Tag: booktag

The ULTIMATE blog tag

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HOLA FRIENDS.

I come to you today with THE ULTIMATE BLOG TAG. Blame Charlotte, she tagged me in this tag, so I HAD TO do it. It’s the law right?! (Check out Charlotte’s post here)

– – –

1. Do you get sick while reading in the car?

Nope! I’m blessed in that sense. I can read on most forms of transport! Train and bus reading are my faves though. There’s no better way to pass time on a train than reading a book.

2. Which author’s writing style is completely unique to you and why?

Hmmm… Laura Steven. It’s just so god damn funny. And I don’t think Laura even realises that she’s HILARIOUS.

3. Harry Potter Series or the Twilight Saga? Give three points to defend your answers.

I’ve only read Harry Potter, so by default that. I’ll go with magic, excellent friends and introducing me to my true identity as a Hufflepuff as my defence.

4. Do you carry a book bag? If so, what’s in it (besides books…)?

I DO. I carry the book I’m read in a Fairyloot bag. It lives by itself in that bag, but it lives in my handbag with the rest of my life haha.

5. Do you smell your books?

No? Should I be?

6. Books with or without little illustrations?

I do appreciate a little illustration, but only if they add to the book. I don’t enjoy them when they’re gratuitous!

7. What book did you love while reading but discovered later it wasn’t quality writing?

I have no idea. I’m all about “if I enjoyed it when I was reading, then why should I really care about the quality of the writing?” especially when I’ve finished it. I don’t tend to reread, so that’s that.

8. Do you have any funny stories involving books from your childhood? Please share!

No? I don’t think so anyway.

9. What is the thinnest book on your shelf?

Maybe The Heart Collector by Melinda Salisbury.

10. What is the thickest book on your shelf?

Priory of the Orange Tree. 100%

11. Do you write as well as read? Do you see yourself in the future as being an author?

I enjoy writing stuff for school – like writing models of stories for the kids – but I have no current aspirations of being an author. Teaching is tiring and wonderful enough as it is.

12. When did you get into reading?

As far back as I can remember, I’ve been a reader. I don’t remember having a “moment”.

13. What is your favourite classic book?

Nineteen Eighty Four. Is that a classic? I haven’t read many books which would be classed as “classics” to be honest.

14. In school, what was your best subject?

Languages: English, French, German.

15. If you were given a book as a present that you had read before and hated, what would you do?

I’d gratefully accept it and then unhaul it the next time I was unhauling.

16. What is a lesser known series that you know of that is similar to Harry Potter or The Hunger Games?

Erm, not similar at all, but because of the MAJIK: The Paper Magician trilogy. So many people sleep on this series and I LOVE IT SO MUCH.

17. What is a bad habit you always do (besides rambling) while filming?

LOL. Imagine me vlogging man. However, I think “brilliant” is one of the words I use most when I’m writing reveiws.

18. What is your favourite word?

My all time favourite word is a swear word, so I shouldn’t repeat it here.

19. Are you a nerd, dork, or dweeb? Or all of the above?

Can someone please tell me what the difference between all of these are? I’m a reader, a teacher, a blogger, a sister, a friend, a daughter, a godmother, a crier, a romantic and so much more than one of those words… but if someone tells me what they mean, I’ll categorise myself!

20. Vampires or Fairies? Why?

Neither? If I had to choose, fairies I think. They tend to be “good guys”.

21. Shapeshifters or Angels? Why?

Shapeshifters. I’d LOVE to be able to shift my form and become something else every now and again.

22. Spirits or Werewolves? Why?

Golly. Spirits are a bit more “out there” so them.

23. Zombies or vampires? Why?

LOL. Never a zombie. I do not wish to be a zombie. I choose vampire.

24. Love Triangle or Forbidden Love?

GAH. Two of my least favourite tropes (I think), but I choose forbidden love. Love triangles bother me.

25. Full on romance books or action-packed with a few love scenes mixed in?

Action packed with love scenes in. PLEASE.

– – –

I tag ANYONE who wishes to do this. It’s always quite fun to find out more about each other! 

Speak to y’all soon!

S x 

Mid Year Freak Out Tag

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Hello hello hello!

I saw this tag over on Charlotte’s blog (and I’m sure I did it last year too!) and thought ‘yeah, we’re now in June, that’s the middle of the year, I guess we can do this tag now!’. So here we go… my Mid-Year Freak Out Tag.

The Best Book You’ve Read This Year. 

