This past week on FYFA (and in my life):
This week seemed to fly by! I started binge-watching this ridiculous reality TV show called Married at First Sight, and I’ve watched way too much of it. I don’t even usually watch reality TV, but somehow this train wreck of an idea has captured my attention? I don’t get it—and yet I keep watching. LOL!
My younger daughter had a swim meet Friday, yesterday and today, so that was fun. And my oldest got her wisdom teeth out yesterday. Not as fun. But still somewhat entertaining for the rest of us as we watched her lurch around the house and talk ridiculously after anesthesia. 🙂 Poor kiddo!
Here’s what you may have missed on the blog since my last Sunday Post:
- Storm Blown by Nick Courage: Review of an Epic Adventure
- Bite-Sized Reviews of After Zero, Breath of Flowers, George, & Carry On
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.)
- July 15th – Michelle @ Fitkittymama Reads‘ Birthday
- July 15th – Morgan @ Remembered Deservedly‘s Birthday
- July 17th – Angela @ Angel’s Guilty Pleasures‘ Birthday
- July 20th – Boats Against The Current‘s Blogoversary
- July 20th – Mostly YA Lit‘s Blogoversary
Book Haul:
From NetGalley/Edelweiss:
I got Teen Titans: Raven for review on release day. This graphic novel is written by Kami Garcia and illustrated by Gabriel Picolo. I’m about a third of the way through and loving it so far!
Small Spaces and Six Goodbyes We Never Said were both total impulse clicks. Small Spaces was written by Katherine Arden and the cover was designed by Jaclyn Reyes. Six Goodbyes was written by Candace Ganger, cover design by Kerri Resnick, cover art by Cannaday Chapman.
The Lady Rogue is Jenn Bennet, and I LOVE her contemps, so I decided I needed to read her fantasy! This cover was designed by Bellelis.
I was SO excited to get approved for Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia!! This book looks AMAZING (cover illustration by Eric Wilkerson).
And, finally, I signed up for the tour for Before I Disappear after I saw author Danielle Stinson tweet about the premise and I instantly fell in love with the idea! This one is designed by Katie Klimowicz.
Won:
I won Out of Place from Crystal @ Lost in Storyland! Thank you!! The book is written by Jennifer Blecher and illustrated by Merrilee Liddiard. It looks fantastic, and I can’t wait to read it!
Free/Purchased:
I picked up K.J. Sutton’s newest book Fortuna Sworn after she contacted me to ask if I’d review it. (It was free at the time. Not sure if it still is.) I don’t review adult books on the blog anymore, but I’ve loved her YA and MG, so I decided I needed to give this book a go. The cover art for this beauty was done by Gwenn Danae.
And, finally, I got an email from Amazon with a $7 Kindle credit and decided to use it toward All of Me by Chris Baron, a MG book in verse that I’ve really wanted to read. This cover was designed by Eileen Savage.
Great Discussions/Goings On Around the Blogosphere:
- Malka @ Paper Procrastinators writes I Judge Books By Their Covers (And So Do You), which made me come to a HUGE revelation that I never would have thought of before (check for my comment on the post to see what that was).
- Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight shares a blogoversary post about how she’s changed as a reader because of blogging.
- Michelle @ Chelle’s Book Ramblings and Misty @ Misty’s Book Space are hosting a fun readathon called TropeAthon that’s starting on July 22nd!
