Team 7: Intoxicated Brainiacs

[Angela]

Selection Post

Shelf - Disability
Book - Flowers for Algernon
Pages - 216
Qualification - Tagged disability by 62 people

[Angela]

Namita wrote: "Thanks to this shelf, I'm going to read a book that's been on my TBR since 2014!!!"

My pick for this week has been on my TBR awhile too! That's one of the reasons I love these games.

I think we have a couple weeks to finish each shelf before you're considered 'behind'. We're just waiting for Wolf's historical pick for week 1.

[Mandy]

Selection Post

Shelf - Disability
Book - Freefall by Tess Oliver
Pages - 270
Qualitifications - Tagged disability by 19 people

[Angela]

Completion Post

Shelf: Free Space
Book: The Mother's Promise
Pages: 368
Date read: 6/11/19
Rating **
How it fits: Library book (Overdrive)
Review: I had a hard time rooting for the characters in this book. Many of the adults were flat and unbelievable. They spend 90% of the book stumbling blindly and wallowing in self-pity, only to find a sudden solution to all their problems in a friend's off the cuff, semi-philosophical statement in the later chapters. To top it off, the teenage heroine, suffering from severe anxiety, reaches her breakthrough moment not while helping her mom cope with a cancer diagnosis, but after a boy begins to dote on her. I can accept that in pure romance. In WF, I need to see a little more of a Rosie the Riveter, I-rolled-my-sleeves-up-and-did-it-myself kind of attitude.

On a positive note, the ending fit the story well, and would have been moving had I not already mentally voted all the characters off the island. I think I'll have to mark this author in the 'not for me' column.

[Wolf (Alpha)]

Completion - Shelf - Historical
Book: Resistance Women
Date: 6/12/19
Pages: 608
How it fits: tagged historical
Review: This was an amazing book! I love historical fiction and this is one for the record. It was realistic and the horror of Hitler and the Nazi party was shown. I loved the bravery of the women and all the courage they showed. Definitely a great WWI book. Would recommend. 5 stars

[Alex]

Selection Post
Disability
Book:A Different Witch
Qualification:
Main character has Autism Spectrum Disorder and it is a major plot point as another group of witches learn how best to interact with and teach her.

[Namita]

So, we are all done for the Historical Shelf? If we are, Wolf could you get us a stamp please?
If you need help with the completion posts or anything let me know I can help out where necessary. :)

[Wolf (Alpha)]

Namita, would you mind getting us stamped this week? I'm super busy. Sorry.

[Namita]

Wolf (Alpha) wrote: "Namita, would you mind getting us stamped this week? I'm super busy. Sorry."

No problem, I will post a completion post on your behalf.

[Namita]

Week 1 - Historical Stamp Rec'd

Wolf - Resistance Women - completed 6/12 - Msg 55
Namita - The Captain's Bluestocking Mistress - completed 6/4 - Msg 37
Alli - Sawbones - completed 6/7 - Msg 42
Angela -Pardonable Lies - completed 6/7 - Msg 41
Mandy - The Luxe - completed 6/8 - Msg 44
Apoorv - The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue - completed 6/7 - Msg 43

[Namita]

Free Space

Namita - New Corpse In Town - completed 6/4 - Msg 37
Apoorv - In the Event of My Untimely Demise: Twenty Things My Son Needs to Know - completed 6/4 - Msg 39
Mandy - The Werewolf Queen - completed 6/21 - Msg 87
Alli - Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee - completed 6/8 - Msg 45
Angela - The Mother's Promise - completed 6/11 - Msg 54

[Namita]

I have requested stamp for the Historical Shelf!! I started the Tracking Post for Free Space as well.

[Angela]

Thanks Namita!

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

Congratulations Intoxicated Brainiacs on completing your Historical Shelf.
Your Bingo Board has been updated to reflect the stamp.

[Namita]

Woohoo....we have out first stamp!!

