Tag #14: “Peculiar Children Book Tag”

quote-i-used-to-dream-abou-escaping-my-ordinary-life-but-my-life-was-never-ordinary-i-had-ransom-riggs-75-22-02

Image Credit: azquotes.com

At the beginning of October, I was tagged by the great man at The Green Onion Blog! Thank you so much for the nomination!

I love his posts – They’re so nerdy, and geeky, and awesome! Please check him out!

Here’s the link to the original post:

Ready?

Here we go!


Abandoned House – A book you once abandoned but then gave another chance and ended up enjoying

The Vacationers

Image Credit: amazon.com

The Vacationers by Emma Straub.

This was relatively recent. My “Aunt” Lucy let me borrow this book in 2015, but I could not settle down and get it into it, which bothered me. But, I decided to set it aside, and I’m glad I did. I picked it up again earlier this year, and now Straub is one of my favorite writers. I can’t wait to read more from her.

Vintage Photographs – A book you would have loved to have seen illustrations in

the paris wife

Image Credit: amazon.com

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain.

This was the first true book review that I ever wrote. It’s one of those stories that immerses you in the time period. In this case, it’s the 1920s and it’s the novelization of Ernest Hemingway’s first wife, Hadley.

As I was reading, I was imagining Paris, the Alps, and other fascinating scenes. The words were very vivid, but I found myself wanting a few illustrations here and there.

Loop – A series you wouldn’t mind reading on loop; Back to back to back

51qmjn9tchl

Image Credit: amazon.com

The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.

Hands down. I know certain people have given it flack, but I have a few friends who I know will agree with me. I own the entire series, and most recently, I read The Cursed Child in August.

Next up (Eventually) – Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Quidditch Through the Ages.

Peculiar Children – A character’s ability that you desire to have for yourself

sensationcomics

Any of Wonder Woman’s powers.

She’s always been an inspiration to me. I haven’t read many comic books, but I have seen the TV adaptations (Lynda Carter was awesome, and still gorgeous to this day), and most recently, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice earlier this year.

Gal Gadot is just awesome in my eyes, and I absolutely cannot wait for Wonder Woman in 2017!

Miss Peregrine – Your favorite character that is a leader

enders_game_cover_isbn_0312932081

Image Credit: en.wikipedia.org

Andrew “Ender” Wiggin from Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card.

I remember dreading this book when I found it had been assigned for my summer reading going into 9th grade. Ugh, science fiction?! Yuck!

Boy, was I wrong. I could put the book down! Ender is transformed into a bonafide leader, and it’s impressive. Because of my love of this book, I eventually want to read the rest of the series.

Jacob – Your favorite story where a regular kid discovers an extraordinary world

thehelpbookcover

Image Credit: en.wikipedia.org

Skeeter Phelan from The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

This is one of my favorite books. Plus, I thought the movie adaptation was very well-done, Emma Stone was a good choice to play Skeeter. Although not really a “kid” in the book, Skeeter quickly finds herself immersed in the world of “the help” – The black maids in her Mississippi community in 1963.

If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it. Writing about it here makes me want to re-read it soon!

Emma – A fierce and fiery character

Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins.

Katniss, to me, is the premier definition of fierce and fiery. At least, in terms of modern young adult (YA) literature.

This is by far my favorite recent trilogy. I will be re-reading it shortly, as part of my 2016 Reading Challenge!

Millard – A book that seems to be invisible but needs to be read by more people

71sdr13fpml

An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser.

I first stumbled upon this book in the Chesapeake Central Library when I was senior in high school. I was researching F. Scott Fitzgerald at the time for a critical English paper, so I didn’t check it out at that time.

However, I found myself researching it online and became more intrigued. Shortly after graduation, I remembered this book and checked it out. It was a fascinating tale.

Dreiser is a good writer who excelled for his time, at the turn of the 20th century. Writing about this makes me want to read it again!

