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!

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Tags and Why I Don’t Always Like Them

Tags are wonderful ways that us bloggers connect with one another and share common posts that are fun and interesting to do. However, sometimes they can get repetitive and that’s why I don’t always enjoy doing them.

When I first started blogging I adored tags. I did them all the time and had fun doing them, but very quickly I found a trend. There were different tags carrying different names but the questions seemed to be all the same. Favorite book (in any genre), favorite author, favorite character, favorite and least favorite of everything under the sun. I found myself time and time again using the same books over and over to do different tags and after a while I had had enough.

For me, variety is important. I hate doing the same sorts of things with the same sorts of questions all the time and so I had starting dwindling with my tags and it wasn’t long before they completely stopped being featured on my blog. However, I do miss doing tags and every once in a while I do find one to be unique and I do my best to participate.

The other thing I did to combat this boredom I had gained from tags was to create my own. The Dreamy Book Covers Tag. It was a lot of fun to create my own tag that I felt showcased a love for something that we don’t always appreciate enough, beautiful covers! However, I think I got to the point were I was so exhausted with doing tags that any tag was no longer fun to do.

Even though this post is about why I sometimes don’t like tags it is also here to say how I will approach them in the future. I will try and participate in tags as much as I can, but I am going to be a bit more choosy in the tags I do. I like tags that engage me and force me to really think about what answers I am putting out there. I also really want to start creating more tags. I’ve always been told to “be the change you wish to see in the world” and I think that helping to create a new variety of tags can help keep things fresh.

Thanks for reading! Have you ever gotten tired of doing tags? What are your thoughts on this topic?

-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!

The Mystery Blogger Award of Epic Preportions

So this is what happens when you procrastinate on something, things pile up into infinity and you end up having a post like this one. In a moment, you will get what I mean. 

So here it is, The Mystery Blogger Award: 

The Rules: 

• Put the award logo/image on your blog.

• List the rules.

• Thank whoever nominated you and provide a link to their blog!

• Mention the creator of the award and provide a link to their blog as well.

• Tell your readers 3 things about yourself.

• You have to nominate 10-20 people.

• Notify each of your nominees by commenting on their blog.

• Ask your nominees any 5 questions of your choice; with one weird or funny question (specify).

• Share your link to your best post(s)

A ginormous thank you to: 

Brilliantly Bookish
Lil Book Lovers
Royal Reader
Curiouser and Curiouser
Bionic Book Worm
Blame it on Chocolate
Not So Phamous
Melting Pots and Other Calamities
The Uncharted Word 

The Hermit Librarian
Didi Oviatt
Fire and Rain Books

Three facts about me! 

1. I almost exclusively watch video game tubers on YouTube plus Buzzfeed 
2. I got two poems published in the 5th grade that my mom submitted without telling me
3. I almost never drink something that isn’t milk, coffee, or water

Brilliantly Bookish Questions: 

1. Have you read I’ll give you the sun by Jandy Nelson? If yes, what did you think about it?

Sadly no, but I’ve heard great things about it!

2. Is there a book you wish had never been written?

Mein Kampf, Hitler should have never written a book. Imagine how much history might have changed if he didn’t?

3. What book would you recommend to me?

I would reccomend A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly. Simply because I think all book lovers could appreciate the book love in this book!

4. Do you have a reading goal for 2017?

Yep! My Goodreads goal is 60 books and I’ve read 19 so far, a bit slow but for some reason I’ve been pretty slow about books except for some great spurts this year. 

5. Random: What is a random word you really like?

Flabbergasted. I don’t know why I love it but I do!

Lil Book Lovers Questions: 

1. What is one reading habit that bugs you?

My habit of having long reading slumps then binging right after. It isn’t healthy. 

2.  If you could be best friends with one fictional character, would who it be?

I would be best friends with The red haired Night Circus twins Widget and Poppet. You can’t be best friends with one and not the other and I just think we would go on lots of amazing and wonderful adventures!
3. Who was the biggest author that you’ve met? Who was the biggest author that you gotten a signed book from?

I’ve never met a big author before, but the biggest author that I have a signed book from is Kiersten White the book author of And I Darken. 

4. What is your favorite TV show to binge watch?

Doctor Who for sure! I miss watching that so much. I haven’t watched it sense Matt Smith had to leave because I didn’t want to imagine the story without him. 

5. What is the funniest thing that has happened to you?

I was at IKEA eating some food and there were these really low hanging lights and stupid me, when I got up to go to the restroom my head went into the lamp and hit the light bulb. There was a guy sitting at the table next to us with his girlfriend and he started howling with laughter. It was embarrassing, but also hilarious. 

