I am linking up to the Sunday Post hosted by Kim of Caffeinated Book Reviewer and The Sunday Salon (TSS) hosted by Deb Nance of Readerbuzz where participants recap our week, talk about what we are reading, share any new books that have come our way, and whatever else we want to talk about. I am also linking It's Monday! What Are you Reading? hosted by Kathryn of Book Date where readers talk about what they have been, are and will be reading.
I am linking up to Stacking the Shelves hosted by Team Tynga's Reviews and Marlene of Reading Reality a meme in which participants share what new books came their way recently.
The tree in my front yard is bursting with purple blossoms. The weather has been quite pleasant in my part of the world--warm but not overly so. Although, the nights have still been chilly.
We had a quiet Valentine's Day. Well, a busy work/school/dance day and then a quiet Valentine's Day evening. There were flowers, chocolate and books. It was a very busy week at work--which seems to be the norm these days. There has been talk of hiring more staff but time will tell whether that becomes a reality. Last weekend's Girl Scout cookie booth went well and Mouse will be manning one this weekend at another local store. There seems to be a short supply of cookies just about everywhere, mostly due to supply chain issues.
The mask mandate in the state was relaxed this past week for indoor public places, at least for the vaccinated. There was a protest at my daughter's school, parents opposed to the school mask mandate that is still in place. My daughter, husband and I didn't see any of the protesters, but we heard about them. I guess they were blocking one of the school entrances and the police were called.
I hope you are all enjoying the weekend and have a great week. Can you believe March is almost here?
New to the Shelves
Mouse's latest acquisitions:
A World Without Princes (School for Good and Evil #2) by Soman Chainani
The Last Ever After (School for Good and Evil #3) by Soman Chainani
Friends of the Devil by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips
Destroy All Monsters by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips
Recent gift card purchases:
You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories about Racism
by Amber Roffin & Lacey Lamar
Neon Gods (Dark Olympus #1) by Katee Robert
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell
Have you read any of these books? What books did you add to your TBR this week?
Last Read
It was a good reading week. I finished reading Peng Shepherd's The Cartographer, which I enjoyed quite a bit. I laughed my way through Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto. My daughter wanted a play by play of the book as I read and now we are both looking forward to the Netflix movie when it comes out. I finished off the week with The Okay Witch and the Hungry Shadow by Emma Steinkellner, the second book in a graphic novel series my daughter and I both enjoy reading.
Reading Now
At the moment I have my bookmark in The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James, one of my most anticipated reads of the year. I am also reading Witch Hat Atelier, Vol. 5 by Kamome Shirahama, translated by Stephen Kohler, a manga series my daughter introduced me to last year. I love the artwork. I fell a little behind the first half of the month, but I am back on track with my year long reading project to read The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.
Up Next in Reading
I have not settled on what I will be reading next, although I have my eye on these three books as possible options, depending on which way my mood takes me: The Cage by Bonnie Kistler, Devil's Chew Toy by Rob Osler, and Unseen Magic by Emily Lloyd-Jones.
What I Have Been Watching/Listening To
My husband and I are watching the second season of Daredevil and I am on the fourth season of Chuck. We are all caught up with The Cleaning Lady, which we continue to enjoy. I put on the first couple of episodes of Blindspot the other day. I hadn't gotten far in the series when it first aired, but I have wanted to get back to it.
Friday evening, we put on Criminal Idol, Season 1. Mouse is really into the music and had wanted to see the You-Tube videos for the song series by Static-P of Black Static and Swerve. It is about a group of performers called the Star Blush Girls, who are framed for a bombing. The songs follow the girls and detective's investigation into what happened and who is behind it. The photo below is linked to the song video series for those who may be interested. Mouse's favorite song from the series is "No One's In This Alone".
Tell me what you have been up to! What are you reading, listening to and watching? How was your week?
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I thought of you today when I saw the Girl Scout cookie table at my grocery store. I hope sales are going well despite the shortages.
ReplyDeleteIt was really strange today to be in the grocery store and see people without masks. I will still wear mine for a while.
Helen - I wish I could say out cookie sales are going well, but we've hardly sold any on the personal front--lack of motivation on all our parts, sadly. The store booths for the troop are going well though. We'll be wearing our masks for awhile yet too. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI'd love to see a picture of the tree in your front yard. Purple is my favorite color. I'm glad Mouse's GS cookie selling went well. Sorry about the shortage. It seems like there are shortages all over for lots of things.
