Summer 2022 TBR

My summer TBR is filled with books for my favorite book challenge, the Book Challenge by Erin, which starts on July 1st! But I would also like to read all mostly books I already own. (Those marked with an asterisk are one I don't own, but really want to read!) So without further ado...

Book Challenge by Erin 17.0 – Categories
• 5 points: Freebie – Read a book that is at least 200 pages: Milk Fed - Melissa Broder

• 10 points: In a time of war, disease, mass murders, and natural disasters, we'd like to promote a little positivity. Read a book that you predict will bring you joy and happiness (for example, can be a favorite author, a self-help book, one from the humor shelf, or one deemed inspirational): Landline - Rainbow Rowell (favorite author)

• 10 points: Read a book that’s set in Canada: 

The Day The World Came To Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland - Jim Dede

• 15 points: Read a book by an author who is of a different race/religion than you: 

Everything I Never Told You - Celeste Ng

• 20 points: Read a book with a flower in the title or a picture of a flower on the cover: 

Yerba Buena - Nina LaCour

• 20 points: Read a book with book, books, bookstore, bookshop or library in the title: 

The Woman In the Library - Sulari Gentill*

• 25 points: Read a book published the year of a significant event in your life: 

The Last Anniversary - Liane Moriarty (2006- year I graduated college)

• 30 points: (selected by Danielita) – Read a book that is recommended by the librarian or a book store employee or you discover on the "staff recommendations" shelf: 

Song of a Captive Bird - Jasmin Darznik*

• 30 points: Read a book that includes a trip or a vacation/holiday: 

Island Time - Georgia Clark 

• 35 points: Read a book a with one of these five words in the title: earth, air, fire, water or space: Unaccustomed Earth - Jhumpa Lahiri

What are you hoping to read this season?

Linking up with Jana! 

Show Us Your Books

I'm not gonna lie... my love of reading has certainly taken a nosedive in the last few months. We all have highs and lows even when it comes to hobbies, right? I just couldn't find my groove until recently, but better late than never! Here's what I read since the last time I linked-up: 

In Her Boots - K.J. Dell'Antonia: 3 Stars
Netgalley

I liked that the focus in this one was female friendship and mother-daughter issues versus romance, but Rhett was very immature and naïve for being nearly 40 years old. A lot of the drama could have been avoided easily by just talking. I think the best part was the Emily twist. I was really looking forward to this one, but it was a little too predictable and I found it dragging.

Almost Romance: A Memoir - Nancy Balbirer: 2.5 Stars

Kindle Unlimited

I liked this story- after 30+ years, these once lovers reunite. Yay. (That is not a spoiler, it's in the description.) I just didn't like the author's writing style. Too many Yiddish words that made following difficult without having to look them up, and other words that made it seem like she was trying too hard (ex: soupcon, just say a small amount! or heretoupon, etc). For a book less than 200 pages, there was a lot of "fluff" and it took me a lot of willpower to get push through this one. 

We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves - Karen Joy Fowler: 3 Stars

library e-book

What a weird little book. I was completely enthralled until about 24%, when we learn a fun fact about the MC's sister, Fern. And then the whole story changed course and I no longer loved it. I did enjoy the the dry humor and side characters, and support what the author clearly wants me to support, but can't say too much else about the story without giving away spoilers. If you want to know what I'm talking about, highlight below!

[spoiler]: There’s something you don’t know yet about Mary. The imaginary friend of my childhood was not a little girl. She was a little chimpanzee. So, of course, was my sister Fern. Some of you will have figured that out already. Others may feel it was irritatingly coy of me to have withheld Fern’s essential simian-ness for so long.

 

DNF: Exciting Times - Naoise Dolan

I did NOT have an "exciting time" reading this one. I usually try to give a book at least 20% before giving up but honestly, I don't even think I made it that far before marking this "nope, not for me, maybe for you." 

"I wasn’t good at most things but I was good at men, and Julian was the richest man I’d ever been good at."

Currently reading: The Smash-Up - Ali Benjamin

Book Stats 
Total number read: 16
Owned: 3 (same)

Library: 7 

E-book: 8

Physical book: 5 (same)
Non-Fiction: 1 (same)
BIPOC Author: 3 (same)

Given Away/Paperback Swap: 10

What are you reading?

Linking up with Steph and Jana! 

Prime Purchases

It's that time of month again... time to see where I spent all my money at Amazon with Prime Purchases!

I did a LOT of organizing last month! These seems to happen every time I switch over my wardrobe for the season. I got two shoe organizers, one for 4 pairs of boots and one for the 12 others! I normally only wear sandals and maybe one pair of sneakers in the warmer months, so I put all the others away. I like that this one has compartments and a clear plastic cover (so I can see them all easily if I need to)... and both fit perfectly right under my bed! 

I purchased this 3-piece sweater storage organizer to replace the broken luggage and the giant plastic bin that I usually put them, both of which were taking up way too much space in my closet. I like that it they have clear panels so I can see what's inside, they stack easily, and of course you don't have to use them for just sweaters! 

Did you know you could purchase JUST the Pyrex replacement lids? I had a few that got lost or melted in the microwave or dishwasher. Love that I can just buy the lids.

Speaking of lids, I bought this lid organizer for my cabinet (you know, so they don't get lost and/or fall all over the place). 

Instagram knows me well... this 7-pocket accordion document organizer looks perfect for the recipes I want to put somewhere, and for only $8 the price was right!

 Rebecca Jo shared this neoprene iced coffee insulated sleeve and I thought it was so smart! I hate it when my iced coffee drips all over the place!

Blue requested these as house slippers after she saw them on The Today Show, but they could be great for the pool too!

I got this for my mom since often she only needs to cook one (or two) eggs for herself, so this seemed quick and easy. 

Since we were going to visit a llama alpaca farm on our family vacation, I got this cute little stressball llama for the little one!

 

What are you buying this month?

Linking up with Tanya!

Currently: June

Reading: In Her Boots - KJ Dell'Antonia

Watching: Well all of my favorite prime time shows' season finales! Also just started Stranger Things S5 (Netflix) and Hacks S2 (HBO Max)

Listening to: Hello June - Mars

Celebrating: my niece's 30th birthday! We just got back from a few days at the beach  celebrating her birthday and just relaxing. More on that in a sec!

Giving: away books on Paperback Swap- I just recently mailed Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan, Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews, Jonny Appleseed by Joshua Appleseed, The Perfect Wife by JP Delaney and Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker.

Taking: Too many pics?! And a much-needed week long vacation! Blue booked the whole family a private tour at an alpaca farm, complete with meeting, greeting, petting, and feeding them! We made our way to a brewery (or two!), had a feast at MudHen Brewing where we basically got one of everything off the menu, and visited the Cape May Lighthouse before Blue and I took an extra solo night at the Hard Rock in Atlantic City. I also found my new favorite used bookstore where I may have totally bought too many books, but I couldn't help myself! Though it sounds like a lot it was spread over a few days, so it was quite relaxing. 

Trying: Some new recipes! I made this chili cheese hot dog bake, taco stuffed shells, and this creamy ground beef, spinach, and pasta dish that was really good but I can't find the recipe - oops! 

Wearing: my new rain coat! I've been wanting a short khaki raincoat for a really long time, and I finally found this one on Poshmark. I didn't realize it had a yellow trim when I purchased it, but I kinda dig it! 

What's currently going on with you?

Linking up with Anne!