The amount of incompetency I have been witness to recently would scare even the most simple-minded.

There was a time when I, a small-town kid, was scared that I was improperly educated in my isolated, rural hometown school district. This has proven, over and over, to be untrue.

When did our world become cruel?
When did our world become selfish?
When did our world become hateful?

Currently, living in a major metropolitan area, I have documented racial, political, and sexist slurs, violence, and profiling more per capita than back home.

I last lived in my hometown over 20 years ago.

Let that sink in.

20 years ago.

I thought humanity was supposed to advance for the best of humankind?

Later was five years, apparently.

Life before COVID lock down seems like a dream. Were we really that carefree and happy?

Yes.

Since my first encounter with COVID Alpha, my life has turned upside down. Not only have I had the virus so many times that I have stopped counting, but I have gained over 100 lbs. Due to COVID infections, a lock down, and perimenopause symptoms, my body has been on a topsy-turvy roller coaster. And, still is.

Mentally, I have taken good care of myself--my meds are working well and I found a new therapist who challenges me to become a better person. In fact, my OCD has improved so much that I'm doing things I never thought I'd do again!!

But, I can't look at myself in pictures. I don't recognize the face looking back at me.

I exercise.

I eat the same as I always have.

I still gain weight.

And, yet, I managed to survive five years of being a wife and mom and teacher after a worldwide pandemic.

That, there, is bravery.

I wish I could recognize it.

While I refuse to give away details, suffice it to say that if you want an inclusive racial read--this is your pick. Yes, the characters are around 5th/6th grade, but their problems are the same that any high school student (or adult for that matter) may be facing. And, multiple races, with their corresponding racial issues, are depicted.

Rating: 5 Stars

NOTE: I borrowed the e-book from my local library, and did not receive any compensation for this review.

Some examples DiAngelo uses throughout the text forces white persons to honestly take a look at their behaviors and words. Even a comment that a white person may think is innocuous could have negative cultural roots.

And lastly, the section about how to talk to white people about their racism was not only hard to hear (because we need to be brutally honest and remember that most people think that the only people who are racist are bad people), but so important to understand why people get upset when they are called out on their behavior, and what to do about it.

Oh, and apologize for your behavior.

I cannot give this book enough props for helping me navigate the world of racism. And, my short reviews (because that's my specialty) don't even begin to give a glimpse into all I learned.

RATED: 5 Stars

NOTE: I bought and paid for the audio book on my own, and did not receive any compensation for this review.

To make this quick: Arthur, a widower, found a charm bracelet in his late wife's boot, and he needed to find the story of each charm. So, he starts his adventure, which leads him all over the world. Along the way, we meet minor characters who provide a lot of the comic relief. All-in-all, I'm asking all the same questions that Arthur is while he's stumped about each charm on the bracelet!

What I really liked was that the book was a story with a real-life story line--it wasn't overly dramatic, but wasn't boring. It kept my interest and made me think about my own "charms" and adventures in life.

What I could have done without was some of Arthur's laments about how boring he thinks his life was with his late wife, Miriam.

But, if you're looking for a feel-good book, this is your ticket!

RATED: 4 Stars

NOTE: I bought and paid for the book on my own, and did not receive any compensation for this review.

Gracie would be my bff in real life; she's funny, a bit of a mess, and independent. Plus, she's good with a Glock.

The title of the book is awesome, and it's one of the reasons why this book jumped to the front of my TBR list.

However, Gracie can't make up for the plot issues and wordiness of the novel.

First, I really dislike when books end without all plot points addressed--and there's one that I hope is figured out in the next novel. Also, a second love interest was introduced in the final few pages of the novel--another big no-no for my reading preferences. Finally, there were some chapters in the book that were unnecessary to the plot, and overly descriptive. For example: I don't need to know every item on a sandwich, unless the sandwich has a plot point in the novel. I realize many of you may think I'm being picky, but I teach creative writing, and look at points like this a lot in student writing.

