The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on my blog and share news about what’s coming up in the week ahead.
This past week on FYFA (and in my life):
Here’s what we’ve been up to while safe indoors this week:
- Online school. They announced yesterday that school is officially not starting back up this year. So, this is what we’re doing for the rest of the year. I totally get it, but my younger daughter is pretty bummed—she’s definitely the most stir-crazy of all of us.
- We watched:
- I forgot to mention last week that we had watched Onward. I LOVED the movie—and, yep, a few tears were shed.
- The whole family watched Groundhog Day on Easter (for its super religious messaging, of course. LOL!). The kids weren’t so sure about such an old movie at first, but by the end they really enjoyed it. 🙂
- Yesterday, we binged a whole bunch of episodes of 100 Humans. I don’t know how scientifically accurate the studies really are, but the show is really interesting (and entertaining too).
- My husband and I have been continuing to watch Ozark.
- We also watched a few episodes of The Goldbergs with my younger daughter (at her request). That’s such a great show to watch with the family!
- I listened to only one book this week (though I’m reading another one now):
- I listened to The Princess and the Fangirl. A super cute book!
- For those of you who are following my family’s newly-found love of reading, they’re still at it! My younger daughter is on book six of Harry Potter now, and my husband finished the book he started reading last week!! This is big news, people!! Now, I’m under pressure to find him another one after he actually enjoyed The Martian so much. He’s liked some YA dystopians in the past (he listened to The Hunger Games Series and same others way back in the day), so I’m thinking of recommending Dry by Neal Shusterman.
- I’m participating in Camp NaNoWriMo and still making headway on my verse novel!
- I’m working on a second edit for a client’s novel. I’m halfway through now.
Here’s what you may have missed on the blog since my last Sunday Post:
- Bite-Sized Reviews of The Darkest Star, Efrén Divided, Awesome Dog 5000 vs. Mayor Bossypants, & Pretty in Punxsutawney
- Man Up by Kim Oclon: Review & Giveaway. Plus Author & Character Top Ten Addictions Lists!
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.)
- April 21st – A Cat, A Book, and A Cup of Tea‘s Blogoversary
- April 22nd – TeachingAuthors‘ Blogoversary
- April 24th – Zoe Ashwood‘s Birthday (AKA formerly Kaja @ Of Dragons and Hearts)
Book Haul:
From NetGalley:
I got approved for Quintessence by Jess Redman. I’ve been meaning to read Redman for a really long time, and this book looks absolutely wonderful!! The absolutely stunning cover art was illustrated by Matt Rockefeller.
Then I also decided to click the Read Now buttons on The Beast Player by Nahoko Uehashi and Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron. Both of these are fantasies that sound great. I was especially interested in the first because it’s translated from Japanese. The second one has been described as “queer black girls overthrowing the patriarchy.” Sounds great, right? The cover for The Beast Player is illustrated Yuta Onoda and the cover for Cinderella is Dead is illustrated by Manzi Jackson.
For Review:
I received Deeplight by Frances Hardinge. This fantasy looks fabulous!! The amazing cover was illustrated by Vincent Chong.
Purchased:
I had pre-ordered S.J. Pajonas’s latest book in The Flyght Series, Silent Flyght, and it appeared on my Kindle this week!
Great Discussions/Goings On Around the Blogosphere:
- Sophie @ Beware of the Reader tells us about When grocery shopping is worthy of West Point! Get ready to strategize for a battle!
Pre-order Campaigns
(Make sure you scroll to see them all!) Listed in order of release date. Any new deals I 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 they might not be open until the date listed. Pre-0rder early for your best chance to get all the goodies!
