Mental Health Book Tag

Yesterday while I was reading some others blog posts for the day I came upon this post from ‘My Book World’ called Mental Health Book Tag. My own mental health has been iffy lately. I’ve been angry and sad and incredibly anxious. My mind has been so on edge I’ve cried at work worrying about my dad and I’ve made little excuses about things that aren’t going to happen to be worrying to my boyfriend and I’ve felt like a mess. Life these days has felt so fragile and yet so precious and I’m keeping in my mind that my dad told me to think positive. So I will.

So today, I would like to share with you all my answers on this Mental Health Book Tag. I want to share some awesome books that don’t shy away from something that touches everyone’s lives at some point and in some way in one shape or form or another.

What’s a book or series that features a strong support system?

In ‘Spinning Silver’ Miryem’s parents are a strong support system not only for her, but for Wanda who comes to work for them. When Miryem is first taken to live with the Staryk king Wanda doesn’t know what to do, thinking she wouldn’t have a job anymore. However, Miryem’s parents step up and reassure her continuing having her help and even adding an extra job for her brother to keep them safe and afloat. They are always making sure Wanda is fed and that she has a safe place to be while making her feel like she’s doing something that gives her purpose. They are an amazing support system.

What’s a book, series, or genre that you turn to when you need to take care of yourself? What’s something that you do—other than reading—to take care of your mental health?

Magical realism books like ‘The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender’ make me feel so curious and fascinated. Magical realism strikes me. Reading these kind of books when my mental health isn’t doing well helps me to distract my mind. However, if I’m having a crisis I talk to my boyfriend or my friends. My boyfriend always listens and is kind and understanding to me about everything I’m going through. When I see him and stuff is still going through my mind he’ll just hold me and tell me everything will be ok. It means the world to me.

What’s a book that features a character that is relatable to your mental health or illness?

I have never felt more understood by a book before I read this one. Kiko’s relationship with her mom is almost the exact relationship I had with my grandmother. ‘Starfish’ was such a raw read for me. Narcissistic abuse is no joke.

What’s a book that depicts a bad representation of a mental difference or mental illness?

I read this book years ago before I really understood representation and really mental illness at all. However, looking back this isn’t a good representation of mental illness. Also, it glorifies mental illness. Which is why the book and tv show has been criticized many times by many people to shed light on its misrepresentation.

What’s a book that depicts a good representation of a mental difference or mental illness?

‘Speak ’ is a good representation of a girl dealing with the trauma of sexual assault. She is isolated by her peers to be on her own causing her to withdraw into her own mind. She has no support and her grades slip and the only place she find solace is her art class. It feels real to how it feels when you went through something difficult and are in a place where no one is supporting you. There feels like there is nowhere to go.

What’s your favorite book that features mental difference or mental illness?

I know I’m using this book a lot in this tag, but it was just so beautifully written and so relatable to my own experiences and feelings. It’s not just my favorite mental health work, but it’s also one of my all time favorite books in general.

What’s your least favorite book that features mental difference or mental illness?

So this is another book I read that at the time I really enjoyed and didn’t really understand that it was a bad representation of mental illness at the time. Love saving these two characters from their mental health problems is something that even isn’t safe to imply. Looking for someone outside of yourself to save you and cure you from your problems isn’t really going to do anything but put a bandaid on your problems. Sure, love will happen if your mentally struggling or not, but it isn’t going to cure it. Books like this might give readers the wrong impression.

What’s a book that takes you to your happy place? When you are dealing with mental health struggles, what is your happy place?

I have read and reread ‘The Giver’ so many times. I’ve been attached to this book since elementary school and it has been my favorite for years. It makes me think of how important emotion and color is to make our lives beautiful. To inspire our compassion for ourselves and for others. It puts me in a mood of appreciation for life.

Honestly, my happy place and what I need a lot when I’ve been struggling during the week is my time with my boyfriend. Being held by him. Being held by someone that you know loves you and who knows who you are and you hat your going through feels like a weight being lifted. He helps me to feel at peace with myself and to know that everything will be ok. Also his constant jokes always put a smile on my face.

What’s your favorite quote from a book that features mental difference or mental illness? What’s something you want other people to know about mental difference or mental illness?

