Books and Shows – Page 12

October Book Review

Posted on October 31, 2019May 19, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

Happy Thursday! I feel like this month flew by! I read four very different books this month. I loved one of them and really liked the other three.

Sadie

I try to read young adult books occasionally, so I can recommend them to students. We have an awesome librarian at our school who is very enthusiastic with her book talks. She recommended this book during a book talk with one of my classes, so I added it to my list!

Sadie and her sister Mattie had a difficult childhood. When Mattie is killed, Sadie sets out to find her sister’s killer. A radio personality becomes interested in the story and discusses it on his podcast as he tries to find Sadie.

I really enjoyed the format of the book with Sadie’s point of view alternating with the podcast. This was a quick and easy read with a good ending!

Ask Again, Yes

This was a book suggested for my book club. I knew the wait would be long to check it out from the library, so I ordered it for my kindle. I loved this book. So. So. Much.!! I was immediately intrigued by the neighborly relationship of the Stanhopes and the Gleesons. The plot continued to build piece by piece with a traumatic event between the neighbors. My heart ached for one of the main characters, Peter, as he had to navigate life on his own after his parents let him down, each in their own way. Of course, there’s love in the story along with agony and major life decisions and battles. The timeline of events and character relationships are interwoven together in such a way that, as a reader, you are very invested in the plot. I couldn’t put this book down. Loved it.

The Other Woman

This is the first book I’ve read by Sandie Jones, and I liked it. The main characters, Emily and Adam, are in a relationship that is complicated in a variety of ways including dealing with Adam’s mother. There are lies, betrayal, and tense moments between all of the main characters. While it was pretty clear who “the other woman” is, there’s more to it than that, and I certainly wasn’t expecting the ending. This is in the “thriller” genre, but I didn’t necessarily think it read that way to me. I enjoyed this book, and it was a quick read…but I’ve certainly read more suspenseful books.

If Only You Knew

I listen to Jamie Ivey’s podcast, The Happy Hour, every once in awhile, and I enjoy listening to her. She’s full of wisdom and a woman of deep faith but doesn’t take herself too seriously. She’s a mom and wife as well as podcast host, author, and motivational speaker.

If Only You Knew focuses on moments in life that you aren’t necessarily proud of or moments that others don’t know about because they didn’t know you in the past. Jamie lets her guard down while sharing her struggles, her ups and downs in life, and her failures, but encouraging her readers to know that there’s no such thing as perfection and that we are on a constant journey as people to be the best versions of ourselves. Since I read this on my kindle, it was easy to highlight some of my favorite passages. So many quotes resonated with me, and some of my favorites include:

“I often hear people repeat that every wound and scar in your life becomes part of your story, and as humans, we spend too much time covering our scars instead of using them as an opportunity to tell our story.”
“When seen through the eyes of the gospel, our stories are not obstacles to our freedom; they are actually the key to unlocking it.”
In reference to those who start attending church once they have kids (hits home with me), she says, “I see them as sweet parents who want something better for their children. They sense this yearning inside of them (hello, God yearning!) to build a foundation of faith that, even if they’re not so sure they believe in it for themselves, they do believe in it for their kids. It’s so amazing to see God put desires in parents that could only come from Him. On their own, they couldn’t even begin to dream up such a desire.”
“I had no concept of church as a place where broken people could show up, be their real selves, and still receive love.
And many other quotes…I could go on and on…

I feel that sometimes we read a book at just the right time in our life…and that’s how I felt about this book. Like Bread and Wine, I see this being a book I turn to occasionally when I need a reminder or two about growing as a person, accepting failures, and celebrating successes.

I hope you find a book or two that you enjoy from this list. Fingers crossed I can keep my reading streak alive this month…but November is always so hectic that my goal is to read at least two books!

See you back here tomorrow for a fun Flashback Friday.

Have a great day,

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea

Friday Favorites {#4}

Posted on October 4, 2019August 20, 2021 by jgalvinwhite

Yeah for Friday! Linking up with Narci, Erika, and Andrea for their Friday Favorites.