LOL KAY. I’m going to go like top 3 MG and top 3 YA books I’ve read this year because one is TOO HARD. Sue me.
– No Big Deal by Bethany Rutter (YA)
– The Art of Being Normal by Lisa WIlliamson
– Song of Sorrow by Melinda Salisbury (YA)
– Rumblestar by Abi Elphinstone (MG)
– The Girl Who Speaks Bear by Sophie Anderson (MG)
– Jemima Small versus the Universe by Tamsin Winter (MG)

The Best Sequel You’ve Read This Year

Again, so many. I’ve read quite a few sequels this year. My faves would have to be:
– Song of Sorrow by Melinda Salisbury (duh)
– The Fandom Rising by Anna Day
– A Girl Called Shameless by Laura Steven
– Against all Gods by Maz Evans (man, I’m still so sad this series is over)

New Releases You Haven’t Read Yet But Want To. 

LOL. I have SO MANY books that I want to read. However probably the biggest name on my list at the minute is On The Come Up by Angie Thomas (shut up, I know).

Most Anticipated Releases for the Second Half of the Year. 

Most of my anticipated books were out in the beginning of the year but some of them are still to come, like:
– Return to Wonderland by various MG authors
– No Big Deal by Bethany Rutter (I’ve read it, it’s exceptional, I can’t wait for the rest of the world to catch up)
– A Pocketful of Stars by Aisha Bushby (again, I’ve read it, it’s amazing, it’s going to go down a STORM)

Biggest Disappointment

I hate questions like this, but I do have an answer. I think (like Charlotte) Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen M. McManus was a let down. After the amazingness of One of Us is Lying, it needed to be brilliant.

Biggest Surprise

And Then I Turned into a Mermaid by Laura Steven. Laura writes incredible YA books, so I was THRILLED to hear there would be MG books and it is just wonderful. It’s hilarious, it’s fun and it’s going down a storm at school.

Favourite New to You or Debut Author

Favourite debuts? Kesia Lupo and Aisha Bushby (her debut novel comes out later this year!)

Favourite new to me? Laura Bates (The Burning is EXCEPTIONAL)

Newest Fictional Crush

Luvian Fen. Forever. Next.

Newest Favourite Character

Jemima Small from Jemima Small versus the Universe by Tamsin Winter. That book is important and it’s wonderful. I will fight for it til the day I die.

Book That Made You Cry

LOL ALL OF THEM. But recently The Art of Being Normal and They Both Die at the End just RUINED me.

Book That Made You Happy

SO MANY OF THE BOOKS. I cry with all of the emotions to be honest. Some faves from this year so far:
– Song of Sorrow by Queen Mel (that ending is EVERYTHING I wanted)
– The Boy Who Steals Houses by C.G.Drews
– Boot by Shane Hegarty (cutest thing ever)
– Ghost by Jason Reynolds (Coach is a character who deserves ALL of the praise)
– High Rise Mystery by Sharna Jackson (this was SUCH fun)

Favourite Book to Film Adaptation

I can honestly say with my hand on my heart that I haven’t seen any this year so far? I’d like to see Aladdin though!

Favourite Post You Have Done This Year

This is a HARD question. I’ll be honest though, anything that’s personal and comes from my soul to you guys probably gets the trophy. Also, any time I’ve done a mood board also shows that it’s something special. I just love blogging and I will continue to do so for a very long time.

Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought This Year

Do you mean by appearance or by story? Appearance probably Song of Sorrow (dem sprayed edges though) or Circe (that cover is just gorgeous and shiny). Story-wise… ALL OF THEM. 

What Books Do You Need To Read By The End of the Year

There is only one answer to this question: Angie Thomas’ books.

But also… whatever I want? Ha!

What do you think? 
Agree with my thoughts?
Do you fancy trying this? (It’s much harder than it looks… TRUST ME!)

S x

A-Z Book Tag

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Hola friends and amigos and people alike!

BONUS SATURDAY POST.

I saw this over on Charlotte’s blog recently and thought it seemed like a fun tag to take on… so here is my:

A-Z Book Tag

Author you’ve read the most books from: 

Hmmm… probably Matt Haig, Melinda Salisbury or Roald Dahl. 

Best Sequel Ever: 

Best sequel EVER? Are you having a giraffe? Golly gosh and gah. Song of Sorrow by Melinda Salisbury is pretty epic. Simply the Quest by Maz Evans is brilliant. Fierce Fragile Hearts by Sara Barnard is WELL WORTH A READ. I can’t choose one and you can’t make me.

Currently Reading: 

Evie and the Animals by Matt Haig. I bought it and then I was reading something else, but then it kept whispering to me, so I had to pick it up and read it!

Drink of Choice While Reading: 

A bit like Charlotte, it depends WHERE I’m reading. If I’m in Starbucks, it’ll be an iced coffee (usually), but if I’m at home, it’ll be a cup of tea or a can of Diet Coke.

E-reader or Physical Book?: 

NORMALLY physical book because I am TERRIBLE at remembering to charge my kindle!

Fictional Character You Probably Would Have Actually Dated In High School: 

LOL. Erm… I’d love to say someone like Izzy O’Neill because she’s BRILLIANT but in real life I’m far too shy and she’s far too cool for me.

Glad You Gave This Book A Chance: 

Like Charlotte, I’m glad I gave Circe by Madeline Miller a shot. It’s not what I would usually read BUT MY GOSH I LOVED IT. (Queen Mel recommended it, so who am I to ignore her?!)

Hidden Gem book:

The Paper Magician trilogy by Charlie N Holmberg. Guys you need to stop sleeping on ths trilogy.

Important Moment in your Reading Life:

Reading Matilda. It’s one of the first books I have VIVID memories of reading and thinking “oh my gosh, THIS is why books are so special” but it also introduced me to Miss Honey who is my absolute hero teacher.

Just Finished: 

The Good Thieves by Katherine Rundell. Really great and funny adventure!

Kinds of Books You Won’t Read:
There’s very few genre of books that are OUT of my line of sight, but anything too scary and I am like NOPE NOPE NO THANKS. Also, don’t throw me anything boring. I don’t do that life. Life’s too short to read boring books.

Longest Book You’ve Read: 

Hmmm… maybe one of the Rebel of the Sands books? They get pretty hefty BUT so so worth it!

Major book hangover because of:

Man, I get book hangovers after most books. The biggest book hangover recently though was probably Song of Sorrow because man, I was NOT ready for that. OR No Big Deal by Bethany Rutter because that book is EVERYTHING I need.

Number of Bookcases You Own: 

One. I know. A bookish gal like me. I need more thanks.

One Book You Have Read Multiple Times:

Long time readers of this blog will know that I’m not really a re-reader, but Matilda is probably one of the few books I’ve reread. Also Girl of Ink and Stars by Kiran Milwood Hargrave. That book is exceptional.

Preferred Place To Read:

SOMEWHERE COMFY

Quote that inspires you/gives you all the feels from a book you’ve read: 

I JUST HAVE LOADS. Don’t make me choose one okay?

Reading Regret: 

Reading books that I probably didn’t want to get to the end of? I’m quite stubborn in that if I start a book I WILL get to the end.

Series You Started And Need To Finish (all books are out in series):

Oooooh. I shall have to consult the oracle that is Goodreads to see if this is a thing in my life. I do not know. I shall have to have a think!

Three of your All-Time Favourite Books: 

LOLOL. Who are you kidding? I think we all know the answer to this question (it would feature Mel and Sara… we know).
So, I’m going to do with 3 of my favourite books I’ve read recently (breaking the rules, deal with it):
Jemima Small versus the Universe by Tamsin Winter
Meat Market by Juno Dawson
No Big Deal by Bethany Rutter

Very Excited For This Release More Than All The Others:

The Toll by Neal Shusterman. It’s the 3rd book in the Scythe trilogy and I NEED IT NOW.

Worst Bookish Habit: 

I don’t have any bad bookish habits. I am a delight
(Reading books and then not writing my review/notes for weeks and then coming to write my review and then having no recollection of what the book was about and just knowing that I loved it and everyone should read it but not being able to put that into cohesive words and phrases)

Your latest book purchase: 

Evie and the Animals by Matt Haig.

ZZZ-snatcher book (last book that kept you up WAY late): 

Hmmm… Shadowscent by P.M.Freestone. That book is WELL WORTH staying up late for. WELL WORTH. Please go and read it.

That was well worth the time!

If you fancy doing this tag, GO FOR IT!

Let me know if any of my answers surprised you, or if you have any comments. I’d love to talk!

S x

The 7 Deadly Sins Tag

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Hello!

Today I’m taking on the Seven Deadly Sins tag! I don’t remember where I saw this first/who tagged me in it: it’s just been sat in my drafts folder for months! So if it was you, let me know and I’ll thank you! 

Without further ado… let’s see what my sins tell you about me!

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Greed – what is the most expensive book you own? What is the least expensive book you own?

Most expensive is probably the hardback editions of the illustrated Harry Potter books. I didn’t buy them (one of my brilliant humans did) but they’re definitely the most expensive books.

