Top Ten Tuesday new

It’s Top Ten Tuesday again!  It’s a weekly bookish list hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl! This week’s topic is:

Top Ten Books I’ve Read in 2018 (So Far)!

Okay, so it’s not actually Tuesday anymore, but I’ve been busy the past couple of days and haven’t had time to blog.  Despite that, I still really wanted to do this week’s topic.  So, even though it’s Wednesday, we’re going to pretend it’s still Tuesday. 😉

Alrighty, according to reading date, here are ten of the best books that I’ve read so far in 2018:

Genuine Fraud

genuine fraud

Genuine Fraud was one of the first books I read in 2018, and it was such a unique read!  It’s a thriller, but the story is told in reverse.  It was a really interesting book, filled with so many twists and turns, and I could not put it down!

 

 

 

 

Check out my review for it here!

 

A Walk to Remember

a walk to remember

This book was so sweet and emotional.  I’ve been a fan of the movie for so long, but I had never read the book.  I’m so glad I finally decided to read A Walk to Remember!  It’s quite different from the movie, but I love it just as much.  This book is so lovely and wholesome, and even though it made me cry, it’s one that I already cannot wait to reread again.

 

 

 

Check out my book review here!

 

The Coronation

the coronation

The Coronation really exceeded my expectations!  This book is full of so much action, adventure, and romance.  I really fell in love with Tarsurella and the royal family.  It’s sequel, The Rebellion, was SO good I could could have included it on this list, too, but since it was part of the same series, I decided to open up a slot for another book.

 

 

Check out my review for The Coronation and The Rebellion!

 

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

to all the boys i've loved before

I loved this book so much!  Lara Jean was such a well-written and relatable character.  To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is filled with so many cute, funny, embarrassing, and heartwarming moments.  I’m really looking forward to the movie coming to Netflix soon!

 

 

 

Check out my review here!

 

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

the chronicles of narnia

This was my first time stepping into the bookish world of Narnia, and I absolutely fell in love!  After reading this book, I can see why The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is so well-loved.  It truly lived up to all my expectations and more.  I’m excited to continue this series!

 

 

 

Check out my review!

 

Safe House

safe house

Many of you know I love Meg Cabot, and the 1-800-Where-R-You series is one of my favorites!  This whole series is filled with great humor and intriguing mysteries.  I particularly found Safe House‘s mystery especially intense and intriguing!

 

 

 

 

Check out my review for it here!

 

The Way You Make Me Feel

the way you make me feel

The Way You Make Me Feel is another book that really exceeded my expectations.  I just really loved everything about this book.  It’s filled such memorable, diverse characters, cute romances, and great family dynamics.  It’s such a perfect summer read!

 

 

 

Check out my review here!

 

Sad Perfect

sad perfect

 

Sad Perfect was such an honest and emotional read.  I became Pea while reading this book, and her story has stayed with me long after I’ve finished this book.  It tackles heavy topics of eating disorders, self harm, and suicide.  It’ll break your heart and leave you filled with hope.

 

 

 

Check out my book review here!

 

The Borrowers

the borrowers

Y’all this book was so cute!!  I really adored The Borrowers.  It’s a million times better than the movie from the ’90s.  The characters are so unique and memorable, and I would really love to read the next book in the series soon!

 

 

 

I haven’t posted my review for this one yet, so check it out on Goodreads, instead!

 

Save the Date

save the date

I loved Save the Date so much!!  This book lived up to all my expectations, and let me tell you, they were pretty high to begin with.  I love Morgan Matson’s books, and this one was no different.  It was so fun, filled with romance, great characters, and a cute dog…What more could you want?!

 

 

 

Check out my review here!

 


Those are my favorite books I’ve read in 2018, at this point!  What are some of the best books you’ve read so far this year?

Thanks for reading!


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save the dateTitle: Save the Date by Morgan Matson

Pages: 432

Genres: YA, Contemporary

Published by: Simon & Schuster (June 5th, 2018)

Summary

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, distractingly…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.

Save the Date

 

What I Thought

I really love Morgan Matson’s books.  I’ve read all of them so far, except Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour, and I’ve loved them all.  So, when I first heard about the release of Save the Date, I was so excited!  I’m so happy to say that it did not disappoint!

Read More

monthly wrapup

Hey everyone! It’s July now, and summer is in full swing!  It’s been super hot lately, which I’ve been loving.  I’ve also had quite a bit of reading time, which has been SO appreciated!

