December 2021 Reading Wrap-Up

World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks
Rating: ★★★★☆ – really liked it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Dec 1
Read Count: 2
Favorite Thing: I was going to lie, but seriously it was Alan Alda’s part.
Least Favorite Thing: The movie lol

Been a minute since I read this last, but definitely still enjoyed it.

My Posts About World War Z

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We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
Rating: ★★★★☆ – really liked it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Dec 8
Read Count: 2
Favorite Thing: It’s so bizarre-o.
Least Favorite Thing: Literally nothing.

I basically read this one a second time to see if the audiobook was as unsettling as reading it physically. It was.

My Posts About We Have Always Lived in the Castle

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American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Rating: ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Dec 10 – 13
Read Count: 2
Favorite Thing: Weird.
Least Favorite Thing: Weird.

A friend at work read this recently and I realized while talking to her about it that I still wasn’t sure what this book was about. Now having read it a second time, I can definitively say… I still do not know what this book was about.

My Posts About American Gods

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Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
(The Twilight Saga, book 1)
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ – it was ok
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Dec 14 – 16
Read Count: 4
Favorite Thing: At least it wasn’t The Host?
Least Favorite Thing: It was Twilight.

Ok do not judge me for rereading a book I hate. I wanted to experience the audiobook version because I’ve always read it physically before. News Flash! It was equally terrible having someone read it to me!

My Posts About Twilight

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Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
(Strange the Dreamer, book 1)
Rating: ★★★★★ – loved it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Dec 21 – 22
Read Count: 3
Favorite Thing: Wait do I find Lazlo attractive?
Least Favorite Thing: Gimme a second, I’ll think of something…

I have wanted to listen to this one for a while because I just knew it would be excellent, and my library happened to have it available for me so I listened to it while I worked and it was so calming (the narrator’s voice) and beautiful (the prose).

My Posts About Strange the Dreamer

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White Oleander by Janet Fitch
Rating: ★★★★★ – loved it
Review: No
Format: Print
Reading Dates: Oct 23 – Dec 22
Read Count: 2
Favorite Thing: So beautifully written it makes me want to cry.
Least Favorite Thing: Actually makes me cry because so much bad stuff happens.

This was my car book. That is, this is the book I left in my car to read on lunch breaks and when I have to wait for something. As you can imagine, it was a bit heavy for a car book lol

My Posts About White Oleander

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Watch Over Me by Nina LaCour
Rating: ★★★★★ – loved it
Review: No
Format: Print
Reading Dates: Nov 6 – Dec 28
Read Count: 1
Favorite Thing: The writing was so beautiful!
Least Favorite Thing: Literally nothing. Maybe I’ll pick something next time I read it.

Nina LaCour is officially on my favorite author list now. I will read a book, regardless of the premise, if Nina LaCour writes it.

My Posts About Watch Over Me

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New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
(The Twilight Saga, book 2)
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ – did not like it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Dec 27 – 28
Read Count: 4
Favorite Thing: [cricket sounds]
Least Favorite Thing: I actually hate the audiobook narrator…

Edward wasn’t even in this book and yet I had to hear about him every 10 seconds. Blech.

My Posts About New Moon

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Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
(The Twilight Saga, book 3)
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ – did not like it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Dec 28 – 29
Read Count: 4
Favorite Thing: It was over quickly.
Least Favorite Thing: It was still torture.

Seriously, these characters are so much more insufferable when you have to hear them out loud! Like they were annoying people before, but then hearing their words aloud? Oh my gawd, I wanted to slap people who don’t even exist.

My Posts About Eclipse

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In Progress

November 2021 Reading Wrap-Up

The Dating Plan by Sara Desai
(Marriage Game, book 2)
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ – it was ok
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Nov 5 – 8
Read Count: 1
Favorite Thing: That one joke about the auntie’s cooking.
Least Favorite Thing: If I hear the word “prom” one more fucking time…

Look, I was ready to love this. I wanted to love this. But I could not…

My Posts About The Dating Plan

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The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
(Ex Hex, book 1)
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ – did not like it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Nov 8 – 9
Read Count: 1
Favorite Thing: The world was interesting I think?
Least Favorite Thing: The narrator ruined this book for me.

I couldn’t even tell you if I liked this book or not because the narrator’s voice caused me such physical discomfort I couldn’t even focus on the story…

My Posts About The Ex Hex

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The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Rating: ★★★★★ – loved it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Nov 9 – 11
Read Count: 6
Favorite Thing: The narrator’s voice.
Least Favorite Thing: A bitch be identifying with Nell too much…

I listened to this book to get the bad taste of The Ex Hex narrator out of my ears.

