Top Ten Tuesday: Books On My Summer 2019 TBR

Hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

There are so many interesting books coming out this summer. How many of you are also hoping to read these titles? This week I decided to only count books that will be published this summer. If no release date is noted, that book has already been released.

1. In West Mills by De’Shawn Charles Winslow

The blurb said this was a good read for people who liked The Twelve Tribes of Hattie. Since I’m one of those folks, I’m hoping this tale about a possibly overly-ambitious do-gooder will be right up my alley.

2. Naturally Tan by Tan France

Queer Eye is one of my guilty pleasure shows, so I definitely want to read this memoir from one of the guys who works on it.

3. This Time Will Be Different by Misa Sugiura

I’m especially interested in the generational tensions in this story. The main character’s grandparents were sent to a Japanese internment camp during World War II, and that experience changed multiple generations of their family in different and sometimes contradictory ways.

4. The Grief Keeper by Alexandra Villasante

The references to the struggles that immigrants face was what first grabbed my attention from this blurb. My immigration story was quite different from this one, but I have empathy for everyone who moves from one country to the next.

5. The Best Lies by Sarah Lyu

Release date: July 2

This murder mystery sounds amazing. I especially like this genre when the killer might have been acting in self defence. The question of whether they’re telling the truth about this sort of thing makes me eager to figure out the truth.

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Arranged marriages aren’t part of the culture I grew up in, so I’m looking forward to seeing what Leila, the main character, thinks of them and if any of the dates she plans work out.

Release date: July 23

7. Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Release date: July 23

Imagine going on an adventure with the gods! I’d love to try that sort of experience. It sounds like the perfect jumping off point for a fantasy novel.

8. My Fate According to the Butterfly by Gail D. Villanueva

Release date: July 30

The preteen years are when a lot of kids begin to pick up on interpersonal tensions happening in their families that they might have overlooked at a younger age, so this could be a very good read.

9. The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee

Release date: August 13

I’m fascinated by the idea of someone who works as a maid by day and moonlights as an advice columnist. What makes this even more interesting is that the main character pretends to be someone she’s not in order to get that gig!

10. The Revolution of Birdie Randolph by Brandy Colbert

Release date: August 20

Everything about this book appeals to me, from the forbidden romance to seeing how the main character’s family will adjust when a relative who has a substance abuse problem moves back home.

Top Ten Tuesday: Most Anticipated Releases of the Second Half of 2019

Hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

Who else is surprised to realize that 2019 is almost half finished now? It feels like it began just a few weeks ago.

Here are ten books that will be released between now and the end of the year that I’m looking forward to reading.

1. Rose, Interrupted by Patrice Lawrence

Release date: July 25

Imagine needing to adjust to regular life after growing up in a cult! My childhood was unusual in certain ways, but it definitely wasn’t anything like this. I’m curious to see how the characters will deprogram themselves and learn how to enjoy their youth now that they’re safe.

2. They Could Have Named Her Anything by Stephanie Jimenez

Release date: August 1

Social class doesn’t get as much attention in fiction as I think it should, so I’m happy to see it being talked about here.  The intersectionality is wonderful, too. Social class and race both affect how someone is treated by society. I’m curious to see how these two things will affect this main character in particular.

3.  The World Doesn’t Require You: Stories by Rion Amilcar Scott

Release date: August 20

Imagine what the world would be like if one of the slave revolts in the United States had been successful. This anthology contains stories about the fictional community created by the people who won that revolt. I think it sounds like a great read.

4. I’m Telling the Truth, but I’m Lying: Essays by Bassey Ikpi

Release date: August 20

Speaking of intersectionality, here’s another book that’s written about someone who is part of multiple minority groups. The fact that it’s nonfiction and about mental illness only piques my interest more.

5. Caster by Elsie Chapman

Release date: September 3

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6.  Stargazing by Jen Wang

Release date:  September 10

The friendship in this book was what appealed to me the second I read the blurb. We need more YA titles about platonic relationships. Honestly, we need more adult titles on that topic, too!

