Mount TBR 2021 discussion

I may be insane to try Mount Everest, especially since I'm barely going to make it to the top of Ararat this year, but... why not?! I have at least 100 books on my TBR piles so I might as well push myself. I have at least 2 books that are about the real Mt. Everest on my TBR piles, so it seemed fitting to go ahead and try it. So, to begin my climb in January, my first 2 books will be:
and .

Good luck Bethea!

Nice! What a way to kick off Mt. Everest! See you at the top!

Cool books to start of the climb! Good luck!

2021 Reading Log

January

1. 3/5 stars
A Stephen King book full of short stories - was good as expected. It was definitely a LONG book to start off with. lol

2. (ARC) 3/5 stars
When I began reading this book, I thought it was just going to be about Maurice Wilson and his attempt to fly a plane to Everest and then summit the mountain alone. However, it was about much more than that. Caesar painted a picture of Wilson's life in detail. He was a man who suffered hardships, became a wanderer, and then overcame many obstacles to even get to the mountain. Well I tend to prefer fiction, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this biography of Maurice Wilson. Thank you to #NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. Three and a half stars
#NetGalley#TheMothandtheMountain#EdCaesar

3. 5/5 stars!!!!
A fantastic YA novel about a boy named Ross who is trying to survive the tough years of middle school while dealing with cancer. The cartoons throughout add to the novel and help to showcase Ross's emotions. You will fall in love with the characters in this book! I highly recommend reading it!

4. (ARC) 4/5 stars
Perfect on Paper is a young adult feel good novel about a teenage girl named Darcy who is running a relationship advice service out of an unused school locker. Her identity is unknown and business is good. Darcy has a crush on her best friend, Brooke, but is too afraid to tell her for fear of messing up their friendship. Throughout this novel, Darcy discovers the complexities of being bisexual in a world that seems to only understand either gay or straight. This book touches on the theme of being queer and what it means. Darcy learns about what it means to truly love someone, and the importance of friendship and family.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to enjoy this ARC of #PerfectonPaper by #SophieGonzales . I enjoyed this novel and am looking forward to reading more of her work in the future. It was truly a breath of fresh air.

5. 3/5 stars
I'm glad that I finally read this classic. It was well written and Orwell was brave to put into writing how he felt about the government systems.

6. (ARC) 4/5 stars
The Beginner's Guide to Growing Great Vegetables is an informative book about how to have a successful garden. The book is broken down into sections for every aspect of gardening, such as planning your garden, soil composition, how and when to plant different categories of vegetables, yearly rotation of crops, and harvesting so that you can have fresh crops throughout the season instead of all at once. This book is for anyone interested in starting a garden. Whether you have large field plots for planting, or a small area on a deck or balcony, this will guide you for how to grow a successful garden.
Thank you to #NetGalley for an ARC of this book. I am looking forward to attempting my first small potted garden this year and feel that I now have the knowledge now to do it!


**Mount Wycheproof - 6 books - Mountain Climbed! **

February

7. (ARC) 3/5 stars
Winter of the Wolf is the story of a young teenage girl named Bean, who is struggling with the death of one of her older brothers. The cause of death was said to be suicide, but Bean doesn't believe that her brother would've chosen to die that way, due to his strong Inuit beliefs. Bean searches to discover the truth about what really happened to her beloved brother. This novel reflects on what it is like to question death, to feel guilt, to forgive, and to heal.
As much as I enjoyed this novel, I feel that I would have preferred it in print as opposed to audio. The narrator was able to create different voices for the characters, but I found them somewhat grating. I almost stopped partway into the book, but continued because I found the story intriguing. The last 2 chapters could have been wrapped up into 1. The story seemed to get repetitive and drag toward the end.
Thank you to #NetGalley for a chance to listen to an ARC of #WinteroftheWolf by#MarthaHuntHandler

8. 4/5 stars
I remember reading this in high school and loving it. I've always wanted to re-read it as it's been quite a few years! I enjoyed it, but not quite as much as I remember. I'm really glad that I joined the January Buddy Read group to read this book though. It's been on my shelf for years!

9. (ARC) 4.5/5 stars
Abby Day and her two best friends, Connie and Leo, send off for DNA testing for an Anthropology project for school. Abby is shocked when the results come back and she finds out that she has an older sister whom she's never heard about. She meets up with her sister Savvy, and they decide to go to camp together that summer in order to solve the mystery of why they never knew about each other.
This novel had me smiling, crying, laughing, and wishing for more. It's a story of sisterhood, family, friendship, teen romance; and of self-discovery, growing up, and forgiveness.
Thank you to #Goodreads and #WednesdayBooksPublishing for the opportunity to read this ARC of #YouHaveaMatch by #EmmaLord
I thoroughly enjoyed it. 4 1/2 stars

10.
A Very Creepy book!!!! 4/5 stars

11. 4/5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. It's about a nun who is fighting to keep the home that she and two other nuns run as a shelter for abused women. There are a lot of issues covered in this book that address the Catholic church and changes and issues throughout the years.


