Happy Tuesday, bloggers!
Well, I took some time off from blogging, so I’m happy to be back!
Top Ten Tuesday, originally created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is a weekly meme. The next prompt is books that gave me a book hangover.
I hope you love my picks!
Morning, bloggers,
You’d think that since I’m a blogger, then I’d love reading ebooks. You’ve assumed wrong. Me too. I honestly thought I’d enjoy more access to books. But I’m more of a physical reader. When I first started blogging though, I had a goal of reading more ebooks. I failed that, haven’t I? So why am I like this?
Well, that answer took a lot longer to come up with. So for my next discussion post, I want to discuss how I’m not a fan of ebooks and ereaders and why I’m okay with that.
Morning, sweets!
Okay, I found this tag on Nerd Narration. Taylor, one of my besties, is back! You don’t know how long I’ve waited to say those words. But she is. I loved her responses, so I thought I’d be a part of the fun. Don’t forget to visit her wonderful blog!
Morning, my darklings!
Gasp! I’m doing a romance tag. Really? Two years ago, I would have given you a hard no on that. But my reading habits have drastically evolved. And I am a better reader for it.
My evil and better twin, Jess, from Fiction No Chaser, tagged me. Damn you for making me do a hard tag. But I love you. You need to check out her post and blog. 😉 You’d think that five couples would easy to pick. They aren’t. It took me several days to finish this post. So good luck!
Morning, darlings!
I am not ready for Monday. I wish I had a few more days to rest for the upcoming week, which is surreal for me and my family. Mom is taking her last chemo treatment, and I felt as if we’d never make it to this day. So I treasure everything in my life more.
Typically, my discussion posts highlight a negative topic. So for this new post, I want to talk about something positive. Blogging is stressful. Blogging full-time is even harder. When I first started it, I was naive. But with three years under my belt (yay blogging anniversary!), I realized it gives me a support system I needed, a place to know I’m with my own people, and a way to grow. Here are the five ways blogging has helped me as a reader:
Happy Tuesday, bloggers!
I truly believe 2019 is a stellar year for new releases. And while the first half of 2019 is over, I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that we’re half way through the year.
Top Ten Tuesday, originally created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is a weekly meme. This week’s topic is anticipated releases in the last half of the year. I have so many to count, but I want to show off some titles I’m eagerly waiting to read. I hope you find either new reads or your favourites.
Have fun!
Morning, bloggers!
I honestly wish October would last longer than 31 days. It breaks my black little heart it ends so quickly.
Beside December, October is my favourite month. And I absolutely loved all the Bloogoween and Blogtober posts! I participated in Blogoween, even though I didn’t finish it. But let’s get to the rest of the post, yes?
Why must this reading slump still plague me?! I thought I got rid of it in September, but it came back to bite me hard. I tackled only 3 books, and while I was let down by the first 2, I ended this spooktacular month with a bang.
⭐️⭐️⭐️½
I’ve waited months to get my hand on this hotly anticipated sequel. So you know I set my expectations high. Maybe too high. Wildcard starts off from the explosive ending of Warcross. The beginning of this book is the strongest, but at the halfway mark, the storyline turns into a muddied mishmash of storylines. I wanted Emika to grow as a character, but she’s more interested in her feelings for Hideo.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have read 4-star and 5-star reviews from many trusted bloggers. Unfortunately, I couldn’t connect with most of the characters or the story itself. I came for the diversity, which I was wanting so desperately, but I left with disappointment. I never thought the main character could be so naive.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Victoria is one author who knows how to get me out of a reading slump. Coming into this book, I wasn’t sure if I’d love it. I know some readers aren’t accustomed to middle grade books, so my expectations weren’t set above the norm. But Cassidy, the main character who sees ghosts, is adorable, sweet, and sarcastic. Victoria’s writing is refreshing from all the disappointments I’ve had from the previous books.
Not many new titles sparked my interest. So last month, I didn’t bring in a big haul. The first book snuck up on me. Just look at the cover. But the last title is bittersweet. Even though I may have two more TOG books to read before I tackle this behemoth, I am not ready for the heartache and torture. But I’m so excited to get this exclusive edition!
