I can’t believe I’m saying this, but 2020 is coming to an end.
This year has been weird, and long, and very unexpected. But there was one consistency I think we all clung to. Books. In this post I’m going to look back on my reading year and consider what I’ll pick up towards the end of it.
Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish?
Oh dear. I did start War and Peace this year. I didn’t finish it and I’m thinking I’ll pick it up again possibly this weekend? I did plan on reading the Poppy War trilogy but after not enjoying the first one, I’ve got a bit more time to spare for War and Peace.
Do you have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year?
We are well into Autumn now so perhaps I’m doing this a little late, but one book I did read as a ‘transition’ book was The Poppy War. I always fancy reading fantasy when Autumn comes around.
Is there a new release you’re still waiting for?
I do want to read Ready Player Two, which will be released towards the end of November. But I don’t see myself having time to read it this year. I may have to wait until next year before I actually get to it.
What are three books you want to read before the end of the year?
Oh, I have a lot more than three. But a trilogy I want to read is the Pages & Co trilogy by Anna James. I have all three out of the library and I plan on picking those up around Christmas time.
Is there a book you think could still shock you and become your favourite book of the year?
I plan on reading Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell in December. I feel like this book has an infamous reputation (or is that the movie?) Anyway, I read his book The Bone Clocks a couple of years ago and loved it. I have high hopes for this one. Could it become a favourite though? I’m not sure.
Have you already started making reading plans for 2021?
Oh, I know what theme January’s TBR will be as I’ve done the same thing for 2 years now, and that’s reading books bloggers have put on their Favourites of the Year lists. Haven’t thought futher than that though.
Yes, I’m still obsessing over folklore. So I was very excited to see there was a book tag created for it, and I’d been tagged in it! I was tagged by PaperPlaneNomad! Thanks for the tag!
Declare the rules and list of prompts in your post.
Thank whoever who tagged you and link to their post
‘the 1’ – a book with an ending that left you speechless
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. I finished it. Closed it. And just stared into space for a good five minutes just hugging it and not knowing how to move on.
‘cardigan’ – a book that makes you feel happy and sad all at once
Clockwork Princess. It’s a perfect ending, but it still hurts. Like, a lot.
‘the last american dynasty’ – a book with a fascinating and well told story
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. It’s based on William Shakespeares family and it is beautifully written.
‘exile’ – a book you wish you hadn’t read
A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins. It wasn’t for me.
‘my tears ricochet’ – a book that made you cry uncontrollably
I recently reread Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson and, even though I knew what it was about, I still felt myself choking up multiple times. It’s just every daughters worst nightmare really.
‘mirrorball’ – a book that feels like it was written just for you
Beach Read by Emily Henry. This has everything I love about a book in it.
‘seven’ – a childhood book that makes you feel nostalgic
One that’s just filled with nostalgia is Shadow Forest by Matt Haig. In year 6 (I was 10) we got a big box of books for the Smarties Book Prize and one of the books was Shadow Forest. Every single person in that class fell in love with it.
‘august’ – a book that reminds you of summer
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. I reread every Summer for that reason.
‘this is me trying’ – a book that deals with loneliness and sadness
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. And it’s done very well.
‘illicit affairs’ – a book that gave you a book hangover
I’m normally able to push through these but one I found I couldn’t move on from straight after finishing it was The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. It was so bad, the only thing I could get myself to read was THG again. Nothing else would do.
‘invisibly string’ – a book that came into your life at the right time
The Perks of Being A Wallflower. It made me feel not so alone in how I felt and for that it will always be special to me.
‘mad woman’ – a book with a female character you adore
Pride and Prejudice. Lizzie Bennett is another character who owns my heart.
‘epiphany’ – a book that was haunting
Third times a charm, haha! Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell, and not just because one of the themes is ghosts. The story, the characters and the emotions have stayed with me since I finished reading it a week ago.
‘betty’ – a book couple that fills you with yearning
I can’t say who as it’s a spoiler but a certain couple in Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender.
‘peace’ – a book character you’d die for because you love them so much
Peeta Mellark from The Hunger Games. He may be fictional but my heart is his.
‘hoax’ – a book you thought you were going to love but didn’t
Red, White & Royal Blue. I know. I know. But I’m going to give it another try sometime!
This is a fun little tag that I’ve seen a lot of people doing recently based on life in quarentine. Here’s mine!
Laying in Bed – book you could/have read in a day I love a quick, easy read and The Poet X was definitely that.
Snacking – guilty pleasure book I never feel guilty of enjoying any books but I suppose I could describe the Shadowhunter books as that?
Netflix – series you want to start Oh, so many. This will actually be next weeks Top 5 Tuesday prompt so I’ll talk about it then!
Deep Clean – been on your TBR for ages Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan. I bought this when it won the booker prize. Did I read it? Nope. But I will hopefully next month.
Animal Crossing – book you recently bought because of the hype Does Shakespeare count? It was the last book I bought and I definitely bought it because of his lasting impact. Yesterday I posted my thoughts and how I went from hating to loving Shakespeare.
Productivity – book you learnt or had an impact on you The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. Will I ever go a tag post without mentioning this book? Probably not.
