#2017 TBR Shame

[batmanisagatewaydrug]

reading update

what's up gamers, the odds are very slim that I'll be finishing another book before November is over, so let's do a roundup! I've you've been following me literally at all you probably saw me reblog my public shame TBR list at some point, and now we get the #reviews.

what have I been reading?

Histories of the Transgender Child (Jules Gill-Peterson, 2018) - this book is a really incredible piece of historical research, exploring the existence of transgender and gender non-conforming children in the first half of the 21st century. Gill-Peterson threads a great needle of both laying out ways in which trans identity and specifically trans youth were understood in the early decades of trans healthcare, establishing that young transgender people are in no way a modern phenomenon, while also making the strong case that trans youth have been able to exist without complication or medical intervention throughout American history. It's an engrossing medical history, and I would say intensely valuable to anyone who has a vested interest in protecting trans kids' right to autonomy and joy.

Batman: Bruce Wayne - Murderer? (Greg Rucka et al, 2002) - this, to me, is peak Batfamily content. everyone is miserable and nobody is communicating about it because they're all too depressed and bitchy. Bruce gets accused of murder and sent to prison and he decides the only reasonable thing to do is break out and never be Bruce Wayne again, with seemingly no concern about how horrific the consequences will be for his family as long as he gets to keep being Batman. the dysfunction is... fucking delicious. cannot WAIT to read Bruce Wayne: Fugitive, I must know how Brucie baby gets himself out of this one. also, hey, have I mentioned that I miss Babs as Oracle every single day? god, she's just... she's so much cooler as Oracle.

Alive at the End of the World (Saeed Jones, 2022) - Jones is so so so so so so SO good at writing layers of pain and hurt into his poetry. the imagery of apocalypse and protest is infinitely striking, and I was particularly shaken by the recurring series within the book that ended each segment, in which Jones finds himself in his apartment after a reading speaking with a doppelganger who turns out to be his own personified pain. chills!!!! CHILLS!!!!

Elatsoe (Darcie Little Badger, 2020) - I wanted to make a point of reading something a little lighter, because we've been a little #heavy lately, and Little Badger's debut YA novel was perfect for that. while Elatsoe isn't what I'd call flawless - in particular, I have to say that the main characters seem VERY young for 17 year olds, feeling more like middle readers protagonists in most ways - it's an extremely charming book with a lot of really cool ideas. the world is one very like ours but suffused with mythology; ghosts, vampires, and fairies are well-known facts of life integrated seamlessly into the story. it's very cool to see an urban fantasy where the protagonist's parents are totally in on the supernatural and fully supportive of the teen sleuthing without any sketchy ulterior motivations, and I think the tidbit that Lipan folks are able to banish vampires for coming into their home - the entirety of their ancestral lands - without an invitation is one of the coolest twists on vampire lore I've ever seen.

Nature Poem (Tommy Pico, 2017) - I LOVE Tommy Pico's epic poetry (that's a literary term, not an outdated compliment), and I read Nature Poem in what I believe is the way that was intended: all in one evening, still wearing a cute little bodycon dress, glitter, and fishnets after a Halloween party, a little tipsy. as always Pico's voice is impeccable, dry and witty and observant and so, so tired of so much bullshit. the preoccupation of this poem is the idea of nature, specifically writing a poem about it, and Pico's railing against the idea that white poets can write countless poems about nature and only be seen as writing a poem, while he, as a Kumeyaay man, can't write a poem about nature without it being seen as a woo woo magical Native American thing. but it's not just that; no Pico poem is every just one thing, but a smart and circling conversation to drive a point home. I still don't know if I'm liking poetry right but man I know I love Tommy Pico.

The Trouble With Normal: Sex, Politics, and the Ethics of Queer Life (Michael Warner, 1999) - full disclosure: I ordered this book in a feverish haze after it was recommended at a conference by a speaker who was so stupid hot that I nearly had a panic attack about it. we don't have time to unpack all that, but I will say that this was as eye-opening a read as nearly all historical queer texts are. the two things that jumped out at me most were 1.) Warner's well-written argument against the concept of marriage as a whole, with the then-ongoing fight for gay marriage necessarily included, and 2.) the scathing critiques of gay individuals who throw ~weird sexual deviant~ gays under the bus to further their own social standing. INSANE that that's still topical in 2022; can't wait to be quoting a 20+ year old book at people when the kink @ pride discourse starts in 2023.

A Dowry of Blood (S.T. Gibson, 2021) - that's right, it's the TikTok book about Dracula's brides being in a polycule! I figured with a description like that this was either going to be pretty good or bad in fun and interesting ways, and I wasn't disappointed at all. Dowry was a fast, fun read, with a heavy gothy ambiance all the way through. it carries more weight than expected by depicting Dracula himself as a surprisingly realistic abusive partner, a boyfriend from hell who keeps his partners on short leashes with a thinly-veiled threat of death if they ever displease him. if you like your vampires depressed, horny, and wrapped up in deeply unhealthy psychosexual mindgames you will LOVE this.

Into the Riverlands (Nghi Vo, 2022) - this is the latest novella in Vo's Singing Hills Cycle, which I cannot recommend enough to anyone. I didn't initially adore this entry quite as much as When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain or Empress of Salt and Fortune, I think because it felt less immersive. the Singing Hills Cycle tells stories within stories, framed by a cleric named Chih travelling to gather stories across the fictional kingdom in which they live. the first two novellas were much more immersive in their storytelling, and I think I missed having that in Into the Riverlands, but there was a certain reveal near the end that cast the whole thing in a very different light and made me like the setup a lot more. it's also worth noting that given the way this novella deals with larger-than-life martial artists and the way their legends are distorted across time, it reminded me VERY much of The Girl Who Kept Winter - a spectacularly fun read, one that I can't recommend enough.

The World We Make (N.K. Jemisin, 2022) - god DAMN, N.K. Jemisin! I was a little unsure about The City We Became, willing to rank it as my least favorite of Jemisin's books, but the sequel really knocked by socks off. I could hardly put it down, and I'm sad to see the duology ended already - if I'm being totally honest I think this book could easily have been fleshed into two for a trilogy, given how much capital-p-Plot is introduced, but I also really respect how much story Jemisin was able to so slicky introduce and resolve in under 400 pages here. on the whole this is a thriving, fast, fist-pumping love letter to New York City and the power of community in the face of all kinds of evil, and one of the few sequels I feel completely confident calling better than the original.

[mandi-celeste]

I wound up putting the Beast book back in my TBR pile because I wasn't in the mood for it and REALLY wanted to read Spells For Forgetting (which, aside from being a bit let down by the ending, I really enjoyed).

I read As Old As Time (a BatB Twisted Tale) last month, which was okay (it was better when the focus was just on Belle and Beast-the flashbacks were mostly boring and I hated her Mom) but not something I enjoyed enough to read again.

I finally finished The Great Alone this month, and I honestly kinda hated that one. It's a shame, because before the time jump I was really enjoying it. After the time jump it got repetitive, soapy in a not-fun way, and boring. I skimmed the last chapter or two to hurry up and finish it.

Here's the next line up of Currently Reading:

I started reading Devoted last month, and am just about to start Chapter 26.

It's a little campy, but most of the Koontz books I've read have a certain degree of campiness to them. All I know is that if there's a dog on the cover, and/or the description of the book features a dog or special kid as a main character, then I'm most likely going to enjoy it.

