Recent, Current, and Future Reads | WWW Wednesday [7.20.22]

Recent, Current, and Future Reads | WWW Wednesday [7.20.22]

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?

After not getting it throughout the whole pandemic, I finally got COVID this week 😦 Because of this, it’s been really hard to read. I’m having major brain fog today, but I did finish a book that I had been close to for a while!

Currently reading: I’m listening to an audiobook of The Anthropocene Reviewed while I wait for my audiobook of The Last Olympian to come in. I think a lot of people are divided on the Green brothers, but I really love them, and I have since I read Looking for Alaska in 2008. This book is just really wholesome and informative. Really enjoying it so far.

Recently finished: I finished The Doctor of Doctor Moreau today! It came out yesterday (I was slowed down due to COVID), but I really enjoyed this one! Review is coming tomorrow.

Reading next: It would have been The Last Olympian, but I don’t expect to get that one in from the library for a while. I just picked up The Personal Librarian at the bookstore last week, and it just seems like a very interesting story. Regardless, I don’t think I will get much reading done in the next week while I recover.

What are you reading today?

Harry’s House Book Tag

Harry’s House Book Tag

I was looking for a tag to do, and I love Harry (and One Direction, don’t get it twisted), and this seemed like the perfect one to do on a Friday afternoon! I found it on Riddhi’s blog, and it was created by Jawahir the Bookworm!

Rules

  •  List the rules
  •  Mention the creator (That’s Jawahir the Bookworm!) and link it back to the original post.
  •  Nominate as many people you want and notify them. (either by mentioning them or commenting in their posts).
  •  Name a song from the album you’d like for it to be a Single.
  •  Have fun!

The songs I like are not typically single material, so I’ll just say my favs which are Little Freak, Keep Driving, and Satellite. This album is so good I couldn’t just pick one–forgive me!

MUSIC FOR A SUSHI RESTAURANT — A book with a “ride or die” type of friendship

I just finished my reread of this one today, so that’s probably why I was instantly reminded of it with this prompt. Percy, Annabeth, Grover, and Tyson will literally die for each other, risking their lives to go off and find the other in a labyrinth. What’s more ride or die than that?

LATE NIGHT TALKING — A book you gave a second chance and ended up liking.

I listened to the audiobook of this one, and I remember being a little bored with the beginning and unsure of the direction the story would take. When I got into it though, I really ended up enjoying it. Super solid novel.

GRAPEJUICE — A book with “something old and red”

The Scarlet Gang–they’re old and red, right? This works.

AS IT WAS — A book you liked more as a child.

Did anyone else read this series as a young person??? I was absolutely obsessed with this series in middle school. I actually reread this series recently, and I still kinda loved it, I’m just sure I loved it way more when I was younger and the tropes were all new to me. The spooky vibes of this book were immaculate… why are there not more books with vibes like this?

DAYLIGHT — A book with a toxic relationship

I love this book, and the two main characters end up being really sweet, but MAN are they mean to each other in the beginning. I remember thinking, are these two actually going to end up together or what’s the deal? I don’t read dark romances or anything, so this is as close to toxic as my reading is going to get.

LITTLE FREAK — A book you wished you DNF’d

I read this when I was 14 because Kristen Stewart said it was her favorite. I’d like that week of my life back.

MATILDA — A book with a character/s that has a lot of trauma

Must protect Matty and Keelie at all costs.

CINEMA — A book who’s story is just as good as the cover.

Beautiful cover for a beautiful story. I’ve said all I need here.

DAYDREAMING — A series you desperately clung to so it “won’t end”.

I would give ANYTHING to read this series again for the first time.

KEEP DRIVING — A book with a road trip

I cannot think of one road trip book I’ve read, so please leave recommendations below if you have any! (Preferably romance)

SATELLITE — A book with a side character who deserved better

LEAH. FUCKING. CLEARWATER. If you know, you know. 😤

BOYFRIENDS — A book you have a hate/love relationship with

This one was incredibly disturbing and horrifying, I both loved and hated every minute of it.

LOVE OF MY LIFE — A book with a soulmate pairing

I mean, how could it be anyone but Jess and River??

If you love Harry too, feel free to say I tagged you in this one!

Recent, Current, and Future Reads | WWW Wednesday

Recent, Current, and Future Reads | WWW Wednesday

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?

