Uncategorized Archives

Spinach and Bananas: My (Unorthodox) Book Mash-up Wish List

I’m writing this post after procrastinating a long time. However, it was brewing for a while, so don’t worry. This is going to be good. Also: the title of this blog post is crucial. If you have not blended frozen bananas with a handful of spinach, along with some nondairy milk and a splash of agave, you are missing out, friend. It is the best mash-up ever. With that said, let’s discuss my top 10 book mash-up wishlist (even if a lot of them are unorthodox). **For more on Top Ten Tuesdays, check out this link.

Continue reading “Spinach and Bananas: My (Unorthodox) Book Mash-up Wish List”

I’ve Turned Into a Full-Time Bat and My Reading is Whack

Over the past week, my sleep schedule has taken a plunge into bat schedule land. I mean, I was always mostly nocturnal but at least I could pretend otherwise. Not anymore. Prepare for the whackiest schedule ever. Also: excuse the excess sass. I don’t mean to offend you; I am just annoyed.

Continue reading “I’ve Turned Into a Full-Time Bat and My Reading is Whack”

Gushing over Brandon Sanderson’s The Well of Ascension

While I did enjoy The Final Empire novel, Brandon Sanderson completely blew me away with the sequel, The Well of Ascension. Here, I will gush, ooh, and ah over this powerful story about morality, duty, and love.

WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.

Continue reading “Gushing over Brandon Sanderson’s The Well of Ascension”

More Rule-Breaking: Booktube-a-thon TBR (Round 1, perhaps)

Image courtesy of Nietjuh on Pixabay.
I am breaking rules again to guide my reading for the week. Obviously, Booktube-a-thon is a good idea. Ariel Bissette is among my favorite online peeps. Let’s see what I can come up with in terms of a TBR. Booktube-a-thon, here I come! (Also: Please, Booktube-a-thon peeps, don’t be mad at me for not waiting till it was the official time for the readathon).

Continue reading “More Rule-Breaking: Booktube-a-thon TBR (Round 1, perhaps)”

My Cramathon Summer of 2018 Participation Annoucement

Image Courtesy of VABo2040 on Pixabay

Four weeks ago, the Cramathon for summer 2018 announcement videos starting making their appearances. Aly from Hardback Hoarder and Dylan from Dylan the Reader 5 posted a video with all the challenges listed. Even though I did not expect to participate, here I am with my Cramathon Summer of 2018 participation announcement.

Cramathon Goals

The goal of Cramathon, as its name suggests, is to cram in as many books as you can within the week. Cramathon summer 2018 begins tomorrow, June 10, and ends on June 17 (midnight).

Here are the challenges and some of my TBR options.

Cramathon Challenge 1: A Predicted 5-Star Read

Even though I am currently reading Midnight Jewel by Richelle Mead, which is easily close to a five-star read. Nevertheless, I want to move into another series while awaiting the finale of The Glittering Court.

Evelyn Skye’s Crown’s Game involves two magicians dueling and competing to become powerful figures in their society. It is kind of in the vein of A Shadow Bright and Burning in terms of including magic as a central way of being influential.

Cramathon Challenge 2: A Book Out of Your Comfort Zone

Oh, Cramathon, why are you so tough. I haven’t made it far into Legacy of Kings by Eleanor Herman, a historical fiction novel (kind of?). It’s definitely out of my comfort zone because it has a lot of characters that I have not been able to distinguish between them.

This book also tackles a topic that I have not faced successfully yet: the story of Alexander the Great. I have a vague sense of what that story included, however, I have not read a fictionalized (or a true story) of Alexander the Great.

Cramathon Challenge 3: A Book That Has Been On Your TBR Longest

Alexandra Bracken’s The Darkest Minds has been on my TBR for a long time, so I can take advantage of Cramathon and take on this book. It’ll be a good way to integrate more series for me to experience over the next week.

Ruby and the gang, I am excited to meet you all.

Cramathon Challenge 4: LGBT+ Own Voices Novel

I have a couple of Adam Silvera books that are unread. It’s a toss-up between his History is All You Left Me or They Both Die at the End. I may go rogue and read a Patrick Ness book. I have his More Than This novel.

Cramathon Challenge 5: A Book with Your Favorite Color on the Cover

My favorite colors tend to be around the purple-pink-red range. There are two options for this challenge. First, And I Darken by Kiersten White. It has the same historical feel that Legacy of Kings has. I am not sure if that will work or if I will be turned off by too much history.