I've heard this one is a spiritual successor to Watchers, which I LOVE (one of my all-time favorite books since I was a tween), which is why I picked this one up. It very well could be an actual sequel though, unless the book reveals later on where the original dogs came from and it doesn't trace back to Einstein after all.

Well, we'll see.

For the Bridgerton book, I'm nearly halfway through it. It's very different, character personality-wise and tone-wise, from the show. Definitely a rom-com, which I like.

Daphne's way better in the book. I couldn't stand her in the show, and never did finish watching S1 because of that (I ended up picking the show back up for S2 because of a clip I saw that hooked me back in).

Malcom seems the same as I remember from the show, but Violet and Anthony are wildly different from their show counterparts (well, S1 & 2 Anthony anyway-his protectiveness, playfulness, and affectionate way with Kate were one of the few highlights of S3 for me).

It's a quick and fluffy read, which I like to have to fall back on if I'm not in the mood for the other books in my Currently Reading rotation.

Especially if I'm reading a long angsty/dramatic fic on top of that (which I always am).

I haven't started Montana Sky yet, and think I might start it tonight. It's not the kind of story I typically see for Nora Roberts (no love interest mentioned at all, it's about estranged sisters coming together after their father dies), so I'm looking for way to reading it.

Since I'm doing this post to keep track of what I read during the year (until I get the SD cards for my Dana Alphasmart-where I'll do my book/fic tracking logs in the future), here's what I've tackled fic-wise this year:

Pick Up The Pieces And Go Home by iguessyouregonnamissthepantyraid

The fifth story in the Oh, Hey There, Mr. Blue series-which is a fantastic MCU fic series where Loki joins the GOTG. The whole series is absolute gold. Loki fits in so well with my favorite surrogate family!

Amend by ancalime8301

This was a re-read. It's one of my favorite Tony Stark fics. A post Civil War fix-it fic where the Rogue Avengers are pardoned, come back to HQ, realize exactly what Tony deals with on the daily and what he does for them and the health toll it takes on him, and actually come together to take some of that burden and help him negotiate the terms of the Accords and become the strong and supportive team they never really were in the movies. Excellent fic.

Lilacs Out of the Dead Land by AngstyDathomirians

Part of the fantastic Here To Stay series, which is post-No Way Home. Most of the series focuses on Otto, and to a lesser extent on Peter, but this last one was from Norman's perspective.

Life Was Easier When I Only Cared About Me by leaden

DuckTales 2017 fic about Donald's younger years (so far). Pretty good, but the swearing's overdone at times. Donald being recognized as the BAMF he is is something I yearn for in fic and can never get enough of! The dialogue and the whole Mickey & Minnie are Hollywood stars angle also reminds me of a Disney for grownups webcomic I read YEARS ago on DeviantArt.

(War) What is it Good For by Hope4Tomorrow

Good Omens X Supernatural fluff fic where Castiel gets hurt and blasted into the GO verse, and the hubbies take care of him. I need more Castiel Gets Taken Care Of By People Who Actually Care About Him fic in my life.

Fracturing Time by ofdogsandwriting

ROTMNT post-movie fic where Bad Future Mikey doesn't die opening the time portal for Casey, but accidentally travels back in time too. Lots of angst and family fluff. Can't wait to read more!

The Ace Chronicles series by cazflibs

Excellent Red Dwarf series that I was feeling nostalgic for and re-read the last three fics back to back. To this day I'm still impressed by how well the author captures the show's style of humor, while also telling such action-packed and heart wrenching stories.

Nano!Rimmer will forever have my heart!

warm summer nights by tinysmallest

A Steven Universe X Danny Phantom fic about Greg stumbling across a homeless Danny and trying to help him. Greg's a character who doesn't get enough attention or love, so it's refreshing to read a fic about him and his role as a parent. Hope this one gets picked up again, it's really good so far.

late night at the 7/11 by Reddew and also The Halves That Make Us Whole by The_Oaken_Muse

They're also SU X DP crossovers. They have similar plots: Steven makes a pit stop in Danny's town during his road trip, gets weird vibes about the place, and has a weird encounter with Danny that rattles both of them and kind of puts Danny against Steven.

You cannot swallow. by wetsocks (Nicky_boy)

This is a Danny Phantom X TMNT 2012 fic (I was on a DP crossover kick) where Casey and Danny are cousins, and Danny goes to live with Casey after his family dies. Wouldn't mind seeing this expanded into a multi chapter fic.

Danny's Demons by Firestorm808

This is a Helluva Boss X Danny Phantom fic, pre-series for both of them, where Danny summons Stolas to learn more about space and they bond. It's a fluffy fic so far, and I love Stolas's role as a surrogate father to Danny here. It's got potential to be a grander fic if it wants to be.

Heal Thyself by astolat

This is a Drarry fic I devoured in one sitting today. LOVED it! It's Draco-focused as he slowly redeems himself and finds his place in the world as he becomes a Healer.

It's kinda got the same kind of vibe as What We Pretend We Can't See (a Harry-focused Drarry fic), which I also loved.

Second Chances by Takada_Saiko

A Tony Lives post-Endgame fic where Steve brings Peggy back with him from the past and Howard can't resist hitching a ride.

Another old favorite of mine that I felt like re-reading this year.

The Rose And The Crown by ScipioSmith

A Disney's Cinderella fic about what happens after she puts on the glass slipper for the Duke. It's long, with an equally long sequel, but a great read so far. Cinderella struggles to adjust to being a princess, and all the social rules and expectations that go along with it, while people are out to get her and take her crown.

Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love by isthisselfcare

This is a very fun Dramoine fic. I saw the fan art cover for it a while back, which reminded me a little of Norman Rockwell artwork and also of 1950s rom-coms, which prompted me to check it out. This one had me laughing a lot!

Bending Light by scullymurphy

This one is a Draco's In Exile fic where Draco, Hermione, and a couple of their classmates are in exile in Italy under witness protection while Dumbledore and the Order deal with Voldemort and the Death Eaters.

Draco's there because he took up Dumbledore's offer for help and protection instead of trying to kill him as ordered.

I started reading this last year, and really liked it, but it felt like the characters were a lot older than they were supposed to be (to the point I kept forgetting they were supposed to still be in Hogwarts), and kinda killed the fic's flow for me when we were reminded of that.

I dropped it for a bit, but really did like what I read of it and found myself thinking about it, so I'm back at it again!

Currently Reading:

Both are very good so far.

[darkestwings]

2017 TBR Shame Book Tag

I saw a post for this on the ThriceRead blog and suddenly had the urge to shame myself. Which works well because I also intend to participate in the 2017 Mount TBR Challenge and this would make a handy list for that as well.

The gist of it is, these are the books currently on my shelves that I still haven't gotten around to reading! (I won't be counting the few books I started and gave up on for whatever reason.)