12. (ARC) 5/5 stars
Daunis has graduated from high school and is looking forward to college in the Fall with her best friend Lily. A new boy named Jamie arrives in town for his senior year and makes the select hockey team, the "Supes", which Daunis's brother Levi plays on. The arrival of Jamie, and his uncle Ron, brings changes both good and bad into Daunis's life. After Daunis witnesses a brutal murder, she begins to question everything she knows as she learns more about her tribe, her family, her elders, and her friends.
The depth of this novel is incredible. It's a novel about family, life on an Ojibwe reservation, racist issues, drugs, and how the main character juggles learning about it all as she struggles with uncovering many truths. You will fall in love with this strong female protagonist and root for her the entire time.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #MacmillanPublishers for the opportunity to enjoy an ARC of #Firekeeper'sDaughter by #AngelineBoulley. It is a book that will stay with me for a long time.


**Pikes Peak - 12 books - Mountain Climbed!**

13. (ARC) 5/5 stars
Wow!! I have so many amazing things to say about this book that I'm not sure how to put my feelings into words. It's a story about young love, friendship, family, loss, and second chances. It's also a story about racism, hatred, and the battles that black individuals and communities have had to face for years. It's about hopes and dreams. This book will touch your heart and soul and make you want to strive to be a better person. Angel, Isaiah, Muggy, and the entire town of Greenwood will stay with me forever.
Thank you to #Goodreads and #MacmillanPublishing for the privilege of reading an ARC of #AngelofGreenwood by #RandiPink

14. (ARC) 5/5 stars
Jack is a vicar who is moved to a new parish in a small town called Chapel Croft. The town is known for its history of religious martyrs who were burned at the stake during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Of particular interest are two young girls who were burned. Rumor has it that if you see the ghost of a burning girl, something bad is going to happen. From the first day that Jack and 14-year old daughter Flo settle in, strange things begin to happen. The small town holds many secrets and the new vicar is determined to figure them out.
The Burning Girls is suspenseful and keeps you on the edge of your seat, guessing. Even if you think you've figured out parts of the mystery as the characters narrate the story, you will still be surprised. This is a fast read! Once I started reading, I didn't want to put it down. There are some horror aspects and some pretty graphic events, so be prepared for those. You may want to read during the daytime. The writing is incredible!
Thank you to #NetGalley for the privilege of an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #TheBurningGirls was the first novel I've read by C.J. Tudor and it definitely won't be the last!

March

15. 5/5 stars
What an absolutely beautiful novel. Once again, Kristin Hannah takes you to another world, weaving together the stories of her characters into a tapestry of love, loss, and family. 💖

16. 5/5 stars
An amazing story! I absolutely loved it!

17. 4/5 stars
A sweet story that is perfect as a read-aloud to 4th and 5th graders.

18. (ARC) 4/5 stars
Like Other Girls is about a teenage girl, Mara, who has some pent up anger. She is removed from the basketball team and has to play another team sport in order to prove that she is able to not let her anger get the best of her. Mara is not a "girly" girl and likes hanging out with boys. Her best friend, Quinn, suggests she go out for football. Thus begins a series of events that cause Mara to question who she is, what she wants, and what are the things that are most important in life.
The characters in this book are well written. The author does a nice job of giving each one a very distinct personality, which makes the reader have strong feelings toward them. Some you will love, others you will despise, and some you will just be irritated with.
Thank you to #NetGalley for an ARC of #LikeOtherGirls by #BrittaLundin. I will recommend this book to teens who I know will appreciate the story and all it represents.

19. (ARC) 5/5 stars
The Lucky List is a beautiful debut solo novel by Rachael Lippincott. You will smile and laugh, and you will bawl like a baby. Lippincott paints a picture with her words making it easy to get lost in the story. It's easy to fall in love with the characters and find yourself rooting for them all. The story is raw, honest, and relatable, following the main character, Emily, through her summer of self discovery before her senior year in high school.
Thank you to #NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review of #TheLuckyList by #RachaelLippincott I thoroughly enjoyed it!

20. 4/5 stars
This is the first book in a series titled "The Impossible Quest". This series was a fun read and would be good for fans of middle grade fiction who enjoy fantasy novels.

21. 4/5 stars

22. 4/5 stars

23. 4/5 stars

24. 4/5 stars

** Mount Blanc - 24 books - Mountain Climbed! **

April
25. (ARC) 5/5 stars
I have always been afraid of heights and struggle with driving through mountainous areas. However, I love the beauty of nature and have a fascination with Mount Everest. Even though I've read books about Everest before, The Next Everest is unique in the story it tells and the way that it's told. Jim Davidson was on Everest at Camp One in 2015 when an earthquake hit, causing avalanches and the deaths of many. Nepal suffered greatly as a result of the quake. Davidson tells the story about his time on Everest and in Nepal in 2015. Then, he writes in great detail about his Everest climb in 2017. He paints a vivid picture of the beauty and dangers of climbing Everest.
I thouroughly enjoyed my read of #TheNextEverest by #JimDavidson. Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC for an honest review. Thank you to #JimDavidson for sharing your adventures with those of us who are only able to scale heights through reading. I hope that you are able to include photos in the final copy of the book.

26. (ARC) 4/5 stars
Penny is a teenage girl arrested for the brutal murder of her birth mother, Rachel. The catch is that Penny suffers from a mental illness called DID, formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder. Penny's adoptive mother, Grace, insists that Penny is innocent, even though she was found at the crime scene, holding the murder weapon and covered in blood. Thus begins the search for answers as to who the killer is. Was it Penny, or one of her alters? Is she guilty or innocent by way of insanity?
Not only was this a good mystery/suspense novel, it was informative about mental illness and trauma. Once you start reading, you won't want to put it down!
Thank you to #NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of #ThePerfectDaughter by #D.J.Palmer

27. 4/5 stars
Another good read by Ruth Ware. The characters were difficult to keep track of early on in the book, but it gets easier as you go. I especially enjoyed the setting of this novel as it added a different element to things.