ReplyDeleteWe have protests in my neck of the woods for wearing masks too. At my friend's daughters' school, less than 5% of the students wear masks. We're in one of the stupid states that doesn't have a mandate. Sigh.
My Sunday Post
Jenni Elyse - It's really pretty. I'll see if I can remember to take one without my daughter in it so I can share here.
DeleteI hear the school board is meeting tonight and one of the agenda items is masks in schools. A lot is riding on what the state decides to do on the 28th of this month. Rumor has it the school mask mandate may be modified. My daughter wants to continue wearing a mask so hopefully it will at least be optional if it is lifted.
Thank you for stopping by!
I wonder if that's the same brubaker who wrote the Captain America/ Winter Soldier comics. Hmm. Very old school covers too- those are kinda fun!
ReplyDeleteThe Count of Monte cristo looks like a fun read. And The Cartographers sounds great!
I hope you have a great week ahead!
Greg - I believe it is the same Brubaker. My husband really enjoys his work.
DeleteThe Count of Monte Cristo is fun. I am enjoying it. :-) Thank you for visiting!
So much news! You had me at chocolate :)
ReplyDeleteBlindspot was a show my husband watched but I heard about. I forgot about that one. The Book of Cold Cases and Cultish look interesting.
Mia - I have a soft spot for chocolate. :-) I am enjoying The Book of Cold Cases so far! Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteThe number of cases in my town has dropped dramatically. I think I'll try the Y this week. The last time I went was back at the end of November.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to read more books with magic in them. I just finished a book about finding joy in life and she talks a lot about magic, almost as if it's a real thing. I need to try a little more magic, I think.
Good luck with the cookie sales!
Deb - Same here. We've seen a drop in cases, although still high compared to this time last year. That doesn't seem to matter in the scheme of things though. It's more about learning to live with it than avoiding it all together these days. If you went back to the Y this week, I hope it went well!
DeleteThank you for visiting and for the good luck wishes!
I need the ice and snow to stop so that I can see a few blooms :) I saw a girl scout booth selling cookies just yesterday but didn't have any cash. I am sad that the girl scout that I usually buy from didn't stop by this year. I do really want to pick up Dial A for Aunties!
ReplyDeleteCarole - I wish the ice and snow would stop for you. I'm so ready for spring. The last few days hear have been literally freezing. I heard there was a little snow yesterday--although I'm not convinced it wasn't just hail. LOL Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteThe mask mandate has been lifted for businesses here too. It's strange going to work and not having to wear one. Some still are but I have a hard time breathing in them and just can't do it anymore. I hope you have a great week.
ReplyDeleteSJ - The agency I work for still requires masks be worn in office and while out doing fieldwork among the public, so that hasn't changed for me at all. I'm actually glad for that. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteThe Devil's Chew Toy sounds interesting. I hope you enjoy all your new books this week. Glad the Girl Scout cookies are selling well. I hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteWendy - I think The Devil's Chew Toy sounds interesting too! Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI'm glad the cookie booth went well! I wish the weather was better where I live. I've been cold for days. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteAJ - We went from pleasant weather to literally freezing weather. I am looking forward to the warmer weather again soon. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteI'm glad you had delicious treats for Valentine's Day.
ReplyDeleteWhen will people stop protesting masks?
I read today that the Queen got Covid, and she, of course, has been vaccinated. I have, too, with a booster...but still worry around unvaccinated people.
Enjoy your week! Here are my WEEKLY UPDATES
Laurel-Rain - We've been getting a lot of calls at work about how the schools are "abusing" children for forcing them to wear masks as of late. It's so frustrating and does no good. I heard about the queen. I hope she will be okay. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteGlad you were still able to have a nice, quiet Valentine's evening, after a very busy day/week. This week has mostly been a blur of work, sleep and stormy weather. When not too tired I have been re-reading Eldest by Christopher Paolini and watching Sky's new true crime series, Murder in the Valleys. Take care and happy reading in the coming week. 🙂
ReplyDeleteJessica - We got some rain the past couple days, which was nice. I could do without the cold though. I hope you are enjoying your reading and viewing! Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteI've never actually read The Count of Monte Cristo even though it's a classic.
