Saturday, April 18, 2015

Stacking the Shelves #1

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where everyone posts the books that they got for this week. It is usually posted on Saturdays.

So, this week I have quite a crazy haul. I went to the library a few times, and I also went to Goodwill, Dollar Tree, and other various locations, and got quite a few books. I also posted a book haul that I got from a local book sale yesterday that you can view here. All of the book's titles will be linked to Goodreads.

Purchased/Free:
  • World War Z by Max Brooks (I  found this at Goodwill. I love anything about zombies.)
  • The Last Prophecy by Jon Land (I did not realize this was close to the end of a series. I got it for my husband from the free bookshelf at my library.)
  • Dead and Alive by Dean Koontz (I got this from the free bookshelf at my library. I love literary retellings. Now, I just need to find the first one, and I can marathon the series.)
  • The Uncoupling by Meg Wolitzer (I found this at Dollar Tree. I loved The Interesting's by Meg Wolitzer. I hope this is just as good.)
  • Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright (I found this at the Dollar Tree. I loved this movie. I hope the book is just as good, although I've heard mixed reviews on it.)
  • Catherine by April Lindner (I also found this at the Dollar Tree. I've heard very mixed reviews on this book, but I figured for a dollar, why not try it and come to my own conclusions?)
Library:
Whew, that's all for my book haul this week. Have you read any of these books? If so, comment and let me know what you thought of them. Are you excited to read any of these? If so, let me know which ones. Also, if you want me to do any reviews on these books, please let me know which ones. If you have  Stacking the Shelves post, or a similar post, please link it in the comments. I would love to see which books you have bought this week.
Posted by at 9 comments:

Friday, April 17, 2015

Book Sale Book Haul!

Recently, my friend had to close down his used bookstore that he owned due to lack of funds, and lack of customers. I was so upset to see it close. My husband and I used to shop there at least once or twice a week, and in that process, became really close friends with the owner. After the bookstore closed, he had over 20,000 books that he had no idea what to do with. He's had them for a couple years now, just laying in his basement. Recently, he decided to have a book sale out of his garage to get them out of his basement, so he can finally get it finished. My friends and I decided to go to his book sale, and I got 47 books. Here are pictures of everything I got, along with some commentary about why I bought them. The links will take you to the Goodreads page for each book.

Read more »
Posted by at 4 comments:

Thursday, April 16, 2015

The 100 by Kass Morgan


Synopsis:
In the future, humans live in city-like spaceships orbiting far above Earth's toxic atmosphere. No one knows when, or even if, the long-abandoned planet will be habitable again. But faced with dwindling resources and a growing populace, government leaders know they must reclaim their homeland... before it's too late.

Now, one hundred juvenile delinquents are being sent on a high-stakes mission to recolonize Earth. After a brutal crash landing, the teens arrive on a savagely beautiful planet they've only seen from space. Confronting the dangers of this rugged new world, they struggle to form a tentative community. But they're haunted by their past and uncertain about the future. To survive, they must learn to trust - and even love - again.
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads).

 My Thoughts:
I have had The 100 sitting on my Kindle for a long time. Every time I try to pick it up, I end up getting distracted and having to put down in favor of another book. One of my reading goals for myself for 2015 was to read some of the review books I had gotten from NetGalley that I haven't read to get caught up on my review tbr. I decided to try The 100 because I heard how popular the show is, but I wanted to read the book before I watched the tv show. I'm so glad I did. I loved the book, but I do not like the adaptation that the tv show takes at all.

 The 100 made me realize how much I love reading sci-fi again. It had been so long since I read any sci-fi that I had completely forgotten. The book had such an in-depth, interesting world building and plot. The plot was unlike anything I have ever read before. I was turning pages late into the night, trying to figure out what was going to happen next, and how the 100 were going to overcome the adversities that were placed upon them (trying to be vague so I don't spoil anything). I ended up staying awake until three a.m. to finish it when I had to be up at six a.m. for class. I don't regret this decision at all.

 At first, I was a little worried whether I would like the book or not because it had several different characters points of view. Usually, I hate it when books do that. However, The 100 did it in a way that worked, and helped to enhance the story. The reader would pick up on things from one character's point of view that would come into play later on in the story. It made reading the book even more fun.

