Chasing The Taillights by Kate Larkindale

Chasing The Taillights by Kate Larkindale

Publisher: Evernight Teen

Publication date: 26 Feb 21

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The link above is an affiliate link. If you make a purchase through it, I will receive a small amount of the sale, at no cost to you. It helps me make a little money to support my book reviewing hobby. Thank you! 

Publisher's description:

Lucy and Tony share nothing except genes. Tony’s the champion diver destined for greatness. Lucy’s biggest concern is getting Cute Guy from the burger joint to ask her out.

After an accident kills their parents, the siblings are forced to rely on one another—and decide whether to reveal their secrets.

Lucy can’t tell Tony what she knows about the accident for fear of destroying the tentative bond between them. If she doesn’t confess, she might lose her mind. If she does, she might lose the only person she has left who loves her.

Tony has problems too. Between diving practice, classes, and concealing the crush he has on his best friend Jake, Tony needs to find room in his life for his sister, but his own stability dwindles with every passing day.

As the siblings struggle to overcome a lifetime of past conflicts and jealousies, they discover they might have more in common than a love of rock music

My review:

I received a free copy of the ebook from the author in exchange for my review. All opinions shared are 100% my own.

What a heartbreaking and compelling story. As a mom, I just wanted to scoop both of these kids up and hug them and just BE there for them. I also wanted to yell “You need counseling!!!” so many times. Who leaves a couple of children to not only fend for themselves physically but also emotionally and mentally, after both of their parents die?! Their lousy uncles, that’s who? 

This was a particularly heartbreaking story to me because I see my own two kids’ distance from one another as similar to Tony and Lucy. My kids are also four years apart, older brother/younger sister. It just makes me so sad when they argue and push each other away. Your sibling relationship will be the longest relationship you have in your life! It should be cherished. My sister and I - ten years apart in age - have always been there for one another. It gets better as they get older, right? 

While many questionable choices were made by different characters, all in all, the story of navigating grief, learning about love and family, and finding yourself shines through. It does feature some triggering situations (parental death, car accident, homophobia, alcoholism, deteriorating mental health) so I don’t think this book is for everyone, but it is a well-written and respectful handling of complex issues. 

Fun stuff:

Author’s blog: http://katelarkindale.blogspot.com/ 

About the author:

From the author’s blog: Author of CHASING THE TAILLIGHTS, AN UNSTILL LIFE, STUMPED and THE SIDEWALK'S REGRETS, I am a writer, marketing executive for a national film agency, film reviewer, and mother to two boys. As you can imagine, with all that going on, I don't sleep much.

Never Say Never by Justine Manzano

 

Never Say Never by Justine Manzano

Publisher: Sword and Silk Books

Publication date: 15 Jun 2021 

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars

The link above is an affiliate link. If you make a purchase through it, I will receive a small amount of the sale, at no cost to you. It helps me make a little money to support my book reviewing hobby. Thank you! 

Publisher's description:

Brynn Stark is NEVER going to fall in love.

After she walks in on her mom doing the horizontal mambo with a man that's decidedly not her dad, Brynn Stark swears to never fall in love. One of her friends—Val— reveals her true identity—Aphrodite, goddess of love, and promises to show Brynn why she shouldn't lose faith.

But when Brynn realizes she's beginning to fall for Adam, Aphrodite's boyfriend, Brynn's forced to decide if she'll choose her goddess-given fate, or risk it all for the wrong-but-right guy.

One thing's for sure. Love sucks. And it's all about to blow up in their faces.

My review:

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review. All opinions shared are 100% my own.

What happens when you find out your best friend’s foster sister is actually the Greek goddess, Aphrodite? And you’re falling in love with her boyfriend? That’s where Brynn finds herself during her senior year of high school. The more she tries to deny her feelings, the more circumstances keep putting her on a path with Adam and in conflict with Val/Aphrodite. 

It definitely takes some willful suspension of disbelief to buy into an ancient Greek goddess hanging out in high school, but overall, it’s a cute story about friendship, family, and the power of love. There are some tense moments (particularly when a certain high-powered “Dad” gets involved). It’s a fun ride though with a sweet ever-after ending. There is a lot of typical, high school drama that is all dealt with in mature, positive ways. A few potentially upsetting themes are parental divorce, a parent committing adultery, an asthma attack, and people being caught outside in a lightning storm. 

Fun stuff:

The author shares some fun extras, like a character interview and social media graphics on her website here: https://justinemanzano.com/never-say-never-extras/ 

About the author:

Justine Manzano is a YA author who prides herself on her ability to juggle motherhood, writing, editing, and the very serious businesses of fangirling and multiple forms of geekery. When she’s not flailing about her favorite characters and actors, she struggles to create her own characters with the hopes someone will flail about them one day. Her debut novel, The Order of the Key, a Young Adult Urban Fantasy, is available everywhere books are sold from Black Rose Writing. Reviews have called it “Season 5 of Buffy meets the X-Men,” and Justine will likely live happily off of that description alone for the rest of her days. It was a finalist in the 2020 IndiesToday Awards. 

