Spooky Munchies for Spooky Reads {book list}

I'm a reading snacker; I admit it.  Admitting it is the first step I hear.  While my brain is reading I love to be doing something with my mouth.  Are you a reading snacker?  

I love drinking water while reading non-fiction.  I love salty snacks when things are intense.  I love sweets when the story is sweet 💖.  Depending how the story is going will depend on what snack I want to eat.  Unfortunately, I haven't quite figured out what kind of books causes me to munch on veggies and dip.  Hmmmmm

During the holidays reading snacks must be festive. It's pretty much a holiday reading rule.  ;)  With it so close to Halloween, obviously the snacks are holiday appropriate. 

I figured I might as well attempt to explain my reading snack madness to convert more of you over to the side of snacking by type of book/read. 

Spooky Munchies for Spooky Reads

Something Sweet

For me this means chocolate candy, though for those odd people (like a certain Mr. of mine) I know sweet sugary candy is preferred. 

I think any Halloween picture book fits in this category.

My favorite Halloween picture books this year are the following: 

Creepy Carrots

Creepy Pair of Underwear

Moldilocks and the Three Scares

Big Pumpkin

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything

Something Sour

When I say sour I mean sour candy.  Just sour doesn't do anything for me, but Sour Patch Kids every now and again, that is yum.  

Sour Candy books are a little weird but cool at the same time.  

Coraline is definitely a sour candy book. 

   Something Salty

Salty snacks have to have a crunch for me.  Potato chips are my go to salty reading snack.  

Salty books are intense books that keep me coming back for more intensity... just like salty chips.  

Cirque du Freak  is an intense, every chapter is a cliff hanger, salty chip book.  

Such a fun series, and a great classroom or family read aloud for 5th-8th grade kids. 

Something with Everything

Snacks that are sweet, salty, and crunchy are perfect for the spooky reads with intensity, action, humor, and a little quirkiness.  

Books that have it all deserve a snack that has it all.  

I used to make a candy corn and peanuts snack mix, but then I came across this recipe from Oh Sweet Basil.  It has since won my heart. #yummy

The Last Kids on Earth is a book with thrill and laughs.

Bonus, it is now on Netflix. 

Something Pumpkin

Seasonal reads always entice some seasonally flavored snacks, and ice cream is always a great reading snack.  

The season of pumpkins deserves a book that sweet and seasonal as well as a delicious treat like Pumpkin Ice Cream. 

Pumpkinheads is such a fun and sweet and seasonally festive graphic novel.  It's a book you could read in the time a big bowl of ice cream took you to eat.  

Thank you Penguin Kids for the fun book and an excuse to share some of my favorite Halloween books with the snacks I eat with them.  

Surprise Me gets 4 Stars {adult fiction, contemporary lit}

Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella is fun.  It's a fun read where the main character, Sylvie, is a bit ridiculous at times.  However, she is relatable with her thoughts and feelings, but her actions are a bit more extreme than the average Jane. 

Surprise Me earns 4 out of 5 stars in my review. This novel has some great aspects, but my favorite was the fact that it wasn't predictable.  There were some aspects of the story I saw coming from a mile away, but there were a few things (like the BIG thing in the story) that surprised me.  I love being surprised in a story, and I think that is part of what makes a great author. 

If you are looking for a fun adult fiction book, with a great story you'll enjoy and want to keep turning the pages, then check this book out.  I don't think men will enjoy this story, but if they do read it they may commiserate with Dan, Sylvie's husband, a little. 😉   

Happy Fun Adult Contemporary Lit Reading with a Bit of a Twist. 

Surpise Me by Sophie Kinsella
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 18+, adult women.  
Clean Read: No, quite a bit of language.  
Worth a Check Out: Yes. Readers who like Big Little Lies or other Liane Moriarty books will like this one.
Buy It or Not: No, unless you love Sophie Kinsella. Book Club Discussion: Was Sylvie and Dan's reaction on par or exaggerated?  How did your feelings to Dan change throughout the book?  What did you think of the different relationships and friendships Sylvie had throughout the book (her best friend, the professor, her parents, boss and coworkers)? Does everyone have an ah-ha moment, like Sylvie had, in their life?  Why is communication such a big deal in this story, and in your lives? 

Did you read this new Sophie Kinsella book?  What did you think? 


A few quotes I loved from Surprise Me:

"She who conquers, conquers herself." 

"Nothing changes if nothing changes." 

