Mailbox Monday (132)

It's been forever since I've posted for Mailbox Monday (Years, literally.) To the point where I wasn't sure if it existed anymore. But you do! And I purchased a couple of books I couldn't help but share, so here I am, back again!
Purchased
We're about to head on vacation, and I was in search of a couple of beach reads to bring along for both me and the kids. I'm so excited by what I found, and can't wait for us all to enjoy these.
Star Wars Block Illustrated by Peskimo
I've heard of these block books for a while and was really intrigued. But finally seeing one in person, plus the fact it was Star Wars sucked me in. This really is unlike any book I've seen, and I'm hoping Bear loves it just as much. Especially since I want to buy all the others in the series!
How to Code a Sandcastle by Josh Funk
I was really hoping to find a fun story about going to the beach, and I feel like I hit jackpot here. This is a story of a little girl who wants to build a sand castle, but instead of doing it by hand, figures out how to code a robot to do so. It's such a fun concept, and so well done. I really think it's a perfect book, and hope Elley feels the same.
An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! by Mo Willems
This is actually five Elephant & Piggie stories in one collection. I've heard great things about the series and Mo Willems, but there was just something that stopped me from buying any. I did recently pick up Elley at daycare and see her reading one of the stories, which reminded me of them. Plus this was Barnes & Nobles children's book of the month and hence 50% which inspired me to finally take the plunge.
A Certain Age by Beatriz Williams
I've heard such great things about Beatriz Williams, although have never read anything she's written. (Unless you count The Forgotten Room in which she was one of three authors.) I'm really excited to finally she what she's about, especially knowing how many other books of hers are out there!
All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin
I love, love, love Emily Giffin. Although I can't say I've loved everyone of her books, because there was that one. But when we lost our house in the flood and had to evacuate, the "luxury item" I brought with my was her First Comes Love which I was reading at the time. I'm so looking forward to laying out on the beach and getting lost in this book (at least assuming someone else will be watching the kids!) and I really hopeful this is like so many of her others that I can't stop reading!

It was so much fun to be back posting for Mailbox Monday, and I'll do my best to not let another 2 years go by before joining in again!

Mailbox Monday (131)

I figured it's about time for me check in with a Mailbox Monday post, right?
Gifted from My Dad
Spaghetti and Meatballs for All! by Marilyn Burns
I've actually seen this book on several lists of math books for children. In the story, Mr. and Mrs. Comfort throw a dinner party and have to arrange, rearrange, and rearrange the table and chairs to make room for everybody learning a bit about perimeter on the way.

Little Beaver Builds a Bed by Katie Thompson
This one was actually written by one of my dad's friends. It's about a beaver who builds a bed with his dad for a very special person.

From PJ Library
Tea with Zayde by Barney Saltzberg
This is actually a really cute and relevant for us book. Each day the little girl in the story has tea with her grandfather. Except you realize on the last page that they aren't meeting in person but over the internet. Until a few years ago a book like this never would have existed, but for kids growing up like Elley now, it's hard to imagine life without this type of technology.

Happy, Happy by Bara Bat-Shem
This one is slightly more traditional, but still adorable, as the book goes through the various happy times that occur in a baby's first year. Knowing Elley, I have a feeling this is one I'll be reading, over and over and over again.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Mailbox Monday (129)

It's been a while since I've gotten a Mailbox Monday post up. So much so, that I'm sharing the books Elley received for Valentine's Day. And it's May... Yeah. Better late than never, right?
From PJ Library
Today by Kyra Teis
The title of this book, todah, means thank you. As you'd expect each page shows a baby saying thank you for some aspect of their life. I think the illustrations, which looks like children's artwork on pieces of paper, are adorable.

Where is the Afikomen? by Judyth Groner and Madeline Wikler
This is a Passover book in which a little girl looks for the afikomen, the last piece of matzah, to end the meal. Elley isn't quite old enough to go looking for the afikomen yet, but hopefully next year we can try hiding it for her.

Purchased
Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare
I really try to avoid purchasing books now, but my one exception is Cassandra Clare's shadowhunter books. This one is the first of a new trilogy and takes place a few years after the last book in The Mortal Instruments series. I've actually finished this book and really enjoyed it, so I'll have a bit more to say in my review... whenever I get around to writing it that is!