Royal Reader Questions: 

1. What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?

I do a lot of spontaneous things so I have no idea what I’ve done that’s most spontaneous, but one thing was that I decided to join a group of little kids singing frozen with a mariachi group at the zoo. This was about a year and half ago or so. 

2. If you could suddenly be an expert in any field at all, what would it be and why?

Botany, if I could know everything there was to know about herbs and plants and their poisons and healing properties I might find the cure to heal hundreds of ailments. 

3. Where is your favourite place to write your blog posts?

On the couch, that’s where I end up writing most of my posts somehow. 

4. If you could spend the day with your biggest inspiration, who would it be and what would you do? (Can be anyone at all, famous or not, living or passed on).

I would spend my day with Sarah J. Maas one of my newest inspirations as I have so many. We would enjoy a brunch in the morning and talk about writing and books and that would take so long that we would spend the entire day just eating and talking. 

5. Weird: If you were to run away and join the circus (non-animal using circus only), would you either be a trapeze artist, a fire-eater, a tight-rope walker or a unicyclist?

I would be a trampolinist if that’s even a word, but all Circus artists can do multiple things so I would learn a bit of everything from everyone. 

Curiouser and Curiouser Questions: 

1. Why did you start a blog?

I started my blog mostly because my sister told me to. I didn’t have any place to talk about books and blogging became that awesome place for me. It is one of the things I’m most proud of in this life. 

2. What are you most proud of in your life?

Didn’t see this one coming. Above I say my blog is one of the things I am most proud of in my life and it is 100% true. I don’t think I’ve ever been more dedicated to anything then I have been to this blog. 

3. What’s the last film you watched and did you enjoy it?

The Secret Life of Pets was the last movie I watched and I did really enjoy it. I need lighthearted things to keep me smiling especially when other parts of my life aren’t looking up. 

4. If you could have any super power, what would it be?

The power to heal or to talk to animals. Somehow I will find a way to convince you all that talking to animals is more useful, somehow. 

5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I have no clue. My life has been turned so upsidedown so quickly that I can’t imagine where I’ll be even for the next day. 

Bionic Bookworm Questions: 

1. What is your favourite book to movie adaptation?

The Giver, I love the book and I love the movie. It is a win win either way. 

2.  What are your 3 favourite book covers?

There are so many amazing covers out there that it is so hard to choose, but I love the cover for Ink by Alice Broadway somehow I find that cover to be perfection!

3. What is your favourite and least favourite genre?

My favorite genre is fantasy and by least favorite is text books. Text book writing is horrible and leaves so much out and no one likes to read them. 

4. What is your most anticipated book release for 2017?

Right now: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas. I know I won’t be able to read it right away, but I can’t wait to have it in my hands!

5. Weird question: If you could go on a vacation anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I would go to Ireland to enjoy the landscape and the culture. It would be such a peaceful place to go. Peace is exactly what I need. 

Blame it on Chocolate Questions: 

1. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate or white chocolate? Be honest.

Milk chocolate 100%. I grew up going to pep boys and buying Hershey’s MilkChocolate. White chocolate sometimes makes my stomach ache and dark chocolate tastes too bitter for me. 

2. The first fictional character you ever fell in love with?

I don’t remember. I’ve been falling in love with fictional characters since I was a little girl. It feels as though I’ve always fell for fictional characters with no true beginning or end. 

3. If you could talk to someone who’s already passed away, who would it be and what would you talk about? (Not counting family members or friends)

Edgar Allen Poe, a teacher of mine assured me that this would probably be a bad choice, but I really want to be there as he writes poetry and speak with him only if it’s not too much to ask. 

4. You discovered a new planet. What do you name it and why?

Dishcabib because it was one of the first random words to come to my mind. 

5. Weird: A genie will grant you the thing you want most in the world, but you will lose the thing you are most proud of/most treasure about yourself in the process. Would you still accept the wish?

No I will not accept because I feel like I appreciate the things I worked hard for and not so much what is handed to me. Plus I really don’t feel like giving up my blog which is something I am immeasurably proud of. 

Not So Phamous Questions: 

1. If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Quesadillas there are so many ways you can make them and they almost always taste delicious. 

2. What were you doing three hours ago?

Designing The Raven Book Crate shipping box! 

Look at it, It’s beautiful!

3. What is your favorite word? Least favorite?

Least favorite word is grating, it physically hurts me. A favorite word is alabaster for some reason it sounds beautiful to me. 

