I Want To Grow as a Reader

I love Young-Adult novels. I gobble them up with a satisfied burp (aka a review) and I jump into the next one. I find that the more I read, the more I desire to read. When I take a break, even for a day, I find it hard to start back up. Is it only me?

I have been on a couple of month break from reading and my heart-strings are pulling towards the literal pile of books on my living room floor. We are over half way through the year, which means that I am looking at all of my failed reading challenges that I promised myself that I would for the fifth year in a row, but still haven’t. It’s a problem. In my self-reflection, I’ve found that I read a lot, and I mean a lot Young Adult novels and little else. I’ve never read and Austen or a Bronte sisters’ classic, I’ve never read a western, or a mystery, or really any book that is outside of the YA genre. And I don’t like that.

I want to read more classics! I want to read a textbook outside of classroom because it’s so much easier to learn without being anxious about deadlines. I want to read non-fiction books, I want to join a book club!

I want to grow as a reader.

So in my growing, I am currently creating the Bookish Tea Dribbles 100 Book Challenge. I am going to challenge myself to read 100 books in 365 days, starting September 1st, 2017. I’m starting September 1st because life is too short to wait until January. Seize the moment! But I’m not that crazy, so I will be starting at the beginning of a month.

100 books in 365 days, equals 9 books a month, which look like 2 books a week (or one book every 3 days). I’m excited while also feeling like I am signing up to kill myself. But mostly excited haha.

I was going to wait until closer to the actual start date or when I have more information about what I actually want to do with this challenge, but I am so excited about it.

Each month I want to release 9 reading prompts that I am hoping some my fellow readers will feel inspired by and will want to join me!

Take this poll and/or let me know in comments what you think, and if you might want to join! Also, keep your eyes peeled for more posts on the BTD 100 Book Challenge.

 

See Ya Book Nerds!

Rebekah J.

Half Price Books Haul

Yesterday I shared a long-winded and kind of pointless story of my interviews at Barnes and Noble and how it lead me to apply at Half Priced Books. (No, In the last 12 hours I have not heard from them. Boo.)

Well, while I was at HPB I did some shopping and may have bought too many books on my ramen-budget. But the important thing is, I bought “new” books!

These books were bought during my first and second trips ever to the store, and I have to say that I am absolutely blown away at the variety, quality and prices of their books. It’s one of my favorite book shops now!

Here are the titles I picked up:

The first one, Esio Trot by Roald Dahl.

Not going to lie, I started freaking out when I saw this. I haven’t seen a copy of Esio Trot since I was in 4^th grade (roughly 10 years ago). So I bought it because it is a sweet love story involving a turtle. It was $1.99 and still in good condition!

The second book, The Twits by Roald Dahl.

For those of you who don’t know, Roald Dahl is my favorite author. I also happen to be very passionate about adults reading children’s and grade-school novels. This short novel is about Mr. and Mrs. Twit who are the smelliest, nastiest, ugliest twits in the world. They also happen to hate everything. This was $1.99

 

The third book, Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

At HPB, there was a back-to-school table filled with required reading material. Don’t shun me when I say this, but I have never read a novel by either of the Bronte sisters or Jane Austen *Gasp!* I know. It’s awful. But this magical table had so many classics with modern and pretty covers, I HAD to buy them.

Here’s a fun fact about me, I like pretty books. When I decide to buy a book, I do my research to find the prettiest (to me) cover of the book to purchase. These classics are gorgeous! This copy was $3.99

The fourth book, Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen

Yay! I finally own a Jane Austen novel! This somehow makes me feel validated as a book nerd. I’m excited to read it. Price- $3.99

The fifth book, Emma by Jane Austen.

I thoroughly enjoy the 1996 movie with Gwyneth Paltrow s Emma, so I wanted to read the book. This isn’t my favorite cover that I’ve seen, but it’s still pretty. (Yes, I really am this petty). Price -$3.99

The sixth book, and last of the classic, Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen.

“You have bewitched me body and soul and I love, I love, I love you”

Be still me heart! How I love me some Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen action. I’m sorry, but the 2005 movie is where it’s at. BUT… I’ve never actually read the book. I’ve read retellings, but not the actually novel. I personally think there’s something wrong with that.

I’m so excited about finally owning this novel that I’ve been playing with the idea of doing a Pride and Prejudice themed month! Pride and Prejudice themed recipes, the original novel, retellings, tea party.

