Sunday, June 17, 2018

Sundays with Sam - The Sunday Post



Sundays with Sam is a combination of Sunday Post hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer and Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

My Week in Review

Happy Father's Day to any and all who celebrate.


Today, my mother and I are going to Paper Mill to see Half Time. I don't know much about the show, but it's from the director/choreographer of Kinky Boots, and I have yet to be disappointed by any Paper Mill shows. So, I will most likely enjoy it.

Has anyone done their plot twist at Epic Reads? I have a villain, who will fall in love with somebody the family hates, but betray someone close to them. Hmmmm...
This book, which has not been released, is already being adapted into a film. It looks like something I would love. So, yeah, another book hits the TBR.
It looks like Laurie Halse Anderson has another book coming out, where she shares the story of her own assault. I expect this will be yet another meaningful and powerful book from her.
I want to thank everyone for their outpouring of affection for our new blog design. I love that Kiersten had enough time to share her inspiration with you all. I often gush about her creative endeavors, and though she is in analytics now, she always reminds me that she does have a BFA. All I know is I LOVE my mother's day gift!

Open Giveaways
  • You can still enter to win a copy of Not the Girls You're Looking For
  • I am doing a re-tweet and follow for a copy of The History of Jane Doe. 
On the Blog:
  • Monday: Blog Tour - Not the Girls You're Looking For by Aminah Mae Safi 
  • Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday - Road Trip!
  • Wednesday: In a Nutshell - How We Roll, Kissing Games, Thief of Happy Endings
  • Thursday: Discussion - Blog Design
  • Friday: Blog Tour - The History of Jane Doe by Michael Belanger
STACKING THE SHELVES

I broke down and bought a book, but you must understand. I adore Sarina Bowen and am so excited that she has written a YA book, a book I can prominently feature on my blog. I also was so delighted to get an eGalley of Love a la Mode. The author actually reached out to me, because I am always tweeting about her books. They are tons of fun, but many are released by a publishers, who NEVER approves my requests. So, YEAH!!


Bought/Free
Edelweiss/NetGalley
What I Read Last Week

I did something I didn't think I would, I finished The Summer I Turned Pretty series. I saw the audiobooks at the library, and thought, why not? I was pretty happy I did. Overall all, it was a good reading week, which ended with two stupendous books.

  • Your Destination is on the Left by Lauren Spieller: This was a really interesting coming-of-age tale. I have never read a book about modern day nomads, and their lifestyle was so fascinating.  A bittersweet tale and a solid debut. ★★★★
  • The Boy Book by E. Lockhart (audiobook): This was such a painful book. Ruby had to deal with the fallout from Sophomore year, and it left her feeling alone and a little nostalgic. She digs up the Boy Book, which leads to some reflections on her former friendships and herself. I must also say, the observations they recorded in the Boy Book were hilarious. As always, Ruby was funny and full of keen observations.  ★★★★
  • The Brightsiders by Jen Wilde: This book was a little more drama-filled than I anticipated, but I will say it's great that we have books for those, who are out or questioning or want to learn more about gender. ★★★
  • The Last Summer of the Garrett Girls by Jessica Spotswood: What a beautiful story of sisters, and how their lives intersect and diverge. It's a story about their summer of changes, and I loved every second of it. ★★★★
  • The Treasure Map of Boys by E. Lockhart (audiobook): Have I mentioned how much I love Ruby Oliver? I swear, she was ahead of her time. Ruby did a ton of growing up in this book, and I hope the next book is where she gets to enjoy a little more happiness. ★★★★
  • The Boyfriend Bracket by Kate Evangelista: I was surprised that the bracket was abandoned so early in the story, but all was forgiven, because I adored the romance. A fun and fluffy brother's-best-friend romance, which was sweet, swoony, and satisfying. ★★★ 1/2
  • It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han (audiobook): We returned to Cousins' and everything was sort of a mess. I was angry with Conrad, and shedding massive amounts of tears for Susannah. At the end, I wasn't sure about anything, but at least there was another book to perhaps answer all my questions. ★★★★
  • We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han (audiobook): No lie, I cried a TON during this one. It was so dramatic and heartbreaking and I felt so betrayed by some characters. I was shedding happy tears by the end of this book, and I think Han made some smart decisions, which allowed me to be ok with how this story played out. ★★★★
  • Making Up by Lucy Parker: I love this series, and I think this is my favorite book of the series so far. I feared it was the final book, because of the ending, but then I saw a tweet from Parker that she is working on book 4!!!!! ★★★★ 1/2
  • The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang (audiobook): Believe the hype! This book was so charming, adorable, sweet, sexy, fun, touching, and everything else. I will DEFINITELY be reading Hoang's next book. ★★★★ 1/2
What I Am Currently Reading