Altogether, I read eight books in June, which is quite good for me!  My arm had quite the work out holding all the books up for the picture, lol!

BOOKS READ

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– Sad Perfect by Stephanie Elliot \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

– Before I Let Go by Marieke Nijkamp \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

– Sanctuary by Meg Cabot \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

– The Witch Doesn’t Burn in This One by Amanda Lovelace (ebook) \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️

– Goldie Vance Vol. 1 by Hope Larson (ebook) \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

– Fire and Ice by Erin Hunter \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

– The Borrowers by Mary Norton \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

– Save the Date by Morgan Matson \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

STANDOUT BOOK OF THE MONTH

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I have to go with Save the Date by Morgan Matson.  I really loved this book! It was so sweet and funny, and was just such an overall great book.

 

BOOKS REVIEWED

Emergency Contact by Mary H. K. Choi \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sad Perfect by Stephanie Elliot \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Witch Doesn’t Burn in This One by Amanda Lovelace \\ ⭐️⭐️1/2

 

Book Haul

I bought one book in June, and that was Save the Date by Morgan Matson!  Also, I highly recommend getting the Barnes & Noble Exclusive Edition.  It was filled with such great extras! I especially loved the prequel story that showed Linnie and Rodney’s engagement!

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MISCELLANEOUS

Top Ten Tuesday new 

Here’s the TTT’s I participated in during the month of June:

Waitingonwednesday

Here are the anticipated releases I was looking forward to last month:

 

I also participated in the Cram-A-Thon!

Cram-A-Thon

TBR

Cram-A-Thon wrap up

Wrap-Up

2018 classics challenge banner

Then, I shared my progress with the #2018ClassicsChallenge!

how well does goodreads know me

I also found out how well Goodreads knows my reading tastes.

Mid-Year Book F

And, last but not least, I did the Mid-Year Book Freak Out tag!


That wraps up June!  Here’s hoping July will be just as great, or even better!

Thanks for reading!


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the witch doesn't burn in this one.jpgTitle: The Witch Doesn’t Burn in This One (Women are Some Kind of Magic #2) by Amanda Lovelace

Pages: 208

Genres: Poetry

Published by: Andrews McMeel Publishing (Mar. 6th, 2018)

Summary

2016 Goodreads Choice Award-winning poet Amanda Lovelace returns in the witch doesn’t burn in this one — the bold second book in her “women are some kind of magic” series.

The witch: supernaturally powerful, inscrutably independent, and now—indestructible. These moving, relatable poems encourage resilience and embolden women to take control of their own stories. Enemies try to judge, oppress, and marginalize her, but the witch doesn’t burn in this one.

The Witch Doesn't Burn In This One (Women Are Some Kind Of Magic, #2)

What I Thought

*I received this ebook in exchange for an honest review.  A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher!*

I’ve been following Amanda Lovelace, aka ladybookmad, for several years, even way back during her Tumblr days.  She’s so kind, honest, and empowering, and I was SO excited for, and ended up really enjoying The Princess Saves Herself in This One.  So,  when I found out about book #2, I really wanted to read it.  Even though I don’t read poetry very often, I’m still happy I was able to read this book!

Read More

Mid-Year Book F

Hello!  Today I’m going to be doing the Mid-Year Book Freak Out tag!  I’ve been seeing this tag floating around the past few weeks again, and since we are just about exactly halfway through the year, I figured it would be the perfect time to do it.  So let’s get started!


1. Best Book You’ve Read In 2018, So Far?

I’ve read 28 books so far this year and, for the most part, I’ve really enjoyed all of them.  My top three would probably have to be Safe House by Meg Cabot, The Way You Make Me Feel by Maurene Goo, and Save the Date by Morgan Matson.

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2. Best Sequel You’ve Read So Far?

The Rebellion by Livy Jarmusch was such a great follow-up to The Coronation!  It’s filled with mystery, romance, faith, and family.  I’m really looking forward to book 3!

TheRebellionCover

3. New Release You Haven’t Read Yet, But Want To?

There’s actually so many new releases that I haven’t read yet!  I’m going to go with The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton, though.  I’ve heard really good things about it, the cover is gorgeous, and people have compared it to Uglies, which is one of my favorites!  So, hopefully I’ll be able to get to this one soon.

the belles

4. Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of 2018?