Home: A Memoir of My Early Years by Julie Andrews

Wolfcry (The Kiesha'ra, book 4) by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Wyvernhail (The Kiesha'ra, book 5) by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

The Juvenilia of Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte by Jane Austen & Charlotte Bronte

Lady Susan, The Watsons, Sanditon by Jane Austen

Anything Goes by John Barrowman

Papa's Wife (The Franzons, book 1) by Thyra Ferre Bjorn

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague by Geraldine Brooks

Thousand Words by Jennifer Brown

Evelina by Frances Burney

Thank Heaven: A Memoir by Leslie Caron

The Girl of Fire and Thorns Stories (Girl of Fire and Thorns Novella) by Rae Carson

Graceling (Graceling Realm, book 1) by Kristin Cashore

The Adventures of Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

Postcards from No Man's Land by Aidan Chambers

Things Not Seen by Andrew Clements

The Joker is Wild by Art Cohn

They Never Came Back by Caroline B. Cooney

And Furthermore by Judi Dench

Bleak House by Charles Dickens

Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens

Eva by Peter Dickinson

The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas

The Chemical History of a Candle by Michael Faraday

Seven Tears into the Sea by Terri Farley

The House of the Scorpion (Matteo Alacran, book 1) by Nancy Farmer

Darkhenge by Catherine Fisher

Incarceron (Incarceron, book 1) by Cathrine Fisher

Sapphique (Incarceron, book 2) by Catherine Fisher

Midnight Blue by Pauline Fisk

The Ruins of Gorlan (The Ranger's Apprentice, book 1) by John Flanagan

The Burning Bridge (The Ranger's Apprentice, book 2) by John Flanagan

The Icebound Land (The Ranger's Apprentice, book 3) by John Flanagan

The Battle for Skandia (The Ranger's Apprentice, book 4) by John Flanagan

The Unquiet by Jeannine Garsee

Lies (Gone, book 3) by Michael Grant

Plague (Gone, book 4) by Michael Grant

Fear (Gone, book 5) by Michael Grant

Light (Gone, book 6) by Michael Grant

Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare by Stephen Greenblatt

Gifts (Annals of the Western Shore #1) by Ursula K. Le Guin

Double Identity by Margaret Peterson Haddix

101 Things You Didn't Know About Jane Austen: The Truth About the World's Most Intriguing Romantic Literary Heroine by Patrice Hannon

The Making of the Wizard of Oz by Aljean Harmetz

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

My Life in Three Acts by Helen Hayes

North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley

The Eagle Has Landed by Jack Higgins

The Evolution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer Trilogy, book 2) by Michelle Hodkin

Kissinger: A Biography by Walter Isaacson

Touched (Sense Thieves, book 1) by Corrine Jackson

The Opposite of Hallelujah by Anna Jarzab

Surrender (Possession, book 2) by Elana Johnson

Need (Need, book 1) by Carrie Jones

The Exchange by Graham Joyce

The Word Museum: The Most Remarkable English Words Ever Forgotten by Jeffrey Kacirk

At Home in Mitford (The Mitford Years, book 1) by Jan Karon

A Light in the Window (The Mitford Years, book 2) by Jan Karon

A New Song (The Mitford Years, book 5) by Jan Karon

A Common Life: The Wedding Story (The Mitford Years, book 6) by Jan Karon

In This Mountain (The Mitford Years, book 7) by Jan Karon

Shepherds Abiding: A Mitford Christmas Novel (The Mitford Years, book 8) by Jan Karon

Light from Heaven (The Mitford Years, book 9) by Jan Karon

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

Ophelia by Lisa Klein

Wildefire (Wildefire, book 1) by Karsten Knight

Dreamhunter (Dreamhunter Duet, Book 1) by Elizabeth Knox

Dreamquake (Dreamhunter Duet, book 2) by Elizabeth Knox

Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong by James W. Loewen

The Oxford Book of Royal Anecdotes by Elizabeth Longford

Out of Control by Mark Lowry

Allan Pinkerton: The First Private Eye by James Mackay

Uninvited by Amanda Marrone

Stories I Couldn't Tell While I Was a Pastor by Bruce McIver

Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann

Dead to You by Lisa McMann

Gone (Dream Catcher, book 3) by Lisa McMann

Lovely, Dark and Deep by Amy McNamara

The Secret Service: The Hidden History of an Enigmatic Agency by Philip H. Melanson

Moby Dick by Herman Melville

Her Husband: Hughes and Plath, a Marriage by Diane Middlebrook

Zeus Grants Stupid Wishes: A No-Bullshit Guide to World Mythology by Cory O'Brien

Inheritance (The Inheritance Cycle, book 4) by Christopher Paolini

Hangman's Curse (The Veritas Project, book 1) by Frank Peretti

The Pact: A Love Story by Jodi Picoult

The Language Instinct: How the Mind Creates Language by Steven Pinker

The Stuff of Thought: Language as a Window into Human Nature by Steven Pinker

Starters (Starters, book 1) by Lissa Price

Siren (Siren, book 1) by Tricia Rayburn

A Place to Grow: Women in the American West by Glenda Riley

The Lost Hero (The Heroes of Olympus, book 1) by Rick Riordan

The Son of Neptune (The Heroes of Olympus, book 2) by Rick Riordan

On My Own: The Years Since The White House by Eleanor Roosevelt

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff

Four: A Divergent Collection by Veronica Roth

Lady Bird: A Biography of Mrs. Johnson by Jan Jarboe Russell

Glow (Sky Chasers, book 1) by Amy Kathleen Ryan

The Dead-Tossed Waves (Forest of Hands and Teeth, book 2) by Carrie Ryan

Vesper (Deviants, book 1) by Jeff Sampson

Doctor Who: Who-ology by Cavan Scott, Mark Wright

Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott

Miracle by Elizabeth Scott

Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare

Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

King Lear by William Shakespeare

Macbeth by William Shakespeare

A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare

A Paradise Called Texas by Janice Shefelman

The Safe-Keeper's Secret (Safe-Keepers, book 1) by Sharon Shinn

The Dream-Maker's Magic (Safe-Keepers, book 3) by Sharon Shinn

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers

Undone by Brooke Taylor

Doctor Who FAQ: All Thats Left to Know About the Most Famous Time Lord in the Universe by Dave Thompson

Jane Austen: A Life by Claire Tomalin

Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by Lynne Truss

Exposed by Susan Vaught

A Little Friendly Advice by Siobhan Vivian

Orfe by Cynthia Voigt

Burnout by Adrienne Maria Vrettos

Elizabeth: The Life of Elizabeth Taylor by Alexander Walker

Where the Truth Lies by Jessica Warman

Partials (Partials Sequence, book 1) by Dan Wells

Fragments (Partials Sequence, book 2) by Dan Wells

Peeps (Peeps, book 1) by Scott Westerfeld

The Last Days (Peeps, book 2) by Scott Westerfeld

The Secret Hour (Midnighters, book 1) by Scott Westerfeld

Touching Darkness (Midnighters, book 2) by Scott Westerfeld

Blue Noon (Midnighters, book 3) by Scott Westerfeld

A Certain Slant of Light (Light, book 1) by Laura Whitcomb

Sandpiper by Ellen Wittlinger

Shadow: Five Presidents and the Legacy of Watergate by Bob Woodward

All These Lives by Sarah Wylie

Blood Red Road (Dust Lands, book 1) by Moira Young

Eleanor Roosevelt: A Personal and Public Life by J. William T. Youngs

Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin

What's Left of Me (The Hybrid Chronicles, book 1) by Kat Zhang

Prophecy of the Sisters (Prophecy of the Sisters Trilogy, book 1) by Michelle Zink

Dylan Thomas: A Collection of Critical Essays

Total: 141 books unread of 441 books owned!

Have you read any of the books on this list? Let me know what you thought of them, please!