Now that shows are back on tv, I thought I’d share a few family favorites that we can actually watch together.

grace and love

a little bit of everything

momfessionals

Young Sheldon

We all love Young Sheldon. I watched The Big Bang Theory for years and the last couple of seasons, the kids would watch some of the episodes with me…especially Hayden. Hayden has some Sheldon-like tendencies, so it’s no shock to me he likes both of those shows. Sheldon is a hoot, and by being the smartest in his family provides for another layer of comedy. Besides Sheldon, his grandmother (MeMaw) played by Annie Potts makes the show for me. I love her, and she adds a lot of sass to the show. Young Sheldon is definitely a hilarious show that has something for everyone.

Goldbergs

The Goldbergs is one of my favorite shows. The whole family is hilarious. The show is produced by Adam F. Goldberg, and it’s based on his life and his family growing up in the 80s. They often show true footage of videos that he made during his childhood which are hilarious. The 1980’s references alone are enough to keep my attention. How they dress, how their home is decorated, and every part of their day to day life reminds me of my childhood. The mom, Beverly Goldberg, makes the show! She’s loud, overbearing, and embarrassing! She’s obsessed with her kids and often calls them by loving nicknames like schmoo….and now I’ve started doing that to my kids and Homer…but never in public 😉 . One time, I got fired up a Hayden’s basketball game, and my brother said, “Sit down Beverly Goldberg!” So funny! The seventh season just started, and I can’t wait to watch!

Fresh off the Boat

I’ve watched every season of this show, and the kids enjoy it too. It’s loosely inspired by the life of chef Eddie Huang (who apparently has an autobiography by the same name (I didn’t know that) thanks to the info on Wikipedia #bloggingresearch) 😉 The Huangs moved from D.C. to Orlando and opened Cattleman’s Ranch restaurant in the 90’s. #lovethe90s The kids are all very different but funny together and Louis and Jessica are opposites in parenting and personality. She’s the tough cookie to his softer side. Their neighbors as well as Louis’s mother Jenny provide even more comic relief. Like I said, I’ve watched all five seasons and feel like it’s a pretty good family show. My only complaint so far is with season 6, episode 1…we watched it earlier this week, and it was a little more “middle school” in content (for my liking while watching with two almost ten year olds). I’m hoping the rest of the season is like the first five seasons.

Kids Baking Championship

My kids (and myself) love all kinds of competition shows. The kids watch American Ninja Warrior, game shows, Top Chef, Food Network Star, Guy’s Grocery Games among others. But…Kids Baking Championship is one that we love and watch together. The kids always end up rooting for two different kids to win which amps up the competition from our living room! haha. I’m always amazed at what these kid competitors can do in the kitchen!! Also, my heart breaks each week when one gets sent home. I think Duff and Valerie do an awesome job both critiquing and encouraging the kids!

Just a few favorite shows that are pretty family friendly! What do you watch with your kids and family?

I hope you have a great weekend; we are still enjoying our fall break (and fingers crossed, I think the temp is starting to drop this weekend!)

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea

Books and Shows

September Book Review

Posted on September 26, 2019May 19, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

This picture of Hadley is one of my favorites, and it recently popped up in my Facebook memories. She’s verrry serious about her reading. Thankfully, both of my kids enjoy reading…especially Hayden, but if Hadley gets into reading a series (like The Babysitters Club), she loves to read at bedtime.

This month I read four books. I enjoyed them all, and each one was very different. I read suspense, comedy, inspirational, and heartfelt…and the inspirational one was my favorite by far.

The Art of Racing in the Rain

I thought The Art of Racing in the Rain was a great read. Of course, I knew it would tug at my pet lover’s heartstrings, so I kind of read it with my guard up. Besides the thoughts and actions of the pup Enzo, there’s also drama and illness within the main characters. Along with Enzo’s love for the family, the reader sees Denny, the main character, do whatever it takes to help his family.

To be honest, it did take me some time to get used to reading from the point of view of the dog…as he has some random thoughts, but once I continued reading, I didn’t find it distracting anymore. I had a friend ask if the ending was sad, and well, as a reader, you are there for Enzo’s journey through life. Therefore, I tried to prepare myself and I left the book feeling what I already know: dogs know what their owners need and are unselfish with their time here on Earth. I’d definitely recommend this book, and I’m curious how the movie is in comparison.

The Mother-in-Law

I had been on the library wait list for The Mother-in-Law for quite some time. When it arrived, I read it in a few days. I’ve read at least one other book by Sally Hepworth: The Family Next Door, and this book had the same vibe. All of the characters’ relationships with the main character Diana are different and the reader sees those relationships evolve throughout the story. Like most families, the connections and relationships are complicated and when money is involved, those relationships become even more complicated. It was definitely a good read with an unexpected (in my opinion) twist.