The least expensive book? Oooh… I have bought many books from charity shops. In fact, I found a Zoella edition of Beautiful Broken Things by Sara Banard for 75p… so probably that?!

Gluttony – what book or books have you shamelessly devoured many times?

I am not an elusive rereader, however I’ve reread Matilda NUMEROUS times in my life. That and Charlotte’s Web are probably the books I’ve reread most in my life. I find myself rereading snippets of Reasons To Stay Alive on occasion too.

Sloth – what book or book series have you neglected out of sheer laziness?

Despite the fact that everyone still shouts at me, I’ve not got around to reading The Hate U Give yet. I know. I know. It will happen one day. I have a complex relationship with hyped books (deserved or not) so I don’t tend to read books that are EVERYWHERE.

Pride – what book or books do you bring up when you want to sound like an intellectual reader?

Lol… erm… HAHA. This is genuinely not one that I think I have an answer to. Maybe like 1984? Shakespeare? Circe? I don’t read things that I want to sound clever because I’ve read them. 

Lust – what attributes do you find most attractive in characters?

ARMS. (If you get this reference we are forever friends).
Hahaha, in all seriousness… humour, realness, honesty, flaws.

Envy – what book/s would you most like to receive as a gift?

Literally any books. I love presents and I love books, so they’re a match made in heaven. I don’t think theres any books out there at the minute that I DESPERATELY seek. I’m an adult who buys her own books haha! 

Wrath – what author do you have a love/hate relationship with?

Hmmm… get back to me on that one!

—

PHEW I made it. If you fancy doing this tag, go for it! I am so non-commital in some answers haha! 

S x 

Books I Want To Read tag

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Hello everybody!

Today, I’m going to be doing the Books I Want to Read tag, which I found on my friend Amy’s blog. When I read it, I knew it was something that I’d like to tackle – it’s not often I think about my TBR!

The Rules

• Link back to the original tag
• Complete the questions with books you want to have read, but don’t want to read
• Tag some people at the end to do the tag next.

Question One: A book you feel you need to read because everyone talks about it

SO MANY THO. I’m not a big fan of hype, so if EVERYONE is talking about a book I am so much less likely to pick it up… until the hype dies out!

Question Two: A book that’s really long

Length is one of the reasons I don’t wanna often pick up books! Strange the Dreamer is one that does slightly intimidate me – it’s not in reality THAT long tho haha. It might need to be one that I buy on my kindle.

Question Three: A book you’ve had on your bookshelf or TBR list for far too long

I’m quite good with my books. If I’ve got them/bought them and not read them within like 6 months (haha) I generally just get rid of them. So A Darker Shade of Magic trilogy is probably the books I’ve had the longest that I’ve not got round to reading (Kelly, if you’re reading this, I promise I WILL get round to them!)

Question Four: A book that is ‘required reading’ (e.g. a school text or popular classic – something you feel obligated to read)

Well… my answer for this is THUG – it’s neither a school text OR a popular classic, but EVERYONE IN THE WORLD has read it apart from me. SO I should probably get on it… I’m just scared!

Question Five: A book that intimidates you

Priory of the Orange Tree. I started it and read quite a chunk for when I interviewed the brilliant Samantha Shannon, but then once the event was done my brain has just been like OMG I CAN’T PICK THAT THING BACK UP THANKS.

Question Six: A book you think may be slow

Genuinely no idea… I don’t think about books as being slow?!

Question Seven: A book that you need to be in the right mood for

Cuckoo Song. I’ve heard MANY things so I know that I’m going to have to be in the right mood to read it.

Question Eight: A book you’re unsure you’ll like

Legendary! I read Caraval and it just didn’t spark my love. I’ve been dubious about buying/getting the next ones because I just don’t want the disappointment of the first book to happen again!

Having now done this, I could’ve used the same 3 or 4 books for all of the questions haha!

I’m not going to tag anyone, but feel free to do this if you see fit!

S x

Would you rather…? bookish tag!

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Well hello there Tuesday! How are you my love?

Today I’m taking on the Would you rather… bookish tag! I was tagged by my lovely friend Charlotte (yes, nominated best newcomer Charlotte! so proud) to take on her 8 questions. If you fancy checking out her post, you’ll find it here!

The way it works is I’ll answer Charlotte’s WYR questions, then I’ll come up with my own and then tag some people to do it! I hope you enjoy! Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Even if I don’t tag you, you are MORE THAN WELCOME to join in!

LET’S GO.

