Gabriella M Reads

Expanding My Horizons For those of you who don't know, let's be real you probably do by now, I work in a preschool. Well about a month or so ago we did a Scholastic book fair and I just couldn't help myself. There were so many cute books! So since I spent my money on them I've been reading them and yes, they count towards my reading goal. Since my reviews on these picture books are so short and all pretty much exactly the same, I thought I would just share which ones they are. Short and sweet. I've purchased all of the books pictured above, but I've also been reading some review books that are not pictured. One that really got me was Me, My Dog, and a Sheep by Melissa Mullamphy. Her book is a true story about the love between her son and his dog as well as the strength they have. I cried a bunch and I cannot recommend it enough. Next year I'm supposed to be leading a "book club" at the preschool and I am loving discovering books to read t...

The Other Side of Lost by Jessi Kirby 5 Stars The thing that initially interested me in The Other Side of Lost was the hiking aspect. I don't know how many of you know this, but I go up to the mountain to clear my head. I hike one trail more often than any other and I find a boulder and climb up high. I sit there. The silence of nature and the fresh air makes me calm, alive, happy even. So whenever I see a book that includes an adventure similar to those I enjoy, I want to read it immediately. The Other Side of Lost is a novel following Mari, a social media star who is just turning 18. Years ago her cousin, who shares the same birthday, and her planned a trip for the day they turned 18. Something amazing for them to experience together. Her cousin is no longer around and in a crisis of self, Mari decides to do it. Alone. When I started the book I couldn't stand Mari. The way she saw the world irritated me. Especially when she complained about it. I couldn't hel...

Once again, it's one of my favorite times of the year. The Tucson Festival of Books at the University of Arizona! It's a free two day festival filled with books, food, science, art, etc. There are so many booths it's hard to visit them all, try as I might. Day one started with some wonderful humans and equally wonderful books. My day didn't start off perfect, I got stuck in a parking garage and ended up being late. I was headed to a panel when I noticed a line was already forming for Victoria Aveyard. I decided not to chance it and to just jump in and wait for an hour. Very worth it if you ask me. She is so kind! I had made a friend last year and spotted her one line over waiting for Holly Black so with her permission I joined her. I've never read a Holly Black book, but I have heard amazing things about her writing. I bought The Darkest Part of the Forrest just for this event and am so excited to see what everyone has been talking about. Have you ever me...