TTT: Recent Additions to My Bookshelf

I have a bookish confession to make: just like Joey doesn't share food, I don't buy books. 

It's true- I just don't. 

First of all, I live in a one bedroom apartment and just don't have the space to be accumulating books. Second, most of the books already taking up residence on my bookshelves haven't even been read yet. It's like as soon as I get the book in my possession, even though it was on my TBR, I suddenly lose interest. And third, I don't re-read books. The only one I've re-read was Maniac Magee which had sentimental value, and I only just got a cheap, used copy of that a few months ago even though the sentiment came from reading it for a book report when I was like, 9. 

It's not like I don't want to support authors or anything, it's just that I'd rather support my local library, use my Kindle Unlimited and Prime Reading memberships, or wait to get it at a deep discount (like my library book sale, which sells books all the time at 10 cents for paperbacks and 25 for hardbacks...just sayin'). Of course, like many things, there are (a few) exceptions to the rule. I love buying books for others as gifts, if a favorite author is doing a signing, or if I receive a Barnes and Noble gift card. 

And now I just confessed all that, I can't really remember why. Hmph. Anyway, here are my last 10 book "acquisitions."

The Testaments- Margaret Atwood
This was a Christmas present for Blue, but I plan on stealing borrowing it from her as soon as she's done! 

An American Marriage- Tayari Jones
My Christmas present from my in-laws! My SIL said it was a favorite of hers last year, so I'm looking forward to snuggling in with this one soon! 

Autoboyography- Christina Lauren and Eleanor and Park- Rainbow Rowell
These were the two books I received from Harker in the #tbtbsecretsanta swap hosted by Jana! Eleanor and Park is a favorite of mine that I didn't own yet, and Autoboyography has been on my TBR forever, so I'm excited to own it now- thank you so much Harker! 

I got a gift card to Barnes and Nobles from my other in-laws, so I picked these up:

It Started With Christmas- Jenny Hale
You Better Watch Out- Augusten Burroughs
Women Who Launch: Women Who Shattered Glass Ceilings- Marlene Wagman-Geller


Wayward Son- Rainbow Rowell
I actually bought this one when Rainbow was doing her book tour and it was a prerequisite for the signing. I'm sad to say that I haven't read this yet even though I got it back in September!

I purchased Behind Closed Doors by B. A. Paris,

The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver,

Housegirl by Michael Donkor, and 

The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer from my local library for 25 cents each- what a steal/deal! 

And then when I was returning a book a few weeks later, I saw these and the librarian let me take them home for free! 

The Immortalists- Chloe Brown
The Wife- Alafair Burke
The Chalk Man- C.J. Tudor

What are the most recent additions to your bookshelf? 

Linking up with Jana! 

Keep It Together: My 2020 Planner

If you've been following along since last year, you'd know that I was none too happy that I waited too long last year and was unable to purchase the Happy Planner that I wanted, but I'm happy to report that this year it's back! I chose The Mini Happy Planner in Pastel Dreams (which is still on sale at Michael's!). I always choose a mini version because it's easier for me to tote around wherever I go, and tote around I do. I bring it with me almost everywhere, and use it daily. 

A few things I love about this planner: the size, the monthly and weekly views, layouts available (I prefer the horizontal layout), and the fact that I can add in/take out pages. I don't currently add in any pages, but I often take them out so it's easier for me to write without the rings getting in my way. 

As you can see, I don't "decorate" my planner in the traditional sense. It's not all that "pretty," but it's functional and does what i need it to do, which is help me keep track of things in my personal life. (I do not keep any work-related things in my planner; I prefer to keep work and personal separate, unless I need to know about a work-related function outside of normal working hours. We are all digital at work.)

So what's going in my planner? In the monthly view I include birthdays, appointments, and events. Only in January do I include the link-ups I want to participate in monthly and when the link-ups are live on the side. In other months this area might include events that I'm considering attending but haven't yet purchased tickets for/signed up for, or appointments that I need to make, but haven't made yet. 

In the weekly section I keep everything else. The second line is always for meal planning and the second to last line is always for linkups or blog post ideas. Check marks means I made the meal or posted. Saturday/Sunday are generally clear unless there's an event because I spend these days with Blue. In the bottom space I keep weekly notes such as things I need to do, groceries I need to buy for the meals I plan to make, and/or errands I need to run. 

And that's about it! I do have a scrapbook that I'm "working on," but I haven't actually done anything with it since the last time I posted about it. Hopefully next time I can share a bit more about that project!  