 I tried to watch the first episode of the tv show, and I wasn't a big fan. It didn't seem like it was a very faithful adaptation to the book. The only thing that remained the same were most of the characters names, and the very bare bones of the plot. If you have watched more of the tv show, and it becomes more faithful to the book, please comment below and let me know. All in all, I loved the book. I can't wait to dive into the next one, especially after that cliffhanger ending.
I give The 100: 5/5.

 Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://alloyentertainment.com/authors/kass-morgan/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kassmorganbooks
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6922454.Kass_Morgan

 I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.
Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, April 5, 2015

I am now on Bloglovin'

Hey Guys,
I just wanted to do a really quick update, and say that you can now also follow my blog on Bloglovin' in the link below to stay up to date on all my new reviews, giveaways, guest posts, and so much more.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin
Posted by at No comments:

Blood Tears by Denise K. Rago


Synopsis:
Amanda knew she had to track down Christian after he so gallantly saved her from his fellow vampire Gaetan. Having done so, she is now his mortal lover and will not leave his side.

But that is exactly what she'll have to do when Christian decides to return to Paris. He informs her of his plans and leaves the vampire Michel, his most trusted comrade, behind to watch after her in Manhattan.

What she doesn't yet know is she's carrying a child, and that the father is either Gaetan or Christian.

Christian finds Paris rife with secrets, rich secrets including past love affairs that have the power to destroy his life. These secrets had been safely hidden-until now.

While Christian is in Paris, word of Amanda's pregnancy gets out, and she is hunted by a vampire order that believes her child could be the one foretold by a prophecy.

Can Christian discover the answers he needs in time to save Amanda?

As enticing as her first book, "Blood Tears" is Denise K. Rago's latest novel in her ongoing chronicle of the vampire Christian Du Maure.
(Synopsis from Goodreads).

 My Thoughts:
I loved Immortal Obsession by Denise K. Rago. It was one of my favorite books that I read in 2012. At the time, I was sick of vampire books. However, Immortal Obsession renewed my love for vampire books. When the author sent me a message, and asked if I would like to review Blood Tears, the sequel, when it was released, I jumped at the chance. I'm so glad I did. I loved it as much as Immortal Obsession, if not more.

 Blood Tears was everything I wanted in the sequel, and so much more. It had been a couple years since I read Immortal Obsession, but in the beginning of Blood Tears, the author does a mini recap throughout the first few chapters, which was really helpful. It reminded me of some of the little things I had forgot in Immortal Obsession, so I didn't have to reread it. The plot was fast paced and fun. It had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen with Christian, Amanda, and Michel. Being a college student, I appreciated the short chapters in this book. Even if I didn't get much reading done during my busy day, I was still able to read a chapter or two in between classes. It helped to keep my interest focused in the book. 

 There was a big plot twist that I saw coming before it happened because it was highly hinted at throughout the book. However, just because I knew it was going to happen, didn't make it any less enjoyable. I still loved seeing the interactions between two certain characters after the big twist was revealed. It was fascinating how the twist just kind of turned everything on it's head, and how one of the main characters recovered from it.

 By the time Blood Tears was over, it left readers with a lot of unanswered questions, especially in the last few chapters. I am excited to read the next book in the series, and get answers. Although, I think the wait for the third book will drive me crazy. I loved Blood Tears. I definitely recommend Denise K. Rago's books, especially if you are a fan of Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles.
I give Blood Tears: 5/5.

 Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://denisekrago.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dkrago
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeniseKRago
Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/deniserago/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4410029.Denise_K_Rago

 I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.
Posted by at No comments:

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Salad Love by David Bez


Synopsis:
Salads take the spotlight in this visually arresting cookbook that showcases a year's worth of weekday recipes so exciting you'll want to eat salads every day. 
At the request of his co-workers who were constantly admiring his lunches, David Bez started the photo-driven blog Salad Pride, embarking on a year-long challenge to create one new salad every day. The blog instantly gained popularity for its creative salads that require no special cooking skills. The cookbook Salad Love pairs his vibrant photographs with accompanying recipes arranged around seasonal produce. 
Recipes include Egg, Asparagus, Croutons, and Pecorino for Spring; Crabmeat, Avocado, Nori, and Cucumber for Summer; Kale, Raspberries, and Blackberries for Fall; and Manchego, Dried Apricots, Fennel, and Radicchio for Winter. Many salads in the book require only a cutting board and a knife, so lunches can be made fresh at your desk. With an emphasis on fresh, whole foods, and innovative flavor combinations, these salads truly excite and inspire.
(Synopsis from Goodreads).

