The Lover Book Tag

October 3, 2019September 29, 20192 Comments

Hello!

Massive welcome to my Thursday Tag! This week I’m taking on something a little different. My wonderful friend Andrew did this tag, which was created by the wonderful Vicky over at Vicky’s Reads, and he has challenged me to take it on. So here I am taking on… (if you’d like to see Andrew’s answers, check out his post here on Vicky’s blog!)

Before I get started on this mammoth tag, there are just a few rules if you want to take part in this tag!

Give credit to the creator (that would be ME!)
Tag 5 friends
HAVE FUN!

Now… I’m not the biggest Taylow Swift fan, but she has some banging songs… so let’s get on with this!

I Forgot That You Existed
A book on your TBR that you’d completely forgotten about

So so many! Nothing really springs to my mind, but having had a look, The Matilda Effect is on that list! It sounds like a book right up my street, so I’m not sure why I haven’t gotten around to reading it yet (because you forgot about it Steph, duh!)

Cruel Summer
A Perfect Summer Read

I hate this question so much. I’m not great with “summer reads” or even winter reads. I just wanna read all the books all the time. I even in my notes haven’t answered this question…

Lover
Your Favourite Book/Series

It would be criminal of me not to say The Sin Eater’s Daughter because that series truly is one of the best series I’ve ever read. I miss Twylla so much. As a MASSIVE series reader (I’d rather get invested in series than only read standalones), I have SO SO MANY series that could go on this list. As for MG books, you can not get any better than Who Let The Gods Out? series by Maz Evans. They’re just bloody brilliant.

The Man
An Amazing Female Character

A character I’ve fallen massively for this year is Emily from No Big Deal. Emily is me at 17. I read that book very much with a “omg this is me” kind of thing. It’s weird being seen and heard in a book, so I massively appreciated coming across Emily. If you’ve not read No Big Deal yet, please do. It’s such an incredibly important message and it’s proper good. (Plus Bethany Rutter is a BABE)

The Archer
A book from your childhood because you never grew up

This is another one I could’ve had many many answers for because I have ALWAYS been a reader. I don’t know anything but how to be a reader. I loved Matilda, Charlotte’s Web, The Secret Garden, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe as a kid. I think I’d love to relive these stories again and again.

I Think He Knows
A book everyone knows you love!

Lol, I think this is OBVIOUSLY going to be Mel or Maz. Any of the Mel books, any of the Maz books. I love them both.

Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince
A book that makes you so sad, you could paint the town blue

Again… there’s so so so many. However, I can not get this question and not mention Countless by Karen Gregory. I read this book maybe a year and a half ago and still now thinking about it makes me emotional.

Paper Rings
Your favourite OTP

Man. Another thing I love reading for. If you give me a series I love and a ship I can truly ship, you’ve got a series I would die for. Sorrow/Luvian, Kaz/Inej and Amani/Jin are my faves.

Cornelia Street
A book that lived up to the hype

Had I not had everyone shouting at me about Six of Crows/Crooked Kingdom, I never would have read it… and let me tell you that was WORTH EVERY BLOODY SECOND and every second after. Just an amazing duology.

Death by a Thousand Cuts
A book that saying goodbye to is death by a thousand cuts, so you just have to re-read it again

My series loving heart has found a few series REALLY BLOODY hard to say goodbye to. Saying goodbye to WLTGO was a THING. Saying goodbye to Amani and Jin broke my heart, but I really think that saying goodbye to Twylla will always be one of the hardest things. I would LOVE an update on how she’s doing. I love her so.

London Boy
A book based in London

I’ve not got round to reading them, but I own the A Darker Shade of Magic trilogy, which is set in numerous Londons!

Soon You’ll Get Better
A book that brightens up your sky

God, there’s so much MG that just makes my heart so happy. I have to give a massive shout out to Anna James and her Pages and Co series though. I’m part way through book 2 and I just think it is one of the most beautiful and wonderful things in the world.

False God
A book that you could reread over again because it still does it for you, babe

I’m not a massive rereader (as people who are long time readers of this blog will know), but I have reread Matilda numerous times. I just worry that the second time I read it I won’t love it as much as I did the first time!

You Need to Calm Down
An LGBTQ+ book you’d GLAADly recommend

Lol, this prompt is so clever. Good work friends. Simon vs The Homosapiens Agenda is the first thing that jumps to my head for this… it’s an obvious choice, but it’s lush. I saw the film before I read the book, but that didn’t spoil it for me at all!

Afterglow
It’s Not the Book, It’s Me (A book that wasn’t for you)

Freshers. I just couldn’t get away with it. It made me more mad than anything. I don’t talk about it often. Loads of people loved it, but I just… yeah.

ME!
A Character You Relate To

I’ve already mentioned one character I relate to massively, Emily from No Big Deal. But I’d also like to give a shout out to Out of the Blue by Sophie Cameron. It was so lovely to read about a similar situation that I had experienced… a character who had to live a “secret” relationship.

