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Goodreads Year in Review
2023 on Goodreads
Whether or not you've had time to write your own reviews, here's a chance to review your entire 2023 reading and post it under this title so that others can see what your reading year was like. Together, all the reviews of 2023 on Goodreads should make an interesting and varied catalogue of books to inspire other readers in 2024.
For those of you who don't like to add titles you haven't actually 'read', you can place 2023 on Goodreads on an 'exclusive' shelf. Exclusive shelves don't have to be listed under 'to read', 'currently reading' or 'read'. To create one, go to 'edit bookshelves' on your 'My Books' page, create a shelf name such as 'review-of-the year' and tick the 'exclusive' box. Your previous and future 'reviews of the year' can be collected together on this dedicated shelf.
Concept created by Fionnuala Lirsdottir.
Description: Fionnuala Lirsdottir
Cover art: Paul Cézanne, Bibémus Quarry, c.1895
Cover choice and graphics by Jayson
For those of you who don't like to add titles you haven't actually 'read', you can place 2023 on Goodreads on an 'exclusive' shelf. Exclusive shelves don't have to be listed under 'to read', 'currently reading' or 'read'. To create one, go to 'edit bookshelves' on your 'My Books' page, create a shelf name such as 'review-of-the year' and tick the 'exclusive' box. Your previous and future 'reviews of the year' can be collected together on this dedicated shelf.
Concept created by Fionnuala Lirsdottir.
Description: Fionnuala Lirsdottir
Cover art: Paul Cézanne, Bibémus Quarry, c.1895
Cover choice and graphics by Jayson
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First published January 1, 2023
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January 1, 2024
● Reading goal: 110 books ✅️
● Books read: 157!! 🎉🎉
I honestly can't believe it's 2023 already!! It feels like time has gone so fast 😳😳
Anyway, here are a couple of general goals I have for the year and what I would like to read! 🥰🥰
~ Reading goals for 2023:
➳ Read 110 books! (hopefully) ✅️ 🎉
➳ Read a little bit more out of my comfort zone ✅️ - I feel like I read a few more books out of my usual genre 🫶🫶
➳ Get more into romance!! ✅️ - I'm still very much a fantasy girlie, but I'm slowly getting into romance 🤭🤭
➳ DNF more ❌️ - still need to work on this 🫤
➳ Reread Six of Crows! ❌️ - I still definitely need to do this!!
➳ Read some unpopular books, as well as popular ones ✅️
~ Books/series I want to read:
➳ Once Upon a Broken Heart ✅
➳ Bloodmarked ✅
➳ Clockwork Angel ✅
➳ The Queen of Nothing ✅
➳ The Serpent and the Wings of Night ✅
➳ King of Scars Duology (2/2) ✅
➳ Shatter Me series (6/6) ✅ 🎉
➳ Our Violent Ends ✅️
➳ Foul Lady Fortune ✅️
➳ You've Reached Sam ✅
~ Books I want to reread:
➳ Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom! (0/2)
➳ Throne of Glass ✅
➳ Inheritance Games series? (3/3) ✅
~ Authors I want to try:
♧ Carissa Broadbent ✅ (The Serpent and the Wings of Night)
♧ Adalyn Grace ✅️ (Belladonna)
♧ Lynette Noni ✅ (The Prison Healer)
♧ Cassandra Clare ✅ (Clockwork Angel)
♧ Dustin Thao ✅ (You've Reached Sam)
♧ Olivie Blake ✅ (The Atlas Six)
♧ V.E. Schwab ✅ (A Darker Shade Of Magic)
◇ Note: rereads don't count towards the best book of the month or the Top 10 books of the year ◇
｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆
Key:
❤ - monthly favorite
💫 - new all time favorite
🥰 - loved it
👎 - worst book of the month
😭 - cried/extremely sad
😒 - disappointing
😃 - better than expected
😘 - amazing romance
🐻 - middle grade
📚 - long series
📙 - reread
🥀 - off physical tbr
🎧 - audiobook
｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆
♣︎ JANUARY:
Total books read: 13
Favorite book: A Darker Shade Of Magic / The Queen of Nothing / You've Reached Sam ❤
Worst book: The Amateurs
Average rating: 3.93 ⭐
DNFs: 1 (Witches Steeped in Gold)
BOOKS READ:
• A Darker Shade Of Magic- ★★★★☆.5 😃🥰❤
• Witches Steeped in Gold- DNF 😒
• Percy Jackson and the Titan's Curse- ★★★★☆ 📚📙🐻🥀
• The Queen of Nothing- BEYOND ★★★★★ 😃❤💫🥰😘🥀
• Dread Nation- ★★★☆☆.5 😃
• King of Scars- ★★★★☆.25 😃🥰😘🥀
• Twin Crowns- ★★★☆☆.5 😃
• The Amateurs- ★★★☆☆ 😒👎
• Daughter of Smoke and Bone- ★★★★☆ 🥰
• Hero at the Fall- ★★★☆☆.5 😒
• Days of Blood and Starlight- ★★★★☆ 🥰
• Anatomy: A Love Story- ★★★☆☆.5
• You've Reached Sam- ★★★★☆.5 😭😃🥰😘❤🥀
COMMENTS: A great reading month and an amazing way to start the year!! So many good books! I finally finished the Folk of the Air trilogy (and loved it!) and read tons of other amazing books, like You've Reached Sam, King of Scars, A Darker Shade Of Magic and the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series!! Very happy with my reading this month ❤
♧ FEBRUARY:
Total books read: 13
Favorite book: Ignite Me ❤
Worst book: There’s Someone Inside Your House
Average rating: 3.51⭐
DNFs: None
BOOKS READ:
• Strange the Dreamer- ★★★☆☆.75
• To All The Boys I've Loved Before- ★★★☆☆.5 😃
• P.S. I Still Love You- ★★★☆☆
• The Prison Healer- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰🥀
• There's Someone Inside Your House- ★★☆☆☆ 😒👎
• Last Chance Books- ★★★☆☆.5 😃🥀
• Unravel Me- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰😘📚
• Ignite Me- BEYOND ★★★★★ 🥰😘❤📚💫
• Restore Me- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰📚
• Defy Me- ★★★★☆ 😃😘📚
• Destroy Me- ★★★☆☆.5 📚
• Fracture Me- ★★☆☆☆.5 📚
• Cinder- ★★★☆☆ 😒
COMMENTS: February was definitely ✨ the month of Shatter Me ✨ and I had such a good time reading that series!! I literally loved the third one, Ignite Me, sm and it was definitely the highlight of the month. Other than that, tho, a lot of the books I read were kinda mediocre 🙁 Still, a decent reading month overall!! 💕
♣︎ MARCH:
Total books read: 15
Favorite book: The Serpent and the Wings of Night!! ❤
Worst book: Uprooted
Average rating: 3.84 ⭐
DNFs: 1 (An Ember in the Ashes)
BOOKS READ:
• Illuminae- ★★★★☆ 🥰
• Imagine Me- ★★★☆☆.5 😃📚
• Believe Me- ★★★★☆ 😘📚
• Spy x Family Vol. 1- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰📚
• See You Yesterday- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰😘
• The Serpent and the Wings of Night- BEYOND ★★★★★ 🥰😘❤💫🥀
• An Ember in the Ashes- DNF 😒
• Spy x Family Vol. 2- ★★★★☆ 🥰📚
• Monsters Born and Made- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰🥀
• Uprooted- ★★★☆☆ 😒👎
• Throne of Glass- ★★★★☆ 📚📙
• Ash Princess- ★★★☆☆.5 😃
• The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender- ★★★☆☆ 😒
• Spy x Family Vol. 3- ★★★★☆ 🥰📚
• The Kiss of Deception- ★★★☆☆.75 😃
COMMENTS: March was actually a really good month!! 🤩🤩 Although I had a couple of meh reads and 1 DNF, I still read some really great books! The Serpent and the Wings of Night was my absolute fav 😍😍😍 but I also really enjoyed the 3 volumes of Spy x Family I read, my Throne of Glass reread and Monsters Born and Made. A great month overall 💜💜
♧ APRIL:
Total books read: 16
Favorite book: Rule of Wolves / Once Upon a Broken Heart ❤
Worst book: Mother May I
Average rating: 3.97 ⭐
DNFs: None
BOOKS READ:
• Rule of Wolves- BEYOND ★★★★★ 😃🥰😘❤💫🥀
• The Heart of Betrayal- ★★★☆☆.75 😃
• Spy x Family Vol. 4- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰📚
• Lost in the Never Woods- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰
• Once Upon a Broken Heart- ★★★★☆.75 😃🥰😘❤💫🥀
• Spy x Family Vol. 5- ★★★★☆ 🥰😃📚
• Mother May I- ★★★☆☆ 👎🥀
• The Cradle of All Worlds- ★★★☆☆.5 😃🐻🥀
• The Beauty of Darkness- ★★★☆☆.5
• The Cousins- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰
• Demon Slayer Vol. 1- ★★★★☆ 😃
• Kingdom of the Wicked- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰😘
• Kingdom of the Cursed- ★★★★☆ 😘
• Attack on Titan Vol. 1- ★★★☆☆.5 📚
• Clockwork Angel- ★★★★☆.5 😃🥰😘📚🥀
• The Red Palace- ★★★★☆ 🥰😘
COMMENTS: April has actually been my best month so far both in terms of quantity AND quality! 🤩🤩 I read sooo many good books!! My top favorites were Rule of Wolves and Once Upon a Broken Heart, but I also loved the first 2 Kingdom of the Wicked books, Clockwork Angel and the Red Palace! I'm so happy with my April reading 💗💗
♣︎ MAY:
Total books read: 12
Favorite book: Bloodmarked / Clockwork Princess ❤
Worst book: The Atlas Six
Average rating: 4.08 ⭐
DNFs: None
BOOKS READ:
• Bloodmarked- ★★★★☆.5 🥰😘❤🥀
• Clockwork Prince- ★★★★☆.5 🥰😘
• Clockwork Princess- BEYOND ★★★★★ 😭😭🥰😘❤💫
• The Atlas Six- ★★★☆☆ 😒👎
• A Magic Steeped in Poison- ★★★★☆.25 😃🥰🥀
• The Thursday Murder Club- ★★★☆☆.75 😃
• Stalking Jack the Ripper- ★★★★☆ 😃😘
• Wild is the Witch- ★★★★☆ 😃😘
• The Man Who Died Twice- ★★★☆☆.5
• The Inheritance Games- ★★★★☆ 📙🥰🥀
• The Hawthorne Legacy- ★★★★☆.5 📙🥰🥀
• The Final Gambit- ★★★★☆ 📙🥰🥀
COMMENTS: I read a little less in May, but still had an amazing month! So many good books!! 🥰🥰 My favorites of the month were Bloodmarked and Clockwork Princess (I will never recover), but I also really loved Clockwork Prince, A Magic Steeped in Poison and my Inheritance Games reread!! 🤩 Another great reading month 💖💖
♧ JUNE:
Total books read: 16
Favorite book: Daughter of No Worlds ❤
Worst book: A Shiver of Snow and Sky
Average rating: 3.78 ⭐
DNFs: 1 (House of Dragons)
BOOKS READ:
• Little Thieves- ★★★★☆ 😃😘
• House of Dragons- DNF 😒
• The Safest Lies- ★★★☆☆.25 😃
• Kill Joy- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰🎧
• Dreams of Gods & Monsters- ★★★★☆ 🥰🥀
• Havenfall- ★★★☆☆.5 😃🥀
• A Shiver of Snow and Sky- ★★☆☆☆.5 😒👎
• Daughter of No Worlds- ★★★★☆.5 😃🥰😘😭🎧❤
• Spy x Family Vol. 6- ★★★☆☆.5
• Spy x Family Vol. 7- ★★★☆☆.5
• Five Survive- ★★★★☆.25 😃🥰🥀
• Better than the Movies- ★★★★☆.25 🥰😘
• The Gilded Cage- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰🥀
• Daughter of the Pirate King- ★★★☆☆.75 😃
• Daughter of the Siren Queen- ★★★☆☆.75 😃
• My Mechanical Romance- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰😘
COMMENTS: Another great reading month!! 🥰🥰 I feel like I read a variety of books this month and while I had some meh reads (looking at you, A Shiver of Snow and Sky 🙄), I also had some really great ones!! My favorite of the month was Daughter of No Worlds, but I also really enjoyed Five Survive, Better than the Movies and My Mechanical Romance!! 💗💗
♣︎ JULY:
Total books read: 10
Favorite book: The Ballad of Never After!! 😭❤
Worst book: Truly Devious
Average rating: 3.87 ⭐
DNFs: None
BOOKS READ:
• An Enchantment of Ravens- ★★★★☆ 🥰❤
• Truly Devious- ★★★☆☆ 😒👎
• Today Tonight Tomorrow- ★★★★☆ 🥰
• The Do Over- ★★★☆☆.75 😃
• The Ballad of Never After- BEYOND ★★★★★ 😃🥰😘😭😭❤💫
• Legendary- ★★★★☆ 🥰📙
• Kingdom of the Feared- ★★★☆☆ 😒
• The Darkest Minds- ★★★☆☆.5 📚
• The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰
• Belladonna- ★★★★☆.5 😃🥰😘🥀
COMMENTS: A bit of a slower reading month, but a good one nonetheless!! 🤩🤩 My favorite of the month and one of my top reads of the year was DEFINITELY the Ballad of Never After (I WILL NEVER RECOVER 💔), but I also loved Belladonna, the Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches and An Enchantment of Ravens 💜💜
♧ AUGUST:
Total books read: 13
Favorite book: The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King / The Love Hypothesis ❤️
Worst book: Gallant / A Deadly Education
Average rating: 3.84 ⭐️
DNFs: None
BOOKS READ:
• The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King- ★★★★☆.5 🥰😘😭🥀❤️
• Defy the Night- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰
• A Venom Dark and Sweet- ★★★☆☆.5 😒
• Defend the Dawn- ★★★★☆ 🥰
• Gallant- ★★★☆☆ 😒👎
• Our Violent Ends- ★★★★☆.5 😃🥰😘🥀
• A Deadly Education- ★★☆☆☆.75 😒👎
• The Love Hypothesis- ★★★★☆.75 😃🥰😘❤️
• Nothing More to Tell- ★★★☆☆.5
• Spy x Family Vol. 8- ★★★☆☆.5
• The Silent Patient- ★★★☆☆.5 😒
• These Hollow Vows- ★★★☆☆.75
• These Twisted Bonds- ★★★☆☆.75 😃
COMMENTS: This was honestly such an interesting month- there were some books I LOVED but also quite a few mediocre ones 🙈 My favs of the month were the Ashes and the Star-Cursed King and the Love Hypothesis (both SO. GOOD 🤭🤭🫶🫶) and I also loved Our Violent Ends and the Defy the Night series!! 💌✨️
♣︎ SEPTEMBER:
Total books read: 11
Favorite book: Chain of Gold ❤️
Worst book: Emergency Contact
Average rating: 3.8 ⭐️
DNFs: None
BOOKS READ:
• Chain of Gold- ★★★★☆.5 😃🥰📚❤️
• Emergency Contact- ★★★☆☆ 👎🥀
• The Housemaid- ★★★★☆ 🥰
• The Luminaries- ★★★☆☆.5
• Love on the Brain- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰
• Final Girls- ★★★☆☆.5
• Within These Wicked Walls- ★★★☆☆.75 😃
• Chain of Iron- ★★★★☆.25 🥰📚
• Legend- ★★★★☆ 😃
• Vespertine- ★★★☆☆.5
• Demon in the Wood (Graphic Novel)- ★★★★☆
COMMENTS: Honestly? A pretty mediocre month.... 😒 I did read some enjoyable books but there were a lot of meh ones. However, my favs of the month were Chain of Gold, Chain of Iron and Love on the Brain- I really enjoyed all of those 💘💘
♧ OCTOBER:
Total books read: 15
Favorite book: FOURTH WING!! ❤️
Worst book: Threads That Bind / Chain of Thorns
Average rating: 3.88 ⭐️
DNFs: None
BOOKS READ:
• The Stolen Heir- ★★★★☆.25 😃🥰
• Fourth Wing- BEYOND ★★★★★ 😃🥰😘😭🥀💫❤️
• Powerless- ★★★★☆ 🥰😘
• Foul Lady Fortune- ★★★★☆.5 😃🥰😘🥀
• Threads That Bind- ★★★☆☆ 😒👎
• If We Were Villains- ★★★★☆.5 😃🥰😭
• ZA: The Awakening- ★★★☆☆.5 📚
• ZA: Ruthless Fae- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰😘📚
• The Maidens- ★★★☆☆.5
• Vampire Academy- ★★★☆☆.5 😃
• Chain of Thorns- ★★★☆☆ 😒👎📚🎧
• Love Radio- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰
• Vampire Academy: Frostbite- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰📚
• Vampire Academy: Shadow Kiss- ★★★☆☆.5 😭📚
• To Kill a Kingdom- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰😘
COMMENTS: I was really in my fantasy era this month 💅 But I had such a great reading month with a lot of amazing reads!! 💗💗 My fav of the month was Fourth Wing (XadenVi 😭😭❤️❤️), but I also loved Foul Lady Fortune, If We Were Villains, Powerless and the Stolen Heir 🫶🫶
♣︎ NOVEMBER:
Total books read: 10
Favorite book: DIVINE RIVALS 😭😭❤️❤️
Worst book: All Your Twisted Secrets
Average rating: 3.8 ⭐️
DNFs: None
BOOKS READ:
• Blood Promise- ★★★☆☆.5
• Spirit Bound- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰
• Last Sacrifice- ★★★★☆ 🥰
• Six Crimson Cranes- ★★★★☆ 🥰
• Assistant to the Villain- ★★★★☆.25 😃🥰😘🎧
• All Your Twisted Secrets- ★★☆☆☆.5 😒👎
• The Guest List- ★★★☆☆.5 😃
• The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰😘
• Bloodlines- ★★★☆☆.5 😃
• Divine Rivals- BEYOND ★★★★★ 😃🥰😘😭🥀❤️💫
COMMENTS: Honestly a really great reading month!! I read some super fun books 🫶🫶 Divine Rivals was my fav of the month- IRIS AND ROMAN 🥹🥹💗💗 I also enjoyed Assistant to the Villain, the Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels and the last few Vampire Academy books 💌
♧ DECEMBER:
Total books read: 13
Favorite book: A CURSE FOR TRUE LOVE 😭😭❤️❤️ / Love Hypothesis reread
Worst book: The Brothers Hawthorne
Average rating: 3.96 ⭐️
DNFs: None
BOOKS READ:
• Betting on You- ★★★☆☆.75 🥰🎧
• Dance of Thieves- ★★★★☆ 🥰😘🥀
• The Golden Lily- ★★★☆.75 😃🥰
• Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰
• Lovelight Farms- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰😘🎧❤️
• If You Could See The Sun- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰😘❤️
• The Shadows Between Us- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰😘
• The Indigo Spell- ★★★☆☆.5
• Last Violent Call- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰😘🥀
• A Curse for True Love- BEYOND ★★★★★ 😃🥰😘😭🥀❤️💫
• The Brothers Hawthorne- ★★☆☆☆.5 😒👎
• The Love Hypothesis- BEYOND ★★★★★ 📙🥰😘❤️💫
• Serpent & Dove- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰😘
COMMENTS: Such an amazing way to end off the year!! 🥹🥹 I finally finished the ouabh trilogy (MY ROMAN EMPIRE) and also reread the Love Hypothesis, which were my favs of the month 💘💘 but I also really enjoyed Lovelight Farms, If You Could See The Sun, Last Violent, Serpent & Dove and the Shadows Between Us! 💌
°•~°◇ YEARLY STATS ◇°~•°
Total books read: 157 ✨️
Total no. of DNFs: 3
Average rating: 3.85 ⭐️
Longest book read: Chain of Thorns (778 pages)
Shortest book read: Fracture Me (72 pages)
• TOP TEN BOOKS/SERIES OF THE YEAR:
♡ Ouabh trilogy
♡ Divine Rivals
♡ Empyrean series
♡ Love Hypothesis
♡ Secret Shanghai series
♡ Shatter Me series
♡ Nightborn Duet
♡ Queen of Nothing
♡ Infernal Devices
♡ Daughter of No Worlds
And with that the 2023 season comes to an end ✨️
I honestly feel like I had an amazing reading year & found so many new favs 🥹🥹 I hope everyone else also had a great year and good luck for 2024!! 🫂🫂💗💗
● Books read: 157!! 🎉🎉
I honestly can't believe it's 2023 already!! It feels like time has gone so fast 😳😳
Anyway, here are a couple of general goals I have for the year and what I would like to read! 🥰🥰
~ Reading goals for 2023:
➳ Read 110 books! (hopefully) ✅️ 🎉
➳ Read a little bit more out of my comfort zone ✅️ - I feel like I read a few more books out of my usual genre 🫶🫶
➳ Get more into romance!! ✅️ - I'm still very much a fantasy girlie, but I'm slowly getting into romance 🤭🤭
➳ DNF more ❌️ - still need to work on this 🫤
➳ Reread Six of Crows! ❌️ - I still definitely need to do this!!
➳ Read some unpopular books, as well as popular ones ✅️
~ Books/series I want to read:
➳ Once Upon a Broken Heart ✅
➳ Bloodmarked ✅
➳ Clockwork Angel ✅
➳ The Queen of Nothing ✅
➳ The Serpent and the Wings of Night ✅
➳ King of Scars Duology (2/2) ✅
➳ Shatter Me series (6/6) ✅ 🎉
➳ Our Violent Ends ✅️
➳ Foul Lady Fortune ✅️
➳ You've Reached Sam ✅
~ Books I want to reread:
➳ Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom! (0/2)
➳ Throne of Glass ✅
➳ Inheritance Games series? (3/3) ✅
~ Authors I want to try:
♧ Carissa Broadbent ✅ (The Serpent and the Wings of Night)
♧ Adalyn Grace ✅️ (Belladonna)
♧ Lynette Noni ✅ (The Prison Healer)
♧ Cassandra Clare ✅ (Clockwork Angel)
♧ Dustin Thao ✅ (You've Reached Sam)
♧ Olivie Blake ✅ (The Atlas Six)
♧ V.E. Schwab ✅ (A Darker Shade Of Magic)
◇ Note: rereads don't count towards the best book of the month or the Top 10 books of the year ◇
｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆
Key:
❤ - monthly favorite
💫 - new all time favorite
🥰 - loved it
👎 - worst book of the month
😭 - cried/extremely sad
😒 - disappointing
😃 - better than expected
😘 - amazing romance
🐻 - middle grade
📚 - long series
📙 - reread
🥀 - off physical tbr
🎧 - audiobook
｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆
♣︎ JANUARY:
Total books read: 13
Favorite book: A Darker Shade Of Magic / The Queen of Nothing / You've Reached Sam ❤
Worst book: The Amateurs
Average rating: 3.93 ⭐
DNFs: 1 (Witches Steeped in Gold)
BOOKS READ:
• A Darker Shade Of Magic- ★★★★☆.5 😃🥰❤
• Witches Steeped in Gold- DNF 😒
• Percy Jackson and the Titan's Curse- ★★★★☆ 📚📙🐻🥀
• The Queen of Nothing- BEYOND ★★★★★ 😃❤💫🥰😘🥀
• Dread Nation- ★★★☆☆.5 😃
• King of Scars- ★★★★☆.25 😃🥰😘🥀
• Twin Crowns- ★★★☆☆.5 😃
• The Amateurs- ★★★☆☆ 😒👎
• Daughter of Smoke and Bone- ★★★★☆ 🥰
• Hero at the Fall- ★★★☆☆.5 😒
• Days of Blood and Starlight- ★★★★☆ 🥰
• Anatomy: A Love Story- ★★★☆☆.5
• You've Reached Sam- ★★★★☆.5 😭😃🥰😘❤🥀
COMMENTS: A great reading month and an amazing way to start the year!! So many good books! I finally finished the Folk of the Air trilogy (and loved it!) and read tons of other amazing books, like You've Reached Sam, King of Scars, A Darker Shade Of Magic and the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series!! Very happy with my reading this month ❤
♧ FEBRUARY:
Total books read: 13
Favorite book: Ignite Me ❤
Worst book: There’s Someone Inside Your House
Average rating: 3.51⭐
DNFs: None
BOOKS READ:
• Strange the Dreamer- ★★★☆☆.75
• To All The Boys I've Loved Before- ★★★☆☆.5 😃
• P.S. I Still Love You- ★★★☆☆
• The Prison Healer- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰🥀
• There's Someone Inside Your House- ★★☆☆☆ 😒👎
• Last Chance Books- ★★★☆☆.5 😃🥀
• Unravel Me- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰😘📚
• Ignite Me- BEYOND ★★★★★ 🥰😘❤📚💫
• Restore Me- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰📚
• Defy Me- ★★★★☆ 😃😘📚
• Destroy Me- ★★★☆☆.5 📚
• Fracture Me- ★★☆☆☆.5 📚
• Cinder- ★★★☆☆ 😒
COMMENTS: February was definitely ✨ the month of Shatter Me ✨ and I had such a good time reading that series!! I literally loved the third one, Ignite Me, sm and it was definitely the highlight of the month. Other than that, tho, a lot of the books I read were kinda mediocre 🙁 Still, a decent reading month overall!! 💕
♣︎ MARCH:
Total books read: 15
Favorite book: The Serpent and the Wings of Night!! ❤
Worst book: Uprooted
Average rating: 3.84 ⭐
DNFs: 1 (An Ember in the Ashes)
BOOKS READ:
• Illuminae- ★★★★☆ 🥰
• Imagine Me- ★★★☆☆.5 😃📚
• Believe Me- ★★★★☆ 😘📚
• Spy x Family Vol. 1- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰📚
• See You Yesterday- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰😘
• The Serpent and the Wings of Night- BEYOND ★★★★★ 🥰😘❤💫🥀
• An Ember in the Ashes- DNF 😒
• Spy x Family Vol. 2- ★★★★☆ 🥰📚
• Monsters Born and Made- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰🥀
• Uprooted- ★★★☆☆ 😒👎
• Throne of Glass- ★★★★☆ 📚📙
• Ash Princess- ★★★☆☆.5 😃
• The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender- ★★★☆☆ 😒
• Spy x Family Vol. 3- ★★★★☆ 🥰📚
• The Kiss of Deception- ★★★☆☆.75 😃
COMMENTS: March was actually a really good month!! 🤩🤩 Although I had a couple of meh reads and 1 DNF, I still read some really great books! The Serpent and the Wings of Night was my absolute fav 😍😍😍 but I also really enjoyed the 3 volumes of Spy x Family I read, my Throne of Glass reread and Monsters Born and Made. A great month overall 💜💜
♧ APRIL:
Total books read: 16
Favorite book: Rule of Wolves / Once Upon a Broken Heart ❤
Worst book: Mother May I
Average rating: 3.97 ⭐
DNFs: None
BOOKS READ:
• Rule of Wolves- BEYOND ★★★★★ 😃🥰😘❤💫🥀
• The Heart of Betrayal- ★★★☆☆.75 😃
• Spy x Family Vol. 4- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰📚
• Lost in the Never Woods- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰
• Once Upon a Broken Heart- ★★★★☆.75 😃🥰😘❤💫🥀
• Spy x Family Vol. 5- ★★★★☆ 🥰😃📚
• Mother May I- ★★★☆☆ 👎🥀
• The Cradle of All Worlds- ★★★☆☆.5 😃🐻🥀
• The Beauty of Darkness- ★★★☆☆.5
• The Cousins- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰
• Demon Slayer Vol. 1- ★★★★☆ 😃
• Kingdom of the Wicked- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰😘
• Kingdom of the Cursed- ★★★★☆ 😘
• Attack on Titan Vol. 1- ★★★☆☆.5 📚
• Clockwork Angel- ★★★★☆.5 😃🥰😘📚🥀
• The Red Palace- ★★★★☆ 🥰😘
COMMENTS: April has actually been my best month so far both in terms of quantity AND quality! 🤩🤩 I read sooo many good books!! My top favorites were Rule of Wolves and Once Upon a Broken Heart, but I also loved the first 2 Kingdom of the Wicked books, Clockwork Angel and the Red Palace! I'm so happy with my April reading 💗💗
♣︎ MAY:
Total books read: 12
Favorite book: Bloodmarked / Clockwork Princess ❤
Worst book: The Atlas Six
Average rating: 4.08 ⭐
DNFs: None
BOOKS READ:
• Bloodmarked- ★★★★☆.5 🥰😘❤🥀
• Clockwork Prince- ★★★★☆.5 🥰😘
• Clockwork Princess- BEYOND ★★★★★ 😭😭🥰😘❤💫
• The Atlas Six- ★★★☆☆ 😒👎
• A Magic Steeped in Poison- ★★★★☆.25 😃🥰🥀
• The Thursday Murder Club- ★★★☆☆.75 😃
• Stalking Jack the Ripper- ★★★★☆ 😃😘
• Wild is the Witch- ★★★★☆ 😃😘
• The Man Who Died Twice- ★★★☆☆.5
• The Inheritance Games- ★★★★☆ 📙🥰🥀
• The Hawthorne Legacy- ★★★★☆.5 📙🥰🥀
• The Final Gambit- ★★★★☆ 📙🥰🥀
COMMENTS: I read a little less in May, but still had an amazing month! So many good books!! 🥰🥰 My favorites of the month were Bloodmarked and Clockwork Princess (I will never recover), but I also really loved Clockwork Prince, A Magic Steeped in Poison and my Inheritance Games reread!! 🤩 Another great reading month 💖💖
♧ JUNE:
Total books read: 16
Favorite book: Daughter of No Worlds ❤
Worst book: A Shiver of Snow and Sky
Average rating: 3.78 ⭐
DNFs: 1 (House of Dragons)
BOOKS READ:
• Little Thieves- ★★★★☆ 😃😘
• House of Dragons- DNF 😒
• The Safest Lies- ★★★☆☆.25 😃
• Kill Joy- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰🎧
• Dreams of Gods & Monsters- ★★★★☆ 🥰🥀
• Havenfall- ★★★☆☆.5 😃🥀
• A Shiver of Snow and Sky- ★★☆☆☆.5 😒👎
• Daughter of No Worlds- ★★★★☆.5 😃🥰😘😭🎧❤
• Spy x Family Vol. 6- ★★★☆☆.5
• Spy x Family Vol. 7- ★★★☆☆.5
• Five Survive- ★★★★☆.25 😃🥰🥀
• Better than the Movies- ★★★★☆.25 🥰😘
• The Gilded Cage- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰🥀
• Daughter of the Pirate King- ★★★☆☆.75 😃
• Daughter of the Siren Queen- ★★★☆☆.75 😃
• My Mechanical Romance- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰😘
COMMENTS: Another great reading month!! 🥰🥰 I feel like I read a variety of books this month and while I had some meh reads (looking at you, A Shiver of Snow and Sky 🙄), I also had some really great ones!! My favorite of the month was Daughter of No Worlds, but I also really enjoyed Five Survive, Better than the Movies and My Mechanical Romance!! 💗💗
♣︎ JULY:
Total books read: 10
Favorite book: The Ballad of Never After!! 😭❤
Worst book: Truly Devious
Average rating: 3.87 ⭐
DNFs: None
BOOKS READ:
• An Enchantment of Ravens- ★★★★☆ 🥰❤
• Truly Devious- ★★★☆☆ 😒👎
• Today Tonight Tomorrow- ★★★★☆ 🥰
• The Do Over- ★★★☆☆.75 😃
• The Ballad of Never After- BEYOND ★★★★★ 😃🥰😘😭😭❤💫
• Legendary- ★★★★☆ 🥰📙
• Kingdom of the Feared- ★★★☆☆ 😒
• The Darkest Minds- ★★★☆☆.5 📚
• The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰
• Belladonna- ★★★★☆.5 😃🥰😘🥀
COMMENTS: A bit of a slower reading month, but a good one nonetheless!! 🤩🤩 My favorite of the month and one of my top reads of the year was DEFINITELY the Ballad of Never After (I WILL NEVER RECOVER 💔), but I also loved Belladonna, the Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches and An Enchantment of Ravens 💜💜
♧ AUGUST:
Total books read: 13
Favorite book: The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King / The Love Hypothesis ❤️
Worst book: Gallant / A Deadly Education
Average rating: 3.84 ⭐️
DNFs: None
BOOKS READ:
• The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King- ★★★★☆.5 🥰😘😭🥀❤️
• Defy the Night- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰
• A Venom Dark and Sweet- ★★★☆☆.5 😒
• Defend the Dawn- ★★★★☆ 🥰
• Gallant- ★★★☆☆ 😒👎
• Our Violent Ends- ★★★★☆.5 😃🥰😘🥀
• A Deadly Education- ★★☆☆☆.75 😒👎
• The Love Hypothesis- ★★★★☆.75 😃🥰😘❤️
• Nothing More to Tell- ★★★☆☆.5
• Spy x Family Vol. 8- ★★★☆☆.5
• The Silent Patient- ★★★☆☆.5 😒
• These Hollow Vows- ★★★☆☆.75
• These Twisted Bonds- ★★★☆☆.75 😃
COMMENTS: This was honestly such an interesting month- there were some books I LOVED but also quite a few mediocre ones 🙈 My favs of the month were the Ashes and the Star-Cursed King and the Love Hypothesis (both SO. GOOD 🤭🤭🫶🫶) and I also loved Our Violent Ends and the Defy the Night series!! 💌✨️
♣︎ SEPTEMBER:
Total books read: 11
Favorite book: Chain of Gold ❤️
Worst book: Emergency Contact
Average rating: 3.8 ⭐️
DNFs: None
BOOKS READ:
• Chain of Gold- ★★★★☆.5 😃🥰📚❤️
• Emergency Contact- ★★★☆☆ 👎🥀
• The Housemaid- ★★★★☆ 🥰
• The Luminaries- ★★★☆☆.5
• Love on the Brain- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰
• Final Girls- ★★★☆☆.5
• Within These Wicked Walls- ★★★☆☆.75 😃
• Chain of Iron- ★★★★☆.25 🥰📚
• Legend- ★★★★☆ 😃
• Vespertine- ★★★☆☆.5
• Demon in the Wood (Graphic Novel)- ★★★★☆
COMMENTS: Honestly? A pretty mediocre month.... 😒 I did read some enjoyable books but there were a lot of meh ones. However, my favs of the month were Chain of Gold, Chain of Iron and Love on the Brain- I really enjoyed all of those 💘💘
♧ OCTOBER:
Total books read: 15
Favorite book: FOURTH WING!! ❤️
Worst book: Threads That Bind / Chain of Thorns
Average rating: 3.88 ⭐️
DNFs: None
BOOKS READ:
• The Stolen Heir- ★★★★☆.25 😃🥰
• Fourth Wing- BEYOND ★★★★★ 😃🥰😘😭🥀💫❤️
• Powerless- ★★★★☆ 🥰😘
• Foul Lady Fortune- ★★★★☆.5 😃🥰😘🥀
• Threads That Bind- ★★★☆☆ 😒👎
• If We Were Villains- ★★★★☆.5 😃🥰😭
• ZA: The Awakening- ★★★☆☆.5 📚
• ZA: Ruthless Fae- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰😘📚
• The Maidens- ★★★☆☆.5
• Vampire Academy- ★★★☆☆.5 😃
• Chain of Thorns- ★★★☆☆ 😒👎📚🎧
• Love Radio- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰
• Vampire Academy: Frostbite- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰📚
• Vampire Academy: Shadow Kiss- ★★★☆☆.5 😭📚
• To Kill a Kingdom- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰😘
COMMENTS: I was really in my fantasy era this month 💅 But I had such a great reading month with a lot of amazing reads!! 💗💗 My fav of the month was Fourth Wing (XadenVi 😭😭❤️❤️), but I also loved Foul Lady Fortune, If We Were Villains, Powerless and the Stolen Heir 🫶🫶
♣︎ NOVEMBER:
Total books read: 10
Favorite book: DIVINE RIVALS 😭😭❤️❤️
Worst book: All Your Twisted Secrets
Average rating: 3.8 ⭐️
DNFs: None
BOOKS READ:
• Blood Promise- ★★★☆☆.5
• Spirit Bound- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰
• Last Sacrifice- ★★★★☆ 🥰
• Six Crimson Cranes- ★★★★☆ 🥰
• Assistant to the Villain- ★★★★☆.25 😃🥰😘🎧
• All Your Twisted Secrets- ★★☆☆☆.5 😒👎
• The Guest List- ★★★☆☆.5 😃
• The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰😘
• Bloodlines- ★★★☆☆.5 😃
• Divine Rivals- BEYOND ★★★★★ 😃🥰😘😭🥀❤️💫
COMMENTS: Honestly a really great reading month!! I read some super fun books 🫶🫶 Divine Rivals was my fav of the month- IRIS AND ROMAN 🥹🥹💗💗 I also enjoyed Assistant to the Villain, the Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels and the last few Vampire Academy books 💌
♧ DECEMBER:
Total books read: 13
Favorite book: A CURSE FOR TRUE LOVE 😭😭❤️❤️ / Love Hypothesis reread
Worst book: The Brothers Hawthorne
Average rating: 3.96 ⭐️
DNFs: None
BOOKS READ:
• Betting on You- ★★★☆☆.75 🥰🎧
• Dance of Thieves- ★★★★☆ 🥰😘🥀
• The Golden Lily- ★★★☆.75 😃🥰
• Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰
• Lovelight Farms- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰😘🎧❤️
• If You Could See The Sun- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰😘❤️
• The Shadows Between Us- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰😘
• The Indigo Spell- ★★★☆☆.5
• Last Violent Call- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰😘🥀
• A Curse for True Love- BEYOND ★★★★★ 😃🥰😘😭🥀❤️💫
• The Brothers Hawthorne- ★★☆☆☆.5 😒👎
• The Love Hypothesis- BEYOND ★★★★★ 📙🥰😘❤️💫
• Serpent & Dove- ★★★★☆ 😃🥰😘
COMMENTS: Such an amazing way to end off the year!! 🥹🥹 I finally finished the ouabh trilogy (MY ROMAN EMPIRE) and also reread the Love Hypothesis, which were my favs of the month 💘💘 but I also really enjoyed Lovelight Farms, If You Could See The Sun, Last Violent, Serpent & Dove and the Shadows Between Us! 💌
°•~°◇ YEARLY STATS ◇°~•°
Total books read: 157 ✨️
Total no. of DNFs: 3
Average rating: 3.85 ⭐️
Longest book read: Chain of Thorns (778 pages)
Shortest book read: Fracture Me (72 pages)
• TOP TEN BOOKS/SERIES OF THE YEAR:
♡ Ouabh trilogy
♡ Divine Rivals
♡ Empyrean series
♡ Love Hypothesis
♡ Secret Shanghai series
♡ Shatter Me series
♡ Nightborn Duet
♡ Queen of Nothing
♡ Infernal Devices
♡ Daughter of No Worlds
And with that the 2023 season comes to an end ✨️
I honestly feel like I had an amazing reading year & found so many new favs 🥹🥹 I hope everyone else also had a great year and good luck for 2024!! 🫂🫂💗💗
January 2, 2024
2023 WRAP UP
Honestly, this year pretty much sucked on so many levels.
