Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews. It gives us a chance to share with readers what we bought, borrowed, swapped, won or got for review each week. I also decided that since I do a weekly recap, it really is just good sense to link up with The Sunday Post, hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer, because that is such a fun link up as well!
The Books
It has been a slow, slow book week, my friends. I think that maybe it’s okay though, sometimes a slower week is a good thing? (That’s the official party line, even if it isn’t true.)
For Review: (pictures=Goodreads)
Thanks to HMH Books for Young Readers
Weekly Shenanigans
Three books is just how it is. I have come to accept that.
So, here’s the deal: I liked one of these, hated one, and really very much liked one. But since I promise reviews for all three very soon (since they all come out on September 1, like every other book ever published), I will let you guess which is which! 😀
On the Blog:
This has been what is happening, so I’ll just link you there:
#ShatteringStigmas
Is officially underway- actually, close to halfway done already, if you can believe it! Your posts and comments have been beyond amazing, thank you for sharing so much! If you’ve made your own post and want to link up, I’ve added a link-up to the welcome post: link thee up!
Giveaways:
- The August Discussion Challenge link-up and Giveaway is underway!
- I have a TWITTER GIVEAWAY happening! (This is phase ONE of the big old giveaway event 😉 ) Enter to win ANY 2016 Debut!! International, going on until August 31!!
- PHASE TWO of the Big Old Giveaway is happening right now!!
- The August New Release Giveaway Hop has begun!
Fun in the Blogosphere:
- Lola @ Lola’s Reviews talks about her process for writing posts, and wants to know yours! (Spoiler: I have no process.)
- Christy @ The Novel Ink is celebrating her birthday, and she has prizes for you to win!
- C.J. @ Deadly Darlings has some recommendations for diverse books by diverse authors! Such a win!
- Julia @ A Perfection Called Books shares her packing tips for the bookish traveler.
- Allie @ Little Birdie Books gives some helpful hints and asks for your strategies when you just do not like a recommended book.
- Cait @ Paper Fury wants to know why we try to make authors feel bad about earning a living. (Seriously, why does this happen!?)
- Amanda @ Nellie and Co. talks about why Google Analytics are more informative than regular Blogger stats
- Speaking of Google Analytics, Ashley @ Nose Graze explains what your numbers actually mean.
- Rashika @ The Social Potato gives you the warning signs that probably mean you’re a bookworm.
- Zoe @ Stories on Stage shares some books that contain fabulous examples of friendships!
- Inge @ Whimsicality…. started Whimsicality!
- Mishma @ A Perfection Called Books has written an open letter to books in general asking them not to do some pretty annoying things.
- Jillian @ Chasing Faerytales talks about the pros and cons of writing personal posts.
- Val @ The Innocent Smiley explains her lack of books on Goodreads- and wants you to play her game so she can figure out which books she’s read.
- Lauren @ Bookmark Lit has some helpful suggestions to get yourself back into writing reviews if you so desire!
- Erin @ The Hardcover Lover has a giveaway going on for a year of free Oyster (this is books, not seafood. Is it bad that I almost wanted it to be seafood?)
- Jessica @ Bookish Serendipity asks if you review all the books you read (that’d be a big old nope).
- Alyssa @ The Devil Orders Takeout explains why tragic backstory does not allow one to be a villain.
- Rachel @ Beauty and the Bookshelf talks spoilers, and why they just plain suck.
Random Musings:
ARC August is officially underway, and I have made some progress? I think? Let’s check in with the graphic representation!
So, I probably won’t make all 15, but it was a lofty goal anyway. I will be close! And most importantly, I should at least be able to knock out all the September 1-8 books- that is a big win!
Other than that, next week is going to be busy, busy, busy around here. There will be lots more #ShatteringStigmas posts, and some blog tours, and I will be spending the weekend trying to reply to all your amazing comments- you guys have blown me away with the support, love, and overall enthusiasm for this event, and I seriously can’t even put into words how much it means. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Weekend plans? Have you any? Read a book that I must know about? Share away, my lovely kittens!
(No idea why you’re kittens. I am kind of tired.)
You are doing very good on your ARC August challenge!! I can’t believe I didn’t send the email for the discussion thing. Not having wifi is KILLING ME FOR REAL! Next week I start classes so I’ll have wifi (yay!). Apparently you are officially stuck on three books per week haha But hey! Its something 🙂
Aw thanks! And no worries- it somehow ended up working out perfectly, mathematically speaking! You can also do your own post and link it up (and get extra entries in the giveaway, 😉 ) if you still would like to share! I seriously do not know HOW you are surviving without wifi either, I am gad you’ll have it again soon!
I’m sad that I didn’t get to see you at Book Con. It looks like you are doing well for your August ARC challenge. I only got two arcs read this week. I’m reading Vengeance Road at the moment and liking it. Great choices. I probably will not get to fifteen, but at least I’m trying.
Grace @ Books of Love
I was so, so sad too 🙁 The kids were just NOT cooperating, and as it turned out, it was because we were getting sick. So maybe it is for the best, but I am SO bummed about it.
