tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81329354935552920182024-03-20T06:41:28.941+00:00powisamy Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.comBlogger405125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132935493555292018.post-44603437408839730122022-01-03T10:00:00.162+00:002022-01-03T10:00:00.200+00:00Popsugar Reading Challenge 2022<span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Every year since 2015, I have completed the Popsugar Reading Challenge to diversify my reading. Over the course of the last year, I would like to think that I have done this but I do like the prompts and it would still push me out of my reading taste. I have put books that I want to read but I will fill it out over the year so stay tuned to find out what I want to read! So let's see what I want to read this year and what the prompts are...<br /><b><br /></b></span><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>A book published in 2022</b><br />Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<br /><br /><b>A book set on a plane, train, or cruise ship</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<br /><br /><b>A book about or set in a nonpatriarchal society</b><br />Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /><b>A book with a tiger on the cover or "tiger" in the title </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>A sapphic book</b><br />Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /><b>A book by a Latinx author</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<br /><br /><b>A book with onomatopoeia in its title</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book with a protagonist who uses a mobility aid</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book about a "found family"</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />An Anisfield-Wolf Book Award winner</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A #BookTok recommendation</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book about the afterlife</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book set in the 1980s</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book with cutlery on the cover or in the title</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book by a Pacific Islander author</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book about witches</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book becoming a TV series or movie in 2022</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A romance novel by a BIPOC author</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book that takes place during your favourite season</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br /></b></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">A book whose title begins with the last letter of your previous read</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book about a band or musical group</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book with a character on the ace spectrum</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book with a recipe in it</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book you can read in one sitting</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book about a secret</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book with a misleading title</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br /></b></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">A Hugo Award winner</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book set during a holiday</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A different book by an author you read in 2021</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book with the name of a board game in the title </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book featuring a man-made disaster</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book with a quote from your favourite author on the cover or Amazon page</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br /></b></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">A social-horror book</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book set in Victorian times</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book with a constellation on the cover or in the title</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book you know nothing about</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book about gender identity</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book featuring a party</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />An #OwnVoices SFF (science fiction and fantasy) book</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A</b><b> book that fulfils your favourite prompt from a past POPSUGAR Reading Challenge.</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /><b>Advanced</b><br /><br /><b>A book with a reflected image on the cover or "mirror" in the title</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<br /><br /><b>A book that features two languages</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<br /><br /><b>A book with a palindromic title</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<br /><br /><b>A duology (1)</b><br />Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /><b>A duology (2)</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book about someone leading a double life</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book featuring a parallel reality</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />A book with two POVs</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br /></b></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Two books set in twin towns, aka "sister cities" (1)</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:<b><br /><br />Two books set in twin towns, aka "sister cities" (2)</b><br />Book I Want To Read:<br />Book I Actually Read:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>What are your reading challenges like this year? Let me know in the comments.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">See you soon, </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Amy</span></div></div>Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132935493555292018.post-68576562570573571082022-01-02T10:00:00.130+00:002022-01-02T11:40:28.156+00:00Favourite Graphic Novels & Manga of 2021<p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">As I have read a lot of books this year, I always want to give graphic novels and manga their own celebration as they often get overlooked and do make up a lot of my reading. I also find that even though I read a lot of them, it takes a lot to convince me and make it a new favourite. So here are my best...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Heartstopper Volume 4 by Alice Oseman </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="328" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjamJ2N5AhWVjvIfondEApfPBlNMJJuXGAPlwSPezpCd0BVDD0DzWWjuhGL-t6ow6nSHbpGuL3NRfSvpyKR_mPJmoPToq3Q5Gio8zaZ9rPmSPvnzJFBSobRoQZnL431Fu3exoN1QFLLazFscdallju3PXcH8UuofdcvDviR3Zzdxbv3X8ECBrFjgb_K=s320" width="210" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Like everyone on the internet, I too am a massive Heartstopper fan and Volume 4 is no different. I love the relationship of Nick and Charlie and the side characters also make the series. This one also explores the way that mental health can impact romance and it still does justice to the story and does not fall into cliches. I am eagerly anticipating the final volume but I don't want it to be over. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>The Impending Blindness of Billie Scott by Zoe Thorogood</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="905" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVisaYGwq-BUIGqV8VCXKJymPVOLhl6B5vQA9DwaqmG0AUhz5h3ziySevVcCs6ULapZzpKJd7Tz-IvBWPXFhHPP7KRd0SSRCt0pdVdOIXiZyup-ToPX9HUE-qrzfSFUhzkjd1ah3oC81UbjR_FN2R7akJOJXY-SuuGMc2Lb7416DUVeuOu5rBE6Eix=s320" width="226" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">One of the last graphic novels I read this year and the one that has the second amount of hype, The Impending Blindness of Billie Scott also leaves a lasting impression. I love a good British graphic novel and this definitely explores parts of British life that are rarely explored in graphic form and in books in general. It felt rare and I spent a lot of the book rooting for Billie and emphasising her. It is as good as everyone says, believe the hype. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Home Sick Pilots Volume 1 & 2 by Dan Watters</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhL7F9MmxXjw2eN5hDwg5YDK5lWff-MngwbL44JN99EmN2ltnyu37YKIX5jZ-qL8lxJXkya1ZR1FP7PZTA8DBfuCYPnTo15PoeGELmKxXWTILdJZ_-ia3ekVOcVyF03wvr-whFn6oquLL7i4Sg88kYxdsFjoYNsGrsrk1ulIFbRZ980HwZgaD3VvrM4=s320" width="208" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I have to admit that this might be an unpopular opinion on my part because this series does not get all of the praise but I really like it. I think it is a perfect blend of horror and sci-fi and although it gets quite weird so I would just say go with it. Most of the time, I loved the relationship between the Home Sick Pilots and I can't wait to read the next issue and volume. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Mamo #1 by Sas Milledge</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1968" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2fFfhlOcVo9drcTF3rEg9S-n351EIrTDpMJOtUFAjjGIJFwAW6WtWulY0Yd8zq1QOb9TeE59E5RYfdXZh1jKOOn1eiWUim_HGEMLcEnFwVqhAI7wkeC4ofCVw4Y5IfUypSr5mjEow15UgOpiKkNJswZyYx4jkZLXp6pyooGcwRzVufUhkVnjpvL0e=s320" width="208" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Even though I haven't finished this series yet, the first issue was really special. It had the perfect parts of whimsy and contemporary vibes. It also has some great fantasy elements and I loved the growing relationship between the two main characters. I love the colours and the art style. It was just a great start to the series. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>The Golden Sheep #1 by Kaori Ozaki</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1877" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjStyjB9AHb8AC9EEtHmCgwd3fGGSXfrAfYQAh626xXIXWmYNyS8Wdtg-ofn_-htuXAW4pHoiyNymRyTei3S7NCfEWM1twgog6p2Y121VDJW2R7x91JAfyaIIkL39AH7GLUoMQwFLSU5efMgLGgwtbeZhf7ZVwjOuctQMjfmNaEj1j9RggbYhazVGBO=s320" width="235" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I picked up this book on a whim because I saw the cover randomly in Waterstones and thought that it looked really interesting. The book details a lot of friendship elements and also details music which is something that I really love. It also details the mental health in a manga which again I am really connected to. I recommend this one (obviously!).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Blue Flag Volume 5 by Kaiko </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLQlnaZsSbY0l9SRF3wofLmuZGt7VFnFQNghu6lvHHMHWvkuxY_xzyzN5-t8C2D2koXsf9gdR0-BDvvvncyDnZsnSd7gi5pplzKYc4y_Q8wVa7tlel0JFnca09Txbfki81DveNNot_scibNIB7_Hxh4GYkMfdHV-iLBvRlwSoITFqEgipXun-bIIV4=s320" width="224" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I have been reading this series since last year and I have been really loving it and I was really disappointed that I didn't put it in my favourites of last year. I have been really loving the characters and the romance and it is definitely a series that I can't wait to read the rest of this year. I highly recommend this series in general and of course this issue. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Silk: Threats and Menaces by Maurene Goo</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikNcdOa-LH4YxKbHAZGkR6UOrsfcxHv7d0BF9ix556e_9YMjKfTr9ph4yIXEkF26gX3a093ArBHElg-klqfR-XSmSgR0_aHp8yjIDoY88kQQLj-9o0fkjJt33hzdGpqDRs18Ipcgs0MNwh1s8UFI6YCru4AeKuKoJw2X24PdSvfi75Uj-8fBHfeHHt=s320" width="208" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I do really love Silk as a character so when I discovered that there was a new series out I had to get my hands on it. While this one was not perfect, I just have to shout it out as I loved seeing more from Cindy Moon and her crime-fighting ways. It was also nice to read from a YA author who is writing for Marvel!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Retrograde Orbit by Kristyna Baczynski</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="281" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGhvfFuSo1a6VGWK6Hw-9ijEI_fPmBlYGTm_6MqN_AKaFCzmNBM5GJ5gpSZ52uN-H5YeqBreWxrxLG0GlliwfQKKau3NN3CvVZXXgjPc6c4TLYzhDzysOX9vmuaQ8Or6IQGLgBmZ2qd_h0_IV5wviU0s68NDHSpq63KHEl_NlntzRdyTONFjyAi4KL=s320" width="225" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">One of the first graphic novels that I read of the year, Retrograde Orbit left an impression on me. With the use of different colours for different parts of the main characters life. It left an impact on me and I loved the idea of having a coming of age story being a massive part of a sci-fi story. A little known graphic novel that definitely deserves some attention. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>What are your favourite books, graphic novels and manga? Let me know in the comments!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">See you soon, </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Amy</span></p>Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132935493555292018.post-22249909072238868582022-01-01T10:00:00.366+00:002022-01-01T20:19:55.063+00:00Favourite Books 2021<p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">My reading year has been a bit of a weird one. I know that I have read quite a lot but I always find picking my favourite books is difficult. I have obviously read some great books this year so here they are:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="1688" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKHaforO6ZjrAsFy4SHMx8Bk6XLTLQkViGujfem4nQDMS3NY6NKn6XgYDqh0H1Dfz1QNDEOykJcmM_MgNA-3IcHB9WPc_hAW4CpABGAE2G6k5-W5_6LcDWXbZAuHExU6reuP0oRkNHJtzzQplfydOhrXQqeTtm2VMWjCuxVYIJJO8EvgohEJ3kjf_0=s320" width="212" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I love John Green, I feel that it is quite a well-known thing so it's no surprise that it made my favourite books of the year! The Anthropocene Reviewed is a pivotal book that represents current society. This book made me feel all the emotions. I laughed, almost cried and I tried to sit at the moment. It is a great book and I highly recommend especially if you wanted to give John Green a second chance. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">T<b>he Upper World by Femi Fadugba</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2339" data-original-width="1524" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFaZt0C716n_5643LpWClYnu91SP-1atANBZNItbVDm8UjdCxwrpYVvn3Z4hbUtjgd0_De9PcwlK2MaGnntTItmRONLONLMnA2iOaGa46Fi5SezUPoz6zn-ZmWgwEkzNLid-J5K4Gx60c4zMGAyvf0CS1zVNmXgn0EiFS5lGU8IHddRsci42OPCD0l=s320" width="208" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I had heard a lot about The Upper World a while before I read the book and I have to admit that I was really excited so it made me anticipate even more. I picked it up really quickly and raced through it. It was the last 100 pages that really got me as I finished it all in half an hour. I can't wait to see where it goes next in the sequel and it was a great sci-fi read. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Bookishly Ever After by Lucy Powrie</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmfSrSAAjE6YMdWzoC6TOwKW1wuQm803qZ40R-CcR9sM2IjbMK2VZZs9u45AMhbyuOktcC2agYscGHEuKLgUnQAZpBz3BuTfCNWPQyY1_nQdEMy35PDDnf5sCvannwNs9I9uPzz0F5KmZLljdpyy1Th8roHUlpO0IiN8Hw8OAT1uXJPg0Y3KCSpMOV=s320" width="209" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">After reading the first two books in the series, I was really excited for the final book in the series. It was a cute and heartfelt story and I really did love how it ended. The book also focuses on one of my favourite characters from the series and I loved the bookshop setting. There was some great autism representation and the Paper & Hearts Society got the ending they deserved. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Flying Tips by Flightless Birds by Kelly McCaughrain</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1559" data-original-width="1015" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgknt4Hh8lKPkZvRy0VDlns2QEddEeSBUpEkrA7F_FPjbxpvJOUQe3cNp8YOCLmOzen0dtduyDTnP2RBJuEfosL1e9ooI9TvIvuamc11cpoFLNdBMnl6xfwbHSQeOy3CnhfauhmlqwJ3ROUrptHSbQyG3hUeI-SMlT1EAPD88qmXsXjFOOEwvOSDXfm=s320" width="208" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">The biggest surprise of the year has to be this book. I really did love this. The characters were really great and the story had some really good emotional beats throughout the story. There are some lovely brother and sister relationships in the book and I loved that this was one of the focuses of the story. I do just recommend it!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata with Ginny Tapley Takemori (Translator)</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1668" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgY5dKo8pBOq4C04VyCZHFRO6KzjukNvoZOjsx56VH_TQiLibPiB6kGja7yS2BGyl0VX7B7GUQOL8QKEbQi82I5MEfB-P5rbGMbF2OlYzsPdf96jGAtJy0Jrr_jbH3Zv-nelGm_BqnmyGnUMFOPfcrIFPB0wHXGsdpzYVoQivn4nLpYMxmaHU7TZW11=s320" width="209" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Getting into more Asian literature this year, I was keen to read Convenience Store Woman and I was quite happy that I did because I loved it. There were bits that I really connected to especially as I read it when I just left my job working at KFC and this represented how I felt so much. It was especially important when I trained a new starter on my last day. We are all replaceable!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Would You Rather by Kate Heaney</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-SNUsJGn60Y0-WeFa_RZdiX-dTdoFgTeGORjKGtjW5R-0J_fTxJi5sneCZ7V2Y3f6aL3NDAMF0cTtvfDRbHUH8mPTBfU7W-VANJe7VhmJWBY9m-UbcniNHsH0MNASwhbU-wsSdTwUtICt-zQEDCmH9Z2IdJr1un21VZBmHoKgZpvHGJfA7QHq8IJd=s2408" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2408" data-original-width="1559" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-SNUsJGn60Y0-WeFa_RZdiX-dTdoFgTeGORjKGtjW5R-0J_fTxJi5sneCZ7V2Y3f6aL3NDAMF0cTtvfDRbHUH8mPTBfU7W-VANJe7VhmJWBY9m-UbcniNHsH0MNASwhbU-wsSdTwUtICt-zQEDCmH9Z2IdJr1un21VZBmHoKgZpvHGJfA7QHq8IJd=s320" width="207" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I never expected to love this as much as I did. I would be lying if I didn't spend a lot of the year thinking about my sexuality and I think because it took me so long to read. I loved Kate Heaney's writing and it was such an important memoir and book of essays for me. I read this for the ugliest colour prompt and it is definitely not ugly on the inside.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>The Crossing by Manjeet Mann</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlG7JfOsMS9ggYB52zuXEI6thxyTgAhh4tDTTj-qd2KFL8gcIXhK6EANTBuzV-eXD-f6V1Z0qFdIo9tyXyi6NYPv7POW1Cs73lPcNscZl9EjpTtaNTcnbk06HVR4yS0CVfuuQcWYOLJ75TXGeVYixl6xmxmx-v9zMPT9YecbbwLGWGQ7Wc_y7_pM8o=s679" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlG7JfOsMS9ggYB52zuXEI6thxyTgAhh4tDTTj-qd2KFL8gcIXhK6EANTBuzV-eXD-f6V1Z0qFdIo9tyXyi6NYPv7POW1Cs73lPcNscZl9EjpTtaNTcnbk06HVR4yS0CVfuuQcWYOLJ75TXGeVYixl6xmxmx-v9zMPT9YecbbwLGWGQ7Wc_y7_pM8o=s320" width="207" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">A verse novel which I literally only just wrote a review on, The Crossing was a really great and emotional read. With two great lead characters, it explores the refugee experience as well as grief. Manjeet Mann knows how to write a great story and I will definitely continue to read more of her books in the future. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi with Geoffrey Trousselot (Translator)</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1689" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDHir91SZ4haVO9-1sog7Y6bfnWN_Q0fhTrU0ubBtsfl50mYTUQlCFa4KfszrbRcBW2DXEJznOjY_Dsde2Xo8acUJKE9V7bKzGR8FcHEQ98V1BExpgODsFdLLJjYgRuFBfcMsRznKmUaDU0hA_UL__p-cqLK9etIdpG4hlztZR8JyCP4HHwZuhLp-2=s320" width="211" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">A book on this list that I also felt a little lukewarm about it until the ending. The ending made me quite emotional and I ended up really enjoying it. I think that the book is also a grower and I loved it a lot more after I read it. The book has an emotional core and I really do want to read the sequel. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Lost Cat by Mary Gaitskill</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh39ouSeUEYDbdXEY5XQ-r43KWiBEXSS_fnuKEQ21XX0cwOi5Yhznc-ewdD0XePMv97OZlUzytv7-qI8dZUo9nynC3nsQYlBrG3Rk_ePmT-eOQ-52o9iWefspy2Izh0iswDItWpC7LlMAoK9ITwF3c77jnyU3Q0pw0bAMOgLde-poA_Tq_5Q53YZp6z=s400" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="265" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh39ouSeUEYDbdXEY5XQ-r43KWiBEXSS_fnuKEQ21XX0cwOi5Yhznc-ewdD0XePMv97OZlUzytv7-qI8dZUo9nynC3nsQYlBrG3Rk_ePmT-eOQ-52o9iWefspy2Izh0iswDItWpC7LlMAoK9ITwF3c77jnyU3Q0pw0bAMOgLde-poA_Tq_5Q53YZp6z=s320" width="212" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">This one is probably the weirdest one of the year, not because it was bad by any means but because it is really not a book anyone would expect on this list. I was first attracted to the book by the cover because I can't resist a cat on the cover but the book was definitely so much more than that. It is an exploration of loss and loneliness and was just a great book to read this year.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Green </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGo4iod3p6Xan-Fscsa3T-scudOyqBWg8JSRTqB6poNfHLGLrB78F2UHHoEvPQCqMArL7EpbniHEqCu475VV3yOgRO2-xXpKL-elyLmgYb9DaK0wZveyc35xC8lyTtOcZAblu2Eo92hNDY3ahMEu9-PccU7UbwY8_HHwa-9zkVR997TX42XvhJ8oCS=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1696" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGo4iod3p6Xan-Fscsa3T-scudOyqBWg8JSRTqB6poNfHLGLrB78F2UHHoEvPQCqMArL7EpbniHEqCu475VV3yOgRO2-xXpKL-elyLmgYb9DaK0wZveyc35xC8lyTtOcZAblu2Eo92hNDY3ahMEu9-PccU7UbwY8_HHwa-9zkVR997TX42XvhJ8oCS=s320" width="212" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Having not really enjoyed An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green, I was a little bit apprehensive about it so when I read A Beautifully Foolish Endeavour, I was quite shocked, because I really loved it. The characters, the story, the writing and the overall message. It was just so great. The Green brothers just know how to write a good book. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>The Boy I Am by K.L. Kettle </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjh7kPRomeyM-TBOD7IdbamssYimkd4KZSsgiciMB_Y_TA2T7EkuQMM2vCZD_bTBOVoDwmQVo6ENWivvQSqSKnR0vseSHcx_62TDUlKYWuMTG7Z-2sxkm6VxBf9cEc3kg6M8ornCB0I4za-toCI3qobOrlyXk3uP9_P0dUtW6bu8DvhIKLmB2XZajAg=s500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="325" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjh7kPRomeyM-TBOD7IdbamssYimkd4KZSsgiciMB_Y_TA2T7EkuQMM2vCZD_bTBOVoDwmQVo6ENWivvQSqSKnR0vseSHcx_62TDUlKYWuMTG7Z-2sxkm6VxBf9cEc3kg6M8ornCB0I4za-toCI3qobOrlyXk3uP9_P0dUtW6bu8DvhIKLmB2XZajAg=s320" width="208" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">This is the first book on this list that is dystopian and I am starting to think that I just love a good one! This one is slightly different though as it takes place in a matriarchal society. I loved how the world was set up and the main character was really easy to connect to it the grand scheme of the story. It was fast-paced and I enjoyed the story overall. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Don't Call Us Dead by Danez Smith</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="213" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKX6dArdFwMPk0uWc5ryWftW743BvJ2sZevrOt2WQRbX2d8Yaf1dXKvsuXIhCuP37UKHdJN6Mt80g2NlAHNG1EPvEzMWaWs-74-u5tyZFocXHebTfyrnAvT0b2nGYm31kURuaf5kmL9vK0g0iGu48EMIAEN2k58iM-itLtMEItKsuG-cFnYYBOpm3N" width="213" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I have read a lot of poetry this year but this is one of my favourites. I loved all of the writing in the collection and even though I did not identify with everything, I thought that Danez Smith's writing was raw and highly impactful. I have read more from Danez Smith since and will continue to do so. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Gut Feelings by C. G. Moore </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="326" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8Du7Wx5OCYoqC0FJ3aJ300_5ZqQxIBmzEfxKLSEMAFaAspJO9YuTK0odyIU7pHiLmYfglGS02Yj0aFhJjcX1fBlwyF3wuEvpgTSPPQhm0CR4YEt1YmXgv2SSnOBM0AqnGXKyUTWaUD_SqKrJnnn5_v26cONe8Qxagevp2l-kQqby629-ZkAo8rSXn=s320" width="209" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">One of my early books of the year, Gut Feelings is a great verse novel that details C.G. Moore's invisible disability. It is an important and impactful book that I read super quickly that I want everyone to read. C.G. Moore's book is well-written and it had great illustrations that matched the book really well. I can't wait to read more from him especially after Fall Out as well so he is definitely one to watch!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpyD_JekaXdYirQzP2NCS7hDe6BUIdxyDBX_efVU8dh4AarWTqQC7Z8JdQmBIG690tNJWiXfcs2k9ugEpfvGGt2SGtqO1Ci-Fw3o2GMjCBYYnHQBHppmn3m1IhnfY_6Eh5ZfdhnCmcOGsmREHcndUhZTaN0Be8MT9hQbmkPtRtjSEXhHd-KpoI9q0D=s320" width="209" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Everyone has been loving The Fifth Season, over the last couple of years but I am definitely on the hype. I love a book that focuses on New York City and I think that with the five different avatars, I may really love the diversity of the city that it became! I also love the side characters as well in the story and the mix of sci-fi and magical realism like elements. I can't wait for the sequel when it finally comes out!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Flawed by Cecelia Ahern </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="261" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYyPLg1hw_lh3McfBORTrYJfqAQv2CredgHLVNkwYJMBzum6S6ITs6z6i3FNoRkixcnrlVgg5ABAxudOC3SbgJ_-q2YJ0EWQ930M7E6LfEdax4aMN99ZLSr_dstce5jAx1SY-TpZRXZtxaRSHCtIK0myo0LNc3FY0x2ipqNpG3QVAgFwq4pZDk-KEK=s320" width="209" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I was really surprised Flawed as I have read from her in the past and although I enjoyed her books, I wasn't completely blown away. I think part of it is because I love the odd dystopian read and this just hit at the right place and the right time. I still need to read the sequel but I am sure that I will love it when I do. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Disfigured by Amanda Leduc </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1620" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJ23kpvSNufLqxzdVjIX1mLMHdV1fXVzYvbRR1VlcgHfOCJO43JpIgvh9wVpYPfyoC3xAr-r5KTBTYCtck7JlcSDrCwg3bNVBRXW2W9udEkQn_CvqY01fecPPTsQ61eHjNVrwj78i5qx7Pwf4gXagrHDyaKw3dlzIW3LSSera4uJt47xMP_v8AZTHJ=s320" width="203" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I have thought a lot about my disability this year and this book may be one of the reasons. Amanda Leduc and I have a similar condition and I connected to it a lot when I was reading it. Also, the ideas in the book were ones that I thought were really important and I agreed with. I know Amanda Leduc has written more books so I hopefully will read more from her in the future. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Last Bus To Everland by Sophie Cameron </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBGDpS3l0lRUTTk9-stRi1Pl2aiiXGm1088FoNB_FPLzREg48V-i42x9pOD0o3LpADXSs514CT9MIAMs6DDdZpgTraaW15ty3tw5m6w1bMlFoU6o0DHg0qhI5qNi93flkoPoDfzyBwTweQ0eVbh1qJAoAl6dTZbnRtmd9uAbCNfEDCVwFOCZK2jnL7=s320" width="211" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I loved Sophie Cameron's first book so when I read Last Bus To Everland I still had a great time reading it. The book was very emotional and the Scottish setting always makes me really excited and I loved reading about it. I also loved all of the relationships in the book from the parents to those in Everland itself. The book also has a great ending and I can't wait to read from her in the future.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Pet by Akwaeke Emezi </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2339" data-original-width="1522" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVWPlfueY-Mc16ACPMr42w1ir8QUROEU2wLGr-Tjm3DY5u2W2_u-kLRj5_rT2h1DF6N_MM9jtlSNVGyYHFw397SqRy_lRejQmMU_uEth8RouNOPCiaDLsVTHONAfilN8Z1uHR6TERL8blCG7kxoDfqOcpkIYa9lOs9AWLPND-aCxpSbiK0AxkXwZ80=s320" width="208" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Everyone loves this book so when I finally got around to it, I was really quite excited. Even though I enjoyed the book just after I read it, it was the time after when the love really set in. It did grow on me as the ideas on the book really did develop in my mind. I can't wait to read more from Akwaeke Emezi in the future. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>The Extraordinaries by T.J. Klune</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1664" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjh2EbKxel-MBeYm3HS2gKF26iaLsrpqLhFdwNFY-iSPa2mImJx5LNVhRPB-JmHygoDeqR3KQGSlQqGaKOOkjEZ3cZbDQHr4QI_AH_8-NmPVIG1oiGkerXN8LpI5rxDtR5t9b55zfrwmx9WpfhQWnLycGJgA56bo1qn5ff0RsdXic3HTk9tfo1A4FvB=s320" width="208" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">At the beginning of the year, I was quite frustrated because I had attempted to read this in 2020 but didn't manage to finish it. It didn't click with me but when I started to listen to the audiobook and something special happened. I completely loved it, the characters, the story, I was completed head over heels. Of course, the redemption arc is that I had to put it on this list. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>What are some of your favourite books of the year? Let me know in the comments below!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>See you soon, </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Amy </b></span></p>Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132935493555292018.post-44384192307541221712021-12-31T10:00:00.015+00:002021-12-31T10:00:00.208+00:00Popsugar Reading Challenge 2021 Wrap Up<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Every year since 2015, I have had the Popsugar Reading Challenge to diversify my reading. Over the course of the last year, I would like to think that I have done this and looking at did a good job considering I have been so busy over the last year. Even though I did actually have a plan of a book to read for almost all of the prompts, I did just wing it for the latter half of the year. This was because I was just reading what I wanted to and because I was not really reading at all. So let's see what I read this year...</span></p><b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;">A book that’s published in 2021 </span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></b><div><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Book I Want To Read: Gut Feelings by C. G. Moore</i><br />Book I Actually Read: Gut Feelings by C.G. Moore<br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;">An Afrofuturist book</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Book I Want To Read: The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin </i><br />Book I Actually Read: </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin</span></b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book that has a heart, diamond, club, or spade on the cover </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: Heartbreak Boys by Simon James Green</i><br />Book I Actually Read: Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé</b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book by an author who shares your zodiac sign (Aquarius)</b></span></div><i style="font-family: verdana;">Book I Want To Read: Knife Edge by Malorie Blackman <br /></i><div><i style="font-family: verdana;">Book I Actually Read:</i><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A dark academia book</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: The Secret History by Donna Tartt </i><br />Book I Actually Read: T.I.G.E.R.S. by M.A, Bennett</b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book with a gem, mineral, or rock in the title</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: Salt To The Sea by Ruta Sepetys</i><br />Book I Actually Read: The Empress Of Salt & Fortune by Nghi Vo</b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book where the main character works at your current or dream job </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: The Pieces Of Ourselves by Maggie Harcourt</i><br />Book I Actually Read: Silk by Maurene Goo</b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book that has won the Women’s Prize For Fiction </b></span></div><div><i style="font-family: verdana;">Book I Want To Read:</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: verdana; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller</i></span><i style="font-family: verdana;"><br />Book I Actually Read:</i></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book with a family tree</b></span></div><div><i style="font-family: verdana;">Book I Want To Read: Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi<br />Book I Actually Read: </i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A bestseller from the 1990s </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: Holes by Louis Sachar</i><br />Book I Actually Read: Holes by Louis Sachar</b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book about forgetting </b></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Book I Want To Read: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab </i><br />Book I Actually Read: Lost Cat by Mary Gaitskill</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book you have seen on someone’s bookshelf (in real life, on a Zoom call, in a TV show, etc.) </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas</i><br />Book I Actually Read: Punching The Air by Ibi Zoboi </b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A locked-room mystery</b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"> </span></div><div><i style="font-family: verdana;">Book I Want To Read: The Guest List by Lucy Foley <br />Book I Actually Read:</i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book set in a restaurant </b></span></div><div><b><i style="font-family: verdana;">Book I Want To Read: Before The Coffee Gets Cold by </i><span itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">Toshikazu Kawaguchi</span></i></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />Book I Actually Read: </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>Before The Coffee Gets Cold by </span><span itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Toshikazu Kawaguchi</span></span><br /></span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book with a black-and-white cover</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo</i><br />Book I Actually Read: Jews Don't Count by David Baddiel </b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book by an Indigenous author</b></span></div><div><i style="font-family: verdana;">Book I Want To Read: There, There by Tommy Orange<br />Book I Actually Read:</i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;">A book that has the same title as a song</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"> </span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Book I Want To Read: The Sky Is Mine by Amy Beashel </i><br />Book I Actually Read: Counting Stars by Keris Stainton</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;">A book about a subject you are passionate about</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: Good As You by Paul Flynn</i><br />Book I Actually Read: The Queer Bible by Jack Guinness </b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book that discusses body positivity</b></span></div><div><i style="font-family: verdana;">Book I Want To Read: Body Positive Power by Megan Crabbe<br />Book I Actually Read:</i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book found on a Black Lives Matter reading list</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin </i><br />Book I Actually Read: Taking Up Space by Chelsea Kwakye, Ore Ogunbiyi</b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A genre hybrid </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: The Last of August by Britanny Cavallaro</i><br />Book I Actually Read: The Upper World by Femi Fadugba</b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book set mostly or entirely outdoors </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: I Am Still Alive by Kate Alice Marshall</i><br />Book I Actually Read: Monsters by Emerald Fennell</b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book with something broken on the cover </b></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Book I Want To Read: Eight Pieces of Silva by Patrice Lawrence</i><br />Book I Actually Read: The Test by Sylvain Neuvel </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;">A book by a Muslim American author </span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: Internment by Samira Ahmed</i><br />Book I Actually Read: Split by Muhammed Khan</b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book that was published anonymously </b></span></div><div><b><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">Book I Want To Read: </span></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: verdana;"><i>The Saga of Gunnlaug Serpent-tongue (It's short)</i></span><i style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></i><span style="font-family: verdana;">Book I Actually Read: </span></b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0f1111;"><b>The Saga of Gunnlaug Serpent-tongue</b></span><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book with an oxymoron in the title </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: Full Disclosure by Camryn Garrett</i><br />Book I Actually Read: A Map To The Sun by Sloane Leong</b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book about do-overs or fresh starts </b></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Book I Want To Read: Between Shades of Grey by Ruta Sepetys</i><br />Book I Actually Read: Everyone Dies Famous In A Small Town by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A magical realism book </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>B<b>ook I Want To Read: Ask The Passengers by A.S. King</b></i><b><br />Book I Actually Read: All My Friends Are Superheroes by Andrew Kaufman</b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book set in multiple countries </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: Conversations With Friends by Sally Rooney</i><br />Book I Actually Read: The Crossing by Manjeet Mann</b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span><b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;">A book set somewhere you’d like to visit in 2021</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"> </span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: Last Bus To Everland by Sophie Cameron </i><br />Book I Actually Read: </b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><b>Last Bus To Everland by Sophie Cameron </b></span><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book by a blogger, vlogger, YouTube creator, or other online personality </b></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Book I Want To Read: A Beautiful Foolish Endeavour by Hank Green</i><br />Book I Actually Read: </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>A Beautiful Foolish Endeavour by Hank Green</span><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;">A book whose title starts with “Q,” “X,” or “Z”</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Book I Want To Read: Quiet by Susan Cain</i><br />Book I Actually Read: </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Quiet by Susan Cain</span></b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book featuring three generations (grandparent, parent, child)</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong </i><br />Book I Actually Read: Night Sky With Exit Wounds by Ocean Vuong </b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book about a social justice issue </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: Natives by Akala</i><br />Book I Actually Read: The Power of Women by June Sarpong</b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book in a different format than what you normally read (audiobooks, ebooks, graphic novels) </b></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Book I Want To Read: Dear Haiti With Love by Maika & Maritza Moulite </i><br />Book I Actually Read: Claudine by Riyoko Ikeda, Jocelyne Allen</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book that has fewer than 1,000 reviews on Amazon or Goodreads </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: My Heart Goes Bang by Keris Stainton </i><br />Book I Actually Read: Neva's Story by Austin McConnell</b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book you think your best friend would like </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: Percy Jackon & the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan </i><br />Book I Actually Read: The Paper & Hearts Society Bookish Ever After by Lucy Powrie</b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book about art or an artist </b></span></div><div><i style="font-family: verdana;">Book I Want To Read: Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng<br />Book I Actually Read:</i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book everyone seems to have read but you </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid</i><br />Book I Actually Read: A Kind Of Spark by Elle McNicoll</b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>Your favourite prompt from a past POPSUGAR Reading Challenge: Book With the Same Title As A Film </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: Summerland by Lucy Adlington </i><br />Book I Actually Read: City Of Ghosts by V.E. Schwab </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana;"><b>Advanced:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>The longest book (by pages) on your TBR list</b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Book I Want To Read: Complete Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle</i><br />Book I Actually Read: C</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>omplete Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle</span><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>The shortest book (by pages) on your TBR list </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: A Chaos Walking Novella by Patrick Ness</i><br />Book I Actually Read: </b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><b>A Chaos Walking Novella by Patrick Ness</b></span><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>The book on your TBR list with the prettiest cover</b></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Book I Want To Read: Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender</i><br />Book I Actually Read: Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;">The book on your TBR list with the ugliest cover </span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: Would You Rather by Katie Heaney </i><br />Book I Actually Read: Would You Rather by Katie Heaney</b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>The book that’s been on your TBR list for the longest amount of time </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: Daughter Of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor</i><br />Book I Actually Read: Flawed by Cecelia Ahern </b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book from your TBR list you meant to read last year but didn’t</b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: The Diviners by Libba Bray</i><br />Book I Actually Read: The Sky Weaver by Kristen Ciccarelli</b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;"><b>A book from your TBR list you associate with a favourite person, place, or thing </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: Franny & Zooey by J.D. Salinger </i><br />Book I Actually Read: Franny & Zooey by J.D. Salinger</b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;">A book from your TBR list chosen at random </span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe </i><br />Book I Actually Read: Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe</b></span><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;">A DNF book from your TBR list </span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Book I Want To Read: Dune by Frank Herbert</i><br />Book I Actually Read: </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dune by Frank Herbert</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit;">A free book from your TBR list (gifted, borrowed, library)</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Book I Want To Read: After The Fire by Will Hill</i><br />Book I Actually Read: Flying Tips For Flightless Birds by Kelly McCaughrain</b></span></div><div><i style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>What were your reading challenges like this year? Let me know in the comments.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">See you soon, </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Amy</span></div>Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132935493555292018.post-87085812842070616482021-12-30T10:00:00.075+00:002022-01-02T12:40:15.423+00:00Book Review: The Great Godden by Meg Rossoff<p> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">* I am reviewing this book which I was gifted for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. *</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGhwe4pMS2Radfuy0i6qzfHYoi8BIab08eRzv5LxGoFiDu6AHyrl7L0PHK0EGpP98FJZALxNnX2vKJKQkT16PlotjQFJoNuKRbifC-0g8YpK4T1uIvoTsj3O21B7g32Q2k2rWdKkG5QniZr1cE2cD5tqAZB9awaoA0pHfFhZVh2lQk5QPofKwXhpvW=s475" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGhwe4pMS2Radfuy0i6qzfHYoi8BIab08eRzv5LxGoFiDu6AHyrl7L0PHK0EGpP98FJZALxNnX2vKJKQkT16PlotjQFJoNuKRbifC-0g8YpK4T1uIvoTsj3O21B7g32Q2k2rWdKkG5QniZr1cE2cD5tqAZB9awaoA0pHfFhZVh2lQk5QPofKwXhpvW=s320" width="208" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /><span><b>Title: The Great Godden </b></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Author: Meg Rossoff</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Publisher: Bloomsbury <br /></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Source: NetGalley</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></span></div><p style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>(<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/books/the-great-godden/9781526618535">Bookshop UK</a>| <a href="https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Meg-Rosoff/The-Great-Godden/24473026">Hive</a>| <span id="goog_1501785771"></span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51253026-the-great-godden?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=Gj6WrS9zhY&rank=3">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/00ef90be-d81a-49ab-a736-ec2fb2906e53">Storygraph</a>)</b><br /></span></span></p><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Book Summary:</b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><i><span style="color: #181818;">Everyone talks about falling in love like it’s the most miraculous, life-changing thing in the world. Something happens, they say, and you know …</span><br style="color: #181818;" /><br style="color: #181818;" /><span style="color: #181818;">That’s what happened when I met Kit Godden.</span><br style="color: #181818;" /><br style="color: #181818;" /><span style="color: #181818;">I looked into his eyes and I knew.</span><br style="color: #181818;" /><br style="color: #181818;" /><span style="color: #181818;">Only everyone else knew too. Everyone else felt exactly the same way.</span><br style="color: #181818;" /><br style="color: #181818;" /><span style="color: #181818;">This is the story of one family, one dreamy summer – the summer when everything changes. In a holiday house by the sea, our watchful narrator sees everything, including many things they shouldn’t, as their brother and sisters, parents and older cousins fill hot days with wine and games and planning a wedding. Enter two brothers – irresistible, charming, languidly sexy Kit and surly, silent Hugo. Suddenly there’s a serpent in this paradise – and the consequences will be devastating.</span><br style="color: #181818;" /><br style="color: #181818;" /><span style="color: #181818;">From Meg Rosoff, bestselling author of the iconic novel How I Live Now, comes a lyrical and quintessential coming-of-age tale – a summer book that’s as heady, timeless and irresistible as Bonjour Tristesse and The Greengage Summer.</span></i></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><i><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Book Review:</b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;">I have loved Meg Rossoff's books in the past, especially How I Live Now, so when I saw that she had a new book coming out, I jumped at the chance to read it. Although it does have some problems, I really did enjoy The Great Godden so much that it was a favourite of mine back in 2020. </span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;">So even though I am a little late to this review, this is a book that I still think about today. I have to admit that one of the reasons why I really enjoyed the book is because of Andrew Scott's narration on the audiobook. The book's plan is to have a genderless narrator and although I thought that the character was a female when reading it, it is up to you what you make of it which is a really unique concept. I can definitely see that it would make it for queer that way. </span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;">I think also I just love a whimsy story and this definitely has that it in buckets. It is a perfect summer nostalgic romance. The story can be a bit slow sometimes and it did take me a while to get through but I think that after reading it, it definitely did stay with me. </span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;">I also did enjoy the characters and the family drama in the story as it does make the story more mature as a whole. The Godden boys and all unique in the story and make a compelling story as the narrative unfolds in a way that I definitely did not expect. </span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;">More importantly, the book also goes and bridges the line between YA and adult books, which is something that I have discovered that I really love in books. This is also great itself as it is a more mature story that I feel like I am growing up to love. Although the reviews are somewhat divisive, it is definitely a worthy read, even if you just get the audiobook to listen to Andrew Scott. </span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><br /><b>The Verdict:</b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;">The Great Godden has the perfect summer whimsy vibes, perfect for those that like some complexities in their YA. </span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Have you read The Great Godden? If so, what did you think? Do you want to? Let me know in the comments.</b></span></span></span></div>Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132935493555292018.post-8656701103903611162021-12-28T10:00:00.026+00:002021-12-28T10:00:00.209+00:00My Reading Tastes Are Changing<p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">For the last couple of years, I feel like this has become a reoccurring blog post but I want to talk about it now because I think something is actually happening in my reading life.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">My reading tastes are changing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I've felt it for a while. I haven't really been drawn to YA titles that much anymore especially contemporary. Being busy in my time, I have been really selective in the books that I pick up so for me: the shorter, the better. And when picking up shorter books, the less likely they are to be YA. The more I am exposed to more books, the more I get to read books that I connect to</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Some of the books that I have picked up have really surprised me because of how much I ended up enjoying them. I think as I grow older, I am looking for different stories, different experiences and different perspectives. These don't just fit the YA mould.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I also have been really into different genres like horror and the occasional thriller which have not read from before and I'm interested in. I just want to read stories that interest me or sound interesting.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">As I also am busier, I have lost touch with the bloggers and booktubers who I use to love and what is popular which is nice as I get to do more research myself. I also still know some of the books people love so am picking those up too.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">This isn't to say that I hate YA now because that is far from the case as it is an age category, not a genre but there are definitely genres in YA that I am more drawn towards. I also think that I will be pickier in general in what I buy and pick up. I had a massive unhaul recently and so many were YA contemporary so I did feel bad but I'm just growing my tastes.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I have my favourites and will continue to read them however so it will definitely continue! YA is also well known for having more diverse stories and so many crossover narratives that I have loved this year that I definitely do not hate. Some of which I really enjoyed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">So all I can say is bring on all the books! </span></p>Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132935493555292018.post-18512928799016473002021-12-27T10:00:00.011+00:002021-12-27T10:00:00.256+00:00Reviewing All Of The Books<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Earlier this year, I decided that I would review all of the books that I read. For the most part, I definitely have but over the last couple of months it has definitely gone to the wayside but that is because I have been so busy.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I wanted to do it because I annoyed myself that I reviewed books years after I read them and I often couldn't remember the plot. Trust me this is still the case, but I have kind of run out of books that I need to review this year which is weird for me. My backlog is getting lower and as I am not reading as much, I genuinely think I might run out.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">This has never happened before.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">This is of course quite nice because I think that it creates feelings that are much better than remembering a book from two years ago. Thinking about it at the moment does definitely make it easier as it goes into my head on a computer screen and less memory space is always a good idea.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I also do think that sometimes it does take the fun out of it though but there are a lot of benefits. I love seeing what I thought of a book at the moment because sometimes I forget but other times it is completely different and it is interesting to see. It is like my own reading journal and considering I have tried physical ones, the digital footprint is good for me.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It also meant that I was cherry-picking what I could review and what was fun before so everything does become something I had to think about. Although this is kind of an issue, I find myself talking in my head about problems so at least more people can see it.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I also did have some problems with it especially short comics as I love reading them all together rather than single issues even though they are intended that way. It is quite hard to review 20 pages but I still do it and it is my rule at the end of the day!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The final bit is of course time can be the enemy sometimes. I am really busy so I do find that I have to be in the mood for reviewing so I do end up keeping reviews for a while but I do it because I like it.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">After writing all this, I'm not sure if I will do it next year as it does take so much time and as I read a lot of small things it does not fully work for me so I will see it in the future.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Who knows what 2022 holds? </span></span>Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132935493555292018.post-8585257679389737052021-12-26T13:20:00.000+00:002021-12-26T13:20:12.033+00:00Book Review: The Crossing by Manjeet Mann<p> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">* I am reviewing this book which I was gifted for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. *</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MVrnuWTqh-jzKuzbqlC5q37UScqXpJl-H0HpCeIft9lyJwrhRDKYXIh5jCV8bZQyi7rl44vw6COqJZH3MVHWuZO9Zyk3Piv_QJB4d-KEiV0FZcXRbe91wm_zE9cl2UwigUZ9bv69fyE/s475/55371169._SY475_+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="308" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MVrnuWTqh-jzKuzbqlC5q37UScqXpJl-H0HpCeIft9lyJwrhRDKYXIh5jCV8bZQyi7rl44vw6COqJZH3MVHWuZO9Zyk3Piv_QJB4d-KEiV0FZcXRbe91wm_zE9cl2UwigUZ9bv69fyE/s320/55371169._SY475_+%25281%2529.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span><b>Title: The Crossing</b></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Author: Manjeet Mann</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Publisher: Penguin <br /></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Source: NetGalley</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></span></div><p style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>(<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/books/the-crossing-9780241411445/9780241411445">Bookshop UK</a>| <a href="https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Manjeet-Mann/The-Crossing/25384017">Hive</a>| <span id="goog_1501785771"></span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55371169-the-crossing">Goodreads</a> |<a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/ca426ee5-6314-4e10-a37a-bf3a2fbdfec3"> Storygraph</a>)</b><br /></span></span></p><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Book Summary:</b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><i><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><div>The trailblazing new novel from the Carnegie Medal shortlisted author of Run, Rebel.</div><div><br /></div><div>Praise for Run, Rebel - a Guardian best book of 2020: A tightly crafted series of punchy, often heartbreaking narrative poems . . . Mann's brilliant, coruscating verse novel lays out the anatomy of Amber's revolution, and the tentative first flowerings of hope and change. Guardian</div><div><br /></div><div>A trailblazing new novel about two teenagers from opposite worlds; The Crossing is a profound story of hope, grief, and the very real tragedies of the refugee crisis.</div><div><br /></div><div>Natalie's world is falling apart. She's just lost her mum and her brother marches the streets of Dover full of hate and anger. Swimming is her only refuge.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sammy has fled his home and family in Eritrea for the chance of a new life in Europe. Every step he takes on his journey is a step into an unknown and unwelcoming future.</div><div><br /></div><div>A twist of fate brings them together and gives them both hope. But is hope enough to mend a broken world?</div><div><br /></div></span></i></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Book Review:</b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;">After reading Run, Rebel a couple of years ago which I really enjoyed, I was excited to read Manjeet Mann's new book and then The Crossing came along. That kind of blew away. When I say that I liked Run Rebel, I thought that it was good but The Crossing hit differently and it was a book that I can't get out of my head. <br /><br />I have to admit that I read the book on a whim. I do love a verse novel but as I didn't love Run, Rebel as much as I would have liked I was a bit apprehensive but I shouldn't have been. The Crossing had me from the first opening and I loved both characters voices. </span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;">They are both on two different journeys, but they are both connected in a way that is inventive and it made me really love her writing as a whole. I loved Natalie's storyline with her Mum's death, the growth of her character was really great and I liked to see how it changed. </span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;">This is juxtaposed with Sammy who we also a great character but who goes through it the whole story and book. I think that Manjeet Mann does give an honest portrayal of refugees in the novel and the difficulties that they go through. I think it is a vital story that needs to be heard today and it made me go through it emotionally. </span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;">The ending is just heartbreaking and although I really wanted a happy ending, I knew that this was not the reality for so many people in a similar situation to Sammy. It is choke the wind out of me and it made me feel all the emotions. So I did really love this and it is a really important read that I do want more people to read.