Tag Archives: LGBT

My Top Reads of 2021: My Constant Company of Words

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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

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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!

First Book Review of 2021: The Witch’s Heart

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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!

TTT: Top Books of 2019: Where my Year Went with Books

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Hey bookworms! I hope you’re enjoying the last day of 2019! The end of an era! Does anyone else feel old yet? This year was a rollercoaster, so I am glad to say goodbye to it. As rough as this year was I did have some great books out of 104 (105 if I can finish this last one tonight), to get me through it, let’s get started! These will be in the order they were read in. Time to start this top 10 Tuesday post that is now being hosted by The Artsy Reader Girl.

My Favorite Reads of 2019

1. Before Green Gables by Budge Wilson

Before Anne of Green Gables

I was obviously trying to fill my Anne with an E craving! I mean come on Netflix stop taunting me with the coming soon stuff… Anywho what I loved is seeing is what shaped Anne and her younger years that the show glimpse at that the books didn’t cover. I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars that brought me a little closer to Anne.

2. The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

The Paris Wife

I will make it no secret that I didn’t like Hemmingway as a person, which you find out by reading his memoir A Moveable Feast, but the lives of his wives and their relationships with him on the other hand. It gives you an insight that not most would have. Learning about Hadley through Paula McLain’s writing kept me so captivated and it was another 4 stars.

3. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

The Geurnsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.jpg

I watched the movie on Netflix, and had to read the book. It led me back to my love for historical fiction and made me realize I also love books in letter format. I need to find more written the same format. I fell in love with each character and this made it my first 5 star read of the year.

4. One Day in December by Josie Silver

One Day in December

It filled my One Day craving in every way, but with a happier, all be it more dragged out ending. I adored the pop culture references but the David Tennant reference at the end earned it the 5th star plus the solid female friendship helped. More books need them 😊

5. These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling

The Witches Don't Burn

This book was definitely a hidden gem of the year. First and foremost let me say I love the queerness of this book. The bi rep made me want to cry I relate to Morgan, about being tempted to defend her sexuality.

This book definitely kept me on edge with suspense. the only thing that bothered me is how Hannah kept repeatedly referred to Veronica as her ex. It was understandable but how constant it was got in my nerves. Definitely recommend this book though! I can’t wait for book two.

6. The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa

The Travelling Cat Chronicles

The book I still cannot stop talking about and recommending to people this year. Some of the translations didn’t go over well, but I also found out this year that I love books from the animal’s perspective, they are more pure. How animals claim us more than we claim them. It tore apart my feels in the best way. I need to own this book now💜😊 Another 5 star read of the year!

7. Keeping Lucy by T. Greenwood

Keeping Lucy

Another historical fiction for the year and one that really made me think. Plus I love Therese Plummer as a audio book narrator. I really liked this book as it constantly made me itch to get back to it. It made me grateful I was born in the era I was because people with CP were often institutionalized as well. If you want a book to let you learned how society has grown at least a little bit, I definitely recommend this one. It was a 4 out of 5 stars.

8.Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Daisy Jone and the Six

Another 5 star of this year! I adored it! This was such an amazing book! I had to look up multiple times if this was really a fictional novel or non-fiction. The style of it being written in interviews with the band really sucks you in. The author’s notes in the beginning and end made you forget it was all a story. It connected you in a way, I haven’t felt connected in a long time, it was like I could run into these people strolling down the streets of LA. It showed truly flawed and good characters. My favorite quote which I’m probably butchering is, “Love doesn’t have to be perfect to be strong”. I sincerely hope Taylor Jenkins Reid writes a lot more books in this style!

9. The Brightsiders by Jen Wilde

The Brightsiders

I really adored the bi rep in this book. Although I kinda hated that her parents were horrible but they do exist. I loved Emi taking ownership of her actions . The way to win my heart is to write great quotes about kisses or write good kisses and this is what won it 5 stars. Bi rep is important to me this year with the everything going on I needing more of it.

