20Shut%20Up.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>5. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63092699-i-won-t-shut-up" target="_blank">I Won't Shut Up</a></i> by Ally Henny</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30753786-nabokov-s-favorite-word-is-mauve" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4w-fYoEe-u3OfemoIeS0PUe7CrK8VshA0Vl7JoloQ8ObWtecMjJepJ2KZKrLByqDkGpTSYHXbsvl-tieM9vC8HyjhMvZZ7c-bkrJpeRousyFElWaeMp0wxnLIfekgfJI0TG3MuL_QYz8lwfYrQn-HeN-vYZ_qmMCIqOCXS7u5Dnr7t2m99cKJo6EVj7e/s200/Nabokov%27s%20Favorite%20Word%20is%20Mauve.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>6. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30753786-nabokov-s-favorite-word-is-mauve" target="_blank">Nabokov's Favorite Word Is Mauve</a></i> by Ben Blatt</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199915776-polysecure" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFqnJBm__wbDJEycG_f7xLE5_uW3RdA0wZt9V9w12ixv3Wf62ZxF1Fu90wyqQqKthFrDB9RJIehza60aRBF0UYve7ewZxQjPkCIijtFIPNlasXA1BI55SVgA9PXfKqNZLbgiMDLepgvAk4fwe_oft9AtMvmPEpIkfY05OqAw4YztstrEDCZvoHG04UH3N/s200/Polysecure.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>7. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199915776-polysecure" target="_blank">Polysecure</a></i> by Jessica Fern</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204237894-refusing-compulsory-sexuality" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJDSJT1p3w1EGS01jI2NZUX0b5Hvc4qfg06S2_Xk_i9DQAWXg8crkePUn3UdzNPS9p9lveRj0tNsUVaAfsksu93PfJxzI438LgdNZY0FXzbifk_qfkFJHYzoR5v8GZGEAwnZD_MNKDZFXN4PnuGzDo3JC3Mc9Rg_xuDyo7ueL2V6WRSG0JFDHeSEcjca-/s200/Refusing%20Compulsory%20Sexuality.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>8. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204237894-refusing-compulsory-sexuality" target="_blank">Refusing Compulsive Sexuality</a></i> by Sherronda J. Brown</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45304238-sorted" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="2132" data-original-width="1400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3QvdwoW7DAlF7MXc0nzngh9WnAzR3C58MwdZhi3iQ-BeIsq3nIPLTrs1simY_7SanEU7vnUJWgFVFKNCl3k6uAV0dHUVn0bwr0zo0CxW5xtDwZEoj0BiVvBrrnaeq9W0ldzaLSfSw6z4p8pXiyPnMlVVkKvVOS0Yh4fWGfEdLygyiCmk5pMH0w2enT6E/s200/Sorted.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>9. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45304238-sorted" target="_blank">Sorted</a></i> by Jackson Bird</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62974061-tranquility-by-tuesday" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiPNZDIKBFoOaQxHru2z5eZZkmZVYuF9cn1JEuREZgU4jrHjBImYEg9MrL4rhXfm4zQMVlVBgyzUNj-Qh-1iXXQLmRSnxN5Fm55WgjJP_86vhDgwvbuXuJNszvDipZYOm-lR5QfyFkJ5KLd2lCcSKvjleICv2LdvCJqwjtr4GWEBvTFs1vi-XUKdWTWRw/s200/Tranquility%20by%20Tuesday.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>10. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62974061-tranquility-by-tuesday" target="_blank">Tranquility by Tuesday</a></i> by Laura Vanderkam</b><br />
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<i><b>What great nonfiction books did you read this year?</b></i><br />
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<b>Looking back:</b><br />
One year ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52057544-gideon-the-ninth" target="_blank">Gideon the Ninth</a></i>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/341643.McDonald_s" target="_blank"><i>McDonald's</i></a>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38673002-when-endermen-attack" target="_blank">When Endermen Attack</a></i><br />
Five years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32670042-cutting-for-stone" target="_blank">Cutting for Stone</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29983711-pachinko" target="_blank">Pachinko</a></i><br />
Ten years ago I was reading: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12851538-code-name-verity" target="_blank"><i>Code Name Verity</i></a> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3094222-war-and-peace" target="_blank">War and Peace</a></i><br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737812358045011020.post-70206458106310114052023-12-14T18:44:00.000-08:002023-12-14T18:44:22.817-08:00What I've Been Reading Lately<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_jcpzoV_d_1Y3-Hu2mSjxhdkj7yvzXyx3IPPFUIkDhDuM6Gqqhyphenhyphen7cz9A0YvYH33Y4S7Ucs_TZN4cIyaFsY3gMRXzbBmjmP4JAQkdf4_6DiEoGjhAaXyC7wP5ndJkMd34uHtXA2tIVsFoI8BO9cXu2idayqF6bi3IjgKqncwBQstxcI1V5zseeh4G3X_v/s400/Quick%20Lit%20December%202023%20post.jpg"/></a></div>Today I'm linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy's <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/category/books-reading/quicklit/" target="_blank">Quick Lit</a> to bring you some short and sweet reviews of what I've read in the past month. For longer reviews, you can always <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/17561595-jessica" target="_blank">find me on Goodreads</a>.<br />
<br />
It was a decent reading month, with nothing I'm jumping up and down about but several enjoyable and valuable reads.<br />
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50029427-dawn-of-the-underlord" target="_blank">The Bad Guys in Dawn of the Underlord</a></i> by Aaron Blabey: After closing out the original story arc in the last book, this book starts a new story arc that involves a more stereotypical good vs. evil shooting-power-bolts-at-each-other kind of vibe. It had some funny moments, but it definitely feels like this far into the series it's gotten away from the original feel. <br />
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<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18953018-loving-someone-with-borderline-personality-disorder" target="_blank">Loving Someone with Borderline Personality Disorder: How to Keep Out-of-Control Emotions from Destroying Your Relationship</a></i> by Shari Y. Manning: This was recommended as a good book for those who have a loved one who has experienced trauma, and I found it surprisingly applicable. Her tone is compassionate and hopeful, her advice is practical, and her basic principles are sound and based in research and experience. I'm grateful this resource exists!<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58424729-once-there-were-wolves" target="_blank">Once There Were Wolves</a></i> by Charlotte McConaghy: This was a dark, compelling read that unfortunately got bogged down in too many unnecessary tropes. I loved the premise, and the mystery kept me engaged, but I was asked to suspend my disbelief far too many times. The nature writing and the complicated ethics woven into the story would make me inclined to recommend this if it hadn't turned into a soap opera in the process.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60634185-this-is-not-a-book-about-benedict-cumberbatch" target="_blank"><i>This Is Not a Book About Benedict Cumberbatch: The Joy of Loving Something—Anything—Like Your Life Depends on It</i></a> by Tabitha Carvan: This was a delightful read. The author found herself completely obsessed with Benedict Cumberbatch after having children, and this is the hilarious and very relatable exploration of why she feels shame about enjoying something so much and what it has to do with gender expectations. What starts out as trying to explain her love for Benedict Cumberbatch ends in an exhortation for her readers to find something they love unabashedly.<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22010728-the-haunting-of-hill-house" target="_blank">The Haunting of Hill House</a></i> by Shirley Jackson: Jackson is a master both at creating atmosphere and at depicting characters so that you get a sense of them with just a few lines of dialogue. I loved the first half of this book, as the main characters develop a sense of camaraderie and the house's haunted nature starts to become more apparent. As the main character's mental state becomes more affected by the house, though, I had a harder time following what was going on and thus had a harder time maintaining interest.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/137205744-green" target="_blank"><i>Green</i></a> by Alex Gino: Gino's books are a gift to today's middle grade readers, both queer and not, in the clear, age-appropriate way they share information about identity exploration and the world more broadly. I love that this story of a nonbinary seventh grader moves beyond the traditional coming out narrative to grapple with things like crushes and hormone blockers, even if Gino tried to fit a bit too much in a short book and lost some of the impact on the central plot lines.<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60795630-true-biz" target="_blank">True Biz</a></i> by Sara Nović: This is one of those books that I'm very glad exist even if the story itself wasn't super compelling to me personally. Through the story of one Deaf institution, Nović educates the reader on the importance of language access for Deaf children, along with other lessons on ASL and Deaf culture.<br />
<br />
<b>Looking back:</b><br />
One year ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30840161-radio-silence" target="_blank">Radio Silence</a></i>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/341643.McDonald_s" target="_blank"><i>McDonald's</i></a>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38673002-when-endermen-attack" target="_blank">When Endermen Attack</a></i><br />
Five years ago I was reading: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35269240-gaudy-night" target="_blank"><i>Gaudy Night</i></a> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19326995-the-future-of-the-mind" target="_blank">The Future of the Mind</a></i><br />
Ten years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11036993-red-azalea" target="_blank">Red Azalea</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3094222-war-and-peace" target="_blank">War and Peace</a></i><br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737812358045011020.post-60244518741423736202023-12-11T21:00:00.000-08:002023-12-11T21:00:00.188-08:00Top Ten Books on My Winter TBR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="500" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmH1WDT006erGZeR6D2d3B0RmVrP2NvXQl9DIgZGoRhkeiOfDdLvIZBC0mV_so-m3W4MXI6jxdX-hd0jeC8yWl1Hrv0zr5R3taf4XAsVyNmBkrJTWi8hs2UD-YYxukNWyhsF-qrrT12a6U/s400/TTT-Big2.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" target="_blank">That Artsy Reader Girl</a> for another Top Ten Tuesday.<br />
<br />
It's that time again! I finished all the books on my <a href="https://cocoonofbooks.blogspot.com/2023/09/top-ten-books-on-my-fall-tbr.html">Fall TBR</a> except for <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60194162" target="_blank"><i>Demon Copperhead</i></a> and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53886428" target="_blank"><i>Hazeldine</i></a>, which will likely take me some time to get through. Here are ten books I plan to read this winter!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43419730" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfE561VS7fR6p9PfrXF1Eo_0_rEtSD6tmOE8GIUdj5ktPwgzV7qkGoaZiVx5RDCZsZx4Daik7qKBGJWB9HPxlVVOacBAiAd-YGyJhyphenhyphen4htBsyjttpOQUxiqqjrAbqDhKVcZL3e3FReiPjw4dyHzC4toXrKnLsymApJ5MyWpDHvkYrVzKJcKOoASN2B0bczU/s200/Cosmoknights.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>1. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43419730" target="_blank"><i>Cosmoknights, Book One</i></a> by Hannah Templer</b><br />
