quotes Elisquared likes


"Saying 'I notice you're a nerd' is like saying, 'Hey, I notice that you'd rather be intelligent than be stupid, that you'd rather be thoughtful than be vapid, that you believe that there are things that matter more than the arrest record of Lindsay Lohan. Why is that?' In fact, it seems to me that most contemporary insults are pretty lame. Even 'lame' is kind of lame. Saying 'You're lame' is like saying 'You walk with a limp.' Yeah, whatever, so does 50 Cent, and he's done all right for himself."— John Green

4.23.2019

Top Ten Tuesday - The First Ten Books I Ever Reviewed

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish in June 2010.  It has since moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.
The First Ten Books I Ever Reviewed
Oh man, this is taking me back.  I started book blogging on this site in 2010 (I started blogging on this site in 2009, but have hidden those early entries...yikes), so I have 9 years worth of bookish content saved up.  

I feel like my reviews have definitely changed in style over the years, so this was fun for me to look back and re-read them!  Links below all go to the reviews themselves.  Please check them out and laugh along with my first puny attempts at reviewing!



Book One - Reviewed 10.11.10 


I had to post a book review for my Creative Non-Fiction class in Undergrad.  Luckily, I already had a blog.  This was the turning point that this blog became a book blog.  Also, because this was for a class, it is much different from how I review books now.

Book Two - Reviewed 12.04.10


I adore Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, and I had read both their previous books, Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist and Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List, so I knew I would love this one too.  I had also gotten a copy of it from the first big conference I went to, NCTE, where I got to meet Rachel and David and have them sign my books.  

Book Three - Reviewed 12.12.10


Another book I got from NCTE, and my first ARC ever!!!!  I loved this book, and was my first introduction to Holly Black.

Book Four - Reviewed 12.16.10


Another book from NCTE (seeing a pattern here?).  A cool re-imagining of Shakespeare's plays, but a series that I, unfortunately, never got into past the first book.

Book Five - Reviewed 01.05.11


This is still one of my favorite anthologies.  It's so much fun, and has a story for everyone.  The format is cool as well because you can read all the stories in order, or by mythical creature.  Definitely one to check out if you haven't!

Book Six - Reviewed 01.09.11


Another ARC from NCTE and my first real foray into YA contemporary romance.  It was adorable.  Love this whole connected series.  It is for sure a YA contemporary staple!

Book Seven - Reviewed 01.11.11


One of my very favorite books to this day, I couldn't put it down when I first read it.  I got it as an ARC at NCTE, and boy, was I sure glad I did!  I've since gotten to meet and correspond with Beth several times, and each book of her's I just adore!

Book Eight - Reviewed 01.30.11


Probably one of my most disappointing books.  I didn't like the way this was formatted and the development of the plot and characters was slow or non-existent.  Not a recommended book at all!

Book Nine - Reviewed 02.14.11


Two of my favorite YA authors equals one of my favorite YA books.  I devoured this book, and own like three different copies (of which are all signed by both John and David).  Just love it, and encourage everyone to read it!

Book Ten - Reviewed 02.23.11


Not my favorite of Rick Riordan's books, but still very good!  It's told differently than his other series, which makes it stand out.  Also, I don't believe he has written more in this series in a while, which is sad because I do find Egyptian mythology fascinating.


And there you have it, my first ten book reviews!  Definitely a blast from the past reading through all of these.  Also, I forgot how much I loved reviewing books back in the day (I certainly did it more often of my own volition and not due to a book tour).

What were the first books you reviewed?  Let me know!  Maybe I'll get some new books for my TBR!

BLOG TOUR --- Kazu Jones and the Denver Dognappers by Shauna Holyoak [Review + Giveaway]




Title: Kazu Jones and the Denver Dognappers
Authors(s): Shauna Holyoak
Publication Date: April 23, 2019
Edition: Hardcover, ebook; 320 pgs
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Buy: Amazon - Kindle - Barnes & Noble - Kobo iBooks - The Book Depository
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.




Tour Schedule



Week One:
4/15/2019- Lifestyle Of MeReview
4/16/2019- Lone Tree ReviewsReview
4/18/2019- Here's to Happy EndingsReview
4/19/2019- Bri's Book NookReview

Week Two:
4/22/2019- BookHounds YAInterview
4/23/2019- Eli to the nthReview (ME!)
4/24/2019- two points of interestInterview
4/25/2019- The Caffeinated ReaderReview
4/26/2019- 
That Bookish Princess
Review


The Summary

Packed with high stakes mystery and tons of heart, this first installment in a new series introduces Kazu Jones-a spunky, scrappy detective who's this generation's Harriet the Spy.

When a string of dognappings grips her Denver neighborhood, Kazu Jones vows to track down the culprits. She can't stand to see more dogs go missing-especially once her neighbors' beloved pet is taken because of her gigantic mistake.

With the help of her gang-including her best friend and expert hacker, March; and her ginormous, socially anxious pup, Genki-Kazu uncovers evidence that suggests the dognapping ring is bigger than she ever imagined. But the more she digs, the more dangerous her investigation becomes. The dognappers are getting bolder, and Genki could be next.

My Review
A super cute and fun mystery from debut author Shauna Holyoak, Kazu Jones and the Denver Dognappers is book that evokes the Nancy Drew of old with a modern twist!

Kazu is a sleuth-in-training, keeping copious notes on the mysterious goings on in her suburban Denver neighborhood.  With her best friend March, a hacker extraordinaire (for a fifth grader), she is always on the case!  But when it comes to the string of dognappings plaguing the city, Kazu, and her group of friends, may be in over the heads!

The plot was a great mix of who-dun-nit mixed with serious talk about why dognappings would happen.  With that piece of serious, the plot doesn't get too wacky, even with a group of fifth graders investigating the situation.  Lessons on friendship, growing up, and family are intertwined with the mystery, making the book relatable even to readers who aren't big mystery lovers.

But while the plot is fast-paced and entertaining, what makes the book sing is Kazu herself.  She is a strong, independent girl who has a real idea of what she loves.  There's also a strong representation of her Japanese heritage (it doesn't just stop at her name), which is refreshing to see.  Kazu may be precocious, but she sounds like an actual fifth grader, which is so nice.  I felt Shauna really managed to craft a group of kids who sound and act like actual kids.  Each character had their own personality, so while some were a little more static than others, they were all memorable.  Kazu had a great crew to hunt for the culprit in this caper!

The plot sucks you in, but the characters keep you going, I would definitely recommend this as a fun spring read, perfect for by the pool or under the covers with a flashlight!  Kazu Jones and the Denver Dognappers by Shauna Holyoak is out today, so don't hesitate to grab your copy now!


Final Rating



Fun Extras


About the Author

Shauna has been telling stories long before she could ride a bike, and some of them are even true! She writes for kids and teens and thinks it’s kinda the best job ever. Kazu Jones and the Denver Dognappers is her debut novel, and it will be released on April 23, 2019! She lives in Idaho Falls, ID with her husband, six of their seven children, and two naughty dogs.



Giveaway

3 winners will receive finished signed or unsigned copies of Kazu Jones and the Denver Dognappers, US Only.


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