tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57653156651276040872024-03-12T22:59:58.010-04:00Kasey At The BatKasey At The Bathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06459585105238116254noreply@blogger.comBlogger460125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765315665127604087.post-24575614612641709822021-09-14T08:34:00.000-04:002021-09-14T08:34:33.227-04:00Show Us Your Books: August 2021!September is here, but cool weather doesn't make it's way to Georgia until Halloween at the earliest, so we're still int he middle of summer if you ask me. If you ask Target, however, it is flannel and sweat shirt season and I keep overdressing for the weather. I actually managed to read a bunch in August! So let's dive in, shall we?<script>
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</script><div><br /></div><div><i>This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission. Believe me when I say small, I do believe I've made less than $25 in amazon affiliate commissions in the four or so years I've been an affiliate member.. </i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hxMYdg1V6ZY/YTjLZURjEhI/AAAAAAABHCw/ayut5i17Pm03RuRbs6oMvjATO1o-9iMdgCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_2211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hxMYdg1V6ZY/YTjLZURjEhI/AAAAAAABHCw/ayut5i17Pm03RuRbs6oMvjATO1o-9iMdgCPcBGAsYHg/s16000/IMG_2211.jpg" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3yTrGuW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Lions of Fifth Avenue</a>: This book follows the lives of two women at the New York Public Library. One in 1913, and her granddaughter in 1993. I really enjoyed this, there was history and cool stories and a mystery. There was one story line that, while you could see it developing, kinda felt rushed into, if that makes sense? If you've read it, let me know, I don't want to spoil anything! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href=" https://amzn.to/3jQQ6kw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Legendborn</a>: OH. MY. GOD. I really loved this one, Arthurian legends, drama, good ole boy's club, secret societies, magic, PLOT TWIST, this book has it <b>all</b>. Literally, my *only* complaint is that it ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger and I don't think we have an official pub date for book two. I highly recommend this if you're into fantasy! It's technically YA, but the author randomly has a character say "oh I forget that you're only 17" or whatever to remind you that they're kids. It's so good. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href=" https://amzn.to/3A6Q79q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Red Queen</a>: I think I've mentioned before that sometimes I'll read a book and then I'll look at the reviews/see someone else post about it and it will change my mind on it after the fact? This is one of those books. <a href="https://beccadorr.com/" target="_blank">Becca</a> & I read it for our "book club" which is mainly an excuse to get together. Anyways, I saw someone who <i>hated </i>it and DNF'ed compare it to <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0545670314" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="d1313e34b12d6eeecaa3b17f836df8ae" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Hunger Games" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0545670314/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=d1313e34b12d6eeecaa3b17f836df8ae&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_9973997" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hunger Games</a> </i>which, I can kind of see. I still really enjoyed the book, and will almost certainly finish the series. It does have some <i>Hunger Games </i>aspects to it, but also some magic, and betrayal! Plot twists! Love triangles! I texted <a href="https://beccadorr.com/" target="_blank">Becca</a> when I got to the plot twist because I couldn't believe I didn't see it coming. </div><div><span style="border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-width: initial !important;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-width: initial !important;"><i><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_9973997" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=d1313e34b12d6eeecaa3b17f836df8ae&_cb=1631107007729" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i></span></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3trcpQJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dial A for Aunties</a>: I impulse bought this book at the target after a few glasses of wine, and honestly it was worth it. It's a quick read, light and funny. I do think I cried at one point? But that might have been related to the wine. It's very funny and honestly I would watch the movie. I recommend it if you're looking for something light with hijinx! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/38QJL2c" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ace of Spades</a>: Starting to think maybe I should watch <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B06Y1H48K7" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="4c52664c076351f8097c667e93a27b20" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Get Out" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y1H48K7/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=4c52664c076351f8097c667e93a27b20&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_562485" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Get Out</a> since I'm drawn to this type of stuff. Since I haven't seen Get Out, I'd say this has very big Pretty Little Liars meets Gosisp Girl energy. It was so good and I couldn't put it down, <i>had</i> to know who aces was and boy was I surprised! </div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_562485" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=4c52664c076351f8097c667e93a27b20&_cb=1631108807219" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/2WXVp8I" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Curse So Dark and Lonely</a>: I think I gave this 4 stars on goodreads, but it's a solid 3.5. It's compelling and I wanted to find out if the curse would be broken, but like stripped down to the bare bones the way this was, Beauty and the Beast is a very creepy story. The MC mentions Stockholm Syndrome in like chapter three. It's creepy, the prince isn't <i>that</i> charming, and also like there's this whole toss away plot line of like.. 300 some odd women who have been kidnapped and they don't <i>really </i>know what happens to them at the end of the "cycle" and like. What. Also the MC has big "NoT LiKe OtHeR gIrLs" energy, which like, fine, but you don't have to tell me every chapter that you're not like other girls. So yeah, I don't think I'll be reading any further into this series. </div><div><br /></div><div>That's all for August, folks! I've already finished one book in September and I will honestly probably finish the second book before this post goes live. I'm on a roll and I'd like to keep it up. I'm playing a fall reading challenge bingo thing over on my <a href="http://instagram.com/kaseyandthebooks" target="_blank">bookstagram</a>, if you want to play too! As always, linking up with <a href="https://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/" target="_blank">Steph</a> & <a href="http://janasays.com/" target="_blank">Jana</a>! Happy reading! </div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Life According to Steph"><img alt="Life According to Steph" src="https://i.imgur.com/meHWuDf.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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</script><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ikm2ICHqIsA/YRLZrZDhSLI/AAAAAAABDj4/HFy_lU25V2IMvQkR7ckSwj8m1gM6fwQnQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_1918.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ikm2ICHqIsA/YRLZrZDhSLI/AAAAAAABDj4/HFy_lU25V2IMvQkR7ckSwj8m1gM6fwQnQCPcBGAsYHg/s16000/IMG_1918.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3Ax9kkw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Half Sick of Shadows</a>: FIRST OF ALL, did I mention you can finally pause billing on Book of The Month? I hated having to quit and rejoin and now I don't have to. <b>Anyways</b> this was a Book of the Month Pick that I read with Becca and you guys. I don't know. I think I gave it 3 stars? 3.5? It's told in a very confusing real time/premonition/past tense way. It jumps around and the ending felt VERY abrupt. I felt very underwhelmed with the ending. I don't know. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3fRDAPk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Other Black Girl</a>: Do you ever share that you've read something and then a bunch of people go "oh I read this but it took forever to get going for me?" and then you're like "<i>wait, was that my experience too? did I just power through?</i>" That happened to me after I posted that I'd finished this one in one day. I think though that the slow build feeling is on purpose. I know it's been compared to Get Out, which I've never seen, but it did remind me of Stepford Wives which I think might be white lady primer for Get Out. Anyways, I loved it, read it in one day. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3lOHVXl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shadow and Bone</a></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3lOHVXl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Siege and Storm</a></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3lOHVXl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ruin and Rising</a></div><div>I'm doing all three of these as ONE review because I can't remember where the story stops on each one but I DO need to warn you that the ebook is over at like 45% "read"on kindle. There's like 85 pages of like. book club notes and shit. But I liked this so much that when I finished the first one from the library and discovered the wait time for the next one that I ordered the "box set" for pickup at B&N that very same day. I think this is technically YA? I didn't really know how old the characters were supposed to be, but I really enjoyed it and am now trying to decide if I want to read the Six of Crows duology before watching the TV show, does any one know if I need to do that first? </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/2VCZA9Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Darker Shade of Magic</a>: I did an excellent job taking a fantasy breather right? I mean two whole books this time around weren't fantasy. Obviously, this isn't one of those. This one was somehow fast paced and slow? I think having read Addie LaRue and Vengeful first helped me understand the way V.E. Schwab builds her worlds and does character development. I'm interested to see how the rest of this series goes though. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3fTv42b" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taken at the Flood (Hercule Poirot)</a>: OKAY I figured out a murderer in this one but NOT the twist at the end. So Agatha does it again! I feel like this one did have some jarring language in there, so evergreen reminder that Agatha's books were published "in a different time" some of them have been edited but not all, and sometimes it's a surprising like, positive sounding prejudice? Anyways, that's a warning that these books don't often come with and sometimes it catches me very off guard and I'm like "oh, right, people thought that was an okay thing to say in the 50s"</div><div><br /></div><div>That's all folks! I mean I've already finished one book in August and I am absolutely tearing through <a href="https://amzn.to/37vrCGz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Legendborn</a> right now but I gotta save those to have content next month! As always, linking up for fun! </div>
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We've been talking about getting a puppy for over a year, then Thursday the 24th I saw a craigslist post, we e-mailed them that night (after cocktails) they e-mailed back on Friday morning, Albus and I went to "just meet the puppy" and of course she came home with us. No one expected that to go any other way. We were <i>wildly </i>unprepared, didn't even have a crate for her. So I snagged one off of marketplace and now Albus has a baby sister, named Betty Lou. <div><br /></div><div>ANYWAYS now that we've got all that out of the way, here's what I read in June! <i>This post contains affiliate links which means if you click trough and make a purchase I may receive a tiny commission. </i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbegA5WgcGw/YN9UpgZOnYI/AAAAAAABAMc/ymoFmCdFC0o6QBMHLUySckyLNge7Qm_ywCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/210835659_10221433208955958_6821153717580649108_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbegA5WgcGw/YN9UpgZOnYI/AAAAAAABAMc/ymoFmCdFC0o6QBMHLUySckyLNge7Qm_ywCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/210835659_10221433208955958_6821153717580649108_n.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b>In a shock to absolutely no one: I finished the Throne of Glass Series:</b></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3dFu9RR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tower of Dawn</a>: This is book 6 and it's Chaol's story! We get a handful of new characters and get to see a different part of the world they live in! I enjoyed this one, and then learned from instagram that people sometimes skip it? I wouldn't recommend that, I feel like you learn a lot of things in this one that you need for the next one? </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3hd4lih" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kingdom of Ash</a>: I accidentally bought this physical book twice. By accidentally, I mean I went on thriftbooks to see what their shipping time would be and it was too long, so I backed out of the order and they still decided to charge me and send the book, even though I reached out to customer service immediately, they couldn't cancel the order because it has "already entered the shipping process" then didn't ship for five business days. ANYWAYS. I wanted to pace myself through this but instead I read the entire thing, even though it's the longest of all of them, in less than a week. I <b>devoured</b> it. I loved it, I'll admit, I'm firmly in the Sarah J Maas fandom. Give me <i>all </i> the territorial fae male bullshit. I also really enjoyed that this book had an ending? Like, yes technically there's an opening to continue this series, but it also feels finished. Would I read more books in this universe about other characters? Obviously. Also, there's a fun ACOTAR Easter egg in this one! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3jKpZfc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Assassin's Blade</a>: This is a prequel of smaller stories to the Throne of Glass. It's five? novellas put into one book. I think you can also get them all separately if you really wanted to do that? I would *not* recommend reading these first. I'd say after the 4th book, because there are some mild spoilers. Things you might figure out before the characters do in the normal span of the books but things they end up telling you. Anyways, this was fun, I read the whole thing in one day.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3qMsTld" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">For the Wolf</a>: I picked this up on a whim at the register of the first Barnes & Nobel I've been inside since the Before Times. I also tore through this one. It tells the story of two sisters and fate and magic and myths and misunderstandings and oh man I tore through this one too. I highly recommend. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3qKiarK" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ariadne</a>: I wanted to like this more than I ended up liking it. I <i>loved </i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0316556327" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="7eca4561f391f735b03ad6982e32de8a" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Circe" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0316556327/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=7eca4561f391f735b03ad6982e32de8a&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_3885435" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Circe</a> but the characters in this one just felt flat to me? I don't really know how to explain it. The overall theme is "men ain't shit" but like, it just didn't land for me. I really wanted to like it, I hated the fucking ending. </div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_3885435" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=7eca4561f391f735b03ad6982e32de8a&_cb=1625500677577" style="border: none; height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" /></div><div><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0593200519" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="a9740ea6d34bba6f371e4fadb70c9d01" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Half Sick of Shadows:" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0593200519/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=a9740ea6d34bba6f371e4fadb70c9d01&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_847026" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Half Sick of Shadows:</a> I wanted this to be so much more than it was. Back to back with the BOTM disappointment. <a href="https://beccadorr.com/" target="_blank">Becca </a>& I decided to make this a little mini book club read between the two of us and when I finished it I texted her and said "I hate that ending" I don't know if it's possible to spoil a book that keeps jumping from the present to future visions that aren't set in stone. I just finished it feeling very underwhelmed. Idk, but good news, I was able to pause my BOTM membership because I didn't really want any of the July books. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3edwdB1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Other Black Girl</a>: HOLY COW. Bookstagram made me buy this and WOW. I read it in one day. Just absolutely devoured it. I've never seen Get Out because I thought it was scary scary? Like horror movie scary? I like a thriller and boy HOWDY do we have one here. If you haven't seen Get Out, like me, it also has <a href="https://amzn.to/3eb4ErJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stepford Wives</a> vibes. I highly highly recommend this one. Don't let thriller scare you like it usually does to me haha</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3hE9DDq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shadow and Bone</a>: Hello now I am elbows deep in the Grisahverse. I accidentally? read this faster than I thought I was reading it because the kindle told me I was 54% of the way done when really it was 100% because the rest was just like. previews of the next book or something? I don't know I didn't even flip through to see. I instead, immediately ordered just the <a href="https://amzn.to/3xCIwhH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">entire box set</a> for curbside pickup at B&N. I'm currently on the second book, Siege and Storm and am enjoying this universe. Obviously will make myself read them all before I start the netflix show. (<i>also, sadly, the netflix stickers are printed on all three books. ugh.</i>)</div><div><br /></div><div>That's it for June! OH Question for y'all. I saw A Tiktok that told me I needed to stop using <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/kdsmoove" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> because of Bezos (<b>important note: there is no ethical consumption under capitalism.</b>) and switch to <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/kdsmoove" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Storygraph</a>? Have y'all used that? I do love visual representations of data and it did let me import my Goodreads history. Lately I've been using both. I think they both have different values, I'm just so used to Goodreads, I'm worried? it'll be like every time we've mass joined different social media because we're over Facebook or Instagram's new updates. What do y'all think?</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways! Happy Show Us Your Books Day! 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</script><div><br /></div><div><i>This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase then I will receive a tiny commission.</i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MUETzdR0PgM/YLqUrM9wOzI/AAAAAAAA90w/8Lg79mBwyiYYR4YWTo_P7NdaS8sp9o1PwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Pool%2BAlbus%2BBook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MUETzdR0PgM/YLqUrM9wOzI/AAAAAAAA90w/8Lg79mBwyiYYR4YWTo_P7NdaS8sp9o1PwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Pool%2BAlbus%2BBook.jpg" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3x2VIMl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CRESCENT CITY</a>: Y'ALLL. I loved this. The next one comes out my birthday week next year and I CANNOT WAIT like it's 7 months out but I've already preordered it. Holy Cow. It's ACOTAR meets modern day. Fae are still around causin' problems but now there are ARCHANGELS and shifters and OTTERS WHO DELIVER MESSAGES. Y'all. Just read it. It's steamier than ACOTAR, if you can believe it! I also will honestly be re-reading it before the second one comes out, I loved it that much. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3ijBwBu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Memory Collectors</a>: I won this in a bookstagram giveaway from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elle_mentbooks/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elle</a> and it <i>literally </i>arrived in the mail the day I finished <i>Crescent City</i> how perfect is that? This book has it all, magic, mystery, murder, Bad Guys, sister drama, I devoured this one too. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/34Oh7wB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Throne of Glass</a>: After <i>A Court of Silver Flames </i>AND <i>Crescent City</i> I was honestly craving more Sarah J Maas. I'll admit it. So I dove into this series, which I've learned was her first ever and she started writing it when she was like SIXTEEN? Excuse me? I've been *talking* about writing my own book since before then but the closest I've come is being a half ass blogger here. (<i>sorry y'all</i>) Anyways, there are two things you need to know about this one: it takes for<b>ever</b> to really get going, I swear the last 15% of the book is more interesting than all of the beginning parts put together, but knowing what I know, I stuck it out. You don't have to. Two: it ends on a <b>damn cliffhanger </b>so of course, being who I am, I proceeded to drop nearly everything and pick up a seven book series where each book is 700 pages. Will I get my goodreads goal this year? Only the shadow knows. </div><div><br /></div><div>TL;DR: I gave this one three stars I think? (rounded up, honestly, from 2.5 because the first half was so. slow.) Then proceeded to place holds on the rest of the series. I have a problem.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3geHCkh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vicious</a>: Another series I'm hooked on. The next book wasn't free at the library yet, and it wasn't as demanding as ACOTAR (we all know that's <i>A Court of Thorns and Roses</i> right? I'm not using jargon that's completely foreign?) Again, magic and murder. I'm deep in a fantasy trench? I don't want to say rut because I'm enjoying it. This is the same author who wrote <i>Invisible Life of Addie LaRue </i>and this is a COMPLETELY different adventure. I genuinely enjoyed it, I have the next book on holds, but I keep pushing it off because of <i>Throne of Glass</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3uRYYZp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Labors of Hercules</a>: Poirot has never been one for the classics but decides to complete the<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labours_of_Hercules" target="_blank"> Labors of Hercules</a> before he retires. Did I have the muses from the Disney classic, Hercules, singing in the back of my brain every time? Obviously. Did I enjoy little Poirot's adventures? Always. I think I read this one in like. Two days. Maybe one. It was fun and not quite a collection of short stories, but kind of? I'm working my way through all of the Poirot novels and I'm honestly trying to pace myself now, since you know Agatha isn't writing any more of them.... </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3pn2HwL" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)</a>: And Here. We. Go. This one was better than the first, but still kind of slow in the beginning. I'm not sure if that's on purpose or not. I figured out the Big Secret before any of the characters did, but cannot for the life of me decide how we're supposed to be pronouncing "Chaol" I don't want to look it up, I've been pronouncing it like someone who doesn't know how to pronounce chaos. (Cha-Ol) but it makes me think of when they had Hermoine pronounce her name in the early HP books because none of us dumb Americans knew that name. haha. Anyways, this one has a bigger? cliffhanger than the first so you won't be at all surprised that my next book is<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3vTDg8J" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3)</a>: This one was ALL GAS, no brakes and the speed that I wanted. It finally got all the way up to 5 stars because things are getting <b>interesting</b> and there are just more twists than I can predict. Also new characters! New kingdoms! New drama! Yay! When I finished <i>this one</i> I was left with a choice: be a patient and reasonable adult and wait for book number four to come off of holds, or be impatient and by the e-book. Can you guess what happened next?<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>If you guessed that I was impatient and went ahead and bought the e-book <a href="https://amzn.to/3g8asCN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)</a> you know me well. I want to be a person who plans my reading journey but I'm just not built like that. I <i>can</i> predict that if I like the first book I will read all of them and I will DEMAND adaptations on tv or something, but that's jut who I am. The weather was lovely on Saturday and I spent the entire day laying on the couch, reading this book. I finished it, and <i>immediately</i> downloaded the next one, which I did at least walk up to the Square with Albus to read at the bar for a little bit. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, as of this Monday morning, I'm still reading <a href="https://amzn.to/34XDK1y">Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass, 6)</a> and slightly worried that I think there's only one book left in the series. As always, linking up with <a href="https://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/" target="_blank">Steph </a>& <a href="http://janasays.com/" target="_blank">Jana</a>! Maybe this time I'll remember to add my link to the linkup, time will tell..... Tell me what you're reading and if I should add it to my ever growing but never shrinking TBR list. </div>
