It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews)
Lots of exciting titles made their way onto my book shelves this week. I purchased quite a few books this week and a few of them were impulse buys.
I am super excited that today is the release day for Jenni L Walsh's Becoming Bonnie!
It's no secret that I have been excited about this release, and that I loved the book. I posted my gushy review for it yesterday and you can finally snag your own copy in stores today!
In case you somehow missed it, here are the details about the book:
From debut historical novelist Jenni L. Walsh, Becoming Bonnie is the untold story of how wholesome Bonnelyn Parker became half of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde duo!
The summer of 1927 might be the height of the Roaring Twenties, but Bonnelyn Parker is more likely to belt out a church hymn than sling drinks at an illicit juice joint. She’s a sharp girl with plans to overcome her family's poverty, provide for herself, and maybe someday marry her boyfriend, Roy Thornton. But when Roy springs a proposal on her and financial woes jeopardize her ambitions, Bonnelyn finds salvation in an unlikely place: Dallas's newest speakeasy, Doc’s.
Living the life of a moll at night, Bonnie remains a wholesome girl by day, engaged to Roy, attending school and working toward a steady future. When Roy discovers her secret life, and embraces it—perhaps too much, especially when it comes to booze and gambling—Bonnie tries to make the pieces fit. Maybe she can have it all: the American Dream, the husband, and the intoxicating allure of jazz music. What she doesn't know is that her life—like her country—is headed for a crash.
She’s about to meet Clyde Barrow.
Few details are known about Bonnie's life prior to meeting her infamous partner. In Becoming Bonnie, Jenni L. Walsh shows a young woman promised the American dream and given the Great Depression, and offers a compelling account of why she fell so hard for a convicted felon—and turned to crime herself.
If all the buzz hasn't already sold you on picking up a copy, perhaps this excerpt will. It's the first chapter, and it'll definitely make you want more immediately.
Now you probably want to run out and get your own copy. It is all available at all major book retails.
Jenni has also provided this AMAZING giveaway consisting of the coolest mug ever!
Amazing, right? Along with this envy inducing mug, Jenni is giving away a $25.00 Amazon gift card! Be sure to enter using the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Lastly, here is a little about the author, and where you find her online to share your Becoming Bonnie release day excitement and love!
Jenni L. Walsh spent her early years chasing around cats, dogs, and chickens in Philadelphia's countryside, before dividing time between a soccer field and a classroom at Villanova University. She put her marketing degree to good use as an advertising copywriter, zip-code hopping with her husband to DC, NYC, NJ, and not surprisingly, back to Philly. There, Jenni's passion for words continued, adding author to her resume.
From debut historical novelist Jenni L. Walsh, Becoming Bonnie is the untold story of how wholesome Bonnelyn Parker became half of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde duo!
The summer of 1927 might be the height of the Roaring Twenties, but Bonnelyn Parker is more likely to belt out a church hymn than sling drinks at an illicit juice joint. She’s a sharp girl with plans to overcome her family's poverty, provide for herself, and maybe someday marry her boyfriend, Roy Thornton. But when Roy springs a proposal on her and financial woes jeopardize her ambitions, Bonnelyn finds salvation in an unlikely place: Dallas's newest speakeasy, Doc’s.
Living the life of a moll at night, Bonnie remains a wholesome girl by day, engaged to Roy, attending school and working toward a steady future. When Roy discovers her secret life, and embraces it—perhaps too much, especially when it comes to booze and gambling—Bonnie tries to make the pieces fit. Maybe she can have it all: the American Dream, the husband, and the intoxicating allure of jazz music. What she doesn't know is that her life—like her country—is headed for a crash.
She’s about to meet Clyde Barrow.
Few details are known about Bonnie's life prior to meeting her infamous partner. In Becoming Bonnie, Jenni L. Walsh shows a young woman promised the American dream and given the Great Depression, and offers a compelling account of why she fell so hard for a convicted felon—and turned to crime herself.