Would you rather only read standalones or only read series?

This isn’t really a question in my life. I dig a standalone, but my gosh, I LIVE FOR a series. I’m all about getting emotionally involved, falling for the hero, watching the villain wreak havoc over multiple books and FEELING ALL THE EMOTIONS. So series. (If Sara Barnard however started writing series, I’m not sure my poor little heart could take it!)

Would you rather only read contemporary or only read fantasy?

WOAH THERE CHARLOTTE. That’s like asking me to choose between Mel and Sara. THAT’S NOT OK. I’m just going to ignore this questions because RUDE. (But fantasy, let’s be real)

Would you rather drop your favourite book in the bath, or have it fall into a shredder?

I don’t know why this answer, but it was my gut reaction: shredder. I guess I could use the shredded pieces as something cute afterwards (and I’d go out and buy a new copy of the book regardless!)

Would you rather read a book that ended on a cliffhanger or one that broke your heart?

I do not live for a cliffhanger… so a book that will break my heart EVERY SINGLE TIME THANKS.

Would you rather have every book you read spoiled or never get to know how any book you read ends?

Just like the cliffhanger question, I love when a book gives me some closure in life, so I’d rather have spoilers ALL OVER MY LIFE. I’m quite a fan of spoilers actually – I openly embrace them (mostly: there are times when I DO NOT appreciate them)

Would you rather your book was missing the first and last page, or a random page in the middle?

A random page. I need my closure thanks.

Would you rather be stuck on an island with no book to read, or stuck in a library where you couldn’t read any of the books?

What are the rules behind “couldn’t read” the books? Am I not allowed to? Am I not able to? Are they too high for me to reach? Charlotte, I need clarification for this question… because my answer will change depending on the rules.

Would you rather have your best friend hate your favourite book or your worst enemy love it?

I would forgive my best friend for hating a book I love. Although all of my best friends have WONDERFUL TASTE so we’re alrite there!

My questions:

  1. Would you rather be best friends with your favourite character or your favourite author?
  2. Would you rather have lunch with the villain or the hero in the last book you read?
  3. Would you rather only read books by men or women?
  4. Would you rather recommend a book that everyone ends up hating or hate a book everyone keeps recommending to you?
  5. Would you rather only buy plain book covers or movie tie in covers of books?
  6. Would you rather only own hardbacks or ebooks?
  7. Would you rather have a main character named after you or a book dedicated to you?
  8. Would you rather have to annotate every book you read or have to fold the pages of every book you read?

I tag Cora, Aoife and Andrew.

S x

Twenty Questions tag

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WELL HELLO PALS.

It is Tuesday. I’m doing a tag. I LOVE A TAG. Do you love a tag? Do you like reading tags? I love reading other people’s answers to tags… they’re such fun!

Today’s tag is the 20 questions tag. I found this as I was perusing the Queen of all Blogging: PaperFury’s blog. I’ve seen other people do it too, but I found it on Cait’s blog. If you’d like to see that post, check it out here. Feel free to join in!

HOW MANY BOOKS ARE TOO MANY FOR A SERIES?

Am I in charge? I love a 3.
Maybe 4.
Definitely no more than 5 is MY ideal though. Any more than that and I am OUT. (This explains why I’ve not read any Cassie Clare guys!)

I think 3 is the perfect amount to get invested and then get satisfaction from. I do love a duology too, but I ALWAYS WANT MORE CAUSE I LOVE ALL THE BOOKS. But no more than 3/4 really.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT CLIFFHANGERS?

OH GOLLY GOSH. If I know there’s going to be another book, then I can live with that… but if it’s a stand alone… NO.

Cliff hangers are just not good for my little heart (see: they make me feel all of the feels which I love but then I yearn for more books INSTANTLY)

HARDCOVER OR PAPERBACK?

Paperback EVERY SINGLE DAY. But I do love the occasional hard back. I don’t own many, but the ones I do own are special to me.

FAVOURITE BOOK?

Lol, who do you think you’re talking to? JUST ONE? LOLOLOLOL. I can give you a few?

LEAST FAVOURITE BOOK?

I just don’t have one? I don’t see the point in being all NEGATIVE NORA about the shop. So no thanks… next!

LOVE TRIANGLES, YES OR NO?

Dear God, no.

THE MOST RECENT BOOK YOU COULDN’T FINISH?

I tend to finish everything I start? I’m not a DNF’er because I think EVERY book is worth finishing.