From Paperbackswap
Crossed by Ally Condie
The next in the Matched series. To be honest, the last book is a little blurry but I do remember liking it. I'm sure as I get into this one it will start coming back to me.

For Review from the Author
Painting the Moon by Traci Moon
I'm not quite sure how this one made its way to me. But it looks like a cute romance-y novel about a California girl who moves to a little cottage in England. Hopefully it's as adorable as it sounds.

Gifted
Olivia by Ian Falconer
This is the first of the two books Elley received for Valentine's Day. Like most of her board books, we keep this one in the living room. While I think it's adorable, sadly Elley hasn't quite gotten into it yet. But I'm hopeful that as she gets old she appreciates it a little more.

The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
I absolutely adore this book! I've bought it several times before, but always as a gift, so I'm really excited to finally own a copy. In case you haven't discovered this gem yet, in it each crayon writes a letter of complaints to their owner. For example, orange and yellow argue over which is the color of the sky, grey doesn't like being used to draw big animals like elephants and whales, but after reading all their letters the owner find a way to make all the crayons happy.

Just for fun, here's a photo of Elley opening up her Valentine's Day books, all decked out for the holiday.
What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Mailbox Monday (128)

It's another Sunday. But lucky for me, I don't have work tomorrow! Instead I'll be in New Orleans recovering from tonight's Nick Carter concert. I can't wait, but first, here's a look at my Mailbox Monday, sharing the books I've picked up recently.
For Review from TLC Book Tours
America's First Daughter By Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie
This is a historical fiction about Thomas Jefferson's daughter. It's one I've actually already read and reviewed. As for the short version, I loved it and felt I learned a lot reading it.

From PJ Library
It's Tu B'Shevat by Edie Stolz Zolkower
This is a cute picture book on Tu B'Shevat, which is the birthday of the trees. Think of it as Earth Day for Jews. To give you an idea on how behind I am in sharing book, Tu B'Shevat was back in January. Although it's not entirely my fault since the book was late arriving as well.

From Paperback Swap
Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella
I used to be obsessed with Kinsella's books and buy them all the week they came out. Clearly not the case anymore since this first came out in 2013. But I think at this point there's only one or two of her books that I haven't read, so I'm catching back up.

The Dark Rose by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
Another book I've already read, although still need to review. It's the second book in The Morland Dynasty Series. It takes place during King Henry VIII's reign. I don't think I liked it as much as the first, but still enough to keep reading.

150 Pounds by Kate Rockland
To be honest, the reason I want to read this book has nothing to do with the plot. Instead it's that the main character has my name, Shoshanah, although she spells hers without an h on the end. Although even so, it does look like a cute chick lit book, so I'm sure I'll have fun with it.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Mailbox Monday (127)

For the first time in well... forever, I'm actually managing to get my Mailbox Monday post up on time!
Borrowed From a Friend
Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness
I've yet to actually read the first of these books, but now once I do I'm ready to complete the trilogy.

Purchased
The Isle by Jordana Frankel
I'm so excited for this one! It's the sequel to The Ward, but more importantly, at least in my opinion, is that it was written by one of my good friends. Jordana and I met when we were roommates freshmen year of college. She was even one of my bridesmaids. Obviously I have a biased opinion here, but I really did LOVE her first book and I can't wait to see where this one goes, especially knowing how the last book ending on a cliffhanger.

Spot Goes to The Park by Eric Hill
Since Elley seems to love Where's Spot so much I went out and bought her another book from the series. It even has a blue hippo in it which is perfect for her since she's obsessed with her blue stuffed hippo. Of course Elley loves this book so much she's already ripped off one of the flaps.... sigh... but at least it lasted a few days, right???

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Mailbox Monday (125)

I don't normally get my Mailbox Monday posts up actually on Monday. So maybe I'm normally early, but posting today I'm still only one day away from Monday, so I think it works. As promised last week, these are the books Elley received for Christmas. Next week we'll go back to normal and I'll share the books I, myself, received, which have definitely been piling up!
Gifted
The Shape of Me and Other Stuff by Dr. Seuss

Ten Apples Up on Top by Dr. Seuss

Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss

Oh, The Thinks You Can Think! by Dr. Seuss
These four books all came in their own carrying case. Elley seems to be a big fan of board books lately and loves turning the pages, so I'm sure these, as well as the rest, will be lots of fun for her.

