Mid-Year Freak Out Book Tag

July 11th, 2022

Sorry, but I have to say it, how are we already half-way through 2022? Time moves so fast but I’ve had an amazing reading year so far. Here’s a little look back at how it’s been. This tag was originally created by Chami.

Best Book You’ve Read In 2022 So Far

The Island of Missing Trees will be hard to beat.

Best Sequel You’ve Read In 2022 So Far

It’s rare I enjoy the sequel just as, if not more than the first, but I definitely did with The Bride Test.

New Release You Haven’t Read Yet, But Want To

I can’t believe I still haven’t read Book Lovers, but hopefully I’ll get the opportunity soon!

Most Anticipated Release For The Second Half Of The Year

Who isn’t looking forward to the return of Carrie Soto?

Biggest Disappointment

I’m so sad about not loving Grown Ups, but I would still like to give Marian Keyes a second chance.

Biggest Surprise

This was such a random decision to request this on Netgalley because I’ve really not loved Christina Lauren in the past, but I’m so glad I picked up Something Wilder. It was so entertaining.

Favourite New Author (Debut Or New To You)

I’ve read all three of Helen Hoang’s books this year, and I enjoyed all of them. I’m just sad because I’ve got to wait for something new!

Newest Fictional Crush

Adam. That’s it.

Newest Favourite Character

I just fell in love with Kya (marsh girl).

Book That Made You Cry

I don’t normally cry, but I guess I came closest to that whilst read Ghosts, because there’s a side story in this that hit really close to home.

Book That Made You Happy

I spent the entire time I was reading Heartstopper gushing, squealing, and smiling from ear to ear!

The Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought So Far This Year

I was lucky enough to receive this beautiful book from the author. Joan is out next week. The American cover doesn’t do it justice.

What Books Do You Need To Read By The End Of The Year?

I can not let another Summer go by without reading The Count Of Monte Cristo.

Finally, Favourite Book To Movie Adaptation You’ve Seen So Far?

Honestly, I’ haven’t seen any. I did watch Heartstopper last week, but I can’t say I enjoyed it. They definitely work better as graphic novels, I’m afraid I found the show quite cringey (perhaps it’s my age, lol). But there’s a few I’m excited to see, including Persuasion which I’m quite intrigued by…

I Tag:

Siren – Sweaters and Raindrops
Amanda – Your Book Friend
Jordyn – Birdie’s Book Nook

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Encanto Book Tag

June 20th, 2022

Hi Readers!

Thanks so much to Siren for tagging me in this book tag! You can check out their post here. And it was originally created by Passport To Eden.

The Family Madrigal

Name a book that explores multiple family generations

I’m sure you all know what this is about. It almost reads as a collection of short stories but because each chapter is connected it just flows much better.

Waiting On A Miracle

What Is A Book You Enjoyed But Took Longer Than Expected To Finish

The Lost Daughter, but not in a bad way. This book is tiny, just coming to over 100 pages. I am a slow reader but I thought it would take me three, maybe four hours to read 100 pages. This book took me two days, and not because I wasn’t interested or because it dragged, I just wanted to take this as slow as possible.

I found myself rereading whole sections, stopping to grab for a pencil to underline something, or it just said something that I wanted to think about for a while. I found this was a book best consumed at a slower pace rather than trying to rush through it in one sitting.

Surface Pressure

Name A Character Who Has To Do It All

This kid has so much weight on his young shoulders, but he handles it well.

We Don’t Talk About Bruno

Talk About A Book You Don’t Talk About

I read the Legend trilogy years ago, before I had this blog, and really enjoyed it. But I don’t want to talk about the ending…

What Else Can I Do?

Name A Book You Thought Would Be Light and Fluffy But Hit Emotionally

This book was sold to me as the new Bridget Jones, and I do agree to that to an extent and even say that myself when pitching it to someone. But it’s a lot more hard-hitting and impactful than Bridget Jones.

Dos Oruguitas

Characters Who Make You Believe In Soulmates

My heart still hurts for Daisy and Billy.

All Of You

Name A Book That Features Rebuilding Relationships

Second Chance Summer really is all about second chances. With parents, friends, and old flames.

Columbia, Mi Encanta

Name A Book That Left You Immersed In Culture

I had a few issues with Pachinko but one this is did flawlessly was make the setting feel so real. I was so immersed in the streets, the smells, the sounds of Korea and Japan.

I Tag:

Michaela – Journey Into Books
Margaret – Books Please
Danni – For Books Sake

Thanks For Reading,
Jess X

The Spring Cleaning Book Tag

April 22nd, 2022

Hi Readers!

I saw this post over on Kristen’s blog. I couldn’t actually work out who originally created this tag, but thank you to whoever did! Let’s get spring cleaning…

The Struggle of Getting Started: a book/series that you have struggled to begin because of its size.

The Count Of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas
I always struggle to finish big books, even if I start out absolutely loving them.
The thing with them if they take a while to read (obviously) and I’m such a mood reader. So one week I might fancy a big classic, the next I don’t. I’ve tried taking a pause in thie book and returning where I left off, but it just doesn’t work.
I am going to try my best to finally read this book cover to cover this Summer.

Cleaning Out The Closet: a book and/or book series you want to unhaul

Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman
It’s such a shame because I think this series is a really interesting concept. It’s a dystopian twist on history where white people are the subordinate class.
I really thought I would love this, but I just don’t think Malorie’s writing is for me. The first book is fine, but then I get to the second book and I can never get past the first chapter. I may have to say goodbye to it one day.

Opening The Windows And Letting Fresh Air In: a book that was refreshing

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
This is a recent read of mine, and one of the best surprises so far this year.
This book has a lot of tropes I’ve read many times, but Hazelwood is able to make them feel literally fresh and new. This book was incredibly addictive and so much fun.

Washing Out Sheet Stains: a book you wish you could rewrite a certain scene in

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Reader, I Didn’t Marry Him.
This might be an unpopular opinion. But I think this book is incredible, brilliant, one of the best novels ever written. But the ending will never not annoy me.
I just don’t think Rochester is a romantic character, and I think Jane deserves far better.

Throwing Out Unneccesary Knick-Knacks: a book in a series you didn’t think was necessary

The Ballad Of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
Kristan said this one as well, and I couldn’t agree more.
This book will go down as one of the biggest disappointments. If you liked it, I’m very happy for you. But there’s absolutely nothing in this that was for me. I despised every second I read this book, and I won’t be reading anymore she writes in this series.
The Hunger Games will forever remain one of my favourites though.

Polishing The Doorknobs: a book that had a clean finish

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Something I love about Austens books is she always relays at the end what happens to all of the characters and how their lives turn out. This book leaves me with no questions or concerns. She makes sure you know what every characters future/marriage will turn out, and I feel like I’m leaving these characters in a good place.

Reaching To Dust The Fan: a book that tried too hard to relay a certain message

The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki
This was a hard one to answer to be honest, but I recently read The Book of Form and Emptiness and I had a few issues with this book, and this was one of them. This book has many sub-plots and one of them is inspired by Zen Buddhism, and explores the kind of Marie Kondo relationship with material goods. I wasn’t really here for that and did skim those parts.

The Tiring Yet Satisfying Finish Of Spring Cleaning: a book series that was tiring yet satisfying to get through

Throne Of Glass by Sarah J Maas
I haven’t made it through very many series. But this was one of the longest ones and guess what, I’m going it again. I’ve just reread Throne Of Glass and I’m hoping to continue my reread soon!

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter/Spring Break!

Thanks For Reading,
Jess X

12 Days Of Christmas Book Tag | Blogmas

December 15th, 2020

Hi Readers!

I thought I’d do a festive book tag for todays blogmas post. This very festive one was created by Lizzie Loves Books!

All pictures are my own.

The Partridge Stood Alone In A Pear Tree. What Is Your Favourite Stand Alone?

The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Two Turtle Doves: Love Is In The Air! Who Is Your One True Pairing?

Elizabeth & Mr Darcy: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

In The Spirit Of Threes. What Is The Best Trilogy You’ve Read?

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Since Series Usually Consists of Four Or More Books, What Is Your Favourite Series?

The Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante

One Ring To Rule Them All. Who Is Your Favourite Villain/Antagonist

Eli in Vicious by V.E. Schwab

Creation Is A Beautiful Thing. What Is Your Favourite World/World-Building?

I do love the Wizarding World.

Who Needs Seven Swans When All It Takes Is One Good Animal Sidekick? Who’s Your Favourite?

Pan from His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

Milk Is So 18th Century. Which Book/Series Takes Food/Beverages To A Whole New Level?

I read this last year and I remember there being a pretty inventive baker in it.

Dancing Is Just One Skill Of A Lady. Name Your Favourite Kickass Female Lead.

Eleanor from Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

What About Your Favourite Leading Lad?

Simon is just so precious!

What Is Your Favourite Book Or Bookish Thing With A Musical Influence?

Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Drum Roll Please… What Is Your Favourite Book Of This Year?

It’s still undecided, but it might be The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

I Tag…

Siena – Booksophobia
Bella – A Small Girl Living In A Book World
Amie – Read With Amie

Thanks For Reading,
Jess X

The End of the Year Book Tag | 2020

November 19th, 2020

Hi Readers!

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.

This tag was created by Ariel Bissett.

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.

I Tag:

Sarah | BateauReads
Dovey | Dovey Reads
Pilar | The Bookworm Shelf

Thanks For Reading,
Jess X

‘folklore’ Book Tag!

Hi Readers!

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!

Rules:

• Link to the original creator: Ilsa @ A Whisper Of Ink
• Tag at least 3 people.
• 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!

I Tag!!

Fangirlflax
A Simple Slice of Kate
A Lovely Book Affair
Beyond the Book Cover
ThatBookGal Blogs

Thanks For Reading,
Jess X