Sunday, September 2, 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

Let's check my complaint list off:
  • It was hot and sticky - boo, though it is cooler today. 
  • I resumed sending mean tweets to NJ Transit, but seriously. They ruined my week, and deserved it.
Now that THAT's out of the way, I am getting excited! I have a three day weekend AND I go on vacation in one month. Let the countdown begin!

I don't watch a lot of TV, but one show I never miss is So You Think You Can Dance. I always watch it from my DVR, and I am shocked I hadn't heard more people talking about some of the dances that were featured this past week. I mean, the choreographers are killing it this season, and Travis Walls piece had me in tears. If you enjoy dance and tears, take a look. 


On the Web:

File this under things I NEED.

We have a bunch of book adaptions coming our way. Are there any you are looking forward to?
On the Blog:
  • Monday: Nutshells - Sadie, The Opposite of Innocent, Summer Bird Blue
  • Tuesday: TTT - My Required Reading
  • Wednesday: CWW - Your Own Worst Enemy by Gordon Jack
  • Thursday: Review - Meet the Sky by McCall Hoyle
  • Friday: Discussion - When you are not the target audience
STACKING THE SHELVES

I am sitting in limbo for a bunch of books, which I probably will never get, but I got some really quality books this past week. Pulp was one of my CWW books and I am fan of Clayborn's Luck series.
Edelweiss/NetGalley
What I Read Last Week

I read a string of middle grades books, and wow! So many high quality MG stories out there. All were pretty emotional, and I enjoyed all three, but No Fixed Address just won my heart. It was my highest rated book of the month, which I think is saying something, since I read 39 books last month.

eBooks
Audiobooks
What I Am Currently Reading

I have just started both these books, but so far, I am into the incremental backwards format of Ten After Closing. And, you know, because I like to read series out of order, I thought I would finally read the first book in the Aces series.

What I Plan to Read

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

67 comments:

  1. I haven't seen So You Think you Can Dance for awhile, but glad you are enjoying it! Have a great week!

    Here’s my Sunday Post!

    Ronyell @ Rabbit Ears Book Blog and join in this week’s Book Photo Sundays and Cover Spotlight!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think I'm only likely to watch the next Fantastic Beasts film, if I ever get round to watching the first one, and Mary Queen of Scots. The rest don't really interest me. I do need to find time for watching more films!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Seeing Simon with my sister was the first time I had been to the theatre in years. I am not even that prone to watch at home, because I am traveling to or at work for much of the day, and have to catch up on everything on the weekend. I an not a big HP fan, so I have not seen Fantastic Beasts, but Little Women is a classic I am always interested in seeing.

      Delete
  3. It's not hot here anymore, thankfully :) I love autumn, although for now it just feels like the cool end of summer. I got some awesome books in London last week! I am excited about them.
    Oh, and I am pledging to read more MG novels now too. They're just always worth it. So I've been trying to request more :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fall is my favorite season by far (spring is second), but our spring/fall seasons get shorter and shorter as our winters and summers grow longer and longer each year. --sigh--
      I have been so impressed with MG books these days. Sometimes I like the way the authors approach issues a little better than with YA. I have yet to read a MG book, where I felt the author was a little heavy handed, whereas, I see it a lot in YA. Yeah for London and books. Can't wait to see your haul.

      Delete
  4. I used to love Gena Showalter's books and Oh My Goth sounds like it'd actually be something I'd enjoy having been the goth 'freak' back in high school!

    Btw, Your tweets to NJ Transit were justified. I particularly liked my boss doesn't care about your staffing issues one. It's so frustrating when you go out your way to ensure you get to work on time and a company that's supposed to provide a reliable service makes things unmanageable.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't read any Showalter in a while either. I think Oh My Goth is a reissue type situation, but the story sounds fun. I was so mad Friday! The notification that my train was canceled came at 6 am, which was too late for me to try and make the earlier train, since there are only 2 trains an hour for my commute (one at the beginning of the hour, one at the end). The people doing the reverse of my commute have like 5 or 6 trains an hour. One cancellation does not set them back 30 mins like it does me. I had to drive, and I hate driving, and then it was pouring. I was really frustrated.

      Delete
  5. Oh gosh NJ Transit is the WORST. When I worked and took it to the city I would dread it. And es too hot and sticky this week. We couldn't even go outside. Hppe you enjoy Josh and Hazel!! Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am looking forward to Josh and Hazel. I saw reviews all over the place ratings-wise, but I think I am going to like it.

      Delete
  6. OOh nice new reads! Totally new to me ones. Hope you enjoy them all!

    Here's my STS

    Have a GREAT day!

