Weekly Reads (08/31/18) - Be Glad When Friday Is Over!

So I'll really be glad when today is over.  My little boy is having his surgery today.  Mr. Barb is taking him while my Mom stays with Cass but I'll just be glad when he is home and resting.  He's such a big part of our family and I can't bear the thought of anything happening to him.

So on to positive notes. We've been watching preseason football and of course college starts this weekend so I majorly excited.  We watched two fairly good movies.  The first was "Hereditary."  I'm probably in the minority but I wasn't a huge fan.  I mean, it was entertaining and there was some shocking parts, but it wasn't what I was expecting.  It did give me serious "Rosemary's Baby" vibes though which may have just been me.  Anyone else seen it and agree?  

We also watched "Down a Dark Hall" and I actually enjoyed it more.  It kind of had a Gothic feel to it and the story kept me intrigued from start to finish.  I would definitely recommend it.  

I also managed to read a lot last week, finishing 4 more books before the month was out.  I managed to squeeze in "Neverwake World" and hope to get my review up next week.  It initially annoyed me but after a while, it picked up and I really enjoyed it.  I would be happy to finish these two this weekend, especially since I'm not that far into either.  

So what are you plans for this weekend and upcoming week???

What a Beautiful Dog Tale

TITLE: Isosceles' Day
AUTHOR: Kevin J. Meehan
PUBLISHER: Isosceles' Holdings LLC
PUBLISHING DATE: March 21, 2018

FROM GOODREADS:  From being awakened by friend Mole, to a breakfast of dancing eggs, howling and grunting with Moose, time spent with Frog and Platypus, lunchtime with Lizard, playing it cool with Mouse, listening to drums with Prairie Dog, riding in a wagon with Rhino, drinking from a hose with Goose, and a lullaby with Frog, come share a fun day with Isosceles, a happy rescue dog, and his animal friends!

MY THOUGHTS:  I am constantly on the lookout for children's books which I can possibly donate to my local library as gifts in my dogs' names which is one of the reasons I wanted to give this book try.  I'm glad I did because I not only fell in  love with the artwork, I also fell in love with this book's heart.  Isosceles is a rescue dog and basically this book outlines his first day of freedom and security and all the friends he encounters.  There's not much else to say but I think it would be a wonderful addition to any children's library. 

Here's a little the author shared:

Isosceles, formerly named Jake, was neglected and likely abused in a backyard in Wyoming for his first three years of life.  He was never allowed inside and forced to face 20 below temps with his sister, isolated form human affection.  When the owners moved without him, he was rescued but then brutally separated from his only comfort - his sister,.  The author rescued him the first day he was brought into the adoption center.  The story shares Isosceles' life now that he has a home, homemade food and lot of toys and interaction.  

MY RATING: 5 PAWS

Doesn't he look happy with his new owner!

Two Bloggers One Book - Another Shea Buddy Read!

It seems that Stormi and I are always game for a Hunter Shea buddy read and since he is such a prolific writer, it seems that we've featured more of his books than any other author.  I'm just so glad we continue to strike gold with our choices.  Hope our luck doesn't run out next month but we are switching it up a bit for the month of September so we'll just have to see.  So I hope you enjoy my thoughts an "Rattus New Yorkus" and then  make sure to hop over to Stormi's @  Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My! for her thoughts as well!

TITLE: Rattus New Yorkus (One Size Eats All #2)

AUTHOR: Hunter Shea

PUBLISHER: Lyrical Underground

PUBLISHING DATE: August 21, 2018

FROM GOODREADS: 

THEY’RE BIGGER

Deep in the sewers of New York City, the rat population is growing. Dr. Randolph Finch is determined to break the cycle. His new rodenticide, Degenesis, doesn’t kill rats. It sterilizes them from reproducing. But nothing adapts faster than a New York rat . . .

THEY’RE SMARTER
City exterminators and soon-to-be divorced Chris and Benita Jackson think they know how these rats think. They know how rats breed. And they fear that Degenesis has only made these rats stronger. More aggressive. More intelligent. And more ravenous than ever . . .