"If we don't stick up for the ones we love then what are we good for." 

"Sometimes I wonder how we get anything done as a human race. There's always so many misunderstandings." 


Any favs I missed???

My Favorite Books of 2017 {Picture Books, Middle Grade Lit, YA Lit, Adult Fiction, Non-Fiction}

I read or listened to a lot of books in 2017.  I'm super behind on writing reviews for them, but I wrote a review on all of these books here on my blog, Instagram @alohamroaopenabook, or my Goodreads Megan-Alohamora Open a Book.

Of all the books I read to this year, these 15 are my favorite.  What are some of your favorite books you read in 2017?  

My 15 Favorite Books of 2017

Picture Books

She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton

Inspiring. Educational. An all around fantastic book. 

Freedom in Congo Square by Carole Boston Weatherford

This Caldecott Honor book has gorgeous pictures, and a beautifully educational book. 

The Most Perfect Snowman by Chris Britt

Such a sweet story story about friendship and giving. 

Old MacDonald Had a Truck by Steve Goetz

This is one of my absolute favorite books to read aloud, and my very favorite version of this story. 

Middle Grade Fiction

Refugee by Alan Gratz

Fantastic book!  This quick read provides a valuable new perspective on the experiences of refugees. 

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

This Newbery Medal winner writes a beautiful and magical story. 

Young Adult

March Book Three by John Lewis

I love all three March books.  These non-fiction graphic novels about the civil rights movement are so well done.  

Perfect by Cecelia Ahern

The follow-up book to the Flawed series is fast paced and a great addition to this dystopian series. 

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

Fast paced mystery like novel with a strong female character.  Basically, a really fun read. 

Adult Fiction

The Black Book by James Patterson and David Ellis

This mystery may be my favorite James Patterson book.  Well paced story leaves you guessing until the end. 

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

I'm not sure if I can say this is my favorite Moriarty book, but I did love it.  I also loved that the story was unpredictable. 

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

Picoult did it again.  She wrote a great book about a controversial yet relatable topic. 

A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner

This historical fiction is fantastic.  It's heart warming, emotional, and powerful. A definite favorite this year. 

Non-Fiction

The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines

Amazing!  Definitely listen to this one (Chip and Joanna read it).  This book is inspiring, hilarious, and 100% enjoyable. 

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

If you love sports, athletic shoes, or own your own business then you should definitely give this book a read.  Excellent book! 

These are my favorites. Do we have any in common, or do you have some to add to my TBR list? 

Happy Fantastic Book Reading in 2018!

Grumpy Cat and Pokey: The Grumpus! gets 2 Stars {comic, reluctant readers, 4th-7th grade}

Grumpy Cat and Pokey!: The Grumpus by Ben McCool, Royal McGraw, Ben Fisher, Derek Fridolfs, and Illas Kyriazis is a collection of short story comics about the lovable (much to his disgust) Grumpy Cat.  This is the 3rd Grumpy Cat book, but it is my first. 

Grumpy Cat is a lovable and fun cat.  His comics are apparently hilarious to the majority of the reviewers out there.  Most people think this comic book was funny and a downright great to read.  However, I felt differently. 

I give Grumpy Cat 2 out of 5 stars. I liked the short comic collection; this format is great for reluctant readers. I liked Grumpy Cat's statement of "I'm allergic to fun."  Though, the things I enjoy end there.  

All in all I felt Grumpy Cat and Pokey: The Grumpus! was random, boring, and lacked any real point or story line in any of the various comics.  Even the stickers at the end (shown below) were random.  

I love finding books for reluctant readers, but I feel there are other great books for reluctant readers in this age group. 

Have you read any Grumpy Cat books? Am I completely off on my feelings this cat and his comics?  I'm feeling like quite the party pooper, but at least I'm an honest party pooper. ;)
  

Happy Grumpy Cat comic book reading! 

Grumpy Cat and Pokey!: The Grumpus by Ben McCool and more 
Rating: 2/5 stars
Best For: 9 - 12 year olds, 4th though 7th grade
Worth a Check Out: If you like Grumpy Cat
Buy It or Not: No.
Read Aloud: No.
Lesson Ideas: ???


I received this book from Myrick Marketing in exchange for my review and honest opinion.  All of my thoughts, opinions, and words are my own.