Anybody with me?

Price- $3.99

And finally, the last book I bought was Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling.

I AM SO EXCITED TO READ THIS BOOK. I just finished the Goblet of Fire and oh, the tears I cried.

 

I hope ya’ll enjoyed this book haul. I want to hear from you!

Have you read any of these books?

Have you gone shopping for books recently? Put a link to your haul in the comments.

 

See ya Later Book Nerds!

Rebekah J.

My Interview at Barnes and Noble

That’s right book nerds, I had an interview at Barnes and Noble. Actually, I had two interviews.

The first interview was this past Wednesday. I think that I was at the top of my game. I walked in and was confident, spoke eloquently, and portrayed my love of books well enough while not saying “I love books” too many times over. I was getting the vibe that I did great. But at the end of the interview, the lady interviewing me said, “Usually you would go straight into an interview with the store manager after this, and he is here today, but I am going to have you rescheduled because if he saw you in this outfit, he would bar you from this position. We do not allow any denim, plain tee shirts, or sneakers.”

Do you know what I was wearing?

That’s right.

Nice, clean, non-ripped skinny jeans, White converse, and a plain olive green tee shirt (which was nicer than most tee shirts if I do say so myself). Anyways, I failed that portion of the test, but was thankful that I got to reschedule.

On Thursday night, my husband (gosh, I love writing that), Mr.B, and I went shopping for “business casual” clothing and I cried because apparently I am two and emotionally challenged. I couldn’t find anything that didn’t look like something from my mother’s closet. Even and Forever 21 and H&M. It was a sad night in our household. It all ended with finding a business skirt.

Going to all your favorite stores, and not finding anything that fits you right is a major blow to your self-esteem and body image. It hurts, man! Also, I was still a little peeved that I couldn’t dress up as a hipster Belle. Come on, Barnes and Noble! I’m applying to work in a bookstore, not a bank! Give this girl some fashion freedom!

The next morning, aka the morning of the interview, aka Friday, I ran to Kohls and was able to find THREE shirts that were business casual and still cute. Yay, me! I was feeling excited and ready for this interview!

The interview went great, and I was able to keep the conversation easy and flowing. Talking with the store manager was making me even more excited to possibly be a part of this team! At the end when he asked if I had any questions for him, I asked about scheduling and flexibility.

He informed me of the pay and the part-time hours I would be receiving. Let’s just say, it was tiny pay, on minimal hours. Ouch. I said that I am still interested in this position, but would need to find another part time job and would he be willing to work with me on that? He said no. That I would need completely availability to work when they needed. At least he was honest.

I left not knowing what to do.

So I went shopping at Half Priced Books where I can actually afford to buy books. Seriously Ya’ll, you NEED to buy your books at HPB. It’s fantastic.

While I was shopping, a lady walked up to me and asked, “Excuse me, do you have a section dedicated to Shakespeare?” I explained I didn’t work there and an idea dawned on my flattered soul. I should work at Half Priced Books!

All of this to say, I am turning down the job at Barnes and Noble and pursuing a career at HPB.

To answer any questions,

No, I do not yet have a job at HPB, I have only applied.

Yes, I am crazy for turning down a job for one that I don’t even have.

But I am taking my chances and praying for the best!

There’s my update. Does anybody have experience with Half Priced Books or Barnes and Noble?

See ya Book nerds!

~Rebekah J.

 

P.S. Half Priced Book Haul coming tomorrow!

Getting Married, Moving to Texas, and the Blogging of Books

This is not click bait. I am now a married woman and it’s kind of blowing my mind.

I logged into this blog for the first time in ages and was shocked when I realized I haven’t posted anything since BEFORE Christmas. What is this craziness?! Please believe when I say that I have been reading, I’m on book 21 for 2017.

But life got insane and I wanted to be completely present and enjoy every little second of working, moving, wedding planning, family time, etc that I could. For me, this was a once in a lifetime season of my life.

Anywho… My Beloved  Mr.B and I got married on July 15th, 2017 at my aunt and uncle’s lake house in Northern California. It was gorgeous, and everything I ever could have hoped for. Simple, family focused, and Christ-centered.

Enough of me jabbering on about the wedding. I’m here to say that I am back! and I have so dearly missed my little book blogging community. This blog started in Brooklyn, NY, the mover to Northern California, and now I am writing from my own little corner of Texas. Oh the places I write about books! haha.