My Posts About The Haunting of Hill House

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Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Rating: ★★★★★ – loved it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Nov 11 – 12
Read Count: 2
Favorite Thing: WHY IS IT SO CUTE????
Least Favorite Thing: The lack of an oxford comma in the title.

I’ve been wanting to reread this for a while. I was intending to read it physically, but I saw the audiobook available with my library and I couldn’t resist. And then obviously I couldn’t put it down.

My Posts About Red, White & Royal Blue

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My Plain Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, & Jodi Meadows
(The Lady Janies, book 2)
Rating: ★★★★★ – loved it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Nov 14 – 16
Read Count: 2
Favorite Thing: The whole teacup thing lol
Least Favorite Thing: Over too soon!

I’m about to cancel my subscription to Scribd, sadly, so I’m trying to get in all the audiobooks that I can. Plus I needed something funny because all three of the books I’m reading physically can get a bit heavy.

My Posts About My Plain Jane

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Graceling by Kristin Cashore
(Graceling Realm, book 1)
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ – did not like it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Nov 25 – 30
Read Count: 1
Favorite Thing: Seriously??
Least Favorite Thing: The fact that no one had ever heard of just like….plugging your ears with something.

Do people genuinely like this book? Like for realzies?

My Posts About Graceling

October 2021 Reading Wrap-Up

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
(Uglies, book 1)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Sept 30 – Oct 1
Read Count: 4
Favorite Thing: I don’t know that I have strong enough feelings to have a favorite thing?
Least Favorite Thing: Once again, no strong feelings here…

Ok, but despite my lack of strong feelings, I do actually like this series. I do NOT, on the other hand, like the reader for this audiobook. She says things in such a weird way…

My Posts About Uglies

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Pretties by Scott Westerfeld
(Uglies, book 2)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Oct 1 – 5
Read Count: 4
Favorite Thing: I think the dumb slang is so fun, to be honest.
Least Favorite Thing: Everybody let Shay down and I will die on this hill.

I liked this more last time I read it, but obviously I still enjoy it because here I am rereading it lol

My Posts About Pretties

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Specials by Scott Westerfeld
(Uglies, book 3)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Oct 5 – 6
Read Count: 4
Favorite Thing: I like the dumb slang even more. I love that every time they get new brain surgery they change the dumb slang they use lol
Least Favorite Thing: I can’t think of anything, this has always been my favorite of the original trilogy.

I want to be a special so bad! I don’t even care if I’d have anger management issues, it would be worth it!

My Posts About Specials

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Extras by Scott Westerfeld
(Uglies, book 4)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Oct 6
Read Count: 2
Favorite Thing: MOGGLE!!!!
Least Favorite Thing: I’m trying to think of something… Nope, I got nothin’.

I think this might be my new favorite of the whole series? I usually don’t even reread it because the first time I found it boring because it wasn’t really about Tally, but this time around I just enjoyed it for what it was and had a really good time.

My Posts About Extras

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Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris
(The Southern Vampire Mysteries, book 10)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Oct 6 – 8
Read Count: 2
Favorite Thing: The whole thoughts/feelings as colors thing was cool.
Least Favorite Thing: I can’t really remember well enough to have one, so maybe my least favorite is just that it wasn’t very exciting.

This was the last one that I’d read before I think.

My Posts About Dead in the Family

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Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris
(The Southern Vampire Mysteries, book 11)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Oct 11
Read Count: 1
Favorite Thing: Sookie/Pam friendship makes me happy.
Least Favorite Thing: I hate that Eric is being a poop…

I listened to this whole book while I got a tattoo in New York City and it was the perfect distraction in both the sense that I wasn’t concerned about the tattoo and that I didn’t fall asleep.

My Posts About Dead Reckoning

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Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris
(The Southern Vampire Mysteries, book 12)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Oct 12 – 14
Read Count: 1
Favorite Thing: I’m just enjoying the narrator more than anything.
Least Favorite Thing: So no one’s going to slap Claude?

I feel like saying I’m “just enjoying the narrator” makes it seem like I’m not enjoying the book, but really I am, I just am in New York City and am missing southern accents!

My Posts About Deadlocked

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Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris
(The Southern Vampire Mysteries, book 12)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Oct 14 – 16
Read Count: 1
Favorite Thing: I have no idea what my favorite thing was, but this book felt very satisfying.
Least Favorite Thing: IT’S OVER????? NOOOOOO!!!

I hate that this series is over, I want it to go on forever lol

My Posts About Dead Ever After

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Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire
(The Wicked Years, book 1)
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ – it was ok
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Oct 19 – 20
Read Count: 2
Favorite Thing: The- The narrator again? I loved his voice.
Least Favorite Thing: So depresso…

I read this book back in middle school, when everyone at my school became obsessed with the musical (which is much less depressing), but I wanted to reread it because I recently saw the musical. And once I started I didn’t want to turn it off because the narrator was great!