What I Plan to Read

How was your week?
Let us know in the comments!

46 comments:

  1. So many fun looking books. I love when I finish a series, even though I often wish it wouldn't end. LOL I hope you enjoy the show, and all of those new books.

    My Sunday Post

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have been talking about finishing my half read series for eternity. Having access to the books/audiobooks is what really made it happen.

      Delete
  2. I’m glad you loved the Summer series. I liked it. I also love Ruby Oliver and am thrilled you’re reading them and love Ruby too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Summer series was really emotion, but I think Han handled things really well in the series. Ruby is fantastic. It appears the final book was NOT done on audio, so it will have to wait until I have some free space on my weekly TBR, but I am keeping my fingers crossed about my ship, and hoping Lockhart gives Ruby an awesome senior year.

      Delete
  3. OOH THANKS FOR ALL THE BOOK NEWS! Awesome new books to be excited for. ♥ Also so glad you enjoyed The Kiss Quotient. I've been hearing AMAZING things about it and I totally need it now!!

    - Aimee @ Aimee, Always

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Kiss Quotient was too fabulous. If you are a romance reader (or dabbler), it's a must read.

      Delete
  4. I want to read The Kids Quotient so badly, I keep seeing it everywhere. Our library doesn't have it yet! Enjoy the new book and happynreading!!! 😊

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DO IT! DO IT! DO IT! You won't regret reading that book. Does your library card grant you access to Hoopla? I listened to the audiobook from there, and it was well done.

      Delete
  5. Five Feet Apart really does sound amazing :) and I am still not used to your new design mainly because of the colors :D it used to be pink! Now I have to think for a minute till I rememeber whose blog I'm on :D but it's just a matter of time. The design itself is definitely nice :)

    Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. I think Kiersten's design matches my quirky style.

      Delete
  6. I'll have to check out that Plot Twist Generator- sounds fun! I want to read The Brightsiders, so glad that was good even if it wasn't great. And I've been meaning to read more E. Lockhart too- maybe this summer I can get another of her books in (or two). :)

    Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Brightsiders is probably more of "it's me, not you", because I like lower drama books, but it's great that a book like that exists and you have an #OwnVoices author writing stories like that. My first Lockhart book was We Were Liars. I was surprised when I started the Ruby Oliver books, because they are so different, but different in a wonderful way.

      Delete
  7. That plot twist generator is great! I got a protagonist who isn't aware of their own beauty has an adorable meet-cute, but they're a werewolf!

    I just finished Prince in Disguise and loved it, so now I need Love a la Mode!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I thought it was fun. I think Epic Reads has one of the best sites for books. Prince was such a hoot, and if you like Strohm's humor, you would probably enjoy her two oral histories - It's Not Me, It's You and The Date to Save. They left me laughing.

      Delete
  8. You got some amazing books this week and I think they are all on my TBRL. I would love to get my hands on Fat Girl on a Plane. Happy reading this week!

    Mary my #Sunday Roundup #23!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was pretty excited when I got approved for Fat Girl, though, I am frustrated that I let it sit for this long. I am drowning in review books right now, but getting through about 5 - 6 a week.

      Delete
  9. I love the new design! She did an amazing job.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awww, thanks. I am very jealous of Kiersten's creativity. You should see her makeup designs!

      Delete
  10. I love the design. It’s very fun. I hope you enjoy your new books and have a good week!

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Sloth has provided endless inspiration for Kiersten for many years.

      Delete
  11. Wow Sam, 10 books in a week! That's fantastic. Happy Reading.

