Don't Blink

From Goodreads:    This interactive book may seem to be on your side, reluctant sleeper -- but it's truly a bedtime book in disguise!

Here's how it works: if you can avoid getting to the end of this book, you can avoid bedtime, simple as that. (It's a pretty sweet deal, actually.) But each time you blink, you have to turn a page. Those are just the rules. So whatever you do, DON'T BLINK!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My Thoughts:

-    I love interactive books. They are really fun. 

-    This book had me and my daughter laughing the whole way through. It was hilarious watching my daughter trying not to blink. 

-    The little owl is SO endearing! He is the only character in the book, but he is so cute!

-    I think a lot of kids and parents will really like this one.

-    The copy I received wasn't bound, so it was a little tricky to turn pages and stuff. It is also doomed to be scattered around by my toddler. They couldn't have put a couple staples in it before it shipped?

Hereafter

Goodreads Synopsis:    Rory Miller thought her life was over when a serial killer set his sights on her and forced her into witness protection. But a fresh start on Juniper Landing Island was exactly what she and her family needed. For the first time in years she and her sister hang out at the beach, gossip about boys, and party together. She's also made friends with a local clique--including a magnetic and mysterious boy named Tristan. 

But Rory's world is about to change again. Picturesque Juniper Landing isn't what it seems. The truth about the swirling fog that rolls in each morning, the bridge that leads to nowhere, and those beautiful locals who seem to watch Rory's every move is more terrifying than being hunted by Steven Nell. And all Rory ever wanted was the truth. Even if it means learning that she can never go home again. From the best-selling author of the Private and Privilege series comes the second novel in a heart-stopping trilogy about a girl who must pick up the pieces after the only life she's ever known ends. 

My Thoughts:

-    This wasn't as good as the first one, but I still liked it.

-    Without the impending danger for a serial killer, the book wasn't as suspenseful. There was still some mystery, but it didn't have the same thrill and intrigue.

-    I'm glad there were several questions answers, but there are still questions, lots of questions. 

-    I'm still not a big fan of any of the characters, especially Darcy and Tristan.

Previous Book

Shadowlands

Goodreads Synopsis:    Rory Miller had one chance to fight back and she took it. Rory survived and the serial killer who attacked her escaped. Now that the infamous Steven Nell is on the loose, Rory must enter the witness protection program. Entering the program alongside her, is her father and sister Darcy. The trio starts a new life and a new beginning leaving their friends and family behind without a goodbye. 

Starting over in a new town with only each other is unimaginable for Rory and Darcy. They were inseparable as children but now they can barely stand each other. As the sisters settle in to Juniper Landing, a picturesque vacation island, it seems like their new home may be just the fresh start they need. They fall in with a group of beautiful, carefree teens and spend their days surfing, partying on the beach, and hiking into endless sunsets. Just as they’re starting to feel safe again, one of their new friends goes missing. Is it a coincidence? Or is the nightmare beginning all over again?

My Thoughts:

-    This book was highly suspenseful from the get go!

-    I was so scared for Rory the whole time. I wasn't sure what was going to happen to her.

-    I kinda guessed what was going on, but I thought my idea was too far fetched, but I guess not.

-    I didn't like Darcy very much. She was so superficial and selfish. I didn't really care for any of the characters too much.

-    The ending is crazy!

Rebel Rising

Goodreads Synopsis:    When Jyn Erso was five years old, her mother was murdered and her father taken from her to serve the Empire. But despite the loss of her parents she is not completely alone—Saw Gerrera, a man willing to go to any extremes necessary in order to resist Imperial tyranny, takes her in as his own, and gives her not only a home but all the abilities and resources she needs to become a rebel herself.

Jyn dedicates herself to the cause—and the man. But fighting alongside Saw and his people brings with it danger and the question of just how far Jyn is willing to go as one of Saw’s soldiers. When she faces an unthinkable betrayal that shatters her world, Jyn will have to pull the pieces of herself back together and figure out what she truly believes in…and who she can really trust.

My Thoughts:

-    I really like Rogue One, and the characters are so intriguing to me. I want to know more about all of them.

-    I loved learning more about Jyn. Since I read Catalyst, I know her whole life story now. I can't say that for any other Star Wars character.

-    I liked getting to know Saw better. I liked his relationship with Jyn, and it is sad that his ambitions were greater than his love for her. 

-    I liked seeing Jyn learn how to fight, learn how to take care of herself, and become who she is in Rogue One.

-    I liked how there were chapters of her time in prison mixed in with the story. 

-    I kinda want to read the Rogue One novelization now. I wonder if it adds anything to movie.

Splatoon, Vol 1

Goodreads Synopsis:    All your favorite Inklings are about to get embroiled in an all-out Splatoon Turf War!

Four Inklings who can switch between human and squid forms get caught up in a Splatoon Turf War that launches them into all-new adventures based on the hit Nintendo video game series!

The Turf Wars have started in Inkopolis, and the team that inks the most ground will be crowned the winner! Goggles and Team Blue are ranked lower than their competitors. But with some teamwork and a touch of creativity, they might just leave their mark on this tournament!

My Thoughts:

-    This was the biggest piece of garbage! I was so disappointed in so many ways.

-    I couldn't get into the game, but my hubby and Gnome really like it. I always thought the characters were fun, so when I saw they were making a manga, I was really excited. I thought they could take these cool characters and give them a story. 

