#first chapter challenge

FIRST CHAPTER CHALLENGE! 

This was one of those weeks where I was both surprised by one of the books, and not so surprised about the two others. I’ve seen so many booktubers comment on how they collect books they’ve heard about, but didn’t really know if it was something they’d read--almost like filling your shelves for aesthetic purposes. 

While doing this challenge, I’ve found that I’ve definitely fallen into this trap of owning certain ARCs just because I can and merely because they look familiar. This isn’t the best way to go about building a book collection and I wouldn’t recommend it. 

A gentle reminder: Just because I’ve unhauled the books in this post and in future posts, it doesn’t mean that they’re books not worth reading. They’re just not right for me. This is more of an incentive for me to free up space and give these books better homes than my basement.

Also, there might be some spoilers. If you’re interested in reading these books, tread with care.

Read my original post and how I’m going about this challenge here.

Have any of you practiced this challenge this past week?

Teen Hyde by Chandler Baker

Decision: Unhauled 

I’m not entirely surprised I’m unhauling this. I’ve had Teen Hyde on my shelves for a while and though the synopsis was always intriguing to me, I never had the urge to pick it up. This is also the second in a series of adaptations--but take that with a grain of salt since I have no idea if the two books are actually connected in any way other than that they’re adaptations. While the Goodreads rating is a big detractor, the first page itself was what really had me questioning if I wanted to read this in its entirety. 

Synopsis: 

“High school meets classic horror in this YA contemporary twist on Robert Louis Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Head Cheerleader Cassidy Hyde’s life should have been perfect. But it really, really wasn’t, and she’s about ready to give up and disappear. Until, the first time she takes Sunshine. This new experimental drug makes Cassidy feel like the perfect, golden girl once again. A little memory loss seems like a small price to pay to get her life back . . . at least until boys start to go missing . . . boys that Cassidy NEVER wanted to think of again . . .”

Layover by Amy Andelson & Emily Meyer

Decision: Unhauled

I have been wanting to read this since I found an ARC at one of the bookstores I worked at. I started reading it and thought huh, this is cute but very trope-y. I will admit, I was a little drawn in by the unconventional romance. But then, I started noticing things that were off. Then, much like I often do with these books, I went on Goodreads. I was wary because I wanted it to be good news! But then, damn. So. Many. Issues. I figured that I would save myself from the headaches and the book throwing. 

Synopsis: 

“Flynn: At first we were almost strangers. But ever since I moved to New York, Amos was the one person I could count on. And together we were there for Poppy. (I mean, what kind of parents leave their kid to be raised by a nanny?) I just didn’t expect to fall for him—and I never expected him to leave us.

Amos: I thought I was the only one who felt it. I told myself it was because we were spending so much time together—taking care of Poppy and all. But that night, I could tell she felt it, too. And I freaked out—you’re not supposed to fall for your stepsister. So I ran away to boarding school. I should have told her why I was leaving, but every time I tried, it felt like a lie.

One missed flight was about to change their lives forever….”

The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin

Decision: Unhauled

When I mentioned in the intro to this post that I sometimes collect books just to say I own them, or I “want” to read them, this is a perfect example. This is not my kind of book. I don’t go out of my way looking for this kind of book. Granted, this could be an incredible book, but my eyes immediately glazed over as I started the first page. In fact, the first page describes how a 13 year-old girl’s body has changed. I mean, sex-ed is a thing (that I fully support), but I don’t want that to be the very first thing I read in a new book. Call me picky. 

Synopsis: 

“If you knew the date of your death, how would you live your life?

It's 1969 in New York City's Lower East Side, and word has spread of the arrival of a mystical woman, a traveling psychic who claims to be able to tell anyone the day they will die. The Gold children—four adolescents on the cusp of self-awareness—sneak out to hear their fortunes.

The prophecies inform their next five decades. Golden-boy Simon escapes to the West Coast, searching for love in '80s San Francisco; dreamy Klara becomes a Las Vegas magician, obsessed with blurring reality and fantasy; eldest son Daniel seeks security as an army doctor post-9/11; and bookish Varya throws herself into longevity research, where she tests the boundary between science and immortality.”

