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Saturday, November 30, 2019

Review: Generation Friends

Generation Friends: An Inside Look at the Show That Defined a Television Era

Full confession: I didn't grow up watching Friends, although I'm the right age for it.

And I have LOTS of feelings about the show. There are so many great moments.


I don't normally read adult nonfiction, but this book was really interesting and entertaining. 

I loved learning bits about the show, the production of the show, and cast moments.

Honestly, I didn't want this book to end.

Things that stood out to me:

Ross was the first breakout character on the show. 
He's the worst character in my opinion and one who doesn't grow at all during the series.

How the studio won Rachel Green and caused her other show to die a slow death.

I hate the ending of the show. And loved Joey and Rachel together.
I hate that Rachel gave up her dream job in PARIS for Ross.
I'm glad I'm not the only one. 
But I do understand that's what the show was about for so many seasons and the pressure to finally give them a HEA - although I like to think it was a HFN and Rachel found her way to Paris after all. 

It's interesting to hear how problematic the show is now but at the time broke molds

Why a season took place in London 

How Monica and Chandler came to be something more than just a joke around a writing table.

And there were things I missed about the show. Like where was Ben during Ross's wedding to Emily.

All in all, this is a fascinating book that fans of the show will enjoy.

Library Recommendation: A must have for your public library.

Friday, November 29, 2019

Review: Well Met

Well Met (Well Met, #1)
Emily didn't know what she was getting into when she escaped form her own life to help her sister heal from her injury. She never imagines her summer would include participating in the local Renaissance Faire. But when her niece needs a parent volunteer, she's happy to help out.

Although she didn't imagine that she'd be trading barbs with a pirate who runs the faire and refused to listen to her ideas on how to make it better. She also didn't imagine she's being bound to him for the summer in a fake wedding ceremony.

She also never imagined kissing him would make her so happy - even if it is only fake kissing. Could this town grow on her and make her want to put down roots?
My Thoughts: I really loved this book. I loved the banter between Simon and Emily - both in character and in real life. Of course I loved the tension between Emily and Simon - and those kisses!I loved learning more about a Renaissance Faire, especially about the behind the scenes. I loved how Emily struggled to find her way after life hit her hard, but also how she found herself a home and her self worth. This is one heck of a debut novel and I can't wait to read what Jen writes next. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your public library's romance section! Highly Recommended. 

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Happy Thankful Day


Happy Friends and Family Day!

And happy Pie day. Pie is one of my favorite parts about today...


I hope that you all are surrounded by family, good friends, great food, and lots of laughter.

I'm thankful for so many things this year.

My family and friends, a job I love, this blog, two crazy puppers, and lots of wonderful books to read.
What are you thankful for?

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Picture Book Wednesday: Sulwe


Sulwe

Sulwe has darker skin than anyone she knows; she wants to be beautiful.

I loved this book with it's amazing illustrations and sweet message. I love what Sulwe's name means. It was heartbreaking to see how she wanted to lighten her skin to be more like everyone else, but I love how learned about her own beauty. I enjoyed learning that this picture book is based off the actress's own life.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Top Ten Tuesday: Thankful


I'm thankful for so many things:

Authors who create such wonderful stories

Publisher/Editors who work to make the stories the best they can be
Cover artists who design amazing covers
Marketing folk who send out books for review and/or set up blog tours

Bookish Friends who recommend wonderful stories

Librarian friends who talk about books and programming and ideas

And of course, you!
Everyone who read this blog
Everyone who comments on the blog

Monday, November 25, 2019

Holiday Gift Ideas: Board Books, Picture Books, and I Can Read Books



Here are some of my favorites that I read this year that would make GREAT holiday gifts!



For your convenience, I've broken them out into categories. Picture Books, Board Books, and I Can Read Books will be tomorrow.



Books make awesome gifts! Especially when you purchase them from independent bookstores.

I Can Read Books:
Who is the Mystery Reader?Bruce's Big Fun Day (World of Reading: Level 1)Mr. Monkey Takes a Hike

Picture Books:
The Proudest BlueThe Upper Case: Trouble in Capital CitySulweRiverAmy Wu and the Perfect Bao
Stormy: A Story About Finding a Forever HomeThunder TrucksBuilder Brothers: Better TogetherBruce's Big StormI Am Love: A Book of Compassion
Mission DefrostableShhh! I'm Reading!Thank You, Omu!The Big Book AdventureWhat Is a Refugee?
The Kindness BookBuilding BooksThe Love LetterGrace Goes to WashingtonSofia Valdez, Future Prez (Questioneers Picture Book, #4)
Goodbye, Friend! Hello, Friend!Bunny's Book Club Goes to SchoolThe Golden AcornCece Loves Science and Adventure (Cece Loves Science, #2)The Don't Worry Book
Peanut Butter & Brains: A Zombie Culinary TaleThe Evil Princess vs. the Brave KnightBecausePeaceful Fights for Equal RightsElla McKeen, Kickball Queen
Bilal Cooks DaalGeorgia's Terrific, Colorific ExperimentIt Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book About Gender IdentityIra Crumb Makes a Pretty Good FriendSalsa Lullaby
A New HomeI Will Be FierceAnna at the Art MuseumSay SomethingLittle Taco Truck
I Love You All Year ThroughWhen You Are BraveMadeline Finn and the Shelter DogEduardo Guadardo, Elite SheepChicks Rule!
Charlotte the Scientist Finds a CureUnder My HijabDandyMisunderstood Shark: Friends Don't Eat FriendsI Am Enough
What Makes a HeroNight JobDress Like a GirlMaiden & Princess


Picture Book Biographies:
From a Small Seed―The Story of Eliza HamiltonPies from Nowhere: How Georgia Gilmore Sustained the Montgomery Bus BoycottParker Looks Up: An Extraordinary MomentEnough! 20 Protesters Who Changed AmericaMary Blair's Unique Flair: The Girl Who Became One of the Disney Legends
Sweet Dreams, Sarah: From Slavery to InventorSerena: The Littlest SisterMagic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku AndoA Green Place to Be: The Creation of Central ParkDancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln
Billie Jean!: How Tennis Star Billie Jean King Changed Women's SportsPlanting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré

Holiday Books:
There's an Elf in Your BookChristmas Is Here! (Peanuts)The Great Santa StakeoutBetween Us and Abuela: A Family Story from the BorderMerry Christmas, Baby
Dear Santa: Let Me Explain...Kugel for Hanukkah?Santa's Story

Board Books:
Dream Big, Little OneThe Babies and Doggies BookGirl of MineLet's Find Momo!: A Hide-And-Seek Board Book