A BOOK YOU’RE CURRENTLY READING?

d2vvcsdwoaamjoh

Meat Market by Juno Dawson. SO GOOD. I am 200 pages in and I WANT TO KEEP READING MAN.

LAST BOOK YOU RECOMMENDED TO SOMEONE?

Ooooh… *checks twitter* Rumblestar by Abi Elphinstone. It’s not even out yet, haha!

OLDEST BOOK YOU’VE READ BY PUBLICATION DATE?

Who even knows!

NEWEST BOOK YOU’VE READ BY PUBLICATION DATE?

Hmmmm… probably Rumblestar by Abi Elphinstone again. That’s not out til May!

FAVOURITE AUTHOR?

Can we change that to auto-buy authors?! Melinda Salisbury, Sara Barnard, Katherine Webber, Maz Evans, Kiran Milwood Hargrave, Abi Elphinstone. ALL women, cause women power!

BUYING BOOKS OR BORROWING BOOKS?

I’m a buyer… because most of the books I buy then get transferred to the school library, or my classroom library!

A BOOK YOU DISLIKE THAT EVERYONE SEEMS TO LOVE?

I wasn’t a MASSIVE Caraval fan. It just moved really slowly?!

BOOKMARKS OR DOG EARS?

Something that weirds my friend Kelly out about me is that I just REMEMBER what page I’m up to. I do own bookmarks, but I never seem to have one with me! I would NEVER fold a page over. Who would even do that? (My friend Charlotte that’s who… she’s a bad person, but I love her and accept her despite her faults haha!)

A BOOK YOU CAN ALWAYS RE-READ?

Matilda. It’s probably the only book I’ve ever reread. I do plan on rereading all of Melinda Salisbury’s books this summer though.

CAN YOU READ WHILE LISTENING TO MUSIC?

Another weird factoid about me… I can read and listen to music if I’m travelling on a bus/train/car/aeroplane etc. but I can’t if I’m in bed reading. It’s a very bizarre thing, I know.

ONE POV OR MULTIPLE?

I do love a multiple perspective, but they have to be written well.

DO YOU READ A BOOK IN ONE SITTING OR OVER MULTIPLE DAYS?

I LOVE A BINGE READ. I tend to read over the space of a few days – it’s just how my life works. During the holidays however… gimme that 3 hour reading binge of one book.

WHO DO YOU TAG?

ALL OF YOU, lol. So Charlotte, that’s you.

S x

 

Three bookish things tag…

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Well hello there tag! It has been a while since I did a tag… however when Charlotte Somewhere tags you, you do not ignore the calling. 

I’m taking on the ‘Three Bookish Things’ tag today! Check out my answers, and let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Three Read Once and Loved Authors

Queen Mel – we all know I have a STRONG LOVE for Melinda Salisbury books. I just think she is wonderful: human and author. 

Matt Haig – I first read Reasons to Stay Alive and it changed something for me. Once I’d read that, I read all of his other books in the space of a few months and man am I glad. His books are INCREDIBLE. I can not recommend enough. 

Maz Evans – when I read Who Let The Gods Out? I knew that I had found an authoir of kids books that was going to entertain me for many many books to come. Plus, she’s an absolutely stellar human!

Three Titles I’ve Watched but Haven’t Read

The Hobbit – well.. I read it when I was younger, so literally no recollection of the book when I saw the films. 

Les Miserables – HAVE YOU SEEN HOW LONG THAT BOOK IS? I am not going to pick that bad boy up.

The Jungle Book – I totally forgot that was a book! I have not read it, but I thoroughly enjoyed the Disney film.

Three Characters You Love

Kaz Brekker – because he’s Kaz Brekker

Luvian Fen – because he’s annoying, charming, handsome, clever, wily… he’s like the most villainous secret softie you could ever come across.

Izzy O’Neill – she’s brave, bold, hilarious…

God… I am predictable.

Three Series Binged

Six of Crows/Crooked Kingdom – I read these MANY MOONS after everyone told me I needed to and my golly gosh, they’re BRILLIANT.

The Paper Magician trilogy – GUYS STOP SLEEPING ON THIS SERIES. It is SO SO GOOD. 

Coco Pinchard series – ME TALKING ABOUT BOOKS THAT AREN’T MG OR YA? Who am I? In all seriousness, these books are REALLY bloody funny. I loved Coco Pinchard so much.

Three Unpopular Bookish Opinions

Harry Potter isn’t life – I didn’t read them til I was an adult… so while I appreciate them, I’m not an obsessive.

