Vacation, vacation, vacation, vacation! Also: vacation.
I am not at Jay Pritchett levels of luxury or anything, but I did wind up taking super long naps every day since Wednesday. You know, not to brag or anything.
(Okay, okay. A little bragging.)
Anyway, this week, I have some appointments so it may be a while before I can get to that nap level again. Oh well.
I may post about being on vacation every week, just so you’re all forewarned. Did you know school doesn’t start until August? Oh, this is just delightful.
Last week, I posted:
- Z is for Zippy #AtoZChallenge
- In before the end of the week: April 2017 Wrap Up
- Picking Favorites: Sara Zarr, Carolyn Mackler, Harry Potter, AND Rick Riordan?
Last week, I read:
When the Sea Turned to Silver by Grace Lin
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I listened to the audiobook and found the narrator’s breathy delivery annoying and distracting (though not annoying enough to stop listening–take that as you may).
The story does pick up at the end and I really enjoy Pinmei as a heroine, but I found the story slow to start and I kept being confused by who some of the characters were. Everything comes together nicely in the end, for sure, and I love the focus on the importance of stories. I am also glad to know that immortality does not equal invincibility. However, all in all, I just found this okay.
Greensleeves by Eloise Jarvis McGraw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Well, that was just delightful. There’s a timeless quality to this book. Even though it was written in 1968, it still feels very *now*. The voice is distinct and fresh, and I was immediately immersed in the world.
I like that the book is broken up into five acts, and that it’s set up to follow the course of a summer. There’s some class stuff here that goes largely unexamined but works within the context of the novel. And the romance was a little distant for me. (Which is to say I’m not sure I ship it.) However, I did buy into Shannon’s angst about the whole thing, so on that level it totally worked.
In conclusion, Shannon is a hot mess and I am here for it.
Are We There Yet? by Dan Santat
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
So this was super cute and funny and made me laugh. Out loud even.
Currently, I’m reading:
I have indeed started An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole. I like it so far, though it is a little more romance-y than I was expecting based on the prologue. (This is not necessarily a bad thing, btw. Just means I need to recalibrate my expectations a bit.)
Happy reading, everyone!
The Englishist 
If you think vacation is swell, you are going to love retirement! I actually loved When the Sea Turned Silver as an audiobook. (Hurrah for different tastes) Thanks for the heads up about Greensleaves.
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Wow, vacation already! I’m glad you are having a great time, and napping! I haven’t read that new Grace Lin book, but did enjoy the earlier ones, and it does take time even reading the books themselves to figure out the characters. Thanks for all three!
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Hooray! Vacation!
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That sound you hear is me, sitting in a corner, sobbing jealous tears at your vacation! 😉
Are We There Yet? is so much fun – there’s just so much detail on each spread to enjoy.
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Well, if I’d get my stupid grading done, I’d be on vacation too! They’re due tomorrow morning so I only have another 24 hours or so to procrastinate–and SO much to do in that 24 hrs. SIGH. I loved Are We There Yet? I actually got it from the library last week for my son and I’m planning to sneak in a reread before it goes back to the library.
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Ah yes, that last day feels like the longest. Or sometimes takes the longest. I think it’s because we know the end is near that makes it seem that much further away.
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Yay for vacation!! I still have about a month of school left. Have fun and I wish you wonderful reading.
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Enjoy! I’m jealous, but happy for you. 🙂
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Ah. Vacation. So elusive. I will be on leave starting next week as well – traveling to Bergen first before settling in Munich until 14 July. That is bound to be so much fun. 🙂 But, the absolute vacation mode does not really apply in my case, I suppose. I still need to be connected at all times to respond to any email inquiries, unfortunately (perks of doing admin/academic work). Boohoo.
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Aw, man. I wish you could turn off your email. That would be awesome. Safe travels! I can’t wait to see the awesome pictures.
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Breathy audio-book people are basically the worst. I always wonder if that was the director’s choice.
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omg, your twitter handle is so amazing.
And I have the same thought! It’s so weird. Just talk/read! Don’t try to sound…whatever breathy is supposed to be trying to sound like.
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