The Magnolia Story gets 5 Stars {nonfiction, memoir, audiobook}

Read this book and maybe listen to the audiobook as well.  I loved The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines.  I found myself not only inspired while reading it, but also laughing in tears hearing Chip and Joanna tell the stories of Chips early parenting days or is crazy purchases, or how they started dating.  Seriously hilarious! 

Speaking of the audiobook.  I absolutely love when authors read the book, but having Chip and Joanna read this book was even better since it is their memoir and their story.  So, definitely Overdrive (connected through your library) or checkout the audiobook;  you'll love it. Even if you have read the book.  Trust me.  

I give The Magnolia Story 5 out of 5 stars.  If you are looking for a book that tells the story of Fixer Upper and the ins and outs of the show, then this is not the book you are looking for. This book isn't about the show.  This book is about Chip and Joanna's story.  This book is about how Magnolia Homes and Magnolia Farms and how they picked magnolia in the first place.  This book is about how they came to be and how/why they are the grateful, God loving people they are.  This book is their story in a funny, loving, inspiring, uplifting, page turner way. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and by the amount of things I told my husband he basically read it as well. 

Here are a handful of the quotes that I really liked in The Magnolia Story. 

"Comfort is what you do when you retire." Chip said about not getting too comfortable but about pushing yourself. 

"With change comes new opportunity." That's how Joanna looked at any situation when Chip bought a new house, even a crazy not working boat house. 

"Be intentional." Be intentional about your design and your choices. 

"Live wholly and intentionally for those closest to me."  

"Pray. Pray together." 

"Notice the miracles. God knows what we need more than we do." 

"There are seasons, embrace them." 

"Things get good when you're down in the mess. Get in!" 

"Life is found in the glass of spilled milk." Such a great way to look at the not so pleasant times. 

"Choose contentment and thankfulness now." 

"Be thankful and find joy!" 

"Know that God has been from the beginning, and he will be there to the end. His plan is far bigger and better than we could imagine, so pray, live intentionally, and enjoy the spilled milk." 

All in all, this is a great book that makes me want to be more creative and inspires me to reach my goals and have God help me on the way.

PS- I seriously cannot believe what Chip did with their eldest child not once, but three times. 

What did you think of The Magnolia Story? Did you love it as much as I did?  If you haven't read it, are you going to give it a listen/read?
   
Happy Uplifting Hilarious Memoir Reading!


The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines
Rating: 5/5 stars
Best For: adults and fans of the HGTV show Fixer Upper
Worth a Check Out: Yes! Definitely check out the audiobook b/c Chip and Joanna read it.
Buy It or Not: If you love the show buy it; though I was completely content with a check-out.
Read Aloud: Not really, unless you and your spouse read it aloud to each other.
Lesson Ideas: So many life lessons, it'd be a fun book club book to discuss. Not really a classroom lesson book. 

My Lady Jane gets 4.5 Stars {ya lit, historical fiction, fantasy}

I wasn't sure if I was going a little crazy, hadn't had enough sleep, or the latest book I finished was captivating.  To be honest, it's probably a little of them all, but for sanity sake I'll just say that My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows was a well writing fabulously fun story.  

It's not every day you look at a bird and think Edian, aka a person, that turns into an animal. However, after walking out of Physical Therapy one day last week Edian came to mind after seeing a bird on my car.  

I give My Lady Jane 4.5 out of 5 stars.  This book has great character development, the writing is funny and well paced, and the story is creative, interesting, and unique.  Plus, I am really baffled and impressed that three different authors wrote this story.  The writing seemed quite cohesive, and that is usually not the case when it comes to multiple authors. The only way I think they pulled it off so seamless was having each author write the different chapters from the different character viewpoints.  However, the writing style seemed all very similar.  Basically, I was impressed.  

Overall, this story is a fun read.  My Lady Jane is definitely a stretch to be called a historical fiction, but I actually loved the stretch and the creative twist on the history of the English Tudor time.  Any one high school age and up, boys and girls alike, could enjoy this story if they have an interest in fantasy and/or alternative history stories with humor and romance thrown in there as well.  

This is a clean read with no language, but there is a situation where characters are naked for a time after changing form from an animal.  They also mention love and sex, but the use the word "consummate" and refer to it being a "very special hug."