‘But some people are just starfish–they need everyone to fill the roles that they assign. They need the world to sit around them, pointing at them and validating their feelings. But you can’t spend your life trying to make a starfish happy, because no matter what you do, it will never be enough. They will always find a way to make themselves the center of attention, because it’s the only way they know how to live.’ -Akemi Dawn Bowman (Starfish)

Nothing better describes the selfishness of living with someone who expects you to live and be exactly the way they want you to all the time. If you don’t fit into their box you face their wrath. So many traumas from this abuse caused me to want to people please and to have this deep feeling that I’m going to mess up and hurt someone I love badly. However, I am not broken. There isn’t anything wrong with me and it’ll all be ok. So, that’s what I want everyone to know. Wherever you are and however dark a place you find yourself you will get to a better place and it will all be ok.

Tag your it!

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THANK YOU ALL FOR READING! Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below! 

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The ABC Book Challenge: Unprecedented

It’s time for another episode of The ABC Challenge! This time it’s the Letter “U”.

On to the books!

Memorable Books that Start with the Letter “U”:

Use the Force: a Jedi’s guide to the Law of Attraction

This book randomly came into my life and sense then I have read and learned a lot about the law of attraction. I’m still new to it, but sometimes it surprises me how well it can work.

Unhinged

This is my favorite cover of the Splintered series because Morpheus is my fav and he is absolutely gorgeous! He looks somewhat like an Elvis with long hair and I adore the circus vibes! I never have enough praise for the Splintered series!

Books I would Love to Read Starting with the Letter “U”:

Unpresidented by Martha Brockenbrough

“A riveting, meticulously researched, and provocative biography of Donald J. Trump from the author of Alexander Hamilton, Revolutionary.

Born into a family of privilege and wealth, he was sent to military school at the age of 13. After an unremarkable academic career, he joined the family business in real estate and built his fortune. His personal brand: sex, money and power. From no-holds-barred reality TV star to unlikely candidate, Donald J. Trump rose to the highest political office: President of the United States of America.

Learn fascinating details about his personal history, including:

-Why Trump’s grandfather left Germany and immigrated to America

-Why Woodie Guthrie wrote a song criticizing Trump’s father

-How Trump’s romance with Ivana began―and ended

-When Trump first declared his interest in running for President

Discover the incredible true story of America’s 45th President: his questionable political and personal conduct, and his unprecedented rise to power.

Richly informed by original research and illustrated throughout with photographs and documents, Unpresidented is a gripping and important read.”

I follow the woman that wrote this on Twitter and the research she put into this book is incredible. It is the only book on Trump I am interested in. I despise him. However, from what she’s said the history of his life and how he got to presidency is in a way fascinating. Plus, I love that it’s from a woman’s perspective.

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

“Fighting to survive in a ravaged world, a Dweller and a Savage form an unlikely alliance in New York Times bestselling author Veronica Rossi’s “unforgettable dystopian masterpiece” (Examiner.com).

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland—known as The Death Shop—are slim. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He’s wild—a savage—and her only hope of staying alive. A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile—everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria’s help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption.

In alternating chapters told in Aria’s and Perry’s voices, Under the Never Sky subtly and powerfully captures the evolving relationship between these characters and sweeps readers away to a harsh but often beautiful world. Continuing with Through the Ever Night and concluding with Into the Still Blue, the Under the Never Sky trilogy has already been embraced by readers in twenty-six countries and been optioned for film by Warner Bros.”

Fun dystopian Sci-fi with romance! Couldn’t ask for more.

Thank you all for reading! Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below!

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The ABC Book Challenge: The Queendom has Arrived

I’ve been updating regularly and I don’t want to stop just because I’m out of ideas for what to post today (especially because my main post ideas are going to take time I don’t have right now) so here we are with another ABC Book Challenge post! I’m charging through these at the moment. I’m at a point where I feel like I can see the end.

On with the books!

Memorable Books that Start with the Letter “Q” :

Queens of Geek

I don’t know why I didn’t review this book. I totally forgot to. However the book is quite memorable and so worth the read! It’s funny, cute, and adorable! I highly recommend it!

Queen of Shadows

This book is SO GOOD!! Most everyone in the community knows about Throne of Glass and it is a popular series for a reason. It’s an all around amazing fantasy and I love it!

Books I’d Love to Read Starting with the Letter “Q”:

Quarantine: A Love Story

“Oliver wants a girlfriend, and there’s a girl back home who might be interested in him. The problem is, he has to spend his spring break on a volunteer trip in the Dominican Republic. Flora, on the other hand, isn’t really looking for a boyfriend. She just wants to end a miserable spring break visiting her dad and her new stepmom in the D.R.

The solution to both their problems? Get back home to New York ASAP. Sadly, they won’t be getting there anytime soon. 

Their hopes are dashed when Flora’s impulsiveness lands them in quarantine — just the two of them. Now, the two teens must come together in order to survive life in a bubble for 30 days. In that time, love will bloom. But is it the real thing, or just a placebo effect? 

In her debut novel, Katie Cicatelli-Kuc delivers an introspective and witty story about finding love in the most unexpected place.”

This Story sounds cute. I sometimes need books like this. Plus, I’m so in love with this cover! It’s so adorable!

Queen of Hearts

“The first novel in Colleen Oakes’s epic, imaginative series tells the origin of one of the most infamous villains—the Queen of Hearts.

This is not the story of the Wonderland we know. Alice has not fallen down a rabbit hole. This is a Wonderland where beneath each smile lies a secret, each tart comes with a demand, and only prisoners tell the truth.

Dinah is the princess who will one day reign over Wonderland. She has not yet seen the dark depths of her kingdom; she longs only for her father’s approval and a future with the boy she loves. But when a betrayal breaks her heart and threatens her throne, she is launched into Wonderland’s dangerous political game. Dinah must stay one step ahead of her cunning enemies or she’ll lose not just the crown but her head.”

Fantasy about the origin of the queen of hearts? I need to read this!

Thanks for reading! Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below.

-Till next time!

The ABC Book Challenge: how Interesting!

Another day, another post of this challenge! We are into the letter “I” now. Let’s see what books this letter brings!

Memorable Books that Start with the Letter “I”

Impulse

“Sometimes you don’t wake up. But if you happen to, you know things will never be the same.

Three lives, three different paths to the same destination: Aspen Springs, a psychiatric hospital for those who have attempted the ultimate act—suicide.

Vanessa is beautiful and smart, but her secrets keep her answering the call of the blade.

Tony, after suffering a painful childhood, can only find peace through pills.

And Conner, outwardly, has the perfect life. But dig a little deeper and find a boy who is in constant battle with his parents, his life, himself.

In one instant each of these young people decided enough was enough. They grabbed the blade, the bottle, the gun—and tried to end it all. Now they have a second chance, and just maybe, with each other’s help, they can find their way to a better life—but only if they’re strong and can fight the demons that brought them here in the first place.”

This book as I have mentioned somewhere on my blog before is a hard book to read emotionally. I read this book at a perfect time where my mental health wasn’t so vulnerable and I felt some sort of strength. It’s weird to think I always said this when I read this long before I knew that I had depression. I knew that a different time this would have triggered some dark thoughts. So I always advise care when reading this.

Illuminae

“This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do. This afternoon, her planet was invaded.

The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.

But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet’s AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it’s clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she’d never speak to again.

BRIEFING NOTE: Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes”

What a brilliant novel this is!!! I loved the sarcasm, the adventure, the everything!!! I need to get my hands on a copy of Gemina!!

Books on my TBR that start with the Letter “I”:

Ink

“On the heels of a family tragedy, the last thing Katie Greene wants to do is move halfway across the world. Stuck with her aunt in Shizuoka, Japan, Katie feels lost. Alone. She doesn’t know the language, she can barely hold a pair of chopsticks, and she can’t seem to get the hang of taking her shoes off whenever she enters a building.

Then there’s gorgeous but aloof Tomohiro, star of the school’s kendo team. How did he really get the scar on his arm? Katie isn’t prepared for the answer. But when she sees the things he draws start moving, there’s no denying the truth: Tomo has a connection to the ancient gods of Japan, and being near Katie is causing his abilities to spiral out of control. If the wrong people notice, they’ll both be targets.

Katie never wanted to move to Japan—now she may not make it out of the country alive.”

I’ve had this book on my shelves for a while now. I’ve always had a love for Japan and Japanese culture and reading a book set in that place would make me very happy.

