February Book Review

Welcome to my February Book Review! 

February proved a bit difficult for me and finding time to read.  We spent a lot of our free time working on the house and if we weren't painting, cleaning or organizing, I was busy working on my Thirty-One Business or my day job.  

That being said, I managed to finish one book! I am pleased with that number as it was a rather large book!  

This is the second book in The Illuminae Files: Gemina and I am excited to say that I enjoyed this book just as much as I did the first one (Illuminae).  This book definitely falls under the Sci-Fi category.  But my favorite part of the book is the fact that it gives the readers insight to what all of the characters are seeing and feeling at any given moment because the story is told from multiple narratives.  The book picks up where Illuminae left off, but now we are hearing more about what actually happened and learn more about why things happened as they did.  I honestly cannot say too much more about the book without giving away too much, but if you enjoy sci-fi books or multiple narrative books, I would recommend this one as a to be read for you!

This book covers the The Next Book in a Series You've Started category in the 2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge.  You read more about the challenge in my 2018 Reading Goals blog post.  

Okay that wraps up my February Book Review! What did you read this month?? I am always looking for new suggestions of books to read.  Please comment below and share.

To see a complete list of the books I've read this year plus a link to their reviews, go here.  

If you want to follow along on my reading challenge, let's be friends on Goodreads! Such a great site to keep track of what you've read and get ideas from fellow bookworms.  

I'd love to hear from you!

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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

January Book Review

Welcome to my January Book Review! 

I am super excited to be picking up the monthly book reviews again and would love to hear what fun things you all have read over the past month.  Sit back, grab a nice cup of coffee and great ready to hear about some fun books!

First up:

When this book came out last year, I asked Justin to use one of our Audible tokens to download this book and I finally got around to listening to it this month.  John Green, as always, did an excellent job writing this book and I must say it will likely be a book I read over and over.  Turtles All the Way Down is a bit different from anything John Green has done because he addresses the realities of having a mental disorder (specifically anxiety).  I really appreciated how he put the reader inside the head of someone that has anxiety struggles, but also shows how those struggles can be addressed and managed.  I should note that if you have anxiety or are sensitive to areas of mental illness, you should be advised that the book does go into detail and could potentially be a trigger for some.  

This book covers the A Book with an Animal in the Title category in the 2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge.  You read more about the challenge in my 2018 Reading Goals blog post.  

Another book that has been sitting on my shelf for a LONG time is The Siren by Kiera Cass.  I loved this book from the very first chapter, which of course surprised me because I often do not enjoy an authors first book.  They tend to be a bit clunky and scattered, but Cass knew what she was doing and draws you right in from the beginning.  This book covers the struggles of doing what is right and doing what is necessary and it forces the reader to think about what sacrifice in the name of love really looks like.  I definitely enjoyed this book.  And for those of you that recognize her name, Kiera Cass wrote the wonderful Selection Series Books.  I would highly recommend checking those books out if you are a fan of The Bachelor.  

This book covers the A Book Set at Sea category in the 2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge.

And my last book for today...

So how I came across this book is kind of random.  Justin and I went to Target to get some shelving for our living room (oh my gosh we are almost done decorating that space - I cannot wait to share the updates) and while Justin shopped I had a nice gentleman help me load the shelves into my car.  Upon seeing my license plate, he asked me if I had ever read the Jackaby series.  Of course I said no, but asked him what they were about.  He excitedly told me that it was a Sherlock Holmes / fantasy / mystery book and he would highly recommend reading it.  Well thank you Mr. Target worker! Not only was the book fun to read, it also kept me on the edge of my seat.  The stories are told from the perspective of Mr. Jackaby's assistant and her voice throughout the story is excellent.  I fully intend on reading more of the books in the series as I am highly intrigued by the fantasy part of the books.  

This book covers the Your Favorite Prompt from 2015, 2016 or 2017 category in the 2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge.  I chose the prompt: A Book Recommended by Someone You Just Met. 

