#although i need to rewatch GO next week ready to watch S2

[clumsycapitolunicorn]

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[petekaos]

Please tell us all your sotus hot takes, I have a big need to hear them

I wish I could separate character from the actor but I can't, everytime I see arthit I just remember kr*ists stupid ass but I still want to hear your thoughts on sotus and sotus s!! Imo sotus s didn't deserve a lot of the hate it got, it was a more realistic portrayal of a relationship between 2 men then people would like to believe

woo okay y’all opened the floodgates.

first off i do want to absolutely disclaim that sotus and sotus s as well as the kongarthit ourskyy episode were my first introductions to the bl genre. i watched them during a not-so-great time in my life and for weeks all i would do is queue up the sotus episodes just to watch them when i felt down! and i only learned of kr*st’s actions when i started snooping around on tumblr about sotus. i agree, now knowing of the things he has done, rewatching sotus is a little bit harder but the series and by extension kong and arthit are so near and dear to me and mean so so so much to me!

i genuinely think that sotus and sotus s are good shows. they’re solid, good shows and the impact they had was honestly immeasurable. they paved the way for a lot of other good and better bls we have today. i know people are pretty much unified that sotus is a fairly good show, some people like it more or less than others and that’s completely valid. i loved sotus! seeing arthit develop over the course of a season from a closed off hazer to a more open and tender guy who gets into a relationship was so... nice. hearing him admit that they don’t know much about each other but he’s willing to get to know kong--that was so good? and there are so many motifs and symbols in sotus that made it into other shows (the engineer and pink milk and gear thing) but the thing that sotus did right was the meaning behind all of it. the system unified them but was criticised and allowed to be criticised as well. pink milk was a metaphor for arthit’s attraction to men and by extension to kong, his like for it being a secret at the beginning of the series but then him slowly becoming more open about drinking pink milk and the same metaphor carrying over into the next season. the meaning the gears hold is literally outlined in the show itself, and the way they first had each other’s gears but then melded their gears into two, one half kong’s gear and the other half’s arthit, made for both of them at the end of sotus s... god, i’ll get into that later. sotus was just a solid series with good friendships and supporting characters (premwad was done dirty and i stand by that forever) and i enjoyed it a lot!

sotus s... yeah that’s one where people are split and a lot of people disliked it. honestly... i felt seen in sotus s. i think it didn’t deserve a lot of the flak it got. sotus s did an established relationship between kong and arthit pretty well and stayed true to their characters, putting them on a journey of realising a relationship needs effort and work to be put in. when kong asked arthit what he meant to him... that was so important? something i really admired was the way that although kong was more open and ready to be out with their relationship, he let arthit make the decision whether he wanted to tell other people or not (both their friends in s1 and their coworkers in s2. they dealt with pretty heavy issues like a breach of privacy in the workplace and the way their relationship was and i thought it was well done. like... they’re two fairly closeted asian men in a relationship and seeing arthit grow over the course of s2 and them holding hands publicly in the end? it was good. it was a good ending, and ourskyy was an even better ending. the end of sotus s, the way kong gave the gear back to arthit because he wasn’t sure how they stood anymore only for arthit to give him back the gear, except now their hearts don’t belong to each other... they just belong together, as evidenced by the gears! 

there’s a lot more i could say about the characters of kong and arthit and how much they mean to me and feel free to ask me specific questions about specific scenes and what i thought of them! however, i don’t really associate myself with the sotus fandom and i’m glad i watched it three years later by myself, i felt like it meant so much more to me then without any drama or discussion. i do really think some people need to let sotus go though, they had a good ending and a solid special episode and that’s it! please let singto be free of kr*st! i’m begging you!

[haleyfury]

The unofficial start of summer has treated me so well! Fangirl-wise, I read 16 books and binge-watched Netflix shows and movies. IRL-wise, with school over for the year, I’ve had more time to relax, catch up with friends, exercise, GO TO THE BEACH, and start my summer job. At the time of this post’s publication, I am currently attending the most exciting event of May, Book Expo! I’m really excited for my June content overall, but especially because I’ll be doing wrap-ups for each day of the convention.