Do you use a paper planner, or do you keep a digital calendar? 

Linking up with Lauren, Alexandra, and Rebecca Jo...

And Ashley and Adrienne!

December Reads

I had a couple of false starts as soon as I came back from vacation in early December, and never really found my footing for the rest of the month. In fact, I had 2 books out from the library that I started and then returned without finishing, which isn't like me at all. There was just too much going on before Christmas, so I dove into a few quick novellas.

The Wives- Tarryn Fisher: 3 Stars
paperback, own; Bookcon freebie

This was the perfect beach/pool read. It was just passing the time until about the halfway mark, when the story took an unexpected turn and I had to know what was happening immediately. Fast-paced and suspenseful for sure, but loses a star for the ending. 

What Light- Jay Asher: 4 Stars
Library e-book

Can I just start by saying that I hate the cover for this book? I think that's why I had put it off for so long, but I was waiting for some library holds and this one was available so I finally read it. Also, after reading it, the cover (and title, for that matter) have so little to do with the story. Poor marketing. Anyway, it was so much better than I had expected! I think I have a soft spot for any holiday story where one of the main characters works on or own a Christmas tree farm. I liked that the bad boy completely ostracized from his hometown isn't *really* that bad, and even though he has such a reputation, he continually tries to redeem himself, but not publicly (if that makes sense). And that ending was completely swoon-worthy. (Yeah, I said it.) I could totally see this being made into a Hallmark movie. 


Miss Christmas- Gigi Garett: 4 Stars
Kindle Unlimited

Is this a Hallmark movie? If not, it should be. (Yes, another one.) Holly is on the hunt for "The Tree"- the Rockefeller Center tree. (Side note: I make a point to go see THE tree every year- it's one of my Christmas traditions.) Finding "the tree" is literally her job, which made me wonder if that actually IS someone's job? That would be pretty cool, if not somewhat stressful, but anyway, I digress... She gets a letter from a boy saying the tree is on his family's land. The boy, and the family, are so freakin sweet and genuine, minus the one Scrooge of an uncle who has the final vote in letting her have the tree. This was a quick, heart-warming, feel-good novella.

“That’s Meredith. My wife named her after that TV doctor. On that show where everyone is sleeping with everyone.”
“Phoebe, Monica, and Rachel,” he calls out as we pass by a trio of cows. “My wife was a big Friends fan too." 

If bad things can happen out of nowhere, doesn’t that mean really good things can too?” I swallow the gumball-sized lump in my throat. “I think you just explained Christmas.”

The Golden Principles of Feng Shui Life: How to Declutter and Organize Your Home- Yuchiku Rinioe: 2 Stars
Netgalley

I love the idea of feng shui and am familiar with some of the principles, but I wanted to incorporate a few more before the new year... can't hurt if doing something like putting a fountain near the doorway can increase wealth, amiright?! I started this one but am not loving it because instead of simple ideas and changes, it's very very specific. For example, I knew that getting rid of old pictures of an ex would promote healthy and positive relationships to blossom, but this book is saying that you shouldn't just "throw out" the pics... you must do it in the morning between 9-10AM on the day after a full moon, blah blah blah. It's just too much detail to be enjoyable and/or attainable.

F*ck and Fall In Love- Nicole Falls: 3 Stars
Kindle Unlimited

The title grabbed my attention for sure. I guess I missed the part that listed this as "African American Romance," not that it mattered much except some of the descriptions and slang used through me off at first. Jane and Nigel meet when Jane goes on a business trip. While Jane seems to think of it as a one-night stand, Nigel seems to have other plans. Beware of graphic sex scenes. 

"I fully expected that once she delivered that message Mister Tall Fine and Delicious would undoubtedly make his way over to me to occupy the seat on the other side of my small table..." 

"Embrace your inner hoe for the culture…or something.”

The Weddings (Inheritance #4)- Alexander Chee: 4 Stars
Netgalley

As I started this, I was wary as to where the story was going. Though Jack was Korean-American, he was brought up in a very conservative White environment. In fact, he never seems to connect to his Korean roots at all, Meanwhile his White college friend Scott seems to be all about "Asian" culture as a whole throughout college and later as an adult, and seems to be putting on a show for his new wife Korean wife at the wedding ceremony. The fact the he and our MC had a physical relationship one night in college seems to mean a lot more to our gay protagonist than it does to the very-straight Scott. Overall I felt like I wanted more from Scott, but maybe something he wasn't ready to give Jack or the reader. 

