Tag Archives: Books

My Top Reads of 2021: My Constant Company of Words

Posted on by

0

Hi Bookworms! Time to let you know which were my favorites of the 219 that I read last year. It was a bit of a hodgepodge year, but most of my favorites were LGBTQ+ Reads, Retellings, and Audiobooks. This list will only include new reads, because counting my favorite rereads wouldn’t be as fun. These are in order of which they were read as much as possible. Let’s Get Started!

1. Words on the Bathroom Wall by Julia Walton

Honestly I watched the movie before reading the book, having only found out in my rewatch that it was a book. Both the book and movie have such an important impact. I can appreciate the differences and I feel both were right for each medium. One of the factors that gave this a 5 star rating was the author's note about them not having schizophrenia and the book was only displaying one type and one person's experience and by no mean speaking for every experience. Whenever an author writes a book about any disability, illness, disorder i feel this should be disclosed as people can assume if not educated.

The second part that made this a 5 star read was the fact it was the first book in a long while to make me laugh out loud. Adam’s voice was helping me survive. It is definitely a book I’ll recommend.

2. Dust by Kara Swanson

If you know me you know that Peter Pan retellings I am absolute trash for! God I didn’t think my first five star read would come this early, but did I fall in love with these characters. Her retelling put a spin on these characters while still remaining true to their underlining selves. It’s been a while since I could see character’s so clearly in my head. I laughed with them and ached for them.

3. Alias Hook by Lisa Jensen

This one was another one of those books that I got upset with myself for not committing to it and reading this earlier. So discloser if you are going into this for YA purposes, it is not YA. The more adult scenes were handled tastefully, and I love the parts of what normally were to be considered minor character’s in Barrie’s original world, were now integral to this story. It was hard to see Peter as a villain, but it as you go along, you truly understand he is a needed character just as the rest. I will definitely be rereading this as it made me have a soft spot for my favorite world again.

4.The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec

This was my first review of the year. It was beyond gorgeous and knowing how this story came alive for Gornichec, makes me hold it a special place in my heart and inspire me. Hopefully it will lead me to writing my own fanfiction turn more. I am definitely rereading this asap.

5. The Midnight Library by Matt Hague

My first magical realism dream of the year (pun intended)!! It was the magical realism and reality I needed. The way I felt understood from this book to know I’m not the only one at this age feeling so lost. I feel like these books are finding me when I didn’t know I needed them. The way it deals with love, loss, depression, appreciate, adequacy. I wish I could personally thank Matt Haig for writing this book. It will definitely be a reread when I am feeling lost.

6. Botanical Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland by Lisa Schneidau

I will always be a fairy girl so to have myths and lores to pull me and educate me again of those myths that I used to devour younger. I also feel this is an amazing book who hasn’t read lore before and wants to dip their toe in.

7. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

Magical realism amazement and mythological dreams. I would spend a whole year rereading this and never get tired of it. The prose and Addie’s rep for me was a bi girl’s dreams. God just talking about it makes me want to stop my current read and reread it again!

8. Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler

If you didn’t read my review for this let me tell you this was one of the hottest books of my year. Honestly not only is Dahlia one of the sweetest authors and people I’ve ever met even if we only sat together for 15 minutes max at the RT festival, she knows how to write chemistry. For me this is very important as a reader and watcher. I am one that needs chemistry in a kiss not too much cheese. She is the queen of this and the friendships in this book were beyond goals. Not enough authors focus on friendships that support these characters or people in real life. Having examples of ride or dies are something we all need so hopefully we can find our own.

9. Sword in the Stars by A.R. Capetta and Cori McCarthy

This book is another example of retellings I am week for. Arthurian Retellings. Plus a female Arthur and reincarnations? Did these 2 authors write this series just for me? Also this book is just goals by knowing it was written by a married couple. Excuse me, while I swoon! While this one I gave a 4.75 stars because I saw one of the plot twists coming. It was still an amazing book and definitely one where the sequel was my favorite over the first. I did love most though and the queer and POC rep was the best. The retelling reference at the end was the best. The kisses were intense and I think this series is definitely one I’d read again. King Arthur retellings need to be done more, and a happy endings are definitely preferred.

10. One Last Stop By Casey McQuiston

Speaking of chemistry THIS book! God I can’t even! If you love Magical realism this book is especially for you. If you adore strong friendships, pursuing the need to start over, your school path not linear, bi-girl that doesn’t feel bi enough? All of these things will make you feel so at home in this book!

11. What I Carry by Jennifer Longo

I’ll be honest it was a blind pick for the cover. Can you blame me? Honestly I knew I was going to get attached to the main character as soon as I started this last night. What I didn’t know is how attached I was going to get attached to all Muir’s circle and their stories. It had me near sobbing as I was reading it today. This book definitely left it’s mark and I am so glad that this is a story being written about, but also that Longo put an importance on having a circle. I feel that not enough YA does this lately that the stories are just about the end goal of the story or the love interest. This book like so many others are the breath of fresh air and hope I think all readers need especially in these times of isolation.

12. Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

I am not a big sci-fi person, but there are a few exceptions to the rule and this is one of them. If you love the movie Bicentennial Man with Robin Williams, I’m 98% sure you will love this. This is one of those books I could see as a movie in my head. This is definitely one where a blind pick didn’t steer me wrong. I was so lost in this books many scenes and the setting. Even though it was sci-fi it had the perfect amount of magical realism I almost hope it does get turned into a movie.

13. Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven by Kami Garcia, Illustrated by Gabriel Picolo

I am so upset Goodreads doesn’t have a picture of my B&N Exclusive Edition. It is literally the cutest thing ever. Seeing these two fall in love in this series is everything. This whole book was amazing and perfect! It was cute and funny. I love BB and Raven but I also adore this author and artist working together. It is mean for them to make me wait till ’23 for the next, but I will be rereading this in the mean time. The action definitely kept me on edge and the banter was to die for. Although now Goodreads has it listed as this year and hoping that it is right!

14. Flora’s Travelling Christmas Shop by Rebecca Raisin

Honestly if you are into tiny house living or dream about it, this series by Rebecca Raisin is for you. These can be read as stand alones if you don’t mind spoiling who the main character in the previous book ends up with. The first one is called Rosie’s Travelling Tea Shop.

aHonestly, this is my favorite out of the 3. It feels like this book was made for me. Someone who finds comfort in Christmas as I do, finding comfort in Flora. The romance was cheese, but not as much as the others and I adored the way she got Connor to see Christmas through her eyes and the end was beyond perfect. Also tiny house living was perfect in this and the friendships Flora built. It will definitely be a book I will be rereading often Christmas or not.

Well that’s all for last year, 14 books does feel like a lot, but it makes me feel less alone. The end and beginning of last year were very hard for me. The moment I stop reading is the moment you should be worried for me. While, I didn’t read much in print because of strain of it between things. Audiobooks saved my life especially when I could pick the pace. Wishing us all peace and safety for 2022. What were your favorites for last year? Have you read any of these? Please let me know in the comments below! Happy Reading and Stay Safe!

Mini Book Retrospection: Tell Me My Name

Posted on by

0

Hey Bookworms, so this isn’t going to be in the format my normal book Reviews are in, but I truly felt I needed to post this on my blog too, not just Goodreads and Storygraph, as a thank you to the author and a plead to other authors. It may be a bit messy, but kind of posting directly from my Good Reads and Story Graph. Hope you all enjoy.

Title: Tell Me My Name by Amy Reed

Publication Date: 9th March 2021

Publisher: Listening Library

Format: Audio Book (Borrowed From Library on Axis360)

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

My Review:

This was the 2nd retelling I read this year where the original, “The Great Gatsby” was not my favorite, but I truly enjoyed the majority of this book. The prose is beyond gorgeous that it completely sucked me in. The LGBTQIA rep+ and at the beginning not knowing which character would be whom.

Giving this “Daisy” more dimension and not just making them just a pretty thing, but someone that wanted more but was scared to leave their perfection or the role of what they new.

The part I also wanted to thank Reed for is their Author’s note at the end. I feel like this should be a requirement for any author writing about a disability or mental illness whether they have it or not, because everything is on a spectrum or not. I like that they disclosed how she used resources and even apologized for the portrayal not being perfect.

If she reads this honestly, just want to say thank you for doing what is needed for everyone to feel safe to read something they may not know about or if they feel that it is something they can relate to or experience themselves, that the author felt the need to say they aren’t perfect but tried to give the voice they could. They could be saving someone from months of mental and emotional pain from worrying if this depiction may be the only way others see them, if they felt this depiction was negative.

Please other authors if you depict any kind of disability/ illness, mental, physical, or otherwise do your due diligence and right that author’s note that you are showing only a fragment. It could save a life.

Okay, after that rant, as it begin to mimic Gatsby too close it reminded me of what I don’t like about the original, so I can’t give it 5 stars, but still a gorgeous book nevertheless with prose that pulls you in.

Closing

Well that is it, something I took for granted as a younger reader was the author’s notes. As an older reader I want to teach young Chantal to take a breathe before devouring the next book and learn. Honestly, Reed doesn’t know what a great thing she did with this note. I know what the main character has gets major stigma from the media. I hope more author’s take a pause to do the same, because not all readers will have the resources to learn about what is being read about and instead of educating can end up hurting.

In other words yes, I still remember reading the tweets on Kami Mcgovern’s site for “Say What You Will” and not being able to shake the pain for months. The reason why I won’t speak on platforms or other blogs when asked about my disability, is that I am one on a spectrum and I never want to be a spoke’s person. Everyone’s journey and rep with their disability is different, and it is a fragment of millions of parts of who they are. So Authors who might be reading this if you are brave enough to write or speak of a disability or mental illness, whether you have it or not your author’s note of your research is needed, your disclaimer is needed, whether it is at the beginning or end.

That’s all I am going to stay for now, or else this is going to turn into one big rant. Well bookworms, have you read this book, what are your feelings on author’s notes when it comes to portrayals, and what are you currently reading? Let me know in the comments below! As always Happy Reading and Have an amazing and Safe Week!

The Book That Made Me Hot for the Summer: Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler (Book Retrospection slight spoilers)

Posted on by

2

Hi Bookworms, I am back! I know I am a little behind on my reading challenge and I promise to get to that soon. I read this book a bit ago, and since Under the Lights by Dahlia Adler was … Continue reading →

Writing Wednesday: Love, Death, and Time

Posted on by

0

Hey bookworms! I decided to share my most recent blurb/poem/ opening to my newest piece of a possible story. It is definitely something, I’m excited yet anxious to start, so please be honest and let me know if you’d be curious to read more of.

Love, Death, and Time

Love, Death, and Time

Are beings forever intertwined

Never Enemies as the Myths Say

But Lovers as old as creation itself.

Every era now and then they are forced to spend time among the humans that curse them.

A worse fate than that every time they are reborn they must find each other once again.

This is the tale of how they slogged through our most current time of cell phones, plagues, and worlds crumbling to find each other’s arms once more.

What do you all think would you be curious/excited to read more? Any constructive criticism would be greatly appreciated. Hope you all are having an okay week and are staying safe. Happy Reading and Writing!

Book Talk: Reading Challenge Update, Spring Reading

Posted on by

0

Hey Bookworms! I know it has been a minute, but I have a new job and training is taking it out on my energy from the amount that I have to learn. I am grateful and anxious for the the … Continue reading →

The Reread Book Tag

Posted on by

0

Hey Bookworms! I was looking for something to do next, and I’ve been stumbling on quite a few, so let’s get started with the first one. This is the Reread Book Tag which was created by Brianna the Randomness Reviewer. Let’s get started!

The Reread Book Tag

A Childhood Favorite You Could Read 100 Times and Never Get Sick of it

Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce

I read this series in middle school which at this point being a month away from the last year of my 20’s, it is at this point. Any of her works I could read a million times, but this one has a soft spot as this one was my first.

A Book You DNF’ed but Would be Willing to Give Another Shot

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

I have DNF’ed quite a few books between this year and last, only a couple because I didn’t like them, more often than not it is because I wasn’t in the mood for them. I will put a tag on it for the library to borrow at a later time and return it for the next person to take their turn. I was on a fairy high and thought this book would have fairies like her last. It is my fault for not reading the summary, but I would give this world of magic another chance.

