Life Update

So I haven’t written a blog post since June, which is quite awhile to go without blogging; at least for me. Part of the reason is due to a lack of motivation, but another reason is that I’ve been quite busy these past few months which is honestly kind of a rarity in my very mundane life. So I thought that today I’d write a post, chronicling what I’ve been up to and what are my plans for the near future. I’m still struggling to find the motivation to blog, so I thought that writing this might help me get back in the swing of things.

1. I Went to Paris!

So as a little graduation present to myself, I decided to go to Paris a city that I’ve always wanted to go to, and I thought that I may as well go now while I have the time and the means to do so. I went all by myself which was honestly kind of terrifying at first, but once I got the hang of it, it was super fun! Paris is such a beautiful city filled with amazing culture and beautiful sites. It was so cool to see in person all the incredible artworks that I had studied in college. All in all, it was a great first travel experience and I can’t wait to see where I go next. Also the story behind the photo is that my dad thought that it would be a great idea to get a big cutout of his head so I could bring it Paris and take pictures with it in front of famous monuments. The amount of looks I got from onlookers was hilarious.

2. I Worked at a Summer Camp!

So for two months, I worked as a camp counselor at a camp for underprivileged children. Working here was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it was also the most rewarding experience of my life. The amount of mental breakdowns I had were astronomical and some of the kids I had were absolute nightmares, but it was somehow all worth it in the end. As the weeks went along, the campers and staff began to feel like family. Sure they got on my nerves occasionally, but the good overshadowed all of that. It’s been a month since I finished, and I can’t help but miss the late-night card games, dining hall meals and all the people that made the experience so special. I pushed myself in ways I never could have imagined and came out of the experience a better person. I really hope that I get to back next year because it’s an experience that I’ll never forget.

3. I Went to a Shawn Mendes Concert!

So I’m kind of a die hard Shawn Mendes fan, so when I saw that he was coming to Montreal I knew I had to go. My sister and I bought tickets back in October and had been eagerly anticipating the concert ever since. The day of the concert comes around, and we get there a little early to avoid the crowds. We had really shitty seats and were like in the second to last row. So me and my sister are just sitting there when this guy comes up to us and asks us if we want better seats. He then proceeds to explain to us how he works for Shawn Mendes and that his job is to find fans in the top seats and bring them down to the floor. He then brings me and my sister to the floor where he gives us… front seat tickets. Shawn Mendes was like 15 feet away from me and we exchanged eye contact: it was insane. It was definitely the craziest day of my life and I had such a blast.

4. I Started University.

I started my first year at university, studying education. It’s been kind of a weird transition and it’s definitely odd to only have like one class a day, but I’m starting to get into the swing of it! I joined one of the school newspapers which I’m really excited about!! I really can’t wait to see what the next four years hold for me.

So that’s it! A little life update. I know these events don’t seem like much, but typically the highlight of my month is eating ice-cream so this was a pretty eventful summer. I really want to get back in the swing of blogging and hope to crank out some reviews and discussion posts in the next little while

How Was Your Summer? Anything Exciting Happening in your Life? Read Any Good Books? Let Me Know In The Comments Down Below!

Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag- 2019 Edition

   1.Best Book You’ve Read So Far This Year?

It’s really hard to come up with a favorite book so far as a lot of the books I’ve read are equal in my mind. This one however, is a little above the rest. It’s so bittersweet and has the absolute best atmosphere ever. I still think about those mouthwatering food descriptions.

2.Best Sequel You’ve Read So Far This Year?

This technically isn’t a sequel but a companion novel to When Dimple Met Rishi. I haven’t read any actual series this year so this will have to do. Sandhya Menon’s books are all so fluffy and adorable and just a burst of sunshine. There’s Something about Sweetie was so no exception and I fell head over heels with this utterly gorgeous book.

3. New Release You Haven’t Read Yet but Want To?

I’ve wanted to read this book ever since Mason started talking about it under the hashtag EnbyLovestory. I can’t believe it’s finally published! It looks like a great book and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.

4. Most Anticipated Release For The Second Half of The Year?

I fell in love with Scythe and Thunderhead last year, so I can’t wait to get my hands on The Toll. While I’m sad that this is the last book in the series, I’m really excited to see how it ends.

5. Biggest Disappointment?

 

I was so excited for this book that was supposed to flip the love triangle trope on its ehad, but it was soo bad. There was too many plot holes, the world building was weak and the characters were undeveloped. Huge disappointment.

6.Biggest Surprise?

I haven’t heard much about this book and I just picked it up on a whim, but it was such a great contemporary. It was the perfect mix of cute and serious, and had a great balance of a swoon-worthy love interest, great friendships and interesting family dynamics. I can’t wait to read Emery Lord’s other books.

 

7.Favorite New Author( Debut or New To You)?

I recently read both Set The Fire on High and The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo and really enjoyed both of them.  Her writing is so lyrical and beautiful and her characters are really interesting. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.

8. Newest Fictionl Crush?

I don’t really get crushes on fictional characters. Pass!

9.Newest Favorite Character?

Alex Claremont-Diaz from Red, White and Royal Blue. He was such an amazing character and I loved reading about his shenaningans with Prince Henry

10.Book That Made You Cry?

Oof this book hit me right in the feels. I love emotional Historical fiction and this book definitely delivered. The ending killed me. Definitely recommend this book if you’re into books about World War 2

 

11. Book That Made You Happy?

Emma Mills’ contemporaries are honestly the best thing ever and they always put a smile on my face. This one was no exception and made me giddy with happiness. She’s such an underrated author and I wish more people would read her books!

 

12. Prettiest Book You’ve Bought or Received This Year.

I bought this gorgeous book at Shakespeare and Company while I was in Paris and I can’t wait to read it. Oscar Wilde is such an icon.

 

 

13. What Books Do you Need To Read By The End of The Year.

There’s not any specific books that I can think of off the top of my head. We’ll see where my tastes take me for the rest of the year.

Did You Do This Tag? How’s Your Reading Year Going So Far? Have You Read Any Of The Books I Mentioned? Let Me Know In The Comments Down Below!

Small Town Hearts by Lillie Vale Blog Tour (Review+Us Giveaway)

Goodreads Summary:

Rule #1 – Never fall for a summer boy. 

Fresh out of high school, Babe Vogel should be thrilled to have the whole summer at her fingertips. She loves living in her lighthouse home in the sleepy Maine beach town of Oar’s Rest and being a barista at the Busy Bean, but she’s totally freaking out about how her life will change when her two best friends go to college in the fall. And when a reckless kiss causes all three of them to break up, she may lose them a lot sooner. On top of that, her ex-girlfriend is back in town, bringing with her a slew of memories, both good and bad.

And then there’s Levi Keller, the cute artist who’s spending all his free time at the coffee shop where she works. Levi’s from out of town, and even though Babe knows better than to fall for a tourist who will leave when summer ends, she can’t stop herself from wanting to know him. Can Babe keep her distance, or will she break the one rule she’s always had – to never fall for a summer boy?

About The Author:Lillie Vale, upon discovering she could not be one of Santa’s elves or attend Hogwarts, decided to become a writer to create a little magic of her own. Enjoying the romantic and eerie in equal measure, she’s probably always writing a book where the main characters kiss or kill. Born in Mumbai, she has lived in many U.S. states, and now resides in an Indiana college town where the corn whispers and no one has a clue that she is actually the long-lost caps lock queen. She can be reached on Twitter @LillieLabyrinth and Instagram @labyrinthspine. Small Town Hearts is her debut novel.

Find Lillie Online

Instagram

Twitter

Goodreads

Buy Just For Clicks

Amazon

Indigo

Barnes and Nobles

Book Depository

My Rating: 5/5 stars

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

March 25

That Artsy Reader Girl – Welcome Interview

March 26

Magical Reads – Book Review + Hand-lettered Favorite Quotes
The Bent Bookworm – Book Review
The Inked In Book Blog – Book Review

March 27

Wishful Endings – Author Guest Post
The Lovely Books – Book Review
The YA Obsessed – Book Review

March 28

We Live and Breathe Books – Book Review
Moonlight Rendezvous – Book Review + Favorite Quotes
The Book Thief Without Words – Book Review + Favorite Quotes
Book Rambler – Creative Bookstagram Post and Mini Review

March 29

Utopia State of Mind – Author Q&A
Metamorphoreader – Creative Post
Bookish_Kali – Book Review + Favorite Quotes

March 30

Blossoms and Bullet Journals – Creative Post
Novel Ink – Book Review + Favorite Quotes
Novelishly – Book Review

March 31

The Reading Faery – Author Q&A
The Bibliophile Confessions – Creative Post
Star Is All Booked Up – Book Review
The Phantom Paragrapher – Book Review

April 1

The Layaway Dragon – Book Review + Favorite Quotes

Maddie.TV – Author Guest Post
The Clever Reader – Book Review + Favorite Quotes

My Thoughts:

Small Town Heart pulled me in from page one and didn’t let go until the very end, leaving me wanting more.  This book is an ode to summer and and summer love, and it was exactly what I need as I was huddled up in my blanket looking out at the snow bank that just keeps piling up next to my window.  The atmosphere in this book was incredible. It had me wanting to pack my bags and move there for the summer. From Babe’s  lighthouse to the Busy Bean, every tiny location was painstakingly described in a way that made me feel as though I was right there.  Small Town Heart is one of those books where the setting is just as an important character as the people  which really made the book all the more amazing. This book made me forget that it was winter even if it was only for a few hours which is the mark of a truly fantastic summer read.

While this was an adorable book, there was also lots of bittersweet moments which were balanced really well with the more fluffy ones.  This book takes place over the summer right after graduation, and so many things are changing. Babe has to reckon with the fact that the friendships she’s held on to for so long might not be as healthy as she had initially thought. I loved seeing Babe’s development throughout the book as she dealt with things from her past while also welcoming in new people in her present.

Another great thing was the love interest, Levi. He’s an artsy dork and just everything about him was so beautiful.He was absolutely amazing and I loved seeing his and Babe’s relationship progress throughout the summer. There were so many cute little moments between them throughout the book that put a full fledged grin on my face. Though at times, I was little frustrated with how long it took for them to be truly together, I understand why it was done that way and found  that the whole “will they, won’t they” made the ending all the more gratifying.

Books that include mouthwatering descriptions of food are guaranteed to have me love them and boy did Small Town Hearts  have some great descriptions of food.  Babe bakes the desserts for The Busy Bean and holy moly do they sound amazing. Every description of baked goods had me wishing that the ability to go into books was a thing. Also the way Vale described the process of making the iced coffee sounded glorious and as someone who is absolutely obsessed with iced coffee. I need to try Busy Bean’s version ASAP.

There were two small things that made the book all the more amazing. The first one was how Babe didn’t plan on going to college and how it was never a point of contention. Instead, she wants to keep working at the Busy Bean and hopefully one day buy it from the owner. So few YAs feature charactes who don’t go to college and I just think that it’s a narrative that needs to be seen more. College isn’t for everyone and I love when YAs show that. The other thing that I really loved was the way Babe’s bisexuality was addressed. It was done so in such a casual manner and I just really love how more and more books featuring queer characters aren’t just books about coming out and the struggles of being queer. I also really appreciated the fact that though Babe’s ex was a part of a side-plot, there was never any danger of Babe cheating on Levi.

  Favorite Quotes:

“The memories of our good times came in an onslaught, too fast and too bittersweet to fight them off. I felt like someone was taking my ribs and tying them into sailing knots. And then, just as quickly, I saw the twinkling stars and whispered conversations and booze-free recklessness drift away, a curl of smoke on the stub of a burned-out candle.

That was the thing about the good old days, I thought. No one told you at the time that they were the good old days.”

“That was what Levi forgot. Oar’s Rest held on to memories. Every first kiss, every last kiss. Every tragedy, every miracle. It was greedy for them. We’d talk about it before, but I didn’t think he realized that Oar’s Rest would hold on to him, too. The memories he left behind would be there in every grain of sand, in every wobbly plank on the pier, in every corner of my world. Places like Oar’s Rest were like that– they held on tight, tugged memories close, and gave life to the people who weren’t there anymore.

Giveaway

 Prize: 1 Signed Finished copy of Small Town Hearts by Lillie Vale (USA only)

Starts: 3/25/19

Ends: 4/5/19

 Link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d9681b86351/?

Have You Read Small Town Hearts? Do You Want To? Let Me Know In The Comments Down Below!

The Year That Has Passed and The Year That Is To Come: 2018 Edition

I’m gonna be real honest for a moment and say that 2018 has arguably been the worst year of my life. Even though time is just a construct and a new year doesn’t mean my problems are going to away, I’m looking forward to say good riddance to 2018 and welcome 2019 with open arms. So today I thought I’d just talk a little about the highlights of my year and what I hope to achieve next year.

2018

• Love, Simon: I had the pleasure of getting to see Love, Simon at an early screening thanks to HCCFrenzy and it was honestly just such a great experience. Love, Simon has quickly became my  new favorite movie and have watched it over 50 times (oops?). I’m so glad that 2018 brought us the first first Hollywood gay romcom and I really hope that there will be more movies like it in the coming years.
• Bridge of Clay: I highkey never thought that I’d say this but 2018 brought me Markus Zusak’s new book. I’ve been waiting for this book for years and it’s so surreal to have finally been able to read it. It was everything I wanted and more, and I’m looking forward to waiting another millenia for what he comes out with next.
• Public Speaking: I never thought that public speaking is something that I’d find joy in, but it has honestly been my most memorable experience at college so far. I took the class in Fall of 2017, and have been a teaching assistant along with other amazing people for the past semesters. Never thought that I’d willingly wake up to get to a 8:30 class, but it’s always the one thing I look forward to. I can’t wait to do it for the last time before I graduate.
• Literary Magazine: In the winter I joined the editing team of my college team and while it’s been a little rough and not really what I expected, I still thoroughly enjoy the experience. The people are a tad bit pretentious but I mean aren’t we all?
• Novel: I’ve been going through my novel for the last couple of times in preparation for querying. It’s weird because I usually find more and more things to hate about my work, the more I read it, but with this one the more I read it, the more I love it. I’ve been working on my baby for four years and it’s finally time to start showing it to the world.

2019

• Graduating: After two shit years of hell, I’m finally going to be graduating from CEGEP( weird Quebec thing between High School and Uni). I’ve learnt a lot about myself in those two years, but I’m going to be so glad to say goodbye to that hellhole
• Uni: The dream is to go to McGill to get my Bachelor of Education in Secondary English so fingers crossed! Wherever I end up,I intend to make uni the best possible four years.  I know it’s going to be hard but I’ve learnt so much about myself since starting college that I really think that these will finally be my years,
• Querying: I never thought that my novel would be reading, but I think that 2019 is finally the  year that I send Dried Roses out to agents. I’m bracing myself  for rejections but with a lot of Kleenex and ice cream, I think I’ll be okay. All I can do is hope for the best!
• Blogging: I feel like I say this every year but I really want to be more involved in the blogging world. I want to comment more, interract with more bloggers. I love blogging but I know there’s so much that I can do.

