Posted in TBR list

Goodreads Monday

I reactivated my Goodreads account yesterday so I figured I’d chime in on this post I always see on Confessions of a YA Reader’s blog. However, as she mentions, Goodreads Monday is hosted by Lauren’s Page Turners. So cheers to both of these fantastic bloggers.

Goodreads Monday is a way to talk about a book from your TBR list and just kind of show it off. As I mentioned, I just yesterday reactivated my Goodreads account so it’s a bit sparse at the moment, but I really needed a way to keep a list of all the books I wish to read one day.  The book I’m showing off today is one I heard of this morning on Twitter.

Repro_LittleBirdFlies_cvr.inddLittle Bird Flies by Karen McCombie.

Bridie lives on the remote Scottish island of Torrnish, the youngest of three sisters. Although she loves her island, with its wild seas and big skies, she guiltily nurses a secret dream of flight – to America and the freedom of the New World.

But her family are struggling under the spiteful oppression of the new Laird, and it seems that even some of the Laird’s own household are desperate to leave. When the Laird’s full cruelty becomes apparent, there’s no more time for daydreams as Bridie needs to help the people she loves escape to safety.

The first in a gripping, dramatic new series from much-loved author, Karen McCombie.

I love historical fiction and I love middle-grade books so this is a must. Not only that, three of my grandparents are from Scotland AND I have a trip planned there this year. This book has to be pushed up to the top of my list. It doesn’t seem to be in any of the libraries close to me so I may have to purchase it instead and add it to my real bookshelf. 

That’s it! That is Goodreads Monday!

Posted in Book Reviews, Picture Book Reviews

Julián Is a Mermaid

by Jessica Love.

Julián is a Mermaid is, for me, a book about why I love picture books. It’s a book about the innocence and imagination of children. It’s a book about love. Julián sees something beautiful on his way home and feels the urge, the need, to be as beautiful and magical. I’d say more but in case one of the 4 people who read this post actually want to read this book one day, I wouldn’t want to give anything away. I promise you it’s gorgeous on so many levels. Continue reading “Julián Is a Mermaid”

Posted in On Writing

Voice > First Lines

If you are a writer then you have heard time and time again how important your opening sentence is in any story, yet as a reader, I personally have difficulty committing to a book based on first lines only. Another important piece of advice writers hear is to have a voice. For me personally, an opening sentence may perhaps grasp my attention, but too often I struggle to stay attached to books during that first chapter. I am by no means an expert, but sharing my experience as a reader may help show how very important this second piece of advice can be.

First lines are important, but if the rest of your first chapter isn’t strong I will be easily disconnected as a reader. Continue reading “Voice > First Lines”

Posted in Book Reviews, Middle Grade Book Reviews

Poppy Mayberry, Return to Power Academy

The Poppy Mayberry series is a Middle-Grade book written by Jennie K. Brown,  and “Return to Power Academy” is the second installment. I read this because her first Poppy story turned out to be so much fun. As I mentioned in a review, I was hesitant about the first book, but I dove into this one with few doubts. Continue reading “Poppy Mayberry, Return to Power Academy”

Posted in Book Nerd Stuff

PAGE CHALLENGE

I originally found this challenge on the blog of Confessions of a YA Reader but it is being hosted by Book Dragon’s Lair.  This is perfect! I am one of those people who feels guilty about spending any “me time”. If I have free time it should be spent on chores, errands, extra work for my day job, etc. I have guilt issues when it comes to hobbies, especially anti-social ones like writing and reading. So yes, this is perfect. It will also tie in nicely to the cyber book club I’ve decided to follow hosted by MG Book Village.  I joined Twitter just for this purpose.

Continue reading “PAGE CHALLENGE”