I don’t know what this blog is going to transform into, but I’m just happy to be writing again.

I am going to end this post with more wedding photos, and then I promise that I’ll stop.

Sip on!

the now, Rebekah J.

Books I’m Giving For Christmas

Christmas is almost here and this girl is going crazy! I love giving books as gifts, here are the books that I am giving to my friends and family! Merry Christmas Season everyone!

Click on the a cover to go to the Amazon page!

 

 

Until Next Time,

~R

The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

I read this book for the first time roughly 10 years ago when I was either in fourth or fifth grade. I got through the first three books before I got bored, I remember the story line repeating itself in each book. But Netflix released a trailer for A Series of Unfortunate Events season coming out on January 13th. And I got pretty excited. To be fully prepared for the series I wanted to give it another try.

About The Book (Goodreads)

Dear Reader,

I’m sorry to say that the book you are holding in your hands is extremely unpleasant. It tells an unhappy tale about three very unlucky children. Even though they are charming and clever, the Baudelaire siblings lead lives filled with misery and woe. From the very first page of this book when the children are at the beach and receive terrible news, continuing on through the entire story, disaster lurks at their heels. One might say they are magnets for misfortune.

In this short book alone, the three youngsters encounter a greedy and repulsive villain, itchy clothing, a disastrous fire, a plot to steal their fortune, and cold porridge for breakfast.

It is my sad duty to write down these unpleasant tales, but there is nothing stopping you from putting this book down at once and reading something happy, if you prefer that sort of thing.

With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket

What I Liked

It cool slipping back into my childhood, I got to remember little me sitting in my desk at school reading about the terrible life of the Baudelaire children.

I also enjoyed how Lemony Snicket took the time to explain big words, but in way that wasn’t demeaning to the young reader.

What I Didn’t Like as Much

I get that the point of the series is for it to be ridiculously terrible, but it was frustrating to me stupid it made all the adults look.

A Tiny Taste

“It is useless for me to describe to you how terrible Violet, Klaus, and even Sunny felt in the time that followed. If you have ever lost someone very important to you, then you already know how it feels, and if you haven’t, you cannot possibly imagine it.”
― Lemony Snicket, The Bad Beginning

“…you know that a good, long session of weeping can often make you feel better, even if your circumstances have not changed one bit.”
― Lemony Snicket, The Bad Beginning

For Bookshelf or Borrowing?

This book is for borrowing, even for children.

About the Author

Lemony Snicket had an unusual education and a perplexing youth and now endures a despondent adulthood. His previous published works include the thirteen volumes in A Series of Unfortunate Events, The Composer is Dead, and 13 Words. His new series is All The Wrong Questions.

Extras

Goodreads

Movie Trailer

Upcoming Netflix series Trailer

Until Next Time,

~R

A Series of Unfortunate Events Netflix Series

Before I continue, please take time to watch the above trailer. I will wait.

I am so excited for this! I used to love this series growing up, then my youngest sister fell in love with it, now I am going to brain-wash my nephew. Ahh I’m so excited.

Let’s talk about this trailer though.

I’m going to be very judgmental about the series. I’m excited to see a TV show based on A Series of Unfortunate Events, but I enjoyed and was happy with how the movie with Jim Carey turned out. I’m super sure how I feel about another remake, but for right now we’ll focus on my excited side.

Jim Carey played all the characters, but especially Count Olaf wonderfully. It’s going to be hard to top that! But I am willing to give it a chance. So far Netflix-Violet seems more accurate than Movie-Violet. The house though, the house is exactly how I imagined it.

This Netflix series looks a little sillier than I would like, but it should be good to watch with my nephew. It looks like there a lot of famous actors in this, so hopefully that will equate to good acting and character portrayal.

This series arrives to Netflix on January 13^th, 2017 and from I’ve heard we will get eight episodes with the first run, and every two episodes will represent one book. I’m happy about that. Each book deserve two episodes.

Are any of excited for this?!

I’m going to be re-reading the first four books so that the stories are fresh in my mind. This may end up being a good or bad thing haha.

Until Next Time,

~R

December TBR

Whoa… The past three weeks has been crazy!

These twin girls joined the family! Ashlynn and Avonlea, I’m so in love with my honorary nieces ❤

And I also scored a job which has been keeping me running, but today is my day off which is letting me catch up on so much blogging. Thanks goodness, I’ve missed my book-blogging family!