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</script><div><br /></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2SHnjIHdgE4/YGIZv6ylgNI/AAAAAAAA6L0/GwKQQPpT4Ck4LJ3m5XZINfK5aVLyvNUVACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_8924.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2SHnjIHdgE4/YGIZv6ylgNI/AAAAAAAA6L0/GwKQQPpT4Ck4LJ3m5XZINfK5aVLyvNUVACPcBGAsYHg/s16000/IMG_8924.jpg" /></a></div><br />December 2020:</b></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3aUjy3w" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Court of Thorns and Roses</a></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3tGSAEZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Court of Mist and Fury</a></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3rOP1ej" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Court of Wings and Ruin</a></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/2YXEwc7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Court of Frost and Starlight</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I need y'all to know I <b>tore through</b> the ACOTAR books, ended up buying some because I didn't want to wait for library holds, and preordered the one that would come out in February. WHICH DID Y'ALL SEE THE NEWS? IT'S BEING ADAPTED FOR TV! I am so pumped. I recommend these to anyone who likes fantasy, it's such a cool world, don't let the maps and character charts intimidate you haha</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3q56TRy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Year of The Witching</a> : This was good, it's described as "<i>The Handmaid's Tale </i>for a new generation" (not that we really need that, when we're basically living in the early days of that world...) This was very entertaining and a little heartbreaking, but <b>very </b>captivating. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/36YwMe9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Evil Under The Sun</a>: Another Hercule Poirot, which I felt was almost cheating? To hit my goal? Then I remembered it was an arbitrary goal I had set and I loved the book anyways. This one I had a hunch who the murderer was, but only because I'd watched a different Christie novel in movie form and it hinted the same level of Bad Guy. As always, totally recommend Hercule Poirot every time. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>January 2021:</b></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/2O1N1AU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Splendid Ruin</a>: This one kept me guessing, y'all. There are three very separate sections of the book. Features some outstanding gaslighting and story telling, lots of adventure and revenge at play. I didn't see the middle twist coming at all. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3waTcDR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Last of the Moon Girls</a>: Hesitant Witches! Y'all know I'm a sucker for a witch who's hesitant to use her powers. This one falls into that vein, she doesn't want to take over the family farm, then her grandmother dies, she has to go back to settle the estate, and gets drawn back into her life before the big city. It's a little, cliche? Fits very well into the category it belongs to, but it's well written and a good story. </div><div><br /></div><div><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0316556327" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="6c8390ac1450b40d50eb4af148d48a35" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Circe" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0316556327/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=6c8390ac1450b40d50eb4af148d48a35&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_3370435" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Circe</a>: I couldn't put this one down either. Circe loves her some mortals. I didn't know a lot of her backstory, only some of her part in the Odyssey, so it was cool to read about Circe herself. </div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_3370435" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=6c8390ac1450b40d50eb4af148d48a35&_cb=1617033850670" style="border: none; height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3w4Q4K1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Atomic Love</a>: I rage finished this one. I was predictable and terrible and the story didn't have the legs. I don't recommend it. It was my last BOTM. You can skip this one. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3m0r9SY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Our Time Is Now</a>: This book was timely as I read it during the Georgia Senate Runoff and it's relevant again now as the state legislature is passing sweeping voter suppression laws! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/31tH8Q7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Duke & I</a> - Okay, I read these because everyone was <i>raving </i>about Brigerton the TV show and I felt left out and like, there is a very specific plot point in this one that could have been completely left out or at the very least dealt with better. Not sure if they handle it better in the show, I haven't made it that far. I don't seem to have the attention span for TV (EXCEPT WANDAVISION, I had the time for that one) lately. BUT ALSO I low key hate how they did Daphne AND her older brother who's name starts with an A but escapes me now, because they were definitely better characters in the books than in the first two or three episodes. So.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3cuLcWH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Viscount Who Loved Me</a>: I liked this one better than the first one, but it was the last one for me. These are fine, and I thought they'd be more my vibe than they ended up being. Just not for me, but I did try to read the third one and... </div><div><br /></div><div><b>DNF</b>: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9408584-an-offer-from-a-gentleman?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=5LrkbhousK&rank=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">An Offer From A Gentleman</a>: this felt like it was torn directly from Cinderella, I don't need another Cinderella in my life when Ever After and Cinderella Story and the one with Brandy all exist. Thanks. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>February 2021:</b></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3ctKb0Z" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Devil in the White City</a> - I admit that I put this one on hold because I saw some suburban mom so mad about it being included on some high school reading list. (She was mad because she assumed it was about racism, not America's first serial killer and his MURDER CASTLE.) And good LORD does Erik Larson take <b>forever</b> to get to a point. I was honestly disappointed in this, it was a LOT OF information about the World's Fair, lightly seasoned with murder. I guess that's a dark take since it's non-fiction but like, come on. I was there for H.H. Holmes, not the budget committee's meetings with congress.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3dfxAhh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Once and Future Witches</a>: This one was CAPTIVATING, I couldn't put it down. It's set in Salem in a time where there used to be witches, and men are the worst. There's an overlap between the suffragette movement and how they didn't really want votes for <i>all </i>women, there's unfair labor practices, men who deserve to be turned into frogs. It's great y'all. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/2PkR5gd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Court of Silver Flames</a>: THIS IS MY FAVORITE ONE SO FAR. You need to read the other ones to understand it, but it just came out and I literally returned books I had borrowed without reading them so I could read it. It's <b>definitely</b> steamier. It follows Nessa & Cassian and tackles some mental health issues and survivors guilt and just like. The character development is incredible. I was so sad when it was over. I can't wait for the next one AND THE TV ADAPTATION. So pumped. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>March 2021:</b></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/2PC2MyX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue</a>: Everyone loves this book, so I was scared I wouldn't. It is important to note that it takes <b>forever </b>to get going. It's very slow at the start, but I think that's on purpose so you're feeling some of what Addie feels. I don't know if I can describe anything else without it being a potential spoiler but y'all it's good, worth the hype. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3floD8I" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Hollow (Hercule Poirot #26)</a>: This Poirot novel, I figured out the killer, but then all of the clues convinced me I was wrong, so I felt vindicated at the end haha. I hope that's not a spoiler. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/2PamIJA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Girl With The Louding Voice</a>: I have a hard time with stories written in any kind of dialect, my brain works to hard to try to make it sound like I speak rather than letting me hear the accent, if that makes sense? So that made this one a little harder for me to get through, also the anticipation. You <i>know</i> something is coming but you can't figure out what and then BAM. The ending really made up for the long way it takes to get going. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3u5noPe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Book of Lost Names</a>: WWII here, this one had me SOBBING. Just sobbing. I haven't read a WWII novel in a minute because they're exhausting and lately I've been looking for more escapist stuff but whew. It's good, but I would skip it if you try to avoid books about WWII/The Holocaust. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Currently Reading: </b><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="1635574048" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="2fd0a7b62d75fab7740934e81c67f0a0" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="House of Earth and Blood" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1635574048/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=2fd0a7b62d75fab7740934e81c67f0a0&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_1778728" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">House of Earth and Blood</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>FINALLY linking up for Show Us Your Books with <a href="https://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/" target="_blank">Steph </a>& <a href="http://janasays.com/" target="_blank">Jana</a>. I've missed y'all! </div><div><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_1778728" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=2fd0a7b62d75fab7740934e81c67f0a0&_cb=1617034258245" style="border: none; height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" /></div>
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</script><div><br /></div><div>OKAY so here we go. Let's round up what I read in November! I'm writing this on December 1st and it snowed last night (not okay) and I have 6 books to read to hit my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3757969-kasey-decker" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> goal. Do y'all think I will make it? </div><div><br /></div><div><i>This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click through them and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9dxjXY6pM0/X86NZAV9TAI/AAAAAAAAwdY/GmFky7LcMvUzo_UUiBSgnknmDw21SpSXACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8020.jpg.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9dxjXY6pM0/X86NZAV9TAI/AAAAAAAAwdY/GmFky7LcMvUzo_UUiBSgnknmDw21SpSXACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_8020.jpg.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="1338635174" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="1c0ff2bb9a22e226c8a919a48729c4b8" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1338635174/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=1c0ff2bb9a22e226c8a919a48729c4b8&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_2366591" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_2366591" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=1c0ff2bb9a22e226c8a919a48729c4b8&_cb=1606842708856" style="border: none; height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" />: Y'all, I was Very Upset that they started out trying to get me to like President Snow. So if that's where you are in the book, keep going, it gets better. This was really good. It made me want to read all the books again, and I did end up watching the first movie after I finished it. It's a bit long, but what else do we have to do in the cold months anyways? I definitely recommend it if you enjoyed <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0545670314" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="f5196b850d9902aaf7f72e39ea843c07" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="the hunger games series" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0545670314/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=f5196b850d9902aaf7f72e39ea843c07&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_5054906" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Hunger Games</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_5054906" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=f5196b850d9902aaf7f72e39ea843c07&_cb=1606842845300" style="border: none; height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" />. The Games are terrible but it was interesting to see how they really got to where they were by the 75th annual... </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3qbQVp4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hercule Poirot's Christmas</a>: A holiday murder mystery! Secret identities! A granddaughter from somewhere warm and exotic! This one has it all! I know y'all know I've been working through the Poirot stories, and that I love them all. So once again, I didn't guess the murderer, Hercule scooped it! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3qbUJGS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Conjure Women</a>: I didn't understand the artwork on the cover of this book until I was about halfway through, and I thought that was really cool. I don't really know how to explain this one, so here's a blurb from Goodreads:</div><div><br /></div><div> <i>Like her mother, Rue is an all-knowing midwife, healer, and conjurer of curses on the plantation of Marse Charles. Moving back and forth in time between the years before and after the Civil War, Conjure Women tells the story of Rue, the families she cares for, and the mysteries and secrets she knows about the plantation owner's daughter, Varina.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>I enjoyed this because it didn't really follow the stereotypical bell curve most books do, if that makes sense. It wasn't like a slow build to a big climactic event then the wrapping up of a story. It felt more like a chunk out of the middle of a bigger story. I don't know if that makes any sense to y'all. There were big events and drama and mystery and a relatively "neat" ending if you will, but it was a very good read. I am doing a bad job of explaining it. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/36rOTti" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sad Cypress: </a> BACK to Poirot. We have three in here. Oh man. This one was good. It had a Very Christie twist, but only one you can see coming after it's happened. If you've been here for more than one reading recap, you'll be very familiar with my current task trying to read through every single Poriot novel. I'm making pretty good time, very excited to move onto Miss Marple once I'm done with our mustachioed friend. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/37oT5Jl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">One, Two, Buckle My Shoe</a>: For some reason, goodreads was CONVINCED this was an audiobook, it was not, but I thought that was very weird. Anyways. This one was one where I thought I knew who the murderer was at the end of each chapter, which we know Agatha does on purpose. There were more twists and turns than normal in this one and I couldn't put it down! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3od6CKR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot</a>: I saw a meme the other day about how anti-racism work isn't self improvement for white people & doesn't end when you feel better about yourself. I understand why that was a meme, <i>lookin' at you, white women voting for Trump</i>, but at the same time thought "how do you ever feel better about yourself?" because everything I read and everything I learn and every new thing that I come to understand just makes me more mad. So, now that I've made this review about me, in true white lady fashion, I highly recommend this one. It's informative and connects the dots on a lot of things and made me feel more radicalized and more sound in my understanding of how feminism <i>should </i>work. <br /></div><blockquote><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 14px;">They need feminism to recognize that everything that affects women is a feminist issue, whether it be food insecurity or access to transit, schools, or a living wage.</span></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>That's it! I have to read 6 books in December to hit my 2020 reading goal, so wish me luck! Linking up for Show Us Your Books! Tell me what you've been reading! Have you read any of these? I'm currently reading (er, devouring): <a href="https://amzn.to/2JD98va" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Court of Thorns and Roses</a> and I've <i>already </i>borrowed the second book of the series because I am enjoying this one so much. </div><div><br /></div><div align="center">
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</script><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EKyUjbhWs2E/X4WaWFXyB5I/AAAAAAAAu2Q/c2D4hhSfkvoCVaz0cYD3B95QeiOu4KGHACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/5EC7AFE9-D00D-4A4A-8F59-405E1C2A7AA2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EKyUjbhWs2E/X4WaWFXyB5I/AAAAAAAAu2Q/c2D4hhSfkvoCVaz0cYD3B95QeiOu4KGHACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/5EC7AFE9-D00D-4A4A-8F59-405E1C2A7AA2.jpeg" /></a></div><i><br /></i></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3loa8kc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Warmth of Other Suns</a> : When everyone was making the Anti-Racism Reading Lists, I wanted to make sure I wasn't getting perspective of other white people. I can safely tell you that I did not learn <b>anything</b> about the Great Migration when I was in school. It was smoothly glossed over. This book is FIRST PERSON stories. It was so cool, I learned so much, and it broke my heart. </div><div><br /></div><div><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="1250095263" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="7d51795bd151252077041d2de679c44f" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Caraval" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1250095263/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=7d51795bd151252077041d2de679c44f&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_1914635" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Caraval</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_1914635" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=7d51795bd151252077041d2de679c44f&_cb=1602176351284" style="border: none; height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" /> : After I had a whole ~moment~ about the <a href="https://amzn.to/3nBwaSk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Discovery Of Witches series</a>, someone recommended this tribology to me, and as you can see below, I tore through it too. I think it took me one weekend. Hello, my name is Kasey, and I have no self control. Anyways, this trilogy is set in a land of magic and I don't know if I could explain it if I wanted to without giving away some things. But it's the tale of two sisters as they make their way through said world of magic. It's very good and honestly keeps you guessing until the very end, which leaves us with a cliffhanger into the second one!</div><div><br /></div><div><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="1250095328" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="561c6b560b7688990d970eb145f25d8c" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Legendary" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1250095328/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=561c6b560b7688990d970eb145f25d8c&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_3331251" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Legendary</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_3331251" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=561c6b560b7688990d970eb145f25d8c&_cb=1602176358596" style="border: none; height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" /> : This is the second of this trilogy, it's set obviously after the end of the first one (wow, hire me to write all of your book reviews y'all) but you have a base understanding of the world as the sisters get deeper into it. They've learned their mom has a connection to this world aside from the little bit they knew. This one is told more from the perspective of the other sister. Feels very much like a middle novel, if you will? Like there are a lot of storylines that aren't dropped or completed but you know there's a third book so you're not worried?</div><div><br /></div><div><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="1250157684" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="4e025b998dc8b97d48cd1079bbe4cf82" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Finale" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1250157684/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=4e025b998dc8b97d48cd1079bbe4cf82&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_8258071" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Finale</a>: This one is aptly named. There are A LOT of moving parts and it's told by BOTH sisters. I don't know if I could pick a favorite of the three, because unlike some multi book series, this one almost felt like it could have been one, very long, book? (<i>Kasey, do you think maybe that's because you read all three of them in one weekend?</i>) If you're a fan of magic and action and light fantasy, I think you'll enjoy this series. I know I did. </div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_8258071" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=4e025b998dc8b97d48cd1079bbe4cf82&_cb=1602176362845" style="border: none; height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/33EFsFg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Paris Hours</a>: The ending of this book made me very mad. Mad isn't the right word. But if you've read it, maybe you can sympathize with me. It has that vibe of like. Love Actually? or those movies in the early 2000s where there are like 10 characters and their stories seem disconnected then they're all at some kid's Christmas play. It was very good story telling, I just have FEELIGNS about the end. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3ltVMyC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Between the World and Me</a>: I read The Water Dancer sometime either earlier this year or last year (tbh I don't know what time means anymore) and I really liked the writing style so I wanted to see other things written by Ta-Nehisi Coates. This book is written in the form of letters to his son and just, the way he speaks to him both warmed and broke my heart. It also felt very... intimate? Almost like I was snooping in someone's mail or something. Also, there's a part where he talks about a trip to Paris and it made me cry more than it should have because he so acutely describes travel and what I miss about it. </div><div><br /></div><div><div align="center">