4. What is your biggest fear?

My biggest fear is of loneliness or truly losing my family. My heart would break and I couldn’t handle it. 

5. What is the biggest lie you ever told someone?

It wouldn’t be my biggest lie if I told you, would it? 

Melting Pots and Other Calamities Questions: 

1. Have you ever checked out a hyped book/movie/TV show/other type of fiction, and did you enjoy it?

I love hyped books! Seeing so many passionate people reading something makes me want to read it too!

2. What is your favorite fandom? I don’t mean the show or book itself, but the group of people involved.

The Supernatural fandom. The memes and quotes from this show are priceless. You can find a gif for anything from supernatural!!

3. Give two of your favorite quotes, one funny, and the other inspirational.

4. While writing your posts, do you have writer’s block, and if so, what kind is it? Like, do you have trouble coming up with ideas, or do you lack motivation?

Most of the time if I am out of inspiration for a post I write poetry because it brings out a different sort of creativity in me. As for motivation my passion for this blog and my love for books makes it so that I have a need to post everyday or I feel unfulfilled. 

5. (Funny question). Name something you loved as a kid. Do you still like it on occasion?

As a kid I loved the color pink. Everything I owned had to be pink and it was just a part of who I was. However, later on my favorite color went to black and then blue and now I love all covers with a special place in my heart for Tardis blue and a dash of pink. 

The Uncharted Word Questions: 

1. Do you have a favorite YA trope that you love (or maybe even tolerate) more than others?

Honestly I don’t mind cliches all that much. Cliches make for some enjoyable stories and I love it. I think this stems from my belief that no idea is ever truly wholly original it’s how you put it together with your own twist that matters. 

2. How often do you buy books?

As often as I can which usually means once or twice a month, but if it were possible I would never leave the book store. 

3. Do you take off the book jackets while you’re reading or do you leave them on?

I take them off. They are always beautiful, but also fragile so I like to preserve them as much as I can. 

4. Besides WordPress, where do you go to find recommendations for new books?

Goodreads, twitter, even Instagram I get book recommendations from everywhere out there I can. 

5. Random Question: If it were possible, which movie (or TV show) would you transport yourself into to be part of the cast?

Let’s get real, it’s either supernatural or doctor who and there’s no way for me to choose. 

The Hermit Librarian Questions:

1. What’s the one Disney song you can never get out of your head?

Let it Go… 

2. If you could only gift one book to everyone this coming holiday season, what would it be?

A Northern Light, I’m making it a point to try and read it every Christmas and I’d love to give that book to all my loved ones. 

3. If you had to choose: Twitter or Facebook?

Twitter I don’t even have a Facebook. 

4. What book have you read recently that surprised you by how much you liked/disliked it?

I haven’t really been that surprised about my feelings towards a book recently. I have been on a reading slump recently due to life. 

5. If you had to choose: would you rather be able to design your favorite books covers OR cast their film adaptation?

Design my favorite book covers! Casting is such a big thing and I don’t feel like I would do that well, but covers are a whole lot of fun to design and create! 

Didi Oviatt Questions:

1. What is your #1 favorite genre to read?

Fantasy!!!!!

2. Have you ever stalker watched a Netflix series like a crazed maniac? If so Which one?

Uhhh yes!!!! I watched the first 5 or so seasons of Bones on a major binge that spread over 2 months of obsession. 

3. Do you have a favorite dish to cook, or a go to?

I don’t like to cook that much which is weird because I work making food. 

4. Do you ever have dreams that you can either fly or breath under water?

I definitely have had a flying dream and it was amazing! I was a superhero and there was a villain that kept zapping me out of the air and it was exhilarating yet terrifying. 

5. Which social media platform do you spend the most time on? (blog doesn’t count)

Twitter and I don’t really spend much time on that. (My blog takes the cake 100%)

Fire and Rain Books Questions:

1. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

In a nice house in a nice neighborhood near nature but also close to city life. 

2. Do you have any guilty pleasures? If so, what?

Any and all sweets. Every time I have one my sister looks at me and tells me I shouldn’t eat a lot of sugar, but I can’t help myself!

3. Do you have a hidden talent that you’re proud of? If so, what?

I have this knack for attracting things. I don’t know why but when I need something to happen or something to come into my life it usually does. 

4. If you were a kitchen utensil, what kitchen utensil would you be and why?

I would be a fork multifunctional and practical but also a little wacky and strange. 

