Love Your Library April (April 29-May 16) Hosted by Bookish Beck

In total for May (so far) I've finished 6 books, 5 of them were from the library. I read my first ever book from Interlibrary Loan. It's a great program that allows readers access to titles which your library doesn't own, by borrowing it from another library. My interlibrary loan game from across the United States, it was fun to see how different another library's material could be. Amongst other books were 3 audiobooks and 1 ebook. Overall, I enjoyed the books better than I did last month, my average rating was 4.5 stars this month, compared to 4.0 stars last month.

READ

• The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams - This was a "friends to lovers" story that was so sweet from beginning to end. Bree is fiercely independent, while Nathan is really caring and protective. I had been in a bit of a reading rut, after being sick. This was the perfect fun-read to break the rut. Read for 12 Recs for 12 Friends. ★★★★★ Listened to on Hoopla.
• Spider-Man: Revenge of the Sinister Six by Adam-Troy Castro - I had to get this novel as an Inter Library Loan since my library did not own a copy. It came from a long way away. That was probably the coolest part of this typo filled pulp fiction novel from either the 90s or the early 2000s. I found conflicting publication dates, when I was looking for this book. This was a fun action novel starring a favorite character of mine. Mary Jane Watson-Parker had some of the best moments both with Peter and taking on one of the Sinister Six herself. The action was well-paced, and the danger never got dull, but the author could have had the Sinister Six together more and the story may have been written too fast.  ★★★★☆ IG Review
• The Swarm by Andy Marino - This was a horror novel where an annoying but usually benign insect species mutates and takes over the world. I enjoyed how it read like an artistic indie horror movie. I found myself wondering how the characters might survive and if they could save their loved ones. This book followed four main characters, and I thought that some of those characters were interesting and well-developed, other characters were flat and even annoying. ★★★☆☆ Read on Libby
• Spider-Man: Hostile Takeover by David Liss - This was a re-read/re-listen. I looked up my rating from my first read through, and now I'm wondering why I decided to re-read it. This Spider-Man novel is a prequel to PS4 video game. It follows too many characters and spends too much time away from the main character of Spider-Man, the combination just makes for a boring story. Side note, this plot felt very similar to the Kingpin storyline in the Daredevil TV show. ★★☆☆☆ Listened to on Hoopla
• Restart by Gordon Korman - Imagine getting to start over. What would you change? Chase Ambrose was the school's star football player and biggest bully, but after an accident amnesia gives him the chance to start over. As I listened to this book, I felt bad for the main character. It seemed that a lot had happened to him, and he responded by taking his problems out on others. It is well plotted and even though it is narrated by multiple characters, it follows one well-plotted thread. Restart is packed with humor and heart. Read for Reb Recs ★★★★☆ Listened to on Libby

Currently Reading

• Kill the Villainess, Vol. 1 by Haegi and Your April
• Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil, Vol. 1 by Stan Lee, Bill Evertt, and Joe Orlando
• Climbing Rejection Mountain: An Actor's Path to Success, Stability, and Self-Esteem by Nick Wyman, Michael X. Martin IG Reel
• Spy x Family, Vol. 11 by Tatsuya Endo
• The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
• Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline
• Fairest by Marissa Meyer
• The Grim Reader: A Pharmacist’s Guide to Putting Your Characters in Peril by Miffie Seideman
• Under the Surface by Diana Urban

Checked Out, To Be Read

• Star Wars: Tales of Light and Life by Various Authors, Star Wars titles for May the 4th be with You Reads IG Reel
• Star Wars: Defy the Storm by Tessa Gratton
• Star Wars: Queen's Hope by E. K. Johnston
• Actions: The Actors' Thesaurus by Marina Caldarone
• The Actor's Life: A Survival Guide by Jenna Fischer
• Beginner's Guide to Digital Paints in Procreate: How to create art on an iPad 
• The Agatha's by Kathleen Glasglow
• You, Me and Our Heartstrings Melissa See
• Make a Living Living by Nina Karnikowski
• When Summer Ends by Jessica Pennington
• The Beginner's Guide to Procreate: Everything you need to know to master digital art by Roché Woodworth
• Write Fearless, Edit Smart, Get Published: A master class for fiction writers by Lisa Mangum

In The Reservation Queue

• Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
• Paper Hearts: a novel by Tess Wakefield
• Ready Player Two by Erenest Cline
• Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter for 12 Recs From 12 Friends

On Hold, To Be Picked Up

• None at this time.