My friend lent me her copy of this graphic novel in exchange for my lending her <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50643249" target="_blank"><i>Snapdragon</i></a>. I'm excited to read it!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49089632" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7nce0IBqsL_tg8tWGYgxE5hQWNFkEfXGQrzNFtefdK3ExqLRqFdbhidS3zY05rjgHb6GzpUHF4-l6etH_GN8RnKM91zEyG_a2SUIFzthNso4oAvmF4xUn-JrOJOPY67HZXFYsTCEcMTH5FR0Tu3vy-wt3_41jw-ylqnhmOXOQsr-VVbROgBV1JO1YkAw/s200/Elatsoe.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>2. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49089632" target="_blank"><i>Elatsoe</i></a> by Darcie Little Badger</b><br />
This book was recently mentioned on <a href="https://modernmrsdarcy.com/what-should-i-read-next/" target="_blank">What Should I Read Next?</a> and it reminded me that it's been on my list for a while. I think that was the nudge I needed to read it!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36127488" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8luS9zMnmUVqrST_SVMzh1eVdUsQ32ye0IWCrRyiPJqb6RVhxleWWmmPX80Yoxb6PN_ljxzLLYCnmBCTtEVV4Khfgk3SstLYn8b-VvafsRyclkMePileqT3oJwwEL_lxtqkvsVDhmsI9H-D3Xm7_aOZ_jAnNUSnDZwpi-C6PRdM9CYBE301BfHMTUNUP/s200/Front%20Desk.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>3. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36127488" target="_blank"><i>Front Desk</i></a> by Kelly Yang</b><br />
Winter is a good time to read middle grade, and this is a middle grade book that's been on my list for far too long. Now is the time!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53344030" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hHk5rRSvKB1e7rho_S3sHd21iaUBxyKc2pIDTY0RsDkZfMae3iUnveKOvLQFWT9sg7gQTMLA0-WtLvZ8s5IYOBcnQz1iiIP_W2B8z_u-mQRItRO2ytIV2hTb9bhfrQkx1eal07o_QCe2TAg0iep5AYcTyNzLeMHz3IX01zeA1DwHqYNNkQy838R_JQP9/s200/Heartstopper%20Volume%20Five.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>4. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53344030" target="_blank"><i>Heartstopper: Volume Five</i></a> by Alice Oseman</b><br />
I have been eagerly awaiting this fifth volume of the Heartstopper series that comes out this month. Thankfully I got my library hold in early!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35224992" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="659" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_C4sYwPFZhZ7xJvUlxzhmHGR9L7Z8MYdb_dmLzgysHVlT_6SCtxDsqORPXcS8IviFBvp9SseQzKiujArgo_KlLNY3rnAymYZMurbpUHXCTentoFoqY0-GGh6UM_q7K1DcZdNscLZC5e8rYYrd_17rvgtCUXIdXh70U6GNXyUIJSAHHiM0YJHvLSQdlc76/s200/Last%20Night%20at%20the%20Telegraph%20Club.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>5. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35224992" target="_blank"><i>Last Night at the Telegraph Club</i></a> by Malinda Lo</b><br />
This YA queer romance keeps popping up in recommendations, and my partner just started reading it, so it seems like a good time to finally pick it up!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62998140" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="656" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroDhCslHfipft3qd8YwhJGiohCjl47lvXGZkccgmJCK4-jMCPA39BO6MB414xQ6S-Ci6-MGzAZKxqgXLVk2z1LrJfb9c3s_tryjB-qNLz0ByS4TwHCUKoiSXH1-6pEuNURPevEpl0o0Iq1QA3D-6R_z1jfFeFoeZGh61QJhSaB8ZxqfnpxqvQdBDcmhTY/s200/Polywise.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>6. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62998140" target="_blank"><i>Polywise</i></a> by Jessica Fern with David Cooley</b><br />
I loved <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199915776" target="_blank"><i>Polysecure</i></a> and was excited to see Fern had a follow-up book, and then I heard <a href="https://www.multiamory.com/podcast/450-polywise-a-conversation-with-jessica-fern-and-dave-cooley" target="_blank">Fern and Cooley on the Multiamory podcast</a> and that confirmed for me that I need to read this book.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59891859" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeJ20hYP0eFjOOrPE7Q3CJ2GyL6zN0vxevMqZAGs8ck54EzjjwMOP64e3uaam-UP3ais0jnGFzzTZlzMVsrerPEdMax0ex04ccTna-YQio3KXc-YGXU5tVdp9JgBR41LShg99MHKFE5wv01WC-CC0YsDF4BvOXSpBaKllYpZ9297OnTYctxl-HoG7os1Q/s200/Refusing%20Compulsory%20Sexuality.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>7. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59891859" target="_blank"><i>Refusing Compulsory Sexuality</i></a> by Sherronda J. Brown</b><br />
I don't know where I ran across this book (probably in one of my ace Facebook groups), but I'm excited to read a Black asexual perspective because the ace community and media representation can tend to be overwhelmingly white.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58733693" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1LbiLQP646FH1UMhzFf8wfnRwAAoawnWxwMG0MbsyRnUfdYrJckumXovYE8JYgpRw9E2wEj4WA1ep0k6S3rwx33av3G5KKmPlt4gtLJgQBdIhNA31KDhhm4PUX8p9314sYRIc_Z7co0Xz6NrVB1UCohLE9AZjnuaWrHrJDx_B60ZWIyF9Co-XWeKWpQG/s200/Remarkably%20Bright%20Creatures.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>8. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58733693" target="_blank"><i>Remarkably Bright Creatures</i></a> by Shelby Van Pelt</b><br />
This is one of the popular bestsellers that I keep seeing recommended over and over this year. It's been described as heartwarming, which is always a vibe I appreciate in the depths of winter!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26221428" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTklIsiJfT7nCDiwN_dpQkFBWjyjpnr_mXj9RZRVJqQbJco3K1FHmpXT-9FyZtimLzdFZqb7MsanTJN3qFwYFbxjqk3cwfnRaRvy469IPLG7dm_TkMSbJoQznTvnK2CIkUEXM1V30mpxSoZ3Y-WeWSjKW_bmUEj6ujeaWCdgqsB9txvlz2ZWokrECC3bI/s200/Secret%20Keepers.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>9. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26221428" target="_blank"><i>The Secret Keepers</i></a> by Trenton Lee Stewart</b><br />
I keep forgetting that the author of my favorite middle grade series, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/40996-the-mysterious-benedict-society" target="_blank">The Mysterious Benedict Society</a>, has other books. I was very disappointed to see that the show of <i>The Mysterious Benedict Society</i> was pulled from Disney+ (it was so good!!) but I am looking forward to reading this other Stewart book.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37822657" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydpw-IdRS097-xbIJVCaol5RU4RJcAb_1JUDCML9cb-urgzRhmqiyEKhi4peoWVvZkXj_5HQjEvQOvOWGBhLcByRODgs7e0gjg6iDh2IFOPYrMhdvPT5SB4PYoLb9LdPjQESHKPte3-MgZEwYdAuwYh7WhKaCcSGwwzXUBNorcN6XiP8u2nDRvYkpBxRU/s200/You%20Don%27t%20Know%20Everything,%20Jilly%20P.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>10. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37822657" target="_blank"><i>You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P!</i></a> by Alex Gino</b><br />
After picking up Gino's latest, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/137205744" target="_blank"><i>Green</i></a>, I remembered that I have a copy of one of their earlier books that I still haven't read! This is going to be a season of middle grade, and I am here for it.<br />
<br />
<i><b>What do you plan to read this winter?</b></i><br />
<br />
<b>Looking back:</b><br />
One year ago I was reading: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65648354-murder-is-easy" target="_blank"><i>Murder Is Easy</i></a>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/341643.McDonald_s" target="_blank"><i>McDonald's</i></a>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38673002-when-endermen-attack" target="_blank">When Endermen Attack</a></i><br />
Five years ago I was reading: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35269240-gaudy-night" target="_blank"><i>Gaudy Night</i></a> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19326995-the-future-of-the-mind" target="_blank">The Future of the Mind</a></i><br />
Ten years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11036993-red-azalea" target="_blank">Red Azalea</a></i><br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737812358045011020.post-60149775606092779092023-11-30T21:00:00.000-08:002023-11-30T21:00:00.150-08:00Best of the Bunch (November 2023)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cocoonofbooks.blogspot.com/p/best-of-bunch.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Best of the Bunch header" border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdmwBcrAkUWPGaXJpos40KfdgZlWjzEsHA441aDfDQTXzw4ahXPFbdEBN010qsNf1vx7hihDt8GKlK30aqsFE6dS5wU0WHwfx5KvpBQV-kgsL4rZZmANwNmX7JmoGYEAbWLmyeI0OX4Pf/w400-h152/BotB-logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Today I'm sharing the best book I read in November.<br />
<br />
It was a very busy month for me, which translated to a light reading month. I finished five books total and didn't have any 5-star or 4.5-star reads. I did have three 4-star reads, which interestingly were all nonfiction:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58520577-cultish" target="_blank"><i>Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism</i></a> by Amanda Montell<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18953018-loving-someone-with-borderline-personality-disorder" target="_blank"><i>Loving Someone with Borderline Personality Disorder: How to Keep Out-of-Control Emotions from Destroying Your Relationship</i></a> by Shari Y. Manning<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60634185-this-is-not-a-book-about-benedict-cumberbatch" target="_blank"><i>This Is Not a Book About Benedict Cumberbatch: The Joy of Loving Something--Anything--Like Your Life Depends On It </i></a> by Tabitha Carvan<br />
<br />
One of these could have arguably been 4.5 stars if I'd been feeling more generous, so I'm going to make that my Best of the Bunch!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNvihYBIw2Rty1dReKUsLZlQmQiO_qRwNQQ_9eq3VGtfaFN8mlNfi5Z7NXth3w7uOlybnegnVrXU5mHXLRjbuQqHxCX3DR76COFXjz_vsXZu0z9MZFcdUJlmNOywx4CFWJD6HKHz8YcAl9h9o5drmBQEH2E9af4HY5OrDRunIR_PqyYu2bbLy7GPQrvtN/s500/Cultish%20BOTB.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNvihYBIw2Rty1dReKUsLZlQmQiO_qRwNQQ_9eq3VGtfaFN8mlNfi5Z7NXth3w7uOlybnegnVrXU5mHXLRjbuQqHxCX3DR76COFXjz_vsXZu0z9MZFcdUJlmNOywx4CFWJD6HKHz8YcAl9h9o5drmBQEH2E9af4HY5OrDRunIR_PqyYu2bbLy7GPQrvtN/s400/Cultish%20BOTB.jpg"/></a></div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58520577-cultish" target="_blank"><i>Cultish</i></a> was an interesting read, ably narrated on audio by Ann Marie Gideon. Montell first looks at groups that are universally described as "cults" to determine what factors make them such, and especially what different forms of language are used to draw people in and keep them there. Then she looks into other parts of culture that have been described as "cults," from MLMs to fitness studios to social media influencers, and shows the ways in which their use of language and its ultimate impact do or do not mimic those of "real" cults. I especially appreciated how she looked into the research on who is most susceptible to joining a cult (or cult-ish group of any kind) and dispelled some of the mythology there. I think the book could have benefited from a central thesis outside of "Here are some patterns about cults and here's where else they show up," but it was engaging, and I feel like I learned quite a bit!<br />