The whole year felt like one big book slump and I find myself pressed to remember if I even had one single true five-star read (I know I had several 4.5-star reads which I technically "rated" as five. But still...not truly five).
Goodreads says my overall rating for the year is 3.5, but that sounds high to me. My rounding up of stars obviously played into that.
I also had a couple long-term GR friends unfriend me this year without explanation. Which is their prerogative and I'm not here to whine about it; however, I will say that it's very discouraging as I was perhaps my most tame and least active self this year. So, whatever I did this time to turn people off is a mystery. And I hate unsolved mysteries.
But I digress.
As far as my reading goals for the year...I can't say that I read that many "good books."
And I barely made my goodreads goal for the year. Which is a first.
But here are the books I rated the highest/enjoyed the most in 2023:
Hey, I found one! Pretty sure this was my only true five star.
MY REVIEW
Completely biased five star smut series read.
MY REVIEW
4.5 Stars
MY REVIEW
4 Stars
MY REVIEW
And of course, Saga volumes three though nine. The last of which broke my heart. And weenie that I am, I doubt I will be continuing.
As far as my zero physical TBR project...I started the year with 195...and am finishing with 142 thanks to a ninth inning Book Outlet spree. Otherwise it would have been 136.
Oh well. I shall continue my quest in 2024.
I already know 2024 is going to be a much better year. I can feel it.
But enough from me. Hoping everyone else had a great 2023 and Happy New Year!
My "year in review" for those interested: https://www.goodreads.com/user/year_i...
READING GOALS FOR 2023
Read some books.
Hopefully some good books.
Have zero goals about reading said books.
The end.
Yep, exactly like last year for those who thought this sounded familiar. I am also continuing my quest toward a zero physical tbr, which I started last year.
At this point, I have a physical tbr of 195 books. It used to be 243 at the beginning of 2022.
Now...repeated disclaimer/explanation from 2022...I recognize how privileged this is and how lucky I am. And I'm not complaining; however, this amount of unread books is is not what I want my physical shelves to be. I want only books I have read and loved or am truly excited about. Not books I bought ten years ago when I still liked YA romance and YA fantasy.
That said, my main goal AGAIN for this year is to cut this number down significantly, ideally to around 100. Whether that is through reading books, gifting books, or donating books, I don't care…
I just want to be able to look at my shelves and see books I love or am excited about...not books that make me feel guilty.
So there you have it.
Here's hoping we all reach our reading goals this year...and if not, no worries. Reading even one decent book is a win, right?
Starting Point: 195 physical tbr books
January:
To be blunt, I've had a very inauspicious start to my 2023 reading year. I've been under some acute real life stress over the last 8-10 weeks and that has definitely been reflected via massive reading slump. Regardless, this too shall pass and I'm not worried about it. Slumps always end. Eventually. That said, my tbr status for this month still stands at 195. There has literally been ZERO movement. Oh well! There's always February lol.
February
Mild progress. Now at 189.
March:
Down to 173...because I did the first ruthless purge of some fantasy YA I finally accepted I have ZERO interest in. Cheers to that.
April:
Despite some further YA un-hauls this month, I also picked up two cover love books using a B&N gift card I had sitting around, several more books on a buzzed post-dinner bookshop stroll with a friend, and my monthly BOTM read...so only down one to 172 this month. But hey, at least it wasn't an increase lol
May:
I basically broke even this month and am at..172. Still lol.
June:
Five YA declutters + two BOTM - one read = 168
July:
We are getting new flooring put in mid-August, which means I have to pack up alllllll my books for temporary storage. This has been prompting some “we are moving” style decluttering as the install date approaches. So between reading a couple books plus some more ruthless purges of books I realistically know I have no desire to read anymore, I’m finishing this month at 149. Which is the first time I’ve been below 150 in years. So officially close to a hundred down since I first began my declutter mission. Hoping to get close to 100 by the end of the year.
Bonus Mid-August Update:
In packing up my books for the carpet install (which is tomorrow at the time of this segment), I was able to declutter some more...which, including some BOTM additions and some books I somehow never added to my actual tbr list (so bummed those didn't count), I am now officially down to 140. Pretty happy about that. I was also able to unhaul a lot of books I had previously read but didn't love. I asked myself, "would I want to move these cross-country instead of just the living room" and I was able to purge over 50ish books not on my tbr. So I consider this a huge win. Especially since we are re-configuring our house overall and the ideal placement of everything requires one less bookcase. I know no one actually reads these these updates, but it keeps me accountable. So thank you strangers. I don't expect any of of you to give a shit (and rightly so!). But here we are.
August: 138
September: No progress whatsoever + Book of the Month selection = 139
October/November: Read the books that came in. Still at 139
Honestly, this year pretty much sucked on so many levels.
The whole year felt like one big book slump and I find myself pressed to remember if I even had one single true five-star read (I know I had several 4.5-star reads which I technically "rated" as five. But still...not truly five).
Goodreads says my overall rating for the year is 3.5, but that sounds high to me. My rounding up of stars obviously played into that.
I also had a couple long-term GR friends unfriend me this year without explanation. Which is their prerogative and I'm not here to whine about it; however, I will say that it's very discouraging as I was perhaps my most tame and least active self this year. So, whatever I did this time to turn people off is a mystery. And I hate unsolved mysteries.
But I digress.
As far as my reading goals for the year...I can't say that I read that many "good books."
And I barely made my goodreads goal for the year. Which is a first.
But here are the books I rated the highest/enjoyed the most in 2023:
Hey, I found one! Pretty sure this was my only true five star.
MY REVIEW
Completely biased five star smut series read.
MY REVIEW
4.5 Stars
MY REVIEW
4 Stars
MY REVIEW
And of course, Saga volumes three though nine. The last of which broke my heart. And weenie that I am, I doubt I will be continuing.
As far as my zero physical TBR project...I started the year with 195...and am finishing with 142 thanks to a ninth inning Book Outlet spree. Otherwise it would have been 136.
Oh well. I shall continue my quest in 2024.
I already know 2024 is going to be a much better year. I can feel it.
But enough from me. Hoping everyone else had a great 2023 and Happy New Year!
My "year in review" for those interested: https://www.goodreads.com/user/year_i...
READING GOALS FOR 2023
Read some books.
Hopefully some good books.
Have zero goals about reading said books.
The end.
Yep, exactly like last year for those who thought this sounded familiar. I am also continuing my quest toward a zero physical tbr, which I started last year.
At this point, I have a physical tbr of 195 books. It used to be 243 at the beginning of 2022.
Now...repeated disclaimer/explanation from 2022...I recognize how privileged this is and how lucky I am. And I'm not complaining; however, this amount of unread books is is not what I want my physical shelves to be. I want only books I have read and loved or am truly excited about. Not books I bought ten years ago when I still liked YA romance and YA fantasy.
That said, my main goal AGAIN for this year is to cut this number down significantly, ideally to around 100. Whether that is through reading books, gifting books, or donating books, I don't care…
I just want to be able to look at my shelves and see books I love or am excited about...not books that make me feel guilty.
So there you have it.
Here's hoping we all reach our reading goals this year...and if not, no worries. Reading even one decent book is a win, right?
Starting Point: 195 physical tbr books
January:
To be blunt, I've had a very inauspicious start to my 2023 reading year. I've been under some acute real life stress over the last 8-10 weeks and that has definitely been reflected via massive reading slump. Regardless, this too shall pass and I'm not worried about it. Slumps always end. Eventually. That said, my tbr status for this month still stands at 195. There has literally been ZERO movement. Oh well! There's always February lol.
February
Mild progress. Now at 189.
March:
Down to 173...because I did the first ruthless purge of some fantasy YA I finally accepted I have ZERO interest in. Cheers to that.
April:
Despite some further YA un-hauls this month, I also picked up two cover love books using a B&N gift card I had sitting around, several more books on a buzzed post-dinner bookshop stroll with a friend, and my monthly BOTM read...so only down one to 172 this month. But hey, at least it wasn't an increase lol
May:
I basically broke even this month and am at..172. Still lol.
June:
Five YA declutters + two BOTM - one read = 168
July:
We are getting new flooring put in mid-August, which means I have to pack up alllllll my books for temporary storage. This has been prompting some “we are moving” style decluttering as the install date approaches. So between reading a couple books plus some more ruthless purges of books I realistically know I have no desire to read anymore, I’m finishing this month at 149. Which is the first time I’ve been below 150 in years. So officially close to a hundred down since I first began my declutter mission. Hoping to get close to 100 by the end of the year.
Bonus Mid-August Update:
In packing up my books for the carpet install (which is tomorrow at the time of this segment), I was able to declutter some more...which, including some BOTM additions and some books I somehow never added to my actual tbr list (so bummed those didn't count), I am now officially down to 140. Pretty happy about that. I was also able to unhaul a lot of books I had previously read but didn't love. I asked myself, "would I want to move these cross-country instead of just the living room" and I was able to purge over 50ish books not on my tbr. So I consider this a huge win. Especially since we are re-configuring our house overall and the ideal placement of everything requires one less bookcase. I know no one actually reads these these updates, but it keeps me accountable. So thank you strangers. I don't expect any of of you to give a shit (and rightly so!). But here we are.
August: 138
September: No progress whatsoever + Book of the Month selection = 139
October/November: Read the books that came in. Still at 139
January 1, 2024
Happy New Year! I hope the year ahead is filled with happiness, fun times, and plenty more great reads for you all.
2023 was a challenging year, though scattered with bright moments throughout. I set myself the goal to read 34 books. I smashed this goal, and finished with 46 – the most I’ve ever read in a year!
2023 was also the year I discovered the power of the Goodreads community. In difficult times, I came to rely on this place and its ability to uplift and support others. I appreciate you all so much. I always enjoy your reviews and seeing the books you read. In the ups and downs of life, Goodreads has remained a constant positive. Thank you.
In a year filled with many great books, it’s impossible to choose a favourite. However, these (in no specific order) were some of the standouts.
Fiction:
One of my goals this year was to read more fiction. I discovered and enjoyed many great Australian authors. I’m forever amazed at the quality of storytelling coming out of this country.
Reinforcing this was the anthology, Into Your Arms: Nick Cave's Songs Reimagined, edited by Kirsten Krauth. It featured a stellar lineup of Australian authors who selected a Nick Cave song, then produced a story inspired by it. One of these authors, Ben Hobson, also released a novel I enjoyed: The Death of John Lacey, an Aussie western set in the goldfields of Ballarat.
Crime fiction continues to be popular. It was great being transported to Vanuatu in Murder in the Pacific: Ifira Point by Matt Francis, while Wild Card by Simon Rowell introduced me to the lovable crime fighting duo of Detective Zoe Mayer and service dog, Harry. Both titles have sequels to look forward to in 2024!
My home state of Tasmania featured too. The Unearthed by Lenny Bartulin stayed with me - haunting and atmospheric, much like our landscape. Mole Creek by James Dunbar was a wild ride that kept me guessing, proving espionage can be found in the unlikeliest of places.
It always feels good to discover a new favourite author. Tim Winton's Breath will go down as one of my best reads; a worthy winner of the Miles Franklin. My dear Goodreads friend, Tracy, introduced me to the incredible Fredrik Backman too. Beartown and Us Against You were highlights – I’m excited to finish the trilogy in 2024. And speaking of great series, I fell in love with the residents of Cooper’s Chase in The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. Another series I look forward to continuing in the year ahead.
I hope to delve into the classics and read more fiction in 2024!
Non-Fiction:
When You're Ready, This Is How You Heal by Brianna Wiest was the perfect start to the year. Brianna felt like the best champion you’ve ever had; the hand to reach down, lift you off the canvas.
Laughter is wonderful medicine too. I enjoyed humour combining with Australian history and culture in The Lucky Country: Amazing Australian Tales of Pure Dumb Luck by Eamon Evans and 100 Weirdest Tales from Across Australia by Ben Pobjie. Speaking of ‘weird’: The Haunting of Borley Rectory: The Story of a Ghost Story by Sean O'Connor provided an in-depth, creepy look at the ‘most haunted house in England.’
Ghosts aren’t as scary as the living though. Unmasked: My Life Solving America's Cold Cases by Paul Holes explored the evil that humans are capable of, while Vanished: True Stories from Families of Australian Missing Persons by Nicole Morris highlighted the stories of those who have gone missing in Australia. Nicole is a wonderful advocate for these people and their families!
War and military history featured prominently. Equal parts inspiring and harrowing were All the Broken Soldiers: Private Kennedy's War by Jan McLeod and Sisters in Captivity by Colin Burgess. Focusing on those selflessly caring for others in extreme conditions, they were a refreshing change of perspective. Saving Lieutenant Kennedy: The Heroic Story of the Australian Who Helped Rescue JFK by Brett Mason explored the relationship between the USA and Australia through a pivotal event in WWII.
Another pivotal WWII event, this time from Czechoslovakia, blew me away. Courage and sacrifice filled every page in Assassination of the Butcher of Prague: Reinhard Heydrich Hitler's Protégé by David W. Cameron. Closer to home, Mackie and Jack by Jan William Smith and Missing: War, Sacrifice and the Search for Justice by Ian W. Shaw gave a much-needed voice to the sacrifices of our own and those left behind. WWI also featured in my reading, with memorable The Chipilly Six: Unsung Heroes of the Great War by Lucas Jordan depicting the heroic actions of a bunch of Aussie larrikins.
After heavy reads, a light-hearted change of pace was provided by Rambling Man: My Life on the Road by Billy Connolly. And Irish culture combined with time travel in The Aran Islands by J.M. Synge – published in 1907, it was the oldest book I read this year.
Vinyl Dreams: How the 1970s Changed Music by Tony Wellington was a fun soundtrack to my year; a great reason to delve into my records. My passion for music also saw me enjoy the memoir of Australian Crawl drummer, Bill McDonough with Sons of Beaches. Other standout memoirs included The Girl Who Fell From the Sky by Emma Carey, Nicky Winmar: My Story by Nicky Winmar, and Goodreads Choice Award winner, Being Henry: The Fonz . . . and Beyond by Henry Winkler.
A huge thank you to everyone who interacted with me on Goodreads this year. You made it a memorable one and ensured Goodreads remains a great place – a big reason I enjoy reading so much!
Special thanks to Affirm Press, Allen & Unwin, Big Sky Publishing, Echo Publishing, Fremantle Press, Monash University Publishing, NewSouth Publishing, Pan Macmillan, Simon and Schuster and Ultimo Press.
Thank you also to the various authors who reached out or befriended me.
Here’s to 2024 being an amazing year filled with more great reading!
2023 was a challenging year, though scattered with bright moments throughout. I set myself the goal to read 34 books. I smashed this goal, and finished with 46 – the most I’ve ever read in a year!
2023 was also the year I discovered the power of the Goodreads community. In difficult times, I came to rely on this place and its ability to uplift and support others. I appreciate you all so much. I always enjoy your reviews and seeing the books you read. In the ups and downs of life, Goodreads has remained a constant positive. Thank you.
In a year filled with many great books, it’s impossible to choose a favourite. However, these (in no specific order) were some of the standouts.
Fiction:
One of my goals this year was to read more fiction. I discovered and enjoyed many great Australian authors. I’m forever amazed at the quality of storytelling coming out of this country.
Reinforcing this was the anthology, Into Your Arms: Nick Cave's Songs Reimagined, edited by Kirsten Krauth. It featured a stellar lineup of Australian authors who selected a Nick Cave song, then produced a story inspired by it. One of these authors, Ben Hobson, also released a novel I enjoyed: The Death of John Lacey, an Aussie western set in the goldfields of Ballarat.
Crime fiction continues to be popular. It was great being transported to Vanuatu in Murder in the Pacific: Ifira Point by Matt Francis, while Wild Card by Simon Rowell introduced me to the lovable crime fighting duo of Detective Zoe Mayer and service dog, Harry. Both titles have sequels to look forward to in 2024!
My home state of Tasmania featured too. The Unearthed by Lenny Bartulin stayed with me - haunting and atmospheric, much like our landscape. Mole Creek by James Dunbar was a wild ride that kept me guessing, proving espionage can be found in the unlikeliest of places.
It always feels good to discover a new favourite author. Tim Winton's Breath will go down as one of my best reads; a worthy winner of the Miles Franklin. My dear Goodreads friend, Tracy, introduced me to the incredible Fredrik Backman too. Beartown and Us Against You were highlights – I’m excited to finish the trilogy in 2024. And speaking of great series, I fell in love with the residents of Cooper’s Chase in The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. Another series I look forward to continuing in the year ahead.
I hope to delve into the classics and read more fiction in 2024!
Non-Fiction:
When You're Ready, This Is How You Heal by Brianna Wiest was the perfect start to the year. Brianna felt like the best champion you’ve ever had; the hand to reach down, lift you off the canvas.
Laughter is wonderful medicine too. I enjoyed humour combining with Australian history and culture in The Lucky Country: Amazing Australian Tales of Pure Dumb Luck by Eamon Evans and 100 Weirdest Tales from Across Australia by Ben Pobjie. Speaking of ‘weird’: The Haunting of Borley Rectory: The Story of a Ghost Story by Sean O'Connor provided an in-depth, creepy look at the ‘most haunted house in England.’
Ghosts aren’t as scary as the living though. Unmasked: My Life Solving America's Cold Cases by Paul Holes explored the evil that humans are capable of, while Vanished: True Stories from Families of Australian Missing Persons by Nicole Morris highlighted the stories of those who have gone missing in Australia. Nicole is a wonderful advocate for these people and their families!
War and military history featured prominently. Equal parts inspiring and harrowing were All the Broken Soldiers: Private Kennedy's War by Jan McLeod and Sisters in Captivity by Colin Burgess. Focusing on those selflessly caring for others in extreme conditions, they were a refreshing change of perspective. Saving Lieutenant Kennedy: The Heroic Story of the Australian Who Helped Rescue JFK by Brett Mason explored the relationship between the USA and Australia through a pivotal event in WWII.
Another pivotal WWII event, this time from Czechoslovakia, blew me away. Courage and sacrifice filled every page in Assassination of the Butcher of Prague: Reinhard Heydrich Hitler's Protégé by David W. Cameron. Closer to home, Mackie and Jack by Jan William Smith and Missing: War, Sacrifice and the Search for Justice by Ian W. Shaw gave a much-needed voice to the sacrifices of our own and those left behind. WWI also featured in my reading, with memorable The Chipilly Six: Unsung Heroes of the Great War by Lucas Jordan depicting the heroic actions of a bunch of Aussie larrikins.
After heavy reads, a light-hearted change of pace was provided by Rambling Man: My Life on the Road by Billy Connolly. And Irish culture combined with time travel in The Aran Islands by J.M. Synge – published in 1907, it was the oldest book I read this year.
Vinyl Dreams: How the 1970s Changed Music by Tony Wellington was a fun soundtrack to my year; a great reason to delve into my records. My passion for music also saw me enjoy the memoir of Australian Crawl drummer, Bill McDonough with Sons of Beaches. Other standout memoirs included The Girl Who Fell From the Sky by Emma Carey, Nicky Winmar: My Story by Nicky Winmar, and Goodreads Choice Award winner, Being Henry: The Fonz . . . and Beyond by Henry Winkler.
A huge thank you to everyone who interacted with me on Goodreads this year. You made it a memorable one and ensured Goodreads remains a great place – a big reason I enjoy reading so much!
Special thanks to Affirm Press, Allen & Unwin, Big Sky Publishing, Echo Publishing, Fremantle Press, Monash University Publishing, NewSouth Publishing, Pan Macmillan, Simon and Schuster and Ultimo Press.
Thank you also to the various authors who reached out or befriended me.
Here’s to 2024 being an amazing year filled with more great reading!
November 17, 2025
Time sure has flown by 😦
2023 Reading Goals
➳Read 100 books (68/75) ❌
➳Read more new adult/adult rom-coms and fantasy
➳Reread Throne of Glass (2/8) ❌
➳Reread some books I haven't read in a while just because
Priority Books/Series I want to read/finish
➳Once Upon A Broken Heart (3/3)✅
➳An Ember in the Ashes (1/4)❌
➳The Stolen Heir ✅
➳Foul Lady Fortune (1.5/2.5)❌
➳Kingdom of the Wicked (2/3)❌
➳Skyward (1/4)❌
➳We Hunt the Flame (1/2)❌
➳King of Scars (2/2)✅
➳Legendborn (1/2)❌
And all the books on my physical tbr ❌ (definitely didn't happen 💀)
｡･:*:･ﾟ★｡･:*:･ﾟ☆
Key
😭- I cried
💗- I loved this a lot!
💞- Absolute favorite, I live and breathe this book
😮- surprised by how much I liked this!
📖- Reread
😒- Disappointed (annoyed)
😞- Disappointed (sad)
😤- Absolutely hated
📱- e-book
🫂- buddy read <3
Amount of Pages Read: 26,430
Rereads do not count towards the favorite/least favorite book of the month
｡･:*:･ﾟ★｡･:*:･ﾟ☆
January
Average rating: 4.3
Books read: 12
Favorite book: If You Could See the Sun
Least favorite book: We Can't Keep Meeting Like This
1. Kingdom of the Wicked: ★★★★☆ (My Review)
2. How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories: ★★★★★ 📖💞(My Review)
3. The Queen of Nothing: ★★★★★ 📖💞(My Review)
4. Better Than the Movies: ★★★★★ 📖💞(My Review)
5. Today Tonight Tomorrow: ★★★★★ 📖💞(My Review)
6. The Stolen Heir: ★★★☆☆ (2.8) 😒😞(My Review)
7. Five Survive: ★★★★☆ (4.5) 😮(My Review)
8. Red, White & Royal Blue: ★★★★★ (4.5) 💗📱(My Review)
9. If You Could See the Sun: ★★★★★ (4.8) 💗(My Review)
10. Some Mistakes Were Made: ★★★★★ (4.5) 😭(My Review)
11. Never Ever Getting Back Together: ★★★★☆ (3.5) (My Review)
12. We Can't Keep Meeting Like This: ★★★☆☆ (2.6) (My Review)
Comments: What a way to kick off the year! It was a decent month but I can already tell I'm getting more critical towards books than I was last year, which I honestly kind of like. But anyways, I read some really good books, reread A LOT, and had a very VERY disappointing book that I already know is going to be my most disappointing read of the year.
February
Average rating: 4.5
Books read: 14
Favorite book: Legendborn
Least favorite book: If He Had Been With Me
1. Bring Me Their Hearts: ★★★★☆ (My Review)
2. A Court of Silver Flames: ★★★★★ 📖💞😭📱🫂(My Review)
3. Girl in Pieces: ★★★★★ 💗😭(My Review)
4. If He Had Been With Me: ★★★☆☆ (3.5) 😭(My Review)
5. This is Where it Ends: ★★★★☆ 😭(My Review)
6. Legendborn: ★★★★★ 💞(My Review)
7. Queen of Shadows: ★★★★★ 📖💞(My Review)
8. She Drives Me Crazy: ★★★★☆ (My Review)
9. Believe Me: ★★★★☆ (My Review)
10. Six of Crows: ★★★★★ 📖💞(My Review)
11. Crooked Kingdom: ★★★★★ 📖💞😭(My Review)
12. Rule of Wolves: ★★★★☆ 😭😮(My Review)
13. Kingdom of Ash: ★★★★★ 📖💞😭🫂(My Review)
14. Kingdom of the Cursed: ★★★★☆ (My Review)
Comments: I honestly have no idea how I've managed to read this many books already this year, it just proves how little social life I have. I reread a lot of books this month and there's nothing wrong with that. It was a pretty decent good month and a lot of these books made me cry!
March
Average rating: 4.3
Books read: 9
Favorite book: Belladonna
Least favorite book: Thirst
1. Belladonna: ★★★★★ 💞(My Review)
2. Foul Lady Fortune: ★★★★★ (4.5) 💗(My Review)
3. Twin Crowns: ★★★★★ (4.5) 💞😮(My Review)
4. Among the Beasts and Briars: ★★★☆☆ (3.5)(My Review)
5. Thirst: ★★★☆☆
6. Icebreaker: ★★★★☆ 📱(My Review)
7. Violet Made of Thorns: ★★★★☆ (3.8)(My Review)
8. Six of Crows: ★★★���★ 📖💞(My Review)
9. Crooked Kingdom: ★★★★★ 📖💞😭(My Review)
Comments: I'm upset I didn't read more books this month, but it's all fine. I reread Six of Crows again even though I read it last month, and I had some pretty good reads!
April
Average rating: N/A
Books read: 0
Favorite book: N/A
Least favorite book: N/A
Comments: don't ask because I don't have an answer. how did I go from THAT to THIS??
May
Average rating: 5.54 (ONLY because I reread a lot)
Books read: 6
Favorite book: Last Violent Call
Least favorite book: N/A
1. The Hunger Games: ★★★★☆ 📖(My Review)
2. The Cruel Prince: ★★★★★ 📖💞(My Review)
3. The Wicked King: ★★★★★ 📖💞(My Review)
4. Better Than the Movies (Party Scene from Wes's POV) ★★★★☆📱(My Review)
5. The Queen of Nothing: ★★★★★ 📖💞(My Review)
6. Last Violent Call: ★★★★★ (4.7) 💗(My Review)
Comments: I suppose that this month was better than April but it still isn't great. I reread too much and only managed to actually read one book, and said book is literally a SMALL two-book novella pack that shouldn't have taken me this long to read
June
Average rating: 3.19
Books read: 11
Favorite book: All the Bright Places
Least favorite book: We'll Always Have Summer
1. You'd Be Home Now: ★★★★☆ 😭(My Review)
2. Luck of the Titanic: ★★★★☆ 😭😮🫂(My Review)
3. All the Bright Places: ★★★★☆ (4.3) 😭(My Review)
4. The Summer of Broken Rules: ★★★☆☆ (2.8) 🫂😞(My Review)
5. Tokyo Ever After: ★★★★☆ (My Review)
6. To All the Boys I've Loved Before: ★★★★☆ 📖(My Review)
7. The Summer I Turned Pretty: ★★☆☆☆ (1.5) 🫂😤(My Review)
8. P.S. I Still Love You: ★★★★☆ 📖(My Review)
9. The Way I Used To Be: ★★★★☆ (3.5) 😭😞(My Review)
10. It's Not Summer Without You: ★★☆☆☆ 😤(My Review)
11. We'll Always Have Summer: ★☆☆☆☆ 😤(My Review)
Comments: This was a great month in the fact that I read a ton of books. Not so good in the fact that the books I read were not that great. But I'm in my summer era so there's a ton of cute summer romances that I had fun reading!
July
Average rating: 4.15
Books read: 2
Favorite book: Beach Read
Least favorite book: A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow
1. Beach Read: ★★★★☆ (4.3)💗(My Review)
2. A Cuban Girls' Guide to Tea and Tomorrow: ★★★★☆(My Review)
Comments: July's not over yet but I've already accepted that I'm not reading anything else. July just wasn't my month, was kinda feeling down a lot, and even though I had so much time to read, I just unfortunately didn't want to.
August
Average rating: 3.8
Books read: 1
Favorite book: N/A
Least favorite book: N/A
1. Ninth House: ★★★★☆ (3.8)(My Review)
Comments: Once again, here's to another terrible reading month.
September
Average rating: 4
Books read: 1
Favorite book: N/A
Least favorite book: N/A
1. A Thousand Boy Kisses: ★★★★☆😭(My Review)
Comments: I'm just glad I finished a book this month, finished literally 2 hours before the beginning of October
October
Average rating: 4.76
Books read: 3
Favorite book: ACFTL
Least favorite book: Wes Bennett's Vivid Dream
1. Wes Bennett's Vivid Dream: ★★★★★(My Review)
2. The Ballad of Never After: ★★★★★ 💞📖(My Review)
3. A Curse For True Love: ★★★★☆ (4.3)💗(My Review)
Comments: I know that I read only 3 books this month but I'm actually pretty happy. ACFTL was one of my most anticipated reads this year and I'm so happy I liked it! And reading that and TBONA have made me feel the love for reading again, so I'm hoping to be out of this slump soon!
November
Average rating: 4.16
Books read: 4
Favorite book: Twisted Hate
Least favorite book: Twisted Love
1. Twisted Love: ★★★☆☆ (3.75)(My Review)
2. Twisted Games: ★★★★☆ (4.1)(My Review)
3. Twisted Hate: ★★★★☆ (4.5)(My Review)
4. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes: ★★★★☆ (4.3)😭📖(My Review)
Comments: Once again, I finished a book right before the first of the next month! overall, I've come to accept the fact that I'm not gonna finish my reading goal 🥲 I started a new series that I BINGED and then did a little reread of a book so I can watch the movie!
December
Average rating:
Books read: 5 (so far)
Favorite book:
Least favorite book:
1. Divine Rivals: ★★★★☆(4.3)💗(My Review)
2. Belladonna: ★★★★★ 💞📖(My Review)
3. Foxglove: ★★★★★ 💗(My Review)
4. Stalking Jack the Ripper: ★★★★☆ 📖(My Review)
5. Check & Mate: ★★★☆☆(2.5) 😒(My Review)
Favorite Series/Books of the Year (not in order)
Belladonna + Foxglove
Legendborn
Twin Crowns
A Curse For True Love
Worst Books of the Year
The Summer I turned Pretty series
Check & Mate
I had a lot of in between books this year, not many I hated that much
Average Rating
4.1 stars (0.1 less than last year!)
Most Read Author
Holly Black (6- though 5 of them were rereads 💀)
Books Per Rating
★☆☆☆☆- 1
➳ ★☆☆☆☆.5- 1
★★☆☆☆- 1
➳ ★★☆☆☆.5- 1
➳ ★★☆☆☆.6- 1
➳ ★★☆☆☆.8- 2
★★★☆☆- 1
➳ ★★★☆☆.5- 4
➳ ★★★☆☆.75- 1
➳ ★★★☆☆.8- 2
★★★★☆- 18
➳ ★★★★☆.1- 1
➳ ★★★★☆.3- 5
➳ ★★★★☆.5- 6
➳ ★★★★☆.7- 1
➳ ★★★★☆.8- 1
★★★★★- 21 (only because I reread a lot 😭)
I made that way more complicated than it needed to be, and I probably miscounted but I'm not going back and redoing it.