Returned Unread

• God, Where Is My Boaz?: a Woman's to understanding what's hindering her from receiving the man and love she deserves by Stephan Labossiere - I thought this was a Bible study book, but it was written by a motivational speaker. From what I read, it was okay, it just was not for me.
• Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins - Was not able to start this book before it was due, so it seemed nice to return it so the next person could read it. Mockingjay 5 Star Review on IG
• Purple Hearts: a novel by Tess Wakefield - I watched the movie and enjoyed it. Someone else had this book requested from the library, so I returned it.
• The Healthy Mind Cookbook: big-flavor recipes to enhance brain function, mood memory and mental clarity by Rebecca Katz - I was looking for brain healthy foods, but I never read cookbooks cover-to-cover.  
• Kiss Like a Star: Smooching Secrets from the Silver Screen by William Cane - I checked this out when I was looking for books with makeup techniques. I thought it was an interesting topic. It is a "how to" book, not a screen study.

To wrap up May was a more interesting month for my reading. I suppose not being sick probably improved my reading enjoyment. This past month I checked out 12 news books that I haven't started, so I have plenty of reading going into the summer. Summer Reading at my library starts June 1 and you have to read fast to get the good prizes, on to the races. Hopefully, I'll have many more great reads to share for next month.

I intend to catch up on Reb Recs because I have 2 new reviews to write on those titles. On Instagram I am trying to catch up on my book reviews. Read my most recent review on Instagram, for Spider-Man: Revenge of the Sinister Six (link is above) and my second most recent review is for Breaking the Dark: A Marvel Crime Jessica Jones Novel by Lisa Jewell. I wrote a lot of short stories as part of longer story ideas. I still do, but here is one from 2011, published in 2020, "Prelude: The Last Commission".

#LoveYourLibrary

Thank you, Rebecca for coming up with this blog challenge and I hope to do it again. Check out her blog Bookish Beck

I love making Bookish Friends! Follow me on Instagram Skai_BooksAndBracelets

Love Your Library June (May 17-June 30) Hosted by Bookish Beck

 

The month of June was a long one. I did a lot of reading for the summer reading program. We also have an additional reading challenge at work. I don't read enough to be a real contender individual category, but I am on the second-place work team. Altogether, we are having a fun time with the challenge. This month I read seven library books. Of those seven, I listened to three as audiobooks and the other four were eBooks. Two of the books I read were comic book compilations. 

READ

• Spy X Family by Tatsuya Endo - Our favorite fake family faces a new challenge. Anya's school bus is hijacked on the way to a field trip. This was one of favorite sagas thus far. There was so much action, danger, and humorous drama. ★★★★★ Read on Libby
• Fairest by Marissa Meyer - Lavana wasn't always the evil queen in this futuristic sci-fi retelling. In this story she goes from a scarred and ignored second princess to the evil queen we meet in Cinder. Overall, this series is very good, but the prequel was slow, and I found the main character too unlikable to by sympathetic. Second half of the story was more interesting. ★★★☆☆ Read on Libby
• The Temporary Roomie by Sarah Adams - I love Sarah Adams' sweet rom-coms, and this may just be her funniest. Jessie is eight months pregnant when a pipe bursts and causes her house to flood. She has to stay with her best friend's brother, who happens to be an OBGYN, and the one person Jessie cannot stand. This is a hilarious, outrageous arrangement, but these characters are well-developed, and Adama creates deep emotional connections. Also, a prank war, full of ridiculous and clever pranks is always a great time. ★★★★☆ Listened to on Hoopla
• Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter - Liz can't stand her annoying next-door neighbor, Wes, but when her first crush moves back to town, she need his help to remake her image and get a second chance with her first love. I read this as part of the 12 Recs From 12 Friends that I have been working on all year. Better Than the Movies has become very popular on social media, but I found it average. I have read several other books similar to this one. The character's main struggle feels like something that would have made more sense if she was a younger character or if her trauma was more recent. ★★★★☆ Listened to on Libby IG Reel
• Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil, Vol.1 by Stan Lee, Bill Evertt, and Joe Orlando - Everyone knows Daredevil, but how did the visually impaired hero/lawyer get his start. This compilation is the original first eleven stories. It was very cool to read Matt, Foggy and Karen's origin. However, Karen Paige is my favorite character in the tv show, but in this comic book she served as little more than a love interest. Pining for her boss yet constantly blaming his inability to love her on his disability. I can't help but wonder if this is because of the historical stigmas regarding disability or male writers only seeing a woman in terms of what she can be to a man, either way it was distasteful. ★★★☆☆ Read on Hoopla
• Going Wild by Lisa McMann - Charlie's family moves from Chicago to Navaro Junction, Arizona. As she's adjusting and making new friends, she opens a package addressed to her and finds a bracelet that gives her supernatural abilities. This middle grade novel has a lot more depth and clever worldbuilding than many children's books. If I had read this one as a pre-teen, I would have wanted to be Chalie. Her character was struggling with her new world and then she suddenly has the strength to destroy a bathroom. This a must read for preteens who love superheroes. Read for Reb Recs ★★★★★ Listened to on Hoopla
• Ms. Marvel, The New Mutant, Vol. 1 by Iman Valleni, Sabir Pirzada, Carlos Gómez, Adam Gorham, Erick Arciniega, and Joe Caramagna - Ms. Marvel's actress, Iman Valleni takes on the role of lead writer in this comic book saga. Kamla has been raised from the dead and learns she is also a mutant. She joins the X-Men in the fight for survival by going undercover for a summer college prep program. Best part of this book is that it is every superfan's dream to write a real story for a favorite character. Reading this one felt like living vicariously through her. Also, it had a fun superhero adventure, and I have a crush on her loyal best friend, Bruno. ★★★★★ 

