Tag: i read ya

Books I meant to read in 2023 | Top Ten Tuesday [1-23-24]

Books I meant to read in 2023 | Top Ten Tuesday [1-23-24]

by louisereads ♥ 2 Comments

Happy Tuesday! This week’s Top Ten Tuesday (hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl) is books I meant to read in 2023 but didn’t get to. I’ve already dragged myself over the coals for only reading 18 books last year, which means there are sooo many books I could put on this list! That’s okay, because we’re in a new year, and I’ve already read almost half of what I did last year 🙂

A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES BY SARAH J. MAAS

SO I had originally gotten halfway through book three of this series when my family and I moved houses! The book got lost in the move which was absolutely tragic. I bought the set in paperback last year, so now they’re just sitting on my shelf waiting to be read!

MEN WHO HATE WOMEN BY LAURA BATES

I recently saw a study that looked at ideology/political leanings among different generations and genders within them. Gen Z (my generation) had the most difference between genders, women were majority left-leaning while the men were right-leaning. I’m so intrigued by this dynamic that is popping up and why it is happening, and I think this book will tackle it.

OLD ENOUGH BY HALEY JAKOBSON

It’s actually criminal that I haven’t read this book yet. I have not read NEARLY enough bisexual fiction, and I don’t think I’ve read any coming-of-age bi fiction yet. I’m glad I’m doing this list, because I’m going to go request this from the library ASAP!

THE UNMAKING OF JUNE FARROW BY ADRIENNE YOUNG

I have yet to read anything by Adrienne Young which is actually criminal. Everyone seems to love all her books, and when I read the description for this one last year I immediately added it to my TBR. I’m not typically super into time travel stories, but this one seems different and a little mysterious.

YOU MADE A FOOL OF DEATH WITH YOUR BEAUTY BY AKWAEKE EMEZI

I’ve actually been meaning to read this one for a few years now since it came out. The initial reviews I saw were rave ones, but now I’m seeing not so good ratings on Goodreads. I still want to give this a try because it seems like a gorgeous queer story about grief.

SCARLET IN BLUE BY JENNIFER MURPHY

I think I put this one on a couple TBRs over the past few years. Oops! I don’t typically read thrillers, but this one stood out to me because it focuses on the daughter as well as her mother in a new beach town. Maybe avid thriller readers will say, “that sounds just like every other thriller!” but it really piqued my interest when I saw it at my local bookstore!

CRYING IN H MART BY MICHELLE ZAUNER

I saw this one everywhere last year, and I’m pretty sure Michelle Zauner even came to speak at the college I work at recently. I didn’t get to see her, but this autobiography sounds so interesting. I think I may make it my next audiobook read!

VIOLETA BY ISABEL ALLENDE

I read A Long Petal of the Sea by Allende a few years back, and was just in awe of how gorgeous her voice is. This one came out in 2022, and I honestly couldn’t tell you what it’s about, only that I would love to read anything this legendary woman has written.

FINDING GENE KELLY BY TORIE JEAN

This romance looks so cute! And I’ve been slowly starting to love second-chance romances. Something about them just gives me hope for past lost love–whether between friends or lovers. It also has fake dating, which is an automatic buy for me (not really, but you know what I mean).

HOW THE GARCÍA GIRLS LOST THEIR ACCENTS BY JULIA ALVAREZ

I read Alvarez’s In The Time of Butterflies a few years ago and was awestruck by the story and her writing. I bought this one last year and have been meaning to read it since. This is one of those books where I, again, know nothing about the premise. I just need more of Julia Alvarez’s writing!

I didn’t expect to have so much literary fiction on here, but it seems appropriate since these always seem more daunting to me! What kinds of books do you want to read but tend to avoid?

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Recent, current, and future reads | WWW Wednesday [1-17-24]

Recent, current, and future reads | WWW Wednesday [1-17-24]

by louisereads ♥ 1 Comment

This is a tag hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words that asks us to answer the three Ws:

  • What are you currently reading?
  • What did you recently finish reading?
  • What do you think you’ll read next?

Happy Wednesday! This has been a stressful week (hence the lack of posts), so I haven’t done a TON of reading since I last updated. I had an important work meeting that I was stressed about and I’ve also been preparing for my first professional conference this weekend! And on top of that, my old lady dog got a back injury 😦 so I’ve been spending a lot of time cuddling her and trying to help her feel better. But! I have been reading every day, so I feel pretty good about that despite everything else that has come up!

I’m still listening to I’m Glad My Mom Died! I’ve been working through it during my workouts, so I’m slowly but surely getting there. This is a tough read! I’ve also been reading Heir of Fire on my Kindle which is so amazing. It’s a little slower than Crown of Midnight, but still so amazing. I’m getting a lot more out of my read than I did the first time.

The last book I finished was Ruthless Vows! What an amazing duology this was. I cannot recommend it enough. I need to look into more of Rebecca Ross’s books–her writing is so gorgeous!

So I’m definitely going to keep moving through the TOG series with Queen of Shadows. Without a doubt. But, I’ve also been wanting to pick up an easy contemporary romance. I’ve been seeing a lot of Abby Jimenez recently, and I’ve only read one of her books which I liked enough. Should I try more of hers? I’m not sure!

What are you currently reading? Any cute contemporary romance suggestions?

Recent, current, and future reads | WWW Wednesday [1.10.24]

Recent, current, and future reads | WWW Wednesday [1.10.24]

by louisereads ♥ 2 Comments

This is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words that asks us to answer the three Ws:

  • What are you currently reading?
  • What did you recently finish reading?
  • What do you think you’ll read next?

Happy Wednesday! This week started off excellent for reading–I’ve already finished two books so far! I have five meetings in the office today, so won’t be getting much read at work, but I’m excited to get into my next read tonight!

I’m in between physical books right now, but I’m slowly working through the audiobook of I’m Glad My Mom Died. This one is a tough listen, but so far I’m glad her mom died, too! No surprise there.

I finished Divine Rivals the other day, and I’m still blown away by how amazing it was! That ending tore me apart. I didn’t have the sequel yet, so I moved onto my reread that had been sitting on the back-burner for a while of Crown of Midnight. I finished it last night, and oh my god, the ending was even better the second time around. I forgot how much I love this series!

Unsurprisingly, I am going to start both Ruthless Vows and Heir of Fire today. I’m not sure when due to how many meetings I have today, but I’m going to make it happen because I need both immediately!

What are you reading today? Hopefully your day isn’t as busy as mine is!

Most anticipated book releases for the first half of 2024 | Top Ten Tuesday [1-9-24]

Most anticipated book releases for the first half of 2024 | Top Ten Tuesday [1-9-24]

by louisereads ♥ 1 Comment

Happy Tuesday! This week’s Top Ten Tuesday (hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl) is most anticipated releases for the first half of 2024! This is the first Top Ten Tuesday I’ve done since returning to book blogging, and I’m super excited about it. This is a good one for me because I’m just now throwing myself back into the bookish world after a long hiatus, so I need to catch myself up on everything releasing this year!

BRIDE BY ALI HAZELWOOD

Release date: February 6th

Oh my god. Ali Hazelwood and vampires???? When I learned about this one, I honest to god yelled. I have such high hopes for this one. Ali Hazelwood is my absolute favorite. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I’ll read your grocery lists, Ali!!!

FUNNY STORY BY EMILY HENRY

Release date: April 23rd

Everyone knows by now that Emily Henry is the contemporary romance queen. I’ve read a lot of romance authors, tried to read their entire list of works, but no one has a portfolio as excellent as Emily Henry’s. Maybe Sarah Dessen, but Sarah Dessen is kind of a legend in that way. I digress. I have no doubts this book will be amazing.

A FRAGILE ENCHANTMENT BY ALLISON SAFT

Release date: January 2nd

This one is fortunately already out! I don’t know too much about it aside from what I’ve seen on others’ blogs, but give me a good fantasy romance and I’ll read it. I do not need to know anything else, thank you.

NOT IN LOVE BY ALI HAZELWOOD

Release date: June 11th

I don’t need to go on my Ali Hazelwood spiel again, but just know that this is coming out in June and when it comes out, I will be BUSY.

SO LET THEM BURN BY KAMILAH COLE

Release date: January 16th

I only learned about this one recently, but it’s a Jamaican-inspired queer fantasy with dragons. Guys. This sounds incredible. And that cover?? SO gorgeous.

FAEBOUND BY SAARA EL-ARIFI

Release date: January 18th

ANOTHER queer fantasy coming out!! I don’t know much about this one, but the vibes are there. And another sexy cover. Good work, team.

THE POISONS WE DRINK BY BETHANY BAPTISTE

Release date: March 5th

I haven’t read a good urban fantasy in a reeeeally long time. Witches and illegal love potions? Say less. I’m there.

AN EDUCATION IN MALICE BY S. T. GIBSON

Release date: February 13th

I’m not usually super into dark academia, but this one is lesbians in a Massachusetts college. It may as well be about my college experience, except just slightly more cult-y. This one sounds incredible.

A FATE INKED IN BLOOD BY DANIELLE L. JENSEN

Release date: February 27th

Forbidden fantasy romance. This one sounds so unbelievably hot. I don’t want to get my hopes up, but they’re already so high. Please don’t disappoint, Danielle!!

LORE OF THE WILDS BY ANALEIGH SBRANA

Release date: February 27th

I’m going to be honest, I saw the words romantasy, library, and fae in the synopsis for this one, and that was enough for me. It seems like it might also have a bit of enemies-to-lovers in it. I’m sold. I’m there.

What books are you looking forward to releasing in the first half of 2024?

Recent, Current, and Future Reads | WWW Wednesday [1-3-24]

Recent, Current, and Future Reads | WWW Wednesday [1-3-24]

by louisereads ♥ 1 Comment

This is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words that asks us to answer the three Ws:

  • What are you currently reading?
  • What did you recently finish reading?
  • What do you think you’ll read next?

Happy first Wednesday of the year, everyone! I’m feeling really good book-wise about this year! I took a sick day today just to fully recover from a cold I had last week, and I’m hoping to get a lot of reading done today. There shouldn’t be much going on at the library since students are still on their winter break, so I’m hoping to get a lot of reading done in-office as well.

I’ve been reading Prodigal Summer for a few months now. I started in October around my birthday and then took a break when some mental health stuff came up, but now I’m back on it! It’s my first Kingsolver novel, and it’s just absolutely beautiful. I love nature imagery.

I also needed a fantasy romance to read at night now that I’m trying to slow down on my smoking (someone help me, lol), so I picked up The Serpent and The Wings of Night last night. It’s a little slow to begin, but I think it will really pick up speed now that the tournament is about to begin!

I just finished A Deal with the Devil a few nights ago, which I already reviewed! I am absolutely obsessed with Tali and Hayes’s love story. I think I’m a bit hard to impress when it comes to romances, so I was surprised by this!

Ok, this is so embarrassing, but I just realized today that I already own Divine Rivals! Last year, there was a time when I kept forgetting to cancel both my Illumicrate and Owlcrate subscriptions (they kinda just pile up for me, especially because my mental health was so bad at the time). It must have come in sometime last year, but now I’m so excited to pick it up! I also am really intrigued by the premise of The Jasad Heir, but haven’t heard too much about it. If you’ve read it, let me know what you thought!

What are you reading today?

Books I Read in November | November Wrap-Up

Books I Read in November | November Wrap-Up

by louisereads ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Happy December, everyone! November was a pretty good reading month for me compared to what the months before were like. It’s also the month I cam back to book blogging after a little hiatus.

I read five books! Which is about average for me. I saw someone post their wrap-up saying they were upset they only read six books last month–like, girl, that’s a great month for me! Just goes to show that everyone’s reading habits are different. Don’t compare your reading to someone else’s! We all have different lives and different capacities for free time. That said, I think the most important thing I have continued to work on is making that time for reading. There are lots of times when I will be on TikTok when I could be relaxing with a book. I’m not saying TikTok time isn’t also important, but sometimes it’s good to go offline. And if I’m finding that I’m not getting much reading done, it’s because I get stuck on social media for two hours and forget about my books. ANYWAY, let’s get to the books!

What was most surprising for me this month was the number of YA contemporaries and really great NetGalley ARCS I finished. I don’t normally read YA contemporary–usually I just can’t connect like I once was able to. Everything is so dramatic when you’re a teen, and that really translates in YA contemporaries. These two–In the Wild Light and Everything Sad is Untrue–were so beautiful, though. I also typically have really bad luck with NetGalleys. For some reason, I just find it hard to get into a lot of the eARCs I’m approved for. I realized I need to stay away from romance and YA fantasy ARCs because they can be so hit or miss. Winterland and The Light Pirate were so, so stunning. I highly recommend them.

This was a really good reading month for me. Going into December, I’m really in the mood for some wintery fairytale stories. If you have any recommendations that fit this description, leave them below!

What was the best book you read this month?

Top Ten Cozy Reads | Top Ten Tuesday [11.28.22]

Top Ten Cozy Reads | Top Ten Tuesday [11.28.22]

by louisereads ♥ 4 Comments

Happy Tuesday! This is the first Top Ten Tuesday I’ve done since the summer, and it’s a fun one for me. This week’s Top Ten Tuesday (hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl) is Cozy Reads! Some of these might not seem like obvious choices, but they’re cozy to ME.

LAST NIGHT AT THE TELEGRAPH CLUB BY MALINDA LO

I’m not sure if it’s because the two girls are always sneaking out at night or if it’s because the story is just so sweet, but this book is cozy to me. It just feels warm and lovely overall.

LITTLE THIEVES BY MARGARET OWEN

For some reason, fairytale retellings are just inherently cozy to me. Especially when they take place in cold settings. Because of these two factors, this one is doubly cozy.

TWICE SHY BY SARAH HOGLE

Pretty much everything Sarah Hogle writes has cozy vibes, but this one is especially cozy because it involves renovating a home. Making a home livable and comfortable–what’s more cozy than that??

ASH BY MALINDA LO

Some might say I shouldn’t include Malinda Lo twice, but I am going to say that those people are wrong. Maybe Malindo Lo just writes really cozy books, or maybe she just writes books that my young queer self would have loved. Regardless, this little gay fae tale is cozy.

LOVE AND OTHER WORDS BY CHRISTINA LAUREN

This one is just so sweet and tender that it can’t NOT be cozy. That’s all.

THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE BY KATHERINE ARDEN

Again, something about fairy tales and cold climates. SO cozy. Someone needs to do a study on this.

THE SHADOW OF THE WIND BY CARLOS RUIZ ZAFÓN

I’ve put this on so many lists, probably because it’s one of my all-time favorites, but this one has that sneaking-out-at-night aspect. It’s also a gothic romance, so those are just inherently cozy as much as they are creepy, right?

SPINNING SILVER BY NAOMI NOVIK

Fairytale, cold, need I say more?

ALONG FOR THE RIDE BY SARAH DESSEN

Seriously, why do I think sneaking out at night = cozy? I think summer nights for me are just cozy, and that is what this novel reminds me of. Another one of my all-time favorites. Sneaking out + romance = COZY

TO THE BRIGHT EDGE OF THE WORLD BY EOWYN IVEY

Another cold climate one, but this time involving more of a nature theme which is also super cozy to me.

What do you think of my requirements for a cozy book? What’s your favorite cozy read?

If A Young Patron Comes in to the Library Looking for a Humor Book That Can Also Make Them Cry… | Everything Sad is Untrue [REVIEW]

If A Young Patron Comes in to the Library Looking for a Humor Book That Can Also Make Them Cry… | Everything Sad is Untrue [REVIEW]

by louisereads ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

At the front of a middle school classroom in Oklahoma, a boy named Khosrou (whom everyone calls “Daniel”) stands, trying to tell a story. His story. But no one believes a word he says. To them he is a dark-skinned, hairy-armed boy with a big butt whose lunch smells funny; who makes things up and talks about poop too much.

But Khosrou’s stories, stretching back years, and decades, and centuries, are beautiful, and terrifying, from the moment he, his mother, and sister fled Iran in the middle of the night, stretching all the way back to family tales set in the jasmine-scented city of Isfahan, the palaces of semi-ancient kings, and even the land of stories.

We bounce between a school bus of kids armed with paper clip missiles and spitballs, to the heroines and heroes of Kosrou’s family’s past, who ate pastries that made them weep, and touched carpets woven with precious gems.

Like Scheherazade in a hostile classroom, author Daniel Nayeri weaves a tale of Khosrou trying to save his own life: to stake his claim to the truth. And it is (a true story) [From Goodreads].

If you listen, I’ll tell you a story. We can know and be known to each other, and then we’re not enemies anymore.

One thing I hear from a lot of Youth Services librarians is that they are looking for more humor books to recommend. There are lots of YA books, but most of them, at least in my experience, are very serious or romances or something else. But, I have finally found THE book. The book I would recommend if a young person came into the library looking for something funny to read. Somehow, Nayeri manages to juggle humor and sensitivity in a way that only makes sense for a story about a middle-school-aged Persian boy living in Oklahoma.

