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R15: Team #10 ~ Nerd Herd
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This shelf puts us in the running for a possible winning shelf call for next week with Book Boyfriends. Time to browse :)
Yippeee! Double yippee since I can walk now!I am going to read
Fantastic Katharine !!!!!!!!
Yippeeee! Careful now, no tripeeee! 😉
Steph wrote: "Yippeeee! Careful now, no tripeeee! 😉"It's like driving after an accident. It can happen at anytime, out of the blue--extra cautious because of an almost forgotten fear.
But...so glad I just want to run!
I'm going to read (listen) to
tagged x2.
Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Shelf: magical realism
Read: 9 October
Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮+
Review:
I don't give 5+ stars out often, but this is an exception to my rule. A story that tells 3 stories (actually 4), decades apart. A story that you will continue to absorb long after the reading is done. The length may be intimidating to some, but it is actually quite an easy, quick-ish read; the pages aren't so densely packed as some other big books. Regardless, the time spent reading it is worth 10x its length.
You've just got to read it. I don't want to give anything away; it's that good.
Completion Post: Magical Realism
Book: First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen
Date: 10-10-17
Rating: 3 stars
Review: I really liked Garden Spells and was surprised to see that First Frost was a sequel. I knew that Sarah Addison Allen had written more books but I assumed (yeah, yeah, I know...) they were all stand alones. I went in to the book a bit unsure that a sequel was really necessary and that thought was cemented in place as the book went on. In a very ironic (and puntastic) twist, the magic was missing from this story. While it was interesting to see new facets of old, familiar faces, their story lines made the HEAs of book one lose a bit of their luster. While things basically wrapped up at the end of this book, I now have no trust that they will stay that way. I keep waiting for the next issues to pop up. I know that is real life, but this is magical realism...I want my escape from those worries, darn it! All in all, while not bad writing, I just wish I had stopped at book one.
Woohoo! Off to request our stamp!Week 9: Magical Realism ~
✔StephB- Wishtree by Katherine Applegate| 10/8/17| 3.5 Stars| Review
✔Katharine- Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan| 10/9/17| 5+ Stars| Review
✔Nichole- The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon| 10/6/17| 4.5 Stars| Review
✔Elaine- First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen| 10/10/17| 3 Stars| Review
Thanks for the rec, Katharine. I'll have to see if my nephew may already have that one, so I can snag it. :)Elaine wrote: "I know that is real life, but this is magical realism...I want my escape from those worries, darn it! All in all, while not bad writing, I just wish I had stopped at book one. "
Bummer, Elaine. Hate when that happens.
Yay! Stamp! :D
CONGRATULATIONS, Nerd Herd!We now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'magical realism'.
[Our updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Yay!! :D
Hey guys, Hope everyone's doing good! How's your ankle, Katharine?I need to apologize. I haven't even started my book for this week's shelf. :( Been SO busy w/family and too sleepy at night to read. I hope to be able to get going on it tonight.
Congrats on the stamp Nerdies!And naughty Steph :D
Thanks Ladies!Don't feel bad, Steph! I don't think any of us are speed readers at the moment :P Besides, this is supposed to be fun not added stress! I hope you enjoyed the Fam time :)
Speaking of... I will have my book finished tonight but the review will probably be tomorrow.
Thanks! We're enjoying our time with everyone, but it can be a bit exhausting. And a bookless Steph is a grumpy Steph. 😝
Completion Post: Science FictionBook: Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Date: 10-14-17
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Wow...I can honestly say that I did not see that ending coming! And as soon as I read it, I felt like I should have. But nope. I didn't. Somehow I had made it through life not having read this book and it seemed like a good time to change that. Seeing it listed in the #1 spot probably had something to do with that...Hey look, I've heard of that book...I think the movie has Harrison Ford...yeah, I'll read that one. And it was enjoyable. I am really happy that I went in knowing virtually nothing about the story as that really allowed me to immerse myself in it with no expectations. It sounds weird, but I think the no expectations was key to my enjoyment. If someone had tried to describe the story to me, I would have steered clear. I would have said it was not my cuppa...and yet I really enjoyed it. And I am absolutely not reading any more in the series which may sound weird, but makes perfect sense to me.