Everyone knows the story of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. It is one that has inspired countness other stories to be told. The fact that their story has been told many times before makes finding a unique one a bit of a magical occurrence. Not only is Becoming Bonnie unique, but Jenni L Walsh has crafted a spellbinding read that transports you to the 1920s with ease. It also introduces an unforgettable young woman whose story becomes her own, and not just as part of a duo.
The hook may be the Bonnie and Clyde inspiration but make no mistake, this is Bonnie's story. She isn't merely sharing the spotlight with Clyde, and that made all the difference. Anything inspired by this infamous duo typically focuses on them as a pair, or even centers Clyde as the focus and I was pleasantly surprised to find this novel was not going to do this. This novel allowed Bonnie to be her own person and as a result I feel the reader really gets to know her and understand her motivations. Her journey from the 'good girl' who is scandalized at the thought of a speakeasy to the woman who will eventually join Clyde in their infamous crime spree is gradual. This ensures that the transformation is believable. Her characterization is the main reason her story works, and great care is put into crafting Bonnelyn as someone you'll connect with and understand. Her character development stands out in this gem of a novel and she felt like a friend by the time I turned the last page.
Clyde's introduction to Bonnie's story starts out with a bang, but is actually more muted than you might anticipate. This Clyde is someone this Bonnie can relate to, and someone that would believably turn her head. He's not as flashy as some of men she firsts meets at the speakeasy but there is something magnetic about him and an underlying confidence. They share a desire to help their families and the want for a simple life. Jenni L Walsh makes you instantly believe their attraction, and shows how the wholesome young woman we meet in the beginning of the novel becomes the kind of woman who could fall for a man like Clyde Barrow.
The setting, and essence of the 1920s is brilliantly captured within these pages. The imagery is so vivid and descriptive that you feel transported. The detailing and care that went into capturing the day of the stock market crash was especially noteworthy. You felt the desperation, panic, and fear. It's a harrowing scene that backdrops the latter half of the novel perfectly. I could easily see this as a limited series on television and that is, in large part, due to the vibrancy Jenni L Walsh's writing has.
While I won't spoil where Jenni ends this chapter of her Bonnie and Clyde tale, I will say that it is the perfect ending for this part of their story. There is a bittersweetness to knowing a sequel is coming. You want more time with these characters, and you're left on the cusp of what is going to be an incredible part of their story. At the same time, you've been made to care about these characters and fate is going to catch up to them. We know how their story ends, and that thought is never far from your mind as you are reading. It tinges every element of this story with a bittersweetness even as you fall deeply in book love with this world and the characters.
A story that dares to look at the well known story of Bonnie and Clyde from a different perspective. It, for me, was the perfect blend of commercial and literary with this becoming a fast paced, well written read. It's a must for your beach bag this summer and I predict many sunburns as people become engrossed in Bonnie's story. This is a must read for anyone who saw photos of Bonnie Parker and immediately wanted to know more about her, and wondered what her story was.
It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews)
I realized that I had not included many of the Christmas time gifts that I had gotten in one of these round up posts, so this week's edition is going to be filled with lots of goodies.
First up, I received and ARC of one of my most anticipated books of 2017!
I am so excited to read this. I have plans to spend a weekend with this VERY soon (perhaps while enjoying some drinks). Thanks, Jenni!
Next up, I hadn't yet shared my lovely gift from Jess who was my Secret Santa in the #OttawaBlogette exchange this year. She got me some of my favourite things!
I love the wine glass, and the entire relaxation theme of the gift was A+! Thanks, Jess!
Next, I got my Christmas gift from Christy who outdid herself this year! I love the t-shirt and my cute little Tinkerbell Pop! She's tiny and adorable.
Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle (goodreads)
Thank you again, Christy! The book was a fun holiday read too!
Next up is my #TBTBSanta package which was amazing. Thank you so much to Lauren From Lose Time Reading for spoiling me AND my cat.