Katniss Everdeen can DIAF – I have a REAL dislike for this girl. I don’t know why. I think she’s ungrateful and entitled. Please don’t @ me on this. I can’t be bothered to talk about it haha.

GIMME DEM SPOILERS – I genuinely don’t mind a spoiler. It takes away the anxiety from what is coming in a book. 

Three Favourite Book Covers

Three Goals for this Year

Ensure I keep reading wherever and whenever I have time.

Only blog about things that bring me joy.

Stop worrying about EVERYTHING ALL THE TIME (lol ikr?!)

And that’s it! I’m not going to tag anyone, but if you want to do it, please feel free! 

Do my answers shock anyone?
Would you have guessed these things for me?
Do you have any different 3 questions for me to answer?

S x 

2018 BIG BLOG POST

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**2018 READING STATS**

Number Of Books You Read: 162
Number of Re-Reads: 0
Genre You Read The Most From: Fantasy?

best-YA-books-2014

1. Best Book You Read In 2018?

YA – Scythe. MG – The Nowhere Emporium

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

Out of the Blue – I didn’t NOT like it… I just didn’t love it as much as lots of other people did.

3. Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read? 

Show Stopper by Hayley Barker. I’d heard quite a lot about it and it took me a few months to actually pick it up and read it.. but my god guys. I’m sorry I ever slept on that duology.

4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)?

LOL. Anything Melinda Salisbury or Maz Evans have ever written.

5. Best series you started in 2018? Best Sequel of 2018? Best Series Ender of 2018?

Best series? Amelia Fang series by Laura Ellen Anderson. Those books are such fun!
Best sequel? THIS IS A HARD ONE. I read a LOT of sequels in 2018. I’m gonna have to say Fierce Fragile Hearts by Sara Barnard though, because I consumed that book in like 3 hours in the middle of a total reading block.
Best series ender? Hero at the Fall by Alwyn Hamilton

6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2018?

Leigh Bardugo. I wanna worship the ground that woman walks on having read Six of Crows.

7. Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?

Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig. I’m not a massive non-fiction (??) reader, but I will read ANYTHING that man writes.

8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?

WHAT? JUST ONE? Rude. Scythe by Neal Shusterman. That book seriously blew my mind. I loved it.

9. Book You Read In 2018 That You Would Be MOST Likely To Re-Read Next Year?

The Truth Pixie by Matt Haig. I have big plans for that book in the classroom!

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2018?

Pages and Co by Anna James.

11. Most memorable character of 2018?

Kaz bloody Brekker. *swoon*

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2018?

Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell. I just adored that story.

13. Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book of 2018?

More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera. It REALLY made me think about me as a person and how I identify and how others see me. Basically, that book ruined my soul.

14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2018 to finally read? 

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo.

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2018?

OH LORD KNOWS.

16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2018?

Shortest? Shona, Word Detective by John Agard
Longest? Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

17. Book That Shocked You The Most

Shocked in WHICH way my friends? Like scary shock? Like unbelievable shock? I think White Rabbit, Red Wolf by Tom Palmer gets ALL THOSE ACOLADES. That book BLEW MY MIND repeatedly.

18. OTP OF THE YEAR (you will go down with this ship!)

Amani and Jin 4LIFE. But also Kaz and Inej.

19. Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year

The friendship of the girls in Fierce Fragile Hearts. Sara Barnard writes female friendships so BLOODY well.

20. Favorite Book You Read in 2018 From An Author You’ve Read Previously

Fierce Fragile Hearts by Sara Barnard.

21. Best Book You Read In 2018 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure/Bookstagram, Etc.:

Oh god. I read Six of Crows because Kelly (of Rambles fame) kept telling me I had to. So I did and my god.

22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2018?

LOL ALL OF THEM? I mean Jin isn’t a NEW crush, but he’s 100% my top fictional crush of ever.

23. Best 2018 debut you read?

SHUT UP MAN. How rude. SO SO MANY. Jack of Hearts and Other Parts by Lev Rosen. (I THINK that’s a debut??)

24. Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?

Show Stopper and Show Stealer by Hayley Barker. Bloody yes.

25. Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?

Theatrical by Maggie Harcourt. I hope she keeps writing books that just MAKE ME SMILE.

26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2018?

HELLO FRIENDS, DO YOU KNOW ME AT ALL? I cry at ALL of the books. The ones that made me cry most however were: A Thousand Perfect Notes by C.G.Drews or More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera.

27. Hidden Gem Of The Year?

Slay by Kim Curran. PROPER GOOD.

28. Book That Crushed Your Soul?

LOL ALL OF THEM. A Thousand Perfect Notes by C.G.Drews can take that title though.

