WWW Wednesday

WWW Wednesday 1/24/18

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It’s that time again! Many thanks to Sam at Taking on a World of Words for hosting the WWW Wednesday and helping all of us organize, prioritize, and share our reading. Let’s get right to the big questions of the day! (in chronological order because I’m just like that)

WWW

What did I just finish reading?

El Deafo, Ms. Marvel – No Normal, and Nimona were all for my Sunday Morning Comics series and they were quick and fun. A delightful start to my week! I finished Every Day by David Levihthan. I also wrapped up Wonder Woman Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo and I loved it. You can check out my rave review here. I had to give 1066 back to my library and it, sadly, went back on my to-be-read list. Ah well!

What am I reading now?

I am still working on The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley and Fahrenheit 451. I am more than halfway through Fahrenheit but I am only a few chapters into The Watchmaker.

What will I read next?

The only books I know for certain I am putting into my immediate to-read pile is The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu and Iron Gold by Pierce Brown. The Book of Joy has been on my physical TBR shelf for a while and I am excited to finally read it. And, I preordered Iron Gold last year to prethwart my 2018 book buying ban because I was just that excited to read it. Also, a bit devious because I basically broke my book buying ban before it began. But, I think of it like eating three donuts the night before you start working out. It happens.

So, what’s on your WWW list? Have you read any of the books on my list?

Please, leave a link or names in the comments and make sure and check out all of the other WWW lists on Sam’s site!

fiction

Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo

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I will be honest, as a kid I was never a fan of Wonder Woman. Before the fabulous Gal Gadot, the different variations of Diana Prince were underwhelming for me. She had so many things going for her but I was really stuck on the cleavage bearing outfit and the invisible plane. Both made me embarrassed on her behalf.

And then Gal Gadot made me believe.

So, when I heard there was a book written about Diana Prince’s early years and experiences (holy origin story, my favorite!) I had to check it out.

warbringer

Diana is growing up surrounding by battle tested Amazonian sisters. More than anything, she wishes to prove herself. When she saves a mortal she brings peril to her home, her sisters and perhaps the world because the mortal she has saved is Alia Keralis – a Warbringer. Now, Alia and Diana must work together to save both of their worlds.

I loved everything about this book. Clearly, I love a good origin story and Bardugo delivers in spades. Also, I am a fan of any book with a beautiful cast of characters. Alia’s best friend Nim has my heart forever and ever and I rooted for their friend Theo like he belonged to me. Bardugo also mentions a number of myths and stories that I enjoyed long ago and some that I was unfamiliar with but intrigued by all the same that gave the story an unexpected depth.

But the shifting perspectives of Alia and Diana were what made this story really come alive. The seamless flipping back and forth not only gave me insight into Diana’s thoughts and fears but being able to see her through Alia’s eyes made the character so real to me in a way that Wonder Woman never has been before. And, by weaving their narrative perspectives together Bardugo brought me right to the center of the action and I loved every minute of it.

Tell me, please!

Are you a Wonder Woman fan? Have you read Warbringer? I’d love to know!

Graphic Novels · Sunday Morning Comics

Sunday Morning Cartoons 1/21/18

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Happy Sunday Morning! This morning my cup of coffee and I were joined by some powerful ladies.

Nimona by Noella Stevenson was my first graphic novel. Immediately I was drawn into the whole twist on the superhero / villian story featuring Nimona, the shapeshifting young wanna-be-villan, trying to find her mentor. Before Nimona I struggled to embrace the graphic novel platform. I had trouble with the set up. I blame adulthood. I had grown unaccustomed to the art. But Nimona worked for me and it was like a magic key into the wonderful world of graphic novels. I received a copy for Christmas this year and I just had to give it a re-read. It is my go-to recommendation for anyone interested in getting into graphic novels and it was even better the second (or fourth) time.