<a href="http://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Life According to Steph"><img alt="Life According to Steph" src="https://i.imgur.com/meHWuDf.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Currently. I'm reading <a href="https://amzn.to/3lsCkT6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes</a>, which I will almost certainly finish over the rainy weekend, but like I said, I'm writing this mid zoom call I'm not paying attention to, so it'll have to be in my November SUYB. What are you reading? What have I missed? How have you been? </div><div><br /></div>
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Specifically about how we somehow have a tomato forest in our garden and also more okra than you can shake a stick at. <div><br /></div><div><i>This post contains affiliate links. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ggl9O84tMG8/XzK0JBF666I/AAAAAAAArwo/DA8aItrOEswEwNHJkuoyTHuFbGuSPz74wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ggl9O84tMG8/XzK0JBF666I/AAAAAAAArwo/DA8aItrOEswEwNHJkuoyTHuFbGuSPz74wCLcBGAsYHQ/d/IMG_5929.jpg" /></a></div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3f5OHBF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Beekeeper of Aleppo</a>: This one was kind of hard for me to finish because I could almost see what the ending was going to be? Without trying to spoil it, I can't really explain that any further.. It was a heartbreaking story from start to finish though, and I recommend it! </div><div><br /></div><div><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B07H7GQHKC" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="352277454a47c2a3f814e380cf6ba539" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Price of Paradise" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H7GQHKC/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=352277454a47c2a3f814e380cf6ba539&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_5187983" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Price of Paradise</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_5187983" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=352277454a47c2a3f814e380cf6ba539&_cb=1594061468739" style="border: none; height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" />: This one was one of the free amazon books you can get for kindle if your a prime subscriber? It was originally written in Spanish and translated over. It's a story about love and loss and revolution and it was so good. There were twists and turns and the mob and I really enjoyed the whole thing. Plus! I learned a lot about Cuba in the process!</div><div><br /></div><div><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B07FDDPFPN" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="803cffdb321e63e86c2eb443214cab4d" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Victory Garden" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FDDPFPN/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=803cffdb321e63e86c2eb443214cab4d&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_2155088" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Victory Garden</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_2155088" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=803cffdb321e63e86c2eb443214cab4d&_cb=1594061484536" style="border: none; height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" />: I think this one was also a free amazon one? It's been a minute so I'm not sure. It was also a good read. WWII, y'all know I get stuck there quite often. Again, love, loss, war, my bread and butter it seems. As it goes with most of my reviews, I recommend this one too. It was somehow light and predictable even for a WWII novel, you know? Maybe that's silly. </div><div><br /></div><div><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="081298496X" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="243cfe1127a85628383e28db74efa0a6" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Just Mercy" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/081298496X/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=243cfe1127a85628383e28db74efa0a6&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_9380949" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Just Mercy</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_9380949" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=243cfe1127a85628383e28db74efa0a6&_cb=1594061498513" style="border: none; height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" />: This one also broke my heart. I learned a lot and plan to watch the movie soon ( I haven't had the attention span for a movie in quite some time...) This one will really open your eyes to the prison industrial complex, the school to prison pipeline, and the death penalty. I highly recommend it, but just know that you're probably going to come out the other end very angry. </div><div><br /></div><div><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="1250211662" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="24039cd59505fd0fb45281a351e2311d" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="A Blade So Black" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1250211662/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=24039cd59505fd0fb45281a351e2311d&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_7173461" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Blade So Black</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_7173461" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=24039cd59505fd0fb45281a351e2311d&_cb=1594061520076" style="border: none; height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" />: This was so fun! It's a new take on Alice in Wonderland and I couldn't put it down. The only reason I haven't finished the series (this is the first of said series) is because the library didn't have the other books available for eBook checkout and they've only recently reopened for curbside pickup. I tore right through this one, the characters are so fun and witty and I love a good re-imagining of Alice. </div><div><br /></div><div><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0525536299" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="dd9b360651a35f9d8248158c52d0bfe6" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Vanishing Half" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0525536299/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=dd9b360651a35f9d8248158c52d0bfe6&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_4768228" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Vanishing Half</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_4768228" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=dd9b360651a35f9d8248158c52d0bfe6&_cb=1594061534084" style="border: none; height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" />: I also read this one in one single weekend. Like, started it on Friday evening, finished it on Saturday night. It tells the story of twins who choose to live completely different lives, and then the lives of their daughters. It's a really great story and I definitely recommend it too! I think it lives up to the hype.</div><div><br /></div><div><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0143119680" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="dc6a204b221036e384623b839a5e1c47" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="A Discovery of Witches" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0143119680/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=dc6a204b221036e384623b839a5e1c47&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_7799526" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Discovery of Witches</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_7799526" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=dc6a204b221036e384623b839a5e1c47&_cb=1594061549004" style="border: none; height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" />: OKAY GUYS WHY WERE YOU HIDING THIS SERIES FROM ME FOR REAL? I <b>tore</b> through this entire series and these books are all like 500 pages long. Couldn't put them down. Wasn't patient enough to wait for the second and third one to come off library holds so I bought them. Then I watched the entire first season of the TV show, followed by several hours on the internet trying to figure out when season two would be released (like everything else, it's on a corona delay)</div><div><br /></div><div><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0143123629" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="22bbdd9609632c5df101a34357e6137c" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Shadow of Night" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0143123629/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=22bbdd9609632c5df101a34357e6137c&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_7661910" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shadow of Night</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_7661910" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=22bbdd9609632c5df101a34357e6137c&_cb=1594061560558" style="border: none; height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" />: I think this might be my favorite of the three, if I had to pick. In this one Diana & Matthew TIMEWALK and live in the 1590's in England. Time travel, witches, vampires, murder, bad guys, IT HAS EVERYTHING OKAY. Honestly. Which is part of why I was so bummed to find out the second season is delayed, because obviously I wanted some period drama to fill my days with. </div><div><br /></div><div><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0143127527" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="2b1c1326ce92110060aa4889808f9229" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Book of Life" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0143127527/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=2b1c1326ce92110060aa4889808f9229&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_7768648" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Book of Life</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_7768648" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=2b1c1326ce92110060aa4889808f9229&_cb=1594061570149" style="border: none; height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" />: I know this one is allegedly the last one in the series, but I think there will be more. At least I hope so. There's another book, <i>Time's Convert</i> that depending on where you read it is either #1 in the "All Souls" Series, or #4 in the Discovery of Witches. WHO KNOWS. There are a couple of story lines in this one that sort of get dropped? I'm hoping that just means they'll be picked up in future books. And a little bit of unnecessary unrequited love drama, but like, still very good. I still tore right through it, and honestly can't wait for more. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3k3TVkm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Girl, Woman, Other</a>: This one tells the story of several Black characters that <i>eventually </i>all tie together. It felt more like a collection of short stories with a chapter at the end tying them all together? I really enjoyed it but I did kind of forget about various overlapping characters until they were all tied together at the end. </div><div><br /></div><div><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0399564535" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="070042afa9968a8276dcb6387cfa8c2f" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Time's Convert" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0399564535/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=070042afa9968a8276dcb6387cfa8c2f&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_2357074" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Time's Convert</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_2357074" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=070042afa9968a8276dcb6387cfa8c2f&_cb=1596475025791" style="border: none; height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" />: BOOK FOUR! or book one of the universe series? Anyways, it focuses more on the story of Marcus and Phoebe and honestly I would read books about all of the lives of the supporting characters in this story universe forever and ever amen. This one is set after the first three, like in immediate succession so you definitely need to read the other three to really understand what's going on in this one (which is why I feel like it's more of a book 4 than a book 1, but I'm neither author nor publisher so what do I know?)</div><div><br /></div><div><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0062570617" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="39423c3dcecf84fa6b78e0d8f67799dd" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Dread Nation" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0062570617/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=39423c3dcecf84fa6b78e0d8f67799dd&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_7594661" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dread Nation</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_7594661" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=39423c3dcecf84fa6b78e0d8f67799dd&_cb=1596475039875" style="border: none; height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" />: BLACK GIRLS FIGHTING ZOMBIES. This one is the first of two books (see the second one as my next book, lol) Where the Dead rise up the day after the battle of Gettysburg and it re-imagines history if that happened. This story touches on all kinds of issues and involves our heroines straight up kicking ass and taking names. I really enjoyed both of these, and highly recommend!</div><div><br /></div><div><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0062570633" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="9014c66c9824cf29b8c0cde3c7ae9fc6" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Deathless Divide" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0062570633/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=9014c66c9824cf29b8c0cde3c7ae9fc6&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_1847163" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deathless Divide</a>: I liked that this one sort of wrapped up the story. Like, there's a little bit of an opening at the end for there to be more books in the series? But it also ties up a lot of loose ends and things that usually frustrate me. It feels like the story is complete. More zombie fighting, a few Utopian towns that aren't actually Utopian, happily ever afters, and people not wanting to settle. It's a fun little series.</div><div><br /></div><div><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0062073990" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="4654d315e93b78e0ceaae010b143a13b" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Murder in the Mews" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0062073990/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=4654d315e93b78e0ceaae010b143a13b&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_3222330" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Murder in the Mews</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_3222330" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=4654d315e93b78e0ceaae010b143a13b&_cb=1596475079078" style="border: none; height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" />: BACK AT IT AGAIN WITH MY PAL POIROT! This one is a collection of like, five Poirot stories. I love the theme that people think they can pull one over on Poirot. He always figures it out! Those little gray cells my friends. I always enjoy a Poirot novel and sometimes when I get overwhelmed trying to pick a new read, as silly as that may sound. I love the format and I love watching characters try to outsmart him. </div><div><br /></div><div><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0062073923" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="fc4937c7df3472c0c95847846d1aa5f5" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Appointment with Death" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0062073923/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=fc4937c7df3472c0c95847846d1aa5f5&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_762067" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Appointment with Death</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_762067" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=fc4937c7df3472c0c95847846d1aa5f5&_cb=1596475093049" style="border: none; height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" />: Another Poirot novel! This time it's set in Jerusalem and involves an American family! We don't even really see Poirot until the second half of the book. I <b>really</b> didn't see the murder coming in this one. I know I say that almost every time but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯</div><div><br /></div><div>Currently reading: <a href="https://amzn.to/30MXpA1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Warmth of Other Suns</a>. Also, in other personal news, we invested in an <a href="https://amzn.to/2FeEhml" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">AIR FRYER</a> and now are frying ALL THE THINGS. So please send me any and all of your tips, tricks, favorite recipes, etc. Finally linking back up for Show Us Your Books, I've missed everyone! </div><div><br /></div>
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<b>So, that was my intro for the February post, which clearly I did not get posted. So hold on to your butts guys, this is going to be a double month post! </b>I honestly thought I'd read more with the whole "social distancing" and "shelter in place" situations but I'm having a super hard time focusing on any specific task. Are y'all having that trouble too? I think it's just like my baseline anxiety is so much higher now that everything is out of whack. I just ordered tie-dye supplies, so that'll be a fun thing. Also we've been working on our victory garden, which I will absolutely be blogging about once we get everything in the ground. Without further ado, here are a bunch of books I've read since February!<br />
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<i>This post contains affiliate links.</i><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2WTDnN9shI/XpW4Tb0qRwI/AAAAAAAAmxg/9K9FC54AIMgwDNQSeTsmB33QjHfni_5CQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Albus_Kindle_Hercule_Poirot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Albus, a black lab, is staring directly at the camera. A slightly out of focus e-reader shows the first page of chapter fourteen" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2WTDnN9shI/XpW4Tb0qRwI/AAAAAAAAmxg/9K9FC54AIMgwDNQSeTsmB33QjHfni_5CQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Albus_Kindle_Hercule_Poirot.JPG" title="What I Read In February And March" /></a></div>
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<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0062074377" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="6a31d3c92d96ee00a8e5c2d561aaea22" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Man In The Brown Suit" href="http://www.amazon.com/Man-Brown-Suit-Agatha-Christie/dp/0062074377/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=6a31d3c92d96ee00a8e5c2d561aaea22&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_7765864" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Man In The Brown Suit</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_7765864" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=6a31d3c92d96ee00a8e5c2d561aaea22&_cb=1583178421622" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />: I picked this up at a used book store. Apparently finding Agatha Christie books at used bookstores is what I do now. This isn't even a Poriot novel, so at least I was branching out? This one <b>got me</b>. I thought I knew who the killer was, then there were twists and turns and at the very end I was right after all! I still don't consider it figuring out the murderer, because it didn't end anywhere like I thought it would. </div>
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<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0307742482" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="75de25b1f464c136dc8fbc9998fbe03d" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Killers of the Flower Moon" href="http://www.amazon.com/Killers-Flower-Moon-Osage-Murders/dp/0307742482/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=75de25b1f464c136dc8fbc9998fbe03d&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_3331934" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Killers of the Flower Moon</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_3331934" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=75de25b1f464c136dc8fbc9998fbe03d&_cb=1583178441749" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />: I had this on holds FOREVER. It was one where I kept forgetting it wasn't a work of fiction. Truth is stranger than fiction and this was wild and terrible and heartbreaking and I think you should read it. </div>