7. Slay by Brittney Morris

Release date: September 24

I love roleplaying games. As soon as I saw that the main character was into them, too, I knew I had to read this.

8. The Dragon Warrior by Katie Zhao

Release date: October 15

There’s an entire army of dragons in this story! I love dragons, so this is something I’ll have to keep an eye out for in October.

9. Color outside the Lines by Sangu Mandanna (Editor)

Release date: November 12

This is an anthology of stories about characters who are in interracial LGBTQ+ relationships. I don’t know much else about it yet, but I am curious to see what it will be like.

10. When the Stars Lead to You by Ronni Davis

Release date: November 12

This sounds like such a sweet love story. The holiday season can be hard for me, so it’s exactly the sort of light, fluffy distraction I’ll need in five or six months.

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Unpopular Bookish Opinions

Hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

Today’s topic is: Unpopular Bookish Opinions

We took this to mean opinions we hold that may not be the same as the majority of the bookish-sphere. This week is a group effort as not one of us could come up with ten by ourselves. So here are our unpopular opinions:

1.  Reviewer Cholla mentioned that she never liked Peeta in “The Hunger Games”. “A lot of people hated Gale, but for some reason, I thought he and Katniss were going to end up together when I first started reading The Hunger Games. A friend of mine said, “But Peeta’s the boy with the bread! That’s so romantic!” I’m like…he gave her some food because he’s not a monster, that’s human decency not romance. But… this is unpopular opinion time, right? LOL.”

2. Cholla also wasn’t a fan of the Harry Potter romance between Harry and Ginny. “Ginny’s ‘love’ felt more like fangirlish admiration than love. I was fully on board with Harry/Hermione but then, I related way too much to Hermione and Harry’s the hero so, I guess it made sense that I wanted that?”

3. Reviewer Poinsettia says: “I was not a fan of Rose and Dimitri as a couple in the Vampire Academy series. There was an age gap, but I think the larger issue for me is that he was her teacher. So for me, romance between them just felt wrong. While I enjoyed the series as a whole (and loved the Bloodlines spinoff), I just never felt comfortable with them as a couple.”

4. Poinsettia also mentioned that she likes multiple POVs in her books. “… this seems to be an unpopular bookish opinion. When I see reviews for books with multiple viewpoints, I usually see a lot of comments about people being confused and/or annoyed by the switches. However, as long as the transitions are clearly marked, I really enjoy getting to spend time in the minds of various characters.”

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6. Reviewer Astilbe shared her thoughts as well. “Characters should never introduced solely as a love interest. They should have their own interests, hobbies, and goals that have nothing to do with whether or not they end up with the protagonist (or anyone else in the plot!).”

7. Astilbe also said, “The dead, missing, and/or evil parent clichés are horribly overused and should be given a rest a few years. Most of the people I know have well-intentioned parents who are still alive. This was even more true when I was a teenager. I’d sure like to see more books featuring characters whose parents are a source of comfort and joy instead of grief, especially in the young adult genre.”

8. Additionally, Astilbe is a fan of horror and says, “Gross isn’t a synonym for scary. I enjoy reading horror, but I’ve run into more than my fair share of horror author who write visceral descriptions of terrible things happening to characters instead of slowly – or quickly – building up a frightening atmosphere in the plot. Gore has its place, but there are so many more effective ways to truly scare an audience! Let their imaginations run wild sometimes instead of spelling everything out plainly.”

9. One reviewer mentioned that she hates the “Outlander” books. Actually, she’s only ever tried to read the first book and just can’t get past the first few chapters. It was a “wall banger” (and yes, the book did get flung).

10. And several of the reviewers mentioned that they feel Nicholas Sparks is overrated (and certainly shouldn’t be considered a “romance” author). Most of us read romance for a HEA and he seldom ever gives one.

So that’s what we have. Looking forward to reading other folks unpopular opinions!