I Cried:
15 times. Not as much as last year!
I Reread:
21 times. I was trying to get out of book slumps a lot 😭
Longest And Shortest Book:
Just like last year, it's Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas. I reread it 🤪- 980 pages
And the shortest goes to Wes Bennett's Vivid Dream, mainly because it's not even really a book- 6 pages
Average Book Length:
388 pages
Final Thoughts:
This year was incredibly disappointing in the fact that not only did I not reach my goal, but I had to edit my goal to make it lower and I still didn't reach it. I'm disappointed in myself for not reading at all for some months, and barely scraping in one book for some others. I'm hoping that next year goes better, and I hope you all had an amazing 2023!!
2023 Reading Goals
➳Read 100 books (68/75) ❌
➳Read more new adult/adult rom-coms and fantasy
➳Reread Throne of Glass (2/8) ❌
➳Reread some books I haven't read in a while just because
Priority Books/Series I want to read/finish
➳Once Upon A Broken Heart (3/3)✅
➳An Ember in the Ashes (1/4)❌
➳The Stolen Heir ✅
➳Foul Lady Fortune (1.5/2.5)❌
➳Kingdom of the Wicked (2/3)❌
➳Skyward (1/4)❌
➳We Hunt the Flame (1/2)❌
➳King of Scars (2/2)✅
➳Legendborn (1/2)❌
And all the books on my physical tbr ❌ (definitely didn't happen 💀)
｡･:*:･ﾟ★｡･:*:･ﾟ☆
Key
😭- I cried
💗- I loved this a lot!
💞- Absolute favorite, I live and breathe this book
😮- surprised by how much I liked this!
📖- Reread
😒- Disappointed (annoyed)
😞- Disappointed (sad)
😤- Absolutely hated
📱- e-book
🫂- buddy read <3
Amount of Pages Read: 26,430
Rereads do not count towards the favorite/least favorite book of the month
｡･:*:･ﾟ★｡･:*:･ﾟ☆
January
Average rating: 4.3
Books read: 12
Favorite book: If You Could See the Sun
Least favorite book: We Can't Keep Meeting Like This
1. Kingdom of the Wicked: ★★★★☆ (My Review)
2. How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories: ★★★★★ 📖💞(My Review)
3. The Queen of Nothing: ★★★★★ 📖💞(My Review)
4. Better Than the Movies: ★★★★★ 📖💞(My Review)
5. Today Tonight Tomorrow: ★★★★★ 📖💞(My Review)
6. The Stolen Heir: ★★★☆☆ (2.8) 😒😞(My Review)
7. Five Survive: ★★★★☆ (4.5) 😮(My Review)
8. Red, White & Royal Blue: ★★★★★ (4.5) 💗📱(My Review)
9. If You Could See the Sun: ★★★★★ (4.8) 💗(My Review)
10. Some Mistakes Were Made: ★★★★★ (4.5) 😭(My Review)
11. Never Ever Getting Back Together: ★★★★☆ (3.5) (My Review)
12. We Can't Keep Meeting Like This: ★★★☆☆ (2.6) (My Review)
Comments: What a way to kick off the year! It was a decent month but I can already tell I'm getting more critical towards books than I was last year, which I honestly kind of like. But anyways, I read some really good books, reread A LOT, and had a very VERY disappointing book that I already know is going to be my most disappointing read of the year.
February
Average rating: 4.5
Books read: 14
Favorite book: Legendborn
Least favorite book: If He Had Been With Me
1. Bring Me Their Hearts: ★★★★☆ (My Review)
2. A Court of Silver Flames: ★★★★★ 📖💞😭📱🫂(My Review)
3. Girl in Pieces: ★★★★★ 💗😭(My Review)
4. If He Had Been With Me: ★★★☆☆ (3.5) 😭(My Review)
5. This is Where it Ends: ★★★★☆ 😭(My Review)
6. Legendborn: ★★★★★ 💞(My Review)
7. Queen of Shadows: ★★★★★ 📖💞(My Review)
8. She Drives Me Crazy: ★★★★☆ (My Review)
9. Believe Me: ★★★★☆ (My Review)
10. Six of Crows: ★★★★★ 📖💞(My Review)
11. Crooked Kingdom: ★★★★★ 📖💞😭(My Review)
12. Rule of Wolves: ★★★★☆ 😭😮(My Review)
13. Kingdom of Ash: ★★★★★ 📖💞😭🫂(My Review)
14. Kingdom of the Cursed: ★★★★☆ (My Review)
Comments: I honestly have no idea how I've managed to read this many books already this year, it just proves how little social life I have. I reread a lot of books this month and there's nothing wrong with that. It was a pretty decent good month and a lot of these books made me cry!
March
Average rating: 4.3
Books read: 9
Favorite book: Belladonna
Least favorite book: Thirst
1. Belladonna: ★★★★★ 💞(My Review)
2. Foul Lady Fortune: ★★★★★ (4.5) 💗(My Review)
3. Twin Crowns: ★★★★★ (4.5) 💞😮(My Review)
4. Among the Beasts and Briars: ★★★☆☆ (3.5)(My Review)
5. Thirst: ★★★☆☆
6. Icebreaker: ★★★★☆ 📱(My Review)
7. Violet Made of Thorns: ★★★★☆ (3.8)(My Review)
8. Six of Crows: ★★★���★ 📖💞(My Review)
9. Crooked Kingdom: ★★★★★ 📖💞😭(My Review)
Comments: I'm upset I didn't read more books this month, but it's all fine. I reread Six of Crows again even though I read it last month, and I had some pretty good reads!
April
Average rating: N/A
Books read: 0
Favorite book: N/A
Least favorite book: N/A
Comments: don't ask because I don't have an answer. how did I go from THAT to THIS??
May
Average rating: 5.54 (ONLY because I reread a lot)
Books read: 6
Favorite book: Last Violent Call
Least favorite book: N/A
1. The Hunger Games: ★★★★☆ 📖(My Review)
2. The Cruel Prince: ★★★★★ 📖💞(My Review)
3. The Wicked King: ★★★★★ 📖💞(My Review)
4. Better Than the Movies (Party Scene from Wes's POV) ★★★★☆📱(My Review)
5. The Queen of Nothing: ★★★★★ 📖💞(My Review)
6. Last Violent Call: ★★★★★ (4.7) 💗(My Review)
Comments: I suppose that this month was better than April but it still isn't great. I reread too much and only managed to actually read one book, and said book is literally a SMALL two-book novella pack that shouldn't have taken me this long to read
June
Average rating: 3.19
Books read: 11
Favorite book: All the Bright Places
Least favorite book: We'll Always Have Summer
1. You'd Be Home Now: ★★★★☆ 😭(My Review)
2. Luck of the Titanic: ★★★★☆ 😭😮🫂(My Review)
3. All the Bright Places: ★★★★☆ (4.3) 😭(My Review)
4. The Summer of Broken Rules: ★★★☆☆ (2.8) 🫂😞(My Review)
5. Tokyo Ever After: ★★★★☆ (My Review)
6. To All the Boys I've Loved Before: ★★★★☆ 📖(My Review)
7. The Summer I Turned Pretty: ★★☆☆☆ (1.5) 🫂😤(My Review)
8. P.S. I Still Love You: ★★★★☆ 📖(My Review)
9. The Way I Used To Be: ★★★★☆ (3.5) 😭😞(My Review)
10. It's Not Summer Without You: ★★☆☆☆ 😤(My Review)
11. We'll Always Have Summer: ★☆☆☆☆ 😤(My Review)
Comments: This was a great month in the fact that I read a ton of books. Not so good in the fact that the books I read were not that great. But I'm in my summer era so there's a ton of cute summer romances that I had fun reading!
July
Average rating: 4.15
Books read: 2
Favorite book: Beach Read
Least favorite book: A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow
1. Beach Read: ★★★★☆ (4.3)💗(My Review)
2. A Cuban Girls' Guide to Tea and Tomorrow: ★★★★☆(My Review)
Comments: July's not over yet but I've already accepted that I'm not reading anything else. July just wasn't my month, was kinda feeling down a lot, and even though I had so much time to read, I just unfortunately didn't want to.
August
Average rating: 3.8
Books read: 1
Favorite book: N/A
Least favorite book: N/A
1. Ninth House: ★★★★☆ (3.8)(My Review)
Comments: Once again, here's to another terrible reading month.
September
Average rating: 4
Books read: 1
Favorite book: N/A
Least favorite book: N/A
1. A Thousand Boy Kisses: ★★★★☆😭(My Review)
Comments: I'm just glad I finished a book this month, finished literally 2 hours before the beginning of October
October
Average rating: 4.76
Books read: 3
Favorite book: ACFTL
Least favorite book: Wes Bennett's Vivid Dream
1. Wes Bennett's Vivid Dream: ★★★★★(My Review)
2. The Ballad of Never After: ★★★★★ 💞📖(My Review)
3. A Curse For True Love: ★★★★☆ (4.3)💗(My Review)
Comments: I know that I read only 3 books this month but I'm actually pretty happy. ACFTL was one of my most anticipated reads this year and I'm so happy I liked it! And reading that and TBONA have made me feel the love for reading again, so I'm hoping to be out of this slump soon!
November
Average rating: 4.16
Books read: 4
Favorite book: Twisted Hate
Least favorite book: Twisted Love
1. Twisted Love: ★★★☆☆ (3.75)(My Review)
2. Twisted Games: ★★★★☆ (4.1)(My Review)
3. Twisted Hate: ★★★★☆ (4.5)(My Review)
4. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes: ★★★★☆ (4.3)😭📖(My Review)
Comments: Once again, I finished a book right before the first of the next month! overall, I've come to accept the fact that I'm not gonna finish my reading goal 🥲 I started a new series that I BINGED and then did a little reread of a book so I can watch the movie!
December
Average rating:
Books read: 5 (so far)
Favorite book:
Least favorite book:
1. Divine Rivals: ★★★★☆(4.3)💗(My Review)
2. Belladonna: ★★★★★ 💞📖(My Review)
3. Foxglove: ★★★★★ 💗(My Review)
4. Stalking Jack the Ripper: ★★★★☆ 📖(My Review)
5. Check & Mate: ★★★☆☆(2.5) 😒(My Review)
Favorite Series/Books of the Year (not in order)
Belladonna + Foxglove
Legendborn
Twin Crowns
A Curse For True Love
Worst Books of the Year
The Summer I turned Pretty series
Check & Mate
I had a lot of in between books this year, not many I hated that much
Average Rating
4.1 stars (0.1 less than last year!)
Most Read Author
Holly Black (6- though 5 of them were rereads 💀)
Books Per Rating
★☆☆☆☆- 1
➳ ★☆☆☆☆.5- 1
★★☆☆☆- 1
➳ ★★☆☆☆.5- 1
➳ ★★☆☆☆.6- 1
➳ ★★☆☆☆.8- 2
★★★☆☆- 1
➳ ★★★☆☆.5- 4
➳ ★★★☆☆.75- 1
➳ ★★★☆☆.8- 2
★★★★☆- 18
➳ ★★★★☆.1- 1
➳ ★★★★☆.3- 5
➳ ★★★★☆.5- 6
➳ ★★★★☆.7- 1
➳ ★★★★☆.8- 1
★★★★★- 21 (only because I reread a lot 😭)
I made that way more complicated than it needed to be, and I probably miscounted but I'm not going back and redoing it.
I Cried:
15 times. Not as much as last year!
I Reread:
21 times. I was trying to get out of book slumps a lot 😭
Longest And Shortest Book:
Just like last year, it's Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas. I reread it 🤪- 980 pages
And the shortest goes to Wes Bennett's Vivid Dream, mainly because it's not even really a book- 6 pages
Average Book Length:
388 pages
Final Thoughts:
This year was incredibly disappointing in the fact that not only did I not reach my goal, but I had to edit my goal to make it lower and I still didn't reach it. I'm disappointed in myself for not reading at all for some months, and barely scraping in one book for some others. I'm hoping that next year goes better, and I hope you all had an amazing 2023!!
Read
December 31, 2023✨️UPDATE:✨️
authors i've given up on 😓:
Emily Henry
Christina Lauren
Lucy Score
Ana Huang
Elle Kennedy
Lucia Franco
Carley Fortune
Jenny Han
Hannah Grace
Angel Lawson and Samantha Rue
Samantha Shannon
Ruth Ware
Riley Sager
Liv Constantine
books i enjoyed most 🥰: (also, you can use as links to purchase, audiobooks options available. thanks! ❤️)
january - the inheritance games and throne of glass
february - scream for us, spin the dawn, six of crows and agatha arch is afraid of everything
march - the awakening, the flatshare and better than the movies
april - the one, babel, a good girl's guide to murder, educated and one dark window
may - our violent ends, the nightingale, tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow, rule of wolves and notes on an execution
june - lovely war, look closer, eight perfect murders, the housemaid and divine rivals
july - anatomy: a love story, the kiss quotient, drowning, caraval, things we leave unfinished, the weight of blood, keeping 13 and kiss the sky
august - the bone houses, the drowned woods, the other hand, the invisible life of addie larue, scythe, an enchantment of ravens, the dragon republic and an ember in the ashes quartet
september - th1rt3en, the passengers, scream for us (reread), runaway (wattpad), long shot, hook shot, grown and one by one
october - foul heart huntsman , vicious, defy the night, jade city, one dark window (reread) and poison study
november - the fifth season, six of crows (reread), the crooked kingdom (reread), the picture of dorian gray, the alice network and the color purple
december - a christmas carol and faking christmas
most underrated book boyfriends💕💕 (because booktok and bookstagram gets it wrong with the guys who do the bare minimum and or are abusive🤚)
♡ Lance Orion (zodiac academy series)
♡ Ravi Singh (a girl's guide to murder trilogy)
♡ Dorian Havilliard (throne of glass series)
♡ Johnny Kavanagh (binding 13, keeping 13)
♡ Roma Montagov (these violent delights duology)
♡ Manson Reed (losers #1, #2)
♡ Connor Cobalt (kiss the sky, fuel the fire)
♡ Jameson Hawthorne (the inheritance games trilogy)
♡ Michael Larson-Phan (the kiss quotient)
♡ Ravyn Yew (one dark window)
♡ Jack Smith (love, theoretically)
♡ Elias Veturius (an ember in the ashes quartet)
♡ August West (long shot)
authors i've given up on 😓:
Emily Henry
Christina Lauren
Lucy Score
Ana Huang
Elle Kennedy
Lucia Franco
Carley Fortune
Jenny Han
Hannah Grace
Angel Lawson and Samantha Rue
Samantha Shannon
Ruth Ware
Riley Sager
Liv Constantine
books i enjoyed most 🥰: (also, you can use as links to purchase, audiobooks options available. thanks! ❤️)
january - the inheritance games and throne of glass
february - scream for us, spin the dawn, six of crows and agatha arch is afraid of everything
march - the awakening, the flatshare and better than the movies
april - the one, babel, a good girl's guide to murder, educated and one dark window
may - our violent ends, the nightingale, tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow, rule of wolves and notes on an execution
june - lovely war, look closer, eight perfect murders, the housemaid and divine rivals
july - anatomy: a love story, the kiss quotient, drowning, caraval, things we leave unfinished, the weight of blood, keeping 13 and kiss the sky
august - the bone houses, the drowned woods, the other hand, the invisible life of addie larue, scythe, an enchantment of ravens, the dragon republic and an ember in the ashes quartet
september - th1rt3en, the passengers, scream for us (reread), runaway (wattpad), long shot, hook shot, grown and one by one
october - foul heart huntsman , vicious, defy the night, jade city, one dark window (reread) and poison study
november - the fifth season, six of crows (reread), the crooked kingdom (reread), the picture of dorian gray, the alice network and the color purple
december - a christmas carol and faking christmas
most underrated book boyfriends💕💕 (because booktok and bookstagram gets it wrong with the guys who do the bare minimum and or are abusive🤚)
♡ Lance Orion (zodiac academy series)
♡ Ravi Singh (a girl's guide to murder trilogy)
♡ Dorian Havilliard (throne of glass series)
♡ Johnny Kavanagh (binding 13, keeping 13)
♡ Roma Montagov (these violent delights duology)
♡ Manson Reed (losers #1, #2)
♡ Connor Cobalt (kiss the sky, fuel the fire)
♡ Jameson Hawthorne (the inheritance games trilogy)
♡ Michael Larson-Phan (the kiss quotient)
♡ Ravyn Yew (one dark window)
♡ Jack Smith (love, theoretically)
♡ Elias Veturius (an ember in the ashes quartet)
♡ August West (long shot)
review-of-the-year
December 31, 2023𓏲 . ˙ ˖ 🎀 ꒱ 2023 🧷 ✧˚. ᵎᵎ
🫀 this year has been a year. a year i had to take a lot of major decisions for which consequences will be seen later and i’m kinda scared for that next year, but nonetheless another amazing, brilliant year, and while i still don’t know how it passed me by that fast, i loved every second. i told myself to have zero expectations of myself with respect to reading because i generally tend to hyperfixate (in everything i do 😂) and switch between obsessions very quickly, but apparently i love reading enough to stay faithful to that and come back to it no matter what else i sample. 🤪
🫀 my mood reading ass has been flicking between different genres throughout the year so don’t mind the fluctuations reflected in my reads as well. reading has always been an escape from real life from me so i’m glad i have that when i feel like i need to get out of real life and just have fun for a bit, escape the constant chittering in my head, all the nervousness and anxiety about life.
🫀 i’m grateful for all the friends i’ve made this year! i truly didn’t expect to be this ingrained into the community by this time so i’m happy i managed to become close to so many people personally and interact with y’all publicly, even if it was just a few comments here and there in the feeds. even if it was just a few messages exchanged along the way. and of course, all the people i read books with. i appreciate all of it so much. so thank you, all of you <3
────── ✧ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ♡ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ✧ ──────
and now for the best books this year has brought forth for me! i haven’t added any rereads from books i first read few years back to make it fair and give this year’s books a chance.
💌 fantasy
➺ lady of the drowned empire (#3 in the drowned empire series) by frankie diane mallis
➺ the ashes and the star-cursed king (#2 in the crowns of nyaxia series) by carissa broadbent
➺ the husky and his white cat shizun (2ha) (read till #4, eagerly anticipating #5) by rou bao bu chi rou
➺ the house in the cerulean sea by tj klune
➺ chain of thorns (#3 in the last hours series) by cassandra clare
➺ six of crows duology by leigh bardugo
➺ captive prince trilogy by cs pacat
➺ dark rise series (read till #2, eagerly anticipating #3) by cs pacat
➺ the will of the many by james islington
➺ to poison a king by s.g. prince
➺ the poppy war by rf kuang
🌺 paranormal romance
୨୧ green creek series (excluding book 2, all of them have my entire heart) by tj klune
୨୧ i’ve walked where you’ve been by marina vivancos
୨୧ undaunted by devin harnois
୨୧ once upon a time (#3 in the calluvia’s royalty series) by alessandra hazard
୨୧ moth (#5 in the monstrous series) by lily mayne
୨୧ in this iron ground by marina vivancos
🕊 contemporary romance
⭑ the sea ain’t mine alone by cl beaumont
⭑ heartless (#2 in the chestnut springs series, standalone) by elsie silver
⭑ you & me by tal bauer
⭑ until i saw you by dianna roman
⭑ addicted for now (#3 in the addicted series) by krista & becca ritchie
⭑ hothouse flower (#5 in the addicted/calloway sisters series) by krista & becca ritchie
⭑ fuel the fire (#8 in the addicted/calloway sisters series) by krista & becca ritchie
⭑ just a bit wrong (#4 in the straight guys series, standalone) by alessandra hazard
⭑ just a bit wrecked (#11 in the straight guys series, standalone) by alessandra hazard
⭑ rat park by marina vivancos
⭑ rend (#2 in the riven series, standalone) by roan parrish
⭑ red, white & royal blue by casey mcquiston
⭑ deal maker (#2 in the mixed messages series, standalone) by lily morton
⭑ thief (#1 in the brook street series, standalone) by ava march
⭑ autumn by cole mccade
⭑ some kind of perfect (#10 in the addicted/calloway sisters series) by krista & becca ritchie
💐 high school/college romance
୨ৎ wish (#3 in the westbrook elite series, standalone) by cambria hebert
୨ৎ wrath by ella james
୨ৎ keeping 13 (#2 in the boys of tommen series) by chloe walsh
୨ৎ let there be light by am johnson
୨ৎ if you could see the sun by ann liang
୨ৎ all for the game trilogy by nora sakavic
୨ৎ breakaway series (#1 & #2, alex & eli’s duet) by el massey
୨ৎ all hail the underdogs (#3 in the breakaway series, standalone) by el massey
୨ৎ submitted to my enemy (#2 in the never have i ever series, standalone) by willow dixon
୨ৎ home plate (#2 in the eastern u pirates series, standalone) by christina lee
୨ৎ all the things we left unsaid by kalyn orrin
୨ৎ foolish hearts by emma mills
୨ৎ i hope this doesn’t find you by ann liang
୨ৎ spearcrest saints (#3 in the spearcrest kings series, standalone) by aurora reed
🖤 dark romance
• the damnation of leander welles (#3 in the leander welles series) by ashlyn drewek
• (watch me) break you (#1 in the run this town series, standalone) by avril ashton
• (watch me) body you (#2 in the run this town series) by avril ashton
• staniel duet by avril ashton
📌 mystery
✎ liar city by allie therin
✎ criminal intentions series (read till #19) by cole mccade
✎ hazard & somerset series (#4 & #5) by gregory ashe
🍂 historical romance
✧ think of england (#2 in the england world series, standalone) by kj charles
✧ a charm of finches (#2 in the venery series, standalone) by suanne laqueur
✧ enlightenment trilogy by joanna chambers
✧ forever your rogue by erin langston
✧ we could be so good by cat sebastian
🐚 other genres i don’t generally read (within fiction)
✦ a little life by hanya yanagihara
✦ a man called ove by fredrik backman
✦ a thousand splendid suns by khaled hosseini
✦ olive juice by tj klune
🦋 top 10 fanfics
i) all the young dudes: sirius’s point of view by rollercoasterwords || marauders fandom (wolfstar)
ii) that’s the art of getting by by sarewolf || marauders fandom (wolfstar)
iii) crimson rivers by bizarrestars || marauders fandom (starchaser/wolfstar)
iv) manacled by senlinyu || harry potter fandom (dramione)
v) altered state by ginnyruin || harry potter fandom (tomione)
vi) lessons in cartography by profenity || all for the game fandom (andreil)
vii) the cadence of part-time poets by motswolo || marauders fandom (wolfstar)
viii) the grim watch by skyrat || marauders fandom (wolfstar)
ix) clearest blue by sophiambd4 || marauders fandom (starchaser)
x) the penalty shot by bizarrestars || marauders fandom (starchaser)
🫀 this year has been a year. a year i had to take a lot of major decisions for which consequences will be seen later and i’m kinda scared for that next year, but nonetheless another amazing, brilliant year, and while i still don’t know how it passed me by that fast, i loved every second. i told myself to have zero expectations of myself with respect to reading because i generally tend to hyperfixate (in everything i do 😂) and switch between obsessions very quickly, but apparently i love reading enough to stay faithful to that and come back to it no matter what else i sample. 🤪
🫀 my mood reading ass has been flicking between different genres throughout the year so don’t mind the fluctuations reflected in my reads as well. reading has always been an escape from real life from me so i’m glad i have that when i feel like i need to get out of real life and just have fun for a bit, escape the constant chittering in my head, all the nervousness and anxiety about life.
🫀 i’m grateful for all the friends i’ve made this year! i truly didn’t expect to be this ingrained into the community by this time so i’m happy i managed to become close to so many people personally and interact with y’all publicly, even if it was just a few comments here and there in the feeds. even if it was just a few messages exchanged along the way. and of course, all the people i read books with. i appreciate all of it so much. so thank you, all of you <3
────── ✧ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ♡ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ✧ ──────
and now for the best books this year has brought forth for me! i haven’t added any rereads from books i first read few years back to make it fair and give this year’s books a chance.
💌 fantasy
➺ lady of the drowned empire (#3 in the drowned empire series) by frankie diane mallis
➺ the ashes and the star-cursed king (#2 in the crowns of nyaxia series) by carissa broadbent
➺ the husky and his white cat shizun (2ha) (read till #4, eagerly anticipating #5) by rou bao bu chi rou
➺ the house in the cerulean sea by tj klune
➺ chain of thorns (#3 in the last hours series) by cassandra clare
➺ six of crows duology by leigh bardugo
➺ captive prince trilogy by cs pacat
➺ dark rise series (read till #2, eagerly anticipating #3) by cs pacat
➺ the will of the many by james islington
➺ to poison a king by s.g. prince
➺ the poppy war by rf kuang
🌺 paranormal romance
୨୧ green creek series (excluding book 2, all of them have my entire heart) by tj klune
୨୧ i’ve walked where you’ve been by marina vivancos
୨୧ undaunted by devin harnois
୨୧ once upon a time (#3 in the calluvia’s royalty series) by alessandra hazard
୨୧ moth (#5 in the monstrous series) by lily mayne
୨୧ in this iron ground by marina vivancos
🕊 contemporary romance
⭑ the sea ain’t mine alone by cl beaumont
⭑ heartless (#2 in the chestnut springs series, standalone) by elsie silver
⭑ you & me by tal bauer
⭑ until i saw you by dianna roman
⭑ addicted for now (#3 in the addicted series) by krista & becca ritchie
⭑ hothouse flower (#5 in the addicted/calloway sisters series) by krista & becca ritchie
⭑ fuel the fire (#8 in the addicted/calloway sisters series) by krista & becca ritchie
⭑ just a bit wrong (#4 in the straight guys series, standalone) by alessandra hazard
⭑ just a bit wrecked (#11 in the straight guys series, standalone) by alessandra hazard
⭑ rat park by marina vivancos
⭑ rend (#2 in the riven series, standalone) by roan parrish
⭑ red, white & royal blue by casey mcquiston
⭑ deal maker (#2 in the mixed messages series, standalone) by lily morton
⭑ thief (#1 in the brook street series, standalone) by ava march
⭑ autumn by cole mccade
⭑ some kind of perfect (#10 in the addicted/calloway sisters series) by krista & becca ritchie
💐 high school/college romance
୨ৎ wish (#3 in the westbrook elite series, standalone) by cambria hebert
୨ৎ wrath by ella james
୨ৎ keeping 13 (#2 in the boys of tommen series) by chloe walsh
୨ৎ let there be light by am johnson
୨ৎ if you could see the sun by ann liang
୨ৎ all for the game trilogy by nora sakavic
୨ৎ breakaway series (#1 & #2, alex & eli’s duet) by el massey
୨ৎ all hail the underdogs (#3 in the breakaway series, standalone) by el massey
୨ৎ submitted to my enemy (#2 in the never have i ever series, standalone) by willow dixon
୨ৎ home plate (#2 in the eastern u pirates series, standalone) by christina lee
୨ৎ all the things we left unsaid by kalyn orrin
୨ৎ foolish hearts by emma mills
୨ৎ i hope this doesn’t find you by ann liang
୨ৎ spearcrest saints (#3 in the spearcrest kings series, standalone) by aurora reed
🖤 dark romance
• the damnation of leander welles (#3 in the leander welles series) by ashlyn drewek
• (watch me) break you (#1 in the run this town series, standalone) by avril ashton
• (watch me) body you (#2 in the run this town series) by avril ashton
• staniel duet by avril ashton
📌 mystery
✎ liar city by allie therin
✎ criminal intentions series (read till #19) by cole mccade
✎ hazard & somerset series (#4 & #5) by gregory ashe
🍂 historical romance
✧ think of england (#2 in the england world series, standalone) by kj charles
✧ a charm of finches (#2 in the venery series, standalone) by suanne laqueur
✧ enlightenment trilogy by joanna chambers
✧ forever your rogue by erin langston
✧ we could be so good by cat sebastian
🐚 other genres i don’t generally read (within fiction)
✦ a little life by hanya yanagihara
✦ a man called ove by fredrik backman
✦ a thousand splendid suns by khaled hosseini
✦ olive juice by tj klune
🦋 top 10 fanfics
i) all the young dudes: sirius’s point of view by rollercoasterwords || marauders fandom (wolfstar)
ii) that’s the art of getting by by sarewolf || marauders fandom (wolfstar)
iii) crimson rivers by bizarrestars || marauders fandom (starchaser/wolfstar)
iv) manacled by senlinyu || harry potter fandom (dramione)
v) altered state by ginnyruin || harry potter fandom (tomione)
vi) lessons in cartography by profenity || all for the game fandom (andreil)
vii) the cadence of part-time poets by motswolo || marauders fandom (wolfstar)
viii) the grim watch by skyrat || marauders fandom (wolfstar)
ix) clearest blue by sophiambd4 || marauders fandom (starchaser)
x) the penalty shot by bizarrestars || marauders fandom (starchaser)
yearly-review
December 31, 2023This is gonna be a new era bitches…
#1 — BE HARSHER WITH MY RATINGS ✔︎
#2 — REFINE MY FIVE STARS ✔︎ (gonna check back at the end of the year) ✔︎
𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐋𝐒:
✍︎ Read 175 Books (194/175) ✔︎
✍︎ Read 10 Physical Books (13/10) ✔︎
✍︎ Re-read 3 Books (21/3) ✔︎
✍︎ Read 3 Mystery-Thriller Books (2/3) 🤡
✍︎ Read 20 Fantasy Books (21/20) ✔︎
✍︎ Read 10 Books In OLD TBR 𒊹︎ (10/10) ✔︎
✍︎ Reattempt 1 DNF’d Book (1/1) - beyond the vail ✔︎
❥ Fav Authors Discovered 2023
➜Rina Kent
➜Jessa Hastings
➜Keri lake
➜Stephenie Archer
➜Bal Khabra
➜Macy T Riosa
➜Emma Scott
➜Mia Knight
❥ Discover new Fantasy series ✔︎
❥ Read backlist of my fav authors: (I’m excluding books I KNOW I won’t like. idc)
➜ PD (19/21)
➜ Trisha Wolfe (10/31)
➜ Sybil Bartel (19/34)
➜ Parker S. Huntington (5/10)
➜ MZ (12/13)
➜ KBR (20/29)
➜ Penny Reid (5/50??)
➜ HD Carlton (3/6)
➜ RuNyx (6/6) ✔︎
➜Jessa Hastings (4/4) ✔︎
𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐇:
➪ shadow and bone series! ( /3) 🤡 —> next yr 🤞
➪ Six of crows ( /2)🤡—> next yr 🤞
➪ The Hunger Games series! ( /3)🤡—> next yr 🤞
➪ ACOTAR series! (5/5) 𝗥𝗥 ✔︎
➪ crescent city series! (1/2) 𝗥𝗥
➪ TOG! (7/8)🤡—> next yr 🤞
➪ Addicted/Calloway sisters series! (2/10) 𝗥𝗥
➪ Like Us series! (7/13) —> next yr 🤞
➪ Zodiac academy series! (16/20) >> I’m counting the little extras and novellas too <<
➪ Magnolia parks universe (4/4) ✔︎
𒊹︎ 𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐓𝐁𝐑: ✔︎
1. Magnolia Parks
2. Cruel King
3. Daisy haites
4. Deviant king
5. Dear Ava
6. The bromance book club
7. The emperor
8. The finisher
9. The Annihilator
10. Savage lands
———————————————————————
✨ 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀✨
Note: CAPS ARE THE BEST OF THE BEST!!
✿ - ADORABLE
❣︎ - The one I’ll never forget
💌 - Left me Speechless
✨ - highlight of the month
𝗝𝗔𝗡𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗬: Books read: 19
★★★★★:
Magnolia Parks ❣︎ 💌 ✨
London & Grayson ❣︎
★★★★:
Her greatest mistake ✿
Night ✿
FORBIDDEN FRENCH ✿ ❣︎ 💌
Lovely bad things ❣︎ 💌
𝐌𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞: Magnolia Parks
༻~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~༺
𝗙𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗬: Books read: 13
★★★★★:
Cupids peak 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ 💌
MP: the long way home ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
★★★★:
Ruled out ✿ 💌
Fake empire ✿ ❣︎
The woman with the ring ✿
𝐌𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞: MP2: TLWH
༻~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~༺
𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛: Books read: 12
★★★★★:
MARROW ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
ZA: Fairy fair Orion’s bonus chapter (Agomag) ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
Liberty falls 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ 💌
My dark Romeo ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
★★★★:
Above the shop ✿
Nightingale ✿ ❣︎
A kingdom of gods and ruin
𝐌𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞: Marrow
༻~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~༺
𝗔𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗟: Books read: 10 (meh month)
★★★★:
Avengers vol 1
Sweet temptation ✿ ❣︎
How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe ✿
Two Heartbeats by marialesblackbeak ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
The bromance book club ✿ ❣︎
𝐌𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞: the bromance book club
༻~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~༺
𝗠𝗔𝗬: Books read: 15 (great month)
★★★★★:
FOURTH WING ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
THE SWEETEST OBLIVION 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
CUPIDS PEAK 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎
NOCTICADIA ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
★★★★:
A love letter to whiskey ✿ ❣︎
Unexpected Comfort by joonswhistle ✿
The Spanish love deception 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎
Twisted emotions ✿ ❣︎
Charlie love and cliches ✿ ❣︎ 💌
𝐌𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞: Fourth Wing/TSO/Nocticadia (I cannot choose)
༻~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~༺
𝗝𝗨𝗡𝗘: Books read: 18
★★★★★:
Binding 13 ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
The emperor ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
THE SWEETEST OBLIVION 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ ✨
Keeping 13 ✿ ❣︎
THE SERPENT OF WINGS AND NIGHT ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
★★★★:
The coven ✿ ❣︎
Tutoring the delinquent ✿ 💌
𝐌𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞: TSOWAN
༻~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~༺
𝗝𝗨𝗟𝗬: Books read:17
★★★★★:
Six scorched roses ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
Addicted to you 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
Seven sleepless nights ✿ ❣︎
★★★★:
The finisher ✿ ❣︎
The annihilator
The ashes and the star cursed king ✿ ❣︎
Iced out ✿ ❣︎
Spearcrest saints ✿ ❣︎
Savage lands ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
Misfits like us 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎
Bait ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
𝐌𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞: six scorched roses
༻~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~༺
𝗔𝗨𝗚𝗨𝗦𝗧: Books read: 14
★★★★★:
MARRIAGE FOR ONE 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
THE SWEETEST OBLIVION 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
GoW ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
KISS THE SKY 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
FOURTH WING 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
★★★★:
GoM 💌
Unravel me ✿
Butcher & blackbird ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
𝐌𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞: MFO/KTS
༻~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~༺
𝗦𝗘𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥: Books read: 18
★★★★★:
GoW 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ 💌
PLAYING THE PART ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
COLLIDE ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
ACOSF ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
★★★★:
The long game ✿ ❣︎ 💌
A million kisses in your lifetime ✿ ❣︎ 💌
Nemesis ✿ 💌
𝐌𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞: collide/ACOSF
༻~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~༺
𝗢𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗕𝗘𝗥: Books read: 17
★★★★★:
MARRIAGE FOR ONE 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
Marriage for One: Extra Short Story ✿ ❣︎ 💌
THE SWEETEST OBLIVION 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ ✨
Forever Right Now ✿ ❣︎ 💌
★★★★:
Ecstasy ❣︎ 💌✨
𝐌𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞: MFO/Ecstasy
༻~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~༺
𝗡𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥: Books read: 23
★★★★★:
Fourth wing 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎
The Maddest Obsession 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ 💌
★★★★:
The Graham effect ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
Unfortunately yours ✿ ❣︎ 💌
The blood we crave ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
The oath we give ✿ ❣︎ 💌
Phobia ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
𝐌𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞: TMO/the Graham effect
༻~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~༺
𝗗𝗘𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥: Books read: 15
★★★★★:
BITTER HEAT ❣︎ 💌 ✨
HOEAB 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
The Six Deaths of the Saint ❣︎ 💌 ✨
THE SWEETEST OBLIVION 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ ✨
★★★★:
Behind the net ✿ ❣︎ 💌
The fake out ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
Unsteady ✿ ❣︎
You Deserve Valentine's Day Brunch ✿
𝐌𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞: bitter heat/hoeab
༻~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~༺
AND THATS A WRAP. . .
