2021 Reading Challenge! – I Literary Can't!

Sourdough • Robin Sloan

Published on December 25, 2021December 25, 2021 by KendallLeave a comment

“Baking, by contrast, was solving the same problem over and over again, because every time, the solution was consumed. I mean, really: chewed and digested. Thus, the problem was ongoing. Thus, the problem was perhaps the point.”
Robin Sloan, Sourdough

Lois’s isolating job as a software engineer in a new city just isn’t cutting it in the happiness department. The only joy she finds is in the food of an illegally run , apartment based delivery service. With a cup of the chef’s starter, Lois embarks on a sourdough journey that grows at a rate that she can’t keep up with. Before she knows it, Lois is in over her head. Little does she know that the lore of the sourdough starter will be the only thing to ground her.

Eighty-five books later and I am still shocked to have discovered a new favorite! Upon receiving this small, textured book in the mail, I immediately opened to page one and was pulled in. Shout out to Ariel Bissett for putting this book on my radar.

This book does not hold your average story. It is kind of strange and appears to have no plot, but trust me, it does. It just doesn’t unfold like your other favorite novels. Sourdough is a nicely compact book in that it includes everything from fascinating character developments, cool science stuff (the technical phrasing, of course), and BREAD. Also, the way that Sloan makes the relationship that the main character has between her work and personal life is just outstanding. You want to deeply understand this character, but it doesn’t feel like you have the time because she hits the ground running…or more like… stumbling her way through the pages. This story is about discovery for both the main character and the reader.

While reading, I kept saying to those around me that this book is so easy to read. I said it at least five times before considering what that meant. I have Sloan’s impeccable writing to thank for a good portion of this. The other can be attributed to the subtle, yet completely intriguing storyline. Believe me, the near silence of Sourdough takes you by surprise. This is one of the most addictive books that I have read all year. It sparked that reading joy in me. I had to write about it.

Upon closing the back cover, I frantically made my way to the kitchen. I have never had a starter or baked sourdough bread before. I know that the smart choice would be to find a local bakery and ask for a pinch of their starter, but I couldn’t be talked down. My “Day 1” starter is resting in a warm place. I don’t want to jinx anything, but her name is Judith. It felt right. I used to follow a cute dog with the name on Instagram.

Like always when talking about incredible books, I don’t feel that I did it justice. Readers, I barely brushed the tip of the iceberg. Give it a chance. Warm up to it. Let’s eat bread together!

(P.S. If anyone has a recipe for that magic Spicy Soup, please message me).

Thanks for reading!

Reading Stats 2021• Plans for 2022

Published on December 8, 2021 by Kendall4 Comments

Dear readers, it’s time for a 2021 Reading Wrap Up!

This year of reading has been unlike any other for me. Although there are still several weeks left in the year, I wanted to go ahead and take a look at my stats. I used StoryGraph throughout the year to track my books. I had several physical ways of keeping up with them in the beginning, but in the end, it is more efficient for me to just hit “Currently Reading” and “Read.” I LOVE this site/app. It is simple, clean, and does the exact job that I need it to do. Also, c’mon, the stats are pretty epic. What do you use to keep up with your reads?

This year, after graduating with a bachelor’s degree and working a couple of different jobs, I had more time to read than before…until I began working on my Master’s degree this October. In total, I finished 80 books, exceeding my goal of 45 by 178%. (I can’t tell you the number of books that I DNF.) I read 24,003 pages, which I realized might be a little off because of the random editions that I failed to pay attention to. Whoops. To the pie charts!

My top three most read moods for 2021 include: emotional (28), adventurous (27), and lighthearted (26). The largest percent of books that I read are medium paced (45%), which is kind of surprising. I tend to read shorter, slower paced novels. Okay, the shorter aspect still rings true with 56% of the books that I read being 300 pages and under. I used to only pick up the thickest books I could find. Now, I attempt to seek out well written books that pack a punch. Out of the 80 books of the year, 71 of them were fiction with only 9 of them being nonfiction. My star rating can be broken down like: 5 (13), 4.5 (5), 4 (5), 3.5 (3), 3 (4), 2.5 (3), 2 (1). (I am no math genius, but I obviously did not rate all of the books that I read on StoryGraph or on the blog.) These are all of the stats that I am reporting this year! There are a few more, but I feel like I covered all of the most interesting ones.