Tell Me No Lies by Adele Griffin | 4/5 Stars

This was my first book by Adele Griffin. I really enjoyed her writing style and this book’s atmospheric setting.

Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston |5/5 Stars

Like everyone and their mother, I freaking loved RW&RB. It’s definitely my all-time favorite new adult book and a 2019 favorite read.

Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid | 4/5 Stars

Although I still enjoyed this book, unlike everyone and their mother, I didn’t necessarily love Daisy Jones and the Six.

The Princess and the Fangirl by Ashley Poston| 4.25/5 Stars

It was so much fun jumping back into the Once Upon a Con series and I’m really looking forward to the third installment that will be based on Beauty and the Beast.

The Off-Campus Series (The Deal, The Mistake, The Score & The Goal) by Elle Kennedy | 4.5/5 Stars

I have a full series review coming for these books, but for right now, I’ll share that my favorite was The Goal (another 2019 favorite read)

Field Notes on Love by Jennifer E. Smith | 4/5 Stars

This book is tempting me to book a cross-country train trip.

The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker | 4.5/5

I loved jumping into the new adult genre this month, including The Simple Wild. Also catch me planning a trip to the Alaskan wilderness.

The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett | 4.5/5 Stars

Once again, Jenn Bennett has been solidified as one of my favorite YA contemporary authors.

If I’m Being Honest by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka | 5/5 Stars

I loved If I’m Being Honest even more than Always Never Yours, and I’m more than ready for more books by this author duo

Girls on the Verge by Sharon Biggs Waller | 4.5/5 Stars

Girls on the Verge had been on my TBR for a few months, but after the infuriating abortion laws passed in Alabama, I was very inspired to pick it up.

Night Music by Jenn Marie Thorne | 4.5/5 Stars

Night Music had such an incredible writing style- it reminded me so much of a Morgan Matson book- but in Jenn Marie Thorne’s own way!

Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins | 4/5 Stars

Her Royal Highness was my first Book Expo train ride read. This book is perfect for a 3 to 4 hour binge read. I enjoyed it more than Prince Charming. I definitely see potential for a third installment.

Stargazing by Jen Wang (ARC) | 4.5/5 Stars

I ate up this adorable graphic novel from the author of my favorite graphic novel, aka Jen Wang’s The Princess and the Dressmaker.

The Bold Type S3 (Freeform)- Although I’ve been watching The Bold Type every Tuesday, I haven’t been the biggest fan of this season. I love how this show addresses current and important issues, but the show has felt a bit more cheesy this season. I’m definitely the most invested in Sutton and Richard’s storyline.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine S6 (NBC)- After loving the two-episode season finale, I’m so sad that Season 6 is over, but obviously so happy that this show will be returning for a seventh season. Season 6 wasn’t my absolute favorite season, but it included some of my all-time favorite episodes.

Netflix definitely took over my watching this month:

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile– Loved Zac Efron and Lilly Collins, but I was expecting more action or suspense.

QB1 S2- As much as I love college football, I enjoyed this show’s inside glimpse at high school quarterbacks and college recruitment. Also not-so patiently waiting for the next season of Last Chance U and when I give into my need for a Friday Night Lights rewatch.

Knock Down the House– I’m not really a politics person, but this documentary about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortex and three other women’s 2018 primary campaigns was so interesting.

Workin’ Moms S1- I’ve been in the mood for shorter TV shows lately, and Workin’ Moms completely delivered in that department and in the humor! Netflix, I know there are two more seasons of this show, please give them to us US-watchers NOW.

Wine Country– There were a few laugh-out-loud moments for me in this comedy starring Amy Poehler and other comedy leading ladies, but I wasn’t completely in love with this one.

Jailbirds S1- I am a fan of both documentaries and reality TV, and Jailbirds was the perfect combination of the two. While it had a very much reality TV spin between its drama and editing style, this show provides a very interesting and inside look at female detention centers.