Bread & Wine

This book was suggested by one of the book clubs I’m in (but failingto attend). I’d never heard of it before, but I will go out on a limb and say that it’s a book that was life changing for me as I now view friendship, food, and faith in a different way.

I know food can bring people together whether it’s making a feast of appetizers for the Super Bowl, baking cookies to welcome a new neighbor, or bringing soup to a sick friend. But…the way the author, Shauna Niequist, weaves the importance of food to build relationships, soothe the soul during the ups and downs of life, or offer condolences to a friend was so powerful. Her reminder of the meaning and importance of communion while forgiving sins was also so heartfelt and inspiring.

Some of my favorite quotes from the book included:

(On making changes in your life…) “Healthy people in your life will respect those (choices). And the unhealthy people in your life will freak out, because you’re making a healthy choice they’re not currently free to make. Don’t for one second let that stop you.”

(In regards to parenting…) “It’s our job to let them grow up, to let them become big and smart and grown-up, but it’s so tempting to keep them little forever, or at least to try.”

“That’s what shame does, though. It whispers to us that everyone is as obsessed with our failings as we are…”

“When you offer peace instead of division, when you offer faith instead of fear, when you offer someone a place at your table instead of keeping them out because they’re different or messy or wrong somehow, you represent the heart of Christ.”

“We live in a world that values us for how fast we go, for how much we accomplish, for how much life we can pack into one day. But I’m coming to believe it’s in the in-between spaces that our lives change, and that the real beauty lies there.”

And I could go on. And on. And on.

This book provided an inspiring and positive outlook on life, food, relationships, and faith. I purchased it on my Kindle, and that’s my only regret. I wish I had a hardback copy to keep on hand as I know it’s one of those books I would turn to throughout my life in good times and in bad….and I know I’d make a recipe or two! (She shares so many good ones!)

Can you tell which book was my favorite this month? 😉

You’ve Been Volunteered

When Laurie Gelman wrote her first book, Class Mom, I couldn’t wait to read it…and I loved it! The main character is named Jen, from Kansas City, and she’s very sarcastic. What’s not to love?! #itcouldhavebeenme When friends ask me what humorous book I would suggest, I always mention Class Mom.

So, needless to say, I was so excited to see that Gelman had written a second book titled You’ve Been Volunteered that I immediately requested it from the library. After a month or so on the waitlist, I finally picked up a copy of it a couple of weeks ago and read it pretty quickly. Jen’s son Max is now in third grade, and she’s class mom again. Her emails are hilarious, and some had me laughing out loud. In this plot, there’s still some family drama and her older daughters need some of her attention as she tries to juggle their needs with the needs of her aging parents. I didn’t find this book as good as Class Mom, but I would still recommend it…I just thought there were some random plot elements that seemed odd. Where I’d say Class Mom was a 10/10, this one is more like 7.5/10.

After movie night on Friday, followed by a late dinner and even later bedtime, I peeked into Hadley’s room and found her reading her newest Babysitters Club book, Boy Crazy Stacey that she bought at the book fair. Some of the BSC books have now been turned into graphic novels which has been perfect for Hadley. My two proudest accomplishments with my kids are the fact that they are generally kind and that they love to read. #myworkhereisdone right?!

I hope you enjoy at least one of these books. What have you been reading lately?

Happy reading.

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea

Books and Shows, Let's look

Let’s Look

Posted on August 21, 2019January 7, 2022 by jgalvinwhite

Some of my favorite posts to read on a few of my favorite bloggers’ pages are when they post their “Let’s Look,” “Friday Favorites,” and “What’s Up Wednesday?” I love getting a glimpse into their lives and what they are up to. Erika and Shay posted a “Let’s Look” last Wednesday, but I was knee deep in 150 new students, so I thought I’d give it a try this week! Happy reading.

A Little Bit of Everything

Mix and MAtch Mama

Each month, they link up with other bloggers and share about a topic. The topic for August is your favorite shows to binge watch.