I have SO many books I can’t wait to read that are coming out in the second half of 2018.  That being said, I have to go with A Map of Days by Ransom Riggs!  The Miss Peregrine series is one of my absolute favorites, so, obviously, I am super hyped for this book!

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5. Biggest Disappointment?

It’s too bad, but I didn’t even have to think about which book to use for this.  I have to go with Breakfast at Tiffany’s: A Short Novel and Three Stories by Truman Capote.  I didn’t care for the writing style, and I had trouble connecting with any of the characters.  This just wasn’t the book for me.

breakfast at tiffany's

6. Best Surprise?

The Coronation by Livy Jarmusch really surprised me with how much I loved this book!  Going into this book, I thought I knew what it would be like, but it had so much more depth and action than I anticipated.

the coronation

7. Favorite New Author?

I think I’m going to go with Jodi Picoult as my favorite new-to-me author.  My Sister’s Keeper was the first book I ever read by her, and her writing was really incredible.  I want to read more of her books now!

my sisters keeper

8. Newest Fictional Crush

I have to go with Bill from Save the Date by Morgan Matson.  He was so sweet and just the perfect amount of awkward. I really loved his character!

save the date

9. New Favorite Character?

While there are so many characters that are my new favorite, I’m going to go with Lara Jean Song from To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before.  She was such a great character, and her and her family were so relatable!

to all the boys i've loved before

10. Books That Made You Cry?

My Sister’s Keeper is the obvious choice for this one, but I also found parts of Save the Date to be super touching, and made me a little emotional, too!

my sisters keeper   save the date

11. Books That Made You Happy?

The Way You Make Me Feel by Maurene Goo was one of those books that just makes you so happy!  It was sweet and summer-y, and I really adored this one.

the way you make me feel

12. Favorite Book to Movie Adaptation?

The new Little Women mini series from Masterpiece Theater was so good! The acting was phenomenal and the atmosphere was perfect.  I really enjoyed it!

little women mini series.jpg

13. Favorite Review You’ve Written?

I love this question, because it’s not something I think about often.  I love reviewing books, but I honestly don’t know if I’m ever any good at it.  So, a question like this really makes me think and appreciate what I’m doing on this blog.

I’ve decided to go with my review of Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell.  It was one of the largest books I’ve ever read, and even though it’s a very controversial book, I really enjoyed reading, and I especially enjoyed reviewing it.  You can check it out here!

gone with the wind

14. Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought This Year?

I’ve bought and received a lot of beautiful books this year.  One of my favorites would have to be Where the Fire Falls by Karen Barnett.  I haven’t read this book yet, but I really adore the cover!  I think it’s so gorgeous and vintage looking, and I really love it.

where the fire falls.jpg

15. What Books Do You Need to Read by the End of the Year?

Honestly, I have so many books I want to get to this year, I really do not think I can narrow it down.  I just want to read all the books, always!!


And that wraps up the Mid-Year Book Freak Out tag!  I loved writing this one, and looking back at all the books I’ve read in 2018, so far.  I’d love to hear your answers, so if you’ve done this, please share your tags in the comment, and if you want to do this, I tag you!

Thanks so much for reading!


Follow me on:

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Buy from:

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Waitingonwednesday

Waiting on Wednesday/Can’t Wait Wednesday is a weekly feature, started by Breaking the Spine and continued by Wishful Endings, that puts the spotlight on upcoming releases! 

This week’s pick is:

Notes from my Captivity

RELEASING JULY 10TH, 2018

notes from my captivity.jpgSynopsis

Adrienne Cahill cares about three things: getting into a great college; becoming a revered journalist like her idol, Sydney Declay; and making her late father proud of her.

So when Adrienne is offered the chance to write an article that will get her into her dream school and debunk her foolish stepfather’s belief that a legendary family of hermits is living in the Siberian wilderness, there’s no question that she’s going to fly across the world.

But the Russian terrain is even less forgiving than Adrienne. And when disaster strikes, none of their extensive preparations seem to matter. Now Adrienne’s being held captive by the family she was convinced didn’t exist, and her best hope for escape is to act like she cares about them, even if it means wooing the youngest son. 

I think this book sounds SO intriguing!  Notes from My Captivity looks like such a promising read that will be filled with adventure, suspense, and a little bit of romance.  I’m really looking forward to picking this one up!