TONIGHT’S DINNER SPECIAL: US
After a noticeable surge in rat den activity, the Jacksons witness something strange. Without warning, the rats disappear—only to reassemble in a massive lair beneath Grand Central Station. Millions upon millions of them. Working together. Operating as a hive mind. Feasting on the flesh of the homeless below—and planning their all-out attack on the unsuspecting humans above . . .

MY THOUGHTS:  While I loved "Jurassic Florida," the first book in the series, I honestly have to say I enjoyed this one even more.  I don't know if it's because personally I found the rats to be creepier, or if because Shea was SUPER descriptive in this one and I could actually "smell" the situations (which trust me, is awesome and NASTY all at the same time). 

Also, I felt a better connection with the MCs in "Rattus New Yorkus" and thought Chris and Benita were people I could really root for.  However, if you read a lot of Shea novels, you also know that it isn't always smart to get attached to his characters.

"Rattus New Yorkus" has plenty of action and there really is never a dull moment.  It also has one despicable character which always seems to make horror books fun - hey, I have to cheer on someone's possible demise.  Shea has become an auto-read author for me and is one of my top 3 favorite horror authors.  I can't wait to read the next in this series as well as anything else he produces.

RATING: 5 PAWS (or should say rat tails?)

Can't Wait Wednesday (172)

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

FROM GOODREADS: Readers are well aware that Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein: few know how many other tales of terror she created. In addition to Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote some surprisingly effective horror stories. The year after Little Women appeared, Louisa May Alcott published one of the first mummy tales. These ladies weren’t alone. From the earliest days of Gothic and horror fiction, women were exploring the frontiers of fear, dreaming dark dreams that will still keep you up at night. 

More Deadly than the Male includes unexpected horror tales by Louisa May Alcott and Harriet Beecher Stowe, and forgotten writers like Mary Cholmondely and Charlotte Riddell, whose work deserves a modern audience. Readers will be drawn in by the familiar names and intrigued by their rare stories. 

In The Beckside Boggle, Alice Rea brings a common piece of English folklore to hair-raising life, while Helene Blavatsky, best known as the founder of the spiritualist Theosophical Society, paints a picture of A Witch’s Den as vivid as any vision conjured up by the great pulp writers. Edith Wharton’s great novel The Age of Innocence won her the Pulitzer prize, yet her horror stories are known only to a comparative few.

Readers will discover lost and forgotten women who wrote horror every bit as effectively as their male contemporaries. They will learn about their lives and careers, the challenges they faced as women working in a male-dominated field, the way they overcame those challenges, and the way they approached the genre—which was often subtler, more psychological, and more disturbing. 

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  Perhaps because Fall is in the air and I love creepy and spooky things, especially this time of year (who am I kidding - all the time), when I caught this one, it really caught my eye.  Also because some of my favorite bloggers are doing an instagram challenge featuring women of horror all of August, I couldn't help but pay attention when I saw what this one was about.  I only wish it came out earlier.  This is one I feel I will need a physical copy of on my shelves.

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK???

It's a Bird... It's a Plane... It's Dog Man!

TITLE: Dog Man
AUTHOR: Dav Pilkey
PUBLISHER: Graphix
PUBLISHING DATE: August 30, 2016

FROM GOODREADS: George and Harold have created a new hero who digs into deception, claws after crooks, and rolls over robbers. When Greg the police dog and his cop companion are injured on the job, a life-saving surgery changes the course of history, and Dog Man is born. With the head of a dog and the body of a human, this heroic hound has a real nose for justice. But can he resist the call of the wild to answer the call of duty? 

MY THOUGHTS:  So I've always been curious about this children's book and figured when better to check it out than during the Dog Days of Summer readathon.  I knew nothing about Dog Man himself and was slightly shocked to find that he was created when a sneaky cat blew up a cop and his dog.  The cop's body survived and the dog's head survived so they created Dog Man.  And honestly, I don't know what the force would do without him because he is clearly the smartest one in town.  

Vol. 1 contains 4 tales of Dog Man fighting crime and while the art was very simplistic, it was also very appropriate for the subject and the targeted audience so I can see why so many children like it. I grabbed this one from OverDrive and since I have access to the rest, I'm sure I'll grab them at some point in the future as well.

RATING: 3 PAWS

Classics I Read in School/College That I Actually Enjoyed

The top 10 weekly meme used to be hosted by The Broke and the Bookish they  handed over the reins to ThatArtsyReaderGirl who can be found HERE.  Each week she will focus on lists which cover various topics related to books and reading. 

This week's topic is related to a back-to-school theme so I decided to share with you a few classics I read in school that I really enjoyed.  I'm not a big reader of classics, but there are a couple out there I love.  I will also share one I  couldn't stand which I'm sure will come as no big surprise to many.

Little Women -  I don't actually think this was required reading for anything but I do love this book.  So much that I've read it 3 times - not bad for someone who doesn't re-read a lot.

Wuthering Heights - I'm not sure I would make it through this book now if I tried, but it did spark my interest in a lot of things Gothic.

The Scarlet Letter - Another classic I read in high school which I really enjoyed.

Beowulf - I LOVED Beowulf in college.  Does that make me weird???

To Kill a Mockingbird - I also really enjoyed this one even though I have NO desire to read the sequel.  Did it really even need one???

And now, for the classic that I couldn't stand......

Alice in Wonderland - I didn't read this in school but actually picked it up a few years ago.  I really liked the Wonderland world but wanted to smack Alice hard - the urge is STILL there.

So there you have it.  Can't wait to see everyone else's lists this week.

I Love Visiting Briar Creek Again

TITLE:  Hitting the Books (Library Lovers Myster\y#9)
AUTHOR: Jenn McKinlay
PUBLISHER: Berkley Books
PUBLISHING DATE: September 11, 2018

FROM GOODREADS:  When a stack of library materials is found at the scene of a hit and run, library director Lindsey Norris finds herself dragged into the investigation as the police try to link the driver of the stolen car to the person who borrowed the books. Before Lindsey can delve into the library's records, the victim of the hit and run, Theresa Houston, suffers another "accident" and the investigation shifts from driver negligence to attempted homicide.

A clue surfaces in the confiscated library materials that could crack open the case and it is up to Lindsey to piece it all together. But things are not as they seem in the sleepy town of Briar Creek and when the driver of the stolen car turns up dead, Lindsey, her staff and her library friends have to hit the books before the murderer gets the last word...

MY THOUGHTS:  Every time I see a new book releasing in McKinlay's Library Lovers series, I do a little happy dance inside.  And then I try my hardest to get an advance copy somehow because I've already waiting a year or so and simply can't wait any longer.  Such was the case with "Hitting the Books."  In this installment, someone is trying to kill the town tennis coach before she can marry the man of her dreams and once again, Lindsey ends up in the thick of things.

I don't want to give a lot away since this is the 9th book in the series, but I love the progression McKinlay provides us for this town and the characters.  Reading "Hitting the Books" really was like visiting with some old friends.  Lindsey is such a wonderful character and even though she sometimes ends up in over her head, she always has a cast of loyal friends and family to help her out.  In fact, I really can't think of one character I don't like in Briar Creek.  Even Ms. Cole (aka The Lemon), the grumpy librarian, has grown on me over the years.  

If you like cozy mysteries and aren't reading this series, then you need to - immediately.  I will continue to recommend them as much as possible and only hope the author doesn't have an end in sight!  (Hey Jenn, is there an end in sight???? Now I'm worried).

Also, since I am using this for the #DogDaysofSummer readathon, I must mention Heathcliff, Lindsey's best friend and faithful companion. That's him on the cover, sniffing out trouble.  Many times throughout the series Heathcliff has saved Lindsey and I really don't know what she would do without him.

I received a copy of "Hitting the Books" from Penguin First to Read in exchange for an honest review.

RATING: 5 PAWS

Sidetracked Sunday #7 - Dog Days of Summer Version

So since The Farm is celebrating Dog Days of Summer this month, it's only fitting that for this month's Sidetracked Sunday, I chose a book I recently grabbed from my library.  I've read both a fiction and a non-fiction book from this author and her books are always fun and she definitely has a connection with dogs.  And for those who like dog tales, I definitely recommend "A Pug's Tale" and "Pug Hill" by the same author.

TITLE: City Dog

AUTHOR: Alison Pace

PUBLISHER: Berkley Books

PUBLISHING DATE: September 2, 2008

FROM GOODREADS: After her divorce, Amy Dodge thought she'd finally write the next Great American Novel. Instead she's written a bestselling children's book series, Run, Carlie, Run! starring her adorable and spirited West Highland White terrier and a dashing (but fictional) Scottish explorer. When Carlie is offered a starring role in her own television show, and the explorer begins to take on a life of his own, Amy's world takes a surreal turn.

But just when Amy starts thinking it's a dog's life after all, she figures out a way to make everything change. And though life in New York isn't always a walk in the park, it might just take her exactly where she needs to be.
MY THOUGHTS:  So Amy is recently divorced and living on her own.  She always wanted to be a "great " writer and constantly laments the novel she isn't writing, even though she has a bestselling children's book featuring her own dog Carlie.  Amy feels in a pretty stagnate position in life when she gets the opportunity for a television series featuring Carlie.  Although she is hesitant to commit, she does, but it's either going to be a great decision or one of her worst.

This is a pretty light read but it was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon.  I really liked Amy although I do think at times she was a very "Can't see the forest because of the trees" kind of gal.  "City Dog" does not focus a lot on romantic elements, but because of the nature of the book, you know it's going there.  Amy does meet a guy named Nick who is a host of an flashback 80's music show and I loved how the author used 80's song titles and lyrics for the chapter titles.  I recognized almost all of them so that was some added fun.  Also, there are chapters from Carlie's POV as well as from Carlie's fictional pal, Robert McGuire, who Amy has fashioned as the perfect man (and which is why she probably can't find a "real" man).  Carlie is definitely the smartest "person" in the whole book.  I also felt for a moment that a dreaded love triangle was being introduced but it was almost like Pace saw where it was headed and put on the brakes before it got out of hand.  

Overall I enjoyed "City Dog."  I loved meeting Carlie and found it to be more a book about self discovery than one about just romance.  If you like contemporary reads or better yet, dogs, I think you'd enjoy "City Dog."  

MY RATING: 4 PAWS

Stacking the Shelves (173) / Sunday Post

Stacking the Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves or TBR piles, may it be physical or virtual.  This means you cans you cam include books you buy in a physical store, online, books you borrow from the library or friends, review books, gifts and of course, ebooks! The original meme was started over at Tynga's Reviews. And it now has a new co-host where individuals can link up as well - Marlene from Reading Reality.  Clicking on the book (or title) should take you to the Goodreads page.  I'm also now linking up with the Sunday Post which is hosted by Kimberly@Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

First of all, I reached out to DAW and requested a copy of "Abandoned."  I loved "Outpost" so much and feel the series does not get enough love.  They were kind enough to oblige so my copy arrived this week.  I can't wait to see what's new in Donovan.

It as also a wonderful week for digital arcs. "Fool's Moon" and "A Spell of Murder" looks like fun starts to new cozy series.  "The Nightmarchers" is a new horror novel coming out - I couldn't resist, and I hope "The Perfect Girlfriend" is a decent thriller.  And lastly, I was THRILLED to get approved for "Mutts and Mistletoe" yesterday!

So did you add anything good this week??? 

Weekly Reads (08/24/18)

So August is winding down and I could swear I smell Fall in the air.  Bring on pumpkin everything!  We've been trucking along at The Farm this week and for the most part, the week went well.  Booker T is still on his meds and doing fine.  His surgery is scheduled for 8/31 as it took some planning.  Mr. Barb is taking him (and staying on the premises throughout the surgery because that's how we roll), I have to work so I'll be at the office, and my Mom is coming up to sit with Cass because we discovered Monday, he freaks when T leaves and doesn't return.  We have a 3-day holiday weekend and then I took off 9/4 so he would have a extra day with a parent home while he is recovering.  Whew, talk about coordination!

We did end up watching some crazy movie Tuesday night, "What Still Remains."  The most exciting parts must have been used in the trailer because slow doesn't begin to describe it. We also watched some weird older movie called "Larvae" which was not good but which was loud and actually Booker T managed to sleep through the town Homecoming celebration fireworks so it overall it was worth it's weight in gold.   We will probably be watching "Deadpool 2" and football this weekend.  On a good note, "Mr. Mercedes Season 2" started this week and I didn't realize how much I missed it until I started watching it again.  

I have been reading and I think stress finally caught up because I've started 5 books.  Now I'm over half done with at least 2 of them.  So I'm showing all 5 and I guess the odds are good that I'll finish something this weekend!

And oh, I almost forgot!  Look what I stumbled across this week.  Someone might have even took a leap and pre-ordered them on impulse.  Just saying.

So I hope you all have a great weekend and to everyone that's provided encouragement and support this week for me, Mr. Barb and the boys, bless you!

Dog Days of Summer - Drinking From the Trough

TITLE: Drinking from the Trough (A Veterinarian's Memoir)
AUTHOR: Mary Carlson, DVM
PUBLISHER: She Writes Press
PUBLISHING DATE: August 28, 2018

FROM GOODREADS: Mary Carlson didn't start out to become a veterinarian, let alone the owner and caretaker of cats (many), dogs (two, both huskies), and horses (some with manners, some without) in Colorado. She was a suburban Chicago girl; all she knew of the American West came from the stories her uncle, who had settled in northern Colorado, told her during his annual visits. But thanks to him, she ended up moving to Fort Collins, Colorado for college—and after falling in love with a man she'd become friends with in her final year of college, when he was a student at the CSU School of Veterinary Medicine, she remained there. 

Watching the work Earl did as a veterinarian inspired Mary to eventually leave her tenured teaching position and enter vet school, after which she opened her own, feline-exclusive clinic. Along the way, there were numerous pets, grueling years of vet school, a shattered hip, an enduring love, illness, and death—and the rediscovery that life, especially a life full of delightful animals, is worth living. 

MY THOUGHTS:  When I picked this up, I really anticipated a whole-length story about how the author became a vet following the beginning of a teaching career and the animals that impacted her life.  What I really got was a collection of short stories from the author but that was fine, because the jest was still the same.  The book compiles some 20+ stories which focus on Mary, her husband, her family, her teaching job, her vet school experience and some of the animals she lived with and treated.  As expected, some stories stood out more than others.  One of my faves was the one told from "The Good Cat's" POV which was done really well.  Also, the author and her husband had several "crazy" husky pups during their lives which were also fun to read about.  

I need to add that this book is heavily horse-centric.  Any horse lover should definitely consider picking it up because Mary clearly has a close attachment with them and its evident how important they are to her.  That being said, there is one part about the book that bothered me.  I understand the author is a vet and to be honest, it's a job I couldn't do.  I think a good vet much have a great love of animals and a lot of compassion, but must also be able to distance themselves some because otherwise, how could they do what they sometimes have to do.  That being said, I have a hard time reconciling how Mary and her husband lost a dear horse they owned over 20 years yet while grieving, woke up the next day and basically said "Hey, let's go watch the Colorado vet school cut up and autopsy" said animal.  I'll be honest, I sort of skimmed those parts.

I did enjoy some of the tales in "Drinking from the Trough" and it was an easy to pick up and put down.  If you like non-fiction short story collections and animals, you might want to at least check out parts of this book.

I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

RATING: 3 PAWS

My Magical Mutt Tag

This tag was created by La La @ La La in the Library for the Dog Days of Summer Challenge hosted by her and Jo @ Jo's Book Blog.