5. What is the last book you’ve cried during?

The Dead Inside I’m still reading it because it’s so hard hitting that I am constantly need to give myself time to breathe as I read it. 

If you would like to answer my questions consider yourself nominated. Just your presence here tells me your amazing!

1. If you could get away with any crime what would it be?

2. What is one of the weirdest dreams you’ve ever had?

3. Try a piece of black out poetry with whatever you have available to you. Share a picture of it here:

4. What is a musical instrument you’ve always wanted to learn?

5. Do you believe in the butterfly effect?

Thank you so much for reading! If you stuck out this post I am astounded and incredibly happy. This post took me days to put together! I hope you enjoyed reading! 
-Till next time!

2016 Year in Review Book Tag

Well, well, well, this has been a long time coming. I’ve talked for a very long time about how behind I am in tags and well this first to show exactly how long. However, this will be the last time I meantion my lateness, because I have decided to simply go with the flow and do my posts as I feel like they should be done. I love tags, but they come out the best when I feel most like doing them, so I will do them all in time. 

Anyway, let’s get on to the tag!

Thank you to Reads, Rhythms, and Ruminations and Melting Pots and Other Calamities for tagging me in this really cool end of the year review tag! They are both so amazing and have been a part of my blogging journey from the very beginning. Talking to them is amazing and I love reading their content. If you haven’t already, check out their blogs! 

On to the content!

Disclaimer all books meantoned I read in 2016.

TRUMP VS CLINTON: NAME YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTER RIVALRY: 

Amy Gumm vs. Dorothy Gale! These two diva just might be the rivals of the century! Dorothy Gale the girl we all know and love is a complete psychopath, and Amy Gumm the girl with the pink hair that might just be the only person in all of the world with just the right mixture of sass and compassion to deafeat the blue checkered Queen B.

TURKEY FAILED COUP: A BOOK YOU STARTED BUT FAILED TO FINISH? 

Stephen King, the master of craft. One of the most celebrated of the grates of the modern horror novel. I tried to read Revival in October and just wasn’t having it. It dragged and dragged and wa not my cup of tea. I’m sorry to say, but this one was a big ole DNF.

POKEMON GO: WHAT BOOK DID YOU BUY OR READ BASED ON THE HYPE? DID YOU ENJOY IT?

The Fault in Our Stars, love it or hate it, has always been huge, along with all of John Green’s works, I have always felt a part of me wishing to read something of his. I may have missed the initial hype train, but it still very much existed in my mind and so I picked this book up. I honestly really enjoyed it! The sarcasm and the way death was discussed really spoke to me and I loved it a result!

STRANGER THINGS: WHAT’S ONE BOOK YOU WANT EVERYONE TO READ?

THIS BOOK! If you have not read this book you need to read it and I mean immediatly. This is required reading from me and I promise you that as so long as you love the circus and beautiful writing you will love this book! Thi book is an experience and it is one that I will never regret having for the rest of my life. It is STUNNING!

GAME OF THRONES, THE WALKING DEAD, MR. ROBOT: WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE BOOK CLIFFHANGER WITHIN A SERIES?

Uhh, this might just be me, but I didn’t really feel many major cliff hangers in 2016… I am sorry, but I jut can’t relate. 

THE TRAGIC CRISIS IN ALEPPO: NAME THE LAST BOOK THAT MADE YOU CRY OR TEARY-EYED.

Impulse by Ellen Hopkins is a book that made me cry like I hadn’t cried in a very long time. If I had read it at any other time then I did, I would have gone into a very deep depression. Thi book is hard to read, but in the end it is a truly rewarding experience.

BREXIT: NAME A BOOK YOU HAVE AN UNPOPULAR OPINION TOWARDS.

You either really enjoy this book or you hate it. I am in the realm of enjoying it. I even kinda like America the main character that many seem to really dislike. I love light and fluffy reads like this, I thought it was pretty cool!

FOUR NEW ELEMENTS DISCOVERED IN THE PERIODIC TABLE: NAME AN AUTHOR YOU DISCOVERED/READ FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR.

For the first time in my life I read Jennifer Donnelly’s books in 2016. I had my eye on her books for a very long time and when Christmas 2016 came about and I got a bunch of her books I ended up reading a lot of them and in the end one of her books A Northern Light became one of my favorite reads of all time! She is such a talented author. I love her work!

#ALLLIVESMATTER: YOUR FAVOURITE DIVERSE READ-S (tagging on that S because there are several books that need to be talked about here)

So, I read a few diverse reads in 2016, not nearly as many as I wanted to, but these are four of my favorites! 