Because of this, I am torn between White’s story and Roshan Chokshi’s Star Touched Queen. We’ll have to wait and see which story resonates with my mood. Both books have gorgeous covers, I admit. I’ll be happy either way. I have so many unread series to catch up on.

Cramathon Challenge 6-7: Read 7 Books

I am thinking of taking on another two series this Cramathon. Morgan Rhodes’ Falling Kingdoms is high on my priorities list. Perhaps I can use this Cramathon to give the first book a try. I am mostly concerned with the flow of other series in my TBR. What if they all require time to get into their stories? Only one way to find out.

The other series is one I am sure will be easy for me to read: A Court of Mist and Fury is the only unread Sarah J. Maas book I have on my bookshelves. I haven’t purchased the rest of her series as I am slowly collecting the books.

Get to Know Me Through the Movie Tag

I figured a change of pace would be a good idea for the blog. Today, I am sharing more about myself through the Movie Tag. This tag is one I have seen on one of my favorite BookTuber people Ginger Reads Lainey. Let me tell you about movies that I adore.

Here are the questions.

Favorite movie of all time?

I like all the movies I own, I suppose. That’s quite a number of films. I guess it depends on my mood. When I am sad, I go for The Perks of Being a Wallflower. When I am trying to pick myself back up from a dark spot, I usually go for It’s Kind of a Funny Story.

Other favorites: The Fault in Our Stars, My Big Fat Greek Wedding (1 and 2), and Coming Through the Rye. What If and Swiss Army Man.

Favorite scene from that movie?

The friendship montage in Swiss Army Man is such a classic in my world. I love it.

Another favorite is the dance sequence from Little Miss Sunshine.

– Favorite actors /actresses?

I find myself gravitating toward characters and less toward actors. Then, the actors I actually do like I tend to like them for their activism and commentary on social situations.

– Most annoying actor/actress?

I literally tried to do research on actors/actresses I may dislike. It’s very rare when I end up disliking an actor. They have a tough job.

– Best director?

Edgar Wright has my favorite style of directing. I only have two of his films, but I enjoy them quite a bit. I like the very meta tone that his films tend to have.

– Favorite guilty pleasure film?

Movies based on books make me smile. So here are some of those films: Vampire Academy, The Mortal Instruments, Everything Everything, The Duff, Beautiful Creatures.

The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films are also dear to me. Harry Potter films are special to me.

Live-Action films: Mirror Mirror, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella

– Favorite tear jerker?

Love, Rosie. Me Before You. The Perks of Being a Wallflower. The Book Thief.

– Character from a movie that scared you the most?

I do not watch scary films. But, I think Voldemort and Bellatrix Lestrange will always be frightening for me. The other terrifying characters I had encountered in films is Gollum. It is the tangible way he is relatable to me; it is scary.

– Movie you love everyone hates?

The Percy Jackson movies, I think. And Spiderwick Chronicles, too, are special. Plus, you can see all the movies based on books are among my favorites. I did notice that not that many people were fond of Paper Towns as a film, which is just wrong.

– Movie you hate everyone loves?

I don’t know if people actually love the Pitch Perfect movies. There are too many of them. I actually did not mind the first one. But, then the jokes got worse in the second one. Eugh.

– Favorite animated movie?

I know I’m being stereotypical but I have always loved Aladdin the most. It was my first film I remember watching in theaters and it was so special.

– Actor/actress crush?

None, I guess.

– Favorite movie villain?

Kylo Ren will always be my favorite. Hands down. Like Gollum, he is so relatable through his conflict within himself.

– What movie surprised you the most?

The Man from U.N.C.L.E was such a pleasant surprise. We ended up spending a whole summer just watching it every day.

– If you could go back in time and marry actor/actress from back when (now old) who would it be?

I think Marilyn Monroe and I could have a good series of discussions on mental illness and body positivity. It could be an open marriage if she wants. I am totally cool with her being with other people.

– What’s the first movie you remember watching in theaters

Aladdin is one of those iconic films that changed everything for me. For a long time, I would play the soundtrack in my head when things were happening in life. It’s hard to explain. But, I lived by that soundtrack.