- Pre-order LEGEND OF THE STORM SNEEZER by Kristiana Sfirlea to receive a sneak peek at 1st 3 chapters, an exclusive look at the book’s illustrations in FULL-COLOR, and a chance to win storm cloud squishies and other bookish swag. (ends 4/19)
- Pre-order TIME OF OUR LIVES by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka to receive an exclusive “Write Your Love Story” pen set! (US only)(ends 4/20)
- Pre-order RICK by Alex Gino for a chance to win a Be Who You Are watercolor painted by the author. (ends 4/20)
- Pre-order KAZU JONES AND THE COMIC BOOK CRIMINAL by Shauna Holyoak to receive a poster of the cover of this book and the book in the series, bookmarks for BOTH books, a signed bookplate, a sticker of the Mystery Squad, and a Kazu zipper pull. Teachers and Librarians can also receive classroom sets of bookmarks with their preorders. (ends 4/20)
- Pre-order SHOREFALL by Robert Jackson Bennett to receive a signed poster and bookplate! (US only)(ends 4/20)
- ***Pre-order STARBREAKER by Amanda Bouchet for a chance to name a star! (ends 4/27)
- Pre-order DON’T CALL THE WOLF by Aleksandra Ross to receive 3 art cards, a bookmark, a signed bookplate, and a book sleeve decorated with the crest and motto of the Wolf Lords. All the art was created by the author! (US/CAN)(ends 4/27)
- Pre-order LET’S GO TO TAEKWONDO! by Aram Kim from Books of Wonder to receive a personalized, signed copy of the book. On top of that, first 50 people who order through the link will receive a linocut character print! (ends 4/27)
- Pre-order BAREFOOT ON THE BEACH by Katlyn Duncan to receive the first chapters (emailed to you). Plus you’ll be entered to win one of three prize packs. (INT)(ends 4/27)
- Pre-order INCENDIARY by Zoraida Cordova to receive a signed book (or bookplate for INT), along with a custom-made bookmark and holographic sticker!! (INT)(ends 4/28)
- Pre-order HEARING HAPPINESS: DEAFNESS CURES IN HISTORY by Jaipreet Virdi or request it from your local library to receive a limited edition retro hearing aid advertisement button a limited edition retro hearing aid advertisement button (first 100 submissions). You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize! (ends 4/30)
- Pre-order VERONICA COMICS by Jennifer Dugan OR request it from your local library to receive a signed bookplate, a set of four wall-safe vinyl stickers, and a bookmark! Anyone who orders through Northshire Toga will receive a mini-print of an incredible illustration! (INT)(ends 4/30)
- Pre-order AN OUTCAST AND AN ALLY or A SOLDIER AND A LIAR by Caitlin Lochner OR request one of them from your local library to receive a bookmark, a sticker, and a set of four character cards! (INT)(ends 5/1)
- ***Pre-order LAST GIRLS by Demetra Brodsky to receive a 5×7 glossy art print & signed bookplate. Plus, you’ll be entered to win prizes! (US only)(ends 5/4)
- Pre-order DARK SKIES by Danielle L. Jensen to receive a character art dust jacket & signed bookplate (US/Can hardcover preorders). Or 4×6 character art postcard & signed bookplate (INT preorders and US/Can ebook or audiobook preorders). (INT)(ends 5/4)
- Pre-order KEEP IT TOGETHER, KEIKO CARTER by Debbi Michiko from Bank Square Books to receive a signed book, a bookmark, and an exclusive Keiko Carter-themed button. In addition, each book you preorder will gain you entry for a grand prize drawing. (ends 5/4)
- Pre-order THE EXTRAORDINARIES by TJ Klune to receive a limited-edition enamel pin! (US & Can)(ends 5/4)
- Pre-order THE LIFE AND (MEDIEVAL) TIMES OF KIT SWEETLY by Jamie Pacton OR request it from your local library to receive three stickers, an art print of Kit and her friends, and a bookmark. The first US pre-orders will also receive a medieval-knight rubber duck and a nametag. Plus, all pre-orders will be entered to win a grand prize. (INT)(ends 5/4)