[Namita]

Completion Post - Week 2

Shelf: Disability
Book: Archer's Voice
Pages: 345
Read: 6/13
Rating: 5 ★'s
Review: This story was so damn beautiful. Anytime a book can reduce me to tears, is a good emotional one. I cried for Archer Hale!!
His silence spoke volumes. I wish I can write more but I can't. I would give too much away. Highly recommended.

[Apoorv]

Completion Post - Week 2
Shelf - DISABILITY

Book Read: Ethan, Who Loved Carter | Ryan Loveless
Pages: 210
Date Read: 13-Jun-2019
Rating: ★★★.5
How it Fits the Shelf: MPG - Disability (116 users)
Review:
This was not an easy ride for sure. The story is of Ethan and Carter, where Ethan suffered a traumatic brain injury and was significantly impacted as a result and Carter who has Tourette's Syndrome and deals with the alienation of its symptoms on a daily basis. This subject matter, 2 men, each with their own disorders (Tourette’s and Traumatic Brain Injury), was handled so honestly and openly. The author helps you to move from feeling sad and sorry for the challenges Ethan and Carter face every day and actually jealous of the love they’re able to find for each other and the fierce devotion and sense of protection they have for one another.

While the characters were etched beautifully, the narrative was a bit sloppy and cliche. I did feel that the author was trying a bit too hard to make the situations happen as opposed to them organically flowing from one sequence to another. I understand that both Ethan and Carter have gone through some of the worst shit anyone can dole out on young kids, but I have an issue with making everything else rosy to emphasize this - life isn't as fair!

[Alex]

Completion Post
Shelf - Disability

Book: A Different Witch
Pages: 250
Date Read: 6/12/19
Rating: ★★★★★
How it Fits the Shelf: Main character has Asperger's and we get a lot of screen time of her way of learning and interacting with new people
Review:
First of all, I love this sweet silly series so much! It's a fast paced, love saves the day kind of read and I love it.

This book was similar in that it was sweet and loved helped build bridges, but it also dealt with a serious issue. Our main character, Beth has Asperger's. And magic. And a domestic partner. And a business. And is leader of her coven. The thing I loved most about this book was that Beth might have to work sooo much harder to do the things neurotypical people do, but she does them! And she does them well!

In this book we see her go to Chicago to help learn more about her powers but she goes and learns on her terms. The book also points out that the best way to interact with someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder, especially when they are as high functioning and verbal as Beth, is TO ASK THEM! Ask the neurochallenged people in your life what works best for them! Ask them how you can make things easier for them! Honor their courage and their intelligence by treating them as the individual they are, and talking to them!

[Angela]

Completion Post

Shelf: Disability
Book: Flowers for Algernon
Date read: 6/14/19
Rating: ****
How it fits: MC is mentally disabled
Review: This was a wonderful and moving story. The MC, Charlie, is given the opportunity to receive treatment that promises to increase his intelligence, but later learns of the horrible consequence of the treatment. The experiment had been carried out successfully on animals, in particular a mouse named Algernon. As the story unfolds, and Charlie sees the world from a completely different point of view, he deals with the reality of his difficult childhood and struggles to connect the person he's become with who he was. He also learns that being of high intelligence comes with its own set of social and emotional challenges. I loved that the author touched on this end of the spectrum as well. His skill to seamlessly transition Charlie's inner thought as he undergoes these changes is in itself a work of art. This was one of those magical combinations of a beautiful story beautifully told.

[Namita]

Mandy & Wolf, how are you two ladies doing with your Free Space Shelf?

Happy Monday everyone!! Wonder what the shelf will be this week!!

[Mandy]

I finished my disability last night writing my review now and I'm almost done with my free space as well. I got sucked into another series this week and I had to keep going lol.

[Namita]

Lol... I know the feeling!!

