august reading…

I am FINALLY out of my summer reading slump. My focus is (mostly) back and even though I’ve read some duds – I’ve also seemed to hit my groove with quite a few lighthearted yet poignant YA. (The Great Whatever, A Week of Mondays, Whatever…)Which isn’t something I usually enjoy but they have been quick reads with a lot of humor.

I’m off to a good start for August. I’ve already read 3 of the above titles so only 3 to go and of course a few impulse/fun reads.

I’m probably jinxing myself but….I hope to get a jump start on my September arc’s.

I’m still in  a bit of a blogging slump. I’m reading but I don’t really feel like reviewing or talking about anything I’ve read but I’m learning to ride these times out and just blog when I have something to say. I’ve noticed a LOT of bloggers going through this the past few months so I take solace that I’m not alone.

So here’s a quick peek at my August books & thoughts for the ones I’ve already read.

Steeplejack (Alternative Detective #1) by A.J. Hartley – Goodreads Mystery/thriller/steampunk/historical 

Thoughts: Not bad – just not the adrenaline rush I was hoping for. There’s a lot of investigating – and that kind of bores me. I wanted more building jumping! lol I figured out the culprit pretty quickly so there’s little suspense for me. Great characters though in a diverse world that explores social/class issues and no romance so if you like: mystery/a large cast of diverse, complex characters/relationships then give this one a try.

Source: arc provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

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First Star I See Tonight (Chicago Stars #8) by Susan Elizabeth Phillips – Goodreads “A star quarterback and a feisty detective play for keeps in this sporty, sexy, sassy novel”

Thoughts: This was my first book by Phillips and I loved the main couple, in particular the heroine, Piper, but the overall story was filled with a lot of unnecessary and distracting plots other than the romance.

Source: ALA16

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The Hike by Drew Magary – Goodreads “From the author of The Postmortal, a fantasy saga unlike any you’ve read before, weaving elements of folk tale and video game into a riveting, unforgettable adventure of what a man will endure to return to his family.”

This sounds weird and *potentially* wonderful. We shall see.

Source: ALA16

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738 Days by Stacey Kade – Goodreads “At fifteen, Amanda Grace was abducted on her way home from school. 738 days later, she escaped. Her 20/20 interview is what everyone remembers—Amanda describing the room where she was kept, the torn poster of TV heartthrob Chase Henry on the wall. It reminded her of home and gave her the strength to keep fighting.”

I LOVE Stacey Kade so I’m super excited to read this one. I hear it’s very emotional and intense. Can’t wait!

Source: Borrowed

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Spontaneous by Aaron Starmer – Goodreads “Mara Carlyle’s senior year at Covington High in suburban New Jersey is going on as normally as could be expected, until the day—wa-bam!—fellow senior Katelyn Ogden explodes during third period pre-calc. Katelyn is the first, but she won’t be the last senior to spontaneously combust without warning or explanation. The body count grows and the search is on for a reason—Terrorism! Drugs! Homosexuality! Government conspiracy!—while the seniors continue to pop like balloons.”

Thoughts: DNF’d - Mara is kind of a jerk - but I actually liked that about her. Her narration is unfiltered and honest. It's just that the book races through spontaneous constitutions and THEN develops the deceased at such a rapid fire pace that I just feel disconnected to the whole thing.
I did peek at a few reviews to see if it was worth continuing and found that Highlight to view spoiler: this is pretty much the whole novel and there's no explanation given at the end for anything) so I'm taking a pass.

Source: ALA16

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Moo by Sharon Creech – Goodreads “Fans of Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech’s Love That Dogand Hate That Cat will love her newest tween novel, Moo. This uplifting tale reminds us that if we’re open to new experiences, life is full of surprises.”

I totally picked this one just because of the cover. It’s mid-grade but sounds really cute.

Source: ALA16


What are you guys hoping to read in August?