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<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="1492671525" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="3741b93831f8ab72d2d64f3e878cfe74" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek" href="http://www.amazon.com/Book-Woman-Troublesome-Creek-Novel/dp/1492671525/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=3741b93831f8ab72d2d64f3e878cfe74&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_847312" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_847312" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=3741b93831f8ab72d2d64f3e878cfe74&_cb=1583178458420" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /> : I actually found this one from this linkup and where everyone was saying to read this instead of a bigger named author who almost certainly plagiarized it. I was so mad this one ended. I didn't want it to end. I would read like 6 more novels about this lady. I didn't know about the pack librarians OR that the blue people of Kentucky weren't a thing made up for this story. It was a wild ride and I loved it. I'm sorry I just used wild in back to back reviews. </div>
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<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="1982106980" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="ca5e06fada4dc71121f4e3fba477c715" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Ask Again, Yes" href="http://www.amazon.com/Ask-Again-Mary-Beth-Keane/dp/1982106980/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=ca5e06fada4dc71121f4e3fba477c715&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_8976708" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ask Again, Yes</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_8976708" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=ca5e06fada4dc71121f4e3fba477c715&_cb=1583178469721" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />: I had this one on my library holds for a while, long enough to where I'd forgotten why I requested it. It reminded me a little of <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0735224315" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="2b87780da3610e2cc04b353134dbb3dd" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Little Fires Everywhere" href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-Fires-Everywhere-Celeste-Ng/dp/0735224315/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=2b87780da3610e2cc04b353134dbb3dd&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_1062421" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Little Fires Everywhere</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_1062421" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=2b87780da3610e2cc04b353134dbb3dd&_cb=1584036306173" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /> in a good way - the way the timeline was structured and the way it's told from multiple character POVs. I enjoyed this one and when I got to the end I went to turn (swipe) to the next page and realized I was at the end, literally said "oh, that's the end" out loud. I apparently could have kept reading about these characters forever. </div>
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<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0399590595" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="074e473ee6811fec357251381207c661" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Water Dancer" href="http://www.amazon.com/Water-Dancer-Oprahs-Book-Club/dp/0399590595/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=074e473ee6811fec357251381207c661&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_6683099" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Water Dancer</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_6683099" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=074e473ee6811fec357251381207c661&_cb=1583178483289" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />: I enjoyed this story but I didn't at the same time? I felt like there was potential for so much more to have happened, I felt like the ending and everything was lacking, but it was an interesting story nonetheless. I have to say, I don't know if it was worth waiting as long as I did on the holds? Like, if it had been something I <b>really </b>wanted to read, not something that I had just put on hold and forgot about, if that makes sense?<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2Xn1k5r" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Sun Is Also A Star</a>: I almost immediately forgot this was YA once I started it. You know how sometimes it can <i>feel</i> like it's specifically written for teenagers who think the worst thing EVER is not having a date to prom? Maybe it's sadistic, but I genuinely enjoy when kids take on adult problems in their own way. I like to see the kids do better than the adults, maybe because I was raised on <i>Harry Potter</i>. This story tackles some grown up stuff, but it's a fun read. I tore through it. Highly recommend.<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2Xn1k5r" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dumb Witness</a>: Hercule Poirot strikes again! This one passed the time just fine, it's not one of the best Hercule stories, but it kept me entertained.<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2yRhGJl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">An American Marriage</a>: This was an interesting story, it had more twists than a mystery novel, but it wasn't a mystery novel. I didn't really like most of the characters? I wasn't really rooting for anyone (well, Roy Sr. I liked him) but the ending wasn't really what I expected either. It took me a while to get through, partially because I can't focus and partially because I didn't really feel like I needed to get anywhere with this story? I feel like this sounds like a wishy washy review. I enjoyed the story but didn't feel strongly about any of the characters. It's well written, plenty of twists, worth the read.<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/3ccs3FN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">His Dark Materials Trilogy</a>: I somehow missed out on this trilogy as a kid? But I'm kind of glad I read it for the first time as an adult? I tore through the entire trilogy in a little over a week. I'm excited to watch the HBO Miniseries next. I loved this whole series, and I don't care if it's cheating to review them as one. I don't know that I could pick a favorite book of the three. If you're into fantasy and what not, I'd recommend it. It is a little dark, but I don't feel like that should surprise anyone since it's literally called "<i>His Dark Materials</i>" but that's just me. Traveling between worlds, daemons, witches, bears that talk, villains and anti-heroes, it's got it all!<br />
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Currently, I'm reading <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="1984821210" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="cfbc46a29cf580ff5ecf8343fc7f306b" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Beekeeper of Aleppo" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1984821210/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=cfbc46a29cf580ff5ecf8343fc7f306b&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_457515" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Beekeeper of Aleppo</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_457515" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=cfbc46a29cf580ff5ecf8343fc7f306b&_cb=1586533856874" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />, another book I put on my holds list from this linkup! I'm excited for another Show Us Your Books readathon this weekend, hope to see all y'all there!<br />
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Linking up with <a href="https://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/" target="_blank">Steph </a>& <a href="http://janasays.com/" target="_blank">Jana </a>for Show Us Your Books! </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVGZwbDe41o/XkLTrs6onkI/AAAAAAAAkfc/3ejOrvItoLIxwN6utRouJ-_sqX6OFc8XgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/currently_reading_death_on_the_nile_agatha_christie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A kindle book with the title page for Death on The Nile by Agatha Christie with a cup of coffee next to it. " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVGZwbDe41o/XkLTrs6onkI/AAAAAAAAkfc/3ejOrvItoLIxwN6utRouJ-_sqX6OFc8XgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/currently_reading_death_on_the_nile_agatha_christie.JPG" title="Death On The Nile Agatha Chirstie" /></a></div>
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<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0062073583" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="ac7a4580e1c564de7d7fb2306a278821" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The ABC Murders" href="http://www.amazon.com/B-C-Murders-Hercule-Mystery/dp/0062073583/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=ac7a4580e1c564de7d7fb2306a278821&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_6495288" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The ABC Murders</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_6495288" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=ac7a4580e1c564de7d7fb2306a278821&_cb=1581353998630" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />: Again, another month with lots of Poirot novels. I regret <b>nothing</b>. I've started looking for Agatha Christie novels in used bookstores. I'm turning into a monster. I love it because I have <i>yet</i> to figure out the murderer. Cannot get enough. Highly recommend all of them.</div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/39jAe1C" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cards On The Table</a>: This Poirot novel taught me about Bridge. A card game I didn't realize I might be interested in until reading about people playing cards. I think, aside from never being able to guess the murderer, I also love how quick these reads are. I can never put them down. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/3bB8Jmq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Where the Crawdads Sing</a>: I'd had this on library holds <i>forever</i>. To the point where I thought maybe I wouldn't ever get it or it wouldn't be as good as everyone said. I enjoyed this one, the main character really broke my heart. I saw someone on instagram say it was unreasonable that they were always going to Asheville instead of like. Charlotte or Raleigh. and I agree. I don't know anything about the history of North Carolina but I do know where Asheville is in relation to the coast. Anyways, this was a good one, kind of stressful, gets a little slow but not so slow you're like "ugh will this ever end?" just slow enough where you're like "okay I don't feel bad stopping after this chapter."</div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2SgDMMo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Murder in Mesopotamia</a>: Poirot strikes again! I feel like I'm not giving good reviews of these because I love them all for the same reasons. There's different characters and new things I learn in each of them but like, again, baseline: I love that I can't guess the murderer and that I can breeeeze through them. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2StjEWs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Death on the Nile</a>: I read this <b>entire book</b> during the Show Us Your Books Readathon and I regret ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. I liked that I technically had an excuse to read all day and not feel guilty or like I was avoiding dealing with something (<i>reader, I was avoiding some things.</i>) I even won one of the prizes for playing along, and I never win things! Anyways, this one is on a boat (obviously) and made me want to go on a river cruise up the Nile. I didn't <i>guess </i>the murderer but this time it was because they worked so hard to make me believe it wasn't who I thought it was! (maybe I have an Agatha Christie addiction forming)</div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/31IScrZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Last Town on Earth</a>: I found this one from this linkup! It's a part of American history I didn't really know much about. I feel like I should remember the Spanish Influenza outbreak, but I really don't think we studied it. This one made me cry and feel all sorts of things for the main character. The author kind of lost my attention for a little bit, but I wanted to know how it all ended. I realize that I didn't give any stars up until this point, but I give this one 4. Maybe 4.5. It was an interesting story and like, timed well with the whole flu situation going on now.<br />
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That's it! That's everything I read in January! I've set my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3757969-kasey-decker" target="_blank">goodreads </a>goal at 50 this year, so hopefully I can keep this pace up. I've been trying to read a chapter or two every morning instead of mindlessly scrolling through twitter, because man is twitter making me feel tired all the time. Now I'm currently reading <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="1492671525" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="0d2fb915dc649934ff98b7dd57d8ac3c" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek" href="http://www.amazon.com/Book-Woman-Troublesome-Creek-Novel/dp/1492671525/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=0d2fb915dc649934ff98b7dd57d8ac3c&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_4414544" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_4414544" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=0d2fb915dc649934ff98b7dd57d8ac3c&_cb=1581437634481" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />, which I learned about when I found out a bigger name author had basically stolen her premise and work! </div>
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</script>HAPPY NEW YEAR Y'ALL. I actively set my 2020 reading goal for 50 books, and I've already read 4 so hopefully that's a thing I can accomplish. Who knows, best laid plans and everything. December was insane and I'm pretty sure it really only lasted about 15 minutes. We took all the decorations off the tree this past Sunday but we aren't taking the tree itself down. I'm not ready to part with it yet and we're having a bonfire next Saturday soooooooo. Anyways. If you missed <a href="https://www.kaseyatthebat.com/2019/12/what-i-read-in-november.html" target="_blank">What I Read In November</a>, you can catch up there! Maybe I'll blog about more things than books this month, who knows.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't take any book pictures so here's one of me in sunny Cancun where I'd very much like to be right now.</td></tr>
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<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0062699768" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="2057772dd28b99070d6dc3305067e5b5" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="A Woman Is No Man" href="http://www.amazon.com/Woman-No-Man-Novel/dp/0062699768/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=2057772dd28b99070d6dc3305067e5b5&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_8562251" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Woman Is No Man</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_8562251" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=2057772dd28b99070d6dc3305067e5b5&_cb=1576600902576" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />: I'd had this on holds since April, which is insane.Then I absolutely devoured it. It broke my hear a little, but I also felt like I learned a lot? It's told from the point of view of three different generations of women and it will open your eyes to a different experience than the one you may have. Also, one of the character's favorite books is <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0061120073" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="e26c4d9d7c9d5c74c03c738823db185b" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" href="http://www.amazon.com/Brooklyn-Harper-Perennial-Modern-Classics/dp/0061120073/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=e26c4d9d7c9d5c74c03c738823db185b&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_1059250" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Tree Grows in Brooklyn</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_1059250" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=e26c4d9d7c9d5c74c03c738823db185b&_cb=1576600985064" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i> which is actually my favorite book too. Maybe I'll re-read that one. I've lost my original copy though, which really bums me out. ANYWAYS. <i>A Woman Is No Man,</i> I recommend it. </div>
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<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0399590501" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="02ce4b5b03e1f0d467170cacebe374c5" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Educated" href="http://www.amazon.com/Educated-Memoir-Tara-Westover/dp/0399590501/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=02ce4b5b03e1f0d467170cacebe374c5&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_8575555" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Educated</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_8575555" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=02ce4b5b03e1f0d467170cacebe374c5&_cb=1576601025997" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />: This is another one I've had on holds since I got my library cards and discovered I could check out ebooks from the library. I felt a lot of ways about this one. There's a lot of stuff I feel like I can't really talk about without spoiling it? I honestly didn't love it. I didn't hate it? But I didn't love it either.<br />
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<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0062073745" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="0d8ddfffa3a419a38db5e448ad7240d7" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Death in The Clouds" href="http://www.amazon.com/Death-Clouds-Hercule-Mystery-Mysteries/dp/0062073745/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=0d8ddfffa3a419a38db5e448ad7240d7&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_8042695" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Death in The Clouds</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_8042695" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=0d8ddfffa3a419a38db5e448ad7240d7&_cb=1579015372100" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />: Another Poirot novel! Y'all, spoiler alert for What I Read In January -- I've already finished three more Poirot novels. NBD. I love it. This one features an implausible murder on a plane, that sounds like it's made up even to the characters in the book! I've said it once, I'll say it several times more, I <i>never </i>see the real murderer coming. Every time I think, <i>oh man I've figured this one out </i>and I am <b>always</b> wrong. I love it.<br />
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<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0062073834" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="9d38966399e5d3b4ffdffcf68f75b8db" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Three Act Tragedy" href="http://www.amazon.com/Three-Act-Tragedy-Hercule-Mysteries/dp/0062073834/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=9d38966399e5d3b4ffdffcf68f75b8db&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_7345760" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Three Act Tragedy</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_7345760" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=9d38966399e5d3b4ffdffcf68f75b8db&_cb=1579016293198" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />: Again, Poirot. I'm reading them all in order, which you really don't have to do, it's just an easy way for me to decide which one comes next!<br />
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It wasn't a big reading month for me because December was crazy with holiday things and more holiday things. Linking up with <a href="https://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/" target="_blank">Steph </a>& <a href="http://janasays.com/" target="_blank">Jana </a>for Show Us Your Books! What have you been reading lately? Anything I should pickup? I'm currently reading <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0062073907" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="886a7ecd78e30d81cd40ad3df11b4275" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Murder in Mesopotamia" href="http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Mesopotamia-Hercule-Mystery-Mysteries/dp/0062073907/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=886a7ecd78e30d81cd40ad3df11b4275&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_1570326" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Murder in Mesopotamia</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_1570326" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=886a7ecd78e30d81cd40ad3df11b4275&_cb=1579015542100" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />, told y'all I was all about Poirot... </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't take any book related pictures this month, so here's a picture of Albus & a beer.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2Ysvbbg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Vine Witch</a> - I got this one AND The Dressmaker's Gift from the Kindle First reads? Sometimes that newsletter ends up in my junk filter and I'll forget it's a thing for a while. You can also read this one on <a href="https://amzn.to/36dLrQ3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kindle Unlimited</a>, if you're using that! I really enjoyed this one. As I mentioned last week, I've been in a little bit of a rut with WWII books. Rut isn't the word, I just can't think of a better one. It's like you read one, then the library is like "oh you liked that, here are four more like it!" and I just stay upset. Anyways. This was a fun switch. There are witches making the wine, which like, hello magic and wine? Sign. Me. Up. I'd like to be a vine witch. When I was pulling the link for this one I noticed it's been amended to "Vine Witch Series #1" so I'm excited to read the next book in the series too! I definitely recommend this if you're looking for something light with a little bit of a twist at the end!</div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2Ysvbbg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Dressmaker's Gift</a>: This one also came from Kindle First Reads annnnd is on Kindle Unlimited. I thought I was out of WWII but I picked this one back in September, apparently. It was fine. It drags on a little bit, there are some things that are total stretches, and weird timelines that are a little hard to follow. I think I gave it four stars? It was a good story or whatever, I just couldn't get into it. It was well written and told, it's one of those things I can't put my finger on. It passed the time just fine. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/34VNvf6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Three Act Tragedy</a> POIROT IS BACK. We watched the new <a href="https://amzn.to/2OWz0lP" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Murder on the Orient Express</a> a couple weekends ago so I snagged another Poirot novel from the library. I love them all. I don't care if it makes me sound like an 80 year old grandma. I <b>really</b> thought I'd figured this one out, man. I thought I knew the motive, and then towards the end, I thought I knew who it actually was (that is to say, that I thought my original guess had been wrong but I'd guessed correctly the second time) and I DIDN'T. I was still surprised. I think that's why I love the Hercule Poirot stories so much. I <i>never</i> guess the outcome. So obviously, I give this one all the stars.<br />
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That's it for November, I just downloaded <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0062699768" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="c83066fd8970daf09b78d8fcfa4cfe91" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="A Woman Is No Man" href="http://www.amazon.com/Woman-No-Man-Novel/dp/0062699768/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=c83066fd8970daf09b78d8fcfa4cfe91&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_8766995" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Woman Is No Man</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_8766995" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=c83066fd8970daf09b78d8fcfa4cfe91&_cb=1575922853697" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /> which I'd been on the holds list for since <i>April.</i> I hope to take it extra easy in December (lol) and maybe get some more reading done. As always, linking up for Show Us Your Books! What are you reading right now? </div>