I have a rather ambitious reading list this month because I just want to read all the books, we’ll how much I actually finish though.

The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

The first book in the Series of Unfortunate Events. I read the first three books in elementary school, but it has been so long and Netflix is coming about with a TV series in January! I need to catch up.

The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket

The second book in the Series of Unfortunate Events. See reason above.

An Untamed Land by Lauraine Snelling

This series has 20+ books in it and I have read all of them except for the last two. I have liked this series for a long time, so I’m picking it up again. If I’m honest, I’m probably not going to read it this month lol.

American Girls by Alison Umminger

I have no idea what this book is about, the cover doesn’t seem my style, but they had it as my library so why not lol.

An Ember In The Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

I have only heard great things about A Torch Against the Night, which is the second book in the series. I want to read it sooo badly so it’s time I pick up the first book. Hopefully it doesn’t wreck me too much. *Fingers Crossed*

Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot

This is a collection of articles from Elisabeth Elliot’s newsletter, mostly about learning about to know God. My heart has been pretty strained lately. Any help to have my heart quieted and more rooted in Christ is welcome.

What books are you wanting to read this month?

Until Next Time,

~R

 

BTD Weekly Round Up

The Blogger Recognition award

Casey from Adopt a Book Aus writes about things she wishes she would have known about book bloging, as a newbie myself, it was both helpful and encouraging!

A Monster Calls-Book Review

Maya from Book Dragon 1017 hits this one on the head! The first time I read this book I started crying on the subway, the looks I got! Thank you Maya for giving an honest and long review! It was lovely to read.

How Books Help Your Bad Days.

Lu, oh Lu. How do you just understand my love for books? Books on bad days really do help, this post makes me want to crawl under my covers and jsut read for the rest of the day.

Book Shaming | Some People Are Just Rude.

Lu’s experience from Girl Who reads of a classmate shamingher reading choices makes my blood boil! It is not up to you what other people read! If you don’t like a certain genre or what someone is reading, then don’t read it! There are plenty of other books out there for you. Ugh. I’m sorry Lu that you had to face that!

Down The TBR Hole #1: Conquer your TBR

Lia from Lost In A Story has a great concept for narrowing down your Goodreads TBR to a managable level! I am so going to do this.

 

These were my favorite bookish blog posts this week! What were yours?

Until Next Time,

~R

Someone Like You by Roald Dahl

The story of my picking up this book starts after a bad job interview. It was bad because I really didn’t want the job, the interview went well, I was offered the job, and well… Let’s just say I didn’t take it. But! As any rational person would do, I went to the back corner of the library to cry and look at books until I could calm down. And alas! It ended well because by chance I came across a section of Roald Dahl books, but not just any Roald Dahl books, books he had written for adults.

Did anyone else think that Roald Dahl only wrote children’s books?! Since he is my favorite author I needed this book.

Start Date: November 8th, 2016

End Date: November 11th, 2016

About The Book (Goodreads)

There’s the gambler who collects little fingers from losers…there’s the lady who murders her husband with a frozen leg of lamb…not to mention the man who has made a machine that can hear grass scream…Roald Dahl’s particular brand of bizarre, alarming and disturbing story-telling has already attracted a huge following which can only be more disturbed, alarmed and – thankfully – amused by ‘Someone Like You’.

What I Love

Someone Like You is a collection of short-stories that are witty and clever. Each story is different, but similar, taking realistic situations and twisting them in a way that you didn’t see before.

Thoughts I had while reading,

“Ha! I see what you did there…”

“Mr.Dahl! How did you go from this to Matilda!”

“OH MY GOSH. GENIUS”

“That was. no. wait. what? oh my gosh…”

What I Didn’t Like as Much

In some of the stories the dialogue carries on longer than I care for.

“Okay, yes, I get it, the couch is green.”

A Tiny Taste

“I have always liked the process of commuting; every phase of the little journey is a pleasure to me. There is a regularity about it that is agreeable and comforting to a person of habit, and in addition, it serves as a sort of slipway along which I am gently but firmly launched into the water of daily business routine.”

This reminds me of my daily commute when I was living in NYC ❤

About the Author

Roald Dahl was a British novelist, short story writer and screenwriter of Norwegian descent, who rose to prominence in the 1940’s with works for both children and adults, and became one of the world’s bestselling authors.

(Why Didn’t Anybody Ever Tell Me This?!)

Until Next Time,

~R