Sing-Along Songs by Roger Priddy
We haven't yet taken the cd out for this, although I'm thinking I may wait a little longer until she asks for it herself. Ha!

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.
I actually never had this one growing up. I know it's an alphabet book, so I'm at least a little familiar with it, but it will be fun discovering this one.

I Love You Through and Through by Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak

The 12 Days of Christmas Learning to Count by Johnny Yanok

The Napping House by Audrey Wood
Another classic I'm not really familiar with.

Learn Numbers with Little Red Penguin by Angela Muss

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Mailbox Monday (124)

Didn't I say this weeks Mailbox Monday would be kind of crazy? These books are just those that Elley received for her birthday and Hanukkah from us and various family and friends. I was actually planning on including Christmas books too, but couldn't get them to fit in a picture, so you'll have to wait till next week to see them. Since there are so many books instead of a sentence or two summary on each, with most I'm just listing the title.
Gifted
Panda in the Park by Anna Milbourne

Where's Spot? by Eric Hill
I had this book growing up and remember being disappointed that I had ripped all the flaps. I'm trying to make sure Elley doesn't have the same issue when she's older, although I think she may be up for a similar experience.

Latke, the Lucky Dog by Ellen Fischer

Ellie by Mike Wu
This was gifted by my dad in honor of Elley's blog name.

Star Wars: 1, 2, 3

Ninja Red Riding Hood by Corey Rosen Schwartz
Technically this was one of our Christmas presents to Elley, but it managed to sneak into this photo.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff

If You Give a Dog a Donut by Laura Joffe Numeroff
Both this and the original are signed and coincidentally were gifted by completely different people.

If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don't! by Elise Parsley

That's Not My Dragon by Fiona Watt

My Little Treasury Fairy Tales

Mommy & Me by Barabara Loots
This is an adorable book from my grandmother where you use your pictures to give a face to both the mom and baby. So cute!

Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Disney Little Golden Book by Diane Muldrow

Baby's Very First Slide And See Animals by Fiona Watt

Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

My First Chanukah by Tomie dePaola

Talk about a lot of books right? But after all, there's no such thing as too much books. Especially when they're short and you can easily reads multiple books in a day. Hope everyone else had a book filled holiday as well!

Mailbox Monday (123)

Another much belated edition of Mailbox Monday. I know I'm a little late posting, but I have several books I've acquired since this photo was taken that I was hoping to be able to share this year. So while this week may be on the small, get ready for some huge editions in the week to come.
From PJ Library
Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah by Susan L. Roth
This book is literally the lyrics of the song Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah. So while it may not have a unique story, it does have adorable pictures of mice celebrating the holiday.

From Paperback Swap
The Duff by Kody Keplinger
I've heard great things about this book as well as the author in general. After all, if they're willing to make it into a movie it has to at least be at least a little good. Not only is it one I've been curious about for a while now, it's our January book club book, which does mean I'll actually read it timely, which rarely seems to happen these days.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Mailbox Monday (121)

So I'm averaging about one Mailbox Monday post a month, which is part of the reason my mailbox is so big. I haven't actually picked up that many books at once, but more that one or two each week and they just kind of add up. As for the books, well...
From Paperback Swap
The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig
I just love this series! I've actually started and almost finished this one, and it's just as good as the others. It may be a tiny bit too early to be reading Christmas books, but I'm loving it just the same!

For Review from the Published
Hidden Inheritance by Heidi B. Neumark
This is a memior with a similar topic as Between Gods. Knowing how much I loved reading that book it seems likely I'd enjoy this one as well.

Purchased
Alienated by Melissa Landers
This was our book club book of the month. Just to show you how behind this post really is, I've already read and reviewed it. I wasn't necessarily a huge fan of it, but it did have its moments.

Gifted
The Martian by Andy Weir
This was a gift from my dad for my birthday. I actually saw the movie (for my birthday as well!) and really enjoyed it. Given all the positive things I've read about this book I have high hopes for it.

The Night Before Halloween by Natasha Wing
This was a gift from my MIL to Elley. We actually read it a few times before Halloween. It's a cute book where they show both monsters and kids are getting ready for the holiday, but then the monsters are disappointed when the kids are scared and won't party with them.