    Angelica @ Paperback Princess.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's easy to get through a lot of books when you throw audiobooks in there. That's how I get my non-review book fix.

      Delete
  12. I am in love with the sloths!!! So cute! And I am so glad you liked The Kiss Quotient. I adored it and have raved about it for a month. I want everyone to read it and love it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I cannot stop averring my love for The Kiss Quotient. A must read!

      Delete
  13. I hope the play is a big hit and you have a good time with your mom.
    The plot twist thing was funny. I got a protagonist that can't quit biting her lip, is in love with someone who is unattainable, but is faced with an impossible choice. Kinda generic. :) So awesome that the author sent you the arc... very cool! Seeing Bountiful reminds me that I want to continue with the True North series *soon*!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The play was awesome. It was based on when the Nets put together a dance team comprised of people over 60 years of age. It was funny and touching, and Ted's wife from Mary Tyler Moore was in it! You need to read True North. I adore the series.

      Delete
  14. That plot twist generator looks hilarious! XD Learning to Breathe looks really good. I hope you enjoy all of your new reads! Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Learning to Breathe is really deep. This young woman has not had it easy. I am hoping this small group of people she met become her refuge.

      Delete
  15. Huh! How had I not heard of Five Feet Apart - that sounds like it has potential. :)

    A protagonist who isn't away of their own beauty decides to sacrifice themselves for the greater good but their a ninja. - That's my story with a plot twist! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have no idea when I added it, but it was on my TBR on GR. So, I apparently heard of it at some point. Ninjas always make a story interesting.

      Delete
  16. You know that I just went into a bit of a panic thinking that I had missed a new Bowen book but it hasn't been released yet. Congrats on getting a book you really want - I love it when that happens. I am so happy to hear that you loved The Kiss Quotient. I hope to start that one soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I almost never do it, but I did the pre-order for the new Bowen. I cannot stop telling everyone how wonderful The Kiss Quotient was. Go forth and read this book!

      Delete
  17. Looks like you have a lot of great books coming up. I can't wait to see what you think of Learning to Read and Fat Girl on a Plane. I've had my eye on both of those for a while now. Hope you have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Learning to Breathe was a tough read. My heart broke for Indy.

      Delete
  18. I'm always so amazed at how many books you can read in a week! I'm glad you had some good ones. :) Ooh Laurie Halse Anderson is releasing a memoir? I need that for sure!

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I went hard on the audiobooks last week. They are such a great way to knock some books off the TBR. Though I did squeeze in one more book than normal (I finished So Glad to Meet You Saturday night). I had no idea she had been assaulted as a teen, but it's sort of beautiful why she wants to share her story.

      Delete
  19. Playing Her Secret Crush sounds good. I almost requested it but didn't! I'll be looking forward to your thoughts.
    Krystianna @ Downright Dystopian

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Entangled sent me a widget for Crush, because I had read other books from the author. I am always up for a cute, fluffy read.

      Delete
  20. The new design is very cute. I've been on the brink of breaking down and buying a couple of books over the last couple of weeks. But I've been strong. I just don't know how long it will last. Hope you have a fantastic week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I very rarely buy books, because right now, I have a MILLION to read and review. I also have an endless list of backlist books I want to read, but I couldn't resist the book I bought, and it was cheap.

      Delete
  21. Yay, I'm SO glad you enjoyed The Kiss Quotient and The Last Summer of the Garrett Girls! I loved both of those. Also, I totally need to reread the Summer Trilogy-- I haven't read them since middle school, eek. I am so looking forward to Love a la Mode, so I can't wait to hear your thoughts on that one. I hope you at fun seeing HalfTime!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I need Helen Hoang's next book right this second. The Kiss Quotient was just that good. Half Time was fabulous! Nothing like a senior citizen dance team to make me smile.

      Delete
  22. I actually just bought The Kiss Quotient and am also looking forward to reading Love a la Mode. Awesome books! Hope you have a great week, Sam!

    Tressa @ Wishful Endings

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The book was so good!!! I was really worried, because the last contemporary romance I read, which was really hyped, did not blow me away, but there is something really special about The Kiss Quotient.

      Delete
  23. I have to go check out that plot twist generator---that looks fun!!

    Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction

    ReplyDelete