Dead to Me S1- This month was all about binge-watching seasons of Netflix shows over one week, which included Dead to Me. Dead to Me comes off as Netflix’s lighter and almost satirical take on Big Little Lies. It was a fun, yet predictable binge-watch and I think the season could have ended differently to build more suspense.

Girls Incarcerated S1- While there are some reality TV elements, Girls Incarcerated takes a more documentary-based and emotional look at juvenile detention centers in the US. I really enjoyed this one and happily found out that S2 will premiere on June 21.

Reviews 

NEW ADULT FAVORITE: Red, White and Royal Blue Review

CALLING ALL CONVENTION LOVERS: The Princess and the Fangirl Review

ANOTHER SJM FAVE: Catwoman: Soulstealer  Review

REVISITING PARIS: Anna and the French Kiss Series Reread

WITCHLANDS RETURN: Bloodwitch Review

LOVE ON A TRAIN: Field Notes on Love Review

Bookish Fun 

I had so much fun writing all of these posts!

The First Books I Reviewed

BOOKS FOR THE BEACH & BACKYARD: Summer 2019 Anticipated Releases

Cozy Read Recommendations

My Mom’s Favorite Books

Book Bait: Things That Make Me Pick Up Books

EATING ALL THE CONTEMPORARY: May 2019 TBR

Top Five Wednesday: Bookish Things I’ve Changed My Mind About

What did you read and watch in May? Did you attend any bookish events? Share in the comments! 

SUMMER READING & NETFLIX BINGEING: May 2019 Wrap Up The unofficial start of summer has treated me so well! Fangirl-wise, I read 16 books and binge-watched Netflix shows and movies.

[haleyfury]

I’ve read many good books so far this year, but I think March has been my favorite reading month in 2019. I was on spring break for the first week of the month, in which I devoured 5 books while crying over school assignments and binge-watching two seasons of a Netflix show. While I have been reading for fun during the semester, I just felt so much like my reading self during the break, devouring books left and right! I read a total of 10 books in March and did get to some “meaning to watch” TV and movies this month.

Within These Lines by Stephanie Morrill (ARC) | 4/5

I’m always ready for a World War II historical fiction read, including Stephanie Morrill’s Within These Lines. This book is really unique in the genre, as one of the main protagonist is sent away to a Japanese internment camp in the 1940s US.

The Wrong Side of Right by Jenn Marie Thorne (ARC) | 5/5

The Wrong Side of Right was a recent TBR addition that I’m so glad is now part of my recently read shelf. I consider myself a connoisseur of my local library’s YA section, so I don’t know how I haven’t read this 2015 release before!

Small Town Hearts by Lillie Vale (ARC) | 5/5

Small Town Hearts is 100% the summer contemporary everyone needs in their bookish lives. This book still has me craving beach days with an iced coffee in tow.

Serious Moonlight by Jenn Bennett (ARC) | 5/5

My most anticipated book of 2019, Serious Moonlight completely delivered in all the right feels. Jenn Bennett is seriously the queen of contemporary romance. I still find myself thinking about Birdie and Daniel’s story.

Puddin’ by Julie Murphy | 4/5

After rereading Dumplin’ in January, it was time to move on to its companion novel, Puddin’. I actually didn’t mind the dual perspective narrative, although I did prefer Mille to Callie (I just didn’t understand some of Callie’s actions). I really liked the focus on friendship in this one and Millie’s positive attitude was just so contagious. I found myself rooting for her throughout.

Girls With Sharp Sticks by Suzanne Young (ARC) | 4/5

Suzanne Young’s latest release, Girls With Sharp Sticks, was another addicting read this month for me! This book about girls who are trained to be proper women (for men) was quite an eerie and thrilling read, but also in ways, felt similar to own world.

The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves (ARC) | 4/5

I love a good adult contemporary read, including Tracey Garvis Graves’ upcoming The Girl He Used to Know. This book felt like a mix between Taylor Jenkins Reid and Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. If you’re looking for a sweet contemporary romance, this one is for you.