<br /><br /><b>The Verdict:</b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;">The Crossing is a verse novel at its best, being equal parts heartbreaking and thought-provoking. It is a must-read.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Have you read The Crossing? If so, what did you think? Do you want to? Let me know in the comments.</b></span></span></span></div>Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132935493555292018.post-10724004264482370792021-12-25T10:00:00.024+00:002021-12-25T10:00:00.315+00:00Announcement: 12 Days Of Blogmas<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">After the last couple of years, when I decided to bring back Blogmas, I wanted to do it again as it is safe to say that I was doing so well with the blog earlier in the year, but recently, well, I've been lacking. Also, it's that time of the year for wrap-ups and favourite books that I wanted to share with you all (whoever you are). As per usual, there is quite a lot, and I want to write and hype my favourite books of the year as I don't do that much anymore and I should because a lot of them are underhyped. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I think that this year has not been the one for anyone. It is safe to say that I have been swamped this year, after graduating from university, working and then starting two new jobs so blogging kind of went to the wayside. I have basically had no social life for the last seven months which has been tough but I have learnt so much. (I will say more about it in the coming days.)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Due to the changes that have happened this year in my life, I have a lot of thoughts in my brain that I want to get out and so many ideas that I want to write about that have just stayed in my drafts. This is the opportunity to do all of the ideas. Depending on how busy, I get this may be a massive flop and honestly it is so weird writing for myself again, but we will see how it goes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">There is be a variety of posts from favourite books of the year, to essays, to book reviews so join the ride! Hopefully, I will be successful!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I'm sorry if this year and last year has not been the one for you, but hopefully, 2022 will be a better year, and we get a better Christmas and time for family. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">See you soon, </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Amy</span></p>Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132935493555292018.post-82170051683015138212021-10-19T10:00:00.001+01:002021-10-19T10:00:00.186+01:00Book Review: The Upper World by Femi Fadugba<p> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">* I am reviewing this book which I was gifted for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. *</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMcqZxWTKu4ZO0-9zkuQ5y4_SAZfeuSzhdR8z1cX7PdfFd1mbu3EOLSzOqC5iJ1MDZ1fHBrqdBTOgqOnRqLlbGTf-Op_NRZS6y2jrbExqXtmkdIhKs8HGWlkWcfmk-ikspMX1LCyWdCE/s475/TheUpperWorld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMcqZxWTKu4ZO0-9zkuQ5y4_SAZfeuSzhdR8z1cX7PdfFd1mbu3EOLSzOqC5iJ1MDZ1fHBrqdBTOgqOnRqLlbGTf-Op_NRZS6y2jrbExqXtmkdIhKs8HGWlkWcfmk-ikspMX1LCyWdCE/s320/TheUpperWorld.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span><b>Title: The Upper World</b></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Author: Femi Fadugba</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Publisher: Penguin<br /></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Source: Bought Myself</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></span></div><p style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>(<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/books/the-upper-world/9780241505618">Bookshop UK </a>| <a href="https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Femi-Fadugba/The-Upper-World/25580338">Hive</a> | <span id="goog_1501785771"></span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55963452-the-upper-world">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/577112d7-4039-4021-820f-bf6520057600">Storygraph</a>)</b><br /></span></span></p><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Book Summary:</b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><i><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><i><span style="color: #181818;">Esso is running out of time and into trouble. After he is accidentally caught up in a gang war, he is haunted by a vision of a bullet fired in an alleyway with devastating consequences.</span><br style="color: #181818;" /><br style="color: #181818;" /><span style="color: #181818;">A generation later, fifteen-year-old football prodigy Rhia is desperately searching for answers—and a catastrophic moment from the past holds the key to understanding the parents she never got to meet.</span><br style="color: #181818;" /><br style="color: #181818;" /><span style="color: #181818;">Whether on the roads of South London or in the mysterious Upper World, Esso and Rhia''s fates must collide.</span><br style="color: #181818;" /><br style="color: #181818;" /><span style="color: #181818;">And when they do, a race against the clock will become a race against time itself...</span></i></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><i><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Book Review:</b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Montserrat;">This book has been quite hyped up already before its release but also now that it has been released and for good reason, as the book is quite good. Blending sci-fi and time travel and gritty narrative, The Upper World is an exciting read that demands to be read.<br /><br />Before I start the review, I have to say that it did take me a whole to get into the book, but I think this was more restraint than anything because once I was in the story, I was sold.<br /><br />I have to admit when the book is good, it is really good. Femi Fadugba has a way of crafting a narrative that is highly addictive to read. This is especially the case with the twisting narratives of the story, switching between Rhia and Esso.<br /><br />By switching the stories and having the action play out, the last 100 pages played out in my head like a film and when the action got going, I was hooked. I was racing the time that I needed to sleep, but the story was so addictive that I read the last 100 pages in about half an hour.<br /><br />It might be because I haven't read a good sci-fi fantasy story in a while and my head was telling me that this was what I needed or it could be that he knows how to write a story. It could also be done which I can say it was.<br /><br />The heading was so thrilling and to see all of the time travel elements finally come together was what I needed. Seeing how Esso was going to get the situation sorted and how Rhia and Esso were going to time travel in the first place.<br /><br />Seeing other reviews and considering Femi Fadugba's background, it is no surprise that the time travel is well-researched and easily explained throughout the book, especially for a YA audience. The use of diagrams was also helpful in the explanation of the overall book.<br /><br />Even though I have discussed a lot about time travel and the sci-fi elements, the book is also rooted in reality and I think that Esso is a well likeable character that is easy to follow and root for. With them both having two different backgrounds, Rhia was well-developed and I cared about her life and her problems.<br /><br />They both add to the story and bring it to life making it overall a great read! I recommend.<br /><br /><b>The Verdict:</b><br /><br />The Upper World is a unique read that demands to be read and talked about. Put it on your TBR immediately!</span><b><br /><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Have you read The Upper World? If so, what did you think? Do you want to? Let me know in the comments.</b></span></span></span></div>Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132935493555292018.post-8706880317221165512021-10-14T10:00:00.043+01:002022-01-01T20:17:10.818+00:00Book Review: An Absolutely Remarkable Thing & A Beautifully Foolish Endeavour by Hank Green <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">* I am reviewing this book which I was gifted for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. *</span></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbh79gHaItH1zZsRpcEjNaePuwLU8e6zKL4-k_ZIsi7cCx397maZ6U-kUWMnJVrxYqirdQfKWSEFSbzx1dIimU-6CZSjjWS01dwtjtZkrpR3gnjFU0QRvm4X_v181RqJXXOVNPe3VswHI/s399/TheCarls.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbh79gHaItH1zZsRpcEjNaePuwLU8e6zKL4-k_ZIsi7cCx397maZ6U-kUWMnJVrxYqirdQfKWSEFSbzx1dIimU-6CZSjjWS01dwtjtZkrpR3gnjFU0QRvm4X_v181RqJXXOVNPe3VswHI/s16000/TheCarls.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b>Title: </b></span><span style="text-align: center;"><b> An Absolutely Remarkable Thing & A Beautifully Foolish Endeavour</b></span></div><b><span style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Author: Hank Green</div></span><span style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Publisher: Trapeze </div></span><span style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Source: Netgalley/Bought Myself</div></span></b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><span style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>(<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/books/an-absolutely-remarkable-thing/9781473224209">Bookshop UK</a> | <a href="https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Hank-Green/An-Absolutely-Remarkable-Thing/23676697">Hive</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/276563-the-carls">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/series/88528">Storygraph</a>)</b></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><span style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Book Summary:</b></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><i>In his wildly entertaining debut novel, Hank Green—cocreator of Crash Course, Vlogbrothers, and SciShow—spins a sweeping, cinematic tale about a young woman who becomes an overnight celebrity before realizing she’s part of something bigger, and stranger, than anyone could have possibly imagined.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>The Carls just appeared.</i></div><div><i> </i></div><div><i>Roaming through New York City at three a.m., twenty-three-year-old April May stumbles across a giant sculpture. Delighted by its appearance and craftsmanship—like a ten-foot-tall Transformer wearing a suit of samurai armor—April and her best friend, Andy, make a video with it, which Andy uploads to YouTube. The next day, April wakes up to a viral video and a new life. News quickly spreads that there are Carls in dozens of cities around the world—from Beijing to Buenos Aires—and April, as their first documentarian, finds herself at the center of an intense international media spotlight.</i></div><div><i> </i></div><div><i>Seizing the opportunity to make her mark on the world, April now has to deal with the consequences her new particular brand of fame has on her relationships, her safety, and her own identity. And all eyes are on April to figure out not just what the Carls are, but what they want from us.</i></div><div><i> </i></div><div><i>Compulsively entertaining and powerfully relevant, An Absolutely Remarkable Thing grapples with big themes, including how the social internet is changing fame, rhetoric, and radicalization; how our culture deals with fear and uncertainty; and how vilification and adoration spring for the same dehumanization that follows a life in the public eye. The beginning of an exciting fiction career, An Absolutely Remarkable Thing is a bold and insightful novel of now.</i></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Book Review:</b></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div>I have loved Hank and John Green as creators for the longest time due to their videos and of course John's books, so when I saw that Hank was releasing a book, I knew that I would jump on it. While I did like An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, I enjoyed A Beautifully Foolish Endeavour more which led to a good series overall. </div><div><br /></div><div>One of the things that I loved about the series overall which started in the first book is that the Carls can represent real-life and parallel how the internet is used in current society. While I did like this, I did find that it was a little heavy-handed at times, but I would expect nothing more with someone who spends a lot of time on the Internet. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think that the idea of the Carls and the situation overall was something that I also enjoyed. I don't mind not having ideas explained to me in books and that was one of the main points of it. The Carls are there, and we don't know why. (This does get explained in the second one though.)</div><div><br /></div><div>It does in part become a bit like a mystery novel, with the clues and the website and this was one of the best parts of the book in my opinion. Of course, everything does come together, and it leads to a very satisfying and open-ended plot line. </div><div><br /></div><div>Much of the story does build to the sequel, with Hank developing all the characters including April and the relationships that she forms. I know that a lot of people dislike April as a character and while I do understand that I think the book works with her as the main protagonist, but the other side characters are as important for the story. They, too, get the story lines that they deserve and are great characters. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think, while there was a lot that connected me to the story, it just didn't connect with me as a piece of work. I know that other people have said the same thing so I may reread the first book in the future. This is especially the case as the second book had a massive impact on me. </div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><div>So, while I thought that An Absolutely Remarkable Thing was a good read, it was put together and concluded wonderfully in A Beautiful Foolish Endeavour. Like the name suggested it was a beautiful ride from start to finish. </div><div><br /></div><div>Reading a book that is so clearly about the pandemic while being in the pandemic is a unique experience because it fuels a lot of emotions and intensifies them. More than anything, it makes it super relatable. One of the quotes that I loved was talking about being in the room where it happened and although a Hamilton reference, I wanted to tab the book which is not something I normally do. </div><div><br /></div><div>I also think that the story is just elevated to a new level, especially the ideas based around the internet and seeing how all the characters react to April and the ending of the first book. All the characters are given their own unique stories and plot lines and I really loved all of them especially Andy and Miranda. I also liked how the characters developed throughout the books and had deeper relationships with each other. </div><div><br /></div><div>We also get to see how the world from the first book expands and this one has a lot more of a villain centre character, but I think they are still humanised to some degree although they get their just desserts in the end. The book also does go more in the AI element which I liked, and it gets more sci-fi rather than a grounded first book. Also, some of the information that I wanted from the first book is also explained which makes it greater. </div><div><br /></div><div>I feel like I write quite muted about the book, but this is far from the case as it just overcame with a lot of the moments that were littered throughout. The ending was also all types of thrilling as I really did just connect to the characters on a new level. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't think that I can really put into words how good the book was for me, but it was great and may be one of the year's favourites!</div><div><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b>The Verdict:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;">An Absolutely Remarkable Thing & A Beautifully Foolish Endeavour are a duology that deals with modern-day issues, combining an addictive and informative sci-fi that is worth reading. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Have you read An Absolutely Remarkable Thing & A Beautifully Foolish Endeavour? If so, what did you think? Do you want to? Let me know in the comments.</b></div></div></span>Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132935493555292018.post-63984086382886473202021-10-11T10:00:00.004+01:002021-10-11T14:40:29.509+01:00Would You Rather by Katie Heaney: Questioning Queerness<p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"> This is the final review from my backlog and for good reason because this book made me question a lot of things. Probably the perfect and not so perfect book for someone who has always thought about their sexuality. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I think that is the thing, this book is based on the premise that Katie Heaney discovered that she likes women and is a lesbian in her late 20s after she thought she was straight. It also deconstructs the idea that women often find themselves coming out at a later age due to the stigma of the word lesbian and identifying as such. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">As a person who has not thought they were straight since they were 17 this is not something that I have ignored. I remember potentially liking someone at school when I was 17 after she got a haircut. I just brushed it off though because I couldn't fancy a girl. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">At the same time though I thought I fancied boys. (I no longer think I fancy boys.)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">This all changed when thought I quite liked the idea of living with a woman in a co-habit relationship and recently this has changed to a new level. I use the word gay sometimes and I think I mean it. Only to get other members of my family to say but Amy you're not gay. I also came out to my Dad when I read this book and this led to a bit of a misunderstanding. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">OK, so back to the book!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">The whole point though is that Katie Heaney and Would You Rather raised so many questions. The book is so well-written and I loved so many of the chapters themselves including all of the women that Katie Heaney has crushed and her love for Harry Styles. Because same. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I have to admit that this book was so influenced by the way I deal with my sexuality that I changed my sexuality because there was no word that I could put on it. I still can't say if I am fully gay but I think in a way this book made it so much more acceptable for me to do so. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">For the most part, it made me feel not so alone. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I know that this book is going to help so many people understand how they feel and that is the real thing that a book can do. Make you feel normal. Make you feel like you. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Overall, this book made me feel so much that is so hard to put in just one review and blog post. It is definitely going to be a favourite of the year because it did so much for me. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">So thank you, Katie Heaney.