Currently Reading

• Spider-Man: The Secret of the Sinister Six by Adam-Troy Castro
• The Never Game (Colter Shaw book 1) by Jeffery Deaver
• Kill the Villainess, Vol. 1 by Haegi and Your April IG Reel
• Climbing Rejection Mountain: An Actor's Path to Success, Stability, and Self-Esteem by Nick Wyman, Michael X. Martin
• The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
• Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline
• The Grim Reader: A Pharmacist’s Guide to Putting Your Characters in Peril by Miffie Seideman
• Under the Surface by Diana Urban

Checked Out, To Be Read

• Powers of a Girl: 65 Marvel Women Who Punched the Spy & and Changed the Universe by Lorraine Clink
• Marvel's Rising: Heroes of the Round Table by Nilah Magruder
• Allergy Friendly Family Cookbook by Murdoch Children's Research Institute 
• How to Draw Manga Stroke by Stroke
• Real Simple: May 2025
• Purple Hearts: a novel by Tess Wakefield
• Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham (Blu-Ray)

In The Reservation Queue

• Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
• Ready Player Two by Erenest Cline
• Meet Me at Wonderland by Julia DeVillers
• The Wishing Game: a novel by Meg Shaffer
• The Blonde Who Came in from the Cold by Ally Carter IG Post of Book 1
• Power Rangers: Force of Chaos by Diana Ma

On Hold, To Be Picked Up

• Batman: Soul of the Dragon (Blu-Ray)

Returned Unread

• What If Love Is the Point by Alexa and Carlos PenaVega - Alexa Vega from Spy Kids and Carlos Pena from Big Time Rush got married and wrote a book. I wanted to read this, but didn't get to it.
• The Perfectionist's Delima: Learn the Art of Self-Compassion and Become a Happy Achiever by Tara Cousineau - I read some in this non-fiction title. It was like reading a dry research paper.
• Your One and Only by Adrianne Finley - I used this one in my Spell the Month February stack. I didn't get around to reading it. 
• My Life Uploaded by Rae Earl - I also picked this one up when I was working on the Spell the Month February stack, but it was just to read. I have already read the sequel.
• Artifice by Sharon Cameron - I also used this one in my Spell the Month February stack. I didn't get around to reading it.  IG Reel

The first half of summer reading went relatively well. Seven books is pretty good. It was enough for me to hit the 1,000 words goal for the summer reading final prize. The final prize is a free book that you pick from a selection, but I have yet to decide. This month, I had a wide variety of reads, but I didn't finish many physical books, and no physical books from the library. I think I have a few that are close to being done. I think I can finish two physical books this month, so wish me luck.

Over on Instagram in June, I shared my current reads as a part of a Summer Reading Reflections series. I also posted two reviews; my latest review is for a young adult novel featuring an iconic X-Men character. Usually, I share a piece of fiction from my blog, but today I'll share a fanfiction I posted on fanfiction.net. It is a crossover story between the characters in the 2010s tv show, Hawaii Five-0 and Richard Paul Evans' character, Michael Vey.

#LoveYourLibrary

Thank you, Rebecca for coming up with this blog challenge and I hope to do it again. Check out her blog Bookish Beck

I love making Bookish Friends! Follow me on Instagram Skai_BooksAndBracelets

Love Your Library April (April 1-April 28) Hosted by Bookish Beck

 

April is always a busy month in my household we have three birthdays (including mine) and as well as Easter and other spring activities. This moth, we ended up getting sick twice. I didn’t get as many library books this month as I usually would and a good portion of my reading is typically audiobooks and ebooks, but I didn’t have the mental stamina for e-reading or listening to audiobooks while I was sick, so I read 6 books in total this month and only 4 were library books.