Okay that wraps up my January Book Review! What did you read this month?? I am always looking for new suggestions of books to read.  Please comment below and share.

To see a complete list of the books I've read this year plus a link to their reviews, go here.  

If you want to follow along on my reading challenge, let's be friends on Goodreads! Such a great site to keep track of what you've read and get ideas from fellow bookworms.  

I'd love to hear from you!

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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

2018 Reading Plans

Happy Wednesday Friends! I hope your first few days back to work have been going well and you are adjusting to the new routine of 2018! 

So every year I tell myself I am going to read more books and every year I miss my goal by several more than one book.  In 2018, I am going to try hard to hit my goal of at least 40 books {and if I'm feeling ambitious, maybe I'll go for 50 books}.  So why the jump from a goal of 24 in 2017 to 40 in 2018? I actually have a little guide to help me this time! 

Have you heard of POPSUGAR? They created the perfect Reading Challenge that helps readers not only broaden their horizons a little bit, but it also challenges them.  I came across this list in one of my book groups on Facebook and thought, why not?! I'm sure some of my TBR Pile will tackle some of these items and it will force me to look outside of my comfortable genre and try something a little different this time around.

To make this process more fun, I joined the 2018 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge Facebook Group, as well as their group on Goodreads group to connect with other readers and get inspiration for book categories for which I may get stuck.  I'm hoping by connecting to other readers, I will be more inspired to read more through 2018.

Okay! So here is the list of book topics.  To get your own printable copy from POPSUGAR, click here.

POPSUGAR also has and advanced list for those readers looking for the extra challenge in 2018.  Right now I am not planning to tackle that list, but if I do decide to, I will be sure to share it here on the blog! To see that list, go here.

In honor of challenging myself to read more this year, I have created a page where you can follow along with my reading and read reviews of the books I have read so far this year.  Check out that page here.

I'm always looking to add more friends on Goodreads too! So if you are a member of Goodreads, check out my profile and send a friend request my way!


Question of the Day: What books are you planning to read this month/year?

I'd love to hear from you!

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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

June Reads 2017

Happy Friday Friends! I hope your week got off to a great start and you have exciting things planned for this week.  

For 2017, I have decided that it is important for me to take the time to read books... I know, I know, I say this every year, but this year I promise will be different! 

The goal is to each month, read a random assortment of books and share a few thoughts about the book (but not too much as I don't want to spoil the fun for anyone).  I love reading and I love sharing books with you guys.

Plus, this is a great opportunity for you all to share some of your awesome reads with me! 

If you want to follow/friend me on Goodreads, click here.

And you can keep track all year long by clicking 2017 Books at the top of my blog.  I will keep a running list of books right there for you.

Books I've Read/Currently Reading 

I am sad to report that I had a hard time finding time to read this month between going to several events and having a generally busy schedule all month! 

The one book I did manage to finish is: 

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban // J.K. Rowling

Speaking of Harry Potter, have you seen the 20th Anniversary books?! I have been eyeing them for a while now, but I feel like I would want one of each book and cannot justify the cost right now! 

Well that is all for my books for June! 

To check out the other books I have read this year, check out my 2017 Books tab at the top of my page or check out my reading list on Goodreads! If you have a Goodreads account, make sure to add me because I am always on the hunt for a good book recommendation.

Question of the Day: What good books are you currently reading? 

I'd love to hear from you!

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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

2017 Summer Reading List

Welcome to my Summer Reading List! I have been wanting to read all of these books for quite some time and thought it would be good to read these books over the next few months!

As a kid, I would spend my summers reading books and hanging out around the house.  In fact, I think my mom had to take me to the library at least once a week in order for me to drop off the books I read and pick up more books for me to read.  The last few summers, I have not been diligent with spending time outside or reading books so this summer my goal is to read the above books while lounging in my hammock outside.  

If you look at the books I've picked out for the summer, you'll see that they are all different genres.  I typically stick to Young Adult, but thought it would be fun to read some books that have been on my to be read pile for a while as well as read a few I've had my eye on for a while.