Ms. Marvel Volume 1, No Normal by Wilson and Alphona came highly recommended and did not disappoint! After reading Awkward I have become hyper-aware of the fact that Superheroes are just big ‘ol awkward people flying through the world. Also, I am a sucker for origin stories. I think its because I just assume I’m in the middle of mine right now and when I get my superpowers this party is really going to start. I enjoyed a peek at Kamala Kahn’s regular pre-powers life with all her awkward feels but the highlight for me was the awesome depiction of Captain America. Kamala figuring our her powers and place in the world is a ride I cannot wait to continue.

El Deafo by Cece Bell is a elementary level grade book about Cece’s experiences with hearing loss at a young age. While some of the technology and terminology is clearly from Cece’s youth in the 70’s, her story is timeless. Kids struggle through so many things but having an accessible graphic novel that really illuminates this point is priceless. And, of course, I love how Cece turns her difference into her superpower.

Happy Sunday Comics!

WWW Wednesday

WWW Wednesday January 17, 2018

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Welcome to WWW Wednesday! This meme was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and revived by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. Just answer the three questions below and leave a link to your post in the comments for others to look at. You can also see what others are reading and check out many more on Sam’s site.

WWW

The Three Ws are:

What did you recently finish reading?

What are you currently reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

Let’s get right to it!

What did I just finish reading?

Lockwood & Co. The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud and Awkward, The Science of Why We’re Socially Awkward and Why That’s Awesome by Ty Tashiro were both books I had on my list to be read from my last WWW. Lockwood is a fantastic middle grade book about kids who fight ghosts and it was terrifically scary. It was set in an alternative historical London and I loved, absolutely adored one of the characters, George. I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.

I reviewed Awkward for my latest Non-Fiction Friday. This book has really stuck with me and I keep talking to people about it and recommending it over and over again. This is what I love about non-fiction, the good ones are just epiphanies on paper.

When Dimple met Rishi by Sandhya Menon was a library e-book I borrowed in the middle of the night when spooky Lockwood kept me from sleeping. This is a sweet romance story about how differently our familial traditions can affect our perceptions of the world. I enjoyed this book for the fairly innocent romance but I will recommend it because of the delightful look at the Indian traditions.

What am I currently reading?

I have lost my mind. Seriously. I am studying like crazy and I cannot seem to find a book I don’t adore. So, I have them stashed everywhere which is why my list is a bit long right now.

I started with the best of intentions with 1066 What Fates Impose and The Watchmaker of Filigree Street because they were both on my to be read shelf and would fulfill some of my “When Are You Reading?” challenge slots. But, you want to know the problem with adult fiction? It is slow to get into. I am sure that these books will be well worth my attention but my brain is everywhere right now. So, I started listening to Fahrenheit 451 on my drives and alternating reading Every Day and Warbringer. Ms. Marvel is the graphic novel I read while I wait for my coffee to brew. See? I have books everywhere.

What do I think I will read next?

Let’s be honest here. Your guess is as good as mine. I need to add back more non-fiction for Non-Fiction Friday and I am relishing my graphic novels for my new Sunday Morning Cartoons so any recommendations are appreciated!

Sunday Morning Comics

Sunday Morning Comics 1/14/18

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I loved the Sunday morning comics in the newspaper. But, all of my favorites have slowly but surely disappeared. Still, I miss sitting on Sunday mornings absorbed in the art and story of a nice comic.

I realize I could get an app on my phone and read comics from all over the world but it is just not the same. So, I have decided to start a Sunday Morning Comics tradition with graphic novels. I’ll let you know what I enjoyed and if you are looking to get into graphic novels you can join me. If you have any recommendations or you want to link up, please do!

 

I had Victoria Jamieson’s graphic novels on my to be read list for a while now. Her Roller Girl garnered her a Newberry Honor and it was well deserved. The main character, Astrid’s, journey to self-discovery has to be done, for the first time, without the aid of her best friend. And, in finding out more about herself she learns how to be a better friend.