Top Ten Tuesday: Children’s Picture Books You Should Read

Hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

This week’s topic is Books From My Favorite Genre. Over the last few years, I’ve really gotten into children’s picture books. There are some amazing ones out there that truly seem to be written for adults as much as they are for kids.

Today I’m going to share ten picture books you should read whether you’re three or 103 years old. If they are books that I’ve reviewed for Long and Short Reviews, the links in their titles will take you to those reviews.

1. The Lorax  by Dr. Seuss

Honestly, I don’t think this book will ever fall out of fashion. It’s a classic.

2. The Paper Bag Princess  by Robert Munsch

We need many more princesses who save themselves in fairy tales, don’t you think?

3. Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend by Mélanie Watt

This is the perfect thing to read for anyone who has ever felt social anxiety or worried about how to make a new friend in general.

4. Blueberry Girl by Neil Gaiman

I can’t imagine a more perfect way to introduce a small child – or a curious adult – to Neil Gaimain’s beautiful way of describing the world.

5. Penelope Perfect by Shannon Anderson

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6. What Daddy Did Today: A Father’s Bedtime Story by Walter Wally

If only everyone’s days could be described in this style. I love the idea of taking what can be complicated agendas and explaining them so simply that even a preschooler understands them. This is a skill everyone should have.

7. This Is the Rope: A Story from the Great Migration by Jacqueline Woodson

Heirlooms come in all shapes and sizes. My family likes to give each other wooden cutting boards and cast iron pans of all things. It was quite interesting to see what this family passes down over the years.

8. The Most Ferocious of Creatures by Chris Sykes

What a funny, creative take on everything that can go wrong when someone makes a mistake. I often think about this tale when I’m having a terrible day and need to cheer myself up.

9. Sophie’s Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller

What a nice way to explain grief and the cycle of life to a young child.

10. Sophie’s Squash Go to School by Pat Zietlow Miller

Yes, this is the sequel to #9! You don’t have to read them in order, but I sure enjoyed getting an update on Sophie and her pet squash.

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Books Released In the Last Ten Years

Hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

Compiling this list was so much fun. There were years when I wanted to list thirty books and other years where it took a bit of research to find something that really stood out to me. I enjoyed the challenge of making sure every year had representation, though!

This list starts in 2019 and ends in 2010

 Internment by Samira Ahmed

Internment camps are not a new idea. Many different countries have used them to imprison groups their cultures vilified. This take on this idea felt fresh and realistic to me. I hope it never happens again, but I loved the way the author explored how prejudice against Muslims might be used in some truly awful ways against them.

Educated by Tara Westover

This is the true story of how homeschooling was used to cover up child abuse and neglect in one family. More importantly, it’s the story of how the author was able to overcome her past, get a great education, and make a happy life for herself as an adult. I always enjoy reading about people who persevere like this, and it was the best thing I read last year.

Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson

The thought of a child being accused of a terrible crime against an infant was what first lead me to read this tale.

As soon as I got to know the main character, I couldn’t wait to find out what really happened that night. She was a likeable person who had lived a rough life in her first decade.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Seriously, how is this book three years old already? It feels like it was just published. I love Ketterdam now even more than I did when I first met it.

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This is one of those young adult novels that honestly speak just as much to adults as it does to the age group it was written for. I’ve been recommending it to people who don’t generally read the YA genre for several years now and having luck in convincing them to try other books in this genre, too.

The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey 

There are a lot of amazing zombie novels out there, but I think this one has done the best job so far of showing what would really happen if such an epidemic actually took place. It would be pure chaos, but humans would adapt.

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

I loved seeing America through the eyes of an immigrant. It was so interesting to see how someone who did not grow up there viewed things that I never would have given a second thought. The love story was well worth reading, too.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

I’ve never been able to read this book without crying. Talk about a memorable tearjerker!