It’s Nice to Have a Friend
A Character You’d Love to be Friends With

LOL. This is going to be another predictable answer if you know me. But Izzy O’Neill is my gal. I wanna be her, I wanna be her girlfriend, I wanna be her friend so much.

Daylight
A book that you weren’t sure of at first but turned out to be amazing!

The Smoke Thieves. It’s slow initially, but it’s really good. I read the second one earlier this year and I really enjoyed it!

Bonus: Favourite Taylor Swift Album

I don’t really have one? Im not a big enough fan to have a favourite album. Sorry to the TSwift fans out there!

And there you go! Phew… what a mammoth task that was!

I’m not going to tag anyone, but if you wish to have a go, please do!

S x

Back to School Book Tag

September 26, 2019September 22, 2019Leave a comment

THURSDAY TAG DAY IS UPON US ONCE MORE.

I’m taking on the Back to School Book Tag today. I KNOW I KNOW. I’m late. Please forgive me. I saw this on my friend Amy’s blog recently and thought I needed to take that on… so here we go!

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English – Name your favourite author’s (or book’s) writing style

I don’t wish to be predictable in this here tag (lol, lbr, I’m predictable af), but I can’t beat Melinda Salisbury’s writing style. It’s just gorgeous. She is the QUEEN of worldbuilding in my eyes. PLUS… she gave the world the god that is Luvian Fen, so who am I to complain?

Maths – A book that made you frustrated

This again might be one that you might all guess that I’d say, but Caraval. EVERYONE was like “It’s going to be the next Night Circus” (and I LOVED that book) and then it just wasn’t. I’ve put off reading the rest of the series because book 1 frustrated me so much… I just wanted more!

Science – A book that made you think

This was a hard one because I think there’s a lot of books that I read which make me think. However, I’m punting for They Both Die At The End and Scythe because of their dealing with the issues of death. I read both of those books and they left me thinking “What would I do in those situations?” Knowing I was going to die, what would I do with my time? Who would I spend it with? That’s one of those eternal thinking points for me from these books and I don’t think I have an answer for myself yet!

Social studies/History – Your favourite book from a different time period

I am a MASSIVE fan of a book from World War 2. You don’t get many YA books (well, that I know of) from that time period, but there’s a good chunk of MG books out there from that time period and I am ALL ABOUT THEM. Shout outs to Hitler’s Canary and Letters From the Lighthouse though – loved both of these!

Art – Your favourite book with pictures

ALL OF THE PICTURE BOOKS. Gotta love a David Litchfield illustration, or, of course, an Oliver Jeffers illustration.

Drama – A book you would love to turn into a movie

SO MANY and yet SO FEW at the same time. I don’t want what I know and think about a book RUINED because it is poorly made into a film. However, I would love The Sin Eater’s Daughter trilogy to be made into a series of films. I bloody love Twylla.

Music – name a character you think (or know) would have the same musical taste as you

This is another one that’s hard because I don’t really know. However, I think Emily from No Big Deal might be the one I go for. She’s got a very diverse music style and I like to think that I do too. So maybe her?

Lunch – A food you would love to try

All of the yummy food that’s mentioned in the Sam Wu books. I ALWAYS read them and want to try the foods straight away.

Bus ride home – A book or author that is relaxing

LOL. I don’t know that I read books that are relaxing. However, I’d go with something that I can get lost in and instantly Kiran Milwood Hargrave and Sophie Anderson’s books jump into my mind. PLEASE. Oh, and Alice Broadway. A story I can get lost in is relaxation to me.

Extra credit – A book someone else told you to read and you ended up enjoying

I think if everyone hadn’t shouted about and made me read Six of Crows, I wouldn’t have known how much I bloody love Kaz Brekker and his crew… so thanks everyone!

And there we go! If you’d like to have a go at this, please do!

Speak to you tomorrow!

S x

The OsemanVerse Book Tag

September 19, 2019September 15, 20192 Comments

Hello pals!

It’s a Thursday tag day. What a joy. I have a great tag to come to you today. This tag was invented by the Brilliant Layla (Kaz Brekker to those of you who know her) and it’s centred all around Alice Oseman characters. Now, I’m a BIG Alice Oseman fan so I knew I’d have to take this one on! All graphics are from the original post!

Jimmy Kaga-Ricci: A character that overcame something huge

Ooooh. Steffi from A Quiet Kind of Thunder by Sara Barnard. I love her. She has to overcome a BIG thing in her life. I love that she’s so afraid but she manages in the end. I miss Steffi and Rhys.

Rowan Omondi: Favourite protective character

Aw man. Cosmo from I, Cosmo was the first character that came to mind. He just wants to look after his little family and make sure that they are all OK. I love Cosmo and all of you should too. He’s such a good doggo.

