Tag: #bookreviewblog

Let’s Chat: Unfamiliar Words

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We’ve all been there.

You’re reading a book, totally sucked into the plot, and BAM…a word shows up and you have absolutely no clue what it means.  Completely unfamiliar in every single way.

In my previous life, I was as an elementary school teacher for 14 years.   I always taught my students to use context clues to “debug” those tricky words.  Look at the other words in the sentence.  What would make sense?  Look that the pictures.  What is the author trying to tell us here?  Can you continue reading without knowing that one word?  Will that one word make a difference in the author’s message?  These are the same strategies that I now teach my own daughter.

And yet as an adult…I do absolutely none of those things.  Zero.  I only have one thing I do when I come across an unfamiliar word while reading:

I Google it.

Every.  Single.  Time.

I truly cannot read a book without my phone next to me for this exact reason.  I simply can’t let it go…I MUST know the definition of every single word as I read! Even if I am able to figure it out by using context clues, I always look it up just to be sure.

I have this fear that I will miss an important piece of the story and/or character by not knowing every single word.

Am I alone?  Does anyone else do this? Is this just another trait of my type A personality?

What do you do when you come across an unfamiliar word while reading?  I’d love to hear your responses in the comments below!

Xo,

Jenny

8 Ways You Can Help Support Book Coffee Happy:

1. Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)

2. If you already have a blog, please “follow” mine

3. “Like” my Facebook page (and please comment on, “like”, and share my posts)

4. Follow me on Instagram

5. Follow me on Twitter

6. Subscribe to my YouTube channel (search Book Coffee Happy)

7. Clicking and buying products through my Amazon Affiliate links.  The cost to you is exactly the same and I receive a tiny commission off of your purchases.

8. Leaving a positive review on my Facebook page

 

The Reader Problems Tag

As soon as I saw this Reader Problems tag on www.roaringbookworm.wordpress.com, I knew I wanted to participate!  This was such a fun one to fill out!  Here are my answers:

You have 20,000 books on your TBR. How do you decide what to read next?

I basically choose my next book based upon the book which I’ve just finished.  If the book I just finished was heavy, I tend to choose a lighter read for my next one.  If I just finished a lighter romance novel, a deep psychological thriller would be a good choice for my next.  I rarely read 2 books in a row of the same genre (unless it’s a series).

You’re halfway through a book and you’re just not loving it. Do you put it down or are you committed?

I wrote an entire post on this!  You can read it HERE!

The end of the year is coming and you’re behind on your reading challenge. Do you try to catch up? And if so, how?

I’m very proud to say that I’ve never encountered this problem. 🙂  I always surpass my reading challenges and create higher ones for myself for the coming year!

The covers of a series you love do not match, how do you cope?

I.  HATE.  THIS.  I don’t cope well when this happens.  I’m way too type A.

Everyone and their mother loves a book that you do not. Who do you bond with over your shared feelings?

My blog readers 🙂  See THIS POST for more on this!

You’re reading a book in public and you’re about to start crying. How do you deal?

I sob.  Like a child.  Mascara everywhere.

The sequel to a book you loved just came out but you’ve forgotten a lot of what happens. Are you going to reread it?

Absolutely.  I have been known to reread an entire series in anticipation for a new release!

You do not want anyone to borrow your books, how do you politely say no when someone asks?

I always love sharing my books as long as I get them back 🙂

You have picked up and put down 5 books in the last month. How do you get over this reading slump?

#1 worst reading problem to have!  I. HATE. THIS.  The only thing that gets me out of a reading slump is eventually discovering a fantastic book.  After that, they all just seem to come back!  Until they don’t…and then it all starts again.  Ugh.

There are so many books coming out that you are dying to read. How many do you end up buying?

Zero…but I put them all on hold at the library asap.  I’m a proud minimalist!  You can read more about that amazing life changing decision HERE.

After you purchase all of these books that you’re dying to read, how long do they sit on your shelf before you read them?

A huge reason I love being a minimalist (see above question)!  No clutter 🙂

These questions were such fun to answer!  I would love to hear your answers to some or all of these questions in the comments below!

I now tag:

www.starringpamela.com

www.confessionsofayareader.com

www.booksandblends.com

8 Ways You Can Help Support Book Coffee Happy:

1. Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)

2. If you already have a blog, please “follow” mine

3. “Like” my Facebook page (and please comment on, “like”, and share my posts)

4. Follow me on Instagram

5. Follow me on Twitter

6. Subscribe to my YouTube channel (search Book Coffee Happy)

7. Clicking and buying products through my Amazon Affiliate links.  The cost to you is exactly the same and I receive a tiny commission off of your purchases.

8. Leaving a positive review on my Facebook page

100 Things I Love and 8 Ways You Can Support Book Coffee Happy

This is officially my 100th post! How have I written 100 posts on Book Coffee Happy?!?  This little blog has proven to be the most fun hobby I have ever had.  I have loved writing posts, reading amazing books, meeting lovely authors, and meeting/interacting with YOU!  In honor of my 100th post, I present you with 100 things (other than books) that I LOVE!

