Nookish No. 3 | Beach Nook

NookishAhhh, summer. Can’t let this pass me by without at least one beachy book nook! I want to BE in this nook RIGHT NOW reading these books and relaxing.

Nookish beach

THE MOON & MORE • Sarah Dessen | I’ve been really feeling Sarah Dessen lately, guys. I haven’t read even half of her books, but the more of them I do read, the bigger fan I become. This especially applies to her newer books. (Some of the older ones I’ve read didn’t click with me as much.) THE MOON & MORE was not only emotional and complicated and thoughtful, it was also an awesome snapshot of Colby, North Carolina, fake-but-enchanting beach town extraordinaire.

WHAT I THOUGHT WAS TRUE • Huntley Fitzpatrick | GAH I loved this book. I don’t think I ever reviewed it properly on the blog, but I’m going to be rereading it this summer, so I probably will. New England beach towns are my kind of place, guys, and Huntley Fitzpatrick does this one really well. Also, SWOONS.

THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY • Jenny Han | This whole series is really great. Not fluffy, really, and pretty heartbreaking at times, but it’s got another great beachy setting to go along with the romantic complications, family troubles, death, grief, sadness, etc. Unfortunately, it also features one of the most annoying character nicknames of all time: Belly (vom).

What are some of your favorite beachy reads?

Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Books on my Summer TBR

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Books on my Summer TBR

Reading during the summer is one of my favorite things to do. Well, I love reading ALL THE TIME LITERALLY, but there’s something extra fun about spending the day sitting outside, working on my tan, deep in a good book. These 10 books are just a few of the ones I’m most excited to bring outside with me this summer! I’m just now realizing that there’s lots of fantasies here. Not usually my go-to summer reading fare (that would be contemporaries), but I’ll go with it.

Summer TBR

THE ROYAL WE | I’ve been seeing lots of people reading this and enjoying it, so it’s been on a few of my lists about books I’m looking forward to reading soon. Because HELLO, a princess romance. Who doesn’t want this.

ARCHANGEL | Guys, I don’t know if you can see it in this smallish image, but I don’t know WHAT is going on with this girl’s facial expression. What does it mean? It’s like…ecstasy? And a feather? *is puzzled* But I found a copy at The Book Barn a few weeks ago when I was visiting Alyssa and I’ve heard great things about it and about Sharon Shinn.

BETTER WHEN HE’S BRAVE | Jay Crownover. ‘Nuff said. Although I will add that I like her Marked Men series a little better than Welcome to the Point. It hardly signifies. I’ve had this one preordered for months in two different formats, so….

THE BOY MOST LIKELY TO | DYING to read about Tim. SO MUCH DYING. I’m planning on doing a little reread of Huntley Fitzpatrick’s books before this one comes out, and I’m dying for that, too.

REPUBLIC OF THIEVES | I’m a little ways into this third book in the Gentlemen Bastards series and will probably be reading it in small bits for a few months. I like to take my time with these.

THE CURIOUS WORLD OF CALPURNIA TATE | Have I mentioned lately how refreshing and admirable and incorrigible Calpurnia Tate is? I loved her in her first book, THE EVOLUTION OF CALPURNIA TATE, and was BESIDE myself when I found out there was going to be a sequel. One of my favorite middle grades, friends.

COURT OF FIVES | Kate Elliott is an author that I am just fidgety with excitement to read. I’ve never read any of her books, but am so excited to dive into her catalog.

REBEL MECHANICS | Umm, did you say Revolutionary War? You did? Oh, ok. *grabs book instantly* But also, spies? *trips over self to get to book faster* God, I hope this book lives up to my expectations, even a little bit. PRETTY PLEASE, BOOK.

HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE | This is one of our summer On the Same Page books, and I. AM. STOKED. Never read any Dianna Wynne Jones, but this one just sounds so magical and imaginative. Can’t wait.