From PJ Library
Bim1 Sings the Baby by Linda Glaser
Another adorable book from PJ Library! The baby in this book celebrates Shabbat with all types of rituals like giving tzadakah, lighting candles, and eating challah.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Mailbox Monday (120)

It's officially my birthday week! I know birthdays are supposed to get less exciting as you get older, and while I may not necessarily like the getting older part, I still like the celebrating me part. Of course, I'll have to get through this week first, but till then here's a look at the books that have recently joined our household.
From PJ Library
Shai's Shabbat Walk by Ellie G. Gellman
This book is about a boy who takes a walk on a Shabbat afternoon and see all types of things that remind him of what you do on Shabbat (rest, sing, tell stories...) It's a cute little book. I especially love how Shai has his teddy bear with him in each picture.

From TLC Book tours
Between Gods by Alison Pick
Continuing on the Jewish theme, this book is a memoir where the author is the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors. Except after they escaped to Canada, as a way to escape their past they lived as Christians instead. In this book Alison writes about how her grandparents decision impacted her and how she decided to explore her Jewish identity. I'm actually about a quarter of the way through this one now, and while I was expecting to enjoy it (why would I have agreed to review it otherwise?), so far it's been even better than anticipated.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Also while you're here, don't forget to enter my giveaway to win a copy of The Determined Heart by Antoinette May!

Mailbox Monday (119)

Not only is today the end of the weekend, but it's the end of the Jewish year. Tomorrow I'll be heading to services with Elley in tow. We may only be staying for the children's service, but it will be the first year of many for her of High Holy day services. First though, here's a look at the books that have made their way into our home in the recent weeks.
From PJ Library
Sammy Spider's First Book of Jewish Holidays by Sylvia A. Rouss
Speaking of Jewish holidays, in this book Sammy Spider shows how we celebrate Jewish holidays throughout the year. I love the illustrations and think it's adorable. I'd even say it's my favorite of all the PJ Library books we've received so far.

Gifted
Math at the Art Museum by Group Majoongmul
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
While visiting my dad in California (which I'll be finishing up writing about this week), he gifted me and Elley these two books. The first, for Elley, shows various famous paintings and explains the concepts of perspective, composition, and symmetry through them. The second, instead for me, is a YA book, one that was recently made into a movie.

From the Publisher
The Sea Beach Line by Ben Nadler
This one surprised me a bit. It's a mystery, which isn't the type I normally read. But it's about a Polish-Israeli street vendor, which intrigues me a bit, and I'm guessing is part of the reason I wound up receiving it.

From My Mom
Brick Lane by Monica Ali
Going through my mom's books I found this one, about a Bangladeshi woman who is sent to London for her arranged marriage. It's a book I wound have likely picked up on my own, but knowing it was one of my mom's makes me want to read it even more.

Childbirth Choices in Mothers' Words by Kim Selbert
It may be a bit odd adding a book about childbirth 9 months after my daughter was born. Except this book, which is a collection of birth stories, includes my mom's. As in the birth stories she wrote about having me and my brother. It's a little bittersweet reading it, especially when she talks about having her mother with her when I was born, since she couldn't do the same with me, but I'm so happy to have it. So far hers is the only one of the stories I've read, but I do plan on reading the rest.

For Review from TLC Book Tours
The Determined Heart by Antoinette May
I started this book last night, and so far really like it. It's a historical fiction about Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein. Even now I really have no idea who Mary Shelley was, and only recently put together the fact that Frankenstein was written by a woman, so I know it's one where I'll learn a lot and hopefully enjoy along the way.

Broken Homes & Gardens by Rebecca Kelley
I've actually already read and reviewed this one. It's a cute chick lit type book that I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Mailbox Monday (117)

The weekend may be drawing to a close, but I'm still managing to squeeze in my somewhat weekly Mailbox Monday post.
From PJ Library
Laila Tov: A Bedtime Poem for Babies by Richard Van Camp
Our August book from PJ Library! This was originally published as Nighty-Night, but after changing a few words and pictures it now has a Jewish focus. Along with the text, it's photos of babies of various nationalities all getting ready for bed.

