Starting The Iron Fey

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
Published: February 1, 2010 by Harlequin Teen
Series: The Iron Fey #1
I feel like I'm way late to Julie Kagawa. Not that I haven't wanted to read her for years, it's just that it's taken so long for it to happen. But better late than never, right?

This book surprised me, in that it wasn't quite what I expected it to be. It reminds me a lot of Alice in Wonderland, except with fairies or fey. It was just a lot more adventure that I anticipated, and I'm not quite sure what to make of that.

I think what was difficult for me is that Megan travels to so many different places that it was hard to really get a grasp and picture each one. At times I'd start to feel transported, except that we'd be moving somewhere else and I'd have to figure things out once again.

I did have quite high hopes for this after hearing so many people rave about Kagawa. So while I really did enjoy my time in the land of fairies, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. But there are a ton more books in the series and I definitely plan on continuing. Hopefully next time since I'm a little more familiar with the surroundings, it will read a bit easier for me.

4/5

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

Rise of the Chalklings

The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson
Published May 14, 2013 by Tor Teen
Series: The Rithmatist #1
The boys has been a fan of Brandon Sanderson for a while now. And while everything I've heard has me intrigued, I'm not quite ready to pick up one of the giant fantasy books the boy normally reads. But a YA fantasy book, that's definitely more my style.

I love the chalkling world that Sanderson comes up with in this, a place where chalk drawings can come to life. I do feel like we've just brushed the surface of the workings of this world and can't wait to see the rest of the mythology come to life as the series continues.

But with that mythology, I wasn't a huge fan of how the story took place in an alternate form of the U.S.. I'm assuming it was done to keep things a little less complicated for young readers, but as a 30-something it just felt almost dumbed-down. Clearly, though I may not be the target audience here, but even so, I wish the reader was given a little more credit for being able to understand a completely made up world.

My main lament upon finishing this book is that the sequel doesn't come out till 2017, especially knowing that this book came out 2 years ago. Of course when I complained to the boy his response was that Sanderson has far more important books to be writing, but I'm sure eventually he will come back to this one as well.

5/5

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

Top 10 Books of 2014

Back in July I posted my Top 10 Books of the Year So Far since I hated the idea of of not having time at the end of the year to write out a favorites post. But thankfully I have been able to find the time, especially since it quite interesting to see how the posts differ. There are a lot more books on this list from the second half of the year than the first, which makes me wonder if it's because they're fresher in my mind or because I just happened to read better books the second half. There are also books that I'm listing ahead of others this go round, which I think is due in part to how well they stayed with me, but also by how relevant they are to what's happening in my life right now. But without anymore rambling, these are my favorite books from 2014.

To see my favorite books from years' past go here:
2013
2012

1. Somewhere in France by Jennifer RobsonTechnically I read this book in 2013, but after I had already posted my top 10 list of the year, and it would be a crime to not have it on any top 10 of the year list. I absolutely adored this book and I'm happy to say I've lead a number of other people to it this year. It's one I've been dying to reread, which I'm hopefully able to do before the author's follow-up comes out next month.

2. The Night Circus by Erin MorgensternI've been meaning to read this one for years, and now can't believe I was able to wait so long. This book is beautiful and magical. Reading it is a bit like being transported into another world. It's interesting because while part of my would like to reread it, I'm afraid in doing so it may loose a bit of its magic now that I know what to expect.

3. Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie PerkinsNo surprise that this one it here. I have a feeling every time I read something from Stephanie Perkins it's going to make my top 10 list. I've loved all her books so far, and can't wait to see what she comes up with next. Especially knowing her next book seems to be with a completely new set of characters and I think a horror story which is a big change of pace.

4. City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra ClareI have such a love/hate relationship with Cassandra Clare. Whenever I'm not reading her books I'm not a huge fan, but still... her books manage to capture your attention. I do think this was such a fitting end to the Mortal Instruments series. While I think I'd be quite satisfied if this were the last shadowhunter book, I know I won't be able to stay away from anything else she writes.

5. Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheonI read several books on natural childbirth, and while this one my not have been the most enjoyable to read, it's the one I found to be the most helpful. This is book I credit the most to have the childbirth experience I wanted. While I know a lot of it is due to myself what I wanted to accomplish, I'm not sure how I would have been able to get there without some of the advice I found in its pages.

