Review: A Tale of Two Mommies by Vanita Oelschlager

Rate:

5/5

Goodreads Description:

 Tale of Two Mommies is a beach conversation among three children. One boy asks another boy about having two mommies. A young girl listening in asks some questions too.

True to a child’s curiosity, practical questions follow. “Which mom is there when you want to go fishing? / Which mom helps out when Kitty goes missing?” To which he answers: “Mommy helps when I want to go fishing. / Both Mommies help when Kitty goes missing.”

A Tale of Two Mommies is intended for 4-8 year olds.

This book lets us look inside one non-traditional family, a same sex couple and their son. As the children talk, it’s clear this boy lives in a nurturing environment where the biggest issues are the everyday challenges of growing up.

Review:

Read this for Netgally after the title and the beautiful cover caught my attention and so I decided to go ahead and read it. 

Its a kids book so it is obviously extremely short xD

Probably took me longer to download it than it did to actually read it.

Anyways

Its adorable and I really really love the drawings. They are super colorful and cute and I imagine them to be very appealing to children. I love the book itself as well. It gets to questions young kids with 2 gender parents would probably have when their friends have same sex parents and the childs response to how they are BOTH different and yet same when it comes to caring for him is just beautiful and true.

Recommend it?

For kids, of course! Even adults actually.

Topic Tuesday: Sex in Books

Episode 18: Sex Scenes in Books

So I feel like this weeks topic is a bit uncomfortable BUT its a topic straight from the jar

WOW, I just realized... 18 weeks doing this !

Anyways

This is the second week in a row in which I will be talking about Fifty Shades of Grey because it is the only book that I have read that has any sex scenes

Sure I have read the occasional young adult book that simply and tastefull HINTS towards sex between the characters but Fifty Shades of Grey does NOT do that

I talked about my first impression about the book last week and if you read that (Click here if you haven't) youll know that it was quiet the awful experience for me to read the books (Fifty Shades of Grey) but I was excited about the movie (darn good trailer mostly cuz of the music) and I was a freaking adult and was tired of turning as red as a tomato every time anyone mentioned anything regarding sex. So it was something I felt I needed to do 

To grow the hell up

WHYYYYYY did I feel that way, WHYYYY did I do that to myself!

Anyways, one thing I always ask myself every time I come across an erotic novel on kindle or bookstagram or scene in fanfiction (yeah I read that) I wonder what the author is thinking while writing it? Like how the hell a scene comes to be

Now, I ask myself what the hell the author was thinking after every sentence in FSOG 

I get it, many people enjoyed that scene and maybe i'm thinking too much of it by trying to figure out what is going on in peoples mind when they enjoy certain things or why they do certain things.

Maybe if I wasnt like that I wouldve enjoyed the book as well.

Now, one thing I will say about the scenes in FSOG is that now I dont turn as red when someone mentions anything sex related so thats a plus.

In young adult books that I have come across that have hinted sex scenes, I mostly find those to be somewhat cute since the characters mostly end up knowing each other for a while and all this cute and fluffy stuff and you get this fade to black type of moment like in a moment in which the audience simply can guess whats going on instead of getting all the gruesome details in which it can sometimes be too much.

Maybe im a romantic and thats WHY I think those scenes are better but other people think that its way too cheesy and blah blah blah

You know, this is a very non fun topic tuesday and now instead of questioning my reading choices I question why I decided on this topic.

Just... Lets just act like this was a very question rising topic tuesday

Have a wonderful week

Saturday B.S.: Abbeysbooksandmore

Saturday Blogger Special

Episode 14: Abbey from Booksalamode

This week I get to welcome Abbey!

I have been following her bookstagram page for a long long while now and now I get to interview her and all that good stuff

Can we admire that beautiful picture of Red Queen, like I want to print that on a canvas and hang it

I JUST might do that one of these days.

its just too gorgeous

 Name: 

Abbey

Picture of you:

Where can we stalk you?

Facebook:

Hallam Abbey

Twitter:

_Abbeylove10

Blog: 

Abbeysbooksandmore.blogspot.com

Goodreads :

Abbey Hallam

Instagram:

Booksalamode

Other: 

  really want to get to know me. Pinterest I'm addicted - Abbey Hallam -- User name

Also Tumblr:  Booksalamode-abbey … 

And the app called Book Amino - Booksalamode

1. How long have you been blogging?

 About 2 years

2. How did you come up with your blog name?

 I love books and ice cream. I also have an obsession with foreign things. and accents. So alamode . French for with Ice cream. Also means something with fashion. Haahah mostly the ice cream part drew me in .