Steph wrote: "Thanks! We're enjoying our time with everyone, but it can be a bit exhausting. And a bookless Steph is a grumpy Steph. 😝"I agree! It can be exhausting! And yes, I get grumpy too!
Week #10- Science FictionBook:
by Diana RowlandDate Read: 10/17/17
Rating: 4 stars
I don't want to get into details with this one because A) it's book 6 and it wouldn't make a lot of sense without reading the prior books and B) I'm lazy. Let's just say that Angel has her hands full as ZM (Zombie Mama)! Something is going on with the Zombie virus and it's causing havoc, as usual.
It's been a couple of years since the last book was released so there were several things that I had forgotten. I'm sure I would have enjoyed it more with a reread of book 5, but it was still very entertaining. Also, I didn't realize that this may be the last Zombie book when I started reading it. Bummer! However, things were left in a way that I was satisfied with the ending and still open enough for possible future releases.
I highly recommend this series if you're looking for a new take on Zombies. You MUST listen to the audio to really appreciate the redneck flavoring of the series. They are fantastic!
I"ve been meaning to check out that series; good to see you're still enjoying it 6 books in :)
Steph wrote: "I"ve been meaning to check out that series; good to see you're still enjoying it 6 books in :)"It's entertaining:) But you really must listen to the audios!
Shelf #11 ~ 10/18/17: Published 2015DIRECT LINK -https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
Btw, This is a winning shelf call for 1 team but they have to get caught up! At last update they were 2 shelves behind.
My ankle isn't too bad; at least, I'm allowed to do light duty at work for a few hours a day. Have to keep it elevated before and after any activity for the same amount of time as the activity (e.g., if I'm at work for 3 hours, it has to be elevated 3 hours before work and 3 hours after work). So, a little bit is getting done, but not much. Progress is progress. I will try to post my sci-fi review tomorrow and will read
for Shelf 11.
Progress is progress. Good for you, staying positive when it's difficult! But at least you are able to start moving around more. I'm going to read
.I'm really in the mood for some spooky reads! Does anyone have any suggestions? The few scary movies that we've watched are not really cutting it. They're just not spooky enough, just kind lame.
Slow and steady, Miss Katharine :) Glad you’re able to move around a bit. I’m still trying to finish my book for last week’s shelf. Then, I’ll look for one that fits this shelf.
I don’t have any good horror books. I liked Darkhouse, but the spook factor may not be what you’re looking for.
Actually, I've been wanting to reread that series now that it's on audio. I keep trying to make it fit in a challenge and it hasn't happened yet but yes, there are some real spooky bits in some of those!
I usually don't go for truly spooky books. About as far as I go is Dean Koontz.
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
Shelf: science fiction
Read: 17 October
Rating: ✮✮✮
Review:
I'm sad. I wanted to like this one so much more than I did. I usually don't mind jumping around from one storyline to another (kinda like it); however, Mitchell does it A LOT in this book and I found myself crossing storylines and getting confused. I still liked quite a few parts, though. I think it is one of those books many readers need to read again in order to fully appreciate. I want to do it soon, so what I was able to keep straight doesn't fly away from me.
Should be able to finish
this weekend and have the review posted by Monday. :) GO TEAM!
Katharine wrote: "My ankle isn't too bad; at least, I'm allowed to do light duty at work for a few hours a day. Have to keep it elevated before and after any activity for the same amount of time as the activity (e.g..."I am happy to hear that you are doing well. Please continue to follow the doctor's orders. I know how hard that is for us in healthcare. Take care of yourself!
Completion Post: Published 2015
Book: Rock Hard by Nalini Singh
Date: 10-21-17
Rating: 4 and 1/2 stars
Review: I love this book!! It is my favorite in the series of those I have read (the first three)...Gabriel and Charlotte are both perfect for each other. When I first heard Nalini was going to write a contemporary series, I was both thrilled (more Nalini!!! Yay!!) and worried (but she is a paranormal goddess, will it translate??). I should have just been thrilled. I recently saw that she was going to be writing more books related to her Rock series which reminded me I had never actually finished it, and then I saw Rock Hard on this round's list and new it was the perfect excuse to dive back into the series. I will hit Molly's story next and then continue with the other band members to try to finish up in time for the Hard Play series to come out. I also currently have Archangel's Viper on my coffee table which is next up on my TBR...so excited!!