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[red-winged-monster]

I Should Have Read That (Tag)

I was tagged by @songofsecondapril – thank you!

A book that a certain friend is always telling you to read:

I have two friends who are fellow early modernists and very much into manuscripts, and they keep telling me to read Deborah Harkness' A Discovery of Witches.

A book that’s been on your TBR forever and yet you still haven’t picked it up:

Brothers Karamazov :/

A book in a series you’ve started, but haven’t finished yet:

In 2017 I decided to read one of the 7 seven books of Proust’s Recherche every year, but I never went past Swann’s Way. I dunno why since I loved it.

A classic you’ve always liked the sound of, but never actually read:

*peering from a hole in the box of shame* The Master and Margarita

A book you recently impulse ordered/bought but haven’t read yet

Roland Barthes’ A lover’s discourse, Gower’s Confessio Amantis and Eileen Atkins’ autobiography

A book that inspired a film/TV adaptation that you really love, but you just haven’t read it yet:

The Queen's Gambit

A book you see all over social media but haven’t picked up yet:

I keep seeing adverts for Bryan Washington's Memorial and I might give it a go

Tagging (if they want to do it) @aeschylus-stan-account @wildeanwithoutaclue @hyphenated-harriet @illimitablespaces @laissezferre @drdavidhuxley

[libertyreads]

The Cruelty Book Review

The Cruelty by Scott Bergstrom. Rating: 2.75  1.5 stars.

Read from June 25 to June 26.

This is another TBR veteran off of the shelf. I had originally picked this one up in 2017 and planned to read it right away. Then some information came out about comments he’s made and I’ve wanted to stay away from this book. But after the recent things other authors have said on social media I came to the conclusion that this man had already gotten my money before I knew how he felt about women and about women’s bodies. So I might as well read it. The real thing to stay away from is the idea of giving him any more of my money. (Which wouldn’t have been a problem anyway since this book didn’t do so hot for me.)

So I read this one and have a lighter TBR for it. I wanted to like this book because it’s about a badass teenage girl saving her father after he gets kidnapped in Europe. However, there were too many problems to overcome for me to rate it any higher than 2.75 stars which is starting to feel like a generous 2.75 stars. I first had a problem with the voice of the narrator. She’s a 17 year old girl who has grown up all over the world but she sounds like a 45 year old man who’s never left his hometown. And this is why I almost always hate when authors write from the POV of a gender they aren’t. It sticks out like a sore thumb. It lead to the main character making choices that she would never have made if she had the background she supposedly has. Even before the start of the action, she’s doing things that no girl living in New York would ever do based on the risk alone. Not to mention when she gets to the seeder parts of Europe.

There were also structural issues in the story in that there are aspects of the main character’s personality that supposedly grow throughout the story....but we never see them at a base level before the action. What do you mean she was a scared little girl in New York? Because I never saw that. Not to mention the inherent body shaming, misogyny, and classic girl vs. girl story line. Throughout the novel she’s described in more glowing terms as she trains harder, gets fitter, kicks more ass. It’s frustrating because you don’t have to be a lean monster to be a strong female character. In this novel we get a snapshot of a strong female character, but again, she’s a monster and a bitch. She can’t have feelings because she’s a fucking spy trained to kill. Bullshit. And in the FOUR different places where we see the main character work her way through the underbelly of the city the only time we see women there is as whores or the significant other of a crime boss. Are you fucking kidding me with this shit? God I’m getting mad the longer I write. I obviously have to adjust my rating.

The only thing that I found to be interesting in any way is the spy side of the novel. Which is the whole point I suppose. It could have been a stronger story if the characters acted like real people with depth but anyway... I DID enjoy seeing the main character develop into a stronger, more street savvy person who could kick ass. That’s always good to see. Especially when it’s to save someone she loves. I think the best scene of her doing this is the auction where she saves the women being sold. That was the most cold hearted way to kill a bunch of men and really manipulative too. I thought that was done really well. I love morally grey characters. I especially love it when they just do this one bad thing in the name of something good. Oh but then that leads to having to do this other one bad thing in the name of something good. And so on. I think it’s a great way to show the duality of man when you can show them not wanting to take these actions, but then enjoying them anyway.

I have to emphasize that I don’t recommend anyone going out and buying or even borrowing a copy of this book. I think it could have been a good action movie. I think it needed a lot more work than it got as a novel. And I think the author needs a lot of therapy to undo his internalized misogyny and ableist bullshit.

[lyd-van-sunshine]

Atoning for my mistakes

So, years ago i purchased a book called ‘six of crows’, having no idea what on earth it was about. It got a place on my shelves and stayed there, untouched, unread, and ignored for months, lost to my never ending TBR.

Then, finally, I opened it. Got four pages in one day and very quickly gave up. It went back to the same place on the shelf and gathered more dust. That enchanting story with characters that held so much depth and pain and snark and a plot that was crafted with endless mystery was wasted on a shelf. 

2017. Re read the same four pages. Googled the plot. Decided I’d accidentally bought a sequel and so couldn’t read it even if I wanted to. Slid it back between the other discarded novels on my shelf and forgot about it. (Stupidly).

2018. Found out that reading the Grisha trilogy first was not an obligation. Decided to try again and finally got to the end of the first chapter and became, dare I say it, bored. Who was I to be bored by Six of Crows?! What the hell was I doing a year ago? I’m going to blame sunstroke and the world cup and the aftermath of exams, but the shame remains. Back on the shelf it went again, a dormant masterpiece waiting to be unleashed on my heart. 

2019. I would read this book if it killed me (Spoiler alert; it would.) Sat down and barely moved an inch for five hours. Certainly, not bored. This book had me gripped and tied down to my chair with each page. Got to admit, usually I have a pen ready when I read to underline my favourite parts, things I wanted to remember. There are some pages in this novel where every single word is underline and marked. Literally, my pen ran out. I loved it so goddam much. It was a different book from the one I picked up 3 years ago in the shop, 2 years ago in my home, a year ago with an entirely distracted mindset. (Or maybe i was just a different person). This book took charge of all my thoughts and feelings and still hasn’t vacated the driving seat. I’m so sorry that it took so long for me to let it. 

(As soon as i finished reading, I ordered Crooked Kingdom to my local bookstore. The next day, I picked it up and finished it six hours later. It didn’t even get to the shelf. I would not have made the same mistake twice.)

TLDR: I was an absolute idiot and didn’t read Six of crows for more than three years after I bought it. Undeniably, its now one of my favourite books of all time. Please forgive me for my ignorance. 

Thanks to @lbardugo for changing my life, and I once again apologise for losing hope in your stunning words too soon. I’m so glad something brought me back to it. <3

[elenajohansenauthor]

Books I Read in 2017

#31 - True Love, by Jude Deveraux

For Mount TBR 2017 (27/150)

This was a DNF, so I can’t speak to any problems with the real plot aside from the fact that the beginning had me bored to tears. However, the introduction of the female lead and her best friend involved an entire chapter of body-shaming in the form of pointed comments about each other’s weight, ALL WHILE THEY ATE CONSTANTLY. Seriously, they were out shopping together, and every few stops was to get a snack or a drink or another meal, I lost count of how many things they ate in a single afternoon. I couldn’t process how completely atonal it was to pair these two things together.

[thesheepthewolf]

16, 21, 40, 49, 50 :)

Thank you for asking!

