April In A Nutshell

 

What happened to April???  Well, I survived it – that much I know.  But as I look back on this month, I wonder why it felt so busy, when it seems I watched an awful lot of TV.  “coughs”  Ah, well – believe it or not – I was busy.
And here’s why!
– Reading –

 

I read 35 books in the month of April!  *fist pump*  I also reached a total of 80 books read so far for my 150 book reading challenge for 2018!

 

 

Big improvement over March – when I only read 8 books.  I’M THE CHAMP!  *smirks*

 

One of my favorites of the month.

 

Books Read:
Redcoat in Boston / Stephen’s Feast / The Crippled Lamp / Nutcracked / Nancy Drew Shock Waves / No Flying In The House / Heather at the Barre / Heather, Belle of the Ball / Downhill Megan / Alison Walks the Wire / Rose Faces the Music / Cheyenne Rose / Three Cheers for Keisha / Alison Goes for Gold / Mr. Midshipman Hornblower / The Best of Connie Willis / The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street / Mythical Doorways / Blood Road / Marlon Bundo’s Day In the Life of a Vice President / The Claim / Under Eastern Stars / Star Wars: The New Rebellion / Favorite Fairy Tales Told In Denmark / The Mystery of the Haunted Pool / Wilderness Days / Ella Enchanted / Proverbs / Exodus / The Secret of the Missing Footprint / Daughter of Silk / Susie Sneakers / Mystery of the Angry Idol / The Mystery of the Gulls / Nancy Drew Two Points to Murder.

 

In other bookish news – I whittled my TBR pile down from 825 to 764.  I scrapped a whopping 61 books off my list, people!

 

– Watched –

 

Foreign Exchange:

Excellent cast and phenomenal scripting.  The writers had the comedy of errors and hilarious miscommunication down pat.  You can find out more about the TV show here and watch the first episode here.

 

Star Trek

– Assorted episodes from The Original Series, Next Generation, Voyager, Enterprise and Deep Space Nine.

 

Maverick: 
This show is gold.  First of all, it’s a pair of brothers.  Secondly, they are the most diabolically clever gamblers you’ll ever meet.  They are an exciting pair to watch, for they don’t just gamble with cards, they gamble on everything – and leap headlong into jaw-dropping deals and scenarios that we are sure they will never emerge from alive. But they not only come out on top – they do it with class.

 

The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe:

I’d forgotten what a good movie this was.  While saying they are anything like the real series is a joke (please, don’t compare them) it was still an excellent fantasy film with a cast that is sure to grab your heart.

 

Prince Caspian:

 Yes, I had to use both pictures because they are so adorable.
While not as good a movie technically as The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (pacing, structure and execution were definitely off at points with some weaker story choices) this was still an entertaining film.  And of course, it’s a treat to see the Four back together and developing their performances.  I really liked the addition of Ben Barnes and turning it into a fivesome, and it’s a pity we didn’t see the Five together more.
The Forest Rangers:

 If you haven’t see this wonderful Canadian children’s show made in the 1960s, you have really missed something fun and special.  Cute kids and fun adventures as well as one really, really cool mentor (Joe Two Rivers, not featured in the picture above) make for some great episodes.

 

Tarzan:

There’s a reason this movie was MY movie when I was younger – I instinctively knew a good one when I saw one.  A brilliant and beautiful film.

 

Ferdinand: 
I got to show it to my older siblings on DVD.  Charming and sweet, though nothing fabulous.

 

The Miracle Season:

Poignant and inspiring to think that a 17 year old girl could affect so many people for good in her short life – and even affect them for good in her death.  Nevertheless, the execution was below average; choppy, sometimes dull and often focusing on the wrong moment.  Okay, but not outstanding.
I saw this in theaters, and I must say the company (my sisters) and the popcorn and drinks were outstanding.