Name five books that you didn’t get to in 2022 but want to make a priority in 2023. Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger This was her debut novel which went on to win awards. I think every book she has written won awards. She is a member of the Lipan Tribe. The book is about a girl names Elatsoe. She can raise animals from the dead. When her cousin is murdered, she investigates, uncovering secrets hidden by her picture perfect village. Fated Sky by Mary Robinette Kowal I read The Calculating Stars (book 1 in the series) when these first came out. I loved it so much I bought Fated Sky to read right away. Well... Life happened and I didn't get around to it yet. But this will be the year!
Category: Reading
Halloway Hills Middle School Mysteries Book Review
Long time no see! I kinda fell off the surface of the planet for a bit. Maybe you noticed. My job last school year tried to kill me but somehow I survived long enough to land my dream job as an elementary school librarian. It's keeping me extraordinarily busy but I go home with a … Continue reading Halloway Hills Middle School Mysteries Book Review
Book Review: The Girl who Stole the Elephant– A Look at Proper Pacing
The title is not that striking, but my mother loves elephants, so I noticed this title. I have had several positive experiences with stories set in Eastern Asia or similar setting, like the Conch Bearer by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. This was no exception. This is an adorable story. The Girl Who Stole an Elephant By Nizrana Farook Chaya steals from the rich and helps the poor survive an oppressive king. Her best friend tries to reign her in but she is irrepressible. When a theft of some royal jewels goes awry, she tries to set things right, but makes everything so much worse. She’s not sure if she can make things right again. And… she steals an elephant, of course. Read more...
Book Review: Recurring Nightmares: Memoirs of a Haunted House
I learned of this book from the author. She messaged me on Instagram because she saw that I liked a book similar to hers. I decided to give it a try and I’m glad I did. Recurring Nightmares: Real Life Memoirs of a Haunted House By Holly Eccles This book is a collection of poems … Continue reading Book Review: Recurring Nightmares: Memoirs of a Haunted House
Book Review: The Fallen Hero
WARNING! Spoilers for Book 1 Ahead! If you haven’t read book one, you want to do that first. You have been warned! Katie Zhao is a great storyteller, but in the beginning of this novel, I felt very strong echoes from the beginning of the first book. Faryn is living with people that resent her. She is called on a quest. She has to go with the person who hates her the most. Exactly like book one. I was a bit disappointed by that. BUT …if you loved book one and want more of the same, then awesome, this is the book for you! She delivers on that! I can’t help but wonder if she created this echo for a reason which we might understand in book 3.
7.5 Plot Archetypes Book Tag
Yep you read that right! 7.5 Plot Archetypes! I've heard some people say there are 9 or 12 archetypes, but traditionally there are 7. I did read one article that proposed 9 and I kinda agree with one addition. Read, skim, or scroll down to see the one I'm talking about. * A complete list … Continue reading 7.5 Plot Archetypes Book Tag
Book Review: Hush
I’ve read numerous good non-fiction books about authorpreneurship lately and very little fiction. I was really looking forward to reading a good fiction story. This book, Hush by Dylan Farrow, looked promising. I was given this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. As a book reviewer, I must be honest with you my reader or I am betraying your trust. I was not impressed. I chose this book because the premise was interesting. I love bookish stories-stories in which ink has power. In this story, ink is forbidden because it is dangerous. Ink causes an infection called the blot. It is like a bruise under the skin and spreads painfully until this person dies. That sounds horrific, so I’m intrigued.
Book Review: Diana and the Island of No Return
If you like a fast-paced superhero stories about friendship, trust, and bravery, you’ll love this story. I teach kids age 11-13 and I see them struggling to navigate friendships. In middle school their friend circle expands as they meet new people and with that comes a prioritizing of time that they didn’t have to do as much before. With this sometimes comes a feeling of betrayal when their friends don’t make them a priority. Kids struggle with who they can trust with which secrets and dreams. Sometimes they trust the wrong friends and learn difficult lessons. There is a lot in this story about trust which will resonate with readers in this age group.
Reading Rush 2020! Need Book Recommendations?
Reading Rush starts TODAY! (July 20-26th) So what is Reading Rush? Their website says: The Reading Rush is a week long readathon for book lovers all around the world. For one week readers gather together to read as much as they possibly can and to participate in challenges and giveaways online.
Jess Redman Interview!
I was able to get an ARC of Quintessence through NetGalley a month or so ago. I read this book and it is one of my new favorite books! I reviewed it a couple weeks ago here. Are you more of an outliner, discovery writer, or in between the two? I’m an in-betweener. I used to be more of a discovery writer, but now that I’m often writing on a deadline, I can’t be quite as footloose and fancy free. Usually, I think for a long time before I write anything. I just turn over ideas and grow the plot and get to know characters in my head. Then I do some experimental writing to search for the tone of the story, which is very important to me. I usually write third-person, but each story has its own voice and feel. After that, I’m ready to outline. I leave lots of room for the characters and plot to breathe, and I’m not afraid to change the trajectory of the story. My outline helps me see where I’m heading, but I like to blaze the trails as I go. How long ago did you start writing seriously to get published?
Quill and Books 
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