    Old Follower :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I've never seen a book nest before! Now I'm off to check out the adaptations that are coming up. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am not a huge movie buff, but I know a lot of people enjoy seeing their favorite books on the big screen. I was surprised by how many remakes of remakes there were. I thought we just had a live action Jungle Book?

      Delete
  8. I haven't seen So You Think You Dance in so long! I really need to get back watching it. Hope you have a nice week and those temps get a little cooler for you too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love that show, and look forward to it every summer. I was sad they had a shortened season, but glad we still get a season.

      Delete
  9. I hope the mean tweets get results. Public transport is always infuriating, though. Enjoy your 3-day weekend! I’m glad you found some excellent MG. I’m trying to read more of that this year.

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Three-day weekend = one less day of commuting. That is always a good thing.

      Delete
  10. The book nest looks a bit like the death star, but so cozy inside. I have to read No Fixed Address this year. I'm trying to read as much middle grade as I can.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love cozy nooks. I always wanted one of those hammock chairs. Maybe I wasn't swaddled enough as a baby. I have read three books by Nielsen and loved them all. I am a solid fan of her's now. So many great MG books out there. I am glad I started giving them a chance.

      Delete
  11. Omg it is SO HOT! I stood outside in the shade for 20 minutes this morning at 9am and I was gross when I went back in. Cooler weather can't come soon enough! I hope you enjoy your upcoming reads. Oh My Goth looks really good!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh My Goth looks fun, and I actually remember when goth was huge. Looking forward to see what Showalter did there. Fall needs to hurry up, because I am literally melting here.

      Delete
  12. That book nest reminds me of some chairs we used to have in the 70s, in the "cool pads." LOL

    Enjoy your books...you have a lot of tempting ones.

    Thanks for sharing, and here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We had a wicker chair that was sort of like that when I was kid, but much smaller.

      Delete
  13. That book nook is definitely on my list of things my house will need along with a hidden library and a panic room! Brazil is usually summer all year long, but it's been windy these past few weeks so it's taking the edge off of the scorching hot fireball in the sky. If only it snowed in the city that I live in ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just really need a sound proof space to read, because I live with noisy people. Do you think you have a higher tolerance for the heat, because you always deal with it? I knew a woman from the islands, who would wear pantyhose in the summer to work, and never broke a sweat. It was inspirational. Our temps are all over the place, sometimes even in the same week.

      Delete
  14. You got so much reading done this week! I will definitely have to check out No Fixed Address. I don't watch very many movies at all--still hoping to see Love, Simon someday!--but The Hate U Give, Little Women, and Boy Erased all look really good. And I teach at a school named after Neil Armstrong, so I'm mildly interested in his biopic as well. Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No Fixed Address was so good. All three of the MG books I read dealt with some big and heavy issues, and the authors handled the topics quite well. I watch so few films, but I did actually see Simon. I was going to wait for the video, but my sister invited me, and since that doesn't happen much, I thought I should go. Little Women is always good. I was kind of surprised to see that and Jungle Book on the list, because they have been done, JB not too long ago.

      Delete
  15. WOW, 39 books - GO YOU!! I have to see how many I read I think about 8 or 9 this month. I finally read Shatter Me and totally loved it. I want to read the rest of the series but I have to wait till this semester is over! Have a great week of reading!

    Mary my #SundayRoundup #34!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have a miserably long daily commute, which I accomplish via bus/train/shuttle. I use the time to read. That's 3+ solid hours there, and I read contemporaries, which are easier reads (at least for me) than SFF books. I am a Shatter Me fan! Just remember, #TeamWarner.

      Delete
  16. Its so freaking hot here in SW Ohio. I'm over it. Holy Moly-39 books this month! I only got through 12! I hope you like the new Christina Lauren book. It was cute!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Don't worry. We are miserable here in NJ too. Even in the evening, when the temps drop, it still feels hotter than the thermometer reads, because it's so sticky. My books are a blend of books and audiobooks (26 books/13 audiobooks). My commute is good for one thing -- reading.

      Delete
  17. I am so glad for the long weekend - I really needed a day off! Yay for vacations soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Days off are the best. I especially like when I have NOTHING to do on those days off. Just pure R&R.

      Delete
  18. Love the book nest. I'd probably have to be dragged out of it. LOL Loving your books this week. Got my eye on several of them. Happy reading:)

    My Sunday Post

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There is this bed nest thing I saw once too. Birds have the right idea.

      Delete
  19. Replies
    1. I have no idea where I would put it, but I totally want one too.