 My Thoughts:
I am terrible at cooking. You can ask me to make ramen, and I will probably still find a way to burn it or mess it up. In fact, I've even been known to char frozen pizzas. Because of that, my husband is the one who does all the cooking in our house. So when I saw a "cookbook" that didn't involve cooking, I was all for it. I immediately requested Salad Love. It was a very good decision.

 Salad Love is a great cookbook if you like experimenting with new things, which I do. It has all sorts of combinations to make a great salad. Some of which I had never thought to combine together in a salad before, such as strawberries, or rice. The book features vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, and omnivore salads. It also has things you can swap out, which I found useful. For example, there is a recipe for a vegan sweet potato, red cabbage, and and cherry tomato salad. However, it also has an omnivore alternative where you can add chicken breast, or smoked ham. I appreciate that because my husband loves to eat meat, and I prefer to eat vegan/vegetarian whenever possible. With this book, we can do both.
The salads in Salad Love are beautiful. Not only are they beautiful on the page, but they are beautiful when you make them as well. Also, they taste delicious. I have made a few of them, and I have loved every single one I have made so far. It also helps lighten the work load on my husband, since I can easily make these for both of us instead of having him cook something.

 I loved Salad Love. I can't recommend it enough. I will definitely be using it on a weekly basis, if not a daily basis. It's a healthy way to eat. It's also fun to try new salads, and to experiment with what the authors of the book suggest to see what you can come up with. I will definitely buy copies for some of my friends whom I know will enjoy it.

I give Salad Love: 5/5.

 Want to know more about the author?
Blog: http://saladpride.blogspot.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/saladpride
Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/saladpride/salad-pride-blog/

 I received this book from the publisher, via Blogging for Books, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.
Posted by at 2 comments:

Friday, April 3, 2015

Seth's review of Undeniable by Bill Nye


Synopsis:
"Evolution is one of the most powerful and important ideas ever developed in the history of science. Every question it raises leads to new answers, new discoveries, and new smarter questions. The science of evolution is as expansive as nature itself. It is also the most meaningful creation story that humans have ever found."—Bill Nye
Sparked by a controversial debate in February 2014, Bill Nye has set off on an energetic campaign to spread awareness of evolution and the powerful way it shapes our lives. In Undeniable: Evolution and the Science of Creation, he explains why race does not really exist; evaluates the true promise and peril of genetically modified food; reveals how new species are born, in a dog kennel and in a London subway; takes a stroll through 4.5 billion years of time; and explores the new search for alien life, including aliens right here on Earth. With infectious enthusiasm, Bill Nye shows that evolution is much more than a rebuttal to creationism; it is an essential way to understand how nature works—and to change the world. It might also help you get a date on a Saturday night.
(Synopsis from Goodreads).

Seth's Thoughts:
Consider the following. I can’t help but repeat that phrase. I grew up watching the Bill Nye the Science Guy shows and absolutely loved them. I couldn’t help but snatch up this book as soon as I heard that a copy was available. I was not disappointed in the least by them. In it, he gives  a blow by blow on why evolution is a much sounder theory than the theory of creationism. He doesn’t posit that it’s better, he just gives proof, after proof, after proof as to why it is what it is.

I read this book in between my college courses, when I was eating, and whenever I could find a spare moment. I’m not entirely certain how long it took me to read, but I do know that it will be on my to read when I’m bored list in the future quite often. His demeanor from the show carries over almost flawlessly. He doesn’t condescend, instead he explains the science in a way that I’m sure my neighbor would have found easy to understand. Which to be honest is quite a feat unto itself.  This book will fit in on my non-fiction best reads shelf quite nicely.

Seth gives Undeniable: 5/5.

Want to know more about the author?

I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Neither Seth nor I were compensated in any way for this review.
Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)