Bossypants by Tina Fey

Tina Fey will never stop making me laugh. Her sense of humor shone through beautifully in this memoir.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

The thought of hospitals profiting from tissues and body parts they removed from poor people makes me angry. While I’m grateful that the cancer cells that were taken from Henrietta Lacks’ cervix ended up being so useful for researchers, I still wish her family could have profited from all of the money made from her body. The fact that this is something I still  think about almost a decade after reading about it makes this a must-read in my opinion.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Refuse to Let Anyone Touch

Hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

This week’s topic is books I refuse to let anyone touch.  This was a tough one for me because, as a rule, I don’t hold onto books.  I like to read them and then pass them along so others can enjoy them.  However, I was able to come up with a few that you would have to fight me to borrow.

The collection of Little House on the Prairie books my mom gave me when I was in the fifth grade.  They’d long been my favorite so that Christmas, my mom gifted me with a box set of all the books.  I still have them along with the original box.  It’s one of the few things I have that my mom has given me and therefore they’re very precious.

The Accidental Werewolf by Dakota Cassidy.  I stumbled onto a Yahoo group around 2005 or so that was an author group for several authors, one of which was Dakota Cassidy.  When her book The Accidental Werewolf was released and she decided to do a book signing, I flew from my home on the West Coast to Houston, TX.  From there, a friend and I drove to Plano, TX – complete with wolf tails – for the book signing.  It was my first autographed book and although I’ve gotten several signed by her since, it’s still my most treasured.

Don’t Talk Back to Your Vampire by Michele Bardsley.  This ties in with the book above because she and Dakota Cassidy are pals.  In talking with Ms. Bardsley, I mentioned something about having one of her books in the car.  She looks at my friend and me and says, “If you go get it, I’ll sign it!”  Needless to say, we bolted back to the car.

X-Rated Bloodsuckers by Mario Acevedo.  I discovered his Felix Gomez books by accident. Meaning, my husband went to the bookstore for something else and stumbled across a book called the Nymphos of Rocky Flatts and decided he had to have it.  Guys, right?  So, when he came to town with Mark Henry, Cherie Priest, and Caitlin Kittridge on the Paranormal Bender Tour, I was all in.  He–and everyone, including local host Vicki Petterson–were amazing and it was a fun night that I won’t forget.  I left with five autographed books that night.
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Harm None by M. R. Sellars.  I can’t even remember where this signed book came from, but it’s one of my favorites.  I’d never read a series of books where the investigator was a pagan but I immediately fell in love with this series.  He’s a pretty funny guy, too.

My hardcover collection of R. A. Salvatore books.  Mostly the Drizzt novels because of the incredible artwork by Todd Lockwood.  These aren’t signed (please sir, come this way some day…), but the dust jackets are gorgeous and there’s no way I’m letting anyone take one out of the house and chance ripping them.

Lastly is my hardcover copy of The Complete Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams.  I was wandering through a bookstore in Phoenix not long after I graduated high school and stumbled across this huge book in the bargain bin.  I picked it up, read the blurb, and decided I had to have it.  I’d never heard of Arthur Dent or Douglas Adams at the time, but that book single-handedly changed my life.  The Hitchhiker’s Guide quickly became my very favorite book and, although I’ve had that book since the early 90’s, it still sits proudly on my bookshelf.  Now, I probably should upgrade to a newer version, one that contains And Another Thing that was written after Douglas Adams passed away but, there’s something significant about this book that makes me very resistant to ever let it go.

Now, that’s not quite ten–it’s seven, I do believe–but like I said before, I don’t hold onto very many books.  Those that I do  keep, aren’t always very special, but may be part of a collection or have some other reason for being kept.  However, these few rare items are my favorites and therefore shall not leave my home.  So don’t ask.

What books won’t you let out of your sight?

Top Ten Tuesday: From Page to Screen

Hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

This week’s topic is “Page to Screen Freebie (Books that became movies/TV shows, movies that became books, great adaptations, bad ones, books you need to read before watching their movie/TV show, movies you loved based on books you hated or vice versa, books you want to read because you saw the movie or vice versa, etc.)