From Paperback Swap
Misconception by Paul and Shannon Morell
After reading and really enjoying Inconceivable, I'm now reading the story from the other point of view, that of the couple whose son was accidentally implanted into another's. I think it will be interesting reading this especially since the Morell's don't look the best in the Savage's book, but I think a lot of that would have to do with perspective. Even though this is basically the opposite of the last book I read I still see myself really enjoying it.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Mailbox Monday (116)

I'm doing the unthinkable here and actually posting my Mailbox Monday on a Monday! Craziness, right?
Won From So Obsessed With
Nowhere but Here by Liza Palmer
Hannah is currently co-hosting a ReRead challenge this year, something I love the idea of! While I haven't reread much since I was on maternity leave, I did get quite a bit done then and hope to do more the rest of the year. But the main reason I'm talking about the challenge, is because I won the mid-year challenge giveaway. I got to pick which book I wanted and decided on one that Hannah blogged about and got me excited for. I hadn't heard about it before she mentioned it, but ever since she did I can't wait to read it.

Purchased from Usbornse
Baby's Very First Touchy-Feely Colors Playbook
That's Not My Monkey
If your facebook feed is anything like mine you're constantly getting invited to various direct sales parties. I've yet to purchase anything from them, till now that is. After all, how could I say no to a children's book party?!?! I've heard great things about the That's Not My... series and at a quick glance think the book is adorable. I did take a chance on the Colors Playbook and so far have been pleasnatly surprised by it. Actually receiving both of these kind of make me want to host my own party.

From Paperbackswap
The Future of Us by Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler
The idea of being in high school, going on AOL, and stumbling on my future facebook profile is amazing to me. It doesn't hurt that AOL and facebook practically defined certain parts of my life. The hype for this was huge when it came out, although I have read some reviews where it doesn't quite live up to it. Needless to say, I'm hopeful that it works for me.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Mailbox Monday (115)

Sadly this three day weekend is coming to an end. Although we are still looking forward to cheering on USA in the women's world cup final tonight. But first, a look at the books we've recently brought into our home with this week's edition of Mailbox Monday.
For Review from the Publisher
That Chesapeake Summer by Mariah Stewart
I've already read and reviewed this one. In case you hadn't seen my review I loved it, along with the rest of the series. I still have a few others from the series I haven't had a chance to read yet, but I'd love to find the time to read them later this summer.

For Father's Day
Your Baby's First Word Will be Dada by Jimmy Fallon
This was one of Elley's Father's Day presents to the boy. In the book various animals try to get their babies to say, "Dada," except instead they respond with their normal animal noise. It's a cute book, although hopefully it doesn't predict the future and her first word will in fact be Mama.

Purchased
An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
Another book I've already read and loved. This is our book club book this month. While we'll be meeting this week as well as going to see Magic Mike, I hope everyone else has read it because I'm dying to talk about it. My review for this one isn't yet up, but I promise it will be soon.

From PJ Library
My Face Book
PJ Library is an organization that sends free books to Jewish children from the age of 6 months to 8 years. I heard about this program before I was pregnant and I've been looking forward to the month Elley is finally eligible. This month's book shows baby faces with different emotions and then has the emotion written in both English and Hebrew, similar to how it's written on the cover. I'm so, so excited for this program and can't wait to see what books they'll be adding to our collection each month.

What books did you find in your mailbox this week?

Mailbox Monday (114)

It's Father's Day! Not only that, it's the boy's first Father's Day. We going to be heading to dinner with my in-laws shortly, but first I'm sharing the books I've recently picked up with Mailbox Monday.
Purchased
A Walk in London by Salvatore Rubbino
I was purchasing a book as a baby shower gift recently, and since I was already ordering books decided to order one for Elley as well. After loving A Walk in Paris which my Dad gave us recently, I decided to buy another in the series. This one is about a mother and daughter who take a walk in London.

From Paperback Swap
The Murderer's Daughters by Randy Susan Meyers
I've actually already read this one, although still need to review it. It's about what happens to two girls after their father murders their mother. Not necessarily the type of book I was expecting, but still interesting.

Inconceivable by Carolyn & Sean Savage
I remember when this book came out being fascinated by the idea of it. It's a memoir about a couple who gets pregnant by IVF only to discover that the embryo implanted belonged to another couple. You can tell from the subtitle what they decided to do, but I'm still really curious to read their story.

