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. Because I love books, and you love books, so let’s see the books!
The Books
Sword and Verse by Kathy MacMillan (thanks to Calla for the trade!)
Now & Forever by Susane Colasanti and Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen (thanks to Ryan for the trade AND the extra book!!)
Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry, Sugar by Deirdre Riordan Hall, and Far From You by Tess Sharpe (thanks to my amazing #OTSPSecretSister!)
Life by Committee and Making Pretty by Corey Ann Haydu (won, thanks to Kristie @ Dark Faerie Tales and author Corey Ann Haydu (and an extra big thanks for the extra book, Corey! I have wanted to read it too!!)
Blythewood and Ravencliffe by Carol Goodman (thanks to Penguin!!)
Ebooks: (Pictures link to Goodreads)
Got these on sale, YAY!
Weekly Shenanigans
Four books for the win! And it wasn’t even close! Though I definitely did not read more than I acquired… meh?
The Lies About Truth. I also really liked the others, but TLAT just had that something “extra” that made it special.
This is hard. I’ll give the edge to The White Rose over Hotel Ruby, but just barely.
Giveaways:
- The October Discussion Challenge link-up and Giveaway is underway!
- I turned two and am giving away stuff!
- I am still two and want to give away more stuff!
- The October New Release Giveaway Hop has begun!
- My 2K Twitter Giveaway is happening!! Here’s some details:
Posts this Week:
(Yeah, I brought it back. I felt bad for not considering my mobile-using friends.)
- A Top Ten Tuesday about the Book Fairy!
- A review of An Infinite Number of Parallel Universes by Randy Ribay
- Some Halloween shenanigans, including a coloring book review and some books that I have read!
Blogosphere Bulletin
- Val @ The Innocent Smiley has created a game with a giveaway about some favorite childhood books!
- Julia @ A Perfection Called Books has some great thoughts on how ratings and reviews affect us
- Aentee @ Read at Midnight shares some signs that your blogging honeymoon has come to an end... and what to do next!
- Grace @ Books of Love discusses the new (and fabulous) adult coloring trend
- Faye @ The Social Potato needs you to pick a character for their new interactive blog story!
- Nick and Nereyda have joined forces to become… Nick & Nereyda’s Infinite Booklist!!
- Shay @ The Story Goes… shares her favorite creepy stories. I am in love with these.
- Silvara @ Fantasy of the Silver Dragon wants to know if you have a publisher that you just can’t seem to get approved for books from
- Jeann @ Happy Indulgences announces her two new co-bloggers, so go over and welcome Aila and Jenna!
- Becca & Lisa @ Lost in Literature chat about ARC envy!
- Mishma @ Chasing Faerytales thinks we are going though one big communal blogging depression. (I feel your pain!)
- Sarah is not @ The Reading Petal anymore… so welcome Sarah @ Kerosene Lit!!
- Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction wonders if you can-or should- change your blogging style
- Peach @ Rebelle Reads shares some tropes that need to go!!
- Lauren @ Bookmark Lit discusses the evolution of blog tours
- Tonyalee @ Lilybloombooks shows us the five plugins that make her life easier!
Random Musings:
So, I may not be slumping exactly, but I am still lacking time. I promise, I am doing my best, my dears! Thank you for continuing to be fabulous and supportive and reminding me every day why this is so damn fun! And I think I am getting out of my reading slump, slowly but surely. So that is a huge win!!
Things we need to talk about this week:
- Taking a trip to the bookstore tomorrow, because the US Weekly Mockingjay special is out now!! EEP!
- I have been thinking of changing my reading routine! I have always read two books at a time: One physical, one Kindle. But… I wonder if that is actually taking me out of both stories? So, this week I am going to try something new and read only one at a time! Do you all read one at a time?
- I need to re-read The Hunger Games and watch at least Catching Fire. Any ideas for how to fit that into a packed schedule? Magic?
- I have posted something about Mockingjay or THG like, every week for literally months. What are we going to discuss once it is (can’t even breathe) over?!?!?
I like how you link to all those great posts you find during the week. Looks like you got some terrific books and reading ahead of you. I hope you love all of your new books.
Grace @ Books of Love
Aw, thank you SO much! 😀
Ooh, you have Gathering Blue! I really ought to check out the Lois Lowry books other than the school-assigned Giver XD And I’ve been seeing The White Rose everywhere, but nothing to really convince me — worth picking up or not? And I just realised one thing when you mentioned squishing THG into your schedule — even when I say I’m in a reading slump, fanfiction is always needed. ALWAYS. Curious, no?
Yep!! I want to read the rest of the series even though they’re more like companions.
I liked The White Rose, though it wasn’t *quite* as good as The Jewel. But I was also in a pretty serious reading slump too, so who knows!
That is a really good way of getting out of a slump, I LOVE that!!
I do the same as you, one physical book, one e-book. The e-book during the day, in the train, the physical one before going to sleep, at home. I was afraid it would keep me from fully appreciating both stories, but apparently, my brain is ok with that – so far ! Enjoy your haul 😉
See, I feel like my brain was okay with it too, honestly! Now I feel like I am actually reading LESS by only reading one book. I am giving it the rest of the week, but… I will probably revert back 😉
I am super excited to see you liked The Lies About Truth because I am going to start it next! Lots of awesome books in your haul. Enjoy and have a great week!!
Aww thanks! I LOOOVED it! So good- it got me out of my book slump! I hope you love it too 🙂
I sometimes read 3 books at once. xD But all on different mediums, really…like I’ll read a physical book, and an ebook AND be listening to an audio book. (Although mostly it’s just book and audio because I like to think I’m a fabulous multi-tasker but I AM NOT THAT MUCH.) *ahem* Yaaay for reading 4 books! 😀 I think I’m not even going to bother with The White Rose because I just didn’t even handle The Jewel too well. >_> SQUEE GATHERING BLUE THO!!! I love that quartet. :’) So much pain.
Oh, I totally forgot about audiobooks for that question! I think you make a really good point about different media! I think maybe it just helps keep things separate in our heads? I’d be interested to see if a lot of people do that. 😀
Bwhahah no, you and The Jewel did not get along. It’s like when I read The Sleeping Prince, and you will gag at the reminder of The Sin Eater’s Daughter 😉 I am SCARED for Gathering Blue, and the whole series. The Giver killed my soul a little so… yeah. OH and as for the reading? Yeah, it is NOT working out. I think I will be back to 2 books at once soon.
I uuuusually read one book at a time. I just can’t really focus on several. If I do read something else, I usually put the first thing away until I’m done with the second thing. So for example I just started a book, but then I felt like some fanfiction, so I read that and now I have to read a book for university, so I might read that and THEN pick up the first book again. But yes, generally one book at a time. I can’t focus on several projects at a time though in most situations, so that definitely plays into it.
And yes, magic is definitely the way to go in terms of finding more time.
I can generally only do it if it is different genres too- like I can’t read two fantasies, or two contemporaries, because I get too mixed up. But like, if I read one of each, it’s a pretty safe bet that there wasn’t a magical assassin chasing some girl into her mundane job at Taco Bell, and that post apocalyptic wasteland didn’t really allow for red lipstick or whatever. Or maybe not, I have no idea.
I see Sugar… I read it a couple of months ago and really loved it. one of my fave reads this year! (made me cry so much though).. I usually read two books at a time, same thing as you do – one physical book and one kindle ebook… i told myself that I’ll read one at a time then but I kind of just don’t feel like sticking to one.. i kind of have some kind of reading moods, hahaha~
I have heard that about Sugar! But that it is worth it, but I am scared! I am finding as the week goes on that I also need to be reading two. I have tried, but I fear I am failing, so I think I am scrapping this plan tomorrow and going back to two!
You won Hotel Ruby? Excuse me while I sit here and cry in jealousy. Thanks for mentioning me in your post, Shannon! Most of the time, I only read one book at a time. I find I am able to finish a book much faster if I only focus on one. I do listen to an audiobook on the side, though. It gets in more reading time while I do the dishes and other boring household tasks. XD
Annnnnnd I totally misunderstood and thought you won Hotel Ruby. Ok, but still. Excuse me while I cry in jealously that you read Hotel Ruby.
Aww of course! And I am sorry, I hope you get to read Hotel Ruby very soon. If it helps, I enjoyed it? 😀 And I thought that maybe I could end up reading faster if I focused on one, but so far, that hasn’t been the case? BUT I am really enjoying both books that I have read solo… so maybe that helps? Though they are also both anticipated sequels, so I can’t go by that! Decisions!
I don’t think I could do audiobooks. I want to try, just to find out for sure, but I feel like I would end up VERY distracted and not retaining much. I think I need to see things- like, when I was in school, I retained NOTHING with lectures, but with a power point or something I was fine.
And the dishes are the worst chore ever. EVER.
I can only read one book at a time. Otherwise I get all confused. I don’t know how you manage. Obviously you’re better at multitasking than I am. Good luck reading only one book. I hope it doesn’t slow you down. Enjoy your Hunger Games-ness.
Aw thanks 😀 Actually, the one book thing IS slowing me down I think. But it could also be lack of sleep. Too many factors. I think I need to do a more scientific study 😉
OOH LOOK AT THE PRETTIES! I read Now & Forever and I read it in one sitting and I quite enjoyed it although I didn’t really enjoy the writing style, meh. And ooh, I so badly want to read Saint Anything! I LOVE SARAH DESSEN.
I can’t really read more than one book at time, I used to read multiple books at a time when I was younger but after I started reading one at time I just found it so much better. I’m not sure why but I just do! The only time I read multiple books at once is if I’m reading fiction as well as nonfiction or leisure reading and a book for school! 😀
I must admit, I am on the fence about it- it isn’t really my typical fare, but who knows! I am excited about Saint Anything too 🙂 And I used to be a one-book reader for as long as I can remember- until I got a Kindle. Now I am all thrown off. I mean, I did read one book in two days which is good, but then another took me about 4 days, so I just don’t know if it is working or not! Sigh.. 🙂
I enjoyed Life by Committee… it was pretty unique. I’m looking forward to checking out Making Pretty myself. 🙂 I grabbed Verum this week too… I’m so intrigued by that series!! My friend is Genesis is pretty insistent that I read it, so I’m definitely going to soon. I’m hoping we’ll both really like it! 🙂
Congrats on the great wins!! 🙂
Oh YAY I am so glad you liked those! I have heard REALLY great things about Corey, and she helped out with our event, so I am extra excited to read her books! I am really hoping to read Verum soon, I really liked Nocte! I am not huge on NA, but that book was GOOD. I think Gen is the one who convinced me to read it too hahha. Thanks so much!
What a great haul. It looks like you had some excellent reads this week.
Aw thanks 😀
When I was in middle and high school, I would read 2-3 books at a time. Now, I can’t manage that. I can only read one book at a time, otherwise I start forgetting things and slacking to keep up.
It’s funny, I am the opposite- I would have NEVER done it when I was younger, but now, I can’t seem to help myself 😉
Ooo I like the look of the Summer Lane books, will have to check them out! Have a good week and enjoy all your new books!
Aw thanks so much! They’re the second and third in a short trilogy, but I have really enjoyed Summer’s NA Collapse series!!
Ooh yay, those books all sound exciting! (Also extra yay for sweet sale on ebooks – those are always the best finds!)
In regards to reading, I do like to have one book at a time, if only because I finish books quite quickly and I like to invest my emotions into that one story lol.
Personally, I only read one book at a time because I’m afraid I would mix the two books up if I was reading them at the same time. I’m always impressed with people who have the ability to multitask and read multiple books at once like you do. 😉
And your haul for this week is fantastic! Can’t wait to see what you think of all these wonderful books – especially Sword & Verse and Now & Forever. Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous recap Shannon! ♥
Nice haul! Sword and Verse sounds fantastic and I’m really looking forward to reading The White Rose. I hope you enjoy all of your new books! Happy reading!
Michelle @ Michelle’s Minions
OMG, look at all the awesome books you hauled this week! 😀 I am really excited to see Gathering Blue in your haul because it makes me happy to see people are still reading The Giver books (I think there is a name of the series but I cannot, for the life of me, remember what it is.) I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT!
I am also really glad to see that you enjoyed The Lies about Truth! I loved Courtney Steven’s Faking Normal and am looking forward to this one! 🙂
I am also glad to hear you’re getting out of your slump! AND YES, try reading one book at a time. There was a point when I read multiple books too and I like reading one book at a time, much much better.
I hope you have a fantastic week, Shannon!! 🙂
What a beautiful stack, Shannon! I have only read one Susanne Colasanti book and I wasn’t impressed so I am interested in seeing what you think of that one. I’m someone that would read multiple books at a time if I wasn’t someone that read books in one sitting (most of the times). I never get confused reading two books at once though. I think it’s just a better use of my time. No point pushing through a book I’m disliking if I could finish off that other book I’ve started, right?
Seems like you’ve got some great books this week! Sword and Verse sounds so good I can’t wait for it 😀 I used to read 2 books at the same time too (1 physical and 1 ebook) but now I didn’t because I’m getting busier. Anyway, enjoy your book!
Wow that is an epic book stack Shannon! The Sword and the Verse, how exciting! I need some motivation to read The Moon and the More, so let me know on Twitter if you want to buddy read! I used to do the same as you, but these days I’ve completely moved over to Physical copies.
Every week I spend more time on your Week at Midnight post. I am not leaving here yet, clicking all those links takes time, but I am commenting first. (wow, i am so smart!)
-What are you going to talk about once the MADNESS, that is your obsession with the best trilogy ever, is over? I am sure you will think of something…
-You don’t need magic to accomplish this goal of re-reading and re-watching. You always make time for the things that are important for you, so I am sure you will squeeze in all the things you really WANT in your week.
-I am always reading 2 books at once, sometimes more. The books I love get finished faster, but sometimes I only have my kindle, so there’s that. So good luck changing your reading habits.