Lister Bird: Character that oozes charm

Lol. I can’t answer this question and NOT be predictable. You say the word charming and I think Luvian Fen (Sorrow-verse) and Jin (Rebel-verse). Those two have my proper heart.

Angel Rahimi: Book you’re the most passionate about

Can I say ALL OF THEM? Let’s be honest, there’s a whole chunk of books that I am forever shouting about. Who Let The Gods Out? series, The Sin Eaters Daughter series, The Paper Magician series. But most recently, I want everyone to know that I have an undying passion for No Big Deal by Bethany Rutter and Jemima Small versus the Universe by Tamsin Winter. Those two books need to be read by everyone ever. Please.

Charlie Spring: Favourite bookish OTP

Again, this is a question that I can have 30438 answers to because MAN I LOVE A SHIP. If there’s a ship worth shipping in a book, I probably ship it with all that I am and all that I can be! However, two ships that I will go down with are Amani/Jin (Rebel-verse) and Sorrow/Luvian (Sorrow-verse). Just the best.

Nick Nelson: Favourite book that brings you joy

I love a joyful book. They’re the best. We all know that I love a good cry, but a book that makes my heart happy is one that I am there for. There’s quite a few. If I can cheat and mention two series here… I’m going to go for the Sam Wu series by Katie and Kevin Tsang and the Amelia Fang series by Laura Ellen Anderson. These two series just make me chuckle a lot!

Nellie: Favourite book to snuggle up with

Whenever the phrase “snuggle up with” comes up in a prompt, I imagine snuggling up with my twiglets and reading a story to them, so it’d have to be a picture book and you can’t get any better than The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield. I bloody love the Bear, and David Litchfield is a bloody brilliant illustrator!

Aled Last: A book that helped you through a rough time

It’s gotta be Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig. That book is just incredible.

Frances Janvier: A character with tons of determination

She’s in my head because I just recently finished the trilogy and I’m so sad that it’s over, but Violet from the Perfect series is one determined little girl. She saves the place she lives over and over, and she is constantly trying to help her friend Boy.

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That was SO FUN. Massive congrats to Layla for coming up with this tag. If you’d like to see her answers, go check out her post (link at the top of this post) and if you’d like to have a go, go for it! I love a tag!

See you tomorrow!

S x

Autumn book tag

September 12, 2019September 8, 20191 Comment

Happy Thursday everyone! How are you all doing?

Have you got your jumpers out? Are you all wrapped up warm? Since it’s technically Autumn now (right?), I thought I’d dedicate this here Thursday Tag to The Autumn Book Tag which I found over on The Quirky Book Nerd’s blog! It feels only right that I said goodbye to Summer last week, so I say hello to Autumn this week!

What is your favourite thing about Autumn?

Ugh. I am not really a big Autumn fan… it’s cold, getting dark earlier. However, I do LOVE that it’s a great excuse to curl up in bed and read! Also, you can’t fault the changing colours of the leaves – they’re always gorgeous to look at!

What book reminds you of your school days?

We read Nineteen Eighty-Four for GCSE English and I absolutely loved it. I thought it was FASCINATING. I think it helped that I had an amazing English teacher too! I’d love to reread this book some day soon!

What cover reminds you of Autumn?

I don’t think you can get any more autumnal than Leaf Man – it’s all of the autumnal colours. A brilliant picture book that I’d LOVE to use in school some time!

What is your favourite horror or Halloween story?

LOL. This is not the genre for me nor is it something I can ever give recommendations for! However, if I had to choose a book because it was creepy, I’d have to go for A Place Called Perfect. It’s a BLOODY BRILLIANT spooky/creepy MG book (1st in a series) and it would be a great introduction to slightly scarier content.

What is your favourite horror or Halloween film?

Again, not really a thing in my life! I wouldn’t know where to start. I’m just not very good at these things haha. Give me Sabrina the Teenage Witch or Charmed and I’m good though!

What fall book release are you looking forward to?

Hmmm… this is a GOOD question! I think I’m excited for everyone to finally read The Places I’ve Cried in Public by Holly Bourne. I was lucky to read a proof copy and I really enjoyed it! I’m not really sure what else is out in this last bit of the year to be excited about though, so let me know if there’s something I should be excited about between now and the end of the year!

What autumn movie releases are you anticipating?

AGAIN… I have no idea? I don’t think I’ve been to the cinema AT ALL this year. Or, if I have, it’s been with my goddaughters for Kids Club. I’m just not the biggest movie buff. I’m always excited by the prospect of new movies, but I just never bother getting round to going to the cinema. Maybe I should do something about that!

What are the three books you plan to read this Autumn?

