5-Star Predictions

This has been a pretty popular trend here in the book community lately. It’s exactly what it sounds like: I’m going to guess which books I think I’ll rate 5 stars when I finally get around to reading them.

I’ve got an eclectic selection here. Some of them are new releases, some old releases, and some upcoming releases. Plus, a variety of different genres. I’m a well-rounded gal, okay?

1) My Plain Jane by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, and Jodi Meadows – I think this book will be a hit for me because I adore the first book in the series, and though they’re more companion novels than anything, I’m obsessed with the fun & quirky writing style the authors used for this series.

2) Serious Moonlight by Jenn Bennett – After really enjoying 2 of Bennett’s other books, I have complete faith in her now. Her 2018 release, Starry Eyes, was one of my favorite books this year and I cannot wait to see what else she has in store. Plus, this novel just sounds so cute and it’s about a writer and there’s a diner involved and ugh I’m just so excited to read it.

3) There’s Something About Sweetie by Sandhya Menon – Okay, so while I’ve liked Sandhya Menon’s other work, none of them have been 5 stars for me, but I liked her second book much more than her first, and if that pattern continues, this could really blow me away. There’s fat rep and an arranged relationship, which I am always on board for!

4) Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia – I’ve just heard so many wonderful things about this and that’s the only logic I have behind this decision.

5) Heart of Iron by Ashley Poston – This is definitely going to be hit or miss for me, but I’m hoping it’s a hit. I really like Ashley Poston and I really like fantasy and sci-fi books with a strong romantic plot, so we’ll see. 

6) Slayer by Kiersten White – IT’S A BUFFY BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!! It sounds so fun and, though I fell behind on the series, I was obsessed with White’s book And I Darken so I have high hopes for this bad boy. 

7) Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor – I’ve never read anything by Taylor, but I’ve heard tons of rave reviews for this series. It sounds weird and lyrical, and that’s my kind of combination. 

8) Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff – The first 2 books in this series blew me away. Why should this one be any different? 

9) Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson – A fantasy with a romance focus. My bread and butter. I’ve been wanting to read this book for so freaking long so it better not disappoint me when I finally get around to it. 

10) Chaotic Good by Whitney Gardner – I just have a feeling about this one, ya know? I have heard great things and it sounds really cute and also like a good commentary on gender norms. 

Book Recommendations: Family Dynamics

For me, the holiday season means spending time and eating good food with my favorite people on the planet: my family! So I figured, what better time to talk about books with a strong family focus? No time like the present!

My favorite family dynamics in books are ones that are complicated but filled with love. Families that sometimes argue or hide stuff from each other but, at the end of the day, have so much love in their hearts and would do anything for one another.

1) SAVE THE DATE BY MORGAN MATSON

Charlie Grant’s older sister is getting married this weekend at their family home, and Charlie can’t wait for the first time in years, all four of her older siblings will be under one roof. Charlie is desperate for one last perfect weekend, before the house is sold and everything changes. The house will be filled with jokes and games and laughs again. Making decisions about things like what college to attend and reuniting with longstanding crush Jesse Foster all that can wait. She wants to focus on making the weekend perfect.

The only problem? The weekend is shaping up to be an absolute disaster. There’s the unexpected dog with a penchant for howling, house alarm that won’t stop going off, and a papergirl with a grudge.

There are the relatives who aren’t speaking, the (awful) girl her favorite brother brought home unannounced, and a missing tuxedo. Not to mention the neighbor who seems to be bent on sabotage and a storm that is bent on drenching everything. The justice of the peace is missing. The band will only play covers. The guests are all crazy. And the wedding planner’s nephew is unexpectedly, distractedly cute.

Over the course of three ridiculously chaotic days, Charlie will learn more than she ever expected about the family she thought she knew by heart. And she’ll realize that sometimes, trying to keep everything like it was in the past means missing out on the future.

Check out my full review!

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This novel contains one of my favorite fictional families ever! (But that’s partially because they remind me so much of my own family). Charlie, the youngest sibling, idolizes her family and struggles to come to terms with the fact that the Grant family is far from being perfect.

I just had so much fun reading about the Grants. They are funny and each member has depth and distinct characteristics.

2) LETTING GO OF GRAVITY BY MEG LEDER

Twins Parker and Charlie are polar opposites.

Where Charlie is fearless, Parker is careful.

Charlie is confident while Parker aims to please.