So this part may seem a little new to you. For months, I wanted to highlight some posts from my favourite bloggers. So here are my top 3 picks:
💜 My girl Kathy from Books and Munches talks about the peer pressure our book community faces. More importantly, she brings up how we bloggers pressure each other and ourselves. Throughout the post, I nodded my head the entire time. She also announced her baby boy, who I have affectionately named Spaghetti, is safe and healthy, AND I CAN’T WAIT TO MEET HIM. I’m so happy for you!
💜 Charleigh from Charleigh Writes lists 10 blogging lessons she’s learned. She addresses many issues I’ve brought up in the past and mentioned new ones. I highly recommend taking a look!
💜 My two favourite bloggers Teagan and Jess from Fiction No Chaser created the YA Playlist Tag. And I can’t wait to do it! I love finding new tags. And they made me cackle with their first answer. 😂
Oh, hi there!
Over the last few months, I’ve been trying to find new tags. And I found this one on The Cozy Pages. I love seeing what Nina posts next. She’s one of my favourite bloggers I have the honor of knowing, and I’m glad we stay in touch. Go see what else she’s posted. I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do
Now, since I don’t feel like writing a review at midnight, I think this is a good substitute. And I haven’t been around lately since my life decided to get crazy hectic this past week.
So let’s get to the tag!
Do you get sick while reading in the car?
Sometimes. If I don’t pay attention to my surroundings, I’m fine. If I look up, then I run into a problem.
Which author’s writing style is completely unique to you and why?
I personally like Kelley Armstrong’s. Kelley is the reason why I decided to get into book publishing, and her writing has saved me numerous times. Overall, she brings realness to her characters. You feel as if they’re normal people even if they’re supernatural.
Harry Potter Series or the Twilight Saga? Give 3 points to defend your answer.
HA! Ahem, I almost choked reading this. I think the answer is in the question. I pick Harry Potter because of the Twilight Saga.
Do you carry a book bag? If so, what is in it (besides books…)?
Technically, my purse is my book bag. I bought it at Indigo and have used it ever since. I hate purses, but mine says, “Read the North,” so I can’t complain.
Do you smell your books?
My friends can easily answer this question. Yes. And I shiver when I crack open a book that hasn’t been opened up yet.
Books with or without little illustrations?
Doesn’t bother me. I like the trend of publishers including illustrations, like Caraval by Stephanie Garber.
What book did you love while reading but discovered later it wasn’t quality writing?
Probably the entire Mortal Instruments series. I didn’t know the controversy surrounding the author, then I delved deeper into YA and found much better series. However, I keep going back to it.
Do you have any funny stories involving books from your childhood? Please share!
I had a speech impediment when I was young, so I’d often get angry and throw my book when I read out loud. My family thought it was cute, and now they worry I’m slightly more invested in books than originally thought. I just want to throw them for another reason now. 😉
What is the thinnest book on your shelf?
My copy of Language of Thorns may be the thinnest.
What is the thickest book on your shelf?
My collection of Outlander books. Those are beasts. And I’m dreading to finish them.
Do you write as well as read? Do you see yourself in the future as being an author?
I’ve been writing for more than half my life. Most of the writing I do now is blogging, but I’d love to get into creative writing again.
When did you get into reading?
My mom pushed me into it when I was little, but she actively bugged me to read more when I was a young teen. Now she complains when she sees my TBR pile. 😂 I can’t win.
What is your favourite classic book?
I have to agree with Nina on her answer of Pride and Prejudice. And Oliver Twist is up there as well.
In school what was your best subject?
English and creative writing (and fashion, even if I dress like a slob)
If you were given a book as a present that you had read before and hated…what would you do?
I’ve had this situation happen before, and I offended the gift giver, so I’ve asked my friends simply to give me Indigo gift cards. They work out for everyone involved, really.
What is a lesser known series that you know of that is similar to Harry Potter or the Hunger Games?
Women of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong. It’s more urban fantasy adult than YA though.
What is a bad habit you always do (besides rambling) while filming?