10. Natalie Tan’s Book of Luck and Fortune by by Roselle Lim

Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Good Fortune

If you love Magical realism you need to pick up this book. It is a great book if you’re finishing college and feeling a little lost in life.  The magical realism, how it handled mental, and family history. The generational aspects were also some of my favorite things. I need a copy of it and it was my last 5 Star book of the year.

 

Well bookworms, that’s all for 2019 and this post, as I have to adult and work tomorrow, but I will see you in the New Year! You’ll see me back in the community as I will try my best. Have you read any of these? What were your favorites of the year? Leave me a link below, I want to know what kept you sane this year. I will be including the link to my year in review, on Goodreads because I think the feature is cool and you can link your too in the comments. Happy Reading, and we’ll talk soon!

2019 Year in Review

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What kept My Mind Off the Cold: January, February, & March Rap Wrap-Up

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Hey bookworms! I know I haven’t posted in a bit, but it’s been a bit busy lately. I  know I wanted to try and do month, but winter was busy for me with my Birthday trip and all the overtime it took to save. But, anywho, you’re here for the books not to hear me whine, so let’s get started!

 

January Reads

 1. The Rose Society by Marie Lu

The Rose Society

So for those of you who have seen my signature, will know I had to pick up this sequel due to the cover. I mean can you blame me. I wish I could say I felt the same for the story that I did the cover. Although I love the idea of this series because it sings to my X-Men loving heart. It is like a retelling of it in a way at least to my mind. Adelina reminds me of a friend that really hurt me last year, and I can’t help but want this character to be redeemed. Magiano was the one that kept me reading. I gave the book a 2.8 out of 5 stars.

 

2.  Dumplin’ By Julie Murphy

Dumpling

I gave this book a 3 out of 5 stars. I related to the mother-daughter relationship. In the way the mother assumes she is helpin g the daughter with her opinions that maybe ended a bit blunt and sometimes hurtful without meaning to. The female friendships made me so happy because I feel so many stories are lacking friendships lately. Friendships are starting to become minor points in stories and I don’t want to think they are becoming minor points life as well.

3. Nothing by Annie Barrow

Nothing

I gave this a 2.8 stars although it was a cute coming of age of age it really irked me the names these girls called each other. It wasn’t okay.

4. Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer

Between the Lines.jpg

I gave this one 3.3 stars. I loved the idea of the characters having personalities outside of the ones that were written for them in their story. The romance felt a bit lacking for me, but the story stuff rang true to me. Especially the part where the author said she heard the character’s voices in her head. As a writer myself that is my favorite sound and I miss that the most.

6. Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

Saint Anything

4 stars! This book reminded me of everything about Dessen’s writing that made me feel less alone when I was younger. It reminded me that I wasn’t alone with the problems I faced. That other people faced them too. This book was like comfort food in her writing style if that makes sense.

6.  Before the Devil Breaks You by Libba Bray

Before the Devil Breaks You

This book got 4 stars from me only because of that cliff hanger! I was ready for this series to be over, but I do how much that I greatly care for these characters so I’m not too angry about getting to see more of their stories.

7. Birthmarked by  Caragh M. O’Brien

Birthmarked

I gave this book  3 out of 5 stars. For a dystopian book I still don’t know what to think of it but it had some really good action parts that kept my attention.

February

1. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Fangirl

3 stars I like the writing process and Cath’s professor’s advice, but I feel this would’ve made more of an impact on me if I read this 4-5 years ago. It did make me miss writing fanfiction and just writing in general. Maybe one day I will feel the pull again.

2. Cleopatra’s Moon by  Vicky Alvear Shecter

Cleopatra's Moon

I gave this book 3 out of 5 stars there was a bit of lag in some parts, but this book reminded me why historical fiction and royalty pulled me in when I was younger. I am hoping this means it has reignited my craving.

3. Made You Up by Francesca Zappia

Made You Up

This book was a 4 out of 5 stars for me it was really good to hear about mental health especially a disorder you don’t hear much about. This story really put you in the main character’s head and shoes. It made you experience her feelings and struggles in such a vivid way.

4. Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire

Down Among the Sticks and Bones

This shows how horrible of a bookworm I am. I loved the first book and didn’t even know that the next two books were out. I loved learning about the twins and the LGBTQ elements in these books and the backstory and magical realism mixed with the fantasy is my favorite thing ever. It was an amazingly good short devour and I gave this a 4 out of 5 stars and now I need to own these books!

5. Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire

Beneath the Sugar Sky

After finishing the last book and knowing the third was already out. I had to buy the third audio book for myself and it did not disappoint. The world building is AMAZING! 5 out of 5 stars!

6. Marked by PC and Kristin Cast

Marked

4 out of 5 stars because sometimes a reread is all the comfort and happiness you need in the world.

7. One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake

One Dark Throne

I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars. It would have been 5 out of 5 but there were some parts that lost my attention due to lag, but it has all the things to keep me picking up a book. I can’t wait to see what happens at the end.

8. Uglies by Scott Westerfield

Uglies

I have this a 3 out of 5 stars. I think I would’ve enjoyed this more in my teens when I was into dystopian but I only read it on a rare occasions now. It was an interesting twist on conformity though.

9. Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella

Finding Audrey

I know I’ve been reading a lot of contemporary, but it’s not my favorite genre truly. I will admit it is easy to read though. For not loving Contemporary I found I love Sophie Kinsella. Her humor and her books always make me laugh. 3 out of 5 stars.

10. City of the Lost by Kelley Armstrong

City of the Lost

I started this book last December but didn’t get to finish it before my turn was up at the library. Let me tell you these plot twists definitely made it worth the wait! 5 out of 5 stars!

March

My favorite month of the whole year! My birthday month! These are the books that helped me get to and celebrate 26!

1. Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys 

Out of the Easy

When I say I don’t like contemporary that of course excludes Historical Fiction. I know I am so odd, but historical fiction has always been one of my deepest loves for as long as I can remember. This book was such a great reminder of that. I gave this a 4 out of 5 stars.

2. Unbecoming by Jenny Downham

Unbecoming

This was one of my random picks for the month and I pretty much went in blind because to be honest I think I skimmed the summary. This is a great example of the when going in blind works out great. The story telling and the three perspectives were great for world building and was enough to have flash backs. It was perfect to fill all my fictional cravings when I picked it up. 4 out of 5 stars.

3. NTR – Netsuzou Trap Vol. 1 by Naoko Kodama, Catherine Ross (Translator), Shannon Fay (Adaptation), CK Russell (Lettering)

NTR - Netsuzou Trap Vol 1

This yuri was a little disappointing because it felt Hotaru was too forceful on Yuma. If she was just honest I feel this was honest, maybe even a bit more seductive this would’ve been so much better. I gave this one a 2 out of 5 stars. I might try and see if it’s available at the library instead of picking up and buying the next copy.

4. Citrus Vol 7 by Saburo Uta

Citrus

Although Mei’s and Yuzu’s love did have a forcefulness in the beginning you could tell the underlying feelings were there. I fell behind on this series, but then I remembered it was becoming an anime! So I needed to devour what was out to hype myself up and I was disappointed by neither the adaption or this volume. I gave this one a 4 out of 5 stars.

5. Midnight Jewel by Richelle Mead

Midnight Jewel

Although there was some parts of this book I didn’t like like pretty much retelling the first book… The romance in this one though was hot, and I like the couples with conflict. That argue that does not fall easy are my favorites. They are the more realistic to me and draw me in too easily. 4 out of 5 stars for just the romance alone! Don’t judge me she writes good friction and tension!

6. Bloom into You, Vol. 1 by Nakatani Nio

Bloom into You 1

I loved the idea of this manga that love can grow. It doesn’t have to be hot it can be slow and patient. It was so sweet I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars.

7. Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin

Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac

This was a 2.8 stars for me because how fickle Naomi became kinda irked me and ruined the good parts for me.

8. Far from the Tree by Robin Benway

Far from the Tree.jpg

The tagline got me guys! “For fans of This is Us” which is my mom and my favorite show and it was not a disappointment. The bond between the siblings was so sweet and true. It also hit on adoption which I feel isn’t a topic covered by many books. 4 out of 5 stars.