This is both amazingly easy and super hard. I mean, I was flooded with ideas of what to include, but the hard part is narrowing it down. So I decided to pick a few I think were well done, and a few I thought were horribly done.

I’m going to horrify all the Potterheads by saying this, but I honestly think the Harry Potter movies were quite well done (within the time constraints of a movie). Yes, a lot of things were left out, but the “heart” and “meat” of the story was still there. They didn’t overly mess with the bones of the story, and ultimately I honestly believe that what really mattered in the story the books told was included in the movies.

I also think the Hunger Games Trilogy was well done. Some things were clearly off (what Haymitch looked like, or eliminating Madge from the story completely or not having Peeta lose his leg) but again, as above, the meat and bones of the central story were well maintained. I actually saw the Hunger Games movie before I read the book, and I could tell I was missing things, so I read the entire trilogy after that first movie. Yes, the books were better (they typically are), but I’m still not unhappy with the movies.

I’m sure I’ll annoy true Lord of the Rings fans as well when I say that I believe the Lord of the Rings movies were quite well done (The Hobbit movies, though … not so much and that’s being kind). Again, there was SO MUCH in the books that the screenwriters and Peter Jackson would have had to make dozens of movies to include it all. I really feel as if he did a good job distilling the heart of the story down and putting that on the big screen. I do prefer the director’s cut that I have on DVD, but even the shorter versions are pretty darn good.

I also mostly liked the 80s mini-series The Stand. I wasn’t thrilled with the casting of Molly Ringwald…she was a horrible choice as the heroine, but the rest of the cast was pretty dang spot on. And, yes, they left out some of the things that made the book so rich (and so freaking long), but ultimately–and I know I sound like a broken record here–the heart of the story was there.  I think they were able to do as much as they did because it WAS a mini-series and not “just” a movie. Back then, making books into trilogies wasn’t a thing, so really the choice was either TV Mini-series, or 90 minute movie. I’m glad they chose what they did.

I also very much enjoyed the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. The Narnia books were a staple on my keeper shelf as a kid. I completely enjoyed the stories (and truthfully wished I could go visit Narnia myself). So when the most recent movie released, I was thrilled to see they kept to the storyline almost perfectly. I realize the next two movies made some changes (Prince Caspian was WAY too old in the movie, and Voyage of the Dawn Treader was just kind of boring, and had a few changes like Lucy’s emotional crisis), but I’m really hoping to see the rest made into (good!) movies, since the rights were sold again.

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Wow. just wow. I actually liked the old version of this, but the new one was pretty incredible. The casting and acting and storyline were just right, and I can NOT wait for the next movie that’s coming. As always, changes from the book to the movie were made, but ultimately I almost think they made the story stronger. This is one of those that I can almost say the movie is better than the book, largely due, I think, to the quality of acting from all the folks in the movie.

Now, onto what I feel were much less successfully done adaptations…

First, the one that always makes me angry as heck: The Divergent Series.

The first movie was actually pretty dang good. They kept to the book’s storyline, they included everything that was truly important (yes, they changed what Four’s job was, etc., but it worked out). I thought it was well cast, I was impressed they were able to include as much information as they did, and I liked the effects. I was SO excited to see the second movie after that!… and then, OMG, Insurgent arrived. And *what*??? Did the screenplay writers even READ the book? Aside from a couple of scenes, the entire movie had absolutely nothing to do with the story the book told. It was absolutely abysmal and it’s no wonder Allegiance (part one) was an utter flop. So much so, they never filmed the final chapter. And who cares? Anyone?