I don’t really PLAN to read anything haha. I am pretty terrible like that. I read very much what I’m in the MOOD to read. I’ve got The Battle for Perfect to finish and then I’ll see what else catches my fancy! I’ve got the new Adam Kay book and Jonathan Van Ness’ autobiography on order, so they’ll be read AS SOON as I get them!

And that’s it! If you fancy doing this, go for it! If you wanna recommend me some scary (but not too scary) books, I’d love your recommendations!

S x

Summer Book Tag

September 5, 2019September 3, 20192 Comments

It’s finally time to say goodbye to the Summer… so I thought I would do ONE LAST tag all about the Summer! (What can I say? I’m holding on as long as I can!!) I saw this gorgeous little tag on Rosie’s blog and I just knew it was the perfect thing to say goodbye to Summer with!

What book cover makes you think of Summer?

You know what? Any time I see Sara Barnard covers, I think of Summer. I dunno if it’s the gold or what… but they always make me think of Summer (particularly Goodbye Perfect)

Which book has brightened your day?

I read I,Cosmo over the Summer and it filled me with delight, hope and joy. It is an amazing story with a doggo as the main character (he doesn’t die, I promise!). It’s just a gorgeous story about friendship, family, bravery and love.

Find a book with a yellow cover:

This was one of the #SixforSunday prompts recently, so here’s LOADS!!

What is your favourite Summer beach read?

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I reckon Alex in Wonderland would be a proper fun beach read. As it’s set at the beach, I think it would be proper apt to read… plus we all need a bit of light entertainment when we’re relaxing at the seaside!

Which action book had you running for the ice cream man?

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For all it disappointed me… the ending of Two Can Keep A Secret had me FLABBERGASTED. That last line though.

Which book has left you with a bad an/or painful ending?

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Guys. I can’t tell you how much A Pocketful of Stars BROKE ME. Like, IN HALF. Aisha Bushby has a lot to answer for.

Sunset: Which book gave you the happiest feelings when it ended?

I’m going to cheat and mention 2. No Big Deal by Bethany Rutter because I needed that book in my life and the ending is like a big F YOU to the world (Emily is an absolute wonder characters and she needs more love); Song of Sorrow by Melinda Salisbury because the ending NOT WHAT I EXPECTED but EVERYTHING I NEEDED. The ending of that duology is SO BLOODY SPOT ON. Man. I miss Sorrow and Luvian. (Luvian tho)

Which book cover reminds you of a sunset?

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Purely based on the colours, The Radleys by Matt Haig is perfect for this. It’s also a BRILLIANT story. (I don’t think he’s written a bad book so far!)

What is one book or series you hope to read this Summer?

Well, I’m going to say one that I hope to read NEXT Summer because Summer is over *weeps*

I’m gonna be predictable AF here and say State of Sorrow and Song of Sorrow by Queen Melinda Salisbury. For so so many reasons. If you don’t know what they are then are you even a reader of this blog? If you haven’t read them yet, can you please do that because Mel deserves all of the love and all of the praise.

And there we go.. this tag, just like Summer, is officially over!! BOOHOO.

If you fancy doing this tag, go for it. If you have a tag you think I’d be interested in, please let me know… I love a Thursday tag!

S x

“NOPE” Book Tag

August 29, 2019August 26, 20191 Comment

Hello there!

Welcome to Thursday Tagday! I really love a tag because they’re usually fun and they’re a really interesting way to get to know someone’s likes and dislikes. PLUS (unless you’re me who tends to ramble on), they are really quick!

I found this tag while I was browsing the interwebs a while back so saved the prompts into a word document (sorry, I didn’t save the blog it was from. If it’s yours, please shout at me for credit!). I don’t normally talk about NOPE books, so I thought this would be an interesting one for you all to read… and would make me think about books I might not normally talk about! I hope you enjoy!

NOPE: Ending. A book ending that made you go NOPE either in denial, rage or simply because the end was crappy.

OOOH. An interesting one. Hmmm… I think an ending that recently enraged me was The Girls by Emma Cline: it wasn’t a bad ending… I JUST WANTED MORE ANSWERS.

NOPE: Protagonist. A main character you dislike/drives you crazy.

If I remember correctly, I was NOT a fan of the main character in Caraval… one of the sisters. One of them I didn’t mind, the other one I was NOT a fan of! (I checked Goodreads and it is Scarlett I did not like)

NOPE: Series. A serious that turned out to be one huge pile of NOPE after you’ve invested all of that time and energy on it, a series you gave up on because it wasn’t worth it anymore.

NOW. Interestingly, I don’t think I actually have an answer to this. I like to see a series out to its end and all of the series I’ve read have a satisfactory ending.

NOPE: Popular pairing. A “ship” you don’t support.

I don’t really know which ships are popular with the kids (ha). You’d have to shout me some ships and I’ll tell you if I ship them. I have quite fervent feelings about a lot of ships (particularly in books I LOVE) so that could be an interesting thing to talk about! I will say both Gale and whats his face Peeta deserved better than Katniss though.