 

 


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Buy from:

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Top Ten Tuesday new

It’s Top Ten Tuesday again!  It’s a weekly bookish list hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl! This week’s topic is:

Book Series I’m Not Giving Up On

So, for today’s Top Ten Tuesday, the original topic was supposed to be about book series that I have given up on. That being said, there are actually very few books that I do not have any plans to read.  I do, however, have many book series that I would love to finish someday – even though it’s been years since I first started them.  So today, I’m going to share some of those series that have been sitting on my TBR for way too long, but despite that, I still have plans to finish one day!

The Gemma Doyle Trilogy

the sweet far thing

I’m crying that I still haven’t read this book.  I am determined to read The Sweet Far Thing this summer.  If you’ve been following my blog for a while, I’m sure you’ve seen me add this book to many TBR posts, and then lament about the size and not actually read it.  I really want to read it, I promise!!

 

 

 

Check it out on Goodreads!

 

The Wyrd Museum Trilogy

the woven path.jpg

 

I discovered books 1 and 3 at a discount store when I was 11.  The books were a quarter each, and I thought this series seemed interesting and decided to pick it up.  I read book 1, The Woven Path, while my family and I drove to our family vacation.  I don’t remember much of what happened in this book apart from a talking teddy bear and an eccentric old woman.  I do remember really enjoying it, though!  It wasn’t until years later that I found book 2, and I still haven’t read it.  Even though it’s been so long, there’s a part of me that wants to reread and finish this series!

Check it out on Goodreads!

 

Little Men & Jo’s Boys

little men.jpg

I read Little Women several years ago, and really adored it.  After watching the new Little Women mini-series on PBS, my love for this story and its characters has really re-ignited.  I’d love to read the rest of the series, and see what Jo’s life is like!

 

 

 

 

Check it out on Goodreads!

 

The Trylle Trilogy

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I read book 1 and 2 a couple years ago, and really enjoyed them.  So, I bought book 3…and never read it.  It’s been so long I’d probably have to reread the entire series, but I actually really want to finish this one!  It’s just a matter of when.

 

 

 

 

Check it out on Goodreads!

 

The Matched Trilogy

reached

This is another series I will probably have to reread before reading the last book in the series, but the Matched trilogy is a series that I really, really want to finish!  I was obsessed with these books my senior year of high school, and kept dropping hints that I wanted Reached as a Christmas present, and then a birthday present, but nobody ever bought me it!  When I finally bought a copy a year or two later, I was just preoccupied with other books at the time, and never read it.  I really want to see how this series ends though!!

Check it out on Goodreads!

The Delirium series

requiem.jpg

 

The Delirium series is another one I loved in high school but ended up never reading the last book in the series.  I know not everyone loves how Requiem ended, but I still don’t know the ending!  I want to read this book and find out what actually happens!!

 

 

 

Check it out on Goodreads!

 

The Pretty Little Liars series

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I never watched the TV show, but I read the first book in the Pretty Little Liars series and actually really enjoyed it!  I haven’t read any of the other books yet, but this is one series that I still would really like to finish.

 

 

 

Check it out on Goodreads!

 

The Bad Girls Don’t Die Series

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I first discovered this series after stumbling across the book trailers for this series on YouTube.  Growing up, I was obsessed with the Disney Channel, so when I noticed Bella Thorne and Zendaya were in them, I had to watch them, and really became intrigued by the plot.  I read the first book, and really loved it, but for one reason or another, I never picked up the rest of the series.  I really think this would be a fun and spooky series to read, though, and I hope to finish it someday!

 

Check it out on Goodreads!

 

The Body Finder Series

the body finder

I loved this book when I originally read it!  The premise was so intriguing and the plot was so interesting.  I really don’t know why I never continued The Body Finder series.  This is another one that, even though it’s been quite a few years, I still really want to continue!

 

 

 

Check it out on Goodreads!

 

The Mortal Instruments Series

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I read City of Bones way back in 2012, and while I enjoyed it, I didn’t love it.  Lately though, I’ve really been wanting to give this series another chance!  I actually think I would probably enjoy the books more now, too.  So many people love these books, and I want to try this series out one more time.

 

 

 

Check it out on Goodreads!

 


Those are my picks for this week’s Top Ten Tuesday!  What are some book series you’re not ready to give up on yet?  What about some book series that you have given up on?

Thanks for reading!


