Movie Review: Gray Man

Last weekend, I watched The Gray Man -  I did read the book last year. 

Here were my thoughts on the book. 

My Thoughts: I did like the movie. It was exactly what I expected. I remembered moments from the book. And there were some I did not. I did not remember Dani's character at all. Chris Evans plays a really good bad guy (and a really good Good guy). I wish that Regé-Jean Page had more of a role. Lots of action and danger. It did remind me of Bourne at times. 

I hope they continue with the series. It does sound like there are additional movies in the works. 

Did you watch it?

BookTok: Sweet and Sour

@yabooknerdlibrarian Put Sweet and Sour by Debbi Michiko Florence on your radar! This is a great middle grade summer book about friendship! #booktok #booktalk #upcomingbooks #librariansoftiktok #friendshipbook ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

* ARC sent for review.

** Debbie's books are awesome if you haven't read them yet

Graphic Novel Review: Batter Royale

 

Rose dreams of becoming a pastry chef. She's thrilled when she's accepted into the culinary school of dreams. But her parents warn her they might not be able to afford it. 

The restaurant she works at might be in trouble, but a food critic arrives. This could make or break the restaurant. Rose whips up a dessert that the critic loves. The critic offers her a spot on the Batter Royale baking show in London.

Rose and her best friend enter the competition. But while they expected baking, they did not expect traps and kidnapping and sabotage. If Rose and Fred win, they could solve all their problems. But it's going to take both of them - together.

My Thoughts: This graphic novel pulled me out of a reading slump. I loved the baking recipes added into the book. I loved reading about baking and competition. There were so many twists with the cooking challenges - which were fun to read but would be over the top in a real show. I loved the teamwork between Fred and Rose and how they went from friends to something more. I loved how Rose wanted to help other competitors. A fantastic story that I couldn't put down.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: my library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your graphic novel collection

Review: Power of Flight

 

On a camp field trip, you tag along with your partner into an off-limits area. A bird scratches you and the next day you wake up with the power to fly.

You choose the path your take - will you be a hero or a villain or will you die?

My Thoughts: This reminded me of the Choose Your Own Adventure novels I read a lot as a kid. I liked the illustrations and how they added to the story. In the first time through the story, I came really close to a happy ending but I chose poorly on the last choice and died. But the choice was saving a dog, so...

This is a fun story to read together with a friend or sibling and see what choices you would make together. Because of the multiple storylines, you can read this book over and over until you choose the path that you like best. 

Cover Thoughts: I like the divide

Source: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendation: This is a great one for your school or public library collection.

Picture Book Review: Beach and Ocean Books

Just a few ocean and beach picture books that came into the library recently

A lovely illustrated wordless picture book about a day at the beach for one family. Together they build a sandcastle, but the sandcastle doesn't always stay. 

Problem solving and determination plus cooperation make this one a fun family read.

During a trip to the ocean floor in a submarine, one student lingers and gets left behind. This student takes a bunch of pictures with sea creatures and has a marvelous time until the submarine shows up to collect them.

Another almost wordless picture book with great illustrations about finding a new friend and discovering an old city. Very cool!

The seagull is very good at snatching food from people at the beach - until a crab comes along. All of a sudden seagull has lost his mojo. Can he work with crab to find a solution?

A funny problem-solving book about working together and yummy food! 

Top Ten Tuesday: TBR Check-in

 This week's topic is check-in on past reading lists. 

So let's see how many I've read lately.

Here's my Spring List

So I've read 20 and I have a few on my shelf from the library.

And I'm still working towards the reading more of them.  I never seem to get to them all.

How did you do on your list?

Holiday Book Round- Up

I read a few more Christmas books this year that I wanted to share:

Second Chance Love story

Jewish characters

Big fundraiser Ball

Rachel has a big Christmas secret

Chronic illness

* This was an enjoyable read. I enjoyed the publishing moments and the big Christmas secret. I loved Jacob's grandmother. 

A YA Romance 

Bookish Character

Movie fandom

Secrets and blackmailing

Working at an inn's gift shop

Enemies to Lovers

* This was super cute. I loved the bookish nerdy character and the fandom.

YA Romance

Social Media Influences

Home Exchange: England and US

Friendships and Romance

Bullying

Christmas Bucket Lists

* I enjoyed this one, especially the bucket lists and traditions from another country. Although it did make me want to travel to England for the holidays.  I also liked the social media moments. 

