First Book of 2017

I just finished my first book of 2017! I actually feel a bit behind since it is already day 4. I read Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. This book has been out for a couple of years and has been on my to be read list but I actually pushed it to the top after signing up for the February Bookish Box. I love Bookish Box! It is a monthly subscription box that includes different literary themes. The photo below shows the bookmark that I received from my December box that had a Yule Ball theme from Harry Potter. In that box I also received a cute Christmas themed Harry Potter shirt, a tumbler with one of the bands that played at the ball and a wonderful candle that smells like pine.

The February box has a theme of GALentine's and is about literary friendships. I of course am a huge fan of Leslie Knope and love the Parks and Rec reference. Fangirl was one of the listed inspirations so I had to jump this book up to the top of my list before my box comes next month. I really enjoyed Fangirl. Cath and her sister Wren have just started college and are living apart for the first time in their lives. While Wren seems to be adjusting well socially, Cath is afraid to even find the cafeteria so she spends weeks eating energy bars. Cath spends much of her time writing fan fiction and being absorbed in the world that is Simon Snow. Simon Snow seems a bit like Harry Potter but with vampires. There are little blips of the Simon Snow story throughout the book as well as bits of Cath's fan fiction. This was a really good story about growing up, finding yourself and your place in life. It was also about new relationships when everything is still so awkward and new. I really enjoyed the writing style and will be reading Eleanor & Park soon as well which is also by Rainbow Rowell. If you are interested in signing up for a Bookish Box you can find my referral link here. You can also explore some of the fantastic past boxes on Instagram.

Comments

Driftwood Bay

Driftwood Bay by Irene Hannon is a sweet and inspirational story. This is part of the Hope Harbor series but is the first one that I have read. I feel that this makes a good stand alone book but found myself becoming curious about the side characters in the story and would love to read the others in the series. Jeannette has created a new life for herself in the town of Hope Harbor. She owns a lavender farm and tea shop and spends most of her time alone. Her quiet world is shaken up when Logan moves in next door. Not only does he have a little girl, but also a trouble making dog that force their worlds to collide. Alongside the story of Jeannette and Logan is a beautiful and heartbreaking story of a family that has escaped persecution in Syria. Everyone in the story has their own heartbreak, but they all come together to create a new life and new relationships. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books from Irene Hannon.

The Light Before Day

The Light Before Day by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the third book in her Nantucket Legacy series. I did not read the first book in the series but I did read the second when it came out earlier this year. While I enjoyed the continuation of characters, I feel that this could be a stand alone novel. When I read book two in the series, I found the language of the book to be a bit of a challenge. I will say that having already once been emerged in this world, I did not find that to be an issue with this book. The author does however include a handy list of definitions if some of the language is tricky. This book follows the twins Hitty and Henry who are now grown and receiving an inheritance from their grandmother that has a few stipulations attached. Along with the story of the characters growing and developing relationships, this book also covers important social issues of the time. This was a part of the book that I really enjoyed. I also liked the inclusion of the ancestors journal wh

New Every Day

New Every Day: Navigating Alzheimer's with Grace and Compassion by Dave Meurer is about the complexities that are faced in caring for and dealing with an individual with Alzheimer's. I do not have hands on experience with this illness but have heard stories from friends that are dealing with family members that are affected. This is a heartbreaking illness that can be very difficult for the caregiver to manage. I loved that the author gave this book a conversational tone and did not organize this into different areas. There are stories that are personable, funny and sad. There are also tips for caregivers on the different issues that they may face such as dealing with stress of repeated questions or handling insurance issues. I think this book would be great for anyone that is dealing with a friend or family member that has Alzheimer's or anyone that would like to know more about this illness. I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest re

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