Have you read any of these three books? What were your experiences with them?

I’ll be back next week with another three picks!

FIRST CHAPTER CHALLENGE! 

This week was a little harder with the two young adult books that I picked because I was torn with one book. As for the sole fiction title I picked up, it was a thriller that I thought I would really enjoy. Again, the whole thriller thing falls on the idea of having a book that I like the idea of but might never actually pick up. 

I’m also trying a new thing that I began last week, but didn’t mention here. I will be adding books that I choose to continue reading to my TBR for the following month. This way, I don’t feel overwhelmed with the need to read them right away AND if I don’t finish them in that following month, then they’re leaving.

So, as it stands, here’s how my decisions go for this challenge: Save for another round, Unhaul, and Next month’s TBR.

A gentle reminder: Just because I’ve unhauled the books in this post and in future posts, it doesn’t mean that they’re books not worth reading. They’re just not right for me. This is more of an incentive for me to free up space and give these books better homes than my basement.

Also, there might be some spoilers. If you’re interested in reading these books, tread with care.

Read my original post and how I’m going about this challenge here.

Have any of you practiced this challenge this past week?

The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll

Decision: Unhauled

This was one of those thrillers that I really wanted to read because I loved the concept of Knoll’s prior novel. Also, look at that cover! Despite having the idea of liking thrillers, I’ve honestly never gotten into any thrillers--unless you consider something like You by Caroline Kepnes as a thriller. Anyway, I noticed right away that I wasn’t into this book. The writing was heavy and that Goodreads rating--wow. I’m sure it’ll find a better home!

Synopsis: 

“When five hyper-successful women agree to appear on a reality series set in New York City called Goal Diggers, the producers never expect the season will end in murder…

Brett’s the fan favorite. Tattooed and only twenty-seven, the meteoric success of her spin studio—and her recent engagement to her girlfriend—has made her the object of jealousy and vitriol from her cast mates.

Kelly, Brett’s older sister and business partner, is the most recent recruit, dismissed as a hanger-on by veteran cast. The golden child growing up, she defers to Brett now—a role which requires her to protect their shocking secret.

Stephanie, the first black cast member and the oldest, is a successful bestselling author of erotic novels. There have long been whispers about her hot, non-working actor-husband and his wandering eye, but this season the focus is on the rift that has opened between her and Brett, former best friends—and resentment soon breeds contempt.

Lauren, the start-up world’s darling whose drinking has gotten out of control, is Goal Diggers’ recovery narrative—everyone loves a comeback story.

And Jen, made rich and famous through her cultishly popular vegan food line plays a holistic hippie for the cameras, but is perhaps the most ruthless of them all when the cameras are off.”

Riders by Veronica Rossi 

Decision: April TBR

I’ve always been really interested in the Horsemen of the Apocalypse mythology and frankly, this is probably why I’ve held on to this book for so long. The first chapter shows a lot of promise and I love adventurous stories. I’m willing to give this a shot because I remember how excited I was when I first received this book. 

Synopsis: 

“Nothing but death can keep eighteen-year-old Gideon Blake from achieving his goal of becoming a U.S. Army Ranger. As it turns out, it does.

While recovering from the accident that most definitely killed him, Gideon finds himself with strange new powers and a bizarre cuff he can’t remove. His death has brought to life his real destiny. He has become War, one of the legendary four horsemen of the apocalypse.

Over the coming weeks, he and the other horsemen—Conquest, Famine, and Death—are brought together by a beautiful but frustratingly secretive girl to help save humanity from an ancient evil on the emergence.

They fail.

Now—bound, bloodied, and drugged—Gideon is interrogated by the authorities about his role in a battle that has become an international incident. If he stands any chance of saving his friends and the girl he’s fallen for—not to mention all of humankind—he needs to convince the skeptical government officials the world is in imminent danger.

But will anyone believe him?”