(V: NO WAY!!!! I FINALLY GET THAT LINE FROM CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS! When it snows ice cream and then the news is like blah blah a la mode

You have changed my life)

3. Blogging must haves 

 Music, water, and a funny attitude.

4. One hyped book you haven’t read? 

  Harry Potter ** Runs and hides under bed* *But to make It up I have watched all the movies. 

(V:... no... way....... no.....)

5.  One book you wish you haven’t read?

 To be honest I cant think of one right now.

6. How has your blogging improved over time?

 it has improved from more of me instead of other blogs promos stuff

7. thoughts on subscription boxes?

 Umm I think they are cool unless nobody subscribes .

8. Coffee or tea 

 Neither water or hot coco

9. favorite part about blogging 

 Just sharing what I love

10. Tips for new reviewers?

 Don’t fake your review. Authors like honesty but not bashing. Do not bash!!!

(V: VERY important!)

11. How do you choose your next read?

 I pray .. Jk I normally try to choose it off my shelf of tbr. Cus I have so many TBR ( To Be Read) Books on my shelf that your head would explode.

12. One random thing about you?

 I own over 126 bottles of nail polish .

(V: SOUL SISTER! ME TOO!!!! I have over 2 shoe boxes PACKED with nail polish! I collected them before I got into books XD Now I spend my money on books instead of nail polish xD BUT SOUL SISSSTTEERR where have you been all my life!)

13. Current phone wallpaper? 

 The ocean with a book.

(V: ITS THE PICTURE FROM ABOVE THAT I WANT TO PRINT AND HANG)

14. About how many books do you own? 

 To many, but not enough . Guessing here maybe 210

         **Happy Dance**

(V:Goals)

Thank you SO much for being here this week. I loved knowing a bit more about a fellow book blogger, as always, its a complete joy ! Specially now that I know that another fellow book blogger also owns a crazy amount of nail polish just like me xD

Seriously, if you tell me you own more than 150 movies, you will seriously be my freaking twin xD

Anyways! Guys, thanks for reading and be sure to check out all of her pages and her blog and all the good stuff! Ill see yall next time!

Ciao

Review: Every Little Thing by Payton Cosell Turner

Rate:

4/5

Goodreads Description:

I honestly didnt find one and I am amazed by that xD

Review:

I was a tad dissapointed by it simply because for the pages, it was often repetitive.

Just the same picture flipped around multiple tiems so there wasnt much variety to them. BUT the reason the rate isnt lower is because the drawings were still pretty darn cute !

The cover is amazing and it kinda pops out a bit which I love when books do that and the inner dust jacket is super shinny and gorgeous.

I was expecting a bit more from it but at the same time its not all that bad.

Recommend it?

Depends, if you like a bunch of different details, no.

Review: Whatever is Lovely by Waterbook Press

Rate:

5/5

Goodreads Description:

Color your way to peace and worship.

We live in such a busy, hectic world—but what waits for you inside this cover is a way to quiet the noise, express creativity, and spend some sweet time with God. Each page features an original design from one of a dozen different artists, beautifully illustrating a contemplative quote from an inspirational writer, a beloved hymn, or Scripture. 

 

When we create, we echo the heart of our Creative God who designed everything and gave us the capacity to recognize beauty. 

 

So go ahead! You have permission to pick up your colored pencil and be reminded of truth in a fresh way. 

 

To help set the perfect mood for worship, contemplation, and creative expression, a link to the “Whatever Is Lovely” playlist is included. 

 

#WhateverIsLovely

Review:

I LOVED this book! THe details in this book are not that small so its easy to color but it is STILL an adult coloring book. The pages are nice and thick and very smooth so the color glides and fades easily with each other. It includes verses on one side and the coloring page on the opposite and its just beautiful ! I LOVE IT!

Recommend it:

yupsters

Topic Tuesday: Vampires

Episode 16: Vampires

SOO

To be honest I will mainly be talking about vampires from Twilight and Vampire Diaries as well as the typical stereotypes of vampires.

Just because thats what I know the most of

I feel like I shouldve talked about this back in October... Its all good though because I talked about Zombies so its all well and fine.

