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!
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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!
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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!
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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 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!
Summer State of Mind
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!
The Start of You and me
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!
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!
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend
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!
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.
Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats
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!
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!
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!
The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street
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!
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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Title: 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.
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.
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Hey everyone! Earlier this year, I announced that I was doing a 2018 Classics Challenge. You can find out all the info about it in my original post, here!
Now, my original plan was to share a post for each classic book I read. Well, so far, I haven’t done that, lol! So, I’ve decided that I will just update you all with how I’ve been doing so far.
So far, I’ve read three classics this year. Here are the books I read, and a little bit of my thoughts about each of them:
19th Century Classic
I read The Picture of Dorian Gray in April, and quite enjoyed it. Dorian was such an interesting and memorable character to me. This book appears simple, but is so, so complex. Even though this book isn’t very large, there were parts that felt a bit slow, but overall, I really did enjoy it.
Classic Under 200 Pages
I read Breakfast at Tiffany’s back in February, and while it was a quick read, I, personally, did not enjoy it too much. I found myself being unable to connect to the author’s writing style, and thus, found myself unable to connect to the story or the characters. I really just think it was more of my personal preference though! To hear my full thoughts, I wrote a review about it, here!
Children’s Classic
I read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in March, and I really enjoyed it! Out of all three classics that I’ve read this year, so far, this one has been my favorite. The plot and concept were so intriguing and so well done. I really loved seeing the Christian parallels throughout the story, too. The characters were so charming and Narnia itself was just as magical and enchanting as everyone else always says, also. This book was so readable, and honestly, just such a delight! To hear my full thoughts, click here to read my review!
That’s all the classics I’ve read so far in 2018! I still have quite a ways to go if I want to complete my challenge, but I think I can still do it. I’m working on reading a classic over 500 pages right now. I decided to go with The Count of Monte Cristo which is over 1,000 pages, so please wish me luck with that! 😜
I’m going to try to share my progress more often now, so look for more updates soon! Also, if you’re reading any classic books that fit any of the challenges, be sure to share them with me and follow along with the hashtag #2018ClassicsChallenge!
Thanks so much for reading!
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It’s Top Ten Tuesday again! It’s a weekly bookish list hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl! This week’s topic is:
Books That Awaken the Travel Bug in Me
Because I’m busy with the Cramathon this week, though, today it’s going to just be a top five!
Just One Day
I have a feeling Just One Day will be on a lot of people’s lists today! From Paris, to London, to Amsterdam, this book involves so many traveling adventures.
13 Little Blue Envelopes
13 Little Blue Envelopes is another book that really brings out the travel bug in you! It’s just one of those books that is absolutely perfect to read during the summer. You’ll really feel like you’re traveling Europe with this one!
Safe Haven
Growing up, my family and I would always go on vacation to Oak Island, NC, which is super close to Southport. In fact, we would visit Southport while we were there. So, when I read Safe Haven, everything about its setting reminded me of those vacations and made me really want to go back!!
The Christy Miller Series
The Christy Miller series definitely makes me crave the beach! While there’s a couple different locations throughout this series, the most notable ones that I think of are California and Hawaii. I’m from Ohio, and for the past two weeks, there has only been about 1 day where it was consistently sunny. So, this series makes me dream of sunshine like no other!
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series is just filled with so many adventures. It is the ultimate summer read! It especially makes me want to visit Greece, like Lena!
That’s my TTT for this week! What are some of the books that make you want to travel?
Thanks for reading!
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Hey everyone! So, this is late and last minute, but yesterday evening I found out that the Cram-a-thon was this week! It started yesterday, June 10th, and runs through June 17th. I don’t think I’ve ever participated in the Cramathon before, but I’ve seen others do it, and it always looks like so much fun. So, even though I’m joining late and last minute, I’ve decided I’m going to do it!
The goal of the readathon is to finish 7 things in 7 days – so y’all already know I won’t actually be able to complete this. 😉 That being said, I’m going to try my best to read as much as I can! There’s also challenges to help base your TBR pile on. Being that I joined last minute, I haven’t put too much thought into what I’m going to read, but I’ve gathered some that fit the challenges, and they will be my tentative TBR, unless I change my mind on any of them.
Alright, here are the challenges and the books I’m hoping to read this week!
1. A predicted 5 star book
For this one, I’m going with Sanctuary by Meg Cabot! I pretty much love all of her books as it is, but I especially love this particular series. I’ve given all these 4 or 5 stars, so I have no doubt that I’m going to love this one as well!
2. A book that’s out of your comfort zone
I very rarely read poetry. I did read Amanda Lovelace’s first book, The Princess Saves Herself in This One, though, and I did enjoy it. So, I’m going to give her second book a chance, too!
3. A book that’s been on your TBR for a long time
I have to go with Fire and Ice for this one. The Warriors series is one of my sister’s favorites, and she’s been encouraging me to read them for years! A while back I did read the first book, Into the Wild, and really enjoyed it. So, I know I’ll love this one, too. It’s just one I keep putting off!
4. A LGBTQ+ Ownvoices book
I started Before I Let Go right before the cramathon started, and I didn’t even realize it was an ownvoices novel until looking into what to read for the readathon. So, I think that turned out pretty perfectly since I’m starting this readathon so last minute!
5. Something that’s not a standard novel
Goldie Vance is a graphic novel, which is also something I don’t read too often. I think this looks like such a fun and mysterious series, and I cannot wait to read it!
6. A book with your favorite color on the cover
My favorite color is pink, so I went with The Borrowers for this challenge. I think it’ll be the perfect book because it looks like so much fun, and it’s small, which is exactly the kind of book I need for this readathon!
7. Read seven books
I don’t have anything picked out for my 7th book yet. If I somehow, miraculously, am able to read all of these books in 7 days and have time to read something else, I can assure you that, whatever it is, the book I pick will probably be an extremely short story!
And that’s my TBR! Wish me luck! Be sure to let me know what you’re reading if you’re participating in the Cram-A-Thon, too.
Thanks for reading!
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Title: My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult
Pages: 423
Genres: Fiction, Contemporary
Published by: Atria Books (May 18th, 2004)
Summary
Anna is not sick, but she might as well be. By age thirteen, she has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots so that her older sister, Kate, can somehow fight the leukemia that has plagued her since childhood. The product of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, Anna was conceived as a bone marrow match for Kate — a life and a role that she has never challenged… until now. Like most teenagers, Anna is beginning to question who she truly is. But unlike most teenagers, she has always been defined in terms of her sister—and so Anna makes a decision that for most would be unthinkable, a decision that will tear her family apart and have perhaps fatal consequences for the sister she loves.
A provocative novel that raises some important ethical issues, My Sister’s Keeper is the story of one family’s struggle for survival at all human costs and a stunning parable for all time.
What I Thought
I first watched the My Sister’s Keeper movie back when it was first released. That movie broke me, and I was sure I’d never read the book. Then, I found out they movie has a completely different ending from the book, and I’ve been curious to read it ever since. Flash forward 8-9 years, and here I am; I finally read the book!
I feel like I said this every month, but can you even believe how fast this year is flying by?! We’re already halfway through, and I’m kind of freaking out about that. On the plus side, the summer months are finally here, and with them they bring more reading time, no school, and SUNSHINE! Needless to say, I’m just a little excited. 😉 Overall, I had an okay reading and blogging month for May. The first half of the month, I was so busy with finals and dance that I barely blogged or read at all. Once everything settled down though, I was able to get a bit more on track. I ended up reading three books in the month of May, which, given my circumstances, isn’t terrible, but I was hoping for at least four.
BOOKS READ
– Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
– Emergency Contact by Mary H. K. Choi \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
– My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
STANDOUT BOOK OF THE MONTH
Emergency Contact was filled with great characters, real life topics, and cute banter. It’s a perfect, mature*, YA novel that I think a lot of people have been looking for!
*not in the explicit way, haha. The characters are older – in their late teens and early 20’s.
BOOKS REVIEWED
The Rebellion by Livy Jarmusch \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
The Ugly Teapot by Fred Holmes \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
BOOK HAUL
So, I bought quite a lot of books in the month of May! First, I went to two different library book sales, and so, if you’ve followed me for a while, you know I go completely overboard at those sales, and bought wayyy too many books. If you’re interested in seeing which books I got, I currently have that book haul as a story highlight on my Instagram. You can check that out here!
Then, I received a copy of How to Be a Perfect Christian by the satire website, The Babylon Bee, from WaterBrook & Multnomah as a thank you gift for signing up to be a member of their book launch teams. A huge thank you to them! It was such a pleasant and unexpected surprise, and I can’t wait to read it!
Lastly, I was looking through the bargain books at Books-a-Million, which is a very dangerous place to be, and found a hardcover copy of The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer for only $6! I’m not embarrassed to admit that I was a bit of a Twi-hard back in the day (maybe I still am a little, lol), and I also loved The Host. So, I’m excited to give this one a try and see what I think!
MISCELLANEOUS
Like I said earlier, the first half of May was quite slow. Despite that, May still managed to feature some exciting posts!
Here are all the TTT’s that I participated in for the month of May:
- Top Ten Characters I’d Name My Kids (or Pets) After
- Top Ten Bookish Worlds I’d Want To/Never Want to Live In
Here’s what I was Waiting on Wednesday for this month:
I participated in The Rebellion blog tour last month, as well!
Also, last but not least, I unveiled my new logo for The Calico Books!
That wraps up everything bookish that happened during May! I have high hopes for a big reading and blogging month for June, so wish me luck! 🙂
Thanks so much for reading!
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the calico books 