Charlie is outgoing and outspoken; Parker is introverted and reserved.

And of course, there’s the one other major difference: Charlie got leukemia. Parker didn’t.

But now that Charlie is officially in remission, life couldn’t be going better for Parker. She’s landed a prestigious summer internship at the hospital and is headed to Harvard in the fall to study pediatric oncology—which is why the anxiety she’s felt since her Harvard acceptance is so unsettling. And it doesn’t help that her relationship with Charlie has been on the rocks since his diagnosis.

Enter Finn, a boy who’s been leaving strange graffiti messages all over town. Parker can’t stop thinking about those messages, or about Finn, who makes her feel free for the first time: free to doubt, free to make mistakes, and free to confront the truth that Parker has been hiding from for a long time.

That she keeps trying to save Charlie, when the person who really needs saving is herself.

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The relationship between the twins Charlie and Parker was my favorite part of this novel. Both of the characters are far from perfect and they’ve both made mistakes in their relationship with each other, but I thoroughly enjoyed uncovering the layers of their sibling-hood.

A quote from my review: “The relationship between the siblings was really well-developed. Like I said, the flashbacks contributed so much to the story, giving these characters so much life. I felt like their history was fleshed out and I could really see the evolution of their relationship and how their feelings toward one another became so complicated.”

3) LOVE AND LUCK BY JENNA EVANS WELCH

Addie is visiting Ireland for her aunt’s over-the-top destination wedding, and hoping she can stop thinking about the one horrible thing she did that left her miserable and heartbroken—and threatens her future. But her brother, Ian, isn’t about to let her forget, and his constant needling leads to arguments and even a fistfight between the two once inseparable siblings. Miserable, Addie can’t wait to visit her friend in Italy and leave her brother—and her problems—behind.

So when Addie discovers an unusual guidebook, Ireland for the Heartbroken, hidden in the dusty shelves of the hotel library, she’s able to finally escape her anxious mind and Ian’s criticism.

And then their travel plans change. Suddenly Addie finds herself on a whirlwind tour of the Emerald Isle, trapped in the world’s smallest vehicle with Ian and his admittedly cute, Irish-accented friend Rowan. As the trio journeys over breathtaking green hills, past countless castles, and through a number of fairy-tale forests, Addie hopes her guidebook will heal not only her broken heart, but also her shattered relationship with her brother.

That is if they don’t get completely lost along the way.

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Another novel with a wonderful brother-sister relationship! There are other fin family dynamics within the book, but the main focus is these 2 siblings who used to be so close but have let secrets and anger form a wall between them. The novel opens with the protagonist Addie pushing her brother off of a cliff in Ireland and I was immediately hooked. I was so so so curious to know how exactly they got to that point and absolutely adored seeing them work through their issues and strengthening their bond. 

This book has so many wonderful aspects, but as I wrote in my review: “What really stole my heart is the sibling dynamic between Addie and her brother Ian, which is really the heart of this novel, if you ask me. Yes, there’s a bit of romance, there’s a luscious Irish backdrop, there’s a music festival, there are secrets…but this story is about Addie and Ian learning to forgive and listen to each other.”

Mini Reviews: Nonfiction

Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Published: March 7, 2017 by Knopf Publishing Group
Source: I listened to this audiobook via Scribd. All opinions stated in this review are my own.

Summary from Goodreads: 

A few years ago, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie received a letter from a dear friend from childhood, asking her how to raise her baby girl as a feminist. Dear Ijeawele is Adichie’s letter of response.

Here are fifteen invaluable suggestions–compelling, direct, wryly funny, and perceptive–for how to empower a daughter to become a strong, independent woman. From encouraging her to choose a helicopter, and not only a doll, as a toy if she so desires; having open conversations with her about clothes, makeup, and sexuality; debunking the myth that women are somehow biologically arranged to be in the kitchen making dinner, and that men can “allow” women to have full careers, Dear Ijeawele goes right to the heart of sexual politics in the twenty-first century. It will start a new and urgently needed conversation about what it really means to be a woman today.

This manifesto is certainly interesting. I really enjoyed hearing Adichie’s perspective on modern gender politics. She raised a few points I’d never really thought of before or needed to think about. I always love being exposed to different thoughts and ideas about gender portrayal. Unfortunately, I don’t think I read this book at the proper time in my life to be able to truly appreciate it. The overarching point of the suggestions are advice on how to raise a child to be a feminist, and that just doesn’t really resonate with me at this point in my life. This particular work by Adichie would be much more apt for someone who is anywhere close to starting a family.

