Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Most Underrated Books

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Underrated Books

I’m a big fan of this week’s Top Ten Tuesday, friends. It’s nice to be able to look at something quantitatively instead of having to MAKE CHOICES. We all know how hard it is to figure out which books to put on our lists each week. But finding the most LITERALLY underrated books on my Goodreads shelf was interesting and fun, and in some cases, surprising. I stuck to books I’ve already read so that I can better judge how egregious their lack of ratings are.

These are in order from highest under 2000 to lowest!

Underrated books

Guys. THIS SERIES THO. Do you like Sherlock retellings? BFF-turned-romance? Mysteries? Aussies? Family secrets? If you said “yes” to any combination of those things, you should absolutely read this series. I’ve read the whole thing (even though book 3 isn’t out in the US yet; I loved these books so much that I bought it from the Aussie publisher), and it was all amazing. Given how many people I know who’ve read and loved this series, I’m surprised that book 1 doesn’t have more than 2,000 ratings. Close though!

Underrated books

I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned this book on my blog before. It’s not YA (AT ALL), but I fucking love it. I LOVE IT. It started out as a serial release on Wattpad and I could not control my chill every time a new chapter was released. I’ve read this book so many times. May and Ben have such a REAL relationship. Ruthie Knox is taking her sweet time finishing book 2, but it makes me a little sad that this is such an underrated book because it’s so good.

Underrated books So, I’m going to be honest right up front. This isn’t the easiest book to read. It’s a fantasy that takes place on an island that I imaged was somewhere like the South Pacific. The rest is hard to explain, so I won’t even try. There’s TONS of subtext and English-major analysis stuff going on, which is great. Lots to think about. Sometimes the text gets a little convoluted. I can see why maybe not a lot of people have read it or finished it or rated it, but none of this takes away from how brilliant it is. The world is like nothing–NOTHING–else I’ve ever read, and it’s one of those books that really leaves you in awe of the mind that created it.

Underrated books

SUUPER cute NA right here that I’m suuper surprised has so few ratings. (I should note for context that the most rated book on my shelves is THE HUNGER GAMES with over 4.2 million.) It’s been a little while since I read it, but I know it’s got the friends-turned-more thing going on and it’s just really sweet. Definitely worth a read if you’re looking for a light contemp.

Underrated books

God, this book is really good. It’s set in Spain, a gorgeous place, and I can’t think of a single other book set there, so that adds to the je ne sais quoi. It’s about teen pregnancy, which I know some people steer clear of, but this is a really wonderful story about the bonding between an expectant mother and her little nugget. Plus, there’s something really eye-catching about this cover. I don’t know.
Underrated books

Criminally underrated book, in my opinion. This book was SO GOOD. Great world-building, characters, magical system, romance, everything. I feel like this one is falling victim to the “I want to read this, but it’s not NEW new anymore, so I’m going to read this other book instead,” and that’s a real shame. It’s been one of my favorite books recently.

Underrated books

Another surprisingly underrated book. I thought that the first book in this series, THE HALLOWED ONES, was excellent on its own and didn’t necessarily need more, but I enjoyed this sequel quite a bit! The vampires in this series are awesomely terrifying, and the Amish angle is so intriguing.

Underrated books

See my rant about EVERY BREATH above. Read this book, please. Read this whole series. There will be no regrets.
Underrated books

You know how sometimes you read a book and you can spot things that maybe aren’t perfect but you’re just so enchanted with the language and the world and the characters that you really can’t bring yourself to care too much? This is one of those books for me. I loved it. Truly. I still think about it to this day.
Underrated books

I guess I’ll give this one a slight pass since it only just came out, but WHOA, this was a great book. I hope the number of ratings go up, especially since it’s a fast-paced, twisty sequel that’s just as good as–if not better than–the first.

 

Where I’ve Been

where-have-you-been

Sorry, Mrs. Weasley. Short answer: here. Long answer: here, but just reading a lot and taking a break and re-energizing myself. Watching Outlander over and over again. Becoming obsessed with makeup tutorials on YouTube and spending too much money as a result. Letting my reviews pile up. Feeling a little disconnected. It’s been pretty freeing, honestly. I have NOT been getting into trouble with your sons and Harry Potter (GOD, I WISH) (WAHHHH, FRED!! *SOBS FOREVER*).