So I guess I will mention the stereo types for vampires and compare them to Twilight and The Vampire Diaries

1. Stake through the heart

Twilight- Nopes, they have to be pulled apart and burned in order for them to die 

The Vampire Diaries (TVD)-Yups, even a pencil piercing their skin is supposed to hurt

2. Turn into bats (can fly)

Twilight- Nah, they can run fast though

TVD- In the show they can jump super high and it appears as if they were flying but they aren't

3. Can't cross running water

Twilight- False, they totally can, vamps can enjoy the rivers as well

TVD- Don't quote me on this but I believe that in the book they cant but in the show they can

4. Can't be seen in mirrors

Twilight- Nah, they can, I believe Bella asks this at one point

TVD- They can, at least in the show they can, I dont remember this about the book

5. Can't eat garlic

Twilight- Its not that they can't eat it, but any sort of food is unpleasant for these vamps

TVD- Nopes, they can eat it 

6. Got fangs

Twilight- Nah, just really sharp teeth

TVD- They retract back into their gums which I think is really cool but painful

7. Burned by sunlight

Twilight- They freaking SPARKLE which isnt cute

TVD- Yups, unless they got a ring thats made to protect them from daylight

8. Blood drinkers

Twilight- They wouldnt be vampires if they didnt drink blood

TVD- Again, they wouldnt be vampires if they didnt do this 

Not gonna lie, this post feels pretty dry but it's late here and I already had this post made but somehow it all got lost and I had to remake it but it didnt turn out as cool as the first one :(

Saturday B.S: TheReaderDragon

Saturday Blogger Special

Episode 13: The Reader Dragon

This week I get to talk to and introduce Kristy to my blog and we all get to know a little bit more about her ! It's always a happy moment for me to get to know other people more personally, pick at their brains a bit xD

I'd be either a really good TV Host or a really shitty one, depending on what you like to see on TV lol

Anyways, so out of topic!

Name:

 Kristy-Leigh

Picture of Kristy:

Where can we stalk you?

Twitter:

 @thereaderdragon

Blog:

 thereaderdragon.wordpress.com

Goodreads:

 http://goodreads.com/thereaderdragon

Instagram: 

@thereaderdragon (booksta) & @kristyleighs (personal)

Tumblr:

 http://capowldi.tumblr.com

1. How long have you been blogging

I've been a member of the Bookstagram community since the earlier months of 2015. I can't remember exactly how long I've been a part of it, but it would definitely be getting close to a year now. I've only just started properly blogging about a week ago.

V: We totally must check it out now!

2. How did you come up with your blog name?

It was actually when I was transitioning my old personal Instagram account over to be a purely book account. I was trying to think of a good name for my book account, and for the mean-time, I had decided to just use thereaderdragon. This was purely because I love dragons, and reading, hahaha. I had never intended to actually stick with the username, because I thought it sounded a bit stupid, and I thought I'd be embarrassed when people I knew in real life found out about my account (IF they found out). And, well.. I grew rather fond of the username pretty quickly, and so it just stuck.

3. What do you include in your reviews?

When writing reviews, I mostly include a quick plot summary, my thoughts, and my rating out of 5. I also include publication information of the book, including where to purchase.

4. What book cant you wait for?

There aren't a whole lot of books that I'm waiting for to be released, but the few that I am waiting on are: 

- The Last Star. by Rick Yancey

- The Burning World, by Isaac Marion

- Book 3 of the Firebird Trilogy, by Claudia Gray

V: My best friend LOVES the Firebird Trilogy but I must admit I have yet to get to it

5. Least favorite book cover?

Gosh, I really don't know. I must say that I am not actually very fond of the orange penguin classic covers.

V: they ARE pretty basic xD

6. Favorite book to movie adaptation

Definitely either The Martian (Andy Weir), or Hellboy (Mike Mignola)!

V: YEESSS The Martian is one of my faves as well xD

7. One book you wish you hadn’t read

Looking for Alaska, by John Green.

8. 5 things you can't leave home without

- phone

- iPod

- book

- purse

- jewellery/glasses

9. #bookshelftruth, how does your bookshelf look RIGHT NOW

 I am so very sorry about the quality - the lighting is quite terrible right now.

read bookcase

tbr bookcase

V: those are some good looking shelves!

10. Tips for new reviewers?

As I myself am a new reviewer, I guess the best tip I have is to read others' reviews for tips. If I can't work out exactly how to word what I'm writing, I look to inspiration from others. But pleeeeease remember not to copy what another person has written. And practice! Write a review of a childhood favourite, or maybe a book that has taught you a life lesson. Just keep on writing, and eventually you'll work out your own style.

V: That is all very true, it takes a bit to find your style but you eventually do xD It personally took me about 5 or 6 months for me to find my style >.> Hopefully it doesnt take other people as much

11. Favorite book genre?

Absolutely anything YA. At the moment, I'm really into anything contemporary.

12. Favorite stand alone?

This is a real tough one! There's a few of standalones that I adore:

- Love, Aubrey - Suzanne LaFleur

- The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl - Melissa Keil

- The Book Thief - Markus Zusak

I'll stop there, or I might keep adding more to the list!

It was an absolute pleasure to get to interview Kristy for the blog for this week, please make sure to visit her profiles, and get to know her a bit more, and her recent book blogging n.n 

Review: The One-of-a-kind Cat Book- Ciye Cho

Rate:

5/5

Goodreads Description:

The One-of-a-Kind Cat Book is a whimsical treat for cat lovers everywhere. Dive into its pages to meet Catalina the narcissistic movie star, Kit the steampunk genius, and Guillaume the macaron chef. Browse through letters, notes, and photos to learn about mystery cats from Svalbard and the Amazon. Follow a detective as he unravels the crimes of “Murder Kitties.”

The OOAK Cat Book is a grown-up picture book full of modern themes: a shameless search for fame (or infamy), an obsession with true crime, and our constant need for adventure and kawaii cats. The felines here will guide you to places like Paris, Varanasi, Woodstock, and the Great Barrier Reef.

Find your adventure amid 127 pages, 16 chapters, and 46 illustrations.

Only available at http://www.ciyecats.com

Review:

THIS BOOK WAS SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!

okay, I almost considered giving this book a 4 out of 5 simply because I was bothered by the fact that I wont get to see more of there felines! I absolutely LOVED Catalina :3 Not just because in her story my spirit animal, Jennifer Lawrence is mentioned in it xD But because she was so SASSY!

The illustrations on this book are so wonderful! So colorful!

And the stories are so creative we got chef cats, murder cats, wedding cats all sorts of cats.

This book is a must on any shelves.. well E-Shelves since it is sadly not available in print yet, BUT if you buy it using the link above, it could one day be available in print n.n

Ciye, you wonderful, talented human being, you bring a world of color in words and pictures.

Recommend it?

YES! It is a must for any and all cat lovers.

Topic Tuesday: Author Interactions

Episode 15: Interactions with Authors

Woah I cant believe its been 15 episodes already! Thats way insane in the membrane!

This week I don't even know why I am doing it, Im not sure what I SHOULD be saying or what people want to KNOW, so I guess ill simply be going with personal experience xD and things to keep in mind I guess.

So I have had the absolute fortune and pleasure of being able to interact and interview authors in the past. 

I LOVE to do it! to get to pick at their brains a bit.

Anyways, some things to keep in mind (in my personal opinion) whenever you consider contacting your favorite author.

They are busy.

They might not always be able to answer right away, or at all, but it is VERY likely that they HAVE read that email you sent them which is great. You gotta be patient with them and also, if you know they are like a super popular author, you might not want to make the email super long, and it might increase your chances of getting a reply. IN MY OPINION, okay, I aint guaranteeing anything, this is just what has worked for me in the past. 

Try to be somewhat coherent and not fangirl too hardcore

You think it wont happen, but it totally will!

Now, some of you might simply be telling the author how much the book you read meant to you or the series or such and they will reply and its all well and jolly and you will cherish that forever and ever

OTHERS might be considering asking questions or some requests for like interviews (which is what I will be talking about)

The cool thing about authors is that they obviously love books as much as we do and that can often times lead to a friendship, not like a speed dial type friendship but more like a, happy christmas, hope your holidays went well or enjoy your vacation type friendship. Its a very cool feeling, anyways 99.99% of authors appreciate their readers and probably get all excited and tingly when they get fan mail as much as we do when we get a reply

Anyways, say you want an interview for your blog or a school paper from your favorite author and you get access to their email, this is what I like to include in my emails for that:

- Name

- Intro

-You blog

-book you read by the,

-What you want (interview)

-what the interview will include

-Example

-Thanks for reading

-Links to the blog

Don't feel discourages if the author cant do the interview, it happens!

If they do reply and agree to the interview, try to be clear and coherent as well as timely and patient about getting back the answers to your questions

This past year I got to interview some of my author friends and got to learn a bit more about them and that was super cool but my hardest fangirling moment when it came to interviews with authors was totally when I got to interview author Andy Weir

You know... author of The Martian

I read The Martian and soon became super in love with it

It's seriously one of my favorite books, its just so freaking funny and makes you feel all smart and stuff xD

Anyways, I read the book and it was during the time of the movie release and I was watching all sorts of interviews that the author was doing (now that I think about it I dont think I watched ANY of the actor interviews >.>) and I was like DAAAAMMNN this guy is like SUPER smart! (He seriously is) and I was like ugh I wish I could interview him but he must be super busy right now being on talk shows and stuff for the movie press tour

But then I was like WELLLL maybe I wont know until I try!

