My Thoughts: The Unseen World by Liz Moore

The moving story of a daughter’s quest to discover the truth about her beloved father’s hidden past

Ada Sibelius is raised by David, her brilliant, eccentric, socially inept single father, who directs a computer science lab in 1980s-era Boston. Home-schooled, Ada accompanies David to work every day; by twelve, she is a painfully shy prodigy. The lab begins to gain acclaim at the same time that David's mysterious history comes into question. When his mind begins to falter, leaving Ada virtually an orphan, she is taken in by one of David's colleagues. Soon after she embarks on a mission to uncover her father’s secrets: a process that carries her from childhood to adulthood.

This book... what can I say about this book? There have only been few books (recently) that have left me at a loss for words, like Liz Moore's The Unseen World. However, I still feel like I NEED to talk about this book, because honestly, this book is SO underrated and basically on no one's radar and that is such a shame.

First, The Unseen World spans a good chunk of Ada's life. It begins in the mid-eighties, Ada is twelve years old, living with her VERY eccentric single father. For all of Ada's life it has been her and her father, and his band of academics- and ends in 2016 when Ada is in her fifties (don't panic, it's not a massive book, about 450 pages). The story follows Ada as she grows up and begins discovering things about her father and their life that cause her to questions their quiet existence.

This book... during this entire reading (or listening process, I listened to the audiobook), there were several times where I felt compelled to stop listening, go to my bed, turn off all the lights and just cry, deep in the gut sorrowful sobs. Which leads you to believe that this is an incredibly heartbreaking story- it is, for sure, there are some very intense situations and emotions. But the story is more than a sad story- I promise. I just felt so much while listening- I would be at work battling tears, sniffling away and co-workers would walk by and awkwardly look at me (no one asked me if I was okay though-jerks). I never stopped listening though, I couldn't. 

There was SO much growth in this novel- Ada was such an incredible character- her life revolved around her father, David. When his mind began to falter, it was devastating. She was confused and restless and didn't really know how to do life. I felt like she responded in a really mature way for someone her age.  I adored Ada and I was glad for the incredible support system she had, Liston was a wonderful woman and I was glad for her presence in Ada's life.

This is a pretty slow burn novel, it's not face paced or action packed. But I never got bored, not once. The story is compelling enough to keep you reading.

A quick note on the audiobook narrator- Lisa Flanagan- She did an amazing job. Every character had their own unique voice- even Ada as she grew. I really think she did a huge service to this story. Well worth the listen. 

Overall, I adored The Unseen World, and I very glad to have read it. I want so many more people to read this and tell their friends to read it. 

~Happy Reading Everyone

Stefanie's Thoughts: Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold by Iain Reading

After leaving her home in the western Canadian fishing village of Tofino to spend the summer in Alaska studying humpback whales Kitty finds herself caught up in an unforgettable adventure involving stolen gold, devious criminals, ghostly shipwrecks, and bone-chilling curses. Kitty's adventure begins with the lingering mystery of a sunken ship called the Clara Nevada and as the plot continues to unfold this spirited story will have armchair explorers and amateur detectives alike anxiously following every twist and turn as they are swept along through the history of the Klondike Gold Rush to a suspenseful final climatic chase across the rugged terrain of Canada's Yukon, the harsh land made famous in the stories and poems of such writers as Jack London, Robert Service and Pierre Berton. It is a riveting tale that brings to glorious life the landscape and history of Alaska's inside passage and Canada's Yukon, as Kitty is caught up in an epic mystery set against the backdrop of the scenery of the Klondike Gold Rush.

**Review copy received from the published for my honest review**

Hi everyone, 

Today I'll be reviewing an adventure story I'm so glad I got to read. Kitty Hawk is a book series focused on Kitty, a feisty adventurer and someone who I would love to be friends with. I can't lie; I don't think I've read another adventure series that has a girl as the main character. The second best part: the book takes place in Canada! 

I can only imagine what I'd be like if I got my pilot's license; I'd be flying everywhere looking for trouble (or should I say fun!). I mean Kitty gets herself into some trouble with how inquisitive she is about life, but that's what made it so much fun. Life really is one big adventure for Kitty to explore, and we as readers get to learn and explore along with her. 

My favorite part of this book was the short chapters. Mixed in with Kitty's first person narration, this entire book felt like an adventure journal and almost like one of those choose-your-own adventure books. I loved how maps and images were included throughout the pages and I hate (or love) to admit it, but I think I learned a whole bunch about whales from this book. 

Kitty was a fantastic main character. She was kind-hearted towards the whales, but tough as nails when she needed to be. She had a take-no-prisoners attitude! I loved it because it shows girls, that you can be a pilot in a male dominated field. 

My one negative is that Kitty had such an inquisitive mind, that her narration would jump back and forth and at times I had a hard time following along. Her mind jumped back and forth and it was like trying to follow the mind of a ten year old. I mean, it kept me interested to see where the story would go and I felt like she was reminiscent of Six from Blossom, with her fast talking and sharp wit. 

This is the first book of the Kitty Hawk series and I can't wait to read book two, just to see what trouble Kitty gets into next. I think I enjoyed it so much as well because I love traveling; granted I haven't been to that many places it felt like I went to the Yukon and Alaska with Kitty. I mean, don't get me wrong I'd take on criminals and stolen gold happily from the pages of a book or TV screen than in real life! 

Anyone looking for a great female-driven adventure story should check this one out.

Solid 4 out of 5 stars. 

Thanks to Books Publicity Service for providing me with a copy to read and review! 

Until my next review,

Stefanie

My Very First Quarterly Unboxing

Hello Friends, 

This week I bring you something a little different. Today I am going to take you through this quarter's YA Box by Quarterly. It's a good one guys, be sure to keep reading.

There are a ton of literary subscription boxes available these days, so many options to cater to your wants and needs. It was a little overwhelming going through all the options- however, being in Canada, these options are SUPER limited, unless I want to spend a fortune. Unfortunately, there isn't a single subscription that is super accessible to us Canadians (at least none that I am aware of, if I am wrong, please enlighten me), the majority are American based who will ship to Canada, but the shipping costs are out of this world.  After looking at all of my options (or lack there of), I thought if I was going spend the money, I was going big. So, Quarterly it was. 

When I first heard about this box, I thought it was absolutely brilliant. An author curated box that arrives on your doorstep four times a year. 

if you haven't heard of  the Quarterly Literary Boxes before, here's the blurb found on the Quarterly website:

Receive three books a quarter, including a brand new release annotated by the author with hand-written notes, two more curated titles and delightful bookish goods—all delivered to your doorstep.

Doesn't that found fun?

The Box:

(Pardon the photos, it was gloomy and rainy today when I took them- I am also not a professional picture taker photographer). 

So this is what the box looks like when it comes to you. I had to go pick mine up from the post office, as I had to pay duty on the package. It's your general cardboard box, but it has the cute Quarterly packing tape along the edges. 

When you first open the box, this is what you see. I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I saw the Warcraft card sitting on top. But I was curious (and still am) about how it fits into the rest of the box.

Voila, this is the inside. I was very exited at this point. I loved seeing the handwritten letter from the author, and her little sticky note on the top of her book which reads, "Oi oi! Check out my annotations inside!" 

And the books. We get Rory Harrison's (the curator) newest release, Looking for Group, as well and two others which inspired her story: The Miseducation of Cameron Post and Nimona. I am VERY excited for all of these books. Rory's book is full of those blue stickies with her handwritten notes. It's pretty fantastic

The goods. There is a bookmark, a sighed book plate, some wall decals and more. 

I am actually pretty thrilled with this box. The whole concept is brilliant. I really loved reading the author's letter and seeing what inspired her story. I am a fan. My plan was to cancel my subscription after this first box, but I am not sure I will- I think I have been converted. 

Are any of you lit box subscribers? Any you know of I should give a try? Leave me a comment and let me know. 

~Happy Reading Everyone.