First Wednesday of July! Hooray! I just got to our vacation house last night, so I’m feeling really motivated to get a lot of reading done. Surrounded by beach vibes. I’m gonna lock myself outside for 6 hours and see how much reading I can get done. The biggest challenge for me is staying off TikTok, which I could absolutely watch for 3 hours straight if I didn’t feel the need to stop.

Currently reading: In the middle of my Last Night at the Telegraph Club paperback and absolutely loving it. Malindo Lo’s writing is exquisite. I have no other words right now. I’m also listening to The Battle of the Labyrinth on audio and it’s so much fun. I’m loving this reread and excited because there are soooo many books in this series that I can get into. Last is my eARC of Honey & Spice (which I really should have finished before its release yesterday, oops). It’s really dense with how it’s written, but I’m not NOT enjoying it.

Recently finished: Packing up my room has been pretty hectic, so the only book I’ve finished recently is The Titan’s Curse which, as I’ve already said, was just so much fun.

Reading next: Obviously, I need to finish off the series with The Last Olympian. I also need to get to my eARC of The Daughter of Doctor Moreau which is coming out later this month. I am definitely looking forward to this one. As for the rest, I brought about 8 physical books with me (and I always buy more on vacation), so I’m just gonna see what kind of mood I’m in when I get there.

What are you reading today?

Books I Read in June | June Wrap-Up

Books I Read in June | June Wrap-Up

Happy July! I don’t particularly feel like celebrating my country this year (or any year for that matter, but especially this year), so I won’t be doing anything this weekend except for relaxing by the pool with a book.

I had a pretty solid reading month in June. I read six books, but none of them were really a solid 5 stars except for my rereads.

I don’t think there will ever be a month where emotional isn’t my most read mood. No surprises there. I don’t often see lighthearted in my moods. When I think of lighthearted, I think “little substance” which I don’t go for in books. But I guess it makes sense in the context of my reading this month.

This one was surprising. I really don’t go for contemporary often, and middle grade even less. I know where they show up in my reading, but seeing them in a chart like this outdoing romance and fantasy, it’s jarring. It makes me want to keep stepping outside my usual genres. I really enjoyed the two contemporaries I read this month, so maybe I’ll keep it going.

The two contemporaries I read happened to be my favorites–Girl, Woman, Other and The Paper Palace (review coming for the former). They just had a lot of substance. Of course I loved rereading the Percy Jackson books, but I’m not going to consider those for favorites since it wouldn’t really be a competition.

In all, I don’t feel great about this reading month. I read some good books, but I didn’t get to the ones I really wanted to. I barely did any Pride reading which I try not to feel bad about. I’m a mood reader, and I’m queer myself. I don’t need a month as an excuse to read queer books. It still feels like I have something to prove, especially when I’m essentially reading for an audience. This is more a me issue, and I’m working on making sure my reading choices are for me only.

That being said, I am getting into some amazing Pride reads already in July that I can’t wait to talk about!

What was your favorite read in June?

Books On My Summer 2022 To-Read List | Top Ten Tuesday

Books On My Summer 2022 To-Read List | Top Ten Tuesday

Happy Tuesday! We’re really getting into Summer here, so this is the perfect TTT Topic! This week’s Top Ten Tuesday (hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl) is Summer TBR. I’m going to a beach town for the month next week, so this is a good time to really think about which books I want to pack with me. I also just went book shopping, so this list is definitely influenced by that haul.

THE DAUGHTER OF DOCTOR MOREAU BY SILVIA MORENO-GARCIA

This is the next book I need to start out of my NetGalley arcs. I loved Mexican Gothic by Moreno-Garcia, so I’m so excited to dig into this one, too.

FRESH WATER FOR FLOWERS BY VALÉRIE PERRIN

This is one I found at a local bookseller and had never heard of before. It just sounds like the perfect summer read, though!

LAST NIGHT AT THE TELEGRAPH CLUB BY MALINDA LO

I don’t need to talk about this one more than I already have, but yes, this one is going to be read by me soon!!!

DETRANSITION BABY BY TORREY PETERS

I haven’t seen much about this book, but I picked it up at the bookstore today. I’m hoping it will be just some good old queer greatness my summer needs.

TRANSCENDENT KINGDOM BY YAA GYASI

This is another I picked up at the local bookseller while I was on vacation a few weeks ago. I have Gyasi’s Homegoing but never got to it–this story is a bit more interesting to me, though.

THE WOMEN OF CHATEAU LAFAYETTE BY STEPHANIE DRAY

I’m usually wary to pick up historical war fiction, but this story caught my attention since it centers around female MCs. I saw it at the bookstore a bit ago and decided to pick it up, so here it is on the list!

SCORPICA BY G.R. MACALLISTER

Again, let’s pretend like this one isn’t still on the list and move on, ok?

THE BONE SHARD DAUGHTER BY ANDREA STEWART

Ok, I had never heard of this one before today. I saw it at Barnes and Noble and had to have it. It sounds so effing good. Has anyone read this?? Please tell me what you thought.

THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY SERIES BY JENNY HAN

I just finished the Prime series last night and would love to go back and reread this series while on vacation this summer. I don’t think it will be as good as the TV series (seeing as they updated quite a bit for a 2022 outlook), but I want to absorb all the nostalgic beachy vibes from this one.

LOVE ON THE BRAIN BY ALI HAZELWOOD

This list could only end with this one which I have been very patiently waiting for. I am going to devour this book the second it comes out at midnight on August 23rd. The perfect way to end a summer.

What’s your most anticipated book on your Summer TBR? Do we have any in common?

Recent, Current, and Future Reads | WWW Wednesday [6.22.22]

Recent, Current, and Future Reads | WWW Wednesday [6.22.22]

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?

Feeling good about my reading this week, so let’s get into it!

Currently reading: I started Girl, Woman, Other on Monday. I was already feeling like I wanted to read something for Pride Month, and on top of that, it was also Juneteenth. So, better way to celebrate than by reading black authors and about black queerness. I’m also about to finish Sea of Monsters already. These audiobooks are going quick which is great cause I eventually want to listen to all of Riordan’s other series, spinoffs and otherwise.

Recently finished: The last book I finished was Something Wilder. I still need to write my review for this one, but it was definitely different than I was expecting! I really enjoyed it overall, though.

Reading next: Ok, it’s actually embarrassing how many times Scorpica and Last Night at the Telegraph Club have been in a WWW Wednesday post. I need to read these just so I can stop feeling shame every time I write one of these. Pride Month is ending soon, and I need to get to these, I just need to. And obviously, I will be picking up The Titan’s Curse as soon as I finish Sea of Monsters and it becomes available from the library.

What are you reading on this lovely Wednesday?

Half the Year in Books | Mid-Year Freak Out Tag

Half the Year in Books | Mid-Year Freak Out Tag

I saw Michaela do this tag, and almost couldn’t believe we’re halfway through the year. That can’t be right, can it? Apparently, it can. I’m looking forward to looking at my reading so far this year, so here we go!

BEST BOOK YOU’VE READ SO FAR IN 2022?

This decision was tough. I read a lot of amazing romances (The Love Hypothesis, The Roughest Draft), but this one was just so epic and all around great. This is one I recommend to many different people when they ask for recent release recommendations.

BEST SEQUEL YOU HAVE READ SO FAR IN 2022?

I was really torn between this one and Our Violent Ends, but I remember feeling so hyped up when I finished this one. OVE was so good, but the cliffhanger in this one was absolutely insane. I’m so, so excited to continue on with this series in 2022.

NEW RELEASE YOU HAVEN’T READ YET BUT WANT TO?

I’ve mentioned this book several times on my blog so far and STILL haven’t gotten to it. It looks incredible, so maybe June will be the month for it.

MOST ANTICIPATED RELEASE OF THE SECOND HALF OF 2022?

No thoughts, just Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood. If you know, you know.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF 2022?

It’s really hard for a romance to miss the mark with me, and everything about Anatomy just seemed perfect for my tastes. Romance and grave-digging? Automatic yes. This one wasn’t the worst book I read this year by far, but it was definitely the biggest disappointment for my expectations.

BIGGEST SURPRISE OF 2022?

The plot for this book was so weird, and I really wasn’t into it at first. It turned out to be a really, really sweet story that I still think about quite a bit.

FAVORITE NEW AUTHOR OF 2022 (DEBUT OR NEW TO YOU)?

Women in STEM and romance. Again, if you know you know.

NEWEST FAVORITE CHARACTER?

Juliette is so fucking cool. I enjoyed seeing her struggle between her loyalty and her love for Roma.

NEWEST FICTIONAL CRUSH?

Aaron Fucking Blackford. Enough said.

BOOK THAT MADE YOU CRY?

The depiction of addiction in this novel is so heartbreaking. Especially if you’ve personally dealt with addiction in the family like I have, Matty’s struggle is so hard to read. I think I was tearing up within the first 5 pages.

BOOK THAT MADE YOU HAPPY?

