Journey by Aaron Becker

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Journey by Aaron Becker

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Received: Library

Rating: 💖💖

Summary: 

A 2014 Caldecott Honor Book 

Follow a girl on an elaborate flight of fancy in a wondrously illustrated, wordless picture book about self-determination — and unexpected friendship.

A lonely girl draws a magic door on her bedroom wall and through it escapes into a world where wonder, adventure, and danger abound. Red marker in hand, she creates a boat, a balloon, and a flying carpet that carry her on a spectacular journey toward an uncertain destiny. When she is captured by a sinister emperor, only an act of tremendous courage and kindness can set her free. Can it also lead her home and to her heart’s desire? With supple line, luminous color, and nimble flights of fancy, author-illustrator Aaron Becker launches an ordinary child on an extraordinary journey toward her greatest and most exciting adventure of all.

I picked this book up at the library solely based on the fact that it had a gorgeous cover and was a Caldecott Honor Book.  I read the cover description but actually didn't flip through the book. Ummm....Didn't realize that this book is illustrations only until I got home. That's right...no words in this book. Honestly, I think if I'd realized that, I wouldn't have checked it out. The illustrations are pretty, and it is a neat, different idea to have a book told in pictures only. I think the thought behind this is that the "reader" has to use their imagination to fill in the story, and the story is about a girl using her imagination to go on this journey. So,kinda cool, right? With all that being said, I think I would have liked a written story to go along with the illustrations. 

You can check this book out HERE

Cozy Moments: Links

Here are links around the internet that I found interesting: 

How Finland Rebranded Itself as a Literary Country. 

It's inspiring to see a culture of reading! 

I've been learning more and more about self-care lately and found this article about self-care on one of my favorite blogs, Modern Mrs. Darcy. I loved this article because so much of it speaks to me right now. I am also in the process of weeding out some tattered tshirts for nice, new pajamas. Can anyone suggest quality pjs at affordable prices? 

Why it is still important to send thank you notes. 

Story Structure and Dating

How switching acts can change your future. 

Cozy Moments

The reason I chose the name, My Cozy Book Blog, is because I'm at the point in my life where "cozy" is just all the things to me. I love a rainy day at home with my husband, reading a good book, blogging, or watching a movie. I, like most people, struggle with the busyness of life. I'm trying to find more ways to rest and be present in the moment. "Cozy Moments" are posts that share links and/or images of all things cozy. Cheers!

Doesn't this make you crave a crisp fall evening? Coffee, sweaters, and a good book...ahh, heaven!

This picture makes me think of a little southern or English cottage. I love the purple flowers so much! And how about that adorable china tea cup? Precious!! 

Now, this is one of my favorites! It's Christmas time in a country cabin. You will find there are few things I love more than Christmas time. I can almost hear the firewood crackling and popping!! 

Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine

I am an Amazon Associate member. By clicking on links on this blog and then purchasing something from Amazon, I will receive a small commission. Thank you!

Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine

Released:  2017
Received: Audible-My Own Purchase
Rating: 💖💖💖💖

Summary (from author's website): 

Gina Royal is the definition of average—a shy Midwestern housewife with a happy marriage and two adorable children. But when a car accident reveals her husband’s secret life as a serial killer, she must remake herself as Gwen Proctor—the ultimate warrior mom. Gwen has finally found refuge in a new home on remote Stillhouse Lake. But just when she’s starting to feel at ease in her new identity, a body turns up in the lake—and threatening letters start arriving from an all-too-familiar address. One thing is certain: she’s learned how to fight evil. And she’ll never stop.

Things I Loved: 

1. The sample on Audible is amazing. I literally held my breath listening to it.  It made me click "buy" in about 5 seconds. 

2. The Audible narrator, Emily Sutton-Smith, did an excellent job. 

3. The pacing was fast and had me sitting in the car to listen long after I had pulled in the driveway.  Here lately I just can't seem to push past "slow burn" books. I need a book that jumps into the action fast, and this book does that immediately. 

4. The heroine, Gwen, is a strong, capable women who will do ANYTHING to protect her children.  

5. There is enough of a creepy factor to be suspenseful, but it is was not enough to keep me up at night (for me, this is a "love"- for you, it may be in the "didn't love" category!)

Things I Didn't Love: 

1. I figured out the "twist" before it happened, but I still enjoyed how the story played out.  

Take or Leave it Points:

1. Be warned-- this book ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger, although there is a satisfying ending.  The cliffhanger leads into the next book in the series.  

2. If you like series, great! There is already a second book in the series out and one more on the way. 

Check out Stillhouse Lake HERE