Anywho, you know how sometimes things are incredibly stressful and you feel like you’re dealing with everything pretty well until you look backwards and are like, “Oh, no, honey. No.”? That’s been me lately. Well, kind of since the beginning of this year. Work has been stressful–like, giving me hives stressful–and home has been a little less so, but still not the calmest. I come home from work and I’m burned out, and all I feel like doing is reading or watching the aforementioned YouTube videos and not having to do anything even mildly obligatory. I’d say that I barely have the motivation to do laundry, but that’s not really the result of anything new. I’m just, like, mentally exhausted. My chill is evaporating.

I know that I’ve mentioned before somewhere that when I’m feeling the press of time or like a stress ball, I’ll chose reading over anything else. Including blogging. To me, reading is entertainment, and when I need to turn off my brain for whatever reason, I’ll grab a book. Reading at my own unhurried pace is really the only thing that relaxes me lately, and blogging has felt like more work.

Since I haven’t posted anything in a while (almost a whole month OMG), I figured I’d just give a brief rundown of what I have been reading recently so that we can still have no chill over books together. I’ve mostly been reading lots of adult contemporary or historical romance (I’m caught up on Penny Reid’s Winston Brothers series and just finished some Tessa Dare books–all wonderful), because those books in particular are like crack and are perfect for my mood, but I’ve gotten a few YA books under my belt, waiting patiently for me to get a burst of motivation to write a review. I loved THE RAVEN KING and A COURT OF MIST AND FURY. Loved a lot. Katie McGarry’s WALK THE EDGE was really good; I’m loving this biker series in general so far. I also cannot wait for the third book in The Fixer series because THE LONG GAME was fun and intriguing and had SOME TWIST (I kind of figured it out, but still). I’m also completely invested in my Outlander reread. Like, ALL IN. I’m rereading the series via audio before I read IN MY OWN HEART’S BLOOD, and it’s seriously the best kind of meditative device. Davina Porter is magic. I’m on THE FIERY CROSS right now, and everytime I start a new book, my excitement for the whole series is renewed. Plus, this is the first time I’ve reread the books after DRAGONFLY IN AMBER, and it’s basically a book-lover’s dream to be reminded of things and characters in a favorite series long forgotten. JAMMF always.

I’m 23 books behind on my Goodreads challenge, and I’m not really sweating it.

As always, though, I’ve got a BUNCH of books I want to read, but I’m really looking forward to THE WINNER’S KISS, THE ROSE AND THE DAGGER, THE UNEXPECTED EVERYTHING, and, like, so many more. Have you guys read any of these? Which one should I jump into first? TELL ME!

Basically this whole post is just because I missed blogging for the first time in awhile today, and I wanted to talk about what I’ve been reading in a really (really) low-key way. What have you guys been up to? How’s life? Whatcha readin these days?

Let’s catch up!

Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Beach Reads

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Beach Reads

For me, there are only a few qualities that I look for in the ideal beach read: One, nothing too big. If it’s going to block my sun and hurt my wrists, it’s a no. Two, keep it as light as possible. Lots of contemporary romances here, friends. Because, three, I like my beach reads to be lighter on the deep, heavy thoughts, convoluted plots that require my attention, complex elements that might confuse me, or things that might make me cry. When I’m at the beach or the pool, I’m getting up and down, maybe falling asleep, etc. So as much as I ADORE it, OUTLANDER is the epitome of a book I WOULDN’T bring to the beach with me.

That being said, this list is a mix of all kinds of things: specific books that I do actually think I would enjoy reading at the beach, books that I haven’t read but think would be great beach reads, authors that scream “beach” and “summer” to me, as well as my go-to beach read genres. All over the place!

Beach reads

I’m definitely planning on bringing THE ROSE AND THE DAGGER with me if I ever get my ass to the beach this summer. It’s on my “read me really soon” list because I NEED to know what happens with Khalid and Shazi. This is about as serious as my beach reads will get, friends.