This book was so magical, and while the contents weren’t all that happy, the vibes were so beautiful with this one I felt happy finishing it!

FAVORITE BOOK TO MOVIE ADAPTATION YOU’VE SEEN SO FAR THIS YEAR?

I haven’t finished watching yet (I’m trying to stretch it out for as long as possible), but the adaptation is amazing so far. They really nailed the Massachusetts Summer vibe which is very nostalgic for me.

FAVORITE REVIEW YOU’VE WRITTEN THIS YEAR?

It’s easier to write about books you absolutely loved, so it makes sense that my favorite writing was in the review for Book Lovers. This is one I feel that I was really able to capture my feelings well, and it seemed like others agreed when I posted this one.

MOST BEAUTIFUL BOOK YOU BOUGHT OR RECIEVED SO FAR THIS YEAR?

I haven’t read this one yet, but it was absolutely 90% a cover buy. I mean, just look at it. Need I say more?

WHAT BOOKS DO YOU NEED TO READ BY THE END OF THE YEAR?

I have way too many books that I would love to read this year, but I try not to make myself feel guilty about not reading books (unless they’re ARCs). So, I’m just picking this one ARC I’m so excited to read–and still don’t know how I was approved for it.

How are you feeling about your reading so far this year?

Recent, Current, and Future Reads | WWW Wednesday [6.15.22]

Recent, Current, and Future Reads | WWW Wednesday [6.15.22]

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?

Another beautiful Wednesday in June! Halfway through the month and it’s one of my best friends birthdays! So I’ll be celebrating that this week as well as trying to read more.

Currently reading: I just got Something Wilder on my Kindle from the library after a good few weeks wait. I got about 2% in last night before I passed out in bed. Not much to say on this front. For once, I’m only reading one book at a time. That will definitely change later, but as of right now, that’s it!

Recently finished: I finished The Paper Palace, Fake It Till You Bake It (review copy), and The Lightning Thief all within the past couple days. Reviews to come still for the first two! I loved Paper Palace but was pretty disappointed with FITYBI. Percy Jackson will always be amazing.

Reading next: I have no reading plans aside from continuing with the Percy Jackson series! That means Sea of Monsters is up next (as soon as it comes off hold from the library). I have a physical copy, but I want to continue with the audiobooks which I really enjoyed the first of. I’ll probably start a physical book as well soon, but no clue what that will be.

What are you reading today? Comment or link your WWWs below!

Books I Read in May | Wrap-Up

Books I Read in May | Wrap-Up

Happy June everyone! I hit a low point in the middle of May. After reading several books to start the month, I kinda dropped off until the last week. Several personal things were hindering my mental health which meant very little reading. I also was traveling quite a bit which contributed to the dip.

That being said, I still managed to read 7 books! Way better than I did in April. I’m taking a four hour train ride tomorrow, so I’m hoping to start June off strong as well.

Surprisingly, Young Adult was my most read genre. This is surprising just because I haven’t been super into YA for the past few years. I’ve definitely been getting into some of the popular YA books though recently, and I am definitely not mad about it.

I’m not feeling too discouraged about this month, but I definitely want to try to do better in June. I’m taking a beach vacation, and I’m hoping the change in scenery will push me to read a bit more.

What was the best book you read in May?

Recent, Current, and Future Reads | WWW Wednesday [6.1.22]

Recent, Current, and Future Reads | WWW Wednesday [6.1.22]

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?

Wow, not having a set work schedule is really getting to me! I had noooo idea it was Wednesday until I saw everyone posting their WWWs lol. I’m leaving for New York tomorrow, so it’s good I’ll get this in before leaving.

Currently reading: I’m about halfway through the audiobook of The Lightning Thief. It’s just as fun as I remember it to be, and it’s going very quickly, so I expect to finish it soon and be on to the next one! I’m also reading an arc of Fake It Till You Bake It. I’m a little wary of this one just because of the reviews. I’m not too far in, but it seems like a standard, run-of-the-mill romance so far to me–nothing to scoff at. We will see.

Recently finished: I read the ending of The Hawthorne Legacy while at a 3-hour hair appointment the other day. It took a little pushing to finish, just because it is a plot-heavy book. Definitely worth it, though.

Reading next: I read one page of The Witch’s Heart which I don’t technically consider started, so I’m hoping to really get into that one this next week. I’m also really feeling like reading Last Night at the Telegraph Club, especially for Pride Month, so that one is definitely coming on vacation with me.

Have you read any of these? What’d you think?