READ

• Marvel Masterworks: The Amazing Spider-Man, Vol. 2 by Stan Lee- This was a compilation of The Amazing Spider-Man comic books from the 1960s. Some of the highlights from this compilation include the introduction of the Sinister Six, and Peter Parker losing his spider powers. I have been reading this one on and off for the past year, when I have been between library ebooks. ★★★★★ Read on Libby
• The Colony, Michael Vey #10 by Richard Paul Evans - I have been reading this series since I was a teenager, this is the tenth book in a series that was originally only supposed to be 7 books long. In book ten, Michael and the Electroclan is headed back to Peru to rescue Abigail. To rescue her, they have to face other people with electric powers. While this is one of my favorite series, I had mixed feelings because it was an interesting action and adventure book, but it felt unnecessary. The pacing was a little off and the ending was a little too fast. ★★★★☆ Listened to on Libby
• Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale: Daredevil by Jeph Loeb - In this limited series readers get a rare look at Daredevil’s yellow suit and a reimagining of Daredevil’s early days. With the buzz of the new Disney Plus show, I was curious about the character, and this is what I could find through my library. It made for a cute introduction because the stories revolved around Matt’s relationship Karen and some of their early Daredevil misadventures. ★★★☆☆ Read on Hoopla
• Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry - I picked this one up because of a buddy read hosted by @GreenEyedGirl97, I started the book of the first day of the buddy read, however the buddy read ended up not happening. It was an interesting enough memoir that I continued listening. It was narrated by the author, his voice isn’t audiobook narrator smooth, but he’s dynamic and comedic, so he was never boring. Perry shares the highs and lows of his rise to fame on the Friends tv show, anecdotes from this love life and struggles of drug and alcohol addiction. There was a lot of swearing and explanations of his hard living. It is both sad and compelling. Making readers emote with the celebrity’s snuggle and realization that, just like drugs and alcohol, fame and money cannot fix his problems. ★★★★☆ Listened to on Libby

Currently Reading

• Michael Vey: The Colony by Richard Paul Evans
• Spider-Man: Revenge of the Sinister Six (Sinister Six book 2) by Adam-Troy Castro - Read my mini review of book 1 on this blog.
• Restart by Gordon Korman - Reb’s Recs book recommendation 
• Daredevil: Predator’s Smile by Christopher Golden
• Spider-Man: Hostile Takeover by David Lisa
• The Swarm by Andy Marino
• Fairest by Marissa Meyer
• The Grim Reader: A Pharmacist’s Guide to Putting Your Characters in Peril by Miffie Seideman
• Under the Surface by Diana Urban

Checked Out, To Be Read

• Paper Hearts: a novel by Tess Wakefield
• Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins 
• Do It Scared: finding the courage to face your fears, overcome adversity, and create a life you love by Ruth Soukup - This is a reread. Read the review on IG.

In The Reservation Queue

• Restart by Gordon Korman
• Fairest (Lunar Chronicles, book .5) by Marissa Meyer
• The Swarm by Andy Marino
• Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
• The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
• Ready Player Two by Earnest Cline - Read my Ready Player One review

On Hold, To Be Picked Up

• None at this time.

Returned Unread

*Picture of bracelets from IG

• Shelter by Harlan Coben - I have one of the later books in this series, but I have not yet read it. I tried to pick up the first book to start the series, didn’t have time to read it.
• Friendship Bracelets: 31 original bracelets by Michele Howarth - I got this bracelet book to try a few new bracelet patterns. I tried a couple, but did not get to try all the patterns I wanted to try.
• Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco - This is another title that has been on my TBR for a while, and I keep checking it out but haven’t found the time to read it.
• The Happy Writer: Get more ideas, write more words, and find more joys from first draft to publication and beyond by Marissa Meyer - I returned with because my sister gifted me my own copy for my birthday, so I returned the library’s copy.
• The Daily Face: 25 makeup looks for day, night, and everything in between! by Annamarie Tendler - I wanted to try some new makeup techniques. Enough said.
• Fate: The Winx Saga, Lighting the Fire by Sarah Rees Brennan - I enjoyed this show. I’m a sucker for novel based on a TV show, but I didn’t have time to read this one.

April has been a pretty rough month, so I wasn’t able to get much reading done. I have many more books which I have started, and I am close to finishing. I hope next month I will have more books I finish and maybe even a few physical books. This month I finished two audiobooks and two electronic comic book compilations. I'm going to finish this blog with a timely, although older meme, since I read a graphic novel of Daredevil in a gold costume.

I have some writing projects in the works and would like to publish some more blogs soon. On Instagram I am trying to catch up on my book reviews. Read my most recent review on Instagram, for the YA romance, Hearts Overboard by Becky Dean. This blog shares five of my favorite reads from last year. For fiction writers on this blog, I shared some tips for getting started.

#LoveYourLibrary

Thank you, Rebecca for coming up with this blog challenge and I hope to do it again. Check out her blog Bookish Beck

I love making Bookish Friends! Follow me on Instagram Skai_BooksAndBracelets

Love Your Library: Jan. 27-Feb. 24, 2025 Hosted by Bookish Beck

 

February is the month of love. It is also National Library Lovers Month! This sounded like the perfect blog to write during this month. This month I finished a book I've been reading since last summer and started some other titles I have been on my TBR list since fall. Keep reading until the end for the link to my recent book review and for the link to one of my favorite stories. I love the characters in that story and have fun writing them.

READ

• Spider-Man: The Gathering of the Sinister Six by Adam-Troy Castro- A new villain gathers a revised Sinister Six, as Mysterio goes on a deadly crime spree of revenge. I am surprised by how dark this Spider-Man audiobook gets. It started slow, but by the end I was here for the drama, the mystery and the romance between Peter and MJ. It's the first book in a trilogy, but the library doesn't have the other two 😞.  ★★★★☆ Read on Hoopla
• Spy X Family, Vol. 9 by Tatsuya Endo - The epic conclusion to the Cruise Ship Saga. I absolutely love this pretend family and their hilarious and over-dramatic antics. ★★★★☆ Read on Libby
• Hearts Overboard by Becky Dean - Tanner is the thorn in Savannah Moore's side. Most recently he stole the Astronomy club presidency from her, but after her boyfriend publicly dumps her, she's dubbed, Moore the Bore. Since Savanna's parents are making her get along with Tanner while their families are both on a company cruise, she asks him to help her try new things and get her ex back. This is the sweetest and funniest romance I've read in a long time. ★★★★★
• Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano - This is the second book from the 12 Recs from 12 Friends list. I am obsessed with this comedic tale about a down on her luck single mother who accidentally becomes a contract killer. Finlay Donovan feels like Nancy Drew for grown-ups. The first book starts slow, but when it gets good, it is too good to put down. ★★★★☆ Read on Hoopla
• Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano - This book picks up where book 1 left off, except this time her ex-husband is the target. Finlay again dawns the guise of a contract killer to protect her ex. There is so much humor and action in this story, mix in the romance and I just had to keep listening on. ★★★★★ Read on Hoopla
• Breaking the Dark: A Jessica Jone Marvel Crime Novel by Lisa Jewell - A slow burn thriller starring one of Marvel's most famous anti-heroes. I had not read or watched any Jessica Jones going into the story, but by the end I wanted more. Magic and technology intersect, as Jessica travels from New York City to the English Countryside investigating the unusual behavior of two teenagers recently returned from visiting their father abroad. ★★★★☆ IG Post
• Perfect World, Vol. 6 by Rie Aruga - At six books into this series, the story has taken a turn away from the original characters. The romance wasn't about Itsuki and Tsugumi, most of this compilation is focused on another couple as Keigo wants to build a barrier-free house for his partner with a degenerative disease and needs Tsugumi to convince Itsuki to take on the job. ★★★☆☆ Review on IG
• Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano - Book Three was not my favorite in the Finlay Donovan series, but I am hooked. Finlay and Vera might have saved her ex's life, but now they are being blackmailed by a mob boss to find the real contract killer. Figuring out it's a dirty cop, they sign up for the civilian police academy and get more than they bargain for. ★★★★☆ Read on Hoopla
• Ultimate Spider-Man, Volume 7: Irresponsible by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley- The Spider-Man reboot from the 2000s, this saga follows young Peter as he meets the X-Men. I found this volume comical and entertaining, but it wasn't anything special. ★★★☆☆ Read on Hoopla

Currently Reading

• Michael Vey: The Colony by Richard Paul Evans
• Wednesday: A Novelization of Season One by Tehlor Kay Mejia -Reading as an eBook via the Libby app.
• Perfect World, Vol. 7 by Rie Aruga
• The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond by Marissa Meyer
• Under the Surface by Diana Urban IG Post

