what I've been up to lately

I've been a bit off the radar this last week, spending the week with my family up in Oregon. The day I got there we celebrated my nephew's birthday party, and luckily had beautiful weather and were able to BBQ outside. The rest of the week was mostly me getting worn out running around after my niece and nephew (age 2 and 4 respectively). They have an impressive amount of energy.

 Blowing out the candles took a few tries.

Flying kites at the park. My mom bought these great little kites. 

They didn't need much wind to work, but running with kites is always fun.

They are adorable, lovable and balls of energy that don't stop.

My adorable niece, with her other aunt. (I have a lot of competition for favorite aunt.)

I miss these kids, looking forward to seeing them again soon!

May - What I Read

Thanks to a cold and a lot of time spent sick in bed, I plowed through a lot of books this month. I feel very accomplished:) Working on some longer reviews of some of these, so expect those soon.

Requiem (Delirium #3), by Lauren Oliver
[my review]

What Good Is God?: In Search of a Faith That Matters, by Philip Yancey
I listend to this as an audiobook, read by the author. And since much of the book is based on his sermons, it was an enjoyable and inspiring listen.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, by Susan Cain
So good! Everyone should read this. [my review]

The Mystery of Mercy Close (Walsh Family #5), by Marian Keyes
[my review]

Queen of the Air: A True Story of Love and Tragedy at the Circus, by Dean N. Jensen
Thanks to the publishers who were kind enough to send me an Advanced Copy of this book. I really, really enjoyed it. This book will be available June 11. [my review]

Screwed, by Laurie Plissner
Also got an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher. I may not be the right audience for this book (I'd recommend for high school and college age), and I had some issues with the writing, but the story was interesting.

Absent, by Katie Williams
Thank you Chronicle Books & NetGalley for the ARC, I really enjoyed this. [my review]

The Last Summer of the Camperdowns, by Elizabeth Kelly
Such a great book! Was so glad yo get it as an ARC. I often value books based on how much I like the cover, and this one held up to my high standard. [my review]

Storybound (Storybound #1), by Marissa Burt
Cute story about a normal girl who is reading one day, and is sucked into Storyland. Sometimes felt that it was trying too hard to be a great series like Harry Potter, but I'd recommend for elementary and middle school kids. (I got an ARC from NetGalley)

Queen of the Air, by Dean Jensen - Book Review

Book: Queen of the Air: A True Story of Love and Tragedy at the Circus

Author: Dean N. Jensen

Genre: Historical, NonFiction 

Publisher/Publish Date: Crown / June 11, 2013

Source: ARC curtsey of publisher

Pages: 336

Rating: 4/5

GoodReads  •  Amazon

(**spoilers ahead**)

As the most famous woman in the world at the turn of the 20th century, Leitzel lived a life of glamor and celebrity as a trapeze artist and circus performer. Much like her mother, she started performing young, and by the age of 17 was the princess of the bigtop with top billing in the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, The Greatest Show on Earth.

This is the story of those who came before her, her rise to fame, many suitors (and three husbands), and her one true love. Leitzel's tale is told along side that of Alfredo Codona, who fell in love with her at the age of 16, when they were both performing in the Barnum & Bailey Circus. After 18 years apart, their paths cross again while employed by the same circus... and I won't give any more of their story away. You'll just have to read the book.

I was interested in reading this book after reading and loving Water for Elephants, and this true life circus story was fascinating. The author, Dean Jensen, who originally began work on this book in the 1970's, includes an impressive selection of interviews with people who knew Leitzel, many who have since passed away. I enjoyed the back story of how the circus was big business in the first part of the 20th century, and the lives of those who ran it and were it's biggest stars.

favorite places to read...

eBooks & Starbucks

The Mystery of Mercy Close by Marian Keyes - Book Review

Book: The Mystery of Mercy Close: A Walsh Sister Novel

Author: Marian Keyes

Genre: Chick Lit 

Publisher/Publish Date: Michael Joseph / September 2012

Source: SF Public Library

Pages: 508

Rating: 4.5/5

GoodReads  •  Amazon

Just a heads up, Marian Keyes is one of my favorite authors. I've read and loved all her books, even the collection of short stories (though not her cook book). Like many of her other books, this centers on the Irish Walsh Family and their five daughters. This is the last book in the series, and it's fun to read a book and know the other characters so well.

The novel starts off with private investigator Helen Walsh getting a very secretive job from her ex-boyfriend. A member of a popular 90's boy band is missing, and she has five days to find him. She has just lost her apartment and is short on money, so she takes the job though she'd rather not be working with her ex.

The story goes back and forth between her search for Wayne, the "Wacky One," and flashbacks to her past relationships and struggles with depression. Helen is a unique, dark, nutty character, and enjoyable to read about.

Looking back on the book, there may be some plot holes in a few of the character arches, but the mystery was strong enough to make me not notice those things.

If you haven't read any of Keyes' books, I highly recommend picking one up, and finding a comfy spot to spend a few hours. I recommend it to people who like Bridget Jone's Diary, The Shopaholic Series, or books by Jen Lancaster.

I'm not sure why there are different covers, but I like both of them. Which do you like better?

my (girls) weekend - Point Reyes

It's always nice to get out of the city, spend some quality time with my friends, and breath in some nature. This last Saturday, three friends and I drove north across the Golden Gate Bridge to the Point Reyes Area. I love how close this area is to SF and all the wonderful things it offers: kayaking, oysters, hiking, a cute little town, ocean views, and a view of a fault line.

Luckily the weather was amazing, and we had an amazing day grabbing brunch, walking on the beach, and eating oysters.

Bolinas, CA

favorite places to read...

The Mill, with an iced mocha.