Pre-order Campaigns
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 THIS IS HOW YOU LOSE THE TIME WAR by Amal El-Mohtar to receive an enamel pin and a postcard from the side (obviously the winning side) of your choice! If you’re one of the first 25 to write in, you’ll also get an extra copy of the book signed by both Max and me, along with a hand-written note! (US & CAN)(ends 7/15)
- Pre-order PUMPKINHEADS by Rainbow Rowell to receive an original art print designed by illustrator Faith Erin Hicks and signed by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks. Plus, you’ll be entered to win a trip to the PUMPKINHEADS launch event on 8/27 for both you and a guest! (US/CAN)(ends 7/15)
- Pre-order SOUL OF STARS by Ashley Poston OR request a library purchase to receive a digital poster and phone and desktop wallpaper! (ends 7/22)
- Pre-order SPIN THE DAWN by Elizabeth Lim to receive exclusive art, an official bookmark and a signed bookplate. (INT)(ends 7/29)
- Pre-order any of the DIARY OF AN ICE PRINCESS books by Christina Soontornvat or request them from your local library to receive a bookmark (with fun science activity instructions!) and a sticker. You’ll also be entered to win a custom digital black-and-white portrait by the book’s illustrator, Barbara Szepesi Szucs and a pack of six early middle grade and chapter books! (INT)(ends 7/29)
- Pre-order FINDING ME by Kelly Gunderman to receive a signed bookmark. You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize. (US only)(ends 7/29)
- Pre-order THAT’S WHAT FRENEMIES ARE FOR by Sophie Littlefield and Lauren Gershell to receive a signed bookplate and a curated workout playlist from the authors! (US only)(ends 7/29)
- Pre-order THE WITCHSTONE AMULET by Mason Thomas OR request a library purchase to be entered to win a custom tote bag filled with a signed copy of the book and other swag. (ends 8/1)
- Pre-order THE MIRACULOUS by Jess Redman OR request a library purchase to receive a bookmark, a sticker, and one of three art cards featuring the cover art. Plus, you’ll be entered to win even more! (INT)(ends 8/5)
- Pre-order TINY BUT MIGHTY: Kitten Lady’s Guide to Saving the Most Vulnerable Felines by Hannah Shaw to receive an enamel pin featuring the cover kitten. (US only)(ends 8/5)
- Pre-order HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN by Katy Upperman OR request a library purchase to receive a signed bookmark, a vinyl watercolor poppy sticker, and an exclusive bookplate (personalized and signed). If you’re in the US, you’ll also be entered to win a grand prize. (INT)(ends 8/5)
- ***Pre-order SWIPE RIGHT FOR MURDER by Derek Milman to receive a signed bookplate, cell phone grip-stand, and a button. (US only)(ends 8/5)
- Pre-order WILDER GIRLS by Rory Power, SPIN THE DAWN by Elizabeth Lim, or HOUSE OF SALT AND SORROWS by Erin A. Craig to receive an Underlined pillowcase. (US only)(ends 8/6)
- ***Pre-order THE MERCIFUL CROW by Margaret Owen to receive 3 character cards, 4 stickers, a signed bookplate, and a double-sided bookmark! (US) OR order internationally or request a library purchase to receive a lock screen for each of the character cards and an exclusive wallpaper! (US orders from indie bookstores will also receive the digital goodies.)(INT)(ends 8/6)
- ***Pre-order TO BE TAUGHT, IF FORTUNATE by Becky Chambers to receive an exclusive Travel Journal! (UK only)(ends 8/7)
- ***Pre-order FRANKLY IN LOVE by David Yoon OR send in a postcard to receive a collectible FRANKLY IN LOVE WITH BOOKS pin and be entered to win an exclusive Tote Bag! (US only)(ends 8/9)
- Pre-order THE DOWNSTAIRS GIRL by Stacy Lee OR request a library purchase to receive a sturdy door hanger, which also makes an excellent bookmark (US & INT) and a butterfly knot (hand tied by the author), which is long enough to use as a bookmark (US purchases only). (INT)(ends 8/12)
- Pre-order MIDNIGHT BEAUTIES by Megan Shepherd to receive a specialized leather bookmark, a cute sticker, a signed bookplate and an exclusive art print from Melanie Bourgeois. If you pre-order by 6/14, you’ll also get access to an exclusive eNovella about Cricket, “Tricks and Whispers”! (US & CAN)(ends 8/12)
- Pre-order THINGS YOU SAVE IN A FIRE by Katherine Center from Blue Willow Bookshop to receive a signed/personalized copy, a bookmark, and special SWAG. (ends 8/12)
- Pre-order THE BUTTERFLY RECLUSE by Therese Heckenkamp to receive an autographed bookmark, fridge magnet, butterfly charm, and sticker. (US only)(ends 8/12)
- Pre-order SUPERNOVA by Marissa Meyer to have your name printed in the paperback of Archenemies! Those who submit their receipt now will also receive an exclusive Universe of Marissa Meyer promo item, reveal to come! (US only)(ends 8/13)
- Pre-order ZIGGY, STARDUST & ME by James Brandon OR request a library purchase to receive an official bookmark and cover sticker. Pre-orders will also receive a “Gay is Good” vintage remake button, & a signed bookplate (hardcovers only). Plus, a $1 donation will be made to BAAITS. (INT)(ends 8/15)
- ***Pre-order REBEL by Mari Lu to receive an original art print. You’ll also be entered to win a trip to the REBEL launch event on 10/1 for both you and a guest! (US only)(ends 8/15)
- ***Pre-order THE TROUBLE WITH SHOOTING STARS by Meg Cannistra OR request it from your local library to receive a zeppelin sticker and star enamel pin. (US only)(ends 8/19)
- ***Pre-order WILD SAVAGE STARS by Kristina Perez to receive an EXCLUSIVE Tristan POV chapter! (INT)(ends 8/26)
- Pre-order BEST FRIENDS by Shannon Hale and illustrated by LeUyen Pham to receive a keychain set to share with YOUR best friend! (US only)(ends 8/26)
- Pre-order THE SPINNER OF DREAMS by K.A. Reynolds OR request a library purchase to receive a bookmark and sticker featuring the cover art (for pre-orders, the bookmark will come signed). The first 100 US pre-orders will receive two postcards, a signed bookmark, sticker, and a black crow feather enamel pin. You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize. (INT)(ends 8/26)
- Pre-order CROWN OF CORAL AND PEARL by Mara Rutherford OR request a library purchase to receive two 4”x6” prints of character art. Plus you’ll be entered to win a grand prize. (INT)(ends 8/26)
- ***Pre-order THE BATTLE by Karuna Riazi OR request a library purchase to receive swag! (US only)(ends 8/26)
- Pre-order DARKDAWN by Jay Kristoff to receive a deleted chapter called “Three”. (INT)(ends 9/1)
- Pre-order THE MANY COLORS OF HARPREET SINGH by Supriya Kelkar to receive a signed bookmark & bookplate. (US only)(ends 9/2)
- Pre-order TIGER QUEEN by Annie Sullivan to receive an enamel pin, a signed bookplate, a creature guide and a digital poster. (INT)(ends 9/9)
- Pre-order SEEKER by Kim Chance to receive a bookmark, a signed bookplate, and a 4×6 print of an exclusive custom piece of artwork created by Gabriella Bujdoso! (INT)(ends 9/9)
- ***Pre-order THE LIAR’S DAUGHTER by Megan Cooley Peterson OR request a library purchase to receive a bookmark and a signed bookplate. (ends 9/9)
- Pre-order THE LAST KIDS ON EARTH AND THE MIDNIGHT BLADE by Max Brallier to receive special slime and a signed bookplate! Plus, your child’s name will be included in the acknowledgements of the next Last Kids on Earth book! (US only)(ends 9/16)
- Pre-order MOMENTOUS EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF A CACTUS by Dusti Bowling to receive a signed bookplate, bookmark, & bonus story. (ends 9/16)
- Pre-order THE SEVEN NECESSARY SINS FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS by Mona Eltahawy to receive a T-shirt, a 5×7 art print with a quote from the book, and a signed bookplate (first 50). Pre-orders submitted after that will receive the 5×7 art print and the signed bookplate. (US only)(ends 9/16)
- ***Pre-order JUST LUCKY by Melanie Florence to receive buttons and stickers and stuff. (ends 9/16)
- ***Pre-order THE LIARS OF MARIPOSA ISLAND by Jennifer Mathieu to receive a butterfly charm necklace, butterfly stickers, a postcard, and a bookmark. (INT)(ends 9/16)
- Pre-order HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE (Illustrated Edition) by J.K. Rowling via the Bloomsbury website to receive an exclusive Goblet of Fire tote bag. (UK/ROI)(ends 10/7) OR (AU/NZ)(ends 9/18)
- Pre-order THE BEAST by Ally Condie and Brendan Reichs to receive a poster and 30 bookmarks to share! (US/CAN only)(ends 9/29)
- Pre-order THE BURNING SHADOW by Jennifer Armentrout to receive an original e-short story “Like the First Time.” Experience the moment Evie and Luc first meet in the club from Luc’s point-of-view. (US/Can)(ends 10/7)
- Pre-order CALL DOWN THE HAWK by Maggie Stiefvater from specified bookstores to receive a signed limited edition bookplate (I believe it features Maggie’s art?). (INT)(ends 11/4)
- ***Pre-order THE KILL CLUB by Wendy Heard OR request a library purchase to receive a Blackbird Killer lapel pin, a Blackbird Killer playing card, a bookmark, a signed bookplate, and secret swag. (Form to submit can be found HERE.)(ends 12/16)
- Pre-order A HEART SO FIERCE AND BROKEN by Brigid Kemmerer to receive a designed art print of a quote from the first book. (USA–not PR, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand)(ends 1/6)
Awesome Giveaways:
- Twitter Giveaways:
- @travelingreads is giving away Sorcery of Thorns
- @laurellizabeth is giving away a signed copy of Last Girl Lied To
- @theLasagna is giving away an ARC of THERE WILL COME A DARKNESS
- @YABookArmy is giving away FURYBORN & KINGSBANE
- @Servillas_ is giving away a book or pre-order
- @dantemay_cry is giving away 5 books in the UK and 3 worldwide
- @BiblioStacks is giving away a pre-order of one of eight YA debuts
- @sunandchai is giving away a QPOC OwnVoices book of your choice!
- On my blog, you can enter the giveaway for the June 2019 Monthly Wrap-Up Round-Up & Make Me Read It Giveaway and the July Discussion Challenge and Giveaway.
- Head over to Confessions of a YA Reader to enter to win LOCK EVERY DOOR by Riley Sager
- Head over to Cornerfolds for a chance to win a signed hardcover of Wild and Crooked by Leah Thomas and an ARC of How the Light Gets In by Katy Upperman
- Head over to A Dream Within a Dream for a chance to win an autographed copy of Witches Protection Program and a $100 Amazon Gift Card
- Wendy @ Falconer’s Library is celebrating her blogoversary and 50th birthday by giving back! Enter her giveaway for a chance for her to give a $25 donation to a classroom near you for a literacy-related project via Donors Choose
- Head over to Lisa Loves Literature for a chance to win The Storm Crow
- Head over to It Starts at Midnight for a chance to win QUEEN OF RUIN and CONTAGION and IMMUNITY
- Lots of blogs participating in the July Of Books Giveaway Hop
- Head over to My Lovely Secret for a chance to win Spin the Dawn
- You can also enter to win Spin the Dawn at Lost in Storyland
- Head over to Lisa Loves Literature for a chance to win a fairy tale prize pack & $25 gift card
- Malka and Chana @ Paper Procrastinators are celebrating their first blogoversary with a giveaway!
- Head over to Shooting Stars Mag because Lauren is celebrating her 12th blogoversary by giving away 12 books!
- Book Riot is giving away the first two books in The Pandava Quartet by Roshani Chokshi
- Head over to XPresso Book Tours to enter to win a $150 Amazon gift card!
- Head over to Susan Heim on Parenting for a chance to win an Explorer Academy Summer Reading Prize Pack
- Penguin Random House is doing a massive Stranger Things giveaway
- Head over to Lisa Loves Literature for a chance to win Three books from her ARC/Books for Trade shelves
- Read It Forward does a weekly giveaway. This week you can enter to win A Song for a New Day by Sarah Pinsker!
- 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!
Thank you for including my giveaway link!
You’re very welcome!
I haven’t watched Married At First Sight but I did get pulled into 90 Day Fiance. And now I can’t stop watching that horror show unfold. lol
I haven’t heard of 90 Day Fiance (I’m so out of touch with current TV), but now I just might have to check it out. LOL! I did finish one full season of MaFS, and I don’t know how much more I’ll watch. I see myself getting sick of it. Still, it’s been entertaining!
That’s the power of reality TV shows. For some odd reason, they can grab our attention with all the drama. =P I thought I already was too old for it, but I’ll have to get a wisdom tooth out. I feel your daughter’s pain.
You got so many wonderful books this week. *.* I saw Fortuna Sworn on Netgalley and I thought about requesting if. After reading your praise to the author, I’ll probably try my luck. 😉
Thank you for sharing my giveaway. <3
Wishes of a happy week!
Tânia @MyLovelySecret
If you’re a fan of new adult fantasy, I definitely recommend you get this one. I have really been impressed with Kelsey Sutton’s writing in her YA and MG!
I read Small Spaces and received an ARC this past week of Six Goodbyes We Never Said too. All of Me is a must read for me too as I love novels in verse. I’m looking forward to your post on it, but I think I already know you and I are going to love it. Wisdom teeth pulling happened around here too a couple of years ago–two kids at once, but one and done worked well for us.
Yeah, we’ll have to go through the whole wisdom tooth thing again in a couple of years. My younger daughter is NOT on board with the idea of having hers out. She freaks out at the idea of any kind of surgery (she doesn’t even like having blood drawn).
Another blogger I know has a daughter who just got her wisdom teeth pulled too! What a week for wisdom teeth pulling! Lol! I had 6 wisdom teeth! SIX!! I didn’t know one could have more than 4 and as it was, they were only able to pull 5 because of where the last one was located. Too far back or something. I can’t remember. Recovery was definitely rougher since I had the extra teeth going on. Hope your daughter is fairing better!
And yay for new reads! Lots of them! And a win too! Congrats! Hope you enjoy all the new lovelies!
Here’s my StS
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower 🙂
My husband had six as well! It made for a much harder recovery for him. I feel for you!
Let me know how Fortuna Sworn is! Where do you watch Married at First Sight? I think I need to give it a try!
I watch it on Hulu. Not sure if it’s available anywhere else.
Poor kid! I remember when my daughter had her wisdom teeth out. It was not pretty. I still have mine, so I have no idea how bad it felt. I love Bennett’s contemporaries, but am not a big fantasy reader. I am interested in seeing what everyone things about Rogue, though
Wisdom teeth is one of those things where I wonder if everyone REALLY needs them out? I mean, it seems like they just automatically say you do. But, we decided to just go with it in the end.
I find myself getting sucked into random reality TV shows too. I don’t usually watch them, but sometimes they really do pull you in and it’s hard to look away. LOL Aw, I hope your daughter is doing okay after her wisdom teeth being taken out. I know mine weren’t that fun, but it wasn’t terrible either. I’m glad you’re enjoying the Raven graphic novel. I really want to read that one.
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
She’s already feeling a lot better today, so hopefully the recovery won’t be bad.
I’m so glad Out of Place reached you! I hope you enjoy it and all your amazing books. I’ve been wanting to read Teen Titans: Raven. I look forward to your thoughts on it 🙂
It looks like Fortuna Sworn is free for those with Kindle Unlimited.
Yes, thank you so much for the book! I look forward to reading it!!
I’ve heard of that show and it sounds absolutely bonkers! Lol. I’m glad you’re having fun watching that craziness though!
Happy reading!
It really is crazy. I don’t really understand how the “experts” on the show can think it’s a good idea, but it’s definitely entertaining.
I feel bad for the kid who got her wisdom teeth out. The anesthesia they used on me made me sick. On the way home, I threw up blood like in a horror movie. There were minor complications with my wisdom teeth surgery, and I guess I swallowed a lot of blood while I was sleeping. Then I threw it up in my parents’ car. Pleasant, right?
Oh no! That sounds absolutely horrible! Luckily, she seems to be recovering well and hasn’t had any real issues since the surgery.
Ugh. I remember getting my wisdom teeth out in high school. It was the worst! But I’m glad I got it done when I was younger. My husband got his out like two years ago? That stunk.
Was it worse as an adult? I can see how that might be the case.
Awww, I hope your daughter recovers quickly from her wisdom teeth surgery. Looks like you got a lot of great new reads this week. The Lady Rogue is one I’m really excited for.
Too many great new reads (I need to stop requesting/accepting)!!
Ahh yes, sometimes some random reality TV shows just end up captivating us to no end hahaha I know that feeling too well 🙂
I can’t wait to hear what you think of The Lady Rogue, I really really enjoyed that one a lot 😀
Have a wonderful week! <3
I guess that’s why they call that sort of thing Guilty Pleasure TV!
I remember getting my wisdom teeth out! I’m so glad all of mine are out at this point, so I don’t have to worry about them bothering me anymore! And I hope your daughter feels better! I also love how you started incorporating cover artists into your posts after you mention the authors! It’s such a simple way to give them recognition!
Thanks!! I’m really trying to credit the artists whenever I can (it can be really tough info to find sometimes!!).
Your poor daughter! Getting wisdom teeth out is never fun. Out of Place looks beautiful and thanks for the giveaway updates! 🙂
You’ve got that right! She’s recovered well, though.
One of my friends back home said she got sucked into Married at First Sight too lol! It must be super addicting! And I hope your kiddo started to feel better asap after having their wisdom teeth taken out ack. I still remember that, such a miserable surgery, sorry!
The show is weirdly addictive. I’m definitely hooked!