Sunday, September 22, 2019

Sundays with Sam - The Sunday Post



Sundays with Sam is a combination of Sunday Post hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer and Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

My Week in Review

This week was just the normal grind. I was pretty excited about the cool mornings we have been having. That hint of fall is always welcomed after the hot, sticky summer, but 47ºF in the morning and 80ºC in the afternoon make my clothing choices a bit tough.

My daughter has been busy buying tickets to shows for us. I miss seeing live music so much, but I always went with her, and now, she is so far away. BUT, it is firmly in the books, that we will see Dashboard Confessional, Motion City Soundtrack, Green Day, Weezer, and Fall Out Boy next year. It looks like 2020 is off to a great start.

This really amused my inner science geek

It made me smile

OMG, this dog!

Let's Discuss!
  • Margaret talked about how book blogging keeps her in her reading comfort zone
  • Dani pondered her #1 priority when choosing a book to read
  • Daniela shares some scary books and how they rate on her scary scale

On the Blog:
  • Monday: Blog Tour - The Babysitters Coven by Kate Williams
  • Tuesday: TTT - Let's Cook!
  • Wednesday: CWW - We Used to Be Friends, Made You Up
  • Thursday: #AmReading - The Survival List, Michigan vs. the Boys
  • Friday: Discussion - Reviewing Sequels

STACKING THE SHELVES

It was a slow week. I was sent to widgets for books I already had, and granted a "wish" for another I had previously read and reviewed. I have my eyes on some books, but am making myself read more of my shelf books before I can buy any new ones.

Free


What I Read Last Week

I started the week a little sad, because I DNFed a book I was really excited about, but it ended up being a good reading week. Scars Like Wings had me feeling all sorts of emotions, and Faker put a perm-smile on my face.

Books

Audiobooks


What I Am Currently Reading

I hate that I had to stop reading Our Year in Love & Parties to write this post. I am enjoying it so much, and totally losing myself in this story.

I guess I am sort of doing a re-read. I am listening to a Little House book, because I was desperate for a book set in South Dakota - these are not easy to find. It's interesting re-visiting the story as an adult. Some of the things 15-year-old Laura said had me cackling. She was quite sassy.


What I Plan to Read

How was your week?
Let us know in the comments!

56 comments:

  1. Oh that rabbit is adorable. And wow you have some great music shows coming up next year, sounds like. How fun! :)

    I loved the Little House books as a kid.

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    1. It's such a long wait until the first show (January), but I am excited to be seeing some live music again. I miss going to shows all the time.

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  2. Aww it sounds like 2020 will be great for you and your daughter! Enjoy!
    I'm so excited for Faker and Getting Schooled! I plan to start The Library of Lost Things this week, as well!
    Genesis @ Whispering Chapters

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    1. I was paranoid as I read Faker, waiting for the "twist" that annoyed everyone, and then, it wasn't that major for me. I liked the book, and I hope you do too.

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  3. That bunny is the cutest. :) I feel pretty out of touch when reading about your upcoming concerts. The first two bands I've never even heard of. The others I can name maybe one song each. But it's super fun to have shows to look forward to. I remember reading one or two of the Little House books as a kid but I never got into them. I never missed the show, though. :) I'm so excited that Love Scene, Take Two is on your TBR!

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    1. It's been really interesting reading Little House as an adult, and I am glad I caved, and used it for my reading challenge. I have always loved live music shows, and I passed that on to my daughter, who was at a concert last night and a music festival the weekend before (I was jealous). I love that she has the means to buy tickets to shows 700 miles from where she lives, so that I can go with her.

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  4. GREEN DAY AND FALL OUT BOY!! I hope you and your daughter have a blast! And thay bunny is just adorable 😭😭 I couldn't stop watching the video since it popped up on my timeline yesterday. Oop.. I've forgotten about Love Scene, Take Two. I took it down from my GR TBR but I have the ebook in my Kindle since... since it got released. I wanna know what you think of that though.

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    1. I haven't seen Green Day since they toured with Blink-182 in 2002, so, I am very excited to see them again. FOB wasn't that long ago. I think my daughter was in college, but still, their shows are always great. That bunny made me smile. You all know I cannot resist a good animal video. Tanya loved Love Scene, Take Two, and I think it will be great for me.

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  5. I used to watch Little House every Sunday on TV as a kid and loved it! I liked Laura because she was spirited and I could relate to her personally despite the total difference in lifestyle!

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    1. She really was spirited, and it's amazing reading this through an adult lens, as well as a 2019 lens. I am picking up on so many different things.

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  6. I don't understand this weather at all. Plus, I see we have a couple of very warm days this week and some cold as well. Ugh. I just want it to be fall. Anyways, that's so fun about you and your daughter planning all these concerts! I've never been to a concert in my life - I have a fear of large crowds, but maybe one of these days.
    Enjoy your week!