6. Three Souls by Janie ChangThere's just something about this book. I think part of it is due to the fact it takes place in an area and time period that's new to me. But I think a lot of it is also due to the way the story itself is told, from a soul looking back on her life seeing the mistakes she's made. It's a really interesting way of telling a story and I can't wait to see what comes next from this author.

7. This Dark Road to Mercy by Wiley CashAnother book where I can't quite articulate why I loved it so much. But there's just something darkly beautiful about the books Wiley Cash writes, and the more I read from him the more he's becoming one of my auto-buy authors.

8. A Mad, Wicked Folly by Sharon Biggs WallerI love historical fiction and I love YA books, and yet there aren't many historical YA books I seem to enjoy or even be able to find. Which is a lot of the reason I enjoyed this one so much. While it does tell a slightly familiar tale, I still found myself wrapped up within it's pages. Once again this is an author I can't wait to see more from.

9. Where'd You Go Bernadette by Maria SempleI feel like I'm a little late to be discovering this one, but at least I'm reading it before the movie comes out. It's definitely a book unlike anything out there, both in the plot and the way the story is told.

10. The Seduction of the Crimson Rose by Lauren Willig (Review to Come)These books a definitely a bit of a guilty pleasure. Historical fiction meets chick lit, there's not a lot of ways this could go wrong. Plus there's still a ton of books left in this series, so I know I'll be enjoying myself for quite a while longer.

What books would make up your top 10 reads of 2014? And have you read any of the books on my list?

Good-bye to the Mennyms

Mennyms Alive by Sylvia Waugh
Published: October 1, 1997 by Greenwillow Books
Series: Mennyms Alive
I read this series over and over throughout middle and high school, but it wasn't till I was in college that I even knew this final book existed. I still remember my sophomore year of college when my mom it for me for my birthday. I was so excited that I could finally finish this series.

I know I mentioned in my post about the last Mennyms book that it was different from all the rest. While that is still true, this 5th and final book, while similar to the 4th, is once again completely different. Without giving too much away the Mennyms are in a completely different place and dealing with issues they've never thought about before. Plus like the book preceding this isn't entirely told from the Mennyms perspective.

One reason I never even thought to look for this book earlier is that the 4th book feels so final. Yes, it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, but one that makes sense. Instead this one not only feels final but wraps up all the loose ends. I would still love another book on the Mennyms to check in with them and see what they're up to now, except in a way that would kind of defeat this purpose of its ending.

I'm so glad I took the time to reread this favorite series of mine, and it gets me excited about rereading some of my other favorites. There's the obvious choices, at least to me, of the Betsty-Tacy Series, The Little House series, or Anne of Green Gables, but there's a few slightly less obvious ones like the Alanna Series, The Indian in the Cupboard series, or The Face on the Milk Carton series. So I guess you'll just have to wait and see which one I turn to next!

5/5

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

Mailbox Monday (98)

I'm thinking I just might get to my 100th Mailbox Monday post before the baby arrives! It'll be close, but I guess we'll have to wait and see. For now though, these are the books I've brought into our home this past week.
Purchased
The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, & Mauren Johnson
Like every other Clare book that comes out I had to go and purchase this as soon as it came out. Now I know these have all be released electronically as short stories, but since I still refuse to own an ereader this is my first chance to read them all.

Borrowed From a Friend
The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
Yet another newly released YA book. While these books wound up not being quite what I expected, I did overall enjoy it. Plus the last one ended on quite a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to see how the trilogy ends.

From Paperback Swap
The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvery Karp, M.D.
Out of everything I'm most apprehensive about having a baby, loss of sleep is on the top of my list. I've always been one who needed a ton of sleep, and I'm not quite sure how I'll be able to function without it. But I have heard great things about this book and how it can actually get babies to sleep. I'm really hopeful about it, and hopefully not only do I enjoy reading it, but find it to be useful as well.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

The End of the Mennyms?

Mennyms Alone by Sylvia Waugh
Published: September 1, 1998 by Avon Camelot
First Published: November 19 1996
Series: Mennyms #4
Without giving to much away, this book is completely different than any of the other Mennyms books. At least the second half is like none other in the series, while the first half is exactly what you'd expect. While this is somewhat of a surprise, I do think it's something that made sense and probably needed to happen for this series.