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<i>This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click on one of the links and end up making a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. </i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YWt1lAgx2y0/XcG55TX3FSI/AAAAAAAAf_I/2oRPS_jLE1IY3xbBuqK19oTKnuFbPTVyACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/what_i_read_in_october_daisy_jones_and_the_six_samuel_adams_oktoberfest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a kindle with the page "The Groupie Daisy Jones" displayed sits next to a mug of beer at an airport bar." border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YWt1lAgx2y0/XcG55TX3FSI/AAAAAAAAf_I/2oRPS_jLE1IY3xbBuqK19oTKnuFbPTVyACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/what_i_read_in_october_daisy_jones_and_the_six_samuel_adams_oktoberfest.jpg" title="What I Read in October" /></a></div>
<a href="https://amzn.to/2B806Pf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Girls of Atomic City</a>: I rated this all the stars on goodreads, but I'm not sure I stand by that after having time to really digest it. I liked the personal stories about the real people and I learned a handful of new things too. It might be that I've been spending too much time in the WWII era. This tells the stories of a handful of the women who worked in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, a secret city developed by the US Government to help with the Manhattan Project. I'd recommend it if you're into the actual history behind stuff, even though it kind of reads like a bit of fiction. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2BdyGYg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">City of Girls</a>: I honestly can't remember how this one got on my library holds. When they're on hold for like 35 weeks I kind of forget why I wanted to read them. I also have a copy of <a href="https://amzn.to/2IODjfB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Big Magic</a> that someone gave me for Christmas and I just haven't picked up yet. I've heard great things about it or whatever, so maybe I will. <b>ANYWAYS</b>. I honestly almost didn't finish this one. I did not like the narrator one bit. She reminded me a little bit of Daisy from <i>The Great Gatsby</i> because she's just this poor little rich girl gallivanting around with no real consequences for her actions. The story is written as though she's telling it to this girl, Angela, who wants to know what she (Vivian, the narrator) to her father. It takes 400 pages for Vivian to get to her father. FOUR HUNDRED PAGES. The book is only 450 pages. I feel bad for Angela who had to go on this long ride with Vivian about her charmed life to finally get to the part she had asked for.<br />
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I don't recommend this one, but it might have just been me, hating Vivian. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2MDUotC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">We Were the Lucky Ones</a>: I think this might be my last WWII novel for a little bit. This one was SO good, I was even more shocked when I realized it was a true story. I think maybe everyone else knew that going in, but I have no idea until I read the epilogue or whatever. It's one of those stories that you almost don't believe until you realize it <b>really</b> <b>did </b>happen. That's what I clearly haven't gotten over. It's almost a feel good story, because even when everything is terrible horrible no good awful, there are good stories. It stuck with me, so I gotta take a break from the devastation.<br />
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<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="1524798622" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="561ca3e62a60b9afd20c02dcb0b8aba0" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Daisy Jones and The Six" href="http://www.amazon.com/Daisy-Jones-Taylor-Jenkins-Reid/dp/1524798622/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=561ca3e62a60b9afd20c02dcb0b8aba0&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_9228788" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Daisy Jones and The Six</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_9228788" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=561ca3e62a60b9afd20c02dcb0b8aba0&_cb=1572552961855" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />: This one has such a specific review from the SUYB linkup, either you <b>love it</b> or absolutely hate it. I was a little nervous to pick it up, but by adding it to my digital holds the library was just like "heeeey this book has been automatically downloaded to your kindle" I confess: I didn't love it. I didn't <i>hate</i> it? It was just fine. It was an easy airplane read and a nice break from all of the WWII drama I've been stuck in. It just felt very much like the movie <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B009NXV51S" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="3c33052207ce08824af691ea5a48710c" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Almost Famous" href="http://www.amazon.com/Almost-Famous-Billy-Crudup/dp/B009NXV51S/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=3c33052207ce08824af691ea5a48710c&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_5076611" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Almost Famous</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_5076611" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=3c33052207ce08824af691ea5a48710c&_cb=1572975667923" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /> </i>and in the thank you portion, I learned it was loosely based on Fleetwood Mac recording <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B00B1MHXY2" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="ecffa65ab66236b4efad2cd26edbae0b" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Rumors" href="http://www.amazon.com/Rumours-Fleetwood-Mac/dp/B00B1MHXY2/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=ecffa65ab66236b4efad2cd26edbae0b&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_5749877" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rumors</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_5749877" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=ecffa65ab66236b4efad2cd26edbae0b&_cb=1572975706752" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />. I don't know, I gave it 4 stars on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/kdsmoove" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>, maybe more of a 3.5 but I always round up.<br />
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I think it's a good read, probably worth checking out if you've been thinking about it, just maybe manage your expectations? The ending kind of pushed me over the edge towards the 3.5 stars, but I don't wanna spoil it for anyone.<br />
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<b>Currently reading: </b><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B07L2VDHXT" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="badb4dc87754f8896b747c80ae1ef4d7" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Vine Witch " href="http://www.amazon.com/Vine-Witch-Luanne-G-Smith-ebook/dp/B07L2VDHXT/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=badb4dc87754f8896b747c80ae1ef4d7&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_7131226" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Vine Witch </a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_7131226" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=badb4dc87754f8896b747c80ae1ef4d7&_cb=1572976715127" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />: Every month, Amazon sends out an e-mail to Prime members where you can get "Amazon First Reads" and you get a free book, presumably because they want reviews or maybe they're trying to reward us? Who knows, but that's where I got this one. It's <b>very </b>different from most of what I've read this year, because I somehow took a fantasy break and over indulged on WWII.<br />
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That's it for October! As always, I'm linking up with <a href="https://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/" target="_blank">Steph </a>& <a href="http://janasays.com/" target="_blank">Jana </a>for Show Us Your Books! What have you been reading lately? Anything I should add to my list OR anything that everyone says I should add that's just really not worth it?</div>
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We discovered <a href="http://www.wadesofsmyrna.com/" target="_blank">Wade's</a> after another afternoon of "<i>I don't know, where do you want to go?</i>" We were roped in by the catchy name and the fact that we could, in fact, bring Albus. Another winner, for those of you from the St. Louis area, Wade's has several dishes that feature <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provel_cheese" target="_blank">Provel cheese</a>. Provel cheese is the cheese used by <a href="https://www.imospizza.com/" target="_blank">Imo's Pizza</a> and it's delicious. It's smokey and smooth and just trust me, it's delicious. </div>
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Wade's has a huge dining area, both inside and on the patio. The bar has those cool garage doors that roll up so you can sit inside at the bar or outside at the bar. There are a bunch of patio tables under cover, then out in the open patio, are a bunch of picnic tables with umbrellas. It's also right off a walking path (I am not that familiar with Smyrna yet, so I don't know where that path goes) and a big green space next door.<br />
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They have a draft menu that features several local beers, as well as your normal domestics. Their cocktail menu is also fantastic. They have several "hand crafted cocktails" and I honestly haven't tried on I haven't liked. I've been on a French 75 kick lately, because who can say no to gin and champagne? Not me. </div>
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They have pretzels on the menu, which is another easy way to lure me in, especially when everything on the menu has a clever name. The pretzels are called "Knot at This Juncture" and they come with this really tasty beer honey mustard and, you guessed it, Provel cheese. We've also had the Tuna Poke appetizer, which has cilantro on it. For my fellow "cilantro tastes like soap" people, I thought y'all would like a heads up, since this isn't a dish that usually features it.<br />
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They also have really, really good salads. On the menu it says "Is it healthy? Of course, it's a salad" The first time we went, I had a grilled cheese with tomato soup and a side of their Hail Nero salad, so yummy. I'm apparently a fan of kale, who woulda thought that? We've also had the Little Miss Sunshine, which was also delicious. Honestly, it sounds like I'm blowing smoke, but I haven't had anything that I haven't loved. </div>
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The outdoor patio is a mix of picnic tables and your normal outdoor patio furniture, they have a handful of TVs out there so you can catch your favorite game. It's also super kid friendly, which isn't always ideal for me personally, because loosely supervised kids around my dog make me nervous, but they have games that you can grab to play with your kids, and that giant green space where there are always kids running around playing too!<br />
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I realize I've been going on and on about this place, but we freaking love Wade's, we're well on our way to becoming regulars, we were even recognized the last time we were there... Not that I'm bragging or anything.... Let me know if y'all wanna go, because I am <i>always</i> down. That's it for this installment of <i><a href="https://www.kaseyatthebat.com/p/can-i-bring-albus.html" target="_blank">Can I Bring Albus?</a></i> I'm worried that we're going to go straight to winter and it will be too cold to do any patio sitting. I'm not ready to do all of my eating and drinking inside yet. Do you have a place you just <i>love </i>to go? Somewhere that will always hit the spot?</div>
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<i>This post contains affiliate links</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5QdD9qf0S4w/XZNnpyY3LfI/AAAAAAAAfBE/P7B9Xe7HAR4yDEiY8sk2PbSO8GJuQW--wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/What_I_Read_In_September_Becoming_Michelle_Obama_The_Testaments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A book stack, with two library books and a kindle on top. From the bottom up, you have The Testaments, The Lost Girls of Paris, and on the Kindle, is the cover of Becoming" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5QdD9qf0S4w/XZNnpyY3LfI/AAAAAAAAfBE/P7B9Xe7HAR4yDEiY8sk2PbSO8GJuQW--wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/What_I_Read_In_September_Becoming_Michelle_Obama_The_Testaments.jpg" title="What I Read In September" /></a></div>
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<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="1400033411" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="1be093a06da8f1eea0019e4b5e52131b" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Beloved" href="http://www.amazon.com/Beloved-Toni-Morrison/dp/1400033411/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=1be093a06da8f1eea0019e4b5e52131b&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_3591585" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beloved</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_3591585" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=1be093a06da8f1eea0019e4b5e52131b&_cb=1568651537409" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />: HOLY COW YOU GUYS. I honestly put this on my TBR list shortly after Toni Morrison died and I learned more about her. I <b>devoured</b> this. Literally finished it in two days because I could not put it down. I don't know what I was expecting from this book, because I honestly didn't know anything about it going in other than all of the praise for Toni Morrison. Anyways, here's the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5025780-beloved" target="_blank">goodreads description</a>: </div>
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"Staring unflinchingly into the abyss of slavery, this spellbinding novel transforms history into a story as powerful as Exodus and as intimate as a lullaby. Sethe, its protagonist, was born a slave and escaped to Ohio, but eighteen years later she is still not free. She has too many memories of Sweet Home, the beautiful farm where so many hideous things happened. And Sethe’s new home is haunted by the ghost of her baby, who died nameless and whose tombstone is engraved with a single word: Beloved."</div>
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It's dark and twisty and there's this middle part where we abandon all grammar and syntax rules, it's a <i>wild </i>ride. I recommend it, if you're into dark and twisty. </div>
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<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0778330273" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="64157060cb31933920a1c7ca5f66cadf" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Lost Girls of Paris" href="http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Girls-Paris-Novel/dp/0778330273/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=64157060cb31933920a1c7ca5f66cadf&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_6531822" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Lost Girls of Paris</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_6531822" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=64157060cb31933920a1c7ca5f66cadf&_cb=1568656918933" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />: This was very much in the same vein as <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0062654195" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="2ace20a92999b312012fd09c1322734d" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Alice Network" href="http://www.amazon.com/Alice-Network-Novel-Kate-Quinn/dp/0062654195/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=2ace20a92999b312012fd09c1322734d&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_9778078" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Alice Network</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_9778078" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=2ace20a92999b312012fd09c1322734d&_cb=1569939708938" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />, told with two different timelines, and I loved it. It was another one that once I got to the meat of the book, I couldn't put it down. I kept telling myself "<i>okay, one more chapter and then you have to go to bed</i>" but I ended up finishing it. Another story about strong women in WWII who were nearly forgotten because the men want to take all the credit. You know the drill. I really liked that there was a romantic interest for the main characters, but that wasn't the whole story. It wasn't something that was wrapped up in a pretty little bow at the end of the book where they live happily ever after in some enchanted forest.<br />
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If you liked <i>The Alice Network</i> and <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0062740377" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="1a1f7fd0de5ffd699f88bca617509686" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Huntress" href="http://www.amazon.com/Huntress-Novel-Kate-Quinn/dp/0062740377/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=1a1f7fd0de5ffd699f88bca617509686&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_9533868" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Huntress</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_9533868" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=1a1f7fd0de5ffd699f88bca617509686&_cb=1570546154665" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /> </i>and any of the other ones about female warriors and spies in WWII, I recommend this one too. It does take a little while to pick up, but once it does it's hard to put down! </div>
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<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="1524763136" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="64c43ff0b9859b828be84abfaca841c7" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Becoming" href="http://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Michelle-Obama/dp/1524763136/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=64c43ff0b9859b828be84abfaca841c7&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_9402950" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Becoming</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_9402950" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=64c43ff0b9859b828be84abfaca841c7&_cb=1568656939905" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />: I've mentioned before that I'm enthralled by the stories of strong women that tend to get overshadowed by their superstar husbands, so obviously this one was on my list to read. I really enjoyed this one, it almost felt like I was listening to Michelle Obama tell her story. I loved the little behind the scenes things that you're not going to get in an interview and I loved how honest she was about everything? It sounds weird, but I really enjoy when people who seem larger than life can be like "I sat there thinking, <i>am I enough?</i>" because that's something I feel all. the. time. It's nice to know that you can feel that and still have a huge impact on the world. I'm also fascinated by [most] of the First Ladies, it's such an interesting position. There are so many rules but at the same time there are no rules. I was too young to <i>really</i> remember people hating on Hillary for working while First Lady, but based on recent history, I'm really not that surprised to hear it. Another one that I very much enjoyed and I think everyone should read.<br />
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I did have a book I didn't finish in <a href="https://www.kaseyatthebat.com/2019/09/what-i-read-in-august.html" target="_blank">last month's round up</a>, so I swear I don't love <i>every book </i> I read. </div>
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<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0385543786" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="f75b8e56705809b24056d438c8eb86e4" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Testaments" href="http://www.amazon.com/Testaments-Sequel-Handmaids-Tale/dp/0385543786/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=f75b8e56705809b24056d438c8eb86e4&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_8108817" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Testaments</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_8108817" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=f75b8e56705809b24056d438c8eb86e4&_cb=1568656964069" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />: I was the <b>very first</b> person to borrow this from my library. I recently saw an instagram post that was in no way directed at me, but I took it personally anyways, it was about how the poster always makes a point to buy copies of books instead of getting them from the library to support the author. Now, I'm sure Margarte Atwood will survive without my royalty money, but I freaking <b>love </b>the library, so I felt defensive. Additionally, I can't afford my reading habit without the library.<br />
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ANYWAYS. This book is a sequel to <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="038549081X" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="a5a3c23603a6bef541eb42264c72acf1" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Handmaid's Tale" href="http://www.amazon.com/Handmaids-Tale-Margaret-Atwood/dp/038549081X/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=a5a3c23603a6bef541eb42264c72acf1&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_6774721" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Handmaid's Tale</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_6774721" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=a5a3c23603a6bef541eb42264c72acf1&_cb=1569976581759" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />. From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42975172-the-testaments" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>: ""Dear Readers: Everything you've ever asked me about Gilead and its inner workings is the inspiration for this book. Well, almost everything! The other inspiration is the world we've been living in." --Margaret Atwood" (putting that quote in quotes made me feel very much like Michael Scott...)<br />
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I really enjoyed this. I haven't watched the third season of the TV show based off of <i>The Handmaid's Tale </i>yet, so I'm not sure if I should have "seen the overlaps coming" as the reviews on Goodreads state. Personally, I've stopped reading the reviews there until I've finished the book, one because people play very fast and loose with spoilers, which for a social network for book lovers blows me away, and two because they're often <b>very </b>harsh. Atwood said<i> this is everything you've been asking about Gilead. </i>I think that's what she delivers. I've read some bad post works (LOOKING AT YOU <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="133821666X" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="2946151373eb76c6802d80d6f5ab65c9" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="CURSED CHILD" href="http://www.amazon.com/Harry-Potter-Cursed-Child-Parts/dp/133821666X/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=2946151373eb76c6802d80d6f5ab65c9&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_9976025" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CURSED CHILD</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_9976025" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=2946151373eb76c6802d80d6f5ab65c9&_cb=1569976861757" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />) I don't think that's what this is. I read it in TWO DAYS you guys. Hard, physical copy. All 415 pages. I devoured it. If you liked <i>Handmaid's </i>then I think you'll like this too. I don't think it's pandering, I think that most authors know what happens to their characters after the first book ends. I'm very defensive, I suppose, but I enjoyed it. I wanted to know how it ended. I worked out some of the ways the characters were tied together, but I think you were supposed to. Someone else read it and let me know if I'm being fanatical, the "top" reviews on Goodreads are making me doubt myself.<br />