So try I did!

I was actually going to be happy if I even got back a 'no' cuz I would still be getting a reply from him xD

Anyways! I got the reply and I was like OUT OF THIS WORLD!

I fangirled so hard in the middle of class (I was in school when I got back the reply) I was like okay okay okay CHILL

I did a draft of questions then showed them to a friend so he could edit them and make them sound smarter then I fixed them a bit more and sent them.

Then yup, got the reply, I said thanks for like the millionth time and that was that.

My greatest moment of 2015, well... in interview terms.

It's still my pride and joy moment lol

So yeah, thats that. I think I have said it all xD

This post is actually way longer than I expected it to be... YAY 

Saturday B.S : Sammy Reads Books

Saturday Blogger Special

Episode 12 : Sammy Reads Books

So this week I would like to welcome Sammy ! 
I had this prepared a while back but I have no idea why I hadn't posted it XD
Anywayssss
She has been blogging for a couple months now but I must say, you must totally check out her profiles, her instagram is one of those beautiful profiles that you aspire to be.

Let's move on to get to know Sammy a bit better

Name: Sammy Talbot

Picture of you: (see attached)

Where can we stalk you?

Facebook: Sammyreadsbooks

Blog: http://sammyreadsbooks.wordpress.com

Goodreads: Sammyreadsbooks

Instagram: Sammyreadsbooks

1. How long have you been blogging

I’ve been blogging and bookstagraming for a little under six months now! It’s been an incredible journey so far and i’m so excited to see where it takes me.

2. How did you come up with your blog name?

I tried to think of a username that explained what I was about without being too fancy. In hindsight, naming my blog ‘Sammyreadsbooks’ was possibly a little too obvious. Hah!

V: Don't worry, I thought the same after a while, specially seeing other peoples creative names xD

3. Allergic to anything?

I have a mild allergy to bananas. Although, that doesn’t stop me from eating them (even though I really shouldn’t! Why do the things we love have to hurt us so.)

V: I get you, im lactose intolerant but still go out there and have everything with lactose, I'll be in pain as soon as I have lactose (Okay a couple of minutes) But it still doesn't stop me.

4. Oddest book you have read?

Perfume by Patrick Suskind. It’s set in eighteenth-century Paris and follows a man with a superhuman sense of smell. He becomes obsessed with creating the perfect perfume, and does whatever is necessary to capture it.

It’s one of those books that has always stuck with me. I was never fully prepared for what I read!

5. One book you’re excited for?

I am absolutely in love with Sarah J. Maas’ books, so naturally i’m excited for the release of her next book A Court of Mist and Fury that’s releasing early next year.

V: On sale may 3rd 2016

6. Top 5 book wishlist?

The lunar chronicles by Marissa Meyer

Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon

The Grisha trilogy by Leigh Bardugo

The Remnant Chronicles by Mary E. Pearson

Snow like Ashes by Sara Raasch

(Yes, these are series and not just individual books. I’m a sucker for a good series and i’m dying to get my hands on these!)

V: I must say, the Lunar Chronicles is one of my favorites, it really is a must have~!

7. Some tags you have done in blogging?

I’m so bad at doing tags! I normally just post about what I feel like at the time or what my current setup is. If my followers are interested in seeing tags from me I may begin posting though!

8. Favorite food?

I love a good thai curry. Oh, and roast sweet potato!

9. Tips you have for new reviewers?

Just stay true to yourself! Don’t get caught up in what other people are posting.

Read and review what you love.

10. One random thing about you?

Apart from books, I collect Pop! Vinyls. I have more of them than i’d care to admit haha

V: I see, like... holy smokes.

If you look at the set up at the left side of the picture, it looks exactly like my local barnes and nobles Pop! Vinyls set up.... No joke...

11.Most challenging part as a blogger?

Posting engaging content on a regular basis. I work fulltime so sometimes I struggle to find time to maintain my social media accounts. But I do my best and I haven’t had anyone complain so far!

12. Cats or dogs?

Cats, for sure! I have two beautiful cats named Toby and Nero. They like to help me setup my photos so if you look back through my Instagram posts you’ll probably see them!

So enjoy these pictures from Sammy's instagram with her cats :D Thank you for joining us in another week of Saturday B.S. getting to know another amazing bookworm ! Don''t forget to check out Sammy's profiles and blog , you never know what you're going to find!