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Cram-A-Thon wrap up.png

Hello!  Last week I participated in the Cram-A-Thon.  The goal of this readathon was to complete 7 books in a week.  I decided to join last minute (check out my TBR here), so I wasn’t sure how well I was going to do.  That being said, I actually did incredible!?!  While I didn’t manage to read 7 books, I’m still so proud of how much I accomplished!

Here’s what I managed to read:

1. A Predicted 5 Star Read

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I read Sanctuary by Meg Cabot for this challenge.  While it wasn’t my favorite book in the series, and so, not quite a 5 star read after all, it was still a solid 4 stars, and I’m so happy to have read it. I really enjoyed it!

2. A Book That’s Out of Your Comfort Zone

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For this challenge, I read the poetry book, The Witch Doesn’t Burn in This One by Amanda Lovelace.  I’m not a huge poetry person, so I didn’t love this book.  However, I really felt the emotion and the author’s passion behind her words.

3. A Book That’s Been on Your TBR for a Long Time

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Fire and Ice by Erin Hunter was such a fun and adventurous read!  As a huge cat lover, this series is perfect for me, and this book was so fun and intriguing to read.

4. A LGBTQ+ Ownvoices Book

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Before I Let Go by Marieke Nijkamp was a really unique and important read.  It focuses on the importance mental health.  I admit I was hoping for a little bit more from this book, but regardless, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading this one.

5. Something That’s Not a Standard Novel

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Goldie Vance by Hope Larson was such a cute and fun graphic novel!  I loved the illustrations, the mystery, and all the characters.  Goldie, herself, reminded me quite a bit of Nancy Drew and Penny Parker (the original Carolyn Keene’s own mystery series).

6. A Book with Your Favorite Color on the Cover

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My favorite color is pink, so I decided to go with The Borrowers by Mary Norton for this challenge.  This is the only book I wasn’t able to complete for the readathon.  I only had about 40 pages to go, but I was SO tired on the last night of the readathon that I just couldn’t finish the book.  I did finish it the next day though, and this book was so enjoyable!  It was completely different, and wayyy better than the movie.


Overall, I’m so pleased with how much progress I made for this readathon!  I really didn’t expect to read more than 3 books, and instead, I nearly completed everything.  I’m honestly so proud of myself! 🙂

If you participated in the Cram-A-Thon, how did you do?  Thanks for reading!


Follow me on:

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Buy from:

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Top Ten Tuesday new

It’s Top Ten Tuesday again!  It’s a weekly bookish list hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl! This week’s topic is:

Books I’m Bringing to the Pool, also known as, My Summer TBR

This week’s topic was books to read at the beach or pool, or it could serve as our summer TBR.  Being that I pretty much live by the pool in the summer, I decided to use this week’s topic to share which books I plan to bring with me to read poolside!

Save the Date

save the date

 

Save the Date by Morgan Matson is at the top of my reading list! I just love her books so much!! I’m going to Barnes and Noble tomorrow pick up my copy and I’m SO excited!

 

 

 

Check it out on Goodreads!

 

 

Summer State of Mind

summer state of mind.jpg

I read Sleepaway Girls a couple years ago, and it made such a fun and cute, summer read.  I picked this book up last summer at the Dollar Tree, and I never got around to it.  So, I’m really hoping to get to it this summer!

 

 

 

Check it out on Goodreads!

 

 

The Start of You and me

the start of you and me.jpg

My Secret Santa gifted me The Start of You and Me, and because it looked so summer-y, I’ve been waiting since Christmas to read it!! It looks like it’s going to be such a great book, and Nicole, my Secret Santa, told me it was one of her favorites.  So, I’m so excited to give it a read!

 

 

 

Check it out on Goodreads!

 

Anne of Ingleside

anne of ingleside

You guys know how much I love Anne!  I only have 3 books left to read in the series, and I want to at least read Anne of Ingleside this summer.  I’ve been taking the last few books slowly, because I want to savor the series, but I think I’m ready now to finish it and see the full story of Anne’s life!

 

 

 

 

Check it out on Goodreads!

 

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend

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This book sounds so unique, and like something that I would absolutely love!  Plus, I love books about books.  I really am looking forward to reading The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend very soon!

 

 

 

 

Check it out on Goodreads!

 

The Chemist

the chemist

I recently bough a copy of The Chemist, and I’m really curious to read it!  I’ve enjoyed all of Stephenie Meyer’s books, so I’m hoping I enjoy this one just as much.

 

 

 

 

Check it out on Goodreads!