I do love all the coincidences in this book. There's several characters that reappear from earlier books in the series, and while it was obviously intentional by the author, they all feel like such a lucky break. Plus it's fun to check in with these others characters and see what became of them.

Growing up, I always assumed this was the last of the series. It wasn't till college when I learned there was one more! But while I do love the last book and think it is needed to wrap up a few loose ends, in some ways I do think if this had been the last it would have been a beautiful and somewhat poetic to end the story of the Mennyms.

5/5

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

More From the Mennyms

Mennyms Under Siege by Slyvia Waugh
Published: March 1, 1997 by Avon Camelot
Originally Published: May 15, 1995
Series: Mennyms #3
I have such vivid memories of all the Mennyms books growing up. At least every single one except this one. I'm not quite sure why, especially since it's not just the first two I remember but the 2 that come after this as well. Either way, it definitely made the rereading experience different that the others since I really didn't know what to expect here.

So much of this book is a bit heartbreaking. The dolls spend so much of the book afraid that they're about to be found out and completely change their lives to avoid detection. But yet, as a reader we know they don't have the full story and it's almost painful that you can jump into the book to shake them and tell them not to worry so much.

Then of course there's the ending, something I only remembered was coming moments before it happened. But that still wasn't enough time to prepare. Fortunately for me I do have a hazy memory of how things work themselves out in future books, because otherwise would be a bit devastated by the cliffhanger.

It may sound a bit cliched, but these books really are utterly charming, and I love that I'm going back and rereading them now. Although it is a little disheartening to look back and see that these book never managed to take off the way they really deserved to.

5/5

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

Into the Woods

Mennyms in the Wilderness by Sylvia Waugh
Published: March 1, 1996 by Avon Camelot
First Published: July 21, 1994
Series: The Mennyms #2
The Mennyms sequel takes place just after the end of the first. The Mennyms, an actual family of living rag dolls, is living as normal in their home when they find out their house is in danger of being demolished for a new road. In search of a new place to live they move to the country (hence the book's title).

It is really interesting reading these books 20 or so years after I first read them. There's one subplot I remember being so awful and a bit scary, but reading it now while I can see the danger, it isn't quite so bad. Yet there's also a love story, that I didn't quite get at 10. Except now, as an adult, I can see all the dangers is poses and how awful the outcome could be.

I still do absolutely adore this series. I wouldn't necessarily list it as my all-time favorite, but it holds a special place for me. I will say that if you never discovered this series growing up, now is a pretty perfect time to try to track them down.

5/5

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

They're Alive

The Mennyms by Slyvia Waugh
Published: May 1, 1995 by Avon Camelot
First Published: August 27, 1993
Series: The Mennyms #1
Growing up I used to reread books all the time. (This could be off, but I'm guessing I've read this one book 6 times at this point.) Except as I've gotten more and more into book blogging and as my to-read pile grows exponentially I feel far too guilty to do much rereading. But I miss it, which is why on my 101 in 1001 list I included rereading 3 of my favorite childhood series as something I wanted to do. I have several I could have chosen, but decided for my first to go with The Mennyms.

The Mennyms are a family living in modern day (or 90s modern day when the book was written, which basically means pre-internet) England. There are two grandparents, two parents, two teenagers, 10-year-old twins, and a baby all living in the same house. They're a pretty normal family with money woes and teenage angst, except one thing is a little different... they're actually a family of rag dolls. Life-sized rag dolls that realize how much of a novelty they could be to others if they were ever found out, but that doesn't stop them from finding a way to navigate the world around them through tricks they've learned.

I've heard of others going back and rereading childhood favorites to find they don't quite had the magic they remember, but thankfully these do for me. I do think it's interesting reading them before and loving Appleby (their teenage daughter) the best, but now it's really Soobie (their teenage son) that stands out. I do think it's a testament of how well the story is written that there's so many different characters, yet you really feel like you know each and every one.

I think the main observation I can make from reading these books so many times is how easily I notice the foreshadowing. I have to wonder if I read them for the first time now, would I have quite figured out the plot twist or would I have been just as surprised as I was reading these in elementary school?