-    Did I get a story? NO! Why!?!? The whole freaking book is just a bunch of turf wars. Why would I read about a turf war, when I could go play one!?!? LAME!

-    The characters also go into the clothing store, just like the game, and buy gear. . .once.

-    The character names are retarded. There is Goggles because he is wearing goggles. There is is Specs because he has glasses. There is Headphones because. . . you get it. LAME!!

-    Cali and Marie make an appearance, but they don't say their names!!! Not even once!! AND they never say, "Stay fresh!" WHY!?!?

-    The thing that made me the most mad was the main inkling kept getting naked. He is naked several times. I could have lived a happy life without seeing squid penis! Some could argue that the little squid is censoring his male parts, but come on!!! It is a little squid!! Think about it!!!

-    If you are interested in this, just go play the game. It is the same thing, but at least you get to play, and there aren't any naked inklings with little squids.

The Uncanny X-Men, Vol 2

From Goodreads:    Ever-expanding their ranks, the Children of the Atom combat the evils threatening both mutants and humans - like the Juggernaut and Black Tom Cassidy, Magneto, The Imperial Guard. The Starjammers. Weapon Alpha and Warhawk.














My Thoughts:

-    It has been a while since I read Volume 1, so it took me a little bit to figure out what had happened, and who some of the new mutants were. 

-    Even though the series is just more of the same stuff, I still enjoy it. I love seeing the X-Men in action. 

-    The next volume costs about $80!?!? Why? That is crazy. The other volumes don't cost near as much. I hope the price comes down. I'd hate to have to skip a volume.

Previous Volume

The Hypnotist's Love Story

Goodreads Synopsis:    From the author of critically acclaimed What Alice Forgot comes a wonderfully fun, insightful novel about the crazy things we do for love.

Ellen O’Farrell is a bit unusual. She’s a hypnotherapist. She’s never met her father. And she can’t seem to keep a relationship going (okay, that’s more normal that we want to admit). When Ellen meets Patrick, she’s hopeful nevertheless. But when he says he needs to tell her something, she fears the worst. However, when Patrick reveals that his ex-girlfriend is stalking him, Ellen thinks, Is that all? Actually, that’s kind of neat. She’s more intrigued than frightened. What makes a supposedly smart, professional woman behave this way? She’d love to meet her. What she doesn’t know is that she already has.

My Thoughts:

-    This wasn't my favorite Moriarty book, but the writing is so tantalizing that I kept reading.

-    It was interesting that the book is told from Ellen's perspective and the stalker's perspective. I kept feeling bad for Saskia, but I didn't want to because she is crazy! 

-    I didn't like Patrick. He seemed like a jerk most of the time, and I don't think he was ready to get married again. 

-    I loved the setting!

-    I kept thinking some twist was going to happen, or some major event would happen, but no. I was a little disappointed with the ending, but I also was okay with the ending. 

-    I thought the whole idea of the story was very interesting, and Moriarty's writing is addicting, but the characters and story weren't as great. 

Ivy and Bean Break the Fossil Record

From Goodreads:    World record fever grips the second grade, and soon Ivy and Bean are trying to set their own record by becoming the youngest people to have ever discovered a dinosaur. But how hard is it to find one?















My Thoughts:

-    These seem to be getting better with each book. I enjoyed this one more than the previous two.

-    I liked how Bean and Ivy's class got into world records. I remember a phase like that in elementary school. We looked through the world records book and oohed and aahed, and we were sometimes grossed out.

-    I also love that Ivy and Bean went digging for dinosaur bones. What kid hasn't done that?

-    I related a lot more to this book. It spoke my younger self, and Gnome really liked it too. 

-    Ivy and Bean are Gnome's age, and it is fun reading about girls the same age as her.

Previous Books

 

Anne of Green Gables Read Along: Discussion #3

I've been a horrible co-host during this read along. I'm late posting my answers for this last discussion, but here they are!

1. Is this your first time reading Anne of Green Gables or a reread? Either way, what did you think about it?

Nope, I've read Anne several times. I love it each time.

2. If this is your first time reading Anne of Green Gables, do you plan to read the rest of the series? If you've read Anne of Green Gables before, have you read the rest of the series? What do you think about it?

Yes, I have read the whole series, but only once. Anne is the best of the series. The rest of the books don't have the same charm, but I enjoyed several of them.

3. Who is your favorite character and why?                                                                                                                              This is a tough one!! I love them all! I would have to say Matthew and Gilbert I guess.

4. Who is your least favorite character and why?

Josie Pye, she is such a snob!

5. What is your favorite scene and why?

All of them!

6. What did you think about the last third of the book and why?          

      

The last third of the book is bitter sweet. Tragedy strikes, and Anne grows up and isn't as silly and prone to mistakes. I admire the young woman she grows in to, but I always miss the younger Anne. I do love that Anne and Gilbert become friends in the end.

March Stats

Books Read:  19

  

  

  

  

  

  

Pages Read:  5,510

Shortest Book:  128

Longest Book:  551

1 Star:  1

2 Stars:  1

3 Stars:  6

4 Stars:  8

5 Stars:  3

I read a lot of great books last month! It was a good reading month for me.
I finished 2 Newbery Award winners! One was eh, but one was amazing! I need to read more of these if I'm going to reach my goal.