Well guys that what I read this winter! I am so sorry this took forever to post! I am trying to get better I promise. Have you read any of these? Feel free to let me know in the comments below because I really do miss you all. Have a wonderful week and most importantly Happy Reading!

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My Top Books of 2017: The 7 that rose above the rest!

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Hey Bookworms! I hope you all are having a good and safe new years eve and for those who are in the future I hope 2018 is treating you well! Well I woke up, at 6 AM PDT, because my internal clock is so mean… And I turned on Youtube and was watching videos and ran across peoples top books of 2017. I was hesitating doing this because not a lot of books have made it to my top, but the ones that did really left a mark. I thought they deserved to be shared, so lets get started. By the way these are in no particular order.

 

My Top 7 of 2017

1.  Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly

Lost in a Book

I really loved how this book used the love and death as personification as well as taking how readers to slip into books into an actual thing. This also gave the new movie such good back story it felt like actual back story. 5 out of 5 stars! Borrowed from the library on Audiobook and I definitely need my own copy!

2. Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

Strange the Dreamer

I loved her previous series The Daughter of Smoke and Bone and happily this book did not let me down as a follow-up new series. This book was nearly pure poetry in it’s prose and dang does she know how to write a kiss!

3. We are Okay by Nina LaCour

We are Okay

This was another author that didn’t let me down with a follow-up novel. Her prose captured my heart. This was about breaking your heart and healing it again.

4. The Wolf Boy is Mine Vol 4 by  Youko Nogiri

The Wolf Boy is Mine Vol 4

This series restored my faith in manga and in love as cheesy as it sounds. The only drawback was it was too short. I am happy with the ending but I wanted more of these characters!

5. Mastiff  by Tamora Pierce

Mastiff

Another great end to a series and god what a plot twist that I didn’t see coming! I also see Tamora Pierce as a comfort author picking her up is a guaranteed good read.

6. Everland by Wendy Spinale

Everland

For anyone who knows me will know I am Peter Pan trash and I will read or watch any kind of retelling. This was not a let down at all I definitely loved the twist in the setting of this book. If you love Peter Pan, steampunk, and books in the period of WW2 this book is for you. I kinda hate that I didn’t find it sooner.

7.  American Gods by Neil Gaiman

American Gods

This book had it’s slow parts and lost me a few times which it why it was a 4 out of 5 stars, but Neil Gaiman’s prose and humor is the best thing. He has a way of making crazy things make sense. After reading the book maybe I can give the show another shot.

 

Well Bookworms those are the books that made their mark on my year. Did any of these make your list? Have you read any of these? What were your thoughts on them? What books were on your list? Let me know and link them in the comments below. I hope you all have a wonderful New Years, stay safe, and as always Happy Reading!

 

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Book Retrospection: As I Descended by Robin Talley

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Hey bookworms time for my first review of the year! I promise one day I will feel more confident in doing these and figure out how to make time to do these in my work life, but there was some … Continue reading →

Spring Wrap-Up: Books That Kept Me Company During My Favorite Season

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Hey Bookworms! I thought since I haven’t done the best with monthly reviews… I think I’ve maybe done one this year? I thought a seasonal wrap-up may make more sense until I figure out my next steps with blogging, writing, working, and traveling. I like sharing what I’ve read because it gives me a chance to look back on how my reading habits have grown change, how I’ve been called to read what I’ve read. So let’s get started!

Spring Wrap-Up: Books That Have Bloomed with Me this Spring

Now before I start, I want to clarify what I count as spring, because even though most go off a calendar. I think it goes more off of the climate of where you live, so for me (since I’ve lived in Vegas all my life) it starts in March and ends in May. These books will begin with books I began in March and the last one I finished in May which was a total of 19 books! I am slightly proud because I just realized that is how many I read in 3 months! Yay me!

