So here's what's been going on.
July 2015: I started a new job at a school literally a block away. You'd think that being that close, I would have time to read and blog. Nope. My mom promptly fell ill and nearly died (she's much better now), so I was busy working, taking care of her and dad, and trying to keep my own self together (it's hard enough to collect myself when life is easy, right?).
July 2016: Mom was a lot better, but then I decided to start planning their 50th wedding anniversary party. Which was a little like planning a small wedding. It was successful though, and I'm glad to help out.
January 2017: I set a Goodreads goal to read 100 books in 2017. I read in my spare time and tried to force myself to leave work at a decent time, so I could train at the gym and then read later. Things worked out for a while, and then I tried to break my neck and found a lot more time to read. No more gym visits for me for a long time, so I'm reading up a storm.
June 28, 2017: I am finally back to blogging.
Thanks for reading about the mayhem that has been my life lately. Now for some book updates.
At first, I didn't think much about this book. I downloaded it because I needed something to listen to while I walked at the rec center, and I didn't want to use all my data. I found myself listening to the book while I was gardening, driving, washing dishes, etc. The use of 2 narrators to tell the story was brilliant, and I thoroughly enjoyed being manipulated by both characters. I still think there's more to the story, and I have my own sequel in mind now. If you like realistic fiction about sociopaths, then this is the book for you.
Historical fiction for children always gets my vote. It's much easier to learn about the past through stories than through lectures and textbooks, and this title shows what life was like during The Battle of Britain. Watching Ada and Jamie grow while staying with the grouchy Miss Susan (who really wasn't all that grouchy) warmed my heart. The ending was a bit abrupt, but it's still a great story for middle zone readers.
Solo by Kwame Alexander with Mary Rand Hess
I finished the ARC this morning, but I need to write more later. I'm still sitting in the feelings. I did pull out the guitar and plinked around a bit after I finished. If you love music and a true journey of love, then this is your book. Unfortunately, it doesn't come out until August, and I'm not letting my ARC out of my sight lest I never see it again. Not yet at least.