THE HEART OF BETRAYAL | Book one in this series was (well, is) legit. I should probably reread it so I can get all up in the vibe before I pick up book 2. But I definitely remember the ending and the jaw-drop and the world-building.

What books are you guys reading this summer?

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. It’s awesome. Every Tuesday, the lovely folks over at The Broke and the Bookish post a top ten list topic so that book lovers like you and me can pour over our shelves and make our own lists. You can check out all the other Top Ten Tuesday‘s on their site!

Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Books I’ll Have in My Beach Bag This Summer

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Books I’ll Have in My Beach Bag This Summer

Reading outside near any body of water is always high on my list of things to do in the summer. Sure, sometimes I can’t get the positioning right so that my book doesn’t block the sun that would hit my neck, thus resulting in reader’s tan (you all know this). But that never stops me from packing at least one book and my kindle whenever I’m hitting the sand or the pool. This summer, my beach bag is going to have these books (and probably lots of others) stashed away inside. Can’t go ANYWHERE without my books!

Top Ten Tuesday Beach Bag

THE HEART OF BETRAYAL: THE REMNANT CHRONICLES #2 • Mary E. Pearson | I was a big fan of the first book in this series, THE KISS OF DECEPTION, so I’m definitely looking forward to where things go. I need to reread book 1, though, I think.

TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE: TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE #1 • Jenny Han | I got a copy of this book from my OTSP Secret Sister and I’m stoked to read it. I really enjoyed Jenny Han’s Summer series, and I’ve heard good things about this one! Contemps are always good books to have in your beach bag.

THE ROYAL WE • Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan | GUYSSS, this sounds so adorable and swoony and I love the cover so much and I can’t wait to read it. I looove the British monarchy and am a big Anglophile, so this one appeals to me on so many levels.

COURT OF FIVES: COURT OF FIVES #1 • Kate Elliott | I’ve never read any books by Kate Elliott, but this one sounds legit. Some people might think a fantasy is a bit heavy for a beach bag, but not me! BRING IT.

HOLD ME LIKE A BREATH: ONCE UPON A CRIME FAMILY #1 • Tiffany Schmidt | I’m intrigued by this one. The black market for organs? EEP.

REBEL MECHANICS • Shanna Swendson | WORD. Historical fiction steampunk spies during the American Revolution? STOP.

TANGLED WEBS: TANGLED WEBS #1 • Lee Bross | Another historical fiction, this time in England, also about spies and secrets and dangerous-sounding stuff. Getting a little serious up in my beach bag this summer!

HEIR TO SEVENWATERS: SEVENWATERS #4 • Juliet Mariller | So, talk about serious, guys. I’m going to be reading this one with Alyssa eventually, so I’m going to assume that means this summer.

MY LIFE NEXT DOOR • Huntley Fitzpatrick | I want to reread this book before THE BOY MOST LIKELY TO comes out in August. Plus, I miss Jase and Samantha and their relationship.

THE BOY MOST LIKELY TO • Huntley Fitzpatrick | SUUUUPER excited to read about Tim, you guys.

THE FILL-IN BOYFRIEND • Kasie West | I’ve actually only read one book by Kasie West, but it was adorable so I’m generally excited for all her books now. Is this not perfect for reading while soaking up the sun and trying not to get sand stuck to your sunscreen? I agree.

Top Ten Tuesday (120) | Top Ten Books on My Summer TBR

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Books on My Summer TBR

HUZZAH FOR SUMMER READING! I always loved summer reading when I was in school, so now you know just what kind of nerd you’re dealing with here. But even though my taste in books has changed from “required reading plus lots of adult books” to mostly YA, I still love reading while I’m sitting outside, or on the beach, or just enjoying the long days and warm weather. I didn’t have a chance to write about these individual books this week–alas! I’ll try and update this post tomorrow–but I’ve got a mix of books coming out this summer and books that are already out. I CAN CONQUER THIS LIST!

summer TBR

summer TBR

summer TBR

summer TBR

summer TBR

What books are you guys looking forward to this summer??