If you want a cute novel, and don't care about the plot point issues--this is your book!! I liked Gracie so much that I am tempted to read the second book in the series, but I have a long TBR list, and I don't know if I should give it time or not based on the plot point issues.

RATED: 3 Stars

NOTE: I won a Kindle edition of this novel from Goodreads, and did not receive any compensation for this review.

Yes, it's that good!

I really enjoy fantasy novels, and this one uses Norse mythology to interweave issues between two tribes who must eventually come to a truce to save everyone.

And just who must change everyone's minds?? Eelyn, the strong, female protagonist, of course!!

At the beginning of the book, Eelyn is fierce in battle, but once she's captured, her fierce mental agility is challenged, and she has to make decisions the battle Eelyn would never allow.

Plus, there's some major family drama when Eelyn sees her believed-to-be dead brother fighting for her enemy.

Dun-dun-dun...D-R-A-M-A!

As much as I LOVED this novel, it's important to note that not all readers will. My favorite genre is fantasy, so this book was perfect for me. However, I know a few people who wouldn't care for the novel because they are not interested in the genre.

RATED: 5 Stars

NOTE: I received a autographed copy of Sky in the Deep in my May OwlCrate box, and did not receive any compensation for this review.

Did it live up to my preconceived notions of being a fantastic book?

No.

But, it's still a good book.

I had issues with the story telling. I didn't enjoy jumping back and forth from perspectives. Changing up the format from emails to interviews, etc., I was fine with, though!

And, as much as Katy annoyed me, I liked Ezra's character. I truly think he is WAY TOO GOOD for her!

And, I liked the story line--the ending surprised the crap out of me!

So, what's it about?? A space opera!! There's fighting, love, and moral issues. What's not to like?

I did buy the other two books in the series, and intend to read them this year.

RATED: 4 STARS

NOTE: I bought and paid for the book on my own, and did not receive any compensation for this review.

That's not to say I didn't like Artemis, I did, but it's not as powerful as his first. Is it bad enough to not pick up a copy of Artemis? No. The story itself was interesting, and I enjoyed the characters and learning about lunar gravity. However, if you're looking for a life-or-death deal like Mark Watney faces in The Martian, let go of those preconceived notions, and allow Jazz Bashara take over the show.

She's a feisty one, that Jazz, and she lends an element of surprise, because she's the protagonist, and a rebel, and she's lived on the moon since she was six!! Yes! Oh, and she's Arabic!! I thought this was a nice touch to the story, because it allowed Jazz and her background come through with the main problem. Plus, she knows how to work machines and weld, so that's cool, too.

So what is the main problem of the story?? Let's just say that it involves Jazz, a crime syndicate, and welding, ALL ON THE MOON!!! And a hint: Jazz is not a part of the crime syndicate.

I do need to be honest here, in that I listened to Artemis through my Audible account while I was running on the treadmill. It's read by Rosario Dawson, and OMG, I could listen to that woman read all day!! However, sometimes I miss a thing or two while listening, but I found the story easy to follow, and very interesting. I mean, when I don't want to get off the treadmill after an hour, you know you have a good book!

Yet, I sometimes got ticked off at Jazz for continually making bad decisions, so I did take one star off my review. If Weir had made Jazz a stronger character, in that she ACTUALLY learned a lesson, I would be more likely to add that other star. But, seriously, sometimes Jazz was mean to other characters and their thoughts/ideas.

RATED: 4 Stars

NOTE: I bought and listened to this book through Audible, and did not receive any compensation for this review.

It's no secret I like fandoms, games, and other geeky materials, so this book spoke to me.

Eliza Mirk is a high school senior who writes an online comic, Monsterous Sea. However, due to her introverted personality (I can totally relate to that), her anxiety to do well (yup, me again), and her awkwardness (hehe, so me), she keeps her identity anonymous. In fact, online she goes by the moniker LadyConsetellation, after part of the world she created.

Her friends are online, and her life is run how she likes, and how Eliza wants. In fact, her very outgoing and athletic parents have allowed Eliza to run her business on her own (they believe her comic to be small, not an entire fandom).