I am full of useless advice this week. I feel like Captain Obvious with this comment. I am loving your book haul this week. I am so EXCITED to read Sword and Verse. I was gonna try to read it close to the pub date, but that’s no fun when it is right there on my kindle winking at me. I hope you love all your new reads!
That is a very pretty book haul, Shannon! 🙂
I’m excited to see you liked The Lies About Truth just as much as I did. It was such an interesting and emotional story. 🙂 I think I’ll re-read it this week. I should be reading Hotel Ruby next, so I hope I enjoy that one too.
Also, what did you think of the ending of The White Rose? Wasn’t it EVIL?!
Oh and I usually only read one book at a time, but if I have an audio on hand I’ll listen at the same time. I’ve tried the multiple books at the same time and it hasn’t worked too well for me.
I hope this works for you!
Happy reading! 🙂
*sobs* Hunger Games is never over, Shannon! Never. Not even once the last movie finally comes out! Maybe we should have a Hunger Games support group for next month? =)
Yay for slowly coming out of slumps! I tend to either read one book at once or a million…it’s a hard life but I make it work. =) No, I prefer not to read two at once, though I will sometimes, because I’m always more interested in one than the other and just dread reading that other one.
I’m sinking further into a reading slump but have no fear! I am working on conquering all! =) Okay, obviously I’ve had too much coffee… Hope you have an awesome week, Shannon!
One day I will make it onto your Blogger Bulletin. 😀 I LOVED Sword and Verse, and hope you do too! It was so so so amazing – I posted a top five list of why everyone should read it, this past week. I hope you enjoy all of your new books!
Have a fabulous week, Shannon. 🙂
Check out my STS post!
DUDE, you did! Maybe a month or so ago?? It figures, that was probably the one week you didn’t see it hahah. Hang on, I will try to find it. Here it is! http://itstartsatmidnight.com/2015/09/this-week-at-midnight-79/
I am so glad you loved Sword and Verse- it seriously looks so amazing! I didn’t even request it as an eARC because I wanted to hold it hahah. I must check out this list now too 😀
I used to read only one at a time. But with the ever growing tbr pile, I started reading two at a time and including an audio book during the commute. Works fine especially if the stories are in different genres.
Kinda curious about Now and Forever. Have a good reading week.
I really need to read Saint Anything one of these days. And Making Pretty sounds so good! I’ll have to remember to buy it someday soon. You read some great looking books this week! Can’t wait to hear what you thought about Hotel Ruby 😀
Great book haul. Gathering Blue was one of my favorite books as a kid. I should try rereading it as an adult.
I tried to read Now & Forever by Colasanti and DNFd it pretty early on – something I rarely do. The MC was so freaking annoying to me I couldn’t take any more. She was such a sanctimonius little twit that I wanted to smack her. Probably not what the author was going for. LOL Have you already read Nocte? I have it and Verum but haven’t started the trilogy yet. I am *so* intrigued. I always read one book at a time. Reading more than one goes against everything in my nature. LOL I feel like I wouldn’t be able to truly immerse myself in two (or more) books at the same time. Definitely a one book kind of girl. I’m book monogamous. 🙂
So many awesome books! :O I hope you enjoy them all! I used to read around three books at all when I still had a good memory (before college *sobs*) but now I mostly stick to one.
I do tend to read more than one book at the same time, but I think it can be easier to finish quicker (sometimes) if you stick to just one, so I’ll be curious to see how it works for you! 🙂
-Lauren
I’m missing my summer time when I could read 3 or 4 books a week. 🙁 School time is really taking up reading time. OH well. Awesome that you got 4! You can check out my Sunday post in the link below.
A LIFE WITHOUT THE HUNGER GAMES IS NOT A LIFE. 😀
Thanks for including me in your post! I can only read one book at a time, too. I start confusing stories. And ooh, sweet haul! I’ve been excited for Far From You and Sugar, and I can’t wait to see your review of Saint Anything!
I can only read one book at a time, but I can also listen to an audiobook when I’m cooking and stuff. They have to be completely different genres though.
Such an awesome book haul, hope you enjoy all your new books. I’m looking forward to reading Lies About the Truth soon.
So many goodies! I really want to read Sword and Verse! I can’t wait to know what you think about it. You got VERUM! I have to admit that LUX let me down but still, you need to finish the series! I’ll have to check The Lies About Truth since you, Lisa and Christy like it. SO happy you enjoyed The White Rose and Hotel Ruby!
Loving the haul here! I have read Gathering Blue and I remember finding it to be a pretty decent read! I also really want to read Verum and I have heard Sugar is an incredibly emotional read as well, which sounds like it has potential. I hope you enjoy all of these <3