I think I was laughing and tearing up within five minutes of each other while listening to this audiobook. Khosrou’s story is so heartbreaking yet hopeful and light at the same time. i think the quote above really sums up the experience of reading this book. As is mentioned in the synopsis, this is a series of true stories based on the author’s life. This story is so important for everyone to consume, young and old, about the immigrant experience in this country.

I want this book to be in every school’s curricula, on every library’s recommended reads display. I’m grateful the cover of this one is so beautiful, otherwise I might not have picked it up originally (I saw it from afar while eating brunch at our local BookBar and looked it up later).

I don’t have much else to say about this one other than it is a hilarious and inspiring read I need everyone to recommend to the young people in their lives.

Rating: 5 out of 5.
Recent, Current, and Future Reads | WWW Wednesday [11.23.22]

Recent, Current, and Future Reads | WWW Wednesday [11.23.22]

by louisereads ♥ 1 Comment

This is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words that asks us to answer the three Ws:

  • What are you currently reading?
  • What did you recently finish reading?
  • What do you think you’ll read next?

Happy Wednesday before Thanksgiving! I’m going to my cousin’s for lunch tomorrow and then my partner and I are seeing the holiday Festival of Lights. I don’t love what the holiday represents, but I do love to spend time with my family! What are your Thanksgiving plans (if you live in the US)?

I just started both Gilded (audiobook) and The Light Pirate (eARC). I’m a little iffy on the writing style of The Light Pirate, but it’s still very early on. I have hope. Gilded is a lot of fun already. I’m still slowly working through my physical copy of The Whispering Dark. I’m hoping to do some reading in the car tomorrow over to my cousin’s.

I finished two the other day: Winterland (eARC) and Everything Sad is Untrue (audiobook). Both were beautiful and I loved every second of them. Reviews to come, but I highly recommend.

I just picked up One Dark Window at Barnes & Noble the other day. The description sounded so good, and someone on my Instagram also recommended it. So, I think that one is calling to me.

What are you reading today?

Five Books I’m Thankful For | Top Ten Tuesday [11.22.22]

Five Books I’m Thankful For | Top Ten Tuesday [11.22.22]

by louisereads ♥ 1 Comment

Happy Tuesday! This is the first Top Ten Tuesday I’ve done since the summer, and it’s a fun one for me. This week’s Top Ten Tuesday (hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl) is a Thankful Freebie, so I’m going with the top five books I’m thankful for (I do not have the energy to do ten, I apologize). These can be books that were very influential in my formative years, books I read at a really important moment in my life, things like that. Let’s get to it!

TWILIGHT by STEPHENIE MEYER

I mean, could I start the list any other way? Twilight was the book that got me, and I’m sure many of you, into YA. Twilight has so many problems, so many concerning and problematic elements, but I’m so thankful for this series. I could get emotional about this one.

THE GIVER by LOIS LOWRY

This one is very similar to Twilight for me. This is the first book I ever read in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. Now, I know it’s a fairly short book, but I was in the fifth grade, and this had never happened to me before. A couple semesters ago, my professor tried to tell me that this book was some kind of propaganda–I have no idea. All I know is that I read this and discovered books could capture my attention so well that I sit on 300-year-old hardwood floors for three hours to finish it.

A TALE FOR THE TIME BEING by RUTH OZEKI

I think this was the first adult fiction novel I really connected with. Before then, I just kinda thought all adult fiction was too serious (which I still kinda believe). I had never really seen a novel accurately depict what depression and loneliness felt like. For me, at the age of 15 (16?), knowing someone else knew how I felt, made me feel so much less alone. Ruth Ozeki is actually an alumna from my alma mater, and she taught a creative writing class while I was there which was incredible. I’m thankful for this book and her writing and her mind.

THE SHADOW OF THE WIND by CARLOS RUIZ ZAFÓN

I don’t have any memories of my life while reading this book. This book was meaningful for just how beautiful the writing was. I’m thankful for this book for the writing alone and the wonderful story they tell. That’s all.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by JANE AUSTEN

I need to end this list with the original enemies-to-lovers story. I love this story with all my heart. To be honest, I watched the movie long before I read the book. But, without the book, there would be no movie, so it still counts. I’m sure there were enemies-to-lovers stories before this one, but this is the first one I can remember consuming. I was considering a lot of books for this, many of them romances, but I had to go with the original here.

What books are you thnakful for?