And yes- at least we’re doing our best 😀
I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT YOU THINK OF AN INHERITANCE OF ASHES!!! That baby looks sooooo good. 😛 And well done you on your arc august count so far! I’m desperately trying to get on top of my menacingly high arc pile and EEEEKK. >.> I have so much to read!! x(
Aww thank you! It is HARD to get to all these books- but it’s fun too 😉 I am excited about An Inheritance of Ashes too- I will definitely be getting to it ASAP! Good luck with your ARCs too 😀
You are doing great with ARC August! 6 books is a lot! Coincidently it is how many I have read 🙂 I haven’t read Vengeance Road and Truest but did read Has to Be Love and going to say that is the one you liked. It is my official guess! Have a great week!
Aw thanks! Six isn’t bad, but… I don’t know, I set ridiculous goals 😉 I did not like Has to Be Love. Now, that still leaves you with two choices, but two extreme choices: I either REALLY liked it, or hated it. I am hoping to get my review up for all 3 of these next week!
I’m so pleased with how Shattering Stigmas has gone so far, everyone is incredibly lovely and I love how it gets people to share their own stories with us ^_^
I agree! I am basically speechless at the support we’ve had!
I think three books is pretty good. These days I’ve only been averaging two, which quite frankly, isn’t good enough for me. I hope Vengeance Road was one you liked. It’s in my tbr pile near the top and I’ve been looking forward to it. An Inhheritance of Ashes sounds really good..Have a great weekend!
Michelle @ Michelle’s Minions
Aw thanks! And yep- Vengeance Road WAS the one I liked! I feel you, I was in the two book slump for a few weeks too 🙁 Though, would we EVER be satisfied? If I did four, I’d probably aim for five 😉
AWK. Thanks for sharing my post! 😀
And now I’m desperately curious to know if you liked Vengeance Road or not. :O I have it on netgalley but I can’t read it because the file is crazy and it’s making me cry just mildly. I might beg and see if anyone can convert it for me because I am inept at such things. OH OH but congrats one getting so much done with your challenge and I’ve been enjoying the Shattering Stigmas posts! SO MUCH BRAVERY AND HONESTY.<3
Of course, I always love ALL your posts, it is the choosing just one that’s hard 😉
And yes, I DID like Vengeance Road, though it was a little predictable. I still enjoyed the characters and the world building was fantastic! I can convert it for you if you need help!
And thank you so, so much for the support! You have no idea how much it means <3
Love the graphic representation of the ARC challenge. Gives a lot of satisfaction.
I believe you are mistaken, though. All books are coming out September 8 in my neck of the woods!
Aw thanks! And that is too funny- I DO have quite a few that week too, but nothing as bad as the 1st! I have 20 Sept books and TEN of them are on the 1st! Insanity!
Haha I’ve read 6 of my anticipated 15 for ARC August as well! 15 was definitely a high goal, I actually figured I’d read around 10… so I guess I’m not REALLY doing too shabby. 🙂 Also I’m very curious about your three books you read. I’m reading Vengeance Road right now and really liking it, so I’m thinking that’s your “really like” option… but the others are on my TBR for next week, soooooo I’m a bit worried. LOL Have a great weekend!! 🙂
15 WAS a high goal- I really don’t know why I did that to myself, because I KNOW I get mad if I don’t make a goal.Silly me. I liked Vengeance Road- it was definitely NOT my dislike book, if that helps 😉 And maybe you will like the one I didn’t like (Has to Be Love- I will let you know hah) better than I did! Truest was really good!
Thanks for featuring my guest post as part of #ShatteringStigmas. I hope your readers found it helpful!
Oh my goodness Terri, thank YOU! I think people LOVED your post- no, I KNOW they loved it, because people have been telling me so! I even had someone ask to contact you, so expect an email any day 😉
I did receive an email. 🙂 I’m just traveling for work and have limited time to respond.
I’m so glad the post has been well received.
Let me congratulate you on the success of #Shattering Stigmas. I may not comment on all posts but reading them made me aware of mental health issues not only from stuff in the books I read but more importantly in real life as well. Looking forward for more post this coming week.
Aw thank you SO much, I really, really appreciate that! Wednesday will be another “day off” for a blog tour, but then it’s ALL #ShatteringStigmas until the 25th!! I am so glad you are enjoying it!
GOOD JOB ON ALL THE ARCS THOUGH. Seriously. I’m still stuck in August. But I also don’t have as many books as you ya silly. And SHATTERING STIGMAS YES. So glad that is going really well! I will be commenting on ALL THE POSTS hopefully today 😀 😀
And yes. 3 books a week is my maximum. I can’t imagine anyone reading more haha….ha
Hahha I assume VERY few people were as nuts as I was with the books- good news, I am on my last September 1 book! YAY!
And thanks Val, you are basically the best <3 <3 <3
I’m reading lots of e-galleys in August because I have to get them read before they expire. I probably needed to sign up for ARC august. I’ve got my September Sequels challenge coming up though. YOu can check out my week in the link below!