First Soundless by Richelle Mead, Soundless is such a cool book. The idea of having an entire village live without sound was amazing to me.. to further blind them broke my heart. I loved reading it and I thought it was such a cool read. I recommend you to read it if your interested in Asian folklore and complete societal disability. 

Next, Blindsided by Priscilla Cummings. Blindsided was such an interesting read. I always wondered what it was like for the blind and I thought this book was super interesting. It is a pretty quick read and I really enjoyed it!

A Tragic Kind of Wonderful by Eric Lindstrom and The Weight of Zero by Karen Fortunati are both books based off bipolar disorder. I read these two a few weeks apart and I loved them both. It amazed me how human they made bipolar disorder feel and how different they both were. I 100% recommend for these two to be read!

 ZIKA VIRUS: A BOOK THAT SPREAD LIKE WILDFIRE.

I never got to read this book and I am really sad about it. Sometimes I think about its black pages and sigh. I want this book so bad. I heard so much about it in 2016 and I can’t wait to get it into my hands!

LEONARDO DECAPRIO FINALLY WON THE OSCAR: WHAT WAS YOUR MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK RELEASE THIS YEAR?

The Weight of Zero came out before the end of 2016 and I was lucky enough to win a giveaway copy of it a little before its release. As I’ve meantioned above I loved this book! It is so beautiful and often times poetic and I could ramble about it for ages. This is the book I didn’t realize I was anticipating in 2016.
IN MEMORIUM: NAME A MEMORABLE CHARACTER DEATH. 

I’m not gonna meantion the character that dies in this book, but oddly it affected me way more then I thought it would and I fell in love with a charter I feel like I should have. This book was amazing!

SAMSUNG PHONES: ONE BOOK THAT BLEW YOUR MIND THIS YEAR!

A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly was breathtaking and I am now going to reread it every year for Christmas! It makes me feel my love for books so strongly and I loved how all the characters were portrayed. The second book on my required reading list that you need to read ASAP!  

Thanks for reading! Fun Fact: this post is the one I tried to create yesterday that disappeared. Still a little salty about it, but I promised this post was coming and I keep my promises! Let me know your thoughts on this post and I’m curious: what was your favorite diverse read of 2016? Also, What are you currently reading? I’d love to know! 

I am not going to tag anyone for this because it is honestly so late to do this, but if you think it is fun and your interested feel free to participate in this tag!

The Social medias: 

Instagram / Twitter / Bloglovin’ / Goodreads / Book Depository  (if you love Book Depository and your are interested in buying some amazing books, please click my Book Depository Affiliate link! It would help me out immensely!) 

-Till next time!

The Emoji Book Tag

Thanks to Lauren @ The Little Reading Blog for tagging me for this really awesome book tag! If you haven’t yet go check out her blog, Lauren is amazing and I love reading her posts. I just know you will love them too! 

Now on to the tag! 

This tag is so interesting because you get to pick 5 different emojis to represent 5 different books of your choice. Which means this tag will always be unique and will always be a lot of fun. I’m so excited to start! 

Nerd emoji 🤓🤓🤓

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Ready Player One is a nerds favorite nostalgia. It has video games. Awesome references and an amazing world. I love this book with all of my nerdy heart. I wish everyone would read it. Nerd or not. Also the nerd emoji is one of my favorite emojis it is just too cute! 🤓

The Octopus Emoji 🐙🐙🐙

Deep Blue by Jennifer Donnelly 

I don’t Know how Jennifer Donnelly does it, but she writes beautifully across so many genres. I absolutely loved reading Deep Blue and I can’t wait to finish reading the last too books. I love them all! 🐙

Drama emoji 🎭🎭🎭

The Last Time We Were Us by Leigh Konen 

This book is full of drama with a capital ‘D’ The cover does not at all represent the pages inside. This book was way darker than I imagined it would be. So much happened it’s unbelievable. 

Music Emoji 🎶🎶🎶

This Beats Perfect by Rebecca Denton

This book seems like it’s going to be so cool! I’ve had a copy of it since January, but I hadn’t been able to get to it yet. I love that every chapter has a song for a heading and I am excited to see what it holds! 

The Dagger Emoji 🗡🗡🗡

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Graceling is such an amazing novel. It has everything I could ever ask for. An amazing heroine who can take care of herself. A beautiful backdrop with a mixture of terrain and weather. Plus, some incredible side characters that tie the story together. I love everything about this book. Talking about it know makes me want to re-read it immediately. I’m so sad I can’t thanks to the netgalley challenge. There is always next month. 