Next, The Mortal Instruments. Now, I know there are just TONS of fans of the Shadow Hunters series that just got cancelled. I get it… it was pretty flashy and, if you didn’t read and love the books, you’d probably really love the series. But, the movie they made years ago was horrible (Clary was just stupid and Jace came across like some psycho creepy stalker). I thought they’d be able to do better with the mini-series. I was really excited … and at first I was willing to give them a little leeway. But then it just really started to jump the shark. They skipped over things, removed really important things that were integral to why they were who they were, and they downright changed some of the characters completely. I stopped watching about 2/3 of the way through the first season. If it got better, I apologize, but really … I doubt it did.

Shannara, the series, started out as being based on “The Elfstones of Shannara” book. And, honestly, right up to the very end followed the book pretty decently. But the whole “She’s captured by trolls, I must save her!” thing? Completely jumped the shark. The book ended with them together, but that was the end of their story in the books, other than being the parents of the characters in the next book. Obviously, the makers of the series didn’t want to start the next season in a whole new generation after getting everyone attached to the previous characters, but as a huge fan of the books, it really annoyed me. I haven’t watched any of season two for that reason.

The Dark is Rising was made into a movie twice and both times failed miserably. I adored this series as a kid, and still occasionally re-read it now. After the horrendous first movie back in I hoped someone would some day redo it. The did, calling it “The Seeker” and, while it was marginally better, they had to accommodate the changes in technology and it altered the story (along with some other changes that just didn’t work and changed the heart of the plot). I’d really hoped for a good movie, because the later books are just incredible and would have made amazing movies as well. But I suspect that after the flop of “The Seeker” that series won’t see the light of day again.

There are so many others I’d love to discuss, but this is a blog post, not a novel. But books from my own childhood: The Giver, A Wrinkle in Time, The Black Cauldron, The Black Stallion, Black Beauty, and so many others … a discussion for another day, I suppose.

Top Ten Tuesday: Characters That Remind Me of Myself

Hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

Each of these characters shares something in common with me that I think of as an important part of my personality, life, or interests. I’d like to think that all of us would get along well if we were to somehow all end up in the same room together.

It’s kind of funny to me that I kept returning to certain books and a particular author over and over again for this prompt!

1. Beth March from Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women

We’re shy, quiet people, especially when first meeting someone. As much as I liked her older sister Jo, I think Beth and I would have enjoyed each other’s company the most out of all four of the March sisters.

2. Anne Shirley from L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gable series.

Anne and I were highly imaginative, and we both had times growing up when our vivid imaginations annoyed or confused some of the people around us. While I wasn’t talkative or extroverted like her, I totally understood how she felt when people around her reacted poorly to the beautiful thoughts in her head.

3. Valancy from L.M. Montgomery’s The Blue Castle.

Like Valancy, I also started dating later than most of my peers. It was lonely to see other people falling in love over and over again when I’d never experienced it once. I identified so strongly with her yearnings in the beginning of this novel.

4. Matthew Cuthbert from L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables.

As much as I loved Anne, I strongly identified with Matthew’s kind soul, bashful personality and social anxiety. (Or at least I think he probably had social anxiety based on the descriptions of him in this series).  I find big groups of people overwhelming at times, too, especially if I don’t know them well.

5. Starr Carter from Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give

Major manufacturers like Ajanta, Cipla and Ranbaxy have been manufacturing and distributing erectile dysfunction medications have is that many of them have known side effects that can cause people a lot of pain to evacuate. cialis levitra generico One option is to take drivers’ education at local public vardenafil vs viagra schools or at local driving schools that offer private instruction and classes. Even discount viagra at times when you feel that none of these remedies are working for you, you will need to go in for psychotherapy. order generic cialis Definition of sex It is very simple. Starr and I were both young people who loved creative writing and knew someone who was violently murdered. While the person I knew wasn’t killed by the police, I still identified with a lot of her feelings in this tale. It’s a tough experience to go through.

6. Neville Longbottom from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.

Honestly, I think Neville had the best character arc of anyone in this series. He was awkward and unassuming in the beginning, but he turned out to be a true hero by the end. I adored seeing this transformation take place. It reminded me so much of how I’ve changed in similar ways over the years as well.