Everything My Mother Taught Me (Inheritance #1)- Alice Hoffman: 4.5 Stars
Netgalley

Had it not been stated in the description and maybe a one-liner in the book, I wouldn't have known this was set in the 1900's, which actually did the story a favor; this could have been written now. This definitely packed a punch for being so short! I have so much respect for the young Adeline- the young heroine who's not only observant, but steadfast, honest, and admirable, especially after the hardships she's had to endure.

The Lion's Den (Inheritance #2) - Anthony Marra: 5 Stars
Netgalley

I'll admit that the title and synopsis scared me off of reading this one right away, and I wondered how I could possibly enjoy a book where the MC so obviously turned his back on his family. I really liked how the story was told though, and the events that led up to the tell-all book the MC wrote about his father. And then how the father reacted- priceless! The tie-in between taking his dad to the zoo and the ending was absolutely flawless and what sealed the solid 5 star rating for me- I honestly couldn't have asked for anything more from such a short novella.

Can You Feel This? (Inheritance #3)- Julie Orringer: 3 Stars
Netgalley

This was the fourth book I read in the Inheritance series, and the writing- with such urgency- had me hooked from the very beginning. It opens with a pregnant woman bleeding and an emergency trip to the hospital, the very same hospital her mother had been taking to. Like the woman, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, but then it just ended. 

Zenith Man (Inheritance #5)- Jennifer Haigh: 3 Stars
Netgalley

My review may be slightly skewed as I read this last in the Inheritance series. I was waiting for some big-bang murder mystery short story, and this was not that at all. In fact, I'm not sure what genre I would put this in. It certainly started out as a possible "whodunit" but quickly transformed as we learned more about the relationship between husband and wife through her "diaries." It kept me on my toes until the end., but the whole Olympic star death at the end who suffered from the exact same affliction seemed a little too convenient. in my opinion.

Hollywood- Zachary J. Ferrara: 3 Stars
Kindle Unlimited

 

"I've been dying for a Taylor ham and egg sandwich. That's one of the problems with crossing state lines: You can't find a good piece of Taylor ham. It's one of New Jersey's hidden treasures." - p.43

According to Goodreads, I added this to my TBR in 2015. Being born and raised in New Jersey, I really enjoyed all the NJ references and settings because I knew a good majority of them.  Not much happened in the story though; it seemed he just went from one party and controlled substance to another in a haze throughout a summer. It was a quick read, but I didn't see much growth from the character and that bugged me. 


Currently reading: I started Children of Vengeance and Virtue (Legacy of Orisha #2) by Tomi Adeyemi, but couldn't get fully invested because I forgot much of what happened in the first one. While I try to piece that together, I'm reading What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty. 

What are you reading? 

How do you get out of a reading slump?

Linking up with Steph and Jana!

TTT: Most Anticipated New Releases for First Half of 2020

I wasn't sure I'd be able come up with 10, minus the ones already sitting on my Kindle bookshelf courtesy of Netgalley, but those didn't even make the list! In fact, after some research, I found it hard to keep this list down to 10! I wanted to add the latest Christina Lauren (The Honey Don't List), but there are so many of theirs that I haven't read yet so I left it out. I also chopped the latest (standalone) from Helena Hunting (A Favor for a Favor), and Tessa Bailey (Love Her or Lose Her, the sequel to Fix Her Up) because I haven't read any of their work yet, but I really want to! All titles go to Goodreads, and those marked with an asterisk are ones where I've read the author's previous work. I also included my short reviews of those previous works below the descriptions of the new novels. 

Layoverland- Gabby Noone
Expected 1/21/20

Two teens, one stuck atoning for her sins and one destined for heaven, fall in love in purgatory in this darkly hilarious and heartfelt rom-com, perfect for fans of The Good Place.

The Circus- Jonas Karlsson*
Expected 1/28/20

A real-life vanishing act leaves one man looking for his missing friend in this clever, Kavkaesque novel of psychological suspense from the acclaimed author of The Room and The Invoice.

The Invoice had an interesting premise- what if everything that made you happy cost money? However there was a lot of thinking and talking, and mostly just between two people, so if you're looking for action or intrigue, this isn't the book for you.
The Girl With the Louding Voice- Abi Dare
Expected 2/25/20

A powerful, emotional debut novel told in the unforgettable voice of a young Nigerian woman who is trapped in a life of servitude but determined to get an education so that she can escape and choose her own future.