 

What About You? How Was Your 2018? What Are Your Hopes for 2019? Let Me Know In The Comments Down Below!

End of Year Book Survey 2018

So the year is quickly coming to a close which means another end of year book survey!!! This tag was created by the perptualpageturner   and I’ve been doing it for the past two years and it’s filled with some really great questions. So without further ado let’s get into the amazing books I read this year.

**2018 READING STATS**

 

Number Of Books You Read: 155
Number of Re-Reads: 15 Books
Genre You Read The Most From: Probably realistic fiction but I’m not sure.

1. Best Book You Read In 2018?

It’s really hard to chose just one book it’s the one that I just keep coming back whenever I think about the question so I think Sadie by Courtney Summers. I mean all of her books are amazing but this one just blew me out of the water.

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

About A Girl by Sarah Mccarry.  The cover was of two girls kissing and I was like “awesome, this is going to be gay af and I’m going to love it” And while it was very gay, it was also weird as fuck and I had no idea what was going on 99% of the time. I was really disappointed.

 3. Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read?  

More Than This by Patrick Ness. I had no idea what to expect going into it and only had like a really vague idea of what it was about. This book blew me out the water and I was really surprised by the awesome turn it took.

 4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)?

I don’t really recommend books to people I know IRL because I know they won’t read it so let’s pass this one.

 5. Best series you started in 2018? Best Sequel of 2018? Best Series Ender of 2018?

Best Series: Scythe by Neal Shusterman. That series is fucking amazing and I need the third book ASAP

Best Sequel: Leah on The Offbeat by Becky Albertalli. This book is the perfect conclusion to the simonverse and I love everything about it.

Best Series Ender: Of Monsters and Men by Patrick Ness. This series ruined me and I loved it.

 6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2018?

Katherine Locke. The Balloonmakers duology is the best thing ever and I can’t wait to read whatever else she comes out with.

7. Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?

Frankenstein was one the only classics that I read by choice this year and I loved it so much!! It was so fascinating and I could talk about it for hours.

 

 8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?

The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton. This book was so thrilling and there were so many twists and turns that had me reeling. It’s one of the most cleverly executed thrillers I’ve ever read.

 9. Book You Read In 2018 That You Would Be MOST Likely To Re-Read Next Year?

Probably Bridge of Clay. A year that goes by without me reading Markus Zusak isn’t really a year at all.

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2018?

probably Far From The Tree by Robin Benway. It’s really simple but I love it.

11. Most memorable character of 2018?

Probably Sadie From Sadie by Courntey Summers. Everything that that girl went through hurt my soul and I just want to protect her at all cost.

 

 12. Most beautifully written book read in 2018?

Bridge of Clay By Markus Zusak. Hands down. His writing will never cease to amaze me.

13. Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book of 2018?

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.  Everybody needs to read this book. It’s so important and beautifully written and just such a relevant book for our current political climate.

 14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2018 to finally read? 

Station Eleven by Emily St-John Mandel. I’ve heard about this book for years now and I never really understand what the hype was about. But when I read it , I finally understood. THis book is amazing and arguably the best postapocalyptic story I’ve ever read.

 15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2018?

” “I’m Not anything if I’m not writing, Mr Hemingway.’

‘Ernest,’ he said.

‘Ernest,’ I repeated, thinking, in the end, the writing was the only thig that saved me, that kept me from being sucked down into the sludge pit of darkness and doubt. Wondering if any small bit of Ernest Hemingway might be the same way, if a writer as succesful as he was ever questioned his words, his worth, the cost of what it took to pour al lof yourself into  a book that people might just abandon, half-read, on a chair in a bus station, even with a whole long journey to pass.”

It’s from Beautiful Exiles by Meg Waite Clayton and this quote hit me so hard.

16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2018?

Shortest: Sea Prayer by Khaled Hosseni

Longest: A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

 17. Book That Shocked You The Most

Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman. That ending killed me and if the third book doesn’t come out soon I may not survive

 

18. OTP OF THE YEAR (you will go down with this ship!)

Matteo and Rufus from They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera. Only Silvera could make me root for two people who just met and are going to die on the same die.

19. Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year

The relationship between Grace, Maya and Joaquin. This book is chock full of beautiful relationships but the one between the three biological siblings was my absolute favorite.

20. Favorite Book You Read in 2018 From An Author You’ve Read Previously

Our Year Of Maybe by Rachel Lynn Solomon. This book was amazing and somehow even better than her first one.

21. Best Book You Read In 2018 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure/Bookstagram, Etc.:

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang. This is really not something that I’d usually read but everybody on twitter was talking about it so I gave in and it was so cute!!! It had me swooning the entire time.

22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2018?

I domn’t get fictional crushes.

23. Best 2018 debut you read?

Blood Water Paint by Joy McCullough. This book was absolutely phenonemal.

24. Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?

I feel like I’ve mentioned this book so many times but I’m obsessed. The Scythe Series by Neal Shusterman has amazing worldbuilding and I could highkey read an entire book entirely about the history of the world.

25. Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?

Born a Crime: Stories From A South African Childhood by Trevor Noah. This book was fucking hilarious and had me in laughter induced tears multiple times.

26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2018?

Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng. This book was beautifully crafted and so bittersweet and the way the story progressed had me in tears multple times.

27. Hidden Gem Of The Year?

Beautiful Exiles by Meg Waite Clayton. This book about Hemmingway’s third wife was absolutely phenonemal and I just love books that make me learn about hidden parts of history.

 

28. Book That Crushed Your Soul?

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara had me in tears  throughout pretty much the entire book. This book wrecked me.

29. Most Unique Book You Read In 2018?

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Keirsten White. It’s one of the most unique retellings I’ve read and it was so interesting to compare it with the original source material.

30. Book That Made You The Most Mad (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)?

Brief Chronicle of Another Stupid Heartbreak by Adi Alsaid. This book pissed me off and just I felt absolutely no sympathy for the main character and reading about her stupid decisions made me want to throw something.

1. New favorite book blog/Bookstagram/Youtube channel you discovered in 2018?

I absolute love Elise’s blog.

2. Favorite post you wrote in 2018?

My discussion post on whether Holocaust Books are still important. It’s a post that was very personal and something I’ve been thinking about for quite some time.

3. Favorite bookish related photo you took in 2018:?

Honestly I haven’t taken many bookish photos but I like this one of my ticket for when I went to see Love, Simon.

4. Best bookish event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events,  etc.)?

HCC Frenzy invited me to go see an early screening of Love, Simon and it was sooo much fun. Little did I know that this would become my favorite movie that I would watch over 50 times.

5. Best moment of bookish/blogging life in 2018?

I hate to sound like a broken record but seeing Love, Simon.

6. Most challenging thing about blogging or your reading life this year?

Finding the motivation to blog and readwhile I had other obligations. This summer I was working at a sumemr camp with no internet access for two months so I had to backlog a lot of blog posts which worked out in the end but during that time I barely read which really sucked.   But then with school I was just so overhwhelmed this semester that the amount of posts I came out with was really disapointing

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

For some reason my review of The Cruelty  keeps getting views and I have no idea why since it’s not that great of a review and I wrote it like two years ago.

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

My post on what Love, Simon means to me.

9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?

I recently discovered that Overdrive is the best thing ever created and though I used to be not totally sold on ebooks, it’s not basically all I read. There are so many amazing books on there and I don’t have to go anywhere to get them and it’s free!!!

10.  Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

I set myself a goodreads goal to read 100 books which I surpassed by reading 153 books!!

1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2018 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2019?

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult. As soon as it becomes avaliable at my library, I’m jumping on it.

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2019 (non-debut)?

You Asked For Perfect by Laura Silverman. I’m so excited for this book. I absolutely loved Girl Out of Water and I think that this one is going to be even better.

3. 2019 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?

Again But Better by Christine Riccio. I’m usually super wary of Youtubers writing books but Christine seems super dedicated to her novel and it just looks really amazing. She’s a really funny person and I think her humor and overall tone would translate really well into a book.

 4. Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2019?

I hate to sound like a broken record but the third book in the scythe series is supposed to come out and I NEED IT NOW.

5. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging Life In 2019?

I just want to create as much quality content as I possibly can.

6. A 2019 Release You’ve Already Read & Recommend To Everyone (if applicable):

A Place for Wolves by Kosoko Jackson. This book is fucking amazing and y’all need to read it when it comes out.

Have You Read Any of the Books I Mentioned? How Was Your Reading Year? Did You Do The End of Year Book Survey? Let Me Know in The Comments Down Below!

Top Ten Favorite T.V Shows

So about a year and a half ago I did a blog post with this exact same title but looking at it, I’ve realized my taste in t.v shows has kind of changed, and I’ve grown out of shows I used to love and have found amazing shows to take their place.

1. Brooklyn Nine Nine

Brooklyn Nine Nine is one of those shows that never fails to make laugh and is consistently funny and literally all of the jokes are constructed perfectly and hilarious. That’s so rare in a sitcom and literally everything about the show is perfect. The characters are all amazing and despite the fact that it’s a sitcom, it never shied away from serious topics. Also the diversity is on point and it’s one of the most unproblematic shows out there. If you haven’t watched it, I highly recommend that you do: it won’t let you down.

2.Doctor Who

I recently started rewatching the series and though I usually skip over eleven when I do so, I’ve decided to give him a second chance and I’m glad I did because I actually don’t hate him as much as I thought I did. But of course, ten will always be my number one. Doctor who is an amazingly unique show that never fails to amaze me. The plot is so fascinating but the characters are just as great. With so many sci-fi stories, one always seems to be sacrificed for the other but Doctor Who manages to have both a intriguing plot and complex and developed characters.