Tag Your It

So Many Books So Little Time
The Book Nerd Dragon
&

Kyera’s Library

I hope you all enjoyed this tag! I had a lot of fun doing this and it was a long time in the making. Let me know your thoughts on my picks in the comments. Also, tell me.. “What emoji suits your personality the most?” “What emoji would others say suit you most?” 

Thanks for reading. 

-Till next time! 

‘What Cats Do’ Book Tag

A huge thanks to the creator of this cute kitty book tag Melting Pots & Other Calamities for tagging me and coming up with such an adorable little tag. Also thanks to Brilliantly Bookish for tagging me. Both of them are such incredible bloggers and if you haven’t checked them out please do so right now! I will be here waiting. 

Are you back? Good!

Now on to the tag featuring one of my favorite spirit animals: (with a bit of a classic twist)

Purr – As cats do this when they’re happy or relaxed, what is the book that makes you happiest or relaxed?

Reading The Giver for me is like eating comfort food. It is one of my all-time favorite books and it feels like home to me. It makes me so happy every time I read it!


Sleep – What is a book that put you to sleep or was just boring?

The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene

I read this book for Ap English my senior year of high school and it was one that made me pretty sleepy. It wasn’t the worst book I’ve ever read, but it was pretty boring. 

Seems to Play Nice…Until the Claws are Out – Which book had the biggest plot twist?

I did not expect a lot of the emotion that poured out of me thanks to this book. My favorite classic does not play around. The ending in particular was one of the most shocking times I have ever felt. I love this book! I cry for this book, but I love this book. 

Cuddles – Which book character would you give a hug to?

Hassan from The Kite Runner 

Hassan deserves more then a hug. All I want to do is take him from all his problems and protect him from all that has threatened to harm him. 



Catnip – What’s a book that made you have warm and fuzzy feels?

Now I know I’ve created this tag around classics, but I really feel like The Night Circus has an old soul and the beauty of it is far too breathtaking and warm that I couldn’t help myself, but to meantion it here. 

Cat Breeds – What are your favorite books?

Here are some of my favorite classics! I definitely have other favorites in other genres, but going with my self-imposed theme these are some of my absolute favorites. 

Getting the Cat – How did you find your favorite book(s)?

All of these books were either bought off an older student in high school or purchased from the thrift store. (Honestly a lot of the books I own are found in thrift stores! I love finding lost treasures!)

The Vet’s Office – Your least favorite book:

The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane 

This book is complete and utter torture. I read every single agonizing word of it in middle school. My hatred of this book knows no bounds. 

Being in Places They Shouldn’t – Least favorite cliche:

The cheerleader going out with the jock… nothing makes me want to roll my eyes more. This is level of cheese that even I cannot stand. All it is, is a recipe for bad.  

Final Question: The Good Old Cardboard Box – Most underrated book series:

I feel like The Giver series is like a secret series that man has yet to fully discover. I learned of its existence about a year ago. I have yet to read them all but as soon as I find copies this will be way up high on my tbr. Plus, I can’t help but meantion The Giver twice. That book has all of my heart. 



The Book Theater 

Annalise Books

Mud and Stars Book Blog

And 

The Little Reading Blog 

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this cute little book tag. If you love felines and books consider yourself tagged! Let me know your thoughts in the comments. 

-Till next time!





2016/2017 tag

Ohh my goodness! Is this a tag post?!?! I can’t believe my eyes. I don’t know what has been keeping me away from one of my favorite kinds of posts to write, but I gotta say, it’s good to write one once more! It has been so long in fact that I got tagged for this post by three different lovely bloggers: A Wee Bit Eccentric whose blog astetic I love! Blame it on Chocolate Who is just so sweet and lovely. I feel so happy whenever I see her posts, there always fun to read! Finally, The Uncharted Word whose blog is so simple and pretty that it really lets her words shine through! 

Created by, #Theguywhoalwayssaidno

To the Rules:

• Mention the creator of this tag.

• Use the image that you find in this tag.

• Mention the blogger that chose you.

• Answer the questions.

• Mention 9 other bloggers/friends and let them know through a comment on their blog.

Questions:

1. Describe your 2016 in three words 

Weird, exciting, moody

To November: WTF
2. Write the names of two people that have characterized your 2016. 

My mom and my sister, I don’t think I could have gotten through 2016 or any year prior without their constant support and guidance. 2016 was a difficult year, 2017 looks like it will be even harder. I am so glad to have them both by my side through it all. 
3. Write the most beautiful place you’ve visited in 2016 and why you liked it so much.

