Saturday Snapshot: Elmo taking in the view

Elmo had a great day at the playground on Wednesday. He rode a rooster on the carousel. He was pushed on the swing by the Little Girl. He then took a rest atop this climbing wave. 
Saturday Snapshot is a weekly meme hosted by Alyce of At Home With Books. 
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Mailbox Monday: Catch Up

I haven't done a MM post in awhile. Since the last time I have had quite a few books come into my home.
The Stand by Stephen King for the #standalongDead End Deal by Allen Wyler for reviewWe Bury The Landscape by Kristine Ong Muslin for reviewInto the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes for Blog TourFifty Shades of Grey by E.L. JamesFifty Shades Darker by E.L. JamesFifty Shades Freed by E.L. JamesNinepins by Rosy Thornton for review
Mailbox Monday is hosted this month by Marie of Burton Book Review. 

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Books to giveaway

These are some books that have been sent to me over the years and now must find a new home. We will be moving soon and it is time for some purging.

If you are interested in any of these books, let me know.

Thanks!

Book Review: The Car Thief by Theodore Weesner

The Car Thief by Theodore Weesner was first released in 1973 to critical acclaim. It is the coming of age story of Alex Houseman, a troubled teen who finds himself in Juvenile Detention for stealing cars. Despite the alcoholic father, absent mother and stint in Juvie, there seems to be a little light within him that will get him through it all.

Weesner, I read, had a very similar childhood, growing up in Flint, Michigan which influenced this novel. It makes it feel very real, almost like a memoir, but with the narrative of a novel. It is a quiet story, a look into the life of a young boy and the people who influence him. This is what I feel YA books today are striving for. A character to cheer on, that reflects the kids that are reading it and a good piece of literature that can garner discussions. 
The beginning of the book had me a little worried. It was a bit confusing and slow moving but just as I thought I might give up on it, I couldn't put it down (or turn it off). The rerelease of The Car Thief is in eBook form exclusively, published by Astor + Blue. What a great way to get this book into the hands of new readers! It is well worth the read.
Source: Publisher for review

For more information about the book and author visit the publishers site here.

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Out of Town

I am in NY, but not at BEA. I am guessing that all the hoopla will be over by Sunday when we get into NYC, right? 
The entire family has flown out for the wedding of my brother in law. Lots of hubby family members to introduce the little girl to. Should be a lot of fun. And to continue the fun, we are spending a couple days in NYC with my sister in laws and their SOs doing some touristy things. :)
Packing for this trip was a nightmare. So much stuff for one little girl! And on top of all that, we have to bring wedding clothes which includes a flower girl dress and a tux for the hubby. At least it is summer and the rest of the clothes pack small. 
Anyway, the reason for my post was just to let you all know that the blog will be a bit quiet this weekend and that I wasn't able to get my reviews written and posted before leaving. I have a few that will be posted  once I get back. _________________________________________

Wednesday Knitting Update

Knitting is happening here! It is great to actually have a little time to get some done during the day. I have really missed knitting regularly. Still not as easy to do when the little girl is awake but getting better. She just needs some yarn of her own to play with. :)
One is a sweet little dress for a friend's new baby. The pattern is only for 6mos, 12mos, 2T and 3T, though, and I wanted to make something that would fit a little sooner than that. So I adjusted a bit to make for about a 3 month old. So far, my calculations have worked. :)

The other project is a Mystery shawl. Fun! Love mystery KAL's. Have only received the first clue which I finished in about an hour. Waiting patiently for the next one. Hoping to get before leaving to NYC tomorrow. Maybe I can get some knitting in while out there. There will be lots of family around to keep the little girl entertained. :)

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Saturday Snapshot

Saturday Snapshot Meme by Alyce of At Home with Books.

Today's Snapshot is of Levi Leipheimer flying down Highway 1 in San Francisco during the Second Stage of the Amgen Tour of California. This was from a few weeks ago. Always fun to watch these professional riders. One day I hope to see them in the mountains of France. 
May Photo A Day Challenge by Fat Mum Slim.26. 12 0'clock 27. sweet 28. the weather today 29. a number 30. my personality31. something beautiful
Here's the list for June:

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