Podcasts, Self Improvement, and Learning Off the Internet

I spend a lot of time online. Perhaps I’m not alone in this, but it certainly feels that way. Over the past couple of weeks, I have been trying out podcasts. To encourage regular listening, I’m hoping to share my favorites every once in a while. Let’s begin.

On Feminism and Intersectionality

My favorite podcast in that regard, thus far, has to be Stuff Mom Never Told You. I can’t get over their episode on Miley Cyrus and racism, because oh my goodness this was mind-blowing and eye opening. Another really cool episode I had listened to was about African Americans and mental illness’ stigma. SO GOOD!

Anxiety and Depression Management and Community

You have to check out “Talking in Circles” with Laura Miller. This lady is honest and raw, real about her mental illness and how it affected her pregnancy. She used to make YouTube video series with the same title. I’ll link it right here for you. My favorite episode of the podcast has to be the one with Jen Gotch who is also extremely open and frank about her own life as a woman with mental illness. Also: I am learning from her by rating my own wellness every day. Just to be self aware and honest with myself.

So, I don’t know if you heard of Yoga Girl. She had a book come out a few years back, and she is popular on Instagram within the yoga community. I like her a lot, as a person and as a yogi. Luckily for me, she has a podcast called “From the Heart.” My favorite episode thus far is one about grief. The guest on that episode lost her child. Pshaw. That episode was so powerful and moving. It still haunts me and drives me to do better as a human.

Your Turn:

Do you have any favorite self improvement podcasts on iTunes? Please, share them with me in the comments! I want to learn more!

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Recommendations for Fans of Bad-ass Characters

Welcome back to another Top Ten Tuesday. This week, the lovely meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish is fully back in the swing of things with a topic of recommending books. For me, I want to focus on the top ten books I’d recommend for those who are fans of bad-ass characters.

10. Graceling by kristin cashore

In this world, some children are “graced” with special skills/talents. Our main character is graced with the ability to kill people. She is such a warrior and a brave girl. I would posit, though, that she’s not just a bad-ass in terms of physical ability. Her willingness to go against bullies and defy unjust rulers marks her as one of the most bad-ass characters I have ever encountered.

9. The Hunger games by suzanne collins

Katniss Everdeen is not the bad-ass some people know. I think, for me, she becomes a true fighter when she faces her trauma. While I understand this girl struggled from having such heavy burdens and responsibilities heaved upon her, I think she had the issues even earlier in her life. With all of these factors in mind, I think Katniss is survivor of really tough things and that makes her a bad-ass.

8.The vanishing throne by elizabeth may

Aithinne and Karian are truly my focus in this series. They are the true bad-asses. I understand that Aileana is the heroine, and I love her, but she’s part of something much bigger. I like the exploration of trauma and abuse in this book in particular. The connection Aithinne and Aileana have is just fantastic, and bad-ass.

7.harry potter and the order of the phoenix by jk rowling

Obviously, you have to read the stories leading up to this one, but oh man, how cool is it to see Harry as a teacher. To me, I don’t believe for a second that Harry would ever work for the Ministry of Magic. He’d be a professor at Hogwarts, to provide a home to those who, like him, have no home. In this book, he becomes this role of a mentor to a group of his friends, and guides them into a war. If that’s not bad-ass, I don’t know what is.

6. A Darker Shade of Magic by v.e. schwab

Bravery is recognizing you made a mistake, and handling the consequences. Kel and Holland have that in common. It’s also about loving people with kindness, as we see with Rhy. Lila is another bad-ass for all the sass she and Alucard exchange, all the fighting tips, all the magic lessons make me love her so much. She bravely steps into new roles for herself and pushes the boundaries of her definitions.

5. the demon king by cinda williams chima

I still am reeling from this book because Han and Raisa are bad-asses. Raisa who is passionate about learning about her people, goes out to experience life in her kingdom. Han, who has a mysterious background, takes an amulet and has to fend for himself in a dog-eat-dog world.

4. Vampire academy by richelle mead

Most people would say that Rose Hathaway is the heroine of these tales. To me, I am more fascinated with Lissa. The element of spirit is hard to control, it seems, and she goes through quite the journey to develop her skill. Lissa is a bad-ass because she never uses physical force to settle her disputes. The older she gets, the wiser she becomes. I love her.