#1 — BE HARSHER WITH MY RATINGS ✔︎
#2 — REFINE MY FIVE STARS ✔︎ (gonna check back at the end of the year) ✔︎
𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐋𝐒:
✍︎ Read 175 Books (194/175) ✔︎
✍︎ Read 10 Physical Books (13/10) ✔︎
✍︎ Re-read 3 Books (21/3) ✔︎
✍︎ Read 3 Mystery-Thriller Books (2/3) 🤡
✍︎ Read 20 Fantasy Books (21/20) ✔︎
✍︎ Read 10 Books In OLD TBR 𒊹︎ (10/10) ✔︎
✍︎ Reattempt 1 DNF’d Book (1/1) - beyond the vail ✔︎
❥ Fav Authors Discovered 2023
➜Rina Kent
➜Jessa Hastings
➜Keri lake
➜Stephenie Archer
➜Bal Khabra
➜Macy T Riosa
➜Emma Scott
➜Mia Knight
❥ Discover new Fantasy series ✔︎
❥ Read backlist of my fav authors: (I’m excluding books I KNOW I won’t like. idc)
➜ PD (19/21)
➜ Trisha Wolfe (10/31)
➜ Sybil Bartel (19/34)
➜ Parker S. Huntington (5/10)
➜ MZ (12/13)
➜ KBR (20/29)
➜ Penny Reid (5/50??)
➜ HD Carlton (3/6)
➜ RuNyx (6/6) ✔︎
➜Jessa Hastings (4/4) ✔︎
𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐇:
➪ shadow and bone series! ( /3) 🤡 —> next yr 🤞
➪ Six of crows ( /2)🤡—> next yr 🤞
➪ The Hunger Games series! ( /3)🤡—> next yr 🤞
➪ ACOTAR series! (5/5) 𝗥𝗥 ✔︎
➪ crescent city series! (1/2) 𝗥𝗥
➪ TOG! (7/8)🤡—> next yr 🤞
➪ Addicted/Calloway sisters series! (2/10) 𝗥𝗥
➪ Like Us series! (7/13) —> next yr 🤞
➪ Zodiac academy series! (16/20) >> I’m counting the little extras and novellas too <<
➪ Magnolia parks universe (4/4) ✔︎
𒊹︎ 𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐓𝐁𝐑: ✔︎
1. Magnolia Parks
2. Cruel King
3. Daisy haites
4. Deviant king
5. Dear Ava
6. The bromance book club
7. The emperor
8. The finisher
9. The Annihilator
10. Savage lands
———————————————————————
✨ 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀✨
Note: CAPS ARE THE BEST OF THE BEST!!
✿ - ADORABLE
❣︎ - The one I’ll never forget
💌 - Left me Speechless
✨ - highlight of the month
𝗝𝗔𝗡𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗬: Books read: 19
★★★★★:
Magnolia Parks ❣︎ 💌 ✨
London & Grayson ❣︎
★★★★:
Her greatest mistake ✿
Night ✿
FORBIDDEN FRENCH ✿ ❣︎ 💌
Lovely bad things ❣︎ 💌
𝐌𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞: Magnolia Parks
༻~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~༺
𝗙𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗬: Books read: 13
★★★★★:
Cupids peak 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ 💌
MP: the long way home ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
★★★★:
Ruled out ✿ 💌
Fake empire ✿ ❣︎
The woman with the ring ✿
𝐌𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞: MP2: TLWH
༻~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~༺
𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛: Books read: 12
★★★★★:
MARROW ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
ZA: Fairy fair Orion’s bonus chapter (Agomag) ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
Liberty falls 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ 💌
My dark Romeo ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
★★★★:
Above the shop ✿
Nightingale ✿ ❣︎
A kingdom of gods and ruin
𝐌𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞: Marrow
༻~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~༺
𝗔𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗟: Books read: 10 (meh month)
★★★★:
Avengers vol 1
Sweet temptation ✿ ❣︎
How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe ✿
Two Heartbeats by marialesblackbeak ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
The bromance book club ✿ ❣︎
𝐌𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞: the bromance book club
༻~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~༺
𝗠𝗔𝗬: Books read: 15 (great month)
★★★★★:
FOURTH WING ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
THE SWEETEST OBLIVION 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
CUPIDS PEAK 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎
NOCTICADIA ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
★★★★:
A love letter to whiskey ✿ ❣︎
Unexpected Comfort by joonswhistle ✿
The Spanish love deception 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎
Twisted emotions ✿ ❣︎
Charlie love and cliches ✿ ❣︎ 💌
𝐌𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞: Fourth Wing/TSO/Nocticadia (I cannot choose)
༻~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~༺
𝗝𝗨𝗡𝗘: Books read: 18
★★★★★:
Binding 13 ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
The emperor ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
THE SWEETEST OBLIVION 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ ✨
Keeping 13 ✿ ❣︎
THE SERPENT OF WINGS AND NIGHT ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
★★★★:
The coven ✿ ❣︎
Tutoring the delinquent ✿ 💌
𝐌𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞: TSOWAN
༻~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~༺
𝗝𝗨𝗟𝗬: Books read:17
★★★★★:
Six scorched roses ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
Addicted to you 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
Seven sleepless nights ✿ ❣︎
★★★★:
The finisher ✿ ❣︎
The annihilator
The ashes and the star cursed king ✿ ❣︎
Iced out ✿ ❣︎
Spearcrest saints ✿ ❣︎
Savage lands ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
Misfits like us 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎
Bait ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
𝐌𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞: six scorched roses
༻~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~༺
𝗔𝗨𝗚𝗨𝗦𝗧: Books read: 14
★★★★★:
MARRIAGE FOR ONE 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
THE SWEETEST OBLIVION 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
GoW ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
KISS THE SKY 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
FOURTH WING 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
★★★★:
GoM 💌
Unravel me ✿
Butcher & blackbird ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
𝐌𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞: MFO/KTS
༻~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~༺
𝗦𝗘𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥: Books read: 18
★★★★★:
GoW 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ 💌
PLAYING THE PART ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
COLLIDE ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
ACOSF ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
★★★★:
The long game ✿ ❣︎ 💌
A million kisses in your lifetime ✿ ❣︎ 💌
Nemesis ✿ 💌
𝐌𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞: collide/ACOSF
༻~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~༺
𝗢𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗕𝗘𝗥: Books read: 17
★★★★★:
MARRIAGE FOR ONE 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
Marriage for One: Extra Short Story ✿ ❣︎ 💌
THE SWEETEST OBLIVION 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ ✨
Forever Right Now ✿ ❣︎ 💌
★★★★:
Ecstasy ❣︎ 💌✨
𝐌𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞: MFO/Ecstasy
༻~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~༺
𝗡𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥: Books read: 23
★★★★★:
Fourth wing 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎
The Maddest Obsession 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ 💌
★★★★:
The Graham effect ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
Unfortunately yours ✿ ❣︎ 💌
The blood we crave ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
The oath we give ✿ ❣︎ 💌
Phobia ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
𝐌𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞: TMO/the Graham effect
༻~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~༺
𝗗𝗘𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥: Books read: 15
★★★★★:
BITTER HEAT ❣︎ 💌 ✨
HOEAB 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
The Six Deaths of the Saint ❣︎ 💌 ✨
THE SWEETEST OBLIVION 𝗥𝗥 ✿ ❣︎ ✨
★★★★:
Behind the net ✿ ❣︎ 💌
The fake out ✿ ❣︎ 💌 ✨
Unsteady ✿ ❣︎
You Deserve Valentine's Day Brunch ✿
𝐌𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞: bitter heat/hoeab
༻~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~༺
AND THATS A WRAP. . .
October 30, 2025
Every Rating & Review for 2023
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
(A-) 80% | Very Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 01/06/2023
Notes: Its scarlet woman's pretty passive, target of temptation, not much plot, though food for thought is ample captivation.
Secret Origins, Volume 1 by Greg Pak, Kyle Higgins, Tony Bedard, Ray Fawkes, Jeff Parker, Scott Lobdell, Robert Venditti and Jeremy Haun
(B) 75% | More than Satisfactory | ⭐⭐⭐ – 01/08/2023
Notes: They're nearly all just highlight reels, mere snack-sized meals, most fixed on feels, with not much new but art appeal.
Secret Origins, Volume 2 by Marv Wolfman, Scott Lobdell, Jeff Parker, Brian Azzarello, Cliff Chiang, J.M. DeMatteis, Cullen Bunn, Robert Venditti, Van Jensen, Paul Levitz, Frank Barbiere, Tim Seeley, Tom King, Jeff Lemire, Duffy Boudreau, Ann Nocenti, Charles Soule, Brenden Fletcher, Cameron Stewart, Dan Jurgens, Christy Marx, Landry Q. Walker and Ray Fawkes
(B) 75% | More than Satisfactory | ⭐⭐⭐ – 01/13/2023
Notes: An asymmetric assemblage: awful, acceptable and above average articles, altogether adequate, albeit absent any aces.
Book of Slaughter #1 by James Tynion IV
(A-) 82% | Very Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 01/14/2023
Notes: Tells a tale of changing clothes, half reference prose: all rules and lore, it doesn't bore, feels apropos, and never slows.
Something is Killing the Children #28 by James Tynion IV
(A-) 82% | Very Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 01/14/2023
Notes: Where fun's pursued, our hero's screwed, the evil foe, enjoying sport in killing blows, is in a mood to play with food.
Kaya #4 by Wes Craig
(B) 74% | More than Satisfactory | ⭐⭐⭐ – 01/14/2023
Notes: Pretty flat, just this-and-that, a dilute plot transition, secret's spilled, no bang from build, no overt theme nor mission.
DC Speechless! (2022-2023) #1 by Gustavo Duarte
(B+) 79% | Good | ⭐⭐⭐ – 01/15/2023
Notes: Quick and fun, a hit-and-run, nice twist and comic timing, textless here, still, crystal clear: coherent just with miming.
DC Speechless! (2022-2023) #2 by Gustavo Duarte
(B-) 68% | Satisfactory | ⭐⭐ – 01/15/2023
Notes: Buoyant, bright, but story-light, its payoff gag just sags, background sparse and hard to parse, it's brief but lollygags.
DC Speechless! (2022-2023) #3 by Gustavo Duarte
(B) 75% | More than Satisfactory | ⭐⭐⭐ – 01/15/2023
Notes: On dirty jobs, contagious globs, a big sartorial quandary, and setting right means kaiju fights and separating laundry.
Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo (2022-) #3 by Marc Silvestri
(A-) 80% | Very Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 01/16/2023
Notes: Revelatory albeit toned down, visually staid if artistically sound, and Nightwing here's wasted just standing around.
Little Monsters #9 by Jeff Lemire
(B+) 78% | Good | ⭐⭐⭐ – 01/16/2023
Notes: Malice inflamed, yet it's more of the same, undying obsession but little progression, additionally flashbacks are lame.
Supergirl: Being Super by Mariko Tamaki
(B+) 78% | Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 01/17/2023
Notes: Expressively fluid with art (hits the spot), shining in action, though sadness protraction dilutes and belabors the plot.
The Joker: Death of the Family by Scott Snyder, John Layman, Ann Nocenti, Adam Glass, James Tynion IV, Gail Simone, Scott Lobdell, Fabian Nicieza, Kyle Higgins, Tom DeFalco and Peter J. Tomasi
(B+) 76% | Good | ⭐⭐⭐ – 01/21/2023
Notes: Sampler plate, from bad to great, a tone and style medley, as genre goes, all horror shows: a mix of gross and deadly.
House of Slaughter #11 by James Tynion IV and Tate Brombal
(B) 75% | More than Satisfactory | ⭐⭐⭐ – 01/22/2023
Notes: Literally camp, no riot, it's damp, good information gains, bookending nice, slaughter for spice, but overall too plain.
Saga #61 by Brian K. Vaughan
(A-) 84% | Very Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 01/25/2023
Notes: Returns, reveals, new life ordeals, ambitious but well-seeded, objectives here are crystal clear (no exposition needed).
Junkyard Joe #4 by Geoff Johns
(A-) 82% | Very Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 01/26/2023
Notes: On secrets told and stumbled on, hiding an automaton, sharing grief and disbelief, and who to trust and count upon.
The New 52: Futures End, Volume 1 by Brian Azzarello, Jeff Lemire, Dan Jurgens and Keith Giffen
(B) 75% | More than Satisfactory | ⭐⭐⭐ – 01/31/2023
Notes: Out-and-out vigor drought, albeit bouts, all setting up and sorting out, and touting clout of heroes I don't care about.
Green Arrow: Futures End (2014) #1 by Jeff Lemire
(B+) 76% | Good | ⭐⭐⭐ – 02/01/2023
Notes: Many meetings, quest entreating, frosty confrontations, its action scenes are fine if lean, story's mostly conversations.
Blood Tree #1 by Peter J. Tomasi
(B) 75% | More than Satisfactory | ⭐⭐⭐ – 02/02/2023
Notes: Art's too plain, the plot feels drained, deficient dynamism, its murder case feels commonplace despite its symbolism.
Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman (2014-2015) #19 by Amy Chu
(B) 72% | More than Satisfactory | ⭐⭐ – 02/02/2023
Notes: Wonder Woman's barely seen, all messaging, it's story-lean, tedious though ending swell, it didn’t really age so well.
Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman (2014-2015) #20 by Alex de Campi
(B) 72% | More than Satisfactory | ⭐⭐ – 02/02/2023
Notes: Oddly crass, impolite, discusses kinks and cellulite, saved by art, a clunky start, bland, off-brand, and not quite right.
Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman (2014-2015) #21 by Alex de Campi
(C+) 66% | Almost Satisfactory | ⭐⭐ – 02/02/2023
Notes: Such flagrant laziness, its craziness is fine until the twist, it condescends, and then just ends, dishonorably dismissed.
Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman (2014-2015) #22 by Lauren Beukes
(B+) 77% | Good | ⭐⭐⭐ – 02/03/2023
Notes: It's children's stuff, not over-fluffed, fun art and decent moral, still super-light, no dynamite: a simple sisters' quarrel.
Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman (2014-2015) #23 by James Tynion IV
(B+) 78% | Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 02/03/2023
Notes: So, although it's not my thing (not art, conceit, nor coloring), I like it lots, a melting pot of quirkiness and all it brings.
Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman (2014-2015) #24 by James Tynion IV
(B+) 77% | Good | ⭐⭐⭐ – 02/03/2023
Notes: Sort of a chore, less spark than before, still charming but blander, few gags, it can drag, too much talk, and meanders.
Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman (2014-2015) #25 by Heather Nuhfer
(B-) 68% | Satisfactory | ⭐⭐ – 02/03/2023
Notes: Its plot and art's confusing, linkage-losing, still it's really pretty, a sight to see, unfortunately, it's wasted, such a pity.
Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman (2014-2015) #26 by Cecil Castellucci
(C+) 67% | Almost Satisfactory | ⭐⭐ – 02/04/2023
Notes: A real blank slate, and it's awful sedate, just iciness, huffing, a whole load of nothing, generic and bearing no weight.
Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman (2014-2015) #27 by Cecil Castellucci
(B-) 68% | Satisfactory | ⭐⭐ – 02/04/2023
Notes: Newfound respect is the theme, in effect it's contrived, and deprived of a reason for plight or the monsters they fight.
*character limit
Click here for the rest:
- Addendum #1
- Addendum #2
- Addendum #3
- Addendum #4
- Addendum #5
- Addendum #6
- Addendum #7
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
(A-) 80% | Very Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 01/06/2023
Notes: Its scarlet woman's pretty passive, target of temptation, not much plot, though food for thought is ample captivation.
Secret Origins, Volume 1 by Greg Pak, Kyle Higgins, Tony Bedard, Ray Fawkes, Jeff Parker, Scott Lobdell, Robert Venditti and Jeremy Haun
(B) 75% | More than Satisfactory | ⭐⭐⭐ – 01/08/2023
Notes: They're nearly all just highlight reels, mere snack-sized meals, most fixed on feels, with not much new but art appeal.
Secret Origins, Volume 2 by Marv Wolfman, Scott Lobdell, Jeff Parker, Brian Azzarello, Cliff Chiang, J.M. DeMatteis, Cullen Bunn, Robert Venditti, Van Jensen, Paul Levitz, Frank Barbiere, Tim Seeley, Tom King, Jeff Lemire, Duffy Boudreau, Ann Nocenti, Charles Soule, Brenden Fletcher, Cameron Stewart, Dan Jurgens, Christy Marx, Landry Q. Walker and Ray Fawkes
(B) 75% | More than Satisfactory | ⭐⭐⭐ – 01/13/2023
Notes: An asymmetric assemblage: awful, acceptable and above average articles, altogether adequate, albeit absent any aces.
Book of Slaughter #1 by James Tynion IV
(A-) 82% | Very Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 01/14/2023
Notes: Tells a tale of changing clothes, half reference prose: all rules and lore, it doesn't bore, feels apropos, and never slows.
Something is Killing the Children #28 by James Tynion IV
(A-) 82% | Very Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 01/14/2023
Notes: Where fun's pursued, our hero's screwed, the evil foe, enjoying sport in killing blows, is in a mood to play with food.
Kaya #4 by Wes Craig
(B) 74% | More than Satisfactory | ⭐⭐⭐ – 01/14/2023
Notes: Pretty flat, just this-and-that, a dilute plot transition, secret's spilled, no bang from build, no overt theme nor mission.
DC Speechless! (2022-2023) #1 by Gustavo Duarte
(B+) 79% | Good | ⭐⭐⭐ – 01/15/2023
Notes: Quick and fun, a hit-and-run, nice twist and comic timing, textless here, still, crystal clear: coherent just with miming.
DC Speechless! (2022-2023) #2 by Gustavo Duarte
(B-) 68% | Satisfactory | ⭐⭐ – 01/15/2023
Notes: Buoyant, bright, but story-light, its payoff gag just sags, background sparse and hard to parse, it's brief but lollygags.
DC Speechless! (2022-2023) #3 by Gustavo Duarte
(B) 75% | More than Satisfactory | ⭐⭐⭐ – 01/15/2023
Notes: On dirty jobs, contagious globs, a big sartorial quandary, and setting right means kaiju fights and separating laundry.
Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo (2022-) #3 by Marc Silvestri
(A-) 80% | Very Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 01/16/2023
Notes: Revelatory albeit toned down, visually staid if artistically sound, and Nightwing here's wasted just standing around.
Little Monsters #9 by Jeff Lemire
(B+) 78% | Good | ⭐⭐⭐ – 01/16/2023
Notes: Malice inflamed, yet it's more of the same, undying obsession but little progression, additionally flashbacks are lame.
Supergirl: Being Super by Mariko Tamaki
(B+) 78% | Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 01/17/2023
Notes: Expressively fluid with art (hits the spot), shining in action, though sadness protraction dilutes and belabors the plot.
The Joker: Death of the Family by Scott Snyder, John Layman, Ann Nocenti, Adam Glass, James Tynion IV, Gail Simone, Scott Lobdell, Fabian Nicieza, Kyle Higgins, Tom DeFalco and Peter J. Tomasi
(B+) 76% | Good | ⭐⭐⭐ – 01/21/2023
Notes: Sampler plate, from bad to great, a tone and style medley, as genre goes, all horror shows: a mix of gross and deadly.
House of Slaughter #11 by James Tynion IV and Tate Brombal
(B) 75% | More than Satisfactory | ⭐⭐⭐ – 01/22/2023
Notes: Literally camp, no riot, it's damp, good information gains, bookending nice, slaughter for spice, but overall too plain.
Saga #61 by Brian K. Vaughan
(A-) 84% | Very Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 01/25/2023
Notes: Returns, reveals, new life ordeals, ambitious but well-seeded, objectives here are crystal clear (no exposition needed).
Junkyard Joe #4 by Geoff Johns
(A-) 82% | Very Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 01/26/2023
Notes: On secrets told and stumbled on, hiding an automaton, sharing grief and disbelief, and who to trust and count upon.
The New 52: Futures End, Volume 1 by Brian Azzarello, Jeff Lemire, Dan Jurgens and Keith Giffen
(B) 75% | More than Satisfactory | ⭐⭐⭐ – 01/31/2023
Notes: Out-and-out vigor drought, albeit bouts, all setting up and sorting out, and touting clout of heroes I don't care about.
Green Arrow: Futures End (2014) #1 by Jeff Lemire
(B+) 76% | Good | ⭐⭐⭐ – 02/01/2023
Notes: Many meetings, quest entreating, frosty confrontations, its action scenes are fine if lean, story's mostly conversations.
Blood Tree #1 by Peter J. Tomasi
(B) 75% | More than Satisfactory | ⭐⭐⭐ – 02/02/2023
Notes: Art's too plain, the plot feels drained, deficient dynamism, its murder case feels commonplace despite its symbolism.
Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman (2014-2015) #19 by Amy Chu
(B) 72% | More than Satisfactory | ⭐⭐ – 02/02/2023
Notes: Wonder Woman's barely seen, all messaging, it's story-lean, tedious though ending swell, it didn’t really age so well.
Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman (2014-2015) #20 by Alex de Campi
(B) 72% | More than Satisfactory | ⭐⭐ – 02/02/2023
Notes: Oddly crass, impolite, discusses kinks and cellulite, saved by art, a clunky start, bland, off-brand, and not quite right.
Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman (2014-2015) #21 by Alex de Campi
(C+) 66% | Almost Satisfactory | ⭐⭐ – 02/02/2023
Notes: Such flagrant laziness, its craziness is fine until the twist, it condescends, and then just ends, dishonorably dismissed.
Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman (2014-2015) #22 by Lauren Beukes
(B+) 77% | Good | ⭐⭐⭐ – 02/03/2023
Notes: It's children's stuff, not over-fluffed, fun art and decent moral, still super-light, no dynamite: a simple sisters' quarrel.
Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman (2014-2015) #23 by James Tynion IV
(B+) 78% | Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 02/03/2023
Notes: So, although it's not my thing (not art, conceit, nor coloring), I like it lots, a melting pot of quirkiness and all it brings.
Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman (2014-2015) #24 by James Tynion IV
(B+) 77% | Good | ⭐⭐⭐ – 02/03/2023
Notes: Sort of a chore, less spark than before, still charming but blander, few gags, it can drag, too much talk, and meanders.
Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman (2014-2015) #25 by Heather Nuhfer
(B-) 68% | Satisfactory | ⭐⭐ – 02/03/2023
Notes: Its plot and art's confusing, linkage-losing, still it's really pretty, a sight to see, unfortunately, it's wasted, such a pity.
Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman (2014-2015) #26 by Cecil Castellucci
(C+) 67% | Almost Satisfactory | ⭐⭐ – 02/04/2023
Notes: A real blank slate, and it's awful sedate, just iciness, huffing, a whole load of nothing, generic and bearing no weight.
Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman (2014-2015) #27 by Cecil Castellucci
(B-) 68% | Satisfactory | ⭐⭐ – 02/04/2023
Notes: Newfound respect is the theme, in effect it's contrived, and deprived of a reason for plight or the monsters they fight.
*character limit
Click here for the rest:
- Addendum #1
- Addendum #2
- Addendum #3
- Addendum #4
- Addendum #5
- Addendum #6
- Addendum #7
![Profile Image for s.penkevich [hiatus-will return-miss you all].](/https/www.goodreads.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinproxy.fan.workers.dev%3A443%2Fhttps%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1735525095i%2F6431467._UX200_CR0%2C11%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
December 29, 2023
And so another year has come and gone full of great books read and great conversations here with friends. It was the year I finally learned to read book series, the year I discovered audiobooks and my dogs were thrilled our nightly walks grew much longer, and the year I finally read a lot of books I’d set aside for a certain time of year and then never got to. It was also a year I was interviewed twice about being on goodreads, one for a really lovely profile about myself you can READ HERE and then another that turned out to be a pretty negative take on goodreads but spelled my name incorrectly anyways (which you can read HERE) . Can’t win them all and personally I don't find goodreads to be stressful or negative but actually a really positive place I look forward to checking (when asked if I thought goodreads was stressful I said "no...why?" and was genuinely confused that would be a take on goodreads). I think this place is so full of creative people and I always love to see the ways people find to engage with and share their love of reading. If you've known me on here you can probably tell I'm here way too much. But all in all, a lovely year and I really appreciate all my friends here, long term and new, and the chats we have had. Seems hard to believe I’ve been doing this for over a decade now, but I always look forward to chatting with you all and seeing your reviews. Thanks for putting up with me.
Series
Okay fine, you are all correct, book series are cool. I used to avoid them like the plague (a novel I finally actually read this year too) and would say “oh I simply cannot start another until I finish all of Proust” because A. I’m a dick and B. I’m never finishing Proust lets face it. And I even like Proust. BUT, I cracked and now I’m obsessed with both Murderbot (I’m wearing a Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon tshirt right now, nerd alert) and the Wayfarers series and I’ve also begun Ferrante’s Neapolitan Quartet and Ali Smith’s Seasons Quartet and loving them both.
Favorites
So in 2023 I read 162 books. I think that’s the most I’ve ever done? I’ve never kept track before, I’m actually a terrible goodreads user. Anyways here are some favs:
It is a toss-up between Yellowface by R.F. Kuang and The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi for favorite novels published in 2023.
However, my favorites I read in 2023 were
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
The Plague by Albert Camus
Little Women by L.M. Alcott
Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
Most of these were books I’ve long put off reading and am so glad I finally got to. Thanks to people like Adira’s review of Little Women to finally convince me. Reading Watership Down was another big event for me, I’m still talking about it at all times (sorry everyone who knows me).
Also, I finally read The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones which I’ve said I’d read for Halloween for years now. It ruled. And I remembered to start Autumn by Ali Smith in the proper season and am currently reading the next. Completing goals is fun, turns out!
Oh and I’m a big graphic novel fan so my favorite of 2023 is definitely The Princess in the Grilled Cheese Sandwich
New Things
This year I really tried to branch out and read things I hadn’t before. I found I really enjoyed that and love taking recommendations. I tried an Emily Henry, a Colleen Hoover and an Ali Hazelwood because that seems to be the trifecta of romance writers (gotta say, Emily Henry wins for me). I also finally read The Summer I Turned Pretty during summer but, alas, I did not turn pretty. But part of branching out was due to finally discovering audiobooks (shoutout to libraries for free audiobooks through Hoopla and Libby). Anything I really want to read especially on a sentence level I still prefer books, but I like to try stuff I normally wouldn’t have picked up by listening on audio. It’s been really lovely. I always enjoy when authors advise to read widely as the best way to learn how to write. Not that I’m planning on writing a book but I truly see the value, especially as I tend to enjoy books that can blend genres so effectively (fold in some noir and I am yours).
Simone de Beauvoir
I realized this year that I really just love Simone de Beauvoir. I did a really cool reading of Camus books with a friend of mine which then brought me into reading some Sartre, but I have to say Simone tops them all for me. For those looking to get a good intro to existentialism The Ethics of Ambiguity really rocked my world and I talk about it all the time. But also this year I just really realized I love literature from French women. I plan on reading more in 2024.
So here’s to 2023, thanks for a great year, and I can’t wait to see what the future brings.
Happy New Year, here's to another great year of reading!
Series
Okay fine, you are all correct, book series are cool. I used to avoid them like the plague (a novel I finally actually read this year too) and would say “oh I simply cannot start another until I finish all of Proust” because A. I’m a dick and B. I’m never finishing Proust lets face it. And I even like Proust. BUT, I cracked and now I’m obsessed with both Murderbot (I’m wearing a Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon tshirt right now, nerd alert) and the Wayfarers series and I’ve also begun Ferrante’s Neapolitan Quartet and Ali Smith’s Seasons Quartet and loving them both.
Favorites
So in 2023 I read 162 books. I think that’s the most I’ve ever done? I’ve never kept track before, I’m actually a terrible goodreads user. Anyways here are some favs:
It is a toss-up between Yellowface by R.F. Kuang and The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi for favorite novels published in 2023.
However, my favorites I read in 2023 were
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
The Plague by Albert Camus
Little Women by L.M. Alcott
Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
Most of these were books I’ve long put off reading and am so glad I finally got to. Thanks to people like Adira’s review of Little Women to finally convince me. Reading Watership Down was another big event for me, I’m still talking about it at all times (sorry everyone who knows me).
Also, I finally read The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones which I’ve said I’d read for Halloween for years now. It ruled. And I remembered to start Autumn by Ali Smith in the proper season and am currently reading the next. Completing goals is fun, turns out!
Oh and I’m a big graphic novel fan so my favorite of 2023 is definitely The Princess in the Grilled Cheese Sandwich
New Things
This year I really tried to branch out and read things I hadn’t before. I found I really enjoyed that and love taking recommendations. I tried an Emily Henry, a Colleen Hoover and an Ali Hazelwood because that seems to be the trifecta of romance writers (gotta say, Emily Henry wins for me). I also finally read The Summer I Turned Pretty during summer but, alas, I did not turn pretty. But part of branching out was due to finally discovering audiobooks (shoutout to libraries for free audiobooks through Hoopla and Libby). Anything I really want to read especially on a sentence level I still prefer books, but I like to try stuff I normally wouldn’t have picked up by listening on audio. It’s been really lovely. I always enjoy when authors advise to read widely as the best way to learn how to write. Not that I’m planning on writing a book but I truly see the value, especially as I tend to enjoy books that can blend genres so effectively (fold in some noir and I am yours).
Simone de Beauvoir
I realized this year that I really just love Simone de Beauvoir. I did a really cool reading of Camus books with a friend of mine which then brought me into reading some Sartre, but I have to say Simone tops them all for me. For those looking to get a good intro to existentialism The Ethics of Ambiguity really rocked my world and I talk about it all the time. But also this year I just really realized I love literature from French women. I plan on reading more in 2024.
So here’s to 2023, thanks for a great year, and I can’t wait to see what the future brings.
Happy New Year, here's to another great year of reading!
Read
June 18, 2023🤨 June 17, 2923 - I decided to stop listing the books because ad always it’s starting to stress me out and I don’t have time for stupid extra stress. This is why I never finish these. I’d like to have the 4.5 and 5 books listed here but I have shelves for that so…. Ima quittin again 😂🤣. I might try to list at the end of the year if there aren’t too many.
—————
Here we go afreakingain…. I’ll try to list, I will!!!
4.5
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
Warren the 13th and the Whispering Woods
5
Deluxe Book of the Movie
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
5 Elf Prince https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
—————
Here we go afreakingain…. I’ll try to list, I will!!!
4.5
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
Warren the 13th and the Whispering Woods5
Deluxe Book of the Movie4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...5 Elf Prince https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
December 30, 2023
It was a wonderful year from a reading point of view. I’ve read or listened to more books than I thought it was possible. Half were stories or collection of short stories, but still, it’s a lot. I am very behind with my reviews but I still hope to get back on track somehow.
I want to thank you all for being here on Goodreads and reading my random thoughts. I wish you all a Wonderful 2024.
I enjoyed doing stats last year, so here they are again:
Total books read: 210 (128 in 2022)
Women writers: 71
Men writers:139
I know, I need to do better with female/male ratio but many of the classic short stories that I’ve read are written by men.
Countries: 54 ( 29 in 2023).
US: 51 (too many)
UK: 35
Argentina, France, China, Japan: 7 books/stories from each country.
Chile, India, Spain: 6 books/stories from each country
Type:
Novels: 98
Short Stories (including collections): 102
Poetry: 3
Non-Fiction: 7
My favorite literary fiction:
1. The Maniac by Benjamín Labatut
2. Swann’s Way by Marcel Proust
3. August Blue by Deborah Levy
4. The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng
5. Boulder byEva Baltasar
Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton
My favorite short stories:
1. The Tattooer by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki
2. Sonny's Blues by James Baldwin
3. Seven Floors by Dino Buzzati
4. A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner
5. Sweat Zora Neale Hurston
My favorite mysteries:
1. The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith
2. The Last Coyote by Michael Connelly
3. How the Light Gets In Louise Penny
4. Angels in the Moonlight by Caimh McDonnell
5. Real Tigers by Mick Herron/Revelation by C.J. Sansom
I want to thank you all for being here on Goodreads and reading my random thoughts. I wish you all a Wonderful 2024.
I enjoyed doing stats last year, so here they are again:
Total books read: 210 (128 in 2022)
Women writers: 71
Men writers:139
I know, I need to do better with female/male ratio but many of the classic short stories that I’ve read are written by men.
Countries: 54 ( 29 in 2023).
US: 51 (too many)
UK: 35
Argentina, France, China, Japan: 7 books/stories from each country.
Chile, India, Spain: 6 books/stories from each country
Type:
Novels: 98
Short Stories (including collections): 102
Poetry: 3
Non-Fiction: 7
My favorite literary fiction:
1. The Maniac by Benjamín Labatut
2. Swann’s Way by Marcel Proust
3. August Blue by Deborah Levy
4. The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng
5. Boulder byEva Baltasar
Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton
My favorite short stories:
1. The Tattooer by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki
2. Sonny's Blues by James Baldwin
3. Seven Floors by Dino Buzzati
4. A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner
5. Sweat Zora Neale Hurston
My favorite mysteries:
1. The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith
2. The Last Coyote by Michael Connelly
3. How the Light Gets In Louise Penny
4. Angels in the Moonlight by Caimh McDonnell
5. Real Tigers by Mick Herron/Revelation by C.J. Sansom
January 1, 2024
god, it's that time of the year again huh
alright. reading goal: only queer books next year, cishets don't interact ✋🚫
so. about that.