My Posts About Wicked

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The Marionettes by Katie Wismer
(The Marionettes, book 1)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review: No
Format: Print
Reading Dates: Sept 28 – Oct 2
Read Count: 1
Favorite Thing: The magic system was pretty interesting, which is a thing I rarely say these days.
Least Favorite Thing: VALERIE! COME ON! You literally read about it and then didn’t think “hm I wonder if this is related to the body I found in pieces yesterday” come on girl!!!

Man this took me forever to read because of my stupid reading slump. I just cannot focus on print books lately at all, which is tragic let me tell you. And I have to say this was a really good first foray into the genre by Katie. But I also have to say, HOW DARE SHE end on that crazy cliffhanger oh my god.

My Posts About The Marionettes

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Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ – it was ok
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Oct 21 – 25
Read Count: 1
Favorite Thing: Oh man I really want to think of something to say here…
Least Favorite Thing: So unmemorable that I already forgot reading it.

I have no distinct thoughts, just a slight internal cringe. I really wanted to like this book (the world needs more fat protags that don’t hate themselves), but something about the way it was written just…did not vibe with me. I felt like someone was holding my hand, leading me along to every point when I really didn’t need their help. That being said, it was by no means a horrible experience.

My Posts About Spoiler Alert

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Cress by Marissa Meyer
(The Lunar Chronicles, book 3)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Oct 26 – 27
Read Count: 2
Favorite Thing: Cress is kinda presh.
Least Favorite Thing: Cress is also painfully naïve (which, like, I totally understand, but sometimes it was a bit annoying.)

I forgot how much I genuinely like Cress though you guys.

My Posts About Cress

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In Progress

September 2021 Reading Wrap-Up

Neon Gods by Katee Robert
(Dark Olympus, book 1)
Rating:  N/A – DNF
Review:  No
Format:  Audiobook
Reading Dates: Aug 19 – Sept 7
Read Count:  0.5
Favorite Thing:  Interesting premise
Least Favorite Thing:  This book made me feel oogy?

I tried to read this for Katesbookdate‘s patreon book club and… I swear this was almost porn-without-plot, it was barely not that. I felt so uncomfortable the whole time, not about the sex, but about how every single thing – good or bad – brought on a new sex scene. Also…the way he talked to her was shudder inducing.

My Posts About Neon Gods

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The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
(Percy Jackson and the Olympians, book 5)
Rating:  ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review:  No
Format:  Audiobook
Reading Dates:  Sept 7
Read Count:  3
Favorite Thing:  The oracle!
Least Favorite Thing:  Why can’t people just tell other people things?

I probably won’t ever read these books again, but because I feel like I’ve really aged out of them. But it was a nice little throw-back.

My Posts About The Last Olympian

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All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris
(The Southern Vampire Mysteries, book 7 )
Rating: ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Sept 1 – 7
Read Count: 2
Favorite Thing: Telepath Teamup!
Least Favorite Thing: I can’t even think of anything, I take these books as they are lol

So I’ve read this before, physically, but I listen to music or audiobooks while I work now and I needed something fluffy so of course I went for the Sookie Stackhouse books. I’ve been trying to slowly work my way through, but once I start one I just can’t turn it off!

My Posts About All Together Dead

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Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín
Rating: ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Sept 8 – 9
Read Count: 2
Favorite Thing: I love the way everyone talks. No the accents, but like the word choice and the…cadence maybe?
Least Favorite Thing: She’s so painfully selfish, the movie definitely took some of that out.

I love this movie so much, and I have listened to a different audiobook version in the past, but I think this one was better.

My Posts About Brooklyn

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From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris
(The Southern Vampire Mysteries, book 8)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Sept 10 – 11
Read Count: 2
Favorite Thing: I like that a major real life event was included, makes a fantastical story feel more real.
Least Favorite Thing: Stop, I’m never going to have a least favorite am I?

These books are so relaxing for me. And occasionally quite funny.

My Posts About From Dead to Worse

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Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris
(The Southern Vampire Mysteries, book 9)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Sept 12 – 13
Read Count: 2
Favorite Thing: Shifters out!!!!
Least Favorite Thing: How many times is Jason going to be accused of some kind of horrific murder? Examine your life, bro.

Ok, fine, I picked a least favorite thing. Except it’s not even really a least favorite thing, because it’s kind of hilarious?