NOPE: Plot twist. A plot twist you didn’t see coming, or didn’t like.

I don’t see a lot of plot twists coming to be honest (but I prefer it that way), so I’m constantly surprised. The end of A Heart So Dark and Lonely…

NOPE: Protagonist action/decision. A character decision that made you shake your head NOPE.

Hmmm… there are SO MANY. So so many times a character goes into a room/faces off against a baddie that I am like NO. Sorrow makes some NOPE decisions (particularly in regards to Vespus bloody Corrigan). There’s that one time she [spoiler redacted] that made me absolutely say NOPE.

NOPE: Genre. A genre you will never read.

I mean, never say never. But like I’m so unlikely to read anything that is really highbrow. Or erotica. Just not my jam to be honest.

NOPE: Book format. Book formatting you hate and avoid buying until it comes out in a different edition.

I’m gonna have to say books in verse (apart from kids books obvs). Unless there is a very purposeful rhythmic pattern, I can’t get behind it. I really bloody struggle.

NOPE: Trope. A trope that makes you go NOPE.

Gosh, SO MANY. I could be here A WHILE. The “boy wants to fix girl” trope. Girls “adopting” the ugly girl to give her a make over and make her attractive to boys. Love triangles.

NOPE: Recommendation. A book recommendation that is constantly hyped and pushed at you that you simply refuse to read.

Now I can imagine this answer will make me unpopular with some people. However, I’m not a fan of the old hype, so I haven’t yet read THUG (I acknowledge that it is more than likely incredible and I will love it when I read it… but just stop telling me to ha)

NOPE: Cliche/pet peeve. A cliche or a writing pet peeve that always makes you roll your eyes.

A bit like the old trope hating… anything that is like she’ll be better when she’s pretty. Nah thanks pals.

NOPE: Love interest. The love interest that’s not worthy of being one. A character you don’t think should have been a viable love interest.

Katniss Everdeen and anyone ever. I think that story should’ve just been about her and overthrowing the government… none of the romance thanks. (I’m not her biggest fan)

NOPE: Book. A book that shouldn’t have existed that made you say NOPE.

I don’t think I have an answer for this? All books and stories have a right to exist. It would be unfair of me to invalidate someone’s story because it could be someone else’s reality.

NOPE: Villain. A scary villain/antagonist you would hate to cross and would make you run in the opposite direction.

VESPUS CORRIGAN. NOPE. NOPE. NOPE.

NOPE: Death. A character death that still haunts you.

OOOOH. Sirius Black. #JusticeforSirius. I loved him so much.

NOPE: Author. An author you had a bad experience reading for and have decided to quit.

I don’t actually have an answer for this. I’d be FASCINATED to hear what others have said, but I genuinely don’t have anyone so far. There’s LOADS of authors who I have NEVER read who other people have… so maybe I’m just not reading widely enough ha.

And that’s it! Apologies for some of the non-committal answers!

If you enjoyed this, feel free to have a go yourself (Charlotte… I’m looking at you!). Do any of my answers surprise you?

Talk to me!

Speak soon,

S x

Bank Holiday Book Tag

August 26, 2019August 24, 20192 Comments

Hello friends!

It is Bank Holiday Monday (the final bank holiday of the year if my memory serves me correctly!?) and as usual, I am taking on my friend Cora’s Bank Holiday Book Tag. I think I’ve joined in on this like 4 or 5 times now (maybe more, maybe less, I’ll link some of my other blog posts for this tag at the bottom!).

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To try and keep things fresh (lol), I’ll try and mention books I’ve read recently (let’s say in the last few months) or books on my TBR!

So what does a typical bank holiday look like?

Have a lie in. Which book could you lounge in bed with all morning?

The Lost Tide Warriors by Catherine Doyle. This was just an absolute pleasure to read. There’s magic, adventure, friendship, memories: it’s got it all! It would be the perfect read to snuggle up with in bed (especially if it’s raining… that would add to the atmosphere of this book!)

Oh my goodness! It’s actually sunny outside! Which book makes you feel optimistic?

I, Cosmo by Carlie Sorosiak.
Another MG book I read recently and it’s SUCH a gorgeous story. Cosmo is a wonderful doggo who wants to do everything to keep his family together. The ending is wonderfully done and it’s the perfect mix of love, hope and family.

Spend some time outdoors. Which book reminds you of nature?

Shadowscent by P.M.Freestone.
I don’t know WHY this was the one I chose, but nature and perfume go together wonderfully. There’s some incredible descriptions in this book of nature and it’s scents which make up the perfumes. (I need the second book in this series because I MISS THIS LAND).

Make some punch. Which book do you find difficult to classify in one genre?