- Pre-order THE TOURIST ATTRACTION by Sarah Morgenthaler to receive a “Keep Calm and RomCom On” enamel pin. (US/CAN)(ends 5/4)
- Pre-order FOUR DAYS OF YOU AND ME by Miranda Kenneally to receive a signed bookplate and an enamel pin. You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize! (US/CAN)(ends 5/4)
- Pre-order LOBIZONA by Romina Garber (AKA Romina Russell) to receive a set of 5 Lobizona buttons! (US/CAN)(ends 5/4)
- Pre-order OUR FRIEND HEDGEHOG by Lauren Castillo from Midtown Scholar to receive a signed copy and a 5×7 art print (plus free shipping as of now)! (ends 5/4)
- Pre-order NETWORK EFFECT by Martha Wells to receive an exclusive, bonus Murderbot short story! (US/Can)(ends 5/5)
- ***Pre-order FORGED IN FIRE AND STARS by Andrea Roberston to receive an exclusive button pack! (US only)(ends 5/11)
- Pre-order BY THE BOOK by Amanda Sellet from Raven Book Store to receive a signed copy, bookmark, and a sticker. Plus you’ll be entered to win a giveaway! (ends 5/11)
- Pre-order THE TOTAL ECLIPSE OF NESTOR LOPEZ by Adrianna Cuevas to receive a recipe card, signed bookplate, bookmark, sticker, and magnet. (US/CAN)(ends 5/11)
- Pre-order AURORA BURNING by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman to receive a shiny, holographic sticker sheet featuring all the characters from Aurora Burning, plus stream badges and more. (US only) Purchase in-store from Dymocks and get an exclusive Aurora Academy patch or in-store from QBD to get an exclusive Aurora Academy phone grip. (AUS) Check the link for other INT details. (ends 5/17)
- Pre-order THE FASCINATORS by Andrew Eliopulos from an indie bookstore to receive an all-new, exclusive short story starring the three main characters in the book. (ends 5/17)
- Pre-order a HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX House Edition to receive an exclusive pocket-size notebook. (AUS/NZ—see below for UK/ROI)(ends 5/18)
- Pre-order ALWAYS HUMAN by Ari North to receive an exclusive digital bonus comic. Plus, there will be chances for more goodies depending on the number of people who pre-order! Hardcover preorders will also receive a bookmark, a signed bookplate, and a postcard print. (ends 5/18)
- Pre-order THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES by Suzanne Collins from Book People to receive a limited-edition Hunger Games patch. (ends 5/18)
- Pre-order A SKY BEYOND THE STORM by Sabaa Tahir to receive a deluxe Ember keepsake box plus the Phase 2 gift (to be announced). (US only)(5/25 end of Phase 1)
- ***Pre-order GHOSTING: A LOVE STORY by Tash Skilton from The Ripped Bodice to receive a sticker, bookmark, limited edition postcard with UK cover, and a signed bookplate. (ends 5/25)
- Pre-order CONVENTIONALLY YOURS by Annabeth Albert to receive a “Keep Calm and RomCom On” enamel pin. (US/CAN)(ends 6/1)
- Pre-order IF WE WERE US by K.L. Walther to receive a “Keep Calm and RomCom On” enamel pin. (US/CAN)(ends 6/1)
- Pre-order JO & LAURIE by Margaret Stohl & Melissa de la Cruz to receive an exclusive tea tin! (US only)(ends 6/1)
- Pre-order YOU SHOULD SEE ME IN A CROWN by Leah Johnson from Kids Ink Bookstore to receive a signed copy, a postcard, and a bookmark. Pre-order from anywhere to be entered to win a Campbell County HS prom swag bag full of goodies along with a signed bookplate, and a donation made in your name to The Princess Project. (ends 6/1)
- Pre-order KAMALA AND MAYA’S BIG IDEA by Meena Harris from a listed indie bookstore to receive a limited-edition Phenomenal Girl t-shirt! (ends 6/1)