Facetime – A book you were gifted My beautiful Barnes and Noble leatherbound editions. Trouble is, they’re too beautiful to read!
Self Care – what is one thing you have done recently to look after yourself Bake. I’m always baking but it’s been particularly helpful lately. I totally recommend it!
BONUS – name a book coming out soon Can I mention anything other than Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins? It’s the prequel to the Hunger Games trilogy which I’m currently rereading to prepare for it.
I’ve been a book blogger for a while now and I think it’s time we have a little catch up on how the blogs doing and how I’m feeling about it. Here it goes!
How long have you been a blogger?
Since 2014 so about 6 years. I did have a blog over on ‘blogger’ before that for a little while but then I found wordpress and found it a lot easier to use and follow other blogs.
At what point do you think you will stop?
When my heart stops beating. Maybe not even then. (Name that book)
What is the best part?
Chatting about books, getting excited to read and finding out what other bloggers a reading.
What is the worst thing?
I suppose I occassionally don’t feel like sharing my opinion on a book. Especially if it’s not praise because I don’t like being negative.
How long does it take you to find/create pictures to use?
Honestly this is the part of blogging that takes the most time. It can take me an entire day just to get all the pictures up. I’ve found it easier since I worked out how to use the url embedding.
Who’s your book crush?
Sirius Black. I’m a sucker for a tortured soul.
What author would you like to have on your blog?
Anyone that I want? Regardless of their living status? Jane Austen.
What do you wear when you write your blog?
Gucci. Kidding! I don’t have a specific outfit. I blog when and where I can whether it’s in a full on outfit or pyjamas.
How long does it take you to prepare a post?
Normally a day. I very rarely am able to write more than one post a day. I’m a perfectionist and like to read it through multiple times for spelling mistakes and to make sure I’ve said everything I wanted to say.
How do you feel about the book blogger community/culture?
I think it’s one of the most positive parts of the internet. I feel welcomed and supported and I’m so grateful I found it.
What do you think one should do to have a successful blog?
Enjoy it. Read the books you want, be as positive and fair in your reviews as possible, and support your fellow bloggers.
I tag anyone who’s currently self-isolating! You’re all doing amazing and keeping yourself and others safe. Stay positive!
The one with your favourite perfectionist. – Hermione Granger from Harry Potter. Like Monica, she puts a lot of pressure on herself and is disappointed when she gets anything but a perfect score on a test. But she’s always there for Harry and Ron and they would not have been able to defeat Voldemort without her.
2. Chandler
The one with your favourite comedic relief character – Eleanor Oliphant in Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. Even though this book does broach heavier topics Eleanors lack of awareness was so funny to read.
3. Phoebe
The one with your favourite quirky character – Cath from Fangirl. Her love for fanfiction and hate for public canteens is very relatable.
4. Joey
The one that you wish to be a movie – Got to be The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I really hope this happens soon.
5. Rachel & Ross
The one with your OTP – Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy. They’ll always be my #1.
6. NYC
The one that takes place in a big city – 10 Minutes and 38 Seconds by Elif Shafak. I read this last year as it was nominated for the booker prize. Set in the city of Istanbul, it gives a voice to a female character whose story reflects so many.
7. Central Perk
The one with you favourite designated hang-out spot – The Pumpkin Patch in Pumpkinheads. It’s the dream autumn hot-spot.
8. Smelly Cat
The one with your favourite outcast – Ada from The Unseen World. Homeschooled for most of her life by her professor father, when she enters high school for the first time. Let’s just say it’s a little awkward. But I loved her for it.
9. The Friends
The one with your favourite friend group – The Raven Boys. Honestly, I would have loved this series if it had just been a contemporary about their friendship.
10. YOUR Friends- The one where you tag your friends!
I don’t know who actually likes Friends but I’ll tag some people anyway!
This super fun book tag was created by Stephanie’s Bookverse! The questions are based on presents you might receive in the wizarding world.
Invisibility Cloak: A book you read with your family/your family also read and you’ve discussed it
My family aren’t readers. I’m honestly not sure we’ve ever talked about books honestly. Other than maybe Harry Potter and that’s only because they know I’m obsessed with it. Last Christmas we actually found out what house my Nanny was in (she was a Hufflepuff which I’m very happy about).
Single Tissue: A book you didn’t have that high of expectations, yet it still disappointed you
I don’t normally read books I don’t have high expectations for. But I suppose I thought I wouldn’t like Imaginary Friend as much as Stephen Chbosky’s first book Perks of Being A Wallflower, but I ended up not liking it at all.
Portrait of Harry by Dobby: A book you see yourself in/you connect with on a personal level
The Starless Sea by Erin Morganstern. It’s such a cosy ready full of bookworms and mysteries.
Homework Planner: A book with a character so obnoxious that it almost/did ruin the book
I’m rereading Little Women right now and it never hit me before just how obnoxious Amy is. She’s the youngest March sister so maybe she can be forgiven.
Box of Dog Biscuits: A book you couldn’t finish no matter how hard you tried
The Count of Monte Cristo. Honestly, this isn’t because it’s a bad book. It’s because it’s long. And it’s always come down to circumstance that I’ve never made it more than half way through.