It was going very well for me until the 12th of April, a day i was so sad and depressed that the only thing i could read was the prequel to my favourite childhood series Skulduggery Pleasant. I did not plan to ever read this prequel at all cause i assumed it would be bad (and it was). nevertheless, i read it over the course of one afternoon and it did cheer me up sooo… i don’t know what to tell you.
either way, i had read 93 queer books by that point and continued to read 12 more until Emily Henry published her new book which was a second chance romance and HOW on EARTH was i supposed to stay strong when it’s a SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE.
anyway, after that it was just a free for all, nothing matters anyway, what even IS a goal.
long story short, i have read 222 books this year and 147 of those were queer which is around 66% which i’m fine with.
so what did we learn from this experiment? there’s a surprising variety of genres represented in that number of 147. I think the times where it was all just m/m romance are somewhat gone, especially if you actually go and read books from (queer) indie authors. I have read 29 queer romances, quite a lot of queer thriller/mystery books (20), and some fantasy as well (23). there were also 3 queer classics which shows that we have always been around.
would i do it again? probably not. you are definitely still limited in your selection and especially if you wanna go buy some books in an actual bookstore. while most of them (depending on where you live ofc) do have a pride section at this point, it’s usually a limited amount of the same five books and also usually all ya books (i’m sorry, i am simply not interested in reading/continuing heartstopper) so you will have to order online. and if you want the really unique books by indie authors you might just be out of luck completely when it comes to physical books.
also you obviously can’t read the internet’s hype book of the week cause they’re not queer. absolutely never. zero percent chance.
and while i said, that there’s a big variety of genres at this point, i still feel like most of it is either romance focused or sad gay™ and that’s like a very specific mood that i have to be in. it would also explain why what eventually took me out of the whole challenge was slipping into depression and needing a low-stakes inoffensive childhood classic. but that’s just me trying to justify my failures.
bottom line, because i never actually planned to say that much about this and still have to go into my other reading statistics: you should definitely read more queer books. you should also definitely actively seek out queer books and also seek out queer books that go beyond the m/m fuckfest. because they will probably not come to you on their own considering, as i’ve said previously, those are not the books the reading community is hyping up. so you have to do your own work.
that being said, there’s really no need to limit yourself to just reading queer books. you wouldn’t just eat pasta for every meal either.
and with that, welcome to my yearly goodreads wrapped!!! it really isn’t exciting because i don’t have much to say.
i have read 222 books this year. i divided those books into 12 genres that i more or less assigned arbitrarily (sometimes things are more than one thing but i didn’t want to spend THAT much time doing statistics). so my most read genre is obviously romance (bleurgh) with 45 books, closely followed by fantasy (42) books because apparently i’m going through a phase (i’m not usually a fantasy reader). five books i have labelled “porn” because if i have to hear the word “smut” one more time i will actively blow myself up. other than that i mostly read contemporaries (32), manga/comics (30), thriller/mystery (27), and horror (21). i have read exactly one (1) scifi book which i am planning on changing next yearto zero because scifi sucks to a couple more because i wanna get into scifi so look forward to watching me fail spectacularly!
my average rating for this year was 3.2 and i have given 5 stars exactly 27 times and 1 star exactly 15 times, latter of which quite frankly feels shockingly low. about 30% of books got a three star rating. the honor of getting zero stars (twice) goes to fourth wing (obviously) and dolores claiborne by Stephen King which he definitely deserved.
twenty books were buddy reads and i would like to thank my friends chrysa, alka, and khadi for reading with me this year <3 i hope they will continue to read with me next year as well, though chrysa threatens to block me weekly <3
my five least favourite books this year (-5 being the worst) were:
-1: Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb
-2: Heaven Official's Blessing by Mo Xiang Tong Xu
-3: Honeybee by Craig Silver
-4: Dolores Claiborne by Stephen King
-5: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
and more importantly the five best books i’ve read this year:
5. A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwab
4. Dear Mothman by Robin Gow
3. Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
2. Acts of Service by Lillian Fishman
and to no surprise to no-one
1. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins <3333333
overall, i feel like i've had a pretty successful reading year and i can't wait to do it all over again ... tomorrow...
alright. reading goal: only queer books next year, cishets don't interact ✋🚫
so. about that.
It was going very well for me until the 12th of April, a day i was so sad and depressed that the only thing i could read was the prequel to my favourite childhood series Skulduggery Pleasant. I did not plan to ever read this prequel at all cause i assumed it would be bad (and it was). nevertheless, i read it over the course of one afternoon and it did cheer me up sooo… i don’t know what to tell you.
either way, i had read 93 queer books by that point and continued to read 12 more until Emily Henry published her new book which was a second chance romance and HOW on EARTH was i supposed to stay strong when it’s a SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE.
anyway, after that it was just a free for all, nothing matters anyway, what even IS a goal.
long story short, i have read 222 books this year and 147 of those were queer which is around 66% which i’m fine with.
so what did we learn from this experiment? there’s a surprising variety of genres represented in that number of 147. I think the times where it was all just m/m romance are somewhat gone, especially if you actually go and read books from (queer) indie authors. I have read 29 queer romances, quite a lot of queer thriller/mystery books (20), and some fantasy as well (23). there were also 3 queer classics which shows that we have always been around.
would i do it again? probably not. you are definitely still limited in your selection and especially if you wanna go buy some books in an actual bookstore. while most of them (depending on where you live ofc) do have a pride section at this point, it’s usually a limited amount of the same five books and also usually all ya books (i’m sorry, i am simply not interested in reading/continuing heartstopper) so you will have to order online. and if you want the really unique books by indie authors you might just be out of luck completely when it comes to physical books.
also you obviously can’t read the internet’s hype book of the week cause they’re not queer. absolutely never. zero percent chance.
and while i said, that there’s a big variety of genres at this point, i still feel like most of it is either romance focused or sad gay™ and that’s like a very specific mood that i have to be in. it would also explain why what eventually took me out of the whole challenge was slipping into depression and needing a low-stakes inoffensive childhood classic. but that’s just me trying to justify my failures.
bottom line, because i never actually planned to say that much about this and still have to go into my other reading statistics: you should definitely read more queer books. you should also definitely actively seek out queer books and also seek out queer books that go beyond the m/m fuckfest. because they will probably not come to you on their own considering, as i’ve said previously, those are not the books the reading community is hyping up. so you have to do your own work.
that being said, there’s really no need to limit yourself to just reading queer books. you wouldn’t just eat pasta for every meal either.
and with that, welcome to my yearly goodreads wrapped!!! it really isn’t exciting because i don’t have much to say.
i have read 222 books this year. i divided those books into 12 genres that i more or less assigned arbitrarily (sometimes things are more than one thing but i didn’t want to spend THAT much time doing statistics). so my most read genre is obviously romance (bleurgh) with 45 books, closely followed by fantasy (42) books because apparently i’m going through a phase (i’m not usually a fantasy reader). five books i have labelled “porn” because if i have to hear the word “smut” one more time i will actively blow myself up. other than that i mostly read contemporaries (32), manga/comics (30), thriller/mystery (27), and horror (21). i have read exactly one (1) scifi book which i am planning on changing next year
my average rating for this year was 3.2 and i have given 5 stars exactly 27 times and 1 star exactly 15 times, latter of which quite frankly feels shockingly low. about 30% of books got a three star rating. the honor of getting zero stars (twice) goes to fourth wing (obviously) and dolores claiborne by Stephen King which he definitely deserved.
twenty books were buddy reads and i would like to thank my friends chrysa, alka, and khadi for reading with me this year <3 i hope they will continue to read with me next year as well, though chrysa threatens to block me weekly <3
my five least favourite books this year (-5 being the worst) were:
-1: Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb
-2: Heaven Official's Blessing by Mo Xiang Tong Xu
-3: Honeybee by Craig Silver
-4: Dolores Claiborne by Stephen King
-5: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
and more importantly the five best books i’ve read this year:
5. A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwab
4. Dear Mothman by Robin Gow
3. Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
2. Acts of Service by Lillian Fishman
and to no surprise to no-one
1. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins <3333333
overall, i feel like i've had a pretty successful reading year and i can't wait to do it all over again ... tomorrow...
January 8, 2024
2023:
✿ ❀ ✿ ❀ ✿ ❀ ✿ ❀
reading goals
✿ Read 120/120
❀ stop leaving books sitting on my tbr for way too long ✓
✿ read more physical books ✓
❀ finish the series i start
✿ start my first fantasy book or series
series/duets i want to complete
❥ Second Sets Duet ✓
❥ Cat & Mouse Duet 0/3
❥ Off-Campus Series 2/5
❥ The Miles High Series ✓
❥ The Windy City Series 2/3
❥ The Ravenhood Series 0/3
❥ The Alliance Series 2/4
❥ Next Level Series ✓
❥ Madison Kate Series ✓
❥ Masked Duet ✓
❥ Hannaford Prep Series 2/4
standalones i want to read
❥ Lilac ✓
❥ Credence ✓
❥ That Sik Luv ✓
❥ For The Fans
❥ Den Of Vipers
❥ Black Ties White Lies
❥ Does It Hurt?
❥ Pen Pal
❥ Hitch ✓
❥ Bait ✓
✨January:
Angry God ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The Rebel Of Raleigh High ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Revenge At Raleigh High ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
♔ Favorite: Angry God
♙ Least Favorite: N/A
✨February:
Reckless At Raleigh High ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Thorne Princess ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
♔ Favorite: Reckless At Raleigh High
♙ Least Favorite: Thorne Princess
✨March:
Faking With Benefits ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Nanny For The Neighbor ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Triple Duty Bodyguards ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Poison ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The Stopover ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The Takeover ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The Casanova ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The Do-Over ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Right Man, Right Time ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Play Along ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Nanny For The Bossholes ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
♔ Favorite: The Takeover
♙ Least Favorite: The Do-Over
✨April:
Mile High ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The Right Move ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Mr. Masters ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Daddies Next Door ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Single Dads Club ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
My Brother’s Best Friends ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Billionaire Brother’s Nanny ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
My Best Friend’s Triplet Brothers ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The Inheritance ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
Praise ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Smoky Darling ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
♔ Favorite: The Right Move
♙ Least Favorite: The Inheritance
✨May:
Latte Darling ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Tangled In Tinsel ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Twisted Love ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Bitter Notes ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Billionaire Brother’s Surrogate ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Bait ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
♔ Favorite: Bitter Notes
♙ Least Favorite: Twisted Love
✨June:
Credence ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Double Pucked ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Active ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Picking Peaches ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
In Between ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Mountain Men Triplets ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Reckless Conduct ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Desire Or Defense ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
The Peacemaker ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Step Devil ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Step Devil 2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Sweet Strings ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
♔ Favorite: Picking Peaches
♙ Least Favorite: Sweet Strings
✨July:
The Off Limits Rule ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Knot So Lucky ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
HITCH ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The Pucking Wrong Number ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Fake And Don’t Tell ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Dance Butterfly Dance ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Burn Butterfly Burn ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Tis The Season For Revenge ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Breaking Bella ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
That Sik Luv ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The Dancer And The Masks ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
The Housemaid ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
♔ Favorite: The Housemaid
♙ Least Favorite: The Dancer And The Masks
✨August:
In A Jam ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Lilac ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Glitch ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Flip ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Click ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Runaway Groomsman ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
My Brother’s Teammates ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
HATE ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
♔ Favorite: Runaway Groomsman
♙ Least Favorite: In A Jam
✨September:
LIAR ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
FAKE ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
KATE ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Three Swedish Mountain Men ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The Deal ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Just Drop Out ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Make Your Move ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
♔ Favorite: FAKE
♙ Least Favorite: N/A
✨October:
The Mistake ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Nero ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Stuck On Them ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
That First Night ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Three-Night Stand ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
A Bedtime Story: Beauty Meets Beast (ARC) ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Scream For Us ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Butcher & Blackbird ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
♔ Favorite: Butcher & Blackbird
♙ Least Favorite: what can I say I read some great books this month.
✨November:
Best Friends Never Kiss ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
Never Have I Ever ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Carving For Cara ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Puck Yes ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
King ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Totally Pucked ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Trick Shot ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
CurVy 13 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
♔ Favorite: Trick Shot
♙ Least Favorite: Best Friends Never Kiss
✨December:
My Christmas Quarantine ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
My Christmas Cock-Up ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
My Christmas Klepto ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
My Christmas Kink ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Dipped In Holly ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The Mistletoe Bet ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Second Bite ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
One Pucking Night ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Kiss And Puck ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Pucking Disaster ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Love Redesigned ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Triple Play For The Single Mom ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Jingle Devil ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Three Second Chances For Christmas ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Mall Santas ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
Santa Baby ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Winter Ward ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Toasty Inside ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Jingle My Balls ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The Naughty List ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Provoking Saint Nick ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Thin Ice ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
That Sexy Bartender ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
That Ex-Best Friend ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
That Single Dad ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Frisky The Snowman ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Elf’d ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Cold Wood ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Snow Storm ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
Clock Work ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
Thief ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
The Gift ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
♔ Favorite: Triple Play For The Single Mom
♙ Least Favorite: Snow Storm
End Of The Year Stats
Pages Read: 34,810
5 Star Reads: 11
DNF’d Books: 1
Rating Average: 4.11
Top 10 Books Of The Year
10. Angry God
9. Right Man Right Time
8.Runaway Groomsman
7. Triple Play For The Single Mom
6. The Casanova
5. That Sik Luv
4. Praise
3. Trick Shot
2. Lilac
1. Butcher & Blackbird
✿ ❀ ✿ ❀ ✿ ❀ ✿ ❀
reading goals
✿ Read 120/120
❀ stop leaving books sitting on my tbr for way too long ✓
✿ read more physical books ✓
❀ finish the series i start
✿ start my first fantasy book or series
series/duets i want to complete
❥ Second Sets Duet ✓
❥ Cat & Mouse Duet 0/3
❥ Off-Campus Series 2/5
❥ The Miles High Series ✓
❥ The Windy City Series 2/3
❥ The Ravenhood Series 0/3
❥ The Alliance Series 2/4
❥ Next Level Series ✓
❥ Madison Kate Series ✓
❥ Masked Duet ✓
❥ Hannaford Prep Series 2/4
standalones i want to read
❥ Lilac ✓
❥ Credence ✓
❥ That Sik Luv ✓
❥ For The Fans
❥ Den Of Vipers
❥ Black Ties White Lies
❥ Does It Hurt?
❥ Pen Pal
❥ Hitch ✓
❥ Bait ✓
✨January:
Angry God ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The Rebel Of Raleigh High ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Revenge At Raleigh High ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
♔ Favorite: Angry God
♙ Least Favorite: N/A
✨February:
Reckless At Raleigh High ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Thorne Princess ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
♔ Favorite: Reckless At Raleigh High
♙ Least Favorite: Thorne Princess
✨March:
Faking With Benefits ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Nanny For The Neighbor ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Triple Duty Bodyguards ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Poison ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The Stopover ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The Takeover ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The Casanova ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The Do-Over ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Right Man, Right Time ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Play Along ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Nanny For The Bossholes ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
♔ Favorite: The Takeover
♙ Least Favorite: The Do-Over
✨April:
Mile High ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The Right Move ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Mr. Masters ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Daddies Next Door ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Single Dads Club ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
My Brother’s Best Friends ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Billionaire Brother’s Nanny ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
My Best Friend’s Triplet Brothers ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The Inheritance ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
Praise ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Smoky Darling ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
♔ Favorite: The Right Move
♙ Least Favorite: The Inheritance
✨May:
Latte Darling ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Tangled In Tinsel ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Twisted Love ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Bitter Notes ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Billionaire Brother’s Surrogate ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Bait ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
♔ Favorite: Bitter Notes
♙ Least Favorite: Twisted Love
✨June:
Credence ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Double Pucked ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Active ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Picking Peaches ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
In Between ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Mountain Men Triplets ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Reckless Conduct ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Desire Or Defense ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
The Peacemaker ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Step Devil ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Step Devil 2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Sweet Strings ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
♔ Favorite: Picking Peaches
♙ Least Favorite: Sweet Strings
✨July:
The Off Limits Rule ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Knot So Lucky ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
HITCH ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The Pucking Wrong Number ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Fake And Don’t Tell ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Dance Butterfly Dance ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Burn Butterfly Burn ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Tis The Season For Revenge ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Breaking Bella ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
That Sik Luv ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The Dancer And The Masks ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
The Housemaid ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
♔ Favorite: The Housemaid
♙ Least Favorite: The Dancer And The Masks
✨August:
In A Jam ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Lilac ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Glitch ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Flip ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Click ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Runaway Groomsman ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
My Brother’s Teammates ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
HATE ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
♔ Favorite: Runaway Groomsman
♙ Least Favorite: In A Jam
✨September:
LIAR ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
FAKE ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
KATE ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Three Swedish Mountain Men ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The Deal ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Just Drop Out ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Make Your Move ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
♔ Favorite: FAKE
♙ Least Favorite: N/A
✨October:
The Mistake ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Nero ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Stuck On Them ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
That First Night ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Three-Night Stand ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
A Bedtime Story: Beauty Meets Beast (ARC) ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Scream For Us ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Butcher & Blackbird ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
♔ Favorite: Butcher & Blackbird
♙ Least Favorite: what can I say I read some great books this month.
✨November:
Best Friends Never Kiss ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
Never Have I Ever ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Carving For Cara ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Puck Yes ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
King ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Totally Pucked ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Trick Shot ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
CurVy 13 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
♔ Favorite: Trick Shot
♙ Least Favorite: Best Friends Never Kiss
✨December:
My Christmas Quarantine ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
My Christmas Cock-Up ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
My Christmas Klepto ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
My Christmas Kink ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Dipped In Holly ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The Mistletoe Bet ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Second Bite ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
One Pucking Night ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Kiss And Puck ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Pucking Disaster ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Love Redesigned ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Triple Play For The Single Mom ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Jingle Devil ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Three Second Chances For Christmas ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Mall Santas ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
Santa Baby ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Winter Ward ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Toasty Inside ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Jingle My Balls ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The Naughty List ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Provoking Saint Nick ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Thin Ice ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
That Sexy Bartender ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
That Ex-Best Friend ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
That Single Dad ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Frisky The Snowman ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Elf’d ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Cold Wood ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Snow Storm ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
Clock Work ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
Thief ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
The Gift ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
♔ Favorite: Triple Play For The Single Mom
♙ Least Favorite: Snow Storm
End Of The Year Stats
Pages Read: 34,810
5 Star Reads: 11
DNF’d Books: 1
Rating Average: 4.11
Top 10 Books Of The Year
10. Angry God
9. Right Man Right Time
8.Runaway Groomsman
7. Triple Play For The Single Mom
6. The Casanova
5. That Sik Luv
4. Praise
3. Trick Shot
2. Lilac
1. Butcher & Blackbird
December 28, 2024
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
Apparently this little Tip is not widely known so I'm making it more visible and public.
If you go to your Full Friends List and go to the very last pages you will find all your friends that have 'updated' something recently.
Since the Feed is a mess, hope this helps :D
Have fun and all the best ppl.!
-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE :
Related to: Status.
-----------------------------------------------
¡AVISO IMPORTANTE!
Aparentemente este pequeño truco no es muy conocido así que lo voy a hacer más visible y público.
Si van a su Lista Completa de Amigos y van directo a las últimas páginas, encontrarán todos los amigos que han 'actualizado' algo recientemente.
Ya que el Feed es un desastre, espero que esto ayude :D
¡Diviértanse y todo lo mejor gente!
-----------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL :
Relacionado a: Estado.
-----------------------------------------
Apparently this little Tip is not widely known so I'm making it more visible and public.
If you go to your Full Friends List and go to the very last pages you will find all your friends that have 'updated' something recently.
Since the Feed is a mess, hope this helps :D
Have fun and all the best ppl.!
-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE :
Related to: Status.
-----------------------------------------------
¡AVISO IMPORTANTE!
Aparentemente este pequeño truco no es muy conocido así que lo voy a hacer más visible y público.
Si van a su Lista Completa de Amigos y van directo a las últimas páginas, encontrarán todos los amigos que han 'actualizado' algo recientemente.
Ya que el Feed es un desastre, espero que esto ayude :D
¡Diviértanse y todo lo mejor gente!
-----------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL :
Relacionado a: Estado.
-----------------------------------------
December 31, 2023
I love the book and the look of words
the weight of ideas that popped into my mind
I love the tracks
of new thinking in my mind.
Maya Angelou
Today brought the news of Dutch poet Astrid Lampe winning the esteemed PC Hooft poetry prize for her oeuvre; it struck me how the words of Maya Angelou illustrate Lampe’s point of view that in the light of the much being unpalatable in the world, poetry, like other art forms, helps to keep breathing and find mental space amidst the chaos of global crises.
The year 2023 started excellently reading-wise. Once summer began, things however changed pretty drastically and this reader arrived in (mostly self-inflicted) stormy weather. The winds of change are still blowing and so I have to brace myself that the beginning of 2024 will probably be too turbulent and busy for reading much as well.
In short, I read considerably less than in previous years. I hadn’t the time to concoct reviews and to my frustration didn’t manage to finish a couple I started, having lost the notes that I jotted down haphazardly. I haven’t rated half of the books I read (yet?) and this year abandoned more books than I did in the forty-five years of reading before, which was quite unsettling for a compulsive book finisher. Or I was too fidgety to continue or I quit because I wasn’t able to give a book the attention it deserved. My deepest regret (and shame) is that while I managed to dedicate some of the rare reading time to four books on Michel de Montaigne I got hopelessly stuck in reading the essays of the man himself. Silliness, thy name is…yes, I know.
The rediscovery of J.M. Coetzee (The Pole) brought me to read his The Master of Petersburg, which paired wonderfully with a biography on Dostoevsky written by his Dutch translator Arthur Langeveld, Tussen geld en God: Dostojevski voor beginners. I very much enjoyed reading three more novels of Elizabeth Taylor (Angel, A Game of Hide and Seek, The Sleeping Beauty) and following the lovely discussion in the group read. As usual it were a couple of classics that touched me the most, together with some favourite authors I turn to over and again for many reasons: Patrick Modiano (Ring Roads, In the Café of Lost Youth), Javier Marías (All Souls, Tomorrow in the Battle Think on Me) and Antonio Tabucchi (Dreams of Dreams and the Last Three Days of Fernando Pessoa).
Apart from the usual suspects, memorable reads were
Svetlana Alexievich – Voices from Chernobyl: The Oral History of a Nuclear Disaster
Erich Maria Remarque - All Quiet on the Western Front
Marguerite Yourcenar – Memoirs of Hadrian
James Baldwin - Giovanni’s Room
Helene Hanff - 84, Charing Cross Road
Marcel Reich-Ranicki - The Author Of Himself: The Life Of Marcel Reich-Ranicki
Pascal Quignard – Tous les matins du monde (Achingly beautiful, the music of Marin Marais as played by Jordi Savall has been a companion that kept me warm this year (La rêveuse)
Fyodor Sologub - The Petty Demon
Deborah Levy – Swimming Home
Maria Judite de Carvalho - Empty Wardrobes
Sergej Dovlatov - The Compromise
Gabriel Garcia Marquez - No One Writes to the Colonel
Anita Brookner - Family and Friends
Stig Dagerman - A Burnt Child
In hindsight, I am glad that about half of the best reads were books that have been on my shelves for years and which I finally managed to read. Nonetheless, how could I resist treats like The Blindfold or Paris kindly offered by the wonderful local library?
Some short stories (The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas, Sonny's Blues, A Small, Good Thing) and a couple of books on history (The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine;De Canon van Vlaanderen in 60 vensters) and art were time well-spent.
The most delightful book experiences this year were linked to a week of multiple visits to the feline bookshop Mon Chat Pitre in Aix-en-Provence – books and cats, as ever, making life good. Impossible to choose the one that is most lovely, soft, furry and beautiful: Marcel, Féfé, Plume, Sherlock, Tam, Colette, and Garfield, we are waving and wish you all well!
Nearing the end of the year, I am half-way through with Josyane Savigneau’s biography of Marguerite Yourcenar that has been collecting dust on the shelves for longer than I can remember, interspersed with indulging in reading the poems from the beauteous collection Books and Libraries: Poems that has been patiently waiting on the bed stand for the moment this reader would eventually calm down.
Even if the road to hell is paved with good intentions, when they come in the form of reading plans I allow myself some because it is such a pleasure to dream a little for the coming year: firstly, to give priority to the unread books towering at home (including some written by friends), secondly, because I want to be able to communicate in French when starting my new job in the capital, make a dent into the pile with French pockets (which miraculously grew on holiday in France).
Wishing all of you who continue to make this warm, generous and brilliant bookish community a place of great inspiration and joy a wonderful 2024 – may it be more gentle to the many who are afflicted by terror, cruelty and suffering worldwide.
the weight of ideas that popped into my mind
I love the tracks
of new thinking in my mind.
Maya Angelou
Today brought the news of Dutch poet Astrid Lampe winning the esteemed PC Hooft poetry prize for her oeuvre; it struck me how the words of Maya Angelou illustrate Lampe’s point of view that in the light of the much being unpalatable in the world, poetry, like other art forms, helps to keep breathing and find mental space amidst the chaos of global crises.
The year 2023 started excellently reading-wise. Once summer began, things however changed pretty drastically and this reader arrived in (mostly self-inflicted) stormy weather. The winds of change are still blowing and so I have to brace myself that the beginning of 2024 will probably be too turbulent and busy for reading much as well.
In short, I read considerably less than in previous years. I hadn’t the time to concoct reviews and to my frustration didn’t manage to finish a couple I started, having lost the notes that I jotted down haphazardly. I haven’t rated half of the books I read (yet?) and this year abandoned more books than I did in the forty-five years of reading before, which was quite unsettling for a compulsive book finisher. Or I was too fidgety to continue or I quit because I wasn’t able to give a book the attention it deserved. My deepest regret (and shame) is that while I managed to dedicate some of the rare reading time to four books on Michel de Montaigne I got hopelessly stuck in reading the essays of the man himself. Silliness, thy name is…yes, I know.
The rediscovery of J.M. Coetzee (The Pole) brought me to read his The Master of Petersburg, which paired wonderfully with a biography on Dostoevsky written by his Dutch translator Arthur Langeveld, Tussen geld en God: Dostojevski voor beginners. I very much enjoyed reading three more novels of Elizabeth Taylor (Angel, A Game of Hide and Seek, The Sleeping Beauty) and following the lovely discussion in the group read. As usual it were a couple of classics that touched me the most, together with some favourite authors I turn to over and again for many reasons: Patrick Modiano (Ring Roads, In the Café of Lost Youth), Javier Marías (All Souls, Tomorrow in the Battle Think on Me) and Antonio Tabucchi (Dreams of Dreams and the Last Three Days of Fernando Pessoa).
Apart from the usual suspects, memorable reads were
Svetlana Alexievich – Voices from Chernobyl: The Oral History of a Nuclear Disaster
Erich Maria Remarque - All Quiet on the Western Front
Marguerite Yourcenar – Memoirs of Hadrian
James Baldwin - Giovanni’s Room
Helene Hanff - 84, Charing Cross Road
Marcel Reich-Ranicki - The Author Of Himself: The Life Of Marcel Reich-Ranicki
Pascal Quignard – Tous les matins du monde (Achingly beautiful, the music of Marin Marais as played by Jordi Savall has been a companion that kept me warm this year (La rêveuse)
Fyodor Sologub - The Petty Demon
Deborah Levy – Swimming Home
Maria Judite de Carvalho - Empty Wardrobes
Sergej Dovlatov - The Compromise
Gabriel Garcia Marquez - No One Writes to the Colonel
Anita Brookner - Family and Friends
Stig Dagerman - A Burnt Child
In hindsight, I am glad that about half of the best reads were books that have been on my shelves for years and which I finally managed to read. Nonetheless, how could I resist treats like The Blindfold or Paris kindly offered by the wonderful local library?
Some short stories (The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas, Sonny's Blues, A Small, Good Thing) and a couple of books on history (The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine;De Canon van Vlaanderen in 60 vensters) and art were time well-spent.
The most delightful book experiences this year were linked to a week of multiple visits to the feline bookshop Mon Chat Pitre in Aix-en-Provence – books and cats, as ever, making life good. Impossible to choose the one that is most lovely, soft, furry and beautiful: Marcel, Féfé, Plume, Sherlock, Tam, Colette, and Garfield, we are waving and wish you all well!
Nearing the end of the year, I am half-way through with Josyane Savigneau’s biography of Marguerite Yourcenar that has been collecting dust on the shelves for longer than I can remember, interspersed with indulging in reading the poems from the beauteous collection Books and Libraries: Poems that has been patiently waiting on the bed stand for the moment this reader would eventually calm down.
Even if the road to hell is paved with good intentions, when they come in the form of reading plans I allow myself some because it is such a pleasure to dream a little for the coming year: firstly, to give priority to the unread books towering at home (including some written by friends), secondly, because I want to be able to communicate in French when starting my new job in the capital, make a dent into the pile with French pockets (which miraculously grew on holiday in France).
Wishing all of you who continue to make this warm, generous and brilliant bookish community a place of great inspiration and joy a wonderful 2024 – may it be more gentle to the many who are afflicted by terror, cruelty and suffering worldwide.
January 13, 2024
2023, I’m done with you. So very done.
You were the worst. You were the year that made me thinking longingly of 2020 and dream of quarantine bubbles. If you weren’t the worst ever, it’s because time has thankfully erased all those other memories of the other worst years.
You were the year that:
-my laptop burned and crashed, in that order.
-my 22 year-old parrot died, but only after we tried 6 weeks of anti-fungal therapy and twice-a-day nebulizers
-the 35 year-old parrot had health issues
-the getaway trip to St. John’s for an island vacation turned into a long weekend, interrupted by hurricane Leo fears
-my aging & forgetful mom fell, got diagnosed with a benign brain tumor, and had brain surgery, cementing my role as chief caretaker
-at the same time, my aging dad got Covid, cementing my role as accessory caretaker. Also, the same year I put a tracker on my dad’s car keys to keep up with his shenanigans
-and some other stuff, including a temporary divorce, etc. But never you mind–you know very well what you did
But wait, you wanted me to talk books? Books? Reading?
Alright, whatever, fine. I’ll take a stab at it.
Clearly, with the above, I listened to the soothing tones of Kobna Holdbrook Smith reading me my favorite installments of the Peter Grant series again, which I absolutely did not mark on Goodreads because at this point, I’m simply embarrassed. If they were on a record, I would have worn them out. Whispers Under Ground and The Hanging Tree were joined by a re-listen of Amongst Our Weapons and The Furthest Station.
Advance reader copies came through for me, quite possibly because at times, the obligation to turn in a review was the greatest motivating factor in starting a book. Winners? The almost-always reliable Robert Jackson Bennett with The Tainted Cup, hopefully the start of a new mystery series. Highly recommended for anyone who likes fantasy mixed in with their mysteries. Otherwise, novellas were almost 100% my reading length of choice. T. Kingfisher’s young-adult Illuminations was clever, along with The Monks of Appalling Dreadfulness. Kate Daniels returning in Magic Claims was entertaining, good enough to read twice. Tchaikovsky’s One Day All of This Will Be Yours was another remarkable one. I started out last year with an exceptional novel from Max Gladstone’s new Craft series called Dead Country. I’ve been lucky enough to get the next, so here’s hoping that starts me off well with 2024.
Interestingly, most of my reads seemed to be set in space–I was a big fan of spaceships this year, usually the low budget, feel-good, HEA sort that will be forgettable–but when I returned to Earth, there were a couple of non-fiction standouts: autobiographies from Black men, The Bodies Keep Coming: Dispatches from a Black Trauma Surgeon on Racism, Violence, and How We Heal and Better Living Through Birding: Notes from a Black Man in the Natural World.
As far as numbers, I read my normal 110 books or so (29,500 pages) with an average of 3.6. Yay me for consistency. I had a LOT more false starts this year than ever before, an experience that was occasionally frustrating given how much I usually love stories. I hope no one was closely watching my ‘currently reading;’ books stayed for months or would come and go in the course of a day or would reappear just long enough for a tl;dr review.
Nonetheless, I persevered through both reading and the year without resorting to violence, perhaps even discovering moments of calm.
You were the worst. You were the year that made me thinking longingly of 2020 and dream of quarantine bubbles. If you weren’t the worst ever, it’s because time has thankfully erased all those other memories of the other worst years.
You were the year that:
-my laptop burned and crashed, in that order.
-my 22 year-old parrot died, but only after we tried 6 weeks of anti-fungal therapy and twice-a-day nebulizers
-the 35 year-old parrot had health issues
-the getaway trip to St. John’s for an island vacation turned into a long weekend, interrupted by hurricane Leo fears
-my aging & forgetful mom fell, got diagnosed with a benign brain tumor, and had brain surgery, cementing my role as chief caretaker
-at the same time, my aging dad got Covid, cementing my role as accessory caretaker. Also, the same year I put a tracker on my dad’s car keys to keep up with his shenanigans
-and some other stuff, including a temporary divorce, etc. But never you mind–you know very well what you did
But wait, you wanted me to talk books? Books? Reading?
Alright, whatever, fine. I’ll take a stab at it.
Clearly, with the above, I listened to the soothing tones of Kobna Holdbrook Smith reading me my favorite installments of the Peter Grant series again, which I absolutely did not mark on Goodreads because at this point, I’m simply embarrassed. If they were on a record, I would have worn them out. Whispers Under Ground and The Hanging Tree were joined by a re-listen of Amongst Our Weapons and The Furthest Station.
Advance reader copies came through for me, quite possibly because at times, the obligation to turn in a review was the greatest motivating factor in starting a book. Winners? The almost-always reliable Robert Jackson Bennett with The Tainted Cup, hopefully the start of a new mystery series. Highly recommended for anyone who likes fantasy mixed in with their mysteries. Otherwise, novellas were almost 100% my reading length of choice. T. Kingfisher’s young-adult Illuminations was clever, along with The Monks of Appalling Dreadfulness. Kate Daniels returning in Magic Claims was entertaining, good enough to read twice. Tchaikovsky’s One Day All of This Will Be Yours was another remarkable one. I started out last year with an exceptional novel from Max Gladstone’s new Craft series called Dead Country. I’ve been lucky enough to get the next, so here’s hoping that starts me off well with 2024.