Favorite Books 2021	Least Favorite Books 2021
The Comet Seekers – Helen Sedgwick	The Invisible Life of Addie Larue – V.E. Schwab
The Anthropocene Reviewed – John Green	Vinegar Girl – Anne Tyler
The Ocean at the End of the Lane – Neil Gaiman	Something Borrowed – Emily Giffin
The House on Mango Street – Sandra Cisneros	Lab Girl – Hope Jahren
The Joy Luck Club – Amy Tan	Bridget Jones’s Diary – Helen Fielding

This year of tracking my reading, writing numerous reviews, and stressing myself out over one of my favorite hobbies has led me to make a decision about my reading goals for 2022. The first is that I will not have a read goal! All I want to do this next year is enjoy what I read. It is a ZERO pressure year! I will still be using TheStoryGraph, but I won’t set up a numerical goal.

I can’t wait for the new year. I have been stuck in a book blah as of late. I am still reading, but I haven’t read anything spectacularly wonderful recently. I have big ideas about rereading some of my favorites next year as well as more nonfiction! Oh, lot’s of picture books too. I’m excited!

That’s all for now. I hope that you are well! Take a walk with your pup. Watch a good show. Buy some books if you need to!

Did you have any favorite books of 2021? Do you have any new reading plans/goals for 2022?

Thanks for reading!

Something is Killing the Children • James Tynion IV with Werther Dell’edera (Illustration)

Published on October 29, 2021October 13, 2021 by Kendall4 Comments

One by one children are going missing from Archer’s Peak, and something sinister is behind it. Just when the local law are at a loss about the situation, a strange woman arrives who has the ability to see through the shadows just like the children who find themselves in danger, except she is the threat to the creatures lurking in the dark. Erica Slaughter, armed to the teeth, goes on the hunt for any monster who dares to cross her path.

This book is one of the first comic books that I have read in a long time! I ordered it from Thriftbooks several weeks ago, and I was surprised when I got it in the mail. I was expecting, for some reason, a Middle Grade graphic novel. Instead, I read a dark and grizzly comic about the brutal murders of kids. Oh, and the monsters are nothing to sniff at either.

When I opened to the first page, I was immediately put off by what I was seeing. As mentioned, it was not was I pictured that book to be. Despite all of my confusion, and my less than enthusiastic first impression, I was quickly sucked into the story. I love how daunting the stakes are. The dialogue reads like a late night cop show…in a good way. The intensity of Erica Slaughter is *chef’s kiss*. She is the awesome bad girl that we all wanted to be growing up.

Give it a read, trust me. I want to continue with the series as soon as possible. The mystery has only just begun in volume one.

Thanks for reading.

Mason Falls Mysteries: The House • Raelyn Drake

Published on October 26, 2021October 13, 2021 by KendallLeave a comment

Each year the older kids at school bully younger groups of students into staying at the haunted house down the road from Grace’s home. Rather than cower in the house’s fearsome shadows, Grace and her friends decide to take a closer look at its inner workings. It their eyes, it isn’t typical for a haunted house to put out candy on Halloween each year.

This hour-long audio read can best be described as fine and fun. It isn’t too much of a time commitment, and the story isn’t asking to much of you. It reads like a fast Goosebumps book. I enjoyed this read as an audiobook best of all because of the narrator’s inflection during spooky scenes. It has lots of great sound effects that got me a couple of times.

My biggest issue with The House is that it is so fast paced that it wraps up too quickly in the end. Of course, when you are just wanting something creepy and quick, it works.

Thanks for reading.

The Hollow • Jessica Verday

Published on October 22, 2021August 21, 2021 by KendallLeave a comment

“Bye Caspian!’ I called out. He stopped, and threw me a big grin over his shoulder. I grinned back like the Cheshire cat. What was it about him that made me feel so ridiculously happy?”
Jessica Verday, The Hollow

Abbey’s life is forever changed after her best friend goes missing. The entire town of Sleepy Hollow whispers that Kristen’s death was no accident but Abbey has not given up hope. It isn’t possible for her friend to just be…gone. Although grief and confusion consume her, Abbey can’t help but notice the appearance of a stranger who has turned up on multiple occasions. He talks as if he knew Kristen, but there is something strange about him. He has secrets of his own that seem to be more fiction than reality. As Abbey and Caspian become friends, she begins to discover that Kristen had secrets of her own that could possibly be connected to her disappearance and to “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”

The Hollow was a reread for me after many years! I first read this trilogy in middle school where I became obsessed with its spooky atmosphere. These books, and one wonderful teacher, introduced me further to “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving. I am picky when it comes to retellings, so I am happy to report that this book still stands for me after so much time. It is not a work of literature by any means, but it is one of the more solid retellings that I have read. The book doesn’t take itself too seriously but the interwoven lore of the legend and of your good ole’ YA drama hits a nice sweet spot that I was able to enjoy even as someone who is picky with the genre. Verday knows how to write about Autumn in Sleepy Hollow. While reading, I kept googling pictures and finding ambiance videos so that I could at least pretend that it was ninety degrees outside. The setting, atmosphere, and specific details about drinks, perfumes, comfy clothing, etc. are all what made this book one of my middle school favorites. I love to relish in the small details. This book is a well crafted YA/Spooky Pinterest board. I can’t wait to read the next two books.