Coffee

Dunkin’ Hot Coffee (all time favorite), Starbucks Chai Tea Latte, Joffrey’s/Dunkin’ Vanilla Iced Latte, Kona Coffee

Movies

Fun Fact: I pretty much hate watching movies.  I ALWAYS choose to watch tv or read a book over watching a movie! Serendipity is one of the only movies I could truly watch over and over (I saw it 10 times in the theater)!

Fashion 

INFINITY SCARVES, fuzzy boots, humongous sunglasses, yoga pants, crossbody purses, ankle boots

TV Shows

Anything reality (Bachelor, Bachelorette, Big Brother, etc.), The Office, Beverly Hills 90210 (original), Parks and Recreation, Friends, Shameless, Orange is the New Black, Schitt’s Creek, Sex and the City

TV Shows I Watch With My Kids

Kid’s Baking Championship, Full House, Fuller House, Sophia the First, Doc McStuffins

Vacations

Mexico (over the past 2 years we have been to Cabo without our kids and Puerto Vallarta with our kids), Great Wolf Lodge (Wisconsin Dells is our favorite location), Jamaica (our honeymoon in 2010), Michigan (Saugatuck), San Diego (La Jolla), DISNEY WORLD!

Plays

HAMILTON, Evita, Aladdin, Bridges of Madison County, The Little Mermaid

Food

CHINESE FOOD (Chicken in a Nest, pot stickers), bananas, lobster, purple grapes, pizza, tofu, salmon, scallops, tacos, pasta, cupcakes, eggs, cheese, Thai food (tofu pad thai, crab rangoon)

Best Things About Being a Mom

Watching them experience joy, hearing them say I love you, holding their hands, laughing with them. BREASTFEEDING (I nursed my daughter until she was 2.5 and my son until he was 2), Co-sleeping, cuddling, being called “Mommy”…and SO much more!  *My favorite parenting books can be found here*

Color

PINK.  Obviously.  There are no other colors.

Posts I’ve written

Let’s Chat: When Did This Happen? More Importantly…WHY Did This Happen?

My Life: Our Perfect Getaway

4 Best Friends, 1 Alma Mater

SNOW, My Favorite Quote, and a Book Review: Little Fires Everywhere {Celeste Ng}

Birthday of a Book Blogger

Book Coffee Happy Now Has Over 300 Blog Followers/Subscribers!

My Favorite Books for Pregnancy/New Parents/Baby Shower GiftsGREETINGS FROM THE

POLAR VORTEX and a Book Review: The Light Between Oceans {M.L. Stedman}

My First VLOG! Book Review: Becoming {Michelle Obama}

Spring Break 2019 Book Recommendations {Book Coffee Happy}

A-Z Book Tag {AKA Random Facts About Myself as a Reader}

Walt Disney World Vacation Tips and Tricks VLOG!

Music

BRITNEY SPEARS, Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli

Smells

Coffee, Clinique Happy , libraries, bookstores, Little Trees New Car Smell

Candles

Bath and Body Works Winter Candy Apple, Yankee Candle Brandy Pear Tart

To Cook

Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf, Vegetable Lasagna, Spinach Stuffed Shells, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Whole Wheat Banana Muffins

Stores

Target, Homegoods, independent bookstores, Hobby Lobby

Chicago Restaurants

I lived downtown for 8 years (LOVED IT SO MUCH) and some of my favorite places to eat included: Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinders, Tiparos Thai, Pockets, Grand Lux Cafe, Lawrys, Pizanos Pizza, Tempo

And that makes 100!  Thank you for supporting my favorite hobby, Book Coffee Happy!

8 Ways You Can Help Support Book Coffee Happy:

1. Subscribe with your email address to my blog (scroll all the way to the bottom of this page on mobile devices OR check the top right of this screen to enter your email address)

2. If you already have a blog, please “follow” mine

3. “Like” my Facebook page (and please comment on, “like”, and share my posts)

4. Follow me on Instagram

5. Follow me on Twitter

6. Subscribe to my YouTube channel (search Book Coffee Happy)

7. Clicking and buying products through my Amazon Affiliate links.  The cost to you is exactly the same and I receive a tiny commission off of your purchases.

8. Leaving a positive review on my Facebook page

I would be so thankful if you could do these things for me.  So many of you already do these things and I’m very thankful for your love and support 🙂 I have truly loved writing these 100 posts for you!  Best hobby ever!  Happy 100th post to ME!

**Check back here on Wednesday…I will be reviewing and giving away 6 COPIES of a beautiful book (open to US and International readers)!  I can’t wait to share this one with you!**

Xo,

Jenny

Let’s Chat: Do You Read In Silence or With Noise?

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I have to read in complete and utter silence.

Like…SILENCE.