Bethea, I really enjoyed Winter Garden as well. Looks like some great reading here!

May
28. (ARC) 5/5 stars
Kiva is a 17 year old girl who has been in Zalindov prison for 10 years and has the role of prison healer. Every day Kiva's main goal is survival. When the Rebel Queen is captured and brought to Zalindov prison, Kiva's life becomes much more difficult as she knows that she must keep the Queen alive. At the same time, a deadly plague begins taking prisoners at an alarming rate and Kiva has to find the source of the illness before it's too late.

This book grabbed me from the beginning and kept me engaged until the final page. I can't wait for the next two books in the trilogy to see what happens! Lynette Noni does an amazing job of building a world for the reader to visualize and develops characters that are easy to fall in love with. It's been a long time since a fantasy series hooked me in so quickly!

Thank you to #NetGalley for an ARC of #ThePrisonHealer by #LynetteNoni. I enjoyed every minute of reading!

29. 4/5 stars
This was a good book, but it's very technical reading so it takes awhile. If you want a really in depth look into the history of racism and how it continues to exist today, this book breaks it down very well.

30. (ARC) 4/5 stars
Hannah and her husband Owen live on the coast of California with Owen's teenage daughter Bailey. One afternoon Owen disappears and Hannah is left with a note saying only 2 words "protect her". Hannah knows that means to protect Bailey, but she doesn't know what or who she's protecting Bailey from. The tension mounts as Hannah delves into the past of the husband she thinks she knows in order to try to figure out what's going on.

Throughout the novel you never know who to trust. Even when you think that you have things figured out, there's a new twist. It's a fast read that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This was a solid 4-star read.
Thank you to #NetGalley for an ARC of #TheLastThingHeToldMe by #LauraDave

31. 3/5 stars
This is a cute children's book, but there were things about it that I didn't like. There was some bad language that I felt was inappropriate for elementary students. I had to be careful reading it aloud to my students so that I didn't say any of the words that would have caused an issue. Otherwise, the kids enjoyed the story.

32. (ARC) 4/5 stars
Richard is a 35 year old man who lives in Danvers, Virginia with his new wife Tamara and her 5-year old son Elijah. Richard teaches art at the local elementary school where Elijah attends Kindergarten and Tamara also teaches. One morning on his way to work, Richard discovers the body of a rabbit, murdered and displayed in a ritualistic fashion. He knows it is meant for him based on the card sticking out of the rabbit's body with the name "Sean" written on it. Thirty years ago, when Sean was in Kindergarten, his teacher was under investigation. When his mother asked Sean about things happening at school, he told a lie that grew out of control and resulted in unintended consequences that could not be undone. Now, someone is there to remind Richard of the lies that Sean told and wants him to pay the price.

This novel was inspired by the McMartin preschool trials and the Satanic Panic of the 1980's. It is told in alternating time periods, with Richard as the narrator in 2013, and with Sean as the narrator in 1983. It paints a vivid picture of how a child can be coerced into telling untruths and how the past can haunt you forever. I highly recommend this psychological thriller/horror story. It will suck you in from the beginning and you won't want to put it down until you're done.

Thank you to #NetGalley for an ARC of #WhisperDowntheLane by #ClayMcLeodChapman

33. (ARC) 4/5 stars
When he was 12 years old, David and his best friend, Samuel, spent a week at the beach on holiday. They met a girl their age named Julie and they all became instant friends. By the end of the week, terrible things happen and everyone leaves the beach suddenly to head back home. Now an adult who has put these memories behind him, David is brought back to his childhood and that week, when he receives a manila envelope with a story in it. It's his story - the story of his week at the beach that summer long ago. Who sent him this story and why are they dredging up painful memories?

This thriller is really a mystery that has the reader trying to figure things out the entire read. Even if you think you have the mystery solved, it's more complex than you think. You definitely won't want to put the book down until you've reached the conclusion.

Thank you to #NetGalley for an ARC copy of #TheFinalChapter by #JeromeLoubry

34. 5/5 stars
A fantastic novel! Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. I was sucked into the world of Ravka and the story of Alina and Mal. I am looking forward to finishing the trilogy and then moving on to the other books that tie in. I'm not sure why I waited so long to read these books, but I'm glad I finally did!

35. 4/5 stars
Book #2 in the Shadow and Bone series was not quite as amazing as the first book was, but it was still really, really good! I'm definitely sucked into this series and this universe!!

36. 5/5 stars
Book #3 in the series was as good as the first! I absolutely loved this trilogy and can't believe I waited to read them!! I have the next 2 books for the duology in the same universe, Six of Crows & Crooked Kingdom, but need to finish a couple of more ARCs and other TBRs before I can get to them. So much reading to do and so little time! lol

** Mount Vancouver - 36 books - Mountain Climbed! **

June
37. (ARC) 5/5 stars
Milton P. Greene has had the worst year of his life. All he wants to do for the summer is to escape into in his favorite video game, Isle of Wild, where he can be Sea Hawk instead of Milton. His parents have a different plan for him though. They are getting divorced and want the summer to work out the details, so they are sending him to The Lost Isle to stay with his uncle for the summer.
Milton isn't sure how he feels about the situation, but after some tentative island exploring, he meets 3 other children who are living nearby with their researcher parents. When they discover that the island is in danger, Milton and his fellow explorers go on the adventure of a lifetime to try to save it.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of #TheAdventureIsNow by #JessRedman. I enjoyed every minute of this heartfelt novel about friendship, family, loss, and the joy that can arise from spending time with nature. The world of The Lost Isle is a magical, beautiful place just waiting to be discovered. So, don't delay, read away; after all, The Adventure is Now!