Olive – A book that you bought that floated to the top of your TBR

Harry Potter - amazon

Image Credit: amazon.com

Harry Potter and The Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne.

This is the most recent book I bought, and I immediately wanted to start reading it, even before I got out of Barnes & Noble!

Judging that I flew through the edition within 48 hours, it didn’t stay on my TBR for very long!

Hugh – A book that stung and caused a lot of feelings

The_Fault_in_Our_Stars

Image Credit: en.wikipedia.org

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I finally read this book, but it hit me hard. No spoilers, but it reaffirmed how precious life is and how anyone in your life can be taken away in an instant.

Enoch – (NO SPOILERS) A book character that you would bring back to life

harry_potter_and_the_goblet_of_fire_us_cover

Image Credit: en.wikipedia.org

Cedric Diggory from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

I won’t spoil anything, but I’ll bet you dollars to donuts that most of you know what I’m talking about here.

I cried buckets of tears.

Bronwyn – A physically strong character

gamora_by_j_skipper-d7kjg8k

Image Credit: DeviantArt

Gamora from Strange Tales and Guardians of the Galaxy.

She’s aggressive, strong, and feisty. I loved her character in the Guardians of the Galaxy film, and I’m so excited for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in May!

Hollowgasts – A book you read that felt like an experiment gone wrong

allegiant_novel_cover

Image Credit: en.wikipedia.org

Allegiant from the Divergent trilogy.

I really, really wanted to like this one. I loved Divergent and Insurgent, but as I mentioned in my book review of the trilogy, I couldn’t wrap my head around the back-and-forth of the different perspectives.


This was such a fun tag! It took me a long time to get this published – I wanted to publish it right after I was tagged, but life got in the way. It’s hard to believe 15 days went by between posts!

What do you think? I’d love to hear your responses!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Tag #13: “Which Do You Prefer?” Book Tag!

preferbooktag

Image Credit: B.G., Getting Through Anxiety

I was tagged to participate by the lovely B.G. of Getting Through Anxiety!

Here’s the link to the original post:

Ready?

Here we go!


1.) Writing or reading books?

Argh. I hate this question!

I think I like to read more, because reading got me interested in writing from the get-go. Example: I read almost all of the American Girl historical novels before I received my first doll, who came with six blank books where I could write her own stories. I remember filling separate notebooks with stories about Stephanie, but I left those six books blank for a long time. I wanted to keep them pristine, plus I didn’t want to mess them up with errors and cross-outs. The American Girl books fostered my love of historical fiction.

2.) Reading hardbacks or paperbacks?

I prefer hardbacks – I don’t like it when the paperback spines get all crinkled!

3.) Reading E-books or books you can actually hold?

Books you can actually hold, hands down. I’ve tried a few school textbooks on my iPhone and iPad, but every time, I wish I’d paid more money to get the tangible version!

4.) Reading books with the protagonist of a woman or man?

Excellent question. I’ve tended to be drawn to women protagonists.

5.) Reading books written by men or women?

Another good one. Most of my favorite authors – Grisham, Sparks, Fitzgerald – are men. I enjoy their perspective.

6.) Reading books or listening?

Reading. I’ve listened to audiobooks in the car while I’m the driver, but I can’t imagine doing it any place else!

7.) Reading out loud or in your head?

In my head, although I’ve been caught reading out loud before!

8.) Getting books from the library/borrowing them or buying them?

I actually prefer the library. I love buying them, but there’s money involved there. Borrowing books from friends is fun, but I’m always afraid that I’ll get distracted and so much time passes before I actually read the book and give it back to the person! With a library, their time limit is a good motivator to read the books and avoid the fines!

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve downsized my own personal collection and tried to keep it that way.

9.) Reading thrillers or romance?

Thrillers, now. If you’d asked me this question a few years ago, it would have been romance.

10.) Writing in books or not?

