August Wrap Up

My August had some highs and lows when it came to reading, but mostly I’m just amazed that I managed to read 7 books when I’ve been so busy with a new job. And for that I count this month a success!

Though I will say that finding time to blog has a been a bit difficult. I didn’t realize how much time it actually took until I found myself limited. But it’s all good! I’m grateful to have a job (and I want to give everyone who replied to my July wrap up a big heartfelt thank you for all the kind messages about my struggle, it meant so much! And to everyone who said they felt encouraged by it, it makes it feel worth it. Really really it does).

But even if I know I have some time to blog, I don’t force myself to if I’m not in the mood, because that’s just no fun. #1 rule for blogging = fun time, not forced time. But because of that I’m a bit slower at replying to comments these days, boo (though idk, was I ever particularly fast????). Why can’t reading and blogging just be my job???

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 What I read

THE NOT SO GOOD

 

 

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon ★ 1/2 ☆☆☆
I just…did not like this book  It was full of a lot of confusing world building and I found the characters very flat and used to spew plot points and info dump rather than develop with the story.  And when you can’t hook me on the characters, you can’t hook me with any sort of plot. This book was not a book for me, but I’d always been curious about it, so I’m glad I don’t have to wonder anymore. Full review.

Timekeeper by Tara Sim ★★☆☆☆
This book had so much going for it- a world ruled by time, Steampunk London, forbidden romance, the underdog trying to prove himself….but it fell so flat. The flattest. It started with the insta-love and went downhill from there. Full review.

THE GOOD

 

 

Geekerella by Ashley Poston ★★★★☆
This book was super cute, and I loved the fandom aspect of it. It was a quick, easy read, perfect if you’re in the mood for something sweet and light. Full review.

One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus ★★★★☆
This was an enjoyable mystery, though it didn’t make me miss high school AT ALL. It really kept me guessing and was interesting even though I didn’t find it terribly clever, and definitely had a Breakfast Club vibe going for it. Full review.

The Hearts We Sold by Emily Lloyd-Jones ★★★☆☆
This book is about a girl who sells her heart for money, and I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that turned out so differently than what I expected it to be. It was an interesting story, though I kept having to ask myself if I actually liked it, which was something that also doesn’t usually occur as I’m reading. In the end I did like it, though I thought the plot could have been stronger. Full review.

THE GREAT

 

 

 The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee ★★★★☆
This book was so much fun, the romance was super sweet, the adventure was crazy, HISTORICAL FICTION, and I love love love Henry Montague. I loved this book. Please read it. Full Review.

More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera ★★★★☆
This book was a great read, a heavy read, and had a fantastic plot twist that I didn’t see coming at all. Adam Silvera’s got a gift for storytelling (and he accepted my friend request on Goodreads and it was basically a highlight of my month). Full review.

 This month’s favorite

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Other Posts

Top 5 Tuesday 

I can’t believe I managed to do all of the topics for this month :O They were so much fun!

Book worlds I want to live in
Buzzwords that make me want to read a book
Buzzwords that make me NOT want to read a book
Retellings
Top TEN side characters

Tags

What Cats Do Book Tag
The Sunshine Blogger Award
The Disney Princess Sidekicks Book Tag

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September Plans…

I never do TBRs because I’m 5000% a mood reader and I cannot even try to predict where it’ll take me, BUT this month I’m planning on going to the Boston Teen Author Festival on the 23rd, and I’m trying to read as many books by authors on the lineup as possible. Four of the books I read this month are by some of these authors, so I’m feeling good about it. Which makes…..8 of 42 authors, lol. My one real goal for the festival to get my copy of Crooked Kingdom signed by Leigh Bardugo. I’d go to this thing just for her, TBH. I’m super excited and I just got one of my best friends to agree to come with me yesterday! I’ve never been to a bookish event other than Harry Potter midnight release parties, so I’m very much looking forward to it.

I’m also going to a Harry Styles concert, which has nothing to do with books, but I’m super excited and just wanted to share because I love Harry, which is probably apparent to most of you by now. That is all.

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Currently Reading

Sixteen-year-old Sorina has spent most of her life within the smoldering borders of the Gomorrah Festival. Yet even among the many unusual members of the traveling circus-city, Sorina stands apart as the only illusion-worker born in hundreds of years. This rare talent allows her to create illusions that others can see, feel and touch, with personalities all their own. Her creations are her family, and together they make up the cast of the Festival’s Freak Show.

But no matter how lifelike they may seem, her illusions are still just that—illusions, and not truly real. Or so she always believed…until one of them is murdered.

This is another book from my list of festival authors, and I’ve heard mixed reviews but I’m liking it so far! I’m only two chapters in though, so I hope it stays interesting.

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I think that’s all I have to say….August was a good month! This whole summer was great, full of change, but also fun and relaxation and many, many trips to the beach with friends. Like, I rarely went to the beach before this summer, but I’ve gone almost weekly since the start of July. We all went for the 4th of July and then decided to just keep on going. It’s been wonderful.

What did you do this summer? What was your favorite book you read? My favorite summer book was A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara, if you haven’t heard me yell about it enough already. I’d love to know yours!