 

Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats

cats.jpg

I recently watched the musical, Cats, for the first time, and now I really want to read the book that inspired such an iconic Broadway show.  This book looks like it’ll make such a cute and quick read!

 

 

 

 

Check it out on Goodreads!

 

Turtles All the Way Down

turtles all the way down

I’ve had this book since January, and I still haven’t read it yet!  I’ve loved every John Green book I’ve read so far, so I’m hoping I’ll feel the same way about this one!

 

 

 

 

Check it out on Goodreads!

 

The Belles

the belles

I’ve heard SO many good things about The Belles since it was released, I need to read this book ASAP!  Plus, people compare it to my original YA fave, Uglies, so I have to see if this one lives up to its hype for me!

 

 

 

 

Check it out on Goodreads!

 

The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street

the ice cream queen of orchard street.jpg

I look at this book every time I go to Target, which knowing me, is quite a lot.  I think this book sounds so interesting, and honestly, it just looks summer-y to me; I think it’s because of the ice cream!  Regardless, I need to either just break down and buy a copy, or at least borrow it from the library, because I really want to read this book this summer!

 

 

Check it out on Goodreads!

 


That wraps up this week’s Top Ten Tuesday!  What are some books you hope to get to this summer?  Do you enjoy reading at the pool, or do you prefer staying inside with the AC on?

Thanks for reading!


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sad perfect.jpgTitle: Sad Perfect by Stephanie Elliot

Pages: 320

Genres: YA, Contemporary

Published by: Square Fish (Feb. 28th, 2017)

Summary

Perfect is only on the surface in this gripping novel about a teen girl who looks normal but struggles with a little known eating disorder. 

Sixteen-year-old Pea has a secret: she has Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, which means she can’t eat very much because nutritious foods frighten her. Having ARFID is like having a monster inside of her, one that dictates what she can eat, what she does and who she socializes with. This monster is growing and controlling more than just her food issues?it’s causing anxiety, depression, and giving her thoughts that she doesn’t want to have.

When she falls crazy-mad in love with Ben, she hides her disorder from him, pretending that she’s fine. At first, everything really does feel like it’s getting better with him around, so she stops taking her anxiety and depression medication. And that’s when the monster really takes over her life. Just as everything seems lost and hopeless, Pea finds in her family, best friend, and Ben the support and strength that she needs to learn that her eating disorder doesn’t have to control her.

Sad Perfect is the haunting debut novel from Stephanie Elliot.

Sad Perfect: A Novel

What I Thought

I first heard about Sad Perfect from EmmmaBooks on Youtube.  Her review on her channel really made me interested in this book and it had been on my TBR ever since.  For whatever reason, I have been thinking about this book lately, and decided to finally read it.  I’m so glad I did, too!

The first thing that really stood out to me about this book and what made it so unique, was that it was told in 2nd person. Aside from reading those Choose Your Own Adventure books from 2nd grade, I had never read a book in 2nd person before. At first I was a little weary with how I would be able to connect with the story this way, but I found it actually really helped me to connect. I was Pea. I don’t have ARFID, so I can’t say if the rep was accurate, but while reading Sad Perfect, I truly felt like I was able to get into Pea’s head and understand what she was going through. 2nd person really helped make this story come alive and feel very personal to me.

Another thing I appreciated was that this book does not glamorize mental illness. It shows the repercussions of not taking your medicine. It shows how frustrating and difficult recovery is, not only for you, but also family and friends. This book is so real and so raw.

Also, because of the topic and nature of this book, I would definitely say have caution when reading this book if eating disorders, anxiety/depression, suicide, and self-harm trigger you.

I will say the one thing that was a little bothersome to me was the original cover of the book. It features the tool that Pea uses to self harm as the focus of the cover. I, personally, felt like that was a bit tacky and hurtful. It has been changed for the paperback release, though, which is the cover I used for this review.

I really enjoyed all the characters in this novel. I admit, sometimes I felt like I wanted to know them just a little better, but it is sort of understandable because it felt like Pea kept a little distance from people because of her illness. Overall though, everyone was really interesting. I especially loved how supportive Ben was. He stood by her even when he didn’t always understand. Not only that but his family was supportive, too. It was so great to read about an encouraging and joyful family.

Overall, I really enjoyed Sad Perfect. It was so unique and really opened my eyes up to the struggle of recognizing you have a problem and recovery. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to learn more about living life with a mental illness and a compelling and honest read.

4 stars 2


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