Not! I can’t fathom writing in a book. I didn’t even want to write in my textbooks!

11.) Reading long books or short?

Long books are always more fun. I think of it as a challenge!


I Tag:

  • Everyone, especially my friend who are fellow biblophiles!
  • If you do participate, please display B.G.’s photo of tag on your post!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Tag #12: “Days of the Week Tag”

30d86be67bb0e464041fccd9733c4452

Image Credit: pinterest.com

I found this fun tag from the fabulous ladies of Thrice Read!

Here’s the link to the original post:

Ready?

Here we go!


Murder Monday: Favorite murder/crime book:

This one was really hard to pick. I love a lot of murder and crime books, but I went with my gut instinct – The Pelican Brief by John Grisham. I love the book, and the movie adaptation is so suspenseful!

Tickle Tuesday: A book that made you laugh out loud:

The Vacationers by Emma Straub. I love her writing style, and I want more! I can’t wait to pick up Modern Lovers at some point.

Weepy Wednesday: A book that made you weepy/cry:

Most of you know that I love Nicholas Sparks, but for this one, I pick John Green’s Looking for Alaska. It was the first book we needed to read for my Young Adult Literature class in the spring of 2011. It made me bawl!

Thinking Thursday: A book that made you really think/reevaluate the world/your life:

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. I originally didn’t want to read it, but I’m glad I did. Most of Green’s novels have made me reconsider my perspective on life.

Fantasy Friday: Favorite fantasy book/series:

Harry Potter. This is the only fantasy book / series that I have truly stuck with and become a huge fan. I was slow to get started, but Rowling’s writing took hold and swept me up faster than a Nimbus Firebolt!

Sigh Saturday: A book you just could not get into or finish:

Breaking Dawn. I struggled through most of the Twilight series (I was basically forced to watch the first two movies), and by the time I got around to reading this one, I couldn’t stand it anymore. I bought all four books, but I ended up donating them to the local library because I didn’t want to read them ever again.

Summer Sunday: A book you love to read in the summer or makes you think of summer:

The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks. After months of waiting, I finally got a copy from the library and I read it cover to cover within a few hours while my parents drove home from a trip to Florida.


Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Book Review #18: “The Finders Keepers Rule: A Maryellen Mystery”

Maryellen Mystery - amazon

Image Credit: amazon.com

“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates loot on Treasure Island.”

~Walt Disney


After reading the first two volumes in Maryellen Larkin’s collection, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on her mystery book.

If you haven’t already, I would recommend reading my first two posts before moving forward with this one:

Maryellen’s story continues in December 1955. Daytona Beach is busy preparing for its annual dance, and excitement is in the air.

I could almost hear “Rock Around The Clock” in my ears throughout the book. The music of the fifties is amazing!

As Maryellen practices dance steps with her sister Carolyn, and Davy practices football plays, there’s more excitement along the shore. There’s several secrets, a mysterious ring, and a sense of treasure afoot!

This book gripped me by the shirt collar and never let go. I couldn’t put it down! For being a book meant for ages 8 and up, it almost felt like a classic Nancy Drew mystery. There were twists, turns, a bit of danger, and several suspects!

I was happy to see a spotlight on several other characters: Maryellen’s sister Joan, Joan’s new husband, Jerry; and more of Davy.

Once again, this standalone novel proves that 10-year-old kids are just as smart and clever as adults. I was actually sad to get to the end!

If you like the thrill of discovering treasure, history, and a bit of suspense, I definitely recommend this book. This is a new favorite of mine!

To finish out Maryellen’s collection, I will be reading The Sky’s The Limit: My Journey with Maryellen (Choose-your-own-adventure). I hope to have that review published very soon!

4 1/2 out of 5 stars.


Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Tag #10: “The Harry Potter Book Tag”

 

Stephen King - relatably

Image Credit: relatably.com

I saw this tag on Thrice Read. This is an amazing blog, all about books, run by three fantastic women! If you’re a bibliophile like I am, I highly recommend them.

