Category Archives: Lists
Upcoming Summer Reviews
Seems like this time of year more than any other, my To Be Read list just explodes. It’s summer time! The perfect time to kick back and read a book or two. Or seven. Maybe thirteen…
Here are just a few of the books I’m most looking forward to this summer:
Originally I’d requested to review Siren’s Fury via NetGalley, but as I started reading, I realized book two wasn’t going to be enough. While I could follow the story, I was too interested in the things that happened in book one: in Nym’s dark past, in her romance with Eogan, and in her part in a terrible war. I ordered the first book with a gift card and caught up. Totally worth it. I’m excited about reviewing these.
I read Torn without knowing it was a sequel (though I probably wouldn’t have minded if I had known.) I had no problems following the story, but some parts, while not confusing, clearly referenced events that had happened in book one. I liked the story world and characters well enough to immediately order the first book.
I’ve read and really enjoyed several of the ebooks included in this set. I’m excited to explore the other stories. It’s an incredible deal – seven books for $0.99. (Sadly it seems to be no longer available.)
If you’ve followed The Story Sanctuary long, you’ll know I’m totally in love with Stengl’s Goldstone Wood series. I love that the stories all take place in the same story world, but often at drastically different times or in very different places. Good stuff.
More to Come
I’ll also be reviewing Those Girls by Laura Saft and Every Last Word by Tamera Ireland Stone this month. Look for Tattooed by Jesus, a memoir review coming later this week.
What tops your summer reading list?
To the Girls
Don’t worry about who might be stronger than you are. You are strong enough.
Don’t see the world as us vs. them. If you always keep your eyes open for allies, you will find them in the unlikeliest of places.
First impressions aren’t always reliable. Best friends are often people we didn’t expect to get along with so well.
Don’t trust labels. The best parts of who you are can’t be summed up as prep, jock, nerd. You supersede them.
Don’t trust “friends” who want to change you. Trust the ones who laugh at the things you find funny, the ones who see the real you and rejoice.
Do the things you love. Share them with the people you love.
Talk to your mom. Whatever happens, we’re in it together.
Dream big. Explore your dreams. Learn about things. Try new things.
Your heart is big enough for all those you love. Never worry that you’ll run out of love.
All ‘shoulds’ are a lie. Ask yourself if you want to do it, not should you. You will be surprised at what a difference that makes.
Faith allows you to love more fully and brings you peace. If it’s not doing these things, something is wrong. Examine it.
Never underestimate the power of perspective. Choose the bright side whenever possible, but be honest with yourself about how you feel. Choosing optimism doesn’t mean you can’t be sad, disappointed, angry, upset.
You get to decide who you’re going to be. No one else gets to choose for you.
You don’t have to live the life anyone else expects. Live the life that comes from your heart, the one that’s in you to live.
You matter.
For my favorite girl, Anna Rose.
Upcoming Reviews on the Story Sanctuary (April 2015)
Over the next few weeks, The Story Sanctuary will be home to reviews for some great new releases as well as some catch-up reviews on recent or past releases. Here are a few you can expect to see…
This was one of those stories that left me pining for another chapter. Really great characters and tension. Very angsty story, which is so often what I crave in YA.
I had the pleasure of meeting this author and talking about the book with her late last year. Her description of the story and its characters were so intriguing that I’ve been thinking about them ever since. Can’t wait to crack the cover on this one!
I found myself drawn to it because it’s so different from my usual reading pick. Boxing and political intrigue? I’m so game.
Apparently NetGalley flagged this one for me because I loved We Were Liars by E. Lockhart (which I definitely did!) So I’m nervous – it’s usually a bad idea for me to go into a book expecting it to be like another book – but hopeful. Sounds like it’s got some deep psychological exploration in it, and I’m always up for that.
Twitter has been abuzz with praise for this novel. It’s sort of X-men meets fairy tale. Loads of political drama, intrigue and betrayal.
This is a book that caught my eye on another reviewer’s to-read list. The cover is really intriguing, and I find myself really curious about a story in which the goblin is the good guy. There aren’t too many of those.
This is one of those rare series in which I’ve read all the books leading up to this one. I’m super excited to read it. Meyer brings really imaginative story world to every book in the Lunar Chronicles. I’m as interested in Queen Levana’s history as I am in how Meyer constructs Levana’s world.
I’ve almost picked this novel up several times, and this month I’ll finally read and review it. It’s a coming-of-age plus drug battle type story, another of my known literary weaknesses.
Save
Cats In Literature
She’d been a member of our family for nearly thirteen years, and we love and miss her. Probably none more so than her feline companion, who is now alone during the days for the first time since she was a kitten.
So… in honor of our loss, I’ve made a list of memorable cats in literature. Hope you enjoy.
1. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
A childhood classic with just the right amount of whimsy for any cat lover.
2. Heartless by Anne Elisabeth Stengl
Who could forget Princess Una’s feisty cat Monster? The orange ball of fur turns out to be much more than an ordinary feline.
3. Bunnicula by James and Deborah Howe
I remember reading this one as a kid and laughing out loud over the suspicious antics of Chester the cat as he tries again and again to prove the Bunnicula isn’t the innocent rabbit he seems.
4. Warriors books by Erin Hunter
There are several series out now following the stories of a family of cats as they look for new homes, fight off those who would steal their territory, and build a bright future for their little ones.
5. It’s Like This, Cat
I liked this one as a child, too. Adopting an animal can’t help but change our lives. It certainly did for Dave.
6. The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley
Brave dragon-slayer Aerin marches into a battle she knows she cannot win accompanied by an army of desert dogs and wild cats. Though the animals don’t enter the story until near the end, they are faithful companions in Aerin’s time of need.
7. The Underneath by Kathi Appelt
A lonely hound with an abusive owner befriends a calico cat and her kittens. The story is a bit dark but beautifully written. Who can read this without wanting to scoop up those sweet (and slightly mischievous) kittens and take them home?
8. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
All right, so Crookshanks isn’t the most loveable of cats. Not all cats are sweet and cuddly. But what we cat owners know and treasure about our feline friends is the knowledge that often beneath that frenzy of claws is a loving heart. It may be more difficult to earn the affection of a cat, but once that bond is formed, we get to see a side of our kitties that no one else does. They may puzzle over our devotion, but we know loving our cats is well worth it.
Who’s your favorite?
Do you have a favorite storybook cat? Share the book title and a bit about it in the comments!
Upcoming Reviews on The Story Sanctuary
Last year brought about some big changes in The Story Sanctuary. As an active member of NetGalley, I’ve been able to request and review some great releases (like We Were Liars by E. Lockhart and We Are the Goldens by Dana Reinhardt.) I also accepted requests from authors to review some great books (Through the Balustrade by M B Dahl was one of my favorites.)
This year, there are even more books coming my way, and I’m super excited to read and review them. Here are a few you can expect to see posted on The Story Sanctuary in the next six weeks…
Release Date: 2/2/15
Note: I’ve already finished reading this one, and I really enjoyed it. Lots of action, sweet romance, and fun characters. I have not read the first book in the series, but it didn’t detract from my ability to enjoy this one. And now I have to go buy the first one because I want to read that one, too!
Release Date: 2/3/15
Author John Davidson will be joining me for an interview on his new book here at The Story Sanctuary next week!
Release Date: 2/3/15
This is a collection of 14 stories, and it looks simply too fun. I’ve never read anything by Pratchett before, but he’s a favorite of many. I’m anxious to give it a go, and eager to read some short stories for a bit of a change from the pace of novels.
Release Date: 2/10/15
I’m probably about half-way through with this novel and it’s been a pretty wild ride so far. The point-of-view alternates between characters, and I’m enjoying getting the different perspectives on what’s happening from each viewpoint.
Release Date: 12/23/14
The first book in this series was great, and I’m eager to get into this one. My daughter is in fourth grade, and this is definitely a series on my radar as something she would enjoy. I think older readers would like it, too.
Release Date: 12/1/14
Skinny originally released in 2008, and I read it that year, but did not review it. I’ll be giving it another go this time so I can post my thoughts here. Laura L. Smith has a great sense of teen issues and a bold style that confronts without judging. I recently enjoyed her Status Updates Series and am eager to read more of her work.
Release Date: 12/23/14
I’m still waiting to receive this one in the mail, but I’ve loved other stories by Jane Yolen. I’m definitely excited to read this one.
Release Date: 3/10/15
I’m pretty much a total sucker for a Random House Children’s release. I want to have lunch with their acquisitions editor(s) and talk shop. I’ve liked nearly every release I’ve read. But now I’m gushing. Anyway, Shadow Scale is the sequel to the highly praised Seraphina, which I have not read (I’m not picky about that sort of thing) about a girl who is part human, part dragon in a world in which these two groups share an uneasy alliance. I am intrigued by the prejudicial elements and and the possibilities of the messages of hope and acceptance there. Plus, dragons. I’m excited.
Release Date: 3/11/15
I recently read and enjoyed Since You’ve Been Gone by Mary Jennifer Payne about a girl living on the run. This sounds a little bit like that storyline (life on the run) only with fantasy elements.
Release Date: 3/24/15
Though it’s not out for two months, I’ve heard some really great things about this novel. The premise is really intriguing. The story is told from the points of view of two girls and relates the details of a third girl’s story. The truth lies somewhere between the two narrators’ versions.