A Newer Favorite That You Would Reread

Dust (Heirs of Neverland,#1) by Kara Swanson/ Words on Bathroom Walls by Julia Walton

I chose books from this year and I will definitely be rereading these when I need a laugh or to feel less alone. I definitely recommend the movie of the second if you haven’t seen it I will include the clip at the end of the post.

A Book You Hated and Never Want to Read Again

Normal People by Sally Rooney

Now the tag line of it being compared to One Day which is one of my favorite books and movies is what drew me to this book as tag lines often do with comparison. Let me tell you it was not both of these characters were horrible, had no redemption arc, and honestly don’t even know why I finished it. Say What You Will is also another, but you can see why if you want in my review.

A Book You Read in School and Want to Try Again

The Importance of Being Earnest By Oscar Wilde

After reading The Picture of Dorian Gray and it not being my favorite, made me want to reread the lighter of Wilde. It is always something I think of when I need something light.

An Author You Would Reread Anything From

Cecelia Ahern

She is without a doubt the author I reread most, I reread one of her books at least once a year. They are comfort reads. My brain and heart always know which one I need at the time. She has gotten me through so much and I hope if I ever find my writing spark again, I can do the same for others.

A Series You Want to Reread for the Fun of It

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

This couple is my ship and comfort all in one to accept the flaws in one another and help each other grow. I think I need them for inspiration this year.

A Series You Want to Reread for the Adaptation

House of Night by PC and Kristin Cast

There are a few adaptations that come to mind but since this one has been the longest since I’ve read it, when it does get a release date I do plan on rereading the first 3.

A Book You Want to Reread as An Audiobook

The Sight By David Clement Davies

I remember reading this in the middle school, and it is one of my greatest regrets that I never finished this duology. Maybe if I get them as audiobooks, I can finally finish it. One can hope!

Well that’s all for this tag, and it was fun! The last question was the hardest though because so many of my rereads lately have been audio books. What is something fun, if it’s not a bit of a challenge? Have you read any of these? Did you do this tag? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Reading and stay safe all!

First Book Review of 2021: The Witch’s Heart

Posted on by

1

Hey Bookworms, sorry for 2 posts in one day, but the more I sat here the more I needed to write this and had to bite the bullet and post it right away! I wasn’t going to write a review on here, but then I thought what better way to shove a book on people by writing a review on my actual blog? I haven’t done this in a very looooooooooooooooong time, so please try and be gentle, as I try to make this screaming fangirlness make sense among the mythology and other thoughts zooming through my head. So let’s get started and hopefully it will go okay.

First Book Retrospection of the Year: The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec

 

Title: The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Publishing Date: February 9th 2021

Format: Audiobook from Libby App

Date Started: 26 February 2021

Date Finished: 1 March 2021

Rating: 5 Million out of 5 Stars (but GR only goes to 5 Stars)

Opening Thoughts

I think I ran across the news of this book from a Facebook ad, and from the second I saw the cover, it was an instant rush to the Libby App to put it on hold. It also pertained to mythology, so I know this book was destined, or at least hoped it would get me out of my slump/funk of a mood and God was I right. I was lucky that I didn’t have to wait too long from putting it on hold until I got it. Then the reading began as it dug it’s claws in me.

What I Loved

Can I say, everything? The world building had me traveling with Angraboda every step. It had you looking at these well known and even if you didn’t know them instantly and in different lights. This book shows you the truth of there is two sides to every story and even the characters history or myths tend to forget. Evil becomes good and Good becomes selfish, but it all comes down to motives that make them all alike. What drives these characters in there deeds. The LGBTness of this book and several characters makes me feel less alone. The stories and tales within the novel itself had me laughing in a way I hadn’t all month. Honestly there is so much I could say, but I don’t want to spoil anything.

This book is about perspective and I don’t mean changing between characters as it stayed with Angrboda. I also adored it stayed with our character but was also in third person. I tend to get tried of reading in first person and I think it is an overdone lately.

It weaves so many Norse mythologies throughout the main story, so you’re constantly learning without leaving or losing the main thread or story which is what the cover hints at.

I wish I had my own copy, so I could share my favorite quotes with you all, but I definitely know this is what I will be treating myself to for my birthday. This is a book I will be rereading again and again.

What I Hated

Honestly, other than the fact that it had to end? Nothing and it is very very rare that I say this. I wanted to cling to all of these characters and never let them go which I think was the main purpose and theme of this book to not let the legends, myths, and stories die, that we have to keep passing them on.

Final Thoughts

If you loved Circe by Madeline Miller, Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman, or anything by Rick Riordan you need to read this book. I just can’t express enough of what it will do for your sense of perspective. If you listen to anything I say this year, please let it be this. Read this book. It is amazing for a debut novel and I can’t wait to see what this author writes next.

Please let me know if you read this book, your thoughts sans spoilers if this review made any sense as it may help me get over my insecurity of writing reviews, and if you would like to see me brave my fears enough to write another. Happy Reading all and Stay Safe!

Book Talk: Reading Challenge Update

Posted on by

0

Hey Bookworms! It is now what is normally my favorite month when there isn’t a pandemic going on. It’s March, my Birthday Month, time to update you on what I read in the Reading Challenge last month, and what I will be reading this month.

February: A Book You Wish You Read in School

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

I feel bad that I wasn’t as in love with this as I was The Importance of Being Earnest. Although I do wish I had a physical copy as there were so many quotes I adored. There were important themes about conscious vs image and what you are willing to do to uphold one over the other. It just dragged in too many places and I zoned out too much for me to be in love. I will maybe come back to this book one day when I am in a better place mentally. February and last half of January were a bit rough, so I hope my favorite month will bring better vibes.

March: A Book Published within the Last Year

Written in The Stars by Alexandria BelleFleur

Now I really want to read this in March and it fits as it did come out last year. I bought this on audible, but my audible takes a back seat when my library books slam me all at once. Right now I have 19 books on my Libby app, so we’ll see if I get to it. I hope I do because my Bi Girl pride is a sucker for some girl love and I also think it is a retelling, which is my other weakness.

I’ll think of what to read for April once I finish the March read. Have you read these books, if so what did you think? No spoilers please. Are you doing in a reading challenge? Let me know in the comments below. As always, Happy Reading and Stay Safe!

Book Talk: Depression or Book Slump?

Posted on by

0

Hey Bookworms! I am back, trying to be consistent, but I am bit disappointed on not being able to do my Valentine’s Day post, but trying to move on. So onto the next topic that has been weighing on me lately. I dunno how long this post will be but just gonna let the words to come from my brain, into my fingers, and onto my screen.

So let me start off by saying that I started off strong. I read 19 books in total! I know I could hardly believe it either but I was trying to devour books as if they were the oxygen that helped me push through every day. I also wanted to read lighter with with some graphic novels as well. I miss them, so I was on the hunt for them on the library. That being said, some tough stuff happened, work wise towards the tail end of January. I will post more once I feel it is safe to do so, but with everything being so fresh, I feel it is best to stay quiet for now.

That being said winter is also always a hard season for me aside from Christmas. My body is very susceptible to the cold, so when it affects me physically it affects me mentally. I have still been reading in February, don’t get me wrong, I’ve read 6 in comparison so far (here is a link to my GR Reading Challenge to see).

At this point if I were to five up reading I could sink too deep into myself. The last few reads in a row though, I don’t feel myself absorbing or even getting attached. There is no couple I can cheer for, no one I can even grow to dislike. I am just feeling apathetic about it. At this point I don’t even trust my ratings.

Now am I in a slump because I read so much last month and 2 even making it to being my favorites? Is my brain making me have that degree of separation from that think that used to keep me in a somewhat happy mood. Another fun fact of when I feel like this, my brain is like let’s read ALL the books in EVERY format at once! Don’t worry I haven’t attempted it, but I did browse through the library and checked out a bunch at once. At this point I can’t puzzle it out, but trying to be patient and understanding with myself.