There were many times in reading this story that I laughed out loud and truly enjoyed the creativity.  The narrator notes are fun and don't take away from the story.  Some of the notes told the reader that people could die, or them being the type of narrators that wouldn't kill a dog.  I like that Jane at the end picked a frying pan to fight guards and others in the tower; it reminded me of the movie Tangled.  I thought it was funny when the author wrote that Edward was the inventor of the arm stretch over a girl's shoulder.  I found it interesting how the author included why Mary was known as Bloody Mary got her name, and that she turned into a Donkey aka an Ass to never be seen again.  Really, the entire book was witty and fun, but yet it still taught me more about the English Tudors.  

The only reason I took off a half a star in my ratings was because I found a typo/editing mishap on page 458.  It says "who win will" when it should read as "who will win."  I feel that if I find an error in the editing that the editors went too fast and that does reflect on the story in my view.  

Amazon has the following book review from School Library Journal: 

"In real life, Edward VI and Lady Jane Grey died young in 16th-century England. Here, Edward and Jane get another chance at happiness thanks to the irrepressible imaginations of the authors. Adventure, intrigue, humor, and romance abound—so, too, does high fantasy. England is a place where people (including royalty) are either EÐians (those who can shape-shift) or Verities (those who cannot). Because many Verities believe EÐian magic is evil, they set about to obliterate it. EÐians retaliate. Also, someone keeps poisoning the king's food. The plot, then, involves Edward, Jane, and their allies trying to figure out how to keep peace in the kingdom, find out who is poisoning the king's food, and restore Edward to the throne (he is presumed dead and gads about incognito for part of the book). EÐian "facts" are woven in with such subtle assurance that they come across as a genuine part of English history. For instance, the year the volatile Henry VIII discovered his leonine animal form and devoured the court jester is known in the kingdom's collective memory as the Year of the Lion. Wisecracks are prevalent, which would be grating after a while if the characters did not fairly sparkle with the complete array of honest human qualities. Readers will need to know the basic backstory of Lady Jane Grey and Edward VI. VERDICT A great choice for those who enjoy lighthearted, alternative history adventures and romance."

Though, I disagree with the end.  Readers do not need to know any backstory; you may actually enjoy it more if you don't know the backstory.   

Have you read My Lady Jane?  What did you think? 

Happy Humorous Alternative History Young Adult reading!  

    
This book came with one of my Owlcrate boxes last summer.  For my review of that box click here. 

My 25 Favorite Christmas Books for 2016 {Picture Book List}

Do you do the Christmas Book Advent? We don't wrap up 25 different books b/c I am lazy and to be honest we read too much.  I'm pretty sure it would torture my son to have to wait every single day.  

I have close to 40 Christmas books near our Christmas tree this year, but these are my 25 Favorite Christmas Books for 2016 and they are all being read almost daily by my son.    

Some of these books are new, some of them are old, but all of them are fantastic books.  You definitely need to check them out. 

In regards to Christmas Traditions we may not do the picture book advent, but every year we get a new Christmas book.  I wrap it up and the kids open it up on Christmas Eve.  

It's a pretty great tradition that I love as much as my kids love it.  All of our previous "Christmas Eve" books are on this list, b/c they are amazing. The Last Christmas Tree, The Polar Express, A Bad Kitty Christmas, Bear Stays Up, Tacky's Christmas, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, are our previous Christmas Eve books. This year we are getting The Gingerbread Man Loose at School.

I love adding great books to our personal collection, and I love this time of year.  

Do you have any book holiday traditions?  I  love hearing any others. 

Happy Reading and Happy Holidays!

My 25 Favorite Christmas Books for 2016

A Cookie for Santa by Stephanie Shaw

This story about a gingerbread and Santa is funny, refreshing, and done with the same rhythm and rhyme as ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

Best for Kindergarten to 3rd grade.

The Christmas Fox by Anik McGrory

This book is simple and short, but it shares a valuable lesson about gifts given and the real meaning of Christmas.

Best for Toddlers to 3^rd grade.

Stowaway in a Sleigh by C. Roger Mader

Another simple story, but a fun one especially geared to the cat lover.

Best for Toddlers to 2^nd grade, and Cat Lovers of all ages.

Christmas in the Barn by Margaret Wise Brown

If the author’s name sounds familiar it’s b/c she wrote the popular Goodnight Moon.  This story, is simple in text, and it tells the story of Jesus’s birth.  The best book I have read about the story of Jesus’s Birth for young children.

Best for Toddlers through 2^nd grade.

The Not Very Merry Pout Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen

We love The Pout Pout Fish in my family, and this Christmas story version is pretty darn cute as well.  The repetitious phrases are great for the young kiddos, and the rhythm is always on par with the Pout books.  Definitely check this one out.