[Mandy]

Shelf: Disability
Book: Freefall Tess Oliver
Date read: 6/17/19
Rating: ****

Scotyln hasn't talked since the accident nor has she had any desire to even try talking. Thanks to Lincoln she's no longer living on the street but living in his big home with his money isn't making her happier either. However, she doesn't think anyone will hire a mute girl with no skills so her only option is Lincoln but he's not a bad guy just seems to have gotten into something darker. When he decides to get a tattoo to cover her scar from the accident she meets Nix who may just be what she's been missing.

Nix has carried around a picture of a pin-up girl for over a year but hasn't seen or heard anything about her till she blows into his shop with her boyfriend who wants to cover her scar with a floral tattoo. The connection is instant and Nix isn't going to let Scotyln get away. While she may be mute they instantly forge a connection and is determined she came into his life and was meant to be his.

I like Scotyln right from the start she's sweet but had a rough life which has forced her to do whatever it takes to survive even taking up with a man she doesn't love. You can't help loving Nix he's taking care of his nana who is getting older with memory loss. Plus he's also taking care of his best friends when the need arises. They have this sweet instant connection Nix and Scotyln if only Lincoln wasn't standing in the way.

Freefall has been on my kindle for years picked it up as a freebie but never got around to reading it. I instantly fell in love with the main characters they are easy to connect with you can't help cheering them on as they need each other. Freefall is a fast-paced hard to put down story. I just had to know what's going to happen next and I needed to see them get together. Highly recommend if you like broken characters finding a happy ever after.

[Namita]

Week 2 - Disability

Namita - Archer's Voice - completed 6/13 - Msg 66
Alli - A Different Witch - completed 6/12 - Msg 68
Angela - Flowers for Algernon - completed 6/14 - Msg 69
Mandy - Freefall - completed 6/17 - Msg 73
Apoorv - Ethan, Who Loved Carter - completed 6/13 - Msg 67

[Namita]

Waiting for Wolf and then we can get a stamp for the disability shelf.

[Namita]

Tuesday June 18, 2019 SHELF #3:

[Namita]

Selection Post - Week 3

Shelf: Fantasy/UF/Paranormal
Book: Blaze of Memory by Nalini Singh
Pages: 386
Qualification: MPG Paranormal

[Angela]

Selection Post

Shelf - Fantasy/UF/Paranormal
Book: My Soul to Take
Pages: 432pgs
How it fits: MPG fantasy

[Namita]

Hi everyone! I understand life gets busy but please do a quick selection post or let me know you've viewed this thread. Sorry, not trying to pushy, (ok maybe a little bit) ... lol

[Apoorv]

I'll be done with my UF book today or tomorrow at the latest.

[Namita]

Completion Post - Week 3

Shelf: Fantasy/UF/Paranormal
Book: Blaze of Memory by Nalini Singh
Pages: 386
Read: 6/19
Rating: 5 ★'s
Review: This has to be one of my fave books. I bawl my eyes out in the last 15% but the book is so beautiful. All I know is Ming needs to die a painful, agonizing slow death!!! For those who haven't read the Psy-Changeling series, I would highly recommend it. This book left me an emotional mess but it was so amazing. Nalini Singh outdid herself. It had Bollywood kinda vibe to it and needless to say I loved it.

[Alex]

I've seen the shelf post and will make my selection post soon! Not sure what book I feel like yet!

[Mandy]

Selection Post
Shelf - Fantasy/UF/Paranormal
Book: Darkblood Academy: Half-Blood
Pages: 263
How it fits: MPG fantasy 6 users...(kinda low but new)

[Namita]

Week 3 - Fantasy/UF/Paranormal

Namita - Blaze of Memory - completed 6/19 - Msg 81
Alli - Onyx Dragon - completed 6/20 - Msg 98
Angela - My Soul to Take - completed 6/25 - Msg 105
Mandy - Darkblood Academy: Half-Blood - completed 6/24 - Msg 100
Apoorv - Catch a Tiger by the Tail - completed 6/20 - Msg 85

