Thanks to Melissa for nominating me for this award and challenge. I came across her profile on Good Reads awhile back and soon realized we have a lot of books in common. Thanks for the interesting questions.

 Here are the rules:
1) Thank the person who nominated you. **See above.**
2) Share 11 random facts about yourself by answering the nominating blogger's questions.
3) Nominate 11 more bloggers and ask them 11 random questions.

Questions:
1. Which TV show just needs to be cancelled already?

I am going to go with Grey’s Anatomy on this one. I know that for the diehards, that is probably going to be an unpopular opinion. I have never watched the show, so I am sure I am missing it. That said, I see the previews every now and again and it just seems that they have played out a number of story lines. 

2. What is your favorite 80s song?
Oh my goodness! Do I have to pick just one? This is hard because I grew up listening to the hair bands of the 80’s. I guess if I really had to pick it would be Livin' on a Prayer by Bon Jovi.

3. What is something that never fails to make you laugh?
Cute cat videos! I love to watch them when I am having a bad day. Or I can just watch the two running around my house getting into trouble.

4. How long could you go without social media access?
I think I could go a long time on this one. I don’t love it now, but I do find it is helpful for knowing what is going in the world around me.

5. If you were to do a TED talk, what would it be about?
This is a good question. Probably about going boldly in the direction of your dreams. That sometimes you have to take big risks in order to have big rewards.

6. What is your favorite month and why?
September-because of Fall! And back to school. I have always loved school. I like crunchy leaves and football and apple cider. It’s also our wedding anniversary, so we tend to go on a vacation.

7. If you could give advice to someone who just graduated college and is ready for the real world, what would it be?
Be willing to do something you wouldn’t have normally done to set yourself apart. I volunteered for a month unpaid at a campus that I knew had an amazing program I wanted to be a part of. The connections I made were enough to get a job and my foot in the door!

8. What is something everyone likes that you don't like at all?
The color Red. Not sure what it is, but I just don’t prefer it.

9. What is the last book you read that you can't stop recommending?
I am not finished with yet, but I can tell it’s going to be Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert.

10. What is something unique about yourself?
I grew up in a town of 19 people! (Yes, that is not a typo!)

11. What is something you do that you'd like to outsource?
List making-my brain is always going. I wish I could just think of the things and that they would just go into their own list and I wouldn’t have to remember to write them down. The thing is if I don’t, then I don’t remember that I have to do them!

Nominations:

1. Kristina

2.  Julie

3.  Christina

4.  Stephanie

5.  Jessica

6.  Jamie

7.  Claire

8.  Rosie

9.  Alexa

10.  Rachel

11.  Sarah

Questions:

1. If you could take a trip to anywhere in the world (cost not a factor), where would you go and why?

2. What is the name of a book that has changed your life?

3. What is something about you that makes you unique?

4. If you could only eat one food the rest of your life what would it be?

5. Do you have a nickname and if so, what is it?

6. What is your favorite month and why?

7.  Do you remember your dreams?

8. What is something everyone likes that you don't like at all?

9. What is the one (or few) beauty items you cannot live without?

10. What advice do you have for new bloggers?

11.  If you had next Monday off, what would you do with it?

Book Review: The Fixer

Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Summary from Goodreads:
This book is the story of Tess, who begins her new life in DC. When doing so, she learns about the mysterious career of her sister and the political climate of her new school. It is not too long before Tess is involved in her secrets and her sister world. 

Personal Review:
I picked this book for two reasons-one is because it is DC (and that’s close to home!) and one because I was told it had some aspects of ‘Scandal’ (the TV show) in it. Both Olivia Pope and Ivy (Tess’s sister) are ‘professional fixers’ caught up in a political world. While I like the premise, I learned that I find it a bit more interesting to watch it unfold then to read about it.

That said, I did like the book. I thought the character created an interesting story/plot line that had a few characters, but kept the reader wanting to know what would happen next. I could see where this could be a continuation in the future of this book.

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Whippoorwill

Author: Joseph Monninger

Summary from Goodreads:
This book is the story of Clair and her neighbors. They own a dog named Wally, who Clair determines needs her saving. As she learns to help her dog, she learns more about herself and about the world around here.

Disclaimer: I was awarded this book in a Goodreads giveaway. While I did not pay for the book, the opinions expressed in this book are strictly my own.

Personal Review:
I liked the book. I was first drawn to the book based on the cover and when I won a copy, I was pleasantly surprised.  I enjoy books about animals and this was one that about a dog, Wally. Wally had a lasting impact on Clair throughout the story. 

I believe that the intended audience for this book is middle grade. (The preface says 12 and up) That said, I still enjoyed reading to see what would happen. The book is part adventure, part coming of age, part figuring out what it is that you believe in and how to stand for those things. The book did a good job of maintaining my attention. It was a quick read for me and I enjoyed it. 

Happy Reading!