99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne | 3.5/5

I had a long weekend home this month, and after a stressful few weeks at school, I knew I needed some light contemporary to help relax. 99 Percent Mine was a fun and swoon-worthy read, but I felt that the story could have gone a tad more in-depth and the dialogue was hard to follow at times.

Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss by Kasie West | 4/5

Feeding my need for light contemporary, I picked up Kasie West’s first 2019 release, Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss. While it had some predictable storylines, this book was just really fun, as Lacey stars in her first movie and deals with sabotage and on a much sweeter note, first love. I also liked its role as the companion novel to Love, Life, and the List. Overall, this book made me even more excited for Kasie West’s next 2019 release, Maybe This Time!

Catwoman:Soulstealer by Sarah J. Maas | 5/5

I wanted to end this month with a book that wasn’t contemporary, which led me to the only book I haven’t read by one of my favorite authors: SJM’s Catwoman: Soulstealer! I completely loved SJM’s take on Catwoman and Gotham City, including the appearances from Batwing, Poison Ivy & Harley Quinn!

Last Chance U S2 and S3 (Netflix) – Blame it on my Friday Night Lights addiction, but I’ve been more  interested in football. This Netflix docuseries following junior college football is just so good! It provides such great insight into college and professional football and sports. You’ll also find yourself cheering for so any of the people involved.

All or Nothing: The Michigan Wolverines (Amazon Prime) – If you couldn’t tell, football-inspired TV seems to be my new thing. I flew through All or Nothing: The Michigan Wolverines over one weekend (and yes, I made sure most of my homework was done first).

Brooklyn Nine-Nine S6 (NBC) – I love giving my mini Brooklyn Nine-Nine S6 updates in each wrap-up. “The Golden Child,” featuring the one and only Lin Manuel-Miranda, was so hilarious, but I think my favorite episode this month was “The Therapist!” It made me want to go back and rewatch the season.

Period. End of Sentence. (Netflix) – This short documentary about the stigma surrounding menstruation in India was so insightful and really makes you think about such stigmatization around the world. I’m so happy it won the Oscar!

One Day– Maybe it’s because it’s a book-to-movie adaptation, but I’ve seen so much love for One Day in the book blog community. BUT THE ENDING JUST RUINED IT FOR ME!

The Notebook– Okay, okay, yes even I can’t believe I haven’t watched this classic before (shoutout to Netflix for adding more 2000s movies!). I really didn’t understand what the hype was about, until the last 15 minutes! Highly recommend having the Kleenex prepared.

Amy Schumer’s Growing (Netflix)- I’ve really enjoyed Netflix’s female comedian specials. Growing was the perfect laugh I needed after a long two days of school and homework.

Selling Sunset (Netflix)– This fangirl loves her reality TV binges, including Netflix’s first docusoap series. I found myself especially invested in the last four episodes and I am already more than ready for a hopefully S2.

Favorite Movie rewatches: Mona Lisa Smile and Legally Blonde (Netflix)- If you’re in need of some motivation to get through the rest of the semester or your current work life, look no further than these two favorite movies of mine.

Reviews

CAN’T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN: Girls with Sharp Sticks Review

BEACH & BAKING: Small Town Hearts Review & Recipe

MY READER HEART: A Heart in a Body in the World Review

NEW AUTO-READ AUTHOR: This Adventure Ends Review

COLLEGE YA FUN: The Dating Game Review

LIVE LOVE HISTORICAL FICTION: Within These Lines Review, Quotes & Giveaway

FEMALE FANTASY LOVE: Truthwitch & Windwitch Review

Bookish Fun: 

Top Five Wednesday: Spring Reads

Top Five Wednesday: From Liking to Loving Books

Parks & Recreation Book Recommendations

SPRING SHELVES: Spring 2019 Anticipated Releases

BRING ON THE BOOKS & TV: February 2019 Wrap-Up

What did you read or watch in March? Share in the comments!

A FAVORITE BOOK & TV MONTH: March 2019 Wrap Up I’ve read many good books so far this year, but I think March has been my favorite reading month in 2019.