Caitlin Reads Books

OK - Here it goes:

EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ THIS. Not only because it is very well-written with lots of fun and witty wordplay (I found myself laughing way more often than I thought I would!), but because it seriously looks into the crisis that faces human beings that menstruate and what we should do to help out the more marginalized and homeless in today's capitalist world. It's not just about that, but also emphasizes how poorly the products we use are regulated- such as how ingredients and manufacturing processes don't have to be disclosed to consumers. Honestly though, it's about so much more than these two things that I've highlighted, and in today's political climate, we deserve to read this and be informed on ways we could make this world a better place. Please, read this and educate yourself, even if you don't menstruate, because roughly half the world's population is menstruating, has menstruated, or will one day menstruate, and the future generations deserve so much more than what is currently happening. Chances are, you know someone that menstruates (SHOCKER I KNOW!), so please make the world a better place for those of us that literally cannot deny a basic biological process! And notice how I've used gender-neutral language- I was so pleased that the writer/activist has educated herself and presented this issue so well.

I had chills the entire time. There were parts I had to put the book down and remember to breathe. This is why I recommend it, now more than ever. This story, although detailing the atrocities has such a message of hope. Don't give up, fight back. The little victories make all the difference. Keep reading, keep loving, and don't give in to hate. The story of this young girl surviving through the most horrifying thing is just incredible. So well-written (and translated), this is a book that demands to be read.

So glad I was finally able to record a video!! The lighting in my room has drastically improved (thank you new lightbulbs!!) and the family was quieter - the same *cannot* be said about the ice cream truck that passed by while I was recording!

SEVEN ADVANCED READER COPYS FROM NETGALLEY- I am SO PSYCHED and I think that comes across in the video, but guys, really, I am so happy to share this video with you! Here are all the ARCs I am reading this month:

A is for Asteroids, Z is for Zombies- By Paul Lewis, illustrations by Kenneth Kit Lamug Publish Date: 10 Oct 2017

Spin The Golden Lightbulb By Jackie Yeager Publish Date: 02 Jan 2018

The Librarian of Auschwitz By Antonio Iturbe, translated by Lilit Thwaites Publish Date: 10 Oct 2017

The Golden House By Salman Rushdie Publish Date: 05 Sept 2017

Periods Gone Public: Taking A Stand For Menstrual Equity By Jennifer Weiss-Wolf Publish Date: 10 Oct 2017

Artemis By: Andy Weir Publish Date: 14 Nov 2017

        This book was so good everyone, just so good. It's a middle grade book, but as a semi-adult of 25 years I couldn't stop turning the pages- I just wanted to find out what would happen next! The setting of 2071 was so interesting and just reading about this speculative future (as is any kind of discussion about the future as we just don't know!) through the eyes of an 11 year old girl that so desperately wants to be an inventor but has to win a team competition just to get the chance to fulfill her dreams blew me away.        The story is so empowering for young girls that want to get into STEM and I'm so grateful I had the chance to read it. Thank you to Amberjack Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review what is sure to become a hyped book in 2018! OH - and according to the author's website there is going to be a sequel! While this books wraps up nicely, there's always more story to tell, and I can't wait for the next book!

Expected publication: January 2nd 2018 - Pre-order your copies today!

This book had me in stitches! I loved every minute of the alphabetical hypothetical doomsday scenarios presented in verse! The illustrations are priceless and I highly highly recommend this book! Just maybe... don't let your very little ones see this if they are already prone to nightmares. I would say that perhaps a fourth grader could enjoy this for a fun bedtime story or even for more serious discussions about some of the issues presented that are, well, more plausible than others! Thanks to NetGalley for an advance reader's copy.

I thought about giving this book a rating of only 4 stars when I was about 35% of the way through, but as I delved further into this time-jumping, nameless narrator’s life, the story just evolved and kept exploring her identity as a biracial woman born in England throughout multiple time periods of her life. What I had initially disliked about this story, I came to love, as Smith’s ingenious way with words won me over. I first heard about this book when I saw that it was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize and the synopsis caught my eye. Silly me, it’s not just about ballet, as I had initially perceived, but it is so much more. I highly recommend this book, and I now see just why it has been nominated for this prestigious award. Best of luck, Zadie Smith - I loved this self-exploratory novel, and can’t wait to read more of your works!

BookTubeAThon Wrap Up || What's Next??

I am currently reading Swing Time by Zadie Smith! However, with the amount of books I have added to my list to read and review - it feels like I am reading A MILLION books all at once (I’m not actually, but I am definitely overwhelmed. It’s like there is a leaning tower of books looming over my head threatening to fall on my head if I don’t read them all! Right now!)

Ok, not really. I love reading and I will gladly read them all- they are on my to be read list for a reason.

SO - about Swing Time! I adore this book. The confusing and competitiveness aspects of childhood are really highlighted, as is the concept of a daughter’s relationship to her parents- her mother, especially. I am on page 82 out of 417 ebook pages - loaned through my library, because they are awesome and use the 3M Cloud Library app to offer patrons even more amazing options!