**** 2021 publication date - doesn't count toward climb **** 5/5 stars
Wow!! From start to finish I was hooked! This novel was creepy and kept me on the edge of my seat. There were twists and turns throughout so, like the main character Cat, you never really knew who to trust. #Mirrorland was a psychological thriller/horror story like no other.

38. (ARC) 3/5 stars
Beth's life is upended when the police come to her house one night to take her husband in for questioning in connection to a suspected murder. When he is finally arrested and awaiting trial, there are whispers among the people in town that she must have known her husband was a killer. Beth is struggling to cope with caring for their 3 year old daughter Poppy, and running her business. Is he guilty? Is he innocent? No matter the verdict, Beth knows that her life will never be the same.

Thank you to #NetGalley for an ARC of #TheSerialKiller'sWife by #AliceHunter . This novel has a lot of good twists however, I felt that they were presented in a way that wasn't shocking. Enough had been built up prior to the reveals that I wasn't surprised by anything. The ending was a bit far-fetched, but I like where the author was trying to go with it. The overall story line was interesting and I enjoyed the book. 3 stars

39. (ARC) 4/5 stars
Mia is a rising actress, nominated for an award, and headed from London to L.A. to promote her career. While at an audition, Mia meets another actress named Emily. In a strange turn of events, Mia ends up with Emily's wallet and car keys and, Emily is nowhere to be found. Mia becomes determined to find out what has happened to Emily. Mia's hunt into the sudden disappearance of a woman she just met sucks you in and won't let you go. Just like when watching a scary movie, when you want to yell at the characters not to enter a room, I found myself wanting to yell at Mia, "Stop what you're doing!" This novel started off at a normal pace, then picked up and became an intense read that I didn't want to put down.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #penguinrandomhouse for an ARC of #TheDisappearingAct by #CatherineSteadman 4 stars

40. 4/5 stars
What an absolutely beautiful novel! It is a love story, but not what you're expecting. This is a book that can easily be read in 1-2 sittings. Once you get about halfway through, you won't want to put it down. Grab a box of tissues and get reading! #InFiveYears #RececcaSerle 4.5 stars

July
41. (ARC) 3/5 stars
Alice and her boyfriend Leo move into a new home in London. As Alice gets to know her new neighbors in the small, gated community called "The Circle", she catches them sending her sidelong glances and whispering about her. Alice soon discovers that the former resident of the house, Nina, was murdered by her husband, Oliver, who soon committed suicide afterward. Alice is furious that Leo bought the house without telling her that someone had been murdered there! She decides that she can't possibly live in the house any longer, but before she can leave, she gets sucked into deciding to stay and try to figure out who really killed Nina, as she doesn't believe that Oliver did it. Strange things begin happening and Nina feels as if someone is in the house at night, watching her...

The premise for the story was good although, I did not feel a connection to the main character Alice. I found her annoying and couldn't believe all of the stupid decisions she made throughout the story. I wasn't shocked at the ending, as I had a hunch early on, but the author does do a nice job of getting you to suspect multiple people of being the murderer throughout the book. This was a fast read and I enjoyed it, but didn't love it. 3 stars

Thank you to #NetGalley for an ARC of #TheTherapist by #B.A.Paris . I have enjoyed B.A. Paris in the past and, even though this particular novel wasn't my favorite, I will definitely continue to read books by this author!!

42. 3/5 stars
This was a sad, yet heartwarming story about love after loss and a strong faith in God. Having attended the church when I was younger made it fun to have connections to the setting of the story. 3.5 stars

43. (ARC) 4/5 stars
After Heather's mother dies by suicide, Heather returns home to handle funeral arrangements and to settle the estate. While going through items in the attic, she discovers a box of letters written to her mother over the course of many years. Her shock comes with the realization that the letters are from a notorious serial killer, The Red Fox, who is in prison. Heather is trying to figure out why her mother had secret correspondence with this evil man and takes the letters to the police to see if she can meet him. The police are hoping that by meeting the killer, Michael Reave, Heather can help them to capture a copycat killer that has recently turned up.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat! You don't really know what to think of any of the characters, everyone possibly a killer. A Dark and Secret Place would make a great horror film. There are many times throughout the book when I wanted to yell at Heather for the choices she made. Although the twists didn't shock me, they were very well done.

Thank you to #Goodreads and #CrookedLaneBooks for an ARC of #ADarkandSecretPlace by #JenWilliams in exchange for an honest review. This is my first book by this author, but it won't be my last. 4 stars

44. (ARC) 3/5 stars
A neighborhood split apart by the "haves" and "have nots" decide to come together by having a street party. The head party planner is wealthy Nella, married to the rich and upcoming politician Marcus. Their children are the vibrant and beautiful Willow, who will be transferring to the public school, and Beau, a quiet little boy. Also on the committee are widower Ruby, mother to teenager Zach, and her best friend Melissa, married to Rex and step-mother to teenager Cecilia. Tensions build and the lives of these characters intertwine in complex ways, culminating in accusations of events the night of the party, and spiraling into changed lives for all involved.

