Kristi Chestnutt's Blog, page 14

Let's go Red Sox!

So.....anyone besides myself stay up and watch that game???

I mean, WOW. Talk about a night of baseball worth watching! It reminded me so much of why I love to watch and why I get so obsessed.

A few highlights:
***Salty (Saltalamacchia) got his first HomeRun in a Red Sox uniform. Now, I'm a HUGE Varitek fan, but I'm still rooting for Salty to find his groove and I'm taking this as a clue that his hitting may be making a comeback. Plus, there's nothing better than seeing the team get pumped up when one of their own has a milestone moment. I love the looks on everyone's faces, the congratulations, the look of glee...

***Posada - Lots of drama surrounding this catcher turned DH during the game. He bowed out on Saturday an hour before he was supposed to play and is having a hard time with his new place
on the team. (Insert whining here). Towards the end of the game, he came up to the plate and was walked, though not intentionally. The crowd went wild, and even though I'm not a Yankee, I love seeing fans support their players...

***A-Rod - I know it's not nice to actually hate people (at least that's how I was raised), but this man pushes the envelope for me. So when he missed the slow ball that rolled between his legs last night and my favorite player, Pedroia, went right on running past him to score, I'll admit it, I laughed, I cheered, I yelled, I LOVED every minute.

***Pedroia - Speaking of Pedroia, he had atleast one stolen base last night, maybe more, and if you know him like I do, the fact that he wasn't thrown out was pretty huge. He's an awesome player, but a base stealer? Um, not so much. It was a good night all around.

***Lester - The pitcher continued his winning streak last night and with the win, has the highest career winning percentage in MLB history, but that could change next time he's up to the mound. It's still a big freakin' deal if you ask me to even be up there for it and he's had it before, just proof of the kind of pitcher he really is.

***This win put us back at 50/50 for wins/losses and considering the way the season began, we're feeling pretty good about this.

***Need I mention the BEST thing about this game??? It meant we swept the Yankees, which is never an easy feat!
OBVIOUSLY, at this point, we can all agree I'm obsessed.

The problem is that game's like last night's only validate that there's a reason. ;P

How YOU doin'?

This morning I'm just wondering: How YOU doin'?


Anything new in your corner of the world? How's the WIP treating you? Any news? Have a blog you'd like me to visit? Let me know in the comments!

The Wednesday Book Recommendation!

Possession by Elana Johnson


My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.


But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they're set on convincing Vi to become one of them...starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can't leave Zenn in the Thinkers' hands, but she's wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous--everything Zenn's not. Vi can't quite trust Jag and can't quite resist him, but she also can't give up on Zenn.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.

Before I begin, I have to admit that the day this book showed up on my doorstep I literally did a happy dance and jumped online to tell on my booky friends because I was THAT excited. Thanks to Simon & Schuester for the amazing and suprising arrival of this ARC in my mailbox!

As an avid reader and fan of Elana's blog, I'd been salivating over this book for quite a while and thrilled to get a copy early, but at the same time, I was nervous to start it because I had such high expectations, you know?

Not to worry! It was full of all the Elana Awesomesauce you would expect and it definitely didn't disappoint! And the cliffhanger towards the end? Killer.

I hate spoilers, so definitely won't give anything away, but she had me flipping through the last half of this book at an amazing pace. The sarcastic and witty main character Vi comes off as very believable and relatable, Jag the bad boy is totally crush worthy and hot, with just the right amount of tension, and the science fiction world she creates very unique.

Not to mention the fact that I can't get the word techtricity out of my head. It has a cool vibe to it, a ring that makes me doubt it isn't already a real word. It reminds me of the way Elana has created this alternate reality that has a way of being very, very real.

Kudos to an awesome debut author and to the long wait for Book #2.

View all my reviews

Happy Easter and Photo Tour of Boston, Part II

Gravesite of Elizabeth Pain (inspiration behind Hawthorne's Scarlet Letter)
Saturday's game against the YankeesThe man and my favorite player - Dustin Pedroia (we had AWESOME last minute seats--actually walked up to the gate during the 2nd inning and bought them--it was INSANE)
A-rod batting (I'm not a fan, so the highlight for me was booing him, but youalso have to admit that he's a legend and it was cool to see him. I REALLY enjoyedseeing Jeter, but didn't get a good shot of him before my camera died. Doesn't matter WHOhe plays for, Jeter is amazing!)
Jacoby Ellsbury - this one's for you, Jennifer! Thoughtabout you while we were there!
Outside Fenway Park
Back Bay Area
Granary Burial Ground(Resting Place of John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Ben Franklin's parents)
I have a thing for trees in the middle of the cemetery!
Boston Commons
Where everybody knows your name
Self-explanatory, don't you think?
Pre-beer (note to me: I DO NOT like Indian Pale Ale, even when it's named the Green Monstah, whichat the time, seemed appropriate. Found out later, Indian Pale Ale = Bitter. Will not forget again. And, yes, I drank it ANYWAY. LOL.)
Me and Norm
Boston Public Library
Entrance to library
I don't know about you, but my library doesn't look like THIS!
Courtyard at the Boston Public Library (the fountain was drained for the winter)
HAD to check this out!
Reflection Pool (also drained for Winter)
Christian Library (loved the quote!)
Fenway Park Tour pre-Sunday game
No idea why I took this one*smirk*
Batting practice
View from the Monster Seats!
This bar has a cutout against the out field wall and you can enter (without cover) to watch the game, anytime!
Me, hubs, Jay, Shelly(I went to college with Shelly, but her husband, Jay, and I are the hard core Sox fans!)
V-tek warming up (he's one of my FAVES!)
Pitchers walking to the bullpen
Celebratory beer post-game after our big win Sundayagainst the Yankees!
Okay, so this was quite a few pictures, right? Especially for Part II, but considering the fact that I took over 400 during our trip, I think we can all agree that I did a good job consolidating. Right? Right?
Okay, I admit it, I have a photo taking problem. I'm a total "documenter" and "scrapbooker".
What about you? Any trips you've taken lately? Any photo tours on your blog? (They're my favorite, so feel free to drop me a link.)
Happy Easter to you all! Hope you spent it with friends and family, feeling loved.