16. What book has been on you TBR pile the longest?

Probably A Million Dunes by Emily Henry. I still have an ARC for it, even though the book came out in May 2017. I do have to say that I never have a huge physical TBR pile, though - I’ll take the occasional  proof copy from the bookstore where I work, but if I buy or borrow a ‘finished’ book, I do so with the intent to get to it quickly.My Goodreads TBR, on the other hand, is out of control.

21. Do you write?Yes and no. I have a story that I’ve been working on (on and off) for about a decade and a half, but I don’t expect it to go anywhere and I don’t even know if I’ll ever finish it. It’s just for me.

40. How do you feel when you find a typo/spelling error in a book?I’m a linguist (or half a linguist, anyway - I never did finish that MA) and a bit of a perfectionist, so I’m afraid I don’t handle it all that well. Obviously I understand and accept that these things happen and it’s not like I’m angry at the author or publisher or anything, but usually I do feel a little sad that no one picked up on it. That said, it’s not like I never make typos.

49. Worst book you’ve ever read?I’m not sure about EVER, but a recent read that I did not enjoy was The Surface Breaks by Louise O’Neill, which is a shame, because I was really looking forward to it.

50. Do you read classics? If so, what’s your favourite?I have a BA in English Language and Culture, so I’ve had to read my fair share of classics, but it’s not really for me and I wouldn’t say I have a favourite. Jane Eyre will always have a special place in my heart because it’s the first literature book I read for my studies, but even that one I didn’t particularly enjoy. It’s just not really my thing.

Send me a number.

[romance-me-up]

⭐️NEW REVIEW⭐️ Defy by LJ Shen Published Jan 2017 KindleUnlimited Rating 4/5 REREAD? This is a reread! But if it wouldn’t be my top one you know I’m not usually into the teacher/student trope but I love how in Defy the female is the older one. I also appreciate how Leigh made sure to keep the ages legal. Jaime is literally so manipulative but it all the good ways. He is hot. Hot hot. Melody is an interesting one. I felt like she gave in too quickly but it’s fine. You should definitely include this read to your TBR list! Can’t wait to read about Daria again! Blurb: My name is Melody Greene, and I have a confession to make. I slept with my student, a senior in high school. Multiple times. I had multiple orgasms. In multiple positions. I slept with my student and I enjoyed it. I slept with my student and I’d do it all over again if I could turn back time. My name is Melody Greene, and I got kicked out of my position as a teacher and did my walk of shame a la Cersei Lannister from the principal’s office, minutes after said principal threatened to call the cops on me. My name is Melody Greene, and I did something bad because it made me feel good. Here is why it was totally worth it. I don’t one any pictures in my edit. _______________________________________________________ #defyljshen #ljshen #saintofsinners #sinnersofsaint #jaimefollowhill #melodygreen #fourhotholes #fhh #bookstagram #bookblogger #books #romancebooks #romance #darkromance #darkromancebooks #bookrecommendations #booklover #bookedit https://www.instagram.com/p/CVt1XHKLoEu/?utm_medium=tumblr

[gadgetgirl71]

Random Book of the Month February 2021

As well as January’s Round Up being late this month that also means that this months Random Book of the Month is also late. So thank you for popping by to see what book was pulled out of the Jar of Books. As you all know I always look forward to this regular feature to see what book comes out of my huge TBR list.

This Months Book Is:

The Girl in the Photograph by Kate Riordan

Edition: Kindle

Pages: 448

Date Added to Goodreads: 10 January 2017

Book Shelf & Position: to-read (#141)

Synopsis:

The Girl in the Photograph is a haunting and atmospheric novel that tells the tales of women in two different eras – the 1890’s and 1930’s – and how their lives seem to be entwined by fate. Kate Riordan’s novel is a beautifully dark and beguiling tale which will sweep you away. It will appeal to fans of Kate Morton and Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca.

In the summer of 1933, Alice Eveleigh has arrived at Fiercombe Manor in disgrace. The beautiful house becomes her sanctuary, a place to hide her shame from society in the care of the housekeeper, Mrs Jelphs. But the manor also becomes a place of suspicion, one of secrecy.

Something isn’t right.

Someone is watching.

There are secrets that the manor house seems determined to keep. Tragedy haunts the empty rooms and foreboding hangs heavy in the stifling heat. Traces of the previous occupant, Elizabeth Stanton, are everywhere and soon Alice discovers Elizabeth’s life eerily mirrors the path she herself is on.

Pages: 448, Publication Date: 15 January 2015

#Books, #GoodReads, #RandomBookoftheMonth, #RandomBooks, #ReadingChallenge, #ReadingList, #TBR

[bookaddict24-7]

BOOK REVIEW: Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu

Release Date: September 19, 2017

Age Group: 14+

Genres: Contemporary, Feminism

My rating: 5/5 Stars

Add it to your TBR on Goodreads here. 

Disclaimers: 

I received a copy via the publisher through NetGalley. 

This is a long text post. 

There may or may not be spoilers.

You can check my original post on Goodreads here. 

"Moxie is for every girl." 

(I also think boys should read this one, too)

Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu is one of those novels that, much like with recent and timely releases in YA, I believe will have a big impact on today's readers. In a very unapologetic and jarring fashion, Mathieu has managed to bring the very real issue of inequality between genders, and the stereotypes that plague women in North America. I say North American because this is where the novel is set--I know there are more issues with gender inequality all around the world. 

I read one of Mathieu's other books called The Truth About Alice which is lesser known but equally important because it touches on the topic of slut shaming and the power of rumours. If you've read Moxie and feel like you want more, I strongly urge you to pick up The Truth About Alice. I love Mathieu's writing because just when you think your eyes are open to the situations around you, she opens them just a bit wider by metaphorically asking you, "What if YOU got to see it all through your own eyes?" 

Vivian, the protagonist, is that gateway for the reader to see a world that may be the same as their own, or vastly different. Vivian is the daughter of a woman who once fought for equality with a vengeance. Finding the courage to halfway follow in her mother's footsteps, Vivian decides to find her own way of fighting back. In doing so, she is giving voice to the once voiceless girls of her school. 

Here's the thing: Vivian's school is a disaster when it comes to gender equality. You might read the situations and say, "No way, that's too much! That can't possibly happen/be happening!" It's scary that we live in a world where things like that can and do happen.

I live in Canada and I am a decade too late to see how gender inequality is affecting the school system today. Either that, or I was either unaware or I never paid too much attention (which I do regret). But I've read stories and seen videos of girls being put through a lot at their schools. Girls being suspended, or sent home because of what they're wearing. Boys being excused from their actions because of their athletic prowess, or because they are like tiny gods in their own small towns. 

When watching these news and reading these stories, one always (unknowingly) places a thin, clear line between themselves and the stories. Thinking, "Oh that's horrible and it's happening...but maybe not here?" Every one is different, so maybe it's just me. I think that's why this book is so jarring, because being in first person, you get to see through Viv's eyes. You get to experience the shock and the tension and the "OMG did that just happen?" reaction. Because while the events might seem over the top, they could very well be happening now. And even if they are hyperbolic situations, it is meant to get a reaction out of the reader. It is meant to lift the reader up from potential complacency.

I had a digital copy of this book, so while I got to look at the Zines, I didn't get a chance to see them in their full glory. They're amazing and I really hope that readers can feel empowered looking at them. The level of creativity, as well as positive rebellion in this book is inspiring. 