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Currently reading: <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="1451617534" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="437db15a48ee5e3b4a188388785556f7" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Girls of Atomic City:" href="http://www.amazon.com/Girls-Atomic-City-Untold-Helped/dp/1451617534/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=437db15a48ee5e3b4a188388785556f7&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_2440651" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Girls of Atomic City:</a><br />
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That's it for September! What did y'all read? As always, linking up with <a href="https://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/" target="_blank">Steph</a> & <a href="http://janasays.com/" target="_blank">Jana </a>for Show Us Your Books! </div>
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<i>This is not a sponsored post. We would love for Can I Bring Albus? to be picked up by anyone willing to give us beer or food in exchange for our honest opinions about how great it was that you wanted to give us beer or food though..</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K4aSIj1IQA8/XZOa0AEtXiI/AAAAAAAAfGQ/r_KMVA6FE8YNHWM2CkWw-aysZgZ3FpcEACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/can_i_bring_albus_dry_county_brewing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Albus sits, smiling, in front of a Dry County sign. He's wearing a very dapper buffalo plaid bandanna" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K4aSIj1IQA8/XZOa0AEtXiI/AAAAAAAAfGQ/r_KMVA6FE8YNHWM2CkWw-aysZgZ3FpcEACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/can_i_bring_albus_dry_county_brewing.jpg" title="Can I Bring Albus? Dry County Brewing" /></a></div>
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If you're familiar with the Kennesaw area, <a href="http://www.drycountybrewco.com/" target="_blank">Dry County</a> is tucked right behind McCollum Airport and the Vulcan quarry, just before Kennesaw State's main campus. They have a pretty big space with an outside patio, complete with cornhole! BONUS: their brewing facilities are behind a sealed door, so dogs are allowed inside and outside! </div>
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While I have been trying to get <a href="http://www.drycountybrewco.com/" target="_blank">Albus's instagram</a> up to "send us free treats and bandannas" fame, we've found some other pups to follow that are local and share our interests. We walked into Dry County, and who should we meet? One of Albus's friends from the internet, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/larrylovesadventures/" target="_blank">Larry!</a> They were super cute together and Larry even shared his ball with Albus (I cannot say Albus would have done the same. He's very much an only child..) </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ecMNTFMaY5U/XZObKXa7gbI/AAAAAAAAfGY/OtVw4fpJ-vQ9pB6jJZdT-gqxnV-cFad3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/can_i_bring_albus_dry_county_brewing_albus_and_larry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Larry, of Larry Loves Adventures, sits smiling to Albus's left. They became best friends on this day" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ecMNTFMaY5U/XZObKXa7gbI/AAAAAAAAfGY/OtVw4fpJ-vQ9pB6jJZdT-gqxnV-cFad3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/can_i_bring_albus_dry_county_brewing_albus_and_larry.jpg" title="Can I Bring Albus? Dry County Brewing" /></a></div>
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Dry Count is also a DISTILLERY. That's right ladies and gentlemen, they make beer AND liquor. So while we were there we had a chance to try TWO frozen drinks made with their own vodka. Let me tell you, they were so tasty. I'm not a fan of sugary drinks, but since it's been summer for my entire life I was willing to give the frozen blueberry lemonade a chance. My mom and I were <b>supposed</b> to share the drink and I absolutely drank 90% of it. Albus gets his inability to share from me, apparently. It was so good that for my next drink I had the raspberry limeade, which was EVEN. BETTER. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tncj1UUZkKM/XZObqgHRl_I/AAAAAAAAfGg/zUDDuEEPeR0t8gMLolvuXo3IXGCqowyeACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/can_i_bring_albus_dry_county_brewing_froze_blueberry_lemonade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A delicious looking frozen blueberry lemonade drink in a Dry County pint glass, with the blue sky and patio area of Dry County Brewing in the background. We're all very kindly ignoring what little bit of a manicure is left on Kasey's hand." border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tncj1UUZkKM/XZObqgHRl_I/AAAAAAAAfGg/zUDDuEEPeR0t8gMLolvuXo3IXGCqowyeACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/can_i_bring_albus_dry_county_brewing_froze_blueberry_lemonade.jpg" title="Can I Bring Albus? Dry County Brewing" /></a></div>
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I've also been really digging their <a href="https://untappd.com/b/dry-county-brewing-company-lechuza/2078912" target="_blank">Lechuza </a>and their <a href="https://untappd.com/b/dry-county-brewing-company-oktoberfest/2869324" target="_blank">Oktoberfest </a>brew. (PS, if you're a big beer drinker, I adore the Untappd app, <a href="https://untappd.com/user/kdsmoove" target="_blank">come be my friend!</a>) I've found those on tap at some of my favorite local places too! </div>
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We played corn hole (which, somehow, I was on the winning team AND scored the winning point.) Albus had lots of snacks, got lots of pets, and made some new friends. It was a very laid back vibe (we did go on Sunday afternoon, but it was Labor Day Weekend, so that's not a <i>real</i> Sunday) and it's both dog and kid friendly! The staff is great and everyone is very knowledgeable about the beers and can even help you decide what to drink! They had dog bowls with water in them, even though we always bring our own, and a canister of treats at the bar! </div>
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Have you been to <a href="http://www.drycountybrewco.com/" target="_blank">Dry County</a>? Where should our next installment of <a href="https://www.kaseyatthebat.com/p/can-i-bring-albus.html" target="_blank">Can I Bring Albus</a> take us? </div>
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<b>IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE</b> I'd tell you that it looks <i>so</i> weird in the editor when I type that in bold and all caps, but I really like how it looks on the theme I have going on so I keep doing it, hopefully it's not something I have to go back over if I ever decide to move to wordpress or switch the layout here. ALSO SPEAKING OF. I've been having problems with sharing posts to <a href="http://www.twitter.com/kdsmoove" target="_blank">twitter </a>& <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KaseyAtTheBat" target="_blank">facebook</a> -- they're just showing as a link and no image or preview, I have no idea what I've done. <a href="https://elletalk.com/" target="_blank">Elle</a> tried to help me, we discovered that for some reason my domain isn't showing as "secure" so I paid the domain company I use for an SSL license, that I have no idea how to add. It's fine, I'm fine, everything is fine.<br />
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<b>IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE</b> I would ask for suggestions on relatively affordable jewelry that won't turn my skin green or make my ears feel like they're on fire. I'm apparently allergic to copper or nickel or whatever makes yellow gold yellow? So I can't wear the fun $3 earrings without my ears getting all gross and itchy. I ALSO can't wear the cute little necklaces from target or etsy because somehow they turn my neck green. I am trying to talk myself into "investing" in a few nice pieces that I can wear every day, but having a hard time telling myself it's worth $100 for a new necklace. I have a pair of 1/4 carat diamond studs that I got for my 25th birthday (get it? .25 carat?) that I have literally taken out maybe twice since then, lately those are the only earrings that I don't end up taking out and shoving in my purse halfway through the day. Am I the only one with this problem? Plz help.<br />
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<b>IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE </b>I would tell you I <a href="https://www.kaseyatthebat.com/search/label/kasey%20the%20realtor" target="_blank">PASSED my GA Real Estate Licensing exam!</a> I'm meeting with a brokerage this week and will hopefully have my official license all handled by the end of the week. *<b>fingers crossed</b>* So now it's just time for someone to need me to sell their house.. It feels a little surreal now, to have to think "<i>okay, the class is done, now I have to find clients.</i>" I'm excited though, I've already met some really cool people that I look forward to working with.<br />
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<b>IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE </b>I would tell you about this <a href="https://amzn.to/2Lyqg3p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bracelet for my keys</a>. I was <i>influenced</i> by <a href="https://beccadorr.com/" target="_blank">Becca </a>& <a href="https://www.simplystine.com/" target="_blank">Christine</a> because I am literally a walking infomercial for a product like this. I always try to make JUST ONE trip from the car to the house, and I will put my keys in the same hand that I use to carry all of my crap from the car (ps, can we combine coffee mugs and water bottles into one thing that has my coffee hot and my water cold at the same time? thanks in advance) and then I get to the door to realize that my keys are in the wrong hand, I have to set everything down, and unlock the door. Just found myself shouting "<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwROPN3Fir8" target="_blank">there has to be a better way!</a></i>" Enter this rubber bracelet that my keys clip on to. Derek makes fun of it, saying I have a child's teething ring on my keys, but whatever, it works.<br />
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I'm up to my teeth in library books, which is not bad at all. It's too damn hot outside to do anything else. We're melting down here guys. Anyways, what's new with you?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1bpKg0qK0_U/XWf2kSnfRGI/AAAAAAAAcH8/XVDkMCmX9QwjjTBGwo_s5gk4FcYOXEiMACLcBGAs/s1600/kindle_ereader_coffee_glider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The first page of a chapter in The Huntress is displayed on a kindle paperwhite sitting on a lime green and white glider with a cup of coffee in a mug featuring lovey turtles, taken on one of those fake fall mornings where it was a crisp, nice 69 degrees Fahrenheit" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1bpKg0qK0_U/XWf2kSnfRGI/AAAAAAAAcH8/XVDkMCmX9QwjjTBGwo_s5gk4FcYOXEiMACLcBGAs/s1600/kindle_ereader_coffee_glider.jpg" title="Show Us Your Books September, Currently Reading, Goodreads Reading Challenge" /></a></div>
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<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0062797158" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="e1650c42dd60e1b16cad4c2fe93723b8" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Tattooist of Auschwitz" href="http://www.amazon.com/Tattooist-Auschwitz-Novel-Heather-Morris/dp/0062797158/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=e1650c42dd60e1b16cad4c2fe93723b8&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_6582502" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Tattooist of Auschwitz</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_6582502" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=e1650c42dd60e1b16cad4c2fe93723b8&_cb=1565887632635" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />: All of my holds tend to come off at once. I think that's because I place them all at once too? Like, <i>oh, this book isn't available, so maybe this one is, oh no another hold</i>. So then I'm in a little bit of a time crunch to finish them. I really enjoyed this one, had a hard time putting it down. It's nice to know that when everything is terrible awful no good that there can be a love story. That there can be light in the dark. It's also really cool that it's based on a true story. That warms your heart too.<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2ZkPC8w" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lord Edgeware Dies</a>: I snagged another Poirot novel to be a bit of a buffer between Auschwitz and Columbine, but of course while I was reading that TWO MORE books I wanted to read came off of holds (<a href="https://amzn.to/2HmlYdb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Huntress</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/2HjE5Av" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I Was Anastasia</a>) If I've said it once, I've said it a million times, but I love all of the Poirot books. I'm apparently an Agatha Christie Stan at this point. I love trying to guess who dunnit, to almost always be fooled. I think I figured this one out right as Poirot did though, and it wa a very fun one! As always, I recommend all of the Poirot novels.<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2HmlYdb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Huntress</a>: I <i>loved</i> <a href="https://amzn.to/31T4rB9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Alice Network</a> so I was super excited for this one to come off of holds. I think I placed the hold way <a href="https://www.kaseyatthebat.com/2019/04/world-book-day-what-ive-read-in-april.html" target="_blank">back in April when I first got my library card</a>. This was also book 30 of 30 of my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/kdsmoove" target="_blank">goodreads goal</a>! <b>HOLY COW YOU GUYS.</b> This was <i>so </i>good. I tore through it. It does this thing in the middle, that not everyone will like but I did, where it kind of lulls you into just a nice day to day life of all the characters. Because that's what happened to the characters, you're also experiencing it, but as the reader you know a little bit that they don't, and then when it clicks with the characters it takes OFF and oh my god it was so good. You should absolutely read it. And thank you to everyone in Show Us Your Books who read it before me. WOW. ALL the stars guys. All of them.</div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2MQWTLC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Aviator's Wife</a>: After I decided to quit <i>I Was Anastasia</i>, I found this title and then two days later, two more books came off of my library holds. I <i>really</i> wish they gave me the option to be like "let the person behind me take this turn, and I'll get it after they do!" Anyways. This one is about Charles Lindbergh's wife. As you know, I've already read about<a href="https://www.kaseyatthebat.com/2019/06/what-i-read-in-may-and-little-bit-of.html" target="_blank"> Ernest Hemmingway's <i>first</i> wife, and Einstein's wife</a>.. So there's a trend here where I'm interested in the stories of these incredible women who kind of faded behind the scenes. I honestly had no idea about Anne Lindbergh until I picked this one up. I learned a lot of things I didn't know, like that Charles Lindbergh was a Nazi sympathizer. There are some other things that I don't know if they'll spoil the book, or if they were common knowledge I didn't know. I really enjoyed this, even though I kind of didn't care for either Charles or Anne for a little bit. I thought it was super interesting though, I definitely recommend picking it up if you're a sucker for the strong wives who somehow get overshadowed by their husbands.<br />
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<b>CURRENTLY READING:</b><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2ZHLRKF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radium Girls</a>: I'm not sure that I'll get out of WWII any time soon. Somehow I'm all the way down the rabbit hole and maybe having some trouble distinguishing what's current and what happened 80 years ago... This one came off of holds the day before <i>Beloved</i> did so I had the Libby app very kindly letting me know that there were people waiting for both of the books I had checked out. This is the first non-fiction book I've read since <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0143034758" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="a2e1c93f97ed66f7e787241171f8c5f9" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Alexander Hamilton" href="http://www.amazon.com/Alexander-Hamilton-Ron-Chernow/dp/0143034758/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=a2e1c93f97ed66f7e787241171f8c5f9&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_2928216" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alexander Hamilton</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_2928216" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=a2e1c93f97ed66f7e787241171f8c5f9&_cb=1568040375687" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /> </i>and I was shocked at the level of gaslighting they did to these women. I'm not sure why that ever surprises me, but it was intense you guys. I thought I would be done with this one before today, but I'm only about 60% of the way there. It's incredible and hard to read and it makes me so angry and knowing it's all real makes it hurt my heart so much more. So, for being 60% of the way done, I still recommend this one.<br />
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I've also had <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZJxQfD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Beloved</i></a> &<i> <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0778330273" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="c9bf844bf895de2e7add1daf4bbb625b" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Lost Girls Of Paris" href="http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Girls-Paris-Novel/dp/0778330273/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=c9bf844bf895de2e7add1daf4bbb625b&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_1586454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Lost Girls Of Paris</a></i><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_1586454" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=c9bf844bf895de2e7add1daf4bbb625b&_cb=1568124902861" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /> come off of library holds so I'll be working on those for September. I really need there to be a way to pause my holds, so I can get caught up on the books I have and maybe the person behind me can go ahead and read one of the books before me. I think I have a couple more that are about to drop, so I'll be hiding from the heat in with my nose in a book for a while.<br />
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<b>DID NOT FINISH</b><br />
<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0385541694" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="cab04fb20043740bb8e686288ca7f40d" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="I Was Anastasia" href="http://www.amazon.com/Was-Anastasia-Novel-Ariel-Lawhon/dp/0385541694/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=cab04fb20043740bb8e686288ca7f40d&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_2574298" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I Was Anastasia</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_2574298" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=cab04fb20043740bb8e686288ca7f40d&_cb=1567024480030" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />: This one also came off of a 12 week hold the day after <i>The Huntress</i>, I was a little scared I wouldn't finish <i>The Huntress</i> in time to get to this one. Libby tells you how many people are waiting for your particular copy. This one was a little harder for me to get into because the style of narration changes every chapter or so. Goes back and forth from third person to first person which made me a little dizzy? I honestly made it through the first 120 pages before I admitted defeat. It was not for me. </div>
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That's all I have for August! Did y'all read anything good? I find so many good books from this Show Us Your Books link up, I look forward to it every month! </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_A8SdUEaIBA/XW67b9zTkkI/AAAAAAAAcI8/o6B2o08RCUksCtg7NvNjM8Xop8mnr4E7QCLcBGAs/s1600/can_i_bring_albus_east_palisades_trail_dog_beach%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Albus, a black lab, sits in the seemingly still waters of the Chattahooche river with a very scenic background of lush greenery and expanse of river" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_A8SdUEaIBA/XW67b9zTkkI/AAAAAAAAcI8/o6B2o08RCUksCtg7NvNjM8Xop8mnr4E7QCLcBGAs/s1600/can_i_bring_albus_east_palisades_trail_dog_beach%2B3.JPG" title="Can I Bring Albus? East Palisades Trail Dog Beach Chattahoochee River" /></a></div>
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So, we've been to the dog beach twice now! It took that many trips for me to realize that there are two different "trails" you can take to get there. Both times we've gone, and probably all of the times we'll go in the future, we've taken the <a href="http://atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/hiking-east-palisades-indian-trail-at-the-chattahoochee-river/" target="_blank">East Palisades Indian Trail</a>. It's just under a mile hike down to the river, so Albus and I both get a workout in. It isn't that hard of a hike in, because it's downhill, but on the way back up it's a little tougher. So almost like a reverse hike.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-azMaJjnuc1U/XW68Bv2FEFI/AAAAAAAAcJE/v1H6T8izrDArNtTl7EazeGp3PgGYwHK8ACLcBGAs/s1600/can_i_bring_albus_east_palisades_trail_dog_beach_trail_head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Albus and his cousin Sydney sit remarkably still in front of the trailhead sign for the East Palisades Indian trail, waiting for treats please." border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-azMaJjnuc1U/XW68Bv2FEFI/AAAAAAAAcJE/v1H6T8izrDArNtTl7EazeGp3PgGYwHK8ACLcBGAs/s1600/can_i_bring_albus_east_palisades_trail_dog_beach_trail_head.jpg" title="Can I Bring Albus? East Palisades Trail Dog Beach Chattahoochee River" /></a></div>
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You basically drive through a neighborhood to get to the trail head, make sure when you get to the park you drive all the way to the end to the actual parking lot. There are lots of little gravel places that look like parking spots, but you will get a ticket from the park ranger. Parking is $5 and you have to put either cash or a check in an envelope. There is no one to take any form of plastic though, so don't forget your paper money! </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SplP-dYd_l0/XW68bgKqAXI/AAAAAAAAcJQ/Ck7xcu25e6UJ6kI0-ITF-m6s_Hs1mRoQQCLcBGAs/s1600/can_i_bring_albus_east_palisades_trail_dog_beach%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Albus leaps through the river waters with a couple of other dogs, he's stolen someone's tennis ball." border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SplP-dYd_l0/XW68bgKqAXI/AAAAAAAAcJQ/Ck7xcu25e6UJ6kI0-ITF-m6s_Hs1mRoQQCLcBGAs/s1600/can_i_bring_albus_east_palisades_trail_dog_beach%2B5.jpg" title="Can I Bring Albus? East Palisades Trail Dog Beach Chattahoochee River" /></a></div>