My Posts About Dead and Gone

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Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
(Daughter of Smoke & Bone, book 1)
Rating: ★★★★☆ – really liked it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Sept 15 – 17
Read Count: 3
Favorite Thing: TEETH!
Least Favorite Thing: Special girl is so special.

I had been wanting to reread these, specifically via audiobook, for so dang long! I finally broke down and joined audible just for the time it would take to listen to these books.

My Posts About Daughter of Smoke & Bone

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Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor
(Daughter of Smoke & Bone, book 2)
Rating: ★★★★☆ – really liked it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Sept 17 – 20
Read Count: 3
Favorite Thing: Ziriiiiiii
Least Favorite Thing: Mr. White Wolf himself obviously.

You know I’m just now realizing how little the covers have to do with the story…

My Posts About Days of Blood & Starlight

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The Singer of All Songs by Kate Constable
(The Chanters of Tremaris, book 1)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Sept 22 – 23
Read Count: 3
Favorite Thing: I just love the magic style!
Least Favorite Thing: Does she have to love the first man she’s ever met?

Don’t ask me why, but I suddenly became convinced that this was the book I needed to listen to ASAP… Anyway I bought it and I listened and the background sounds were strange…

My Posts About The Singer of All Songs

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Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ – it was ok
Review: No
Format: Print
Reading Dates: July 23 – Sept 28
Read Count: 1
Favorite Thing: Uh….I….can’t think of one…
Least Favorite Thing: SHE’S SO INCREDIBLY STUPID I CAN’T HANDLE IT

Could it have taken me any longer to finish this book? Gawd! I honestly did not enjoy it at all. I wanted to, I tried really hard…. Blah.

My Posts About Lock Every Door

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Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor
(Daughter of Smoke & Bone, book 3)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review: No
Format: Audiobook
Reading Dates: Sept 20 – 28
Read Count: 3
Favorite Thing: Things finally happen!
Least Favorite Thing: I wish I could care at all about the main characters’ romance, but the only romances I give a shit about are side characters lol

WHAT DOES THIS COVER HAVE TO DO WITH ANYTHING??

My Posts About Dreams of Gods & Monsters

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In Progress

August 2020 Reading Wrap-Up

Some Kind of Animal by Maria Romasco-Moore
Rating:  ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review:  Yes
Format:  eBook
Reading Dates:  August 1 – 7
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  So much running, so rarely do they just walk somewhere lol
Least Favorite Thing:  So….we’re all just cool with the dead people then?

I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The short version of my review:  This book was weird, but enjoyable to read.

My Posts About Some Kind of Animal

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The Sweetest Kind of Poison by Katie Wismer
Rating:  ★★★★☆ – really liked it
Review:  No
Format:  Print
Reading Dates:  August 2 – 10
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  As someone who has been in a toxic relationship with that Wrong Guy, this collection really spoke to me.
Least Favorite Thing:  Um….a couple of the pages weren’t properly in the binding? lol I don’t know, I can’t think of anything to genuinely dislike.

Man some of these made me cry, too. I used like half a stack of stickies marking my favorite poems.

My Posts About The Sweetest Kind of Poison

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Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat
(Captive Prince, book 1)
Rating:  ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review:  No
Format:  Print
Reading Dates:  August 10 – 21
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  The writing style
Least Favorite Thing:  Everyone’s totally cool with slavery, including the slaves…

I was determined not to like this book because the whole “slavery is a good thing actually as long as you are a nice person” thing made me feel icky. But the writing was engaging and drew me in against my will… Aaaand now I own the whole trilogy lol

My Posts About Captive Prince

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In Progress

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June 2020 Reading Wrap-Up

Forest of Whispers by Jennifer Murgia
Rating:  ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review:  Yes
Format:  Print
Reading Dates:  June 1 – 4
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  Is it Magic or is it Medicine? Rune is basically an herbalist lol
Least Favorite Thing:  The ending felt rushed and confusing…

Dammit, I didn’t realize this was the first in a series (or duet maybe? because there’s only one more book), I was so excited for a nice standalone! And the thing is it totally read as a standalone, so I probably won’t bother with the sequel.

My Posts About Forest of Whispers

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Belladonna by Anbara Salam
Rating:  ★★★★☆ – really liked it
Review:  Yes
Format:  eBook
Reading Dates:  June 5 – 10
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  Sentient Potato
Least Favorite Thing:  Made me dissociate…

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Welp! Guess I have another new book to add to my wishlist lol

My Posts About Belladonna

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Stars Above by Marissa Meyer
(The Lunar Chronicles Collection)
Rating:  ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review:  No
Format:  Print
Reading Dates:  June 11 – 15
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  Wolf’s story
Least Favorite Thing:  The ending of that weird Little Mermaid retelling? Like did she accidentally leave something out?