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    1. This weather is garbage - BRING ON FALL! Almost 90 for the next few days? No, thank you. I am glad I didn't make the mistake of planning my trip for anywhere warm. I am looking forward to some nice cool weather (you hear that Maine and Canada?) I am not a big fan of crowds, but I love live music. Two of the shows are in a local club here, and I really like the venue. It's not too big, and I can stand all the way in the back, behind the masses, and still enjoy the show.

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  7. Weather is definitely wacko! Lol. And ooooomg! I saw these videos this week too! I've seen the doggie one before because it always brings a smile to my face! The bunny was adorable and the cat one I wasn't really following too well until the end when I just cracked up! Lol.

    Nice new read! Totally new to me though I hope you will positively love it!

    Here's my StS

    Have a GREAT day!

    Old Follower :)

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    1. The cat vid is funny even if you don't understand any quantum mechanics related experiments.

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  8. Loved, loved the cat video and the bunny is too cute. I'd already seen the golden retriever video and had to share it too.

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    1. Animal videos are the best. I only check in on social media a little bit per day, but luckily, a lot still end up in my feed.

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  9. Bwahahaha these vid are the bomb sam! And can I come to these concerts with you? :-) It's been a long time since I attended one!
    Now as far as the weather is concerned it's the same here: chilly in the morning and hot in the afternoon. So tricky for commuters who wake up early!

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    1. If only you lived closer, you could be my concert-partner-in-crime. I spend more time outside during my morning commute and my office is like the tundra, so, I just wear on the borderline days, I go with long sleeves anyhow and carry my sweater home.

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  10. Wow, so many concerts to look forward to! That's awesome!

    Ah, yes, the time of year where we have practically all the seasons in one day! I love that the days are temperate, but I hate that my car is still so hot!

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    1. My daughter loves going to shows, so I am happy she is buying tickets for NJ dates. I am over the almost 90 degree temperatures, though, at least it is drier.

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  11. Wow, you're going to be busy in 2020, I feel like I only go to a concert every other year.

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    1. I have been going to shows with my daughter since she was like 7 or 8, and the best part is she developed a love for a lot of my bands, because we alternated music in the car her whole life. We have so much stuff planned, I am probably going to purchase an extra week of vacation.

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  12. My husband and I saw Weezer last year! I would love to go to a Fall Out Boy concert -- love them! <3 They all sound fantastic! It's great that you have that with your daughter. I really wish our weather would cool down... it's still 70s in the AM and 90s in the evenings -- sticky, sticky. Especially with soccer practices and coaching! I need that cooler weather so I stop dying twice a week. ;)

    I've been curious about Scars Like Wings, but I've seen a lot of unfavorable reviews for Faker. A few DNFs too... hmm. I'll look for your review! I have no idea how you find the time to read so many books, so I'll just live vicariously through you for now. ;)

    Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬

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    1. Our saving grace is that it has been pretty dry. The humidity makes it unbearable.

      I have seen a few "meh" reviews. One said there was a lack of emotional depth, but I cried during parts of the book. The author's focus wasn't on her character being a victim, but rather, on her being survivor and reclaiming her life. Honestly, I sped through the book. I enjoyed reading it so much. You know I read on my commute (and I don't have three school aged kids either), which gives me a lot of reading time.

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  13. I saw that cat video earlier this week and I love it so much! Cats are such crazy creatures! Looks like you had a great reading week, sad to see that Royal Holiday only got 3.5 stars. I'm hoping to read it soon, but I've heard a lot of meh things about it. Good luck with your reading this next week!

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    1. There was nothing bad about Royal Holiday. The couple were very likable and Guillory used the setting well, but there was something missing, though I could not quite put my finger on what it was. I enjoyed, and it was a very pleasant read, but I think it failed to elicit any strong emotional response from me, and that's something that earns stars from me.

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  14. That's so cool that your daughter is lining up so many shows for you to go to next year. I'm reading Royal Holiday right now and feel like your 3.5 star rating is pretty spot on. It's good and I'm entertained but I feel like I just want a little more from it.

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    1. Royal Holiday was good and enjoyable, but it just didn't stir me as much as I would have liked it to. I mean, I am not mad I read it, at all, but there was something missing for me.

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  15. Ha! The cat and bunny video were pretty funny. I've seen Fall Out Boy, Motion City Soundtrack, and Weezer back in the day. Live shows are pretty fun. I used to go a lot more. Now I go to Stage Coach once a year, but it's a 3 day event and tons of artists. I probably wouldn't go except that it's a work function for my husband. Hope you enjoy the concerts!

    I read Unmaking Hunter Kennedy a long time ago. I can't remember the story it's been so long.

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    1. It's not been too long since I have seen FOB or Dashboard, and I saw MCS' farewell tour, but I have not seen Green Day since 2002, so I am very excited about that. I used to see so many live shows with my daughter, but then she went to college and after that, moved 700 miles away. It makes it hard to coordinate schedules with travel.

      I had added Hunter Kennedy to my TBR after looking for some sort of theme, and then, there it was, free. Obviously, I had to one-click.