Thanks for reading.

The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires • Grady Hendrix

Published on October 15, 2021September 25, 2021 by Kendall2 Comments

“We’re a book club,” Maryellen said. “What are we supposed to do? Read him to death? Use strong language?”
Grady Hendrix, The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires

Patricia feels lost in the life that she had longed for as a teenager. Day after day she runs her home and takes care of her senile mother-in-law while her husband works long hours and her children live their own lives with school and friends. She doesn’t have anything for herself except for the book club with several other Charleston women. Each week they escape their mundane lives through the fantasies and adventures of “trashy” romance stories and horrifying thrillers. Late into the evening after one of the book club’s meetings, Patty is attacked by her elderly neighbor from across the street. This freak accident leads to an introduction with a new neighbor across the road who quickly wins everyone over. It doesn’t take long until Patricia begins to notice that something strange is going on after the children begin whispering of danger in the woods and someone disappears.

This book turned out to be nothing like I expected. Despite all of the wonderful reviews that I had read about the book, I expected it to be simple and disappointing. Instead, I read a story that was a combination of Elizabeth Kostova’s The Historian, Fried Green Tomatoes by Fannie Flagg, and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. This book sucked me in, folks…no pun intended. From the very beginning I was drawn into the southern lifestyle and toils of Patricia and all of the women featured in the story. The depictions of what it was like to be a woman and a mother were reminiscent of those in The Help by Kathryn Stockett…which is why I was surprised every time I realized that this book takes place in the 90s. (How many more references can I fit in here?)

The characters in this book are fantastic! Hendrix hit the nail on the head at giving each of the book club ladies personality and depth. Throughout the book I felt an ebb and flow of like and dislike and trust and distrust in regard to the ladies that Patricia had found a community with which is something I have seldom felt while reading. The characters are enticingly thorough. I wanted to spend all of my own time whispering about suspicious neighbors with them and plotting. Oh, I also wanted to mention that I was impressed to feel that southern connection and kinship between the women. Some of my favorite stories and movies involve that bond that feels specific to stories from the south.

The antagonist of The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires is intoxicating and disturbing. Truthfully, they (for the sake of not spoiling the book) are unlike any villain that I have faced before in a book. The inspiration from the books above is there, but Hendrix managed to twist his take on a monster into something dark and something that you are never fully able to understand. It is entirely confusing but wholly enveloping.

The last thing that I will say about this book is that it is gross. There is a lot of gore, fluids, etc. In addition to the general grossness of the book there are several triggers throughout the book that you might want to be aware of before picking up this title or listening to it like I did. The gore was unexpected and jarred me a few times.

If you are brave enough, check out The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires. I enjoyed it immensely and will be reading it again!

Thanks for reading.

Creepy Pair of Underwear! • Aaron Reynolds

Published on October 12, 2021October 8, 2021 by KendallLeave a comment

Jasper Rabbit is no baby bunny. He is a mature, brave, and ready for a new type of underwear no matter how creep they are. After convincing his mom to buy a terrifying pair for him, Jasper finds himself going to great lengths to dispose of the clothing that is haunting his house. Just when he is courageous enough to completely rid of the smiling underpants, Jasper notices how his room is a little too dark without the green, ghoulish glow.

This children’s picture book, by renowned author Aaron Reynolds, has been a HIT at school these past few weeks. I have read it to Kindergarten, third grade, and sixth grade classes, and they have all loved it! Both the writing and illustrations in this book combine for the perfect spooky ambiance that draws readers of all ages into the story. Of course, a little enhanced whispering and dramatic reading doesn’t hurt the vibes either. One aspect that all of the age levels loved for different reasons is the color palette. The older kiddos loved the muted grays and blacks because it seemed, as they said, “like an adult book for kids.” The younger ones were drawn to the brilliant, fluorescent green of the underpants. Anytime they saw it, they would scream, “it’s back!”