5/5

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

Mailbox Monday (93)

It's kind of funny seeing I'm so close to my 100th Mailbox Monday post, and yet realizing if I post every single week, by the time I get there I'll be only a few weeks away from having a baby. Funny how one thing can seem so far away, but another the same distance away feels so close. But till then, here's this week's addition where I'm linking up the new books I've brought into our home.
Borrowed from a Friend
The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson
The boy is a huge fan of Sanderson, although doesn't normally read his YA books. Which is funny in a way, since he claims to have read this one. Except I don't ever remember seeing it in the house, nor did he offer it to me. But at least I have a friend who did lend me a copy so I can see what he's all about.

For Review from TLC Book Tours
This Dark Road to Mercy by Wiley Cash
This is actually the last book I'm going to be reviewing before the baby arrives. I know I'm going to need to cut back significantly on reading after the baby arrives, and wanting to spend the last few months before that trying to whittle down my to-read pile. But knowing how much I enjoyed Wiley Cash's last book I'm excited to have this as my last review book, at least last review for the time being.

Purchased
My Baby Book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
I've spent a lot of time looking through baby books and picked this one since it's a lot more fact than feeling based, which works for me. I've already starting filling parts of it out, and while I realize it likely won't get 100% complete, I'm hoping to have fun with what does get written in it.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Running Off to the Circus

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Published: July 3, 2012 by Anchor
First Published September 13, 2011
I've been wanting to read this book ever since I first read about it on Jessica Lawlor's blog. Funny enough that post wasn't even a review, but instead a commentary on the marketing pitch she received. Looking back now on her post I think pitch was perfect in setting the tone for the story, and definitely see how every aspect around this book had a touch of magic.

But even though I knew I wanted to read this, I wasn't quite sure what it was about. I guessed it was about two kids who ran off to the circus, and while one small plot line is similar in its story, that really isn't the point here. The summary mentions a love story, and while again it is somewhat there, halfway through the book I told my brother that I hadn't really found a love story.

This book does start off slow and it takes a while to figure out where things are going. Honestly even at its close it's hard to look back and reflect on what really happened. There's just such a magical world within these pages that you're transported to be part of. Even now looking back on it, I can taste the caramel popcorn and feel like I'm walking among the tents.

I feel almost conflicted about how much I want to write here, since reading this was such a special, magical experience and I want everyone else to have that same feeling. There are talks about a movie and while I can't wait to see everything come to life, I'm not quite sure it will live up to my imagination.

5/5

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

Mailbox Monday (89)

It's that time of the week again, time for Mailbox Monday. Except since tomorrow is Labor Day, it means there's still one day of the weekend left! So I'm still linking up my books, I just get a little extra time before things get back to normal.
From Paperback Swap
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
I know so many people who love all of Julie Kagawa's books, but till now I've never read anything by her. In case you're like me, and a bit unfamiliar with her work, this is the first in her Iron Fey series, a YA series about a girl who finds out she's half fairy. Hopefully like everyone else seems to, I'll fall in love with this one too!

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
Published: January 1, 1990
I don't do very well with comedic books. There's just some part of me that reads everything as if it were serious. (The same happens with me for movies sometimes too.) Unfortunately for me, that's probably my biggest problem with this book.

Don't get me wrong I still enjoyed it, and could remark that parts were funny. But never to the point where I found myself laughing, either internally or out loud. After all even though I see the humor in it, I'm sure knowing that the book is about the apocalypse, I read everything far my serious than what was needed.

There was a lot going on in this. A lot of characters and at lot of going back and forth between scenes. At first it confused me a bit, and while it was less confusing by the end I still found myself paying more attention to certain characters than others. The main ones being Crowley and Aziraphale, a demon and angel respectively, whose sections I always found myself looking forward to.

I'm not quite sure what I was expecting with this book. I can't quite say that I loved it, but I'm happy to have finally read it. And knowing how much I do love Neil Gaiman's movies, I'm excited to read more from him.