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  16. Yay for booking shows to see with your daughter! That's so awesome that you guys do that together! And I ADORED those videos you shared. Totally made my night. :-)

    Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction

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    1. I am excited about getting back into concert going with the kid. It was one of our favorite things to do together, since she grew up listening to my music. I am all about the animal videos, and I am thankful for each and every person who makes and shares them.

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  17. @020 Sounds like an exciting year for you. And those vidoes were so fun. That bunny:)

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    1. At least I have a few things to look forward to in 2020.

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  18. In the Hall with the Knife sounds fun. I need to go to some more concerts - though I have X Ambassadors in November and I'm excited. I'd love to see a Green Day/FOB/Weezer show, but I'd have to travel to get there so we'll see.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. I am about 30% done with In the Hall, and the teen versions of the classic Clue characters are fun. I am enjoying the book a lot. I am traveling to Chicago for the Green Day show, though they are playing in NJ. I am lucky, because I live midway between NYC and Philly. Lots of shows come here. I just don't have a willing partner to go, and I hate to go alone.

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  19. some good looking books but i had to go back and look at those vids again. thanks for the smiles
    sherry @ fundinmental

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  20. Oh those are some great concerts!!! That cat video is hilarious!

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    1. Cats can be obnoxious, but they can also be so hilarious. That is why I love them.

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  21. I'm so ready for fall, and enjoying the cooling trend as well! What a wonderful bonding experience to be able to go to so many wonderful live shows with your daughter! I love Weezer, and the Little House books were childhood favorites of mine! Good Luck on your reading challenge! Have a great week Sam :)

    Lindy@ A Bookish Escape

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    1. I am happy my daughter likes so much of my music. Hey, at least the kid has good taste.

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  22. I love the bunny, it is so adorable. And a live show is so alluring right now, with the weather getting more pleasant each day. I hope you and your daughter enjoy it. I hope you have a great week ahead.

    Gayathri @ Elgee Writes

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    1. It will be the longest wait until those shows, and I will be crossing my fingers that winter weather cooperates with me, so she can get here, but I am still very excited.

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  23. Wow, I’m envious of your concert schedule. I want to see those bands! I’m loving the cooler weather, too. I can’t function when it’s hot. I hope you’re having a good week.

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

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    1. She just texted me yesterday, that she was trying to get All Time Low tickets for December (in NJ) too. I hope she go them, because ATL shows are fun. I keep looking at the weather reports for where I am going on vacation, and it's all cool weather. AAaahhhhh!

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  24. Oh my gosh, that cat! I think it is great that you already have so many things lined up for next year with your daughter. Sometimes it is nice to have a break in adding new books to the shelf. I hope you have a great week this week!

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    1. That cat was a beast. I loved him! I like getting new books every week, though, the eLibrary offerings have been getting better and better, so I can still get my hands on new releases.

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  25. So many incredible reads! I'm so happy you loved Scars Like Wings, I can't wait to read that one, it sounds amazing :)
    Have a wonderful week and happy reading <3 <3

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    1. I loved Scars Like Wings. There was one small plot point I was "meh" about, but the rest was so wonderful. I just a book on the emotion it invokes and how much I was entertained. This book got high marks in both categories for me.

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  26. It is SO nice to finally be having weather that's at least a tiny bit cooler. I'm sorry to see you didn't love Five Dark Fates. I know that series gets a ton of love but I still haven't read it! Enjoy your new reads!

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    1. I just remember being in Orlando the first week of October last year, and I was dying from the heat. That's why we are going to Canada this year for our vacation. Five Dark Fates was ok, but I would have liked a few things to have played out differently and the very end left me wanting. I had loved the first three books, and just wanted more from the finale. Still good.

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  27. The cat video is awesome! I laughed for it's so typical of a cat!

    I'm loving the cooler temperatures and I'm also feeling your pain with the temp differences between mornings and afternoons! It won't be long before it's just cold and colder though!

    I'm so jealous you're getting to see Fall Out Boy next year! I do love them... I asked google to play Fall Out Boy for me while cooking today and it informed me (before starting a playlist) that they're playing in London in June next year... I'm so tempted to check out tickets! My son looked at me when google made the announcement and was like "We should go!" lol I told him HE can go when he's older! But now I'd feel bad if I did snag tickets! 🙄😂 Anyway, I hope you enjoy!

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    1. My daughter keeps buying tickets and I am happy she wants me to come with her. If you go to FOB in June, you will see them before I do (they are here in Aug) *whispers* You should go

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  28. Oh wow, those are a lot of concerts planned! I hope you will be able to enjoy all of them when they come round and you deserve to treat yourself and return to seeing live music again :D Little Town on the Prarire!! I remember reading those books when I was younger, and my mum used to watch it with me on tv...

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    1. I have been going to live music shows with my daughter since she was 7 or 8, and they are always so much fun. Little House was a huge part of my childhood, and I will forever hold the Ingalls family in my heart. It was fun to revisit them.

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