Give this book a read! It is the perfect time of the year for it. If your own kids haven’t read it at school yet, get your hands on it and/or donate a copy to the library! It has been the most requested book so far! It is exciting and creepy all at once!

Thanks for reading.

Dark Waters • Katherine Arden

Published on October 8, 2021August 21, 2021 by KendallLeave a comment

“Brian belatedly realized that if you told a lot of lies, even if it was for a good reason, like trying to keep people safe, it started to get hard to trust that other people were telling the truth.”
Katherine Arden, Dark Waters

The previous year was unlike any other for friends Ollie, Coco, and Brian. After surviving two season’s of the Smiling Man’s games, the group is wary after his last sinister message, “until next time.” It is spring and the kids and their families are taking a boat ride in Lake Champlain. They board a vessel with a captain who tells them of the lake monster who is said to have taken down crews many years ago. All seems to be going well until the kids, including Brian’s old friend Phil, receive a message that triggers the start of a new game. The boat and its passengers are in peril, and it is up to Brian and his survival skills to see them through to the end.

I was very excited to receive my signed copy of Dark Waters in August. The “Small Spaces” world is oddly comforting despite the constant terrors. This book delivered on the cozy details that Arden is so wonderful at writing. Anytime she writes about Ollie’s dad and what he cooks or even the kids clothing, I am entranced by the soothing imagery. Speaking of, something that really brought this series together, in this book specifically, is how much we hear from the parents. It’s Middle Grade so I don’t expect there to be that much parental involvement, but it was nice to see them along for the boating excursion. They were pretty involved in the game throughout the entire book whereas they weren’t as prevalent before.

After the scary pumpkin patch and haunted inn settings of the first two books, I was a little less into the piratic themed setting of Dark Waters. Don’t get me wrong, the story is as strong as its precursors, and I am willing to admit that this opinion comes down to preference, but I just didn’t find the stakes as spooky as the first two. I have read similar comments from other reviews. It reads a bit more like an adventure story rather than the scary adventures that Arden has written before.

Nevertheless, I am a huge fan of the “Small Spaces” series. I am eagerly waiting for the summer book, especially after a massive cliffhanger. If you still, after all of my yakking, haven’t at least considered reading the first book, then please do so now! Small Spaces and Dead Voices will make your hair stand on end, and Dark Waters is a lot of stressful fun!

Thanks for reading.

Shadow Weaver • MarcyKate Connolly

Published on October 1, 2021September 25, 2021 by KendallLeave a comment

“The first time my shadow spoke to me I was a mere infant in the cradle. They say on the night I was born that even the stars fled the sky and the moon hid under a dark cloak. That I was a quiet thing, with a shock of black hair and eyes like glittering onyx. I did not scream like other newborn children. And I did not reach for my mother like instinct should have instructed me.”
MarcyKate Connolly, Shadow Weaver

Emmeline’s only friend is her shadow, Dar, but this friendship, and her ability to manipulate shadows is unnatural and makes her an outcast. When two strangers appear at her family’s home offering to help, after a series of harmful tricks played by Dar, Emmeline realizes their intentions and flees. Can she survive in a world where people target those bestowed gifts by an ancient comet? Can she trust her only friend whose malice continues to grow?

I was drawn to this Middle Grade book from the moment I saw the blurb reading, “for fans of Coraline.” However, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I had hoped to. The concept of the powers and abilities given by the comet, like Emmeline’s shadow manipulation and another’s light manipulation, are enticing, but beyond that, I only thought the story was okay. There were several paragraphs of writing that screamed cottage-core so intensely, and I loved those, but as a whole, it wasn’t for me.

That being said, Shadow Weaver is a well-written book. While it wasn’t my cup of tea, I know several kiddos at school who would have a great time with it. It is fast-paced, which might have been some of my beef, and is full of magic. There are several shocking twists and turns that I had a lot of fun with while reading. There is definitely substance to this story. Give it a shot, and continue with the series!

Thanks for reading.

Spooky Series 2021 • wOoOoOoO

Published on September 30, 2021 by KendallLeave a comment

Welcome to the 2021 Spooky Series! Readers, my October reads are all over the place. I intended to focus on Middle Grade this year, but I have already strayed. I have a serious case of the mood reads…I always do.

Last year, I “introduced” myself to the horror genre by reading Stephen King’s books, short stories, and more. You can check out last year’s series here. This year, I am choosing whatever I want to read! Sometimes it’s more fun to just go with the flow and really feel those creepy vibes.

So, stick around if you want and share any spooky recommendations of your own in the comments! I hope that you all have a wonderful October. wOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

Thanks for reading!