#NetGalley Book Review: Too Crowded by Lena Podesta

This is very cute.
Too Crowded
by Lena Podesta

• Publisher : Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (April 6, 2021)
• ASIN : B08NWFWJ4G
• Hardcover : 40 pages
• Reading age : 4 - 8 years
• Grade level : 1 - 3
Genre: Children, Fish, Sharing
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

A hilarious, heartwarming picture book with subtle lessons about the importance of sharing, home, and friendship.
Gil the Goldfish lives in a fishbowl with 138 pebbles―he counts them every day―and a castle. It feels TOO CROWDED! When Gil leaves his bowl in search of open spaces, he finds a world full of many interesting...and loud ... and possibly dangerous creatures.
It turns out that life outside the bowl might not be right for a fish. Thank goodness for Turtle, a citizen of the not-so-great outdoors who comes to Gil's rescue! Will Gil make peace with his home sweet home, and maybe even find room for a friend in the process?

Review:
Gil the Goldfish decides one day that his fishbowl, with the same pebbles to count each day, is too crowded for him. He sets out to find a better place to live. But each place he finds has a different problem. Eventually he comes upon a turtle who points out that Gil needs to get back to his bowl. Once rescued Gil experiences a change of heart and finds room for a friend.

This is a very cute and easy read. I enjoyed the adventures and experiences that were shared for Gil even though it may have been unrealistic to see a fish travel outside his bowl. The story shares a good message - that the grass isn’t always greener - and also notes that life can be better sharing with a friend. The images are clean, colorful and precise without being busy or overwhelming. I would be glad to share this with my grandchildren.

Source: NetGalley 2020. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021NetGalley goals.

Audible Book Review: The Witch of Hebron: A World Made by Hand Novel, Book 2 by James Howard Kunstler

This EOTWAWKI is a bit raw but intriguing.

The Witch of Hebron: A World Made by Hand Novel, Book 2
By: James Howard Kunstler
Narrated by: Jim Meskimen

Series: World Made By Hand, Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins
Release date: 09-07-10
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Metaphysical Fiction, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
In the sequel to his best-selling World Made by Hand, James Howard Kunstler expands on his vision of a post-oil society with a new novel about an America in which the electricity has flickered off, the Internet is a distant memory, and the government is little more than a rumor.
In the tiny hamlet of Union Grove, New York, travel is horse-drawn and farming is back at the center of life. But it’s no pastoral haven. Wars are fought over dwindling resources and illness is a constant presence. Bandits roam the countryside, preying on the weak, and a sinister cult threatens to shatter Union Grove’s fragile stability. Here is a novel that seamlessly weaves hot-button issues like the decline of oil and the perils of climate change into a compelling narrative of violence, religious hysteria, innocence lost, and love found—a cautionary tale with an optimistic heart.
Already a renowned social commentator and a best-selling novelist and nonfiction writer, Kunstler has recently attained even greater prominence in the global conversation about energy and the environment. In the last two years he has been the focus of a long profile in the New Yorker, the subject of a full-page essay in the New York Times Book Review, and his wildly popular blog and podcast have made him a sought-after speaker who gives dozens of lectures and scores of media interviews each year.
©2010 James Howard Kunstler (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
This post-apocalyptic series is not an action packed EOTWAWKI but instead is character and drama driven. This second book expands on describing the world where the survivors are living in without power and trying to relearn skills that existed before electricity, cars, tractors, medical facilities and more. There are local rivalries that are just tense, and there are bandits and killers who are frightening.

A big portion of this story is centered on Jasper, the Doctor’s 11-year-old son. When Jasper’s puppy gets killed accidentally, Jasper is desolated. He allows his anger to push him into an act of revenge, after which he runs away to find a new life elsewhere. Jasper meets a mix of people on his adventure. He offers to help nurse a man in pain and then is cheated when he asks for food. He is then forced to become an unwilling protégé of a deranged psychopath. Along the way he finds kindness from a young girl a couple of years older and finally he helps and is helped by a self-titled witch.

The witch plays an important role interacting in separate encounters with a handful of men from Union Grove. These men include Jasper’s father and the man who is seeking to confront Jasper over his act of revenge. The ‘witch’ is a curious mix of hostess, herbalist, dream hacker and female companion.

Kunstler provides some background to the fall of society and to the history of the local religious group. He writes with strong detail and presents a world of natural and complex emotions. The events occur near Halloween and there is some dark rawness in the stark evil described. This is offset by some beauty through the author’s storytelling. I am interested in listening to the next book, The Harrows of Spring.

Audio Notes: Jim Meskimen does a very good job with the narration. He shares appropriate voices and energy for the characters. He delivers with a calm undertone until he needs to portray the manic nature of a particular character. I enjoyed the audio version which added to the entertainment value for me.

Source: 12/21/2020 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post April 18, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 19, 2021

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? now at The Book Date (at Wordpress)

What Are You Reading? is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

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I had a quick visit from my sister and her middle son as they traveled from Arkansas to middle Florida to house hunt. As much as they love their home in Arkansas, they want to be closer to a) medical facilities for the elder family members and b) social facilities for the younger family members. They will be driving back and stopping again Tuesday night.