I Have Lost my Way

“A powerful display of empathy and friendship from the #1 New York Times Bestselling author of If I Stay. Around the time that Freya loses her voice while recording her debut album, Harun is making plans to run away from home to find the boy that he loves, and Nathaniel is arriving in New York City after a family tragedy leaves him isolated on the outskirts of Washington state. After the three of them collide in Central Park, they slowly reveal the parts of their past that they haven’t been able to confront, and together, they find their way back to who they’re supposed to be. Told over the course of a single day from three different perspectives, Gayle Forman’s newest novel about the power of friendship and being true to who you are is filled with the elegant prose that her fans have come to know and love.”

I read an excerpt of this and was sent an arc that I still haven’t gotten too *yikes*. However, what I have read of this is absolutely breathtaking. I know that this is going to be a 5 star read based off of one chapter. I can’t wait to free my Netgalley tbr and read this!

Thanks for reading! Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below. What books starting with the Letter “I” do you love?

-Till next time!

The ABC Book Challenge: the world is Golden!

I know it’s been a while, but don’t think I forgot about this incredibly fun challenge! Let’s see what I can come up with for the letter “G”.

Memorable Books that Start with the Letter “G”:

Graceling

Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug.

She never expects to fall in love with beautiful Prince Po.

She never expects to learn the truth behind her Grace—or the terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

With elegant, evocative prose and a cast of unforgettable characters, debut author Kristin Cashore creates a mesmerizing world, a death-defying adventure, and a heart-racing romance that will consume you, hold you captive, and leave you wanting more.

Graceling is the book that started my love for Kristin Cashore and all of her works. If there ever was a riveting fantasy that literally stole your breath it is this book. I’m so very deeply in love with it.

Gilded Cage

In modern-day Britain, magic users control everything: wealth, politics, power—and you. If you’re not one of the ultimate one-percenters—the magical elite—you owe them ten years of service. Do those years when you’re old, and you’ll never get through them. Do them young, and you’ll never get over them.

This is the darkly decadent world of Gilded Cage. In its glittering milieu move the all-powerful Jardines and the everyday Hadleys. The families have only one thing in common: Each has three children. But their destinies entwine when one family enters the service of the other. They will all discover whether any magic is more powerful than the human spirit.

Have a quick ten years. . .

I have always loved the concept for this book. When I read it I truly enjoyed all the political nuance and plot. It’s a great book for sure!

Books I would love to read starting with the letter “G”:

Given to the Sea

Everyone has a place.

Khosa was born to be fed to the sea, to prevent the kind of wave that once destroyed the Kingdom of Stille. She can’t be sacrificed until she produces an heir, but human touch repulses her…except for the touch of the Indiri.

Dara and Donil are the last of the Indiri, a native race with magic that’s seductive—a force of nature—but dwindling since the Pietra slaughtered their people.

Witt leads the Pietra, the fierce warriors who are now marching on the Kingdom of Stille. The stone shores of Witt’s kingdom harbor a secret threat, and to ensure the survival of his people, he’s prepared to conquer every speck of Stille’s soil.

Vincent stands to inherit the throne of Stille, but has no wife to share it with. When the beautiful and mysterious Khosa arrives without an heir, Vincent knows that his father will stop at nothing to make sure she fulfills her duty. Torn between protecting his kingdom and protecting the girl whose fate is tied to its very existence, Vincent’s loyalty is soon at odds with his heart.

While royals scheme, Pietrans march, and the Indiri struggle to survive, the rising sea calls for its Given, and Khosa is destined to answer.

Give me a book centered around the sea and I’m happy. I’ve been wanting to read this gem for a good while now!

Gemina

Moving to a space station at the edge of the galaxy was always going to be the death of Hanna’s social life. Nobody said it might actually get her killed.

The sci-fi saga that began with the breakout bestseller Illuminae continues on board the Jump Station Heimdall, where two new characters will confront the next wave of the BeiTech assault.

Hanna is the station captain’s pampered daughter; Nik the reluctant member of a notorious crime family. But while the pair are struggling with the realities of life aboard the galaxy’s most boring space station, little do they know that Kady Grant and the Hypatia are headed right toward Heimdall, carrying news of the Kerenza invasion.

When an elite BeiTech strike team invades the station, Hanna and Nik are thrown together to defend their home. But alien predators are picking off the station residents one by one, and a malfunction in the station’s wormhole means the space-time continuum might be ripped in two before dinner. Soon Hanna and Nik aren’t just fighting for their own survival; the fate of everyone on the Hypatia—and possibly the known universe—is in their hands.

But relax. They’ve totally got this. They hope.

I Loved Illuminae and all I want is the second book so I can deep dive into the saga once more. I just know I will love it!

Thanks for reading! What “G” letter books have you read and loved or want to read? Have you joined on the ABC book challenge?

-Till next time!

The ABC Book Challenge: ohh it’s Delightful

I haven’t forgotten about this challenge. I am just going to steadily move along with it until the very end. The letter of the day is “D” and there are some wonderful books beginning with this letter that I have a lot of love for.

Memorable Books that Start with “D”:

Dorthy Must Die

I didn’t ask for any of this. I didn’t ask to be some kind of hero.

But when your whole life gets swept up by a tornado – taking you with it – you have no choice but to go along, you know?

Sure, I’ve read the books. I’ve seen the movies. I know the song about the rainbow and the happy little bluebirds. But I never expected Oz to look like this. To be a place where Good Witches can’t be trusted, Wicked Witches may just be the good guys, and winged monkeys can be executed for acts of rebellion. There’s still a yellow brick road – but even that’s crumbling.

What happened? Dorothy.

They say she found a way to come back to Oz. They say she seized power and the power went to her head. And now no one is safe.

My name is Amy Gumm – and I’m the other girl from Kansas.

I’ve been recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked.

I’ve been trained to fight.

And I have a mission.

I loved this book with everything in me when I first got to read it. Dorthy being the evil and having a pink haired heroine go after her was so awesome. Oddly dark, but a whole lot of fun. I would definitely recommend this book.

Deep Blue

Serafina, daughter of Isabella, Queen of Miromara, has been raised with the expectation – and burden – that she will someday become ruler of the oldest civilization of the merfolk. On the eve of the Dokimí ceremony, which will determine if she is worthy of the crown, Sera is haunted by a strange dream that foretells the return of an ancient evil. But her nightmare is forgotten the next day as she diligently practices her songspell; eagerly anticipates a reunion with her best friend, Neela; and anxiously worries about Mahdi, the crown prince of Matali, and whether his feelings toward her and their future betrothal have changed. Most of all, she worries about not living up to her mother’s hopes.

The Dokimí proceeds, a dazzling display of majesty and might, until a shocking turn of events interrupts it: an assassin’s arrow wounds Isabella. The realm falls into chaos, and Serafina’s darkest premonitions are confirmed. Now she and Neela must embark on a quest to find the assassin’s master and prevent a war between the mer nations. Their search will lead them to other mermaid heriones scattered across the six seas. Together they will form an unbreakable bond of sisterhood as they uncover a conspiracy that threatens their world’s very existence.

Deep Blue is the book that made me realize that Mermaid books could be something so much more. Fully underwater it tells the tale of adventure and friendship you didn’t know you needed.

Books I Wish to Read Starting with the Letter “D”:

Daughter of the Pirate King

There will be plenty of time for me to beat him soundly once I’ve gotten what I came for.

Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map—the key to a legendary treasure trove—seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship.

More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate, Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King.

This book has a premise that is one of my not-so-guilty pleasures! I would be so happy to one day pick this book up. It sounds amazing!

Dance of Thieves

A new novel in the New York Times–bestselling Remnant Chronicles universe, in which a reformed thief and the young leader of an outlaw dynasty lock wits in a battle that may cost them their lives—and their hearts.

When the patriarch of the Ballenger empire dies, his son, Jase, becomes its new leader. Even nearby kingdoms bow to the strength of this outlaw family, who have always governed by their own rules. But a new era looms on the horizon, set in motion by a young queen, which makes her the target of the dynasty’s resentment and anger.

At the same time, Kazi, a legendary former street thief, is sent by the queen to investigate transgressions against the new settlements. When Kazi arrives in the forbidding land of the Ballengers, she learns that there is more to Jase than she thought. As unexpected events spiral out of their control, bringing them intimately together, they continue to play a cat and mouse game of false moves and motives in order to fulfill their own secret missions.

I will never deny the pull of a gorgeous cover. I’ve heard good things about this author and it’s a brand new fantasy so I’m ready for it!

Thanks for reading! Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below.

-Till next time!

The Listicle Tag

The Listicle Tag was a Tag that had its hayday over a year ago. I was fortunate enough to have gotten tagged twice once by Amy @amysbookcorner and once by Kate @meltingpotsandothercalamities . I thank both of them for tagging me and I apologize for not having participated in this tag in the year since they tagged me.

The definition of Listicle is:

Rules

• Create your own listicle tag, using the prompt from the person who tagged you.

• Tag the creator of the post (not-so-modern-girl!) so that I can read all your brilliant posts and see how the joy of listicles is being spread.

• Nominate as many people as you want!

• Set those 5 people the subject/prompt of their listicle post!

Amy’s Theme: The Top 5 Most Anticipated Reads/Releases of 2017

So 2017 has gone, but there are still some 2017 releases that I anticipate reading. Here they are

1. The Hate You Give

An absolute must read that I just haven’t gotten to purchase yet. This book is a necessary read I can’t wait to get to!

2. Strange the Dreamer

I can’t wait to to finally own and read Strange the Dreamer. I love Laini’s writing and I know that this is a book I would love!

3. Warcross

Any book about being in a video game is a book I want to read. I love it when books do things like this that and I also am excited to read something from Marie Lu finally.

4. Given to the Sea

I remember hearing about this book and wanting to read it so badly! I don’t remember what it was about, but honestly from that cover I would open up that book no matter what.

5. Wicked Like a Wildfire

This book is magical realism and that is a genre that does not have enough books, but I really want to read a lot of.

Kate’s Theme: Top 5 Psychological Thrillers/Mysteries

I haven’t read many Thrillers yet, but I hadn’t read any in the time that I got tagged for this so, maybe it is a blessing I took so long to get to this.

1. Sharp Objects

This was the first psychological thrillers I ever read and it was also the best I’ve read so far. It was dark and gross and really suspenseful. I really enjoyed it.

2. S.T.A.G.S.

S.T.A.G.S. is one of the books I read recently and it was an awesome ya thriller. It turned my stomach and filled me with excitement. I loved it!

3. And Then There Were None

This was one book I loved that I read for my freshman year of high school. It led me to want to read more Agatha Christie and introduced me to Mystery as a genre.

4. Bad Call

This was a slower paced thriller that was more atmospheric and strange then anything else. It was filled with its tension and suspense.

5. 13 Minutes

Everything about this book including the cover is misleading. It is a wonderful ya thriller and I enjoyed the many twists and turns it had.

Your it… I tag anyone reading right now who is interested in doing this tag to participate.

Your Theme (challenge) if you choose to take it: 5 of your greatest fears in novel form

For example if your afraid of the ocean you can pick The Life of Pi or Fear of bugs you can pick The Bees or Charlottes web. For my fear I’m afraid of losing a family member so I might choose The Hunger Games or Mocking Jay because of the sisters death or ru’s death. I wanted to be a little different and insightful so I hope some of you are up for the challenge.

Thanks for reading! Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

-Till next time!

The Horror Movie Book Tag

October is coming and so is all the goodness that comes with it, and after watching Get Out for the first time last night, I’m thinking this is the perfect tag for me to participate in right now. Thanks to The Royal Reader and to Olga’s Oddish Obsessions for tagging me way back when.

The Rules

1. Please credit and link, Princess @RoyalReader (or just Royal Reader), as the creator of this tag, and add the rules.

2. You can use the graphics provided in your post, or you’re welcome to make your own!

3. Thank the person(s) who tagged you and let others know of their fabulous blogs.

4. Tag as many people as you want, be it 1 or 20, it’s entirely up to you!

On to the tag!

1. The Zombie Apocalypse: When

A book you would save when civilization ends:

When the zombies come and civilization comes to an end as we know it I like to think I have found a way to salvage more then one book to take along on my journey, but if it were to be only one I’d like to think it was one of the books from the Graceling Trilogy or what ever book I was currently reading at the time. Let’s just hope that the zombie apocalypse never happens.

2. The Vampire:

A book you would stake through the heart (in whatever sense):

If by stake through the heart you mean poof out of existence all the copies of, then I would love it if Hitler’s Mien Kampf was simply proofed out of existence or maybe any of DT’s books, anything a racist human being writes that is full of their racist and horrid ideals should be staked honestly.

3. The Haunted House:

A book that still haunts you:

I think that a book that will always haunt me is actually a duo-logy by Cyndy Etler. She wrote the books The Dead Inside and We Can’t Be Friends about her experience inside of a “treatment facility” for her “addiction”. What she writes in those books will always haunt me because it was all real. Everything she writes actually happened to her and that is truly terrifying.

4. The Psychological Thriller:

A book with a twist you did not see coming:

The only psychological thriller I have read was Sharp Objects and I think I wasn’t expecting anything about that book at all. Everything was written to make you squirm in the best of ways.

5. The Creepy Doll:

A book that seems innocent but isn’t:

The only book that comes to mind for this is The Last Time We Were Us by Leah Konen. It’s not necessarily that it is not innocent, but more that it is much darker and much more intense of a read then you could tell from the cover. I was very taken aback by this book.

6. The Monster:

A book you could barely tackle/defeat (in whatever sense):

When I first started reading Jane Eyre in high school I was having a very hard time a first, it wasn’t until I started listening to it as an audiobook and reading along with it that I really into the book. It definitely saved the whole reading experience for me.

7. The Comedy-Horror:

A book with mixed genres that worked (or didn’t):

The book that comes to mind for this is The Diviners by Libba Bray which is a paranormal historical fiction that really works great. The Diviners was spot on with the 1920’s setting and then all the paranormal happenings. I loved it!

8. The (Cliched) Teen Horror:

A book you found super cliched/stereotypical:

I like to think that I haven’t read to many cliched stories, but I have, but I’m not going to title any of them here because I love them even if it is wrong to.

9. The Demonic Possession:

A book so gripping you needed an exorcist to escape it:

One of the last books I read was A Messy, Beautiful Life and that book, that book took my breath away. I read it in a single morning and it was absolutely breathtaking I couldn’t stop thinking about it all day long after.

10. The Science Fiction:

A precious book you would permanently sacrifice to aliens for the good of mankind:

I would sacrifice The Giver if only so the aliens may learn some compassion from it. (Plus we could still watch the movie and the movie was fantastic so the story would still live on)

I’m going to tag anyone who feels like doing this tag. Only because this one is so old that I don’t know who has done it or not.

Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below! Also, what is your favorite horror movie?

-Till next time!

School Subjects Book Tag

I haven’t done a tag or an award post or anything of the sort in ages, however I have a long list of collected tags that I was once tagged for and I’m thinking that I need to start doing them again.

I was tagged for this particular tag by three amazing bloggers Amy’s Book Corner , Kook Bookery , and A Thousand Lives I wouldn’t be surprised if they had forgotten that I was meant to participate in this tag and I’m so sorry that I haven’t done any tags in so long, but I promise to do better.

Math: A Book that left your Head Spinning in Circles

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

In the best of ways Sharp Objects left my head spinning. Not even because of the ending or how everything came to past, but because of the atmosphere and the writing made my stomach turn and my mind reel. Definitely a fantastic novel for sure.

English: A Book You think has Beautiful Written Expression

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

I desperately wanted to not use The Night Circus for this, because I’ve used it in so many tags from before, but I can’t help myself. The Night Circus has absolutely gorgeous writing and I am going to be forever in love with this novel.

Physics: your Favorite Scientifically Minded Character from a Book or Film

Mary from Gifted

Ever since I saw this recent film I have been wanting to gush about how amazing and beautiful it was. I don’t know why I don’t see anyone talk about it, but it made me cry and the story was incredible. Mary is one of the smartest individuals I have ever seen and I love her with all my heart. She is definitely one of my absolute favorite scientifically (mostly mathematically) minded characters ever.

Chemistry: your favorite literary couple

Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy

Ramona and Freddie from Ramona Blue are my current OTP. I absolutely adore them together and how much they make each other stronger as individuals. This book was amazing and I’m so glad I got to read it along with my book buddy Amy!!! This book is SO GOOD!

Biology: your favorite book/series/film character

You can’t make me choose for this and you will never take me alive!!! I take no favorites and I love all my precious characters. There will be no choosing here.

French: your favorite foreign book/film/program

Angel Beats!

Angel Beats is an anime show that I am absolutely in love with! It’s funny and depressing and all things good and I will always have a place in my heart for it.

Art: have you ever judged a book by its cover, even if you weren’t meant to?

Uhh… all the time. It’s kinda a problem except I don’t really think it’s truly a bad thing. Beautiful covers are things I live for and I’m happy to have so many on my shelves.

History: the last historical book you’ve read

Now I Rise by Kiersten White

At first I wasn’t really sure I had read any historical fiction recently, but then I checked my goodreads and sure enough there was Now I Rise. Such a good historical fiction with a twist and I loved it!