<br />
<i><b>What is the best book you read this month? Let me know in comments, or write your own post and link up below!</b></i><br />
<br />
<b>Looking back:</b><br />
One year ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16444717-swallows-and-amazons" target="_blank">Swallows and Amazons</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34667795-the-gentleman-s-guide-to-vice-and-virtue" target="_blank">The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13549048-the-bean-trees" target="_blank">The Bean Trees</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37510846-dragons-never-die" target="_blank">Dragons Never Die</a></i><br />
Five years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30333188-born-a-crime" target="_blank">Born a Crime</a></i><br />
Ten years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13627565-roots" target="_blank">Roots</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6599441-the-guernsey-literary-and-potato-peel-pie-society" target="_blank">The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society</a></i><br />
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<!-- end InLinkz code -->Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737812358045011020.post-44440942338214803202023-11-27T21:00:00.000-08:002023-11-27T21:00:00.149-08:00Ten Great Books Set in England<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="500" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmH1WDT006erGZeR6D2d3B0RmVrP2NvXQl9DIgZGoRhkeiOfDdLvIZBC0mV_so-m3W4MXI6jxdX-hd0jeC8yWl1Hrv0zr5R3taf4XAsVyNmBkrJTWi8hs2UD-YYxukNWyhsF-qrrT12a6U/s400/TTT-Big2.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" target="_blank">That Artsy Reader Girl</a> for another Top Ten Tuesday.<br />
<br />
This week we're sharing books that all have the same setting in common. Looking over the books I've enjoyed in the past decade, they have quite a wide variety of settings! I finally settled on England as an area of the world where a multitude of books I love have been set, and I stuck with only one book per author to provide more of a variety. Here's my list!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13099995" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmxMzvNdofyLBS48l44ND3x_g5U5nEjnmY4Ce8Ojdy_jjEYybSaIkDaGtJrTEwHWKRUdmRb3_v2Gql4PtBubXZnia6SXaoyo7P30OFwPutDWeH79iwAInJZBh8sfBu49_vfRv5vzDCu9ycUgd82MJ-F8h8vS_NYcw0DQczWFStCOVjDebK5M0syhIHl48/s200/5%20-%20All%20Creatures%20Great%20and%20Small.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>1. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13099995" target="_blank"><i>All Creatures Great and Small</i></a> by James Herriot</b><br />
Herriot (the pen name of James Alfred Wight) shares a fictionalized account of his experiences as a veterinarian in the dales of Yorkshire. Between the memorable stories, colorful characters, and beautiful descriptions, this is literary comfort food as its best.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15820264" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="928" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPcUbX6jIDP39ukuKD-E6xIoaJNuNtiIda2CIXs9bm6SsAjpcByvjQcj_dwPZVbDADnU-cpoGFpiSvm6Q6tCX9jxbVRhZKEgdAgweeV7E3p4D40pk1kziDNmMculh7_TExnI-t5FnzbTcqkG8OC22sbnoZtfAnv6ZI975j3oATOemHmHGDGyV7EAtah-y/s200/Cards%20on%20the%20Table.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>2. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15820264" target="_blank"><i>Cards on the Table</i></a> by Agatha Christie</b><br />
I had to pick from a long list of Christie titles, though my favorite of hers (<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/538604" target="_blank"><i>Death on the Nile</i></a>) doesn't take place in England, so I went with another favorite instead, one that's delightfully unpredictable and twisty.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42115981" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqrtCt95AwaKpMk1STuMzZO7vP0YPZt1VwV202ch1J07qFU6406YSzSTbY5yRupod_a92Yoiv1V1URv5t-OuFVpb311gohQTX5-d1UKaOHb5ZPT78PCX_XzaqidsfWABjQLPDsmXJpam3U9ALsMy0xyuQgevI0c-P61Q3WHyDVHuHPIqg8Rt2Ap5Wigex/s200/Loveless.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>3. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42115981" target="_blank"><i>Loveless</i></a> by Alice Oseman</b><br />
I love almost all of Oseman's books, which are set in several different parts of England, but this one has a special place in my heart for its stellar aroace representation.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18271569" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zky5P4ERGElLqUSXLgdTsddFeNhQMoVvXSJKbfqoXHxdbeKbF-RO36G-LQZ9k7HKEIiDUqTpCEztId9e3IR6OhBREgvCbww23V1k-vqUNujrRxxGnwj4gPjzNWx05hvSAc8846QV6xJ2pyovavG1nN50flxxwdw-_OAiJjCVIZR1SXMTrAZ021OvjOzi/s200/Mysterious%20Howling.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>4. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18271569" target="_blank"><i>The Mysterious Howling</i></a> by Maryrose Wood</b><br />
I think you need to experience this middle grade novel (and its sequels) on audio to get the full effect of the narrator's accent, which lends a Mary Poppins air to this story of an English governess caring for three children raised by wolves.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58957432" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbO0da6uIdbl5qkyu1sBKXclW-m5Xmg2u4gtpYs_ws9IPX-_8hxsFDYEsjfhRF_78P6q3yXPgsBxP7dD-UYN-kaeHF0pmOj0MTNvJKthi1KmP_xgw20tCzU3UMC-7_ssBrHsm8hARnw2Vc5bF0lFiUvmVfNMzhMGHJ2175r9522WCSo9GGNjK72-FXzuC/s200/Place%20to%20Hang%20the%20Moon.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>5. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58957432" target="_blank"><i>A Place to Hang the Moon</i></a> by Kate Albus</b><br />
This is a recent favorite, the story of three children evacuated from wartime London into the English countryside, trying to find a forever family. It's also excellent on audio.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18973673" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTA75XeTVf7CUf_bbfBGK9g5mrGK-eIkCCq50DAdw_pIxUEVhhqG-nUOFivsMU9Q1ZOghv-gXq-LVy9qs2KV9Fxs30_yRPG1b5d2R9s8uZUR1VtGFCIJFKTMc3otOesyLb5i66aSZVqIoxOSUOUYX_eCltrTJGm4N1oEkmTVkVKxFTgZ_yGcSN3WMFmn7/s200/Rebecca.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>6. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18973673" target="_blank"><i>Rebecca</i></a> by Daphne du Maurier</b><br />
This gothic classic is set at a fictional manor in Cornwall, in the southwest corner of England. It's one of my favorite classic novels, which I've loved since middle school.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18585540" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6e8v74cCaVNgWxTFHjgG8rmfEVLM41AHr5psUa5GrcmrtQN10bvWvA4UxsNzJu_foZ-djQX_K_E3X7-y2kG7DkXg5PjURLPFmdGkdLxpifRPcyFUfo28YUGpdTPHTNbfnpNaQEUVFNP0eOo6cp4NHED71kgTAhnTo4cY52iEAyJz4nuNI16jNBC2D0ke/s200/Remains%20of%20the%20Day.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>7. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18585540" target="_blank"><i>The Remains of the Day</i></a> by Kazuo Ishiguro</b><br />
Through the book's first-person narrator reflecting back on his career as an English butler, you get to see how things have changed over the decades. This is one of my favorite examples of an unreliable narrator, as Stevens is lying to himself about certain aspects of his past as much as he's unintentionally lying to the reader. (Another one that's excellent on audio!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14059705" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTGDiQHMboR3Bz2wbcNiVs4AvCx3sipRnwTSLIvHHvwSmTnBfhOqlrHe1AnGg2lsEdWOpww20ucvG3LlGjETZWRIhyphenhyphen1bml4n484A3DIJLzRQqMOm2HPyS62BMperxwH8j-pxHYwUjSYpYevBW9EdqIcM-CMAI1-DxUUZw7MKtuLiCuFVXGeETlbm_q8qa/s200/Secret%20Keeper.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>8. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14059705" target="_blank"><i>The Secret Keeper</i></a> by Kate Morton</b><br />
The mystery at the heart of this engaging story takes the reader back and forth in time and between London and the Sussex countryside as a woman seeks answers in her mother's past about a crime she witnessed as a child.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18184422" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTUrUmvU7495Xs6BJfGCukZhDQe_-PMoxvVnL1VK6xzk5U6138tXOlTWS9kCga2vqzXI93h5SQ2g9czxnG7wwB3cxUo-xrZuuBIVtU84tapv_jtUqAlcjUedFBEhgiXKcP7OKacZ8hbekuR1iH3YQoViDyNTjr9jpN0JjM_z87AAA52LQFk6gSE9LF3aO/s200/Shell%20Seekers.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>9. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18184422" target="_blank"><i>The Shell Seekers</i></a> by Rosamunde Pilcher</b><br />
It's worth saving this one for when you have the patience to savor the descriptions of Cornwall that provide the backdrop for this beautiful story of three generations of women.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48946446" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqm8Lm1laACd3MFD-4ZQsiFJ34J2bjxvsipsE0tINjNk12ADzFl_FnoOzBePl6qHAT0xSE_AkLGgAHDXhQ71ZKUQzVuLkwV84EiXvfNSAZuh6CXVcsX46F8oGVdRJda_3BNpo0S8HPhLu4iLo3gPLMIULtJ1OSPx0Ffcr_Wp0Em8AEtbvE5tj4wjA5k29/s200/Switch.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>10. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48946446" target="_blank"><i>The Switch</i></a> by Beth O'Leary</b><br />
Leena moves out to her grandmother's house in Yorkshire for a two-month sabbatical while her grandmother, Eileen, tired of the limited romantic prospects in her small village, takes Leena's spot in her London flat. It's silly and sweet and just predictable enough to be a heartwarming read.<br />
<br />
<i><b>What great books have you read set in England?</b></i><br />
<br />
<b>Looking back:</b><br />
One year ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16444717-swallows-and-amazons" target="_blank">Swallows and Amazons</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34667795-the-gentleman-s-guide-to-vice-and-virtue" target="_blank">The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13549048-the-bean-trees" target="_blank">The Bean Trees</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37510846-dragons-never-die" target="_blank">Dragons Never Die</a></i><br />
Five years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30333188-born-a-crime" target="_blank">Born a Crime</a></i><br />
Ten years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13627565-roots" target="_blank">Roots</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6599441-the-guernsey-literary-and-potato-peel-pie-society" target="_blank">The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society</a></i><br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737812358045011020.post-25154178391962722462023-11-15T05:30:00.000-08:002023-11-15T05:30:00.145-08:00What I've Been Reading Lately (Quick Lit)<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDavFOiSKVj365ctxqFI48rYNZw_PWTnrKEBpQ49CPbt-mxTZVmP9JbrhucW2DI2uT1GVSyopLmA7Zb5rGOF9ynO4MrtTKYFzfwkATpCHTSIeEIN439n00ZreS38Y9baComNTvq5rvqHNBpTccGZkr7PQZu03IKXGhVWlWcwY3_Uv2aBB5PfER6-mvcshB/s400/Quick%20Lit%20November%202023%20post.jpg"/></a></div>Today I'm linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy's <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/category/books-reading/quicklit/" target="_blank">Quick Lit</a> to bring you some short and sweet reviews of what I've read in the past month. For longer reviews, you can always <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/17561595-jessica" target="_blank">find me on Goodreads</a>.<br />
<br />
I didn't read a ton this month, but there were several good ones!<br />
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58957432-a-place-to-hang-the-moon" target="_blank">A Place to Hang the Moon</a></i> by Kate Albus: This was my <a href="https://cocoonofbooks.blogspot.com/2023/10/best-of-bunch-october-2023.html" target="_blank">Best of the Bunch for October</a>. It's a hopeful and heartwarming middle grade story that I'd recommend to kids and adults alike.<br />
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44446713-the-bad-guys-in-the-baddest-day-ever" target="_blank">The Bad Guys in the Baddest Day Ever</a></i> by Aaron Blabey: I enjoyed this more than the previous few books in the series. It provides an ending of sorts to the story arc of the series thus far, though the series continues with additional twists and turns.<br />
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199915776-polysecure" target="_blank">Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma and Consensual Nonmonogamy</a></i> by Jessica Fern: I honestly think that this book could be helpful for anyone in any relationship structure who wants to build a more secure attachment with their partner(s) or themselves, but it's especially valuable for those practicing non-monogamy to have specific, research-backed suggestions for building stronger relationships and healing attachment wounds.<br />
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54906250-project-hail-mary" target="_blank">Project Hail Mary</a></i> by Andy Weir: This was a super fun sci-fi story! You have to accept a huge helping of suspension of disbelief to go along with certain plot points, but if you don't mind that then it's an engaging plot.<br />
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18877767-the-residue-years" target="_blank">The Residue Years</a></i> by Mitchell S. Jackson: I appreciated getting a different look at Portland than is often seen in media; unfortunately, I found the pacing of the book challenging and had a hard time empathizing was some of the characters' choices, which made it hard for me to stay invested in the read.<br />
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58520577-cultish" target="_blank">Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism</a></i> by Amanda Montell: After looking at the language and practices of groups that are universally described as "cults," Montell looks into other parts of culture that have been described as "cults," from MLMs to fitness studios to social media influencers, and shows the ways in which their use of language and its ultimate impact do or do not mimic those of "real" cults. It was engaging, and I feel like I learned quite a bit!<br />
<br />
<b>Looking back:</b><br />
One year ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16444717-swallows-and-amazons" target="_blank">Swallows and Amazons</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34667795-the-gentleman-s-guide-to-vice-and-virtue" target="_blank">The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13549048-the-bean-trees" target="_blank">The Bean Trees</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37510846-dragons-never-die" target="_blank">Dragons Never Die</a></i><br />
Five years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30333188-born-a-crime" target="_blank">Born a Crime</a></i><br />
Ten years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13627565-roots" target="_blank">Roots</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6599441-the-guernsey-literary-and-potato-peel-pie-society" target="_blank">The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society</a></i><br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737812358045011020.post-28366584282130872512023-11-06T21:00:00.076-08:002023-11-06T21:00:00.167-08:00Ten Book Titles that Would Make Good Newspaper Headlines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="500" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmH1WDT006erGZeR6D2d3B0RmVrP2NvXQl9DIgZGoRhkeiOfDdLvIZBC0mV_so-m3W4MXI6jxdX-hd0jeC8yWl1Hrv0zr5R3taf4XAsVyNmBkrJTWi8hs2UD-YYxukNWyhsF-qrrT12a6U/s400/TTT-Big2.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" target="_blank">That Artsy Reader Girl</a> for another Top Ten Tuesday.<br />
<br />
This week's theme was tough! There are a lot of book titles that could be article headlines in a feature or special interest section, but I wanted ones that could theoretically be a front-page headline. Here's what I came up with!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16054063-the-100-year-old-man-who-climbed-out-the-window-and-disappeared" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="431" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZuId-ilP3eriwGUMQQkzLtr9bRnbB52DLhzS15sbPcxyuaDvMj0V812iUgzp0vIOjzRPEQEZwsFKh00LYckgnfvGVZv5FT1d2ps-NQbVFFxkr_j7RiPqFYdCjY0x9ZWwzA49LLUFgYnMKPFJ96ymQtRRXgjCGR4HE7DCwM6IolRYYQShsIM8nDY5v_sX/s200/100-Year-Old-Man.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>1. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16054063-the-100-year-old-man-who-climbed-out-the-window-and-disappeared" target="_blank"><i>The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared</i></a> by Jonas Jonasson</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46025951" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="671" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLT0j-rXKKe3WuQ2Fd6jLw8tZWUgkaOsu9PeMW16DjfAItdW_t_B7trjVPZJ3KifZPt5LYXieMsZQ5obaFQRegi2xCvIr942Wr7paMrq1EhzhRc1XXIukEEuTySsnDOB23K6woHK-U8LxPdiNj8SHtjxYdxIyHOHWx_-p4djWT-qEU0K_tdrVflyytV6f/s200/Celery%20Stalks%20at%20Midnight.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>2. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46025951" target="_blank"><i>The Celery Stalks at Midnight</i></a> by James Howe</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24106041" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1511" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFME6aPK4XfySz_eGVQ8Y5cIkCP2uRIp11u7ae7Y31NFeuF6Y6J5XTUCn802KyIk9p9T2766aqFG6HSd8qZcgInlXVqyjKPhEMV_qqoA7y93C-hXeORH34wqp-kzUq2cPJbYb8jqs5c9iLmpswSjbbO8xmxr7f87KYYVMj-_lTeZozNKGGayLSR2xVJD_1/s200/Escape%20from%20Mr.%20Lemoncello%27s%20Library.jpeg"/></a></div>
<b>3. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24106041" target="_blank"><i>Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library</i></a> by Chris Grabenstein</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35340449" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLCzXX6ybLUWyx1vLzVEKVi2UlcLTMMrD1PbSStAqj01BmsDKhRwJTJRrBIlUg2yWLPIxP704M-UON8MwTc3l-6oJ59uYzaBXq9v_sUk3pUn-v4QCsiyQO-3e4z0cMVFMXiHf4AGVdIvATSiyTOFhUpCT7NNf7hPIaIfhWDT2ORre2WVkBVsntTBbsX4V/s200/Killers%20of%20the%20Flower%20Moon.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>4. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35340449" target="_blank"><i>Killers of the Flower Moon</i></a> by David Grann</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34331079" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiols9TmcMGHfIERtqlyiLkaJpuIOg2EDCenmQOSW1Wl4Cddys5YmoeSRkifJi4bLvEZ1fqZexSGKdqbS0OFLqcf1Pfd_J1t523h6S8h3kZvb5uLt4cutjvVeFkgnQ6mmkEwH8xfcCUKDNmaAyTJfFhOld_zzA3CAb1CpEVgSoSxWI0EHpxpo2g9zsy0ITb/s200/Little%20Fires%20Everywhere.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>5. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34331079" target="_blank"><i>Little Fires Everywhere</i></a> by Celeste Ng</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15820297" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOg3fxoBoCzelUVMAChcFl3A7Ht00AjZJBE1QOcouJPvZ3OEJFToow0sL0lbdpwSxFx0YxYA_VLLL-eATupujE07M3UrVbM2RgVZtQQH_BuD4zfcNux0oGW3GoyXpqrJ547yHYviG-WmKstICpL4EHe0meMu2DmkOepAwy_-qRfJgqs_Y8BxNSMNWlL2c6/s200/Lord%20Edgware%20Dies.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>6. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15820297" target="_blank"><i>Lord Edgware Dies</i></a> by Agatha Christie</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8626048" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhN3x3eqJTjWm3MdCnd0CG0CAnQuZmFB_U74NMegNkCiOF9eYtCttoWfaJj2dVPOYPeL7HmADnI3ILg1O2jPubzazusMAFoA5N0y0GuOg9oSxqNvgH9-A7UP5Z4ZPVa7oqjBfD01MJUgvwsXgQU1F21wUusMizM4fg2afaKlxakXwQpnCdamlX4q0QQ8GJ/s200/Murder%20with%20Peacocks.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>7. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8626048" target="_blank"><i>Murder with Peacocks</i></a> by Donna Andrews</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/595531" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="712" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wI1LyDOxQyLgPJJQdaYj2IJD6rvLxeVaJBmVN0qIHW_89VCWr0i0X4Jw5NVJk_dy333hPnzmqHpc22Bwkvz_CLxmH_MO2dYcxSqNoDczkWnH74BNhv2yn75P7VviALDC_jESqoTjraL3Zls0-hZYRWFls0ccBNX54q1DO_kZTB9njTUwOvUsHg5vxWtJ/s200/Pushcart%20War.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>8. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/595531" target="_blank"><i>The Pushcart War</i></a> by Jean Merrill</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13446687" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2uM4w_7fAjpGQzr7PP6TS_ByyfJ_TLz7jjnmct_MyLNhVpiNmSu1plFyrSyB-bFS13RnUPsNWKKTSkD3ZNZERgOi9VbVTc89MyG1eq4NBfcuDBJ5iF7-ewL3SF635Ej-DqXix0lfOO8_Wu61vNipNC2YCrjUpYT-eBxkX1ThdiJ7AKspGlIxaoppgrUe/s200/Wayside%20School%20Is%20Falling%20Down.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>9. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13446687" target="_blank"><i>Wayside School Is Falling Down</i></a> by Louis Sachar</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38673002" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtqr2UhToXM04OmEaXwP8LxXB2mqaJ1JmbWYVvm6vDHW6zTymqgPDFguYS7MoLWOSDzcOVb16ujTQSG06pAJfdQo7RKcdUZE8iJrL2CC5j0dihi1z8rThY-O7OGLhekCmvJ2BOiT9lJWNcDRPc8hhz432KLwTCx_0Y19vRIv6zuc2-LjW5M8dDyzg-EiU/s200/When%20Endermen%20Attack.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>10. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38673002" target="_blank"><i>When Endermen Attack</i></a> by Cara J. Stevens</b><br />
<br />
<i><b>What other titles fit this category?</b></i><br />
<br />
<b>Looking back:</b><br />
One year ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16444717-swallows-and-amazons" target="_blank">Swallows and Amazons</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63230177-the-art-of-gathering" target="_blank">The Art of Gathering</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30753702-girls-auto-clinic-glove-box-guide" target="_blank">Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35804630-creepers-crashed-my-party" target="_blank">Creepers Crashed My Party</a></i><br />
Five years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32738683-stride-toward-freedom" target="_blank">Stride Toward Freedom</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29436571-march" target="_blank">March: Book Three</a></i><br />
Ten years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13627565-roots" target="_blank">Roots</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17368903-behind-the-beautiful-forevers" target="_blank">Behind the Beautiful Forevers</a></i><br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737812358045011020.post-48718278543580455802023-10-31T21:00:00.035-07:002023-10-31T21:00:00.141-07:00Best of the Bunch (October 2023)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cocoonofbooks.blogspot.com/p/best-of-bunch.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Best of the Bunch header" border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdmwBcrAkUWPGaXJpos40KfdgZlWjzEsHA441aDfDQTXzw4ahXPFbdEBN010qsNf1vx7hihDt8GKlK30aqsFE6dS5wU0WHwfx5KvpBQV-kgsL4rZZmANwNmX7JmoGYEAbWLmyeI0OX4Pf/w400-h152/BotB-logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Today I'm sharing the best book I read in October.<br />
<br />
I had a great reading month: Out of the 10 books I read, I had three 5-star reads!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59131231-wherever-is-your-heart" target="_blank"><i>Wherever Is Your Heart</i></a> by Anita Kelly<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58957432-a-place-to-hang-the-moon" target="_blank"><i>A Place to Hang the Moon</i></a> by Kate Albus<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199915776-polysecure" target="_blank"><i>Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma, and Consensual Nonmonogamy</i></a> by Jessica Fern<br />
<br />
This is a really hard choice, y'all! I loved all of these books. When in doubt, though, I go with the one that I would recommend most broadly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58957432-a-place-to-hang-the-moon" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="331" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRN6JDUOgFnM8xGriyvZgTLn2PdCUG6xQ3lsTKMJEpi1j4_AvPuZJZCaTOU7lXP87J2cx9v1SW1f8G5oAYcTAoipLLavgR1g8hOUoND1wK3Exwudv7dqcbdDkdxqMUFqrE7qy9zrKjjPuvI-KZskfceXH52DZS2BOoV-lLB6Jb4zWMdzqEjqub4E_WtmQs/s400/A%20Place%20to%20Hang%20the%20Moon%20BOTB.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58957432-a-place-to-hang-the-moon" target="_blank"><i>A Place to Hang the Moon</i></a> absolutely merited the many rave reviews I had seen prior to reading this. The premise: Three children in wartime London lose their sole guardian when their grandmother dies, so the family solicitor has them evacuated to the countryside along with the many other children leaving London at that time, in the hopes that their assigned foster family will want to keep them permanently. As you might imagine, it's a hopeful and heartwarming middle grade story, excellently narrated on audio by Polly Lee. I'd recommend it for kids and adults alike.<br />
<br />
<i><b>What is the best book you read this month? Let me know in comments, or write your own post and link up below!</b></i><br />
<br />
<b>Looking back:</b><br />
One year ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16444717-swallows-and-amazons" target="_blank">Swallows and Amazons</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61834139-we-have-always-lived-in-the-castle" target="_blank">We Have Always Lived in the Castle</a></i>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60578545-feeding-littles-and-beyond" target="_blank"><i>Feeding Littles and Beyond</i></a>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30753702-girls-auto-clinic-glove-box-guide" target="_blank">Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35804630-creepers-crashed-my-party" target="_blank">Creepers Crashed My Party</a></i><br />
Five years ago I was reading: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38313843-unsheltered" target="_blank"><i>Unsheltered</i></a> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29436571-march" target="_blank">March: Book Three</a></i><br />
Ten years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13627565-roots" target="_blank">Roots</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17368903-behind-the-beautiful-forevers" target="_blank">Behind the Beautiful Forevers</a></i><br />
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<!--end InLinkz code-->Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737812358045011020.post-22196920701946894052023-10-16T21:00:00.063-07:002023-10-16T21:00:00.150-07:00Ten Books with Weather Events in the Title<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="500" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmH1WDT006erGZeR6D2d3B0RmVrP2NvXQl9DIgZGoRhkeiOfDdLvIZBC0mV_so-m3W4MXI6jxdX-hd0jeC8yWl1Hrv0zr5R3taf4XAsVyNmBkrJTWi8hs2UD-YYxukNWyhsF-qrrT12a6U/s400/TTT-Big2.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" target="_blank">That Artsy Reader Girl</a> for another Top Ten Tuesday.<br />
<br />
This week's theme is book titles with weather events! Here's what I've read in that category.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8695258" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVHAQVcJYILcL3RNkQ-1F9scCtnG1mb7CS9_wK2SnlKyiNgCcfF2DfXqux-2bxlmdkow2Z9kxRLqmv1XIDA0TC6NfmvIH56IuvRG_SVMQzloyxz2SaqxeVLjQ9h5E6V0HWnAQJMtlW43Rus7UDyx25tnlnbjK9LrRtnKjNoFSl6nxxrlodYAfJ0OWWnNf/s200/Art%20of%20Racing%20in%20the%20Rain.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>1. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8695258" target="_blank">The Art of Racing in the Rain</a></i> by Garth Stein</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/727468" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrIHIgZpkxE4cM8l1VWt70Rh8AlxGpRJ6bG1ZHn4r5AvmAdlzUKc8Md1pYVTDxpc_P7iOAG2r5YMd1MBGeg_F4OZtQ0AqVZdoJk_yjilhg1_WvFvZ2a9ESuvChP50QBDgEXjOMSVKW74nvFA2Oa6i__TNdWL0SqeabAl5bpkjMwGlU0YrY3pVcO01pu2L/s200/Dear%20Mister%20Rogers.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>2. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/727468" target="_blank">Dear Mister Rogers, Does It Ever Rain in Your Neighborhood?</a></i> by Fred Rogers</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19460424" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyDH2yQErmpg9naJoQIBP1ejd48Y1Iuo0PKJ_htSGfUvgh3gpdJFTqwSC0Sgl68h7I6IK6eIkwR6ULGMssfihuWnmI8M_BpW9rOK9U0g3zlEiOE2dWR0JWYcf4Vsjyk5HTGNyOzZ_y3ZqLgVIFwxacqc6Vbi90Jp_qUSUzyPE1e_RUWI0nD0tZLdhSg8OC/s200/Drinking%20the%20Rain.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>3. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19460424" target="_blank">Drinking the Rain</a></i> by Alix Kates Shulman</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23217570" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="716" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAumg8mI_5o9yIaY4aEAGVA2Y_ogOCyItHvwJKQpuk5ryri3C_a2WSWaAEXomU0YmM7GSoxL-Oh50pXCUHMOpDNk0Qx2NRB4-VH-L4KNENGd_LQWzJLbGMSlC8ZicqOHyRqOJ7G93-WgNWjsKV-AAk4gaZ6ITKtNuqGKdyLDsSS2OLM8fRrriRcZ7asbY/s200/Freddie%20Ramos%20Stomps%20the%20Snow.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>4. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23217570" target="_blank">Freddie Ramos Stomps the Snow</a></i> by Jacqueline Jules</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/903548" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudqMm90oKJDa-dnCPgDBHRiBhtda8zT6N9dZdLOVlVGasA3Hmvwxki4SAucwNyL1xe0lit0In7LC-OfXtffXCmoMJVnHYop4AzviKCdDqFRdpalnj-G8514ymC5JyHrDuC5SRPE2GAvN7Yib_Nb7JOi5NidPNt36_uyxe4fJqFZ3tbJA5iJ8Zj_s2ULmi/s200/Hurricane%20Mystery.jpeg"/></a></div>
<b>5. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/903548" target="_blank">The Hurricane Mystery</a></i> by Gertrude Chandler Warner</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50765398" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJ97INKU83POEOEt4bWn8Z7zhiJmim874a8_xXy13W8WQiR1lCeW7sfXqIOMOMLHdtAnBODDfyVbMMbMpwdnPBphXm-gvrvaMsgqCIS120LuCC3LM1McL2zQz4N9MrqOK9VmyrKAs28iYztniSkax1tTZsW4Jo-vCtQcn9X3xqeTTIgub1SxTALEIoEq6/s200/Madness%20of%20Sunshine.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>6. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50765398" target="_blank">A Madness of Sunshine</a></i> by Nalini Singh</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/646730" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="671" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVETBkGQqrsm8B2fbPeTjOxKvXPSpCobqbKAKgn0FJUQCylelktHZOjzumnt_aGy6F51j7omX8-Y_HRSYsBYhOdwxtXO5MaMj2Wxa2P5GPrUS2-hs6q7ibalmvgl9Kqan6IBMaCCyUTGz-bNl3rJRaD3eawYEC53G_xlQiD_urqhgws7a0gQ3-GkPGOuTa/s200/Night%20of%20the%20Twisters.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>7. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/646730" target="_blank">Night of the Twisters</a></i> by Ivy Ruckman</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49770386" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvmyXgVHh8-l7B-13tnp8rrWxlqvqVO8uy9Bq9oAkky6_uZhuawuiMStGuVrejk2pxj2Mb0tsODvZmxYgcbmoRJhWoFQPU8Of5_ReJjEJHmzKkgsNETbCzp04ijz9xGELF4VLLTrsoTjrnkzAOo6TZ0C9l9WYdWmKj-HrTOhGKYMX2r0HcjNJLI9V0Nvf/s200/Rainbow%20Boy.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>8. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49770386" target="_blank">Rainbow Boy</a></i> by Taylor Rouanzion</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18818442" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v2j37Qdnvv4Jbq68xwF4Y6lRRvhWI6328tl1AZFvYW-VNSnQ4wnYuqMKiSIYQyP_U77BUd3JiJSW1Gs7s2lJ36pPzWrGhpEhDH1zD5pm4ka_9-GleZkFU-74ifmPVhNxVv_RoCSUZXhUqV7YmZ4sbtygU9IPn30CX9QmxL4zvbfkT6LOeyEVqY_76FjW/s200/Roll%20of%20Thunder.JPG"/></a></div>
<b>9. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18818442" target="_blank">Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry</a></i> by Mildred D. Taylor</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5659" target="_blank" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="200" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1087" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YOrypCb59bB-3IZijbbc2TzHrUMrIRSrF7ZYjprN9-oG7KvYO4-Yvj3hD-o6UDib1kg3wOK4hfQ0_7KBSlHi8fc4q_g3sluiQ_GL6P6RdoRgIdkHnuHEqV1r9Ks8_TGwGyCVj5sYn3IWTLN_AWyNtFgnvgIrS2RHFSeOx8glCNeTC4sSrTQuYUqbdlts/s200/Wind%20in%20the%20Willows.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>10. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5659" target="_blank"><i>The Wind in the Willows</i></a> by Kenneth Grahame</b><br />
<br />
<i><b>What other titles fit this category?</b></i><br />
<br />
<b>Looking back:</b><br />
One year ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40651827-burnout" target="_blank">Burnout</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55814952-the-invisible-life-of-addie-larue" target="_blank">The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30753702-girls-auto-clinic-glove-box-guide" target="_blank">Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35804630-creepers-crashed-my-party" target="_blank">Creepers Crashed My Party</a></i><br />
Five years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18901396-special-topics-in-calamity-physics" target="_blank">Special Topics in Calamity Physics</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6551700-the-bluest-eye" target="_blank">The Bluest Eye</a></i><br />
Ten years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13627565-roots" target="_blank">Roots</a></i> and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5000024-the-big-sleep" target="_blank"><i>The Big Sleep</i></a><br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737812358045011020.post-3576761506543141742023-10-16T05:30:00.079-07:002023-10-16T05:30:00.153-07:00What I've Been Reading Lately (Quick Lit)<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kFZu_4Po9ZXBkF9nM1oQad9MNhT1Bd832M0QVk834qv3zXw_PQsUQej4rLuCkEUrgrm8LGMzti-erm73D31H7imenf8S4ggGFa9m_yHDMAXXTbVi5Ca78kj3dM1-0GjDqWKp1_nOZ4PA2AZFh8wl08OuQFgH4RaifVqiFods4BTeHCdS28yK6wcpBKIQ/s400/Quick%20Lit%20October%202023%20post.jpg"/></a></div>Today I'm linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy's <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/category/books-reading/quicklit/" target="_blank">Quick Lit</a> to bring you some short and sweet reviews of what I've read in the past month. For longer reviews, you can always <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/17561595-jessica" target="_blank">find me on Goodreads</a>.<br />
<br />
It was a pretty good reading month, mostly due to Anita Kelly. Here's what I read this past month.<br />
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198971996-codependent-no-more" target="_blank">Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself</a></i> by Melody Beattie: It was interesting to read this classic self-help book, and I think it could be a good starting point for folks to recognize patterns in their life, but Beattie unfortunately cites minimal research and is skeptical about therapy, centering instead her own personal experience and going all in on twelve-step programs.<br />
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40045590-the-bad-guys-in-superbad" target="_blank">The Bad Guys in Superbad</a></i> by Aaron Blabey: This kept my 8-year-old very engaged and entertained. I liked the league of female superheroes in this one. The plot was silly but not terrible.<br />
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56003994-how-the-word-is-passed" target="_blank">How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America</a></i> by Clint Smith: This is an incredibly important book that goes beyond sharing historical information about slavery in the United States to look at the ways we talk — or don't — about that history. I'm glad this book has gotten as much buzz as it has, and I'm glad I finally took the time to read it.<br />
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58604942-our-favorite-songs" target="_blank">Our Favorite Songs</a></i> by Anita Kelly: I love Anita Kelly's Moonlighters novellas and can't believe it took me so long to read their second one! I enjoyed this M/M romance set during a rare Portland snowstorm that had an enemies-to-lovers vibe without ever getting too deep into "enemies" territory.<br />
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16339.The_Sittaford_Mystery" target="_blank">The Sittaford Mystery</a></i> by Agatha Christie: This was a pretty classic Christie, with all the usual misdirection and suspense. I liked the unique setup for this one and the mystery surrounding some of the characters. Not a favorite, but it was enjoyable to listen to.<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59131231-wherever-is-your-heart" target="_blank">Wherever Is Your Heart</a></i> by Anita Kelly: I <i>loved</i> this. How often do you get to see two women in their 50s in a love story? I didn't want this to end, and also just getting a glimpse of this one momentous day in their lives was perfect.<br />
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53399901-clap-when-you-land" target="_blank">Clap When You Land</a></i> by Elizabeth Acevedo: Inspired by a real-life plane crash in November 2001, Acevedo has written a story set in the present day about a plane traveling between New York City and the Dominican Republic whose crash upends the lives of two teenage girls, one in each place. I enjoyed it, but I think Acevedeo's novels-in-verse leave me wanting more when they privilege language/poetry over plot and character development.<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42403447-the-bad-guys-in-the-big-bad-wolf" target="_blank">The Bad Guys in The Big Bad Wolf</a></i> by Aaron Blabey: This felt like a middle-of-the-series book, where the characters spend a lot of time planning something and we don't get to see it to fruition during this book. Through a highly convenient plot device, the characters get reset to where they were a couple books ago, and we get to go from there into the next book.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55297669-love-other-disasters" target="_blank"><i>Love & Other Disasters</i></a> by Anita Kelly: This was a very sweet queer romance, as all of Kelly's are. The main characters are contestants on a cooking reality show, so their budding relationship is complicated by the fact that they're in competition with each other, as well as that either of them could get sent home at any time. I'm not sure I buy their long-term compatibility, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15820425-why-didn-t-they-ask-evans" target="_blank">Why Didn't They Ask Evans?</a></i> by Agatha Christie: This kept me entertained, but Christie's thrillers are never her best works. I enjoyed trying to puzzle out the mystery, and I found the last piece of the solution satisfying, but there was far too much reliance on disguises and mistaken identities and the like not to stretch credulity. Definitely a middle-of-the-pack Christie.<br />
<br />
<b>Looking back:</b><br />
One year ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40651827-burnout" target="_blank">Burnout</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55814952-the-invisible-life-of-addie-larue" target="_blank">The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30753702-girls-auto-clinic-glove-box-guide" target="_blank">Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35804630-creepers-crashed-my-party" target="_blank">Creepers Crashed My Party</a></i><br />
Five years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18901396-special-topics-in-calamity-physics" target="_blank">Special Topics in Calamity Physics</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6551700-the-bluest-eye" target="_blank">The Bluest Eye</a></i><br />
Ten years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13627565-roots" target="_blank">Roots</a></i> and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5000024-the-big-sleep" target="_blank"><i>The Big Sleep</i></a><br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737812358045011020.post-73225320418776380342023-09-30T21:00:00.034-07:002023-09-30T21:00:00.197-07:00Best of the Bunch (September 2023)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cocoonofbooks.blogspot.com/p/best-of-bunch.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Best of the Bunch header" border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdmwBcrAkUWPGaXJpos40KfdgZlWjzEsHA441aDfDQTXzw4ahXPFbdEBN010qsNf1vx7hihDt8GKlK30aqsFE6dS5wU0WHwfx5KvpBQV-kgsL4rZZmANwNmX7JmoGYEAbWLmyeI0OX4Pf/w400-h152/BotB-logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Today I'm sharing the best book I read in September.<br />
<br />
It was a slightly better reading month this month than the past few, with a couple of 4.5-star reads and one 5-star read out of the 7 books I read. The 5-star read is my Best of the Bunch!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58604942" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="323" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbhmMQAaE_IpFbBgr5xicUUl66pSLWw6S4BEhxU8kkll4LUHLfXnolE4IXQRdMmXwNC-TGur_7gDEmTMbDt6wN7MCKbuSdfh71xmVTmTl-Lsr7nKk-Io5YeB5tqsSto1GUAGFICTzXQ77XhqDh4oZ7VEkBa6V0okFzFA4ypcEpMzLz_lUWdy1UmIz7QIE/s400/Our%20Favorite%20Songs%20BOTB.jpg" /></a></div>
I love Anita Kelly's Moonlighters novellas and can't believe it took me so long to read their second one! As with the first one, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58604942" target="_blank"><i>Our Favorite Songs</i></a> revolves primarily around a single night at this fictional Portland (OR) karaoke bar, but with characters who have enough history and chemistry to jump-start something longer-term than a one-night stand. Kelly writes authentic dialogue with alternating perspective chapters that give you a sympathetic view into both characters' perspectives. I enjoyed this M/M romance set during a rare Portland snowstorm that had an enemies-to-lovers vibe without ever getting too deep into "enemies" territory. I've already started the third and final Moonlighters novella!<br />
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<i><b>What is the best book you read this month? Let me know in comments, or write your own post and link up below!</b></i><br />
<br />
<b>Looking back:</b><br />
One year ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54697346-the-disordered-cosmos" target="_blank">The Disordered Cosmos</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59136386-matrix" target="_blank">Matrix</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34138343-zombies-ate-my-homework" target="_blank">Zombies Ate My Homework</a></i><br />
Five years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8494253-the-amber-spyglass" target="_blank">The Amber Spyglass</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20967058-the-secret-place" target="_blank">The Secret Place</a></i><br />
Ten years ago I was reading: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10374084-room" target="_blank"><i>Room</i></a> and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11324722-the-righteous-mind" target="_blank"><i>The Righteous Mind</i></a><br />
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<!--end InLinkz code-->Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737812358045011020.post-27548741917685576522023-09-18T21:00:00.137-07:002023-09-18T21:00:00.159-07:00Top Ten Books on My Fall TBR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="500" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmH1WDT006erGZeR6D2d3B0RmVrP2NvXQl9DIgZGoRhkeiOfDdLvIZBC0mV_so-m3W4MXI6jxdX-hd0jeC8yWl1Hrv0zr5R3taf4XAsVyNmBkrJTWi8hs2UD-YYxukNWyhsF-qrrT12a6U/s400/TTT-Big2.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" target="_blank">That Artsy Reader Girl</a> for another Top Ten Tuesday.<br />
<br />
It's time for another seasonal check-in! I finished nine of the ten books on my <a href="https://cocoonofbooks.blogspot.com/2023/06/top-ten-books-on-my-summer-tbr.html">Summer TBR</a> and I'm in the middle of the tenth now, so this is a totally fresh list going into fall!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55338982" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tvKMFb95F89IKSmu7VjJLo43k08xpwjnq0E4TjeGm9dFfto-qeT8Uaijf4Nb74myhFKvB-E9hRgwG7pLQ_cFfcL9GFw9WxtmQZxKxuSuKNTiJbUQ8nhkfjhJccVCQUXf86GZBFHwNuBzw9xD7m2n7QW1rwHCt3KlkOb8GeenXRZMdcWaldQKjV9gcC4P/s200/Cultish.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>1. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55338982" target="_blank"><i>Cultish</i></a> by Amanda Montell</b><br />
I've been interested in this exploration of cult-like groups every time I've heard about it since it came out in 2021, so I'm going to finally prioritize reading it this fall.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60194162" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="662" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fgG4R6A-wUyV04E-sKEvU6DGQu-FAuu20XmH58TGWTMOqpmM-hL_N0PillSSrqU4CFGEEhSxPwyEFoUap3twknetkIwH5T4iplbGtLHcdoT-e4HqoKWCATao9CQpv5ZyCNdS0M4v9lhGHD-DIIxcqnKa3ye4OivVVGIBFljII5vqAcKJvvhlqvRwkuso/s200/Demon%20Copperhead.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>2. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60194162" target="_blank">Demon Copperhead</a></i> by Barbara Kingsolver</b><br />