Checked Out, To Be Read

• Artifice by Sharon Cameron IG Post
• Your One & Only by Adrianne Finlay
• My Life Uploaded by Rae Earl
• Blind Date with a Book: Perfect Girl by Tracy Banghart
• The Perfectionist's Dilemma: Learn the Art of Self-Compassion and Become a Happy Achiever by Tara Cousineau
• Batgirl Possession by Jade Adia
• Writing an Identity Not Your Own: a guide for creative writers by Alex Temblador
• Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano
• Fairest by Marissa Meyer
• Know Your Newlywed by Heather Taylor

In The Reservation Queue

• Bunny Made Tea by Amanda Baehr Fuller
• Sunrise on the Reaping: A Hunger Games Novel by 
• Michael Vey: The Colony by Richard Paul Evans
• The Swarm by Andy Marino
• Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
• The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
• City Spies by James Ponti
• Ready Player Two by Earnest Cline

On Hold, To Be Picked Up

• None at this time.

Returned Unread

• Under the Surface by Diana Urban-I've had it for a while, saying it was going to be my next read. I had to return it and then re-check it out this month.
• The Official Disney Parks Cookbook: 101 Magical Recipes from the Delicious Disney Vault by Pam Brandon-The recipes all looked so good, and my sister was at Disney World without me, but I wasn't actually able to eat any of the recipes since they all use pre-made shortcuts, because I have food allergies and a limited diet.
• Save the Date by Morgan Matson-I was going to use this in a video for social media, but I didn't finish the video. IG Post
• Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc-I grabbed this one for the fall vibes but didn't get the chance to read it during the fall. IG Post

Probably because February is a short month, I didn't return very many books. However, I checked out a ton of different library books and put many more books on hold. I've read several, but the number I've read hardly puts a dint in my TBR. Also, many of the items I placed on hold are for the 12 Recs from 12 Friends. I plan to write a blog and post to Instagram to release them at the same time, but the blog is taking longer than expected.

In March I will be doing a March Madness Bracket with my TBR reads. Please follow me on Instagram to join in on the March Madness vote. I will include the bracket template here in case anyone else would like to run a March TBR Madness poll!

While you're here please check out some of my other blogs. Here is the latest review on my blog for Spy School by Stuart Gibbs. and here is one of my favorite stores I've written to this day, it's written to look like a comic book script, so it does have an unusual format, Black Thunder: Day of the Living Nightmare.

#LoveYourLibrary

Thank you, Rebecca for coming up with this blog challenge and I hope to do it again. Check out her blog Bookish Beck

I love making Bookish Friends! Follow me on Instagram Skai_BooksAndBracelets

Love Your Library, January 2025, Hosted by Bookish Beck

I discovered this blog challenge at the end of last year and decided that I would like to participate this month. So, all January, I have been taking notes on what books, audiobooks and eResources I have checked out, read/watched, and/or returned. Let me tell you, it’s a lot. Every year I read one nonfiction title, so this month I have checked out a bunch of nonfiction books to find my annual read. This year I am also reading Reb’s Recs, books my sister is recommending and 12 Recs from 12 Friends, my fabulous Instagram community has recommended 12 of their favorites and I am tackling them this year, too, so books a couple of books on this list are for those. I also am highlighting my favorite library eResources, with the books I finished from this month.

READ

• Later On We'll Conspire by Kortney Keisel - This is a most adorable CLEAN holiday spy rom-com. It is laugh out loud funny as a small-town girl, and a super spy boy fall in love at Christmas. ★★★★★ Read on Hoopla
• Smile by Raina Telgemeier - A heartfelt and funny middle graphic novel inspired by the author's experience with her teeth. When Raina loses her two-front adult teeth in an accident she faces braces, bullies and her own self-worth. ★★★★★ Read on Hoopla
• I Am Legend and Other Stories by Richard Matheson - A 1950s collection of horror stories. The title story is about the last living man killing zombies. My co-worker recommended but wasn't my style. ★★☆☆☆ Read on Libby
• Spy X Family, Vol. 8 by Tatsuya Endo - This is a hilarious manga about an adorable fake family goes on a cruise and has to protect another family from assassins. ★★★★★ Read on Libby
• Snow White with the White Hair, Vol. 11 by Sorata Akiduki - This manga is a cozy retelling of Snow White working as a court herbalist and the second prince who fall in love with her. In this volume Shirayuki moves into the castle and Prince Zen has to declare his intentions of marriage. ★★★★★
• Spy School by Stuart Gibbs - The first book from Reb Recs list, one of her two January choices. This a fun and action back spy novel for middle grade readers about the new kid in spy school. ★★★★☆ Read on Libby Review on IG
• Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross - The first of 12 Recs from 12 Friends. This heart-felt romantasy is about a war between the gods and two mortals two who are rivals at work but slowly falling for each other as the write letter with magical typewriters. It starts slow but is fabulous story about love and the effects of war. ★★★★★ Read on Hoopla
• Marvel Storm: Dawn of a Goddess by Tiffany D. Jackson - This a reimaging of the origin of the X-Men icon: Storm as a young girl in Egypt when she comes into her power. While the writing is solid, and the story pacing is good some of author's views make it feel trite and like she didn't research her settings very well. ★★★☆☆ Read on Libby