I usually drop my phone. I’m a huge klutz and probably shouldn’t be near any devices. I even drop my laptop. 😅
What is your favorite word?
Yeah, I shouldn’t repeat it here. I may be small but I swear like an educated sailor.
19. Are you a nerd, dork, or dweeb? Or all of the above?
Nerd all the way!
20. Vampires or Fairies? Why?
I prefer the fae. I love the backstory of them, and you find much better stories about them as well.
21. Shapeshifters or Angels? Why?
Angels. They get all avenge-y and slay people (it’s midnight, so don’t judge my word choices). And I have a thing for wings, apparently.
22. Spirits or Werewolves? Why?
Spirits. I’ve had enough of the latter. And frankly, I laugh when I read about a character getting punched by a ghost.
23. Zombies or Vampires?
I’d rather hang out with the bloodsucking thing beyond the grave. And if you don’t know that reference, I’ll be severely disappointed!
24. Love Triangle or Forbidden Love?
Forbidden. Please, only forbidden. The former choice rarely works out well.
25. AND FINALLY: Full on romance books or action-packed with a few love scenes mixed in?
Action-packed stories. If it’s paranormal romance, I’m fine. But I rarely read strictly romance.
You aren’t obligated to do this tag. If you’ve done it before, you’re good. If I don’t tag you, and you want to do it, please don’t hesitate to do so. I love finding new tags! So don’t let me stop you from doing this one.
Even though I would love to *cough* obsess *cough* over my Scarlet review, which I hoped to write last night, my health decided to kick me when I was down, so I need to take things easy for the next while. Now, say hello to another book tag!
So I saw this one on Hammock of Books. I love when I see Kay’s posts pop up on my Reader feed. Go check out her blog!
Have you ever damaged a book?
😐😐😐
Yes. Several. And I don’t want to talk about it. I feel so guilty. 😭
How long does it take you to read a book?
I typically give myself about seven days to read a book. But I read Cinder in twenty-four hours, and I read a 300-page book in almost two weeks. So I’m all over the board with this question. 😅
Books that you haven’t finished?
I believe I’ve dnf’d a handful of books, but there are plenty I wanted to though.
Hyped/popular books you don’t like?
I don’t understand the book. I love magical realism, but the storyline is all over the place. I honestly tried to love it. Just look at that cover. But I felt the book had two separate stories conflicting with each other, and I’m not sure which one won.
Is there a book you wouldn’t tell anyone you were reading?
Smut. Actually, I wouldn’t tell my mom I read it, but she probably already knows since I read it in front of her. I have no shame in reading these books. Oh God, I’m like Nesta. 😂
How many books do you own?
I wouldn’t be surprised if I owned around 300. But compared to some of these bookstagrammers, I’m a baby Smaug.
Are you a fast or a slow reader?
It all depends on the book. I can breeze through a couple hundred pages in a few hours, and sometimes it may take me forever to get through a book.
Do you like to buddy read?
Yassss. My first and last buddy read was with Dana @ Dana and the Books. Both she and I attended college together and took the Ryerson Publishing program as well. And even though she has moved to the UK, we keep tabs on each other. She’s one reason why I first started blogging.
But yes, I love doing it even though I don’t do it often. And this answer gives you permission to bug me into buddy reading with you.
Do you read better in your head or out loud?
Obviously, I prefer reading in my head. I cannot imagine any other way. I’d probably annoy everyone more if I do.
If you were only allowed to own one book, what would it be and why?
I’ve always been honest with my readers. I come from poverty and a bad past. So reading, and in extension writing, has saved me. Both have blocked out situations and pain. So if I had only one book to read/own, it is White Oleander. It is my haven, my safe place, my bible. If you’re a survivor, and you’ve read this book, you’ll understand what I mean. If you don’t, I still recommend it to you.
Tag time!
Just because I tag you doesn’t mean you’re obligated to do this tag. I just thought you might have fun doing. Now if you do, link me back. I want to read your answers.
For anyone who I haven’t tagged, you can do it as well! I’m not stopping you. 😉
Siobhan's Novelties 