[Apoorv]

Completion Post - Week 2
Shelf - FANTASY/UF/PARANORMAL

Book Read: Catch a Tiger by the Tail | Charlie Cochet
Pages: 216
Date Read: 20-Jun-2019
Rating: ★★.5
How it Fits the Shelf: MPG - Fantasy -> Paranormal (148 users)
Review:

This just seemed unnecessary. All of Dex's quirks, and Sloane's broodiness, and Ash's irritations; its all there, but this story is truly about Calvin and Ethan, As much as I love Ethan as a character, and absolutely adore how both him and Calvin have each others' back all the time - I just did not feel the chemistry between them as lovers. The plot was wafer-thin, and really nothing substantial happened. I probably wanted more angst, more intensity between the two lovers - because these are the quiet guys, the ones who don't necessarily take the center stage in this series - I wanted them to have their moment where they felt with all their heart, expressed with an intensity that seared, and loved like there was no tomorrow. The signs were all there, the result? not quite!

[Mandy]

Shelf - Fantasy/UF/Paranormal
Book: Darkblood Academy: Half-Blood
G.K. DeRosa
Pages: 263pgs
How it fits: Shelved fantasy by 5 users (just released new)

[Mandy]

Shelf: Free Spot
Book: The Werewolf Queen Brandi Elledge
Date read: 6/21/19
Rating: *****

ReviewSadie may be the daughter of powerful supernaturals but so far she's been nothing but a dud when it comes to having abilities. Her best friend can see a glimpse into the future and she knows that Sadie is going to be amazing but she can't tell her without changing her future. It's on the night of her 18th birthday that everything changes when several powerful supernatural beings have shown up in town. They all know that she's the key to the upcoming wars and are determined to have her.

Not only did Sadie learn that she's going to be very powerful no wall climbing for her instead she has the ability to absorb power and use the abilities. However, she's just a beginner so she going to need to learn to control her new abilities. Little did she know that joining Camden on this adventure would find her mate, new friends, and lead her off into war.

The Werewolf Queen has a whole cast of great characters. I like Sadie right from the start she's a sweetheart, willing to push herself beyond to save those she loves. We have Camden the werewolf, Stephen the vampire, Lil the fairy, Jo the witch just to name a few and Kong. I'm normally not a huge fan of instant love but it works for this story they just have this instant connection.

I've had this book on my to-read list long before it came out and picked it up right when it came out. I had intended to read it right away but was in a little bit of a funk. With its stunning cover and captivating synopsis, I knew it was a must read. The Werewolf Queen is a fast paced action packed story that is hard to put down. I ended up falling asleep reading only to wake up and finish it. I can't wait to dive into the second book in the series.

[Namita]

How's the reading coming along everyone? We are now 3 shelves behind. I have sent Wolf a message as she/he hasn't visited this thread for two weeks now. Hope they are doing well.

[Namita]

Please note it's important to post the selection. Ezy checks the threads before she gives the stamps. We don't want to be disqualified for any reason.

message 119: by Ezinwanyi, Factory Superintendent (new) 3 minutes ago
Ezinwanyi | 14761 comments
Mod
LaurLa wrote: "Ezi, I have a team member who forgot to post a selection post before her completion. Does she need to add a selection post or is the completion enough?"

It's okay for this time. The selection post is to help me and you check the book to make sure it fits the shelf, page number requirements etc. I'd hate to read a book and find out it didn't meet the specified game rules

[Angela]

I should be done with my book for Fantasy tomorrow. I did change my pick, and updated my selection post.

[Namita]

Angela wrote: "I should be done with my book for Fantasy tomorrow. I did change my pick, and updated my selection post."

That's great!! Thanks, Angela.

[Mandy]

I'll be done with my fantasy tonight and reviewed in the am.

