September Reading Wrap Up + October To-Be-Read

Hello, friends!

As you can tell from the title, I’m here to tell you what I read and what I plan to read. So, let’s get into it!

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Wrap Up

Check, Please! Book 1: #Hockey by Ngozi Ukazu

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Giant Days, Vol. 13 by John Allison

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Promise, Part 1 by Gene Luen Yang

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Duchess Deal (Girl Meets Duke #1) by Tessa Dare

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Well, it’s four stars across the board. I’d call it a successful reading month, even though 60% of them were graphic novels. IT STILL COUNTS.

If I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare. A close second is Giant Days by John Allison.

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October To-Be-Read

There are three books that I need to finish up:

Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson

“Gripping, tragic, and densely atmospheric, Snow Falling on Cedars is a masterpiece of suspense—but one that leaves us shaken and changed.”

Check, Please!, Book 2: Sticks & Scones by Ngozi Ukazu

“. . . the last in a hilarious and stirring two-volume coming-of-age story about hockey, bros, and trying to find yourself during the best four years of your life.”

The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow

“A book that carries the scent of other worlds, and tells a tale of secret doors, of love, adventure and danger. Each page turn reveals impossible truths about the world and January discovers a story increasingly entwined with her own.”

The rest of the books I want to read will probably be mostly sequels, and a thriller to make my list more appealing to the spooky szn lovers.

Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Promise, Part 2 by Gene Luen Yang

“Aang and Katara work tirelessly to prevent a dispute between Fire Lord Zuko and Earth King Kuei that could plunge the world back into war! Meanwhile, Sokka helps Toph prepare her hapless first class of metalbending students to defend their school against a rival class of firebenders!“

The Governess Game by Tessa Dare

“He’s been a bad, bad rake—and it takes a governess to teach him a lesson

The accidental governess.”

Goodnight Beautiful by Aimee Molloy

“. . . comes an irresistible psychological thriller featuring a newly married woman whose life is turned upside down when her husband goes missing.”

That’s about all I have for you in this post. What do y’all plan on reading in October? I’m assuming it’s spooky.

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Top Ten Tuesday: Books on My Fall To-Be-Read List (9/22/20)

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl

Rules:

“I assign each Tuesday a topic and then post my top ten list that fits that topic. You’re more than welcome to join me and create your own top ten (or 2, 5, 20, etc.) list as well. Feel free to put a unique spin on the topic to make it work for you! Please link back to That Artsy Reader Girl in your own post so that others know where to find more information.“

Fall To-Be-Read List

The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline

” . . .an ambitious, emotionally resonant novel that captures the hardship, oppression, opportunity and hope of a trio of women’s lives in nineteenth-century Australia.”

Crazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

“A hacktivist and a cat café owner decode the friend zone in this romantic comedy from the author of Undercover Bromance.”

The Library of the Unwritten by A.J. Hackwith

” . . . books that aren’t finished by their authors reside in the Library of the Unwritten in Hell, and it is up to the Librarian to track down any restless characters who emerge from those unfinished stories.“

The Tea Dragon Tapestry by Katie O’Neill

“Join Greta and Minette once more for the heartwarming conclusion of the award-winning Tea Dragon series!“

Hell in the Heartland by Jax Miller

“The stranger-than-fiction cold case from rural Oklahoma that has stumped authorities for two decades, concerning the disappearance of two teenage girls and the much larger mystery of murder, police cover-up, and an unimaginable truth…“

The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

“Colson Whitehead brilliantly dramatizes another strand of American history through the story of two boys sentenced to a hellish reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida.“

The Boys’ Club by Erica Katz

“Sweetbitter meets The Firm in this buzzy, page-turning debut novel—already optioned to Netflix—about sex and power in the halls of corporate America.“

1922 by Stephen King

” . . . a man who succumbs to the violence within—setting in motion a grisly train of murder and madness.“

Goodnight Beautiful Aimee Molloy

” . . . an irresistible psychological thriller featuring a newly married woman whose life is turned upside down when her husband goes missing.“

Paris Never Leaves You by Ellen Feldman

“Living through WWII working in a Paris bookstore with her young daughter, Vivi, and fighting for her life, Charlotte is no victim, she is a survivor. But can she survive the next chapter of her life?“

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Latinx Heritage Month – Books by Latinx Authors That I Want to Read

I want to start being diligent about diversifying what I choose to read. I typically don’t pay attention to all of that. If someone writes an interesting book, then that’s all I care about regardless of sex, race, age, etc. I’m actively working on it, and I went through last night and found books by authors that are Latinx (individuals with Latin American origin/descent.)

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

“Yadriel has summoned a ghost, and now he can’t get rid of him.“

This book is not only written by a Latinx author, but it is also about a Latinx family. It is young adult, which I don’t read much of, but I try to pick ones that I think might send a good message. It’s fantasy, obviously, but I noticed that it has some LGBTQ+ elements to it according to Goodreads.

Dominicana by Angie Cruz

“In bright, musical prose that reflects the energy of New York City, Dominicana is a vital portrait of the immigrant experience and the timeless coming-of-age story of a young woman finding her voice in the world.“

This one has such great ratings on Goodreads. I’m assuming it’s a mix between literary and historical fiction. Again, it seems as if the book is also about Latinx characters. I’m actually super excited to get to this one. I want to read it right now, but it’s currently checked out at my library, so I get to play the waiting game.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

“. . . the devastation of loss, the difficulty of forgiveness, and the bittersweet bonds that shape our lives.”

Okay, so I think the majority of these involve Latinx characters, which is awesome, but I’ll stop repeating myself. I’ve heard amazing things about Acevedo. I think I’m most interested in this book by her, but if I love it, then I’ll try her other ones. I’m interested to see how it goes considering it’s written in-verse. Let me know what you thought of this one!

Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

“In their youth, Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza fall passionately in love. When Fermina eventually chooses to marry a wealthy, well-born doctor, Florentino is heartbroken, but he is a romantic.“

I didn’t even know what this was about until I started writing this blog post. It gives me such You vibes, but as a classic. I’m excited to read this, but I’m also questioning myself every second.

A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende

“. . . follows two young people as they flee the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War in search of a place to call home.“

This is another one with fantastic ratings on Goodreads. I’ve also seen it floating around at my library and on Instagram. I’m interested in learning more about the Spanish Civil War, and I just love a good historical fiction novel. How about y’all?

Fruit of the Drunken Tree by Ingrid Rojas Contreras

“. . . a mesmerizing debut set against the backdrop of the devastating violence of 1990’s Colombia about a sheltered young girl and a teenage maid who strike an unlikely friendship that threatens to undo them both.“

I have never heard of this book, but it seems like it has decent ratings on Goodreads. I don’t read a lot of books set in Colombia; I actually couldn’t even tell you one book that I’ve read that is set there. Again, I’m working on diversifying my reading, and this is definitely a good place to start. If you’ve read this, I’m interested to know what you thought! Goodreads related it to the works of Isabel Allende and Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

“The Mayan god of death sends a young woman on a harrowing, life-changing journey in this one-of-a-kind fairy tale inspired by Mexican folklore.“

This just sounded like nothing I’ve read before. This is actually the same author who wrote the new book Mexican Gothic. I think they’re two completely different stories. I’ve seen this floating around, but it’s a rare occasion. I’m going into this with no expectations. Hopefully, this doesn’t disappoint.

Love War Stories by Ivelisse Rodriguez

“This collection documents how these “love wars” break out across generations as individuals find themselves caught in the cross-hairs of romance, expectations, and community.“

This was published in 2018, and I discovered it less than 24 hours ago. It has such an interesting premise, and if I do read it, this will be my first short story collection. I’ve never heard anyone talk about it, but the book has good ratings on Goodreads. Let me know if you’ve read this one! I’m excited to pick it up.

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That’s my short list of books by Latinx authors. I don’t think I’ve read from any of these authors, which makes me kind of sad. They all have such interesting stories to tell. I hope you enjoyed this, and I’m excited to discover more as I continue to read everyone’s blog posts!

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Blogmas Day 4: WWW Wednesday (12/4/19)

Happy BLOGMAS day 4!

This is a weekly meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words. You answer three simple questions: What are you currently reading, what have you recently finished reading, and what do you anticipate you’ll read next?

Make sure that you link back to the host!

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What have you recently finished reading?

Bunny by Mona Awad ★★✩✩✩

Goodreads Review

Giant Days vol. 3 by John Allison ★★★★✩

Instagram Review

What are you currently reading?

Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren

Thoughts: I really enjoyed the beginning of this one, but I’m almost 50% in and I’m not all that interested in what’s happening. It’s very easy to get through though.

The Light After the War by Anita Abriel

Thoughts: I’m 30% of the way through this NetGalley ARC, and I am enjoying myself. This is a historical fiction novel, and it’s not at all hard to read or confusing. There are a lot of good quotes, and I haven’t read a story quite like it. I’ll let you all know what I think in my monthly wrap.

What do you anticipate you’ll read next?

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid: I pulled this out of my TBR jar, and it comes out at the end of December. If that’s not a sign to read it this month, then I don’t know what is.

The Turn of the Screw by Henry James: I pulled this one out of my physical TBR jar.

Giant Days vol. 3 by John Allison: This is a graphic novel series that I have been enjoying between full-length novels.

P.S: I have an exciting post coming out on December 12th that I’m super excited for. I really wanted at least one really special blog post this month, and I guess December 12th is that day. Stay tuned! 🙂

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The End of the Year Book Tag – 2019

I’m not quite sure who the creator is for this one. If anyone can answer that, then leave it in the comments. I wasn’t tagged, but I figured this would be a great time to do this.

Are there any books your started this year that you need to finish?

I have DNF’d quite a few, but these are the ones I want to pick back up, eventually.

The Heart Keeper by Alex Dahl

Ellie and the Harpmaker by Hazel Prior

At the Wolf’s Table by Rosella Postorino

Wanderers by Chuck Wendig

Do you have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year?

No, I pick up whatever I want to any time of the year.

Is there a new release you’re still waiting for?

Not for this year. There are quite a few coming out at the beginning 2020 that I’m excited for.

What are three books you want to read before the end of the year?

Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren

The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin

Kill Creek by Scott Thomas

Is there a book that you think could still shock you and become your favorite book of the year?

I’ve heard so many good things about The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin. I really want it to become a favorite. I’m nervous to start it though.

Have you already started making reading plans for 2020?

I have thought about a few things here and there. I’m trying not to think about how this year is already almost over!

I’m not tagging anyone, but feel free to participate!

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November 2019 TBR

It’s time for that monthly TBR! This month, I want to focus on my NetGalley checklist. I’ve been putting them off for no reason, and I feel terrible.

I’m 200 and something pages into Middlegame by Seanan McGuire, but there’s an 80% chance I will DNF it. I love her writing, but I’m not enjoying the story. Super disappointed! 😦

I want to knock out Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout so I can read Olive, Again. This one is on my NetGalley checklist that I need to get to ASAP. I have it checked out from the library right now.

The Secret Commonwealth by Philip Pullman. This isn’t from NetGalley, but it’s one of my most anticipated reads. Can we also talk about how beautiful the cover is on this one?

Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane. I have this on NetGalley, and at this point I own it. I think the least I can do is read it and review it.

This TBR is ambitious for me. Working full-time always exhausts me, even after working the same job for over two years. You’d think I’d be used to it. I’m going to actually carve out time everyday for reading and see where that gets me. Wish me luck!

What are you going to read this month?

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Top Ten Tuesday: Books on My Fall 2019 TBR (9/24/19)

Rules for Top Ten Tuesday:

Every Tuesday there is a new topic that you will find over at That Artsy Reader Girl.

The goal is to give your top ten answers, but you can give as many as you want. Put a twist on the topic to make it work for you!

Most importantly, make sure you link to the host (That Artsy Reader Girl ↑).

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I have several books I need to read that coincide with ARCs I have on NetGalley. I’m excited for Autumn because it has been 95 degrees with humidity in Kentucky. I like summer, but I enjoy not sweating unless I’m exercising. Anyway, here is my TBR list for the Fall. Enjoy!

Olive Kitteridge (Olive Kitteridge #1) by Elizabeth Strout.

 Olive, Again (Olive Kitteridge #2) by Elizabeth Strout

– Publication date: 10/15/19 by Random House

Violet by Scott Thomas

– Publication date: 9/24/19 by Inkshares

The Whisper Man by Alex North

– I have this on NetGalley, but I also have a finished copy. Published 8/20/19 by Celadon Books.