However, when a new boy joins her homeroom class, and he happens to be interested in Monsterous Sea, Eliza starts to change.

She begins to realize that she might need to be outgoing, and meet with people in real life, but she also has fears as to what will happen when people find out she created the comic.

So, Eliza keeps the secret from her new friend and his friends. Even as the boy, Wallace, becomes her boyfriend and he bares his soul to her. Eliza is insistent to keep her identity hidden.

And she's successful, until her parents accidentally out her identity to the entire world via a pre-graduation story in the newspaper.

Eliza's world is turned upside down, as are her friendships, and he relationship with Wallace.

The anxiety and depression have created a new world for Eliza; one without her drawings, and she must fight to get it back.

To an online geek, this novel compelled me to look at my own friendships (my closest friends who know my good, bad, and ugly are online, and have been for over a decade), and realize how important they are. Also, my online gaming buddies are also important, and I miss the Diablo battles and World of Warcraft raids. But one thing I've shared with no one, not online or in person, is my writing.

This book has motivated me to share my writing, even in the online world, which can be so critical.

RATED: 5 Stars

NOTE: I borrowed this book from a library, and did not receive any compensation for this review.

So what makes this middle school ages book so great? It's the characters. Arlo Finch is your typical average boy, of course typical if your father is living in exile in China, and your mom had a small breakdown so you, your mom, and your sister had to move back to her hometown and live with your weird Uncle Wade.

When Arlo moves to Colorado, he's unsure of what to make of it. One of the first people he meets is Wu, who has purple sticky juice on him. I mean, that's normal, right? And then there's Indra, who seems like she has it all together, but can be a bit feisty and have to apologize for it later. So in some ways, there is a Harry Potter connection. In others, though, I think the Arlo series is superior for American middle graders.

For one, the plot takes place in Colorado, which immediately caught my attention, because I spend a few weeks each year in the Rocky Mountains. Second, Arlo is a typical American middle school boy who is way more interested in being with his ranger friends and learning about the outdoors than he is with academics. In fact, it's mentioned that Arlo has a hard time learning, and may in fact have a learning disability. I loved that idea, because it shows readers that anyone can succeed with true will.

The third part I really liked was the magic! It's a different type of magic--no wands required--because any, and all, rangers have the ability to possess certain traits. Also, the mystery of the book surrounds Arlo and why he can see some mystical objects while others can't. (And, now that I think about it, the book doesn't answer why Uncle Wade can, too! Hmmm...now I really can't wait for the second book to come out!) Further, why are the mystical objects trying to kill Arlo?! There is so much mystery here, and I can't wait to see where John August will take it next.

RATED: 5 Stars

NOTE: I bought and paid for the book, which came in my February Owl Crate Jr., on my own, and did not receive any compensation for this review.

Since I teach high school, I'm used to Upper YA, but middle age YA is a totally different mindset. My oldest son is seven, and is moving into chapter books. Thus, when I received Meet the Bigfeet in my February OwlCrate Jr. box, I was estatic! Slowly, but surely, I'm learning the ropes of middle age chapter books.

One of the first lessons I learned was that my son really likes books that read like comics. Meet the Bigfeet is illustrated much like a mix between a comic and a children's book.

Also, short chapters are key. Being a high school teacher, by the time I get home, get supper on, and am sitting down to listen to my son read, we're all exhausted. Yet, reading is extremely important to me, so we do read a lot. When we have shorter chapters, it seems less like a chore, and more like a competition to see if he can improve on his time each night.

A compelling story is paramount, and this book has a good one. Although I was annoyed in some chapters, because it seemed to move from scene to scene without transitions, I did enjoy the story line.

Blizz Richards is a Yeti who wants to meet up with his family for a reunion. However, his cousin, Bigfoot, made a mistake and was see by a human, so he thinks the family is mad at him and he disappears. When someone invites the family for a reunion, they must find Bigfoot. And, they must understand the lesson that it's okay to make mistakes, and we should forgive those who do.

There are supporting characters who make the book entertaining, and put different perspectives on lessons learned. Also, while the morals aren't explicitly stated, they are implied, much like a fable.

Would I read this book again? Yes, because the illustrations are fun, and the story has a good moral.

RATED: 4 Stars

NOTE: I bought and paid for the book, which came in my February Owl Crate Jr., on my own, and did not receive any compensation for this review.

So what made the book so enticing? Well, I love myself a good dystopian read, and this novel proved to go beyond the usual dystopia and turn into a dark, twisted mess of morality, hubris, and intelligence.

Imagine living in a world of immortality. You bear no pain, can turn back in age, and essentially, live however you want because death/disease have been defeated. Oh, and a computer is running the world, so human fallibility is inconsequential in regards to life on earth.

It seems great, right?

Just wait for it...

What do you do when the world population makes life unsustainable?

The world decides that it must choose moral and conscientious persons to glean called scythes; to kill based upon the time and statistics of the age of mortality.

Both Citra and Rowan are chosen to become a scythe's apprentice, and vow to learn how to become a scythe and maintain the laws of the scythedom. If they pass their tests, they will become junior scythes.

However, not everything is as it seems, and soon, dark forces pit Citra and Rowan against each other. Whomever wins the title of scythe, must glean the other.

This review barely begins to scrape the top of the barrel of plot in this book, but I only wanted to let my dear readers know that I LOVED this book, and can't wait to read the next in the series!

RATED: 5 Stars

NOTE: I bought and paid for the book on my own, and did not receive any compensation for this review.

About five pages into the book, I scolded myself for not reading it earlier! Not only is this a great story, but I think my 7-year-old could read it all on his own!

The premise of the book is that the mother of the family goes to a convention about lizards, and the father is to take care of the family, a boy and a girl, while she is away. The mother tells the father to make sure to get milk for the children's breakfast, but he forgets, and must go get the milk in the morning as the boy and girl are waiting with their dry cereal.

However, the children begin to worry, because he seems to be gone for a long, long time. When the father returns, he has a larger-than-life story to tell that has a UFO, pirates, piranhas, a Stegosaurus professor, a talking volcano, and SO MUCH MORE!

Delighted, the children have comments for the father, and wonder how he can continue his journey, to which he answers, the milk for his children's cereal!

In addition to the imagery from the written word, the illustrations are a delight! The whimsical drawings add an adventurous tone throughout the fun, innovative story, that allows the brain to create active scenes. I would highly recommend this quick read to creative writers, illustrators, and anyone who likes to read. And, I would HIGHLY recommend the book to reluctant readers.

RATED: 5 Stars

NOTE: I bought and paid for the book on my own, and did not receive any compensation for this review.

The story starts off with orphaned Carter living with his sly Uncle Sly (I see what you did there NPH!), who uses his "magic" for trickery. However, Carter doesn't like the life Uncle Sly has given him, and decides to become a runaway. Upon doing so, Carter wakes up in a town with a limited-run carnival, and this is where his life starts to take a turn.

Should he go with B.B. Bosso, and become part of the carnival, or with Mr. Vernon, a nice magician he meets at the carnival.

The decision to go with Mr. Vernon helps Carter make some good life choices, and find the family has has always wanted.

With the heart-warming story, there are magic trick how-tos in the middle of the book, and they are fun! I've tried some on my sons, and they liked them! I can definitely see how kids would be enamored with this book.

I started reading the book to my 7-year-old, but stopped because I wanted to finish it for the end of 2017. He liked it, but he's also in the middle of another series and wanted to read that more (I can't blame him--I threw this book on him with only 1.5 books left in his 11-book series). He wants to read it next year.

With that said, I left the last cipher to figure out with him when we read it next! Plus, there are three more books in this series.

RATED: 4 Stars

NOTE: I bought and paid for the book, which came in my December Owl Crate Jr., on my own, and did not receive any compensation for this review.

P.S. THIS WAS AN AUTOGRAPHED COPY!!! I was so excited about it!