3. Gilmore Girls

Gilmore Girls is one of those shows that I think I might grow out of eventually but nonetheless it has a very special place in my heart. It’s such a funny and heartwarming show and though there are definitely some parts that piss me off, there’s something so timeless about the story. Stars Hollow is a magical town and the people in it are just as amazing. I don’t think I’ll ever grow tired of Lolerai’s quick wit and I know that if I ever chose to rewatch it, I’ll fall in love with it all the over again.

4.The Good Place

THIS SHOW IS AMAZING OH MY GOD. It’s hilarious, unique and all the characters are relatable af. There’s not a single character that I hate because they’re all amazing and beautiful and though they’re flawed, they learn and it’s great. I seriously need it to come back and I can’t believe I have to wait until September. I don’t know if I’ll able to survive until then. I feel like this show is really representative of my soul and I just need a million seasons because I will never be tired of Team Coakroach.

5.The Get Down

This show never got the love it deserved and I am severely pissed. If this was a show about white people and music during the 70s in New York everyone would be all over it but the minute it’s about Black and Latinx teens everybody stays quiet. THIS SHOW DID NOT DESERVE TO BE CANCELED. This show was beautiful and amazing and had great characters and the plot was so interesting and everyone just slept on it. I will never not be pissed about what happened. This show was amazing and I will forever be bitter that people didn’t show it the love it deserved.

6.This Is Us

When I first started hearing all the hype about this show I didn’t get it at all. To me it seemed like a pretty simple show and I couldn’t understand why everyone was so emotional. But now I get it. This show is a rollercoaster of emotions and every episode is guaranteed to tear at your heartstrings. Though the concept seems simple, it is done masterfully and the way it’s constructed is really cool. The relationship between the characters are so nuanced and complicated and they’re all so wonderful and precious. This is one of those shows that actually deserves the hype it gets, as well as all the awards that this show keeps on winning.

7.One Day at A Time

This show is hilarious and beautiful and touches on so many important issues and there are so many nuanced discussions about depression and racism and coming out and I really hope it gets renewed because if it didn’t I would cry. I relate to Elena on so many levels, and I simultaneously am her and want to date her and she just deserves all the happiness in the world and I just love her so much ahhhhh. The family dynamics in this show is so great and just everything about this show is pure perfection.

8.The Office

I never really thought that I’d actually like this but after watching eight seasons in two weeks I can safely safe that this show is definitely one of my faves. ITS SO FUNNY OH MY GOD. Never has a show made me laugh this hard, all the jokes are on point. The characters are so funny and great and wonderful. Michael Scott is the most amazing boss ever and I love him so much. Also Jim and Pam are the cutest couple ever and definitely one of my favorite OTPS.

9. The 4400

This show is hella underrated and while it’s a tad bit cheesy, it’s so great. The concept is really unique and every single episode is really interesting. Also the characters are super dope and it’s just a really great show. It’s definitely not a perfect show by any means but it’s addictive. I’ve rewatched it like three times and I never get tired of it. I would highly recommend it and I really wish this show got more love because it’s great.

10. Veronica Mars

I fucking love Kristen Bell so much oh my god. She’s so amazing as Veronica Mars and Veronica’s just the most spunky and sarcastic character and she’s so incredibly strong. This show does not mess around and it’s a really great show. I wasn’t that impressed with the movie but I heard that they’re going to be making a mini series which I’m really excited about.

What Are Your Favorite Tv Shows?

The Year That Has Passed and The Year That is to Come 2017 Edition

So 2017 hasn’t been the best year for me personally but let’s just forget about that for a moment and focus on the good things because there were some!!

2017:

Graduation+Prom: I graduated from high school!!! Though it’s been over six months I’m still in shock and it’s still not completely registering that I will never go back to high school ever again. While it’s mostly a good riddance type of feeling, there are times that I kind of miss it but never for too long because damn high school sucked. I also went to prom which is something that I never thought that I’d do but I did and it was pretty fun!! I’m really glad I went.

Started college: so Quebec is dumb and weird and instead of having grade 12 they have this two year program called CEGEP that is more specific than high school and sort of a preparation for university. TBH I’m kind of disappointed in the whole experience but it is a nice change from high school and I hope that it’ll start to get better. There are some sub parts of CEGEP that have been enjoyable.

• Got published in a literary magazine: I submitted one of my short stories into my college’s literary magazine and it got accepted!! It felt so weird to see my name in print

Took a public speaking class: I know, I know a public speaking class sounds like the worst type of class possible but it was actually really fun!! I mean I did cry during my first speech but I actually improved a lot. There was a mini little competition and I was chosen as the top nine which was exciting. I also met some really dope people ( shoutout to Sirima- the coolest Doctor Who nerd I know. If you’re reading this: you’re the best!!) The anxiety never really went away while speaking but it did help me feel more confident.

Finished another rounds of edits for my novel: I edited my novel yet another time and it’s really starting to shape up. I also got some beta readers and it’s really helped me get some perspective. There’s still a lot to be done but I’m really starting to like what I have so far.

2018

Potentially finish editing my novel and start to think about querying: I’m not putting any pressure on myself but I’d like to really start to think about querying it in the next few years.

Be more diligent with review writing: I’m always super behind writing reviews for the arcs I get so I’m going to try to be more diligent when it comes to writing reviews and making sure I don’t leave the writing too long after I’ve read it because it’s much more difficult to read it then.