Emma by Jane Austen

The Pursuit of William Abbey by Claire North

– Publication date: 11/12/19 by Orbit Books

The Story of Arthur Truluv (Mason #1) by Elizabeth Berg

Night of Miracles (Mason #2) by Elizabeth Berg

The Confession Club (Mason #3) by Elizabeth Berg

– Publication date: 11/19/19 by Random House

A Fire Sparkling by Julianne MacLean

– Published 8/1/19 by Lake Union Publishing

Honorable Mention: Kill Creek by Scott Thomas

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The Reading Rush (Previously Booktubeathon) TBR!

Hello, friends! I don’t have a YouTube channel, but this is one of my favorite readathons. Ariel Bissett and Raeleen Lemay have changed the name to The Reading Rush, and you should go check out their video. They have created a website to use to connect with other participants, and keep track of your progress. They even have BADGES now! Click the link here. This readathon takes place from July 22nd – July 28th. Here is their twitter if you want to keep up with them!

Challenges:

Read a book with purple on the cover:

• On the Corner of Love and Hate by Nina Bocci
• And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman

Read a book in the same spot the entire time:

• Night Boat to Tangier by Kevin Barry
• Recursion by Blake Crouch

Read a book you meant to read last year:

• Josh & Hazel’s Guide to not Dating by Christina Lauren
• Lilac Girls by Martha Kelly

Read an author’s first book:

• Miracle Creek by Angie Kim
• Ellie and the Harpmaker by Hazel Prior

Read a book with a non-human character:

• Animal Farm by George Orwell
• Watership Down by Richard Adams

Read a book with 5+ words in the title:

• Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren
• On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

Read and watch a book to movie adaptation:

• Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Pay it Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde

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May 2019 TBR

I don’t usually stick to a TBR since I am a mood reader. I start multiple books at once so I have a variety of reading material for awhile. I do have a few things that I need to read this month since I was so kindly accepted on Netgalley for them.

1. The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna by Juliet Grames: Published 5/7/19 by Ecco
2. The Naked Truth: A Memoir by Leslie Morgan: Published 5/21/19 by Simon & Schuster
3. Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane: Published 5/28/19 by Scribner

Thank you to the publishers for allowing me to read these exciting stories in exchange for an honest review! 

I do have one audiobook I need to finish up this month:

1. A Mother’s Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy by Sue Klebold

Additional books I would like to get to:

1. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
2. The Raven Tower by Ann Leckie

I am going to try my best to stick to this. I need some structure in my life. The e-galleys are my number one priority right now. I’m a little nervous I won’t finish Stella Fortuna by the time it is published. I’ll have to read it any chance I get.

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Cleaning up my Goodreads TBR!

I don’t have a lot of books on my TBR, at least that are documented on my Goodreads. Most of the books on my physical shelves aren’t even on my Goodreads TBR, which is something I should probably do. Anyway, this is just for the books that I have marked as “want to read” on my Goodreads account.

Disclaimer: This is my TBR, and I’m not trying to offend anyone if I don’t want to read books by your favorite author.

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All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Any book by Leigh Bardugo (5 books)

Daughter of the Burning City by Amanda Foody

Any book by Patrick Ness (3 books)

I Am, I Am, I Am: Seventeen Brushes with Death by Maggie O’Farrell

Fortune Smiles by Adam Johnson

None of the Above by I.W. Gregorio

The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy by Kate Hattemer

Solar Bones by Mike McCormack

The Way I Used to be by Amber Smith

Any book by Susan Beth Pfeffer (4 books)

Paperweight by Meg Haston

Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart

The Mark and the Void by Paul Murray

The Great American Whatever by Tim Federle

You’ll Grow Out of it by Jessi Klein

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett

Here, There, Everywhere by Julia Durango

The Social Affair by Britney King

Always Never Yours by Emily Wibberley

Into the Storm by Tristram Korten

The Rise and Fall of Dinosaurs by Stephen Brusatte

The Library by Stuart Kells

Dominic by Mark Pryor

I know this was very boring, and I understand if no one reads it. I just wanted to document the books I’m taking off my TBR. It’s boring if I just write it in my notes on my phone. I figured I would let you all be part of it.

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