Saturday, January 27, 2018

2018 ABC Challenge


Another new year.
 One of these years I'll complete this challenge. The last 4 years were not that year. I'm pretty optimistic that I won't get anywhere near completing it this year either, but it's kind of a habit to do it at this point. 
I like lists. Here's a list. 

Predetermined
Just a few choices for each letter going by my 2018 TBR list
(So I can cross things off, of course)


A - The Alchemist, Arabella of Mars, And I Darken, All the Crooked Saints, Age of War, All the Bright Places

B - Brooklyn, The Bone Season, The Book of Dust, The Borrowers, Black Beauty, Breath of Fire, Bunnicula

C - Caraval, The Cruel Prince, The Crims, The Carnivorous Carnival, Cilla Lee-Jenkins

D - The Dinner, Demelza

E - Ever the Brave, Emma in the Night, Everland, Everless, The Ersatz Elevator, The Emerald Circus

F - Fridays with the Wizards

G - The Glass Arrow, Godsgrave, The Giant Smugglers, Girls Made of Snow and Glass, The Girl in the Tower, The Glass Castle

H - Heap House, The Hostile Hospital, Heroine Complex, The Hammer of Thor


I -
 Into the Dim, I Capture the Castle

J - Jorie and the Gold Key

K

L - The Little White Horse

M - M is for Magic, Mask of Shadows, The Magic Misfits, My Sister's Bones

N - Night Film, The Novice

O - Obsidio

P - A Promise of Fire

Q - The Queen of Blood

R - Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, The Rebels of Gold, The Raven Boys, The Raven God, The Rosie Project

S - Song of the Dark Crystal, Strange the Dreamer, The Suffering Tree, Simon vs the HomoSapien Agenda, Salt to the Sea, Saturdays at Sea, The Smell of Other People's Houses


T - 
Tower of Dawn, Thursdays with the Crown

U - Unearthed

V - Voyager, The Vanishing Throne, The Valiant, The Vile Village

W - The Wolf's Boy, The Wonderling, The War I Finally Won, Whichwood, The Witch's Boy, Women in Science, The World's Greatest Adventure Machine


X

Y

Z - Zodiac, Zenith



_____________________


And...


What I've Read in 2018


A
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
And the Trees Crept In by Dawn Kurtagich
Anne Frank's Diary: Graphic Adaptation by Ari Folman

B
The Borrowers by Mary Norton
Brooklyn by Colm Toibin (CR)
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
The Book of Dragons by E. Nesbit
The Body by Stephen King


C
Caraval by Stephanie Garber

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black 
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab

D
Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

Demelza by Winston Graham 

E
Ever the Brave by Erin Summerill

Everless by Sara Holland
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
The Ersatz Elevator by Lemony Snicket
Everland by Wendy Spinale


F

Friends and Foes by Eddie Pittman
Florida by Lauren Groff (CR)

G
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

H

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert
Hadassah: The Girl Who Became Queen Esther by Tommy Tenney
How to Make A Wish by Ashley Herring Blake
Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie

How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
Hell House by Richard Matheson
The House With A Clock In It's Walls by John Bellairs
The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker

I

J

Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach

K

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

L
The Lay of Aotrou and Itroun by J.R.R. Tolkien 

Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel

M
The Magic Misfits by Neil Patrick Harris

M is for Magic by Neil Gaiman
A Map of Days by Ransom Riggs

N
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
Night by Elie Wiesel

O
Obsidio by Jay Kristoff & Amie Kaufman 

The Oddling Prince by Nancy Springer

P

Q

R
Ross Poldark by Winston Graham

Rad Women Worldwide by Kate Schatz
A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir

S
Simon vs. the Homo Sapien Agenda by Becky Albertelli

Seeker of the Crown by Ruth Lauren
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young
The Stranger by Albert Camus

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
Sea Prayer by Khaled Hosseini

T

Tales From the Arabian Nights by Donna Jo Napoli
A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells

U

V
Voyager by Diana Gabaldon

The Vile Village by Lemony Snicket

W
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

The Wizard in the Tree by Lloyd Alexander
The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw
The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells

We Have Always Lived In the Castle by Shirley Jackson

X

Y
You by Caroline Kepnes


Z

Friday, January 26, 2018

Picture Book Review: She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton

She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World
by Chelsea Clinton
Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger
Published by Philomel Books
Published on May 30, 2017
Length: 32 pages


Literary Awards:
Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Picture Books (2017)
Litsy Award for Picture Book (2017)

Synopsis:
Chelsea Clinton introduces tiny feminists, mini activists and little kids who are ready to take on the world to thirteen inspirational women who never took no for an answer, and who always, inevitably and without fail, persisted.

Throughout American history, there have always been women who have spoken out for what's right, even when they have to fight to be heard. In early 2017, Senator Elizabeth Warren's refusal to be silenced in the Senate inspired a spontaneous celebration of women who persevered in the face of adversity. In this book, Chelsea Clinton celebrates thirteen American women who helped shape our country through their tenacity, sometimes through speaking out, sometimes by staying seated, sometimes by captivating an audience. They all certainly persisted. 