- Pre-order THE DAMNED by Renée Ahdieh to receive an exclusive skull bracelet! (US only)(ends 6/1)
- Pre-order I KILLED ZOE SPANOS by Kit Frick to receive a swag pack (pic of bookmarks and stickers on Twitter). Plus the author will donate $2 to The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. First-edition hardcovers will also have blue sprayed edges! (INT)(ends 6/1)
- Pre-order I THINK I LOVE YOU by Auriane Desombre to read the two scripts that spark Emma and Sophia’s rivalry and vote on which character should win the festival! (INT)(ends 6/1)
- Pre-order ALL THE THINGS WE NEVER KNEW by Liara Tamani from Blue Willow Books to receive a signed, personalized copy, a branded notebook, pencil, sticker, pin, and bookmark! In addition, Liara will generously make a donation to the Houston Food Bank for every pre-order placed. (ends 6/4)
- Pre-order AGNES AT THE END OF THE WORLD by Kelly McWilliams to receive a signed bookplate, two bookmarks, two stickers, and a fridge magnet. First 10 preorders, plus a limited number of random preorders, will receive an “Are You In Rebellion?” enamel pin. You’ll also be entered into a giveaway for a 100 dollar gift card to the bookstore of your choice. (INT except pin)(ends 6/8)
- Pre-order a HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX House Edition to receive an exclusive pocket-size notebook. (UK/ROI)(ends 6/11)
- Pre-order THE LAST TRAIN TO KEY WEST by Chanel Cleeton from Fountain Bookstore to receive a signed copy and an exclusive limited-edition tote bag. (ends 6/13)
- ***Pre-order I’LL BE THE ONE by Lyla Lee to receive a signed bookplate, an art print and a bookmark. Plus you’ll be entered to win a giveaway. (ends 6/15)
- Pre-order FRAGILE REMEDY by Maria Ingrande Mora OR request it from your local library OR create & share fanart to receive 3 character bookmarks, and a holographic Queen of the Tinkers die-cut sticker. US pre-orders will also be entered to win two giveaways. (INT)(ends 6/19)
- Pre-order FOREST OF SOULS by Lori M. Lee OR request it from your local library to receive a gold enamel bookmark, a signed bookplate, 3 character cards and more! You’ll also be entered to win a giveaway! (INT)(ends 6/23)
- Pre-order THE EMPIRE OF GOLD by S.A. Chakraborty to receive a set of six pins featuring the tribal sigils of each tribe of Daevabad! (US only)(ends 6/29)
- Pre-order THE CROW RIDER by Kalyn Josephson to receive 1 of 2 bonus scenes (from either Ericen or Kiva’s POV) and a chance to win a foil bookmark and a set of character cards. (US/CAN)(ends 7/6)
- Pre-order CINDERELLA IS DEAD by Kalynn Bayron to receive an enamel pin! (ends 7/6 – US)(ends 8/5 – UK/ROI)(ends 8/31 – AUS/NZ)
- ***Pre-order HAWK by James Patterson to receive a metal bookmark and a hawk enamel pin! (US only)(ends 7/5)
- Pre-order BOYFRIEND MATERIAL by Alexis Hall to receive a “Keep Calm and RomCom On” enamel pin. (US/CAN)(ends 7/6)
- Pre-order UNRAVEL THE DUSK by Elizabeth Lim to receive swag (to be announced later). (US only for now–but check back in future)(ends 7/13)
- ***Pre-order THE INVENTION OF SOPHIE CARTER by Samantha Hastings OR request it from your local library to receive a signed bookplate a bookmark, a 5X7 custom art, and a short story: “What the Dickens?”. The first 50 people will also receive a teapot necklace and a vinyl quote from the book. (INT)(ends 7/14)
- Pre-order THE HOLLOW GODS by A.J. Vrana to receive a bookmark, signed postcard, AND enter to win a special edition poster (first 25 paperback pre-orders only). All paperback pre-orders will be entered to win a special goodie box, and ALL pre-orders (ebook or print) will have a chance to win 1 of 5 limited edition posters. (INT)(ends7/17)