The story premise was a good one and the author was able to connect the characters together well. The characters in this novel were complex however, and could be difficult to follow. At times the dialogue moved so quickly between characters that it made it unclear what the author was trying to portray. This novel was listed as a domestic thriller. While it fit that definition to a certain extent, I don't feel that it really followed through on delivery. There were too many things going on at one time and too many stories to wrap up. There were some things that could have been cut completely and some story lines that could have been better developed.

Overall, I enjoyed this novel, but I didn't love it. 3 stars

Thank you to #NetGalley and #bookouture for an ARC of #TheStreetParty by #ClaireSeeber in exchange for an honest review.

45. (ARC) 5/5 stars
Clara is an Everwitch - the first one in 100 years. This means that she contains the magic of all 4 seasons, and it is a powerful, yet dangerous magic. Clara has lost loved ones due to her magic and now distances herself from everyone, afraid of what could happen if she gets emotionally attached. When a tragedy strikes at the Eastern School of Solar Magic, Clara is ready to leave her magic behind forever. Then she is paired to train with a witch from the Western school, named Sang. As she learns more about her magic, she realizes that she has to make a choice: keep her magic and stay far from others, or lose her magic forever. However, with the world erupting into environmental chaos, she is the only one who can save it.

The Nature of Witches was a fantastic debut novel! I loved the strong female protagonist, Clara, along with her classmates Paige and Sang. I would recommend this book to children.12+
Thank you to #NetGalley and #SourcebooksFire for an ARC copy of #TheNatureOfWitches by #RachelGriffin. 4.5 stars

46. (ARC) 4/5 stars
Brooke Davies, mystery writer, and her much older, tech-mogul husband, Jack, move into an exclusive San Francisco neighborhood called Presidio Terrace. Brooke soon befriends two neighborhood women, Erin and Georgia, who have been best friends for years. Erin is a newscaster at a local station and is married to Mason, who is a plastic surgeon. Georgia has money from her first two marriages, due to the untimely deaths of her husbands, and has earned herself the nickname of "Black Widow". Georgia is engaged to marry again, to a well-to-do man named Robert, and the women crack jokes about how long it will be before he dies too.

This story is told in alternating voices, from the viewpoints of Erin, Brooke, and Georgia. It's easy to get sucked into their lives as the story unfolds. The reader will form a love/hate relationship with all three women throughout the book. As you dive into the stories of each character, and learn about their seemingly perfect lives, you begin to wonder who you can actually trust.

The Sinful Loves of Trophy Wives is a lite psychological thriller. It's an easy one-sit read that has some fun twists. It is the first novel I've read by Kristin Miller, but it will not be the last.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #RandomHousePublishingGroup-Ballantine for an ARC of #TheSinfulLivesofTrophyWives by #KristinMiller for an honest review of the book. 4 stars!

47. (ARC) 5/5 stars
Shiori is a 16 year old princess who is unhappy to have to take part in a betrothing ceremony to a prince who was not of her choosing and whom she has never met. She has known this day was coming since a young age, but instead of accepting her fate, she flees the ceremony and jumps into the lake. At least, that what it appears has happened. She is hiding the fact that she possesses magic, and that her little enchanted paper crane, Kiki, has flown away and fallen into the water. Shiori is sinking under the layers of fabrics she is clothed in and is saved from drowning by a dragon. No one believes Shiori when she tells them about the dragon but her stepmother, Raikama, is suspicious. When Shiori discovers that her stepmother harbors dark magic, Raikama turns Shiori's 6 brothers into cranes and curses Shiori so that she can speak of it to no one, for one of her beloved brothers will die with each word she speaks.

This is a true fantasy novel, with princesses, princes, kings, queens, castles, dragons, and dark magic. The tale is woven with precision, pulling readers into the story to experience Shiori's adventures for themselves. Shiori is a strong female character who you can't help but love. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and can't wait for the sequel which I know must be in the making!

Thank you to #NetGalley and #AlfredA.Knopf #RandomHouseChildren'sBooks for an ARC of #SixCrimsonCranes by #ElizabethLim in exchange for an honest review. This is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone who enjoys fairy tales, fantasy, or who just enjoys books with a strong female protagonist. 5 stars

48. (ARC) 4/5 stars
Claire and Kat have been best friends since they were five years old. Jesse and Claire have been friends since sixth grade, and Kat and Jesse have been dating for over a year. The weekend of prom, the friends decide to go to Kat's grandmother's lake house with Kat and Jesse arriving first and Claire and her boyfriend, Ben, meeting up with them there after prom. However, Claire and Ben have a sudden breakup so it just ends up being the three friends at the cabin. The next morning, Claire wakes up on the mountain with a head wound and no recollection of how she even got onto the mountain. She knows that she was with her friends, but that's all that she remembers. A search ensues for Kat and Jesse who are nowhere to be found. Will Claire remember what happened to herself and to her friends? Will Kat and Jesse be found alive?

