It’s Top Ten Tuesday again! It’s a weekly bookish list hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl! This week’s topic is:
FAVORITE NOVELLAS/SHORT STORIES
This was a bit of a tough topic this week. I don’t typically read a whole lot of novellas or short stories, so I really had to think for this TTT, and I didn’t come up with a whole ten. That being said, I’ve come up with some good stories that I’ve really loved!
Kindred Spirits
Kindred Spirits by Rainbow Rowell was such a fun and sweet read! Even though this book is all about a girl who is a Star Wars super fan, and I’ve never even seen Star Wars, I still loved it. It was the first thing I ever read by Rainbow Rowell, and it really hooked me on her writing style!
The Lonely Hearts Club #1.1, #1.2, & #1.3
These holiday shorts that bridge the gap between The Lonely Hearts Club and We Can Work It Out are so much fun! They’re cute and festive, and if you enjoy this series, these short stories really compliment it well!
Check them out on Goodreads!
A Hard Day’s Night | Two of Us | From Me to You
Never Never
I still need to read part 2 and 3 in this novella series, but part 1 of Never Never was so good! Full of mystery and intrigue, I have no idea how this series is going to end!
Check out my review for it here!
Regal Hearts
This book is a bind-up of 10 short, episodic stories, that make one full story. I think the idea behind this series is so unique, and the story itself is so compelling! I can’t wait to start reading season 2!
The Lottery
I can’t say whether I loved or hated this short story, but I will say it has surely stuck with me, which is why it made this week’s list. I first read it back in high school, and it’s one I’ll still think about. It’s so crazy and so thought-provoking. I remember being so shocked the first time I read this!
A Christmas Carol
This book is exactly as it seems on all the adaptations, and I loved it. I’m honestly, so obsessed with Christmas, it’s no surprise that I adored this book. I really think everybody that loves Christmas should read A Christmas Carol at least once.
That’s it for this week! Let me know about some of your favorite short stories and novellas!
Thanks for reading!
Follow me on:
Bloglovin’ | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Litsy (@thecalicobooks)
Buy from:
(I receive a tiny commission if you follow my BD links!)
Title: The Borrowers by Mary Norton
Pages: 180
Genres: Children’s, Fantasy
Published by: Harcourt Brace & World (Oct. 8th, 1953)
Summary
Beneath the kitchen floor is the world of the Borrowers — Pod and Homily Clock and their daughter, Arrietty. In their tiny home, matchboxes double as roomy dressers and postage stamps hang on the walls like paintings. Whatever the Clocks need they simply “borrow” from the “human beans” who live above them. It’s a comfortable life, but boring if you’re a kid. Only Pod is allowed to venture into the house above, because the danger of being seen by a human is too great. Borrowers who are seen by humans are never seen again. Yet Arrietty won’t listen. There is a human boy up there, and Arrietty is desperate for a friend.
What I Thought
The Borrowers is another one of those books that I wanted to read as a kid, but never actually got around to reading when I was in the target audience, and so I just sort of forgot about it for a while. So, when I discovered a copy at my library’s book sale, I was so excited, and just knew I had to get it. I’m so glad that I finally got the chance to read it!
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 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
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 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
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!
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
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!
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 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!
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
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
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?!
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!
Follow me on:
Bloglovin’ | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Litsy (@thecalicobooks)
Buy from:
(I receive a tiny commission if you follow my BD links!)
Title: 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.
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!
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
– 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
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!
MISCELLANEOUS
Here’s the TTT’s I participated in during the month of June:
- Top Eight Books I DNF’d Too Quickly
- Books That Awaken the Travel Bug in Me
- Books I’m Bringing to the Pool/My Summer TBR
- Book Series I’m Not Giving Up On
Here are the anticipated releases I was looking forward to last month:
I also participated in the Cram-A-Thon!
Then, I shared my progress with the #2018ClassicsChallenge!
I also found out how well Goodreads knows my reading tastes.
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!
Follow me on:
Bloglovin’ | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Litsy (@thecalicobooks)
Buy from:
(I receive a tiny commission if you follow my BD links!)
Title: 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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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:
Bloglovin’ | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Litsy (@thecalicobooks)
Buy from:
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
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!
Follow me on:
Bloglovin’ | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Litsy (@thecalicobooks)
Buy from:
(I receive a tiny commission if you follow my BD links!)
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
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!!
The Wyrd Museum Trilogy
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!
Little Men & Jo’s Boys
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!
The Trylle Trilogy
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.
The Matched Trilogy
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!!
The Delirium series
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!!
The Pretty Little Liars series
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.
The Bad Girls Don’t Die Series
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!
The Body Finder Series
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!
The Mortal Instruments Series
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.
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!
Follow me on:
Bloglovin’ | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Litsy (@thecalicobooks)
Buy from:
(I receive a tiny commission if you follow my BD links!)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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:
Bloglovin’ | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Litsy (@thecalicobooks)
Buy from:
(I receive a tiny commission if you follow my BD links!)
the calico books 