29. Most Unique Book You Read In 2018?

A Darkness of Dragons by S.A.Patrick. I loved the infusion of a “traditional tale” with magic.

30. Book That Made You The Most Mad (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)?

Leah on the Offbeat. Dear my lord, don’t let me get started.

book-blogging

1. New favorite book blog/Bookstagram/Youtube channel you discovered in 2018?

GEORGE LESTER IS MY FAVOURITE. 

2. Favorite post you wrote in 2018?

Oooooooh. An interesting question. It’s not ONE, but it’s a type of post I love writing – my happy posts. 

3. Favorite bookish related photo you took in 2018?

Haha, any time I took a good picture which showed off the metallic of a front cover?

4. Best bookish event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events,  etc.)?

I’m gonna have to say when I got to chair Melinda Salisbury and Alice Broadway at Waterstones Newcastle. EASILY one of my favourite memories of 2018. All of my favourite people were in the same room, watching me interview two of my favourite authors in the world.

5. Best moment of bookish/blogging life in 2018?

Any time someone said “I read your review and I knew I needed to buy that book”. That’s the big winner for me.

6. Most challenging thing about blogging or your reading life this year?

I think this year I experienced, for the first time, a total reading block. I don’t know whether it was tiredness, or what, but I had a good month where I read very little.

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

Of course it is my one and only queen: Melinda Salisbury. This here review of State of Sorrow had almost 4000 views this year!

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

Hmmm… I do not know!

9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?

Another one, I’m not entirely sure!

10.  Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

I did! I set out to read 52 books in 2018 (that’s a book a week) and I SMASHED it. And no, I won’t be upping that for 2019.

looking-ahead-books-2015

1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2018 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2019?

I guess 2019 is when I should finally get round to reading The Hate U Give or A Darker Shade Of Magic.

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2019 (non-debut)?

SONG OF SORROW OK? I’VE BEEN WAITING A YEAR.

BUT ALSO. AGAINST ALL GODS. COME ON GUYS.

3. 2019 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?

A Pocketful of Stars by Aisha Bushby.

4. Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2019?

Again… SONG OF SORROW OK? I’VE BEEN WAITING A YEAR.

BUT ALSO. AGAINST ALL GODS. COME ON GUYS.

5. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging Life In 2019?

Keep blogging. Keep reading. Get to as many bookish events as I can.

6. A 2019 Release You’ve Already Read & Recommend To Everyone (if applicable):

FIERCE FRAGILE HEARTS BY SARA BARNARD.

Thank you and goodnight! If you got all the way down here, congratulations, you earn a star.

S x

Christmas Cracker Tag

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Hello there! It’s Friday again… it’s FINALLY ALMOST THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. There’ll be a “first term wrap up” post coming… but today just a bit of fun. I’m taking on the Christmas Cracker Tag, which I first saw on my friend Cora’s blog. Check out her post here.

christmas cracker tag

Lets get on!

Pick A Book With A Wintry Cover

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Sky Song by Abi Elphinstone: you don’t get much more wintry than actual ice and the Northern Lights. This book is BRILLIANT too. Would recommend!

Pick A Book You’re Likely To Buy As A Present

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The Truth Pixie by Matt Haig: there is something incredibly special about this book. I definitely think everyone needs to read this book.

Pick A Festive Themed Book

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The Night I Met Father Christmas by Ben Miller: I finished this last weekend and it is SO BRILLIANT. It’s like the most brilliant version of a Christmas story ever. I wish I’d read it before now, cause I’d love to share it with the kids I teach.

Pick A Book You Can Curl Up With By The Fireplace

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A Quiet Kind of Thunder by Sara Barnard: for me sitting by the fireplace is dedicated to romance and loveliness. This book is one that’s stuck with me. I will need to find time to reread it. I just adore Steffi and Rhys.

Pick A Book You Want To Read Over The Festive Period

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Dry by Neal and Jarrod Shusterman: the absolute angels of Walker sent me a copy of this last week… in perfect time for my Christmas holidays!

Pick A Book That’s So Good It Gives You Chills

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A Darkness of Dragons by S.A.Patrick: I recently finished this and man, I just loved it! As a massive MG fan, it’s really great to come across a book that ticks so many boxes!

Pick A Book Going On Your Christmas Wishlist

Image result for six of crows collector's edition

Six of Crows Collector’s Edition by Leigh Bardugo: I’ve not actually told Santa this is on my list… so I might have to treat myself post Christmas!

Let me know your thoughts!

S x