Uhh… I didn’t go anywhere… my life was graduation and getting ready for college and I didn’t go anywhere that was particularly beautiful. Does Six Flags Magic Mountain at Christmas time count?
4. Write the most delicious food you’ve tasted in 2016.

Fajitas!!!!! I love fajitas and I tried them for the first time last year! Probably one of the best things that happened last year was when that tortilla covered chicken touched my mouth. Delicious!
5. Write the event which has marked you more of this in 2016 (even a global event).

I could say so many different things here, but I think the biggest thing would be Trump’s presidency. A piece of me died when he won. It opened my eyes to reality and the power of the voice more then anything had in recent memory. The amount of backlash and the beauty of all the protests that have passed have given me so much inspiration and hope. I have been more motivated to do good in this world then I ever have been. 
6. Write the finest purchase you’ve made in 2016, and, if you want, link a photo.

My bookshelves! I finally got bookshelves last year from ikea and I am so happy I got them! I can finally see what books I have and they are no longer in a dungeon I have to excavate from just to read a book. 
7. Write three good intentions for this 2017.

Write a book 

Write a book 

Write a book

Wait that’s just one thing! 

How about: do more writing, write stories, and write poetry. 

Still the same thing? 

How about: write stuff, be a better person, and help out as much as I can? 

That’s better right? 

Did I meantion I intend to write stuff? 

I did?! Ok. Just making sure. 
8. Write a place you want to visit in 2017.

Indie stores and museums in downtown la, I live so close to la and I just need to make it a point to go and see all it has to offer. 
9. Write one plate/food you want to eat in 2017.

I’m going to say the one dish I never wanted to try in 2017 that I tried a few days ago. Sweet and Strong, an Italian Futurist dish I had to make and try for my modern art class for extra credit. This sandwhich consists of: buttered bread, bananas, mustard, and anchovies (ANCHOVIES!) whatever you do, do not eat this dish, it is disgusting. Thank God I only had one bite. It was the worst food I’ve ever had, and I had to make it myself. 

I Tag: 

Anyone who wishes to do this tag. 
I know this tag is kinda (very) late, it’s already the middle of Febuary, but I hope you enjoyed reading! Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Like all tags this one was a whole lot of fun to write. Hope your having a great week. Stay awesome. 

-Till next time!

Miranda Sings Award

Azia, thank you so much for nominating me for this award. This sort of this tugs at my heart, because it is always so easy to be negative towards yourself at times and it’s so important to step back and feel happy for the good. Read Azia’s post here!

The Rules: 

• Announce your win with a post, and link the blogger who nominated you.
• Include the featured image on your blog post.
• Nominate 10 bloggers (or as many as you can think of) and link your awardees in the post. 
• List 7 things you love about yourself. (This can be about your appearance, your personality, your achievements, etc.)
• Don’t use negative connotation (i.e. Don’t say things like – “I’m prettier than an average person.” or “People have told me I’m smart.” You are pretty. You are smart.)

Things I love about myself: 

1. My ability to believe even when it is difficult. My biggest strength is that even when I am at my lowest, I get mad at myself and snap out it. I continue to believe that things will get better and they always do. Everything comes to an end at one point or another. I try not to hold on to negative emotions as much as possible. 
2. My eyes, I love my eyes. They are honestly my favorite attribute of myself. They change colors dependig on the lighting from grey to blue to green. Once I was told by a friend that one eye was green and one eye was blue, and I was so shocked and happy. I find my changing eye color to be pretty cool!
3. I love my love for diversity. I believe that all cultures should be celebrated and respected and that in the end we all bleed the same, and we all have the same basic troubles. All humans are beautiful, and I will fight for that truth till the day I die. 
4. I love my clumsiness. It may be emabarassing at times, but it is part of who I am. It has been cause for so much laughter and it shows that as much as I try to be tough, I am still human and it is nothing to be ashamed of. 
5. I love that despite my clumsiness I never fall when I trip. The amount of times I trip would probably be an amazing feat in itself, but I never fall. (For ex. I used to ice skate when I was younger and there was this huge guy in hokey gear that ran into me and I surprisingly didn’t fall.) this god sent gift has probably saved my and my dogs life more than once. (The amount of times I have tripped on my dog Gypsy is ridiculous, ‘sorry Gypsy’)
6. My fierce loyalty and protectiveness. I would do anything and everything to protect those I care about no matter what. 
7. My love of reading! I love that I love to read, it has made my life so much better and it helps you to understand and get exposed to so many wonderful and unique things. Reading is one of my greatest joys!