One of the best, absolute best things about Moxie is that it truly honours feminism. It talks about equality, tackles the misconception that follows feminism like a shadow, and introduces ways to fight for equality without literally fighting, or getting aggressive. There's a scene in this book where one character comments on why we need a word like feminism, why can't we just have equality? And Vivian responds with: 

"But isn't that what a feminist is? [...] Equality?" 

and also this gem from later in the book: 

"Feminist. It's not a bad word. After today it might be my favourite word. Because really all it is is girls supporting each other and wanting to be treated like human beings in a world that's always finding ways to tell them they're not." 

[Both quotes are from an unfinished e-galley of Moxie and may have changed in the final printing]

I love BOTH of these quotes because of the message they're portraying to their readers and young girls AND boys who might pick up this book. I like that situations came up in Moxie where the reader is shown how they can or may be handled in real life situations. Some people may need to have it all explained to them and some people won't want to hear it. The world is far from perfect. 

The pacing is super quick and the tone, other than the obvious message of the book, felt like one of those books you might read while lying outside in the summer sun, though it's set during a full school year. Vivian and her bicycle riding adventures made me think of moments in my teen-hood where I always had somewhere to go and be. It just felt strangely nostalgic. 

I love all of the characters and how they all had something to offer to the story. Everyone had a reason to be in this story. This book used every side character equally. The character growth wasn't just for Vivian to experience, but for those around her as well.

Vivian herself is a complex character who, for most of the time, is very introverted when it comes to the things she witnesses. Even when she does start to speak up, she is hesitant, or just learning to wear her new level of confidence. She isn't without faults and I like that instead of making her a perfect spokesperson, Mathieu writes her as a young woman learning to navigate her life. Despite the amazing message and the incredible feats she eventually accomplishes, one has to remember that Vivian is a teenager and those are some of the most difficult years in a person's life as they grow into who they will one day become. 

I don't know if you can tell, but I really liked this book. 

I strongly recommend this one for anyone who loves a powerful story. I believe that EVERYONE should give it a shot. Moxie's message is powerful enough to change the world. 

Happy reading!

[paper-blots]

Hello! I came back from my hiatus this month and then didn’t post at all!

I know, I know, I’m that #PerfectBlogger that you all aspire to be.

But this month I actually read quite quite a lot!

I read 12 books and I’M TOO PROUD OF MYSELF. After months of only reading 4-5 books I FINALLY STARTED READING A LOT.

(Maybe it’s because school started and I got exposure to the library?)

BOOKS I READ

            Kat and Meg Conquer the World by Anna Priemaza ★★★★★

The cover slightly makes me cringe, but this book was actually really good! It tackled racial issues and it was so realistic! [review]

Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart ★★★★★

The way this story was told was seriously so unique! I never read thrillers but this was pretty good. [review]

Dear Martin by Nic Stone ★★★★★

HELLO THIS WAS ONE OF MY MOST ANTICIPATED. It’s actually really short (and also I love the cover) and it was mainly about black discrimination (!!!) [review]

Gunslinger Girl by Lyndsay Ely ★★★★★

THE COVER IS SO STUNNING OKAY. It takes place in this crime-ridden city and the main character is really good at shooting! [review]

          Kissing Max Holden by Katy Upperman ☆☆☆☆☆

This was a DNF. The main character was so annoying and there was slut-shaming and NO THANK YOU. [review]

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell ★★★★★

This took place in college and Cath had anxiety and she was so smol and sweet and I loved her! [review]

Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman ★★★★★

This is one of my favorites! The main character is half-Japanese and I could relate with her SO HARD. [review]

Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust ★★★★★

The characters were so complex and I LOVED THEM ALL. [review]

          I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo ★★★★★

MORE ASIAN YA HECK YEAH. The main character is Korean and she watches Korean dramas and I watch Korean dramas?? It’s like we’re the same person??? [review]

Warcross by Marie Lu ★★★★★

EVEN MORE ASIAN YA. This was basically my most anticipated September release because I LOVE MARIE LU. [review]

The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo ★★★★★

Leigh Bardugo is honestly so fantastic at writing and I loved these small stories! [review]

An Enchantment of Ravens ★★★★☆

This was another of my anticipated and sadly, it didn’t live up to the extensive hype! But I didn’t hate it like May did?? [review]

Guys ALL OF MY READS THIS MONTH WERE FIVE STARS (except for two why do I keep on DNFING books?)

Wow this also happened last month I think I’m getting less picky or maybe I just have really good picks?

ANTICIPATED OCTOBER RELEASES

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(I’ve KIND of figured out how to format a bunch of images in a row? Except there’s no way to link each image to Goodreads or anything, which sucks, but at least it looks fine?)

(Also there are SO MANY October releases I’m hyped for ahhhh.)

BLOGGING HISTORY

Four posts.

(That’s less than last month??!)

Also I posted two reviews in a month SORRY FRIENDS.

I’m going to post more discussions and listicle posts this month!

POSTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO

How Do You Discover Books?

Basically me talking about Goodreads because GOODREADS IS GREAT.

Review: Night of Cake and Puppets

Except I might make this a mini-review because Night of Cake and Puppets is a novella?

Types of Blogging Personalities (+ Shoutouts to my Favorite Blogs!)

To be honest, I started this post two months ago and haven’t had much time to work on it since. I was SO EXCITED for this!

And other stuff…

*spooky music*

THINGS I PARTICIPATED IN

#BooksBindUs on Twitter

I hosted a giveaway, sponsored by the fabulous @SKVetterWrites! It ended yesterday. And the winner was actually Ilsa!

I really can’t think of anything else.

THINGS I CHANGED

BASICALLY NOTHING.

I’ve been trying to post more often?? But also I posted only four times this month so that’s been working out great.

MY POPULAR POSTS

POSTS I LOVED

Ilsa gives us her bookish nightmares and UM RELATABLE?

Aris explains why we should re-read books and I AM CONVINCED NOW.

Marie gives us tips on how to buddy-read (and I SUCK AT IT.)

Dani gives us her TBR of diverse books.

Balie tells us the differences between YA and NA books.

Analee teaches people on how to make book bloggers happy and YES YOU ALL SHOULD DO THIS.

Lia answers questions about aromanticism that you probably wanted to ask but didn’t.

May is back from her hiatus (and all the angels are weeping with joy).

Mikaela wonders if ARCs have a negative influence on bloggers.

MILESTONES

Also I reached over 300 followers this month?? Yay!

First I’d like to thank my family- and also my friends- and um yeah.

SCHOOL

School started this September!

(It started on September 5th and I actually thought it started on September 1st so that was a nice surprise.)

Anyways, funnily enough, I’m pretty sure that I’m going to be posting a lot more during the school year.

B-FEST

There was B-Fest this month! It was my first time going to one, and it was on the same day as the Boston Teen Author festival, so I wasn’t able to go to the Boston Teen Author Festival (but I probably wouldn’t have been able to go anyways).

Anyways, they were giving away Batman: Nightwalker ARCs and I HAD TO GO.

Sadly, I only got there for the second half and I missed getting the Batman ARCs but I still had fun answering questions and playing games. I actually won two ARCs! Zenith and Top Ten, and I am HYPED for Zenith!

Wow extensive YA knowledge actually comes in handy sometimes?

OTHER

One of my status updates on Goodreads got over 200 likes wow I feel so proud.