The Deathless Girls by Kiran Milwood-Hargrave.
Now, let me tell you it isn’t a BAD thing that I find it hard to classify: it’s a total compliment. This book is a hard one to stamp down because it is SO BLOODY BRILLIANT. This is a book that will appeal to so many people who read so many different ranges of books. (If you haven’t read it yet, please go get it when it’s out!)

Pass around some food. Which book do you want to share with everyone?

All The Things We Never Said by Yasmin Rahman.
I got this at YALC after hearing her talk about it and I devoured it WHOLE on the train home from London a few days later. This book at times was a HARD read, but I think it is such an important book as it deals with some things that are very real. Plus, Yasmin is WONDERFUL. You need to read this book if you haven’t yet. I haven’t managed to form my words about this book into a review yet because every time I try, I can’t manage to say anything which does this book justice.

Light the BBQ. Which book took a while to get going?

The Girls by Emma Cline.
It’s not in my usual MG/YA comfort zone, so I found it a bit slower than other books I read, but it’s good. It’s a complex read, but would be great if you’re a fan of a cult book. (I LOVE A CULT BOOK, PLEASE HIT ME UP WITH YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS PALS)

Failed BBQ. Which book ultimately disappointed you?

Two Can Keep A Secret by Karen M. McManus.
NOW, don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a BAD book… but following on from One of Us Is Lying, it had big boots to fill! I didn’t hate it: I just wanted a bit more. (I can’t WAIT for One of Us is Next…)

It’s raining… of course! Which book is perfect to curl up with when it’s raining outside?

Sanctuary by V.V.James.
MATES. GET READY FOR THIS. This book is EXCEPTIONAL. It is SUCH a rollercoaster… I can’t quite talk about it yet without needing SPOILER WARNINGS all over. Just know it is excellent: sun, rain, snow, wind. READ IT.

Let’s just eat chocolate. Which book is just super sweet?

Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott
My friend Rachel has been talking about this book for AGES and it’s been sitting in my TBR box for a while, so I decided to pick it up recently… and OH MY GOSH THE FEELS. This was a lush read… it did make me cry quite a lot. I love Will with all of my heart. If you’re a fan of TFIOS, you’ll love this!

And there you have it! The Bank Holiday Book Tag. I hope whatever you are doing with your bank holiday, you are having a lovely day! Maybe you’re reading a book, maybe you’re going for a walk… whatever it is, I hope you have a wonderfully relaxing!

If you wanna have a go at this, go for it! Check out Cora’s post (linked above) for the list of prompts and such like! Below are 2 links to my previous answers to this tag!

The Bank Holiday Tag

Bank Holiday Book Tag

See you all soon,

S x

Addicted to Books tag

August 22, 2019August 21, 20191 Comment

HOLA PALS.

How are we all doing on this here second to last Thursday of the Summer holidays? (Part of me is ready to go back, part of me is not!) I come to you today with a tag that I saw my friend Aoife do! She didn’t tag me but hey… we all know I love a tag!

What is the longest amount of time you can comfortably go without picking up a book?

I mean, I’ve had months where I’ve read 4 books, but that was 2 books in one day and 2 books in another day at either ends of the month. It really depends how much I’m in the mood to read. I’d say in general life, a day or 2? I like to try and read every day.

How many books do you carry on your person (or kindle) at any one time?

Always one, sometimes two. If I know I’m near the end of a book and I’m going to have a lot of reading time, I’ll make sure I have a second book (or I’ll plan on going to buy another book) because no one wants the NO BOOK SCENARIO.

Do you keep every book you buy/receive or are you happy to pass them on to make space for more?

I am MORE THAN HAPPY to share my books around. If they’re middle grade, you can guarantee they’ll go to the library at school, but if they’re YA/adult, they’ll go to my witches for first refusal, then I’ll either offer them to the local secondary school or they’ll be offered to friends/twitter/my mam (if she hasn’t already read them).

HOWEVER if I’ve loved it… it stays in my possession.

How long would you spend in a bookshop on a standard visit?

LOL. Some of my favourite people work in my local bookshop so I can LITERALLY spend hours in there. I’m well known for helping out in Waterstones Newcastle (putting stickers on books, putting books in the RIGHT order etc.). However, if none of my people are in, I’ll probably mooch for like 30 mins and then I’ll tottle off to the cafe for a beverage and maybe a slice of cake!

How much time per day do you actually spend reading?

This varies! It depends on the day, the time of year, the book I’m reading, the mood I’m in, the place I am. In the Summer holidays, I can read for HOURS on end, but during term time, I probably read for 30 mins a day. It really does depend on SO MANY THINGS.

Where does the task ‘picking up a book’ appear on your daily to-do list?

I tend to read before bed, or at night time when I have down time. I don’t have a TV in my bedroom (I KNOW SHOCKER… I do have my iPad though), so that’s always a great time to read. Normally about 8pm is my peak reading time depending on what I need to do for work!