But back to Rock Hard...this is a book where it would have been so easy for Charlotte to have been taken over by Gabriel. He is a massive personality and there were times I worried Charlie's timidity would win out but it never happened. She always managed to make believable, realistic gains in her fight against her past. Even better, Gabriel (who was just this side of too good to be true for part of the book) needed a good butt kicking more than once to get his head on straight about issues big and small and Charlotte always managed to deliver just what he needed. The balance between these two characters is one of the best I have read in a long time! So happy to revisit them!!
Hi guys, I finished my sci-fi book and I'm reading
for 'published in 2015'. :)
UnBound by Neal Shusterman
Series: UnWind Anthology
Shelf: Science Fiction
Read: 22 Oct
Rating: ✮✮✮✮☆
Review:
UnBound is an anthology of stories in Neal Shusterman's Unwind world. I would recommend it for all fans of the series. I'd hoped for a bit more Connor and Risa, but I thoroughly enjoyed each and every story - some much more than others.
"That's the problem with unwinding - it's not about problem kids, it's about problem adults."I was thrilled to read, in the author's acknowledgements, "At the writing of this, Unwind is moving toward being made as a feature film ...". Here's hoping it'll be as well-done as the novels and just as gut-wrenching on screen.
UnSchooled (✮✮½) "You think being feral was tough? Let's see how this works out for you." If you're a fan of villains, you'll enjoy this more than I did.
Unfinished Symphony (✮✮✮½) "In a world where kids like her have no power, it's nice to know there are still things she can control. Who will she switch next time?" This short offered a different perspective for Risa fans. It also highlighted what one threatened with unwinding will do to avoid it.
UnDevoured (✮✮✮½) "... he knows he's the ultimate predator. He knows he's the shark." Like Roland? Then, you'll love this one. Very good backstory fill-in.
UnClean (✮✮✮✮½) "That's the problem with unwinding - it's not about problem kids, it's about problem adults." This was a great story about a new character with one of my favorite quotes from the series.
UnStrung (✮✮✮✮✮) "I want you to know that your talent will not be lost. These hands and the neuron bundles that hold every bit of your musical memory will be kept together. Intact. Because I, too, treasure that with means the most to you." Wil was such a great character and he deserved WAY better than he got. Oh Lev, I'm disappointed in you.
Unnatural Selection (✮✮✮✮✮) "... he can't stand the frying pan any longer. He's ready to take on the fire." This was a great story -- sick, but great. The world building was fantastic. The Dah Zey are a twisted group.
UnConfirmed (✮✮✮✮½) Hayden, on the other hand, has no problems with fame or infamy. He loves the vitriolic haters as much as he loves the the fans who adore him. To be the cause of such passion tickles him to no end. Hayden! I liked him in the original series, so it was fun getting more of his story.
UnTithed (✮✮✮✮☆) Do not give in to the urge to extinguish oneself in the waters of the world, but instead be a light above those waters to help guide the way. Miracolina's story was another favorite of mine.
❤ Rewinds (✮✮✮✮✮) Sometimes prejudice can be slapped upside the head by tolerance. This was my favorite of them all. I love Cam. This story highlights his attempts to help Rewinds. I also enjoyed seeing Una again.
Unknown Quantity (✮✮✮✮½) ... the eerie strains of the fugue voiced by the unwound chorus, mouths opening and closing to Dagmara's touch of the keys. That damned pipe organ is so f*ckin' freaky! Divan and Argent's story.
Overall, as I said, a recommended addition to any fans of the UnWind world. (Full rating: ✮✮✮✮☆)
Okay, everything is updated! Off to request our SF stamp!Week 10: Science Fiction ~
✔StephB- UnBound by Neal Shusterman| 10/22/17| 4 stars| Review
✔Katharine- Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell| 10/17/17| 3 stars| Review
✔Nichole- White Trash Zombie Unchained by Diana Rowland| 10/17/17| 4 stars| Review
✔Elaine- Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card| 10/14/17| 4 stars| Review
Yay, team! :D I'll get stamps done again ASAP.
