Why I Now Talk Politics

I didn't used to talk politics; I didn't even know much about them. I've been a registered Democrat my entire voting career and I did always vote. There used to be only two issues that I required candidates to think my way on: Roe V. Wade and library funding. I didn't mind crossing party lines every now and then if I felt the candidate was better on the other side.

Honestly, most of the time I believed I was choosing between the lesser of two evils and it came down to which old white man felt the same I did on those two issues.

I didn't talk about my political views - even within my family. Because of course politics can be a messy discussion and can lead down the dark rabbit hole.

But then I grew up and I started to care more and understand more. And now I have a long laundry list of ideals that need to be matched if I'm going to support a candidate.

I'm still deeply concerned with Roe V. Wade, equality for women, equal pay...

But I'm also concerned with inclusivity: Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+ rights, fairness for everyone.

Taxing the rich to make our country better

Ending poverty - no child in our country should be going to bed hungry.

Support the veterans and their families

Better justice system

Be a decent human being and have an understanding of how politics work

Of course fund libraries and education is still there, but it's taken a little bit of back seat to these other requirements.

So now I talk politics on Twitter because ever since 45, you have to. You have to talk to get through the day. You have to talk to know that you're not alone.

And if you're wondering why I'm a book blogger/librarian talking about politics on my blog - well, politics doesn't stop at the door. The #MeToo movement swept through both Kid Lit and the YA world leaving behind men I will never read again or showcase either here on the blog or in the library.

And I'm done being polite about it.

Review: A Study in Scarlet Women

* First Book in the series *

Charlotte Holmes has never felt comfortable in society. After her father breaks their deal, Charlotte takes matters into her own hands. She plans an event that will allow her to move away from proper society - although she doesn't realize how hard things might become when she's taking care of herself.

After three odd deaths occur and suspicion falls on her sister, Charlotte uses her alter ego to help persuade the police they're on the wrong track. But she'll need help. Luckily she can count on some friends - both new and old to help uncover the truth.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this gender swap of Sherlock Holmes. I loved Charlotte's mind and how she used it. I enjoyed her relationship with her sister and Mrs. Watson. I like how she formed a partnership with the latter. I also really enjoyed the policeman and his wife. I liked the puzzling deaths, the connections, and the reveal. I'm looking forward to the next book. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it
Source: Gifted by my OTSPsecretsister
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your public library mystery section.

Review: Parker Inheritance

Candice isn't thrilled that she and her mom moved for the summer. Things change when she finds a letter to her from her grandmother hidden in the attic - in an old puzzle book.  The letter talks about a treasure hidden in town and it's part of the reason her grandmother was fired and moved away in disgrace.

With the help of her new friend, Candice starts investigating the town, it's people, and the link to the treasure. Could she be the one to uncover the treasure? Is there really a treasure?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved Candice and Brandon's friendship - how easy it came to them and then how they worked at it. I loved the scavenger hunt about the town. I liked learning about the town's history - even though it was heart-wrenching from discrimination to police behaving badly to horrific events. I really liked Siobhan's story; I wanted to read more about her. I loved how the two kids dug into research from family and town history, local museums, and the library. While at the core of this book lies a treasure hunt, it's about SO much more. This book spoke volumes about race relationships, bullying, kindness, family, and friendship. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute, I love the two halves of the cover, it really reflects the book's two stories.
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for school and public libraries.

Picture Book Review: Let's Go ABC

Transportation Alphabet book:

Fun

Creative

Great for Learning

Perfect for One on One Sharing

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Authors in TBR Pile

This week's topic is books in my TBR pile from Favorite authors. I have a strange habit sometimes with favorite authors. Sometimes I read their books immediately. And sometimes I hoard the books, saving them for either vacation or when I need a feel good read. Either way, here are some fun books on my shelf waiting to be read

.

- meme from That Artsy Reader Girl

Review: Save the Date

Charlie's older sister is getting married; giving the family one last weekend at the family home before it's sold. Things are changing and Charlie doesn't like change. She's not thrilled about movie. She's sad that her mother's comic strip is ending. She's not sure she wants to leave town for college. She does know that she wants this weekend to be perfect - to be just like old times.

But of course things don't run smoothly and Charlie spends the weekend putting out small fires. The end of the weekend will change everything, but Charlie's holding on to the past as tight as she can

My Thoughts: I adore Morgan Matson books and honestly I could have read many more pages about this family. I really loved it. I saved it to read on vacation and it was such a fun read. I loved the wedding drama, the family drama, and the moments between the siblings. I enjoyed the comic strip and learning more about how that changed things in the family. So many laughs and cute moments in this book from the borrowed dog to the donut runs to the capture the flag moment. Charlie grows during the weekend - learning things about herself and her family. Another sweet story from Morgan Matson - and I can't wait to see what she writes next. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Book sent for review - plus I attended a signing by Morgan Matson (finally meeting her)
Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for school and public libraries

Review: American Panda

At 17, Mei's brains have gotten her into college early. But according to her mother, it's never to early to start thinking about marriage. Mei's parents have her whole future mapped out for her: She's going to be a doctor (never mind that she's a germaphobe), she's going to marry a Taiwanese boy (never mind that the boy she likes is Japanese), and she's not going to talk with brother again (never mind that she misses him).

Mei's newfound freedom makes it hard to understand why her parents still hold on so tightly to their culture and to her. As soon as she starts to disagree, their relationship becomes strained. Can Mei trust her own judgement or will she do as they wish?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one - although it hit me straight in the feels. My parents were really strict and some of the moments here hit a little TOO close to home for me.  I loved the dancing moments! I loved the descriptions of food and all the eating that happened during the book. I really enjoyed the moments between Mei and her brother. This book gave me all the feels. It tugged at my heartstrings, was heartwrenching and hopeful, sad and happy. I'm eager to read what Gloria Chao writes next.

Cover Thoughts: Cute!
Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public libraries.

Review: Wedding Cake Crumble

* Book 10 in the Cupcake bakery series *

Angie and Tate are getting married in just a few short days. While our running wedding errands, Mel and Angie stumble across a dead body. This time it's the wedding photographer. Later they discover the limo driver has also been murdered - and it's obvious the connection between the two is Angie and Tate. Is someone trying to keep their wedding from happening?  No one is resting until this case is solved, giving Angie and Tate their day in the sun.

My Thoughts: I really love this series. I enjoyed the wedding planning and watching Angie's family come together to support her. I always find the brothers entertaining. I really liked the famous author's book and how it was like a train wreck that you couldn't stop reading. Another tasty mystery from Jenn McKinlay.

Cover Thoughts: Cute as always
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: If you don't already have this series at your public library - go buy it.

Picture Book Review: Goldenlocks and the Three Pirates

A different take on the Goldilocks story - featuring pirates of course.

This is set on a pirate ship where Goldenlocks takes over the ship - the cooking, the sewing, and becomes the resident handywoman. Argh! A fun feminist twist on an old tale.

Top Ten Tuesday: Fall TBR List

This week's topic is one of my favorites! Fall TBR list. Here's a mix of the books coming out in September, October, and November that I can't wait to read!

- meme from That Artsy Reader Girl

Kids/Middle Grade:

YA:

Adult:

Christmas Romances!




I Adore Christmas romances - so if you know of more coming out this year, please let me know!
Or let me know your favorite one too. 

What's on your list of books to read this fall?