Best for Toddlers through 3^rd grade.

The Gingerbread Man Loose at Christmas by Laura Murray

Have you read any of the Gingerbread Man books by Murray.  The stories are great, the illustrations are consistent and cute, and the text has great rhythm.  They are just fun.  We love all of them.  This Christmas one has a great message of letting others know you care and appreciate them.

Best for Preschoolers through 4^th grade.

Maple and Willow’s Christmas Tree by Lori Nichols

If you have not checked out the Maple and Willow books then you need to change that.  The story of two sisters is incredibly relatable for siblings, and they are all really cute stories.  This Christmas Tree story is no exception; it’s a good, cute, and sweet book.

Best for Preschoolers through 4^th grade.

The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore illustrated by DavidErcolini

I always check out different versions of this classic story, and state that you should buy this book dependent on the illustrations.  The illustrations in Ercolini’s version is modern, funny, and refreshing cool. Definitely check them out.

Best for Kindergartners through 6^th grade.

The Christmas Boot by Lisa Wheeler

Many of Wheeler’s books are funny with great rhythm; Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum is still a family favorite.  This Christmas story by Wheeler is not really funny, but it is a cute unexpected story with a French twist (France + Christmas tradition + shoes).

Best for 1^st through 5^th grade.

The Last Christmas Tree by Stephen Krensky

Beautiful story that will tug at your heart strings and make you smile.

Best for Kindergarten through 4^th grade.

The Littlest Angel by Charles Tazewell

This story is long, but it is beautiful as well.  Not as much Christmas but it is more so the birth of Jesus.

Best for 4^th grade and up.

Click, Clack, Ho! Ho! Ho! by Doreen Cronin

If you love the Click Clack Moo books then this one is right up your alley.

Best for Toddlers to 3^rd grade.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss

This is such a fun classic story, though a bit wordy and long, that everyone should read during the Holidays.  I like to read the story and then watch the cartoon as a family.

Best for 3rd through 6th grade.

Santa! by Rufus Butler Seder

This scanimation picture book is interactive and fun for many ages.

Best for Toddlers to Adults (I mean, I like it!)

The Christmas Alphabet by Robert Sabuda

It’s a Sabuda book so the pop-ups are amazing.  This book is simple in words and absolutely beautiful in illustrations.

Best for Toddlers to 2nd grade.

Mooseltoe by Margie Palatini

I really love many Palatini books, and the Moosetache books are just fun.  This story about a Moose with some serious hair LOVES Christmas and plans for a great one, but it doesn’t work out as smoothly as he’d like.

Best for Preschool through 3rd grade. 

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

I love this classic Christmas story, and my kids do as well.   I’ve even choked up the last few times I read it to my kids. I'm a crier though. ;)

Best for Toddlers through 3^rd grade.

Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson

The Bear books are great fun with great rhythm and perfect for the younger kids.  Parents, teachers and librarians will enjoy reading this story as well.

Best for Toddlers through 1^st grade.

Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner

These Snowmen books are so fun to read, and this Christmas book is as much fun as the others.

Best for Toddlers through 2^nd grade.

A Bad Kitty Christmas by Nick Bruel

This book made my previous Christmas book list, but it is such a great read for kids and adults alike.  It’s a little long, so unless your child has a long reading attention span you’ll want to wait until they are at least 1^st grade.

Best for 1^st through 3^rd grade.

  

Tacky’s Christmas by Helen Lester

We love Tacky the Penguin, and this Christmas version is a fun one.

Best for Toddlers through 3^rd grade.

Here Comes Santa Cat by Deborah Underwood

A fun read for kids of all ages.

Best for Toddlers through 3^rd grade.

“I’m not Santa!” by Jonathan Allen

This simple story line seems awfully similar to how preschoolers behave.

Best for Preschool to 2^nd grade.

My Penguin Osbert by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

This is an absolutely fantastic Christmas story kids and adults alike will love.  It’s a sweet story with a great message that stays funny and light hearted.

Best for Preschoolers through 3^rd grade.

Turkey Claus by Wendi Silvano

Turkey Trouble is such a fun Thanksgiving book, and Turkey Claus is a perfect Christmas sequel.  Fun read for boys and girls alike, and this read aloud is fun for parents, teachers, and librarians to read as well.

Best for Toddlers through 2^nd grade.

 Happy Christmas Book Reading!