Beach reads

Stephanie Perkins’ contemps are some of my very favorites. I’ve reread Anna and Isla so many times (but never Lola…interesting). These two would be perfect beach reads, along with Stephanie’s edited volume, SUMMER DAYS AND SUMMER NIGHTSBeach reads

If I want my beach read to be lighthearted, sweet, and feel-good from top to bottom, I’ll grab one of the Penderwicks books. They have this really timeless quality about them, and two of them take place in the summertime. I just love these sisters. Beach reads

Guys. This is an example of not only an author I’d take with me to the beach, but a whole genre. Jay Crownover’s books are hot and full of drama, and I love them. I’d also grab books by Cora Carmack, Christina Lauren, Elle Kennedy, or Kristin Callahan if I were in the mood for something similar. Beach reads

A stand-in for all Sarah Dessen books. PERFECT beach reads for me. Not only do so many of her books take place at the beach, but they are also the perfect balance of feel-good romance and emotional roller coaster. Beach reads

I’m reading this one right now, so if I went to the beach today, I’d bring this with me. Again, about as serious as I’ll get at the beach. But it’s got some great elements so far: Russia, magic, a competition. Feels like it’s got a good pace so far, and that’s something I look for in a good beach read as well. Beach reads

I do love a good Sherlock retelling, and I think mysteries are great beach reads. I always used to bring those to the beach with me. Captivating and fun, they made the hottest part of the day go faster. I haven’t read this one yet, but it’s got potential. Beach reads

Ahhh, the historical romance. This is my go-to genre for just about any reading issue I’m having. Slump? Historical romance. Need something that I’ll finish fast? Historical romance. Feeling YA burnout? Historical romance. Looking for something sassy for the beach? Historical romance. I LOVE Julia Quinn. Her Bridgertons series is one of my favorites, and I’m excited to start this new series about the Bridgerton’s mother. I also love Sarah MacLean, Tessa Dare, Lauren Willig’s Pink Carnation series, and Lisa Kleypas to name a few others. LOVE this genre. Beach reads

I got the ebook of this as a gift from one of my previous secret sisters and I know that a ton of people loved it, so I really can’t wait to read this one. Sounds like an excellent beach read: romantic, dramatic, and obviously wonderful for a lover of British things.
Beach reads

Classic beach read. It’s got everything. Romance, road trips, feelings, playlists. I’d grab any Morgan Matson book aside from SECOND CHANCE SUMMER to bring to the beach with me. (There’s no crying in beach reading.) I’d also think about books by Jessi Kirby, Emery Lord, and Huntley Fitzpatrick.

What are some of your go-to beach reads?

Blog Tour | The Square Root of Summer | Harriet Reuter Hapgood

Square Root of Summer

The Square Root of Summer Blog Tour | This Is Who I Am Now

Guys, I’m incredibly excited to be participating in the blog tour for the debut from Harriet Reuter Hapgood, THE SQUARE ROOT OF SUMMER (thanks, lovelies at Macmillan for inviting me)! I’ll be posting my review this week, but it’s a kind of  mind-bendy, emotional story about death and moving on and love, and it’s put Harriet Reuter Hapgood squarely on my radar for sure!

So, the cool thing about this blog tour is that it takes advantage of the very fun time capsule idea that plays an important part in the friendship (or more??) of Gottie and Thomas. While I wasn’t able to get an item in, I do get to answer these awesome questions that are very time capsule-ish. HUZZAH!

I answered the questions below about two months ago and again just today, so it’s like a time capsule of my feelings. Gottie and Thomas are a little more tangible with theirs in THE SQUARE ROOT OF SUMMER, but as with all time capsules, physical things represent the emotions attached. THIS IS ALL SO FUN.

Without further ado from me, let’s get to the questions!

Square Root of Summer

March 2016: Generally speaking, always my family and friends. Even when they drive me nuts. Right now specifically? Pictures of the dogs I dog sit with my sister. I could be having the worst day, and one snap of them and I’m over it. Likewise any pictures of piglets. AND! The first sightings of the year of Cadbury Mini Wggs.