ReplyDeleteCarrie - It had never really crossed my mind to read it until a couple years ago. I'm enjoying it quite a bit so far. It was never required reading for me when I was in school. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI'm listening to book 2 in that Katee Robert's series. I guess I didn't realize what they were about, but I'm liking it and need to go back and read the first one. I'm ready for spring, we've had two major snow events now and I'm okay with that, but let's move on now. I just don't like summer, so want lots of spring! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteLisa Loves Literature
Lisa - I hope you are enjoying book two of Katee Robert's series! I'm really looking forward to giving it a try. Yes! Let spring come soon, please! I'm ready for it too. Especially after having a little taste of it last week. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteI was so disappointed when I got to the store too early today for the GS cookie sale! Tempted to send my husband back for some this afternoon, but doubt he'd go for that. Lots of great new books made their way into your house last week!
ReplyDeleteJoAnn - I hope you are able to get your hands on some Girl Scout cookies. :-) Thank you for visiting!
DeleteGood luck with the cookie sales! I hope you have a great week.
ReplyDeleteCindy - Thank you!
DeleteGirl Scout cookies, yum! I'm having Samoa withdrawal. When I directed a community children's choir, I always had at least one or two Girl Scouts I could order cookies from, but not since the pandemic started. Maybe I'll see if there's a table outside the grocery store.
ReplyDeleteNothing is blooming here yet, but it won't be too many weeks before the crocuses and early daffodils make an appearance. I love spring!
I've been meaning to give Witch Hat Atelier a try; it looks like fun.
Lark - I love Samoa cookies. They are my favorite. The baker my daughter's council is under doesn't make them--they make the Caramel De-Lites. They are good too, but not nearly as good. I really like the Witch Hat Atelier books. I have to wait for my daughter's birthday before reading the next two in the series though. They always end on cliffhangers. :-( Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteOur mask mandate was lifted this month. We'll see how that goes.
ReplyDeleteMary - It sounds like the federal government is making moves to loosen their mask recommendations too. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI have a Lenten Rose blooming still which I'm enjoying. It won't be long, maybe a month and we'll have much more blooming. We are wearing our masks and they are upgraded N95 masks. I hate how political the vaccines and masks have been. So many unnecessary deaths. We did all the Girl Scout cookies all 10 years but now being gluten free so the options are slim. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart This is my Sunday Post
Anne - It's common for blooms to come earlier here because of the warmer weather. I really like spring too. :-) I really hate how political masks and vaccines have become too. We're still wearing our masks even though we are vaccinated. Nothing's changed there. Yeah, I think there's only one gluten free cookie available that we sell. I confess, I'm not a fan. It's really too bad. :-( Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteThose Reckless books look pretty cool. Are you familiar with the Assignment series (MC is Sam Durell) by Edward S. Aarons. Has a similar cover vibe imo. 1950s/60s spy novels. Pretty good pulp fiction.
ReplyDeleteMy round up is up btw - http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2022/02/sunday-post-weekly-roundup.html
Lyn - My husband really likes that style graphic novel. I don't think he's familiar with Edward Aarons' novels. I'll recommend them to him. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteGood to know you enjoyed The Cartographers! Have a great week.
ReplyDeletehttps://wordsandpeace.com/2022/02/20/sunday-post-54-2-20-2022/
Emma - It was an enjoyable read, especially once it really got going. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteWe had a quiet Valentine's Day as well. I actually kind of forgot until my husband reminded me! I hope Mouse has a good time at her next cookie sale table. My daughter always enjoyed it. The Book of Cold Cases is on my TBR. It looks fantastic. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteKatherine - I almost forgot too! My daughter enjoys doing the booth sales once she's there--up until that moment is a different story. LOL I hope you enjoy The Book of Cold Cases, so far I am really enjoying it! Thank you for visiting!
DeleteCriminal Idol sounds very intriguing, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAnd it's great that the cookie booth went well - hopefully Mouse and her troopmates can get more cookies to sell!
Criminal - I thought so! My daughter would randomly play songs from it and I had no idea it was a series until she asked my husband to play it for us. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteI didn't even know about the mask mandate being lifted, maybe it depends on the county? I've been continuing to wear my mask inside and all the stores I've been to still have their mask required sign in place. Hmm. I wish I had some Girl Scout cookies right now but I haven't seen anyone selling them! Have a good week😁
ReplyDeleteTammy - It was a statewide decision for California, but if your county has its own mandate, it might still be in place. Individual businesses, of course, can set their own rules. We're still wearing masks indoors, but I've noticed a lot more people than before are going mask-less indoors now that they can. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteWE got some Girl Scout cookies on Saturday. It was so windy and the little scout looked like she was freezing. I could not say no. I cannot wait to dive into The Book of Cold Cases.