Here’s the link to the original post:


The One Rule:

  • I can answer the questions, but none of the answers can be Harry Potter.

Ready?

Here we go!

accio

Found on Thrice Read.

A book you wish you could have right now:

You Will Know Me - yahoo

Image Credit: yahoo.com

You Will Know Me: A Novel by Megan Abbott

I instantly fell in love with this book when I heard the review of it on NPR’s Fresh Air podcast recently. I think it’s fitting with the Olympics wrapping up and the fever that the Final Five of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team has caused.

adaasd

Found on Thrice Read.

A book that surprised you in a great way, reveals to be more than it is:

The Vacationers

The Vacationers by Emma Straub

Having originally abandoned this book, it pleasantly surprised me when I sat down to try it again. Check out my book review from earlier this year. I’m looking forward to getting my hands on her newest book, Modern Lovers.

alohomora

Found on Thrice Read.

A first book in a series that got you hooked:

Chosen Ones - bookdepository

Chosen Ones (Lost Souls) by Tiffany Truitt

I was super excited when Tiffany announced her first publication a few years ago. It’s hard to believe that Chosen Ones was released in 2012. I’m a bit biased, because she is one of my sorority sisters. Regardless, she is an amazing writer! The story of Tess and her world made me desperate to read more!

Chosen Ones is the first in the Lost Souls trilogy: Naturals, and then Creators make up the series. Tiffany has several other published books, and I have read them all!

avadakedavra

Found on Thrice Read.

A killer book:

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - goodreads

Image Credit: goodreads.com

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larson

I was unsure about Steig Larson’s books, at first. I tried the book on CD method from the Russell Memorial Library in Chesapeake while driving 15 miles from my house to my high school, and I was engrossed from the beginning. It’s a killer story!

confundo

Found on Thrice Read.

A book you found confusing:

PortraitofanArtistasaYoungMan-JamesJoyce - womanandhome

Image Credit: womanandhome.com

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce

I remember being assigned this book during my senior year of high school. Our teacher was amazing – One of the best English teachers ever. But the majority of my class hated this book. It was incredibly confusing, and difficult to read. We had lengthy discussions in class. However, due to this book, eventually we all learned about stream-of-consciousness and more about Irish culture!

epectopatronum

Found on Thrice Read.

Your spirit animal book:

Sarah Dessen - Just Listen

Image Credit: amazon.com

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

I’ve always loved Sarah Dessen’s books, since discovering them while I was in high school. Just Listen is the one I feel the most connection. This one, her seventh, was published in between my junior and senior years of high school. I read it shortly after it was published, and then I re-read it in college, and the connection only deepened. I love the way Dessen creates her characters, and I love the winding path that Annabel and Owen find themselves on throughout the book. It made me think of my own friendships, relationships, domestic violence, and standing up for yourself and others.

flagrate

Found on Thrice Read.

A book you found interesting but would like to rewrite:

688087

Image Credit: goodreads.com

Rooftop by Paul Volponi

I remember finding this book on a whim at the Russell Memorial Library in Chesapeake. I liked it. I liked the characters, the setting, and the drama. I think it was a good attempt, but I also think it could have been written better, with a faster pace.

spetumsemtra

Found on Thrice Read.

A dark, twisted book:

The Battle - scholastic

Image Credit: scholastic.com

The Battle of Jericho by Sharon M. Draper

Sharon M. Draper’s twists and turns immediately made me interested in her focus on African-American characters and their struggles. I’ve read all of her books, multiple times now. Initially, I was very skeptical about African-American characters, but this one sucked me in from the beginning and never let me go.

It follows a young man, Jericho, and his friends in their quest to join the Warriors of Distinction at their high school. Along the way, everyone, including the adults, starts to realize that the Warriors are not what they seem, and it’s increasingly dangerous and twisted. The Battle of Jericho is the first in a pulse-pounding, emotional trilogy, which includes November Blues and Just Another Hero.

nominees

Found on Thrice Read.