This theme was also present in All’s Faire in Middle School also by Victoria Jamieson but I just loved this story and the characters so much that I had to read it twice. Imogene has been homeschooled her whole life until middle school. Her family works at the Renaissance Faire and she aspires to be a squire to her Dad, the knight. But, “Its not easy being brave and honorable knight in the complicated world of middle school.” I appreciated this message of how difficult being kind is in middle school through the eyes of Imogene far more than anything I found in Wonder.

When I ran out of Victoria Jamieson I turned to a book recommended to me by an eight year old, Dream Jumper by Greg Grunberg & Lucas Turnbloom. This was a sweet story and I am looking forward to the other stories. Since this was the first book there was a lot of back story and set up but I liked the main character and I am extremely curious so many story threads left untied.

So there we have it. The new Sunday Morning Comic review! Next week, I’ll try to have it published actually in the morning!

Tell me, please!

Are you interested in Graphic Novels?

Awkward, The Science of Why We’re Socially Awkward and Why That’s Awesome by Ty Tashiro
nonfiction

Awkward, The Science of Why We’re Socially Awkward and Why That’s Awesome by Ty Tashiro

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I am awkward. I don’t mean to be and I certainly don’t want to be, but I am. One of the worst things I do is talk to much. If I’m in a situation where I don’t want to be or I’m nervous I…blather. I will also talk too much when I am excited about a subject matter. And I have a lot of things that excite me. Then, I get home and I re-imagine the whole thing and I physically cringe. For days. I have developed mechanisms and mantras to try and control it but, sometimes, I just cannot. It is one of my many, but most certainly my most obvious awkward feature.

awkward

So, when I saw Awkward, The Science of Why We’re Socially Awkward and Why That’s Awesome by Ty Tashiro I had to read it. In the book the author covers many of his own awkward tendencies and the awkward mannerisms of some his friends. And he explains, for some people, why these awkward tendencies happen. And, more importantly, why some people are just more awkward than others.

I think the thing I have most in common with the author is my intense self-reflection. I have had a running commentary happening in my mind my whole life. I wonder about all kinds of things about myself and other people all of the time. And, many times, without asking for guidance I have tried to be less socially awkward only to fail miserably. Truthfully, as the book explains, while I was wondering about things I was probably missing the social information people were giving me. For those that don’t know what awkward feel like, the author’s was able to recall and willing to share his own personal awkward shameful moments to help the reader understand.

And, as the author points out several times throughout the book, being awkward has its rewards. Many (but not all!) awkward people are gifted individuals driven in their field. For me, my awkwardness and lack of social success has given me loads of time to read and study and take on a ridiculous number of hobbies. While I don’t consider myself an introvert, I would probably always rather stay home and work on something that interests me than meet up with friend. And, when I do meet up with friends I know I need to take a minute before I walk into a social situation to try and stay calm to avoid talking too much.

That is where the book really shines. Unlike many books about subsections of our society, the author clearly states that while being awkward can be seen in a positive light, awkwardness is not an excuse for anti-social or abnormal behavior. You can embrace the awesomeness of your awkward personality up to the point that it inhibits your ability to be part of society.

If you are awkward or you know someone who is awkward or you work with awkward children, this book is a revelation.

 

WWW Wednesday

WWW Wednesday January 3, 2018

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WWW

WWW Wednesday – the weekly meme hosted by Sam over at Taking on a World of Words is (as anyone who frequents SilverButtonBooks knows) my favorite meme for staying organized. And, since one of my biggest resolutions this year was to stay on top of my book logging and organization, it will continue to be a favorite! You just have to answer:

What did you finish reading?

What are you currently reading?

What do you plan on reading next?

What did I just finish reading?

I actually listened to Flora and Ulysses as an audiobook and while I enjoyed the book tremendously, the narrator was hard for me to listen to for long periods of time. I did so love the characters though.

The Royal Wedding was cute and enjoyable. The third book in the trilogy is due out in 2018 but I will have to get through my physical TBR before I will be able to lift the book buying ban and get myself a copy!

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle was my favorite of last week and you can read my review here. Technically, it is the only book I have read on the 2018 calendar, the rest I completed in December.