My little brother and mother went away to China without the rest of us and I WANT TO GO TO CHINA. But also we get to eat pizza and lots of frozen foods.

Wegman’s opened near us! (This isn’t really relevant but I LIKE SUPERMARKETS.)

We also went up to Massachusetts and ate some americanized Chinese food! I LIKE AUTHENTIC MORE. Americanized is so… saucy.

My dad signed me and my younger sister up for a singing group lesson and… we went to the wrong school. And then when we actually went to the right school, it turns out that the main age of the group was around 70. (When I asked my dad, he said the age range was 1-20???)

What happened in YOUR September? What are some of your anticipated reads for October? Did you read a lot of books? Do you like going to supermarkets? Did you go to any bookish festivals?

  September 2017 Blotted Recap // I Tried To Post More Regularly + Read A Lot Hello! I came back from my hiatus this month and then didn't post at all! I know, I know, I'm that #PerfectBlogger that you all aspire to be.

[nbiblioholic]

Down the TBR Hole was originally created by Lost in a Story! The point of it is to help cull your reading lists down, or maybe push higher anticipated releases up on your TBR! And maybe you all can help me along the way, and tell me if you’ve loved or hated any of these! How it works: ➽ Go to your Goodreads to-read shelf. ➽ Order on ascending date added. ➽ Take the first 5 (or 10 if you’re feeling adventurous) books - I do about 15-20 because my list is HUGE ➽ Read the synopses of the books ➽ Decide: keep it or should it go?

God of Wine (Immortal Matchmakers, Inc. #3) by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff Avg rating: 4.24/Release: December 6, 2016 https://amzn.to/2Rz555h When reading from this author, the stories are more miss than hit. However, I'm not willing to give up because I actually like her writing. I'm not sure why I added this one instead of the book before it in the series. Changing that now. Verdict: delete

The Ten Club (The King Trilogy #5) by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff Avg rating: 4.31/Release: January 27, 2017 https://amzn.to/2Fevbnl Again, I'm not sure why this book was added when I haven't read anything else in the series. I intend to read her books IN ORDER! Verdict: delete

The Monday Girl (The Girl Duet #1) by Julie Johnson Avg rating: 4.19/Release: December 6, 2016 https://amzn.to/2VuR3Re A GR recommendation from my gal pal, Bibi. She reminded me that either I'd love or hate the heroine and she said I'd most likely hate her. I guess we'll see, right? I haven't hated a JJ book yet! Verdict: keep

Taking Turns (Turning #1) by J.A. Huss Avg rating: 4.15/Release: January 18, 2017 FREE in KU https://amzn.to/2SCqaJb I already know I only added this because of a giveaway. It's menage. So that's a huge pass. Verdict: delete

Bought (Highest Bidder #1) by Lauren Landish & Willow Winters Avg rating: 4.05/Release: December 7, 2016 https://amzn.to/2RfXoBP I actually won this entire series in a signed paperback giveaway. I just haven't gotten around to it. I think these books are even sitting on my kindle already too. Ah well, one day. Verdict: keep

Scarlet Stone by Jewel E. Ann Avg rating: 4.17/Release: December 10, 2016 FREE in KU https://amzn.to/2LSDoPD I actually thought I read this already. Knowing that it's on KU, I'm gonna add it. I love the sound of the plot and c'mon... it's JEA! Verdict: keep

Passion & Venom (Venom #1) by S. Williams Avg rating: 4.17/Release: September 13, 2016 https://amzn.to/2CRLyVz I actually have this on my kindle and I can't wait to read it. I've heard such great things about this story and although I haven't tried this author before, I'm trusting her to deliver something I'm going to love. Verdict: keep

Roommate Romance by Maggie Riley Avg rating: 3.89/Release: December 12, 2016 FREE in KU https://amzn.to/2VqVRXM This book was added so I could win a giveaway. I know I'm not the only person to do this, so no shaming me. I'm actually not interested in this one and I don't even know if I won the giveaway. Guess it doesn't matter lol. Verdict: delete

Sin In Suburbia (Brookston Housewives #1) by S. Cole Avg rating: 3.95/Release: May 13, 2016 FREE in KU https://amzn.to/2C0SLks I LOVE this author. Everything I've read from her I've loved and as a person, she just seems like an amazing human being. So heck yeah I wanna read this! Verdict: keep

Naughty Boss (Steamy Coffee Collection #1) by Whitney G. Avg rating: 3.69/Release: December 15, 2016 https://amzn.to/2RwmlrW This one's sitting on my kindle all pretty. When will I ever get to it? Love this author so much!! Ever since I read the Reasonable Doubt series, I've been hooked. Verdict: keep

Asylum by Lily White Avg rating: 3.91/Release: November 28, 2014 https://amzn.to/2SCOKcX Honestly, this author writes extremely unique dark thrillers. She's one of those writers whose work has been banned, which makes her stories only more attractive to me ;) Verdict: keep

Into the Storm by Melanie Moreland Avg rating: 3.90/Release: November 23, 2013 FREE in KU https://amzn.to/2Rul8RX I've read a couple of light romances from this author (and LOVED) and saw this suspenseful read as part of her library. I really want to see what she did with the genre. Verdict: keep

Switch (Landry Family #3) by Adriana Locke Avg rating: 4.19/Release: February 18, 2017 FREE in KU https://amzn.to/2LR3kex 1. It's Adriana Locke. Loved her ever since Written in the Scars. Okay. 2. I've read the other books in the series, so no-brainer. Verdict: keep

Taking What's Mine (Forced Submission #1) by Alexa Riley Avg rating: 3.52/Release: June 19, 2015 FREE in KU https://amzn.to/2CRmuOd I guess it used to be sold separately but it's now part of a Forced Submission boxed set. Which is cool, cuz then we don't have to buy or wait for the next book. AR is perfect for the their genre and I'll definitely be reading it. Verdict: keep

Crown of Lies (Truth and Lies Duet #1) by Pepper Winters Avg rating: 4.12/Release: January 31, 2017 https://amzn.to/2LQKmoj I'll read anything this author writes. Any. Damn. Thing! Verdict: keep

Bad Mommy by Tarryn Fisher Avg rating: 4.09/Release: December 24, 2016 https://amzn.to/2LZNmyR Mixed reviews aside, I'm still interested in reading this. However, I would love if someone could tell me if the male protagonist cheats on his wife. So if you know, let me know. Thanks ;) Verdict: keep

Face-off at the Altar (Nashville Assassins #12) by Toni Aleo Avg rating: 4.19/Release: December 26, 2016 https://amzn.to/2ArfXIH I think this was added as part of a giveaway. I think this entire time I was just entering giveaways or something. Who knows? Anyway, I have other books on my kindle by this author to get a taste of her work. No need to start a series at the 12th book. Verdict: delete

Until Ashlyn (Until Her/Him #4) by Aurora Rose Reynolds Avg rating: 4.20/Release: December 27, 2016 https://amzn.to/2SJYbaR I've read a book from this author before. Not sure why I would add a book from a series I haven't read and not start from the beginning. Verdict: delete

Hate Story by Nicole Williams Avg rating: 3.72/Release: December 26, 2016 https://amzn.to/2GWbDXn Nope. I most certainly added this because of a giveaway. While I absolutely adore the marriage of convenience trope, this one isn't grabbing me. It seems too angsty and I'm not a huge fan of the big A. Verdict: delete

BEND (Vegas Heat #1) by Molly McLain Avg rating: 4.19/Release: November 28, 2016 https://amzn.to/2RvVnk5 Another of those giveaway entries. Dang, I was really in it to win it. However, I've read the blurb and it's not grabbing me :( Verdict: delete

[lovedbooksnmore]

May 2017 TBR | 100 Days of Booklr Day 13

Can’t believe it’s May already! But since May is here I’m going to do my May TBR. I don’t know how close I’m going to stick to this list, I tend to not follow what I plan on reading, but here’s a list of books anyways! I should have a lot of this time to read so I’m going to include a bunch of books on this list! And here we go!