For this to be my first “Let’s Look ” post, I must say the topic isn’t one with which I necessarily am successful. I’m not much of a binge watcher when it comes to television. Do I watch tv? Uh, yes! I just guess I’m at the point in my life where thirty minutes of television time is a luxury, so I watch one episode of something and probably end up falling asleep. Also, my kids seem to be around…all. of. the. time. And, since they are around, I’ve now realized how inappropriate most shows are that I watch..at least for 9 year olds…haha. By the time they get to bed or give me some peace and quiet, I’m about ready fall asleep myself.

That being said, off the top of my head, a few shows I have binge watched lately would be: Dead to Me and Ozark on Netflix and House Hunters on Hulu.

I can honestly say I did binge watch season one of Dead to Me. I had heard about it, and on Mother’s Day Sunday did what any good mom would do and asked for some quiet time. I headed to the basement and ended up watching five episodes in a row. I finished the other five episodes by the beginning of summer. I love Christina Applegate and the plot instantly drew me in. It’s definitely a dark comedy with some cussing (a girl after my own heart!), and (warning!) some R rated sections.

Jen is recently widowed and becomes friends with Judy, played by Linda Cardellini (who was on Netflix’s Bloodline which is another great series). Jen is obsessed with finding out who killed her husband while also working as a realtor, being a single mom to her two sons, and dealing with her mother-in-law.

I was thrilled to find out that there will be a season 2!

Travis and I started watching Ozark on Netflix last summer. Growing up in Missouri, I spent plenty of time going to the Lake of the Ozarks with my grandparents. I love seeing the scenery, but of course, I never came across the types of people Byrdes deal with on a daily basis. Being a child of the 80’s, I certainly heart Jason Bateman. He was definitely an 80’s crush of mine, and, fun fact, we share the same birthday!

The Byrdes have had to relocate from Chicago in order to right the wrongs of a money laundering scheme Marty’s involved in and end up working and being involved with other criminals of the Ozark area as well.

We watched season one pretty quickly last summer, but this summer have just started viewing season two due to lack of time (what else is new?!) Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve watched six of the ten episodes. Again, I’m excited that they are currently filming season three, and hope to watch it in 2020.

Besides lack of time, my other “issue” with binge watching is once I finish a season, it will be months until the next season comes out and I often forget what has previously happened. Thank goodness for Wikipedia and Google.

Oddly enough, House Hunters has become quite popular in our house latey. I remember back when I would watch this in my dorm room at college. Then, as adult, it was always on around 10:00 pm as I’d head to bed, so it was a good way to wrap up the day. About a year ago, Travis followed through with his “I’m going to cut cable” threat, and we now have Hulu. That being said, I didn’t really watch House Hunters anymore. Last month, I searched for it and watched a few episodes. It piqued Hayden’s interest, and it’s something we now watch together…and I’ve even caught him watching it on his own. haha.

Speaking of Hulu, when Travis said he’d looked into it last fall, he said, “Don’t worry, you can still watch the Golden Girls!” He knows me so well. I loved when GG would air on Lifetime in the morning and also at bedtime. These ladies are my fave. My kids could sing “Thank you for being a friend…” by the time they were three years old. This show is a forever classic, and I can easily watch multiple episodes at a time…and not worry about what my kids overhear. (Except for an occasional Blanche moment 😉

And, speaking of classics, I’m thrilled that Designing Women is coming to Hulu at the end of the month. Along with the Golden Girls, these ladies have my heart. Julia Sugarbaker is my fave probably because I am nothing like her and would give anything to be like her. She’s has a strong sense of self with a no nonsense attitude. Also, Annie Potts…need I say more? I love her too! All the ladies bring something to the table and make this show a classic. I can’t wait to binge watch it.

I have a note on my phone of books I want to read…it’s pretty long as I’m constantly adding to it. I also have a note of shows to watch such as Bloodlines and The Crown on Netflix. I watched season one of both and loved each of them …it’s just a lack of time at this point making it difficult for me to carry through with multiple seasons. Also on my list are You and The Americans. Now, if only I could find some more time…

What are some of your favorite shows to binge watch?

Happy Wednesday,

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea

Books and Shows

Vacation Reads

Posted on August 5, 2019May 19, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

I read five books while on vacation…and loved them all.

I started reading The Identicals by Elin Hilderbrand right before we left for vacation. I’ve read a few of her books, and it was what I expected in terms of the setting and the plot. Twin sisters that had been estranged for years were brought back together after a death in the family. One sister lived in Nantucket while the other lived on Martha’s Vineyard. Of course, since they are twins, that adds to the events of the plot along with other family drama. I paused this book halfway through to move on to The Silent Patient not because I wasn’t enjoying it, but it was a slower read for me. I wrapped up reading it after finishing The Silent Patient. It was definitely a great vacation read.

The next book I read was The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. I read this book in two days as it gripped my interest from the first page. I’m a huge fan of thrillers as long as I have all the lights on or am reading in the daylight! I had heard a lot of hype about this one, and it definitely lived up to it. The main character, Alicia Berenson, killed her husband and it’s up to the psychotherapist to get her to hopefully open up and talk. The ending was definitely thriller-worthy and full of twists.

My love for suspenseful novels continued with my next read, The Breakdown, by B.A. Paris. I’ve also read Bring Me Back and Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris, and I’m a huge fan. This book had me feeling sympathetic for the main character, Cass, as it seemed she had no one to turn to while feeling guilt-ridden after being the last person to see Jane alive on her drive home. Also, with a family history of dementia, she was genuinely concerned that she was suffering the way her mother had. Also, she received numerous silent phone calls which also led to her feelings of madness. I can honestly say that I wasn’t expecting the other characters to have such an impact on the plot, and I was definitely pleased with the ending.

The next book I read was Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Now, talk about hype. I’ve been hearing about this book for quite some time, and I almost felt like I was hearing so much about it that it made me not want to read it. Once summer arrived, and I had more time to read, I requested it from the public library. Well, apparently I’d have to wait as at least 200 other people were in the queue too! So many people told me I should buy it or borrow it, so I borrowed it (thanks to my friend Amy!) Let me just say I know most everyone has really enjoyed this read, but I didn’t want it to end…I pretty much fell in love with this book, and it has been awhile since I have fallen in love with a read.

First of all, there was a To Kill a Mockingbird feel to this book, and TKAM is one of all time favorite reads. (What kind of English teacher would I be if I didn’t love To Kill a Mockingbird?! Hello! I named my dog Scout! 🙂 I loved the setting of North Carolina, so the masterful way the small town mixed with the swamp and marsh was described kept me wanting to read more. The world can be so cruel, and it is up to us to make choices on how to navigate the ups and downs of life, and Kya did just that. Mix in a murder and trial, and I’m sold.

I had about 50 pages to go and was up late reading, and I thought about cranking it out because of course I wanted to know how it ended…but often times, if I’m reading a book I love, I actually don’t want it to end. So, I went to bed looking forward to waking up and reading the end. I wasn’t disappointed, but dang, did I feel my heartstrings being pulled. I love the William Feather quote, “Finishing a good book is like leaving a good friend.” Kya felt like my friend, one who I had some things in common with like enjoying solitude and doing whatever it takes to get through the tough times in life. This is a book I will remember forever, and certainly in my top five books I’ve read in my life. Run, don’t walk, to read this book. Even if you don’t love it like I do, I know you will connect with it on some level.

I wrapped up vacation reading Verity by Colleen Hoover. I’ve also read It Ends with Us and All Your Perfects by her as well. Verity was recommended by a book club I’ve joined (but haven’t yet met most of the people in it…haha). I started this book the last morning of vacation, read fifty percent of it on the plane ride home, and then finished within the next two days. It really was a book that could also be labeled a page turner. I actually thought the beginning was rather slow, but the plot definitely picked up the pace and kept my attention until the very end. Verity is the name of an author who can’t finish writing the rest of her series of books, so Lowen (Low) is hired to do so. This means she has to move in to Verity’s house for awhile, work in Verity’s office while also meeting her family. Their family has been struck with tragedy many times, so the reader is aware that Low should have her guard up. Low definitely ends up second guessing her own mental state while interacting with the family, meeting Verity, and living in the house. **Warning** this book would be deemed R rated in some parts. This book was full of twists and turns and most certainly a good way to wrap up my vacation reading.

I have one more book that I’m hoping to get read before school starts back, and that’s The Art of Racing in the Rain. I know the movie is coming out soon, and I’ve been meaning to read this for awhile…plus, with my love for dogs, I know it’s a “must read” for me.

Hopefully one (or more!) of these books will be of interest to you! Happy reading.