Top Ten Tuesday (118) | Top Ten Beach Reads

Top Ten TuesdayTop Ten Books For My Beach Bag

I do love reading at the beach, guys. It’s the perfect thing to do while catching some rays. The only thing I don’t like about beach is getting sand in the spines of my books, but I’ll suffer that gladly to sit near the water with a great, fun, fast-paced, exciting story under my nose. These are the top ten books I’d carry around in my beach bag this summer! Some that are out already and some that aren’t!

TTT_beachDuh, awesome MG about summer vacations and sisters and family and adventures. I love this series HARD. It’s just so dang adorable. The third book in this series is set at the beach in Maine, so it’s a great choice for beach reading!

TTT_beachRoad trip with swoons? I will always sign up for this. I’ve read this book so many times, friends, and it’s always just the perfect book for me, and perfect for the beach!

TTT_beachMore swoons! Except in Paris, instead of on US highways. I love the complicated but incredibly lovely relationship between Anna and Etienne. It never loses its appeal, and I never lose my butterflies.

TTT_beachWhen I’m at the beach, I don’t want to be held down by a heavy book with lots of details to remember. I’m too busy taking dips into the water or walks along the shoreline or people watching. But I also want to be entertained, and this book is just that times infinity.

TTT_beachHistorical romances FTW of beach reading! I love lots of books in this genre, but the first one I read was this one and I’ve got a soft spot for it. It’s incredibly fun. Really any of these books would be excellent at the beach.

TTT_heir of fireYAASSSSSSS. I know this book isn’t technically out until September, but I was so lucky to be able to grab a copy at BEA this year and I’m dying to read it. I’d probably get a bad burn reading this book because I wouldn’t be paying attention to anything, like reapplying my sunscreen or the hot sting of sunburn.

TTT_beachEver since I finished THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE, I’ve been beside myself with anticipation for Jandy Nelson’s next book. Another one that I was able to pick up at BEA that I can barely keep myself from picking up RIGHT THIS INSTANT.

TTT_beach 2Two Stephanie Perkins books! The lady knows how to do romance, what can I say. I’m salivating for this one. LITERALLY wiping drool from my mouth. I can’t wait for August so that I can clear my calendar, sit out in the sun, and devour it.

TTT_SagaGraphic novel! I just finished Volume 1 yesterday and I was completely taken with it. Graphic novels are great for the beach–in my mind, anyway–because they’re short, easy to pick up and put down, and won’t take up much room in your bag. Can’t wait for more of this series.

TTT_beach 2

 

Umm, YES, I’m beyond excited to read more of Jay Crownover’s books. I love her Marked Men series, so I’m super stoked for her new series, starting this summer. Just the perfect beach read, I imagine.

Book Review | Second Chance Summer | Morgan Matson

Book Review | Second Chance Summer | Morgan MatsonSecond Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
Published by Simon & Schuster on May 8, 2012
Genres: Contemporary YA, Death/Dying/Grief
Pages: 468
Format: Hardcover
Also by this author: Since You've Been Gone
Source: Bought it
AmazonBarnes & NobleGoodreads
five-stars

Taylor’s family might not be the closest-knit – everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled – but for the most part, they get along fine. Then they get news that changes everything: Her father has pancreatic cancer, and it’s stage four – meaning that there is basically nothing to be done. Her parents decide that the family will spend his last months together at their old summerhouse in the Pocono Mountains.

Crammed into a place much smaller and more rustic than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again. And Taylor discovers that the people she thought she had left behind haven’t actually gone anywhere. Her former summer best friend is suddenly around, as is her first boyfriend. . . and he’s much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve.

As the summer progresses, the Edwards become more of a family, and closer than they’ve ever been before. But all of them very aware that they’re battling a ticking clock. Sometimes, though, there is just enough time to get a second chance – with family, with friends, and with love.

[Read more…]