If you are a member of Goodreads, make sure to add me! I am always looking to connect with other readers and see what good things you have on your list!

P.S. the links below are Amazon affiliate links.  That means if you clink the link, I could make some money  

My Summer Reading List

• The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli // I received this book in one of my Owlcrate Boxes and I was excited because it is out of my normal fantasy genre that I tend to stick to when reading books.

• Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia // Another fun book that I got in an Owlcrate so I am excited to read this one.  It is a little different than a book I would normally pick for myself, but I am excited to read something different.  

• A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman // This book has popped up on several of the blogs I read and has popped up in several lists of must read books, so I thought it must be a good book if it is being recommended by several different people.  It looks like a fun book that has some comedy but also has deals with some serious issues. 

• Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell // This book has been on my to be read list for way too long, so I decided it is about time I read this one.  I have heard nothing but good things about this book so I am excited to read this one.  

• Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick // I am a huge fan of Anna Kendrick, so when I saw she wrote a book I picked it up immediately.  I am hoping her writing style is fun and punchy like she is in most of the movies she has played a role in.  

• Into the Water by Paula Hawkins // This book has received mixed reviews since it released last month, but if it is anything like The Girl on the Train, it must be pretty good.  

• Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly // No, I have not seen the movie, but I want to.  This book has so many rave reviews that I cannot imagine it not being an enjoyable read.  

• Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty // I picked this book because I wanted to read the book before watching the TV show.  I have been hearing so many good things about this book that I knew I wanted to read this book then binge watch the TV show.

• The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty // Honestly, I picked this one because I have been enjoying her What Alice Forgot book and enjoy her writing style.  Plus this is another book that has been on my list for way too long. 

• Summer Sisters by Judy Blume // I bought this book on a whim last summer at Costco and think it would be a good read for this summer (I mean, it has "Summer" in the title, so it has to be about summer right?!).

• To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han // This one is a bit random, but I came across Jenny's blog and started following her posts.  I didn't realize she had published any books until several months later when another bookstagrammer shared about the release of her new book! So I would like to see if her writing style is the same as on the blog.

• Winter by Marissa Meyer // The third book in The Lunar Chronicles, I am hoping this one is as good as the first two that I read the last few months! 

Well that is my list of Summer Reads! Have you read any of these books before? I am hoping to talk about the books with someone after I finish them!

Question of the Day: How many books are you planning to read this summer? 

I'd love to hear from you!

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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

May Reads 2017

Happy Tuesday Friends! I hope your week got off to a great start and you have exciting things planned for this week.  

For 2016, I have decided that it is important for me to take the time to read books... I know, I know, I say this every year, but this year I promise will be different! 

The goal is to each month, read a random assortment of books and share a few thoughts about the book (but not too much as I don't want to spoil the fun for anyone).  I love reading and I love sharing books with you guys.

Plus, this is a great opportunity for you all to share some of your awesome reads with me! 

If you want to follow/friend me on Goodreads, click here.

And you can keep track all year long by clicking 2016 Books at the top of my blog.  I will keep a running list of books right there for you.

Books I've read // Currently reading in May!

Everything, Everything || Nicola Yoon

I received this book through the Book Dragon Gift Exchange and was so excited that she sent it to me! I saw the advertisement for the movie and knew that I wanted to read the book before I saw the movie.  If you like a book that is lighthearted and has some comedy, I would highly recommended this quick and fun read.  

The Secret Life of Bees || Sue Monk Kidd

My mom recommended The Secret Life of Bees to me a little while ago and it has been sitting on my bookshelf for way too long.  When I came across a read-a-thon, I decided that this would be the book that I would make this my one book for this read-a-thon.  The Secret Life of Bees is not a book I would normally read as I tend to stick to Young Adult Books, but I am so glad that I took the time to read this book.  If you are looking for a book to challenge you and make you think about critical issues, I would highly recommend this one.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone || J.K. Rowling

I joined the #HPReadathon2017 and it started in mid-May! I am so excited because I have never read through ALL of the Harry Potter books.  However, this is the second time I have read through this book and I loved it just as much the second time around.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them || Newt Scamander & J.K. Rowling

I really enjoyed reading this book and it came at the perfect time because I watched the movie shortly after I read the book.  It was fun to look up the beasts as Newt started mentioning them in the movie.  If you like the Harry Potter books, I recommend adding this quick read to your list.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets || J.K. Rowling 

Another great Harry Potter book! I'm looking forward to watching the movie this weekend.