1.  Truthwitch by Susan Dennard

Truthwitch

My first audiobook of the season. I loved the friendship, and the essence behind the magic, but the world and what gave everyone their magic or who had what power tended to lose my attention a bit. I didn’t know if it was worth the hype it got entirely as the way I fell in and out some parts did seem a little erratic. I don’t know if I will be continuing it, but overall I gave this book a 3 out of 5 stars.

2. The Great Hunt by Wendy Higgins

The Great Hunt

This book was exactly what I needed when I was in a slump. It kept my attention the whole time and I liked getting to know each of these characters. I loved knowing the royalty, but not knowing when the sequel came out it made me give it a 4 out of 5 stars. I definitely recommend this book to anyone in a reading slump that likes an adventurous tale.

3. The Wolf Boy is Mine Vol. 4 by Yoko Nogiri

The Wolf Boy is Mine Vol 4.jpg

Oh my godI loved this series! It is my new favorite Manga for sure it is gorgeous artwork and for me a relatable series at least with the main love interest. I just finished this series and I already want to read it again! 5 out of 5 stars honestly I’d give it a 10 out of 5 if it was possible.

 

4. Front Lines by Michael Grant

Front Lines

This was definitely an amazing going back in time seeing what would’ve changed if girls were allowed to fight in WWII. It also shows you what bravery looks like and that it isn’t always a simple thing.

5. Bloodhound by Tamora Pierce

Bloodhound

A reread to finish a series and I loved it as much as I did the first time. Tamora Pierce was one of my first examples of what a strong female should be, and Beka is no exception to that rule. Her books were also the first to show me love is love and to show that the LGBT is not something should ashamed or hidden.

6. We are Okay by Nina LaCour

 We are Okay

This book is written beyond goregously, it made me feel every emotion written. I really don’t have much to say besides READ IT! 5 out of 5 stars!!

7. Mastiff by Tamora Pierce

Mastiff

Without spoiling all I have to say is damn this was an unexpected heartwrenching plot twists. My heart definitely was broken I am still healing over this… 5 out of 5 stars though!

8. Wildflower by Drew Barrymore

Wildflower

As a lover of her movies I adored getting to know more about her life. If you’re listening to the audio book, be careful because there are times she gets loud at times. The only thing that I didn’t really love is that it was sporadic, I know it fits her personality it wasn’t my favorite as a reader. 4 out of 5 stars.

9.  Masquerade by Melissa De La Cruz

Masquerade.jpg

Another comfort reread it was good to see more of the powers emerging as well as the flashbacks 4 out of 5 stars.

10. Saga Vol 7 by  Brian K. Vaughan (Writer), Fiona Staples (Artist)

Saga Vol 7

Really amazing the plot twist at the end though!!! I need volume 8! 4 out of 5 stars!

11.  A Mad, Wicked Folly by  Sharon Biggs Waller

A Mad Wicked Folly

I loved this because it definitely introduced me to a period that isn’t touched much on in fiction. The period of the suffragette. I definitely recommend if you love historical fiction. 4 out of 5 stars.

12. The Time of My Life by Cecelia Ahern

the-time-of-my-life

Another reread that I read as a pick me up. I love her books that use magical realism it makes you think outside of the box or even makes you take a step back to look at your own life. 4 out of 5 stars.

13. The Host by Stephenie Meyer

The Host

Another reread and one of my favorite love stories and one I can definitely relate to. Whenever I feel reluctant to believe in love this is definitely one I turn to.

14.  Talking as Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham

talking-as-fast-as-i-can

I listened to this on the plane ride back from Vancouver. Her story for me was very inspiring her persistence and what she worked for until she made it is inspiring to any artist. The behind the scenes of Gilmore Girls was also a fun glimpse as well.

15. Up in Flames by Abbi Glines

Up in Flames

I know I don’t like to call things guilty pleasures, and these books aren’t exactly guilty pleasures. They are however simple reads that don’t require too much thought especially as I get older. It also bothers me that these books have to end in a pregnancy. I believe in the New Adult Genre, but I also like when it shows safe sex showing the couples pursuing finding other paths as well. I know not every one thinks like me, so I hope I’m not offending anyone by being honest. Anywho this was a 3 out of 5 stars for me.

16. Rebel by Amy Tintera

rebel

I liked this book, but it didn’t meet what I loved in the first book. There was an overdone cliche near the end that I’ve read in 2 books this year, but this book did twist it to an unexpected way, so it did save it. This was a 3 out of 5 stars.

17. Until Friday Night by Abbi Glines

Until Friday Night

Again same feelings as the previous Abbi Glines book, but I did like some of the topics this touched. 3 out of 5 stars.

18. Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Revolution

I really love this book and how it’s not only about healing, but grieving and trying to change the world whether it’s for someone close to you or others. This is a great coming of age book that I adore and I recommend it to everyone. This one is also what got me back into historical fiction. 5 out of 5 stars!

19. Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

Just Listen

Rereading this took me back to high school and how I would just devour contemporary. Sarah Dessen let me know back then that you could come back from whatever broke you. Her books were often ones that kept me going. It was nice to reread and see how far I’ve come.

Well bookworms I’m finally done with this post. I’ve been working on and off on this today for a few hours. What books kept you company this spring? What ones kept a mark on you? Did you reread old favorites? What do you wish to see more of in a genre? Have you read any of these? Let me know in the comments, let’s chat! I hope you have a wonderful week, and Happy Reading!

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Book Talk: Help a Girl Out! Which Books Should Accompany on My Next Adventure?

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Hey bookworms! Hope your week is off to a good start! I really need your help. I am flying to Vancouver on Saturday and I really need your help… I am trying to send positivity for this trip because besides … Continue reading →

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Magnets for Me to Pick up A Book

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Hey Bookworms! I know it’s been forever again it’s the same excuse as always, I’m horrible at balancing work and blogging sometimes even a personal life… But I’m not ready to give up blogging yet! I still want to post as much as I can and eventually maybe I will learn the balance. Have a posting schedule? But anywho onto the topic at hand. It’s time for a belated Top Ten Tuesday post for those of you that don’t know this weekly theme was created by The Broke and The Bookish, in which they give us a topic or question and we come up with our top bookish answers. I am going to do last week’s topic. Top Ten things that makes me grab a book and crack it open. So let’s get started!

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Magnets for Me to Pick up A Book

1. Anything with Wolves or Werewolves

Here are a few of the ones that have grabbed me, and most are my favorites. The first is on the top of the TBR at the moment!

2. Royals

Maybe I am a little cliche, with the every little girl being obsessed with being a princess, but I always have been obsessed with the ins and outs of royalty and how and why it works. The power, the betrayal, the love, and hell even the lust in some of these. I’m only human, right? ;P

3.  Fairies

The world and my library obviously need more of these books. Please leave me suggestions if you know any more books with these mythical creatures please leave me comments before.

4. Mythology

Anything with a god or a goddess will immediately perk my interest another instance where I need more recommendations. Help a girl in a reading slump out please.

5. A Female/Female Romance to Make Me Swoon

Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst is still on my TBR so please no spoilers please. I wish I would’ve found more of these when I was younger it would have saved my heart and conscious more pain and worry than I can say. I am glad they are here for younger readers though now.

6. Twins or Triplets

I always felt that I was meant to be a twin… Or maybe I just desperately want to be one another subject I feel needs to be touched on more.

7. Magical Realism

The one thing I need more of in my life because it makes me feel like something more to life can happen.

8. Female Friendships

Because I hope and want these kind of relationships in my life and I feel like other girls should do.

9. Reincarnation

I just dream that I’ve lived more than one life, and having characters that have or live in a world that have make me happy

10.  Peter Pan Retellings

I need more of these and I haven’t gotten to read Alias Hook yet but it is on my TBR. Honestly I love these retellings because it’s been my favorite book and movie forever. These are the ones I will constantly gravitate to.

 

Anywho bookworms that’s it for today! What books do you gravitate towards. What are the words, themes, genres, subjects that make you grab or crave a book? Let me know down below maybe we could come up with suggestions for each other. Keep me company at work with your ideas because when this post goes up I will either be getting ready for work or there already. I hope you have a wonderful rest of your week. I miss you all and happy reading!

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