The dislocated shoulder surgery for Heather's beau was long and revealed additional damage. There will be a long recovery.

Meanwhile Heather is still suffering from dizziness and nausea. She got to work only about 5 hours during the week so the rest of us have been juggling, hustling and a bit stressed.

Add to that stress, the plaza where our temporary office is located was without water for three days due to a large pipe break. Staff and I descended on home three times a day for rest room breaks.
We had a full week of closings and are working on another full week of closings, including two commercial properties, next week.
Legal work is being squeezed in between closings and fundings.

I'm still watching for a pull back in the stock market. I monitor carefully.

The second orchid plant is slowly sharing its blooms.
I love that these last so long.

Our weather continues with April rain and temps in the nice 70-75 range.

Reading was slow as I was pushed with time and tired at night. I finished one audio book and one NetGalley children's book. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 19 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to BOOK BY BOOK. Sue is "a freelance writer & reviewer, specializing in travel, food, family, health, and reviews of books, TV, and movies." I like some of her challenges.

Don't forget- Audible is offering free children's titles during these days at home.
Audiobooks.com is also offering free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post April 11, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 12, 2021.

• ATBR- Audio Book Review: Unforgettable by Eric James Stone; Genre: Action Adventure, Mystery, Sci Fi, Spy Thriller; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Dust: Before and After by S.E. Smith; Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, YA; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 16, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 4/22/2021.

• NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: Rescuing Harmony Ranch by Jennie Marts; Genre: Clean, Small Town Romance; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #419 Comment Giveaway April 17, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 5/1/2021.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 18, 2021.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Witch of Hebron: A World Made by Hand Novel, Book 2
By: James Howard Kunstler
Narrated by: Jim Meskimen
Series: World Made By Hand, Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins
Release date: 09-07-10
This one is a bit raw but intriguing.
Source: 12/21/2020 Audible Plus Catalog.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Adobe Digital App on Computer (NG2020)

Too Crowded
by Lena Podesta
I slipped this book in as a second read for the week.
It is very cute.
Source: NetGalley 2020.
A hilarious, heartwarming picture book with subtle lessons about the importance of sharing, home, and friendship.
Gil the Goldfish lives in a fishbowl with 138 pebbles―he counts them every day―and a castle. It feels TOO CROWDED! When Gil leaves his bowl in search of open spaces, he finds a world full of many interesting...and loud ... and possibly dangerous creatures.
It turns out that life outside the bowl might not be right for a fish. Thank goodness for Turtle, a citizen of the not-so-great outdoors who comes to Gil's rescue! Will Gil make peace with his home sweet home, and maybe even find room for a friend in the process?

Currently Reading:
1. Kindle App on Fire Tablet (NG2020)

A Cowboy for Keeps
by Jody Hedlund
75% in - I am totally enjoying this Christian, Historical Romance.
Source: NetGalley 2020.
Click on book title for full description.

2. NetGalley App on phone (NG2021)

A Waterfront Wedding
A Heart's Landing Novel from Hallmark Publishing
By: Leigh Duncan
Narrated by: Karissa Vacker
Length: 9 hrs and 22 mins
What's not to love about a "Hallmark" story?
I am 55% in and enjoying this quick listen. 
Source: NetGalley 2021.
Publisher's Summary
In Heart’s Landing, Evelyn wants to prove she’s a good manager of the Captain’s Cottage by the bay - a favorite place for weddings. Meanwhile, Ryan has invested his life savings to remodel the town’s old boatworks into a brand-new wedding venue.
When a Marine and his bride win the Wedding in a Week contest, they have seven days to put together a romantic, all-expenses-paid event. It’ll be written up in Weddings Today magazine. But will they choose Evelyn’s cottage or Ryan’s boatworks?
The rival business owners cozy up to the bride and groom, helping them plan their military wedding. And even though Evelyn and Ryan both grew up in Heart’s Landing, they learn they never truly knew each other until now. But can they trust each other when only one of them can win?
This sweet, heartwarming romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe.
©2021 Leigh Duncan (P)2021 Dreamscape Media, LLC

3. Print (TBR)

The Faith of Condoleezza Rice
by Leslie Montgomery
This is still moving along slowly but I do like it.
Source: February 2018 Discounted price at Christianbooks.com
Click on book title for full description.

I will pick another ebook and audio during the week but I haven't decided which yet.

April 18, 2021 - I love seeing new things each time I read the Bible. I am glad to still be current with morning reading. (I got one day behind but and caught up again.)
I am reading/listening to the NLT Tyndale version of the Bible on You Version App so Hubby and I are reading the same passages each day.
No extra study this week. I may start looking for one this week.

I completed two books and will get those reviewed this week.
NetGalley shelf is now at 7 as I received two and added one to reading this week.
Four author titles now in queue - I need to start these now that NG titles are lower.
(Plus a few that I received from facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests.)
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I requested and received two books from NetGalley.
Hubby bought me two books and a DVD.
I purchased one Audible Daily Deal and two Chirp audio books.
I also selected my April VIP pick at Audiobooks.com.
I added NO free Kindle titles this week.
(Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Received from NetGalley:

A Waterfront Wedding
A Heart's Landing Novel from Hallmark Publishing
By: Leigh Duncan
Narrated by: Karissa Vacker
Length: 9 hrs and 22 mins
What's not to love about a "Hallmark" story.