Turning 18: I’m going to turn 18 on January 8th which is pretty exciting. I’m officially an adult( it sure doesn’t feel like it)

How was your year and what are your plans for 2018?

Top Ten Favorite Books of 2017

I can’t believe 2017 is already over, it seems like only yesterday that it was starting. 2017 was a pretty good year book wise and I read some really amazing books.

1. Simon VS The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

I can’t believe this book took me so long to get to because damn this book was amazing. It was adorable and beautiful and completely perfect. I am so excited for Love Simon and can’t wait to read her other books.

2. History is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera

While this one wasn’t quite as good as More Happy Than Not it was still beautiful and heartbreaking. Are you really reading a Silvera novel if your heart doesn’t get ripped apart? He really captured grief and mental illness beautifully and it was such a raw read. Review

3. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty.

This was the most intense book I read in 2017. It had me at the edge of my seat and kept me guessing until the very end. The characters were so interesting and the way the author built the suspense was really done and the entire plot and conflict between the characters was so petty I loved it. I’m not sure if I should watch the tv show tho, I’m scared that it will ruin the way I view the book.

4. Meg and Linus by Hanna Nowinski

This book was so wonderful and fluffy and had great platonic and romantic relationships. Also all the nerdy references made it a 100x better. Review

5.How to Make a Wish by Ashley Herring Blake

This was such a beautiful book that had the perfect balance between fluff and serious topics. I loved the bi rep and all the characters were so precious. All the relationships were very nuanced and it was one of those books that caused you to have a roller coaster of emotions Review

6. Girl Out of Water by Laura Silverman

This was the perfect summer read but it’s also great for any time of the year. The setting was wonderful, the family dynamics really interested and the love interest totally swoon-worthy. Also the diversity was so seamlessly integrated

7. When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon.

There seems to be a reoccurring theme with my favorites of the year because yet again a cute fluffy read. Aghhhh this book was adorable and I’m still not over how cute it was. This book is beautiful inside and out. There wasn’t a single moment that wasn’t cute. This book NEEDS to be a movie, it would be amazing. Review

8.Tash Hearts Tolstoy by Kathryn Ormbsee

This book means so much to me, it’s the first book I’ve read with ace rep and it was just so nice to see that type of representation. The world needs a hundred books like this. Not only was the ace rep great but also the general premise was really interesting and I really liked the idea of a book focusing around a web series. I’m still in disbelief that this book exists and I hope that this book will help teenagers.

9.Foolish Hearts by Emma Mills

Everything about the book was wonderful- the romance, the friendships and the family dynamics. It was the perfect contemporary and I really didn’t expect to like it as much as I did but I loved it so much. It’s one of the rare books that contained the perfect balance of platonic and romantic relationships. Review

10. Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

I never thought that I’d put a John Green on a favorites list after my phase when I was like 13 but he really surprised me. He’s really grown as an author and this book was so good and had amazing mental health representation. I’m really impressed and I can’t wait to see what else he comes up with.

What were your favorite books of 2017?

End of Year Book Survey

So the perpetualpageturner creates this end of year survey every year so I thought this would be a great way to talk about 2017 in terms of books

Number Of Books You Read: 112

Number of Re-Reads: 2

Genre You Read The Most From: I don’t know honestly- probably contemporary

1. Best Book You Read In 2017?

I loved a lot of books but probably Simon Vs The Homo Sapians Agenda by Becky Albertalli

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t? Internet Famous by Danika Stone

3. Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read?  

Big Little Lies by Lianne Moriatey- damn that book was unexpectedly good.

4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)?

I don’t really push anyone to read anything because I know there’s no point expect for my sister- I recommended her a bunch of books and she read them. Like When Dimple Met Rishi—she really liked that book

 5. Best series you started in 2017? Best Sequel of 2017? Best Series Ender of 2017?

I didn’t really read any series this year expect for the Red Rising trilogy: I read that and it was so great. I really didn’t expect to like it as much as I did but it was such an interesting read

 6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2017?

Anne Marie Mclemore- Wild Beauty was phenomenal

 

7. Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?

 The Goldfinch wasn’t quite like anything I’ve read. It was a little hard to read but very good overall.

 8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?

Definitely Big Littles Lies

 9. Book You Read In 2017 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?

Simon Vs the Homo Sapians Agenda: I’ll probably reread it before I watch the movie

 10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2017?

 

11. Most memorable character of 2017?

 Gideon from Foolish Hearts- man that boy is a catch

 12. Most beautifully written book read in 2017?

 I mean I reread my favorite book of all time so if don’t say The Book Thief who am I?

13. Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book of 2017?

 Probably The Book of Negroes

 14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2017 to finally read? 

I know I’ve used this book so many times but Simon Vs the Homo Sapians Agenda- it was just so god damn good

 

 15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2017?

Idk honestly- nothing really sticks out

16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2017?