Books on my tbr that are rumored to have bad-ass characters

3. the darkest minds trilogy by alexandra bracken

Dystopia and special powers, concentration camps and kids working together: that is all I needed to hear to get this whole series. Ruby and the gang have so much potential right now.

2. The name of the wind by Patrick Rothfuss

I know the main character is a bad-ass. Just look at that cover. Freaking yes! Kvothe, from what I know, narrates his life as a boy who is accepted in a magic school. In my head, at least, he becomes a bad-ass mage. Can’t wait to read this one.

1. legacy of kings by eleanor herman

Alexander the Great is clearly going to be a bad-ass in these books. People call him the Great for reasons. I cannot wait to see what he’s like in the story. Don’t really know much about the books, but I am excited!

June Week 1 TBR

As you may have read in previous blog entries, I will be participating in Emojiathon this month. But, I like to break down my June TBR by weeks to avoid getting overwhelmed.

Read a book about a marginalized group

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

Cover Buy

The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead(e?)

Read a Book that Makes You Happy

The Selection by Keira Cass

I obviously may rebel, but I think I just need to read some light stuff with Crooked Kingdom. This is important, especially after Lord of Shadows broke me.

May Week 1 TBR, Goals, and Doathon

After disappearing for a while there, I am hoping to pick up the pace around here. For May, week 1 (!!), I have a TBR, and a list of goals to share with you today.

Before I begin, I want to share the Do-A-Thon with you all. You can read the specific announcement here on Mollie’s Blog. But, basically, it’s about accomplishing things that were always on bucket lists. Intentional living! Living with purpose, and doing things that better your life and the lives of others. My attempt at joining the Do-A-Thon event is here.

It’s a bunch of humble goals, I admit.

To Be Read:

A Conjuring of Light by VE Schwab

Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

and perhaps the following two:

The Winner’s Kiss by Marie Rutkowski

Raven King by Maggie Steifvater

Basically, I am hoping to finish up some series to start some more.

Moreover, Shakespeare calls my name, so I am hoping to read a play from the collection I have of his work.

Goals

I am attempting to follow the goals I always set for myself. If you’re new here, I suffer from an array of mental illnesses and I struggle to get things done often. For the Do-A-Thon, I am essentially trying to do the things I always wanted to start doing regularly. A brief list of the things I want to fully incorporate into my life: yoga, meditation, reading, and writing.

So, hopefully, I can be more active around the blogging sphere of things. And, of course, just trying to keep my head above water the whole time.

Have a wonderful week ahead!

Your Turn

What will you be reading this week? Do you have a huge list of books to read, or are you keeping it small this week? Let me know what you think of the books I picked, too! And, if you want, I would love to have you join us in the Do-A-Thon.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Cramathon Goals

Cramathon Challenge 1: A Predicted 5-Star Read

Cramathon Challenge 2: A Book Out of Your Comfort Zone

Cramathon Challenge 3: A Book That Has Been On Your TBR Longest

Cramathon Challenge 4: LGBT+ Own Voices Novel

Cramathon Challenge 5: A Book with Your Favorite Color on the Cover

Cramathon Challenge 6-7: Read 7 Books

Share this:

Favorite movie of all time?

– Favorite actors /actresses?

– Most annoying actor/actress?

– Best director?

– Favorite guilty pleasure film?

– Favorite tear jerker?

– Character from a movie that scared you the most?

– Movie you love everyone hates?

– Movie you hate everyone loves?

– Favorite animated movie?

– Actor/actress crush?

– Favorite movie villain?

– What movie surprised you the most?

– If you could go back in time and marry actor/actress from back when (now old) who would it be?

– What’s the first movie you remember watching in theaters

Share this:

On Feminism and Intersectionality

Anxiety and Depression Management and Community

Your Turn:

Share this:

10. Graceling by kristin cashore

9. The Hunger games by suzanne collins

8.The vanishing throne by elizabeth may

7.harry potter and the order of the phoenix by jk rowling

6. A Darker Shade of Magic by v.e. schwab

5. the demon king by cinda williams chima

4. Vampire academy by richelle mead

Books on my tbr that are rumored to have bad-ass characters

3. the darkest minds trilogy by alexandra bracken

2. The name of the wind by Patrick Rothfuss

1. legacy of kings by eleanor herman

Share this:

Read a book about a marginalized group

Cover Buy

Read a Book that Makes You Happy

Share this:

To Be Read:

Goals

Your Turn

Share this: