What's Happening...(03-16-19)

So I'm doing things a tad bit differently this year and will be combining all of my regular weekend posts.  This will enable me to add more content on Fridays and it is just starting to make more sense.  I'll still be linking up with Stacking the Shelves at Tynga's Reviews and Sunday Post at Caffeinated Reviewer.  Both blogs are awesome so make sure you check them out.

So I hope you all are well.  Everyone is great here at the Farm.  My cold is almost 100% gone.  Also, Mr. Barb is almost healed but still on restriction from work (because he works at a potentially dangerous job) until the 26th because he can't risk getting injured.  So basically he's at the annoying stage where he feels well enough to resume normal life but can't which means he just might be driving me a tad bit crazy!  Also, Booker T experienced his first thunderstorm of the season Thursday night which meant we were up with him in the middle of the night for three hours.  I guess I didn't get him enough Benadryl and also we need to get him some more sedatives from the vet.  But he is fine now so don't worry.

Movie/TV wise things haven't been that great this week.  Not many movies left to watch after we went on a binge last week.  We did watch "The Green Book" which I enjoyed and a Van Damme movie called "We Die Young" which was just okay in my book.  I did get a ton of reading done though which I am super pleased about.  This weekend I need to knock as much of these two out of the way as I can as I am in the early stages of both.

I did get a few review copies from Netgalley (what else is new huh?).  Seems I'm determined to make myself like Riley Sager since I have a copy of the newest "Lock Every Door." I couldn't resist the car on the cover of "Mahoney's Camaro."  It must be the drag racer in my blood inherited from my dad.  And finally, "Bad Axe County" sounded too good to resist.

And finally I want to announce that Jan over at Notes From a Readerholic won the giveaway in the They Call It Puppy Love Challenge.  Congrats Jan and thanks to all who participated!

I'll Never Look at Bacon the Same Again - On This, the Day of the Pig Review

TITLE: On This, the Day of the Pig
AUTHOR: Josh Malerman
PUBLISHER: Cemetery Dance
PUBLISHING DATE: January 2019

ABOUT THE BOOK: For years, farmer Walter Kopple has been wary of his odd pig Pearl. Some days Kopple’s even afraid of him. But it’s not until Pearl convinces the farmer’s grandson to murder a fellow pig in the pen that Pearl realizes the extent of his own psychic power. Rumor of the killing spreads fast in small town Chowder, and between the teenagers who come looking for the “telepathic pig,” the farmer’s daughter who knows he must be stopped, and the town leaders who come to kill him, Pearl is gonna see just how strong his mind has gotten, on this, the day of the pig. 

MY THOUGHTS: So there's probably a reason I shouldn't read horror books featuring animals.  I almost always end up feeling sorry for the animal, even if they are sick/evil/obsessed and subsequently end up not caring who they kill or maim, good or bad.  Then I look like a heartless individual who doesn't value human life and well, perhaps I'm just overthinking the whole thing.  Let's be honest, my friends know I like animals better than people anyway.  So on with the review.

So Pearl the pig lives on Old Farmer Kopple's farm.  Pearl has been around a long time and he is the primary reason Walt's daughter ran off and married some idiot just to get away.  Lots of people in town have heard stories about and may even fear the telepathic pig.  And Pearl definitely isn't your average pig.  He has one good eye and one bad eye and there's the little issue about Pearl having telepathy.  Over the years, Walt has taught Pearl more than he ever should and Pearl clearly is smarter than average.  One day, Pearl decides it's time to take his rightful place as ruler of the farm and maybe even the world.

I really enjoyed Malerman's latest release.  I've really been in a horror mood lately and this book definitely fit that need.  The MC's in the book are Walt's daughter and grandchildren, as well as three teens who go on an expedition to see the "talking pig," and Bob Buck, pig breeder and seller.  Now a few words about Bob.  He is a disgusting man.  I really disliked him and the entire book kind of imagined him as the Boss Hogg of Fossett (as in Dukes of Hazard Boss Hogg minus the comedy aspect - there's nothing funny about Bob, except maybe at the end and that's just this reader's honest opinion).