      Delete
  20. I'm really looking forward to Analee. I'm trying not to preorder it, but my finger might slip. >_<

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have seen a lot of love for it, and I really enjoyed Milanes' debut, so I am looking forward to it.

      Delete
  21. I need that Book Nest- love it! Looks SO cozy. And So You Think You Can Dance is fun, I don't watch it regularly but when I do I always enjoy it.

    Thanks for linking the adaptations! I didn't know about most of those, including The Hate You Give. The Mary Queen of Scots and Jungle Book adaptations might have me interested...

    I'm glad there is so much good MG right now. I haven't read one in a while but whenever I see the section at the bookstore the choices look amazing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Am I wrong, or didn't they recently do a Jungle Book adaptation? Mary Queen of Scots looks excellent as well.

      Delete
    2. I think they did- just a few years ago?

      Delete
    3. They are making this sound like the the FIRST live adaption, but I am pretty sure there were people in the last one. Glad you confirmed. I thought I was just really out of the loop. >_<

      Delete
  22. Wow so many reads ahead Sam! And thank you for the links to the movie adaptation! Enjoy your 3 days weekend ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  23. That is my favorite dance show, although I haven't watched it since season 3. The choreographers are great. Got me curious about Pulp. Happy reading.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's great the way they support the dancers who have been on the show. They take them on tour, giving them lots of exposure, they have all-stars judge, dance, and choreograph on shows, and they integrate styles, which get less exposure in the mainstream, like Bollywood, Afro-jazz, and Tahitian dance.

      Delete
  24. I love that reading nest and I can just imagine how cozy it feels. I can't wait to see The Hate U Give and there were others on the list that look good. I hope the weather gets cooler and that tweet gets their attention. Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I still have to read The Hate U Give. I am on the wait list for the audiobook (I heard it's really good). If I had the space, I would totally have a nest or something of similar fabulousness. My care was 109 degrees when I went in it today. September is not impressing me so far.

      Delete
  25. I need that reading nest! I hate to hear that you had a bad week of travel. It has been so sticky and hot here. I do like summer but I wouldn't complain about some cooler weather. Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I abhor summer. I say, good riddance! You know what would make summer more bearable? No issues with NJT and a reading nest, that's what. XD

      Delete
  26. Ooh I'm loving that book nest. I need one!!

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

    ReplyDelete
  27. Yay for going on vacation in a month!

    I'm really glad to see you liked Pride. I've had my eye on that one for a while and am really hoping I'll love it.

    I'm digging that book nest. It would be fantastic in my office, lol.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really enjoyed Pride. Zuri's family was quite the interesting bunch, and my connection to Brooklyn definitely made it an even better reading experience for me. I wish I had a space big enough for a nest. I just need to find a much smaller one.

      Delete
  28. I so don't envy your commute. :( That book nest is epic! I am *in awe* that you read 39 books in August! OMG, lady, you are a reading BOSS! Color me impressed. Can't wait to see what you think of the new Christina Lauren book. As much as I loved the two that I've read, the synopsis of this upcoming one just isn't really doing it for me. *sad face* But I'm sure I'll give it a go and it'll be awesome. Hope your week is off to a great start!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I started Josh and Hazel this morning and am loving it. So fun!

      Delete
  29. I went to see Crazy Rich Asians (amazing!) and saw a preview for THUG and was so excited! The trailer is so epic. I saw the ball thing that Goodreads posted - love it! I definitely want one. 😉 What happened on the NJ tranist??

    Have a lovely day, Sam. =)

    Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nj Transit is just a poorly maintained and managed agency. They have been canceling trains due to an engineer shortage. The gov claimed he was working on it, but it's been one of many problems. There are only 1 or 2 trains an hour for my commute, so canceling one, makes me late to work. 😡

      Delete
  30. Oh, that booknest looks amazing and I would love to have one of those too! And I am so glad you enjoyed Pride because I really liked the sound of that one and am anticipating its release! I also got Pulp this week and I hope we will both be able to enjoy them. You read so much - I say this all the time - but I am seriously always in awe.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pulp sounds amazing. I have a good feeling about it. I am a Brooklyn girl and Zoboi talked about a ton of places I knew in Pride, which made it even more fun for me.

      Delete
  31. I'm behind on SYTYCD because my daughter and I have been watching it together, and she's had so much homework lately, we haven't really had time to watch. I love it when a piece is so powerful it makes me cry!

    Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I miss watching the show with my daughter, but we message each other to discuss. The talent on all sides of that show is incredible

      Delete
  32. omg I need that hanging thing too! I would never leave it LOL and yes the heat up here in the North East has been brutal! I hope you enjoyed your three day weekend though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It looks pretty big. I know I would spend tons of time in there

      Delete