Interestingly, most of my reads seemed to be set in space–I was a big fan of spaceships this year, usually the low budget, feel-good, HEA sort that will be forgettable–but when I returned to Earth, there were a couple of non-fiction standouts: autobiographies from Black men, The Bodies Keep Coming: Dispatches from a Black Trauma Surgeon on Racism, Violence, and How We Heal and Better Living Through Birding: Notes from a Black Man in the Natural World.
As far as numbers, I read my normal 110 books or so (29,500 pages) with an average of 3.6. Yay me for consistency. I had a LOT more false starts this year than ever before, an experience that was occasionally frustrating given how much I usually love stories. I hope no one was closely watching my ‘currently reading;’ books stayed for months or would come and go in the course of a day or would reappear just long enough for a tl;dr review.
Nonetheless, I persevered through both reading and the year without resorting to violence, perhaps even discovering moments of calm.
Read
September 25, 2024⁀➷ ꒰ 2023 reading review ! ★
note: i’m always changing the layout of this so please don’t mind the constant updates!*
reading goals:
✎read 70+ books (79/70)
✎reread 3+ books (4/3)
✎read a book in a day
✎finish a current series
✎read new/different genre
series to read/complete:
✎off-campus (5/5)
✎shatter me (11/11)
☐ boys of tommen (1/4)
☐ campus wallflowers (1/4)
{ 🎧 } = my heart and soul
{ 💭 } = i think i’ll miss u forever
{ 💿 } = reread
{ ✉️ } = dnf
{ 🖇️ } = new/different genre
•┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈•
୨ৎjanuary:
(3)
• enemies; 1★ ✉️
• the co-op; 4¾★ 💭
• say you swear; 5★ 🎧
fav book: say you swear
୨ৎfebruary:
(14)
• unravel me; 4½★
• fracture me; 2★
• ignite me; 5★ 🎧
• restore me; 3½★
• shadow me; 3★
• defy me; 5★
• reveal me; 3★
• imagine me; 4★
• believe me; 4★
• bad boys break hearts; 3★
• the wreckage of us; 2★
• until friday night; 2★
• you deserve each other; 5★ 🎧
• things we never got over; 3½★
fav book: you deserve each other
୨ৎmarch:
(11)
• heartache and hope; 4★
• first and forever; 4½★
• consider me; 1★ ✉️
• indigo eyes; 1★ ✉️
• still beating; 4★
• forever after all; 3★
• the favor; 4★
• fake empire; 5★ 💭
• underneath the sycamore tree; 2★
• one percent of you; 4½★
• playing hard to get; 1★ ✉️
fav book: fake empire
୨ৎapril:
(5)
• vicariously; 4★
• her greatest mistake; 3★
• the do-over; 4¾★ 💭
• the party; 3★
• marriage for one extra short story; 3★
fav book: the do-over
୨ৎmay:
(5)
• soft thorns; 3★ 🖇️
• binding 13; 4½★ 🎧
• dirty curve; 3½★
• starry eyes; 2★
• you deserve each other; 5★ 💿
fav book: binding 13
୨ৎjune:
(14)
• one and only; 3★
• wes and liz’s college road trip; 4★ 💭
• the stopover; 2½★
• her greatest adventure; 4½★
• the takeover; 4★
• river wild; 2★
• the casanova; 3½★
• we’re at it again; 2★
• the do-over; 3½★
• dear enemy; 4★
• make it sweet; 3½★
• a lie for a lie; 3½★
• maybe someday; 3★ 💿
• maybe not; 3★
fav book: her greatest adventure
୨ৎjuly:
(6)
• maybe now; 3★
• weak side; 2★
• a favor for a favor; 4★
• a secret for a secret; 3¾★
• law of attraction; 4★
• the summer i turned pretty; 3★
fav book: law of attraction
୨ৎaugust:
(6)
• it’s not summer without you; 3½★
• we’ll always have summer; 4★
• the two of us; 4½★ 🎧
• real regrets; 4½★
• tutoring the player; 3½★
• pretty little mistake; 3★
fav book: the two of us
୨ৎseptember:
(7)
• my dark romeo; 5★ 🎧
• in the likely event; 3¾★
• liz’s proposal; 4★
• wes pov basketball night; 3★
• wes bennett’s vivid dream; 3★
• the deal; 5★ 💿
• the mistake; 3½★
fav book: my dark romeo
୨ৎoctober:
(1)
• the score; 4½★
fav book: the score
୨ৎnovember:
(4)
• before we were strangers; 5★ 💿
• the goal; 4★
• the legacy; 3★
• night shift; 2½★
fav book: the goal
୨ৎdecember:
(3)
• a vow of hate; 4★
• better than before; 4★ 💭
• swear on this life; 5★ 🎧
fav book: swear on this life
note: i’m always changing the layout of this so please don’t mind the constant updates!*
reading goals:
✎
✎
✎
✎
✎
series to read/complete:
✎
✎
☐ boys of tommen (1/4)
☐ campus wallflowers (1/4)
{ 🎧 } = my heart and soul
{ 💭 } = i think i’ll miss u forever
{ 💿 } = reread
{ ✉️ } = dnf
{ 🖇️ } = new/different genre
•┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈•
୨ৎ
• enemies; 1★ ✉️
• the co-op; 4¾★ 💭
• say you swear; 5★ 🎧
fav book: say you swear
୨ৎ
• unravel me; 4½★
• fracture me; 2★
• ignite me; 5★ 🎧
• restore me; 3½★
• shadow me; 3★
• defy me; 5★
• reveal me; 3★
• imagine me; 4★
• believe me; 4★
• bad boys break hearts; 3★
• the wreckage of us; 2★
• until friday night; 2★
• you deserve each other; 5★ 🎧
• things we never got over; 3½★
fav book: you deserve each other
୨ৎ
• heartache and hope; 4★
• first and forever; 4½★
• consider me; 1★ ✉️
• indigo eyes; 1★ ✉️
• still beating; 4★
• forever after all; 3★
• the favor; 4★
• fake empire; 5★ 💭
• underneath the sycamore tree; 2★
• one percent of you; 4½★
• playing hard to get; 1★ ✉️
fav book: fake empire
୨ৎ
• vicariously; 4★
• her greatest mistake; 3★
• the do-over; 4¾★ 💭
• the party; 3★
• marriage for one extra short story; 3★
fav book: the do-over
୨ৎ
• soft thorns; 3★ 🖇️
• binding 13; 4½★ 🎧
• dirty curve; 3½★
• starry eyes; 2★
• you deserve each other; 5★ 💿
fav book: binding 13
୨ৎ
• one and only; 3★
• wes and liz’s college road trip; 4★ 💭
• the stopover; 2½★
• her greatest adventure; 4½★
• the takeover; 4★
• river wild; 2★
• the casanova; 3½★
• we’re at it again; 2★
• the do-over; 3½★
• dear enemy; 4★
• make it sweet; 3½★
• a lie for a lie; 3½★
• maybe someday; 3★ 💿
• maybe not; 3★
fav book: her greatest adventure
୨ৎ
• maybe now; 3★
• weak side; 2★
• a favor for a favor; 4★
• a secret for a secret; 3¾★
• law of attraction; 4★
• the summer i turned pretty; 3★
fav book: law of attraction
୨ৎ
• it’s not summer without you; 3½★
• we’ll always have summer; 4★
• the two of us; 4½★ 🎧
• real regrets; 4½★
• tutoring the player; 3½★
• pretty little mistake; 3★
fav book: the two of us
୨ৎ
• my dark romeo; 5★ 🎧
• in the likely event; 3¾★
• liz’s proposal; 4★
• wes pov basketball night; 3★
• wes bennett’s vivid dream; 3★
• the deal; 5★ 💿
• the mistake; 3½★
fav book: my dark romeo
୨ৎ
• the score; 4½★
fav book: the score
୨ৎ
• before we were strangers; 5★ 💿
• the goal; 4★
• the legacy; 3★
• night shift; 2½★
fav book: the goal
୨ৎ
• a vow of hate; 4★
• better than before; 4★ 💭
• swear on this life; 5★ 🎧
fav book: swear on this life
January 7, 2024
This is yet another year when “Ooooh, shiny!” approach to reading mostly paid off. Forget any lists or plans (well, other than Hugo Awards nominees list which, let’s face it, had enough stinkers there). I’m not a book planner, and apparently I just can’t say no to whatever book grabs my attention (especially if it’s a buddy read). And that’s perfect because sometimes the best book finds happen by accident.
Average year rating of 3.9 is not too shabby.
This year again I’ve kept the new habit of reading more nonfiction (space, history and biology are my jam) and buddy reads and Netgalley, and it was quite alright. I’m getting better at avoiding major stinkers although I still suffer from inability to DNF, but that’s an incurable thing at this point. I kept going with quite a few audiobooks not just on drives but also to sustain my continuing addiction to long walks and hikes, and that’s a habit I plan to continue to indulge, happily.
EDITED TO ADD:
Per popular demand (a.k.a. Trish) here a few photos from aforementioned long walks, continued under spoiler tag:
Well, how about the parade of book stinkers, just to get it out of the way? Well, there was Prince Harry’s Spare where there were too many mentions of his penis and his mother (once in the same fragging paragraph to my sheer horror) and way too much self-pitying for an adult man. Perceval Everett’s Dr. No that was a joke lasting 200 pages too long. The Once and Future King by T.H.White made me for a moment doubt the wisdom of Ursula K. Le Guin who for inexplicable reasons was a fan. And Alison Weir’s The King's Pleasure as well as Mary Robinette Kowal’s The Spare Man left little but disappointment in their wake.
And almost forgotten (until my partner in suffering through that one, Alex, reminded me) The Three-Body Problem that had way more than three problems of boring, pointless and boring again.
The highlights:
—Terry Pratchett: A Life With Footnotes: The Official Biography by Rob Wilkins was a biography written with love and respect and made me sob in the end.
— Ed Yong’s An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us and Ashley Ward’s Where We Meet the World: The Story of the Senses both dealt with the world of sensory perception and were both informative and incredibly entertaining.
— I loved Phil Plait’s Under Alien Skies: A Sightseer's Guide to the Universe enough to also pick up the audio of Bad Astronomy, and I sincerely ask Phil Plait to keep writing more because I’m going to read everything he writes, honestly.
— Watership Down: The Graphic Novel was such a lovely adaptation of the much-adored classic that everyone who read Richard Adams’ bunny book should give it a try.
— Dorthe Nors’ A Line in the World: A Year on the North Sea Coast was a late and unexpected addition to the year’s highlights. There was something hypnotizingly mesmerizing about it, and I’m putting the North Sea coast on my to-visit list.
— Ian Mortimer’s The Time Traveler's Guide to Medieval England: A Handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century as well as The Time Traveler's Guide to Restoration Britain: A Handbook for Visitors to the Seventeenth Century: 1660-1699 and The Time Traveler's Guide to Regency Britain: A Handbook for Visitors to 1789–1830 were absolutely lovely and very much enlightening; Mortimer’s writing style complements my reading style perfectly.
Rereads were great this year: the last moment amazing buddy rereads - Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness and Frances Hardinge’s A Face Like Glass, and earlier in the year buddy reread of Emily St John Mandel’s Station Eleven, and of course it was time to revisit Tana French’s The Trespasser. I love them and will revisit them again and again.
Of course there was a new Murderbot book - System Collapse - which I’ve read three times since I got the ARC and shut up, don’t judge me, I’m a fan like Murderbot is of Sanctuary Moon so what did you expect???
The discovery of Simon Stalenhag’s weird and beautiful books of photorealistic futuristic art was incredible and I’m a committed fan now. Tales from the Loop and The Electric State in particular were amazing — but don’t read them after midnight in the dark room if you don’t plan on eerie dreams that night.
Adrian Tchaikovsky, as usual, writes enough to sustain a whole reading year. Children of Memory was a perfect companion during the miserable weeks of Covid (ughhhh, whoever claims it’s just like a “bad cold” is a very lucky person with lungs of steel), and Lords of Uncreation wrapped up his space opera trilogy quite nicely. And his darkly funny One Day All This Will Be Yours made me sociopathically happy again, but please don’t judge 🤷♀️.
Oh, and Sharks vs. Sloths. Team Shark all the way 😅
A decent year reading-wise, and I’m looking forward to 2024.
——————
——————
And here is my HUGO AWARDS PROJECT — a.k.a. since 2020 Nataliya’s half-hearted attempts to see what a handful of readers/voters think is the cream of the crop of last year’s SFF:
✅ = “Category winner”
❤️ = “My favorite(s) in the category”
Best Novel:
☑️ The Daughter of Doctor Moreau, by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (Del Rey) — 3.5 stars, review
☑️❤️ The Kaiju Preservation Society, by John Scalzi (Tor Books) —4 stars, review
☑️ Legends & Lattes, by Travis Baldree (Tor Books) — 2 stars, review
☑️❤️ Nona the Ninth, by Tamsyn Muir (Tordotcom) — 4 stars, review
✅ Nettle & Bone, by T. Kingfisher (Tor Books)— 4 stars, review
☑️ The Spare Man, by Mary Robinette Kowal (Tor Books) — 2 stars, review
Best Novella:
☑️ Even Though I Knew the End, by C.L. Polk (Tordotcom) — 3.5 stars, review
☑️❤️Into the Riverlands, by Nghi Vo (Tordotcom) — 4.5 stars, review
☑️ A Mirror Mended, by Alix E. Harrow (Tordotcom) — 3.5 stars, review
☑️❤️ Ogres, by Adrian Tchaikovsky (Solaris) — 4.5 stars, review
☑️ What Moves the Dead, by T. Kingfisher (Tor Nightfire) — 3.5 stars, review
✅ Where the Drowned Girls Go, by Seanan McGuire (Tordotcom) — 2.5 stars, review
Best Novelette:
☑️❤️ “The Difference Between Love and Time”, by Catherynne M. Valente (Someone in Time: Tales of Time-Crossed Romance, Solaris) — 4.5 stars, review
☑️ “A Dream of Electric Mothers”, by Wole Talabi (Africa Risen: A New Era of Speculative Fiction, Tordotcom) — 3 stars, review
☑️ “If You Find Yourself Speaking to God, Address God with the Informal You”, by John Chu (Uncanny Magazine, July-August 2022) — 2 stars, review
☑️ “Murder By Pixel: Crime and Responsibility in the Digital Darkness”, by S.L. Huang (Clarkesworld, December 2022) — 4 stars, review
⭕️ ✅ “The Space-Time Painter”, by Hai Ya (Galaxy’s Edge, April 2022) — can’t find it in English, so yeah, that’s not happening.
☑️ “We Built This City”, by Marie Vibbert (Clarkesworld, June 2022) — 2.5 stars, review
January 10, 2024
It’s been a mixed year for me both personally, and in terms of books. GoodReads continues to be a hugely positive part of my life, even if occasional books disappoint. I sometimes see horror stories about the site, but they don’t reflect my experience here, so thank you, friends and followers.
There’s been no particular theme to my reading (I don’t do any of the challenges), other than continuing to read a short story a week with Short Story Club alongside novels and a few other things. I pick each book on something of a whim, whether to as a follow-on to, or contrast with, the previous one. Some are on my TBR for years, and others only a few days.
There have been plenty of highlights, plus a few duds. I had a lot of 4* reads, but only two novels were 5*, although I was more generous to what I read with Short Story Club (reviews HERE and then HERE).
Highlights include:
• Enjoying a book whose first 30 pages are about a football match, because the author is that good, HERE
• Reminiscing about my boarding school in a review of a book I rated only 3*, HERE.
• Exploring ChatGPT in its early days, HERE.
• Discovering a new author I want to read more of, HERE and HERE.
• Much-needed healing from the kindness of a friend and a well-chosen gift, HERE.
Image: Tom Gauld cartoon where I am the person on the right: more books is the solution to most things! (Source)
I’ve listed all the books I read this year, in sequence, but excluding those I read with Short Story Club. Links are to my reviews:
• The Divers’ Game, Jesse Ball, 4*, HERE
Ethereal dystopia
• Nobody is Ever Missing, Catherine Lacey, 4*, HERE
You won’t find yourself by running away
• ChatGPT acts as though it has strong ethical intuitions, even though it says it hasn’t any, Manny Rayner, 4*, HERE
Fun and games and academic analysis with an AI
• No Sexual or Suggestive Content: Three Arguably Chaste Tales of Chatbot-Human Romance, ChatGPT, 5*, HERE
Creative writing from a chatbot programmed not to write anything explicit
• I Stand Here Ironing, Tillie Olsen, 4*, HERE
Musings on the guilt of imperfect parenting
• Terms & Conditions: Life in Girls’ Boarding-Schools, 1939–1979, Ysenda Maxtone Graham, 3*, HERE
Ah, those were the days. Maybe
• Jeeves and the Wedding Bells, Sebastian Faulks, dns, HERE
He should write his own stuff
• The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox, Maggie O'Farrell, 4*, HERE
Sent away for not conforming, she hides herself in other ways
• Foster, Claire Keegan, 4*, HERE
Poignant novella about the perils of a taste of happiness
• The Bridges of Madison County, Robert James Waller, 2*, HERE
Weirdly-told, love story
• Before the Coffee Gets Cold, Toshikazu Kawaguchi, 2*, HERE
Silly time travel.
• Lessons in Chemistry, Bonnie Garmus, 2*, HERE
Feminist comedy chick-lit
• A Pocketful of Happiness, Richard E Grant, 4*, HERE
Tragic and funny tribute to love and bereavement
• The Paper Man, Billy O'Callaghan, 4*, HERE
A favourite author scores again
• Meeting the English, Kate Clanchy, 2*, HERE
Fiction as a vehicle for the views that made her memoir so unpleasant
• My Year of Rest and Relaxation, Ottessa Moshfegh, 3*, HERE
Comically crazy psychiatrist enables depressed WASP woman to take way too many drugs
• The Apprentice Lover, Jay Parini, 4*, HERE
Iris Murdoch-cum-Bloomsbury Set, but on Capri, as experienced by a young American.
• They: A Sequence of Unease, Kay Dick, 5*, HERE
Subtly horrific dystopia in beautiful surroundings
• Unforbidden Pleasures, Adam Phillips, 3*, HERE
The flip side of psychoanalysis
• The Fish Can Sing, Halldór Laxness, 3*, HERE
Fishing, drying, and selling lumpfish - and singing
• The Story of a New Name, Elena Ferrante, 3*, HERE
Lila and Elena leave the neighbourhood and, sometimes, their friendship
• The Lost Soul, Olga Tokarczuk, Joanna Concejo, 4*, HERE
Artwork and fable to slow down
• Cecily, Annie Garthwaite,4 *, HERE
Enjoyable historical fiction in The Wars of the Roses
• Dandelion Wine, Ray Bradbury, 4*, HERE
Magical-realism embroidering of childhood memories
• At Swim-Two-Birds, Flann O'Brien, 2*, HERE
Post-modern metafiction of the struggles of a writer
• The Garden of Evening Mists, Tan Twan Eng, 5*, HERE
A book about healing, that I found healing too
• Small Things Like These, Claire Keegan, 4*, HERE
Unsentimental Christmas novella
• Snow Country, Yasunari Kawabata, 2*, HERE
Cold
• A Shocking Accident, Graham Greene, 4*, HERE
Tragi-comic short
• Father’s Day, Simon van Booy, 2*, HERE
Cute idea, some pretty phrasing, but too implausible
• Terrace Story, Hilary Leichter, 3*, HERE
Quirky alternative reality
• A Closed and Common Orbit, Becky Chambers, 4*, HERE
Heart-warming sci-fi of characters reinventing themselves
• The Gift of Rain, Tan Twan Eng, 4*, HERE
Epic and intensely readable story of divided loyalties in Japanese occupation of Malaya
• Lean Fall Stand, Jon McGregor, 2*, HERE
First third good; didn't like the rest
YYYY on Goodreads
On the cusp of new year 2022-3, GR killed this wonderful tradition by deeming 2022 on Goodreads “not-a-book” for not meeting catalogue requirements, so it locked all edits and comments.
About 22 hours later (c19:30 GMT), they reinstated it. Yay for the power of the people who logged it as a bug via the Contact Us page: https://www.goodreads.com/about/conta....
Clearly, it's not literally a book: the title and blurb make that plain. But it's an enriching tradition going back to 2013, and should continue to be an exception to the usual not-a-book rule.
I hope the 2023 reviews don’t suffer a similar fate, even if it’s similarly temporary.
More info on my status of 1 January 2023: https://www.goodreads.com/user_status...
There’s been no particular theme to my reading (I don’t do any of the challenges), other than continuing to read a short story a week with Short Story Club alongside novels and a few other things. I pick each book on something of a whim, whether to as a follow-on to, or contrast with, the previous one. Some are on my TBR for years, and others only a few days.
There have been plenty of highlights, plus a few duds. I had a lot of 4* reads, but only two novels were 5*, although I was more generous to what I read with Short Story Club (reviews HERE and then HERE).
Highlights include:
• Enjoying a book whose first 30 pages are about a football match, because the author is that good, HERE
• Reminiscing about my boarding school in a review of a book I rated only 3*, HERE.
• Exploring ChatGPT in its early days, HERE.
• Discovering a new author I want to read more of, HERE and HERE.
• Much-needed healing from the kindness of a friend and a well-chosen gift, HERE.
Image: Tom Gauld cartoon where I am the person on the right: more books is the solution to most things! (Source)
I’ve listed all the books I read this year, in sequence, but excluding those I read with Short Story Club. Links are to my reviews:
• The Divers’ Game, Jesse Ball, 4*, HERE
Ethereal dystopia
• Nobody is Ever Missing, Catherine Lacey, 4*, HERE
You won’t find yourself by running away
• ChatGPT acts as though it has strong ethical intuitions, even though it says it hasn’t any, Manny Rayner, 4*, HERE
Fun and games and academic analysis with an AI
• No Sexual or Suggestive Content: Three Arguably Chaste Tales of Chatbot-Human Romance, ChatGPT, 5*, HERE
Creative writing from a chatbot programmed not to write anything explicit
• I Stand Here Ironing, Tillie Olsen, 4*, HERE
Musings on the guilt of imperfect parenting
• Terms & Conditions: Life in Girls’ Boarding-Schools, 1939–1979, Ysenda Maxtone Graham, 3*, HERE
Ah, those were the days. Maybe
• Jeeves and the Wedding Bells, Sebastian Faulks, dns, HERE
He should write his own stuff
• The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox, Maggie O'Farrell, 4*, HERE
Sent away for not conforming, she hides herself in other ways
• Foster, Claire Keegan, 4*, HERE
Poignant novella about the perils of a taste of happiness
• The Bridges of Madison County, Robert James Waller, 2*, HERE
Weirdly-told, love story
• Before the Coffee Gets Cold, Toshikazu Kawaguchi, 2*, HERE
Silly time travel.
• Lessons in Chemistry, Bonnie Garmus, 2*, HERE
Feminist comedy chick-lit
• A Pocketful of Happiness, Richard E Grant, 4*, HERE
Tragic and funny tribute to love and bereavement
• The Paper Man, Billy O'Callaghan, 4*, HERE
A favourite author scores again
• Meeting the English, Kate Clanchy, 2*, HERE
Fiction as a vehicle for the views that made her memoir so unpleasant
• My Year of Rest and Relaxation, Ottessa Moshfegh, 3*, HERE
Comically crazy psychiatrist enables depressed WASP woman to take way too many drugs
• The Apprentice Lover, Jay Parini, 4*, HERE
Iris Murdoch-cum-Bloomsbury Set, but on Capri, as experienced by a young American.
• They: A Sequence of Unease, Kay Dick, 5*, HERE
Subtly horrific dystopia in beautiful surroundings
• Unforbidden Pleasures, Adam Phillips, 3*, HERE
The flip side of psychoanalysis
• The Fish Can Sing, Halldór Laxness, 3*, HERE
Fishing, drying, and selling lumpfish - and singing
• The Story of a New Name, Elena Ferrante, 3*, HERE
Lila and Elena leave the neighbourhood and, sometimes, their friendship
• The Lost Soul, Olga Tokarczuk, Joanna Concejo, 4*, HERE
Artwork and fable to slow down
• Cecily, Annie Garthwaite,4 *, HERE
Enjoyable historical fiction in The Wars of the Roses
• Dandelion Wine, Ray Bradbury, 4*, HERE
Magical-realism embroidering of childhood memories
• At Swim-Two-Birds, Flann O'Brien, 2*, HERE
Post-modern metafiction of the struggles of a writer
• The Garden of Evening Mists, Tan Twan Eng, 5*, HERE
A book about healing, that I found healing too
• Small Things Like These, Claire Keegan, 4*, HERE
Unsentimental Christmas novella
• Snow Country, Yasunari Kawabata, 2*, HERE
Cold
• A Shocking Accident, Graham Greene, 4*, HERE
Tragi-comic short
• Father’s Day, Simon van Booy, 2*, HERE
Cute idea, some pretty phrasing, but too implausible
• Terrace Story, Hilary Leichter, 3*, HERE
Quirky alternative reality
• A Closed and Common Orbit, Becky Chambers, 4*, HERE
Heart-warming sci-fi of characters reinventing themselves
• The Gift of Rain, Tan Twan Eng, 4*, HERE
Epic and intensely readable story of divided loyalties in Japanese occupation of Malaya
• Lean Fall Stand, Jon McGregor, 2*, HERE
First third good; didn't like the rest
YYYY on Goodreads
On the cusp of new year 2022-3, GR killed this wonderful tradition by deeming 2022 on Goodreads “not-a-book” for not meeting catalogue requirements, so it locked all edits and comments.
About 22 hours later (c19:30 GMT), they reinstated it. Yay for the power of the people who logged it as a bug via the Contact Us page: https://www.goodreads.com/about/conta....
Clearly, it's not literally a book: the title and blurb make that plain. But it's an enriching tradition going back to 2013, and should continue to be an exception to the usual not-a-book rule.
I hope the 2023 reviews don’t suffer a similar fate, even if it’s similarly temporary.
More info on my status of 1 January 2023: https://www.goodreads.com/user_status...