May 2016: Spring! I am a winter-lover, so I don’t mind the snow, but now that I’ve had a taste of some warm, beautiful days, all I want is more. Also, there’s a flowering bush in my front yard called a sweet viburnum. It only blooms once a year in early spring and it’s incredibly fragrant. When it’s blooming and I have my windows open, I can smell it in my bedroom. Heaven.

Square Root of Summer

March 2016: I am currently listening to the Outlander books via audio and I’m DYING. This is my first time rereading them all in a few years–in fact, it’s my first time rereading some of them period–and I’m in full Outlander immersion mode right now. As far as print books, I just finished THE LOVE THAT SPLIT THE WORLD, and it was magnificent. I’m rereading the Wild Seasons series by Christina Lauren for some MAAJOR swoonage, and I’m DEVOURING the end of WINTER.

May 2016: OMG just started THE RAVEN KING. OMG. Still in Outlander audio mode as well. Just started DRUMS OF AUTUMN (that’s #4), and it’s the perfect escape.

Square Root of Summer

March 2016: I finalized some plans to go to BEA this year in Chicago! I’m always beyond ecstatic to see my girls, Brittany and Alyssa, so that’s really the most exciting part. On a personal family note, and maybe this is not a happy thing, but I’m looking forward to my dad being able to start some treatments for a health issue he’s having. Should be soon, and it should make him feel loads better.

May 2016: BEA! Still! I can’t believe it’s next week! I could use the break from life, let me tell you. (Also, dad started the treatments. Working like a charm so far!)

Square Root of Summer

March 2016: Things have been beyond stressful at work lately and that makes me incredibly anxious. It gets to the point where I dread having to go. I know that I can control a part of this, so I’m trying to focus on that, but some of it is out of my hands and that’s terrible.

I’m also worrying about my dad. He’s got some health issues that need dealing with and I just want him to start feeling better so that he can live forever and call me “kiddo” until the end of time.

May 2016: Things with my dad are getting better, so that’s something I’m worrying about less. Work can still be a stress bomb, but that’s easing up a little bit as well. On a completely superficial note, I’m worrying about how heavy my bags will be after BEA. I know. But I always wind up hurting my shoulder, and I am not grabby for things. 

Square Root of Summer

March 2016: Since my purse weighs roughly five pounds, a lot. At least one book, my Kindle…I’m basically prepared for anything at any time. I have a Tide stick, deodorant, a separate bag of lip balms and glosses, blotting papers, hand lotions, tampons, allergy medicine, baby powder, pens, tissues…I’m like a mom except without the kids.

May 2016: Pretty much the same. Creature of habit over here. 

Square Root of Summer

March 2016: My work environment. I love my coworkers; I spend more time with them than I do my own family, but DAMN. They are killing my spirit right now. QUIT IT, GUYS.

May 2016: Things with my dad are going well, but it’s been stressing my mom out a lot. She’s working hard and losing weight and just very raw, I think. I wish I could make things less overwhelming for her.

So that’s it! That is who I am now, in a nutshell. I loved answering these questions. It was very satisfying for me to reflect on the things that have changed since March and the things that have not. In general, this winter and early spring were tough for me. I was barely blogging, life was stressful, I had a ton of things on my mind that I couldn’t fix. But now, I’m feeling a little lighter and happier. A lot can change in just two months, friends!

Don’t forget to check out THE SQUARE ROOT OF SUMMER by Harriet Reuter Hapgood! You guys will fall in love with Thomas and Gottie!

ALSO, don’t forget to visit Fierce Reads today to see a bunch of time capsule items submitted by my fellow blog tour participants, and check out the hashtags, #SquareRootofSummer and #thisiswhoIamnow!

Square Root of Summer

This is what it means to love someone. This is what it means to grieve someone. It’s a little bit like a black hole. It’s a little bit like infinity.