Currently Reading

• Breaking the Dark: A Jessica Jones Marvel Crime Novel by Lisa Jewell IG Post
• Hearts Overboard by Becky Dean IG Post
• Spider-Man: The Gathering of the Sinister Six by Adam-Troy Castro - Reading as an audiobook on Hoopla with my library's subscription.
• Spy x Family, Vol. 9 by Tatsuya Endo - Reading as an eBook via the Libby app.

Checked Out, To Be Read

• Southeast Asia: Phrasebook and Dictionary by Berlitz Publishing (already returned)
• Burmese Phrasebook and Dictionary by Berlitz Publishing (already returned)
• Essential Burmese Phrasebook and Dictionary by A Zun Mo (already returned)
• What If Love Is the Point?: Living for Jesus in a Self-Consumed World by Alexa and Carlos PenaVega
• The Perfectionist's Dilemma: Learn the Art of Self-Compassion and Become a Happy Achiever by Tara Cousineau
• The Perfect World, Vol. 6 Rie Aruga
• I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore - Rereading for a future blog post. Read my review on Instagram IG Post 
• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

In The Reservation Queue

• The Happy Writer: get more ideas, write more words, and find more joy from first draft to publication and beyond by Marissa Meyer
• Ready Player Two by Earnest Cline
• Michael Vey: The Colony by Richard Paul Evans
• Fairest by Marissa Meyer IG Post
• Know Your Newlywed by Heather Taylor

On Hold, To Be Picked Up

• None at this time.

Returned Unread

• Fairest by Marissa Meyer-Checked is one out for an IG reel and didn't have time to read it before I had to return it.
• Prince of Song & Sea by Linsey Miller-Checked is one out for an IG reel and didn't have time to read it before I had to return it.
• Lady of Disguise by Melanie Dickerson-Checked is one out for an IG reel and didn't have time to read it before I had to return it.
• Southeast Asia: Phrasebook and Dictionary by Berlitz Publishing (already returned)-Thought I needed to learn Burmese for a family reunion, and it turns out the reunion is in Boston.
• Burmese Phrasebook and Dictionary by Berlitz Publishing (already returned)-Thought I needed to learn Burmese for a family reunion, and it turns out the reunion is in Boston.
• Essential Burmese Phrasebook and Dictionary by A Zun Mo (already returned)-Thought I needed to learn Burmese for a family reunion, and it turns out the reunion is in Boston.
• Near Misses and Cowboy Kisses by Katrina Emmel-Checked it out for Summer of Love Stories on IG but it didn't come to the library in time and then I had to return it before I could read it.
• Crank Palace: A Maze Runner Novella by James Dashner Read The Maze Runner Death Cure Review on IG-I read the original trilogy in 2023, and when I saw this book from Newt's perspective. I thought Thomas Brodie-Sangster, I will definitely read that. I mean just look at him. But I also did not have time to read it.

This month I read 1 more book than I returned without reading. I am an avid audiobook reader and go through several audiobooks a month. If your library has Hoopla, it is the perfect place to find audiobooks. They have a wide selection including both popular titles and more obscure ones. They have every genre from Juvenile fiction to Christan Devotionals and many more. And there is no waiting for titles on Hoopla! That's my favorite part.

While you're here check out some of my other blogs. I have a review for Hunger Games Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and a fiction story based on my old church choir director, Choir Humor (Or What Kills the Mood Faster Than Someone Singing Off-Key

#LoveYourLibrary

Thank you, Rebecca for coming up with this blog challenge and I hope to do it again. Check out her blog Bookish Beck

I love making Bookish Friends! Follow me on Instagram Skai_BooksAndBracelets

Reb Recs (My Sister Recommends Me Books)

Welcome to Reb Recs!