4/5

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

Back to Wonderland

Unhinged by A. G. Howard
Published: January 7th 2014 by Amulet Books
Series: : Splintered #1
I did enjoy Splintered, but I can't say I fell in love with it. I also wasn't clamoring to read the sequel, but being that this was our book club book of the month I was pretty much forced to. I'm glad I did though, since I wound up enjoying this one so much more than the first.

One of my biggest complaints of the first was that is was so confusing. Thankfully this one didn't feel the same. I think I lot of that is now the majority of the story takes place in the human realm instead of Wonderland. I'm sure it also helped being familiar with all the characters.

I wasn't really a fan of Jeb in this one though. He just seemed so bland, and made a lot of the love triangle fall flat for me. But luckily the love story isn't the main plot point with this.

Then of course there's the ending, which I really didn't see coming. I definitely makes me excited for the next book, far more than I had been to read this one.

4.5/5

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

Mailbox Monday (82)

Another surprising week of books, with yes, more goodreads wins. What can I say, I'm lucky. As always, linking up with Mailbox Monday.
From Paperback Swap
Good Omens by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman
I've yet to read anything by either one of these authors, yet I've heard such good things about Neil Gaiman. In fact I loved both Stardust and Coraline, movies based on his books. I even believe my mom read this once and really enjoyed it. So needless to say I'm really excited that this is our book club book next month!

From Goodreads
Birdmen by Lawrence Goldstone
Taken from the subtitle this is about "The Wright Brothers, Glenn Curtiss, and the Battle to Control the Skies." While I obviously know of the Wright Brothers, I haven't heard of Glenn Curtiss before. And what I do know about the Wright Brothers is pretty limited, so I'm hoping to learn a lot with this.

Steve Jobs' Life By Design by George Beahm
This is about the commencement address Steve Jobs gave at Stanford in 1995. While I'm sure the address is in here, it looks to go deeper than that and explores some of the history and life events that contributed towards writing it. Definitely sounds like one that will be inspirational.

What did you find in your mailbox this week? And have you seen any movies based on Neil Gaiman's work?

Mailbox Monday (80)

Sadly another weekend comes to its close. But at least a small highlight to that is sharing the books we've picked up recently with Mailbox Monday.
From Goodreads
Flappers: Six Women of a Dangerous Generation by Judith Mackrell
This is a non-fiction book that highlights the life of Josephine Baker, Tallulah Bankhead, Diana Cooper, Nancy Cunard, Zelda Fitzgerald, and Tamara De Lempicka. While I have heard of a few of these women, most are new to me. I don't read a ton about the 1920s, but just from the description I can't wait to get into this one.

Redeeming the Dream: The Case for Marriage Equality by David Boies and Theodore B. Olson
I definitely pick up some interesting books from goodreads. Of course a lot of that is because I enter a ton of giveaways, but I think I'm also just really lucky. Although I really try to only enter books that I think I'd enjoy. And while this may not be the type of book I normally gravitate to, I can't help but be intrigued by the topic.

Being Audrey Hepburn by Mitchell Kriegman
This is a New Adult book (at least I think) written by the creator of Clarissa Explains it All (which I used to love). In this book a 19-year-old girl tries on Audrey Hepburn's dress from Breakfast in Tiffany's and is transported into a world of socialites. I think it looks pretty adorable, and I have high hopes for it.

For Review From the Author
Beautiful Addictions by Season Vining
The author of this is cousins with a friend of mine, which is how I picked this up. It is a New Adult book (I'm sure this time), and one I keep hearing good thing about. So hopefully I'll enjoy it as well.

Borrowed from a Friend
Unhinged by A.G. Howard
After reading Splintered a few months ago, this is our current book club book. I did enjoy the first one, although didn't love it. But I'm hoping that this one is even better.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Mailbox Monday (78)

I try not to buy book very often anymore since I already have so many books sitting unread. But every once in a while a book (or two!) comes out and I can't not buy them, so I give into temptation. So with that introduction, these are the books I'm linking up with for Mailbox Monday.
Purchased
City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare
My mom was actually the one who got me into this series, back when there were only plans for it to be a trilogy. Basically it's been years since I first started this series, but I can't quit it. Luckily this is the last of the series, especially since because as much as I enjoy them I think I'm a bit over Jace and Clary at this point.