I'm On It! (Elephant & Piggie Like Reading!)
by Andrea Tsurumi; Mo Willems
I like this type of child's book and it is an "I" title for my Alphabet challenge.

Won

NONE

Purchased

Hubby bought these books for me:

The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today
by Shannon Bream

Unstoppable Prosperity: Learn the Strategy I've Used to Beat the Market Every Year
by Charles Payne
                    together with the DVD:

How to Create a Recession Resistant Portfolio: A Plan For Never Outliving Your Money


I picked up one Audible Daily Deal 4/18/21 $3.95:

The Paths Between Worlds
By: Paul Antony Jones
Narrated by: Kate Reading
Series: This Alien Earth, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 29 mins


I also picked up two Chirp titles this week for $3.99 and $1.99:

The Darkest Winter
Written by Lindsey Pogue
Narrated by Sarah Ruth Thomas & Luis Bermudez

The Longest Night
Written by Lindsey Pogue
Narrated by Luis Bermudez & Sarah Ruth Thomas

Free

Audiobooks.com April VIP pick: (The narrator pulled me in!)

Flea Market Magic
By Bella Falls
Narrated by Johanna Parker
Duration: 5 h 52 min



I added NO free Kindle titles this week. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 18, 2021

This morning pastor shared about a new community outreach to youth that our church is starting. I add my prayers that God will bless the work.

Then pastor continued with his sermon series “It Matters”.

Sometimes you have another person who thinks just like you (or you think like them). Maybe a parent, a sibling, a spouse, or a co-worker. What we think matters a lot. We have learned not to always blurt out what you are thinking… and sometimes your thoughts are portrayed on your face. Your filter (words or expressions) may fail. You need to work on your thoughts.

Paul tells us that we should have the “mind of Christ”. We’ll have Jesus-like words and actions if we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:6-16.

1. There is a wide gap between God’s wisdom and the foolishness of man’s wisdom.
2. The Holy Spirit reveals the truth of God, the wisdom of God, the deepest secrets of God to the Christ follower.
3. It is impossible for the God deniers to see how the truth and wisdom matters! They make up their own truth for today.
4. God-deniers are in no place to judge the God Believer.

For a person to have the mind of Christ, they must be a Christ Follower. Romans 12:2 – 'let God transform you'.

The presence of the Holy Spirit in the believer when they are born again is the reason for the mind to be transformed or renewed. There is a conflict between the faith transformed (Romans 12:2) and the God-deniers.

THE POINT: What happens in your mind matters. You must have the mind of Christ.

Far too often we resist the mind of Christ. What we think matters. Paul says – become an imitator of Christ. The Bible tells us the mind of Christ. Treat people the way Jesus would. Do our words and actions mirror those of Jesus? Lessen the gap between what we think and what we do that reflects Christ.

Do you have the mind of Christ? Stop making excuses for the shortcomings in this area. There is a difference between temptation and dwelling on right or wrong thinking. Are we being real? We might show one image or face to the public but is it real? What we think matters.
Narrow the gap between man’s mind and God’s mind:

1. Give your whole mind to Jesus.
2. Position yourself for times of renewal. More than one time. Downloading from God instead of just uploading.
3. Invest time in His Presence where His thoughts and attitudes can grow in you.

I think this song fit today’s message: Less Like Me.

Verses for Today:
1 Corinthians 2:10-16
10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. 11 No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. 12 And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
13 When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. 14 But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 15 Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. 16 For,
“Who can know the Lord’s thoughts?
Who knows enough to teach him?”
But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.

My Prayer today: Lord, help me to have the mind of Christ.

Sharing Beyond Books #419 Comment Giveaway April 17, 2021

Hello again, Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Last post SBB#418 Writer asks: Do weather/season changes affect your reading habits??
The reading habits of nine commenters are not impacted by season. Four of us do have some seasonal reading, particularly Christmas. Two people do read a little less when it is overly hot or more when it is extra cold.

The Winner from SBB #418 comments is #12 Life's Simple Pleasure who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post. -- [11/16/19 I plan to add some review books this week and maybe some new Christmas and Love titles as soon as I locate the box I put them in. 11/28/20 I have added a box of new books for SBB and will list them in the next week or so. I have to try to cross off books that have already been awarded. ]

Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #419

(One Question.)

Fredamans asks: If you could write a story, what topic/genre would you write??

I have sketched out a couple of plots. They both have suspense and mystery but one was historical and the other contemporary.

Image found at Story Grid.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month, I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a 1/2 book choice or $2.50 towards GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify them.
April questions were provided by Writer and Fredamans who can select half a book if US or $2.50 if out of the States.

Your turn to share. Fredamans asks: If you could write a story, what topic/genre would you write??
SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday, May 1, 2021, at 5 PM central.