No background noise.  Zero.

I am able to read on airplanes as long as everyone sitting in any proximity to me just so happens to be quiet.  And by quiet I mean no talking, chewing, humming, etc.  I may or may not have been known to ask those around me to lower the sound on in their earphones (this might be one of the most annoying sounds on the planet, by the way).

I can read while getting my nails done as long as the music in the salon is turned way down and is instrumental.  Someone on their cell phone next to me?  Forget about it!  (Side note…FOR THE LOVE OF GOD STOP TALKING ON YOUR CELL PHONE AT SALONS! 2 weeks ago while receiving a lovely pedicure, I was forced to listen to the lady next to me on her cell phone ordering her dinner from a Thai restaurant. She asked the person on the other end of the line to describe each dish on the menu before making her final selection.  Not exactly the peaceful salon experience I was hoping for although I did learn a great deal about Thai spices.)

I really hate when salons have televisions playing because I can’t read with them on! I know there are people out there who have the ability to read while a television is on in the background but clearly I am not one of those people.  HOW???

I need 100 percent, complete silence to concentrate on anything.  I wish I could read or concentrate on anything with a bit of noise…I would be able to read on so many more occasions!

I have been like this for my entire life.  I’m an only child and my house was always so blissfully quiet while growing up…I loved quiet then and I continue to love it now.  If you watched my Disney World video, you know that I also need silence to fall asleep! Whenever I had to study for anything, silence was the only way.  When I took my ACT test in high school, I brought cough drops with me even though I wasn’t the least bit sick.  I wanted to be prepared in case anyone around me was sick so I could diffuse the distractions (side note…the guy next to me had the worst cough and was super thankful for my foresight, lol) . When I saw Hamiltion last fall, I offered my water to the lady in the row front of me who couldn’t stop coughing.  WHY do I always seem to be surrounded by unhealthy, annoying people?!?

Both of our local libraries have “Silent Reading Rooms” where you aren’t ALLOWED to talk AND they have fireplaces. So basically it’s my personal version of heaven. I have spent many blissful hours reading in those lovely, silent rooms.  Perfection.

So tell me….how do you read?  Complete silence or with background noise?  If you do read with background noise, how do you tune it out so that you can concentrate???  Please teach me your tricks!  I would SO love to be able to do that!

Until then, I’ll be the one glaring at you on the airplane as you loudly pop your gum…

Xo,

Jenny

It would really help me if you could follow/subscribe to my blog.  Also, please “like” my Facebook page ,  follow me on Twitter, and follow me on Instagram!

Local friends, I run a storytime every Tuesday and Friday at Whimsy Cafe in Buffalo Grove, Illinois from 10:00-10:30! Bring your kids (6 months-5 years) for stories, songs, and lots of fun. Price is included in your child’s admission, no need to sign up. If you are a blog reader, please be sure to introduce yourself!  I can’t wait to meet you and your little ones. 🙂

A-Z Book Tag {AKA Random Facts About Myself as a Reader}

Would you like to learn random facts about myself as a reader?  As soon as I saw this book tag on Feed the Crime I knew I wanted to participate.  This one was so much fun!  Thank you to The Perpetual Page Turner for creating it!

*This post contains affiliate links.  When you click on these links to buy the book, I receive a tiny commission.  Thanks so much for your support, XO!*

Author you’ve read the most books from:

Ann M. Martin! The Babysitters Club series were hands down my FAVORITE books while growing up.  And I’m not talking about the current graphic novels…I’m talking the old school novels.  Claudia and Stacey were always my favorites.  I can’t WAIT for my daughter to read these one day!

Best Sequel Ever:

The Wedding
I’ve told this story on my blog before but I’ll tell it again…I read this on an airplane years ago.  As soon as I pulled it out of my carry on bag, the lady sitting next to me handed me a tissue!  She told me that I would be needing it.  Sure enough by the end of the flight…I was SOBBING.  Like…weeping.  Make up everywhere.  Hiccups.  The lady just looked at me, nodded once, and said, “Told you.”  If you loved The Notebook (who didn’t?!) you will love it’s sequel.  Just make sure you have plenty of Kleenex.

Currently Reading:

On The Come Up

Drink of Choice While Reading:

COFFEE.  All day, every day.  Hot, never iced.

E-reader or Physical Book?

Physical book 100% of the time.  I’ve never read anything on an e-reader and I’ve never listened to an audiobook.

Fictional Character You Probably Would Have Actually Dated In High School:

Olly from this wonderful book.  Read my review here!

Glad You Gave This Book A Chance:

The Light Between Oceans Oh how I LOVED this book…once I was able to get past the extremely boring beginning.  Read more on this and my full review here!

Hidden Gem Book:

Young Jane Young!  How is this book not more popular?!?  It’s fantastic!  Read my full review here.

Important Moment in your Reading Life:

As I was reading Becoming, I was struck with the realization that I just don’t enjoy reading memoirs.  Watch my YouTube video to hear me discuss this further!