Yikes! Expiring does NOT sound good, that would make me extra stressed! September sequels sounds fun too though- there are quite a few sequels I need to read for sure! Good luck with all the e-galleys 😀
I LOVE the Shattering Stigmas posts. I think it is a wonderful idea and need to get around to all of them. I think you did pretty good with your ARC August goals. I always make lofty goals, too. Have a great week!
Aw thank you so, so much!! I am guilty of the lofty goals too- and then becoming obsessed with them 😉 Hope you have a great week toO!
I wish I was making the great progress you are with ARC August! I have a ton I need to get through still, and I am starting to feel the stress. But if I didn’t love it, I wouldn’t be blogging. I feed off of the idea of looming deadlines, so it is perfect for me. 😛 I hope you enjoy the book you picked up for review this week!
Here is my StS
Justin @ Justin’s Book Blog
I really agree with you, actually! I would NEVER get things done if it weren’t for deadlines. And, it actually helps me a lot with deciding which books to read next. If I don’t have books that I *need* to read, I spend far too long staring at my bookshelf 😉 Good luck with your ARC August!
A slow week is definitely a good week sometimes! It gives you a chance to catch up on the previous weeks 🙂
*impatiently waiting for your review of Truest* I’ll be reading that one… this week I think, actually. Hmm.
Weekend plans – watch all the LOTR movies and read at least one more book 😀 I’m going to finish Future Perfect tonight, and hopefully start The Assassin’s Blade for my reread!
Agreed! And I ummm have a LOT of books from previous weeks 😉 I liked Truest! I will have to check Goodreads and see if you are liking it!
How is Future Perfect!? I need to know these things! I also MUST read The Assassin’s Blade- but for the first time!
It definitely looks like you’ve been on your ARC August reading game, haha. I’m ashamed to show my face here because I’ve been a total slacker this month. I look forward to your reviews! Thanks for sharing my post on APCB. 🙂
Aw, of course! And no worries, you are not a slacker, I am sure! I am just an over-requester, and get myself into trouble every so often- like right now 😉
I’ve definitely been wanting to check out An Inheritance of Ashes! It sounds pretty incredible. I can’t wait to see which book of the three you’ve read in the past week you’ve loved!
Krystianna @ Downright Dystopian
Thanks so much!! It was Truest that was my favorite, but Vengeance Road was good too 🙂
I think you’re doing a great job with ARC August. I’m still not to my September review books, which is kind of sad to think about…but I hope to knock out most of my August books this week and get started on September a bit early. A lot of books DO seem to be coming out on Sept. 1. Weird! Don’t they know I have to get ready to go back to Hogwarts?!
-Lauren
Aw thanks! Hahha they do NOT understand the struggle of Hogwarts being back in session, clearly! I hope you can get through the August ones this week- I was lucky that I didn’t have *too* many August ones. Good luck 😀
Ahh I must know your thoughts on those three books. I sneaked on GR, but you don’t have ratings. YOU PLOTTER 😉 so mysterious. Awesome job on ARC August, and great job with Shattering Stigmas event. I’ve loved the posts so far, definitely very thought-provoking and eye-opening. Awww thanks for all the APCB love, aren’t Mishma and Julia just amazing?! 😀
NOPE! I never post ratings right after I read (unless I KNOW it is going to be a favorite) because I need to sort out my feelings, and I have found that when I post them right after, they aren’t too accurate 😉 And thank you SO much 😀
I have to agree with you, Mishma and Julia are kind of killing it! I already bookmarked a bunch of posts to add for next week- can they maybe share some of their creativity?!
Great job on the ARC August challenge! Fingers crossed, I may actually be able to read all the ones with a publication date of September 1 this month. And I am dying to know what you thought of Vengeance Road! I have that ARC too and I am really hoping you didn’t hate it. 🙂
Thanks so much! I liked Vengeance Road, no worries 🙂 It WAS the middle one though- while I liked it, I found it a tad predictable, but still enjoyable! Good luck, I hope you get to them all! I am actually on my last one!!
You really do have a great collection of posts here… I love it when other bloggers make the time to do that ^^ An Inheritance in the Ashes is one we have in common so I hope we both love it! I haven’t heard too much about Vengeance Road as well, so I am curious to hear more about it.
Check out my recent post: http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/2015/08/my-hoarding-catastrophe-classic-crazy.html
Aw thank you!! I am really glad you enjoy them, it makes me want to keep doing it 😀 I liked Vengeance Road, it is set in 1800’s Arizona, and it kind of nails that part! I hope we both like An Inheritance of Ashes, too!
My fingers are crossed that the one you really liked was Has to Be Love since that’s the one I’ll be reading/reviewing in the next week or so. I really like Jolene Perry so I sure hope it isn’t the one you hated. Ack! You are making awesome progress on your ARCs! Way to go, Shannon!
I um… plead the fifth? I hope you have better luck with it than I did. My fingers are crossed for you- AND I know a lot of people HAVE liked it, so maybe it’s just me? And thanks so much 😀
Shannon, I love the way you are crossing off the books for ARC august. That is such a great idea!
I really hope you liked Vengeance Road! 😛 I thought it was such a fun story. I don’t think Truest is for me since there’s kind of a love triangle, but I’ve heard good things about the writing. Will be eager to see your reviews!