1.  WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE MAGICAL OR FANTASY GENRE DOG? IT CAN BE FROM A MOVIE, TV SHOW OR BOOK. WHY?

I have to say Dug from "UP."  I love that pup so much and who can resist this face?

2.  WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE A CANINE FAMILIAR, OR BE ABLE TO SHAPE-SHIFT INTO A DOG?  WHY? 

I would much rather have a canine familiar.  To me, it only makes sense as dogs are definitely my favorite pet and that way I'd always have one around.  I've also always thought shape-shifting would be painful too.

3.  IF YOU HAD A DOG FAMILIAR, DAEMON, OR WERE AN ANIMAGUS AND CHANGED INTO DOG FORM, WHAT COMBINATION OF BREEDS WOULD YOU BE? IT HAS TO BE A MIX BECAUSE THE TAG SAYS MAGICAL MUTT, HAHA!  WHY WOULD YOU CHOSE THEM?

I would be a mix of a wolf, German shepherd and boxer.  Wolves are so furry and just plain magical and they would get along great in cold weather so I'd never be cold.  Germies are smart and noble.  Boxers never grow up so I'd always be energetic and exuberant.  

4.  WHAT WOULD BE YOUR FAMILIAR, DAEMON OR YOUR DOG FORMS NAME BE?

Misha.  I've loved that name ever since I feel in love with Misha on The Walking Dead.  "Look at the flowers Lizzie!"

5.  IF YOU HAD A MAGICAL DOG WHAT THREE POWERS WOULD BE IMPORTANT TO YOU?  FOR EXAMPLE SPEECH, INVISIBILITY, FINDING LOST OBJECTS, LEVITATION, CHANGING INTO ANOTHER ANIMAL? WHY?

First of all, I would want my magical dog to have infinite life.  It's not fair that humans live so much longer than our furry best friends.  Secondly I would want him to be able to talk.  Finally, I would want them to have the gift of teleportation.  That way they could pop in from home and visit me at work, but pop back out when my boss shows up.

6.  IF YOUR MAGICAL DOG COULD TALK, WHAT ACCENT WOULD HE HAVE?

I can go one further - if my magical mutt could talk, he would sound like Idris Elba.

7.  IF YOUR FANTASY DOG HAD ONE ODD MAGICAL HABIT (i.e. MAKING THE WATER DISAPPEAR FROM THE TUB AT BATH TIME) OR WORE SOME STRANGE TALISMAN ON ITS COLLAR (i.e. A VIAL OF WOLF BLOOD TO MAKE IT RUN FASTER) WHAT WOULD IT BE?

My magical mutt would have the Prince symbol on its collar which would make him irresistible to all the ladies.  

8.  IF YOU WERE GOING TO WRITE A FANTASY NOVEL WITH A CANINE MAIN CHARACTER WHAT WOULD THE PREMISE BE AND WHAT TITLE WOULD YOU HAVE IN MIND?

"Hairy Pawter and the Delicious Bone"

The main character, Hairy Pawter and his friend Ruff and Grrr-moine would attend a magical dog school where they would learn to sniff out evil animal-hating people and then zap them with laser vision and make them disappear.  

I hope you guys had as much fun reading this tag as I did completing it!

Can't Wait Wednesday (171) - Dogs AND Horror!

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week, in honor of Dogs Days of Summer hosted by La La in the Library and Jo's Book Blog I'm featuring two upcoming titles - one horror and one dog-related.

FROM GOODREADS:  Seventeen-year-old Edgar Poe counts down the days until he can escape his foster family—the wealthy Allans of Richmond, Virginia. He hungers for his upcoming life as a student at the prestigious new university, almost as much as he longs to marry his beloved Elmira Royster. However, on the brink of his departure, all his plans go awry when a macabre Muse named Lenore appears to him. Muses are frightful creatures that lead Artists down a path of ruin and disgrace, and no respectable person could possibly understand or accept them. But Lenore steps out of the shadows with one request: “Let them see me!”