Read
March 17, 2024♡ blog posts that encompass my 2023 reading:
☆ first quarter
☆ second quarter
♡ mid year book tag
☆ third quarter
☆ fourth quarter
♡ year in review
♡ reading statistics + graphs:
(thank you to brock from let's read's reading spreadsheet)
♡ my favorite book of 2023:
☆ The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez
♡ my 5 favorite 2023 publications:
☆ Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
☆ The Will of the Many (Hierarchy, #1) by James Islington
☆ He Who Drowned the World by Shelley Parker-Chan
☆ Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson
☆ Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
♡ my 5 favorite non 2023 publications:
☆ Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
☆ Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
☆ The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez
☆ What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo
☆ Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola
♡ 2023 reading projects:
my 2023 tbr:
☆ The Stolen Heir by Holly Black ★★★★★
☆ The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi ★★★★
☆ She Is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran ★★★
☆ A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher ★★
☆ Happy Place by Emily Henry ★★★
☆ Yellowface by R.F. Kuang ★★★★★
☆ Witch King by Martha Wells ★★★
☆ He Who Drowned the World by Shelley Parker-Chan ★★★★★
☆ Mammoths at the Gates by Nghi Vo ★★★★
☆ Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare ★★
brandon sanderson's secret project books:
☆ Tress of the Emerald Sea ★★★★★
☆ The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England ★★
☆ Yumi and the Nightmare Painter ★★★★★
☆ The Sunlit Man ★★★★
♡ bonus: favorite non-book things in 2023
blog | instagram | youtube | kofi | spotify | amazon
☆ 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015
☆ first quarter
☆ second quarter
♡ mid year book tag
☆ third quarter
☆ fourth quarter
♡ year in review
♡ reading statistics + graphs:
(thank you to brock from let's read's reading spreadsheet)
♡ my favorite book of 2023:
☆ The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez
♡ my 5 favorite 2023 publications:
☆ Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
☆ The Will of the Many (Hierarchy, #1) by James Islington
☆ He Who Drowned the World by Shelley Parker-Chan
☆ Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson
☆ Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
♡ my 5 favorite non 2023 publications:
☆ Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
☆ Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
☆ The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez
☆ What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo
☆ Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola
♡ 2023 reading projects:
my 2023 tbr:
☆ The Stolen Heir by Holly Black ★★★★★
☆ The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi ★★★★
☆ She Is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran ★★★
☆ A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher ★★
☆ Happy Place by Emily Henry ★★★
☆ Yellowface by R.F. Kuang ★★★★★
☆ Witch King by Martha Wells ★★★
☆ He Who Drowned the World by Shelley Parker-Chan ★★★★★
☆ Mammoths at the Gates by Nghi Vo ★★★★
☆ Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare ★★
brandon sanderson's secret project books:
☆ Tress of the Emerald Sea ★★★★★
☆ The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England ★★
☆ Yumi and the Nightmare Painter ★★★★★
☆ The Sunlit Man ★★★★
♡ bonus: favorite non-book things in 2023
blog | instagram | youtube | kofi | spotify | amazon
☆ 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015
Read
January 1, 2024
🐧𝙶𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚕 𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚒𝚜𝚑 𝙶𝚘𝚊𝚕𝚜🐧
✨May your possibilities be as infinite as your TBRs✨
📚𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚜 𝙸'𝚟𝚎 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚂𝚘 𝙵𝚊𝚛📚
▼△▼(𝗧𝗢𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝟙𝟞𝟠; 𝗗𝗡𝗙𝘀 𝟚𝟞; 𝗔𝗩𝗚 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 𝟛,𝟝𝟡)▼△▼
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
🄾🄲🅃🄾🄱🄴🅁
(𝗧𝗢𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝟙𝟝; 𝗗𝗡𝗙𝘀 𝟛; 𝗔𝗩𝗚 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦𝟛,𝟛𝟟)
👻Swallow Your Pride 𝟯 (ℜ)
👻Last Breath 𝗗𝗡𝗙
👻The Queen's Rising 𝟰 (♛-ℜ-✄)
👻Mexican Gothic 𝟰,𝟱 (🎃-☠-♛-ℜ-✄)
👻The Gossip and the Grump 𝟰 (ℜ)
👻Resonance 𝟮 (♛-ℜ-✄)
👻A Certain Hunger 𝗗𝗡𝗙
👻The Ever King 𝟱 (♛-ℜ)
👻Forever After All 𝟯 (ℜ)
👻My Roomate Is A Vampire 𝟰 (♛-ℜ)
👻Divine Rivals 𝟱 (♛-ℜ)
👻My Heart Is A Chainsaw 𝟯 (🎃-☠-👩❤️👩)
👻Halfling 𝗗𝗡𝗙
👻Helpmeet 𝟯 (🎃-☠)
⇧𝚏𝚊𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚑: 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙴𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝙺𝚒𝚗𝚐
⇩𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚏𝚊𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚑: 𝚁𝚎𝚜𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
🄽🄾🅅🄴🄼🄱🄴🅁
(𝗧𝗢𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝟟; 𝗗𝗡𝗙𝘀 𝟙; 𝗔𝗩𝗚 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 𝟛,𝟠𝟛)
🌰Iron Flame 𝟯 (♛-ℜ)
🌰The Wrong Bride 𝟰 (ℜ)
🌰Poison Study 𝟰 (♛-ℜ-✄)
🌰Unravel Me 𝟰 (ℜ)
🌰The Graham Effect 𝟰 (ℜ)
🌰The Poppy War 𝟰 (♛-✄)
🌰Slaying the Shadow Prince 𝗗𝗡𝗙
⇧𝚏𝚊𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚑: 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙶𝚛𝚊𝚑𝚊𝚖 𝙴𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚌𝚝
⇩𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚏𝚊𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚑: 𝚂𝚕𝚊𝚢𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚂𝚑𝚊𝚍𝚘𝚠 𝙿𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚎
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
🄳🄴🄲🄴🄼🄱🄴🅁
(𝗧𝗢𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝟠; 𝗗𝗡𝗙𝘀 -; 𝗔𝗩𝗚 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 𝟛,𝟝𝟘)
🎄War Of The Land 𝟯 (♛-ℜ)
🎄Do Your Worst 𝟯 (♛-ℜ)
🎄The Summer I Saved You 𝟯 (ℜ)
🎄Back Into It 𝟮 (ℜ)
🎄A Court Of Silver Roses Dramatized Adaptation pt2 𝟱 (♛-ℜ-♪)
🎄The Wrath Of Roses 𝟰 (♛-ℜ)
🎄Kingdom vol. 1 𝟰 (♛-ℜ)
🎄 Ruthless Vows 𝟰 (♛-ℜ)
⇧𝚏𝚊𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚑: 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚆𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚑 𝙾𝚏 𝚁𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚜
⇩𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚏𝚊𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚑: 𝙱𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝙸𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝙸𝚝
✨May your possibilities be as infinite as your TBRs✨
📚𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚜 𝙸'𝚟𝚎 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚂𝚘 𝙵𝚊𝚛📚
▼△▼(𝗧𝗢𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝟙𝟞𝟠; 𝗗𝗡𝗙𝘀 𝟚𝟞; 𝗔𝗩𝗚 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 𝟛,𝟝𝟡)▼△▼
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
🄾🄲🅃🄾🄱🄴🅁
(𝗧𝗢𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝟙𝟝; 𝗗𝗡𝗙𝘀 𝟛; 𝗔𝗩𝗚 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦𝟛,𝟛𝟟)
👻Swallow Your Pride 𝟯 (ℜ)
👻Last Breath 𝗗𝗡𝗙
👻The Queen's Rising 𝟰 (♛-ℜ-✄)
👻Mexican Gothic 𝟰,𝟱 (🎃-☠-♛-ℜ-✄)
👻The Gossip and the Grump 𝟰 (ℜ)
👻Resonance 𝟮 (♛-ℜ-✄)
👻A Certain Hunger 𝗗𝗡𝗙
👻The Ever King 𝟱 (♛-ℜ)
👻Forever After All 𝟯 (ℜ)
👻My Roomate Is A Vampire 𝟰 (♛-ℜ)
👻Divine Rivals 𝟱 (♛-ℜ)
👻My Heart Is A Chainsaw 𝟯 (🎃-☠-👩❤️👩)
👻Halfling 𝗗𝗡𝗙
👻Helpmeet 𝟯 (🎃-☠)
⇧𝚏𝚊𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚑: 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙴𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝙺𝚒𝚗𝚐
⇩𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚏𝚊𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚑: 𝚁𝚎𝚜𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
🄽🄾🅅🄴🄼🄱🄴🅁
(𝗧𝗢𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝟟; 𝗗𝗡𝗙𝘀 𝟙; 𝗔𝗩𝗚 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 𝟛,𝟠𝟛)
🌰Iron Flame 𝟯 (♛-ℜ)
🌰The Wrong Bride 𝟰 (ℜ)
🌰Poison Study 𝟰 (♛-ℜ-✄)
🌰Unravel Me 𝟰 (ℜ)
🌰The Graham Effect 𝟰 (ℜ)
🌰The Poppy War 𝟰 (♛-✄)
🌰Slaying the Shadow Prince 𝗗𝗡𝗙
⇧𝚏𝚊𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚑: 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙶𝚛𝚊𝚑𝚊𝚖 𝙴𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚌𝚝
⇩𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚏𝚊𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚑: 𝚂𝚕𝚊𝚢𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚂𝚑𝚊𝚍𝚘𝚠 𝙿𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚎
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
🄳🄴🄲🄴🄼🄱🄴🅁
(𝗧𝗢𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝟠; 𝗗𝗡𝗙𝘀 -; 𝗔𝗩𝗚 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 𝟛,𝟝𝟘)
🎄War Of The Land 𝟯 (♛-ℜ)
🎄Do Your Worst 𝟯 (♛-ℜ)
🎄The Summer I Saved You 𝟯 (ℜ)
🎄Back Into It 𝟮 (ℜ)
🎄A Court Of Silver Roses Dramatized Adaptation pt2 𝟱 (♛-ℜ-♪)
🎄The Wrath Of Roses 𝟰 (♛-ℜ)
🎄Kingdom vol. 1 𝟰 (♛-ℜ)
🎄 Ruthless Vows 𝟰 (♛-ℜ)
⇧𝚏𝚊𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚑: 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚆𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚑 𝙾𝚏 𝚁𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚜
⇩𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚏𝚊𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚑: 𝙱𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝙸𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝙸𝚝
waiting
August 31, 2023
READING GOALS
🌟 Read 200 books: 197/200
🌟 Read 60,000 pages: 59,426/60,000
🌟 Be more liberal with my DNFs
🌟 Complete 20 series: 17/20
🌟 Complete 4 series started before 2023: 3/4
🌟 Try 20 more diverse authors: 17/20
READING LOG
Fantasy
The Sacrifice (Airluds #1) 🌝🌝🌚🌚🌚 🙌
Vengeance Born (Light Blade #1) 🌝🌝🌗🌚🌚❌
Deadly Dragons #1-2 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚 🙌☑️
Fourth Wing (Empyrean #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌗🌚 🙌
Legends & Lattes 🌝🌝🌝🌗🌚
The Awakening (Zodiac Academy #1) 🌝🌚🌚🌚🌚
Daevabad #1-3 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 🙌💗☑️
Shadow's Claim (Immortals After Dark #12) 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚
Kiss of a Demon King 🌝🌚🌚🌚🌚 ❌
Age of the Andinna #1-2 🌝🌝🌗🌚🌚🙌❌
Mead Mishaps #1-2 🌝🌝🌝🌗🌚 🙌
The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 💗
Little Thieves (Little Thieves #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🙌
Wilderwood #1-2 🌝🌝🌝🌗🌚 🙌☑️
To Kill a Kingdom 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌗 💗
The Shadows Between Us 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🙌
Babel: An Arcane History 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 🙌
A Curse So Dark and Lonely (Cursebreakers #1) 🌝🌝🌚🌚🌚 ❌🙌
To Charm a Dark Prince (The Iron Crystal #1) ❌🙌
Paranormal/Urban Fantasy
Queen Takes Knights (Their Vampire Queen #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚 🙌
To Call the Clouds (How to Train Your Harem #1) 🌝🌝🌚🌚🌚 ❌🙌
Dragon Bound (Elder Races #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🔁
Kingdom #1-2 🌝🌝🌗🌚🌚 ❌🤏
Under the Whispering Door 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
Hidden Legacy #1-6 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 🙌💗☑️🔁
Supernatural Battle: Vampire Towers #1-3 🌝🌝🌝🌗🌚 🙌☑️
Supernatural Battle: Werewolf Dens #1-3 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚 🙌☑️
The House in the Cerulean Sea 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🙌
Shaedes of Gray (Shaede Assassin #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚
Kate Daniels #0.5-5.5 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌘 🔁
The Guild Codex: Spellbound #1-8 🌝🌝🌝🌗🌚 🙌☑️
The Guild Codex: Demonized #1-4 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 🙌💗☑️
The Guild Codex: Warped #1-3 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌗 🙌💗
The Witch Is Back 🌝🌝🌗🌚🌚 🆕
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🙌
Bear Bites #1-5 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚 🤏☑️
The Night Circus ❌
The Other Realm #1-2 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚 🙌
Sci-Fi/Dystopian
Aliens' Princess (Outlaw Planet Mates) 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚 🤏
Alien's Wild Mate (Outlaw Planet Mates) 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🤏
The Ninth Orb (Interstellar #2) 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🔁
The Alien's Match 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
The Alien's Surrender (Outcasts of Corin #2) 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
I Married a Dryad (Prime Mating Agency #8) 🌝🌝🌚🌚🌚 🙌
Innkeeper Chronicles #1-5 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌗 🙌💗
Claimed by the Hunter (Xarc'n Warriors #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚
Project Hail Mary (read twice) 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 🙌💗🔁
Smuggler’s Contubernium (Mea Lupus #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚 ❌🙌
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🙌
Salvation Day 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
Mechanical Failure ❌
Clecanian #1, #2, #5 🌝🌝🌚🌚🌚 🙌❌
Drixonian Warriors #2-4 🌝🌝🌝🌖🌚
The Once and Future Fling 🌝🌝🌗🌚🌚 🆕
Gideon the Ninth (The Locked Tomb #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 🙌
Arc of a Scythe #1-3 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 🙌🔁💗☑️
Stolen by an Alien #1, #3 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
Susix Trilogy #1-2 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌗 🙌💗
The Captain 🌝🌝🌝🌘🌚 🆕
Into the Dead Fall #1 🌝🌝🌝🌖🌚
Contemporary
Sugar and Spice 🌝🌝🌚🌚🌚 🤏
Wicked Beauty (Dark Olympus #3) 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🙌
The Deal (Off-Campus #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌗🌚
Jacksonville Rays #0.5-1 🌝🌝🌚🌚🌚 ❌🙌
Winston Brothers #1-4.5 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
Several People Are Typing 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚 🤏
Normal People 🌝🌚🌚🌚🌚 🙌❌
Ghosted 🌝🌝🌚🌚🌚 🙌
Love on the Brain 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚
Solving For Pie: Cletus & Jenn Mysteries #1-2 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌗 💗☑️
The Best Thing 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚
Unhinged 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🤏
From Lukov with Love 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚 🙌
Find Me (WITSEC #1) 🌝🌚🌚🌚🌚 🙌
Taunt 🌝🌝🌝🌗🌚
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚 🙌
Mystery/Thriller/Horror
My Sister, the Serial Killer 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
The Chain 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
The Haunting of Hill House 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 🤏
Mindf*ck #1-5 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 💗☑️
Yellowface 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 🙌💗
Mexican Gothic 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
Y/N 🌝🌚🌚🌚🌚 ❌
Piranesi 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 💗
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
The Inheritance Games #1-3 🌝🌝🌘🌚🌚
Historical
Wildeward Academy #1-2 🌝🌝🌝🌗🌚
Dying Gods #1-3 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌗 🙌💗☑️
The Fire Lord's Lover (Elven Lords #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
The Song of Achilles 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🙌
Nightwood 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🤏
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🙌
The Highwayman (Victorian Rebels #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌗 🙌
A Lady of Rooksgrave Manor (Tempting Monsters #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚
The Perfect Rake (Merridew Sisters #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝
The Mermaid 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
YA/Middle Grade
The 39 Clues #1-11 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 ☑️🔁
The 39 Clues: Cahills vs Vespers #1-6 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 ☑️
Optimists Die First 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
Kane Chronicles #1-3 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 ☑️🔁
Watership Down 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🙌
Song of the Lioness #1-4 🌝🌝🌝🌗🌚 ☑️
Ingo 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 💗🔁
The Lie Tree 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 💗🙌
We Were Liars 🌝🌝🌚🌚🌚
Nonfiction
Outline Your Books for Faster, Better Writing 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
I'm Glad My Mom Died 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🙌
Wishful Drinking 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 💗
🌟 Read 200 books: 197/200
🌟 Read 60,000 pages: 59,426/60,000
🌟 Be more liberal with my DNFs
🌟 Complete 20 series: 17/20
🌟 Complete 4 series started before 2023: 3/4
🌟 Try 20 more diverse authors: 17/20
READING LOG
Fantasy
The Sacrifice (Airluds #1) 🌝🌝🌚🌚🌚 🙌
Vengeance Born (Light Blade #1) 🌝🌝🌗🌚🌚❌
Deadly Dragons #1-2 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚 🙌☑️
Fourth Wing (Empyrean #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌗🌚 🙌
Legends & Lattes 🌝🌝🌝🌗🌚
The Awakening (Zodiac Academy #1) 🌝🌚🌚🌚🌚
Daevabad #1-3 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 🙌💗☑️
Shadow's Claim (Immortals After Dark #12) 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚
Kiss of a Demon King 🌝🌚🌚🌚🌚 ❌
Age of the Andinna #1-2 🌝🌝🌗🌚🌚🙌❌
Mead Mishaps #1-2 🌝🌝🌝🌗🌚 🙌
The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 💗
Little Thieves (Little Thieves #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🙌
Wilderwood #1-2 🌝🌝🌝🌗🌚 🙌☑️
To Kill a Kingdom 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌗 💗
The Shadows Between Us 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🙌
Babel: An Arcane History 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 🙌
A Curse So Dark and Lonely (Cursebreakers #1) 🌝🌝🌚🌚🌚 ❌🙌
To Charm a Dark Prince (The Iron Crystal #1) ❌🙌
Paranormal/Urban Fantasy
Queen Takes Knights (Their Vampire Queen #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚 🙌
To Call the Clouds (How to Train Your Harem #1) 🌝🌝🌚🌚🌚 ❌🙌
Dragon Bound (Elder Races #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🔁
Kingdom #1-2 🌝🌝🌗🌚🌚 ❌🤏
Under the Whispering Door 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
Hidden Legacy #1-6 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 🙌💗☑️🔁
Supernatural Battle: Vampire Towers #1-3 🌝🌝🌝🌗🌚 🙌☑️
Supernatural Battle: Werewolf Dens #1-3 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚 🙌☑️
The House in the Cerulean Sea 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🙌
Shaedes of Gray (Shaede Assassin #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚
Kate Daniels #0.5-5.5 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌘 🔁
The Guild Codex: Spellbound #1-8 🌝🌝🌝🌗🌚 🙌☑️
The Guild Codex: Demonized #1-4 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 🙌💗☑️
The Guild Codex: Warped #1-3 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌗 🙌💗
The Witch Is Back 🌝🌝🌗🌚🌚 🆕
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🙌
Bear Bites #1-5 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚 🤏☑️
The Night Circus ❌
The Other Realm #1-2 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚 🙌
Sci-Fi/Dystopian
Aliens' Princess (Outlaw Planet Mates) 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚 🤏
Alien's Wild Mate (Outlaw Planet Mates) 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🤏
The Ninth Orb (Interstellar #2) 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🔁
The Alien's Match 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
The Alien's Surrender (Outcasts of Corin #2) 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
I Married a Dryad (Prime Mating Agency #8) 🌝🌝🌚🌚🌚 🙌
Innkeeper Chronicles #1-5 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌗 🙌💗
Claimed by the Hunter (Xarc'n Warriors #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚
Project Hail Mary (read twice) 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 🙌💗🔁
Smuggler’s Contubernium (Mea Lupus #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚 ❌🙌
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🙌
Salvation Day 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
Mechanical Failure ❌
Clecanian #1, #2, #5 🌝🌝🌚🌚🌚 🙌❌
Drixonian Warriors #2-4 🌝🌝🌝🌖🌚
The Once and Future Fling 🌝🌝🌗🌚🌚 🆕
Gideon the Ninth (The Locked Tomb #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 🙌
Arc of a Scythe #1-3 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 🙌🔁💗☑️
Stolen by an Alien #1, #3 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
Susix Trilogy #1-2 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌗 🙌💗
The Captain 🌝🌝🌝🌘🌚 🆕
Into the Dead Fall #1 🌝🌝🌝🌖🌚
Contemporary
Sugar and Spice 🌝🌝🌚🌚🌚 🤏
Wicked Beauty (Dark Olympus #3) 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🙌
The Deal (Off-Campus #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌗🌚
Jacksonville Rays #0.5-1 🌝🌝🌚🌚🌚 ❌🙌
Winston Brothers #1-4.5 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
Several People Are Typing 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚 🤏
Normal People 🌝🌚🌚🌚🌚 🙌❌
Ghosted 🌝🌝🌚🌚🌚 🙌
Love on the Brain 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚
Solving For Pie: Cletus & Jenn Mysteries #1-2 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌗 💗☑️
The Best Thing 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚
Unhinged 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🤏
From Lukov with Love 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚 🙌
Find Me (WITSEC #1) 🌝🌚🌚🌚🌚 🙌
Taunt 🌝🌝🌝🌗🌚
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚 🙌
Mystery/Thriller/Horror
My Sister, the Serial Killer 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
The Chain 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
The Haunting of Hill House 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 🤏
Mindf*ck #1-5 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 💗☑️
Yellowface 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 🙌💗
Mexican Gothic 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
Y/N 🌝🌚🌚🌚🌚 ❌
Piranesi 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 💗
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
The Inheritance Games #1-3 🌝🌝🌘🌚🌚
Historical
Wildeward Academy #1-2 🌝🌝🌝🌗🌚
Dying Gods #1-3 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌗 🙌💗☑️
The Fire Lord's Lover (Elven Lords #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
The Song of Achilles 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🙌
Nightwood 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🤏
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🙌
The Highwayman (Victorian Rebels #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌗 🙌
A Lady of Rooksgrave Manor (Tempting Monsters #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌚🌚
The Perfect Rake (Merridew Sisters #1) 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝
The Mermaid 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
YA/Middle Grade
The 39 Clues #1-11 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 ☑️🔁
The 39 Clues: Cahills vs Vespers #1-6 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 ☑️
Optimists Die First 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
Kane Chronicles #1-3 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 ☑️🔁
Watership Down 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🙌
Song of the Lioness #1-4 🌝🌝🌝🌗🌚 ☑️
Ingo 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 💗🔁
The Lie Tree 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 💗🙌
We Were Liars 🌝🌝🌚🌚🌚
Nonfiction
Outline Your Books for Faster, Better Writing 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚
I'm Glad My Mom Died 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌚 🙌
Wishful Drinking 🌝🌝🌝🌝🌝 💗
Currently reading
January 4, 2023i am going to do my best. that's it, that's the goal. i am not what i used to be. and that's okay.
December 27, 2023
مثل زئوس در المپا نشستم از بالا دارم نگاهتون میکنم و قضاوت های شما از خودتون رو توی سالی که گذشت میخونم.
به نسبت چندسالی که اینجام دارم میبینم امسال نوشتن آن گودریدز ها چقدر زیاد شده و همه چقدر دل و جرات پیدا کردن که شکسته و راحت بنویسن و فقط امتیاز نمیدن. نه فقط جدیدها بلکه قدیمیا هم. آخه اون اوایل که اومده بودم، اکانت قبلیم رو داشتم، شکسته نوشتن خیلی چیپ بود و کاربرایی مثل من رو بخاطر اینکه دلی مینوشتیم و نظر غیرتخصصی میدادیم و خب کم سن بودیم به نسبت کاربرای جدی، توی رو یا پشت سر بولی میکردن. اما دارم میبینم الان اتمسفر گودریدز تغییر کرده، آدما اینجا مهربونتر شدن، ریویوو نویسی بیشتر شده و بحث و گفتگو هم توی کامنت ها زیاد شکل میگیره؛ اصلا همه چی اکلیلی و صورتی و پاستیلی و شبیه کارتون خرس های مهربون و مزه موچی شده.
ریویوو نوشتن رو همیشه دوست داشتم و از اول برای چرت ترین کتابا هم یچیزی نوشتم. ریویوو ها رو هم اکثرا میخونم.
ریویوو های دلی و حتی بیربط به کتابا رو خیلی دوس دارم، نظرهای شخصی روی کتابا رو خیلی دوس دارم چون وقتی میخوام یک کتاب انتخاب کنم این نظرها خیلی بهم کمک میکنن که تصمیم بگیرم، خیلی بیشتر از ستاره ها. بعضی از این ریویووها از شعر و داستانی که بهش مربوطه هنرمندانه ترن و انقدر بااحساس، عمیق و زیبا ان که آرزو میکنم کاش من نوشته بودمشون.
اما از اون طرف ریویوو های تخصی، نقدهای جوندار ، خلاصه و تحلیل هایی که مشخصه ساعتها براشون انرژی گذاشته شده رو هم تقدیر میکنم و برام مهمن. چون بعد از اینکه کتابی رو خوندم خیلی بهم کمک میکنن که به دریافت بهتری از کتاب برسم و بیشتر درکش کنم.
خودمم از هر دو مدل ریویوو مینویسم چون دلم نمیخواد کلیشه بشم و به یکجور نوشتن عادت کنم و از طرف دیگه بنظرم ریویوو نوشتن میتونه برای منی که جرات نوشتن ندارم کمک کنه که تمرین نویسندگی کنم و خب البته فیدبک بگیرم.
من تصور می کنم برای اکثر کسانی که اینجان، کتاب خوندن یک عادت شیک نیست، کتاب برای آدمای اینجا مأمنه، باغ مخفی، هزارتوی پن که وقتی سیاهی بهشون هجوم میاره به اونجا پناه میبرن. بخاطر همین وقتی میبینم یک نفر زیاد کتاب میخونه، سری�� میخونه، و بی وقفه میخونه، قلبم براش میتپه و غصه میخورم. و خب صادقانه آرزو میکنم این برداشتم تاحد زیادی غلط باشه و همه تون فقط یه مشت بچه پولدار عشق کلکسیون کتاب، معتادای کتاب و خوره کتاب باشید.
درباره سال کتابی خودم حرف زیادی ندارم چون مثل همیشه توی هرکاری که میکنم، توی کتاب خوندن هم عالی ام و میترکونم و خواهم ترکوند🥸 بازم کلی کتاب هدیه گرفتم و هنوزم ارباب هدیه هام، اینو مدیون بهترین دوستان جهانم.
۲۰۲۳ کتابایی خوندم که از بهترین های ادبیات بودن (چون از غول های اینجا اسکی رفتم)، از هر ژانری خوندم، همخوانی و تکخوانی کردم و بیشتر یادگرفتم و قراره همین فرمون رو ادامه بدم.
اما خب برای اینکه این ریویوو یکم شبیه ریویوو های واقعی درباره کتابای ۲۰۲۳ باشه میخوام بهترین کتابایی که خوندم رو معرفی کنم.
پنج ستاره ها ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥ایرانی رمان:
کلیدر از دولت آبادی (بهترین صوتی عمرم)
مدار صفر درجه از احمد محمود
🔥داستان کوتاه:
مجموعه داستان و نقد داستان از احمد گلشیری (شامل برترین داستان کوتاه های جهان با نقد و کارگاه نقد همون داستان ها)
🔥نانفیکشن:
پژوهش هاس بیضایی درباره تاریخچه نمایش:
نمایش در ایران
نمایش در ژاپن
نمایش در چین(اینو پارسال خوندم)
🔥رمان خارجی:
چهره مرد هنرمند از جویس (شیفته نثرش ام)
اورلیا از دونروال
آنک نام گل از اکو (دیوانه کننده)
جنگ از سلین
🔥نمایشنامه:
نمایشنامه ساحره سوزان از میلر ( تسخیرم کرد)
مرگ یزدگرد از بیضایی
به گزارش زنان تروا از نغمه ثمینی
🔥گمانه زن:
قوانین چارتین از عمرو عبدالحمید
🔥کتاب کودک:
سه گانه من زمین ، ماه، خورشید هستم از استیسی مک آنلتی (مریخ رو مجانی گیر نیاوردم)
قوررک
من خوب هستم
چهار ستاره ها ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💥داستان کوتاه:
پرتره گوگول
در قلمرو مرگ از ادگار آلن پو و سایرین
💥رمان خارجی:
سومین پلیس از فلن اوبرین (عجیب ترین کتاب امسال)
رد گم از کارپنتر
رویدادهای شهر سنگی از اسماعیل کاداره (محبوبم)
دراکولا از برام استوکر
گورستان پراگ از اکو
مرگ در ونیز از توماس مان
نازنین از داستایوسکی
💥نانفیکشن:
داستان شناخت ایران، آثار احمد محمود
فرضیه خوشبختی از جاناتان هایت
کنز الخواص از عبدالطیف گیلانی (کتاب مرجع دعانویسان محترم)
💥شعر :
گلهای دوزخی بودلر
💥نمایشنامه:
باغ آلبالو از چخوف
💥بیضایی ها:
آینه های روبرو
افرا
تاراج نامه
عیار تنها
سفر به شب
لبه پرتگاه
مجلس ضربت زدن
مجلس قربانی سنمار
💥گمانه زن:
مجموعه سه گانه داس مرگ ، ابر تندر، پژواک از نیل شوسترمن
کمیک بوک الریک از مورکاک
💥داستان کودک:
ویس و رامین از پیام ابراهیمی
لونای کلمه جمع کن
من بد نیستم
من باحال هستم
سه ستاره هامم دوس داشتم و واقعا خوبن اما خب دیگه طولانی میشه لیستم و صرفنظر میکنم ازشون.
.......
همین دیگه. ممنون بخاطر همه چی و متاسفم بخاطر چیزی که هستم.
به نسبت چندسالی که اینجام دارم میبینم امسال نوشتن آن گودریدز ها چقدر زیاد شده و همه چقدر دل و جرات پیدا کردن که شکسته و راحت بنویسن و فقط امتیاز نمیدن. نه فقط جدیدها بلکه قدیمیا هم. آخه اون اوایل که اومده بودم، اکانت قبلیم رو داشتم، شکسته نوشتن خیلی چیپ بود و کاربرایی مثل من رو بخاطر اینکه دلی مینوشتیم و نظر غیرتخصصی میدادیم و خب کم سن بودیم به نسبت کاربرای جدی، توی رو یا پشت سر بولی میکردن. اما دارم میبینم الان اتمسفر گودریدز تغییر کرده، آدما اینجا مهربونتر شدن، ریویوو نویسی بیشتر شده و بحث و گفتگو هم توی کامنت ها زیاد شکل میگیره؛ اصلا همه چی اکلیلی و صورتی و پاستیلی و شبیه کارتون خرس های مهربون و مزه موچی شده.
ریویوو نوشتن رو همیشه دوست داشتم و از اول برای چرت ترین کتابا هم یچیزی نوشتم. ریویوو ها رو هم اکثرا میخونم.
ریویوو های دلی و حتی بیربط به کتابا رو خیلی دوس دارم، نظرهای شخصی روی کتابا رو خیلی دوس دارم چون وقتی میخوام یک کتاب انتخاب کنم این نظرها خیلی بهم کمک میکنن که تصمیم بگیرم، خیلی بیشتر از ستاره ها. بعضی از این ریویووها از شعر و داستانی که بهش مربوطه هنرمندانه ترن و انقدر بااحساس، عمیق و زیبا ان که آرزو میکنم کاش من نوشته بودمشون.
اما از اون طرف ریویوو های تخصی، نقدهای جوندار ، خلاصه و تحلیل هایی که مشخصه ساعتها براشون انرژی گذاشته شده رو هم تقدیر میکنم و برام مهمن. چون بعد از اینکه کتابی رو خوندم خیلی بهم کمک میکنن که به دریافت بهتری از کتاب برسم و بیشتر درکش کنم.
خودمم از هر دو مدل ریویوو مینویسم چون دلم نمیخواد کلیشه بشم و به یکجور نوشتن عادت کنم و از طرف دیگه بنظرم ریویوو نوشتن میتونه برای منی که جرات نوشتن ندارم کمک کنه که تمرین نویسندگی کنم و خب البته فیدبک بگیرم.
من تصور می کنم برای اکثر کسانی که اینجان، کتاب خوندن یک عادت شیک نیست، کتاب برای آدمای اینجا مأمنه، باغ مخفی، هزارتوی پن که وقتی سیاهی بهشون هجوم میاره به اونجا پناه میبرن. بخاطر همین وقتی میبینم یک نفر زیاد کتاب میخونه، سری�� میخونه، و بی وقفه میخونه، قلبم براش میتپه و غصه میخورم. و خب صادقانه آرزو میکنم این برداشتم تاحد زیادی غلط باشه و همه تون فقط یه مشت بچه پولدار عشق کلکسیون کتاب، معتادای کتاب و خوره کتاب باشید.
درباره سال کتابی خودم حرف زیادی ندارم چون مثل همیشه توی هرکاری که میکنم، توی کتاب خوندن هم عالی ام و میترکونم و خواهم ترکوند🥸 بازم کلی کتاب هدیه گرفتم و هنوزم ارباب هدیه هام، اینو مدیون بهترین دوستان جهانم.
۲۰۲۳ کتابایی خوندم که از بهترین های ادبیات بودن (چون از غول های اینجا اسکی رفتم)، از هر ژانری خوندم، همخوانی و تکخوانی کردم و بیشتر یادگرفتم و قراره همین فرمون رو ادامه بدم.
اما خب برای اینکه این ریویوو یکم شبیه ریویوو های واقعی درباره کتابای ۲۰۲۳ باشه میخوام بهترین کتابایی که خوندم رو معرفی کنم.
پنج ستاره ها ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥ایرانی رمان:
کلیدر از دولت آبادی (بهترین صوتی عمرم)
مدار صفر درجه از احمد محمود
🔥داستان کوتاه:
مجموعه داستان و نقد داستان از احمد گلشیری (شامل برترین داستان کوتاه های جهان با نقد و کارگاه نقد همون داستان ها)
🔥نانفیکشن:
پژوهش هاس بیضایی درباره تاریخچه نمایش:
نمایش در ایران
نمایش در ژاپن
نمایش در چین(اینو پارسال خوندم)
🔥رمان خارجی:
چهره مرد هنرمند از جویس (شیفته نثرش ام)
اورلیا از دونروال
آنک نام گل از اکو (دیوانه کننده)
جنگ از سلین
🔥نمایشنامه:
نمایشنامه ساحره سوزان از میلر ( تسخیرم کرد)
مرگ یزدگرد از بیضایی
به گزارش زنان تروا از نغمه ثمینی
🔥گمانه زن:
قوانین چارتین از عمرو عبدالحمید
🔥کتاب کودک:
سه گانه من زمین ، ماه، خورشید هستم از استیسی مک آنلتی (مریخ رو مجانی گیر نیاوردم)
قوررک
من خوب هستم
چهار ستاره ها ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💥داستان کوتاه:
پرتره گوگول
در قلمرو مرگ از ادگار آلن پو و سایرین
💥رمان خارجی:
سومین پلیس از فلن اوبرین (عجیب ترین کتاب امسال)
رد گم از کارپنتر
رویدادهای شهر سنگی از اسماعیل کاداره (محبوبم)
دراکولا از برام استوکر
گورستان پراگ از اکو
مرگ در ونیز از توماس مان
نازنین از داستایوسکی
💥نانفیکشن:
داستان شناخت ایران، آثار احمد محمود
فرضیه خوشبختی از جاناتان هایت
کنز الخواص از عبدالطیف گیلانی (کتاب مرجع دعانویسان محترم)
💥شعر :
گلهای دوزخی بودلر
💥نمایشنامه:
باغ آلبالو از چخوف
💥بیضایی ها:
آینه های روبرو
افرا
تاراج نامه
عیار تنها
سفر به شب
لبه پرتگاه
مجلس ضربت زدن
مجلس قربانی سنمار
💥گمانه زن:
مجموعه سه گانه داس مرگ ، ابر تندر، پژواک از نیل شوسترمن
کمیک بوک الریک از مورکاک
💥داستان کودک:
ویس و رامین از پیام ابراهیمی
لونای کلمه جمع کن
من بد نیستم
من باحال هستم
سه ستاره هامم دوس داشتم و واقعا خوبن اما خب دیگه طولانی میشه لیستم و صرفنظر میکنم ازشون.
.......
همین دیگه. ممنون بخاطر همه چی و متاسفم بخاطر چیزی که هستم.
January 2, 2024
Whenever I sit down to write my yearly bookish summary, I like to look back at past summaries and reminisce about some of my favorite books over the past few years. It’s a way to indulge myself at the start of a new year. One thing I noticed when skimming through these, however, is that each began with a negative tone. Phrases such as “I don’t have much ambition for writing my year in review…” (2022), “I almost lost my enthusiasm to write my year in review… ” (2020), “Life has a way of constantly changing, doesn’t it? I suppose that can be a good thing (sometimes), especially for a restless spirit like mine that gets bored with routine rather easily…” (2019), or my conclusion to 2021: “If I said that 2021 was an improvement over 2020, you would all know that I was being dishonest…To have hope and then for it to be squashed once again is one of the most disheartening feelings.” Gosh, I sound like a hot mess - either that or the world has turned into a shitshow (Ok, maybe both!) Thanks for putting up with me, dear friends! I’m not going down that path again this year, so let me start on a different note by sharing a favorite quote from Oliver Sacks:
“I don’t so much fear death as I do wasting life.”
So, let’s get on with it! I actually had a very strange year – not so much reading-wise, but from a reviewing standpoint. Over the past several years, I’ve been reviewing nearly every single book I’ve read (with the rare exception of one or two). This year, I needed to reclaim some lost time and reviewed only 42 of the 67 books I read (63%). I was in shock to discover this! At one point, I had resolved to review only 5 star books and buddy reads. I stuck to it for a while but *think* I’m back on track now. Now the problem is that I have only dim memories of those books sitting out there review-less. Reviews are not only a way of sharing with this community, but a way to jog one’s own memory!
Following are my top 5-star fiction reads of the year:
Call Me Cassandra by Marcial Gala (Review): Is it possible to change the course of our destiny or not? This isn’t the first time a book has asked this question, but it is one of the most creative ways it’s been presented to a contemplative reader. This is written in prose but could have been a song or a poem – it was so fluid and expressive.
Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk (Review): Tokarczuk’s curious mind takes me places I want to be led. Her compassion and concern for the natural world, as in this book, are qualities I share with her. She makes me think of things in ways I hadn’t thought of before.
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez (Review): This book takes the illusion of pure love and turns it upside down. Don’t expect a romantic, traditional love story or a loveable character to fall for, because you won’t find those things here. The mysteries of love become even more perplexing after reading this one!
Bad Marie by Marcy Dermansky (Review): You might not want to admit it, but you can’t help rooting for Marie. She just wants to live her life. And life can be very hard. Consequences? I’d like to forget about them for a day or two as well.
The Little Friend by Donna Tartt (Review): Read this for the nuanced characters, the polished and descriptive writing, and for the riveting storytelling. I could have spent another two weeks or more in the company of even the vilest of these people, but especially in the head of the precocious, spirited and often reckless Harriet!
Dirt Music by Tim Winton (Review): My first but not last Winton novel quickened my pulse and roused my sense of being more alive in the world! It’s both an adventure and a love story. It is also a reckoning with one’s place in life. A story of how to overcome tragedy and adversity and come to terms with the ghosts of one’s past. It asks the question, where is home?
The First Bad Man by Miranda July (Review): Sometimes I just need a book to take me completely out of my own world and to someplace else altogether – a book that doesn’t force me to sit and reflect on my own life. I want a novel that is so far out there that I can just sit and bask in its weirdness, but at the same time marvel at its cleverness. A book that can make me laugh, and one that can make me say “Oh, how wonderfully rude!”
The Night Manager by John le Carré (Review): Jonathan Pine has now joined the ranks of my imaginary fictional lovers! Brilliant writing, nicely paced plot, plenty of “gray” characters, and loads of tension made for another hugely satisfying reading adventure. John le Carré never disappoints.
Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield (Review): This was an expansive reading experience. I felt on edge, knowing that something was not right and waiting to find out exactly what was wrong. My heart was in my mouth, and then it was ripped right out. It’s a love story minus the sappy romance. It’s a story of transformations, and it made a huge impact on me.
Fieldwork by Mischa Berlinski (Review): Reading this book felt much like sitting around the bar with a really cool friend and listening to a super engaging story. The book is extensively researched and intelligently written. Berlinski is obviously smitten with learning about how other people live and interact with one another in this world.
Top 5-star non-fiction reads of the year:
Insomniac City: New York, Oliver Sacks, and Me by Bill Hayes (Review): Hayes moved across the country to New York City in his late forties to “start all over” after his partner died. This is the memoir of his new life shared with Oliver Sacks, the famous neurologist and author. It’s also about the joy of existing in the city – striking up conversations with strangers and finding surprising pleasures in the little things.
Otherlands by Thomas Halliday (Review): If looking back at the geological and biological history of the earth interests you at all, then this is the book to pick up. I felt like I was on the most incredible journey while reading this. Halliday shares loads of information, facts and scientific inferences with his readers, but he does so in a very engaging way.
A Line in the World: A Year on the North Sea Coast by Dorthe Nors (Review): Nors has put together an astonishing book that is part memoir and part travelogue. This is a piece for deeply reflective readers who have a love affair with both nature and the written word. It’s for those of us that have a sense of wanderlust, a reverence for solitude, and a desire for true intimacy with our kindred spirits.
The Intimate City: Walking New York by Michael Kimmelman (Review): Through a series of short essays, the reader is taken on a journey by foot through eighteen neighborhoods across four of the five New York City boroughs. The city’s democratic spaces and its culturally diverse population are emphasized and celebrated. The book is loaded with exquisite photographs highlighting many of the buildings, bridges and parks noted on these strolls.
I am going to predict that 2024 will be a year of big changes on a personal level. There, I’ve said it, and now I need to make that happen! It’s in writing, after all! What won’t change is my love for sharing books, intelligent conversations, and sometimes a laugh or a few with the friends I’ve made here. Some of these friendships remain virtual (wouldn’t it be something if we could have a gigantic GR meet-up?!), but some have blossomed into valuable, in-person camaraderie which I am thankful for. You know where to find me in my neck of the woods.
“I say I love writing, but really it is thinking I love—that rush of thoughts—new connections in the brain being made. And it comes out of the blue. In such moments: I feel such love of the world, love of thinking…” (Oliver Sacks)
“I don’t so much fear death as I do wasting life.”
So, let’s get on with it! I actually had a very strange year – not so much reading-wise, but from a reviewing standpoint. Over the past several years, I’ve been reviewing nearly every single book I’ve read (with the rare exception of one or two). This year, I needed to reclaim some lost time and reviewed only 42 of the 67 books I read (63%). I was in shock to discover this! At one point, I had resolved to review only 5 star books and buddy reads. I stuck to it for a while but *think* I’m back on track now. Now the problem is that I have only dim memories of those books sitting out there review-less. Reviews are not only a way of sharing with this community, but a way to jog one’s own memory!