Her sophomore release, Never Say Never, a Young Adult Contemporary Romance with Fantasy Elements, will be released on June 15, 2021.

Our Current Foster Kittens 05 June 2021

 Jolly Rancher • Pixie Stix • Gummy Bear
Available for adoption soon from CritterhouseKC

Queer Icons and Their Cats by Alison Nastasi and P.J. Nastasi

 

Queer Icons and Their Cats by Alison Nastasi and P.J. Nastasi

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Publication date: 04 May 2021 

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The link above is an affiliate link. If you make a purchase through it, I will receive a small amount of the sale, at no cost to you. It helps me make a little money to support my book reviewing hobby. Thank you! 

Publisher's description:

These cat lovers are out and purr-oud!

Freddie Mercury, Sylvia Rivera, Alison Bechdel, Dusty Springfield. This book is a celebration of queer icons of the past and present and their furry feline friends. From images of lost legends such as Josephine Baker and James Baldwin, to snapshots of contemporary trailblazers like comedian Tig Notaro and fashion designer Jason Wu—these charming and eccentric photographs capture what it truly means to be a cat purr-son.

• PURR-FECT FOR CAT LOVERS: This book celebrates the love between human and cat. What better gift could you get the feline fancier in your life?

• AMEWSING ANECDOTES AND IMPAWTENT MOMENTS: Learn about the lives of the queer heroes who came before us and those who are still fighting for equality and inclusion. We're not kitten around—with watershed moments like the Stonewall riots and sweet stories of domestic bliss, this book will both entertain and inspire you.

• PHOTOS WITH CATITUDE: In these purr-ecious photographs, you'll get to see your heroes in unguarded moments expressing love for their pets. This collection of images will bring joy to any cat lover's heart.

My review:

I received a free copy of the ebook from Netgalley in exchange for my review. All opinions shared are 100% my own.

This is a really cool book! First of all... CATS! If you love cats, you will love the photographs. I also learned so much about people I already knew and learned about people I'd never heard of doing incredible work in the world. Though not a traditional coffee table book size, it definitely has the potential to be a beautiful book left out for frequent browsing by you and guests to your home or office. You'll also want to read it cover to cover (not something usually said about a book of photography). What an inspiring and fun idea for a book!

Recommended to LGBTQIA+ cat lovers and the people who shop for them and anyone interested in learning more about influential queer figures—and their pets!

Fun stuff:

The authors have also published Artists and their Cats and Writers and their Cats. 

About the author: Alison Nastasi is an arts and culture journalist, author, and artist living in Los Angeles. Her writing has appeared in Angelus News, Darling Magazine, Gizmodo, Fandango, Moviefone, MTV, Pitchfork, RogerEbert.com, and more. She was a longtime editor for the website Flavorwire. Alison is the author of the popular books Artists and Their Cats and Writers and Their Cats from Chronicle Books.

Caturday: 08 May 2021

 

Our current foster kittens, available for adoption through CritterhouseKC.  

Oak - 2 months old, female

Mulberry - 2 months old, female

Hickory - 2 months old, female

10 Mother's Day Gift Ideas for Your Book-Loving Mom

These may or may not be hints for my own family. 😜 You know the drill.. these are affiliate links. So, at no cost to you, I'll get like a penny or two if you purchase from Amazon when you click through from these links.  THANK YOU!  

I won't be recommending books... there are plenty of other posts on this blog to see what books I like and read and books are so personal. Unless I specifically have a book on a wish list or unless it's a really extra super duper special book the giver just knows I will love and may not have already heard of, I prefer to obtain my own books and not receive them as gifts. Plus, I'm a wannabe minimalist so I really, really love the simplicity of using the library for most books I read. 

You will notice a theme on all these items (CATS! The theme is CATS! Well, and books - did you see the name of this blog?).  Use these ideas to spark your own ideas if your mom isn't as into cats as I am.  

1. Kindle Paperwhite $129.99  

I love, love, LOVE my Paperwhite. I still love a good physical book but I do the majority of reading on my Paperwhite. It props nicely for reading while I'm eating breakfast or lunch and it's pretty easy one-handed use when my cat demands my other hand for petting. 

2. A blank journal $5.99

If your mom reads a lot of self-improvement books (this one does), then she probably engages in journaling. Journaling is a super helpful practice, whether you're journaling gratitude, working on that long pondered novel, or just keeping track of the day-to-day workings of a household. The actual journal should be something your mom wants to see every day!  I know this cute kitty cat journal would look mighty sweet on my desk. Check out more from Whimsy Books Publishing here. 

3. Bookmarks $7.99

Yea, duh. Book lovers love bookmarks. I personally prefer just the standard heavy cardstock bookmark rather than the fancy ones with magnets or some such. While tassels are cute, for someone with foster kittens (me!), they are not practical if you want the bookmark to remain in the book and not be pulled out and dragged across the house by a playful cat or kitten.

4. Book Tote $18.99

Speaking of libraries... books are heavy! A decent-sized tote bag with long enough handles to hold on your shoulder is a must. 

5. Coffee / Tea Mug $15.62

Some stereotypes are stereotypes because they are true. Book lovers tend to drink coffee and tea in large quantities. A mug that also involves a favorite book is always appreciated! 

6. Book-themed T-Shirt $16.95

Fact: One cannot own too many soft cotton t-shirts. 

7. Face Masks $13.99

If we're leaving the house to go to the library or bookstore, we have to mask up. Why not show our love of all things books?

8. Book-themed Scarf $24.80

I don't know about all readers, but THIS reader gets a cold neck a lot. So, between being cold and tensing up from the cold and then leaning over to read, a scarf to keep my neck warm is a very appreciated gift. Alas, I couldn't find one with books AND cats, but this one from Alice in Wonderland with the Cheshire Cat's famous quote comes close enough to keep with my theme.  See more options from the Literati Club Store here. 

9. Novel Teas $13.50

Because who doesn't love a mashup of tea and literary quotes wrapped up with a pun! English Breakfast Tea with a literary quote on each tag. 

10. Michel et Augustin Gourmet Chocolate Cookie Squares $26.97

These are SO GOOD, but just the sort of thing that this mom would never buy for myself! And that is exactly the sort of thing that is great to buy for your mom for Mother's Day. What treat does she like but never gets for herself? These are nice because they don't make your hands messy... important when reading! 

What ideas can you add?  What are you hoping to receive on Mother's Day morning (but not too early on Mother's Day morning)? 

New World Witchery: A Trove of North American Folk Magic by Cory Thomas Hutcheson

 

New World Witchery: A Trove of North American Folk Magic by Cory Thomas Hutcheson

Publisher: Llewellyn Publications

Publication date: April 8th, 2021

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The link above is an affiliate link. If you make a purchase through it, I will receive a small amount of the sale, at no cost to you. It helps me make a little money to support my book reviewing hobby. Thank you! 

Publisher's description: 

Featuring nearly 500 samples of folklore, including stories, artifacts, rituals, and beliefs, New World Witchery is one of the most comprehensive collections of witchcraft and folk magic ever written. This treasure trove of witchery is designed to help you integrate folk traditions into your life and deepen your understanding of magic.

Folklore expert Cory Thomas Hutcheson guides you to the crossroads of folk magic, where you'll learn about different practices and try them for yourself. Explore chapters on magical heritage, divination, flying, familiars, magical protection, spirit communication, and more. This in-depth, accessible book also provides brief profiles of significant folk magicians, healers, and seers, so you can both meet the practitioners and experience their craft.

My review:

I received a free copy of the ebook from Netgalley in exchange for my review. All opinions shared are 100% my own.

The world of witchy books resides heavily in the pantheons and lore of the eastern half of this globe. I can’t recall another book I have seen that even made much mention of western folklore and folk magic. Of course, the author admits, this book misses the western mark a bit too, as it focuses on the stories and tales passed down on the North American continent so it isn’t even the entire “new world”.  At 480 pages, that’s okay! Someone should definitely take up the gauntlet and give South American folklore focus as well. 

I’ve always loved folk tales and stories and this book is a veritable treasure trove. It’s definitely a book worth having as a physical copy. I particularly liked the herbal healing stories. While there are some rituals and remedies to lace the past and present together, those aren’t really what the book is about. There is definitely fodder there for a second book to go into far greater detail on some of the information shared there. Dr. Hutcheson is a folklorist and an academic - an interesting combination - and I learned a lot. If I lived closer to Pennsylvania, I would love to take one of his college courses. In the meantime, I do enjoy listening to his podcast, New World Witchery, and recommend it. 

This book is jam-packed with stories and information and still doesn’t dive deeply into any one story due to just how rich and colorful the story of North American folklore is. (The book would be 1200 pages long if it did!) There are definitely places where I was left wanting more information. Thankfully, there are recommended reading sections for every chapter with some words on what to expect to find from each recommendation, not just a strict bibliography (though there is a sizable bibliography too). 

This book is not a quick read. There’s just too much to digest. It is as much a reference book as it is a storybook. While there are rituals and spells throughout that relate to the folklore shared, it’s not really a ritual or spell book so I don’t recommend getting it for that purpose. If you are interested in North American folklore and spirituality and the melting pot that helped shape it, then this book belongs on your bookshelf. 

Fun stuff:

New World Witchery podcast

About the author:

Cory Thomas Hutcheson is the cohost of the popular podcast New World Witchery. He has a doctorate in American Studies with specializations in folklore, religion, and ethnicity from Penn State. He is a contributor to the Oxford Handbook of American Folklore and Folklife Studies and American Myths, Legends, &Tall Tales, and he has written for popular occult publications, including Witches & Pagans. Visit him online at www.CoryThomasHutcheson.com