Just Finished:

Somebody’s Daughter.  Loved it.  You can read my review here.

Kinds of Books You Won’t Read:

Anything with a topic that truly doesn’t interest me.  There are too many wonderful books out there…why waste time reading one that I don’t find interesting?

Longest Book You’ve Read:

No clue…but maybe the hardcover versions of either Small Great Things or Becoming?  I didn’t love either one so maybe they just FELT like the longest books I’ve ever read?  You can read my reviews of these here and here.

Major book hangover because of:

House of Sand and Fog.  I still think about this book and I read it 16 years ago!  Read my review here.

Number of Bookcases You Own:

5

One Book You Have Read Multiple Times:

Shanghai Girls.  It’s so amazing. The sequel Dreams of Joy?  Not so amazing. Read my review of both books here!

Preferred Place To Read:

With a sleeping child on my chest, coffee next to me, and rain (or snow) falling outside.  Literally my version of heaven.

Quote that inspires you/gives you all the feels from a book you’ve read:

“You could jump so much higher when you had somewhere safe to fall” -Liane Moriarty  (Truly Madly Guilty)  I hated the book but loved this quote!

Reading Regret:

Even starting The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  I hated it so much that I threw it across the room.  You can read more about that here 🙂

Series You Started And Need To Finish(all books are out in series):

Harry Potter ! I read the first one and loved it.  I was halfway through the second…and then I got engaged 🙂  I immediately traded in poor Harry for wedding planning books and never once looked back.  I really should go back and read them.  Maybe one day with my daughter?

Three of your All-Time Favourite Books:

The Catcher in the Rye

The Help

The Hate U Give

Unapologetic Fangirl For:

Mary Kubica 🙂 I just love her writing so much!

Very Excited For This Release More Than All The Others:

The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica.  Netflix already bought the rights to it to turn the book into a feature film!  Can’t wait to read it first!

Worst Bookish Habit:

This. Yikes.

X Marks The Spot: Start at the top left of your shelf and pick the 27th book:

The Language of Flowers.  If you haven’t yet read this book, you must.  Today.

Your latest book purchase:

Groovy Joe: Dance Party Countdown (Groovy Joe 2) Both of my children LOVE Groovy Joe!  We were all excited to see this new Groovy Joe title at my daughter’s school book fair 🙂

Readers, I would love to hear your answers to some of these (or all of these!) in the comments below!

It would really help me if you could follow/subscribe to my blog.  Also, please “like” my Facebook page ,  follow me on Twitter, and follow me on Instagram!

Local friends, I run a storytime every Tuesday and Friday at Whimsy Cafe in Buffalo Grove, Illinois from 10:00-10:30! Bring your kids (6 months-5 years) for stories, songs, and lots of fun. Price is included in your child’s admission, no need to sign up. If you are a blog reader,

Children’s Book Review: We’re All Wonders {R.J. Palacio}

As the PTO Co-President of my daughter’s elementary school, I have lots of responsibilities. Clearly helping with the Scholastic Book Fair is one of the most fun! Being surrounded by books and helping children discover new favorites?  LOVE.

As I was walking around and inspecting all of the books, I came across this little gem. I had no idea that R.J. Palacio had written a children’s book based on her young adult  novel, Wonder. It’s not a secret that I absolutely LOVED reading Wonder (read my review here)! I immediately sat down on the floor of the book fair to read this book to my 3 year old son (AKA my book fair volunteer sidekick).

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The unforgettable bestseller Wonder has inspired a nationwide movement to Choose Kind. Now parents and educators can introduce the importance of choosing kind to younger readers with this gorgeous picture book, featuring Auggie and Daisy on an original adventure, written and illustrated by R. J. Palacio.
 
Over 5 million people have fallen in love with Wonder and have joined the movement to Choose Kind. Now younger readers can meet Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face, and his beloved dog, Daisy.

Countless fans have asked R. J. Palacio to write a book for younger readers. With We’re All Wonders, she makes her picture-book debut as both author and artist, with a spare, powerful text and striking, richly imagined illustrations. Palacio shows readers what it’s like to live in Auggie’s world—a world in which he feels like any other kid, but he’s not always seen that way.

We’re All Wonders may be Auggie’s story, but it taps into every child’s longing to belong, and to be seen for who they truly are. It’s the perfect way for families and educators to talk about empathy and kindness with young children.

My Thoughts:

(Disclaimer: I will never post spoilers in my reviews HOWEVER the comment section is completely fair game to discuss any and all specifics including spoilers)

5 Stars

This is one beautifully written children’s book.  It delivers the same beautiful message of acceptance that Wonder does but at an elementary school level.  I loved everything about this book from the beautiful message it delivers to the beautiful words and pictures it contains.  This book is perfection and would make such a wonderful addition to any child’s bookshelf or any classroom library.  Looking to buy a gift for a child or a teacher?  Here it is.

Bottom Line:

Every child and every teacher should have a copy of this book on their bookshelves.  And read it often.

Did you read this book?  What did you think?  I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

It would really help me if you could follow/subscribe to my blog.  Also, please “like” my Facebook page ,  follow me on Twitter, and follow me on Instagram!

Local friends, I run a storytime every Tuesday and Friday at Whimsy Cafe in Buffalo Grove, Illinois from 10:00-10:30! Bring your kids (6 months-5 years) for stories, songs, and lots of fun. Price is included in your child’s admission, no need to sign up. If you are a blog reader, please be sure to introduce yourself!  I can’t wait to meet you and your little ones. 🙂

Click the image below to order the book through my Amazon affiliate link.  When you order through this link, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo

***CHILDREN’S BOOK GIVEAWAY (2 Copies)*** Ben’s Adventures: A Day at the Beach {Elizabeth Gerlach}

Full disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book to read and review for my blog.  All opinions are my own. This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

Giveaway details will be given at the bottom of this post!

As soon as I finished reading this book with my children, I sent Elizabeth Gerlach an email which contained only 1 sentence:

“This might just be one of the most beautiful books I have ever read.”

Description from Amazon:

Awarded 5-stars from both Reader’s Favorite and the award-winning “Read With Your Kids” podcast, as well as a Certified Great Read.

Meet young Benjamin who takes us on an inspiring & fun adventure to the beach in this first book in the Ben’s Adventures series. You’ll smile and be inspired as you follow Ben into his imagination and he shows us that all kids can play and dream.
 
In his first adventure, Ben imagines a perfect beach day where he builds sand castles, flies kites, plays with crabs and enjoys special moments with his family. Ben loves the sun on his face and the wind in his hair. He can dream, he can play, and he can interact and have meaningful experiences. Ben smiles, and you will too.

“Let’s build a sandcastle”, I say to my friend.
He says, “Sounds good.”
And we make our plan.
With one tower built,and two more to go.
I kick and laugh and then think “Oh No!”

A Great Book for Introducing Special Needs or Disability to Young Children Ben’s Adventures provides a simple and subtle way to introduce special needs and disability to your child. It can easily open the discussion for what disability means. Why does someone need a wheelchair? If someone’s in a wheelchair, can they still play with me? It will help young minds recognize and understand differences among us and ACCEPT those differences. And the main character Benjamin will reinforce the important take-away that just because someone might be different or need assistance, he/she is still a kid, can be a friend, and can enjoy kids’ play.

Teach Empathy, Inclusion and Acceptance from an Early Age Kids will have as many (if not more) similarities than they have noticeable differences.It’s our job as parents to talk about these issues with our kids. Understanding and accepting others throughout our lives is learned in childhood.

Ben is a young triplet brother that shows all kids can play & dream. Ben’s Adventures was inspired by the author’s son Benjamin who had cerebral palsy. Despite Ben’s challenges in life, he smiled everyday. It’s a wonderful message that is important for typical families AND those with special needs. And it provides a good introduction of disability for any family. In writing it, Gerlach wanted to show that all kids are capable and able to do great (or even simple) things.

My Thoughts:

I absolutely, positively love this book.  So much.

The story itself is beautiful, the pictures are adorable, and the discussion that it created between my 7 year old daughter and I after we finished reading was amazing.  We discussed differences in people and even though someone might not always be able to communicate in the same way that you do…they still have feelings, thoughts, and dreams.  It was an amazing and inspiring discussion and this book was a perfect catalyst to discuss such an important topic.

It would also be a wonderful book for a classroom!  The discussions and writing assignments that could follow would be endless.  If you have any teachers in your life, their classroom would greatly benefit from this book.

I love, love, love this special book.  In fact, it’s one of my favorite books that I’ve ever reviewed on my blog.

A Conversation with Elizabeth Gerlach, in Her Own Words:

Briefly give a description of your book:

Ben’s Adventures is about a young triplet brother who has cerebral palsy. He loves his family/friends, creating memories and taking adventures! He’s in a wheelchair but shows that ALL kids can play & dream and create meaningful connections and memories.

In this first book, Ben takes us to the beach where he plays with crabs, builds sandcastles and flies with kites.

How did you create the idea for your book?

It’s inspired by my triplet son Benjamin. Ben passed away from a serious illness in 2016 at almost 4 years old. Despite his/our challenges, he always had a smile on his face and laughed quite a bit. As a family, we loved to have different experiences and adventures and just spend time together. I wanted to show that even though a child might have additional needs, it doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy ‘kid things’ and have fun. And I wanted to represent disability in a children’s book by creating a main character who uses a wheelchair.

What audience would be most interested in your book?

Ben’s Adventures is probably most suited for Preschool through second grade. It’s a good message for any child/family (not just one with additional needs). I’ve been told it helps to introduce the concept of disability with kids that aren’t yet familiar. Families have been able to have meaningful conversations around the book.

Where can your book be purchased?

Signed/Dedicated copies are available on my website here: www.Bens-Adventures.com

But it’s also available on Amazon in both Hard Cover and Kindle format.

https://www.amazon.com/Bens-Adventures-Day-at-Beach/dp/173270340X/

Use 3 adjectives to describe your book:

Inspirational

Sweet

Touching

Any additional information that you would like to provide about you or your book:

Ben’s Adventures just received a 5-star review from Readers’ Favorite and has average 5 star review on Amazon.

As a family, to honor Benjamin, we established the Ben Smiles Memorial Foundation to purchase switch-adapted toys and other devices to kids with motor challenges. www.BenSmiles.org

***GIVEAWAY DETAILS***

I have 2 copies of Ben’s Adventures: A Day at the Beach to give away (US only for this giveaway)! 
Winners will receive an autographed and dedicated copy of Ben’s Adventures: A Day at the Beach

To be entered, please complete these 2 simple steps:

1. Follow and/or subscribe to my blog

2. Leave a comment below telling the first name of the person you would have the author write the dedication inside the cover to if you are chosen to win a copy

**You must complete both of these steps to be eligible for the giveaway and you must complete them here on my blog (not on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)**

Giveaway will end Friday morning at 6:00 CDT and the winner will be randomly chosen and announced in Friday morning’s blog post.

Make sure you check back on Friday to see if you’ve won (you will have 48 hours from the time I post the winner to email me your mailing address.  If I don’t hear from you within 48 hours, I will pick a new winner).

If you already follow and/or subscribe to my blog, you are still eligible…just leave a comment below to be entered 🙂

Good luck!  Can’t wait to read your comments!

It would really help me if you could follow/subscribe to my blog.  Also, please “like” my Facebook page ,  follow me on Twitter, and follow me on Instagram!

Click the image below to order the book through my Amazon affiliate link.  When you order through this link, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo

Random Thoughts From a Book Blogger

Happy Monday!

How was your weekend? Ours was jam packed with all the good stuff…pizza, a royal ball with princesses, a birthday party, a Father/Daughter Dance, our favorite Chinese restaurant, and trips to both Target AND Costco. If that’s not the definition of a perfect weekend, I’m not sure what is.

Our town is wonderful and I so love raising our children here. Cinderella’s Royal Ball is the cutest annual event where kids dress like royalty, see a princess show, meet the princesses, eat ice cream, have a dance party with a DJ, and then receive a Royal goodie bag. It’s precious and my kids love going every year! My daughter dressed as Cinderella and my son…well…he was a dinosaur??? No amount of persuading could change his mind to go as a king or a knight. We tried.  So in the end there were lots of beautiful princesses in attendance…and 1 adorable little dinosaur.

Which kids are mine?

I FINALLY finished reading this book and I have SO many thoughts. Too many to type! I actually plan on filming a video instead so I can talk my way through my review…I will get that filmed and up on the blog soon! Stay tuned 🙂

In other news, I had an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon this morning for more elbow x rays.  MY ELBOW IS NO LONGER BROKEN!  Still a bit sore….but HEALING!  I’m so happy 🙂

Anyway, I was quite early for my appointment so I stopped by the library for some quiet reading time first! Heavenly.

I started reading this book while at the library this morning and I’m already almost 100 pages in and LOVING IT so far!  It’s been on my TBR list for months as I’ve read so many positive reviews. Have you read this one?  It’s great so far!  I’ll write a full review once I’ve finished.

Check out my current Instagram story to see what else happened to me while I was at the library today, lol…(insert face plant emoji here)…

How are you? How was your weekend? What are you currently reading?

Be sure to stop by the blog on Wednesday for your chance to enter a GIVEAWAY for an amazing book!

It would really help me if you could follow/subscribe to my blog.  Also, please “like” my Facebook page ,  follow me on Twitter, and follow me on Instagram!

Local friends, I run a storytime every Tuesday and Friday at Whimsy Cafe in Buffalo Grove, Illinois from 10:00-10:45! Bring your kids (6 months-5 years) for stories, songs, and lots of fun. Price is included in your child’s admission, no need to sign up. If you are a blog reader, please be sure to introduce yourself!  I can’t wait to meet you and your little ones. 🙂

Click the image below to order the book through my Amazon affiliate link.  When you order through this link, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo

Let’s Chat: Spoilers. Love Knowing or Better Blind?

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You’re in the middle of an amazing book.  You tell someone what you’re reading.  Without thinking, they give away the ending.

Or…

You’re in the middle of an amazing book.  You close it without bookmarking.  When you open again to find your place, you open the cover a wee bit too far and mistakenly read ahead.

Or…

You’re in the middle of an amazing (uplifting) book.  You tell someone what you’re reading.  They tell you how tragically sad the ending is and how it will make you sob.  You spend the rest of the book trying to figure out the sad twist that you never knew existed.