For Review from TLC Book Tours
In a Dark Wood by Joseph Luzzi
Yet, another one I've already read, although this one I've reviewed. (You, can tell I'm a bit behind posting these books.) This one is also a heartbreaking memoir where the author's pregnant wife gets into a car accident and he becomes a widower and single father. I actually wasn't that big of a fan of this one, though, but still appreciated ths story.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Mailbox Monday (112)

Another weekend has come to an end, and what a weekend it was! More to come on this later this week, or at least whenever I manage to get the post up. But for now, I'm linking up with Mailbox Monday to share the books I've recently picked up.
Gifted
A Walk in Paris by Salvatore Rubbino
This was a gift from my dad. It's pretty fitting too since it's about a girl who walks around Paris seeing the sights with her grandfather. At this point I've really only glanced through it, but it does look quite adorable.

From My Mom
The English Roses by Madonna
This, like the next few books, were all ones that belonged to my mom that I'm now inheriting. For the first, I actually remember when my mom bought this one. I was in college at the time, so I definitely wasn't for me, but instead she bought it as a Madonna fan. I remember reading it then and thinking it was adorable, and continue to feel the same now.

Athenais by Lisa Hilton
My mom and I had similar reading tastes, and often she'd finish a book and lend it to me afterwards. This definitely seems like one that may have made it's my way eventually, even if my mom was still alive. It's about one of Louis VIV's mistresses, which means it take place in one of my favorite time periods.

Sarum by Edward Rutherfurd
This one is at least one I'm familiar with, although I don't remember my mom reading it. It's quite possible that she didn't though, since there's a handful of Waterstone's bookmarks in it. I've actually been wanting to read something by Rutherfurd for a while now, so hopefully it lives up to my expectations.

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
This one I remember my mom loving, although I don't remember this specific version of the book. I've been wanting to read this series for a while now and I'm excited that I can finally make it happen.

The Witch of Cologne by Tobsha Learner
The cover of this gives quite the impression, yet it doesn't look to be the best representative of its story. Instead it's about a Jewish midwife in the 1600s, which sounds like the type of book I'd really enjoy.

Wind, Sand, and Stars by Antoine De Saint-Exupery
I remember loving a movie of The Little Prince growing up, but I never actually read the book. Expanding that a little more, I've never read anything by Saint-Exupery before, so I knew this was one I wanted to add to my library.

The Discovery of King Arthur by Geoffery Ashe
Knowing my mom loved The Mists of Avalon it shouldn't be too much of a surprise to hear she was a big King Arthur fan in general. This book isn't fiction, and instead explores the history behind the legend and where it may have come from.

From Goodreads
A Lover's Vow by Brenda Jackson
Yet another giveaway win! But honestly as a romance novel, I can't say I'm expecting too much from it.

What did you find in your mailbox this week? And did or do you and your mom have similar taste in books?

Mailbox Monday (110)

Somehow I've actually managed to post my Mailbox Monday post two weeks in a row! It's a little later than I normally get my post up, but still technically on time.
For Review from France Book Tours
Race to Tibet by Sophie Schiller
This is a historical fiction about a French explorer who travels to Tibet. I've actually started it already, and while it's different than expected, so far I've been pleasantly surprised.

For Review from TLC Book Tours
Diamond Head by Cecily Wong
Another historical fiction book, this one taking place in Hawaii. I can't remember a book I've read that took place in Hawaii, let alone a historical one which makes me really excited for this.

From Goodreads
The Trap by Steven Arnton
Yet, another historical fiction. This time we're in Iowa in the 1960s. It's a middle grade book which is different than the other two. It's supposed to be a little science fiction too, which sounds like an interesting mix.

Seeking Serenity by Amanda Enayati
Definitely not historical fiction! I wouldn't call myself a very stressed or anxious person, but even so I hoping to learn something by read this one.

Start Me Up by Nicole Michaels
Sometimes there's nothing like a cheesy romance novels. In case you couldn't guess from the title the romantic interest here is a mechanic.

From a Friend
You Are My Sunshine by Caroline Jayne Church
Hello, Bugs! by Smriti Prasadam
Where is Baby's Belly Button? by Karen Katz
Peek-a-Who by Nina Laden
! friend of mine was cleaning out her own baby items and gave these to me, as well as a bunch of clothes and toys. I've already read each one to Elley and have a feeling we'll be reading each one many more times in the years to come.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Mailbox Monday (104)

I had planned on sharing these books last week for Mailbox Monday. Then I never found the time to actually get a post written. I guess having a newborn will do that to you. But this week, I've actually made it happen.
Gifted:
The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss
Fox in Socks by Dr. Seuss
These books were all gifted to Elley from a family friend as a Christmas present. The one I'm most excited here would have to be The Cat in the Hat. And funny enough, I'm not sure if I actually remember ever reading Fox in Socks, but I guess that will be changing soon.