The Waning Age by S.E. Grove

Decision: Unhauled

I was originally torn about this book. I kind of enjoyed the first chapter and was even intrigued, but then I did what I always do when I’m not fully sure about a book: I flip through the book and see if anything jumps out at me (both in a positive or negative way)--nothing really did. Also, two points: This ARC had a weird thing going on with the font where it looked like it was badly printed, and I also may have peeked at the Goodreads rating. Oops. 

Synopsis: 

“In a parallel present San Francisco, Natalia Peña works as a hotel maid, practices martial arts, and cares for her eleven-year-old brother, Calvino. In this version of our world, all children start to "wane" when they reach Cal's age; by their teen years, they've lost their ability to feel emotion. But Cal isn't waning. When a mysterious corporation kidnaps him for testing, Natalia's reaction surprises her: she's crushed, and she'll do anything to save her brother from their experiments. But the road to his rescue leads her into the path of a dashing but troubled billionaire's son, a cadre of killers, and, eventually, the shocking truth about waning. Filled with twists and turns, The Waning Age is a powerful mirror that shows us the danger of becoming desensitized to violence and the remarkable, transformative power of love.“

Have you read any of these three books? What were your experiences with them?

I’ll be back next week with another three picks!

FIRST CHAPTER CHALLENGE!

It’s been a while since I’ve made a post for my First Chapter Challenge, but not because I gave up! I’ve just simply been too busy to read the first chapter in my three picks for the week. Finally, I have read some chapters and have made some decisions for this week’s books!

A gentle reminder: Just because I’ve unhauled the books in this post and in future posts, it doesn’t mean that they’re books not worth reading. They’re just not right for me. This is more of an incentive for me to free up space and give these books better homes than my basement.

Also, there might be some spoilers. If you’re interested in reading these books, tread with care.

Read my original post and how I’m going about this challenge here.

Have any of you practiced this challenge this past week?

Serpent’s Secret by Sayantani DasGupta

Decision: Currently Reading

I’m intrigued enough to add this to my TBR for March! I love books that feature adventures and quirky characters set out to save their parents. Also, this cover is too badass to ignore. 

Synopsis: 

“MEET KIRANMALA: INTERDIMENSIONAL DEMON SLAYER (Only she doesn't know it yet.)

On the morning of her twelfth birthday, Kiranmala is just a regular sixth grader living in Parsippany, New Jersey... until her parents mysteriously vanish and a drooling rakkhosh demon slams through her kitchen, determined to eat her alive. Turns out there might be some truth to her parents' fantastical stories-like how Kiranmala is a real Indian princess and how she comes from a secret place not of this world.

To complicate matters, two crush-worthy princes ring her doorbell, insisting they've come to rescue her. Suddenly, Kiran is swept into another dimension full of magic, winged horses, moving maps, and annoying, talking birds. There she must solve riddles and battle demons all while avoiding the Serpent King of the underworld and the Rakkhoshi Queen in order to find her parents and basically save New Jersey, her entire world, and everything beyond it...”

Penelope March is Melting by Jeffrey Michael Ruby

Decision: Unhauled

This is one of those books I picked up because it was available. I don’t think I put enough thought behind adding this book to my library. When I read the synopsis and started reading the first chapter, I knew I didn’t want to go any further.

Synopsis: 

“Something sinister has come to Glacier Cove, an icy-cold town that sits on top of an iceberg . Nothing bad ever happens here. Until now. And it's up to Penelope March to stop it.

Mmm-hmm, that Penelope--the bookworm who lives in the ramshackle house with her brother, Miles. The girl with the mom who--poof!--disappeared. The one everyone ignores . . . except strange Coral Wanamaker, a tiny thing with raven-black hair and a black coat.

When Penelope meets someone who seems to know secrets not only about Glacier Cove but about Penelope herself, she and Miles are pulled into an ancient mystery. Together, they'll face the coldest, cruelest enemy ever known. Looks like the girl who only reads about adventures is going to start living one.