I nominate anyone that’s a Harry Potter fan!

I really enjoyed this tag. It was so different from most of the other tags I’ve done for the blog. It made me realize I want to read more books!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Tag #9: “Inside Out Book Tag”

Inside Out Book Tag - itstartsatmidnight

Image Credit: itstartsatmidnight.com

I stumbled upon this tag on B.G.’s fantastic blog, Getting Through Anxiety!

Ready?

Here we go!


I: Inside Flap / Back of Book Summaries. Too much info? Or not enough? Discuss!

  • I love reading the inside flap – It helps me determine whether or not I’ll leave the library or bookstore with that book! I don’t normally read back of book summaries, but it depends!

N: New Book. Be Honest: Which format do you want it in? Audio, hardcover, paperback, or ebook?

  • I prefer paperback.

S: Scribble While You Read? Do you write in your books, or keep them clean? Tell us why.

  • The horror! Never. I keep them clean. B.G.’s response was perfect: “The only writing that should be in a book is the author’s!”

I: In Your Best Written Voice Read Us Your Favorite First Sentence From a Book.

  • “In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since.
    ‘Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, he told me, just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.‘”
    ~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

D: Does It Matter to You Whether the Author is Male or Female when Deciding to Read a Book? What if you’re unsure of author’s gender?

  • That’s a very interesting question! As a child, I was drawn to more female authors. As an adult, I’ve found that it’s been basically a 50-50 split between male and female. Regardless, it doesn’t matter to me whether the author is male or female. As for being unsure of an author’s gender, I don’t think I’ve ever encountered a book that I really didn’t like!

E: Ever Read Ahead? Or have you read the last page before you got there?

  • I have read ahead, but just a few books that I had to read for school. Some were just awful!

O: Organized Bookshelves or Outrageous Bookshelves?

  • For me – Organized, as much as possible. However, I like hunting through outrageous bookshelves in second-hand bookstores!

U: Under Oath: Have You Ever Bought a Book Based On the Cover? … The Cover Alone?

  • Yes, a few times when I was younger. Not now, though.

T: Take it Outside or Stay In?

  • I prefer to stay in, especially now, since this summer has been ridiculously hot and humid. However, I’m envious of our neighbors across the street – They have a beautiful front porch with chaise lounges. I would love to have that, at some point. For now, though, once the weather decides to calm down, I’m excited to get some patio furniture and read on our back screened-in porch!

I Tag…

  • EVERYONE! I would love to see your responses!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Book Review #17: “Harry Potter and The Cursed Child”

Harry Potter - amazon

Image Credit: amazon.com

“Be honest to those you love, show your pain. To suffer is as human as to breathe.”

~J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany & Jack Thorne


After quite a bit of skepticism, I bit the bullet and purchased a copy of my own on Monday, August 8th. I took the day off from work to celebrate my birthday. My first stop when I arrived at MacArthur Mall in Norfolk was the massive Barnes & Noble.

The first chance I got to really start reading was on Sunday, August 14th. I needed to put my feet up for a while after cleaning the house from top to bottom, in preparation for having family over for the first time for a real meal!

I took a photo of the cover, posted that to Facebook, and promptly dove in.

About 45 minutes later, I had to resurface (with great reluctance!) to the real world to make the final preps for our guests, but in that short period of time, I had already flown through 135 pages. At that point, I was almost at the end of Act II.

Yesterday, Monday, August 15th, I desperately wanted to make more headway after a very long day at work.

After dinner, by the time 8:00 p.m. rolled around last night, I was finished.

I was astonished.

I had plowed through all 308 pages, all four acts, in a little over two hours.

As I called out to Al that I was finished, I was stunned.

He sat down on the living room couch, looked at me, and said, “How was it?”