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You'll hear the dog beach before you see it, Albus always gets excited at the first sight of the river, but that's never where we're stopping. Dogs are allowed to be off-leash here! Which is great! Make sure you're comfortable with that, that you'r dog is comfortable around other dogs, and that you don't bring your good ball to the dog beach. Albus, like many other dogs I've met in off leash situations, doesn't care who that ball belongs to, if one is being thrown, he's chasing it. However, he's not the best retriever, so if someone else throws a ball, he's going to drop the one he has and go after the other one. OR he's going to try to get two, three balls in his mouth. Three is his record so far. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WxMcPWxG97E/XW68ylvl0dI/AAAAAAAAcJY/GnbAtQkA534vCdzEShb-DAMG1GhiosZJACLcBGAs/s1600/can_i_bring_albus_east_palisades_trail_dog_beach%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Albus is pouting because Mom said it was time to leave, he did not want to leave, he was having too much fun. " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WxMcPWxG97E/XW68ylvl0dI/AAAAAAAAcJY/GnbAtQkA534vCdzEShb-DAMG1GhiosZJACLcBGAs/s1600/can_i_bring_albus_east_palisades_trail_dog_beach%2B4.jpg" title="Can I Bring Albus? East Palisades Trail Dog Beach Chattahoochee River" /></a></div>
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Our first time at the dog beach, he snagged someone's good <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B000F4AVPA" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="943bc6a88f2a41444a126a4418c6403d" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Chuckit ball" href="http://www.amazon.com/Chuckit-Ultra-Ball-Medium-PACK/dp/B000F4AVPA/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=943bc6a88f2a41444a126a4418c6403d&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_7514160" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chuckit ball</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_7514160" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=943bc6a88f2a41444a126a4418c6403d&_cb=1567537089424" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />. The dog the ball was thrown for could not have cared less to chase it, but Albus obviously did. We have those balls at home so how is he supposed to know? I rescued the ball from the river three times for this man, who kept throwing the ball but got more mad every time Albus would chase it. I apologized the first time, but bro, if your dog isn't chasing it and you want to keep it, maybe stop throwing it. The more mad this man got, the less I was motivated to get up to my shorts in the water trying to get it back from Albus. I'm more of a "take a ratty old tennis ball in the <a href="https://www.kaseyatthebat.com/2019/08/four-must-haves-for-your-doggy-diaper.html" target="_blank">diaper bag</a>" girl, so if we lose it, it's really okay. This man was SO mad at us. So I guess we weren't at the dog beach to make friends that day. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BcZ2GjOSzVI/XW6-my25TPI/AAAAAAAAcJo/0nxTr4rQJxkceH3B6gNTPiERROSq5NZFQCLcBGAs/s1600/Can%2BI%2BBring%2BAlbus_%2BEast%2BPalisades%2BIndian%2BTrail%2B%2526%2BDog%2BBach.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Albus standing in the river, waiting again for the ball to be thrown, this time the text "Can I Bring Albus? East Palisades Indian Trail & Dog Beach are above him" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BcZ2GjOSzVI/XW6-my25TPI/AAAAAAAAcJo/0nxTr4rQJxkceH3B6gNTPiERROSq5NZFQCLcBGAs/s1600/Can%2BI%2BBring%2BAlbus_%2BEast%2BPalisades%2BIndian%2BTrail%2B%2526%2BDog%2BBach.png" title="Can I Bring Albus? East Palisades Trail Dog Beach Chattahoochee River" /></a></div>
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The hike <i>back</i> to the parking lot is a little more of a challenge, you get spoiled coming down the hill and then you play in the river, and THEN you have to go back up the hill. I wear my <a href="https://amzn.to/2YDx7fx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Teva sandals</a> on this hike, so I can get down in the river with Albus and not worry about my shoes getting wet. This trail is also how I learned I am <b>not </b>a Chaco girl. I highly recommend this dog beach, and if you're going, let me know and we'll meet you there! I have a few more <i><a href="https://www.kaseyatthebat.com/p/can-i-bring-albus.html" target="_blank">Can I Bring Albus?</a></i> posts coming up, but we're always looking for suggestions! Where should we go next? Have you been to a dog beach?</div>
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<i>This post contains affiliate links.</i></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2L9ibRr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">EXTRA. POOP. BAGS.</a> One of my biggest fears is running out of poop bags. It happens to the best of us, sometimes I don't check the bag holder (ps we just switched to a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CNSTRVR/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07CNSTRVR&linkCode=as2&tag=kdecker-20&linkId=f44114589a89670254dc09f0e430d4ba" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">poop bag holder that straps on to the leash</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=kdecker-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B07CNSTRVR" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> because we broke so many dangle-y plastic ones. the most ideal) only to find out that was your last one on the roll. There are so many passive aggressive signs on our normal walking route, that I'm extra self conscious about cleaning up after my dog. Also, if you're going to have a sign that says "be a good neighbor and clean up after your pet" why don't you help me to help you? Maybe have a trash can or a dispenser with some bags in it. Also, <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B01BOWFQTW" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="8e1659afacf675a526678adfab985da9" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="sized hand sanitizer" href="http://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Sanitizer-Portable-included-Carriers/dp/B01BOWFQTW/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=8e1659afacf675a526678adfab985da9&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_2558167" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">travel sized hand sanitizer</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_2558167" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=8e1659afacf675a526678adfab985da9&_cb=1566846631379" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />, because picking up dog poop is a dangerous, yucky game.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxZgnnTCTaY/XWQs-38wPYI/AAAAAAAAcGc/eCcsbpHKwBIAhGV0ynD_rzgKrmaHyZIxgCLcBGAs/s1600/Albus_in_Pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Albus standing in the pool with water up past his belly, very heavy eyes, but he swears he is not even a little bit tired okay" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxZgnnTCTaY/XWQs-38wPYI/AAAAAAAAcGc/eCcsbpHKwBIAhGV0ynD_rzgKrmaHyZIxgCLcBGAs/s1600/Albus_in_Pool.jpg" title="Four Must Haves For Your Doggy Diaper Bag" /></a></div>
Treats!! So we did all the levels of the PetSmart puppy training, and the biggest takeaway was to reward positive behavior. Albus is <b>highly</b> food motivated -- literally took three days to potty train him because he realized if he went outside, he got a treat. We've been very loyal <a href="http://www.barkbox.com/r/D72LGDQC6L" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BarkBox</a> customers since the day I brought him home, and honestly average a little less than two bags of treats a month. I keep a bag of treats in my purse, in the doggy diaper bag, and in the car. Albus has recently decided that he will <b>not</b> look at the camera without seeing a treat too. Our newest trick is to say "Albus! Can I take your picture?!" and he immediately drops whatever he has in his mouth and freezes...<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2KXfbZJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Collapsible Bowls</a> -- *technically* these clip on <a href="https://amzn.to/2NzgzU6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">our leash</a>, because it has this cool ring for you to clip things on. If we're on a long hike/walk, any time I stop for water for myself, I give some to Albus. Which means I'm constantly lugging around my <a href="https://amzn.to/2HlVubJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nalgene bottle</a> too. Also, a lot of places we go and sit on the patio either don't have a doggy bowl or. sometimes. Albus is the biggest water snob and will only drink water with ice cubes in it. Either way, we're <b>always</b> prepared. Plus they just fold right down and take up no space!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_SoPcSBLcic/XWQvaOkgYZI/AAAAAAAAcGw/lLaLitulRpQe-kBlkVL-3ZdgLXx68mfRQCLcBGAs/s1600/albus_look_back_at_it.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Albus is most definitely absolutely not sitting on the bench at the table like a person (yes he is.) He's looking at the camera like he's getting away with something." border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_SoPcSBLcic/XWQvaOkgYZI/AAAAAAAAcGw/lLaLitulRpQe-kBlkVL-3ZdgLXx68mfRQCLcBGAs/s1600/albus_look_back_at_it.jpg" title="Four Must Haves For Your Doggy Diaper Bag" /></a></div>
<a href="https://amzn.to/328fWF4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This thing that will make you say "WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT?"</a> because it holds the ball on top of your phone. I mentioned that Albus refuses to look at the camera without proof of a treat, but he will <b>always</b> look at a ball. My cousin got me one of these a few years ago and I recently had to replace it because I absolutely lost it somewhere dumb I'm sure.<br />
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I also have things in the bag for me: the aforementioned hand sanitizer, <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B004XGPM32" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="d14059308bb8b215c880f29a432ffb6e" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="sun bum sunscreen " href="http://www.amazon.com/Sun-Bum-Moisturizing-SPF-50/dp/B004XGPM32/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=d14059308bb8b215c880f29a432ffb6e&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_4288337" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SUNSCREEN</a>, chapstick, and extra koozies. We use the <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B001C48H26" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="3221c909d2db6e66f63414a3654f329e" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="kavu bag black" href="http://www.amazon.com/KAVU-Rope-Bag-Black-Size/dp/B001C48H26/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=3221c909d2db6e66f63414a3654f329e&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_7115318" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kavu bag that every college sorority girl seems to own</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_7115318" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=3221c909d2db6e66f63414a3654f329e&_cb=1566848863179" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />, which I have absolutely gotten all $50 out of. It's so easy to grab and go, plus there's room for me to stick my entire giant wallet in there and a super small pocket to stash my keys in. I've also adopted the Boy Scouts "<i>always be prepared</i>" motto, so I keep treats, extra poop bags, and hand sanitizer in my regular purse...<br />
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Do you have a doggy diaper bag? Or something similar? Is there anything I need to add to mine? Happy National Dog Day everyone!! </div>
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<b>IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE</b> I would tell you that I have my interview for Global Entry on Wednesday. Global entry is like TSA Precheck, but it also lets you skip the customs line when re-entering the US from abroad. After our quick trip to Mexico, I have the travel bug extra bad. I've been saving for <a href="https://www.kaseyatthebat.com/search/label/kasey%20goes%20to%20europe" target="_blank">another trip to Europe</a>. I use this app, <a href="https://get.qapital.com/k00wPjM35Y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Qapital</a>? to automate my savings (it rounds up to the nearest $2 and keeps that money in a separate account.) I've been going back and forth about switching to something interest bearing, but I don't know if that's reasonable for a short term goal. Any money-smart people have advice for me? </div>
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Anyways, so I want to take a trip to Italy sometime in 2020. I've been working on a <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/kdsmoove/" target="_blank">pinterest board</a> that usually starts with me searching "Italy Pizza Travel" <i>because priorities</i>. We want to hit Naples (<i>obviously</i>), Sorrento, and maybe one of the wine regions. I assume we'll either fly into Florence or Rome, and spend a day on one of those as well. Like, we're in it for the pizza and wine and lemon cello, we can hit the Coliseum next time. Have any of y'all been to Italy? What should we add to the list? When is a good time to go? </div>
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<b>IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE </b>I'd tell you I'm <i>so close</i> to getting my Real Estate license. I just have to sit for the licensing exam. Which I'm a little terrified of. It's an important step in my debt free journey, but man am I rusty when it comes to final exams. Like, December marks 9 years since I graduated college (woooooof) and also 9 years since I took a real, closed notes, final exam. I took the final exam for the online class I took (I used <a href="https://www.talkable.com/x/mWFrvw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RealEstate Express</a>, if you're thinking about doing the online certification that link gives you 35% off the price. They're supposed to pay for my licensing test if I fail it, which somehow doesn't make me feel better..) </div>
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<b>IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE</b> I'd tell you that when all of the online sales were going on, Chewy had Albus's dog food cheaper for two bags than just one. Like, it was $40 off the second bag, but with the autoship discount, we only pay $37 a bag. So I jumped on that. Well, I forgot to edit the autoship back to adjust for having ordered two month's worth of food, so on Monday I woke up to the notification that my order had shipped. Two more bags, but at full price this time. So Albus has food until November. </div>
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<b>IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE</b> I'd tell you that my currently reading stack is pretty dark. I'm at the mercy of my library holds, and <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0062797158" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="aa82ab2e8ba732ef025cbfec0722a700" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Tattooist of Auschwitz" href="http://www.amazon.com/Tattooist-Auschwitz-Novel-Heather-Morris/dp/0062797158/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=aa82ab2e8ba732ef025cbfec0722a700&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_8689054" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Tattooist of Auschwitz</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_8689054" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=aa82ab2e8ba732ef025cbfec0722a700&_cb=1565627295039" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /> AND <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0446546925" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="6a25fdacac738c2399e40ba65b57b108" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Columbine " href="http://www.amazon.com/Columbine-Dave-Cullen/dp/0446546925/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=6a25fdacac738c2399e40ba65b57b108&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_1364940" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Columbine </a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_1364940" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=6a25fdacac738c2399e40ba65b57b108&_cb=1565627305194" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />both came off holds within 24 hours of each other. So I'll be needing some lighter reading suggestions for the rest of August. All of my holds told me like "36 weeks!" when I placed then and they're all coming up in like the next month. Say a prayer that I can get through them before I have to return them so someone else with a hold gets their turn.<br />
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<b>IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE</b> I would want to know what is new with you? Do you think we'll see a day under 100 degrees any time soon? I don't want summer to end, but maybe just like, low 90s or something please. </div>
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</script>I feel like the first few months of this year took forever, and then the spring and summer have just absolutely flown by. I have to remember about school traffic on my commute now and I completely forgot about how many more people are on the roads when it's back to school time. Anyways, I'm linking up with <a href="https://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/" target="_blank">Steph </a>& <a href="http://janasays.com/" target="_blank">Jana</a> for another month of Show Us Your Books! Let's see what I read in July. (<a href="https://www.kaseyatthebat.com/2019/07/what-i-read-in-june.html" target="_blank">If you missed what I read in June, you can pop back over here!</a>)<br />
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<i>This post contains affiliate links. </i><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMlCkcSvJgc/XT8KwxZp3uI/AAAAAAAAarQ/SoBD0CJAvzkH_PhtULr8y9txtiRLEJucwCLcBGAs/s1600/amazon_kindle_paperwhite_cancun_mexico.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a hand is holding a kindle with the first page of a new chapter showing, there is a pool, lots of greenery, and palm trees in the background" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMlCkcSvJgc/XT8KwxZp3uI/AAAAAAAAarQ/SoBD0CJAvzkH_PhtULr8y9txtiRLEJucwCLcBGAs/s1600/amazon_kindle_paperwhite_cancun_mexico.jpg" title="kindle book with a pool and tropical resort in the background" /></a> </div>
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Also, <b>fun story </b>(<i><a href="https://www.kaseyatthebat.com/2019/08/what-i-loved-in-july.html" target="_blank">in case you missed it last week</a></i>) I took my kindle to the beach with me when I went to Cancun, and accidentally tested just HOW waterproof my "<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B07CXG6C9W" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="0ac213f31078684d56539aa525e905d7" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="kindle paperwhite" href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Paperwhite-Waterproof-Storage-Special/dp/B07CXG6C9W/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=0ac213f31078684d56539aa525e905d7&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_7764264" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">waterpoof kindle paperwhite</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_7764264" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=0ac213f31078684d56539aa525e905d7&_cb=1564411381921" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />" is. Mere <b>minutes </b>after I took this picture, I was just going to read with the kindle near the pool. The ground was so hot that I accidentally tossed it ALL THE WAY INTO the pool. Like, it hit the bottom of the ledge that you sit on. Fully immersed. Didn't even turn off. Everyone around the pool was watching with baited breath as I tried to play off my act of clumsiness with "<i>well, I guess we'll find out if it's really water proof!</i>" It was a terrifying thirty seconds though. So, I WHOLE HEARTEDLY recommend the water proof kindle. (If you have an older one, you can even trade it in for a discount off the newer ones!)</div>
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<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0385523246" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="f676ed36f733ed3d575e826b460e79e8" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="At Water's Edge" href="http://www.amazon.com/At-Waters-Edge-Sara-Gruen/dp/0385523246/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=f676ed36f733ed3d575e826b460e79e8&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_8611533" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">At Water's Edge</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_8611533" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=f676ed36f733ed3d575e826b460e79e8&_cb=1563208278284" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />: This was a suggestion from the Libby App, where I use my library card and checkout ebooks, I think it has completely replaced Overdrive? Or is in the process? Anyways, I filtered popular historical fiction by "available now" and this was one of the first books! I really enjoyed it, even though there's not any time travel involved (how are all of my Scottish Highland books time travel-centric? It's those damn stone circles guys.) This one is set in WWII and tells a pretty cool little story. It does take it a little while to find it's legs, but stick it out! I give it all five stars. (<i>was I doing five stars last time? or four? I can never remember.</i>)</div>
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<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0812988922" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="94f7cd679868465842ca915f42d3c9f8" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Last Days of Night" href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-Days-Night-Novel/dp/0812988922/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=94f7cd679868465842ca915f42d3c9f8&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_9740147" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Last Days of Night</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_9740147" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=94f7cd679868465842ca915f42d3c9f8&_cb=1563208541774" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />: So I tend to read a lot of super long books (think <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B01H2AQVJE" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="e2a8b6a5a8c2a8d405df232e2a5128d1" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="outlander book series" href="http://www.amazon.com/Diana-Gabaldon-Outlander-Book-Set/dp/B01H2AQVJE/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=e2a8b6a5a8c2a8d405df232e2a5128d1&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_2034510" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Outlander</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_2034510" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=e2a8b6a5a8c2a8d405df232e2a5128d1&_cb=1563461417010" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />) and this one started out super slow, because it was a new chapter every like. Five pages. Literally. I was on chapter 9 and page 49. It was like instead of new paragraphs we'd just start a new chapter. I am very glad I read some <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/kdsmoove" target="_blank">goodreads</a> reviews saying this took a while to get going, because it honestly didn't start to pickup until about 60% of the way through it. Then I didn't want to put it down. The end does a nice job of tying up all of the story lines, which I guess is nice? Sometimes I feel like that's forced, to give a summary of the characters' lives after it's all over. ANYWAYS. It was very interesting and if you can get past the first hundred pages, it's worth a read.<br />