The One & Only by Emily Giffin
I've loved each and every book by Emily Giffin and I'm sure this will be no different. It was back in grad school when I first discovered her (with Baby Proof) and since then I've bought every one of her new releases almost as soon as they come out.

From Goodreads
American Panic by Mark Stein
This is a non-fiction book on the history of moments that inspired panic in America's history. It looks to include all the way from the Salem witch trails to communism to gay marriage. I think it sounds like an interesting mix of history and political events and I'm more than curious as to how it'll all turn out.

Catching Air by Sarah Pekkanen
I've never actually read a book by Sarah Pekkanen, but I know so many who really enjoy her. It does look like it will be a cute chick lit story, and hopefully she's an author I'll fall for as well.

What's in your mailbox this week? And how often to you actually wind up buying new books to read?

Down the Rabbit Hole

Splintered by A.G. Howard
Published: January 1, 2013 by Amulet Books
Series: Splintered #1
I had forgotten I listed this book as one of my "Can't Wait to Read in 2013" until after I started reading it. But once that realization hit, I remember thinking how I loved the idea of an Alice in Wonderland retelling or somewhat sequel. Plus it had such a gorgeous cover. I'm actually a little surprised I had forgotten about it, since I only picked it up when my book club decided to read it.

This books seems to have gotten quite hyped lately, especially since the sequel was just released. I definitely went into this with high expectations, but I'm not quite sure they were met. I can't quite explain why, except that something about the book didn't quite click for me.

I actually enjoyed the first parts of the book, before Alyssa travels to Wonderland, which is the opposite of most people. I think once we were in Wonderland everything was too chaotic, and so much happened that it was hard to follow. I found myself lost in sections, needing to reread it, and still not quite understanding what was going on.

I also read a review where they complained that they couldn't connect with the characters, and that they hated both of the love interests. This is something I don't think I would have been able to articulate, but I think that might be part of what bothered me with this.

I did love all the references back to original, which even though I haven't read, I have seen enough movie versions to identify a lot. I also loved the ending in that it reminded me of one of my favorites episodes of Buffy & Angel.

Overall, I did still enjoy this, I just feel a little let down by it. I know the sequel is out now, and while I'd still pick it up, I almost feel that this book's ending would be enough for it to stand on its own.

4/5

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

Mailbox Monday (60)

It's my first Mailbox Monday post of the new year! For 2014, we're changing things up at Mailbox Monday and instead of having a touring host each month we'll be linking up the recent books we've added to our shelves at The Official Mailbox Monday Site. Here's to a great year of reading, and my first new books of the year!
For Review from Virtual Author Books Tours
Hidden in Plain Sight by Jane Allen Petrick
As you can probably tell from the title, this is about the people in Norman Rockwell's painting. Except not the all-american white families that you picture when you think of Norman Rockwell, but instead his lesser known pieces featuring minorities. While I've obviously heard of Norman Rockwell, I don't know a lot about him, so I'm thinking this will be an interesting look.

Borrowed from a Friend
Splintered by A.G. Howard
This is actually our book club book for the week, but I've been wanting to read it for a while now so I'm happy for the excuse to get to it. It's a retelling of Alice in Wonderland, and since I tend to be a fan of retellings I definitely have high hopes for it. With the sequel about to come out, I've been seeing it around a lot lately, so hopefully it's able to live up to my expectations.

What did you find in your mailbox this week? And what are your views on reading retellings?

Mailbox Monday (50)

I missed out on Mailbox Monday last week, but I'm back today to link up at Book Dragon's Lair.
For Review from France Book Tours
Paris was the Place by Susan Conley
I actually read this author's memoir almost two years ago, and now am really excited to see how her fiction reads differently. And just from the cover, I'm thinking I'm going to love this one!

For Review from Virtual Author Book Tours
Mission One of Augie the Alien by Leah and Megan Summers
This is a middle grade book about an alien who tries to fit in as a normal 4th grader. It seems like the type of book I would have love as a kid, and I'm excited for a bit of nostalgia. Plus as you can see, the authors sent me some fun swag with the book.

For Review from Historical Fiction Book Tours
Anvil of God J. Boyce Gleason
This one already look intimidating, but I guess we'll see how it reads. It's a historical fiction that takes place in France (or what became France) in 741.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?