Moondance wrote: "Katharine wrote: "My ankle isn't too bad; at least, I'm allowed to do light duty at work for a few hours a day. Have to keep it elevated before and after any activity for the same amount of time as..."Thanks, Cheryl! We make the worst patients, don't we?
Winter by Marissa Meyer
Shelf: published 2015
Date finished: 22 October
Rating: ✮✮✮✮
I think this is the first series I've finished since I was a kid. It is sad to have the excitement and stories come to an end, but all things must. Plus, it's nice to say I've finished a series! I enjoyed traveling to the end of the road, so to speak. Meyer did a nice job connecting and tying up the stories of Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter. Part of me wishes there were more stories (although I do have a novella or two to gobble), but more of me is satisfied with the end and looking forward to what else Meyer can cook up! :)
Week 11: Published 2015Book:
by Holly BlackDate Read: 10/23/17
Rating: 3 Stars
I have to be in the right mood for YA and so I kind of struggled with this one. It wasn't bad at all, just bad timing. In this book, the Fae live along side the humans, kind of. The people of the town are aware of them and have interactions with them occasionally, though not in a good sort of way. The kids play around the Fae Prince sleeping in a glass coffin like he was just another tree or rock in the forest. They even have a changeling going to school with them and be raised by his human parents. Until one day when the Prince wakes up and a Monster starts killing the kids. Not bad and a little creepy for YA but still with the trademark angst and drama of YA.
Great reviews, ladies! I've read several of Holly Black's stories and enjoyed them all. I especially like to listen to the audiobooks. I haven't read anything by Meyer, yet. I always have mixed feelings when I complete a series, similar to you, Katharine. It's a bummer when we know we won't be able to return to those worlds any longer, but there's a great sense of accomplishment to see a series through to the end .... and have a series you enjoy enough to want to read to the end. :DI continue to struggle with finding the time to read while stuck in VA, surrounded by family. They are exhausting! LOL! Lovely, but that means I'm typically too pooped to read once I get to bed. I'm making some progress on my 'published in 2015' book as I've been catching up on Dr's appointments while home and finding myself spending an absurd amount of time in waiting rooms.
Hope everyone's doing well! Especially Miss Katharine w/your healing! :)
CONGRATULATIONS, Nerd Herd!We now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'science fiction'.
[Our updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Yay!! :D
Congrats on the stamp Nerdies!
Thanks :DAnd, thanks for a great round of BSB, ladies! Team #16 has won this round. It's been a blast reading along with you guys. Thanks for being our captain, Nichole and for keeping us on track and stamped! I wish y'all the best and hope you'll join us again in the future.
Steph wrote: "Thanks :DAnd, thanks for a great round of BSB, ladies! Team #16 has won this round. It's been a blast reading along with you guys. Thanks for being our captain, Nichole and for keeping us on trac..."
Yes, great job Nichole!
Steph, as usual, it's always fun being on a team with you and hearing about your travels. Maybe next BSB round we can pull out a win!
Thanks Ladies! It was a pleasure being on a team with y'all. I have no doubt we'll see each other again in future rounds, especially since I like to creep the teams, lol!
Nichole wrote: "Thanks Ladies! It was a pleasure being on a team with y'all. I have no doubt we'll see each other again in future rounds, especially since I like to creep the teams, lol!"
<3 Alf! LOL
Sounds like a plan, Katharine :D Happy healing, my dear!Love it, Nichole :D
SOS: Serious Overload of Series
Books mentioned in this topic
Winter (other topics)The Darkest Part of the Forest (other topics)
The Darkest Part of the Forest (other topics)
Winter (other topics)
Cloud Atlas (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Holly Black (other topics)Marissa Meyer (other topics)
Holly Black (other topics)
Marissa Meyer (other topics)
David Mitchell (other topics)
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I'll probably read