The tension is palpable as you follow Claire's story. She is desperately trying to remember what happened and won't stop searching for clues regarding the disappearance of her friends. There are many twists in this novel, some that you may be able to figure out with careful reading, and others that you just won't see coming. This book was a quick read as it was easy to get sucked into the story.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #DelacortePress for an ARC of #ThatWeekend by #KaraThomas in exchange for an honest review. This was my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more. 4 stars

**Mount Ararat - 48 books - Mountain Climbed!**

August
49. 5/5 stars
Melody is 11 years old and is in the fifth grade. She has Cerebral Palsy and is in a wheelchair. She also has a photographic memory. Unable to speak, students and teachers don't realize how intelligent Melody really is. Partway through fifth grade, Melody gets an electronic communication device that allows her to speak for the first time and to participate in class. Even though she's now able to speak and let her teachers and peers know that she's a bright girl, will she ever be fully accepted?

#Out of My Mind by #SharonDraper is an amazing book about looking beyond physical appearances and appreciating others for their true selves. This book should be read aloud to students in late elementary school and used for a character study in middle grades. Every single educator needs to read this novel!

50. (ARC) 4/5 stars
Many young girls have gone missing along the stretch known as Cold Creek Highway - a place where predators have taken lives for many decades. With dense, mountainous forests stretching along both sides of the highway, and old logging roads winding through the area, it's the ideal place for murderers to go undetected.

The story starts with a prologue that will hook you right in. A victim of the highway begins to tell her tale, then leads you into the stories of three young women: Hailey, Amber, and Beth. Each young woman tells her story and, as the novel unfolds, you will begin to see how they are all interconnected. Hailey is a newly orphaned 17 year old who misses her father and wants to escape the household of her controlling uncle. Amber is young and free-spirited, trying to make her way in the world alone after leaving the home of her very religious parents. Beth is questioning her path in life, after her sister becomes a victim to the highway killer, and leaves home to find answers and the peace she so desperately needs. Chevy Stevens does a magnificent job of pulling you into the lives of the women so that you root for them every step of the way.

The characters in this novel are so well crafted that you will suspect many of them are the killer along the way. I read this novel in one sitting as I didn't want to put it down until I could see how it would end. The story was fascinating, horrifying, suspenseful, and scary. This was my first novel by Chevy Stevens and it won't be my last. Also, I want a dog like Wolf. :)

Thank you too #Goodreads and #St.Martin'sPress for an ARC of #DarkRoads by #Chevy Stevens in exchange for an honest review.

51. (ARC) 3.5/5 stars
Rachel and her husband Jack are in Portugal for Will (Jack's brother) and Ali's wedding. Rachel's best friends, Noah and Paige, are also guests at the wedding and the 6 of them stay in a posh bungalow off the coast. Tensions are high as Jack isn't a fan of Ali's but won't let his brother know. Rachel isn't sure what Jack has against Ali, but assumes it's just because she frequently exaggerates things and is always full of energy. As the weekend commences, secrets that are being kept start coming to light and things end in tragedy.

Who is telling the truth and who is lying? Read the book to find out!! It's more twisted than you imagine.

I had a difficult time really connecting to any of the characters in this novel, as they were each intense in their own way, and not necessarily likeable. I'm sure the author did this purposefully to keep the reader questioning the validity of everything. The setting was easy to visualize as it was well described and, it helped to set the mood of the story. The story was fast paced and easy to read. I give it 3.5 stars, rounded to 4.

Thank you to #Goodreads and #St.Martin'sPublishingGroup for an ARC of #TheGuiltTrip by #SandieJones in exchange for an honest review.

52. (ARC) 4.5/5 stars
Annalisa was a child when the Lovelorn Killer was at large. Her father was a police detective at the time and she remembers feeling safer knowing that she had him to protect her. The killer was never caught and, after twenty years, everyone assumed that he must be dead - until now.

A new murder has occurred and, now a detective herself, Annalisa is assigned lead on the case. It appears that the Lovelorn Killer is back. As she dives into the case, Annalisa becomes a target and the killer makes sure that she knows that she's next on his list...

This book was incredibly suspenseful and I didn't want to put it down. I was afraid for Annalisa, while also being impressed with her strength and determination in the wake of horrific events unfolding around her. The other characters were also well written, making you either like them or dislike them, while also suspecting each of them as the possible killer. This was the first novel I've read by Joanna Schaffhausen and it won't be the last.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #St.Martin'sPublishingGroup for an ARC of #GoneforGood by #JoannaSchaffhausen in exchange for an honest review. 4 1/2 stars (rounded to 5)

53. (ARC) 4.5/5 stars
Cumba is a twelve year old boy living in Cuba at the time Fidel Castro rises to power. Castro is rounding up boys ages twelve and up to send them to Russia to be trained in the military. In order to escape the horrors that have befallen Cuba, Cumba's parents make the difficult decision to send him to America in order to keep him safe. Cumba knows very little English and the move to Florida is very difficult for him. He misses his family and wonders if he will ever see them again.


This novel touches upon a time in history in which many refugees, mainly children, were coming to the United States in search of a safer life. The story is told from Cumba's perspective and how he felt about all of the changes occurring in his life. The pain and sadness he experienced is evident in the writing and the reader can feel his emotions along with him. This is an important novel to help others understand why refugees come to the United States and what Americans can do to help welcome them and ease the transition.