My sister graciously and eagerly made me this list of books. Here are 24 books that she loves and wishes for me to share in her love of them. Credit for this booklist goes to her. I have not yet read any of these, so I can't endorse any of them, YET. 

She made this a bit like a game. So here are the rules:
1. Choose 1 of the two suggested titles for each month.

2. Get the book. Some of them are ones my sister owns, some of these I'll get from my local library.

3. Read (or listen) to the book. She is okay if I read the book as a physical book, eBook or audiobook.

4. Tell her what I what I think of the book. I will also update this blog with my thoughts. 

This will be an ongoing blog project, so stay tuned for future updates.

Spy School by Stuart Gibbs or North of Nowhere by Liz Kessler

It's January! My sister created this list and gifted it as a part of her Christmas present to me. I had one week to consider the titles and choose my first book. With that in mind here's how I picked my first month's read. I have several titles I am currently reading and didn't want to add another physical book or eBook to the metaphorical stack, so it came down to which book I could get quickly as an audiobook. I checked my public library's trusty eLibrary and found that only one of these two books was available from them as an audiobook. So, I checked that audiobook out. I'm leaving everyone in suspense, just as I've left my sister waiting for me to announce my first read to tell her what I choose. So here we go, here is my first choice.

Spy School by Stuart Gibbs, read by Gibson Frazier

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Genre: Middle Grade Adventure

Rating: 4/5

Spice: 0/5

Content Warnings: Danger and violence (Middle grade appropriate), mild language, kids having weapons

📘SUMMARY📘

Ben Ripley is an ordinary 12-year-old when he is recruited by the CIA to attend spy school. Soon after, he is attacked in his dorm room by an assassin and learns that he is being used as bate to catch a double agent. Being a student at spy school would be cool if it weren't for the ninjas, bullies and traitors. He's busy making new friends, crushing on the most talented girl in spy school, and learning the secrets of espionage. 

📘REVIEW📘

I didn't quite love this book; Throughout there are moments of danger and action. However, there are a couple times the author uses a plot device to push the story along as appose to having the characters' actions and experiences lead the story. One thing it does really well is create strong parallels and contrasts between the differences in the characters for a unique and interesting ensemble. After some reflection I notice there is some excellent foreshadowing, and the author uses those parallels between different characters to prepare the reader for a surprise ending. The main character, Ben is a likeable 12-year-old character. He's hardworking, kind and clever. For a special skill, he is really good at math, and it plays an important role.  Also, this book has a clever sense of humor. There's no romance, but Ben has a crush on Erica, a superspy student a couple of years older than him. Also, she may be the only competent person in the spy school making for some funny situations throughout the book. This story is perfect for Middle Grade readers who enjoy action and humor.

💙WOULD I REC?💙

My sister loves this book, while I find it entertaining.  I would recommend this book, but for children, parents and caregivers looking for clean, action-packed and fun middle grade books.

#bookreview #booksandbracelets #bookstagram #libby #spyschool #stuartgibbs 

🩵Pictured with Chevron Stripe in blue, red and black!🩵

Things Not Seen by Andrew Clements or Belle by Cameron Dokey

Along with the short month of February, my sister decided to recommend a couple of shorter titles. This month I considered my options and saw that I could listen or read Things Not Seen as an eBook or even audiobook from my local library but if I wanted to read Belle, I would have to read my sister's physical copy. I honestly have been trying to keep my currently reading list of books down to a list that feels manageable, and I have been reading physical books very slowly, so I decided it would come down to if I finished one of the physical books I am currently reading. And I finished that one more book. In February I am reading:

Belle by Cameron Dokey

Check back for my review!

Blue Blur: A Mission Given by Tanner Froreich or City Spies by James Ponti

Check back in March for updates.

The Story Thieves by James Riley or Restart by Gordon Korman

Check back in April for updates.

Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes or School for Sidekicks by Kelly McCollough

Check back in May for updates.

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull or Going Wild by Lisa McMann

Check back in June for updates.

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine or My Brother Is a Superhero by David Solomons

Check back in July for updates.

A Year Without Autumn by Liz Kessler or The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine

Check back in August for updates.

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein or No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman

Check back in September for updates.

No Passengers Beyond This Point by Gennifer Choldenko or The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

Check back in October for updates.

Swindle by Gordon Korman or Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

Check back in November for updates.

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger or When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stand

Check back in December for updates.

Check back for concluding thoughts.

Below is the full list my sister made along with her comments on each title.

For more bookish content find me on Instagram: @Skai_BooksAndBracelets