Gottie H. Oppenheimer is losing time. Literally. When the fabric of the universe around her seaside town begins to fray, she’s hurtled through wormholes to her past:

To last summer, when her grandfather Grey died. To the afternoon she fell in love with Jason, who wouldn’t even hold her hand at the funeral. To the day her best friend Thomas moved away and left her behind with a scar on her hand and a black hole in her memory.

Although Grey is still gone, Jason and Thomas are back, and Gottie’s past, present, and future are about to collide—and someone’s heart is about to be broken.

The Square Root of Summer Harriet Reuter Hapgood
Harriet Reuter HapgoodGet to know Harriet!

Visit Harriet’s website and follow her on Twitter and Instagram!

Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Bookworm Delights

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Bookworm Delights

Hello, dear ones! It’s been an age since I last posted, I know. I’m hoping to get back into the swing of things now, and decided that there could be no better way to do that than with this week’s Top Ten Tuesday about Bookworm Delights! Basically, this is a rundown of some of my FAVORITE things about being a bookworm. As I’m sure you all can imagine, this list could be a lot longer.

Bookworm DelightsSpecial Editions

I’m a BIG book collector, guys. And I don’t just mean, “give me all the different books” kind. I’d say in the last year or so I’ve really gotten into collecting different editions of some of my favorites, and it’s become one of my favorite things to do as an avid reader and book lover. GIVE ME ALL THE BOOKS.

Bookworm DelightsDeckled Edge Pages

Ooooh, I love deckled edge pages! The texture feels nice on my fingers and also gives me this really old-school feeling while I read, like I’m holding an antique book or something.

Bookworm DelightEmbossed or Foiled Inside Covers

Taking off a book’s jacket and checking out the inside cover is one of the best parts about books, in my opinion. It’s such a cool secret thing. I especially love when it hints at something from the book, which they almost always do. So basically that means I love this all the time.

Bookworm DelightsMAPS

OF COURSE I LOVE MAPS. Maps are amazing. Not only are they practically helpful while you’re reading, but a lot of times they’re also aesthetically pleasing. They enhance my reading experience so much, and discovering new maps is one of the best things about being a bookworm.

Bookworm DelightsHandmade Bookmarks

I love me some handmade bookmarks! Etsy is a bookmark-lovers dream. One of my favorite stores for bookish handmade bookmarks is Skinny Hues–I love her watercolors and the paper she uses! (You can click on the image to go to her shop!) But really, any handmade bookmark will do it for me. I love the organic look of them.

Bookworm DelightsGushing Over Favorite Books

Isn’t this just the best thing? Finding someone who loves one of your favorite books as much as you do and getting all excited about your favorite parts and the things you love? I think it is. Having this kind of experience with other bookworms is such an important link between people, and it’s often–for me, anyway–the foundation of something that grows bigger and beyond books. THAT’S SPECIAL AF.

Bookworm DelightsSpine Cracking

Most bookworms might cringe at this, but rest assured: I don’t mean BREAKING the spine. I mean that sound a spine makes when a book is opened for the first time. When it’s FRESH out of the box or bag. It’s the bookworm equivalent of doing that crackle test on a loaf of bread. (You know that scene from Ratatouille?)

Bookworm DelightsUsed Bookstores

I don’t really have any used bookstores that are near me, but every time I visit Alyssa, we always make a trip to the Book Barn, and I never leave empty handed. As much as I love the feel of a new book, I also appreciate well-loved ones, and there’s always a few of those on the shelves. Also, used bookstores are great places for filling out collections.

Bookworm DelightsShelf Organizing

I don’t have enough shelves for all of my books, so this is more like my bookworm-ish daydream. But I do reorganize the shelves and piles I have, and it’s kind of sweaty (um, for me anyway), invigorating work. Who needs to do yard work when you can move piles of books around?

Bookworm DelightsReading Outside

Now that the weather is nicer, this is one of my favorite things to do. Take my book outside and devour a good chunk. I always read a ton when I’m outside. I have fewer distractions, and it’s perfect for totally getting lost in what I’m reading.