Following are my top 5-star fiction reads of the year:
Call Me Cassandra by Marcial Gala (Review): Is it possible to change the course of our destiny or not? This isn’t the first time a book has asked this question, but it is one of the most creative ways it’s been presented to a contemplative reader. This is written in prose but could have been a song or a poem – it was so fluid and expressive.
Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk (Review): Tokarczuk’s curious mind takes me places I want to be led. Her compassion and concern for the natural world, as in this book, are qualities I share with her. She makes me think of things in ways I hadn’t thought of before.
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez (Review): This book takes the illusion of pure love and turns it upside down. Don’t expect a romantic, traditional love story or a loveable character to fall for, because you won’t find those things here. The mysteries of love become even more perplexing after reading this one!
Bad Marie by Marcy Dermansky (Review): You might not want to admit it, but you can’t help rooting for Marie. She just wants to live her life. And life can be very hard. Consequences? I’d like to forget about them for a day or two as well.
The Little Friend by Donna Tartt (Review): Read this for the nuanced characters, the polished and descriptive writing, and for the riveting storytelling. I could have spent another two weeks or more in the company of even the vilest of these people, but especially in the head of the precocious, spirited and often reckless Harriet!
Dirt Music by Tim Winton (Review): My first but not last Winton novel quickened my pulse and roused my sense of being more alive in the world! It’s both an adventure and a love story. It is also a reckoning with one’s place in life. A story of how to overcome tragedy and adversity and come to terms with the ghosts of one’s past. It asks the question, where is home?
The First Bad Man by Miranda July (Review): Sometimes I just need a book to take me completely out of my own world and to someplace else altogether – a book that doesn’t force me to sit and reflect on my own life. I want a novel that is so far out there that I can just sit and bask in its weirdness, but at the same time marvel at its cleverness. A book that can make me laugh, and one that can make me say “Oh, how wonderfully rude!”
The Night Manager by John le Carré (Review): Jonathan Pine has now joined the ranks of my imaginary fictional lovers! Brilliant writing, nicely paced plot, plenty of “gray” characters, and loads of tension made for another hugely satisfying reading adventure. John le Carré never disappoints.
Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield (Review): This was an expansive reading experience. I felt on edge, knowing that something was not right and waiting to find out exactly what was wrong. My heart was in my mouth, and then it was ripped right out. It’s a love story minus the sappy romance. It’s a story of transformations, and it made a huge impact on me.
Fieldwork by Mischa Berlinski (Review): Reading this book felt much like sitting around the bar with a really cool friend and listening to a super engaging story. The book is extensively researched and intelligently written. Berlinski is obviously smitten with learning about how other people live and interact with one another in this world.
Top 5-star non-fiction reads of the year:
Insomniac City: New York, Oliver Sacks, and Me by Bill Hayes (Review): Hayes moved across the country to New York City in his late forties to “start all over” after his partner died. This is the memoir of his new life shared with Oliver Sacks, the famous neurologist and author. It’s also about the joy of existing in the city – striking up conversations with strangers and finding surprising pleasures in the little things.
Otherlands by Thomas Halliday (Review): If looking back at the geological and biological history of the earth interests you at all, then this is the book to pick up. I felt like I was on the most incredible journey while reading this. Halliday shares loads of information, facts and scientific inferences with his readers, but he does so in a very engaging way.
A Line in the World: A Year on the North Sea Coast by Dorthe Nors (Review): Nors has put together an astonishing book that is part memoir and part travelogue. This is a piece for deeply reflective readers who have a love affair with both nature and the written word. It’s for those of us that have a sense of wanderlust, a reverence for solitude, and a desire for true intimacy with our kindred spirits.
The Intimate City: Walking New York by Michael Kimmelman (Review): Through a series of short essays, the reader is taken on a journey by foot through eighteen neighborhoods across four of the five New York City boroughs. The city’s democratic spaces and its culturally diverse population are emphasized and celebrated. The book is loaded with exquisite photographs highlighting many of the buildings, bridges and parks noted on these strolls.
I am going to predict that 2024 will be a year of big changes on a personal level. There, I’ve said it, and now I need to make that happen! It’s in writing, after all! What won’t change is my love for sharing books, intelligent conversations, and sometimes a laugh or a few with the friends I’ve made here. Some of these friendships remain virtual (wouldn’t it be something if we could have a gigantic GR meet-up?!), but some have blossomed into valuable, in-person camaraderie which I am thankful for. You know where to find me in my neck of the woods.
“I say I love writing, but really it is thinking I love—that rush of thoughts—new connections in the brain being made. And it comes out of the blue. In such moments: I feel such love of the world, love of thinking…” (Oliver Sacks)
Read
December 1, 20232023 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐒 & 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐘 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖
——
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐄 :
☓ read a book in a day (𝗻𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻)
☓ read a dark romance book (𝘀𝗲𝗮 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝘂𝗶𝗻)
☓ read an adult fantasy book (𝗱𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗻𝗼 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱𝘀)
☓ read a book that is 600-800+ pgs long (𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝗿𝘆)
𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐇𝐋𝐘 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 :
📖 - physical book
📱- ebook & audiobook
👥 - bookclub book
🎓 - school read
💥- manga/graphic novel
📚 - reread
☓ JANUARY
total books read : 𝟳
average rating : 𝟯.𝟵
fav book : 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴
least fav book : 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱
• 📖 the wicked king ★★★★★ (5)
• 📖 the queen of nothing ★★★★★ (5)
• 📖👥 kingdom of the wicked ★★(2)
• 📖 six of crows ★★★★★ (5)
• 📱song of achilles ★★★★ (4)
• 📖 a court of rose and thorns ★★(2)
• 📱the invisible life of addie larue ★★★★(4.8)
⌑ FEBRUARY
total books read : 𝟵
average rating : 𝟮.𝟵
fav book : 𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗹𝘆𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀
least fav book : 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆
•📱hooked ★ (1.6)
• 📖🎓 parable of the sower ★★★ (3.5)
• 📖 no longer human ★★★ (3)
• 📱the bridge kingdom ★★★ (3.5)
• 📖👥 verity ★ (1)
• 📖 never let me go ★★★ (3.7)
• 📖🎓 the republic ★★ (2)
• 📖💥 nana vol.1 ★★★ (3.9)
• 📱💥lore olympus vol.5 ★★★★ (4)
⌑ MARCH
total books read : 𝟱
average rating : 𝟮.𝟲
fav book : 𝗱𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴
least fav book : 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘁𝗹𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝘅
•📱daughter of the pirate king ★★★★ (4.5)
• 📖 the atlas six ★ (1)
•📱👥 this time it's real ★★★ (3)
• 📖🎓 utopia (𝗻𝗼 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴)
•📱the serpent & the wings of night ★★ (2)
⌑ APRIL
total books read : 𝟯
average rating : 𝟰.𝟭
fav book : 𝗱𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻
least fav book : 𝗻𝗼𝗻𝗲!
•📱daughter of the siren queen ★★★★ (4.5)
• 📖👥 vicious ★★★★ (4)
• 📖 the art of living ★★★★ (4)
⌑ MAY
total books read : 𝟴
average rating : 𝟯.𝟮
fav book : 𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹
least fav book : 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝗿𝘆
•📖 a court of mist and fury (𝗻𝗼 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴)
•📱these violent delights ★★ (2)
•📱the hunger games ★★★★ (4)
•📱catching fire ★★★★ (4)
•📱mockingjay ★★★ (3)
•📖 once upon a broken heart ★★★★ (4)
•📖👥 vengeful ★★★★★ (5)
•📱the inheritance games ★★★★ (4)
⌑ JUNE
total books read : 𝟮
average rating : 𝟯.𝟴
fav book : 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝘂𝗿𝗺𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀
least fav book : 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘄𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 (𝗯𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁)
•📱the hawthorne legacy ★★★ (3.6)
•📖 all the murmuring bones ★★★★ (4)
⌑ JULY
total books read : -
average rating : -
fav book : -
least fav book : -
•📱reread the serpent & the wings of night (𝗻𝗼 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴)
⌑ AUGUST
total books read : 𝟲
average rating : 𝟯.𝟲
fav book : 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿
least fav book : 𝘀𝗲𝗮 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝘂𝗶𝗻
•📱the night circus ★★★★ (4)
•📖 fourth wing ★★★ (3.3)
•📱the ballad of never after ★★★★★ (5)
•📱our violet ends ★★★ (3.5)
•📱stalking jack the ripper ★★★★ (4)
•📱sea of ruin ★★ (2)
⌑ SEPTEMBER
total books read : 𝟵
average rating : 𝟯.𝟳
fav book : 𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝗶𝘀𝘆 𝗷𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 & 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝘅
least fav book : 𝘀𝗲𝗮 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝘂𝗶𝗻
•📱💥bungou stray dogs vol.21 ★★★★★ (5)
•📱💥bungou stray dogs vol.22 ★★★★★ (5)
•📱city of bones ★★★ (3.5)
•📱city of ashes ★★★ (3)
•📖 the girl who fell beneath the sea ★★★ (3.6)
•📱sea of ruin ★★ (2)
•📖 defy the night ★★★★ (3.8)
•📱the final gambit ★★★ (4)
•📱daisy jones & the six ★★★★ (4)
⌑ OCTOBER
total books read : 𝟰
average rating : 𝟰
fav book : 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲
least fav book : 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀
•📱city of glass ★★★ (3)
•📱clockwork angel ★★★★ (4)
•📱clockwork prince ★★★★★ (5)
•📱clockwork princess ★★★★ (4)
⌑ NOVEMBER
total books read : 𝟳
average rating : 𝟯.𝟮
fav book : 𝗮 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲
least fav book : 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹𝘀
•📱daughter of no worlds ★★★ (3)
•📱a curse for true love ★★★★ (4.3)
•📱city of fallen angels ★★ (2)
•📱city of lost souls ★★★ (3)
•📱the last tale of the flower bride ★★★★ (4)
•📚REREAD the cruel prince
•📚REREAD the wicked king
⌑ DECEMBER
total books read :
average rating :
fav book :
least fav book :
——
𝐓𝐎𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 :
𝐀𝐕𝐆 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 :
𝐅𝐀𝐕 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐎𝐅 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑 :
𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐅𝐀𝐕/ 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐎𝐅 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑 :
——
——
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐄 :
☓ read a book in a day (𝗻𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻)
☓ read a dark romance book (𝘀𝗲𝗮 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝘂𝗶𝗻)
☓ read an adult fantasy book (𝗱𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗻𝗼 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱𝘀)
☓ read a book that is 600-800+ pgs long (𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝗿𝘆)
𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐇𝐋𝐘 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 :
📖 - physical book
📱- ebook & audiobook
👥 - bookclub book
🎓 - school read
💥- manga/graphic novel
📚 - reread
☓ JANUARY
total books read : 𝟳
average rating : 𝟯.𝟵
fav book : 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴
least fav book : 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱
• 📖 the wicked king ★★★★★ (5)
• 📖 the queen of nothing ★★★★★ (5)
• 📖👥 kingdom of the wicked ★★(2)
• 📖 six of crows ★★★★★ (5)
• 📱song of achilles ★★★★ (4)
• 📖 a court of rose and thorns ★★(2)
• 📱the invisible life of addie larue ★★★★(4.8)
⌑ FEBRUARY
total books read : 𝟵
average rating : 𝟮.𝟵
fav book : 𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗹𝘆𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀
least fav book : 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆
•📱hooked ★ (1.6)
• 📖🎓 parable of the sower ★★★ (3.5)
• 📖 no longer human ★★★ (3)
• 📱the bridge kingdom ★★★ (3.5)
• 📖👥 verity ★ (1)
• 📖 never let me go ★★★ (3.7)
• 📖🎓 the republic ★★ (2)
• 📖💥 nana vol.1 ★★★ (3.9)
• 📱💥lore olympus vol.5 ★★★★ (4)
⌑ MARCH
total books read : 𝟱
average rating : 𝟮.𝟲
fav book : 𝗱𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴
least fav book : 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘁𝗹𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝘅
•📱daughter of the pirate king ★★★★ (4.5)
• 📖 the atlas six ★ (1)
•📱👥 this time it's real ★★★ (3)
• 📖🎓 utopia (𝗻𝗼 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴)
•📱the serpent & the wings of night ★★ (2)
⌑ APRIL
total books read : 𝟯
average rating : 𝟰.𝟭
fav book : 𝗱𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻
least fav book : 𝗻𝗼𝗻𝗲!
•📱daughter of the siren queen ★★★★ (4.5)
• 📖👥 vicious ★★★★ (4)
• 📖 the art of living ★★★★ (4)
⌑ MAY
total books read : 𝟴
average rating : 𝟯.𝟮
fav book : 𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹
least fav book : 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝗿𝘆
•📖 a court of mist and fury (𝗻𝗼 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴)
•📱these violent delights ★★ (2)
•📱the hunger games ★★★★ (4)
•📱catching fire ★★★★ (4)
•📱mockingjay ★★★ (3)
•📖 once upon a broken heart ★★★★ (4)
•📖👥 vengeful ★★★★★ (5)
•📱the inheritance games ★★★★ (4)
⌑ JUNE
total books read : 𝟮
average rating : 𝟯.𝟴
fav book : 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝘂𝗿𝗺𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀
least fav book : 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘄𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 (𝗯𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁)
•📱the hawthorne legacy ★★★ (3.6)
•📖 all the murmuring bones ★★★★ (4)
⌑ JULY
total books read : -
average rating : -
fav book : -
least fav book : -
•📱reread the serpent & the wings of night (𝗻𝗼 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴)
⌑ AUGUST
total books read : 𝟲
average rating : 𝟯.𝟲
fav book : 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿
least fav book : 𝘀𝗲𝗮 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝘂𝗶𝗻
•📱the night circus ★★★★ (4)
•📖 fourth wing ★★★ (3.3)
•📱the ballad of never after ★★★★★ (5)
•📱our violet ends ★★★ (3.5)
•📱stalking jack the ripper ★★★★ (4)
•📱sea of ruin ★★ (2)
⌑ SEPTEMBER
total books read : 𝟵
average rating : 𝟯.𝟳
fav book : 𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝗶𝘀𝘆 𝗷𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 & 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝘅
least fav book : 𝘀𝗲𝗮 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝘂𝗶𝗻
•📱💥bungou stray dogs vol.21 ★★★★★ (5)
•📱💥bungou stray dogs vol.22 ★★★★★ (5)
•📱city of bones ★★★ (3.5)
•📱city of ashes ★★★ (3)
•📖 the girl who fell beneath the sea ★★★ (3.6)
•📱sea of ruin ★★ (2)
•📖 defy the night ★★★★ (3.8)
•📱the final gambit ★★★ (4)
•📱daisy jones & the six ★★★★ (4)
⌑ OCTOBER
total books read : 𝟰
average rating : 𝟰
fav book : 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲
least fav book : 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀
•📱city of glass ★★★ (3)
•📱clockwork angel ★★★★ (4)
•📱clockwork prince ★★★★★ (5)
•📱clockwork princess ★★★★ (4)
⌑ NOVEMBER
total books read : 𝟳
average rating : 𝟯.𝟮
fav book : 𝗮 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲
least fav book : 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹𝘀
•📱daughter of no worlds ★★★ (3)
•📱a curse for true love ★★★★ (4.3)
•📱city of fallen angels ★★ (2)
•📱city of lost souls ★★★ (3)
•📱the last tale of the flower bride ★★★★ (4)
•📚REREAD the cruel prince
•📚REREAD the wicked king
⌑ DECEMBER
total books read :
average rating :
fav book :
least fav book :
——
𝐓𝐎𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 :
𝐀𝐕𝐆 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 :
𝐅𝐀𝐕 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐎𝐅 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑 :
𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐅𝐀𝐕/ 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐎𝐅 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑 :
——
goodreads-goals
January 12, 2024📖Reading Goals📖
Read 63/60 books (I want to read more but I just know I won't have enough time again)
✅Read all my most anticipated 2023 releases
❎Read all Sherlock Holmes books
✅Read Carmilla
❎Finally finish a Steven King book (they are hard to get into...)
Read ✅The Haunting of Hill House and ✅ Turn of the Screw (I binged The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor AGAIN recently and I really want to read the books)
✅Write more reviews of books I've read in the past
📖My 2023 reads📖
💫January
1. The Stolen Heir || Rating: ★★★★★
2. Piranesi || Rating: ★★★★★
3. Hell Bent || Rating: ★★★★★
4. Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around - ARC || Rating: ★★★☆☆
5. Bloodmarked || Rating: ★★★★★
6. Mysteries of Thorn Manor || Rating: ★★★★★
💫February
1. Spy x Family Vol. 10 || Rating: ★★★★★
2. Spy x Family Vol. 11 || Rating: ★★★★★
3. Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler) Vol. 1 || Rating: ★★★★★
4. Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler) Vol. 2 || Rating: ★★★★★
5. Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler) Vol. 3 || Rating: ★★★★★
💫March
1. Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler) Vol. 4 || Rating: ★★★★★
2. Alone || Rating: ★★★★★
💫April
1. Babel: An Arcane History || Rating: ★★★★★
2. Eldorado || Rating: ★★★★★
3. Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler) Vol. 5 || Rating: ★★★★★
4. Song || Rating: ★★★★★
5. Last Violent Call || Rating: ★★★★★
6. The Haunting of Hill House || Rating: ★★★★☆
7. Immortal Longings || Rating: ★★★★★
8. The Dragon's Bride || Rating: ★★★☆☆
💫May
1. The Kraken's Sacrifice || Rating: ★★★☆☆
2. The Demon's Bargain || Rating: ★★★☆☆
3. The Gargoyle's Captive || Rating: ★★★☆☆
4. Break Up From Hell || Rating: ★★★☆☆
5. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo || Rating: ★★★★★
6. A Dawn of Onyx || Rating: ★★★☆☆
7. The Throne of Broken Gods || Rating: ★★★★★
💫June
1. Carmilla || Rating: ★★★★★
2. The Turn of the Screw || Rating: ★★☆☆☆
3. The Vampire King Awakens || Rating: ★★★★★
4. Thistlefoot || Rating: ★★★★★
5. The Vampire King Returns || Rating: ★★★★★
💫July
1. The Priest and the Shepherd || Rating: ★★★★★
2. Prince of Song and Sea || Rating: ★★★★★
3. Fourth Wing || Rating: ★★★★★
4. A Soul of Ash and Blood || Rating: ★★★★★
5. Spy x Family Vol. 12 || Rating: ★★★★★
6. Yellowface || Rating: ★★★★★
7. Stalking Jack the Ripper || Rating: ★★★★★
8. Hunting Prince Dracula || Rating: ★★★★★
💫August
1. Escaping from Houdini Rating: ★★★★☆
2. Becoming the Dark Prince || Rating: ★★★★★
3. Capturing the Devil || Rating: ★★★★★
4. Uprooted || Rating: ★★★☆☆
5. A Duet with the Siren Duke || Rating: ★★★★☆
6. Morning Glory Milking Farm || Rating: ★★★☆☆
7. Blue Ribbon Romance || Rating: ★★★☆☆
8. Sweet Berries || Rating: ★★★☆☆
💫September
1.Meeting Thomas Cresswell || Rating: ★★★★★
2. Lost in the Never Woods || Rating: ★★★★★
3. My Roommate Is a Vampire || Rating: ★★★★☆
4. Foul Heart Huntsman || Rating: ★★★★★
💫October
1. Throne of the Fallen || Rating: ★★★★★
2. Legends & Lattes || Rating: ★★★★☆
3. Filthy Rich Vampire || Rating: ★★★☆☆
💫November
1. A Fire in the Flesh || Rating: ★★★★★
2. Bookshops & Bonedust (ARC) || Rating: ★★★★☆
3. Iron Flame || Rating: ★★★★★
4. The Griffin's Egg || Rating: ★★★★☆
💫December
1. The Endless War || Rating: ★★★★★
2. Gold || Rating: ★★★★★
3. Railed by the Krampus || Rating: ★★★☆☆
📖Past Goals📖
Goodreads Goals 2022
Read 63/60 books (I want to read more but I just know I won't have enough time again)
✅Read all my most anticipated 2023 releases
❎Read all Sherlock Holmes books
✅Read Carmilla
❎Finally finish a Steven King book (they are hard to get into...)
Read ✅The Haunting of Hill House and ✅ Turn of the Screw (I binged The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor AGAIN recently and I really want to read the books)
✅Write more reviews of books I've read in the past
📖My 2023 reads📖
💫January
1. The Stolen Heir || Rating: ★★★★★
2. Piranesi || Rating: ★★★★★
3. Hell Bent || Rating: ★★★★★
4. Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around - ARC || Rating: ★★★☆☆
5. Bloodmarked || Rating: ★★★★★
6. Mysteries of Thorn Manor || Rating: ★★★★★
💫February
1. Spy x Family Vol. 10 || Rating: ★★★★★
2. Spy x Family Vol. 11 || Rating: ★★★★★
3. Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler) Vol. 1 || Rating: ★★★★★
4. Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler) Vol. 2 || Rating: ★★★★★
5. Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler) Vol. 3 || Rating: ★★★★★
💫March
1. Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler) Vol. 4 || Rating: ★★★★★
2. Alone || Rating: ★★★★★
💫April
1. Babel: An Arcane History || Rating: ★★★★★
2. Eldorado || Rating: ★★★★★
3. Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler) Vol. 5 || Rating: ★★★★★
4. Song || Rating: ★★★★★
5. Last Violent Call || Rating: ★★★★★
6. The Haunting of Hill House || Rating: ★★★★☆
7. Immortal Longings || Rating: ★★★★★
8. The Dragon's Bride || Rating: ★★★☆☆
💫May
1. The Kraken's Sacrifice || Rating: ★★★☆☆
2. The Demon's Bargain || Rating: ★★★☆☆
3. The Gargoyle's Captive || Rating: ★★★☆☆
4. Break Up From Hell || Rating: ★★★☆☆
5. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo || Rating: ★★★★★
6. A Dawn of Onyx || Rating: ★★★☆☆
7. The Throne of Broken Gods || Rating: ★★★★★
💫June
1. Carmilla || Rating: ★★★★★
2. The Turn of the Screw || Rating: ★★☆☆☆
3. The Vampire King Awakens || Rating: ★★★★★
4. Thistlefoot || Rating: ★★★★★
5. The Vampire King Returns || Rating: ★★★★★
💫July
1. The Priest and the Shepherd || Rating: ★★★★★
2. Prince of Song and Sea || Rating: ★★★★★
3. Fourth Wing || Rating: ★★★★★
4. A Soul of Ash and Blood || Rating: ★★★★★
5. Spy x Family Vol. 12 || Rating: ★★★★★
6. Yellowface || Rating: ★★★★★
7. Stalking Jack the Ripper || Rating: ★★★★★
8. Hunting Prince Dracula || Rating: ★★★★★
💫August
1. Escaping from Houdini Rating: ★★★★☆
2. Becoming the Dark Prince || Rating: ★★★★★
3. Capturing the Devil || Rating: ★★★★★
4. Uprooted || Rating: ★★★☆☆
5. A Duet with the Siren Duke || Rating: ★★★★☆
6. Morning Glory Milking Farm || Rating: ★★★☆☆
7. Blue Ribbon Romance || Rating: ★★★☆☆
8. Sweet Berries || Rating: ★★★☆☆
💫September
1.Meeting Thomas Cresswell || Rating: ★★★★★
2. Lost in the Never Woods || Rating: ★★★★★
3. My Roommate Is a Vampire || Rating: ★★★★☆
4. Foul Heart Huntsman || Rating: ★★★★★
💫October
1. Throne of the Fallen || Rating: ★★★★★
2. Legends & Lattes || Rating: ★★★★☆
3. Filthy Rich Vampire || Rating: ★★★☆☆
💫November
1. A Fire in the Flesh || Rating: ★★★★★
2. Bookshops & Bonedust (ARC) || Rating: ★★★★☆
3. Iron Flame || Rating: ★★★★★
4. The Griffin's Egg || Rating: ★★★★☆
💫December
1. The Endless War || Rating: ★★★★★
2. Gold || Rating: ★★★★★
3. Railed by the Krampus || Rating: ★★★☆☆
📖Past Goals📖
Goodreads Goals 2022
January 6, 2025
So…You are probably wondering how I was able to read 1125 books this year, right?
Let me explain. It might take a minute.
This is…My first real year on Goodreads…
Even though I officially joined in 2022. I have been learning how to navigate this site this year. I didn’t realize how much I would enjoy Goodreads until this year, when I decided to become friends with you.
When you asked me to be your friend…
I was so grateful.
And… When you accepted my friend request, I felt so appreciative.
This experience with you has been so thrilling at so many levels because of you. I always look forward to our shared comments under each other’s reviews.
And…Your recommendations for books have enhanced my reading experiences immensely.
Also…I have met some amazing authors, been offered some incredible books to read, and made some lifelong friends through this community.
So…Thank you for accepting me into your reading world.
This year… as of December 31 I have read and re-visited 363,921 pages, 1125 books.
The shortest book I read was 16 pages – Frog and Toad Alone by Arnold Lobel. The longest book I read was 1,376 pages – Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. It says that my average rating was 3.8, although it would be nice if the rating system here on Goodreads actually showed more than a 1-5 rating.
When I first started the reading challenge, I put in that I was only going to read 200 books.
But…I surpassed that number rather quickly… And…
I was told by one of my friends that I needed to up that number…
So…I did, to 850.
Which…I obviously surpassed again.
But…I need to be clear that the reason that this number of books is so high is because I am catching up with all the books, I have read over the past several years. All I am trying to do is to get all those past books I have already read (by revisiting them) and then providing written reviews for Goodreads.
And…At the same time be able to read current books…
And…Review them, too.
I know, quite the workload, right?
This may take a while. At some point, I may give up on those past books, who knows!
I am not going to list the books I have read (here), I encourage you to go to my page, if you are interested to check them out. I am rather an eclectic reader. I will read anything and everything…from children’s books, to YA novels, to mysteries, to historical fiction to magical realism to non-fiction to memoirs and more.
And…I also prefer print books. I like the feel of a book in my hands. I am old-fashioned that way.
Mostly…I want to thank you. Thank you for making this experience so meaningful. I look forward to reading and sharing 2024 with you.
Because…You make this fun. I love discussing books with you. Without you…why write reviews?
Let me explain. It might take a minute.
This is…My first real year on Goodreads…
Even though I officially joined in 2022. I have been learning how to navigate this site this year. I didn’t realize how much I would enjoy Goodreads until this year, when I decided to become friends with you.
When you asked me to be your friend…
I was so grateful.
And… When you accepted my friend request, I felt so appreciative.
This experience with you has been so thrilling at so many levels because of you. I always look forward to our shared comments under each other’s reviews.
And…Your recommendations for books have enhanced my reading experiences immensely.
Also…I have met some amazing authors, been offered some incredible books to read, and made some lifelong friends through this community.
So…Thank you for accepting me into your reading world.
This year… as of December 31 I have read and re-visited 363,921 pages, 1125 books.
The shortest book I read was 16 pages – Frog and Toad Alone by Arnold Lobel. The longest book I read was 1,376 pages – Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. It says that my average rating was 3.8, although it would be nice if the rating system here on Goodreads actually showed more than a 1-5 rating.
When I first started the reading challenge, I put in that I was only going to read 200 books.
But…I surpassed that number rather quickly… And…
I was told by one of my friends that I needed to up that number…
So…I did, to 850.
Which…I obviously surpassed again.
But…I need to be clear that the reason that this number of books is so high is because I am catching up with all the books, I have read over the past several years. All I am trying to do is to get all those past books I have already read (by revisiting them) and then providing written reviews for Goodreads.
And…At the same time be able to read current books…
And…Review them, too.
I know, quite the workload, right?
This may take a while. At some point, I may give up on those past books, who knows!
I am not going to list the books I have read (here), I encourage you to go to my page, if you are interested to check them out. I am rather an eclectic reader. I will read anything and everything…from children’s books, to YA novels, to mysteries, to historical fiction to magical realism to non-fiction to memoirs and more.
And…I also prefer print books. I like the feel of a book in my hands. I am old-fashioned that way.
Mostly…I want to thank you. Thank you for making this experience so meaningful. I look forward to reading and sharing 2024 with you.
Because…You make this fun. I love discussing books with you. Without you…why write reviews?
April 2, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Goodreads Stars!! 😍🎉🎉
Better than last year (2022) due to many 5 stars books. So FUN! :D But damnnn I still have 2 unfinished reviews left!! OMG! I have reviews to do since 2023!!! 😨😱😰 Pardon me dear, I'm in progress. My life is too busyyy. *shed my tears*
My Bookish Plan on 2023
🍭 Explore New Book Series
🍨 Do Buddy Read with friend
🍭 Do Group Read with friends
🍨 Travel World through Books
1) New Series by New Author
- Stephanie Garber #Caraval ✓
- Elayna R.Gallea #Tethered ✓
- Tracy Deonn #Legendborn ✓
2) Hidden Gem Friend Recommend 🍦
- Parallel (Rec. by Zuliate) ✓
- Lady of Darkness (Rec. by Ruby) ✓
3) Castles 🏰 Adventure 🍬 Books 🍰
- Scottish Castle. Little Pink Taxi ✓
- German Castle. The Book Jumper ✓
4) Travel ✈️ -- Oceania
- Craven Manor (Australia) ✓
5) Travel ✈️ -- Asia
- ASEAN# Dedes (Indonesia) ✓
- South# The Dream Runners (India) ✓
- 2023# The Love Match (Bangladesh) ✓
2023 🐪 Arabian. Fantasy# Spice Road ✓
✈️ Travel -- Asia (Again!)
- Middle-East# This Woven Kingdom (Iran) ✓
- ASEAN# Wings Once Cursed & Bound (Thai) ✓
- East# Song of Silver, Flame Like Night (China) ✓
2023 🐉 China-Buddy Trip with K. Manna 🌸 ✓
ุ7) Travel ✈️ -- Americas
- S# The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina (Ecuador) ✓
- N# Gods of Jade and Shadow (Mexico w. Heather 😍) ✓
8) 🏠 Come Back Home -- Thai Novels
- ดวงใจมัจจุราช ✓
- ตำนานดวงดาว ✓
- วินธัย (2003)💐 ✓
🏆 -- Spring -- Summer -- Autumn -- Winter -- 🏆
Better than last year (2022) due to many 5 stars books. So FUN! :D But damnnn I still have 2 unfinished reviews left!! OMG! I have reviews to do since 2023!!! 😨😱😰 Pardon me dear, I'm in progress. My life is too busyyy. *shed my tears*
My Bookish Plan on 2023
🍭 Explore New Book Series
🍨 Do Buddy Read with friend
🍭 Do Group Read with friends
🍨 Travel World through Books
1) New Series by New Author
- Stephanie Garber #Caraval ✓
- Elayna R.Gallea #Tethered ✓
- Tracy Deonn #Legendborn ✓
2) Hidden Gem Friend Recommend 🍦
- Parallel (Rec. by Zuliate) ✓
- Lady of Darkness (Rec. by Ruby) ✓
3) Castles 🏰 Adventure 🍬 Books 🍰
- Scottish Castle. Little Pink Taxi ✓
- German Castle. The Book Jumper ✓
4) Travel ✈️ -- Oceania
- Craven Manor (Australia) ✓
5) Travel ✈️ -- Asia
- ASEAN# Dedes (Indonesia) ✓
- South# The Dream Runners (India) ✓
- 2023# The Love Match (Bangladesh) ✓
2023 🐪 Arabian. Fantasy# Spice Road ✓
✈️ Travel -- Asia (Again!)
- Middle-East# This Woven Kingdom (Iran) ✓
- ASEAN# Wings Once Cursed & Bound (Thai) ✓
- East# Song of Silver, Flame Like Night (China) ✓
2023 🐉 China-Buddy Trip with K. Manna 🌸 ✓
ุ7) Travel ✈️ -- Americas
- S# The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina (Ecuador) ✓
- N# Gods of Jade and Shadow (Mexico w. Heather 😍) ✓
8) 🏠 Come Back Home -- Thai Novels
- ดวงใจมัจจุราช ✓
- ตำนานดวงดาว ✓
- วินธัย (2003)💐 ✓
🏆 -- Spring -- Summer -- Autumn -- Winter -- 🏆
December 27, 2023
2023 was another outstanding reading year. I have the GR community to thank for this as many stories would have been missed otherwise. My reading selections and experiences have become much more expansive.
So, I bow to you, my GR friends, for hooking me up. THANK YOU.
Drum roll please....
My most favourite 5⭐️ reads this year 🥇:
The Bird Hotel
Tom Lake
A Girl Called Samson
My Father's House
A Town Called Solace
On the Savage Side
Go as a River
Call Your Daughter Home
Like the Appearance of Horses
Things Past Telling
Demon Copperhead
All the Broken Places
Absolution
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Once We Were Home
The Frozen River My last 5⭐️ of 2023
The Honorable Mentions -also worthy reads 🥈:
The Alice Network
My Dark Vanessa
Lost Souls of Leningrad
Only the Beautiful
Black Butterflies
The Unbreakable Heart of Oliva Denaro
Homecoming
Juno Loves Legs
Crow Mary
Dust Child
Lady Tan's Circle of Women
Those We Thought We Knew
Return to Valetto
Chenneville
Small Town Sins
Most memorable character 🙎♀️:
Strange Sally Diamond
I hope 2024 brings many more terrific reads to all of us.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas 🎄, Happy Holidays🎁 & a Happy New Year🥳!
So, I bow to you, my GR friends, for hooking me up. THANK YOU.
Drum roll please....
My most favourite 5⭐️ reads this year 🥇:
The Bird Hotel
Tom Lake
A Girl Called Samson
My Father's House
A Town Called Solace
On the Savage Side
Go as a River
Call Your Daughter Home
Like the Appearance of Horses
Things Past Telling
Demon Copperhead
All the Broken Places
Absolution
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Once We Were Home
The Frozen River My last 5⭐️ of 2023
The Honorable Mentions -also worthy reads 🥈:
The Alice Network
My Dark Vanessa
Lost Souls of Leningrad
Only the Beautiful
Black Butterflies
The Unbreakable Heart of Oliva Denaro
Homecoming
Juno Loves Legs
Crow Mary
Dust Child
Lady Tan's Circle of Women
Those We Thought We Knew
Return to Valetto
Chenneville
Small Town Sins
Most memorable character 🙎♀️:
Strange Sally Diamond
I hope 2024 brings many more terrific reads to all of us.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas 🎄, Happy Holidays🎁 & a Happy New Year🥳!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,630 reviews