She Persisted is for everyone who has ever wanted to speak up but has been told to quiet down, for everyone who has ever tried to reach for the stars but was told to sit down, and for everyone who has ever been made to feel unworthy or unimportant or small. 

With vivid, compelling art by Alexandra Boiger, this book shows readers that no matter what obstacles may be in their paths, they shouldn't give up on their dreams. Persistence is power. 

This book features: Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller, Clara Lemlich, Nellie Bly, Maria Tallchief, Claudette Colvin, Ruby Bridges, Margaret Chase Smith, Sally Ride, Florence Griffith Joyner, Oprah Winfrey, Sonia Sotomayor -- and one special cameo. 

My Thoughts:
She Persisted is a beautifully illustrated and empowering picture book filled with 13 American women who have helped change and shape the world we live in today. From Harriet Tubman to Oprah Winfrey - and a few lesser known entities in between - each of these women have gone beyond the barriers set before them and persisted in reaching their dreams. 

I personally love collections of influential people but this is the first time I've come across one in picture book form for children and I'm so happy it exists. This is the perfect addition to any little girl's library. What better way to show your child that they too can reach their dreams if only they persist! 


Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Picture Book Review: Be A Star, Wonder Woman! by Michael Dahl

Be A Star, Wonder Woman!
by Michael Dahl
(DC Superhero Bedtime Series)
illustrated by Omar Lozano
published on August 1, 2017
by Picture Window Books


Synopsis:
As a new day dawns, a young girl faces the ultimate challenge: school! Follow along as she demonstrates her greatest superpower (sharing), overcomes her worst fear (the playground), and conquers her archenemy (the spelling test). With courage, kindness, and other heroic traits of DC Comics' Wonder Woman, she'll turn a difficult school day into an amazing adventure! Along with Omar Lozano's bright, bold illustrations, bestselling author Michael Dahl (Bedtime for Batman and Good Morning, Superman) delivers an imaginative read-aloud for your littlest super heroes. 

Our Thoughts: 
This is a fun and empowering picture book full of bright and colorful illustrations and a wonderful message to all aspiring little heroes! If you're a fan of DC Comics or Wonder Woman, this is a must for your children's shelves. It shows that being a hero is not just for those who fight monsters and save the day. Heroes face the world head on and brave their own fears, spread kindness, and help others. 


The physical copy of this book is gorgeous and has awesome end pages. I love the back and forth between the classic Wonder Woman and the adorable little girl dressed up like her. I love how big, bold, and colorful each and every page is. It made for an immersing and entertaining read. 

My toddler loved this book. She enjoys superheroes so when I first showed her this book and asked her what she thought about it, she said, "She's a superhero! She saves the day!" She was fascinated that a little girl braving her way through a jungle gym and helping others to get along could be a superhero, too. 

Be sure to check out Michael Dahl's other books as well! 

Saturday, January 13, 2018

2018 Beat the Backlist Challenge


Beat the Backlist is a year-long reading challenge hosted by NovelKnight.

You can learn more and sign up HERE. 

I failed this challenge pretty bad last year. I got distracted by a lot of shiny new covers and forgot all about my backlist books. I can't promise that won't happen again, but for now I'm motivated enough to tackle a few books on my shelves.
The fact that this is such a laid back, go-at-your-own-pace, kind of challenge makes it all the easier to stick to. Hopefully. 

My reading goals are not very extensive this year so I'm going to keep my goal simple at 20-25 backlist books since I do still plan on reading newer books. 

I have a yearly TBR list over on Goodreads and on ListChallenges but here are a few backlist books that I own and hope to get to this year. I definitely can't list or share them all right now but maybe I'll make a separate listchallenge for my backlist book choices for the year. 


January
1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
2. The Borrowers by Mary Norton (Currently Reading)
3. 

Saturday, January 6, 2018

Read It First: Book to Movie Adaptations (2018+)


New year, new adaptations!
I love keeping up with these because I do prefer to read the book first and this really helps me stay up to date on what is coming out in the future so I can squeeze it onto my TBR.

I did not keep up with my goals last year but I'm hoping I can fit in at least 10 adaptations this year.