[Namita]

Tuesday June 25, 2019 SHELF #4:

[Namita]

Selection Post - Week 4

Shelf: Suspense & Thriller
Book: Maisie Dobbs
Pages: 309
Qualification: Tagged Suspense (97 people)

[Namita]

Week 4 - Suspense & Thriller

Namita - Maisie Dobbs - completed 6/28 - Msg 109
Alli - The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle - completed 7/3 - Msg 126
Angela - Under Your Skin - completed 6/27 - Msg 107
Mandy - Hard Rules - completed 7/10 - Msg 163
Apoorv - Inherit the Dead - completed 7/3 - Msg 153

[Alex]

Hey everyone! I'm back from a short vacation to visit family (it was very much needed!)

I will do 3 posts today of my selection post for Fantasy followed by the completion post for Fantasy and my selection post for Thriller!

[Alex]

Selection Post
Shelf - Fantasy/UF/Paranormal
Book: Onyx Dragon
Pages: 268
How it fits: MPGs Fantasy > Paranormal 48 users

[Alex]

Completion Post
Shelf - Fantasy/UF/Paranormal

Book Read: Onyx Dragon
Pages: 268
Date Read: 6/20/19
Rating: ★★★
How it Fits the Shelf: MPGs Fantasy > Paranormal 48 users
Review:

I'm a sucker for this type of brooding shifter male falls for the sweet curvy human female who helps tame his savage beast so I enjoyed this book a lot. It was cliched and trope-y and instalove and I am totally ok with that. I knew that about the story going in. What surprised me and made me enjoy it even more was the humor and warmth in this book. I also liked the take on modern dragons being genetic offshoots of medieval dragons. And the big brooding dragon shifter falling in love with a 3 legged adopted kitten named Bo.

[Alex]

Selection Post
Shelf: Suspense & Thriller
Book: The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
Pages: 528
Qualification: MPGs Thriller 602 users

[Mandy]

Completion Post
Shelf - Fantasy/UF/Paranormal
Book Read: Darkblood Academy: Half-Blood
Pages: 263
Date Read: 6/24/19
Rating: ★★★★★
How it Fits the Shelf: Shelved fantasy by 5 users (just released new)
Review:
Luna has been fascinated by supernatural beings since their existence was revealed just last year when the human girl dated several on that show Hitched. When the star Kimmie-Jayne shows up at her home saying they are sisters, Luna is star struck as she watched the whole show. Kimmie-Jayne wants her to attend Darkhen Academy a school for supernaturals as they share the same supernatural father. Luna agrees to attend but little did she know she would be running into so many of the former Bachelors that had been courting her older sister.

The students of Darkhen Academy are broken into 7 groups. However, they don't have a human group at the school as she is the first. Thankfully Kimmie-Jayne's husband's little sister is attending and she will room with the dragon-shifters. Cinder is just what Luna needs and is quickly adopted by the dragons of the school. If only Luna can avoid drawing attention from The Seven who are the most powerful students in each group. Plus as if that's not hard enough her favorite guy from the show just happens to be her instructor and she's crushing hard. If she can avoid the demons after her she may just make it through the first year.

I loved Luna right from the start she reminds me a lot of how I would be if I was given the chance to attend a supernatural school. I have to admit that if we had a supernatural Bachelorette show I would have been equally hooked watching. I wasn't sure about The Seven but the more we get to know them the more I like them. I see a couple of possible love interests for Luna if she can get over her crush.

I've actually had Darkblood Academy on my wishlist for a while waiting for it to come out. I mean look at the cover the black unipeg is screaming my name. I didn't even read the synopsis just fell in love with the cover. I instantly was drawn into Luna's world and had to see how it was going to play out ended up finishing it in just under a day. Reading every chance I could. My only regret is that I wish I had read Hitched which is Kimmie-Jayne's story and plan to. I really enjoyed the authors writing style the story just flowed and I found myself getting lost in the beautiful story. The characters are easy to connect with they are all unique and just work so well in this captivating story.