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">See you soon, </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Amy</span></p>Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132935493555292018.post-30385243265686070292021-09-28T10:00:00.015+01:002021-09-28T10:00:00.281+01:00Book Review: Here Is The Beehive by Sarah Crossan<p> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">* I am reviewing this book which I was gifted for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. *</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3KWbp-CG9hbKncLO-NWmTk11b9xeEo9akfECa8IofNuwO-ZLM9cio2lqckbaIqHiSBuaSf32l3qSo7Kf2zm24ZEKoLHei_7TrIGNYppCih2KG-_S39ygmMXHdFSPTcLYuqAxHRpZoJk/s475/HereIsTheBeehive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="306" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3KWbp-CG9hbKncLO-NWmTk11b9xeEo9akfECa8IofNuwO-ZLM9cio2lqckbaIqHiSBuaSf32l3qSo7Kf2zm24ZEKoLHei_7TrIGNYppCih2KG-_S39ygmMXHdFSPTcLYuqAxHRpZoJk/s320/HereIsTheBeehive.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /><span><b>Title: Here is the Beehive</b></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Author: Sarah Crossan</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Publisher: Bloomsbury<br /></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Source: NetGalley</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></span></div><p style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>(<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/books/here-is-the-beehive-shortlisted-for-popular-fiction-book-of-the-year-in-the-an-post-irish-book-awards/9781526619525">Bookshop UK</a> | <a href="https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Sarah-Crossan/Here-is-the-Beehive--Shortlisted-for-Popular-Fiction-Book/25469541">Hive </a>| <span id="goog_1501785771"></span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52038928-here-is-the-beehiv">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/d06aa6bc-915f-498e-83ce-b7c838afb064">Storygraph</a>)</b><br /></span></span></p><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Book Summary:</b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><i><b style="text-align: left;">A brilliantly original debut about a love affair cut short, and how lonely it is to live inside a secret -- for fans of Sally Rooney, Sheila Heti, and Ottessa Moshfegh.</b><br style="text-align: left;" /><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="text-align: left;">Ana Kelly can deal with death. As an estate lawyer, an unfortunate part of her day-to-day is phone calls from the next of kin informing her that one of her clients has died. But nothing could have prepared Ana for the call from Rebecca Taylor, explaining in a strangely calm tone that her husband Connor was killed in an accident.</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="text-align: left;">Ana had been having an affair with Connor for three years, keeping their love secret in hotel rooms, weekends away, and swiftly deleted text messages. Though consuming, they hide their love well, and nobody knows of their relationship except Mark, Connor's best friend.</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="text-align: left;">Alone and undone, Ana seeks friendship with the person who she once thought of as her adversary and opposite, but who is now the only one who shares her pain -- Rebecca. As Ana becomes closer to her lover's widow, she is forced to reconcile painful truths about the affair, and the fickleness of love and desire.</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="text-align: left;">Funny, frank, and strange, Sarah Crossan's moving novel is wholly original and deeply resonant.</span></i></span></span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Book Review:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I have loved a lot of Sarah Crossan's books, especially her books in verse so when I saw that she was releasing a book for adults, I jumped at the chance to review it. While there were parts of this book that I found enjoyable, Here Is The Beehive fell a little flat for me but I will still read any other books she releases. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">First I'm going to start with the negatives so we can get to the stuff that I did like. Overall, I think that the book was always going to be something that I didn't like but I still wanted to support the author as I am not a massive fan of cheating, which is a massive part of the book. When it takes up so much space in the story it can distract from what good there is. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Sarah Crossan obviously knows how to write prose and poetry and this is still evident in the book but I still had some problems with it. Ana's voice is very distinctive which I can argue is a good thing because throughout I think she is a compelling character that the reader has to root for but I don't think that this happens throughout. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I found at times that Ana's voice came across as uninteresting and I didn't really want to follow her as a character in a story I didn't really care about. For me, characters are everything and when I can't connect to a character, I can't connect with the book. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">This comes hand in hand with the writing which I did for the most part enjoy. Sarah Crossan knows how to craft words and verse and this is still evident throughout the book and was obviously part of why I carried on reading. It is also really short so that is also why I continued. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">But I have been hooked on her writing before. I have stayed up way too late reading her books before. I know she can hook me as a reader but this just didn't do it which is so disappointing and it, in fact, took me a while to finish this one. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Maybe I just had too high expectations for this book but I know there are going to be people who love it. I just wasn't one of them. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I will of course still support Sarah Crossan in the future because I know I can love her books!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>The Verdict:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Here Is The Beehive is a book that deals with cheating perfectly and should find its audience and those who love it.</span></p><p><b style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat; text-align: center;">Have you read Here Is The Beehive? If so, what did you think? Do you want to? Let me know in the comments.</b></p>Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132935493555292018.post-3515078872902378322021-09-21T10:00:00.027+01:002021-09-21T10:00:00.199+01:00Book Review: Punching The Air by Ibi Zoboi & Yusef Salaam<p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">* I am reviewing this book which I was gifted for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. *</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JygAGI2xP4JUhn4N1WkO92ThJXZGqWT-HMALyBFaB6m3hvk7LwjE_0YWSr0B1EVCi5wDJBdc9d6A_jQClTirTiNomVibWAlritT6SHb0EvkWaqQ7ANEG5v_zPqixXSXRc0gyyOEIkjI/s220/PunchingTheAir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="145" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JygAGI2xP4JUhn4N1WkO92ThJXZGqWT-HMALyBFaB6m3hvk7LwjE_0YWSr0B1EVCi5wDJBdc9d6A_jQClTirTiNomVibWAlritT6SHb0EvkWaqQ7ANEG5v_zPqixXSXRc0gyyOEIkjI/s0/PunchingTheAir.jpg" width="145" /></a></div></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /><span><b>Title: Punching The Air</b></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Author: Ibi Zoboi & Yusef Salaam </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Publisher: HarperCollins<br /></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Source: NetGalley</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></span></div><p style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>(<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/books/punching-the-air/9780008422141">Bookshop UK</a> | <a href="https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Ibi-Zoboi/Punching-the-Air/24993791">Hive</a> | <span id="goog_1501785771"></span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49151299-punching-the-air">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/72cc5122-6967-4edf-b762-6411fd1a4fc2">Storygraph</a>)</b><br /></span></span></p><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Book Summary:</b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><i><span id="freeText6689645570275184453" style="color: #181818;">The story that I thought<br />was my life<br />didn’t start on the day<br />I was born<br /><br />Amal Shahid has always been an artist and a poet. But even in a diverse art school, he’s seen as disruptive and unmotivated by a biased system. Then one fateful night, an altercation in a gentrifying neighbourhood escalates into tragedy. “Boys just being boys” turns out to be true only when those boys are white.<br /><br />The story that I think<br />will be my life<br />starts today<br /><br />Suddenly, at just sixteen years old, Amal’s bright future is upended: he is convicted of a crime he didn’t commit and sent to prison. Despair and rage almost sink him until he turns to the refuge of his words, his art. This never should have been his story. But can he change it?</span><span style="color: #181818;"> </span></i></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><i><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Book Review:</b></span></span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Although not widely recommended, based on a selected few recommendations of bloggers that I love, Punching The Air went straight to the top of my TBR. After reading it, it is no wonder why this is also widely loved, offering a true and stark look at the prison system for a young black man. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Only having heard of the Exonerated Five through recent media, I did not have much experience with their case and this was also the first book that I have read from Ibi Zoboi. If you put these together, then you get a blogger who has limited expectations for the book, coupled with the hype online.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">While I tend to read verse novels physically, I decided to give this a go via audiobook but I'm not sure that this was the best choice as I don't think that I was emotional invested as I normally would. Given the subject matter, I would have thought that I would be head over heels in love with it and the writing style, but this was not the case. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Don't get me wrong, I didn't hate the book but by any means, I just wish that I loved it more than I did. There was still an occasion that I enjoyed Amal's character and his overall story. I thought that it was a very emotional and intense journey and I was still invested in the plot and his well-being. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">A massive part of any verse novels, in of course the writing and I did really love the story and there were some really memorable lines and it really gave weight to the overall story. The illustrations were also great and again did add to the story. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">While I did not love the story as much as other people, I would still love to reread it in the future to see if I like it more. Physically this time. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>The Verdict:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Blending poetry and a love for art, Punching The Air is a raw and captivating look at the realities of the American prison system for a Black American teenager.</span></p><p><b style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat; text-align: center;">Have you read Punching The Air? If so, what did you think? Do you want to? Let me know in the comments.</b></p>Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132935493555292018.post-510929386323155912021-08-10T10:00:00.001+01:002021-08-12T09:21:03.870+01:00Book Review: Counting Stars by Keris Stainton<p> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">* I am reviewing this book which I was gifted for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. *</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKS3P2p6XXaneciodL_jKk3hJ2WSi2006dqmeDdLDVjTjvnaxTtLUDO9Ejw4JQPlbftOo94jp-Bs-Ebi41PtFVO8lz0ZxyxVmoUYPjJdi8pCIrqzW0ewRHlawI4hPJzzOQM6TKfsSdlM/s2048/81v0C8QSEUL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1334" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKS3P2p6XXaneciodL_jKk3hJ2WSi2006dqmeDdLDVjTjvnaxTtLUDO9Ejw4JQPlbftOo94jp-Bs-Ebi41PtFVO8lz0ZxyxVmoUYPjJdi8pCIrqzW0ewRHlawI4hPJzzOQM6TKfsSdlM/s320/81v0C8QSEUL.jpg" width="208" /></a></div></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span><b>Title: Counting Stars</b></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Author: Keris Stainton</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Publisher: Hot Key Books<br /></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Source: Netgalley</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></span></div><p style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>(<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/books/counting-stars/9781471404634">Bookshop UK</a>| <a href="https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Keris-Stainton/Counting-Stars/17494298">Hive</a>| <span id="goog_1501785771"></span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25399733-counting-stars?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=KZ5p4q89LY&rank=3">Goodreads </a>| <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/50913fe8-e629-47db-9e28-c5dac21a3f4d">Storygraph</a>)</b><br /></span></span></p><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Book Summary:</b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><i><span id="freeText13991024959047386840" style="color: #181818;">Big city, big dreams, no money, no problem...<br /><br />Six 'friends', one flat, big dreams... what could go wrong? When eighteen-year-old Anna leaves school and moves to Liverpool, she feels like her life is finally beginning. She's landed her dream job at a theatre, and she's moving into an exciting (if not slightly run-down) flat on a buzzing street lined with shops, bars, and buskers. Best of all, her new flatmates are kind, welcoming and a lot of fun - what more could she ask for?<br /><br />But although her new life is fun, it's also a little overwhelming. Anna's job quickly falls through, and then she realises that although her new friends are great, they're also a little mixed-up... and it's not long before Anna starts using her blog to talk about her experiences, from the hilarious to the ridiculous to the little-bit-scary. But when Anna spills a bigger secret than she can handle, suddenly the consequences are all too real. She'll have to prove she has the mettle to make it in the big city, or risk losing everything she thinks she wants.</span><span style="color: #181818;"> </span></i></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><i><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Book Review:</b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><span style="color: #222222;">Readers have been talking about Keris Stainton for the longest time so when I started to read Counting Stars, I was excited to read it. While I wasn't blown away by Counting Stars, I will read more from Keris Stainton in the future.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">As I have just finished university, I have always wanted to read some more books centred around those who did not go to university or more about adult life. Reading a YA book seemed like the perfect opportunity.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">I felt like it made the book more mature and the main character seems like she is growing throughout the story and through adulthood. They make mistakes and they have to deal with the consequences that come with that.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">This happens especially towards the end and I have to admit that I didn't really love the ending, and it dampened how I was overall. The story seems to go far away from the story that had been going and I just didn't love it.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">I have to admit that I did enjoy the setting as it is set in Liverpool. With the London centric narrative, reading about this city was a nice change and I liked seeing the city come alive in the book.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">I also liked the YouTube element in the book. When it first came out, they mentioned that it was quite accurate and it did feel like that from an outsider perspective. I feel like it also tackled issues of overstaring on the Internet and the impact that it can have on daily life.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">A lot of the book obviously takes place around friendship and relationships of all shapes and sizes which I really loved. Especially towards the end, the complexities of the relationships are tested and I liked that it dealt with that element.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">I also really loved the writing and the humour throughout. The characters were really relatable and I genuinely really found the humour to be funny. It also made me really want to read more about Keris Stainton in the future!</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;"><b>The Verdict:</b></span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">Counting Stars balances hard issues with a light tone that makes a really compelling read. </span><b><br /><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Have you read Counting Stars? If so, what did you think? Do you want to? Let me know in the comments.</b></span></span></span></div>Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132935493555292018.post-18070886338998128442021-08-03T10:00:00.012+01:002021-08-03T10:00:00.172+01:00Book Review: The Bookshop Girl by Chloe Coles<p> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">* I am reviewing this book which I was gifted for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. *</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /><span><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ekBUv-bk2vSGDSXLo75SuvMGfzN7qLRN-8MlapF18y2d5b9U2T7hVRFHZwABSjtWnQeUa9xTP99grknnjPwWWSAYFRTVu3w9UZquWaCZDurSmGEBfJYr8udaL-ESKxeAWEopD9Hy77Q/s475/36642932._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ekBUv-bk2vSGDSXLo75SuvMGfzN7qLRN-8MlapF18y2d5b9U2T7hVRFHZwABSjtWnQeUa9xTP99grknnjPwWWSAYFRTVu3w9UZquWaCZDurSmGEBfJYr8udaL-ESKxeAWEopD9Hy77Q/s320/36642932._SY475_.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>Title: The Bookshop Girl</b></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Author: Chloe Coles</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Publisher: Hot Key Books<br /></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Source: Netgalley </b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></span></div><p style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>(<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/books/bookshop-girl/9781471407116">Bookshop UK</a>| <a href="https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Chloe-Coles/Bookshop-Girl/21940873">Hive</a>| <span id="goog_1501785771"></span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36642932-bookshop-girl?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=d9nXVUJhrg&rank=3">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/75db1752-9e8e-4f46-bd91-fb9a6548d9ef">Storygraph</a>)</b><br /></span></span></p><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Book Summary:</b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><div>A hilarious tale of female friendship, bookshops and fighting for a cause - perfect for fans of Holly Bourne and Louise Rennison.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bennett's Bookshop has always been a haven for sixteen-year-old Paige Turner. It's a place where she can escape from her sleepy hometown, hang out with her best friend, Holly, and also earn some money.</div><div><br /></div><div>But, like so many bookshops, Bennett's has become a 'casualty of the high street' - it's strapped for cash and going to be torn down. Paige is determined to save it but mobilising a small town like Greysworth is no mean feat.</div><div><br /></div><div>Time is ticking - but that's not the only problem Paige has. How is she going to fend off the attractions of beautiful fellow artist, Blaine? And, more importantly, will his anarchist ways make or break her bookshop campaign?