I'm very excited to fulfill a long-time dream to see Kingsolver in person when she comes here on her book tour next month. I don't think my hold on this book will come through before then, but I still want to read it, as it's received all kinds of praise. I'm glad that I read <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11361966" target="_blank"><i>David Copperfield</i></a> years ago so that I can recognize the parallels (one of the <a href="https://cocoonofbooks.blogspot.com/2015/02/six-reasons-i-read-classics-even-when.html">reasons I read classics</a>!), though I hear it stands well on its own regardless.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53886428" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="625" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuxFsrFxl6E1_r4PIK1wURdsa2qKVdl870AYC17IWYwQUm3XY06fN4aSOO29QzzMzqrX3iUKG0hm3kM6T_TwOrsq84rOHgYsE7Ykmrzv89glDmAa2Lu2KDsWDnCxGjl_isaOTyCNCgnyXp2ICbWG_FpOtEir_d3Oo8mgaHlQwvU9UIoW3H18TwmgLVyEw/s200/Hazeldine.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>3. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53886428" target="_blank"><i>Hazeldine, Volume One</i></a> by Angie Bee</b><br />
I don't know much about this one, but my best friend was at a friend's book signing when she saw Bee there doing a signing as well and thought I might like this queer Western story. I'm interested to give it a try!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54860573" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2850" data-original-width="1875" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94KcJdM-B66UGzY39qVpfRGuXRvDMNYDVOYOKKZtqvmk_QrhoXXKDm7Aq7CUO4X-5-_5NO6lKtPxSNz1aa_kFtTtyALsBRuoDls-_Z31pIiUD1yN6OUJdLtcI-2l1Wu6AloKOjL5vRcCntJ8MqCifScgVrRwKvdY-JwC_uQOPlpSqeXrfJiNPAVYwjKmi/s200/Once%20There%20Were%20Wolves.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>4. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54860573" target="_blank">Once There Were Wolves</a></i> by Charlotte McConaghy</b><br />
This is another one I've heard about repeatedly since it came out in 2021, and I can always use another mystery/thriller to pull me in.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58604942" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="625" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghH9U3LTnGsDtuCUziWlC74-oVXTybTHXU31hg4p9l3TbTYX9TyjlQbrcgC3Gc1RGblrRFJ0aYHbLLHZs9iDTETRbALd2QiBBsH28HqAKoy7rcayURXvJRtQyIKzHS75Z82zvQdM9iROuxnQNS63YWDLdmI5G68chiK6e-MCLd8BFcpmY6N33FYRhV0aT3/s200/Our%20Favorite%20Songs.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>5. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58604942" target="_blank">Our Favorite Songs</a></i> by Anita Kelly</b><br />
I keep saying that I want to read the next Moonlighters novella. Now is the time!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53399305" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJICg2F2xfb5zkEpNc74QSpPfx_m_OenWANDFc6StTCSIv2NsoTvEg8BiVjuaGj-v4cSMPyeYwVZ3_omDZPPvd1TFclYucItclVAmYkWMZd4i71t4U6SmXHziyRX9AURymqtVV0KoY8VBMAdFXFJHiiDjIGl3O6RJO6dktJV54LJvLLtHW-WtLXGuPeJb/s200/Place%20to%20Hang%20the%20Moon.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>6. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53399305" target="_blank">A Place to Hang the Moon</a></i> by Kate Albus</b><br />
Middle grade? Uplifting? That is what I need in my life right now.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52569124" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="328" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUPidJR2Rl_UnFzTVTvtY7mkkhCHPNy4QB8XzlxRULI4t-SiaeHNcgle1YvObsFChr6wjy99IJdB-MFT30RtnlqL1oz9rd_qU1AA03I3D9Wp4XDMjVt82yf1Z7QukRjJVWcbBVlqNjn8Ke1Zmw41B6njUsr90_V70xixca_y0ym8MmkQCuXOI3-DqMA0v/s200/Polysecure.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>7. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52569124" target="_blank"><i>Polysecure</i></a> by Jessica Fern</b><br />
This book has only been out for three years, but at this point it kind of feels like <i>every</i> other polyamorous person has read this book about attachment, trauma, and relationships. I've been on the holds list for a while now and should get to listen to it this fall.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54493401" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="265" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqFDnALTHSryonhJhvNcgOor6b-LcTRRH42jkOheIPrf7u8TOvV5ewYBXW9rqDtkP_Q4ranwpfxJ1eK8ZqRRNyTnwNuN-mcQMeA10aCIdpvTXq2vcEpbTw2wxSYfm0SRPLfXbftbbVe54ae5QaAUXXHQJ4SSVslAu6JdiGLt4tGglF-AkOY38BcdPZW4R/s200/Project%20Hail%20Mary.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>8. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54493401" target="_blank"><i>Project Hail Mary</i></a> by Andy Weir</b><br />
I was meh about Weir's first blockbuster, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18007564" target="_blank">The Martian</a></i>, but I keep hearing about this one from all corners. I've been working through some slower books lately so I'd love to read something faster paced, which I think this one is.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16339" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="621" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVZELQjXRhHc203T_FWcp5apv_bWUTS-y1VzptgSFHl7aYurSZNhG30oBB-jTeEjZnwklOj4l3PRZRA5zLtWz-t6vyiHn3cyEeQI7Yg_M6RTIfTeAIUZRrxxpvgA0Ve8PUeSwRGBQVMsDhiIPOhULhca1ELJZ1-HFlK_PWTpVl1oCkJH415MEIFv7PozR/s200/Sittaford%20Mystery.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>9. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16339" target="_blank">The Sittaford Mystery</a></i> by Agatha Christie</b><br />
In my quest to read Christie's complete works, I've finished off all the works with recurring characters and am now on to her standalones. This is the first one!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58936417" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJe9m8HEdbPoz3jqVHhzzIQhyxEkd2kskxuR9vTqVYYT9XkxcDqHynk6muWw5SOCCUtdRS9uvWhos-NcGUV_WEapwu_-gY_5MlO5byGZQ9z3b0sXM_O4HuXOLOgsr7-XJNwUpj_YSDwr1tI3gYqRiZC79tHO3qp_znEelSoKFJJoJpr4tnoViVFO0klUB/s200/This%20Is%20Not%20a%20Book%20About%20Benedict%20Cumberbatch.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>10. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58936417" target="_blank">This Is Not a Book About Benedict Cumberbatch</a></i> by Tabitha Carvan</b><br />
I was just telling someone the other day about this book about the power of fandoms, but I still haven't actually read it! It sounds both interesting and fun, so I want to pick it up this fall.<br />
<br />
<i><b>What do you plan to read this fall?</b></i><br />
<br />
<b>Looking back:</b><br />
One year ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54860359-the-dead-and-the-dark" target="_blank">The Dead and the Dark</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62629448-a-queer-history-of-the-united-states" target="_blank">A Queer History of the United States</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34138343-zombies-ate-my-homework" target="_blank">Zombies Ate My Homework</a></i><br />
Five years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8494318-the-subtle-knife" target="_blank">The Subtle Knife</a></i>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3275261-kindred" target="_blank"><i>Kindred</i></a>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/337907.House_of_Leaves" target="_blank">House of Leaves</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15749201-the-amazing-adventures-of-kavalier-clay" target="_blank">The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay</a></i><br />
Ten years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13612950-how-to-be-a-woman" target="_blank">How to Be a Woman</a></i><br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737812358045011020.post-73217409883772209322023-09-15T06:00:00.062-07:002023-09-15T06:00:00.144-07:00What I've Been Reading Lately (Quick Lit)<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8B5zLYQQWQ7D1sSMh9c91_AZaJmOIxhR-6b2k6CsMxNfqP-ER6tLNsyKQCGdTGjdD2KDT57gIWWrroOeDTyWstKZqLbe_PLxJx70yRAe7EAvbr7rxcJT-dK41wb-htADtNIAkgDPZi3F1f8HCTd4bNND-47QkBIeLCgrRyfCzHDYmObuF13u5MsyBypi/s400/Quick%20Lit%20September%202023%20post.jpg"/></a></div>Today I'm linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy's <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/category/books-reading/quicklit/" target="_blank">Quick Lit</a> to bring you some short and sweet reviews of what I've read in the past month. For longer reviews, you can always <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/17561595-jessica" target="_blank">find me on Goodreads</a>.<br />
<br />
It was another OK reading month, with mostly 3- and 4-star reads. Here's what I read this past month.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/341643.McDonald_s" target="_blank"><i>McDonald's: Behind the Arches</i></a> by John F. Love: This history of McDonald's certainly comes across with some bias in favor of McDonald's, but at the same time the author doesn't shy away from airing the dirty laundry of behind-the-scenes conflicts and close calls. There are some elements that make the book feel dated, but on the whole, I found it an enjoyable and interesting read.<br />
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/145584703-what-the-fireflies-knew" target="_blank">What the Fireflies Knew</a></i> by Kai Harris: This was fine, but it felt a little bit like a paint-by-numbers coming-of-age story, and I had a hard time finding the main character's voice to be authentic. I think there are definitely people who would find a valuable mirror in this book, but I'm not sure that I'd recommend it broadly.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38115534-the-bad-guys-in-do-you-think-he-saurus" target="_blank"><i>The Bad Guys in Do-You-Think-He-Saurus?!</i></a> by Aaron Blabey: This one had some funny moments but didn't have much in the way of a compelling plot. Mostly it was just a bunch of silliness played for laughs, which is fine, but the series feels like it's being stretched a bit thin.<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60745443-the-secret-life-of-albert-entwistle" target="_blank">The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle</a></i> by Matt Cain: This was a sweet story of an older man learning to open up and build community after keeping to himself for decades. Although Albert's search for his long-ago love is the catalyst for the plot, that becomes almost incidental as the search draws Albert out into the greater community around him. I found it an uplifting read.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56785002-detransition-baby" target="_blank"><i>Detransition, Baby</i></a> by Torrey Peters: This book actually provides some valuable intra-trans community conversation, but it's unfortunately wrapped in the kind of pretentious literary fiction I can't stand, with self-destructive, self-obsessed characters who are all terrible to each other. <br />
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<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198505323-hijab-butch-blues" target="_blank">Hijab Butch Blues</a></i> by Lamya H.: Although it took me a bit to get into Lamya's writing style, I ended up really liking the way this book was structured, with each area of Lamya's own life finding reflection in a figure from the Quran. I'm glad this was recommended to me, and it's a valuable addition to the diverse queer stories out there.<br />
<br />
<b>Looking back:</b><br />
One year ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54860359-the-dead-and-the-dark" target="_blank">The Dead and the Dark</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62355173-platonic" target="_blank">Platonic</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34138343-zombies-ate-my-homework" target="_blank">Zombies Ate My Homework</a></i><br />