Aria got her own little present from Lauren's cat. She was very excited she even opened it herself! The catnip smell was too much for her to resist so she ripped open the package pretty quickly with her teeth since I wasn't doing it quickly enough for her liking.
My gifts were awesome too! I love the Belle Pop and the cute Rudolph ornament.
Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren (goodreads)
Even When You Lie To Me by Jessica Alcott (goodreads)
Six Of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (goodreads)
Lastly, I have a few books for review from Raincoast.
Letters To The Lost by Brigid Kemmerer (goodreads)
Once again, thank you to everyone who totally spoiled me! I have had a pretty crazy mailbox this last little bit and am so thankful for the amazingness I now get to enjoy.
From debut historical novelist Jenni L. Walsh, Becoming Bonnie is the untold story of how wholesome Bonnelyn Parker became half of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde duo! The summer of 1927 might be the height of the Roaring Twenties, but Bonnelyn Parker is more likely to belt out a church hymn than sling drinks at an illicit juice joint. She’s a sharp girl with plans to overcome her family's poverty, provide for herself, and maybe someday marry her boyfriend, Roy Thornton. But when Roy springs a proposal on her and financial woes jeopardize her ambitions, Bonnelyn finds salvation in an unlikely place: Dallas's newest speakeasy, Doc’s. Living the life of a moll at night, Bonnie remains a wholesome girl by day, engaged to Roy, attending school and working toward a steady future. When Roy discovers her secret life, and embraces it—perhaps too much, especially when it comes to booze and gambling—Bonnie tries to make the pieces fit. Maybe she can have it all: the American Dream, the husband, and the intoxicating allure of jazz music. What she doesn't know is that her life—like her country—is headed for a crash. She’s about to meet Clyde Barrow. Few details are known about Bonnie's life prior to meeting her infamous partner. In Becoming Bonnie, Jenni L. Walsh shows a young woman promised the American dream and given the Great Depression, and offers a compelling account of why she fell so hard for a convicted felon—and turned to crime herself.
I have always been fascinated by Bonnie and Clyde. Bonnie in particular has always held a certain allure. There is something about her that has always made me want to know more.
Jenni L Walsh's book is more focused on Bonnie than it is Clyde and that feels unique and refreshing to me. She was a force in her own right and I cannot wait to see Jenni's take on this young woman.
I, also, happen to be giving away an ARC of this right now! Be sure to enter.
It's already time for me to begin showcasing my 2017 Most Anticipated titles. I love this annual event because it not only allows me to talk about books I am super excited about but it lets me feature some pretty awesome authors. I have a bunch of amazing sounding books to share over the next couple weeks so I hope you are prepared for your 'to be read' pile to grow.
The first book is technically an adult novel but one with tons of YA crossover appeal. It introduces us to the young lady who would become half of one of the most recognizable crime duos in history.
Its 1920s setting and real life inspiration of Bonnie and Clyde ensured that this one would be on my list this year. Their story has always fascinated me, particularly Bonnie.
If that was not enticing enough, check out this Goodreads synopsis! I appreciate that this is going to focus on Bonnelyn before she meets Clyde. I also love that the cover showcases that it is HER story.
From debut historical novelist Jenni L. Walsh comes the untold story of how wholesome Bonnelyn Parker became half of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde duo.
The summer of 1927 might be the height of the Roaring Twenties, but Bonnelyn Parker is more likely to belt out a church hymn than sling drinks at an illicit juice joint. She’s a sharp girl with plans to overcome her family's poverty, provide for herself, and maybe someday marry her boyfriend, Roy Thornton. But when Roy springs a proposal on her and financial woes jeopardize her ambitions, Bonnelyn finds salvation in an unlikely place: Dallas's newest speakeasy, Doc's.
Living the life of a moll at night, Bonnie remains a wholesome girl by day, engaged to Roy, attending school and working toward a steady future. When Roy discovers her secret life, and embraces it—perhaps too much, especially when it comes to booze and gambling—Bonnie tries to make the pieces fit. Maybe she can have it all: the American Dream, the husband, and the intoxicating allure of jazz music. What she doesn't know is that her life—like her country—is headed for a crash.