Geography: a literary destination you would really like to visit

Rowan Wood Legends by Olivia Wildenstein

Although none of the book takes place there there is a place where the fae live in this book called baseetogan that sounds absolutely beautiful and I think I would love to see it.

Drama: a book that has a lot of over-dramatic hype

The Wrath and The Dawn by Renée Ahdieh

I wanted to love this book. I thought for certain I would adore it. There was so much hype surrounding it and I even hyped it up for myself when I first saw it, but while it was good I just didn’t love it as much as I wanted to and for that this one earns this spot.

Well that’s all folks!

Thanks for reading! Anyone who hasn’t done this tag and wants to consider yourself tagged! Let me know what you thought of my answers and if you agree or disagree on any of them.

-Till next time!

Narnia Book Tag

Do your eyes deceive you? For me to do a tag is like finding a rare unicorn in the wild. I don’t even remember the last time I sat down to put together a tag and for that I am terribly sorry. I have a HUGE backlist of awards and tags to do and yes, eventually I will get to all of them! 

Right now the oldest of these is the Narnia Book Tag and I’m excited to finally complete it! 

I was tagged by the amazing Book Shelves and Biros as well as the wonderful Creative Minds 101! Go out there and give them some love, they definitely deserve it! 

NARNIA – A magical world you would like to visit

I’ve said it before and I will say it again, The Night Circus’s world is absolutely gorgeous and to be able to visit it would fill me with so much joy! Something about that Circus takes me by my heart and makes me believe in Magic once more.

THE MAGICIAN’S NEPHEW – A book you think is underrated

The Ship by Antonia Honeywell only has a Rating of  3.20 on Goodreads and I have to admit I’m pretty appalled. This book was stunning and I had rated it 5 stars and loved reading it. I’m actually kinda salty that the average rating isn’t at least a 4.0. 

THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE – A classic that you love

Jane Eyre is such a lovely and enjoyable classic. I really adored it when I read it in high school. 

THE HORSE AND HIS BOY – A book you picked up without knowing what it was about

I picked up Song of the Current without knowing anything except that their was ships and oh my was I pleasently surprised by this amazing novel. I adore it to pieces!

PRINCE CASPIAN – A sequel that you loved

The Mime Order was such an awesome sequel to The Bone Season. The action and feriocity of it as well as the fear and revolution made me very very happy. 

THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER – A quest you’d like to be a part of

Mask of Shadows and the quest to be one of the queens personal assasians was a really cool quest to read about. I would like to be a part of it by being a helper on the side lest I be targeted and ruthlessly killed. 

THE SILVER CHAIR – A book you didn’t expect to love

And I Darken was a book that I didn’t expect to love when I found that it was completely different from the story I had thought it was to be. I never thought I would love a book with so much brutality. By all accounts I feel like I shouldn’t have loved it, but every dark part of that novel calls out to me and I adored it. 

THE LAST BATTLE – A perfect ending to a series you love

Bitterblue is also a book that pleasently surprised me. It was so different from Graceling and Fire, but in a really fantastic way. Let alone that it is home to one of the most beautiful pieces of writing I have ever read.

THE PEVENSIES – A siblinghood of friendship you’d love to be a part of

Zenn Diagram is a book of many adorable siblings in this novel fill my heart with joy. I still haven’t quite finished this novel, but I know one things for sure.. I love the little ones in this novel and how family oriented this book actually is.
EUSTACE SCRUBB – A character who grew on you

Celeste from The One by Kiera Cass. She was so evil to me for so long, but in this book she became human and I loved this book more for it. I know have an appreciation for Celeste as a character. 

MR. TUMNUS – Your favourite mystical creature

The Dragon of Course! Image credit to the interweb.

CASPIAN – A character with regal qualities

The Bone Season’a Paige Mahoney is 100% regal and she would probably will never notice or even think about how good of a leader she could be. She is one amazing MC.

THE WARDROBE – Your favourite hideout/place to read

Anywhere is a good place to read. I feel like my special place hasn’t been found yet and I look forward to finding that place in the future. 
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this swirly unicorn of a post. Hopefully I don’t wait so long to post a tag next time. Since this post was done so late I have no idea who has participated so I’m going to leave it to you to decide if your interested in participating in this tag. 

-Till next time!