- Pre-order A SONG BELOW WATER by Bethany C. Morrow to receive a limited-edition “Young. Black. (Secretly Magical.)” enamel pin! (US/Can)(ends 8/3)
- Pre-order WHERE DREAMS DESCEND by Janella Angeles to receive an art print illustrated by Alexis Castellanos! (US/CAN)(ends 8/24)
- Pre-order TRAITOR by Amanda McCrina OR request it from your local library to receive pre-order goodies (details forthcoming). (ends 8/24)
- Pre-order SHORT & SWEET by Josh Funk (illustrated by Brendan Kearney) from a participating indie bookstore to receive four collectors’ cards – AND an autographed bookplate! (ends 8/31)
- Pre-order CEMETERY BOYS by Aiden Thomas to receive 5 Character Cards featuring Yadriel, Julian, Maritza and Lady Death, and a signed bookplate. 50 random US preorders will also receive a limited edition pin! (INT)(ends 6/15)
- Pre-order SCRITCH SCRATCH by Lindsay Curry to receive access to the exclusive content section of the author’s website, which includes a “sleuth sheet” to help solve the mysteries, a downloadable poster, a crossword puzzle and more! You’ll also be entered to win other prizes. (INT)(ends 8/31)
- Pre-order EACH OF US A DESERT by Mark Oshiro to receive a limited edition art print! (US/CAN)(ends 9/14)
Awesome Giveaways:
(Make sure you scroll to see them all!)
Twitter Giveaways:
- Twitter Giveaways:
- @amandajsellet is giving away TECHNICALLY YOU STARTED IT (signed hardcover) + BY THE BOOK (signed ARC) (ends 4/19)
- @BobbiePyron is giving away one signed copy of STAY, plus a bonus signed copy of A PUP CALLED TROUBLE! (ends 4/20)
- @MsThomBookitis is giving away a stack of eight MG books! (ends 4/22)
- @tonyaleeh is giving away a pre-order of FOREST OF SOULS by Lori M Lee
- @BooksintheSkye is giving away a preorder signed, personalized copy of Where Dreams Descend with the preorder incentive!
- On my blog, you can enter the giveaway for the April 2020 Discussion Challenge Link-Up & Giveaway and the March 2020 Monthly Wrap-Up Round-Up & Giveaway. You can also win a signed paperback of MAN UP!
- Head over to It Starts at Midnight for a chance to win ELYSIUM GIRLS by Kate Pentecost
- Head over to Do You Dog-Ear for a chance to win A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow
- Lili Lost in a Book is celebrating her blogoversary with a giveaway of CHAIN OF GOLD by Cassandra Clare!
- Head over to Stuck in Books and check out the featured releases and then enter to win a $10 Amazon gift card!
- Lots of blogs participating in the Something to Marble At Giveaway Hop! Also the Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop!
- Head over to Book Hounds YA for a chance to win ARU SHAH AND THE TREE OF WISHES, THE LIST OF THINGS THAT WILL NOT CHANGE, the Entire Explorer Academy Series, and MEET ME AT MIDNIGHT by Jessica Pennington
- Head over to Chapter Break for a chance to win EDISON JONES AND THE ANTI-GRAV ELEVATOR and a $15 gift card
- Head over to Shooting Stars Mag for a chance to win HELLO, UNIVERSE
- Head over to The Book Bag for a chance to win Truly Madly Guilty
- Epic Reads is giving away a collector’s edition of ON THE COME UP
- Karen @ For What It’s Worth wants to help out a small business or charity during this time when so many are struggling. Head over there to enter to win a $25 Gift Card to the small business or charity of your choice! Jen Ryland is doing a weekly giveaway for this as well!
- Lots of blogs participating in the April 2020 Of Books Giveaway Hop!
- Post a photo of A WISH IN THE DARK by Christina Soontornvat, and be entered to win an advance copy of ALL THIRTEEN: THE INCREDIBLE CAVE RESCUE OF THE THAI BOYS’ SOCCER TEAM!
- Read It Forward does a weekly giveaway. This week you can enter to win 8 Feel-Good Books!
- Book Riot has lots of giveaways, including a $250 Barnes and Noble gift card
Lots of good stuff! Have any giveaways or great discussions happening on your site right now? Feel free to share them in the comments!
If he loved the Martian then he really needs to read the Expanse Series! Start him off with Leviathan Wakes. This is my favorite sci-fi series out there. I’ve listened to all the books twice now. Lol. And the show on Amazon is FANTASTIC. Dry is a good choice too. Also, Mary Robinette Kowal’s Lady Astronaut series. Yeah. I can probably think of more suggestions!
I’ll have to keep those in mind. I checked out Leviathan Wakes, but it’s almost double the length of The Martian—I don’t want to scare him! The Lady Astronaut Series might be good, though. I’ll have to look into that one a bit more. Thanks for the recommendation!!
Groundhog Day – a very tongue in cheek choice, since we are sort of living it right now, eh? My daughter always praised Shusterman’s newest series, Scythe. If I mention it, she waxes poetic about it, every time.
Haha! I didn’t really think of that, but you are absolutely right.
My sister, who was forced by me a long time ago to read the Harry Potter series, has actually taken a serious liking to the Harry Potter books and has started reading them again. I think she only got to book 4 the first time around, but lately she has been so into the Harry Potter world. I so understand the thrill of getting others around you into reading haha.
Good job forcing your sister to read books. I highly approve of this decision. 🙂
Yeah, my kids started home school this week. They are doing this term at home.
It’s awesome that all your family are getting into reading. I am the only one who reads a lot here.
I love the cover to Deeplight… hope you enjoy it!
I get so excited when my family reads—the quarantine has done something good for us!! 🙂
Yeah, I think most schools have announced that the year is ending online. Hopefully things will be better in the Fall!! I do love the show The Goldbergs, but I’ve always just watched random episodes of it. haha I saw Onward in theaters before everything shut down and really loved it too.
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
I really hope school is able to go back to normal in the fall. My oldest is supposed to be heading off to college, and it would be disappointing if everything is still done online at that point.
I would suggest Ready Player One for your husband.
Ooh! That’s a good suggestion—he might love that one!!
i’ve seen that deeplight cover and love it. hope it’s a good one. glad the family is well and ‘enjoying’ your time together. 🙂
It’s a really great cover—I hope the book lives up to it!!
I’m trying to get my husband to read Dry. I know he would like it. He’s read THG and enjoyed the Razorland trilogy by Ann Aguirre.
Karen @ For What It’s Worth
Turned out, the library didn’t have Dry available (and my husband didn’t want to read my physical copy—the Kindle is a lot more convenient for reading in bed), so I ended up recommending Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin. So far, he’s really enjoying it!
My daughter and I have watched Onward about 3 times this week. She’s a little obsessed haha! And I cry like a baby! And Groundhog Day is one of my favorite movies!!!
Onward was so wonderful!! I would watch it again for sure. 🙂
Groundhog Day is not an old movie it’s a classic! Glad the family enjoyed it in the end, though. I haven’t seen that film in a while but I always enjoy it. And yay for everyone still enjoying their reading. What about the other Andy Weir book Artemis? I don’t think it was quite as good as The martian but still a fun read.
Exactly! (I’m a classic too, right?) 🙂
I plan to check out Artemis for sure. Thanks for the rec!
I LOVE the cover of Deeplight! I’m going to have to read it. You know me, a good cover always gets me. Now we just have to get over this quarantine so I can come to your house to get it. ?
It’s one of those soft covers too. You’ll be very happy. 🙂
Ozark is on my list of shows to watch. I feel for your daughter, must be so hard to be away from friends.
Yes, and my daughter is usually SO busy—she likes it that way. She’s in a sport all year long and other school activities. She doesn’t do well with just random spare time!
My younger sister is also very gutted about school not starting up as it was her final year of secondary and that means her prom and graduation are cancelled 🙁 I hope schooling at home will go well. I also have heard great things about Cinderella is dead. So happy reading!
Yeah, I really feel for people in their final year—they’re missing out on a lot!