Magic cookies! Volcanoes! Penguins! Sea monsters! And a girl hero with the strength and imagination to spring into action.”

Black Bird of the Gallows by Meg Kassel 

Decision: Currently Reading

While the beginning of this book hooked me, the ending of the first chapter has me feeling a little wary. Regardless, I want to give this book a shot so it’s been added to my March TBR! Hopefully that weirdness won’t turn me off later!

Synopsis: 

“A simple but forgotten truth: Where harbingers of death appear, the morgues will soon be full.

Angie Dovage can tell there’s more to Reece Fernandez than just the tall, brooding athlete who has her classmates swooning, but she can’t imagine his presence signals a tragedy that will devastate her small town. When something supernatural tries to attack her, Angie is thrown into a battle between good and evil she never saw coming. Right in the center of it is Reece—and he’s not human.

What’s more, she knows something most don’t. That the secrets her town holds could kill them all. But that’s only half as dangerous as falling in love with a harbinger of death.”

Have you read any of these three books? What were your experiences with them?

I’ll be back next week with another three picks!

FIRST CHAPTER CHALLENGE!

Happy Sunday everyone!

One of the big things I’m noticing as my ARC collection gets smaller and smaller is how much harder it is to let go of these books. Before the challenge truly got going, I went through the shelves and unhauled the ARCs that I immediately knew I wasn’t even going to attempt to read. Now, I’m in the deep with books I have held on to with the wild hopes of reading them one day. 

This complication makes it harder for me because of my attachment to these books, but it also makes it a little more interesting because it forces me to question why I kept them in the first place/why I never picked them up before if I was so adamant that I would read them one day. 

“Why,” I ask myself looking at those shelves, “why do I want to read them one day and not today?” Why did I not set goals for myself to read these books sooner rather than letting them collect dust and accumulate to an overwhelming level? This is something I’m still trying to figure out while on this long journey.

Well, let’s look at the books for this week!

A gentle reminder: Just because I’ve unhauled the books in this post and in future posts, it doesn’t mean that they’re books not worth reading. They’re just not right for me. This is more of an incentive for me to free up space and give these books better homes than my basement.

Also, there might be some spoilers. If you’re interested in reading these books, tread with care.

Read my original post and how I’m going about this challenge here.

Have any of you practiced this challenge this past week?

A Semi-Definitive List of Worst Nightmares by Krystal Sutherland

Decision: Unhauled

I received this book about two summers or so ago. I started reading it then because it was a book I had requested and though I made a bit of progress into the story, I was never truly hooked. It sat on my then TBR shelf in my room for months, if not over a year, until I moved all of my ARCs downstairs. I was contemplating re-reading the first chapter, but then I asked myself why when I had already tried and failed to read it the first time around. Sometimes it’s okay to just let go of that book that haunts you.

Synopsis: 

“Ever since Esther Solar’s grandfather met Death, her entire family has been doomed to suffer one great fear in their lifetime—a fear that will eventually lead each and every one of them to their graves. Take Esther’s father, for instance: He’s an agoraphobe who hasn’t left the basement in six years. Then there’s her twin brother, Eugene, whose fear of the dark goes far beyond the things that go bump in the night. And her mother, Rosemary, is absolutely terrified of bad luck.

As for Esther, she’s managed to escape the curse…so far. She doesn’t yet have a great fear because she avoids pretty much everything. Elevators, small spaces, crowds—anything that might trigger a phobia is off-limits and is meticulously recorded in her semi-definitive list of worst nightmares. 

Esther thinks she has it all figured out, until she’s reunited with an old elementary school classmate—and first crush—Jonah Smallwood. The encounter leaves her stranded at a bus stop and swindled out of her phone, all her cash, a Fruit Roll-Up she’d been saving, and her list—not to mention her dignity. But the theft is also the beginning of an unexpected friendship between the two, one that sends the pair on a journey of self-discovery as they try to break the curse that’s consumed Esther’s family. Together they face their greatest fears, one debilitating phobia at a time, only to discover the one fear they hadn’t counted on: love.”