FROM GOODREADS: Her boyfriend has left her for his personal trainer, her mother has absconded with her latest husband for the holidays, and--adding insult to (literal) injury--her London apartment has just been destroyed by a gas leak. Single, mildly concussed and temporarily homeless, Charlie realizes there's only one place to go: Cozy Canine Cottages, where she'll spend the season looking after her cousin Jez's doggy day care center. And if she's not exactly a dog person, well, no one has to know...

But her plans for a quiet Christmas in a quaint country village are quickly dashed. Peggy the pregnant beagle and Malcolm the anxious Great Dane seem determined to keep her up all night. A strange man has been casing her cousin's house. And where is Cal, the unbearably patronizing but disturbingly handsome local vet, when she needs him?

As the days tick down to Christmas, Charlie's life has never felt so out of control--but with some help from her new four-legged friends, she just might learn a thing or two about living in the moment, embracing the unexpected and opening herself up to love... 

WHY I CAN'T WAIT: For as long as I can remember, I've always been obsessed with Poe stuff and I've been waiting for the cover reveal of Cat Winters' book so when I saw it, I knew I'd have to share.  As far at the "Mutts and Mistletoe,"  I love my pup books and add Christmas is the perfect time for books like this one.

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK???

TTT - Let's Talk About Slumps

The top 10 weekly meme used to be hosted by The Broke and the Bookish they  handed over the reins to ThatArtsyReaderGirl who can be found HERE.  Each week she will focus on lists which cover various topics related to books and reading. 

This week's topic is books that pull you out of a reading slump. I'm not really a re-read sort of gal so this topic isn't really working for me - surprise!  I think that's the trend lately.  However, I will share with you some of my favorite ways to avoid slumps.

1.  Pick up a cozy mystery - Usually cozies aren't too long and I find that I can read them pretty quickly. Also, while I enjoy them, I rarely have to concentrate too hard on them so more often or not, they can hold a slump at bay.

2.  Read a variety of genres - I love so many different genres.  I think the fact that I mix up my reading so much means I rarely even find myself in a reading slump.

3.  Visit the library - There's nothing like going to the library and browsing at all the books - new and old.  I almost always bring home a huge stack, which thus inspires me to read harder!

4.  Read a cute romance or "chick lit" - And it's even better if there's a cute dog in the book or on the cover.  I don't read either of these genres enough and while I affectionately refer to them as "fluff" they are often just what I need for a pick-me-up.

5.  Go with it - When I feel slumpy, it's a great excuse to binge watch TV/Netflix or rent a movie.  Sometimes relieving the pressure to read all the time is all we need to end a slump.

So how do you avoid/end reading slumps????  Any new suggestions???

A Booker T Update!

Hey guys!  It's me Booker T.  I wanted to personally thank you all for all the kind wishes and good thoughts!  So I had my x-ray this morning and it was kind of as the Doc suspected.  No tumors or anything, which is good news, and my bladder looks A-OK but my prostate is enlarged and is causing pressure which in turn is causing my infections.  So, looks like I'm gonna have to be neutered.  I don't like it one bit but what's a pup to do?  Mom and Dad are working out the logistics because you know, one has to stay with me at the vet (because I'm special that way) and one has to stay with Cass because he's a mess without me.  We'll keep you posted but for right now, the meds are doing their job and life is good.  

Might Be On and Off For a While

Hello guys.  So I just wanted to touch base and explain that I might be absent for awhile.  In all honesty, I still plan on visiting and blogging, but life may get in the way.  Booker T is sick again.  He has another UTI and started passing blood Friday evening.  Now the vet is wanting to see what is going on and Mr. Barb is taking him for an x-ray Monday morning.  It may be nothing, and perhaps he will just need to be neutered because they think his prostate is enlarged but even at that, I hate for him to have to have any procedure done at 8 years old.

So please keep Booker T in your thoughts.  Don't worry too much because he is on meds and really not acting as if he is sick at all.  He is also enjoying all the extra attention from Mom, Dad and Cass.  He's eating and sleeping well and hopefully, we'll have good news soon!