Marauder’s Map: A book that didn’t have a great cover, but underneath the story was amazing
I’m personally not a huge fan of the ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ cover but it’s one of my favourite books of all time.
Quidditch Teams of Britain and Ireland: A book about something that you are passionate about
Heartless by Marissa Meyer. This is a twist on the Queen of Hearts who, before she was a queen, was a passionate baker!
Furry Brown Wallet with Fangs: A book that was hard to get into
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. I always struggle with his books actually. I’ve put it on hold for now.
Firebolt: A book that you “flew” through
The entire Neapolitan series. I just couldn’t put them down and the minute I finished one book I just had to go onto the next.
Luxury Eagle Feather Quill: The most beautiful book you own
My Barnes and Noble leatherbound classics. The only thing with them is I find I don’t actually read them.
Maggots: A book that you would only recommend to your worst enemy
Oh, easy. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. Because I hate that book. Or maybe if I want to be threatening, And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie.
Handmade Sweater and Homemade Treats: A book that gave you all the warm, happy feels
Always Harry Potter. It’s a book that always makes me happy no matter what.
The final season of Game of Thrones is single-digit days away and, being a huge fan of the show, I am so excited (and scared) for it to begin…and end.
I thought, in honour of it being the final season I should do the Game of Thrones book tag. The questions for this are based on the Game of Thrones houses.
HOUSE LANNISTER: HEAR ME ROAR – Name a book that you originally loved, but upon a re-read realised that it wasn’t so great after all.
Honestly, every John Green book.
HOUSE STARK: WINTER IS COMING – Name your most anticipated book release
I’m so excited for Elizabeth Avecedo’s second novel. I only just found out about it but I am hyped!
HOUSE TARGARYEN: FIRE AND BLOOD – Name a book that you felt completely slayed with fantastic characters, plot, pacing, etc.
The last time a book slayed me like this was Normal People by Sally Rooney. Here’s hoping it makes the Womens Prize shortlist! Not long now!
HOUSE BARATHEON: OURS IS THE FURY – Name a book that ended with a cliffhanger ending that genuinely pissed you off.
Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling).
HOUSE MARTELL: UNBOWED. UNBENT. UNBROKEN. – Name a book, or book series, that’s been on your TBR since the dawn of time.
Too many to list here. One that I hope to get to soon though is The Chaos Walking trilogy.
HOUSE BOLTON: OUR BLADES ARE SHARP – Name the most graphic or disturbing book that you’ve ever read.
Misery by Stephen King. But, I mean, I expect nothing less from him.
HOUSE TYRELL: GROWING STRONG – Name a book, or book series, that gets better and better with every re-read.
Harry Potter (all of them) and The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
So those are all the questions! I won’t tag anyone because I have no clue who watched GoT or not.
Who’s excited for tomorrow (or Monday if you’re in the UK? I may do a ‘favourite theories’ post tomorrow. Right now I’m scared for all of my favourite characters. Who are you hoping makes it to the bitter end?
In today’s post you’re about to get to know me a little better. Normally I stick to just talking books, but this tag is for anything but.
Unlike most tags I do this one I was actually tagged in which is very exciting! Thanks to The Book Mermaid for tagging me!
1. Name a cartoon(s) that you love
I don’t really watch cartoons but I love animated movies. I just watched How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World and absolutely balled my eyes out. It was so good.
2. What is your favourite song right now?
Right now I’m kind of obsessed with Here’s To Never Growing Up by Avril Lavigne. I know, it’s old, but it makes me feel like a teenager again.
3. What could you do for hours (that isn’t reading)?
Watch Game of Thrones. Which is basically what I’m doing now when I’m not reading. And also, baking. Which I’ve also been doing a lot of recently.
4. What is something you love to do that your followers would be surprised by?
Nothing I do is surprising to anyone. I’m literally the most predictable person on this planet.
5. What is your favourite unnecessarily specific thing to learn about (this can do with books, I guess)?
Random but when I’m watching or reading something about a historical event I have to google as I’m watching it to know how accurate it is to the actual event. So I inadvertently become an expert on whatever the subject it.
6. What is something unusual you know how to do?
I know every single shortcut there is on Mario Kart.
7. Name something you’ve made in the last year (and show us, if you can)
Just recently I made Mary Berry’s Cheese Muffins for Mothers Day. She loves cheese. Unfortunately they were devoured before I was able to get a photo.
8. What is your most recent personal project?
I decided to take part in Camp NaNoWriMo very last minute. I hope to write 30,000 words of my novel in the next month!
9. Tell us something you think about often (maybe while staring out of windows)
TS7. (If you know what that means we can be best friends).
10. Give us something that’s your favourite, but make it something oddly specific, not like your favourite food, but like your favourite food when you’ve been studying for hours and forgot to eat. Or, you know, something like that
Every morning for Breakfast I love to have a bowl of Honey Nut Cornflakes whilst watching either Great British Bake Off or a Zoella vlog.
11. What is the first thing that pops in your head
Line of Duty. I’m currently writing this out half an hour before the first episode of season 5 begins and I’m so freaking excited for it.
Comfort Reads 