Twins

Drama Drama Drama

Switching Places

Bakery

Baking Reality Show

Romances

Baking Disasters

Re-examine their lives

* I loved this one. It's a totally Hallmark type story and just up my alley. I loved watching the twins try to adjust to each other's lives. And find romance and themselves in the process.

* Ballet

* Secret Crush 

* Babysitting

* Family Drama

* Week in a ski resort

* Hot Chocolate 

* This was really cute too - another Hallmark type book. I loved the ballet wishes and the time with the siblings. I like the way the family took in Noelle 

Sister Envy

Getting Fired

Being Spontaneous 

Diwali Wedding

Flirtation

Re-examine life choices 

Traditions

Mentions of Food

Reconnects with family in India

* This was really cute. I really enjoyed it. Lots of family and friendship moments, which were sweet. 

Nutcracker

Dancing

Family Drama

Dystopian World

Dancing, Sweets, and Danger

Romance

* This one was really interesting, and I really enjoyed it. It's not exactly a Christmas story, but it does involve the Nutcracker and cold frozen world with a little hope infused. 

In My Shop

Just a few new items in my shop for those who enjoy Christmas in July

Reindeer Ornament

Red Truck with Tree Ornament 

Christmas Soap

And just a few new cards:

@yabooknerdlibrarian Christmas in July! New cards in my Etsy shop. Single cards but some can be made as a set. Link in the bio! #christmasinJuly #christmascards #etsyshop #smallbusiness #crafttok #smallbusinesstok #cardmaking ♬ Jingle Bell Rock - Christmas Songs

Christmas Review: Christmas Bookshop

Carmen's been working in a department store, but when it closes for good, she has no plans for the future. After much discussion, she goes to live with her sister in Scotland. Her sister finds her a job. Carmen's grateful but she and her sister have never had a great relationship. Her sister's always been the perfect one.

Sofia isn't interested in hosting her younger sister either. Carmen has always been difficult. But she has a client with a bookstore who could use some help. And with another baby on the way and her husband traveling for work, she could use some help too. 

My Thoughts: This started off slow, but I really enjoyed getting to know both sisters. I loved "walking" in Edinburgh, and it made me want to visit. Of course, I loved the moments in the bookstore - from the decor to the events to the inventory. Sofia's children were entertaining and quirky - they made me laugh. The nanny was horrible, and I enjoyed watching her spar with Carmen. The romance plot rounded out the book nicely. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Recommended for your library's collection.

Christmas Book Review: The Christmas Escape

 

Christy planned the perfect Christmas vacation for her family and her best friend - but this time, things don't go according to plan. Christy's life is made up of schedules and organized moments. But when Christy notices something is off with her husband, she's determined to fix it.

She asks her best friend to take her daughter on the vacation. Christy and her husband will join Alix as soon as they can.

Alix isn't sure she's the best person for the job. She doesn't know how to parent a child, especially this close to Christmas. Plus she wants to heal the rift between her and Christy. Alix let her own fears about relationships bubble to the surface right before her best friend's wedding. There are some words you can't take back.

Can this Christmas vacation heal both a friendship and a marriage?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this story - it made me want to travel to Lapland. Lots of winter moments, hot chocolate drinking, and sleigh rides. Lots of feelings in this one as friendships and relationships are examined. I love the idea of chosen family and how friends do make the best families. I enjoyed Christy learning to let go of schedules and Alix learn to let people in. This would make a great Hallmark Channel movie (or Nexflix - I'm not picky)

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: Netgalley Review

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your public library Christmas collection.

Picture Book Wednesday: Christmas Picture Books

Just a few holiday picture books that I enjoyed:

A girl and her grandmother see the Nutcracker together. The grandmother is a former prima ballerina. The author is also a former prima ballerina. It's a lovely tradition to share between a grandmother and her granddaughter.  The artwork is lovely done by the Fancy Nancy artist. 

The story of the nutcracker and a Black ballerina playing the role of Clara. Great message about practicing and support from her family - as well as the Nutcracker story.

Santa's sleigh won't start - and no one knows how to fix it. A funny STEAM story that celebrates problem solving and girl power.

The Wheels on the Bus Christmas edition - this fun story is perfect for storytime!

How does Santa's sleigh actually work? This STEAM book turns magic into the knowledge.

This board book is adorable from the rhyming words to the loving family (including the cat) to the amazing illustrations. I love this series.

Top Ten Tuesday: Holiday Romance Books

 This week's topic I'm changing up to Holiday Romances I can't wait to read.

YA:

Adult:

 

 

 

Aren't the covers adorable?

Which is your favorite?

Are there any others that should be on my radar?