Stefanie's Thoughts: The Truth About Happily Ever After by Karole Cozzo

Everything was supposed to be perfect. Alyssa has a job she loves, working as Cinderella at her favorite theme park; a fantastic group of friends; and a boyfriend who will no longer be long distance. But as the summer progresses, her prince becomes less charming and more distant, and Alyssa's perfect summer falls apart.

Forced to acknowledge that life is always a fairy tale, Alyssa starts working to pull her herself back together. Fortunately, she doesn't have to do it alone. With her friend Miller's support, she's determined to prove that she's more than just a pretty princess. And with his help, maybe she's finally ready for something better than dreams. Maybe she's ready for something real.


**Thanks for Swoon Reads/ Raincoast Books for providing the ARC**

Happy Friday,

Or should I say happy long weekend! I can’t believe its Friday and I’m so ready for the weekend. I’ve got no plans other than binge watch movies and read as much as I can.

I had the pleasure of getting an ARC of The Truth about Happily Ever After by Karole Cozzo. I haven’t read any other books by this author before so I was excited to read a book by an author I’ve never read; plus that synopsis sounds amazing. I love books that take place at theme parks (couple other favorites of mine include Devoured by Amanda Marrone and How Zoe Made Her Dreams (Mostly) Come True by Sarah Strohmeyer) and it probably has everything to do with how much I love Disneyland.

Alyssa was a great main character; while I didn’t love her at times, particularly when she went sorority/party girl, she still had a great work ethic and took her job as Cinderella very seriously. That was my favorite thing about her, I think for readers who read this will understand that hard work pays off and you shouldn’t take even a summer job lightly. I liked her too that she wasn’t perfect, but made sure she was the best version of herself she could be. She was so strong after her breakup and it was nice to see someone being able to bounce back in a positive way. Talk about epic girl power!

Jake was actually a terrible character and I disliked him from the very first page we got introduced to him. He was so rude and treated Alyssa like complete crap at times, when all Alyssa wanted to do was care for him and work on their relationship. Needless to say, glad he wasn’t around for the entire book.

Then there’s Miller; just his name screams nice and caring. I loved him and how much of a great friend he was to Alyssa. In comparison to Jake, he was the boy you want to know. He was there for Alyssa when she needed a friend and only ever wanted the best for her.

I really loved this book. The setting was my absolute favorite; from the apartments they all share as co-workers to the theme park itself; LOVED IT. That theme park man, I want to live there. Having just finished a musical, it was so cool to me to read about all the behind the scenes working of the park, including sets and costumes; and then the best part: secret tunnels! I know I read about secret rooms in Disneyland, so this only made me love this book more. However, some of the strict rules the cast have to adhere too seemed a bit too strict, but who am I say these aren’t actual rules that other theme parks make their employees follow.

This story was such a fun one and while I went in thinking it would be just pure fluff, it wasn’t. Included were some moments of realness, raw and emotional. Any book that deals with self-worth, body image and self-love really hits home for me. One of the strict rules the workers have to maintain is that all princess have to stay a certain weight and size. This is always a tough subject to write about and Cozzo did a really good job at exploring this topic.

I think anyone as obsessed with Disney as I am would love this book; not only that but it takes place in the summertime and I always get really connected to books that are written in the summer. I feel that summertime is a time when anything is possible.

Solid 4.5 stars out of 5 for this one. After reading this, I’m going to be reading Cozzo’s previous books and I hope they are as wonderful as this one.

Until my next review,

Stefanie

Stefanie's Thoughts: When Joss Met Matt by Ellie Cahill

Dating can be fun, but it can leave a nasty taste in your mouth. For Joss, ever since her longtime boyfriend cheated on her, she doesn’t want her last memory of a guy to be that jerk. Enter her college friend, Matt. They come up with a theory: after a bad break-up, a person needs to cleanse the palate with a little sorbet sex. Lovers for a night, but always back to being friends in the morning. The two can handle it because they have a contract: rules they wrote, rules they follow and rules they can sometimes bend. The arrangement works: everyone needs a little sorbet now and again … until it starts to be the only thing you want. And then Joss breaks the one rule they never wrote down: don’t fall in love.