The Foxhole Court by Nora Sakavic: So this is the book that I am currently reading. I’ve had this book since Christmas, when my best friend Angela gave it to me as a present and I just recently wanted to pick it up. This book follows Niel Josten, who is in hiding because his dad is a criminal and if he finds out where Niel is he’s going to kill him (or I think that’s what’s up with his dad, I’m only 16 pages in). But the cool thing about The Foxhole Court is it has this really cool made up sport called Exy. I believe it’s a cross between soccer and lacrosse, but I’m not too sure. This book is also an independent book and it’s a book that I’ve actually heard a lot about, which is great for an indie book. I really hope I love The Foxhole Court because I really want to! 

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas: I pre-ordered this book and you bet your ass I’m going to pick it up as soon as it comes in the mail. This is the final book to the main trilogy in the A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas. I believe it’s been announced now that there are going to be companion books set in this world but not direct follow ups to A Court of Wings and Ruin. But anyway I’ve been excited for this book as soon as I finished A Court of Mist and Fury and I can’t wait to pick this up! I know that there are a ton of problems with Sarah J. Maas’ writting, but I would be lying if I said that her books weren’t hella addicting. 

The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson: The next book in the Mistborn series! I can’t wait to pick this book up beceause I loved The Final Empire (if you couldn’t guess from how often I talk about it) and I can’t wait to see where the series will go. I’m still upset about one of my favorite character’s death in The Final Empire and I would be lying if I said I’m not secretly hoping he’s going to make a return in the series. Sometimes in fantasy series the people who die don’t stay dead *cough* Jon Snow *cough* and so I’ll keep hoping. I ordered the beautiful U.K. covers of the Mistborn series and I’ve been patiently waiting for them to come in the mail. I’ll probably pick up The Well of Ascension as soon as it arrives and plow through it. And depending on how I feel or how in shock I am of how the book ends I might go right into the last book in the Mistborn series, The Hero of Ages.

Persuasion by Jane Austen: Lately I’ve really wanted to pick up some more classics and I realized the only book I have read by Jan Austen is Pride and Prejudice. It’s a shame, I know, especially since I love Pride and Prejudice and have meant to pick up more Austen for a long time. But I’ve decided to pick up Persuasion, her last finished novel, because I love the idea of getting a second chance at true love. I’m just getting happy thinking about it! And I think I’m actually going to listen to an audio book to read this, because for whatever reason classics can be hard for me to read but I can do just fine listening to them. I’ll let you know if I find a good audio book for Persuasion and my thoughts on it once I finish!

The Golden Compass by Phillip Pulman: This is a popular middle grade novel and I never actually read it growing up. I don’t know much about this book, and I don’t really want to, I want to go into it blind and see how I like it. I know that it’s supposed to have this commentary on religion (probably why I never got to read it when I was younger) and I love religious commentary in books. And people who I trust with book recommendations love this series so I can’t wait to pick it up! Whether or not I’ll pick it up this month or not will be the real question.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz: So this is a carry over from last months TBR, but I never got around to it! And to top it all off I think I’m one of the few people who hasn’t read Aristotle and Dante. But I do mean to! I promise! And I think summer would be a great time to pick this book up. Especially since I have been reading more contemporary books recently. And I really want to read more LGBT+ reads. So hopefully I will read this book this month, because I know I will love it once I do read it. And it’s going to be on my TBR every month until I do read it.

So that’s my TBR! I hope to get to all or most of these books in May, I’ll keep you posted on whether or not I succeed in that with my May Wrap up!

[chercher0w0]

Owl Crate March 2017 - Sailors Ships & Seas

My first Owlcrate~ ((and possibly my last for some time because these are so expensive when you factor in the cost of shipping ;w;)) 

Compass Pendant by The Geeky Cauldron

Ahhhh the reason why I chose to get this box. Because I knew with the theme there would be stuff like this~  I love nautical-themed accessories UwU

Wearing this to the One Piece shops at Tokyo Tower with @nanachikaze when we’re there in May XD

Notepad by boygirlparty

Super cute notepad. Apparently there were 2 different designs? Me and my friend got the same one though. Hehe

Sadly, I always can’t bear to use these ;w;

Mermaid Scale washi tape by Simply Gilded

I also usually can’t bear to use these. But I wanna experiment with using washi tape in my illustrations so at the very least it’ll be used by Inktober. 

Tea Towel from Kitch Studios

I don’t usually use these types of towels in my kitchen. But it’s super cute to hang somewhere in my room. Thinking of using it to hang more of my badges UwU

Love the quote and illustration. 

Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller Cover design by Jen Wang

Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map - the key to a legendary treasure trove - seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship. More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first Mate Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King. 

One thing I love about these boxes is that there’s always a signed book plate and a letter from the author. Being here in Singapore, I don’t usually get to go to book signings and meet up with authors. So this is a fun way to get a signature and a little message from the author. 

To be honest, based on the cover and the summary, this is not really the sort of book I would have picked up by myself. I haven’t really heard from this book, which is apparently part of a series, and author on Booktube so far. And the cover design looks more like a middle-grade book than a YA, granted I actually usually prefer middle-grade fantasy like the Percy Jackson series. It’s kind of a shame because the illustrator, Jen Wang, has done some similarly minimalistic but beautiful covers like the ones she illustrated for the Grisha trilogy. 

It seems to have decent reviews on Goodreads though. This first book is currently at a 4.07 rating so I’ll of course give it a chance since I already have it. And I’m always a sucker for romance. Though if I continue with this series, I’ll just be getting the paperbacks. 

TBR anticipation: 2/5

[emdawg-gwadme]

So at the turn of the year, I decided to do what many other bookworms are doing with their reading goals and yearly challenges, and free myself from all expectations and limitations. I set my Goodreads challenge to one book for 2017, I've stopped shaming myself about my TBR, I'm reading what I want when I want to read it, and so far so good! I'm already on my third read of the year (impressive for me personally) - Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel, which I'm thoroughly enjoying! I'm not forcing myself to read books that I feel I should read, I'm not speeding through books because I feel like I'm wasting time, and damn does it feel good! It just means that the developments in my reading tastes and styles this year, will be organic and not forced like it was for a lot of 2016, and I can't wait to see how it goes! What are your plans for your reading this year? . Thanks a mil to #danielwellington for this class watch! Time-keeping may not be a huge priority while I'm reading, this year, but I'll definitely need it for work, and college, and counting down the minutes left in Snape's class, and getting to the station on time to get the Hogwarts Express and whatnot! You know, all them #wizardtings! You guys should definitely go check out their stuff, they've got practicality, durability AND style down! And be sure to use the code EMDAWG15 for 15% off anything on their site!