Book Review | The Love That Split the World | Emily Henry

I received this book for free from ALA in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Book Review | The Love That Split the World | Emily HenryThe Love That Split the World by Emily Henry
Published by Razorbill on January 26, 2016
Genres: Contemporary YA, Young Adult
Pages: 396
Format: ARC
Source: ALA
AmazonBarnes & NobleGoodreads
four-stars

Natalie Cleary must risk her future and leap blindly into a vast unknown for the chance to build a new world with the boy she loves.

Natalie’s last summer in her small Kentucky hometown is off to a magical start… until she starts seeing the “wrong things.” They’re just momentary glimpses at first—her front door is red instead of its usual green, there’s a pre-school where the garden store should be. But then her whole town disappears for hours, fading away into rolling hills and grazing buffalo, and Nat knows something isn’t right.

That’s when she gets a visit from the kind but mysterious apparition she calls “Grandmother,” who tells her: “You have three months to save him.” The next night, under the stadium lights of the high school football field, she meets a beautiful boy named Beau, and it’s as if time just stops and nothing exists. Nothing, except Natalie and Beau.

Emily Henry’s stunning debut novel is Friday Night Lights meets The Time Traveler’s Wife, and perfectly captures those bittersweet months after high school, when we dream not only of the future, but of all the roads and paths we’ve left untaken.

[Read more…]

Waiting on Wednesday | Every Hidden Thing | Kenneth Oppel

Every Hidden Thing

Every Hidden Thing • Kenneth Oppel

Book cover Every Hidden Thing Kenneth Oppel

The hunt for a dinosaur skeleton buried in the Badlands, bitter rivalries, and a forbidden romance come together in this beautifully written new novel that’s Romeo and Juliet meets Indiana Jones.

Somewhere in the Badlands, embedded deep in centuries-buried rock and sand, lies the skeleton of a massive dinosaur, larger than anything the late nineteenth century world has ever seen. Some legends call it the Black Beauty, with its bones as black as ebony, but to seventeen-year-old Samuel Bolt it’s the “rex”, the king dinosaur that could put him and his struggling, temperamental archaeologist father in the history books (and conveniently make his father forget he’s been kicked out of school), if they can just quarry it out.

But Samuel and his father aren’t the only ones after the rex. For Rachel Cartland this find could be her ticket to a different life, one where her loves of science and adventure aren’t just relegated to books and sitting rooms. Because if she can’t prove herself on this expedition with her professor father, the only adventures she may have to look forward to are marriage or spinsterhood.

As their paths cross and the rivalry between their fathers becomes more intense, Samuel and Rachel are pushed closer together. And with both eyeing the same prize, their budding romance seems destined to fail. But as danger looms on the other side of the hills, causing everyone’s secrets to come to light, Samuel and Rachel are forced to make a decision. Can they join forces to find their quarry—and with it a new life together—or will old enmities and prejudices keep them from both the rex and each other?

GUYS. Guys. We need to talk about EVERY HIDDEN THING. I’m dying over this right now. Indiana Jones? Late nineteenth century? Dinosaurs? Romeo & Juliet? Jesus! What awesome thing ISN’T in this book?! I NEED IT. I haven’t read anything by Kenneth Oppel, but this is going to be the first one for me. I’m flailing right now. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that sounds like this one, and I. AM. STOKED.

EVERY HIDDEN THING comes out October 11, 2016 from Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Every Hidden Thing Kenneth Oppel

Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Books I Love But Haven’t Talked About Lately

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Books I Love That I Haven’t Talked About Lately

Well, isn’t this topic super fun?! I love talking about books that I love, but I REALLY love shining light on books I love that have started to fade into the annals of my inner book hall of fame. These are some of my holy grail favorite books, guys. Not all of them, but some. I hope we can fangirl together over a few!