 What a busy week this has been. We had the Annie matinee yesterday and the first evening performance; I feel like I hardly had any time to read (which sucks). Luckily after this Friday it’ll be back to normal (until next year) to my rather uneventful life, filled with watching bad made-for-TV movies and reading. I’m currently binge watching Blossom, since I realized this week that a channel has started to play two episodes a day of it.

What I did get to read is When Joss Met Matt by Ellie Cahill. I loved her two books under the Ellie Czukas name: Ask Again Later and Top Ten Clues You're Clueless. Both five star reads, so when I spotted this at the library I knew I'd want to read it. The cover is really adorable too and I read comparisons to the Boomerang series by Noelle August (side note: I really enjoyed that series and it was the first new adult series I had read). 

Can I say though how this book made me feel like I was back in college and then at the same time made me feel very old. 

I was skeptically of Joss when we first got introduced to her; she seemed very self absorbed and had this feeling of arrogance to her. I know when she first met Matt she was in a relationship with someone from high school, but I don't even know how to explain it. She just seemed so self-righteous. Matt was a decent enough male lead, but I guess nothing from him really stood out. 

I think what also took away from the story was the constant back and forth to the present and into the past. We'd go from present day Joss and Matt to some random other relationship. Also those two at times seemed to be complete idiots (how do you not realize that you like the other person after 8 YEARS). I think too that it was just hookup with random other people, hook up with each other, and then go back to hooking up with other people. I also always love the friends to relationship plot line in books and movies (I mean I could write an entire post listing movies and book titles that use this. My personal favorite being the Melissa Joan Hart movie Drive Me Crazy) but this fizzled. I was hoping for a solid relationship story with the expected bumps along the way, but those bumps were complete cliches. Nothing new was brought to the table and I actually questioned if Matt and Joss were really suppose to be together. 

After reading this I guess all I can say is just how disappointing I am with this one. All those glowing reviews built this one up to be my next five-star book. I might check out one of her other new adult books Call Me Maybe, but I hope it doesn't turn out to be another pretty cover victim. 

2 stars for this one and based on how many books and movies that use the friends first relationship after premise, I'm going to bombard you with my favorite books and movies that use that. Beware though; it'll be pure fluff. 

Until my next review,

Stefanie

Stefanie's April Wrap Up

Hello everyone,

I can't believe it's already May. I honestly have no idea where the time has gone (OK that's a lie; I've been helping with my school's musical as a stage manager and since January it's been nothing but rehearsals. It's been super fun and I can't wait to see what it all looks like when we open- in 6 days! May 10th. The school is performing Annie and I don't think I've been able to get Hard Knock Life out of my head since December. Anyone who loves musicals should come and see it!!! I'm not biased or anything but it's going to be a really good show ;) ) but I'm not complaining. I can't wait for the weather to be nice all the time and I just love when it rains in the spring.



April was another solid month for reading for me; I even managed to get in a couple non-fiction books that weren't cookbooks (I read and own a ton of cookbooks, it's kind of an obsession). I've always been interested in flowers and I read this awesome one called Florest Farms; all about her flower garden and company. I grabbed it from the library since I've followed her blog for about a year and I know it'll be a book I want for my own collection.

Here's what I read this month: 

Love Life Style by Garance Doré

Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund

For Love and Honor by Jody Hedlund

When Joss Met Matt by Ellie Cahill

How to Make a Wish by Ashley Herring Blake

How to be a Wildflower by Katie Daisy

Whenever I’m with YouW by Lydia Sharp

Dear Emma by Katie Heaney

The Matchmakers of Minnow Bay by Kelly Harms

You Have 4 Minutes to Change Your Life by Rebekah Borucki

Floret Farm's Cut Flower Garden by Erin Benzakein

The Real Me: Fashion, Fitness and Food Tips for Real Women - From Me to You by Vicky Pattinson

Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly

Total: 13

My Favorite Reads of the Month:

     

It's a tie; I couldn't pick between these two. Kelly Harms has become one of my favorite authors and I've loved the trilogy that Jody Hedlund has created with the For Love & Honor books (all taking place in the 1300s). Also honorable mention to How to Be a Wildflower; I follow Katie Daisy on Instagram and her work is amazing; this book is no exception. Not only did I want to go out and explore the world after reading this, but I was so motivated to get out of my comfort zone, which is what I think Katie Daisy wants you to do. 