Well that is all for my books for May! 

To check out the other books I have read this year, check out my 2017 Books tab at the top of my page or check out my reading list on Goodreads! If you have a Goodreads account, make sure to add me because I am always on the hunt for a good book recommendation.

Question of the Day: What good books are you currently reading? 

I'd love to hear from you!

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Owlcrate May 2017: Comic Explosion

Hi everyone! Happy Thursday!  I hope you are having a wonderful week so far and are looking forward to a fun and exciting long weekend ahead.

Today's post I wanted to share my May 2017 Owlcrate! This month's theme is:

Comic Explosion

When I saw that this month's theme was Comic Explosion I was SO excited! I am a huge fan of all things comic book and could not wait to get my hands on this month's box.  Plus, they were sending a full-size Funko Pop with a Super Hero theme in every box!

 If you are not sure what Owlcrate is, it is a monthly subscription book-themed box that comes with a Young Adult Book and other fun theme-related trinkets.  Some of my favorite trinkets have been candles, bath bombs and jewelry, but there are all kinds of great items available in each themed box.

For May, our theme was Comic Explosion so of course the items are super hero themed and they managed to touch on a wide variety of super heroes.  Here is a list of the items I got in my box:

• Loki Funko Pop from Storiarts // I am a huge fan of Funko Pops so when I got mine I was super excited to add another one to my small {but ever growing} collection.  I got Loki in my box and I am excited to integrate him into my book shelves.  
• Wonder Woman Candle from Dio Candle Company  // The candle is red in color and has a nice sweet smell which will be perfect for summertime burning.
• Comic Attack Pen from Ooly // This pen is so fun with the bright colors and the option of six different color inks in the pen.  It is almost a throwback to my childhood because these pens were super popular in the late 90s and early 2000s. 
• AFAR Comic Chapter Sampler from Image Comics // I personally have never owned a comic book, so I am excited to try a comic book that is newer.
• Coffee Candies from Käfē // I have not had coffee favorite anything in a long time so I am excited to enjoy these while reading a good book.
• Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia // Ironically I added this to my to be read pile on Goodreads last week so I am excited to see what this book is about! Here is the synopsis: In the real world, Eliza Mirk is shy, weird, smart, and friendless. Online, Eliza is LadyConstellation, the anonymous creator of a popular webcomic called Monstrous Sea. With millions of followers and fans throughout the world, Eliza’s persona is popular. Eliza can’t imagine enjoying the real world as much as she loves her digital community. Then Wallace Warland transfers to her school, and Eliza begins to wonder if a life offline might be worthwhile. But when Eliza’s secret is accidentally shared with the world, everything she’s built—her story, her relationship with Wallace, and even her sanity—begins to fall apart

If you are interested in getting your very own Owlcrate, go to www.owlcrate.com and check out their subscription services. 

To see my past Owlcrate reviews, you can catch them here.  

If you are an avid reader and want to connect, find me on Goodreads! I am always happy to connect with other book lovers.  

Up Next Month...

   

Question of the Day: What are you reading right now?

I'd love to hear from you!

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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

#HPReadathon2017 Reading Challenge || Week 2

Happy Monday Everyone! I hope you had a wonderful week and are looking forward to a long weekend upcoming! 

Welcome to Week 2 of the #HPReadathon2017! I think my first week was a success! I managed to accomplish everything I was hoping to do and I am excited to report that I have officially finished my first Harry Potter book ever! If you have not heard about the #HPReadathon before, here is a little more information!