TTT_GracelingI know I’ve mentioned before how GRACELING was one of the first YA books I’ve ever read, but I’ll say it again: GRACELING was one of the first YA books I ever read. I think I remember seeing it mentioned in People Magazine, maybe, and I was intrigued. I bought my copy at Borders (RIP), and then proceeded to fall completely for Katsa, Po, and the world Kristin Cashore created. TTT_PoM When I first saw this week’s topic, the first book that came to mind was THE PROBABILITY OF MIRACLES by Wendy Wunder. I cried like a colicky infant when I read this book, and I still do think about the magical weirdness in it, as well as the heart-yanking sadness. TTT_EP It’s been a while since I talked about ELEANOR & PARK! I don’t know why! This book made such an impact on me because of both the excellent story and because it introduced me to Rainbow Rowell. TTT_Amy & Roger I’ve read AMY & ROGER’S EPIC DETOUR, no joke, at least five times. Roger Sullivan is the ULTIMATE good-guy book crush, and the road trip he and Amy take is so full of adventure and surprises and a slow-burn relationship that I LOVE. Plus the scrapbook pages and the playlists are incredibly fun. TTT_Monster Calls UGLY SOBSSSSS. I’ve had A MONSTER CALLS on the brain recently because of the movie trailer that came out maybe a month or so ago. It looks amazing, and it reminded me why I love this book so much: my feels barely survived. BARELY. This book is so profound and lovely and sad.
TTT_DOSAB This book sits on the end of one of my shelves and because of its place, I stare at often. GAH, I just love this whole series, but there is something really special about DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE. Maybe it’s Brimstone, maybe it’s the Poison Kitchen. It’s most likely Karou and Akiva, though. (Full disclosure: You know how you can name your Apple devices? My computer is Karou.) Karou, Akiva, and the luscious language and world-building of Laini Taylor. Pro tip? The audiobooks are excellent. TTT_Champion To this day, CHAMPION remains one of the best series ending books I can remember reading. I cried, then I cried more, then the hope came. I loved Day and June from the beginning, but seeing them come completely full circle in CHAMPION was so special and satisfying. TTT_Night Circus Another amazing audiobook! Talk about magical. There’s been lots of name-dropping of THE NIGHT CIRCUS lately, and I have to admit, it’s a surefire way to get me interested in a book. It’s not easy for me to describe this book: there’s magic and romance and things that only exist in your wildest imagination. This is me waiting very impatiently for Erin Morgenstern’s next book. (THE NIGHT CIRCUS came out FIVE YEARS AGO OMG!) TTT_TSIEIf people ask my what my favorite book is, I’ll inevitably name either THE SCORPIO RACES (which escaped being on this list because I talk about it ALL THE TIME) and/or this, THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE. I’ve been really thinking about this one a lot lately, and haven’t reread it in awhile (I have read it, I think, six times). I LIVE for this book. LIVE!TTT_PenderwicksTHE PENDERWICKS is one of those books that I remember with so much fondness. The Penderwick sisters are so damn charming and heartwarming. Legit one of the brightest, sweetest MGs ever.

What are some of YOUR favorites?

Book Review | Winter | Marissa Meyer

Book Review | Winter | Marissa MeyerWinter by Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #4
Published by Feiwel & Friends on November 10, 2015
Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 824
Format: Hardcover
Also in this series: Cinder, Scarlet, Cinder, Cress, Fairest
Also by this author: Cinder, Scarlet, Cinder, Cress, Fairest
Source: Bought it
AmazonBarnes & NobleGoodreads
five-stars

Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mar her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana.

Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won’t approve of her feelings for her childhood friend—the handsome palace guard, Jacin. But Winter isn’t as weak as Levana believes her to be and she’s been undermining her stepmother’s wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that’s been raging for far too long.

Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter defeat Levana and find their happily ever afters?

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On the Same Page | The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer | Michelle Hodkin

on the same pageThe Unbecoming of Mara Dyer • Michelle Hodkin

Guys, I was one of those people who’d never read THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER. I know. I’d heard good things, I’d heard great things, I’d heard meh things, but mostly I’d heard WTF JUST HAPPENED OMG things, and that got me excited. It didn’t disappoint. My mind was thoroughly screwed by the time I turned the last page. Like, BIG TIME. Like, WHATTTT DID I JUST READ. Isn’t that the best feeling?!

In direct contrast to this bananas book, I’m keeping it straightforward here and going to review town.

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