From Goodreads
Am I Pretty by Lindsey Jensen Berke
Reading this children's book about a girl who is told she can't play with a group of girls because she isn't pretty, I actually thought it was going to be a little cheesy. But I actually really appreciated where it wound up going. Plus I think the actual illustrations are pretty adorable as well.

Sisters of Shiloh by Kathy and Becky Hepinstall
For the only adult book of the bunch, is one about the Civil War. Like many others seem to be lately, this is about women who disguise themselves as men to fight in the war. I'm not sure why these books seem to be popular lately, but I'm excited to finally try one out.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Mailbox Monday (103)

It's a Mailbox Monday full of post holiday fun! Yes, there are a few books here for me, but the majority of them were gifts for my daughter's first Hanukkah and Christmas.
Gifted
The Pout-Pout Fish by Dborah Diesen
Fluffy Animals
Both of these were gifts from our daughter's aunt, uncle, and cousins.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
This was one my wish list for Elley, and was gifted to her by her great-grandmother.

The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear by Don and Audrey Wood
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Yes, another copy of Goodnight Moon, but this one's better for when she's a little older. I was curious as to whether the board book was abridged, turns out it's the full version. Also, I never actually had a copy of the Strawberry book growing up, but definitely recognize it from friends' houses. Anyways, both of these were gifts from my dad's girlfriend.

Cajun Night Before Christmas Illustrated by James Rice
This was our gift to Elley for Christmas, because living in Louisiana I figured it was pretty much a necessity.

The Bedtime Sh'ma Adapted by Sarah Gershman
This actually wasn't a holiday gift at all, but instead a gift from our Rabbi for Elley's baby naming.

The Jungle Book by Jennifer Adams
Frankenstein by Jennifer Adams
Huckleberry Finn by Jennifer Adams
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Jennifer Adams
More Babylit books! I don't own them all, at least not yet, but that may or may not be my goal before 2015 is over. These were all gifts from us on the 8th night of Hanukkah.

From Paperback Swap
Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally
I'm so excited for this one! I've heard such great things about Miranda Kenneally and her Hundred Oaks books, but have yet to read any of them myself. I think the fact that it's a YA book featured around sports is such a clever idea. Hopefully it will live up to all the hype!

From Goodreads
Hausfrau by Jill Alexander Essbaum
I didn't even realize I had one this till it arrived in the mail. I guess that's what having a baby will do to you! But it looks to be somewhat of a literary fiction story about an unsatisfied housewife in Switzerland. So I guess we'll see how I feel about it.

What did you find in your mailbox this week? Anyone else have some post-holiday gifts to share?

Mailbox Monday (100)

I've officially made it to my 100th Mailbox Monday post! I wasn't sure I would get to it before the baby arrived, but it's managed to stay in so far. Good timing on the baby's part, especially since in its honor this week is full of books for the baby-to-be.
Gifted
On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman
This, like the next two, with both given to me at my work baby shower. Till now, I've never actually read this book, but I know it's a pretty popular. Looking through the book from the story to the illustrations, it's easy to see why.

Disney Bedtime Stories
This one definitely spans the Disney universe, from classic characters with stories on Mickey, Donald, and Winnie the Pooh, to the movies that came out when I was growing up like Aladdin, The Lion King, and Toy Story, to the classic movies with stories from Bambi, Cinderella, and Peter Pan, and even to more recent favorites like Monster Inc, Finding Nemo, and Cars. Maybe not one to read in one sitting, but I'm guessing eventually we'll read through them all.

Noisy Farm
As much as I may want to look down on books like this since they don't really tell a story, I can accept how much fun they are for a tiny person. Especially since not only does this one make noises, but also lets you pet all the animals.

From Goodreads
KeeKee's Big Adventures in Athens, Greece by Shannon Jones
Yes, even my goodreads win this week is a children's book! This is is pretty adorable book about a cat who travels to Greece and visits the sights. Considering Greece is the country on the top of our travel list this is a pretty prefect one for us. There's actually two other books in this series where KeeKee travels to Paris and Rome, and given how cute this one is it may be worth picking the others up as well.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?