The Dream Thieves is book two of four in the Raven Boys Books. I really liked this book as it featured one of my favorite characters and I hope to review them as a collection later this year.

What am I Currently Reading?

Lockwood & Co. is a book that I (embarrassingly) purchased as a physical book and on my Kindle. Hence the book buying ban! When you have so many books you don’t even remember what you own, something needs to change.

My local library was kind enough to let me keep Awkward for a few more weeks and I am tearing though it. I find so much of it fascinating!

What will I Read Next?

thebookofjouy

The only book I know for sure I would like to read next is The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. I have it on my shelf and just the cover brings me happiness. I cannot wait to see what wisdom these two have to share.

And there we have it! My WWW Wednesday for January 3, 2017 2018. That is going to take me until March to get right! Tell me, please, what’s on your WWW list?

 

all ages · historical fiction

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi

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trueconfessionsofcharlotteI picked up The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi from a used bookstore after I started seeing it everything. It was on display in bookstores, at the library and on required reading lists at the local schools. I must confess, while I hated required reading when I was in school I have grown almost fanatical in my desire to read everything on those lists in my adulthood. This might just be my “adult” reason for reading excellent children’s literature.

Charlotte is not a book I would have chosen without other encouragement. Frankly, I might still not have read it except for the lure of the used book store price. Even then it sat on my shelf for close to a year before I finally started the story. My reluctance stems directly from my fear of boats and more specifically being stuck on boats.  And the synopsis only added to my fear.

“An ocean voyage of unimaginable consequences.”

“Not every thirteen-year old girl is accused of murder, brought to trial, and found guiltygbv. But, I was just such a girl, and my story is worth relating even if it did happen years ago. Be warned, however: If strong ideas and action offend you, read no more. Find another companion to share your idle hours. For my part I intend to tell the truth as I lived it.”

I was as terrified for Charlotte the whole story long as I was enchanted by the prior owner of this books use of sparkly pens to circle unknown vocabulary. Charlotte is stuck on a boat, friendless and at sea and we know someone will be murdered. I just kept thinking, “if sparkly pen can see this to the end so can I!” Otherwise, I may have stopped reading when the boat first left the shore.

And Charlotte is more than a historical fiction story about murder at sea. I was once a thirteen-year old girl myself. Charlotte’s voice and experiences may have happened nearly 200 years ago but all thirteen-year old girls struggle to emerge into womanhood the way Charlotte did. We want to be treated like adult women and admired in our society in one way or another but the illusions from our childhood and nativity can twist our understanding of our role. For most young women awkwardness is the paramount sensation. For Charlotte, her life was at stake.

This is an beautifully written story that I found terrifying and lovely all at once. I grew to adore Charlotte and the crew and I was elated to discover that the author has put Charlotte in other books. All in all, I am thrilled that it is my first book of 2018!

 

not a review

2017’s Year of Reading and 2018’s Bookish Resolutions

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There are some beautiful end of the year posts out there. And, a big thanks must be given to The Perpetual Page Turner for creating the survey that helps blogger and writers look back on their year of reading. Unfortunately, as I have lamented in the past, I am terrible at keeping track of my reading. So, my stats are no where near a true reflection of my book reading experience. Still, lets see the numbers!

Number of Books I read: 70. Mid-year I opened a Goodreads account for Silverbuttonbooks and deleted a very old and rarely used personal account. I was aiming for 100 and, while I think I reached it, we will accept Goodreads’ 70 as my final count.

Number of Re-Reads: Um, none because it didn’t occur to me to log these. Shoot.

Genre I enjoyed the most: Non-fiction!

Now, not only am I woefully unprepared to answer the 30 questions proffered by Jamie, but I’m not even organized enough to look it up. This is a travesty. But, one I plan to rectify next year. Still, I know enough to answer this question.