So onto Pearl.  I loved Pearl.  I felt sorry for him.  He was abused as a piglet and witnessed horrible things.  And because he's an animal, that pretty much gave him a free pass to me.  I didn't really care what horrible things Pearl did, and there were plenty.  They were fun to read about in a twisted sort of fashion.

I'm pretty sure there is some deep social commentary about society within this book.  Basically the animals have taken over and there is a question as to who the real animal is, Pearl or man.  I even highlighted some quotes because I think they were pretty pertinent and lingered with me long after reading them.

"Yes, in a way, Grandpa had driven Pearl insane. Just like every farmer in America had driven every pig in their pen insane."

Even then she couldn't figure out why the Judge (Pearl now, Pearl is the judge now) had turned her down. Did she come off like a snot-nosed Kid?  Someone less savory, someone who truly deserved to pay the fine? It wasn't the loss that bothered her, scared her...it was the blossoming fear within, the idea that man and law could make decisions in the dark and sometimes someone just didn't like the looks of you."  

So who should read this book? Anyone who loves horror and has a soft spot for 80's slasher movies. Just keep in mind that Freddie Kruger and Jason's roles are filled by a telepathic pig. A wonderful one-eyed pig named Pearl.

 RATING: 4 PAWS (or in this case, hooves)

Booker T Wants a New Job! (Please Don't Feed the Mayor Review)

So I wanted to take place in a new feature Jo over at Jo's Book Blog has started.  On Thursdays, she posts things related to our precious furbabies.  What better way this week than to share a review of a recent read.  And make sure to check out Jo's feature.  She's on Spring Break right now but will be back soon!

TITLE: Please Don't Feed the Mayor
AUTHOR: Sue Pethick
PUBLISHER: Kensington Publishing Corporation
PUBLISHING DATE: February 26, 2019

FROM GOODREADS: When the lumber mill closes, laying off most everyone in Fossett, Oregon, Melanie MacDonald plans to revitalize her beloved but beleaguered homestead by running her border collie Shep in Fossett's mayoral race . . . &nsbsp;

Shep wins by a landslide. 

A lover of democracy and dog treats, Shep is rapidly earning the goodwill of Fossett's citizens. Tourists are streaming in and everyone wants to glad-paw the new mayor. Suddenly Melanie and Shep are media darlings, with requests for interviews, game shows, and personal appearances through the roof. But there's trouble in paradise. Determined to win back his former wife, Bryce MacDonald discovers a rival in tabloid reporter Chad Cameron, who's in Fossett to dig up dirt on Melanie and Shep. He finds a willing co-conspirator in the malcontent who lost the election. Hounded by the press and desperate to head off a potential dog-napping, Melanie unwittingly puts herself in danger. Shep comes to the rescue, proving his mettle to save his faithful human at the risk of his own life . . . and new political career. 

MY THOUGHTS: When I saw the title and the cover for Pethick's latest release, I knew any powers of resistance were futile.  So when I finally picked it up, it was also no surprise that I breeze through it in less than 2 days. 

Four years ago Melanie McDonald left her husband and returned to her small country town to open her own small business.  However, Melanie is more than aware that her small town is losing popularity and in order to continue to thrive and draw new visitors and residents, it is badly in need of revitalization.  Enter Melanie's adorable Border Collie, Shep, and her plan for him to become Mayor of Fossett.

Melanie ends up enlisting the help of her ex-husband, who is also a lawyer, because she knows little about the legalities of running a successful candidacy.  In since Bryce is trying to escape a city of problem of his own, he agrees to help.  Slowly they realize they still have feelings for each other but can they overcome their huge differences and what exactly does Shep have to say about a reconciliation?

"Please Don't Feed the Mayor" has a cozy mystery feel without the real mystery.  However there is some intrigue and suspense and the book actually was heavier in plot than I initially anticipated.  I have to admit that in the beginning, I liked Melanie and felt she was stupid for bringing Bryce back into her life.  Then my feelings did a 180 and I liked Bryce and found Melanie annoying.  In fact, I kind of wanted new parents for Shep altogether.  Yet toward the end I became pleased with Pethick's overall direction and reached a peace with characters. 

And I have to mention Shep.  Shep is awesome.  He's loyal and fun and has a way of communicating his wants and desires to those around him.  In one scene, because he doesn't care for Bryce, he fakes an injury while hiking so that Bryce has to carry him back several miles to his car, and then place him in it mud and all.  Smart dog.

So if you like feelgood animal tales or books with small town charm, consider picking up "Please Don't Feed the Mayor."  You'll also get a healthy dose of fun and suspense thrown into the mix.

RATING: 4 PAWS

BOOKER T's THOUGHTS:  Mother has clearly been holding out on me!  She never informed me I could be Mayor.  I want to see my name plastered on campaign signs and think how cute I'd look on campaign buttons.  I could create lots of laws to favor animals and think of the celebratory parties.  I don't know when I'll forgive her for this one!

Can't Wait Wednesday (201)

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:  For fans of CJ Box and Michael Koryta, a new thriller set in remote Washington State, where a widowed ex-Marine and a misanthropic ex-convict grudgingly team up to save the only thing they have in common--the rescue dog who changed both their lives.

Widowed while deployed overseas, former US Marine Jess Winslow reenters civilian life with little more than a falling-down house, a medical discharge for PTSD, and a dog--specifically Lucy, a black and white pitbull mix trained to help Jess cope with the crippling memories of her time in Afghanistan. But Jess also inherits a heap of trouble, of her late husband Ty's making. A corrupt deputy sheriff comes looking for a mysterious package -- and leaves with Lucy, threatening to have the dog destroyed unless Jess delivers the goods allegedly stolen by her husband before his untimely death.

The next person to appear on her doorstep is a newly released ex-convict. Surprisingly, he's there to help. The only good thing to come of Mason Burke's fifteen years in prison was the dog he trained there for a service-animal program--Lucy. She helped keep him sane; now he'll stop at nothing to keep her safe.

Forced into an uneasy alliance in order to save Lucy, Jess and Mason must learn to trust each other. But finding Ty's package is only the start of their battle. To avoid becoming collateral damage in someone else's private war, they'll have to fight back--and conquer their own doubts and fears.

DECEPTION COVE is a gripping story of survival and redemption set in the Pacific Northwest's most beautiful and most dangerous coastal terrain.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  I love the idea of two unlikely characters teaming up to find a service dog.  But I will add - the dog better not get hurt!  Also, the comparion to Koryta interests me because I like the books I've read by him and in fact, need to read more.

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

TTT - Stand Alone Books That Need a Sequel

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.

So this week we are looking at stand alone books that need a sequel.  I'm actually a pretty big fan of stand alones and believe there are enough series and sequels in the world but let's see what I can figure out.

I adored this book and gave it 5/5.  I'd love to see a sequel or have more books set in this world.

I always thought it would be interesting to see the MC and Police Chief, Vanessa Castro, take on more cases.

Maggie Cunningham was such a fun character and I loved her monster hunting antics.  I've always longed for sequel for this book.

I seriously need more Domingo, Atl and Cualli in my life!

I'd love to have more of Henry's Hook.

So there you have it.  Only 5 because seriously, I never realized until I went browsing on my Goodreads shelves just how few stand alones I've read.  It's actually kind of pathetic!  I'm looking forward to seeing what made your list this week!

To Quote Prince..."What's This Strange Relationship???"

TITLE: My Boyfriend is a Bear
AUTHORS: Pamela Ribon & Cat Farris
PUBLISHER: Oni Press
PUBLISHING DATE: April 24, 2018

FROM GOODREADS: A story of girl meets bear. 

Nora has bad luck with men. When she meets an (actual) bear on a hike in the Los Angeles hills, he turns out to be the best romantic partner she’s ever had! He’s considerate, he’s sweet, he takes care of her. But he’s a bear, and winning over her friends and family is difficult. Not to mention he has to hibernate all winter. Can true love conquer all? 

MY THOUGHTS: I do tend to like the odd title now and then so when I saw this graphic novel is the "new" section at my local library, I couldn't resist.  In the beginning Nora is in a very bad relationship.  Well, it's not so much bad as it is he's an idiot.  They go camping one weekend and on the trip, she meets Bear.  She leaves and returns home but when the local campground catches fire, Bear shows up on her porch.

Bear turns out to be everything Nora wants.  He's attentive, hard working and he loves her cat.  He also likes to cuddle.  There only a few problems.  She has to convince her parents and friends that Bear is the perfect "man" for her and she also has to deal with that little problem known as hibernation.

This book is so far fetched yet I found it fun.  I couldn't help root for Bear and if there's some deep dark meaning beneath the surface, I really didn't find it.  However, the book does showcase individuality, self love and acceptance so I guess maybe there is a deeper meaning.  I really wanted Nora to get her happy ending.  I also found the artwork to be fun.  It was bright and colorful and really meshed well with the outlandish subject matter.

I doubt there will be a sequel but if there is, I'd probably pick it up.  I wonder how Nora and Bear will deal with the concept of kids and family.  If I were Nora, I'd consider a surrogate because honestly, the idea of cubs appeals to me much more than the idea of kids anyway.

RATING: 3 PAWS

What's Happening...(03-08-19)

So I'm doing things a tad bit differently this year and will be combining all of my regular weekend posts.  This will enable me to add more content on Fridays and it is just starting to make more sense.  I'll still be linking up with Stacking the Shelves at Tynga's Reviews and Sunday Post at Caffeinated Reviewer.  Both blogs are awesome so make sure you check them out.

So what a week!  Mr. Barb had his surgery Wednesday and all went well.  He's still sore and moving slow but at least he's minus one gall bladder.  However, I also picked this time to get the worst cold I've had in years.  It's been a trying time but luckily I can say we're both on the mend.  At least I had scheduled off a few days to stay home with him which turns out I needed for myself as well.

You can imagine that we've been watching quite a bit of TV.  I am finally caught up on "Riverdale" and was prompted to make the move after the untimely passing of Luke Perry this week.  I was never much of a "Beverly Hill 90210" fan, but I have always liked him and he always seemed so down to earth.  We also watched quite a few movies.  First up was "Bohemian Rhapsody."  The hype is for real on this one guys.  I'm not a huge Queen fan but I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and it was so well done.  Then we watched "Creed II."  I have to say I was a tad disappointed because I honestly find the MC, Adonis Creed, to be a jerk, but it was still entertaining.  Next was "Aquaman."  We watched it the night Mr. Barb had his surgery because I wanted him to get his mind off of his discomfort.  It was pretty good and the effects were great but it's far from my favorite superhero movie.

I have been reading quite a bit and managed to finish a few books.  Here's what I'm working on this weekend.

I did get a few books for review this week as well.  I've been curious about "The Rumor" for some time now so I'm thrilled to have a copy of it ahead of time.  And I love Seanan McGuire/Mira Grant and can't wait to dive into "In the Shadow of Spindrift House."  And finally, I featured "Five Midnights" a few weeks back on Can't Wait Wednesday and am so glad  I can finally find out what the creature on the cover is supposed to be.    

So all in all a pretty good week.  The Farm is on the mend and it's much easier to heal with two cold noses checking on you all of the time.  So what did you guys add to your shelves this week and have you watched anything good???