Or…

Someone posts something on Facebook and while innocently scrolling through your newsfeed, you now have books (AND REALITY TV) ruined for you.

THE.  WORST.

All of these situations have happened to me and I’m quite certain they have also happened for a number of you.  Admittingly, I am more sensitive to this than most people.  I absolutely HATE knowing anything ahead of time.

When I’m reading a book and the plot is getting GOOD, it’s not uncommon for me to physically put my hand over the rest of the page so I cannot mistakenly read ahead.

When I am watching reality tv (my favorite), I mute the sound and look away when Chris Harrison announces, “Tonight on the Bachelor” or “Coming up after the break”.  Scenes from next week?????? FORGET ABOUT IT.  Hell no.

I saw Hamilton without listening to a single song first although everyone told me I needed to.  I did zero historical research.  I walked into that theater completely blind and I truly think I had a better experience because of it!

Have you ever noticed the following disclaimer that I include with every book review that I  publish on my blog?

(Disclaimer: I will never post spoilers in my reviews HOWEVER the comment section is completely fair game to discuss any and all specifics including spoilers)

I have heard that there are people who when they receive a book, the very first thing that they do is to read the last page of the book.  Do people like this really exist?!?

I never Google a television show for any reason unless I am 100 percent caught up in the current season.  I have blocked people on Facebook when they post status updates about current television shows so nothing will be ruined for me if I’m an episode or 2 behind.  I turn away from the magazines in the grocery store checkout aisle when they post photos of current reality tv stars.

I once told a friend how excited I was to watch the Bachelor finale that night and she responded with “Oh!  ____won!  I just read an article!”  This was roughly 3 hours before the finale aired.  And of course my friend was right.  And of course it was the girl who I NEVER thought was going to win.  It would have been such an amazing finale.

When I’m reading or watching television, I NEVER try to predict the ending.  I just enjoy the present and not give too much thought into trying to figure out what will happen next (on a side note, this is also a fantastic way to go about life…but that’s a different post for a different day).

To me, nothing beats an amazing twist that I never saw coming.  Nothing is better than a surprise ending.  When an author has the ability to make this happen, it’s brilliant.  So many specific books come to mind…but I don’t want to spoil any of them for you!

What are your thoughts on all of this?  How do you feel about spoilers?  Tell me a story about a time when someone ruined something for you!  

It would really help me if you could follow/subscribe to my blog.  Also, please “like” my Facebook page ,  follow me on Twitter, and follow me on Instagram!

Local friends, I run a storytime every Tuesday and Friday at Whimsy Cafe in Buffalo Grove, Illinois from 10:00-10:45! Bring your kids (6 months-5 years) for stories, songs, and lots of fun. Price is included in your child’s admission, no need to sign up. If you are a blog reader, please be sure to introduce yourself!  I can’t wait to meet you and your little ones. 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

GREETINGS FROM THE POLAR VORTEX and a Book Review: The Light Between Oceans {M.L. Stedman}

When my husband and I were dating, I lived in a condo in downtown Chicago. One night, we had tickets to a comedy club called Zanies to see Gilbert Gottfried perform.

We walked there and it was the absolute coldest either one of us had ever been in our entire lives. I remember my legs going completely numb through my jeans as we were walking. It was probably only a 4 minute walk and by the time we got there we were both literally chilled to our bones. Our faces were bright red, we had no feeling in our fingers, and I was convinced my toes would stay numb forever. After the show, we hailed a cab and enjoyed the warm and lovely 1 minute ride back to my condo. One of the smartest financial decisions we have ever made 🙂

11 years later and my husband and I still use the term “Zanies cold” to describe the weather. As in, “It’s cold outside today! Almost Zanies cold!” or “Oh come on, it’s not that cold. It’s nowhere near Zanies cold!”

The weather we are having here today makes “Zanies cold” feel like a tropical vacation.

Greetings from the Polar Vortex!

Its absolutely crazy here. Our entire state has shut down. Schools have been called off, stores are closed, mail service has been canceled, garbage pickup has been canceled, etc.

Melting ice outside has caused water to leak into our kitchen and family room. We currently have towels everywhere, fans blowing on our carpet, and a family birthday party this weekend for both of my kids which now needs to be relocated from our home to our kids’ favorite local restaurant. Thank goodness they are able to accommodate all of us so last minute!

Yesterday my son and I ate lunch in the car after I finished leading storytime. I had packed us sliced grapes which had frozen from sitting in the car by the time we went to eat them!

Here’s a fun new fact that I learned last night:

Apparently when the temperature goes into these frigid numbers, it causes the materials used to build the house to contract.  As the heat warms the inside of the wall, it  simultaneously warms the outside of the wall and the materials inside of the wall contract.  It causes a very loud noise!

***DISCLAIMER*** I actually have no idea what I’m talking about and the above paragraph is extremely likely to be completely wrong. I read a ton of online articles about this topic somewhere around 2:00 AM and that was my takeaway…but science is not my strong suit, lol.