The story is told with Spanish phrases throughout, which made it difficult to follow at times as the author doesn't always explain what the phrases mean. At the end of the novel, I did discover that there was a glossary of terms, which would have been helpful to know before reading the book. If using this novel in a classroom setting, pre-teaching some of the Spanish vocabulary would be helpful to students.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #MacmillanKids for an ARC of #CubainMyPocket by #AdriannaCuevas in exchange for an honest review. 4 1/2 stars (rounded to 5)

54. (ARC) 5/5 stars
Willodeen is an 11 year old girl who loves nature and every creature in it - including a creature called a "screecher". The residents of Perchance, the town where Willodeen lives, do not like the screechers and feel that they are responsible for the dwindling tourism. Perchance makes their money off of tourism when people flock to the town once each Fall for the festival to see the trees filled with hummingbears - cute little creatures who make shimmering bubble nests. Willodeen is frustrated that the townspeople only care about the "cute" creatures and she works to prove that everything in nature has a purpose.

This book is beautifully written. The creatures in the story are unique and magical and the characters are easy to love. Willodeen is similar to Greta Thunberg as she is determined to make the adults realize how important everything in nature is and wants them to know that they can help to fix the things that they have done wrong.

This novel also helps to teach about the importance of community and how people need to work together for the good of all. This would be a fantastic read aloud to upper elementary students or as an independent read for more advanced young readers.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #McMillanChildren'sPublishingGroup for an ARC of #Willodeen by #KatherineApplegate in exchange for an honest review. I look forward to getting this book to read to my students upon it's publication.

September
55. (ARC) 4/5 stars
Jen is reeling from her husband Jeremy's recent death when an unexpected visitor pushes his way into her life. Her best friend Rhonda suspects that something isn't quite right, but Jen is trying to handle things on her own.

The story is narrated by both Jen and her best friend Rhona, so you see things happening from two different perspectives. There are also chapters throughout devoted to two young boys, with a boy named Evan as the narrator. The switching between past and present help to plant the seeds for ways in which the characters from the past are intertwined with the characters from the present.

There are a lot of different plot lines happening in this novel, but they all weave themselves together in the end. I had figured out quite a bit of the book and who certain characters were, but there were some twists that I just did not see coming. This was a very well crafted story that sucked me in and I didn't want to put it down until it was finished. This was the first novel I've read by Samantha Hayes, but it won't be my last.

I was disappointed by the interactions between Jen and Rhonda later in the novel as I feel that there was a lot going on that wasn't really cleared up. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the read.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheTrappedWife by #SamanthaHayes in exchange for an honest review. 4 stars

56. 4 stars
57. 4 stars
58. 4 stars
This YA trilogy of books is about a group of children who are selected to climb Mt. Everest. Book One is about the contest and selection process, along with the training for Everest. Book Two takes you to the mountain and the early days of the climb. Book Three is the attempt for the summit and descending the mountain. The books delve into the grueling training for mountain climbing, along with the difficulty of the climb. It also discusses the dangers of climbing, especially with children. The books were unrealistic as to what the characters were able to accomplish with their climbing skills, but were enjoyable and a fun way to introduce middle grade children/young teens to Mt. Everst. 4 stars

59. 5/5 stars
This is one of the best novels I've read in a long time. It is an absolutely beautiful story that addresses prejudice in a unique way. The characters are all easy to fall in love with and the personalities of the children are so much fun! I would go on an adventure with these kids any day. Everyone should get to have their own house in the Cerulean Sea. 💖

October
60. (ARC - audiobook) 4/5 stars
I usually have difficulty following audiobooks however, this narrator pulled me into the story and made it an easy listen. He did a nice job with different voices for each character and read with expression appropriate for each situation. This story follows a young teen boy named Archibald and his older sister Hailey. Told in alternating chapters are Archibald's adventures in a world of lost witches and his sister Hailey's adventures in trying to solve the mystery of what happened to her brother. The theme of the story is on acceptance and not judging that which we don't understand, making it a good choice for middle grade students. The genre of the book is a cross between historical fiction and science fiction/fantasy. I thoroughly enjoyed this listen and am looking forward to listening to the sequel.
Thank you to #NetGalley for an ARC audiobook of #ArchibaldFinchandtheLostWitches by #MichelGuyon 4 stars

** Mount Kilimanjaro - 60 books - Mountain Climbed! **

61. (ARC) 5/5 stars
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr is one of the most beautiful stories I've read in a long time. There are five main characters whose stories are told throughout the novel: Konstance, Zeno, Seymour, Omeir, and Anna. Even though their stories take place centuries apart, their lives are all connected by one magical tale - Cloud Cuckoo Land. In one way, this novel appears to be a simple story, yet it contains layers of depth and tugs at the heartstrings. It is a novel of sadness and loss and of happiness, longing, and contentment. Even though the book is long and jumps between characters and time periods, the stories are woven together in a way that makes it easy to follow and easy to remember. I was sad when it was over. This is a novel that will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you to #NetGalley and to #Simon&Schuster for an ARC of #CloudCuckooLand by #AnthonyDoerr in exchange for an honest review. 5 stars

Hope you've got more updates to add! Good luck with the last part of the year.

Bev wrote: "Hope you've got more updates to add! Good luck with the last part of the year."

Thank you! I do have more to add, but there's no way I'll make it to the top. :( I've had many reasons I've gotten behind, but most recently, is the tragedy that occurred in my town of Oxford, Michigan. I have a child who is a sophomore at the high school and one who graduated last year. It's been rough in our house these past couple of weeks.