About #HPReadathon2017 | May 15 - August 6

The #HPReadathon2017 is a chance for Potterheads around the world to read the Harry Potter series again interactively. It is a three-month long event that aims to get Potterheads involved in reading, watching the films and participating in a range of different activities.  These activities include things like a Photo Challenge, Quizzes, and weekly reading challenges.  The check out more about the #HPReadathon2017, check out their Tumblr Site here: https://hpreadathon.tumblr.com/details

 If you want to follow, check out my twitter: @RunwithJackabee or follow along at my Bookstagram: @RunwithJackabee_Reads.  So see what other readers are posting,  check out the hashtag #HPReadathon2017 on Twitter or Instagram! 

Week 2

|| Quidditch Through the Ages || Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets ||

Day 1: May 22
Book I'm Reading: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets || J.K. Rowling

Chapters I've Read Today: Chapters 1-4
Total Pages Read: 438 pages
Book(s) I've Completed: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone || J.K. Rowling  
Challenge I've Participated In: I took some pictures for the photo challenge today and managed to post them my Bookstagram Account: @RunwithJackabee_Reads.  I will post those pictures below and will continue updating it as I go.

My Day: Yesterday was a pretty good day! I listened to Chapters 1-4 of Chamber of Secrets on my way into and home from work.  I was also super excited that my book mark from Made in Starburg came in the mail! I ordered it a little late, but they were so quick to ship it and it is SO beautiful! I cannot wait to use it for the rest of this event and forever.

Day 2: May 23
Book I'm Reading: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets || J.K. Rowling

Chapters I've Read Today: Chapters 5-6.5
Total Pages Read: 4
Book(s) I've Completed: 

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone || J.K. Rowling  
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them || Newt Scamander, J.K. Rowling

Challenge I've Participated In: I took another photo  for the photo challenge today and posted two new challenge pictures to my Bookstagram Account: @RunwithJackabee_Reads.  I will post those pictures below and will continue updating it as I go.

My Day: I had planned to listen to the chapters on the way into work and on the way home, but I ended up getting too tired while driving in to listen to the chapters and on the way home, my husband and I ended up catching up from the day for most of the way home.  I also made sure to finally finish Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them before heading to bed last night.


Day 2: May 23
Book I'm Reading: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets || J.K. Rowling

Chapters I've Read Today: Chapters 8-12
Total Pages Read: 515
Book(s) I've Completed: 

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone || J.K. Rowling  
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them || Newt Scamander, J.K. Rowling

Challenge I've Participated In: I took another photo  for the photo challenge today and posted two new challenge pictures to my Bookstagram Account: @RunwithJackabee_Reads.  I will post those pictures below and will continue updating it as I go

My Day: May 24th is my mom's birthday, so I spent the evening celebrating with my mom by going out to dinner and shopping for a few supplies for this weekend.  I listened to my chapters on my way into work and on my way home.  

Day 4: May 25
Book I'm Reading:
Chapters I've Read Today:
Total Pages Read: 
Book(s) I've Completed:
Challenge I've Participated In: 
My Day:

Day 5: May 26
Book I'm Reading:
Chapters I've Read Today:
Total Pages Read: 
Book(s) I've Completed:
Challenge I've Participated In: 
My Day:

Day 6: May 27
Book I'm Reading:
Chapters I've Read Today:
Total Pages Read: 
Book(s) I've Completed:
Challenge I've Participated In: 
My Day:

Day 7: May 28
Book I'm Reading:
Chapters I've Read Today:
Total Pages Read: 
Book(s) I've Completed:
Challenge I've Participated In: 
My Day:

Photo Challenge

Another fun part of this Readathon is the Photo Challenge they are hosting! I am hoping to complete some {if not all} of the photos over the next week.  Want to follow along? Check out my Bookstagram: @RunwithJackabee_Reads.  I will also be posting my daily/weekly updates there as well.

My Photo Challenge Posts:

I'd love to hear from you!

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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.