Best book I read in 2017

messy

I love this book. I borrowed this one from the library and I loved it so much that I purchased it and then I (annoyingly) read parts of it aloud to people. This book is the physical manifestation of the reasons I should not worry so darn much. In this book is enumerated the reasons to stop trying to control everything and just enjoy the mess.

 

 

 

As I read through the other questions and the wonderful end of the year posts put together by:

Maxxesbooktopia

PocketFullofPages

BookBakingandBlogging

AWhisperofPages

AdventuresofaBibliophile – holy infographics!

MudandStars

and

WhatCathyReadNext

I couldn’t help but realize that no matter how much I loved books, and regardless of my overwhelming desire to spread the good word of amazing stories, if I didn’t stay organized it was all for nothing. Sigh.

So, I move from my embarrassingly scanty 2017 statistics to my 2018 Reading Resolutions!

  1. I am committed to being more organized in my reading. I worry about using Goodreads because I don’t participate in negative reviews. But, there is a big difference between negative reviews on my site and logging what I read and my thoughts. Goodreads is now my go-to.
  2. I am committed to a Book Buying Ban for 2018 until I finish reading my huge physical TBR. Now, I must admit I already pre-purchased two books I am dying to read in 2018 and I have an emergency gift card ready to go. But, other than those two things, I MEAN IT.
  3. I want to read a wider variety of books. I want to read books that challenge me and expand my knowledge. To that end, I will participate in several different challenges.

My 2018 Reading Challenges:

I want to hit the Stenographer (10-15) level for the audiobook challenge put out by hotlistens.com

Obviously, I want to beat the backlist. This is a dual goal because it will also help me conquer that physical TBR! Thanks, NovelKnight!

The BookRiot Read Harder Challenge which will, hopefully, help me add diversity.

I’d like to participate in Modern Mrs. Darcy’s Reading Challenge for 2018. I mean to every year because they are just too beautiful but I really feel this might be my year.

Finally, I tried this year, but I mean to successfully complete the When Were You Reading Challenge from Sam at Taking on a World of Words.

None of this will happen without carefully keeping track of my reading. Honestly, I would rather read another book then take the time to log the one I just read. But, I know I need to get over it and keep track. So, here is to my 2018 super organized end of the year post. Let’s have a wonderful, book filled 2018!

 

 

 

 

 

 

WWW Wednesday

WWW Wednesday December 27

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WWW

WWW Wednesday is swiftly becoming my reset button for organization and posting! This wonderful meme is currently hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. Thanks to this meme I am able to become just a little more organized with my reading and blogging because it forces me to answer:

What did I just finish reading?

What am I currently reading?

What do I think I will read next?

I know these aren’t in the same order as everyone else’s WWW but I can’t bear to not work chronologically!

What did I just finish reading?

I don’t even know. Things have been chaotic with the holidays and the inevitable sickness of winter. I know I have been reading everyday because I can’t fall asleep without it but for the life of me I have no idea what I was reading.

What am I currently reading?

Now, see, here is where this meme is inspired. Theoretically, what I post here will turn into “What did I just finish reading” next week. Boom. Organized. Sadly, it never seems to work out that way but one of my New Year’s Resolutions hopes to change this.

I’m listening to Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo as an audiobook. The Royal Wedding by Melanie Summers is the second in a trilogy of of books that are a slightly more grown up version Princess Diaries. The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle is a day-time reading book for me because I am that worried about Charlotte. And, I am tearing through Maggie Stiefvater’s second Raven Boys book The Dream Thieves.

What do I think I will read next?

I need more non-fiction in my life but with my studying it is hard. But, I have read the first three chapters of Awkward, The Science of Why We’re Socially Awkward and Why That’s Awesome by Ty Tashiro and I am hooked. And, judging by the pace and story of the second Raven Boys I will probably move directly to the third book in the series, Blue Lily, Lily Blue.

So, what’s on your WWW list? If you don’t have one or you want to check out more lists, make sure and stop by Sam’s site and you can see many other bloggers complications. If you are a blogger, feel free to leave yours in the comments – I would love to see them!