Anyone feeling the same? If so what are you doing to cope? Any tips? Please let me know in the comments below. Please also stay (especially those in TX my thoughts are with you all), and as always Happy Reading!

Book Talk: Are Book Groups Worth It?

Posted on by

0

Hey Bookworms, sorry if you are hearing too much from me this week, but I’ve had a lot of topics I have been wanting to talk about lately. So I hope this brain dump/ vent isn’t too much of a hassle to read.

As you all know we have been in a pandemic, so I have been trying to find other ways to be social especially when it comes to books, but recently. I’ve had a bit of a negative experience. Let me start off by saying this is a Facebook group for women, that I decided to join, as female friendship has been something I have missed the most as much as I adore my boyfriend there are things I miss having a girl to talk to, and he doesn’t read much.

Now, before this, I’ve been enjoying the group commenting on group on what others are reading offering opinions, and sharing what I am currently reading. I don’t spend a lot of time on the group admittedly, except for what pops up on my feed. Now a new member had proudly posted how many books she read last month and was curious to know how many others in the group have read? This reader had posted she had read somewhere in the 30’s, so I happily go to post I read 19 (at that point so far), and boy did I get caught up in the comments.

Some were mild saying they didn’t like seeing the numbers as it made them feel pressured or anxious, both valid feelings, but in my opinion, not exactly nice to guilt a new member with making others feel bad. The worst comment though on this poor reader was “she must not have a job or know how to adult correctly, or only be reading audio books” that comment was too far. I was completely aghast. I was so angry, I was shaking. Now, the original poster did respond that she is currently, working, and explained how she managed her reading.

What made me upset about this though is that the job comment was made in this climate of the world. We are in a global pandemic, in which many have been laid off, some have been forced to stop working due to medical implications or living with ones at risk and needing to quarantine to keep loved ones safe, their jobs that they felt would always be needed may have ended there is a never ending list. It is disgusting to read this ablest, bullsh*t.

Now, with my disability, I am contributing as best as I can to the working world. Although I know many can’t work in the typical way, or do a “9-5”, and I can face facts that this may not be something I can always do in society’s norms. It broke my heart that someone who did not know this person’s situation or life to make assumption.

The next part of the comment that bothered me is the “adulting” assumption. The fact that the typical assumption, is having children, living on your own, etc. This is also something many people cannot do or choose not to do. Some with disabilities, cannot safely live on their own, people in general may choose not to have kids or can’t have them. There is no way to determine the normal way to adult. For me it is living with my parents, paying them rent, saving up a future with my LDR partner, taking care of 2 adorable fur babies, trying to get my creativity as well as my self back, and figuring out what I want to do for a day job while maintaining my own mental and when I can physical health. Now don’t get wrong, I do get jealous at times of social medias images of adulting or seeing where others are in their journey, but my journey is only for me to decide.

Last but not least, “she must be only reading audio books”. If you have been following me for the last 2 years at minimum, you will know that audio books are my primary form of reading lately. Reading Audio Books IS READING. YOU are still taking in the story, analyzing, getting lost in words and worlds. E-books are books, even if you can’t get the new book smell. It helps making carrying all the books that your back or shoulders may not easily be able to accommodate. Paper and hard backs are reading which is the most classic way where you can get lost in the sound of pages turning, the smell of ink, and an excuse to wander book store isles.

Why in this day and age are we being judged by how we are choosing to read. We should be praising and encouraging each other for reading no matter how we choose to do it or how we find the time to read. It can be our greatest way of coping, facing, and escaping the hardships of the real world. Reading can save a child from hardships of getting away from abuse, can give teens an escape from the bullying they may face for 6-8 hours a day, it can give EVERYONE company in the current isolation in the world as we try to keep each other safe.

I don’t know if this post even makes sense, but I needed to put words to the screen. I am hoping this experience was a once off. As bookworms can tend to be those who may have been picked on at some point in their lives, bullying in a book group was something I least expected. Does anyone have a group they can recommend instead, or how to deal with people like this? Has anyone had or seen similar experiences? Please let me know in the comments below, this is something I dearly NEED to have a conversation about. Anywho, as always Happy Reading Bookworms, please stay safe both mentally and physically.