Other than the musical, I haven't really done much else, other than attempt to keep a plant alive in my apartment. I'm trying really hard to do so before I start o get into my balcony gardening I have planned for the summer.

I hope everyone had a great April and for one last plug (I apologize) if anyone loves musical, go see Annie! It runs from May 10-12th. 

I'll be back next week for my next review.

Until then,

Stefanie

  

Sara's April Wrap Up

Hello Friends, Happy May. I am just going to jump right in and get on with the recap. April was a little nuts. SO let's begin.

Firsts things firsts, I turned 30 in April (on the 7th)-- Wha?!?

I was little bit... uh, stunned that I was turning 30. But the day came and it turned out to be pretty fantastic. I have some truly amazing friends who made me feel incredibly special. So, 30 is here and I am feeling okay. I got a number of pretty great books as gifts, I think I'll showcase them in a separate post though.

A week after 30, a couple friends and myself took off to Vegas for the weekend. It was my first time to Vegas and what a whirl wind it was. It was an exhausting weekend.

The search for the perfect selfie. #lasvegas #vegasvacation

A post shared by Sara (@jstanotherstory) on Apr 15, 2017 at 7:21pm PDT

After Vegas (as in after Easter, which meant Lent was over), I joined the team and flew through 13 Reasons Why

I have a few thoughts about this show, mostly in response to the critics. I read Jay Asher's book years ago- 2011 I think, and I remember the general concept of the story, but none of the details. So, I felt like I went into the show blind. I thought it was well done. I really liked Clay- or Dylan Minnette. He was a sweetheart. The show and its content are super controversial- but I think it has an important message.


The Books:

April was a significantly slower month than March. But as you saw- I was busy. BUT- I did a cool thing in April- I participated in my first Buddy Read, My internet BFF Aylee over at Recovering Potter Addict and I, took on the challenge of budding reading The Thief. Essentially this buddy read just comprised of us reading to a certain page and/or chapter that day. The two of use weren't always successful, but it was fun, and I would totally do this again.  

Number of Books Completed:
7

Physical Books:

5 

Audiobooks:

2

Physical Books: 

Confess by Colleen Hoover (3 Stars) 

The Chosen by JR Ward (4.5 Stars)

The Tycoon's Revenge by Melody Anne (2 Stars)

Never Let You Go by Chevy Stevens (3 Stars)

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner (4 Stars)

I don't have a particular favourite for this month-  I thought the latest installment of the Black Dagger Brotherhood - The Chosen - was a pretty great addition to the ever growing series (this was book 15), but it didn't blow me away. I am hoping to read some amazing books this next month.


Audiobooks:

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (4.5 Stars)
Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel (3.5 Stars)

Favourite Listen

This book was SO good!!! I can't believe it took me SO long to finally get to. I loved the audiobook, all the narrators. I am pretty sure I loved Jesper's narration the best. There was really something great about the guy.  If you haven't read this... What are you waiting for? 

2017 Resolutions Update: 

If you want to check out my actual resolutions/goals for the year, check them out here.  

I think I did pretty good job with my reading goals this month. Without really even trying. 

I am on track for the my 100 book challenge. I have still read more books than I listened to- seeing as I only listened to two this month. I read two 2017 releases, The Chosen and Never Let You Go. I read one more from my list- The Thief, and I listened to ONE of my back listed audiobooks- Six of Crows-  I am getting there. 

I think I am going to keep with my audiobook buying ban for one more month. I also would like to read 7 books this month and listen to two from my back list I'm pretty sure this is doable.


That was my April I hope you enjoyed.

~Happy Reading Everyone