Mark of the Thief by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Decision: Currently Reading

My first thought when I pulled this out of my TBR jar was “Oh no,” because I knew I kept this one for a reason. Much like my intro to this post, I admit that this is one of those books I should have read a while ago. This is a “one of these days” books. The moment I started reading the first chapter, I knew I wanted to read this. One chapter turned into two, and before I knew it, I was on chapter five. 

Synopsis: 

“When Nic, a slave in the mines outside of Rome, is forced to enter a sealed cavern containing the lost treasures of Julius Caesar, he finds much more than gold and gemstones: He discovers an ancient bulla, an amulet that belonged to the great Caesar and is filled with a magic once reserved for the Gods -- magic some Romans would kill for.

Now, with the deadly power of the bulla pulsing through his veins, Nic is determined to become free. But instead, he finds himself at the center of a ruthless conspiracy to overthrow the emperor and spark the Praetor War, a battle to destroy Rome from within. Traitors and spies lurk at every turn, each more desperate than the next to use Nic's newfound powers for their own dark purposes.

In a quest to stop the rebellion, save Rome, and secure his own freedom, Nic must harness the magic within himself and defeat the empire's most powerful and savage leaders.”

Tiffany Sly Lives Here Now by Dana L. Davis

Decision: Currently Reading

I received this book last summer and I was a big fan of the cover and the story because I love the whole idea of starting over in a new city/town with a long-lost relative. My two main excuses for not picking this up since the summer are that I’ve been in my weird reading funk, AND I will admit that this book got lost in the shelves behind other books--a massive downfall to having a large book collection and limited space. Anyway, because this is a topic I’m interested in, I did enjoy the first chapter and have decided to keep going. 

Synopsis: 

“For sixteen-year-old Tiffany Sly, life hasn’t been safe or normal for a while. Losing her mom to cancer has her a little bit traumatized and now she has to leave her hometown of Chicago to live with the biological dad she’s never known.

Anthony Stone is a rich man with four other daughters—and rules for every second of the day. Tiffany tries to make the best of things, but she doesn’t fit into her new luxurious, but super-strict, home—or get along with her standoffish sister London. The only thing that makes her new life even remotely bearable is the strange boy across the street. Marcus McKinney has had his own experiences with death, and the unexpected friendship that blossoms between them is the only thing that makes her feel grounded.

But Tiffany has a secret. Another man claims he’s Tiffany’s real dad—and she only has seven days before he shows up to demand a paternity test and the truth comes out. With her life about to fall apart all over again, Tiffany finds herself discovering unexpected truths about her father, her mother and herself, and realizing that maybe family is in the bonds you make—and that life means sometimes taking risks.”

Have you read any of these three books? What were your experiences with them?

I’ll be back next week with another three picks!

FIRST CHAPTER CHALLENGE!

Update: 

This week was a little weird with my reading because I usually manage to at least read the first chapter of three books. So, instead of not posting anything at all, I’ll just write a very quick update!

I am now down to one spot (other than my ARC bookcase downstairs) where I’m keeping my ARCs in my bedroom. The original bookshelf is free for me to use for anything! 

I’m excited to see what 2019 has in store for this challenge because I need to declutter my bookish life. 

What I’ve also noticed is that I’ve been finding it easier to let go of my ARCs. When I first started this challenge, I had a hard time even imagining getting rid of the books I’d collected over the years. 

There’s a weird connection that grows the longer you keep a book and it took me a few months to sever that connection. Now, I just pick up a book and I can feel whether I want to try reading it or not. 

Hopefully I will be able to read the first chapter of the latest three picks before next Sunday!

FIRST CHAPTER CHALLENGE!

Ah, my last ARC TBR post before the new year! I’m so excited to continue this feature into 2019. One of the main things I’ve also learned about this challenge is being a little more careful in the ARCs I accept, request, or bring home from work. 

How many ARCs did I unhaul/read from my ARC bookcase in 2018? 

42! 

Let’s keep it going!

A gentle reminder: Just because I’ve unhauled the books in this post and in future posts, it doesn’t mean that they’re books not worth reading. They’re just not right for me. This is more of an incentive for me to free up space and give these books better homes than my basement.

Also, there might be some spoilers. If you’re interested in reading these books, tread with care.

Read my original post and how I’m going about this challenge here.

Have any of you practiced this challenge this past week?

Lies You Never Told Me by Jennifer Donaldson

Decision: Unhauled

I remember when I first got a copy of this book at an event with a friend. We talked about how this book looked interesting, but the ARC was super awkward. As you can see in the picture, this is the back of the book. The front was just an illustration, no title. Of course, this had nothing to do with my decision, but it was just...unique. I started reading the first chapter and immediately noticed that it was something really dramatic. To be honest, I might have continued reading this, but then of course, I read the synopsis. I’m not big on rumors and super dramatic books that would probably work better as TV shows. I almost kept this book, but I talked myself out of it. 

Synopsis: 

“Gabe and Elyse have never met. But they both have something to hide.

Quiet, shy Elyse can't believe it when she's cast as the lead in her Portland high school's production of Romeo and Juliet. Her best friend, Brynn, is usually the star, and Elyse isn't sure she's up to the task. But when someone at rehearsals starts to catch her eye--someone she knows she absolutely shouldn't be with--she can't help but be pulled into the spotlight. 

Austin native Gabe is contemplating the unthinkable--breaking up with Sasha, his headstrong, popular girlfriend. She's not going to let him slip through her fingers, though, and when rumors start to circulate around school, he knows she has the power to change his life forever. 

Gabe and Elyse both make the mistake of falling for the wrong person, and falling hard. Told in parallel narratives, this twisty, shocking story shows how one bad choice can lead to a spiral of unforeseen consequences that not everyone will survive.”

Julia Vanishes by Catherine Egan

Decision: Unhauled

I have heard a lot of good things about this series--granted, it was all mainly from one person. While the prologue was super interesting, I wasn’t ready for the setting of the book. Also, because this is set in a historical fantasy setting, the writing is not at all what I was expecting. The first chapter held promise, but it was slow and I just couldn’t imagine reading a whole book with that writing. Double score? I also have the sequel. 

Synopsis: 

“Julia has the unusual ability to be . . . unseen. Not invisible, exactly. Just beyond most people's senses. 

It's a dangerous trait in a city that has banned all forms of magic and drowns witches in public Cleansings. But it's a useful trait for a thief and a spy. And Julia has learned--crime pays.

Her latest job is paying very well indeed. Julia is posing as a housemaid in the grand house of Mrs. Och, where an odd assortment of characters live and work: A disgraced professor who sends her to fetch parcels containing bullets, spiders, and poison. An aristocratic houseguest who is locked in the basement each night. And a mysterious young woman who is clearly in hiding--though from what or whom?

Worse, Julia suspects that there's a connection between these people and the killer leaving a trail of bodies across the frozen city.

The more she learns, the more she wants to be done with this unnatural job. To go back to the safety of her friends and fellow thieves. But Julia is entangled in a struggle between forces more powerful than she'd ever imagined. Escape will come at a terrible price.”

A Dark Inheritance by Chris D’Lacey

Decision: Unhauled

Honestly, I started reading this and I kind of knew I wouldn’t be finishing it. This is one of the ARCs I’ve had on my bookshelves for years. This book was published in 2014 and I have an ARC. I think this might be one of my oldest ARCs. I’m sure this is a cute middle grade read for anyone in the mood for magical adventures. Normally, I’m a fan of that type of fiction, but given how long this has been on my bookshelf, I think it’s time to say goodbye.

Synopsis: 

“When Michael Malone discovers his supernatural ability to alter reality, he is recruited by an organization dedicated to investigating strange and paranormal phenomena. He joins in hopes of finding his father, who mysteriously vanished three years earlier. Michael's first task is to solve the mystery of a dog he rescued from a precarious clifftop - a mystery that leads him to a strange and sickly classmate and a young girl who was killed in a devastating accident. Stakes are high as Michael learns to harness his newfound ability and uncover the deadly truth about his father's disappearance.”

Have you read any of these three books? What were your experiences with them?

I’ll be back next week with another three picks!

First Chapter Challenge! 

The three books for this week’s post were a lot more promising for me. While I’ve yet to finish any of them, I do have one of these books on my “Currently Reading” list and I made it about halfway through another. These are all fun or interesting, but for two of them it simply was a case of wrong timing.

A gentle reminder: Just because I’ve unhauled the books in this post and in future posts, it doesn’t mean that they’re books not worth reading. They’re just not right for me. This is more of an incentive for me to free up space and give these books better homes than my basement.

Read my original post and how I’m going about this challenge here.

Have any of you practiced this challenge this past week?

Look Out for the Fitzgerald Trouts by Esta Spalding

Decision: Unhauled. 

I made it nearly halfway through when I decided that I wasn’t intrigued enough to keep reading this title. While it was cute and I can see the fun behind this story, I don’t think it’s a book for me. I do think it’s a great book for a middle schooler looking for a sun-filled read. 

Synopsis: 

“Kim Fitzgerald-Trout took to driving with ease--as most children would if their parents would ever let them try. She had to. After all, she and her siblings live in a car. 

Meet the Fitzgerald-Trouts, a band of four loosely related children living together in a lush tropical island. They take care of themselves. They sleep in their car, bathe in the ocean, eat fish they catch and fruit they pick, and can drive anywhere they need to go--to the school, the laundromat, or the drive-in. If they put their minds to it, the Fitzgerald-Trouts can do anything. Even, they hope, find a real home. 

Award-winning poet and screenwriter Esta Spalding's exciting middle grade debut establishes a marvelous place where children fend for themselves, and adults only seem to ruin everything. This extraordinary world is brought to vibrant life by Sydney Smith, the celebrated artist behind Sidewalk Flowers.”

A God in the Shed by J-F. Dubeau

Decision: Unhauled

This book was...weird. The first chapter was really odd and I considered continuing just to see what was going on. I even added it to my currently reading list, but then I thought about the time it would take to read this book that kind of weirded me out and decided to unhaul it. 

Synopsis: 

“The village of Saint-Ferdinand has all the trappings of a quiet life: farmhouses stretching from one main street, a small police precinct, a few diners and cafes, and a grocery store. Though if an out-of-towner stopped in, they would notice one unusual thing--a cemetery far too large and much too full for such a small town, lined with the victims of the Saint-Ferdinand Killer, who has eluded police for nearly two decades. It's not until after Inspector Stephen Crowley finally catches the killer that the town discovers even darker forces are at play. 

When a dark spirit reveals itself to Venus McKenzie, one of Saint-Ferdinand's teenage residents, she learns that this creature's power has a long history with her town--and that the serial murders merely scratch the surface of a past burdened by evil secrets.”

The Disappearance of Sloane Sullivan by Gia Cribbs

Decision: Currently reading

I’m actually really enjoying this book so far and I’m going to see it through. I’ve been weird with my reading lately, so it’ll take me a while, but this will be read! 😂

Synopsis: 

“No one wants me to tell you about the disappearance of Sloane Sullivan.

Not the lawyers or the cops. Not her friends or family. Not even the boy who loved her more than anyone. And most certainly not the United States Marshals Service. You know, the people who run the witness protection program or, as it’s officially called, the Witness Security Program? Yeah, the WITSEC folks definitely don’t want me talking to you.

But I don’t care. I have to tell someone.

If I don’t, you’ll never know how completely wrong things can go. How a single decision can change everything. How, when it really comes down to it, you can’t trust anyone. Not even yourself. You have to understand, so it won’t happen to you next. Because you never know when the person sitting next to you isn’t who they claim to be...and because there are worse things than disappearing.”

Have you read any of these three books? What were your experiences with them?

I’ll be back next week with another three picks!