"The Holly Joliday" by Megan McDonald, Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

My first Judy Moody book! Normally I don't let myself read a book in a series without reading the first book first. But I've learned that with a lot of books aimed at kids that the plots are usually set up so that they don't depend on the books that came before it (usually, not always), so I took a chance and read this book. And guess what? You can read this book without reading the others. I am going to assume this means that other books in Judy Moody and Stink universe can stand alone too, but I can't say that with certainty, having only read the first book in the Stink series. Anyways, to the book!

In The Holly Joliday, Judy and her brother Stink are excited for Christmas. One day, Stink meets the new mailman named Jack Frost. This is quite the coincidence as all Stink wants for Christmas is snow. Poor Judy feels bad for her brother as there is no way anyone can make his Christmas wish come true. But Stink pays her no mind and is completely obsessed with the idea of snow, so much so that this book invloves him dressing up as a snowflake. This book involves other Christmas goodies such as Judy's toilet paper wish list, a Hawaiian Twelve Days of Christmas and a very special surprise at the end of the book.

This book was a lot of fun. I liked that is was a crossover book so fans of Judy and fans of Stink can both enjoy this book. I think it's a great read for kids that are anxious for Christmas and a must have for any Megan McDonald fans.

Happy Reading!
-Melly

"Ex-mas" by Kate Brian

This book was sort of what I expected.  The plot was fairly predictable (right up to the cheating boyfriend and who Lila would end up with at the end of the novel), but that was exactly what I was in the mood for when I read it.  Though it was the right read for the mood I was in, it is hard to look back on the book and enjoy it.  I haven't read much of Kate Brian's work but compared to what I have read, Ex-mas did feel a little sub-par.   

Lila's parents are going out of town just in time for the first weekend of Christmas vacation, so of course she's planning a blow-out party.  And of course it gets spoiled at the last moment when her younger brother, Cooper tells their parents of her plan.  To get revenge, she leaves an article about global warming out where he can see it.  Now this may not seem like a big deal, but Cooper is crazy obsessed over Christmas and Santa Claus- and the article references that global warming will affect Santa Claus.  So Cooper hops on a train with his best friend (and brother of Lila's ex, Beau) to save Santa.  Now all Lila has to do is get her brother home- before her parents find out.  

The plot was almost a little too out there for me.  I guess since it takes place a Christmas time, it's a little easier to believe that two kids could get away with traveling without an adult.  However, it's not as easy to believe that Lila was able to get away with not taking her parents calls (of course, Cooper took her phone and tells their parents that Lila is in the shower, and other things of that sort when they call).  It's also frustrating that Lila and Beau don't get authorities involved.  Brian covered reasons why the two teens didn't get help, but there comes a point where a child's safety becomes more important than not getting in trouble or stressing out parental units.  This wasn't really a bad read, I just felt that there were a few too many plot holes for my liking.

This is one of those books that I'm glad I got used.  It was a really quick read and I doubt I will be reading it again.  Again, it's not a bad book, I guess I am just getting used to books with a little more depth.  If you are looking for a fun holiday romance, give this book a try.  It you are looking for substance, move along.

Happy Reading (and Holidays!)

-Melly

Thankful...

Happy (Early) Turkey Day Everyone!

I assume tomorrow will be cooking and eating madness so I chose to post this early.  Thank you to my awesome readers!  This blog has been quite the journey and it wouldn't be anything without the people reading this right now.  I hope you all have a great day filled with family, friends & loved ones, too much food, and whatever traditions you hold dear.  I will certainly be spending much of this long weekend with my nose in a book.

1 year ago exactly, oddly enough I wore the
same shirt today.

I have quite a bit to be thankful for.  This has been an interesting year (and it isn't even over yet!) full of ups, downs, and what I thought were downs but what have proved to be blessings.  I have grown and matured quite a bit (at least I think so) and I have begun to see that I have a lot more potential than I realized and will do my best to accomplish my goals in life, and even though I don't think I am going to meet my NaNoWriMo goal, for the first time in ages, a real story is brewing in my mind and I plan on working and developing it further.  I'm also very thankful that certain people are no longer a part of my life.  I really do think that I am more of a glass half-full personality, and it is really nice to not be surrounded by so much negativity.  And I cannot express how amazing it has been to be involved with the local film community.  Not only am I realizing that I have some hidden talents, but so does my town.  I have never hated my town, but I- like many other youth- believed that it had little to offer.  My eyes have been opened to the truth.  There is so much talent in this town, you just have to look a bit for it.  I'm glad that I didn't immediately rush out of state when I graduated from high school.  I would have left behind a wonderful community, but never even known that I was missing out.

Last year's Turkey Day Table

Most of all, I am incredibly thankful for my wonderful boyfriend.  My life has changed so much since we met last year, and in a very positive way.  I'm glad that I have found someone that I can truly be myself around, someone who puts up with my randomness and that we have the kind of relationship where we don't have to be attached at the hip every second of every day.  I love you, Brit!

I am also very thankful that my boyfriend's awesome kiddos get to spend the holidays with us.  I just pulled the pumpkin pies out of the oven and his sweet daughter helped me clean up the kitchen (and she did a wonderful job too!).  It's going to be fun to see Thanksgiving through their eyes!

I hope everyone has a great day and weekend.  Here's to a wonderful Thanksgiving to you all, and Happy Reading!

-Melly