The Wednesday Book Recommendation!

  The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My name is Meghan Chase.


I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

My thoughts:
I intentionally waited a while to write my book review because I KNOW there are not enough appropriate words to really describe how much I loved every single page.

I hoped maybe time would give me more perspective, that I would be able to eloquently and intelligently tell you how fantabulous it was in great detail, but alas, all I want to do is gush and force everyone to read it, so I've come to the conclusion that it just isn't possible for me. I'm too giddy.

Here's what I can tell you: Julie keeps raising the bar for this series...I've loved each book even more than the last, which hardly seems possible since she had me hooked with the first one.

I've told all my booky friends about it out of a selfish need to addict others and have someone talk to about the series. I like it that much. (And everyone I've convinced to get it so far has loved it as well!)

And I won't lie, this one had me crying like a baby. There were many tears and strange looks given to me by the husband as I read into the wee hours of the night.

The end, in my mind, was absolutely perfect. I'm not a big fan of spoilers, so I will give nothing away. Just know to have the kleenex ready.

Now comes the dreaded wait....how much longer???

View all my reviews

 
Have you read this series? What are your thoughts?  Do you love each book more than the last?

AND if you haven't started it yet, what are you waiting for?

I'm ba-ack! Check out my Photo Tour of Boston, Part I

Wow. Just wow.

Boston was even better than I imagined it would be!

I'm in love with the city and will definitely plan another trip sometime soon, but for now, a few of my favorite photos!


Faneuil Hall Marketplace

The inside of Quincy Market (awesome food vendors...nom nom)

Window Washers! (those little dots on the side of the building...it was insane!)
The Old State House (Boston's oldest public building, built in 1713. The Declaration of Independence was read to Bostonians from the east balcony in 1776.)
Old City Hall (How gorgeous is this building??)
Benjamin Franklin
Paul Revere statue in front of the Old North Church (where the lantern was hung to warn the troops)
Copp's Hill burial ground, looking over the harbor (my favorite picture from our trip!)
Hubs and I by the harbor (pre game)
Part II coming soon!
Anyone out there been to Boston? Did you love it as much as we did???

Let the countdown BEGIN!!! Only one more week...

It's hard to believe it's REALLY, finally here!
In less than a week, guess where I'll be?
(HINT: it has nothing to do with books, but rhymes with Hemingway--sort of.)
Any guesses?


That's right!  FENWAY PARK!
I'll be watching a little baseball game against a little team you've probably never heard of:

Weeeeeeee!
This is officially my first time seeing my boys play in their hometown and my very first time to legendary Fenway Park. I can hardly wait.
And what can be better than going to Fenway to see the Red Sox play the Yankees?Going with two of my favorite people! We're leaving the little man in the capable care of family and spending the weekend in Bean Town with my good friend (and former collegeroommate) Shelly and her awesome husband (and fellow Red Sox addict) Jay.
Good times!
And let us not forget one of my favorite players:

The one and only Dustin Pedroia
If you haven't already seen it, check out this inspirational commercial:

What about you bloggers?  Any baseball fans out there? What is your team of choice?Have a favorite player? Someone who inspires you?
DO TELL!

The Wednesday Book Recommendation!

Ok, so it's been a while since I've had a Wednesday Review post, so I figured, why not come back with not only an AWESOME recommendation, but a book I believe is totally OBSESS worthy?

If you have yet to pick up one of Julie Kagawa's books, what are you waiting for?

I just finished the Iron Queen last night and WOW, that review will be up next Wednesday, so be sure to check back, I swear I keep thinking she can't top herself and she keeps proving me wrong. Each book is better and better.

BUT enough of my rambling, check it out for yourself:

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Buy it here: Amazon

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.


Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

My Review:
Before I gush and go into how much I LOVED this book *pets cover*, let me first say that as far as sequeals go, this was EVEN better than the original. If you're like me and you really like something (hello Iron King), then you get a little nervous when the second book rolls around, because that's a lot of hype to live up too. AND we all want to love it just as much, but I never expected to love it more. AND trust me, I do.

Now for the book...what can I say without giving too much away? The pace is perfect and keeps you moving along and flipping through the pages...like the first book, the characters are relatable and believable, never making you doubt the world Kagawa has created.

And Ash? *sigh* Lovely as ever.

Kagawa further explores the relationship between Meghan and Puck, something that when I think back, wasn't fully explored in the first book. Then again, maybe it was and I was blinded by Ash, totally possible. Have I mentioned I'm team Ash yet? Could you tell? Where was I? Oh yes, Puck. There were quite a few moments I ALMOST switched sides, which is pretty huge, so KUDOS to the well written scenes that tugged at my heart. One in particular *wink, wink*.

The new characters (Rowan, Leanansidhe) mesh well with the ones from book One and definitely add an interesting layer to the mix.

All in all, it was one of my favorite reads of 2011.

Needless to say, I moved RIGHT ON to The Iron Queen, because honestly, the Ash withdrawal was just too strong to resist. ;)

View all my reviews

What about you? Have you read this series?  Did you love it? We're all different readers and I love hearing opinions, so comment away! ;)
 

The Wednesday Review!

Ok, so it's been a while since I've had a Wednesday Review post, so I figured, why not come back with not only an AWESOME recommendation, but a book I believe is totally OBSESS worthy?

If you have yet to pick up one of Julie Kagawa's books, what are you waiting for?

I just finished the Iron Queen last night and WOW, that review will be up next Wednesday, so be sure to check back, I swear I keep thinking she can't top herself and she keeps proving me wrong. Each book is better and better.

BUT enough of my rambling, check it out for yourself:

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Buy it here: Amazon

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.


Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

My Review:
Before I gush and go into how much I LOVED this book *pets cover*, let me first say that as far as sequeals go, this was EVEN better than the original. If you're like me and you really like something (hello Iron King), then you get a little nervous when the second book rolls around, because that's a lot of hype to live up too. AND we all want to love it just as much, but I never expected to love it more. AND trust me, I do.

Now for the book...what can I say without giving too much away? The pace is perfect and keeps you moving along and flipping through the pages...like the first book, the characters are relatable and believable, never making you doubt the world Kagawa has created.

And Ash? *sigh* Lovely as ever.

Kagawa further explores the relationship between Meghan and Puck, something that when I think back, wasn't fully explored in the first book. Then again, maybe it was and I was blinded by Ash, totally possible. Have I mentioned I'm team Ash yet? Could you tell? Where was I? Oh yes, Puck. There were quite a few moments I ALMOST switched sides, which is pretty huge, so KUDOS to the well written scenes that tugged at my heart. One in particular *wink, wink*.

The new characters (Rowan, Leanansidhe) mesh well with the ones from book One and definitely add an interesting layer to the mix.

All in all, it was one of my favorite reads of 2011.

Needless to say, I moved RIGHT ON to The Iron Queen, because honestly, the Ash withdrawal was just too strong to resist. ;)

View all my reviews

What about you? Have you read this series?  Did you love it? We're all different readers and I love hearing opinions, so comment away! ;)
 

The Lucky Leprachaun WINNER!

THANKS again to everyone who participated in the Lucky Leprachaun Hop!

It was lots of fun and there's nothing better than being able to giveaway a book that I love.

But, before I announce the winner, here's a list of ladies who particpated in the Across the Universe ARC book tour, as well as my gushing review:

Cinnamon: http://www.cinnamonstoast.blogspot.com/
Colene Murphy: http://cejourney.blogspot.com/
Abby Minard: http://abbyminard.blogspot.com/
Kim Franklin: http://kim-franklin.com/
Kristin Rae: http://www.kristincreative.blogspot.com/

Across the Universe by Beth Revis


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My Review: I'm apparently on a roll in 2011 and this book is at the top of my list of favorites!

It's one of those books you read and end up thinking about for days and days. The entire world Beth creates and the concept behind it is just phenomenal. And that first chapter??? I dare you to put it down after that. DARE!

She swaps between two main characters, both from very different worlds, with differing perspectives, which I think, really adds to the story. Elder (the boy) grew up on the ship and is chosen to lead the next generation while Amy (the girl) grew up on the Earth we all know, but was frozen and released earlier than she should have been.

Her change between the two was so seamless that it was always obvious whose head I was in and it enabled her to really dive into both cultures and the problems with each of them.

All in all, without giving anything away, it was a fast pased, action packed read, totally unputdownable, and very original. I will MOST DEFINITELY be continuing this adventure and can hardly wait.

On a sidenote: I was lucky enough to meet Beth at a signing in North Carolina and she was hilarious, down to earth, and funny. It just makes the book THAT MUCH BETTER. (As if that's possible.)

View all my reviews

AND without further ado, the winner chosen by random.org is:
KATIE!!!  :: throws confetti ::
I'll email you ASAP to get your address!  Congratulations...I hope you enjoy this book as much as we did!
Here's a little photo of me getting it signed with Beth: