Showing posts with label monthly wrap-up. Show all posts

April Wrap-Up and May TBR






Hi everyone! What a crazy few months it has been! It's been a struggle to adjust to being the sole caretaker of two little beans, and unfortunately, blogging kind of fell by the wayside. But I'm back! Maybe? In any case I've been reading a lot more now that I've developed a routine with the kids and a custody schedule with the ex. So now I actually have things to blog about. I read a really good amount this month, so let's get into it.

 Unfuck Your Habitat: You're Better Than Your Mess by Rachel Hoffman 🌟🌟
This was fine, I guess, but definitely not for me. It had been sitting on my shelf since it came out so I thought I'd go ahead and read it really quickly, just to finally mark it as Read, you know? Honestly, there wasn't even that much actual cleaning content. It was mostly about who needs this book. Seriously, it was so repetitive and there was very little information in here at all.
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Listened to this on audio and it was excellent. The author herself narrates it, so we get to hear it in the actual flow and cadence she intended. I loved the story and thought the poems were beautifully written. I do wish there was more of the sibling relationship but that's okay.
Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Another audio listen. I've been anticipating this for ages and it really lived up to all my expectations! It was funny and thoughtful and witchy and the friendships were perfection. I can't wait to read more of Anderson's work because this was excellent. It's honestly PERFECT for Halloween if you haven't read it yet.
Wink Poppy Midnight by April Genevieve Tucholke 🌟🌟🌟
Look at that, yet ANOTHER audio. I really, really liked the narration in this one and without it I don't know if I'd have even finished the book. I think I'm being pretty generous by giving it three stars. But the sense of dread and anticipation were great. I just wish I knew what the point was. Have you ever been there? You finish a book and you're just like, why? That was me.
Voices: The Finals Hours of Joan of Arc by David Elliott 🌟🌟🌟
It's cool that there are a few YA books about Joan of Arc coming out. I don't know why there aren't more, honestly. This was pretty good, but I didn't feel closeness to Joan or any kind of emotion from her. If it hadn't been written in gorgeous verse, it would have been pretty dry. But the writing was amazing, especially when you look at all the different poetry styles the author used. 
For Everyone by Jason Reynolds 🌟🌟🌟
 I rated this 3 stars, smack in the middle, because I really just don't know HOW to rate it. It was a quick half hour audio book that I listened to while nursing Lachlan. It was sort of motivating and did leave me feeling better about what I've accomplished at my age and my idea of "making it" but I don't know. There's not a lot here, even if it was well written.
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
That's right! After having this on my TBR for like half a year, I finally, finally sat down and read this. I haven't seen any of the show and I was only ever spoiled on a single (significant) death in this first book, so it was especially exciting. Surprising no one, it was amazing, I absolutely loved it, and I've started book 2 already.
How to (Un)Cage a Girl by Francesca Lia Block 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
A quick reread of some of my favorite poetry. There's one at the end written for her daughter that just brings me to my knees every time I read it. I love FLB and will forever love this collection. I just wish I didn't relate to it half as much as I do.

May TBR

A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
This is priority number one for this month. The ex takes the kids every other weekend and one of those weekends is pretty extended, like four days, so that's when I'll tackle this bad boy. I can't wait.
A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro
Randomly picked this up because it was free Prime Reading. I am loving it. It's so good. I can't believe I put this series off for so long. 
Geekerella by Ashley Poston
With the recent release of The Princess and the Fangirl, my excitement for this book jumped up quite a bit. I'm listening to the audio here and there and really enjoying it. I just haven't had time to really commit to it yet.
Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen M. McManus
I really, really did not like her first book but the premise of this intrigues me too much to pass up. I hope it's better because you all know how much I love a good YA thriller/mystery.

October Wrap Up and November TBR




Books of the Month

Bekka





Alexia

Books Read

 

Sadie 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Nightingale 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Bloom 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Be Prepared 🌟🌟🌟
The Spite Game🌟🌟🌟

Our Year of Maybe 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Drowning Instinct 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Anna Dressed in Blood 🌟🌟1/2




November TBR 

Bekka


Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas. I'm more than halfway through and I had planned to finish before October was over but it didn't happen. I should finish really soon though. God willing.

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers. I know. This has been on my tbr for months now, but it's finally time. I'll need a post-Maas cleanse. 

On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden. A total impulse purchase after seeing it on Twitter. But it's a graphic novel so it should fly by and will be a good way to boost that GR challenge number.

Empress of All Seasons by Emiko Jean. I don't usually reach for competition books but something about this one has been calling to me lately.

Imagine Us Happy by Jennifer Yu. It's been a while since I've read a sad contemporary and that is my true comfort zone. I've been looking at this for months and finally bit the bullet and purchased it this week.