Five years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8494318-the-subtle-knife" target="_blank">The Subtle Knife</a></i>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3275261-kindred" target="_blank"><i>Kindred</i></a>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/337907.House_of_Leaves" target="_blank">House of Leaves</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15749201-the-amazing-adventures-of-kavalier-clay" target="_blank">The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay</a></i><br />
Ten years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13612950-how-to-be-a-woman" target="_blank">How to Be a Woman</a></i><br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737812358045011020.post-66662415162437129172023-08-31T21:00:00.024-07:002023-08-31T21:00:00.160-07:00Best of the Bunch (August 2023)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cocoonofbooks.blogspot.com/p/best-of-bunch.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Best of the Bunch header" border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdmwBcrAkUWPGaXJpos40KfdgZlWjzEsHA441aDfDQTXzw4ahXPFbdEBN010qsNf1vx7hihDt8GKlK30aqsFE6dS5wU0WHwfx5KvpBQV-kgsL4rZZmANwNmX7JmoGYEAbWLmyeI0OX4Pf/w400-h152/BotB-logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Today I'm sharing the best book I read in August.<br />
<br />
I had another mediocre reading month. Once again, I read 7 books and had just one 5-star read, so that's my Best of the Bunch!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45304238" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="328" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyD2RLCoL_HOY7v7uDncCLuKxs8OmgY4YaQvNF7WCyzws7rfR1ZeGLv1I2mFDAhUJyal4sKVrNo_r_aTKIzLRPBAVnFZxFI_HUJs6IdGsZhVg5up4Xlqv2tjLoslmUKFROmskBEgipahrfWc48ad2WP8wxgOJbkbx7bxzixHCqHxTdEMU3TVcctlE4na__/s400/Sorted%20BOTB.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45304238" target="_blank"><i>Sorted</i></a> was an incredibly accessible and readable memoir about Bird's experience growing up and coming out as a trans man. He mentions near the end that he decided to focus his platform on educating cis people about trans issues, and I think (from my perspective as a cis person with many beloved trans people in my everyday life) he does an excellent job of telling his story in a way that is both educational to cis people and validating for other trans people. For example, in talking about the years when he doubled down on presenting as feminine, he both makes it clear to cis people that his trans identity isn't invalidated by this phase of his life and validates trans people that they can still be trans even if they spent a long time being unsure about their gender or aggressively buying into the stereotypical gender expression of their assigned gender. It's really well done, and I'd recommend it to cis and trans folks alike.<br />
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<i><b>What is the best book you read this month? Let me know in comments, or write your own post and link up below!</b></i><br />
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<b>Looking back:</b><br />
One year ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16200.Ella_Minnow_Pea" target="_blank">Ella Minnow Pea</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60063160-she-who-became-the-sun" target="_blank">She Who Became the Sun</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44575082-i-survived-the-sinking-of-the-titanic-1912" target="_blank">I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912</a></i><br />
Five years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14581543-kaffir-boy" target="_blank">Kaffir Boy</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38889784-talking-across-the-divide" target="_blank">Talking Across the Divide</a></i><br />
Ten years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46169.A_Moveable_Feast" target="_blank">A Moveable Feast</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13612950-how-to-be-a-woman" target="_blank">How to Be a Woman</a></i><br />
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<!--end InLinkz code-->Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737812358045011020.post-71604579971194637092023-08-28T21:00:00.083-07:002023-08-28T21:00:00.149-07:00Ten Books with Water in the Title<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="500" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmH1WDT006erGZeR6D2d3B0RmVrP2NvXQl9DIgZGoRhkeiOfDdLvIZBC0mV_so-m3W4MXI6jxdX-hd0jeC8yWl1Hrv0zr5R3taf4XAsVyNmBkrJTWi8hs2UD-YYxukNWyhsF-qrrT12a6U/s400/TTT-Big2.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" target="_blank">That Artsy Reader Girl</a> for another Top Ten Tuesday.<br />
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This week's theme is "Water"! I decided to go with books I've read that have water of some kind in the title :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29209" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="256" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lpFu_3DvGWTx7Z6aSXlj8sx9jVdtHwc8EYVGS9l5xJyw1YZiHpHIozaCItRh2fIMJ8mo4FODX6clpd6ReAzfbT6nR14oxT1khEZrGPPZ1N1J0esiqA_8MotM78xS7SLGYYBr-Ikte4Xr-eOYH1PkiP8wOfx9yTs9r5810FNjUXvVEzizTrt6ttyCTEqu/s200/Color%20of%20Water.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>1. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29209" target="_blank"><i>The Color of Water</i></a> by James McBride</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/899608" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qzpCdvaxcs37A0Rsy-7w8bX5pBy-f3c5fl38tThVuFNydrnDL2vAanUtTMN7VVJ38bARnxxfk15PBtZhMhvYd0ab1bdJzOSR-FsdYd-4ztU6BYIwCxVlX1YO5sgBhVWf9XnpRNj1ENylFZLvR0ikbTzDU4oYsrjGYRhFEGrniE7ojFrvg4BVkZrIXgUR/s200/Fish%20Out%20of%20Water.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>2. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/899608" target="_blank">A Fish Out of Water</a></i> by Helen Marion Palmer</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53271469-the-house-in-the-cerulean-sea" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="948" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlsKXJRPVGXkSqZ1H7M3S0sHyq3JbTtCJ1_fZWiojI-fvG5NCMNQDIkVt0lxzFpTDKudVirIwcVKpM5PUJpjoHTh0BvC7DfaiANZuKSwIxCvP70Z2E2u9B2NQ10drztgBH-aUnKvjU7AmIXAfAaLHGgaPCgQBL7vFhURXSIXLdXEdRA6GrcJ7nb1yZFdS/s200/House%20in%20the%20Cerulean%20Sea.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>3. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53271469-the-house-in-the-cerulean-sea" target="_blank">The House in the Cerulean Sea</a></i> by T.J. Klune</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8735822-a-long-walk-to-water" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="1079" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvwvUga-DWoYI8YGsl33Qpo7oyZ-9k9j4oeZY3dKrNUv7aod2aksx1XMfew5Z3wJMRa61TEfGxLNMP8SI7Xn_gnFyWFdLwQto_H6t59WiVSmwWWj2zttM7o6A4L0cD5Ysp_lrmHfwJXrbM4Tjz9SHfm3AMzo_6rw3xDu-LCnhEIDOvBKhQdiyEucjI8WG/s200/Long%20Walk%20to%20Water.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>4. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8735822-a-long-walk-to-water" target="_blank">A Long Walk to Water</a></i> by Linda Sue Park</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9250050" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifXg5B02vqLKKKXnXu9q0LCXh1H1MPH6o-Z4giyMlIieQ8ZkzuTPl2Cr0DhWrb2jq8rnOimo2WJudZavDRWdX-e20NJaPiQoLlAYrfpf46ejkvvF6kHwnKYE3ZIl_Vw-AfbQs5AUWN3PW45CvvV8lcRsEevF6Q3v50Ek7XAk1v0daUDjhx_aR3Xvji7HH/s200/Mink%20River.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>5. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9250050" target="_blank"><i>Mink River</i></a> by Brian Doyle</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16151178" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="307" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjld7z6BjSIXYPxpVvNBiPKWb5ULNj3-H-XjoX4Lug31FaUjHuraoWlFHuyWFVnrx4P3b6qR2f4Lrowd0Ua3jPcZ1Yt-CdLI5dcFE47gKJFYPtTDMgiO0vZSXbEr8cFjj3gVC7L10ZMYYcLWid9GpH1xLDwsyW42H1jn_ucHGW0sk1RwV2a2bQDkAvxKB05/s200/Sea%20of%20Tranquility.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>6. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16151178" target="_blank"><i>The Sea of Tranquility</i></a> by Katja Millay</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24487837" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmg2eni9-GSbOrw8MrTKrMSaxmgiXFCkQx19ny6l3IpjKo_Iy8o3eqylzz4LOJYLI2s_0WAIdvPT1DnjfVo5jhA7z2t9PfW6Z11PTDUzmgmyxEigsEP7u95cnoCmknFzMjhFoe-tuoCh0mJeRiiKWJKdx7-NuGNzRCJXqtgpH3OzuqdxGSfzSYa409br5/s200/Unmapped%20Sea.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>7. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24487837" target="_blank">The Unmapped Sea</a></i> by Maryrose Wood</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1148890" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="648" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7PUf7VDi0sFMoAgY-Ss85we35l8MdhawdK3KFX-Z4iix8rMdwLdURzcyCO15EXU6eGI9Zktlit6cy9_V-euyk4qxNnGYpb-5rlmcjDo3BXsdNpFdqWlOQrS5KJZdk1MzRRTZ3Z0cMfhUBRMsgyL90NM0LZQH4AlDBU5NJgdFb-06hMdLa6xcchoM74BM/s200/Walking%20on%20Water.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>8. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1148890" target="_blank"><i>Walking on Water</i></a> by Madeleine L'Engle</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13549669" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXNKNIcE-vs66MDDnulaBNX69PgMYx-brv83w1foTsl1o3uwr4z9MPs2QPOy47qPg1lxcXpoLWRuE473Q5KY715OVAbVblO3XJTPqmlvhWmLZU17dop4ppqs6N1CSFdQkHRefjOSX_FQfN58hSn7q2ux5C3auGwYcra1V7ypOSBdHChl9MPh2au-8XC1K/s200/7%20-%20Water%20for%20Elephants.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>9. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13549669" target="_blank"><i>Water for Elephants</i></a> by Sara Gruen</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11919073" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="289" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSbawozCSw7Vpwxm3lxWPJ52Q3XMg5yTjQ3W9jJvjhQ7I65A1NKbjoLVisLZSO7VS8AdGNs777TvkSQjqzy7x0LNoqsXMpYiyJDBszl6tL145WPbHfrk6GBhE49unXkiRaFyw1qCwD2qX1PGrwQaUg-Kbn-mtL0frLf3NWG5NbFNH18Pkkusd75bp48U4/s200/3%20-%20The%20Witch%20of%20Blackbird%20Pond.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>10. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11919073" target="_blank">The Witch of Blackbird Pond</a></i> by Elizabeth George Speare</b><br />
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<i><b>What "water" books have you read?</b></i><br />
<br />
<b>Looking back:</b><br />
One year ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60018643-how-to-read-now" target="_blank">How to Read Now</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44575082-i-survived-the-sinking-of-the-titanic-1912" target="_blank">I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912</a></i><br />
Five years ago I was reading: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14581543-kaffir-boy" target="_blank">Kaffir Boy</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35696749-ancillary-justice" target="_blank">Ancillary Justice</a></i><br />
Ten years ago I was reading: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2914097-paper-towns" target="_blank"><i>Paper Towns</i></a> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14390128753865527184noreply@blogger.com0