She’s about to meet Clyde Barrow.
Few details are known about Bonnie's life prior to meeting her infamous partner. In Becoming Bonnie, Jenni L. Walsh shows a young woman promised the American dream and given the Great Depression, and offers a compelling account of why she fell so hard for a convicted felon—and turned to crime herself.
A novel that puts Bonnie at the forefront is a welcome change and I cannot wait to meet Jenni L Walsh's Bonnie Parker. It sounds like a lot of research went into this book and that only makes me more excited to read it.
Jenni and I did a little Q and A which I hope will entice you to check out this book and add it to your own 'to be read' list for 2017. 1 Twitter pitch Becoming Bonnie (140 characters or less)
The untold story of how seventeen-year-old Bonnelyn Parker becomes half of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde duo during the Roaring Twenties.
2 If someone were to make a signature drink in honour of your book, what might be included?
Love this question. Just so happens Becoming Bonnie is set in a speakeasy, where the drinks flow freely, and this scene makes for a fitting answer, from Bonnie’s point of view.
On edge, I
keep my head down, focus on the work.
That is, ‘til
a boy steps up to the bar—the boy from the other night with the lopsided grin
who looked like he had so much to say.
“Gin Rickey,
please,” he says now, ignoring Blanche, his eyes narrowing in on me.
Gin, lime, sugar, soda.
Loudly, I set
them out for Blanche to do the mixing, annoyed with myself when my hand shakes
from the intensity of his gaze
“No,” he says
to me with a cocky smirk. “I’d like you to fix my drink.”
If Blanche
wasn’t so amused, I think she’d be mad at his brush-off. But no, she pushes the
small of my back ‘til my stomach bumps the bar. “Go on,” she whispers into my ear.
I
know how to make the drink, been watching Blanche do it all night, but I’m only
seeing black spots where Pour gin and
lime juice over ice, top with club
soda should be.
3 What about Bonnie and Clyde's story resonated with you enough that you wanted to write your own take on their story?
At some point during my adolescent years, I saw the Bonnie and Clyde film from the 60s. The violence didn’t stick with me, but, all these years later, their loyalty (and love and passion) toward one another did. It made me wonder who they were besides outlaws. And I thought, I need to write that book.
4 What was the most surprising thing you discovered about Bonnie and Clyde while researching this novel?
They’re both musically inclined. Clyde played the saxophone and the guitar, while Bonnie had a healthy set of lungs. Bonnie also loved the written word and penned a lot of poetry. I sort of mashed these interests together to create an element of Becoming Bonnie that was so much fun to write: an original song. As Bonnie and Clyde face each new obstacle of the book, they write a new verse.
5 Name a song you listed to for inspiration while writing this novel?
I don’t typically listen to music while I’m writing, but songs influence me greatly while I’m brainstorming. I’ll often go to a run to rejuvenate my mind, and one song that kept coming onto Pandora was The Big Big Bang by Rock Mafia. The energy and vibe of the song had me itching to get back to my computer.
6 If you could travel to anywhere, in any time period, when and where would you want travel?
I’m from Philly, and I think it’d be insanely interesting to walk the streets, explore the buildings, and navigate the city as it was, compared to how it is now. Here is Independence Hall in 1770s, when Philadelphia was the capital of the United States, compared to present day.
7 What 2017 release are you most anticipating?
I’m part of The Debutante Ball, so I’d be remiss not to mention the other amazing authors in the group. I’ve read their books and they are phenom.
Small Admissions by Amy Poeppel Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson Caged Eyes by Lynn K. Hall Feast of Sorrow by Crystal King 8. If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of Becoming Bonnie?
But I, being poor, have only my dreams.