The Small Crimes of Tiffany Templeton- Richard Fifield*
Expected 3/10/20

The Serpent King meets Girl in Pieces in this moving and darkly funny story about a teenage girl coming of age and learning how to grieve in small-town Montana.

I'd previously read The Flood Girls, Fifield's debut novel. I'd loved his writing so much that I actually started following him on Twitter. This was a classic redemption story, and I loved the small town feel, getting to know all the townspeople, and all of the early 90's and book references. The ending broke my Grinchy heart into a billion tiny little pieces.

My Dark Vanessa- Kate Elizabeth Russell
Expected 3/10/20

Exploring the psychological dynamics of the relationship between a precocious yet naïve teenage girl and her magnetic and manipulative teacher, a brilliant, all-consuming read that marks the explosive debut of an extraordinary new writer.

The House in the Cerulean Sea- T.J. Klune
Expected 3/17/20

An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours.

Last Couple Standing- Matthew Norman*
Expected 3/17/20

A couple determined not to end up like their divorced friends try a radical experiment—and get in way over their heads—in this hilarious, heartfelt novel from the author of We’re All Damaged.

I'd picked up We're All Damaged because it was a freebie and the description sounded pretty funny. I was literally laughing out loud at the one-liners in this book. I thought Daisy was the perfect push for Andy, and though her story seemed a little odd overall, I definitely did not see the twist coming.
Wow, No Thank You.- Samantha Irby*
Expected 3/31/20


A new rip-roaring essay collection from the smart, edgy, hilarious, unabashedly raunchy, and bestselling Samantha Irby about aging, marriage, settling down with step-children in white, small-town America, health food and skincare obsessions, money trouble, the real story of glamorous Hollywood life and more.
Irby's previous collection of essays, We Are Never Meeting In Real Life. had me laughing out loud. Though she often pokes fun at herself, she did so in a way that was relatable (I mean, I fear dying alone in my messy apartment for fear of judgement too, girl. I feel ya). Just know going in that there are some graphic sex scenes with both sexes, and more than a sprinkling of f-bombs.

The Familiar Dark- Amy Engel*
Expected 3/31/20

A spellbinding story of a mother with nothing left to lose who sets out on an all-consuming quest for justice after her daughter is murdered on the town playground.

I'd read Engel's previous novel, The Roanoke Girls, after getting an ARC from Netgalley. Hard to admit I "really liked" such a messed up story, but it was so twisted and well written. Engel just punches you in the gut sometimes and I had to read passages a few times thinking "wait... did that seriously just happen?" especially in the beginning. Even with all of the sickening actions/behaviors, I remained fully engrossed and invested in the characters.

Something She's Not Telling Us- Darcey Bell*
Expected 4/7/20

From the New York Times bestselling author of A Simple Favor comes an electrifying domestic thriller of how one woman’s life is turned upside down when her brother brings his new girlfriend to visit—and no one is telling the truth about who they really are. She’s on the verge of having it all… But one woman stands in her way.

I originally wanted to read her previous novel, A Simple Favor, before watching the movie, and it was really suspenseful. I found myself re-reading sections like "Wait, what? Did that just really happen?" It was filled with unlikable characters and definitely had me guessing until the very end.

Which new releases are you looking forward to for the first half of 2020?

Linking up with Jana! 

What's New With Me: December Recap

December... always a month to remember! 

The month started with a trip to Jamaica, which I will go in to detail about on Friday! Just know that it was a ton of fun and only the second time I've stayed at an all-inclusive resort... and plan to make it happen many more times because it's awesome!

December is also my birthday month! I spent the day as I usually do, taking off from work, sleeping in, and doing "nothing"/whatever I damn well please! Blue bought me roses and joined me for dinner, and then I actually celebrated with a birthday dinner with close friends a few days later at my favorite BYOB Italian restaurant around the corner from my apartment. 

It was awesome that my birthday fell on a Thursday, because the next day was our work holiday "ugly sweater" party at a local bar which started at 2 (holla at a half day!). I like that unlike a lot of other departments, we actually go out for our holiday party. I was chosen to be part of the planning committee this year, so I made sure there were lots of fun things to do like Jingle Bell Bingo, a gingerbread house competition, and Reindeer Ringtoss! 

My mom also celebrated with me the following weekend- we went to see Rock of Ages on Broadway, followed by a delicious pasta dinner. 