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<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0062074024" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="aa3fa72db22e3f5a9d6a7719f9be838a" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Peril at End House" href="http://www.amazon.com/Peril-End-House-Hercule-Mysteries/dp/0062074024/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=aa3fa72db22e3f5a9d6a7719f9be838a&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_4803131" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peril at End House</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_4803131" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=aa3fa72db22e3f5a9d6a7719f9be838a&_cb=1564411096909" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />; Okay, so before I left for Mexico, I downloaded a bunch of books thinking I'd get a lot of beach reading done. It was silly of me, but I did finish <i>The Last Days of Night </i>on the plane, and move on to another Poirot novel. HOWEVER. I had downloaded two, so I picked the wrong one first. Not that it <i>actually </i>matters, they're all independent. But, I digress. This one was good, I haven't gotten to a point where I can completely tell the bad guy in a Poirot novel, and I honestly love that. They're quick little reads and the twist at the end almost always surprises me. I find it hard to review these stories with a twist without giving anything away, so as always, I recommend Poirot.<br />
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<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0062073974" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="862a64afb657001b6d7c0310e1cc7812" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Mystery of The Blue Train" href="http://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Blue-Train-Hercule-Mysteries/dp/0062073974/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=862a64afb657001b6d7c0310e1cc7812&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_5910355" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Mystery of The Blue Train</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_5910355" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=862a64afb657001b6d7c0310e1cc7812&_cb=1565017586894" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />: This one comes before <i>Peril at End House</i> but that's neither here nor there. These Agatha Christie tales of murder on the trains somehow make me want to take one of these cool train rides across Europe even more? I feel <i>relatively </i>safe because I don't fit into the type that tend to be murdered on the train, more the type that would become friends with Poirot in the dining car. I started to suspect who the bad guy was in this one earlier than I have in the past, but there was STILL a twist I didn't see coming. I read this one and <i>End House</i> in like. Two days.<br />
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<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0345544978" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="8d28eb73464d74e61885c63080fe7aaa" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Small Great Things" href="http://www.amazon.com/Small-Great-Things-Jodi-Picoult/dp/0345544978/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=8d28eb73464d74e61885c63080fe7aaa&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_4386644" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Small Great Things</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_4386644" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=8d28eb73464d74e61885c63080fe7aaa&_cb=1565017749438" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />: In high school, I <i>devoured </i>every <a href="https://amzn.to/2YXqzsd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jodi Picoult</a> novel I could get my hands on. They're like the book version of a Law and Order episode. They're not so much thrillers or mysteries as they are a kind of commentary on the crimes themselves. I had forgotten what this one was about, and then started it after the two acts of terrorism in El Paso & Dayton. This book speaks about an angry white nationalist couple and a Black nurse. It was <b>very </b>hard for me to start so soon after, but I am glad I did. It was clearly written for the "white savior" group, and will make you feel uncomfortable, it should. There was one character arc I hated how it wrapped up, it felt like it was too neat for me. I still give it all the stars though!<br />
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Back at the beginning of the year, I set my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/kdsmoove" target="_blank">goodreads goal</a> at 30 books. I'm on pace to hit that this month, so I'm going to see how far past my goal I can get. I guess I should set it higher for next year. How do y'all set your goodreads goals? I just started <a href="https://amzn.to/31rhPMC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Tattooist of Auschwitz</a> because half of my reading schedule is dictated by when books come off holds at the library. What are you reading lately? Anything I should add to my stack? Linking up with <a href="https://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/" target="_blank">Steph</a> & <a href="http://janasays.com/" target="_blank">Jana </a>for Show Us Your Books!</div>
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<i>This post is <b>not</b> sponsored (but I would absolutely accept a National Park Annual Pass in exchange for taking Albus to all of the dog friendly ones and exploring them...) This post does contain affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through one of those links, I receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks! </i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YT_UyjBPhm8/XUyI9VD-vYI/AAAAAAAAaw0/xbFh88EBUoUKmk27DsgqZgtP8q4xhICNACLcBGAs/s1600/Can%2BI%2BBring%2BAlbus_%2BKennesaw%2BMountain.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A black lab stands in front of a sign that says "Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park" with park hours below it. " border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YT_UyjBPhm8/XUyI9VD-vYI/AAAAAAAAaw0/xbFh88EBUoUKmk27DsgqZgtP8q4xhICNACLcBGAs/s1600/Can%2BI%2BBring%2BAlbus_%2BKennesaw%2BMountain.png" title="Can I Bring Albus? Kennesaw Mountain" /></a></div>
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So, on this fateful day. I figured the park would be busy, it wasn't TOO hot yet, but it was a Saturday morning. I pulled up and the main parking lot was full (it's always full, but I always do a loop in case I'm there at <i>*just*</i> the right time and someone is leaving.) Then the overflow parking was a zoo too, I lucked into a parking spot, took a very official picture of Albus squinting in front of the sign in that parking lot, then we head to the opening of the park. We start to cross the street, and <i>only then</i> do I see the tents set up, the canons not in their normal places, and people dressed as Union & confederate soldiers. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdl_hlRkwvI/XUyJ__iHv8I/AAAAAAAAaxE/1AnrS1chOoc0u5qrSCR8HppWbK2MNe4FACLcBGAs/s1600/kennesaw_mountain_battlefield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a lush green field is spotted with men dressed up as union and confederate soldiers with the base of Kennesaw Mountain behind them" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdl_hlRkwvI/XUyJ__iHv8I/AAAAAAAAaxE/1AnrS1chOoc0u5qrSCR8HppWbK2MNe4FACLcBGAs/s1600/kennesaw_mountain_battlefield.jpg" title="kennesaw mountain battlefield on reenactment day" /></a></div>
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In case you were wondering, no, Albus was not a fan of the cannon fire or the rifles. Since we had already fought to park and made it to the welcome center, I decided that we should try to go up the mountain anyways. The hike up Kennesaw Mountain is only 1 mile, but man I struggle every time. <a href="https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/kennesaw-mountain-hiking-the-2-mile-mountain-trail/" target="_blank">Atlanta Trails says it's a "relatively moderate" hike</a>. In the intro they say "<i>Hike a strenuous 2.4 miles roundtrip on the Big Mountain Trail,</i>" so maybe it's not so easy peasey. Not sure I'm going to be trying anything they say is more difficult. </div>
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<b>SPEAKING </b>of more difficult. If you're ever in the area and end up at the entrance on the back side of the mountain, they call it "<a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/little-kennesaw-mountain-overlook-via-west-trail" target="_blank">Little Kennesaw Mountain</a>" that hike is substantially more difficult and I have been glared down by a troop of Boy Scouts with those poky hike stick things (<i>staunchly refusing to google what they're really called.</i>) because apparently letting the large group of boys who look like they know what they're doing pass is not actually proper hiking etiquette. I always operate under "slower traffic get out of the way" </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cORL2hhi0zw/XUyLZhfDWxI/AAAAAAAAaxQ/S5dhpf_SylMGubQGOO2D68dZy7K2HFybQCLcBGAs/s1600/albus_would_like_a_treat_for_posing_plz.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a black lab licks his lips in anticipation of the treat the camerawoman is bribing him with, the city of Atlanta is in the distance, as they're almost at the top of the mountain" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cORL2hhi0zw/XUyLZhfDWxI/AAAAAAAAaxQ/S5dhpf_SylMGubQGOO2D68dZy7K2HFybQCLcBGAs/s1600/albus_would_like_a_treat_for_posing_plz.jpeg" title="Albus with the view from Kennesaw Mountain behind him" /></a></div>
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So, on your hike up, you go about .8 miles and then there's a parking lot. Fun story, the first time I took my youngest brother hiking, he got SO MAD when we found the parking lot and insisted we walk the driving path down because he didn't believe that going around the mountain would be further than straight down it. Well, by the time Albus & I reach this parking lot, I'm breathing a lot heavier than I care to admit, and I plop down on the sidewalk for both of us to take a water break. We only do easy hikes, but I keep my <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B001C48H26" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="92b45277f448dd7d2dcd924840a64762" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="kavu shoulder rope" href="http://www.amazon.com/KAVU-Rope-Bag-Black-Size/dp/B001C48H26/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=92b45277f448dd7d2dcd924840a64762&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_1186252" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">doggy diaper bag</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_1186252" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=92b45277f448dd7d2dcd924840a64762&_cb=1565295014482" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /> packed with sunscreen, an extra water bottle, a bag of <a href="http://www.barkbox.com/r/D72LGDQC6L" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BarkBox treats</a>, and a spare roll of poop bags. I also have this really cool <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B073XKD21N" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="bfd23156a07bfd33c01c48cbe1bf78ab" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="collapsible bowl" href="http://www.amazon.com/COMSUN-Collapsible-Silicone-Expandable-Carabiner/dp/B073XKD21N/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=bfd23156a07bfd33c01c48cbe1bf78ab&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_3252136" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">collapsible bowl</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_3252136" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=bfd23156a07bfd33c01c48cbe1bf78ab&_cb=1565295398891" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /> that clips on to the leash. Obviously I needed the break more than Albus did. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KcRgfLbSUys/XUyLzxiv4qI/AAAAAAAAaxY/tmiMAVhCJIIVBAqnTYNobVrS8dsct6tOwCLcBGAs/s1600/albus_top_of_kennesaw_moutnain.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A black lab smiling with the Atlanta skyline in the distance behind him" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KcRgfLbSUys/XUyLzxiv4qI/AAAAAAAAaxY/tmiMAVhCJIIVBAqnTYNobVrS8dsct6tOwCLcBGAs/s1600/albus_top_of_kennesaw_moutnain.jpeg" title="Albus smiling for the camera at the observation point on Kennesaw Mountain" /></a></div>
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I asked the park rangers if they would be firing the cannons on the tippy top of the mountain, because by this time I remembered all of the Kennesaw Mountain knowledge I have amassed over the years. They were also firing those, the reenactment must be historically accurate you know, so I decided we'd just head back down. It was hot and sweaty, but we ended up doing over two miles anyways because we had to walk to and from that satellite parking lot. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YgdBnZlOjQI/XUyMEkAVwII/AAAAAAAAaxg/X_fKhc-uPIIzhEZfsX7ML39to4eCpUDsQCLcBGAs/s1600/albus_stunned_by_cannon_fire.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a black lab with a lime green harness is startled either by the sound of cannon fire or the fact that his human is not as agile going down the mountain as he is." border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YgdBnZlOjQI/XUyMEkAVwII/AAAAAAAAaxg/X_fKhc-uPIIzhEZfsX7ML39to4eCpUDsQCLcBGAs/s1600/albus_stunned_by_cannon_fire.jpeg" title="Albus refuses to look out towards our house from a scenic photo stop on the hike" /></a></div>
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Kennesaw Mountain itself, as well as the rest of the park associated with it, is all very dog friendly. A KEY thing to note though, you're gonna need to bring your own bags and be a little prepared to carry one for a while. We once accidentally went 6 miles on the Noses Creek trail looking for a trash can. There are several different trails in the park and we've done almost all of them! Maybe on our next installment of "<i><a href="https://www.kaseyatthebat.com/p/can-i-bring-albus.html" target="_blank">Can I Bring Albus?</a></i>" we'll talk about the dog beach where Albus made some overly serious dog dad <b>very </b>mad..</div>
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Have you been to Kennesaw Mountain? Do you think I'm a wimp getting winded on the trail (<i>it's okay, I know I'm out of shape.</i>) Is there a National Park near you that you love? Tell me about it! Also, always accepting new ideas for where to bring Albus.</div>
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<i>This post contains affiliate links, that means if you make a purchase through one of these links, I receive a small commission at no cost to you.</i><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVnASmf5pFY/XURvqr6u9ZI/AAAAAAAAatU/C4JgsdXIohw6Om4m6HmRu761NMzh5SqPACLcBGAs/s1600/cancun_beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="overlooking the ocean with palm trees and beach chairs, an inflatable playground is in the ocean" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVnASmf5pFY/XURvqr6u9ZI/AAAAAAAAatU/C4JgsdXIohw6Om4m6HmRu761NMzh5SqPACLcBGAs/s1600/cancun_beach.jpg" title="early morning beach view" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2ywTUij" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">These packing cubes</a> -- guys this was a game. changer. I've been carrying the same gigantic Vera Bradley duffel bag everywhere since I got it as a high school graduation present. I recently became a member of the <a href="https://amzn.to/2T1scDC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">four wheel spinny suitcase</a> family, and that's also a game changer you guys. But these packing cubes were so great for <a href="https://www.kaseyatthebat.com/search/label/kasey%20goes%20to%20mexico" target="_blank">Mexico</a>. Not only was I able to fit everything in the suitcase, but I also didn't have clothes strewn everywhere over the hotel room. I took out whatever I wanted to wear, put my dirty clothes in the laundry bags, and so packing at the END of the trip was a breeze too!<br />
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<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B07CXG6C9W" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="48f90279a6729af0e4cc589054470aa3" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="KINDLE WATER PROOF PAPER WHITE" href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Paperwhite-Waterproof-Storage-Special/dp/B07CXG6C9W/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=48f90279a6729af0e4cc589054470aa3&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_5603475" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">KINDLE WATER PROOF PAPER WHITE</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_5603475" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=kdecker-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=48f90279a6729af0e4cc589054470aa3&_cb=1564765643609" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /> -- you guys. I loaded this thing up with books from the library (using the <a href="https://meet.libbyapp.com/" target="_blank">Libby App</a>, you guys should really check to see if your library uses it. I can literally check out kindle and audio books from an app on my phone, sync to my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Paperwhite-Waterproof-Storage-Special/dp/B07CXG6C9W/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=48f90279a6729af0e4cc589054470aa3&linkCode=ktl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">kindle</a>, and I'm in business.) Anyways. I loaded this thing up with books for the plane and the beach before heading out on our trip. The <b>LAST DAY </b>of the trip, we were drinking & reading by the pool. The ground was SO hot. It was SO hot outside. So we're about to get back in the pool (WHICH WAS ALSO SO. HOT.) and I'm like "<i>oh, my kindle is water proof so I can sit it next to the pool and it'll be fine.</i>" I forgot how hot the ground was, so my feet are burning, I'm trying to get to the edge of the pool to set my towel & kindle down AND I THREW IT INTO THE POOL ON ACCIDENT. It went all the way to the bottom of the ledge you sit on. I swear everyone around the pool stopped what they were doing and watched in slow motion. I laughed it off saying "I guess we're about to find out if it's really water proof!" While actually panicking because what if it's not? I didn't even lose my page. Here we are almost a week later and it's still juuuuuuust fine. So, <b>wholeheartedly</b> recommend the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Paperwhite-Waterproof-Storage-Special/dp/B07CXG6C9W/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=kdecker-20&linkId=48f90279a6729af0e4cc589054470aa3&linkCode=ktl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">water proof version</a>.<br />
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My new <a href="https://amzn.to/2YDx7fx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Teva sandals</a> -- I wanted to be a Chaco person very badly. So badly that I've tried THREE different pairs of their shoes (thought maybe mixing up styles I would find some that didn't hurt oh so bad.) The final straw was a couple weekends ago when I tore my feet APART with the ones I wore to the dog beach. I honestly think I'll have scars from the blisters. They just don't fit my feet. So I went back to my OGs, the Tevas. Back when everyone was having a sale to compete with Amazon & Nordstrom, I searched HIGH AND LOW because I found one pattern I just <i>loved</i> but it was only in my size ONE place and they were full price. I could have gotten like 20% cash back on <a href="https://www.rakuten.com/r/KAD012?eeid=28187" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ebates </a>(they wanted a piece of the madness too) I finally settled for a different pattern, because Academy had them for 65% off. I couldn't say no to that. I even got cashback from that purchase. I've worn them almost every day for the past three weeks you guys. Even when they're not <i>quite</i> the shoe for my outfit. I freaking LOVE them. I'm fully on the Teva bandwagon now.<br />
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What about y'all? What did you love in July? Do you think the four wheel spinny suitcase or the packing cubes are the best travel improvement since the wheel? Or is there something else I'm missing out on in my travels?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script>
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Without further ado, here are some photo highlights from our trip!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tp36wjTDMTM/XUBTvMWDWjI/AAAAAAAAarw/LQPCWOnB4goHxFXRmleWk09Gqe1bq25zQCLcBGAs/s1600/cancun_adventures_catamaran_hats.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="four women look out over the gulf of mexico wearing floppy beach hats with cute sayings" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tp36wjTDMTM/XUBTvMWDWjI/AAAAAAAAarw/LQPCWOnB4goHxFXRmleWk09Gqe1bq25zQCLcBGAs/s1600/cancun_adventures_catamaran_hats.JPG" title="ladies in matching hats on a boat" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_3KohbP0kw/XUBTuR8vbBI/AAAAAAAAaro/YZCLIoX6bR0J9EynTtIIvijvBc9oIa5xACLcBGAs/s1600/isla_mujeras_cancun_adventures_snorkeling.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="three women in snorkeling gear are mostly submerged in the ocean, smiling" border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_3KohbP0kw/XUBTuR8vbBI/AAAAAAAAaro/YZCLIoX6bR0J9EynTtIIvijvBc9oIa5xACLcBGAs/s1600/isla_mujeras_cancun_adventures_snorkeling.JPG" title="scuba diving off the coast of isla mujeras" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fk0MMxFtNNg/XUBTu6joxmI/AAAAAAAAars/dws9Fov9DrQHdcjnfWfZYgLIj9qMdH1AwCLcBGAs/s1600/villa_del_palmar_beach_daybed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img alt="a four poster bed is made up on the beach with towels and a beach bag on top of it" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fk0MMxFtNNg/XUBTu6joxmI/AAAAAAAAars/dws9Fov9DrQHdcjnfWfZYgLIj9qMdH1AwCLcBGAs/s1600/villa_del_palmar_beach_daybed.JPG" title="beach day bed" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2gdSv5RCXf0/XUBTvid-x7I/AAAAAAAAar0/Jib127FdJ2oyq1Y3ZCf-YbdZ72IVzADtACLcBGAs/s1600/villa_del_palmar_breakfast_mimosa_cancun.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="a mimosa is featured with the ocean shortly behind it, to show the view from breakfast" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2gdSv5RCXf0/XUBTvid-x7I/AAAAAAAAar0/Jib127FdJ2oyq1Y3ZCf-YbdZ72IVzADtACLcBGAs/s1600/villa_del_palmar_breakfast_mimosa_cancun.JPG" title="mimosa with a view of the ocean" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vw5s8-ow5AE/XUBTyxALjtI/AAAAAAAAar8/xP84PRzZDBM1qV0rPDEMbPQrPLUbMj1qQCLcBGAs/s1600/villa_del_palmar_cancun_tiki_beach_bar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="three women sitting at a bar with swings instead of barstools, their backs are to the camera and they're wearing the matching floppy beach hats" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vw5s8-ow5AE/XUBTyxALjtI/AAAAAAAAar8/xP84PRzZDBM1qV0rPDEMbPQrPLUbMj1qQCLcBGAs/s1600/villa_del_palmar_cancun_tiki_beach_bar.JPG" title="swing up tiki bar" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeJeCmLb5tw/XUBTwjJdJpI/AAAAAAAAar4/Tgo9mk3_EXQ6_gQ67eJ6tLAf5c9cB6eTgCLcBGAs/s1600/villa_del_palmar_room_view_ocean.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a porch hammock is in the front of the shot with the entire resort behind it, there is a pool closer to the hotel, and the ocean in the back" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeJeCmLb5tw/XUBTwjJdJpI/AAAAAAAAar4/Tgo9mk3_EXQ6_gQ67eJ6tLAf5c9cB6eTgCLcBGAs/s1600/villa_del_palmar_room_view_ocean.JPG" title="view of the resort from the room balcony" /></a></div>
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I might write a whole series of posts, or maybe this will be it. We may never know! We had such a blast though, I'm already ready to go back. </div>
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