 Longest: Under the Dome by Stephen King

Shortest: The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

 17. Book That Shocked You The Most

The Duke of Bannerman Prep

 

18. OTP OF THE YEAR (you will go down with this ship!)

BLUE AND SIMON(as you can tell I am obsessed)

19. Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year

 I really loved the friendship between Meg and Linus.

20. Favorite Book You Read in 2017 From An Author You’ve Read Previously

 History is All You Left Me

21. Best Book You Read In 2017 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure:

 The Street Sweeper

22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2017?

 I don’t really get fictional book crushes

23. Best 2017 debut you read?

 Girl out of Water by Laura Silverman

24. Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?

 Timekeeper by Tara Sim

25. Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?

Brooding YA Hero— so hilarious!!

 

26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2017?

 I really can’t think of anything honestly. It’s funny because I am the most emotional person ever but books don’t make me cry

27. Hidden Gem Of The Year?

The Wrong Side of Right- really didn’t expect to like it but it was soooo good!!

28. Book That Crushed Your Soul?

 How to Make a Wish.

29. Most Unique Book You Read In 2017?

 Sleeping Giants- that book was so weird and I’m still not sure what I read.

30. Book That Made You The Most Mad (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)?

The Cruelty- that book was horrible and I can’t believe something like that can get published

 

1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2017?

 Don’t have a favorite but I love Mariam’s blog and Avery’s

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2017?

I have trouble choosing but I like the review I wrote for Tash Hearts Tolstoy

 

3. Best discussion/non-review post you had on your blog?

 I like this post about the representation that would mean the most to me.

4. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

 I can’t really think of anything

5. Best moment of bookish/blogging life in 2017?

Hmm again I really can’t think of anything

6. Most challenging thing about blogging or your reading life this year?

Not reading as much because of college

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

My The Cruelty Review

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

All of them lol.

 9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?

I found this bookstore near my college that does these monthly Book talk sessions!!

10.  Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

Did the goodreads challenge and completed my goal of reading 100 books!!!

1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2017 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2018?

 All of them but hmmm I really want to finish the Chaos Walking Trilogy and the Raven Boys series

 

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2018 (non-debut)?

 I think the Becky albertalli and Adam silvers is coming out next year so if so then that one!!

3. 2018 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?

I honestly can’t think of anything on the top of my head. My knowledge of 2018 releases aren’t that extensive.

 4. Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2018?

Again I really can’t think of anything.

5. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging Life In 2018?

 I want to try to like maybe reach 400 followers by the end of 2018?? Idk a girl can dream

6. A 2018 Release You’ve Already Read & Recommend To Everyone (if applicable):

Emergency Contact is rlly good!!!!

What about you? Did you do an end of year of book survey? What would be some of your answers if you did?

Protected by Claire Zorn Book Review

I have three months left to call Katie my older sister. Then the gap will close and I will pass her. I will get older. But Katie will always be fifteen, eleven months and twenty-one days old.

Hannah’s world is in pieces and she doesn’t need the school counsellor to tell her she has deep-seated psychological issues. With a seriously depressed mum, an injured dad and a dead sister, who wouldn’t have problems?

Hannah should feel terrible but for the first time in ages, she feels a glimmer of hope and isn’t afraid anymore. Is it because the elusive Josh is taking an interest in her? Or does it run deeper than that?

In a family torn apart by grief and guilt, one girl’s struggle to come to terms with years of torment shows just how long old wounds can take to heal.

My rating: 4/5 Stars

Disclaimer:I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Whenever I read books about bullying I am always skeptical. “People can’t possibly be this mean,” I tell myself but then I have to remind myself that I went to a high school with 100 people where everybody knew everyone so my perspective of the world is pretty sheltered. I feel like everyone is tired of hearing about bullying but it’s an important issue that I believe to be still pertinent. It’s especially relevant now because bullies grow up and they suddenly have this enormous amount of power which is just terrifying.

Books like Protected aren’t easy to read and there were more than one moment throughout the novel where I needed to put it down in order to take a little book because damn this book is intense. It’s a very emotional read so definitely be prepared for that. There’s so many interesting layers to the story and everything is addressed wonderfully. You have Hannah’s unbearable grief after her sister dies and her having to deal with the fact that Katie’s her sister- has actually made her life better as the bullying has stopped. There’s also some great family dynamics, not just with her sister but with her mother and father and how Katie’s death has affected them all differently.

I thought it was really interesting to see Hannah’s grief played out. In all the flashbacks,I really hated Katie and honestly there were no redeemable qualities about her but nonetheless her death was really sad and heartbreaking. I think it was a really unique take on grief and I really enjoyed watching Hannah’s conflicting feelings play out.

One thing that I really liked about the book was the character of Josh. From reading the synopsis, it sounded like he would play the role of “love interest who cures her and makes all her problems go away.” but it wasn’t like that at all. He definitely was an important part of the story but he didn’t overtake the story nor did he overtake Hannah. Their friendship and the possibility of something more was adorable but the author left the ending really opening so there was no implication of them falling in love and living happily ever after for the rest of their lives which was so nice. I also found that he was a really different type of love interest- I don’t really know how to explain it but he wasn’t quite like anything I’ve ever seen and it was very refreshing.