Im glad I finally got around to reading this collection, but now I just want to read the whole series again…

My Posts About Stars Above

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Divine by Mistake by P.C. Cast
(Parthalon, book 1)
Rating:  ★☆☆☆☆ – did not like it
Review:  Vlog
Format:  eBook
Reading Dates:  May 28 – June 17
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  That scene where she tells some random guy about her yeast infection.
Least Favorite Thing:  Every sex scene.

This is without a doubt the worst book ever written and I don’t understand how it got published.

My Posts About Divine by Mistake

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East Coast Girls by Kerry Kletter
Rating:  ★★★★☆ – really liked it
Review:  Yes
Format:  eBook
Reading Dates:  June 17 – 22
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  The writing style.
Least Favorite Thing:  A little difficult to get into.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was worried I wasn’t going to like this book for a minute, but the more I read the more I liked it.

My Posts About East Coast Girls

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Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor
(Strange the Dreamer, book 2)
Rating:  ★★★★☆ – really liked it
Review:  No
Format:  Print
Reading Dates:  June 23 – 26
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  Everything I want to say would be a spoiler!
Least Favorite Thing:  There is nothing!

I read this for the #MakeYourMythTaker Readathon and I am so glad I did!

My Posts About Muse of Nightmares

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Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
(The Cahill Witch Chronicles, book 1)
Rating:  ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review:  No
Format:  Print
Reading Dates:  June 26
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  Feathers!
Least Favorite Thing:  The ending!

I read this for #MakeYourMythTaker also. And now I’m going to have to get my hands on the sequel because I’ve got to know what happens next!

My Posts About Born Wicked

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American Rose by Karen Abbott
Rating:  ★★☆☆☆ – it was ok
Review:  No
Format:  Audiobook
Reading Dates:  June 11 – 29
Read Count:  <1
Favorite Thing:  Her whole life story based on lies and no one cares.
Least Favorite Thing:  Her actual childhood based on abuse and no one cares.

Man this book should have been so interesting and yet… DNF’d at 64% so I’m still counting it towards my goal for the month and year.

My Posts About American Rose

May 2020 Reading Wrap-Up

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
(Six of Crows, book 1)
Rating:  ★☆☆☆☆ – did not like it
Review:  No
Format:  Print
Reading Dates:  December 28 – May 2
Read Count:  <1 (DNF)
Favorite Thing:  None
Least Favorite Thing:  Boring

I tried so hard to finish this book, but I only got 67% of the way through. Whatever I got more than half so I’m counting this towards my goal of 75 books for the year.

My Posts About Six of Crows

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The Apprentice by Tess Gerritsen
(Rizzoli & Isles, book 2)
Rating:  ★★☆☆☆ – it was ok
Review:  No
Format:  eBook
Reading Dates:  May 5 – 9
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  Rizzoli got hers lol
Least Favorite Thing:  “The Dominator”? Really?

Why did I read this book when I didn’t even like the first one? Why will I probably read the next one?

My Posts About The Apprentice

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The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Rating:  ★★★★★ – it was amazing
Review:  No
Format:  Print
Reading Dates:  May 12 – 20
Read Count:  4
Favorite Thing:  Eleanor
Least Favorite Thing:  Planchette lol

New theory – The house is not simply “evil” but lonely.

I can’t believe I read this book again. It was probably too soon to reread a book that I already read three times in 2019, but I couldn’t stop myself.

My Posts About The Haunting of Hill House

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A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
(A Song of Ice and Fire, book 4)
Rating:  ★★☆☆☆ – it was ok
Review:  No
Format:  Audiobook
Reading Dates:  May 7 – 25
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  Alayne and Arya’s parts
Least Favorite Thing:  He fucking ATE HER FACE that is NASTY god…

I feel nauseated just remembering that scene that was so unnecessary Mr. Martin.

My Posts About A Feast for Crows

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On Fortune’s Wheel by Cynthia Voigt
(Tales of the Kingdom, book 2)
Rating:  ★★★★★ – it was amazing
Review:  No
Format:  Print
Reading Dates:  May 1 – 28
Read Count:  6-ish
Favorite Thing:  The beautiful ending
Least Favorite Thing:  I can’t have a least favorite thing, I love this series too much

I swear rereading these books never gets old, I just love Voigt’s writing voice so much!

My Posts About On Fortune’s Wheel

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One Day We’ll All Be Dead and None of This Will Matter by Scaachi Koul
Rating:  ★★★★☆ – really liked it
Review:  No
Format:  Audiobook
Reading Dates:  May 27 – 29
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  How she spoke so openly about her anxiety
Least Favorite Thing:  She calls her boyfriend “Ham Hock” in the whole book and that’s all I could picture whenever she brought him up, a ham hock lol

I borrowed this audiobook from my library, but I’m thinking I may add the physical copy to my list to buy so I can reread and annotate at a later date.

