I finally watched Stranger Things seasons 1 and 2. I did give the first episode or two a try about a year ago, but I was so creeped out that I gave up. I’m bad with horror ๐ But my brother and the blogosphere has been lauding season 3 so much that I finally caved in.
Confession: this involved a lot of nervous talking and puppy hugging and hiding behind a pillow, but I binged watched seasons 1 and 2. I’m now halfway into season 3. Horror is never going to be my thing, but I imagine that Stranger Things is good for horror. At least, the character development is interesting. (Though there is that one plotline in season 2 with that doesn’t make much sense. I wonder if/how it’ll tie into later seasons.)
So where’s the puppy in my week?
The other day, I was fooling / dancing crazy around with my puppy, and my mom commented (to the puppy), “Don’t learn from her.” My mom spoke with all loving, motherly jest (my family loves to make fun of each other; it’s one of the many ways we know we care ๐), but it got me thinking about the perks of having a puppy:
- There’s always someone ready to play with me.
- I can act like a perfect fool, and she loves it.
- She brings out the inner child in me.
- She gives me an excuse to take a break from the computer or the books.
- She reminds me to enjoy the moment.
Last Week On The Blog
- [Review] The Beholder by Anna Bright
- [Review] Better Than the Best Plan by Lauren Morrill
- [Review] The Beast Player by Nahoko Uehashi
- [Discussion] Which Books Made Your โBest Ofโ YA List in 2019 (So Far)?
Next Week On The Blog
- [Review] The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang
- [Discussion] Mid-Year Book Freakout
- [Discussion] Bookish This or That Tag
- [Interview + Giveaway] Interview with Sarah Rees Brennan, author of Season of the Witch (The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina #1)
New Arrivals this Week
For Review
- Out of Place by Jennifer Blecher // we hit some snafus getting this to me (the first two shipments got lost in the mail). I’m thankful for a publicity contact who worked with me!
Purchased / Won
- 31-Day Food Revolution by Ocean Robbins // snagged this for under 2$ using Amazon Prime deals
- Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff // won from Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction – good motivation to finally jump into The Illuminae Files!
- Shadows of Self by Brandon Sanderson // a book I love
- Solder Son Trilogy by Robin Hobb // thanks to Half Price Books’ Week of Savings!
- Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson // found this at HPB and decided to give it another try
Library
I finally got around to visiting my new library. Since I also teach in my local school district, I get to check out books for SIX WEEKS!!! I have to resist the temptation to check out a whole armload of books. #teacherperks
Books
I already wrote my thoughts on these books in my instagram post (see above image), so I won’t repeat myself here. I did link up to the Goodreads pages if you’d like to learn more about them!
- Descendant of the Crane by Joan He
- Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa
- The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
- Wicked Fox by Kat Cho
- Wizard’s First Rule by Terry Goodkind
DVDs
With Toy Story 4 in theaters, I decided to rewatch Toy Story. Well, rewatch one and two. Can you believe this will be my first time watching three? And yes, my brother laughed when he saw I brought home one and three without two. According to my library requests page, it’s on its way though!
- Toy Story
- Toy Story 3
Around the Blogosphere
- Camille @ Camille Reads shares about literary characters who remind her of her mother
- Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction responds to some bookish this or that tags
- Chana @ Paper Procrastinators shares why she loves being a Slytherin and identifies characters she believes demonstrate the qualities of her House
Chat With Me
What’s new with you in books and goals?
This post is linked to the Sunday Post feature at Caffeinated Reviewer.
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer says
I want to say something a little different from everyone else… but I can’t! Your pup is so adorable and I can totally see you getting all silly with her. I enjoyed Stranger Things too. Though you are so right about that odd season 2 storyline! That was just to scare us for Mike’s sake…
Crystal says
Haha…thanks so much, Dani! I love my puppy โค๏ธ I can see how it’s meant to add drama, plus we worry more for the home front because their most powerful ally is gone.
ShootingStarsMag says
Dogs are great, aren’t they? Yours is so cute!! I still need to read Obsidio, but I loved the first two. I really want to re-read them before Obsidio though.
-Lauren
Crystal says
Yes, dogs are wonderful. Thanks so much, Lauren! โค๏ธ I’m looking forward to starting The Illuminae Files! Enjoy you rereads ๐
Cam @ Camillea Reads says
Thank you for sharing my post, Crystal! Your pup is so adorable <3 I have two dogs and they always make me feel like a giddy child. I haven't read The Dragon Republic yet though I did order a copy which I am very very excited for!!
Crystal says
My pleasure, Cam! Thanks so much! Dogs make life so much better โค๏ธ I hope you enjoy The Dragon Republic!
Aj @ Read All The Things! says
Iโm glad things are going well with the puppy. I love my dog and canโt imagine life without a dog in the house.
Crystal says
Thanks, Aj! I couldn’t imagine life without a dog in the house either!
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
Awww, your pup is so adorable. And I love that she brings out your fun side too. ๐
I don’t think I’ve seen Toy Story 3 yet, either, so I guess I’ll have to catch up soon!
Crystal says
Thanks, Nicole! ๐
My family watched Toy Story 3 last night. It’s so good. I love the subtle references to the first filmโand that ending โค๏ธ
SARA @ BOOK CONFESSIONS OF AN EX-BALLERINA says
I read 9 books last week and I think I over did it, lol. Your puppy is so cute. We have a cairn terrier schnauzer mix and she is a hand full. My oldest son loves her though so I guess we will keep her. ๐
Sara | Book Confessions of an ExBallerina
Crystal says
It’s nice that you read nine books last week! Dogs bring so much joy into our lives โค๏ธ Our puppy is my brother’s baby, but she’ll follow anyone she thinks will play with her. She’s so hyperactive! We love her ๐
Nicci @ Sunny Buzzy Books says
Your puppy is so cute!
I’m not a horror fan either but I like Stranger Things. I haven’t finished S3 yet but I hope to this week.
Crystal says
Thanks, Nicci! I also plan to finish Stranger Things S3 this week. ๐
Genesis @ Whispering Chapters says
I so want to read Wicked Fox! Your dog is so adorable! And I’m not good with horror at all which is why I don’t think I’ll ever watch Stranger Things. I get freaked out over anything.
Genesis @ Whispering Chapters
Crystal says
I’ve been hearing such great things about Wicked Fox, and I love asian mythology! Thanks, I love my dog โค๏ธ There is so much to freak out over in Stranger Things ๐ I only made it past season 1 because my brother really likes the show.
Sam@wlabb says
That video is so cute. It’s so hard to decide what to keep in your mouth! LOL! Pups definitely make good company and keep you young at heart. GAAHHHH! The Illuminae Files is one of my favorite series. I hope you enjoy it. I have Out of Place on my TBR and will eagerly await your thoughts
Crystal says
Haha…yes, she has to have all the toys! And yes, she keeps me young at heart. Thanks so much, Sam. I look forward to The Illuminae Files and Out of Place! ๐