Anyone else swooning over what I assume is a scene where Bonnie and Clyde meet? That smirk. The whole 'I'd like you to fix my drink' thing and how flummoxed Bonnie appears. I am pretty sure this book is going to have its share of swoon worthy moments and I cannot wait. Also, how fitting is it that a Gin Rickey would be this novel's signature drink?
Becoming Bonnie releases May 9, 2017 and can be pre-ordered right now from any retailer.
Jenni has kindly offered up an ARC of Becoming Bonnie (when available) and a set of Bonnie and Clyde keychains. They are amazing and I kind of want to keep them for myself.
Just enter using the below Rafflecopter. It's open INTERNATIONALLY and will run the entire length of the event.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Are you a fan of historical novels? Does the Bonnie and Clyde story hold the same allure for you as it does for me? Let me know what you think in the comments.
Be sure to stop by tomorrow to find out the next book that made this year's list!
The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.
This week has been filled with exciting reveals and happenings! There is so much to be excited about and obsessed with. BOOK Cover of Becoming Bonnie by Jenni L Walsh (goodreads)
I have been super excited about this book since I first heard about it and was thrilled when the cover was released. I think it captures what this book is about perfectly.
I love the 1920's/1930s feel of this cover. Her dress especially. I also love that Bonnie was put on the cover by herself. They didn't feel the need to squeeze in Clyde. This is Bonnie's story and I love that they allowed her centre focus. TV/MOVIE Merry Christmas Will Byers (a Stranger Things/Charlie Brown mashup)
I am a huge Stranger Things fan. HUGE. The second I saw this I knew I was going to love it. It's cute, and rather perfect and combines one of my favourite Christmas classics with the new cult hit.
Obviously it has SPOILERS for the first season of Stranger Things so only watch if you've finished the first season (and if you haven't go do that).
Super cute, right? I love the little details they put in and it has only made me want season two all the more. Good job to whoever created this! It's amazing.
Beauty and the Beast Entertainment Weekly cover
OTHER Stranger Things Funko Pops
Stranger Things is getting the Funko Pop treatment and needless to say I was pretty excited to find out these were going to be a thing I could purchase. I CANNOT WAIT! How amazing are these? They are so perfect! You can bet these will be joining my ever growing collection (I did mention I was obsessed with this series).
I have already pre-ordered most of these and will be on the look out for that Upside Down Will ThinkGeek exclusive, and the blonde wig wearing Eleven variant (she's apparently going to be hard to get). They'll be in stores in January of 2017 but are up for pre-order at most locations.
Jessica Jones Funko Pop
Jessica Jones is not only one of my favourite Netflix series, but she's also one of my female characters. I love that she's flawed, and owns it. I was thrilled with Funko announced that she'll be getting the Pop treatment and her Pop is pretty much perfect.
I am totally going to have to pre-order here. She'll be available sometime in early 2017!
The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday. BOOK Becoming Bonnie by Jenni L Walsh (goodreads) I've been waiting for this to go up on Goodreads since I saw the deal announcement. I cannot wait for this. I've been looking for a really well done Bonnie and Clyde story and I have high hopes that this will be it. Go add it and join me in pining away for it from now until it's May 2017 release. TV/MOVIE Guilt TV Show
This Amanda Knox inspired TV show caught my eye recently because Anthony Stewart Head was recently cast. It'll air on Disney's new Freeform network (home of Pretty Little Liars and Shadowhunters) and it sounds like it could be pretty good if done right. It is shooting in London which already means I'll love the backdrop to this murder mystery. The premise is that an American goes to school overseas and is accused of killing her roommate. Anthony Stewart Head is playing the stepfather of the accused from what I understand. You can find out more on the Freeform website. Lucifer Season 2 Renewal
I was thrilled when it was announced that Lucifer would be getting a second season. The cast is my favourite part of this show, along with it's humour and willingness to not take itself seriously. I cannot wait for more Chloe and Lucifer scenes! OTHER 1 month until BEA
We are a month away from BEA! I am really excited to meet everyone. Will you be at BEA? Let me know in the comments!