Overall, Dear Ijeawele is a quick, thought-provoking look into feminist attitudes, and I will probably revisit it in the future!

My rating:

3/5

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Gmorning, Gnight!: Little Pep Talked for Me & You by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jonny Sun
Published: October 16, 2018 by Random House
Source: I listened to the audiobook via Scribd. All opinions stated in this review are my own.

Summary from Goodreads: 

Before he inspired the world with Hamilton and was catapulted to international fame, Lin-Manuel Miranda was inspiring his Twitter followers with words of encouragement at the beginning and end of each day. He wrote these original sayings, aphorisms, and poetry for himself as much as for others. But as Miranda’s audience grew, these messages took on a life on their own. Now Miranda has gathered the best of his daily greetings into a beautiful collection illustrated by acclaimed artist (and fellow Twitter favorite) Jonny Sun. Full of comfort and motivation, Gmorning, Gnight! is a touchstone for anyone who needs a quick lift.

This book is exactly what the title says it is: a collection of cute, bite-sized pep talks. I don’t have a whole lot to say about it because let’s be honest it’s Lin-Manuel Miranda so not only is it sweet and wholesome, but it’s also well-written. I will say, I don’t recommend reading this in audio book form. It’s the type of book that is not meant to be read in one sitting. It’s more of a “few poems here and there” kinda read. Plus, I missed out on the illustrations. 😦

My rating:

3/5

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Adulting: How to Become a Grown-Up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps by Kelly Williams Brown
Published: May 7, 2013 by Grand Central Publishing
Source: I listened to the audio book via Scribd. All opinions stated in this review are my own.

Summary from Goodreads:

If you graduated from college but still feel like a student . . . if you wear a business suit to job interviews but pajamas to the grocery store . . . if you have your own apartment but no idea how to cook or clean . . . it’s OK. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Just because you don’t feel like an adult doesn’t mean you can’t act like one. And it all begins with this funny, wise, and useful book. Based on Kelly Williams Brown’s popular blog, ADULTING makes the scary, confusing “real world” approachable, manageable-and even conquerable. This guide will help you to navigate the stormy Sea of Adulthood so that you may find safe harbor in Not Running Out of Toilet Paper Bay, and along the way you will learn:

What to check for when renting a new apartment-Not just the nearby bars, but the faucets and stove, among other things.

When a busy person can find time to learn more about the world- It involves the intersection of NPR and hair-straightening.

How to avoid hooking up with anyone in your office — Imagine your coworkers having plastic, featureless doll crotches. It helps.

The secret to finding a mechanic you love-Or, more realistically, one that will not rob you blind.

From breaking up with frenemies to fixing your toilet, this way fun comprehensive handbook is the answer for aspiring grown-ups of all ages.

 

I really loved this book! As a fresh-outta-undergrad, scrambling-to-get-my-life-together 22-year-old, the info in this book really appealed to me. Just listening to this novel made me feel like I was more together than I actually am. Not only is it written in a fun, relatable, and engaging way, but it also contains heaps of helpful information for those of us who often feel the need to seek out adultier adults.

Everyone in their early twenties could learn something from this book, and I’m sure I’ll be referencing it again in the future.

My rating:
5/5

Books I Can’t Believe I Haven’t Read Yet

Listen, we’re all book lovers here, so you know how it is. Sometimes there is a book you want to read soooooo bad but for one reason or another you just…haven’t. At least not yet!!!! There are so many books in this world and so little time, so we’re not to blame here.

BOOKS I STARTED BUT NEVER FINISHED EVEN THOUGH I WAS REALLY LIKING THEM

Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy
Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes
Legend by Marie Lu
Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

SEQUELS TO BOOKS I LOVE THAT I WAS REALLY HYPED FOR

Legendary by Stephanie Garber
My Plain Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows
Now I Rise by Kiersten White
Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Restore Me by Tahereh Mafi

BOOKS I’VE HEARD SO MUCH ABOUT AND I JUST KNOW I’LL LOVE IF I EVER FREAKING READ THEM

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
Heart of Iron by Ashley Poston
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson
The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski

BOOKS I NEED TO READ BECAUSE I LOVE THE FILM/TV ADAPTATIONS

It by Stephen King
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
The Magicians by Lev Grossman

December TBR and Goals

DECEMBER TBR

BOOKS I’VE ALREADY STARTED AND NEED TO FINISH

Final Draft by Riley Redgate
Stay Sweet by Siobhan Vivian

BOOKS TO READ FOR REVIEW

Fire and Heist by Sarah Beth Durst
Salt by Hannah Moscowitz
The Geography of Lost Things by Jessica Brody
The Similars by Rebecca Hanover
Unstoppable Moses by Tyler James Smith

Lol a lot of these came out in the past few months and I missed their release date because I suck and now I need to get caught up at least a little bit….we’ll see how it goes.

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DECEMBER GOALS

1) Reach 145 blog followers
2) Read more Netgalley titles
3) Start posting on Instagram again
4) Be more interactive in the book community
5) Blog consistently 

These goals are basically just things I want to do to get the ball rolling on my blog again. There’s just 5 goals, but they are big ones so hooray. 

November Wrap Up

I know I haven’t really been around all that much, but just a fun life update: I moved to Florida in September so I can save money for grad school. So this month has been a lot of working and stashing away money. Plus, I’m going through the grad school application process again. BUTTTTTTT I get to move out of my brother’s house because I found a new place to live. I move in a few days and I am very excited about it! 

Like I said, I haven’t really been around, but I’m trying to change that, I swear. However, I will say that just because I haven’t been blogging doesn’t mean I haven’t been reading. I finally broke out of my reading slump this month!! 

TOP TEN TUESDAYS
Top Ten Bookish Merch Items I Really Want
Top Ten Authors I’m Thankful For

BOOK TAGS
Cold Weather Book Tag (Original)

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FOLLOWERS

Blog – 122 
Twitter – 856
Instagram – 123

BOOKS READ:

Total read: 9
Hardcovers: 1
Ebooks: 2
Audiobooks: 6

Book with the most pages:
I Was Born for This by Alice Oseman (400 pages)

Book with the least pages:
Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Total pages read: 2,560

A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi

Top Ten Authors I’m Thankful For

For those of us in the U.S., Thanksgiving is only a couple days away. While the giant meal and the pies are great, Thanksgiving is also the perfect time to reflect on your life and make a little extra effort to show appreciation for the people and events that have made you who you are. 

Obviously, I’m really thankful for the role that literature has played in my life. Books are such a dominant force for me. That said, here are a few authors I want to show some appreciation for this year. 

1) RICHELLE MEAD

Because she gave me the Vampire Academy series, which are my favorite books of all time. 

2) TAHEREH MAFI

Because she is such a fascinating human being and her newest novel, A Very Large Expanse of Sea, is so lovely and so important and I can’t get it out of my head. Also, she graced the world with the Shatter Me series.

3) HANK GREEN

Because I just finished his debut novel, An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, yesterday and I’m still all shook up from it. 

4) SUZANNE COLLINS

Because if I hadn’t adored The Hunger Games like 7 years ago and felt the bursting need to talk about it with others, I never would have started blogging. 

5) CATH CROWLEY

Because, years ago, her novel Graffiti Moon was the first contemporary novel I fell in love with, and now YA contemporary is my favorite genre. And now, her recent book Words in Deep Blue, reaffirms my love for the genre. 

6) SARAH DESSEN

Because I grew up reading her novels and I never get sick of them. Every time I think maybe she’s done, maybe she’ll never release another book, she announces another and my heart just explodes. 

7) MORGAN MATSON

Because it always feels as if she reaches into my heart and writes her characters based on what she pulls out. Somehow, I always feel so connected to her characters. 

8) JENNY HAN

Because I can’t help but gobble up everything she’s ever written and also because the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before movie. Not only was the film just adorable, but it also opened a lot of doors for other YA contemporary adaptations and it inspired so many Asian women. I’ll never get over all the Lara Jean Halloween costumes. 

9) LILY ANDSERSON

Because I read Undead Girl Gang earlier this year and it was pretty much everything I’ve ever wanted a book to be. 

10) BECKY ALBERTALLI

Because not only is she just a wonderful person, but without her we wouldn’t have Love, Simon which, even with its flaws, generated a lot of discussion and proved a lot to Hollywood about LGBT+ rom-coms. Also, can’t forget all the healthy fat rep Becky is putting out in the world.