How many books do you reckon you own in total (including e-books)?

Deary me. I genuinely could NOT tell you. More than 500 probably? An awful lot is the answer and I’m sticking to it!

Aproximately, how often do you bring up books in conversation?

Why wouldn’t you want to talk about books? I love talking about books. My twitter life is pretty much ALL about books (featuring some life things). Most of my friends are bookish people, so we talk about books ALL THE TIME: ones we loved, hated, things we are excited for, things we do not want to read. You know the standard book craic.

What is the biggest book (page count) you have finished reading?

Ooooh, I’m going to have to consult Goodreads… there’s a few big books on my “read” shelf… Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

Is there a book you had to get your on against all odds (i.e. searching bookshops, online digging, etc)?

OH MY GODS YES. I missed out on all of the sprayed edges versions of Beyond the Odyssey and I was GUTTED. I told ALL of my friends to keep their eyes peeled. My gorgeous friend Kelly found me a copy in Waterstones in Bristol (I believe) and she posted it to me. I was not having an incomplete set of sprayed edges Who Let The Gods Out? series. (I’m a SUCKER for a sprayed edge).

A book you struggled to finish but refused to DNF?

Caraval. I know a LOT of people who love it, but it just didn’t sparkle how I wanted it to. I’m curious about the sequels, but I do not want another book where I have to TRUDGE through to get just an OK story.

What are 3 of your main book goals for 2019?

Enjoy reading whatever it is I’m reading
Read 52 children’s books
Read 104 books in the year (my Goodreads was set at 52, but now that I’ve smashed that, I’m going for double!)

Have you ever had the priviledge of converting someone into a reader (maybe via inspiration or incessant nagging)?

In my job, you occasionally get a child who says they’re not a reader and then I get the absolute joy of FINDING them a book that makes them a reader. I’ve had that 2 or 3 times in the last year, so I’m very much looking forward to more of the same next year and in all of the years to come!

In my non-professional life, I do not know! I’ve nagged people til they read Melinda Salisbury/Sara Barnard/Maz Evans, so does that count?

If you’re a person who has read something because of me, let me know because that’s a lovely thing to know!

Describe what books mean to you in five words.

The chance to temporarily escape.

This was a LUSH tag to do! I did not expect to ramble on for 900 words, so I do apologise. If you got this far, tell me your favourite book you’ve read, or the book you’re reading at the minute!

If you wanna do this tag, go for it! Thanks to Kelly and Charlotte for choosing the colours for this blog post *grin*

Speak soon,

S x

Spotify Book Tag

August 15, 2019August 15, 20192 Comments

Hello there again!

How are you all on this here Thursday? What have you been up to this week? More importantly, what have you been READING this week?

I come to you with a tag that I definitely didn’t steal from my friend Cora. I’ve seen this tag floating about on different blogs and I thought ‘YOU KNOW WHAT? I wanna join in’, so here I am, joining in… (even though no-one invited me haha!)

(Credit to Book Hooked Nook for the tag and the graphic!)

Hit Rewind: a book you go back to again and again?

As you all know by now, I’m not a massive rereader. However, a book I’ve read multiple times is Matilda. I’d love to be a rereader, I just have THE FEAR of “what if I reread a book and I hate it this time round?”

Romantic Ballads: a book that gives you all these fluttery feels?

A recent book that gave me all the romantic feels was Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott. That book was FULL OF THE FEELS. I really enjoyed it. It was a book that I had on my TBR forever and I picked it up on a whim and then I DEVOURED IT.

Release Radar: a new release book you’re excited for?

I’m excited for EVERYONE else to finally get to read A Pocketful of Stars by Aisha Bushby and No Big Deal by Bethany Rutter. I ADORE these two books. A book that I’m excited for personally? The Girl With Space in Her Heart by Lara Williamson. I loved her other books and I’ve already picked up this new one!

Discover Weekly: a book you haven’t read yet but want to discover?

I mean, Hold Back The Tide by Melinda Salisbury, but that’s MONTHS off being discovered. So if you mean a book that is out now and I want to discover it? Hmmm… either of Sarah Marie Griffin’s books. I saw her at YALC and she’s hilarious. Her books sounded really interesting too!

Alone Again: your fave book genre to read on your own?

I don’t have a preference on what I read alone and around others. I will read whatever I want around whoever I want. Plus, at least 2 of my friends have said watching me read something is a joy in their lives (hi Charlotte and Kelly) so I would hate to deny them that!

Alternative: an indie book or author everyone should read?

*shrug* I literally have no idea. Shout me your favourite indie reads though, I would appreciate that!

Cheesy Hits: a book full of cheese you love?

I don’t know what constitutes a cheesy book, but maybe Paper and Hearts Society by Lucy Powrie. It was very sweet and lovely.

Summer Hits: a book you reread every Summer?

I’ll have to skip this track, because N/A.

Power Hour: an empowering feminist book or character you adore?

SO SO MANY. There are so many amazing characters that I adore. Emily from No Big Deal needs a lot of love now that she’s released in the world; Sorrow from the State of Sorrow duology also needs a lot of love because YES SORROW; Jemima Small because she’s blooody wonderful and all kids need to read her; Izzy bloody O’Neill – if she’s not a character you’re familiar with, then please do something about it (The Exact Opposite of Okay is where you need to go to find her!)

All Out 10s: list 10 banging books!

(I’m going for 10 books I’ve read this year…)

This Is Going To Hurt – Adam Kay
The Lost Tide Warriors – Catherine Doyle
Patina – Jason Reynolds
All The Things We Never Said – Yasmin Rahman
Scars Like Wings – Erin Stewart
Song of Sorrow – Melinda Salisbury
Jemima Small Versus The Universe – Tamsin Winter
And Then I Turned Into A Mermaid – Laura Kirkpatrick
High Rise Mystery – Sharna Jackson
Viper – Bex Hogan

(Also, No Big Deal – Bethany Rutter; The Burning – Laura Bates; Meat Market – Juno Dawson; A Girl Called Shameless – Laura Steven; A Curse So Dark and Lonely – Bridgit Kemmerer – lol, I can’t help myself!)

That’s me done!

I’m not going to tag anyone because I’m a rebel, but if you fancy doing this, GO FOR IT!

Did any of my responses surprise you?
Is there anything you want to recommend to me based on my answers?
Can we talk about books please?

Speak to you soon!

S x

The Bedtime Book Tag

August 8, 2019August 4, 2019Leave a comment

HOLA AMIGOS.

Today is another Thursday. Another Thursday Tag. Another “I stole it from Charlotte, but don’t tell her” tag.

I’m taking on The Bedtime Book Tag today. I saw this and thought it looked like a lot of fun, and different to things I’ve done before!

What book kept you up all night reading?

I’ve had A LOT of books like this, but funnily enough I was looking at my Facebook memories the other day and it came up that 7 years ago I posted at 4:06am that I had stayed up all night to finish the final Harry Potter. So that’s probably the LATEST I’ve stayed up. However, there are MANY MANY books that keep me up. I just think “oh, I’ll keep reading, one more chapter” and then BAM, I’ve read the whole book and it’s like 2am.

What book made you scared to go to sleep?

Hmmm… I don’t read many scary books ON PURPOSE. I’m not great with scary, I’m a bit of a jumpy person. But if I think about the last book that did this, it was probably *checks Goodreads read shelf* The Secret Deep by Lindsay Galvin. There’s some WEIRD stuff that goes on in that book, but I properly loved it.

What book almost put you to sleep?

OOOOH. A book I didn’t enjoy so much? OH OH OH. All of This is True by Lydia Day Penaflor. It’s not a terrible book, I just had such high hopes and it just fell a bit flat for me.

Which book had you tossing and turning in anticipation of its release?

All of the Melinda Salisbury books ever? (HA) All of the sequels to books I’ve ever read? All of the books I’m excited for? Hmmm… maybe the one that I was most excited for recently: The Lost Tide Warriors by Catherine Doyle. I have already bought it and already read it and can confirm, well worth the wait.

What book has your dream boyfriend?

UGH. Can I have a few different options for this? Because Luvian Fen though (State of Sorrow duology), Jin though (Rebel of the Sands trilogy) and pretty much all of the boyfriends that Sara Barnard writes (they’re all great as far as I can remember).

What book would be a nightmare to live in?

Most of the books I read are fantasy and I GUARANTEE I would not manage to survive in many (if any) of the worlds. However, I’m going to steal Charlotte’s answer and say the lands of The Extinction Trials by S.M.Wilson because any place I have to be able to outrun dinosaurs (or anything else for that matter) is out for me.

What book reminds you of nighttime?

I think night time and I think Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo. Don’t ask me why because I do not know. Maybe the dark deeds and the dark wit.

What book has a nightmarish cliffhanger?

God, can I just say now how much I hate a cliffhanger? Hmmm… the end of Thunderhead is QUITE the ending. Like, I need The Toll now because I need to know what is going to happen to my favourite Scythes.

What book have you actually dreamt about?

Hmmm… I dreamt, after reading Song of Sorrow, that I was Sorrow. She’s fucking amazing.

What fictional monster would you not like to find hiding under your bed?

Any of them? They’re all WRONG. But like, Vespus from Song of Sorrow would be there. Any kind of actual sea monster/monster would also be there. Any of them really. I don’t wanna be scared thank you kind sirs and madams.

If you fancy doing this, go for it! There’s some pretty interesting questions in this! I love reading people’s answers to tags. Finding out more about my bookish friends gives me such joy.

Let me know if there’s a tag you’d like me to do! I love a good tag!

S x

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