Top Ten Tuesday: Books about Books

 This week's topic is all about jobs in books. I love reading about authors, libraries, and bookstore owners. Here are some of my favorite bookish stories and a few I want to read:

Read:

Magical Librarians

Reporter

Author

Author

Librarian

Authors

Librarians turned spy

Currently Reading:

Author

Want to read:

Bookstore

Fake author

Librarians

Librarians

Bookstore

Author

Any of these on your list to read too? Or have you read any of these? 

I'm such a sucker for bookish books. 

Middle Grade Review: The Best Worse Summer of Esme Sun

Esme has two sisters who have their talents. Esme isn't good at anything, but maybe this summer can change that. When her friend is away for the summer, Esme is happy to be swimming at the pool. She grew over the last year. She has to learn to turn again. At the qualifying meet, Esme and her friends each come out near the top during the races. Could Esme finally be good at something?  

Her new friends are "cooler" than Esme. Esme promises the coolest girl that she will be more chill. But Esme can't help being excited about swimming and maybe breaking a pool record.  Can she and her new friends remain friends throughout the summer?

Will this summer be the best or the worst?

My Thoughts: I loved this book. There's so much friendship and family drama. I wasn't Tegan's biggest fan or a huge fan of Esme's mom. Esme isn't ready to grow up yet and I loved that she figured that out. She found things and people that made her happy. I loved the moments about swimming and being part of the team. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library 

Mood Board: Worth Fighting For

Yesterday, I reviewed Worth Fighting For, which was a fantastic book. You can read my review here. 

I have fun making these mood boards.

Review: Worth Fighting For

 

* Part of the of MEANT TO BE novels * 

Fa Mulan works in finance, but the finance bros just might be the death of her. Yes, her father owns the company, but that's not why she was hired. Her father's interested in making a deal with a family run whiskey company. Fa Mulan can't understand why because the numbers don't add up.

But when her father has a heart attack just before the negotiations start, Fa Mulan promises that she will get the deal done. 

But the family run company is traditional and only wants to negotiate with a man. Fa Mulan steps in and assumes her father's name. Her father talked about his time on a ranch. The family is unimpressed with Fa Mulan's presentation but agree to her coming to the ranch and showing off her skills.

Fa Mulan doesn't have those skills, but maybe her sheer determination will convince the family. Can she get the job done for her father?

My Thoughts: I loved this book - it was charming and funny. The time on the ranch was hilarious. I enjoyed Shang's family - the women were sweet and feisty. The men were old school and annoying (some of them) but some just wanted to do right by the company. I loved Mushu (Fa Mulan's cousin) - especially how her story ended. Another fantastic retelling; I didn't want this to end.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library

Why I Read It: I love these retellings and Mulan is a favorite story of mine. 

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended series for your public library's romance collection

Hand this to: Disney adults 

* these are not series in term of connecting characters, but in terms of Disney retellings *

Blog Tour: Dream

 

About the Book:

Set in small-town Colby, NC, DREAM follows aspiring songwriter Idalee Lovett, who lives in a rooming house with a motley crew of tenants while her mama's on tour. With the help of her friends (familiar faces from Wish), she embarks on a hunt for the long-lost treasure allegedly hidden in their house, to buy the shiny blue guitar in Asheville's music shop -- the key to winning the local radio station's songwriting contest.

What was YOUR dream at the age of twelve? 

My Dream: It's hard to remember my dreams at the that age. But I had a couple. 

One was to play basketball in high school and college.

How it turned out:

I played JV basketball in high school for two years. I didn't have the heart for it and I wasn't good enough to make it.

My Dream: I wanted to be a writer

How it Turned Out: 

I am a writer. I haven't published a book yet, but I have written articles for librarian magazines. I'm working on the novel part. Hopefully one day. 

Graphic Novel Review: Grilled Cheese Caper

* First Book in the series *

When the grilled cheese festival is ruined because someone stole all the sandwiches, the detectives are on the case. There are two suspects. Can Purrlock and Marlowe uncover the culprit?

My Thoughts: This was such a fun graphic novel. I loved the mystery. I love how the detectives followed the clue - most of the time.  This is a great graphic novel for younger readers that will appeal to many readers. 

Source: My Library

Why I read it: I love grilled cheese and detective novels - the combination sold me

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your graphic novel collection

Picture Book Review: If Animals Loved Books

The illustrations are charming in this book loving story. The ending is perfect. I'm not sure which animal is the cutest; they are all adorable. It might be the puppies and storytime. Or it could be....

You will have to read this book and decide for yourself. 

* Book sent for review