7. Scout Finch from Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird.

I was inquisitive and full of questions just like her when I was a kid.

8. Unhei from Yangsook Choi’s The Name Jar.

Most people can pronounce my first name okay, but my last name confuses everyone. This picture book captured what it’s like to have a name that folks struggle to pronounce and understand. I identified so strongly with this character’s love of her name as well as her frustration with people mispronouncing it all the time.

9. Veda from Padma Venkatraman’s A Time to Dance.

I used to be a dancer a long time ago. This character’s love of dancing reminded me so much of how I behaved as a teenager.

10.Corduroy from Don Freeman’s Corduroy.

When I was a small child, I used to dream about what I’d do in a store if all of the grownups went away for a while. Occasssoinally, I’d even hide in racks of clothing while my mom was shopping and imagine that I could walk down any aisle in the store I wished. I don’t know why I wanted to explore on my own so much, but I totally identify with this little stuffed bear’s urge to do the same thing.

Top Ten Tuesday: Inspirational/Thought-Provoking Book Quotes

Hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

I had a wonderful time rounding up these quotes. I hope all of you enjoy them, too.

1. “Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness in people.”-  Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

2. “As long as there’s life, there’s hope.”  – Tamora Pierce, Alanna: The First Adventure

3. So many things are possible just as long as you don’t know they’re impossible. – Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth

4. “Well, we all make mistakes, dear, so just put it behind you. We should regret our mistakes and learn from them, but never carry them forward into the future with us.”  – L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea

There are several online pharmacies where people can buy kamagra 100mg online for a tadalafil online in uk quick relief from ED issues.Mild Side Effects of Kamagra: There can be some mild minor side effects which can last up to 36 hours. These are the drugs especially designed to help people fight this issue. order cheap viagra http://pamelaannschoolofdance.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Winterfest-Parade-Staging-Map.pdf Your doctor will viagra overnight canada help you in the best ingredients which are widely used in the anti- impotency tablets. So don t get followed up by booking the higher price product. http://pamelaannschoolofdance.com/thursday-august-12th-competition-team-auditions?ak_action=accept_mobile no prescription sildenafil 5.“It’s the possibility that keeps me going, not the guarantee.” –  Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

6. “The place where you made your stand never mattered. Only that you were there…and still on your feet.”  – Stephen King, The Stand

7. “But the effect of her being on those around her was incalculably diffusive: for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts; and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been, is half owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs.”  – George Eliot, Middlemarch

8. “A mathematical formula for happiness: Reality divided by Expectations. There were two ways to be happy: improve your reality or lower your expectations.”  – Jodi Picoult, Nineteen Minutes

9. “You should never be surprised when someone treats you with respect, you should expect it.”-  Sarah Dessen, Keeping the Moon

10. “I don’t think of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains.”  – Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl

Top Ten Tuesday: First Ten Books I Reviewed

Hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday!  Today’s topic is the first ten books I reviewed.  I starting reviewing for Long and Short Reviews just over ten years ago!  Back then, Long and Short Reviews primarily focused on books in the romance genre.  A lot has changed since then, but I’ve always been proud to be part of Long and Short Reviews.  Let’s jump right into my list starting with the very first book I reviewed.  Titles are linked to Goodreads.

Blood’s Price by Colleen Love

The Ghost Downstairs by Molly Ringle

Touch of Black Velvet by Brieanna Robertson

Mortal Coil by Julie Eberhart Painter

Lure of the Emerald Peacock by Romona Hilliger

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No Fear by Allie Harrison

Eden at Twilight by Colleen Love

Rainbow’s End by Joan Beth Erickson

Enemy of the King by Beth Trissel

Through the Fire by Beth Trissel

I haven’t thought about many of these books in a long time so this list was a nice trip down memory lane.  For those who review, how long have you been reviewing?  If you love books and want to review them, consider joining Long and Short Reviews.  We have a great team!