My Posts About One Day We’ll All Be Dead and None of This Will Matter

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Zeus Grants Stupid Wishes by Cory O’Brien
Rating:  ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review:  No
Format:  Print
Reading Dates:  May 21 – 29
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  The retellings of myths I already knew
Least Favorite Thing:  Occasionally felt like he was trying too hard…

Woo this means I have read two non-fiction books in one month and also that my Video Wrap-Up is accurate! Hurray!

My Posts About Zeus Grants Stupid Wishes

April 2020 Reading Wrap-Up

Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods by Suzanne Collins
(The Underland Chronicles, book 3)
Rating:  ★★★★☆ – really liked it
Review:  No
Format:  Audiobook
Reading Dates:  March 31 – April 1
Read Count:  4
Favorite Thing:  I love that the ones people pay the least attention to when it comes to ideas and problem solving are the ones who solve the whole prophecy.
Least Favorite Thing:  I can’t think of anything…

I can’t believe how I sped through this book. I just couldn’t put it down even thought it’s my fourth time reading it.

My Posts About Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods

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Gregor and the Marks of Secret by Suzanne Collins
(The Underland Chronicles, book 4)
Rating:  ★★★★☆ – really liked it
Review:  No
Format:  Audiobook
Reading Dates:  April 1 – 2
Read Count:  4
Favorite Thing:  The humans being so shook at the fact that they are referred to as “killers” throughout the Underland. Like what did you expect?
Least Favorite Thing:  Sweet little Boots had to learn what death is and I’m still crying about “where does [character] go when she doesn’t wake up?”…

God I’ve said this before, but these are not kids books. I know they are classified as middle grade, but just…if you’re not reading them because you think they are kids books, they aren’t.

My Posts About Gregor and the Marks of Secret

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Gregor and the Code of Claw by Suzanne Collins
(The Underland Chronicles, book 5)
Rating:  ★★★★☆ – really liked it
Review:  No
Format:  Audiobook
Reading Dates:  April 2 – 3
Read Count:  4
Favorite Thing:  Nerd happy dance!
Least Favorite Thing:  So do we believe in the prophecies or not now?

I always forget that Sandwich was a piece of shit human and then I reread this book and I get mad about it all over again lol Whatever I’m just glad Lizzie got her moment in the sun (so to speak, because obviously…there isn’t any sun…underground…)

My Posts About Gregor and the Code of Claw

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Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Rating:  ★★★★☆ – really liked it
Review:  No
Format:  Audiobook
Reading Dates:  April 5 – 7
Read Count:  2
Favorite Thing:  Amy is so devious!
Least Favorite Thing:  At one point I was listening to this at work and of course it would have to go to a scene where they are talking in the shower lol

I already knew I loved the story of Gone Girl, but also the audiobook narrator was pretty good so I’m glad I decided to reread it this way.

My Posts About Gone Girl

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Jackaroo by Cynthia Voigt
Rating:  ★★★★★ – it was amazing
Review:  Yes
Format:  Print
Reading Dates:  April 6 – 14
Read Count:  6
Favorite Thing:  The oh-so-subtle background romance that you barely notice unless you pay attention and then when you do it’s just so presh…
Least Favorite Thing:  I mean…the only thing that could improve this series is more characters of color, so we will go with that as a least fave.

I was going to try to wait until later in the year to do my yearly reread of these books, but I was feeling so slumpy last month and bummed about it that I couldn’t resist picking up my favorite book series again.

My Posts About Jackaroo

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To the Boys Who Wear Pink by Revan Badingham III
Rating:  ★★☆☆☆ – it was ok
Review:  Yes
Format:  eBook
Reading Dates:  April 11 – 17
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  Soooo much LGBTQ+ representation!
Least Favorite Thing:  Twincest…

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I desperately wanted to love this book, but I just didn’t. I didn’t hate it by any means, but unfortunately I have to admit to some disappointment…

My Posts About To the Boys Who Wear Pink

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The Anti-Virginity Pact by Katie Wismer
Rating:  ★★★★☆ – really liked it
Review:  Yes Video / Written
Format:  eBook
Reading Dates:  April 18 – 23
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  Really well written.
Least Favorite Thing:  I can’t even think of anything.

I received an ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

It’s been a little while since I’ve really connected to a YA novel, but this one grabbed me right away. Totally recommend this book.

My Posts About The Anti-Virginity Pact

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Whiskey in a Teacup by Reese Witherspoon
Rating:  ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review:  No
Format:  Audiobook
Reading Dates:  April 28
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  Probably the thing about how to catch frogs…
Least Favorite Thing:  Nothing.

This was a cute, quick read about…something? Reese talks about her experience of the South and gives some life advice from a Southern woman.

My Posts About Whiskey in a Teacup

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The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen
(Rizzoli & Isles, book 1)
Rating:  ★★☆☆☆ – it was ok
Review:  No
Format:  eBook
Reading Dates:  April 23 – May 1
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  There was a woman who started as a total victim, but as the story progressed she sort of got back to a stronger self.
Least Favorite Thing:  “He cuts out the one thing that makes them women.”

Man the tv show was way better than the books…

My Posts About The Surgeon

March 2020 Reading Wrap-Up

Failure to Appear by Emily L. Quint Freeman
Rating:  ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review:  Yes
Format:  eBook
Reading Dates:  February 17 – March 1
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  LGBTQ+ history from a first-hand perspective
Least Favorite Thing:  Wish she would have acknowledged her privilege?

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

My Posts About Failure to Appear

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Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín
Rating:  ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review:  No
Format:  Audiobook
Reading Dates:  March 1 – 2
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  Tony is presh
Least Favorite Thing:  She’s so selfish!

I mean…. What do I even say? I preferred the movie… They softened Eilis, made her more sympathetic where the romance is concerned. When you watch the movie you understand how she might wind up torn between the two men and the two lives, but in the book she just seems so selfish and calculating…

My Posts About Brooklyn

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Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
(The Underland Chronicles, book 1)
Rating:  ★★★★☆ – really liked it
Review:  No
Format:  Audiobook
Reading Dates:  March 4 – 5
Read Count:  4
Favorite Thing:  Oh man there’s so many scenes I love how can I pick just one! Probably the root beer scene or the sandwich scene lol
Least Favorite Thing:  Fuck a least fave, I love this book.

I have been craving a reread of these books for a minute, and they are on the list of books I recommended to my boyfriend to try out, so I figured I might as well give it a listen as well.

My Posts About Gregor the Overlander

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Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane by Suzanne Collins
(The Underland Chronicles, book 2)
Rating:  ★★★★☆ – really liked it
Review:  No
Format:  Audiobook
Reading Dates:  March 5 – 8
Read Count:  4
Favorite Thing:  Twitchtip!
Least Favorite Thing:  I know what I should say, but it’s probably still just the fireflies… They are even more annoying in audiobook form lol

Everyone calling Photos Glo-Glo “Fo-Fo” cracked me up though.

My Posts About Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane

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Princess Academy: Palace of Stone by Shannon Hale
(Princess Academy, book 2)
Rating:  N/A
Review:  DNF
Format:  Audiobook
Reading Dates:  February 26 – March 10
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  Quarry-speaking in the palace.
Least Favorite Thing:  Alternately boring and stressful…

Like the little intrigue with the whole “will there be a revolution lets meet at my house to secretly discuss the king” thing was stressful and then the rest was boring so…

My Posts About Palace of Stone

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Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo
Rating:  ★★★★☆ – really liked it
Review:  Yes
Format:  eBook
Reading Dates:  March 5 – 23
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  The writing style
Least Favorite Thing:  Literally all the men?

I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley.

I am so glad I requested this book! It was so good! If you want my full thoughts, please read my review (link above), but the short version is:  Excellent look at the struggles of women both within South Korea and without. Definitely recommend to all women.

My Posts About Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982

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A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
(A Song of Ice and Fire, book 3)
Rating:  ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review:  No
Format:  Audiobook
Reading Dates:  March 9 – 25
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  Are all the Starks just casually wargs then? (At least where their wolves are concerned?)
Least Favorite Thing:  Men are gross in this series.

Ugh can someone please just protect the Starks?? Is that too much to ask???

My Posts About A Storm of Swords

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Life and Death by Stephenie Meyer
(Twilight, book 1.75)
Rating:  ★☆☆☆☆ – did not like it
Review:  Yes
Format:  Print
Reading Dates:  February 19 – March 31
Read Count:  2
Favorite Thing:  The ending was different?
Least Favorite Thing:  SO BORING

I’ve never been so bored in my life, fuck this book honestly. I hope I never get it into my head to reread Twilight again…

My Posts About Life and Death

February 2020 Reading Wrap-Up

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
(The Twilight Saga, book 4)
Rating:  ★★☆☆☆ – it was ok
Review:  No
Format:  Print
Reading Dates:  January 30 – February 3
Read Count:  3
Favorite Thing:  Um… I guess I liked the fact that Bella’s personality almost came back once she became a vampire.
Least Favorite Thing:  All that lead-up for nooo big battle…

I miss pre-Edward Bella, she was actually funny and at least minorly interesting.