Okay. You’ve made it this far.

SPOILER ALERT!

If you haven’t yet read Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, I would strongly advise / encourage you to scroll down, until you reach the place where I indicate the spoilers have ended.

Look for an image of a wand.

Okay?

Here we go!


I didn’t dislike it.

I certainly didn’t hate it!

I was shocked at how fast I read through it.

But, it is a script. It’s not a novel.

I liked how the writers formed the script. I was very happy that the story continued, virtually seamlessly, from the end of Deathly Hallows.

As I started, I found myself overcome with memories – Memories of first reading the books. Memories of seeing the movies.

I was transported to those magical worlds again, and they didn’t let me go. I couldn’t put it down. Despite several challenges and objections to plot points, I wanted to keep reading, to find out everything that was going on.

My only true preconception going into this experience was I thought I had figured out who “The Cursed Child” was.

I originally thought it was one of Harry and Ginny’s children, or possibly Ron and Hermoine’s child, Rose.

Boy, was I mistaken.

I wasn’t fully expecting Voldemort to return, let alone for Delphi to be his DAUGHTER.

But it was a wonderful mistake, in a way. It made the magic even more magical, if that’s such a thing.

In attempting to vocalize my feelings with Al, almost immediately after reading “The End,” I didn’t quite know how I felt about all of this.

Thinking about it in a broad sense, I enjoyed the story. Overall, I liked what they did with it.

I’m very glad it wasn’t just Rowling who was involved.

It had similar amounts of action, dialogue, drama, tragedy, and happiness as the previous stories.

That said, it was not one of Rowling’s novels. That was actually refreshing. It was nice to fly through a script so quickly, rather than sometimes being buried in detail-laden chapters that seem to never end.

I appreciated the attention given to the characters, both old and new. I was very pleased, and surprised, that Scorpius Malfoy was featured as a central character. As much as I hated Draco’s character in the earlier books and movies, I was happy that Scorpius, Draco, and Astoria were so prominent in this story.

The twists and turns were fun, although frustrating at times. Facing dark and light were expected, and the writers certainly delivered.

My main complaint with the script was attempting to keep up with all the flashbacks, and dream sequences, and time-turning. It seemed constant. It was tough to keep up.

There were multiple instances where I had to slow down, re-read several passages, and find my footing again before continuing. It happened more than I would have liked, and it got annoying very quickly.

However, I appreciated that each scene had its appropriate header. If I ever got truly confused, I had that ability to turn back a few pages and find my footing with the scene heading. I didn’t like that, though.

I wasn’t thrilled with the idea that Albus and Scorpius were hell-bent, determined to save Cedric with the Time-Turner. But, that’s what happens when two kids get ideas in their heads that they think are good and brilliant. However, I liked, toward the end, when the two of them admitted that those ideas were absolutely ridiculous.

I felt sad when I closed the book, but I also felt feelings of warmth and happiness.

As I pictured the last scene in my head, the story just ended. But, remembering that it’s a script, and being performed as a play, I appreciated the image of Harry and Albus, together, remembering Cedric.

Part of me wants more stories in the future, but part of me is also satisfied with this script. It was a sunset ending. It was tough to swallow at first, but stories like this can’t always be carried on for forever.

In terms of waiting so many years for this script to be released, it feels a bit lacking. However, with that said, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this, and I was skeptical from the time that the announcement was made – Despite being a huge fan of the original books.


SPOILERS END.

Merchandise

Image Credit: universalorlando.com

Final Thoughts:

Overall, it was a good read.

I’m happy that I decided to ignore the skepticism and read it for myself.

It was a good story, and I’m glad it was written and shared. Part of me wants to see the play, but I’m also satisfied with having the chance to read the script.

I look forward to sharing this experience with my husband, and then my future child/children.

Once a Potter fan, always a Potter fan.

Always.

4 out of 5 stars.


Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Book Review #16: “Taking Off: A Maryellen Classic 2”

Maryellen - amazon

Image Credit: amazon.com

“The fifties – they seem to have taken place on a sunny afternoon that asked nothing of you except a drifting belief in the moment and its power to satisfy.”

~Elizabeth Hardwick


If you haven’t already, I would recommend reading my post titled Book Review #15: “The One and Only: A Maryellen Classic” before diving into this one.

Maryellen’s story continues as she prepares to celebrate her tenth birthday in 1955.

Three weeks before her birthday, a historic day emerges. Around the world, it’s broadcast that Dr. Jonas Salk has perfected a safe and effective vaccine for polio.

This is significant, since it was mentioned previously that Maryellen suffered from the illness during the Polio Epidemic of 1952. Fortunately, she only has two long-lasting effects – One slightly weaker leg and sensitive lungs.

As spring begins to change into summer, Maryellen experiences a bit of fame and those effects, both good and bad. She learns several lessons along the way, about fame, attention, bragging, and friendship.

Shortly before summer vacation starts, Dad brings home a silver spaceship of a surprise – The 1955 Airstream trailer. The whole family goes West and explores much of the American landscape. Maryellen gets caught in the middle of gathering ideas for a science contest, the dog getting loose, figuring out whether or not her sister Joan really wants to get married, and more.

One of Maryellen’s excellent traits is coming up with great, practical ideas, especially in times of adversity. Because of this, she’s able to help her mother, father, sister Joan, and unites her girl friends and boy friends together to form an amazing science contest team.

The two stories blend very well together. They transported me from my home in Virginia straight to Daytona Beach, the Alamo, Old Faithful, and back to Daytona Beach. I could visualize everything, and almost smell certain smells.

In the future, I plan to explore the two other books in the Maryellen collection: The Sky’s The Limit: My Journey with Maryellen (Choose-your-own-adventure), and The Finders-Keepers Rule (Historical Character Mystery).

4 1/2 out of 5 stars.


Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Tag #8: “Song to Book Tag”

Music and Books - wallpoper

Image Credit: wallpoper.com

The Rules:

  • Mention the person who tagged you
  • Pingback to the original post at Getting Through Anxiety – Thanks, B.G.!
  • List about 10+ songs that describe 10+ books
  • Tag 5+ bloggers for this post

Here we go!

  1. Stronger by Britney Spears … The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
  2. Only The Good Die Young by Billy Joel … The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
  3. Something in the Water by Carrie Underwood … Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
  4. Raise Your Glass by Pink … The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
  5. Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey … The Pelican Brief by John Grisham
  6. It’s My Life by Bon Jovi … Divergent by Veronica Roth
  7. True Colors by Cyndi Lauper … The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
  8. My Life Would Suck Without You by Kelly Clarkson … Till Death Do Us Part and For Better, For Worse, Forever by Lurlene McDaniel
  9. Jessie’s Girl by Rick Springfield … Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
  10. Beth by KISS … Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
  11. Good Vibrations by the Beach Boys … The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
  12. Oh, What a Night (December, 1963) by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons … No Ordinary Sound: A Melody Classic by Denise Lewis Patrick
  13. Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars … The Princess Bride by William Goldman
  14. (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes …Emma by Jane Austen
  15. Firework by Katy Perry …Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
  16. Sugar by Maroon 5 … The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks
  17. Don’t Stop by Fleetwood Mac … Luna Morba: What A Wonderful World by Sirrico Whitfield
  18. Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson … Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks
  19. Seasons of Love by the cast of RentThirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
  20. What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction … Push by Sapphire
  21. Edge of Glory by Lady Gaga … Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
  22. Mine by Taylor Swift … Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
  23. Footloose by Kenny Loggins … Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
  24. Faithfully by Journey … The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
  25. Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond … Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote
  26. Dancing Through Life by the cast of WickedDash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
  27. Somebody to Love by Queen … November Blues by Sharon M. Draper
  28. Measure of a Man by Clay Aiken … The Vacationers by Emma Straub
  29. Forget You by Cee Lo Green … Persuasion by Jane Austen
  30. Welcome to New York by Taylor Swift … A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
  31. Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder … The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
  32. Who I Am With You by Chris Young … Paper Towns by John Green
  33. Life Is A Highway by Rascal Flatts … Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
  34. Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson … To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
  35. The Way by Clay Aiken … Looking for Alaska by John Green

From the beginning, I knew this tag would be a huge challenge. But, I loved it!

Thanks again, B.G.! Her blog is amazing!


I Tag:

  1. Brey at Ordinary Adventures
  2. Kristian at Life Lessons Around The Dinner Table
  3. scarletpen28 at 28 and Counting …
  4. Paul at wwwpalfitness
  5. stephburryshortkake
  6. Nicky M at The Shimmer Within Her
  7. marquay at Thefateblog
  8. The Captain at Captain’s Quarters
  9. Tony Burgess at The Tony Burgess Blog
  10. Iman
  11. Blanca at A Girl’s Voyage
  12. Emily at The Bibliophile Living
  13. Novelacious at Novelacious
  14. Caralyn at BeautyBeyondBones
  15. Lish Wells at Alisha’s words of wonder
  16. Brittany Anna at A Simple Dose of Reality
  17. heideekae at Write, Miss Monster
  18. zahraammar at Ramblings of a Wanderer
  19. Anthony Moss
  20. The Lonely Author

And anyone else who has an interest in books and music!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Book Review #15: “The One and Only: A Maryellen Classic”

American Girl Maryellen - amazon

Image Credit: amazon.com

“I’m drawn to the 1950s for lots of reasons – everything from the fashion to the increasing sense of freedom and modernity that builds throughout the decade.”

~Sara Sheridan


I couldn’t agree more with Sara’s quote above.

I was so excited when Maryellen Larkin was announced as the first BeForever exclusive character in the spring of 2015. I loved the cover of this book immediately. Her outfit is on point, and the stories were set in Florida. Sign me up!

I was slightly disappointed when I learned the setting was Daytona Beach (I have significant bias toward Miami, and the Gulf Coast – St. Petersburg, etc.), but nonetheless, I knew I wanted to read the books.

As mentioned in my book reviews about Melody Ellison recently, I’m deeply attracted to the time period of the 20th century between The Great Depression and the end of the 1970s.


Maryellen’s first book immerses you in a world where Maryellen, or Ellie, is trying to find her place in a huge family – One of six children!

That wasn’t unusual in the 1950s, which the author explains brilliantly at the end of the book, with the time of optimism, a stronger economy, and the baby boom.

Although the book carries quite a sunny disposition throughout, there’s always some conflict or issues sprinkled in. This one addresses the ending of World War II, the Cold War, and scenarios around friendship, bullying, and prejudice.

Maryellen’s character had me laughing, as well as shaking my head. Being stuck in the middle between two older sisters and then a younger sister and two younger brothers, it’s natural she would feel a bit underappreciated and vying for her parents’ attention and being in good graces with her siblings. As an only child, this is something that I did not have to deal with growing up!

Despite several missteps and misadventures along the way, Maryellen is bright, determined, and compassionate. There’s a new girl at the start of school, and Maryellen decides to be the bigger person and show compassion toward her, when her other friends tend to be stuck in the past.

The first story wraps up around Christmastime, which had a strange effect on me. It was a good ending, but closing the book made my mind instantly flood with memories.

I thought of my childhood Christmases that were divided between Virginia and Florida.

I thought of the times and memories with my grandparents.

My dad’s dad is still alive, still doing well at 90. I want to go visit him again, very soon.

So many memories.

I’m very excited to start reading volume 2 – The sneak peek promises several surprises!

4 1/2 out of 5 stars.


Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