This past week on FYFA (and in my life):
Another week where I was just having a really hard time getting much of anything done, blogwise. My eyes were really sore for some reason, which was just making me feel miserable. It was two days before I finally took an allergy pill and discovered that helped (it didn’t feel like allergies and I didn’t have any other allergy symptoms—I was kicking myself for waiting so long). I did get a lot of reading done, though!
My oldest also got her driver’s license on Friday! Not only is it nice that I don’t always have to shuttle her everywhere, but she is very excited to have her first official ID that says she’s female. In Illinois, they make the process pretty painless, which is nice (we didn’t have to go through a birth certificate change first). And the older lady who worked at the counter made Jade very happy with her confusion. We already had a state ID (since she’s homeschooled and didn’t have a school ID), and when I pointed out the gender change form from our psychologist and said we needed to change the gender designation from male to female, she said, “Oh, did they make a mistake?” Umm, not exactly? It was pretty funny. Anyway, everyone at the DMV was super nice and friendly, exactly opposite the stereotype. (That made up for the fact that on Halloween Jade had a random neighbor ask if she was a boy or a girl, and when she replied that she’s a transgender girl, the guy declared, “You have a boy’s voice. You’re a boy.” Gee, thanks for weighing in on the subject. Luckily, Jade’s pretty good at brushing off people’s random, unasked-for opinions.)
Here’s what you may have missed on the blog since my last Sunday Post:
- Amber & Dusk by Lyra Selene: Review & Giveaway – Still time to enter to win a copy of the book.
Book Blogger Birthdays and Blogoversaries:
Here are the birthdays and blogoversaries for this week! I hope you’ll go wish these bloggers well on their special days! Make sure you check out the calendar to see what you might have just missed or what’s coming up. (If you want to be added to the calendar, it’s easy! Just fill out the birthday/blogoversary form.)
- November 19th – Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight‘s Birthday
- November 21st – Anthony @ Keep Reading Forward‘s Birthday
For Review:
I got The Once and Future Geek for a blog tour (coming tomorrow!) and Blink sent me Within These Lines and We Were Beautiful. I checked both of these books out on Goodreads, and now I’m eager to read them (especially Within These Lines, which has a unique perspective on WWII). Blink is a publisher that tends to fly a bit under the radar (at least in the blogging world), but I find that I usually really like their books. Thanks for sending me two more, Blink!
From NetGalley:
I also picked up a couple of books on NetGalley, You’d Be Mine and The Truth About Leaving which doesn’t even have a cover image or much of a description on Goodreads (so I linked to Amazon instead), but Rachel Lynn Solomon highly recommended it on Twitter, and she convinced me I needed the book in my life.
Great Discussions/Goings On Around the Blogosphere:
- Gayathri @ Elgee Writes asks: How do you manage your writing slump? (& ten tips to survive)
- On Bookish you’ll find 12 Native American Authors to Read During Native American Heritage Month
Pre-Order Deals:
Listed in order of release date. Any new deals that I just added to the list this week will be denoted with a *** so you can easily find them!
Please note: Almost all pre-order giveaways run “while supplies last,” so I can’t guarantee that they’ll be open until the date listed. Pre-0rder early for your best chance to get all the goodies!
- Pre-order REALM OF RUINS by Hannah West to receive a signed bookplate and a bookmark. You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize. (INT)(ends 12/3)
- Pre-order DARK AGE by Pierce Brown to receive a free holiday card directly from Pierce, featuring never-before-seen character art! (US only)(ends 12/3)
- Pre-order ALL THE WANDERING LIGHT by Heather Fawcett to receive an exclusive world map, a signed bookplate, a bookmark and two stickers. (INTL)(ends 12/3)
- Pre-order QUEEN OF AIR AND DARKNESS by Cassandra Clare to receive a deluxe Shadowhunter fairytale retelling booklet. Featuring 35 pages of exclusive art and a note from Cassandra Clare. (US only)(ends 12/3)
- Pre-order a paperback copy of EVERLESS by Sara Holland to receive a special additional character card for either Ina or Roan. (INT)(ends 12/3)
- ***Pre-order ONCE A KING by Erin Summerill to receive a 5×7 limited edition map and art print, a signed bookplate, and a quote bookmark. (ends 12/3)
- Pre-order THE DISASTERS by M.K. England (or request for your library to purchase it) to receive a bookmark, a rainbow rocketship sticker, a signed bookplate, a postcard and an emailed PDF with a printable DISASTERS-themed card. Plus the chance to win one of 75 enamel pins and even more! (INT)(ends 12/17)
- ***Pre-order THE CURSED SEA by Lauren DeStefano to receive WITHER bookmark goodies and mystery swag! (INT)(ends 12/17)
- Pre-order EVERMORE by Sara Holland to receive 1 of 3 Exclusive Character Cards, a signed bookplate, and access to an exclusive online interview with Sara Holland (filled with spoilers and juicy details!). Plus, you’ll be entered to win more. (INT)(ends 12/30)
- Pre-order FIRESTARTER by Tara Sim (or request for your library to purchase it) to receive an exclusive poster of Danny and Colton by artist TJ Ryan. (INT)(ends 12/31)
- Pre-order THE GILDED WOLVES by Roshani Chokshi to receive a pack of character tarot cards designed by Yoshi Yoshitani. (US/CAN only)(ends 1/6)
- ***Pre-order THE WICKED KING by Holly Black to receive an enamel pin and bookmark. (US only)(ends 1/7)
- Pre-order THE WINTER OF THE WITCH by Katherine Arden to receive a signed bookplate. (US only)(ends 1/7)
- Pre-order EVEN IF I FALL by Abigail Johnson to receive a bookmark, a signed bookplate, a cloud charm necklace with quote card and a digital copy of the original flash fiction piece that inspired the book. (INTL)(ends 1/7)
- ***Pre-order THE BLOOD SPELL by C.J. Redwine from Parnassus Books to receive a signed and personalized copy and a free gift. (ends 1/10)
- ***Pre-order STAIN by A.G. Howard to receive the “Alice the Absent” short story, a rose enamel pin, and a signed bookplate. (US only)(ends 1/14)
- Pre-order OUR YEAR OF MAYBE by Rachel Lynn Solomon to receive a bookmark, signed bookplate, vinyl sticker, and adorable dandelion enamel pin! (INT)(ends 1/14)
- Pre-order SONG OF THE DEAD by Sarah Glenn Marsh to receive a signed bookmark, an 11×17 beautiful map of the world of the Reign of the Fallen series (art by Jessica Khoury), and four new character cards including everyone’s favorite bear, Lysander! (art by Jo Painter) (INTL)(ends 1/21)
- Pre-order THE BIRDS, THE BEES, AND YOU AND ME by Olivia Hinebaugh to receive an enamel pin. (US Only)(ends 1/21)
- ***Pre-order THE KINGDOM OF COPPER by S.A. Chakraborty to receive a short story that takes place between this and the first book in the series. (INT)(ends 1/21)
- ***Pre-order A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY by Brigid Kemmerer to receive exclusive bonus content and the chance to win a Cozy Winter Reading Box! (USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and India)(ends 1/28)
- Pre-order KING OF SCARS by Leigh Bardugo to receive an enamel pin! (US only)(ends 1/28)
- Pre-order CRAB CAKE by Andrea Tsurumi (from Indiebound or B&N) to receive a signed print of sea lion, a signed bookplate, a sticker, and the chance for a signed original drawing of Moray Eel. (ends 2/4)
- ***Pre-order THE WEIGHT OF OUR SKY by Hanna Alkaf to receive a bookmark and enamel pin. (Malaysia only, but deals coming for other countries next month)(ends 2/4)
- ***Pre-order COURTING DARKNESS by Robin LeFevers to receive a notebook, enamel pin, bookmark, temporary tattoo, and stickers. (US only)(ends 2/5)
- Pre-order THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE by Samantha Shannon to receive an exclusive signed poster. (USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand)(ends 2/25)
- Pre-order A QUESTION OF HOLMES by a signed, personalized copy, plus an exclusive illustrated print. (INT)(ends 3/5)
- Pre-order DESCENDANT OF THE CRANE by Joan He to receive 3 swag items (they won’t be all paper-made–actual items TBD closer to release date). (INT)(ends 4/1)
More Awesome Giveaways:
- Twitter Giveaways:
- @rlynn_solomon is giving away an ARC of OUR YEAR OF MAYBE and YOU ASKED FOR PERFECT
- @makiialucier is giving away a signed copy of SONG OF THE ABYSS
- @dulivre is giving away four different stacks of books!
- @starcrossedblog is giving away a paperback of Caught Up in a Cowboy by @JennieMarts
- @what_eats_owls is giving away a 2019 preorder of your choice.
- @JennieLy is giving away a 2018 release of your choice.
- @whatshesread is giving away a preorder of your choice.
- @taylormegon is giving away a preorder of OUR YEAR OF MAYBE. This means you’d also get the preorder goodies!
- @edwardanddamon is giving away one of her most anticipated books for the month of November.
- On my blog, you’ll find giveaways of TWILIGHT OF THE ELVES, a $15 Gift card, and Amber & Dusk by Lyra Selene. Plus you can enter the giveaway for the October Wrap-Up Round-Up and the November Discussion Challenge Link-Up & Giveaway.
- If you’re in the Philippines, head over to Rurouni Jenni Reads for a chance to win Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix by Julie C. Dao.
- Head over to Here’s to Happy Endings for a chance to win YOUR OWN WORST ENEMY, INKLING and more. (She has a LOT of giveaways over there!)
- Check out the Love Your Bookstore Challenge and enter to win prize packs
- Dani @ Perspective of a Writer is celebrating her I Heart Characters meme with a giveaway of a Book Depository Book up to $10
- Lots of blogs participating in the November Of Books Giveaway Hop
- Tressa @ Wishful Endings is giving away 1 Book from her Fall to Winter TBR on Amazon (INT)
- XPresso Book Tours is hosting their Fall in Love With Books Giveaway, with a $100 Amazon Gift Card up for grabs.
- Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight is celebrating her 5th blogoversary with a giveaway
- Read It Forward does a weekly giveaway. This week you can enter to win The Water Cure by Sophie Mackintosh
- Head over to Bookish for LOTS of giveaways!
Lots of good stuff! Have any giveaways or great discussions happening on your site right now? Feel free to share them in the comments!
OMG Nicole people can be so petty and narrow minded sometimes!!! I will be happy when my kids will get their driving licence (but they are in no hurry unfortunately!). I read You’d be Mine and really enjoyed this sweet and typical YA read 😉
Yeah, she let it roll off her back, but it’s sort of sad that people feel the need to question their trick-or-treaters’ genders. Why does this matter to them, exactly?
Glad the DMV was nice and helpful. And UGH to the Halloween interaction. Glad our daughter was able to brush it off. Enjoy your new books and have a great week!
Yeah, this trip to the DMV was extra specially pleasant—it’s like every person there was trying to personally defeat the stereotype that DMV workers are grumpy. 🙂
*simmers in anger for your daughter* I’m glad your daughter is able brush those people off. I totally want heads to roll! *deep breath* I’m so glad the DMV was helpful and awesome. We need more experiences like that for LGBTQ+ individuals!
Yeah, I don’t know why someone really needs to question random trick-or-treaters about their gender. Why does it matter to them in the first place? But I’m glad Jade doesn’t let those types of things get to her much.
I’m so happy that the DMV was so nice to your daughter and didn’t make her go through any awkward process. Thankfully, she brushed off that boy’s comment.
Enjoy your new books.
Happy readings! 😉
Thanks! The DMV was a very pleasant experience—nothing like the grouchy stereotype. 🙂
It’s great not having to shuttle around, now I have my son and daughter shuttle me around. How exciting for you daughter, I’m happy the DMV was very helpful with the process. I can’t believe that someone asked ask if she was a boy or a girl… ugh.Enjoy your new reads and have a lovely week.
Yes, I’m happy to have one less kid that needs me to drive her everywhere. Sometimes we can feel like taxi drivers!
Congrats on her License, some people are just complete asshats. Glad she brushed it off. Good for her!
My allergies have been so bad and sometimes like comes and goes, it’s really weird.
I hope this week is awesome for you, Nicole! Happy Reading! 🙂
Yeah, unfortunately she knows that there are people in this world who will just be plain rude to her. It’s sad but true.
Glad your allergy medicine seemed to make it all better! And congrats to your daughter’s license! That’s awesome! Glad she doesn’t let other people’s opinions bother her either!
Yay for new reads too! All new to me ones here! Hope you enjoy them all!
Here’s my STS
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower 🙂
Yeah, wish I would have tried the allergy medicine sooner, but live and learn, I guess. 🙂
My allergies have been a mess lately, I think because our windows a closed now to cat hair and dust join reign. I’m happy your eyes are doing a bit better!
And that’s so great about your daughter’s drivers license, people need to stop assuming. I’m happy that Jade is so strong though.
Have a great week Nicole!
Amber Elise @ Du Livre
Yeah, it seems like usually when there’s snow, my allergies aren’t a problem, but lately they’ve definitely been acting up. And thanks for the kind words about my daughter. 🙂
My son finally got his license but we only have one car. He’s pretty shaky about driving so we’ll have plenty of time to get another vehicle while he gets some practice in. My eyes were acting up too. We have stuff bloom here year round so I knew to take something for it. I know it’s bad when I go outside and my car is covered in pollen. LOL
We’re lucky to be able to have an “extra” car so that she can drive herself most of the time. Of course, it won’t be THAT long before my other daughter’s driving too, and then we’ll have a lot more shuffling to do.
I just read your whole post to my daughter, and she agrees with me, the one person was not taught any manners or common decency. I am pretty horrified, but how awesome that your daughter has a license now. A little bit of freedom for both of you. Congratulations to her! My child is 23 and still not driving, but at least I am no longer her chauffeur. And now I just went and downloaded The Truth About Leaving.
Ha! Glad you eventually got past your parental driving duties—one way or another. And I agree about that rude person, of course. Not sure why that guy thought Jade wanted his opinion on her gender, but some people insist on giving theirs whether anyone wants to hear it or not.
Congrats to your daughter! I’m glad the DMV was painless. Sorry about the Halloween stuff, though. Why do people think it’s okay to comment on other people’s bodies? Did their mothers not teach them manners? Rude. I hope you have a good week!
Manners are apparently optional in today’s world.
Aww – I’m glad it was simple allergies and nothing serious, Nicole! Hope you’ll get some blog work done this week! Congratulations on your oldest for getting her driver’s license. And UGH. That guy. I’m glad Jade is able to brush off those comments, but that wasn’t okay of them to say she’s a guy because of her masculine voice.
Yeah, unfortunately Jade’s going to have people telling her their “opinions” on her gender for the rest of her life, probably. It’s quite sad.
Some people have very small minds. Glad Jade handles things so well.
Thanks. I’m glad too.
That’s great about your daughter! I’m glad she doesn’t let things like that get to her. People need to mind their own business!!
So very true!
People can definitely be ignorant and make rude comments, but I’m glad your daughter could just brush it off. I’m glad the DMV were good about it though, and congrats to her on getting her driver’s license. I still don’t drive, sooo…haha
I’m glad the medicine helped you too; allergies are never fun, and it really can be tough to tell if that’s the problem or not.
-Lauren
I didn’t get my license till I was 17 (I failed the test THREE times when I first turned 16. LOL!). And even then, I only drove four times before I turned 18. I was never a fan of driving when I was younger.
The weather has been so weird that I’ve had spring allergies that last forever. Hello, it’s November!
Glad Jade got her driver’s license – that is such a milestone!
My allergies are STILL not going away. It’s been such a weird year for them.
That was really rude of them to ask such things. But I am glad not all were bad experiences this week. The weather changes definitely bring out the worst of allergies, here too.
PS Thanks for sharing my post!
It’s weird because my allergies have STILL been bothering me. It’s like they just won’t go away this year.
I was so happy to get my DL! My mom was even more ecstatic! Isn’t it lovely when others surprise you and act outside their stereotypes ? Your daughter sounds so mature in being able to brush it off. Sometimes us on the side are more angry than the victim. Wonderful girl! ❤️❤️
My daughter was surprisingly neutral about getting her drivers license. I think I was happier about it than she was. 🙂
I’m so happy that your daughter got her drivers license, that’s SO exciting and such a huge moment! And I’m so sorry to hear that she had to deal with a neighbor who could say something so cruel and insensitive. It’s a sad world when people don’t realize or stop and think about how much their words can hurt others, but I’m glad to hear that she was able to brush it off! Sending hugs her way!
Thanks, Jen. Yes, some people just don’t think about (or care) how their words affect others.