My Posts About Breaking Dawn

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The Sin Eater’s Daughter by Melinda Salisbury
(The Sin Eater’s Daughter, book 1)
Rating:  ★☆☆☆☆ – did not like it
Review:  Yes
Format:  Print
Reading Dates:  January 17 – February 7
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  The cover?
Least Favorite Thing:  HOW CAN I PICK JUST ONE???

I’m so mad at this book. The ending was so stupid and the plot just dropped off into the void and the whole premise was just a lie and I’m pissed.

My Posts About The Sin Eater’s Daughter

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
(Harry Potter, book 7)
Rating:  ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review:  No
Format:  Audiobook
Reading Dates:  February 8 – 11
Read Count:  2-ish*
Favorite Thing:  Neville
Least Favorite Thing:  Iiiinfoooo Duuuumps

That whole “who is the master of the wand” thing was so convoluted lol

*I have read the whole series multiple times, but since I can’t remember how many times or when I did these read-throughs I have decided not to try and count them.

My Posts About Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

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Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta
Rating:   ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review:  No
Format:  Audiobook
Reading Dates:  February 1 – 12
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  The narrator Robin Miles
Least Favorite Thing:  I’m so depressed omg

Like don’t get me wrong I liked how it ended up, but getting there was the most depressing ride I’ve been on in a long time. That said, I really do recommend this book it was beautifully written and the story is so important.

My Posts About Under the Udala Trees

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Meet Cute: Some People Are Destined to Meet
(Multiple Authors)
Rating:  ★★★★☆ – really liked it
Review:  No
Format:  eBook
Reading Dates:  February 4 – 13
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  THESE MEET CUTES WERE SO CUTE
Least Favorite Thing:  Now there are like 14 books I desperately want to read that don’t even exist…

Oh man, I don’t even like romance and I thought this was the cutest book I’ve read in a long time. And it was SO diverse!! This collection was a breath of fresh air and I’m so glad I read it.

My Posts About Meet Cute

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Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
(Anne of Green Gables, book 1)
Rating:  ★★★★☆ – really liked it
Review:  No
Format:  Print
Reading Dates:  February 6 – 17
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  It’s just so sweet…
Least Favorite Thing:  Why did we have keep stopping to describe the scenery in excruciating detail? Like it was quaint for a minute, but then it just got exhausting. I get it, it’s pretty, calm down.

I finally read Anne of Green Gables! I’ve been saying I would read it for like a year and just not reading it because I suck. But it’s finally happened! It took me a minute to get into, but once I did I really enjoyed it. Also the ending hurt me, that was some cruel shit.

My Posts About Anne of Green Gables

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The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton
(The Belles, book 1)
Rating:  ★★★★☆ – really liked it
Review:  No
Format:  Audiobook
Reading Dates:  February 14 – 18
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  Such a cool magic system!
Least Favorite Thing:  Auguste was annoying…

I think I was meant to trust/like Auguste, but I didn’t even for a second lol He was just too full of himself and irritating. This was a great book, I can’t wait to read the next one!

My Posts About The Belles

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The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
(The Twilight Saga, book 3.5)
Rating:  ★★☆☆☆ – it was ok
Review:  No
Format:  Print
Reading Dates:  February 17 – 18
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  Fred
Least Favorite Thing:  Surprisingly, I can’t think of anything.

So I was pretty sure my main problem with Twilight was the romance, but now I’m so incredibly certain. I actually kind of liked the premise of Twilight from Bree’s POV. I didn’t even mind the sparkly thing that much.

My Posts About The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

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Black is the Body by Emily Bernard
Rating:  ★★☆☆☆ – it was ok
Review:  No
Format:  Audiobook
Reading Dates:  February 12 – 20
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  I can’t think of anything…
Least Favorite Thing:  Just wasn’t very interesting…

I hate to give this 2 stars because this wasn’t a badly written book by any means. It’s just that it didn’t really hold my attention or excite me in any way. I can’t pinpoint exactly what it was that kept it from being all that interesting, but I definitely wasn’t very interested.

My Posts About Black is the Body

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The Everlasting Rose by Dhonielle Clayton
(The Belles, book 2)
Rating:   ★★★☆☆ – liked it
Review:  No
Format:  Audiobook
Reading Dates:  February 21 – 25
Read Count:  1
Favorite Thing:  That glamour trick
Least Favorite Thing:  The ending felt anticlimactic…

The ending was so close to being badass and then they just let it go and wrapped it all up with an epilogue. Is this going to keep happening with books I read?

My Posts About The Everlasting Rose