ReplyDeleteKimberly - Thank you for supporting Girl Scouts! I hope that little Scout you saw got a wacky weather patch. I feel for our girls who braved the rain this week. I hope you enjoy The Book of Cold Cases when you read it! Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteJust finished reading a fun romance and am about to begin a science fiction adventure called Dead Silence. Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteLark - A fun romance sounds perfect! I really want to read Dead Silence. I hope you enjoy it! Thank you for visiting!
DeleteOh, I can't wait to read THE BOOK OF COLD CASES!
ReplyDeleteLillie (and everyone else in her troop) decided not to do cookie booths this year, which I'm glad about! We have the supply issues too, which is a pain. I'm hoping I can get my hands on some more Adventurefuls at our cupboard on Friday as we are completely out of those.
Have a great week! - Melinda @ A Web of Stories
Melinda - I am enjoying The Book of Cold Cases so far. :-) I wish my daughter's troop had decided not to do booths this season, but it seems to be working out okay. I hope you were able to get your hands on more Adventurefuls! Our bakery was having to supply the other councils in the southern part of the state who used the other baker because they were having major supply issues. Now we are running low. for stopping by!
DeleteI hope you're enjoying The Book of Cold Cases. That's one of my most anticipated reads of the year too. Most of the mask mandates have been lifted around where I live but I'm still wearing mine for a bit. My son was diagnosed with epilepsy last year and his neurologist says COVID would probably trigger seizures so we try to be extra careful for his sake.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne - I am, thank you. :-) We are still wearing our masks too. We aren't yet ready to give them up. I'm sorry about your son's diagnosis. I can understand wanting to be extra careful where he's concerned. You can never be too careful. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI still dont get it why it is so hard to wear a mask. It is a slight inconvenience thats it!
ReplyDeleteMystica - I don't understand it either, honestly. I hope your husband is doing better. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteHope you like The Book of Cold Cases. I've already placed my hold on that one at my library. I'm first in line when it comes out. Yay! Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteKay - I hope you enjoy it as much as I am! Thank you for visiting!
DeleteAwww kitty in a box! I hope you enjoy Cultish. It was one of my favorite reads last year. So fascinating. It combined my love of language and culture. Unseen magic looks good.
ReplyDeleteI never finished the Marvel series' on Netflix...oh man. Are they leaving Netflix soon? I should finish Jessica Jones at least...yikes.
Hope you have a great week!
Heather - I think it was because of you I decided to get Cultish. :-) Thank you for that! I hope Disney doesn't drag its feet about adding the Marvel shows, but I hear it will be awhile. I don't think we'll finish our watching of them before the end of the month. :-( Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteSounds like the perfect Valentines - quiet, chocolate, books is my speed! I hope they hire new people for you at work, being properly staffed makes such a huge difference. Our newest employee started this week and I'm excited to have her trained and lessen my work load.
ReplyDeleteI hope you've had a great week!
Oh my goodness, yet more books to add to the Wish List.
ReplyDeleteWith most Covid sanctions having been/about to be lifted here in the UK it will be interesting to see what happens with regard to cases.
Its always a delight to read what you are watching as well as reading. Having just finished watching season 4 of Chicago Fire {seasons 1 - 4 being the only ones free to watch here in the UK} I'm missing Herman so we are debating whether to buy seasons 5 and possibly 6 -10. I've just started watching Wolf Like Me on amazon Prime which I'm really enjoying as it suits my sense of human.
I liked both the Cartographers and Dial A for Aunties. In fact, I have the follow up Aunties book right here waiting....
ReplyDeleteHard to believe it is March 1 today. OMG. Where did February go? I hope you enjoy spring blossoms there. I am headed to Palm Springs & SoCal in two weeks so I will see some flowers soon. It's commendable you will take on Count of Monte Cristo, wow! Happy March to you & your family.
ReplyDeleteWe've been having protests at schools here for the better part of the year. Every time the mask decision changes, there are people on the opposing side protesting. It's distressing that we cannot agree to give the school some respect for making what is undoubtedly a difficult and dividing decision. Schools were never intended to be battlegrounds and now they are. Ugh. I wish I could say that I will be glad when we are past the mask/covid phase, but the battles are only starting. CRT war is already out there. Something else will come next. Sorry for the kids who grow up in this atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteThe Soman Chainani books sound so interesting! I hadn't heard of those but will be looking forward to reading those with my daughter when she is that age.
Have a great week, Wendy!