Do you read the book before watching the movie adaptation? Know of any upcoming adaptations that aren't on this list? Let me know in the comments!
2018

JANUARY


The Death Cure
(The Maze Runner #3)
by James Dashner
(READ)
releases: January 26, 2018


Ophelia
by Lisa M. Klein
(NEED TO READ)
releases: January 2018

FEBRUARY


[Peter Rabbit]
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
by Beatrix Potter
(READ)
releases: February 9, 2018


Every Day
by David Levithan
(NEED TO READ)
releases: February 23, 2018

MARCH


Red Sparrow
by Jason Matthews (ex-CIA)
(NEED TO READ)
releases: March 2, 2018
starring Jennifer Lawrence


A Wrinkle in Time
by Madeleine L'Engle
(RE-READ)
releases: March 9, 2018


[Love, Simon]
Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda
by Becky Albertalli
(READ)
releases: March 16, 2018
(Goodreads) (imdb) (movieinsider)


Ready Player One
by Ernest Cline
(READ)
release date: March 30, 2018

AUGUST


The Darkest Minds
by Alexandra Bracken
(NEED TO READ)
releases: August 3, 2018
(Goodreads) (imdb) (movieinsider)


The Little Stranger
by Sarah Waters
(READ)
releases: August 31,  2018
(Goodreads) (imdb) (movieinsider)

SEPTEMBER


The House With A Clock In Its Walls
by John Bellairs
(NEED TO READ)
releases: September 21, 2018

OCTOBER


[Mowgli]
The Jungle Book
by Rudyard Kipling
(READ)
releases: October 19, 2018
Yes, another one.


Where'd You Go, Bernadette?
by Maria Semple
(NEED TO READ)
releases: May 11, 2018

NOVEMBER


How the Grinch Stole Christmas
by Dr. Seuss
(READ)
releases: November 9, 2018


The Girl In The Spider's Web
by Stieg Larsson & David Lagercrantz
(NEED TO READ)
releases: November 9, 2018


[Part 2]
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindlewald
by J.K. Rowling
(READ)
releases: November 16, 2018

DECEMBER


Crooked House
by Agatha Christie
(NEED TO READ)
releases: December 2018

2018 TV SERIES

Good Omens
by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett
(READ)
releases: 2018 TBA
(Goodreads) (imdb) (movieinsider)

2018 TBA 


The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho
(READ)
releases: 2018 TBA


The Bell Jar
by Sylvia Plath
(NEED TO READ)
releases: TBA 2018 


[Guernsey]
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
(READ)
releases: August 10, 2018 (on Netflix)


[Ashes in the Snow]
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
(READ)
releases: 2018 TBA


[The Postcard Killings]
The Postcard Killers
by James Patterson & Liza Marklund
(NEED TO READ)
releases: TBA 2018


Break My Heart 1,000 Times
by Daniel Waters
(NEED TO READ)
releases: TBA 2018
(Goodreads) (imdb) (movieinsider)


Bird Box
by Josh Malerman
(NEED TO READ)
releases: TBA 2018
(Goodreads) (imdb) (movieinsider)


[Anubis]
The Anubis Tapestry: Between Twilights
by Bruce Zeck
(NEED TO READ)
releases: March 28, 2018
(Goodreads) (imdb) (movieinsider)

2019


The Nightingale
by Kristin Hannah
(NEED TO READ)
releases: January 25, 2019


[Chaos Walking]
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
(NEED TO READ)
releases: March 1, 2019


Pet Sematary
by Stephen King
(NEED TO READ)
releases: April 19, 2019


The Rosie Project 
by Graeme Simsion
(NEED TO READ)
releases: May 10, 2019


Artemis Fowl
by Eoin Colfer
(NEED TO READ)
releases: August 9, 2019


IT [Part 2]
by Stephen King
(READ)
releases: September 6, 2018
(Goodreads) (imdb) (movieinsider)


The Goldfinch
by Donna Tartt
(NEED TO READ)
releases: October 11, 2019


Wicked
by Gregory Maguire
(NEED TO READ)
releases: December 20, 2019


The Call of the Wild
by Jack London
(READ)
releases: December 25, 2019

2020


Nimona
by Noelle Stevenson
(NEED TO READ)
releases: 2020

OPTIONED/TO BE ANOUNCED
I will update these as more information becomes available.


The Invisible Man
by H.G. Wells
(NEED TO READ)
releases: TBA 2018
(Goodreads) (imdb) (movieinsider)
starring Johnny Depp

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
(READ)
starring Amandla Stenberg

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
(READ)



An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
(READ)

The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis
(The Chronicles of Narnia #4)
(READ)

We Have Always Lived in the Castle
by Shirley Jackson
(NEED TO READ)


Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwarts
(READ)

Foundation by Isaac Asimov
(NEED TO READ)
I'm not sure if this will be a movie or a television series.

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
(NEED to REREAD)
In development
TV show 


The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
(READ)
in development
(Goodreads) (imdb) (movieinsider)
Starring Maisie Williams

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
(NEED TO READ)

Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman
(READ) in development
Johnny Depp cast as the father


The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice
TV Series

All the Bright Places by Jennifer  Niven
(NEED TO READ)
(Goodreads) (imdb) (movieinsider)
starring Elle Fanning

Monster
by Walter Dean Meyers
(READ)

The Wheel of Time
by Robert Jordan
(NEED TO READ)
(Goodreads) (imdb) (movieinsider)

His Dark Materials
by Philip Pullman
(READ)
(Goodreads) (imdb) (movieinsider)
BBC One tv series

I will be adding to and editing this list throughout the rest of the year so if you know of any other upcoming adaptations, let me know in the comments and I'll add it!