I'm lucky in that my company closes from Dec. 21- Jan. 1st. I look forward to this break every year, and I try never to take it for granted! The first half was very busy with lots of last minute shopping, wrapping, packing and sending packages, and visiting. 

I guess I'd be amiss if I left out Christmas completely. On Christmas Eve, Blue and I opened our presents to each other, and then went to her brother's house (as we do every year- tradition!). I gorged myself on my SIL's manicotti (again, as I do every year- tradition!), and all the other yummy food she prepared for us before opening (more) presents.

Christmas Day was spent alone, waiting for my mom who didn't show or reach out. Honestly, it was the best day! I was exactly where I was supposed to be (in the comfort of my home), doing "nothing"/whatever I damn well pleased (which on this day included drinking copious amounts of coffee, wine, and mac n' cheese). 

The day after Christmas was spent with Blue's sister's side of the family. They came over for Asian fusion take-out and a game night. And they completely spoiled me! I swear they bought nearly everything off of my Amazon wishlist! I mean, I did share it with them, but only to give them ideas! They really outdid themselves this year. 

I guess somewhere around here I should mention that our cat, Keebler, got sick. Why it always happens on holidays where we have to take him to emergency care is beyond me (and also really f*ckin expensive!). Anyway, we noticed him getting sluggish and wiping his bum on cold surfaces again, so we brought him in to the urgent care vet. Without getting into details, he had to stay overnight but we were able to take him home on Christmas Day and after a few very medicated days, (and one more check-up) he finally started acting like himself by the end of last week. 

I laid low after Christmas. I attended our annual Mountain Mama brunch (upstairs from Blue) and exchanged Christmas presents with them, and New Year's Eve was spent at another Mountain Mama's condo (downstairs from Blue). I didn't leave the building at all from Dec. 29 -Jan. 1, and only left on Jan. 1 to go back to my place. We slept in, stuffed ourselves, and watched a lot of TV/movies. It was glorious. 

How was your holiday season?

Linking up with Kristen! 

Currently: January

Ahh, sorry friends. Could not resist! I hope you all had a blast ringing in the new year- whether at a fancy party or asleep in your comfy beds! As for me, I attended a neighbor's small party with close friends and was fast asleep about 30 min after the ball dropped! Definitely can't party like I used to, and I ain't mad about it! Here's what else I've been up to currently. 

Reading: My True Love Gave To Me: 12 Holiday Romances- Stephanie Perkins, etc.  (it's an anthology of short stories).

Listening to: my Top Songs 2019 Playlist on Spotify. I like that some of my old favorites from Michelle Branch and Vanessa Carlton made an appearance.

Watching: I finished You, Season 2 and Season 1 of The Morning Show. I also started The L Word: Generation Q and will be starting the latest season of Married at First Sight this weekend. Blue and I also went to see Star Wars: The Last of the Skywalkers, watched Instant Family on a whim, and I found a Christmas movie on Disney+ called Noelle with Anna Kendrick and Bill Hader. I don't really love Hallmark-y movies but this one was really cute! I also watched Let It Snow on Netflix (based off of the book that I didn't get a chance to read yet)- I really loved it and will probably be watching again soon! 

Procrastinating: Updating my new planner! I was unable to get the Happy Planner I wanted last year so I switched to a different brand and now that I'm back to HP I'm just not... loving it like the generic one I was using last year? I'm not really sure why since I was so upset that I didn't get HP last year, but I'm hoping to start falling in love with it after some decorating. (Sharing on 1/16!)

Looking forward to: Blue and I are celebrating our 5 year anniversary this weekend. No set plans, but sometimes that's the best plan! 

Resolving: I don't really *do* resolutions, but I am hoping to be better about responding to personal emails/comments with 24 hours (I already do so at work), and pay off all of my student loans. 

Cleaning: up Christmas. Usually I leave my tree up until Three Kings Day (Jan 6), but since that falls on a Monday this year, I'll be clearing it out this weekend. As much as I like the glow of my little Christmas tree at night, it'll be nice to put everything back in its place again.

Creating: a grocery list, so I can create some meal plans. So far I've got the rest of this month planned (with their corresponding grocery lists)- now let's see if I can stick to it! 

Planning: not a whole lot. I'm still trying to get back in to the swings of things! I'd like to have 2 girls' nights out in Jan, a road trip to Vermont next month, and I'm starting to plan our *big* vacation in October... I think. Like I said, still planning! 

What's currently going on in your world? 

Are you still trying to adjust to the new year like me?! 

Linking up with Anne!