November
62. (ARC) 5/5 stars
Diana has her life planned out and is right on track for where she wants to be. Her career has taken off and her relationship with her surgical resident boyfriend Finn is about to get even more serious. They have a two week vacation planned together to the Galapagos islands where Diana is sure that he plans to propose. Everything gets thrown off course when the Covid virus hits and Finn is needed at the hospital around the clock. He tells Diana to go and enjoy the vacation without him as there's nothing she can do there in NYC. On the way, her luggage is lost and, when she gets to the island, it is just shutting down and everyone is in quarantine. Trapped in paradise with no luggage and no wi-fi to connect with Finn, Diana feels lost and alone. She gradually makes friends with a local family and starts to explore the island. The longer Diana is there, the less she feels trapped on the island. She's finally able to relax and enjoy being there. Meanwhile, back in NYC, Finn is on the front lines as a doctor at a hospital. Diana wonders if once she is able to return home if things will ever be the same.

As usual, Jodi Picoult pulls the reader into the story with her attention to detail and her character development.
She paints a picture of paradise with her description of the Galapagos and the beauty of Isabela island. Likewise, she does well describing the horrors of what it was like for frontline workers in NYC in the early months of the Covid pandemic. Jodi also puts in her usual twists so that even though the reader may think they know how things are going to turn out, they are most likely wrong.

This novel made me feel all of the emotions and left me feeling drained, yet hopeful. I have been reflecting on it for the past couple of days and it is one that will stay with me for awhile.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am very grateful to #NetGalley for an ARC e-book of #WishYouWereHere by #JodiPicoult in exchange for an honest review. She is one of my favorite author's of realistic fiction and I love how well she researches the topics she chooses to write about. 5 stars

63. 3/5 stars
This book was just okay for me. I would have preferred hearing each individuals story told straight through instead of them being mixed up throughout the book. There was too much repetition and the stories just seemed to end suddenly, like the author was just tired of writing and making changes. It was interesting to read the women's stories though, which is why I gave it 3 stars. It had potential, but fell flat.

December
64. (ARC) 4/5 stars
After Wallace dies, he is taken by Mei, a reaper, to a tea shop in a small village and is placed under the care of Hugo. Hugo is a ferryman and it is his job to prepare Wallace for his transition to the afterlife. It all seems very simple, yet this story is anything but. It explores what it means to lead a good life and what happens when we die. T.J. Klune writes a beautiful tale of love, loss, friendship, and family, all while exploring the deeper meaning of things. The setting is described in intricate detail so that you can visualize the beauty and simplicity of the tea shop. The depth of each character's personality helps the reader to connect with and appreciate each one. I feel that the story could have been a bit shorter, as it felt repetitive at times, but I understand the author's purpose in writing as he did. I do not want to say too much about the story itself as it is something that should be fully experienced by the reader and not spoiled in a review. I will say though that Chapter 11 had me laughing out loud.

Thank you to #NetGalley for an ARC of #UndertheWhisperingDoor by #TJKlune in exchange for an honest review. 4 stars

65. (ARC) 5/5 stars
After reading “The Prison Healer”, I couldn’t wait for it’s sequel. I was ecstatic to be approved for an ARC of “The Gilded Cage” and it did not disappoint!

After Kiva is out of prison, she goes with Jaren to stay at the palace. She also reunites with her siblings. Throughout it all, Kiva has determine where her loyalties lay and what the real truths are. There are many twists in this book that I was able to figure out ahead of time, but will be perfect for middle grade readers.

Thank you to #NetGalley for an ARC of #TheGildedCage by #LynetteNoni in exchange for an honest review. I can’t wait to read the next book in this amazing YA Fantasy series!! 5 stars

66. (ARC/audiobook) 4/5 stars
I am new to audiobooks so wanted to try this volume of short stories. Even though I didn’t read all of the series books in which the characters originated, I was still able to enjoy the stories as stand-alones. The narrations were well done and added to my ability to visualize the settings and story events. I would recommend this audiobook for upper elementary and middle school grades.

Thank you to #NetGalley for an ARC of the audiobook version of #TheCursedCarnivalandOtherCalamities compiled by #RickRiordan

67. 3/5 stars
This was the first book in the Disney Villains series. I've had these sitting around for awhile so decided to whip through them to attempt to at least get to the top of El Toro if I can. It was a decent read. I enjoyed it enough to want to read the others in the series. Even though the writing is just okay, the story lines are interesting and I like the way that the characters are intertwined.

68. 3/5 stars
Book two of the Disney Villains series. This was a cute story about the Beast.

69. (ARC) 4/5 stars
Overall, I enjoyed this book. There were some parts that I didn’t care for, and times when it seemed to jump around, but I was able to connect with the sisters enough that it made for a good story. I kind of wished that there was a little more added to the ending as it felt abrupt abandoning things in the middle of a conversation. The descriptions were well written and I definitely have some new foods I’d like to try now! I would be interested in reading something else written by this author.

70. 2.5/5 stars
Book three of the Disney Villains series. I didn't like this one as well as the first two, but I rounded up to 3 stars anyway.

71. 3.5/5 stars
Book Four of the Disney Villains series. This one was about Maleficent. The writer seems to have gotten into the flow of these books better and I like the way the characters from different stories are intertwined.

72. 4/5 stars
Book Five of the Disney Villains series. This story was about Mother Gothel. Her childhood story is woven with such detail that you truly understand the story of Rapunzel and why everything happened as it did. These books don't make you like the villains, but it makes you better understand them.

*I ended at 72 books. Not my goal of 100, but not too shabby.* :)