What I DO know is that the noises were HORRIBLE. For about 2 hours in the middle of the night, random loud BOOMS kept me awake every 10 minutes. The only thing that calmed my fears (after getting out of bed to check that everything was ok) was reading on our local town’s Facebook page about all of my neighbors experiencing the exact same thing at the exact same time! I swear nobody slept in Buffalo Grove last night…except for my husband. He slept peacefully through all of it. *insert eye rolling emoji here.*

Today my kids are home from school and my husband is home from work. We are warm, we are safe, and we are together. I stuck my head outside of our back door this morning just to see what it would feel like and my lips immediately started to tingle!  Even our dishes are freezing to the touch inside of our kitchen cabinet.  This is crazy.

Current scene in our kitchen as I blog this.  Note the giant coffee next to my computer!  It will need to be refilled at some point soon.  I’m so exhausted today.

Our heat is working just fine but our EcoBee (affiliate) couldn’t even comprehend all of this madness to report it to us this morning, lol.

Yikes.

One great thing about being trapped inside of the house during temperatures like this is the ability to escape into a book.  I’m not sure how much escaping I’ll be able to do today with both of my kids here, but fingers crossed I’ll be able to read for at least a little bit later on!

I posted this on Facebook last week:

It made me think of my own question and one of my all time favorite books immediately came to mind.  This older book turned out to be one of the best books I have ever read….unfortunately with one of the most boring beginnings of any book I have ever read.

thelightbetweenoceans

Synopsis from Goodreads:

A captivating, beautiful, and stunningly accomplished debut novel that opens in 1918 Australia – the story of a lighthouse keeper and his wife who make one devastating choice that forever changes two worlds.

Australia, 1926. After four harrowing years fighting on the Western Front, Tom Sherbourne returns home to take a job as the lighthouse keeper on Janus Rock, nearly half a day’s journey from the coast. To this isolated island, where the supply boat comes once a season and shore leaves are granted every other year at best, Tom brings a young, bold, and loving wife, Isabel. Years later, after two miscarriages and one stillbirth, the grieving Isabel hears a baby’s cries on the wind. A boat has washed up onshore carrying a dead man and a living baby.

Tom, whose records as a lighthouse keeper are meticulous and whose moral principles have withstood a horrific war, wants to report the man and infant immediately. But Isabel has taken the tiny baby to her breast. Against Tom’s judgment, they claim her as their own and name her Lucy. When she is two, Tom and Isabel return to the mainland and are reminded that there are other people in the world. Their choice has devastated one of them.

M. L. Stedman’s mesmerizing, beautifully written debut novel seduces us into accommodating Isabel’s decision to keep this “gift from God.” And we are swept into a story about extraordinarily compelling characters seeking to find their North Star in a world where there is no right answer, where justice for one person is another’s tragic loss.

My Thoughts:

(Disclaimer: I will never post spoilers in my reviews HOWEVER the comment section is completely fair game to discuss any and all specifics including spoilers)

This book is a PERFECT example of why sometimes you just need to push through even if you’re not 100 percent in love with the book that you are reading.  I absolutely hated the beginning of this book…it was so boring.  I kept thinking, “Ok.  I’m giving this 10 more pages and then I am giving up”.  I pushed through, kept reading, and…WOW.  This book turned out to be one of the most beautifully written and moving stories I have ever read.  In my entire life.

I read this book years ago and I still think of these characters and their choices often.  As a mother, this story spoke directly to my heart.  It’s such a complicated story with so many fascinating points of view.  My feelings about certain characters completely changed as the story unfolded and I COULD.  NOT.  PUT.  THIS.  BOOK.  DOWN.

In fact, I remember I was reading this book while receiving a pedicure.  There was a television playing a very loud movie that nobody in the salon was paying attention to. I may or may not have asked the salon owner if she could please turn it off so that I could give this fascinating book the attention it so rightfully deserved.

Bottom Line:

One of the most boring beginnings of any book turned into one of the most beautiful, heartbreaking, wonderful and memorable books I have ever read.  YOU MUST PUSH THROUGH.  And then thank me.

Stay safe and stay warm, local friends!

Xo,

Jenny

Did you read this book?  What did you think?  I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

It would really help me if you could follow/subscribe to my blog.  Also, please “like” my Facebook page ,  follow me on Twitter, and follow me on Instagram!

Local friends, I run a storytime every Tuesday and Friday at Whimsy Play Cafe in Buffalo Grove, Illinois from 10:00-10:45! Bring your kids (6 months-5 years) for stories, songs, puppets, and lots of fun. Price is included in your child’s admission, no need to sign up. If you are a blog reader, please be sure to introduce yourself!  I can’t wait to meet you and your little ones. 🙂

Click the image below to order the book through my Amazon affiliate link.  When you order through this link, I receive a tiny commission. Thank you for your support, Xo