21. Shipped by Angie Hockman

listened on Libby/Library
narrated by Ines del Castillo
Unabridged audio (8:42)
2021
336 pgs.
Adult RomCom
Finished 3/16/21
Goodreads rating: 3.74 - 2456 ratings
My rating:  4
Setting: contemporary Galapagos Islands/onboard cruise ship

First line/s: "Every time I collect my mail from the paint-splattered box in the lobby and see my name printed over and over in bold black ink, I'm reminded that I'm named after a rock star."

My comments: A romcom with a wonderful setting - a small cruise ship visiting the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador.  Henley and Graeme are competing for the same job on the cruise line, and go from a love-hate relationship to guess where, lol!  While communing with incredible wildlife, snorkeling, visiting touristy attractions, and trying to come up with a plan to wow her boss, Henley certainly keeps us entertained.  Great lessons on sustainability and protecting our world included!

Goodreads synopsis:  Between taking night classes for her MBA and her demanding day job at a cruise line, marketing manager Henley Evans barely has time for herself, let alone family, friends, or dating. But when she’s shortlisted for the promotion of her dreams, all her sacrifices finally seem worth it.

          The only problem? Graeme Crawford-Collins, the remote social media manager and the bane of her existence, is also up for the position. Although they’ve never met in person, their epic email battles are the stuff of office legend.
          Their boss tasks each of them with drafting a proposal on how to boost bookings in the Galápagos—best proposal wins the promotion. There’s just one catch: they have to go on a company cruise to the Galápagos Islands...together. But when the two meet on the ship, Henley is shocked to discover that the real Graeme is nothing like she imagined. As they explore the Islands together, she soon finds the line between loathing and liking thinner than a postcard.
          With her career dreams in her sights and a growing attraction to the competition, Henley begins questioning her life choices. Because what’s the point of working all the time if you never actually live?

MOVIE - Love, Simon

PG-13 (1:49)

Wide releale 3/16/18

Viewed 3/19/18
IMBd: 7.9/10

RT Critic: 91   Audience:  89
Critic's Consensus:  Love, Simon hits its coming-of-age beats more deftly than many entries in this well-traveled genre -- and represents an overdue, if not entirely successful, milestone of inclusion

Cag:  4/Liked it a lot

Directed by Greg Berlanti

20th Century Fox

Based on the book Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

My comments:  I've heard people reflect that this is a sweet movie, and it is.  The actor that played Simon did a really good job and portrayed the character well.  His car full of friends seemed a little bit too unreal, however.  As did his picture-perfect loving family.  Just a little too picture perfect, I think.  I did like the way that as he kept sleuthing out his unknown pen pal he envisioned the possibilities typing his return messages.  The assistant principal was a real hoot.  Very enjoyable movie, recommended.  

RT/ IMDb Summary:  Everyone deserves a great love story. But for seventeen-year old Simon Spier it's a little more complicated: he's yet to tell his family or friends he's gay and he doesn't actually know the identity of the anonymous classmate he's fallen for online. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, terrifying and life-changing. Directed by Greg Berlanti (Riverdale, The Flash, Supergirl), written by Isaac Aptaker & Elizabeth Berger (This is Us), and based on Becky Albertalli's acclaimed novel, LOVE, SIMON is a funny and heartfelt coming-of-age story about the thrilling ride of finding yourself and falling in love.

PICTURE BOOK - Here Comes Santa Cat by Deborah Underwood

Illustrated by Claudia Rueda

2014 Dial Books for Young Readers

HC $16.99

88 pgs. - but minimal words and lots of priceless pictures to peruse - similar in text length )or shorter) than a 32-page picture book

Goodreads rating: 4.34

My rating: 4

Endpapers: red

My comments: Very, very cute!  Cat, being a cat, can't talk ... so he draws picture messages back and forth to the invisible, omnipotent speaker/owner/friend.  He'd like a Christmas gift from Santa - but has been naughty most of the year.  "Speaker" suggests that he do something nice, even if it's last minute - it's better than never.  The outcome is gently funny and fun.  I'd love to read this to my grandkids.

Goodreads:  Cat took on a bunny in Here Comes the Easter Cat, but now Christmas is coming, and Cat has a hunch he's not on Santa's "nice" list. Which means? No presents for Cat. So he tries to be good, but children, it seems, aren't wild for his brand of gift-giving. Still, Cat might surprise himself, and best of all, he may just get to meet the man in the red suit himself—and receive a holiday surprise of his own. Fans of Pete the Cat, Splat the Cat, and Bad Kitty will delight in this holiday treat.