My amazing nominees: 

Blame it on Chocolate
Perfection in Books
Ya and Wine
Melting Pots and other Calamities
The Little Reading Blog
Brilliantly Bookish
Lil Book Lovers
Royal Reader
Cuppa N’ Critiques
Book Shelves and Biros
The Book Thief without Words
Ellie’s Bookshelf

Thank you all for reading. What I really want to do is nominate everyone of you that reads this. We all need to participate in the act of self-love and while I did find this post difficult to write, I found it therapeutic. Let me know your thoughts and I hope that you will participate in this award sometime soon!

Continue to be the amazing human beings that you all are. 

-Till next time!

Celebrating The Little Things Tag

I am so excited to be doing this tag, it feels so good to celebrate some of the best parts of blogging, the people. Those bloggers in the community that have been a huge support, giving them a little bit of appreciation. 

To Birdie Book Worm, thank you for tagging me! To everyone reading this, check out her blog it’s so much fun to read and she is just all around amazing!

The Questions: 

Who is your very first follower (if you can find out) Tag them and give them a shout out! 

I feel really bad about not being able to answer this question. I am so sad that I can’t find out who my first follower was. So, for now, I am just going to thank the first person who believed in my abilities. The person who has inspired me and kept me sane. My mom, not only is she my biggest supporter, but she does her best everyday to make sure every person is taken care of. I love her so much and I am glad for the opportunity to thank her. 

What was the last milestone you reached? 

Just yesterday, I woke up to finding out that I had received 1,000 total likes on The Book Raven, which is absolutely insane. Just thinking about how much love and support I have been receiving in the short time I have been blogging has been amazing. I am so grateful, humbled, and inspired by this beautiful community. 

What was the very first post you posted on your blog? Share it with us! 

I am so proud of every post I create for this blog, but my first post will forever have a special place in my heart. I hope for the dreams I had at the start become a happy reality for the me of the future. Here is the link to my first post: Hello World!

Who was your most recent follower? Tag them and give them a shoutout!

My most recent follower is Book Slay who has a wonderful blog that I can’t wait to see more posts from. The posts are sweet and simple and I enjoy reading them a whole lot! 

What was the last post you posted and who was the very first person who took their time to click the like button? Give them a shout out!

The latest post I posted was I Owe My Heart to Poetry a poem that celebrates poetry and the effect it has had on my life. 

The first person to like that post was Pure Glory who has a very lovely and inspirational blog. These posts are a whole lot of food for the soul, delicious and good for you too! 

How many months have you been blogging for? 

It’s been three months and two days, which is absolute insanity for how much this blog has grown in such a short amount of time. I can’t believe how a push from my sister has turned into such an important part of my life in such a short time. I feel like I have been doing this for so much longer, but in reality it’s been basically no time at all. I love the community for this! 

Do you have any bloggers your friends with? Give them a shout out! 

There have been several bloggers I have been able to interact and learn from that I would love to shout out here. 

Ava Who has such a lovely nerdy blog who is the biggest sweetheart with the biggest heart! I love her posts and hearing about both books and anime, two of my favorite loves. 
Teacher of Ya Who is a huge support and activist for this community, her passion and advocating for ya literutre is both incredible and incredibly important. 
Ya and Wine Whose blog is so beautifully unique with wine pairings that are simply stunning to see. She is such a wonderful person and I enjoy interacting with her whenever I get the chance. 

& 

Lia  Whose posts have made me think and whose project I am a proud to be a part of. Talking with her is wonderful and I am so happy that I found her blog. 

Who originally created the last meme or tag you participated in? Give them a shout out!

The last tag I participated in was the Kiss, Marry, or Kill Book Tag a tag that I am very proud of as it was so fun to create!

I do not know who created this tag, but I will give a shout out to Birdie Book Worm for doing the tag so I could find it and explore its amazingness for myself! 

Have you any social media related to your blog?

So far I have a Twitter @tiana_reads and an Instagram @the_book_raven !

Last but not least …. just say thanks to all your followers.

Thank you so much to everyone! To my followers, thank you for joining me on my bookish journey in life. To every person that I has liked and commented on one of my posts thank you so much for your continued support! To you, dear reader, thank you for being here without you these words mean nothing. 

Tag! 

As those who have gone before me, I will be tagging every person meantioned in this post! Thank you for supporting and inspiring me. 

-Till next time!