</div><div><br /></div><div>Written by debut author and Foyles bookseller Chloe Coles, this is the first in a new laugh-out-loud and sparky teen series that will make you want to rush out and start your own bookshop campaign! </div></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><i><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Book Review:</b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><div>I have been a fan of bookish books for the longest time, like a lot of bloggers and bookish people. The Bookshop Girl is a lighthearted and fun read that will definitely lead me to read more from Chloe Coles.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had heard some great things about the Bookshop Girl and was interested by the premise so when I picked it up I was surprised. The book has a really great characters and world-building and even though this review is a little overdue, I still have memories about it.</div><div><br /></div><div>With most books, I always love the plot and the characters and I think for a lot of book lovers, reading a book about saving a bookshop from closure is ideal read. I really enjoyed the reading about trying to save the bookshop and seeing how the plot came together.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also really enjoyed Paige as a character, partly because her name is, Paige Turner and I love a good pun. But also because I feel like she has a great personality that leaps off the page.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also love the relationship between those who work at the bookstore as well as her friends. I also liked the relationship with Paige and Blaine and seeing the highs and lows and in general, the antics that took place.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>The Verdict:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>The Bookshop Girl is an enjoyable and humorous story that will have you interested to read the sequel. </div></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Have you read The Bookshop Girl? If so, what did you think? Do you want to? Let me know in the comments.</b></span></span></span></div>Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132935493555292018.post-73892728287179522772021-07-20T10:00:00.000+01:002021-07-20T10:00:00.176+01:00Mid Year Freakout Tag<p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">So everyone loves this tag on Youtube and I have done it a couple of times before so I thought that I would give it a go again this year! Also, I keep telling myself that I should do it! Although I'm a bit late as it is now July and I haven't been reading regularly because I have been a bit burnt out, I am still reading and those books deserve attention! This tag was created by ReadLikeWildFire (now <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGzcrVE1jgRCp6UTXP0uj1g">Chami </a>although the original video is no longer available for both) and<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/MidnightBluex/videos" target="_blank"> Ely Jayne</a>. Let's get started...</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: #ececec;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Montserrat; line-height: 17px;"><b>1. Best book you've read this year so far?</b></span></span></span></div><div><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: #ececec;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Montserrat; line-height: 17px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: #ececec;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Montserrat; line-height: 17px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlI1i6hFpZjcUkTnSxPwt9taB5ZpRHAfIlDvP7ujulLhzQ7N9y1FezfMjYBcBlwYn1tgKLG1i8t0TqYXRgayb5Xsa5UWylqOmypSl-G631HetUQU8QomD5mF0YCpyxI3IMG4aBNBs618/s475/54228062._SY475_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlI1i6hFpZjcUkTnSxPwt9taB5ZpRHAfIlDvP7ujulLhzQ7N9y1FezfMjYBcBlwYn1tgKLG1i8t0TqYXRgayb5Xsa5UWylqOmypSl-G631HetUQU8QomD5mF0YCpyxI3IMG4aBNBs618/s320/54228062._SY475_.jpg" /></a></div></span></span></span></div><div><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: #ececec;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Montserrat; line-height: 17px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">The Extraordinaries by T.J. Klune</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I have to admit that my reading has been a bit average this year, so even though it is one of the first books I read this year, The Extraordinaries by T.J. Klune is one of my favourites. I loved the comedy and the relationships and lots of the twists that took place. The sequel has just been released and I will definitely be getting to it soon!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span></span><span face="verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: #ececec; color: #0b5394; font-size: 20px;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span><span></span><span style="background-color: #ececec;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><b>2. Best sequel you've read this year so far</b></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span style="background-color: #ececec;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Pf7HhjrdiOko9XdiDizAsDgSEH_pI1X2CbzC5E4CFCVAeZXE9Z1yBeyd5ls12ZhTlm3zUiGGvwP04e0DxaPTuNZyoFlQ5v_QvsfBJub8mwapL3f383i3gqqhBk6cxCxLHpKAzX6w1rc/s2032/Picture1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Pf7HhjrdiOko9XdiDizAsDgSEH_pI1X2CbzC5E4CFCVAeZXE9Z1yBeyd5ls12ZhTlm3zUiGGvwP04e0DxaPTuNZyoFlQ5v_QvsfBJub8mwapL3f383i3gqqhBk6cxCxLHpKAzX6w1rc/s320/Picture1.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><span><b><span style="background-color: #ececec; font-family: Montserrat;"></span></b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Heartstopper Volume Four by Alice Oseman & A Beautiful And Foolish Endeavour by Hank Green.</b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Montserrat;">Both are great and they both continue the series and level it up on all parts. The way that the stories are going and where make the stories go is so great. They both are discussing mental health and relationships which is also done well. A Beautiful and Foolish Endeavour also feels like a pandemic book so it was perfect to read now. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span></span><span style="background-color: #ececec;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span><span></span><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>3. New releases you haven't read yet but want to.</b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplrJaCoFECw-4k5LTpd44plHpArB9fMcZ_quOKjRkM4ZWnKVI-JJmLBM6vGbFn69ZbGH3_kZYOT0E4oTxk8C2gUYev0fW2lnyofgBzTEfaRiB9yT__N56ZmMV_mYuLipQ6aEQnWlCpNg/s2048/Picture2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplrJaCoFECw-4k5LTpd44plHpArB9fMcZ_quOKjRkM4ZWnKVI-JJmLBM6vGbFn69ZbGH3_kZYOT0E4oTxk8C2gUYev0fW2lnyofgBzTEfaRiB9yT__N56ZmMV_mYuLipQ6aEQnWlCpNg/s320/Picture2.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Ace of Spades F<span itemprop="name">aridah Àbíké-Íyímídé</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 16px;"> </span>and Bookishly Ever After by Lucy Powrie</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I preordered these for a reason and that was because I really wanted to read them. Ace of Spades because I really wanted to read more Dark Academia and the plot really interests me and I was excited about it. Bookishly Ever After because I have loved the rest of the books in the series and want to see how it ends!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span></span><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span><span></span><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year.</b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWF2jWxVMrfalZ5PfB1-cjf0_NZjF2Fm2h6TGmWSq1YBABQdP_gDCMuTG0-n2FeEp8KcZn5pZH1WY7bJnNe-l6CqAFYjq6X1wjgeuzjM1qll6sExxrfgHxZGyd-AYDyGuZ4CoeczxPpU/s475/55963452._SY475_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWF2jWxVMrfalZ5PfB1-cjf0_NZjF2Fm2h6TGmWSq1YBABQdP_gDCMuTG0-n2FeEp8KcZn5pZH1WY7bJnNe-l6CqAFYjq6X1wjgeuzjM1qll6sExxrfgHxZGyd-AYDyGuZ4CoeczxPpU/s320/55963452._SY475_.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span></span><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>The Upper World by Femi Fadugba</b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif">Ever since I heard what the book was about I have been eager to read it. I want to read more sci-fi and love good British sci-fi and this has both. The book has already been optioned for the film so it is safe to say that I should get on it quickly!<br /></span><span></span><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span><span></span><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>5. Biggest Disappointment</b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpD5nogwNmWzzrQKxYo7Delk93h_nGhnIbCUW4sCxmDGIH6LIoiDe5fJzzFxOQuWLQapf3c90QyRfC1SAs5O23nqFdkww-5IpZBrkv1mjAFjNkZrG02gF-57qwCztrvxfN68KBvxPTPG4/s388/17701852.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpD5nogwNmWzzrQKxYo7Delk93h_nGhnIbCUW4sCxmDGIH6LIoiDe5fJzzFxOQuWLQapf3c90QyRfC1SAs5O23nqFdkww-5IpZBrkv1mjAFjNkZrG02gF-57qwCztrvxfN68KBvxPTPG4/s320/17701852.jpg" /></a></div><div><span><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif">I think for me this has to be<b> The Drowning Of Arthur Braxton by Caroline Smailes </b>as this book has been loved so many but I just didn't love the book. I love weird books but this was just completely different for me. It just felt a little dated, even though it was released in 2015. <br /></span><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span><span></span><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>6. Biggest Surprise </b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIS98adTdU3jXaiez40-mAXYIztA96JfCuZW4wNsJlu-VlVRl94HYsffPZRuDCH357cuYqlBp4xA2WZO-c4vrLTsS-0g9WH-X3s5L9j4KD3iSPwQHfHHb05r7omjfUJYds_jRSGP8kPMI/s475/55371169._SY475_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="308" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIS98adTdU3jXaiez40-mAXYIztA96JfCuZW4wNsJlu-VlVRl94HYsffPZRuDCH357cuYqlBp4xA2WZO-c4vrLTsS-0g9WH-X3s5L9j4KD3iSPwQHfHHb05r7omjfUJYds_jRSGP8kPMI/s320/55371169._SY475_.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>The Crossing by Manjeet Mann</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I really enjoyed Run Rebel but for me, The Crossing is a lot better and one of my favourites of the year. It has so many truths about refugees and deals with trauma. It has my heart and I loved every second. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span></span><b><br /></b><span></span><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>7. Favourite new author</b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqWp4Mlx6HKlhYrb4_cDKgMBsm0llxcScBXXH1Wc3oL8pK-d0TgA34IKXvTzmCWFLftSIJmNAOdF2kKqI-oxmc5UTTyYughOtxeH0N8OnicBAgCCDrjM32nyHq7tgJIbfmtoXtu364_M/s391/55315853.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqWp4Mlx6HKlhYrb4_cDKgMBsm0llxcScBXXH1Wc3oL8pK-d0TgA34IKXvTzmCWFLftSIJmNAOdF2kKqI-oxmc5UTTyYughOtxeH0N8OnicBAgCCDrjM32nyHq7tgJIbfmtoXtu364_M/s320/55315853.jpg" /></a></div></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>K. L. Kettle </b> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I really enjoyed The Boy I Am and I thought that it made some really interesting plots and it kept me really captivated for the most part. I can't wait to see what they come up with next and I am sure that I will have it preordered. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span></span><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span><span></span><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>8. Newest fictional crush</b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><br />As a queer person, I don't really have crushes on fictional crushes so here is a cat gif. </span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bufXtbd_x7jjElg7XZRNKn9-6hFr57rOFuvl5CIrXhyphenhyphenlwDuH-LuNu9N-kF2j-x5IN5gIeDMchiKZET0ZnJ2hxDN8OK11Bc6oxp7Wo-x48oQEbvB0pNsyw3y8aEwxcJwIXCOboRltY4Q/s400/Kitty-cartwheels.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bufXtbd_x7jjElg7XZRNKn9-6hFr57rOFuvl5CIrXhyphenhyphenlwDuH-LuNu9N-kF2j-x5IN5gIeDMchiKZET0ZnJ2hxDN8OK11Bc6oxp7Wo-x48oQEbvB0pNsyw3y8aEwxcJwIXCOboRltY4Q/s320/Kitty-cartwheels.gif" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span><br /></span><span></span><span><b>9. Newest favourite character</b></span></span></div><div><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LJFZvcp9g7yVLA_rdy9dB7TJNd6YQF-WVwHm7phUNFRHyOUxlXpO1ubgf8SLkjrj9l-WWlAGiu4YZ8jSTdRgotWPlstTEkvjgHPyT0U-kAZezCaDbo32My9xm4G64-aCm0bs_uFbBzc/s278/download.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LJFZvcp9g7yVLA_rdy9dB7TJNd6YQF-WVwHm7phUNFRHyOUxlXpO1ubgf8SLkjrj9l-WWlAGiu4YZ8jSTdRgotWPlstTEkvjgHPyT0U-kAZezCaDbo32My9xm4G64-aCm0bs_uFbBzc/s0/download.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif">I have loved the character of <b>Squirrel Girl </b>for years and I finally read the first volume of the comic this year and I love her. So Squirrel Girl and I definitely have to read more soon!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span><span></span><b>10. Book that made you cry </b><br /><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span><span></span><span face="verdana, sans-serif">I don't cry at books instead here is another cat gif. </span><br /><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayFcBMtvRoG2QHQm9dyXWrMgGfPzKZLRpYaPkTwaIR9-B2S4Ae_cl04OY3AOQSE9J_KEP_oT5ZNlf-lSxss_MxuP67rvmnxQD0fDBm0d9z1c_esGLnHuykS_tCiYRjErENxlCExvm52g/s360/9b2f43b20bca6cab398979a1e96e7329.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayFcBMtvRoG2QHQm9dyXWrMgGfPzKZLRpYaPkTwaIR9-B2S4Ae_cl04OY3AOQSE9J_KEP_oT5ZNlf-lSxss_MxuP67rvmnxQD0fDBm0d9z1c_esGLnHuykS_tCiYRjErENxlCExvm52g/s320/9b2f43b20bca6cab398979a1e96e7329.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>11. A book that made you happy.</b></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRy8qiuleRLeSuV_RqjQ2edz21IoQLqkCbbEjaMyggeY9PWiMyfSuDx10XicEGQsYEc_ZUkSJUqvFK0F47v445HXokI2BJZ_0RP_bICUIJAdQPyZGdUBWEeW5KiHlbREG93RoVLD6RaY/s2000/50891210.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRy8qiuleRLeSuV_RqjQ2edz21IoQLqkCbbEjaMyggeY9PWiMyfSuDx10XicEGQsYEc_ZUkSJUqvFK0F47v445HXokI2BJZ_0RP_bICUIJAdQPyZGdUBWEeW5KiHlbREG93RoVLD6RaY/s320/50891210.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif">I'm going to say <b>Blue Flag by Kaiko</b>. I have really loved this manga series and I love the queer elements in the book. I really enjoyed seeing the characters evolve and everything come together. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b><br /></b></span><span></span><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>12. Favourite book to film adaptation you saw this year.</b></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1jCrKp9u-3zdgU9sL7g8n8FkqGWgxoWuFOBRJZs1Ouh1QDlcppYdpdrZroBIGrxKZCfHcZZ_O77D5vIeyJKu8vHtO9eIEgUMa6VCRT4R7_M73xzgMvQFZsP6nfp31Bk6PfQP9tCSd6c/s384/Words_on_Bathroom_Walls.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="259" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1jCrKp9u-3zdgU9sL7g8n8FkqGWgxoWuFOBRJZs1Ouh1QDlcppYdpdrZroBIGrxKZCfHcZZ_O77D5vIeyJKu8vHtO9eIEgUMa6VCRT4R7_M73xzgMvQFZsP6nfp31Bk6PfQP9tCSd6c/s320/Words_on_Bathroom_Walls.jpeg" /></a></div></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Words on Bathroom Walls.</b> Even though I have not read the book, the film was really great. I loved the whole story and the acting was also really loved and I think that it was a little bit different and made it stand out. <br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span></span><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span><span></span><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>13. Favourite review you've written this year</b></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4UgxZeVvptAHn92mvI79DQYpeK9kzJ4jnGu9k88pg3-5E5eUDr3HRIBj22srvH05hWkLzNY2MgFvXiF3yFP6H7JE9_VrpilksIfBb0gJZX_VZlgRzIT_qFIdjitu3B5ztx8cL13Qqz4/s475/45010932._SY475_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="301" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4UgxZeVvptAHn92mvI79DQYpeK9kzJ4jnGu9k88pg3-5E5eUDr3HRIBj22srvH05hWkLzNY2MgFvXiF3yFP6H7JE9_VrpilksIfBb0gJZX_VZlgRzIT_qFIdjitu3B5ztx8cL13Qqz4/s320/45010932._SY475_.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><font face="verdana, sans-serif">Not a review but I really love the post that I wrote in response to <b>Disfigured by Amanda Leduc</b>. So feel free to read it <a href="https://www.powisamy.com/2021/03/disfigured-and-disability-my-story.html">here</a>!<br /></font><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span><span></span><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>14. Most beautiful book you've bought so far this year?</b></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmsGz5L2ugw7IOKzRrZotU4nMwJbTM7LJTOlYMlRT8MBnYyM1iSaDDU80MJIvKin_fZHvNPuWH2-wHl8s91voZWA6a6kkMphtULeRymQJt4Lm8tOg7PH932lEQqwvSdfI_zqGLK70A1Q/s475/28243032.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="308" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmsGz5L2ugw7IOKzRrZotU4nMwJbTM7LJTOlYMlRT8MBnYyM1iSaDDU80MJIvKin_fZHvNPuWH2-wHl8s91voZWA6a6kkMphtULeRymQJt4Lm8tOg7PH932lEQqwvSdfI_zqGLK70A1Q/s320/28243032.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>We Are Okay by Nina Lacour </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I have wanted to read this book for the longest time and I finally bought it. I also accidentally bought the hardcover which makes it a lot more beautiful than just a normal paperback. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span><span></span><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>15. What books do you need to read by the end of this year?</b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghR0G3bgyX6cuV7rum0hO2YYCkoaO7hiziWfLRVI_OqUSfQ9HYhEV-mNkQEQLhcQSUlxqYfACYj4rfiSZxH5Z9_cUgIeu_NlsLMokwyva0iFfmIFXgU5TFOvErEwbUsAGQm01G9Ya7Z74/s475/17901125.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghR0G3bgyX6cuV7rum0hO2YYCkoaO7hiziWfLRVI_OqUSfQ9HYhEV-mNkQEQLhcQSUlxqYfACYj4rfiSZxH5Z9_cUgIeu_NlsLMokwyva0iFfmIFXgU5TFOvErEwbUsAGQm01G9Ya7Z74/s320/17901125.jpg" /></a></div><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Any of the books that I have mentioned in this post so far as well as <b>The Mime Order by Samantha Shannon</b> it has been sitting on my nightstand for months and I need to read them!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">So that's the tag! If you want to do it feel free!</span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Have you done the Mid Year Freakout Tag? What were your favourite books of the year? Let me know in the comments below!</b></span></span></div>Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132935493555292018.post-10265037838094566812021-06-15T10:00:00.156+01:002021-06-15T10:00:00.237+01:006 Year Blog Anniversary<font face="Montserrat">Every year I forget when my blog anniversary is even after six years! I know that it is in June but it is today the 15th of June! </font><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span><div><font face="Montserrat">A lot has happened in six years when I started this blog. Before my first blog post, I was going to university later that summer. Now I have a BA and MA degree! And I have tracked my progress all the way. It's a bit emotional to think about it! </font></div><div><div><font face="Montserrat"><br /></font></div><div><font face="Montserrat">I am so grateful were my blog. I enjoy the content that I make and in a year where I have basically stopped interacting with a lot of social media but my views are higher than ever. They have tripled in a year!</font></div><div><font face="Montserrat"><br /></font></div><div><font face="Montserrat">I think this might because I have linked my blog on my job application and CVs so if you are a recruiter, Hi! </font></div><div><font face="Montserrat"><br /></font></div><div><font face="Montserrat">In other news, I have loved seeing the change in my content and hopefully see my writing progress and I hope that this continues.</font></div></div><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span style="background-color: white;">Since my first year, I hoped to track the changes in my blogging life and I love to see them. So let's get started...</span> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Q1) Favourite Book</span></b></p><div><font><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></font><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu35Zj07H28jfdSq2Uo5iwkmdUqP2iYLIDkJfEYuopH_KxsyebrAG2XB8kvKUQIfZTqt6nTH8DFXzcEkNYNXuT0fcnqXe5RMFsY9QJvJPLSiLDgoA8EWtSw8t2gaXYARoc1mr6nkCdKwc/s287/images.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu35Zj07H28jfdSq2Uo5iwkmdUqP2iYLIDkJfEYuopH_KxsyebrAG2XB8kvKUQIfZTqt6nTH8DFXzcEkNYNXuT0fcnqXe5RMFsY9QJvJPLSiLDgoA8EWtSw8t2gaXYARoc1mr6nkCdKwc/s0/images.png" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="Montserrat"><br /></font></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Montserrat; text-align: left;">Frankenstein by Mary Shelley- So every year I have put The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak and I say that it has not changed, which is true but another one of my favourites is Frankenstein. I studied it for A-Level, fell in love with the themes and the creativity of Mary Shelley. I still think about it today and while I love The Book Thief, I will give the spotlight to another book. Even if it is a year!</span></font></span></div><font face="Montserrat"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><b>Q2) What book do you hope to read in the next </b></span><span style="background-color: white;"><b>year?</b></span></font></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNuJom7EWxOml7mw9WyAtLyg7XXISZgBSTEjbTXTCfQws2cR_piyIbbd8cBC5BG0thYPHMZX4QeJ3J7VzWv1xASMRffQeVmRVXLZu5HtjMJ9p7gv0sM_A5bx0oPXarpP2SmIpOye_oBQ/s2048/55145261.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1356" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNuJom7EWxOml7mw9WyAtLyg7XXISZgBSTEjbTXTCfQws2cR_piyIbbd8cBC5BG0thYPHMZX4QeJ3J7VzWv1xASMRffQeVmRVXLZu5HtjMJ9p7gv0sM_A5bx0oPXarpP2SmIpOye_oBQ/s320/55145261.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Montserrat">My answer for two years was <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38525180-muse-of-nightmares">Muse Of Nightmares</a> and I still haven't read I although I do want to. I have the audiobook so hopefully, I will finally get to it. I did read <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41216383-toffee?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=LIhFJv2qHO&rank=1">Toffee</a> by Sarah Crossan which was last year's read. This year though? <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55145261-the-anthropocene-reviewed">The Anthropocene Reviewed</a> by John Green because I saw so many live streams of him signing copies and I managed to get one. Plus I really am into non-fiction and essay type stories. And it's John Green. </font></div><span style="background-color: white;"><font face="Montserrat"><br /><b>Q3) Most anticipated read? </b></font></span></div><div><font face="Montserrat"><br style="background-color: white;" /></font><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0GK0XuI6LcMfIKJWVq80h6psD02k-e0kT4UVqOaJ74_ObrszGA6I0SKX8Rf4nmAbYre9N2sYLU4K2ZNfBBdk8NYXiZKIy_G2SfH36EZllGk9RELPK1sH0D93rYNsr89Y_j7amqCOfnY/s400/9780755503063.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="261" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0GK0XuI6LcMfIKJWVq80h6psD02k-e0kT4UVqOaJ74_ObrszGA6I0SKX8Rf4nmAbYre9N2sYLU4K2ZNfBBdk8NYXiZKIy_G2SfH36EZllGk9RELPK1sH0D93rYNsr89Y_j7amqCOfnY/s320/9780755503063.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; text-align: center;"><font face="Montserrat"><br /></font></div><font face="Montserrat"><span style="background-color: white;"><div style="text-align: center;">My answer two years ago was <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40942619-let-s-call-it-a-doomsday" style="background: transparent; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;">Let's Call It Doomsday</a> by Katie Henry which I got an early copy of but was not in the right headspace to read it. I still want to read this as I loved her first book so this one. I also really loved <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42115981-loveless?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=yzo589geNz&rank=1">Loveless</a> by Alice Oseman which was last years pick. This year it has to be <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55926761-blackout?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=doYBPbiqeT&rank=1">Blackout</a> by six authors. I have read four of the authors before and I really love their books so I can't wait for this!</div></span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Q4) Which topic would you most like to write about on the blog within the next year?</b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">Every year I say that I want to write about my sexuality. Every year I have ideas of what you write and then I don't. Right now I don't think that I am in the right headspace as I am identifying as queer right now and it is a label that fits. So maybe something about this but because I have been quite consistent nothing is coming to mind right now.</span></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Q5) Favourite Blog Post?</b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Of writing that I have done in the last year, I have to say that I love and will cherish my <a href="https://www.powisamy.com/2021/03/disfigured-and-disability-my-story.html">Disfigured and Disability: My Story</a> blog post. I thought so much about myself and is not something that I speak about online myself. I have also wanted to write about it for a while so it is an accomplishment too!</div></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><br style="background-color: white;" /></font><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><font><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Q6) Book you hate?</b></span></font></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><font><b><br style="background-color: white;" /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1443174351l/26812838.jpg" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); clear: right; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><font color="#000000"><img alt="The November Criminals" border="0" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1443174351l/26812838.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="208" /></font></a></div></b></font><font><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">I dislike a lot of negative things about books but I can not support a book that </span><span style="background-color: white;">has Holocaust jokes. The</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6829241-the-november-criminals?ac=1&from_search=true" style="background: transparent; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;">November Criminals</a> </span><span style="background-color: white;">by Sam Munson has this so you can guess why I hate this book.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"> This is still my answer. I have been doing this for so long and it remains the worse book I have read. Yes, it is that bad. Please never read this book. </span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><b>Q7) Which author do you want to meet and why?</b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I love John Green if you couldn't tell by the earlier post. I will probably never meet him but I really want to. This is the same answer for two years but I love the guy in a really platonic and admiration kind of way. I have been watching the VlogBrothers channel for the longest time and I just respect him as a writer. As I mentioned last year, I met Hank so I want to go two for two on the Green brothers. Also, I would love to meet Hank again too after his newfound TikTok fame. </div></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span></font><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Q8) Current read?</b></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWhmFAteygmPexeJTDOstWtA1QPvJPuMRm1YiHfAzrm_rhNJDymtr7_MFU2dPDa0ZJ5uZsK5r-WhnN3LGbIDmS9ahUSi8WGHOwC1RxxzHrah40mIdhabAjoxzWYjdSoLWPTG7Jw3wQVE/s425/35478763.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="291" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWhmFAteygmPexeJTDOstWtA1QPvJPuMRm1YiHfAzrm_rhNJDymtr7_MFU2dPDa0ZJ5uZsK5r-WhnN3LGbIDmS9ahUSi8WGHOwC1RxxzHrah40mIdhabAjoxzWYjdSoLWPTG7Jw3wQVE/s320/35478763.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><font face="Montserrat"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">I don't have an actual current read but I have been reading <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35478763-daemon-voices">Daemon Voices</a> by Philip Pullman for the longest time and I just want to finish it!</span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Q9) Next on your TBR?</b></span></font></div><div><font><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></font></div><div><font><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Montserrat;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGmc0M-1WxG6ShEwfrfiOFyS7doMZZS3sTgGvkE1Rb8SKDzDcrFhyYx1p5hryVaSbUtg-KiYdGdUH8PFMfZe5orCy2I5wot3w-n9Fc7H78Y1EiDoHPhKDkQTjWBcAV7NBZzsPRHpbKxs/s475/44421460._SY475_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGmc0M-1WxG6ShEwfrfiOFyS7doMZZS3sTgGvkE1Rb8SKDzDcrFhyYx1p5hryVaSbUtg-KiYdGdUH8PFMfZe5orCy2I5wot3w-n9Fc7H78Y1EiDoHPhKDkQTjWBcAV7NBZzsPRHpbKxs/s320/44421460._SY475_.jpg" /></a></div></span></font></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><font face="Montserrat"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44421460-before-the-coffee-gets-cold">Before The Coffee Gets Cold</a> by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. I have wanted to read this for the longest time and although I have read the first part, I need to first it. I was enjoying it but I need to find the time to sit down and read it. It's only short as well! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><b>Q10) What is next for your blog?</b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">More posts. Hopefully the consistent remains the same as I really love writing and this allows me to explore my thoughts and feelings. This is always good for my mental health even though I am really out of touch with the community. </div></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="background-color: white;">So that's it! I still can't believe that I have been blogging for six years and hope to see you all next year! </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="background-color: white;">See you soon, </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="background-color: white;">Amy</span></font></div></div>Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132935493555292018.post-18657160311768498702021-06-10T10:00:00.002+01:002021-06-10T21:33:06.146+01:00What counts as writing? <p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I am a writer.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">For the longest time, I felt like this had to come with a caveat. I was an aspiring writer. Like I wasn't doing the act of writing already. It felt to me that what I was doing wasn't real.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">But it was.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">But it also depends on what you call writing.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Is me writing this blog post writing? Those times when I go for a walk to the bus stop, thinking exactly what my main character is doing, is that writing? Me dreaming about a faraway world before sleep takes me, is that writing?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Is the only thing that we can consider writing, the act of sitting there. The device in hand. The cursor blinking at you. Writer's block slowly creeping up on you. Within the reach and then you get blank page syndrome.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">No writing happens at all.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">So I think it's complicated. For me, without concrete ideas in place, writing can't happen. You do just stare at a blank page, waiting for inspiration to hit you in the face.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">So while I haven't written anything at all on my writing projects in years, I know that when I do I will know what is going to happen.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">The process might be long and hard but I will write. I will keep developing my ideas and hopefully, they will be good.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">I just you know need to find the time. </span></span>Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132935493555292018.post-51212492335565788952021-06-03T10:00:00.001+01:002021-06-03T10:00:00.220+01:00Book Review: Incredible Doom by Matthew Bogart & Jesse Holden<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><span>* I am reviewing this book which I was gifted for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. *</span></b><b style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> </b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYRB6oSlpI6i9DHFvOm38aH9WgXIICAB-sMdoqcow-XA6Po3V_rUprwzggFozrGRlbyucTwuBP-FtYW1SaktCuly9R_HRdphgb4ru5UTNSFamBAmVljsFCoKV22pJlJyfSMLO_bAiJpA/s1000/54870214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYRB6oSlpI6i9DHFvOm38aH9WgXIICAB-sMdoqcow-XA6Po3V_rUprwzggFozrGRlbyucTwuBP-FtYW1SaktCuly9R_HRdphgb4ru5UTNSFamBAmVljsFCoKV22pJlJyfSMLO_bAiJpA/s320/54870214.jpg" /></a></div><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Title: Incredible Doom</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Author: Matthew Bogart & Jesse Holden</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Publisher: HarperAlley<br /></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Source: From Publisher</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></span></div><p style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>(<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/books/incredible-doom/9780063064935">Bookshop UK</a>| <a href="https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Matthew-Bogart/Incredible-Doom/25358847">Hive</a>| <span id="goog_1501785771"></span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54870214-incredible-doom?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=UAE5pHo3xB&rank=1">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/e08cd1cf-2989-4433-9dfb-308672d7eb53">Storygraph</a>)</b><br /></span></span></p><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Book Summary:</b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 14px;"><i><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 14px;"><i><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">It’s the dawn of a new age…the age of the internet.</span></i></span></div><i><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px;">Allison</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px;"> is drowning under the weight of her manipulative stage magician father. When he brings home the family’s first computer, she escapes into a thrilling new world where she meets Samir, a like-minded new online friend who has just agreed to run away from home with her.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px;">After moving to a new town and leaving all of his friends behind, </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px;">Richard</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px;"> receives a mysterious note in his locker with instructions on how to connect to “Evol BBS,” a dial-in bulletin board system, and meets a fierce punk named </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px;">Tina</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px;"> who comes into his life and shakes his entire world view loose.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px;">Unlikely alliances, first love, and minor crime sprees abound in this teen graphic novel debut about making connections while your world is falling apart.</span></span></i><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><i><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Book Review:</b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><p style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;">When I saw the opportunity to review this graphic novel and I jumped at the chance. Although I love graphic novels I don't get the chance to review them a whole lot and the interesting nature made me super keen. Overall, I did enjoy Incredible Doom and I definitely recommend it.</span></p><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;">So the graphic novel when published will be two-toned and although I only got a little sneak peek into this, I really liked it. The blue also worked super well and added to the overall feel of the novel and the nineties setting.</span><br style="color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;">The art style is also a big part of graphic novels and although I thought that it was good, it was not really anything new. Sometimes I don't think it does, it just has to serve the story which it does.</span><br style="color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;">The story is also quite unique and I loved seeing all the different character stories come together especially towards the end. Also, the characters all had diverse lifestyles living in poorer situations to parents who were not the best.</span><br style="color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;">In the beginning, I was really invested in the story and the characters so I read it really quickly, which is a credit to the writing which is a forgotten part of graphic novels. The pace of the story is fast and it never has a dull moment. This is also partly a credit to all of the stories that combine and bring interest in their own rights.</span><br style="color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;">All of the characters were interesting in their own ways and I think they all bring different parts to the story. This is especially the case with Allison and Samir. I liked their blossoming romance and friendship near the end of the book. The friendship between Richard and Tina was also great and complicated too.</span><br style="color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;">The setting has to work for the story and I think the nineties work. I also liked seeing the Internet and old computer chat which made me feel old as some of it I didn't understand. I liked the details and the feel of the story.</span><br style="color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;">Basically, it was a really good first part and hopefully, I will be able to pick up the sequel when it comes out.</span><br style="color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;"><b>The Verdict:</b></span><br style="color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;">Incredible Doom will give those who grew up in the nineties major nostalgia and for anyone else, it's an enjoyable graphic novel. </span><b><br /><br /></b></span></span></span></div><p><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Montserrat; font-size: small;"></span></p><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818;"><b>Have you read Incredible Doom? If so, what did you think? Do you want to? Let me know in the </b></span></span></span><b style="color: #181818;">comments.</b></span></div>Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132935493555292018.post-523586288723498812021-06-01T10:00:00.002+01:002021-06-01T10:00:00.219+01:00Take A Chance <p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The world of job hunting is hard. Especially for someone with anxiety.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">You always have the voice in your head that tells you, you are not good enough. Through job hunting, this is almost amplified.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Even ghosted application. Every bad interview. Every rejection.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It almost tells you that you are not good enough. That you are not worthy.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">You can tell yourself that this isn't true. Someone wanted you to be employed before. You are good enough.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">But then you think of the consequences of those jobs.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">You may have been the only one who applied. They were looking for a lot of people. You just so happened to fit the bill.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">You will never get anywhere. Can't fit in anywhere. Destined to waste your life in the same job. Never following your dreams. Always stagnant.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">In these moments, you just want someone to take a chance on you.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">To tell you that you are worthy. That you are enough. That you are good enough.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">That those words that you spent hours mulling over on your cover letter mattered. That you are qualified. That you had the skills.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It's no longer about coming up short because you were finally the one on top.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Finally, someone believed in you.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">They gave to a chance. </span></span>Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132935493555292018.post-10260599324523801812021-05-31T10:00:00.005+01:002021-09-11T10:44:54.986+01:00Book Review: The Novice by Taran Matharu<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"> </span><b style="font-family: Montserrat;">* I am reviewing this book which I was gifted for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. *</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iPzWoyySFe6wqLz8y0vWw9dKafnPYHzJR5wU_N-gtF7QFT1zhg-FRfUgDCKoqLUXb0cq_oW8Nz78VEpIMnqMvlTJyBB67Tqczn7iiro5raFAP1p6jSK2MLd1riwMnNLSxRXoBRz7wig/s475/22297138+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iPzWoyySFe6wqLz8y0vWw9dKafnPYHzJR5wU_N-gtF7QFT1zhg-FRfUgDCKoqLUXb0cq_oW8Nz78VEpIMnqMvlTJyBB67Tqczn7iiro5raFAP1p6jSK2MLd1riwMnNLSxRXoBRz7wig/s320/22297138+%25281%2529.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span><b>Title: The Novice</b></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Author: Taran Matharu</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Publisher: Hodder Children's Books<br /></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Source: NetGalley</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></span></div><p style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>(<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/books/summoner-the-novice-book-1/9781444923995">Bookshop UK</a> | <a href="https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Taran-Matharu/Summoner-The-Novice--Book-1/17841000">Hive</a> | <span id="goog_1501785771"></span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22297138-the-novice?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=Vzyb383XSt&rank=2">Goodreads </a>| <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/f66df09f-1f02-4ffb-8e98-1dceb5c733ed">Storygraph</a>)</b><br /></span></span></p><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Book Summary:</b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><i>When blacksmith apprentice Fletcher discovers that he has the ability to summon demons from another world, he travels to Adept Military Academy. There the gifted are trained in the art of summoning. Fletcher is put through grueling training as a battlemage to fight in the Hominum Empire’s war against orcs. He must tread carefully while training alongside children of powerful nobles. The power hungry, those seeking alliances, and the fear of betrayal surround him. Fletcher finds himself caught in the middle of powerful forces, with only his demon Ignatius for help.<br /><br />As the pieces on the board manoeuvre for supremacy, Fletcher must decide where his loyalties lie. The fate of an empire is in his hands. The Novice is the first in a trilogy about Fletcher, his demon Ignatius, and the war against the Orcs.</i></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><i><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Book Review:</b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">The Novice is a book that I have heard of for the longest time and last year, I decided to read it on a whim. I was really supposed as I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.<br /><br />I have to say that even though I had a physical copy of the book, I listened to an audiobook and this was a good shout. The audiobook for a fantasy novel is quite short so it makes for easy listening and was one of the reasons why I read it so quickly.<br /><br />The other credit is due to Taran's writing which makes the fantasy world easy to understand and easy to get into. The fast-paced story also allowed me to race through it as I also wanted to know what was going to happen.<br /><br />The best part is also the plot. It has been described as Lord of the Rings meets Pokemon and this is something that I can agree on. The idea is that Fletcher is made a novice so his job is to catch these creatures and learn to do so.<br /><br />This also adds a boarding school element to the story which was another part of why I enjoyed the book. Seeing Fletcher learn to catch the creatures and gain better skills was great to see. There was also a class system in the book which was interesting to see unfold.<br /><br />The book also has a lot of action towards the end and I liked seeing it come together and unfold. He knows how to write them though as I felt like I was on the edge of my seat and just wanted to keep reading.<br /><br />I loved seeing Fletcher make connections and have relationships form. Unlikely friendships often tend to be a favourite of mine and there are definitely some in this book that made me happy.<br /><br />As I mentioned at the beginning, I can't wait to read the next in the series to see what happens.<br /><br /><b>The Verdict:</b><br /><br />The Novice is an underrated fantasy story that had been lost in recent years but is still worth the read and hype. <b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Have you read The Novice? If so, what did you think? Do you want to? Let me know in the comments.</b></span></span></span></div></div>Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132935493555292018.post-62504712818755128302021-05-30T10:00:00.001+01:002021-05-30T10:00:00.213+01:00Book Review: Jack Of Hearts (and Other Parts) by L.C. Rosen <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"> <b style="text-align: center;">* I am reviewing this book which I was gifted for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. *</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGcNestJGMfs6XByimtgefb7vLAXGapO0V5QDjgPkiq-zk0JzFelB9Sj977Hfmz1LYHf2efJGcryiKZJOogIKMDZfWzb5SKuXy-o0dv2KbIYkwy_HwvY8DxM34AXhbA4cfXyCCR1YubI/s475/40099424._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGcNestJGMfs6XByimtgefb7vLAXGapO0V5QDjgPkiq-zk0JzFelB9Sj977Hfmz1LYHf2efJGcryiKZJOogIKMDZfWzb5SKuXy-o0dv2KbIYkwy_HwvY8DxM34AXhbA4cfXyCCR1YubI/s320/40099424._SY475_.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /><span><b>Title: Jack Of Hearts (and Other Parts)</b></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Author: L.C. Rosen </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Publisher: Penguin<br /></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Source: NetGalley </span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></span></div><p style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>(<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/books/jack-of-hearts-and-other-parts/9780241365014">Bookshop UK</a>| <a href="https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/L-C-Rosen/Jack-of-Hearts-And-Other-Parts/23016711">Hive</a>| <span id="goog_1501785771"></span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40099424-jack-of-hearts">Goodreads</a>| <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/4d680b7b-7779-4f5e-a7b7-c71f88d8cd22">Storygraph</a>)</b><br /></span></span></p><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Book Summary:</b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><i><span style="color: #181818;">Jack Rothman is seventeen and loves partying, makeup and boys - sometimes all at the same time. His sex life makes him the hot topic for the high school gossip machine, but who cares? Like Jack always says, 'it could be worse.'</span><br style="color: #181818;" /><br style="color: #181818;" /><span style="color: #181818;">And then it is. After Jack starts writing an online sex advice column, the mysterious love letters he's been receiving take a turn for the creepy. Jack's secret admirer loves him, but not his unashamedly queer lifestyle. And if Jack won't curb his sexuality voluntarily, they'll force him.</span><br style="color: #181818;" /><br style="color: #181818;" /><span style="color: #181818;">As the pressure mounts, Jack must unmask his stalker before their obsession becomes genuinely dangerous...</span></i></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><i><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Book Review:</b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><span style="color: #222222;">I had heard so much about Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts) when it first came out and I was interested in the premise. The book is quite special in the way that it deals with sex positivity and for that alone it is worth the read.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">Although I think the book is really important, I have to say that I had some problems. I found Jack as a character really annoying and this made it hard to connect to a lot of the book. He does have a vulnerable side which you can definitely see but some of the actions are quite questionable.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">A lot of the book does focus on a place where teenagers can get sex advice given by Jack. A lot of this is really great to read about as books do shy away from the topic but of course, so many people can benefit from the descriptions.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">As an asexual person, it was nice to see representation included in the story and will definitely help readers and those who need it. I also think that the description was based around sex and different types which again make the appeal wider.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">I did for the most part enjoy the characters and Jack's friends and how they all supported him. I really do hate the whole blackmail trope though and even though it was handled well, I just don't want it included in my stories. Especially LGBTQ+ ones.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">I did like the writing style and the issues they were tackled which made me want to read more from L.C. Rosen in the future. I have also heard a lot of good things about Camp so will definitely get to it soon!</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;"><b>The Verdict:</b></span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="color: #222222;">Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts) is a special YA read that a lot of people should read. </span><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Have you read Jack Of Hearts (and Other Parts)? If so, what did you think? Do you want to? Let me know in the comments.</b></span></span></span></div>Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132935493555292018.post-76912168365780857942021-05-29T16:46:00.000+01:002021-05-29T16:46:03.025+01:00Six Asian Book Recommendations<p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">With the violence against Asian American becoming more apparent and hate crimes up here in the UK, it right to discuss books that are by Asian authors. As the month closes, it is also good to note that it is AAPI Heritage Month as well. While researching for this post, I realised how little I had read by Asian authors in general and I need to continue reading books by Asian authors from a variety of different places. If you would like to know more about issues regarding Anti-Asian violence please do so <a href="https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/">here</a>. So let's get to the list...</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEq_O49LAkqzrdtrTR2fuGDoyxyJA4RjBSrjEAO6RrdAmZB6xvGjwj8XSGhyphenhyphenQFxNwiKAuMoo0pT9PRNGGWaXImH7ZXI7F5e0jrRdi5SvWSch_SvYWV8OfGkMAsIIAkCUTFdJL1NL0VN8/s408/52199257._SX318_SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEq_O49LAkqzrdtrTR2fuGDoyxyJA4RjBSrjEAO6RrdAmZB6xvGjwj8XSGhyphenhyphenQFxNwiKAuMoo0pT9PRNGGWaXImH7ZXI7F5e0jrRdi5SvWSch_SvYWV8OfGkMAsIIAkCUTFdJL1NL0VN8/s320/52199257._SX318_SY475_.jpg" /></span></a></div><p><b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">When I Grow Up I Want To Be A List Of Impossibles by Chen Chen </span></b></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I discovered Chen Chen by watching<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT754i47sbjkeIFSTvwqPyA"> uncarley's</a> YouTube channel and after reading his poem, Summer, I knew I had to read his collection. It was really raw and impactful and there were so many poems that I thought were well written and I connected too. Many of them discuss the intersections of being Chinese and gay and how he navigates life which I enjoyed.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFtGGxAXx9fNMVIfsnxadi7twmng0iWkkxMJFiQXSO-BKxdQGrUUhh1WVjD4_slVR9eH1zQ-WDUu-mwFoQFZFbuaND9kGLOY5TnwV4XoLhC0T9oo7CylZLK4jtJtVLrPbi2cC6AuuI94/s475/31348271._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFtGGxAXx9fNMVIfsnxadi7twmng0iWkkxMJFiQXSO-BKxdQGrUUhh1WVjD4_slVR9eH1zQ-WDUu-mwFoQFZFbuaND9kGLOY5TnwV4XoLhC0T9oo7CylZLK4jtJtVLrPbi2cC6AuuI94/s320/31348271._SY475_.jpg" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Night Sky With Exit Wounds by Ocean Vuong</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">So a lot of people love Ocean Vuong so this is not a surprising recommendation. I do think that a lot of people have read his novel but the poetry collection is also worth the read. Again he knows how to write a poem that pulls on your emotions and creates so much empathy. I tabbed some of the poems because I loved them as they are so lyrical in their approach.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZT4zZkbvh9G8wi0HFdm22mzaeeCX1xX-vQvsyI6Om4bbBFagj7SLm2DtrA5TUcXz-WEsK4h4NHUObYj6MCTWZkwf1Phl6yf01ly36T7gtajGKP_0JjNOdF5zPhu7c6X1hfcjC27Q8ZZE/s436/29936927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZT4zZkbvh9G8wi0HFdm22mzaeeCX1xX-vQvsyI6Om4bbBFagj7SLm2DtrA5TUcXz-WEsK4h4NHUObYj6MCTWZkwf1Phl6yf01ly36T7gtajGKP_0JjNOdF5zPhu7c6X1hfcjC27Q8ZZE/s320/29936927.jpg" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">This was one of the first graphic novels that I read and it details their life moving through from Vietnam to America. It is an important part and discusses what war is like and how it remains with a person. The illustrations are also great and I loved the colour that was used throughout.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWHYGFiGhPJubPD_S-lCWF-Kmxy2Rsrnh0tnP9Z48JrPGUR4qPeOZ6M1KGfEoGooTvOOCHyWfett47A3ioukB-3H4_vKrgc84K8GUpD6OvNZQeFUw8VHUwbdwhRCjz8AXbZ2addlFHt4/s451/18465566._SX318_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWHYGFiGhPJubPD_S-lCWF-Kmxy2Rsrnh0tnP9Z48JrPGUR4qPeOZ6M1KGfEoGooTvOOCHyWfett47A3ioukB-3H4_vKrgc84K8GUpD6OvNZQeFUw8VHUwbdwhRCjz8AXbZ2addlFHt4/s320/18465566._SX318_.jpg" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I know that so many people do not like this book and I can kind of see why, but I did. So much so that it was one of my favourite books of last year. I love the illustration style and seeing all the characters evolve over the novel. Also, it has a sense of quiet that I love in the novel as nothing much happens but it is still great to read about.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_TPaCg4NKN9wa2dL2OxVVPp-mPgZQMbWyAdCTD_OLK5pbZLBIHETViyq1bHIU2wCBkldp9TBrS1PGxFuXkQCsuiXgsKVazn38Bzx85cZv5kjuKTd9KU6jnKenfeHaHXoSzXHUq4I7BQ/s500/51SzEIaLM8L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="348" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_TPaCg4NKN9wa2dL2OxVVPp-mPgZQMbWyAdCTD_OLK5pbZLBIHETViyq1bHIU2wCBkldp9TBrS1PGxFuXkQCsuiXgsKVazn38Bzx85cZv5kjuKTd9KU6jnKenfeHaHXoSzXHUq4I7BQ/s320/51SzEIaLM8L.jpg" /></a></div><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Blue Flag by Kaito</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I have loved this manga series since last year and not many have read it which is why it is on this list. This series follows a group of friends who basically all like each other. Girls liking girls. Boys liking boys and boys liking girls. All of this makes for an interesting love square and I love reading about it. All of the characters are so sweet and I love reading about their very complex friendship dynamics.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIY6KdAPmnHy4laqCs0bsr22vVES_mc_MyeBS8QzJ8EdIZX2oMq29s4Q8ScDIEOyglJW2voGVmGeAqwkFdaIo3iXpgafOF0dGhGL3DqnuvRTQN_-hJwLVyTWhLpPKPHcGhiBX_ltU-nQ/s475/44774415._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIY6KdAPmnHy4laqCs0bsr22vVES_mc_MyeBS8QzJ8EdIZX2oMq29s4Q8ScDIEOyglJW2voGVmGeAqwkFdaIo3iXpgafOF0dGhGL3DqnuvRTQN_-hJwLVyTWhLpPKPHcGhiBX_ltU-nQ/s320/44774415._SY475_.jpg" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker & Wendy Xu</span></b><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I didn't love Mooncakes, I know so many other people did and for good reason. The book describes the story of a Werewolf and a witch as they become friends and try to discover some secrets. One of the characters is also non-binary which is perfect for anyone who is looking for a queer graphic novel.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nNBvHjUn8xPHJE17wE_y1LHYspAqRoptkLTl7WyqXP-6dtWaUJu_CpHQ_5u8HkqwYScCH9RVqwJNeFQb-oeFawv7axRZNXOc3tNMz4V7k0250O84NmfSyS6mWjw-m96ZQeQPGWd4xPY/s453/33113683._SX318_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nNBvHjUn8xPHJE17wE_y1LHYspAqRoptkLTl7WyqXP-6dtWaUJu_CpHQ_5u8HkqwYScCH9RVqwJNeFQb-oeFawv7axRZNXOc3tNMz4V7k0250O84NmfSyS6mWjw-m96ZQeQPGWd4xPY/s320/33113683._SX318_.jpg" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness by Kabi Nagata</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">One of my favourite books of last year, this book is tender and raw as we are Kabi Nagata's head. This book follows her life as she deals with being gay in a family that doesn't accept it as well as discussing her depression. I felt this book was really relatable and I got so much from it and I know others will too. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Let me know some of your favourite Asian books in the comments below!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">See you soon, </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Amy</span></p>Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132935493555292018.post-10674478573997524902021-05-28T20:12:00.001+01:002021-05-28T20:12:14.152+01:00Finding Balance<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">As I have been doing a lot to get a new job recently, from writing applications to doing research on companies. I have seen endless CVs and Cover Letter recently to attending interviews and actually still going to my job, my life has been a little out of wack.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">From the blog post title, I've lost my mojo. I am kind of out of balance.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It feels like all of the things that I love are going under the radar. It is not part of my daily life anymore, which is making me disappointed In my life. Even as I am writing this I am on my week off, and the same is still happening. It's a little better but I know there is still so much I want to do/</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I have tried so hard to keep everything together but something always goes wrong. As I try to keep myself well, reading all the books I can, blogging, I can feel all the plates spinning. </span></span><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">And it feels like at any moment everything is going to fall. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I think that it already has and I am trying to pick up the pieces. <br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It's the analogy of you can have all of these things but there is always going to be that one thing that is missing. When you love a lot of things, telling yourself that you have don't have infinite time in the world, it's hard. Really hard.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">So I am trying to keep all of the plates spinning. All the things that I love having priority in my life.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I always that I am good at time management but this is showing me that might not be the case. Maybe I just need to plan a little more.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Either way, I hope that I can fix my problem soon and find my balance. </span></span></div>Amy Powishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14754959693049009587noreply@blogger.com0