Alexia

The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton. I started reading this one months ago, and got about a quarter of the way through it. I was totally immersed in it, but then I had the first of 2 procedures done in the hospital and my reading fell by the wayside. Excited to keep reading this one.

The Fade by Demitria Lunetta. I was obsessed with her zombie duology several years back, and am very excited to read more of her words.

The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi. Um, just LOOK at this cover? Plus it sounds SO GOOD. I cannot wait to read this book.

Sawkill Girls by Claire LeGrand. I'm a little apprehensive about this book, but I am a sucker for girls who fight for what they believe in.

Broken Things by Lauren Oliver. I'm really nervous about this one because I've struck out on most of Oliver's books, but I am a big sucker for murder mysteries. And it sounds like there's more than meets the eye with this one.


Are any of our books on your November TBR?

September Wrap-Up and October TBR


Books of the Month

Bekka





Alexia

Books Read

 

Blanca & Roja 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Wolf Wilder 🌟🌟🌟🌟
A Room Away From the Wolves🌟🌟🌟
Toil & Trouble 🌟🌟🌟🌟


                       A Danger to Herself and Others🌟🌟🌟🌟
After the Fire 🌟🌟🌟🌟




October TBR 

Bekka



The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White. I just started this one a couple days ago and though I haven't gotten very far in yet, it's already very unsettling. You can tell Elizabeth is hiding a lot and I'm excited to see the darkness inside her.

The Spy with the Red Balloon by Katherine Locke. The only not-so-scary book on this list, though I'm sure it will be terrifying in other ways. I loved the first one and I've been eagerly anticipating this companion. There's nothing like this series out there, it's so unique and so, so good.


Grim Lovelies by Megan Shepherd. I started this a while back but put it down because I knew it would be better suited for October. I love the world and the magic so far and I'm ready to delve into the mystery.

Nightingale by Amy Lukavics. It's almost Halloween and I'm ready for Amy Lukavics to scare the pants off me yet again.

Not Even Bones by Rebecca Schaffer. I know very little about this except that I expect it to be creepy and a bit gruesome. I'm ready.



Alexia


Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco. So many bloggers have raved about this series and I am super stoked to start it and hopefully love it like so many others have. Hugely excited for it.

Nightingale by Amy Lukavics.
Super excited for this book and for this author to scare the living crap out of me again.

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black. I started reading this book well over a year ago, and I have the itch to pick it back up again. I've heard great things about this book and although it's not typically my thing, I am willing to give it a try.

The Hanging Girl by Eileen Cook. I just recently got Cook's upcoming release for review, so I figured it was probably time to read this one. I actually just reread the synopsis and now I remember why I requested it in the first place. Plus Cook is really good at the mystery stuff.


The Hollow Girl by Hillary Monahan. Again, I just reread the synopsis for this one and am seriously wondering WHY I haven't read it yet. It looks like an Alexia book in a really big way. Given that it's a horror book, I'd say it's PERFECT for October.
Are any of our books on your October TBR?

June Wrap Up and July TBR








Books of the Month

Bekka


Alexia


Books Read

 

Call Me By Your Name🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Daughters of the Storm🌟🌟🌟🌟
Shadow State🌟🌟🌟
Tell Me No Lies 🌟🌟
The Loneliest Girl in the Universe🌟🌟🌟
Tithe🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Ironside🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
People Like Us🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Little Monsters🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
And She Was🌟🌟🌟🌟1/2
The Hate U Give🌟🌟🌟🌟
Four-Letter Word🌟🌟🌟
Wild Beauty🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Complication🌟🌟🌟🌟1/2
Imaginary Girls🌟🌟🌟🌟








July TBR 

Bekka



 1. Bright We Burn by Kiersten White. It's finally time! I've been waiting on the edge of my seat for a YEAR to finally read this conclusion to one of my all time favorite series. I'm not ready but also I'M SO READY.

2. Sea Witch by Sarah Henning. An Ursula origin story!! It doesn't get more intriguing than that, people.

3. Contagion by Erin Bowman. There's a plague of some kind and that's all I know. That's all I need to know. I haven't read a book like this in a while and I am so excited.

4. Notes From My Captivity by Kathy Parks. Another subgenre I haven't read from in quite some time. I hope it will be a good refresher or palate cleanser next to all these science fiction and fantasy titles.

5. The Poppy War by RF Kuang. I've been hearing nothing but amazing things about this book and after the kerfuffle on twitter, I wanted to support this author. I can't wait to read this!

Alexia

1. The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken. This book is LONG overdue for a read. I have no excuses for not starting this series yet. I hope I enjoy it this month.
2. The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson. Yet another series that I am planning to start this month. Like the first book on this list, I really hope I enjoy this series.
3. Heart of Thorns by Bree Barton. Apparently, this month will be a heavy non-contemporary month. Excited for this one even though fantasy can be a hit or miss for me.

4. The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli. I'll be doing the audiobook of this one while I recover from surgery. I think it was Cody that recommended that. I did try to get into this book before, but for some reason, it wasn't the right time.

5. Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer. I have a HUGE backlog of review books and this one is one of those that I was SO EXCITED about at first, but I still haven't read it. I've heard that it's an emotional read so I'm nervous but hopeful.

Are any of our books on your July TBR?

May Wrap-Up and June TBR



Books of the Month

Bekka

Alexia



Books Read 


Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Burn the Fairy Tales 🌟
A Line in the Dark🌟🌟🌟
Little & Lion🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟









April TBR 

Bekka


 1. Daughters of the Storm by Kim Wilkins
This is my current read and I am totally obsessed. I wish there was more hype around it because in my opinion, it has everything. Politics, magic, intrigue, mystery, romance. I love it.

2. Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman
 I've wanted to read this for a long time now, and what better time than pride month?

3. Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson
This is one of my most-anticipated titles of the year. I unfortunately have to wait a minute to read it because I'm getting an annotated version, so it's taking a bit longer to get to. But I can't wait!

4. In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan
 A handful of my friends are entirely too obsessed with this book so it's time to jump on the bandwagon and see what the fuss is about.

5. The Accidental Bad Girl by Maxine Kaplan
 I haven't read a good YA thriller in a little while so it's time. This one comes highly recommended from a few trusted sources, too, so that's a plus!

Alexia

1. The Gentlemans Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
 This one has been on my Kindle forever and I am in desperate need of a banter-y romance.

2. The Last Summer of the Garrett Girls by Jessica Spotswood
 Since summer is almost here, what better way to celebrate that than with a summer book about sisters.

3. What If it's Us by Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera
One of my most anticipated reads and a great way to celebrate Pride month.

4. Georgia Peaches and Other Forbbiden Fruit by Jayne Robin Brown
I've also had this book on my Kindle forever, and every once and awhile I get the itch to read it. Now's the time and I cannot wait.

5. A Darkly Beating Heart by Lindsay Smith
I've been super excited about this book for ages, but since two of my favorite people had such drastically different feelings about it, I've been putting it off. Not anymore!


Are any of our books on your June TBR?

April Wrap-Up and May TBR



Books of the Month

Bekka
Alexia



Books Read 


Ash Princess🌟🌟🌟🌟
Ella Enchanted 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Alanna: The First Adventure 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I Hate Everyone But You 🌟🌟
Lies You Never Told Me 🌟🌟🌟
Sky in the Deep🌟🌟🌟🌟
White Rabbit🌟🌟
Leah on the Offbeat🌟🌟🌟🌟







April TBR 

Bekka


 1. All of This is True by Lygia Day Penaflor. I have been so excited about this since the moment I learned it existed. Stories about the line between fiction and truth blurring absolutely fascinate me. I've only ever seen them in movies though so I'm pumped about it being in book form now.

2. Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson. This is 100% on my top list of most anticipated 2018 releases. Literally everything about this speaks to me, especially that glorious cover.

3. Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand. This doesn't come out until October but the moment it was on my Kindle, I started reading it. I hope it lives up to all the hype I've built for it in my head haha.

4. Always Forever Maybe by Anica Mrose Rissi. I haven't read a sad contemporary in a while and they used to be what I always reached for. This one is about an abusive romantic relationship and it sounds like it's right up my alley.

5. Tell Me No Lies by A.V. Geiger. I was left STUNNED by the ending of the first book so of course you know I need to figure out what happened. I haven't actually seen many positive things so far but I really hope I can be the outlier.

Alexia


1. And She Was by Jessica Verdi. I am a die hard Verdi fan, but for some reason I had no idea she had a new book coming out until recently. Fast forward to now and I have an eARC of it waiting on my Kindle.

2. Sadie by Courtney Summers. I am still in a state of shock that I actually GOT an eARC of Sadie. I requested it, but was honestly not sure if I was going to get it. I am super excited about this book.

3. A Line in the Dark by Malinda Lo. I've been obsessed with this cover & the synopsis forever. I had a little extra money in April, so I bought this book along with a few others. I cannot wait to dive into this book.

4. People Like Us by Dana Mele. This book was one of my most anticipated books this year. So when I didn't get an early copy of it, I put it on my list to buy when I had the money. I was able to buy it in March and I'm SO EXCITED for it.

5. Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert. I've been waiting FOREVER for more of Colbert's words and I knew when the book arrived in March that I wouldn't be able to hold off on reading it for long. Well, May will definitely be the month I dive into this book and I cannot wait.



Are any of our books on your May TBR?