Posted Last Week
I have had zero reviewing mojo this year. I think it has more to do with the way I’ve been reading lately. Life has been tough and it has been busy, and I’ve been reading for the escape and the pure enjoyment of the story. I’m OK with that, but I’m also ready to get back to writing some reviews.
I did post some quick thoughts on the books I’ve been reading lately:
- Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
- The Listener by Robert McCammon
- Mapping the Interior by Stephen Graham Jones
- Bird Box by Josh Malerman
- Summer of Night by Dan Simmons
Read Last Week
Summer of Night by Dan Simmons
Recent Acquisitions
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson - A few weeks ago I said I haven't read a tremendous amount of fantasy. That was kind of misleading since fantasy is one of my go-to genres. What I meant was I don't feel well read in fantasy. Let's take Brandon Sanderson for example. I've read The Rithmatist and Steelheart, but I haven't read Mistborn or The Way of Kings. Despite reading a lot of fantasy, there's a lot I haven't read that I should be reading! I was planning to read Mistborn during Fantasy Month in May, but it might not last until May. I will probably cheat and read it sooner.
The Sound of Broken Ribs by Edward Lorn - Folks were raving over this one last year, and I snagged it on sale this past week.
The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier - I've decided I need more middle grade horror in my life so I'm going on a big MG reading spree.
The Nightmare Room by Chris Sorensen - This is another book I grabbed on sale after seeing some trusted reviews. The Nightmare Room is still on sale for $0.99 at the time of this writing.
The Shibboleth by John Hornor Jacobs - I really enjoyed the first book in the series. I'm looking forward to reading what happens next.
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote - I lucked out in finding this at the thrift shop. It's been on my wishlist for a while, and I was considering ordering a copy after seeing it over at Bark's Book Nonsense.
Current Distractions
Annihilation - I enjoyed the movie more than the book, but they were quite different from each other. My favorite stuff in the book wasn’t in the movie, and the movie had a lot of new things cooked up by the movie folks. There was one scene that was so awesome it was worth the ticket price.
A Wrinkle in Time - I took my kids to see A Wrinkle in Time. (I never could convince them to read the book!) They loved it. Personally, I wanted more about the time wrinkles and the tesseract, but I enjoyed it, too. I fell in love with A Wrinkle in Time when I was in the 3rd grade so it was pretty awesome to be watching it with my own 3rd grade son. :)
Jumanji - We rented Jumanji this week as well. I'm not sure how much I would recommend it to others, but it was cute. It was a great family movie night pick.
Seriously. How amazing was the lineup of new shows last week? We got new seasons of Hap and Leonard, Jessica Jones, and Sneaky Pete! I can't ask for more than that, but The Santa Clarita Diet comes back this week, too.
So what about you? Let me know what you're reading this week or leave me some links!
This post is being shared as part of Book Date's It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Caffeinated Book Reviewer's The Sunday Post.
I want to see Annihilation but I'm not sure yet about reading the book. I also want to see Ready player One but will be waiting for DVD releases! I liked the first Jumanji film so I do plan to see this one.
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to Ready Player One. The newest trailer looks so much better. I've been waiting for that movie since the day I read the book, and the first teaser trailer was so incredibly disappointing to me. I'm excited again, though!
DeleteI must start watching Jessica Jones! And I'm curious about Jumanji. One of my friend's husband worked on the movie so I should go see it just for that reason😊
ReplyDeleteOh, neat! Yes, you should definitely watch Jessica Jones. Give it a few episodes - I remember being really unsure about it when I first started watching it.
DeleteI loved the book of Annihilation way better than the movie. What scene did you love? I want to see A Wrinkle in Time but haven’t yet. Yay for the return of Jessica Jones.
ReplyDeleteThis Scene
DeleteI've been feeling the same with when it comes to reading Jennifer, I'm typically a mood reader, but I've been trying to read as many review books too, I usually have to write a review straight after finishing, otherwise I will never get to writing a review. But I hope you're able to get back into reviewing soon! Have a great week :)
ReplyDeleteNot reviewing a book immediately is my downfall every time.
DeleteThe Nightmare Room looks creepy. I totally get reading to escape. Have you thought about changing format of review. A few good ones are Twitter style reviews, book dates, or bullet points with likes and dislikes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advice! I do have an alternate format that works well for me. I should probably default to that one for a while.
DeleteI loved Jumanji. I thought it was hilarious. I'm glad your kids liked A Wrinkle in Time. My friend has been trying to get me to read Mistborn for about 10 years now. I want to read it. I just haven't taken the time to do it yet. Someday.
ReplyDeleteI laughed a lot at Jumanji. A lot of it went over my kids' heads. :) I'm really looking forward to reading Mistborn.
DeleteI almost started watching Sneaky Pete after Downton Abbey...Almost. Enjoy your shows and your books this week!
ReplyDeleteMary #SundayRoundup #10
Thanks! You should start watching Sneaky Pete at some point. It's one of my favorites.
DeleteMy husband and I are starting Jessica Jones this week. It look really good. Can’t wait! Sneaky Peat is one I am curious about too, I am thinking I need to get Amazon Prime. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I have Prime so I can watch Sneaky Pete, but honestly, it's one of the only things I've enjoyed watching on Prime. I hope you guys are loving Jessica Jones!
DeleteOur spring break is a few weeks away yet, right after Easter. Hope you had a great one! I have Truly Devious and really want to read Bird Box.
ReplyDeleteI just bought Annihilation (the book) and I really want to see the movie, it looks awesome.
I loved Jessica Jones 2, for the most part.
Oh, good. I'm glad you loved Jessica Jones. It takes me *forever* to watch a season of something, and I'm in a few things at the moment.
DeleteWell done on that Truman Capote find!
ReplyDeleteI love the Night Gardener Cover. I am not a big horror fan, but maybe middle grade level would be ok for a very squeamish person?
Yes, I think middle grade horror is a good choice for people who want a little spooky but no violence or gore. :)
DeleteI've heard mixed things about the second season of Jessica Jones. Like you, I can't wait for Santa Clarita Diet. I devoured the first season in 2 days. At least you are enjoying your reading which is very important.
ReplyDeleteI hope I make it through my current shows someday soon so I can get to Santa Clarita. I need more time in my life.
DeleteI am enjoying my reading; I've very happy about that.
I feel so out of touch. I don't recognize any of those TV shows. Granted, I don't watch much TV, but I am usually more aware.
ReplyDeleteHmm... there may be more popular shows that are being talked about more right now. I don't usually watch the big hyped shows.
DeleteI was just told I need o watch Sneaky Pete. I think I will get to it soon!! Enjoy your new books!! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteThanks!! I love Sneaky Pete!
DeleteSometimes I feel that way - I just want to read and not write reviews. Sneaky Pete looks good. I hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI think we all deserve some personal reading time. Thanks!
DeleteI agree, Annihilation the movie really differed from the book, but I loved both of them :) And ah, you've read Truly Devious! I picked up a HC not long ago and still haven't gotten to read it. It sounds great though. In Cold Blood is also on my TBR, so kudos for picking up a copy! Hope you have a good week :)
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping I can make it to In Cold Blood this year. If not, next year for sure. :)
DeleteI'm actually somewhat glad to hear that the movie adaptation of Annihilation is different from the book. I enjoyed the book, but it was very weird, and I'm not sure if that would have translated too well to the big screen. If the movie people made it more approachable to general audiences, I can only see that as a good thing.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed Jumanji btw! I didn't think I would when I started it, thinking it would be some kind of teen movie. But it got better when they were transported into the game. .
~Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
Annihilation was still weird, but I do think it was more approachable.
DeleteI'm glad you enjoyed Jumanji and A Wrinkle of Time. I really need to watch Jumanji sometime!
ReplyDeleteHere’s my Sunday Post!
Ronyell @ Rabbit Ears Book Blog and join in this week’s Book Photo Sundays and Cover Spotlight!
Jumanji was fun. It had a lot of humor in it.
DeleteSometimes it's really hard to write reviews, I just want to read instead.
ReplyDeleteI just watched Jumanji last night and loved it! Happy reading! :)
Thanks! It has been nice reading for reading's sake. :)
DeleteI love that cover for the Night Gardener. Jumanji - I fancy watching it but at the same time I really liked the original movie and so I'm torn. I'll probably see it eventually.
ReplyDeleteLynn :D
You should watch it! It was a really updated version, and I thought it was fun.
DeleteHow many Jumanji movies have there been? I seem to remember one with Robin Williams but maybe my memory isn't accurate. I enjoyed A Wrinkle in Time as a book and should see the movie. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteI think just the Robin Williams one and this new one.
DeleteI never read A Wrinkle in Time but I would like to see the movie so will make sure I do. The fact your family enjoyed it is recommendation enough. Hope things are lightening a little.
ReplyDeleteThanks. :) My kids really enjoyed A Wrinkle in Time.
DeleteI have the Night Garden on my TBR. Here's what I'm reading
ReplyDeleteLet me know if you read it. I'd love to hear what you think of it.
DeleteOoo I didn't know Santa Clarita came back this week! And I am so excited about Jessica Jones! I love her.
ReplyDeleteI read In Cold Blood in high school and now rural areas freak me out. Lol. I always think about it like a weirdo.
Yep! So many good shows returning all at once!
DeleteAhhh, Hap & Leonard. I am so glad they're back! I need to get going on Jessica Jones when H&L and a few other shows take a break.
ReplyDeleteI had to put In Cold Blood aside for a little bit while I wait for the audio. The font was murdering my eyes and I had to keep rereading sections because my eyes were watering so bad. I should probably just break down and get a new eye glasses prescription ;) Enjoy your books & the rest of the week.
That's exactly what happened with me and Summer of Night. I had to switch to the audio because the print was so tiny. :(
DeleteI feel the exact same way about reviewing. Which makes me feel bad because I'm letting all my review books lapse in release date but what are you gonna do. I'll get back to it when I get back to it. :)
ReplyDeleteI'd really like to (finally) get around to In Cold Blood this year. I just finally finished Punisher and Jessica Jones is going to be next. I can't wait.
Yeah, I'm trying to return to reviewing, but I can only do so much right now.
DeleteYou're totally allowed to just read for enjoyment if that's what you need! If it makes you feel better, I haven't read *any* Brandon Sanderson books lol :-P Glad you're enjoying some good books and movies and shows!
ReplyDeleteThanks! :) It has been nice to just read.
DeleteI'm hoping to like Annihilation better than the book too! especially now that you say it was different :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't like A Wrinkle in Time the book but my daughter loved the movie so I may rent it to watch it at home. Glad to hear you enjoyed both movie and book!
I feel like the movie makers made a good decision with the direction they took.
DeleteI want to read Annihilation. I've read the first 2 Mistborn books, but not the 3rd. Its a rare one for me because I generally run from fantasy. However, Sanderson's fantasy is so accessible, and not so much with with the 50 pages of how pretty the hills are.
ReplyDeleteThe Nightmare Room is AWESOME!
You are right. Sanderson doesn't do all of that stained glass writing. Yay! I'm looking forward to The Nightmare Room. I may squeeze that one in really soon if it's a short one.
DeleteI know what you mean. Since becomming a blogger, I have been wishing I could just read a book and just... forget, instead of having to chew it all over in my head to be able to review it. That's why I've been doing shorter reviews lately :D
ReplyDeleteReviewing can be really hard sometimes. :(
Delete