YABookNerd: November 2019

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

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 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.