Tag: A Week in Review

Wrap Up

Week in Review | November 25th- December 1st

bookishluna8 Comments

a week in review

This week I did way more reading than I thought I was going to, it was a nice surprise after last week. I read some Harry Potter, non-fiction, and a thriller. In addition, I started reading a modern classic. I sadly did not keep track of my pages read and such, but I plan on doing better with it. Fingers crossed.

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Books I Finished

A Noise Downstairs by Linwood Barclay

A Noise Downstairs

3stars

Overall, I ended up enjoying this book a lot more than I intended mainly because of the ending. It took me really by surprise. I will say the rest of the book was average for me, I can’t really pinpoint as to why, but the ending twist really elevated it.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter, #3)

5stars

My reread of the Harry Potter series continues! I read Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and once again I loved it. I really enjoy remembering all the little differences between the books and movies and meeting some of my favorite characters in the series for the first time.

Small Fry by Lisa Brennan-Jobs

Small Fry

4stars

This non-fiction was the last book I read for nonfiction November. It is written by the daughter of Steve Jobs and I have to say I enjoyed it more than I obviously thought. I liked how honest and critical she was of her father, but also not unfair. Sometimes when someone passes rose colored glasses come on. Lisa really told her story wonderfully and I was happy to read it.

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I just started reading A Meeting by the River, which I have had for some time and I am really excited about finally getting to it. I really enjoy his writing and I have not read one of his works in a while.

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Books Added

I was really excited to get this book in the mail this week. I am reading along side some awesome individuals and it has been one I have been seeing a lot lately. Mainly it being compared to The Secret History by Donna Tartt. I am curious to see if that holds true or not.

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Posts from the Week

Bullet Journal | December 2018

December TBR | 2018

REVIEW | Gazelle in the Shadows by Michelle Peach

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Wrap Up

Weeks in Review | November 11th-November 17th

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a week in review

Wow, another week has passed, I can hardly believe it. I feel like since November has started the year is going faster and faster. This week I was only able to finish one book, but I made good progress in my buddy read and I did end up DNFing another book. Not because it was a bad book, but because I didn’t really feel like reading it currently. So I don’t want to mention it because I don’t want to discourage anyone from reading it. Without further wait, here are my stats and reading wrap up from the pervious week.

Pages Read: 426 pages

Time Read: 4 hours

Reading Speed: 93 pages and hour

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The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman

The Rules of Magic

I absolutely loved this book! When I first started reading this book, I did find it enjoyable, but I did not expect it to be a 5 star read for me. While it was interesting the first few parts of the book were missing that spark that Practical Magic had. The by part 3 I was really dedicated to this book. I teared up, I felt for this family greatly. Then the ending came and I saw what Alice Hoffman did and I gasped “WHAT!?” when I realized who these characters were and answered so many questions that I had when I read Practical Magic is a wonderful show and not tell kind of manner. If you loved Practical Magic I highly recommend reading this, it does the story justice in my eyes. If you never read Practical Magic, you can start with this novel if you want a wonderful witch and magic filled read.

5stars

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A Noise Downstairs by Linwood Barclay

A Noise Downstairs

I finally am caught up with this buddy read. So far I am on the fence as to what I think about it, but I am excited to see what happens next. The cliffhanger that I felt off on makes me want to read ahead, but I am going to control myself for the time being.

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Books Added

The Witch Elm by Tana French

The Witch Elm

I have been hearing an awful or about Tana French and more specifically about The Witch Elm. I don’t know if it was because of all the witch talk around Halloween or just that it is a great book, but either way it caught my interest. Funnily enough I went to a few bookstores to find this book, so I am far from the only one interested in it.

“Toby is a happy-go-lucky charmer who’s dodged a scrape at work and is celebrating with friends when the night takes a turn that will change his life – he surprises two burglars who beat him and leave him for dead. Struggling to recover from his injuries, beginning to understand that he might never be the same man again, he takes refuge at his family’s ancestral home to care for his dying uncle Hugo. Then a skull is found in the trunk of an elm tree in the garden – and as detectives close in, Toby is forced to face the possibility that his past may not be what he has always believed.

A spellbinding standalone from one of the best suspense writers working today, The Witch Elm asks what we become, and what we’re capable of, when we no longer know who we are. “-goodreads.com 

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Posts from the Week

Let’s Talk | TBR Jar Experiment

TAG | The Literary Dinner Part

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Hauls & Unboxings

Weeks in Review | November 4th-November 10th

bookishluna11 Comments

a week in review

So, I am still trying to get back in the habit of writing here, it is funny how 2 weeks without a computer gets you so out of wack. I should be picking up my new one within the next week, fingers crossed. While I am waiting for that and I was able to borrow one temporarily I thought I would continue on sharing what I read this week, what I acquired, some stats and what I have written.

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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

I ended up liking this book so much more than I thought I would. I normally rarely read about celebrities or actors I like in real life, so I always thought, “Why would I care about one that didn’t even exist?”. Well, I have to say that this book proved that point wrong. Within the first chapter I was already hooked. They methods used by the author to tell Evelyn Hugo’s story were wonderful and made it feel so tangible. Not only did the author tell an addicting story of this woman, but she told a story of so much more than that. That is the part of the story I did not expect and loved. The author did some great things with this book and I highly recommend.

5stars

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter, #1)

So, since I have been slowly collecting these Hufflepuff editions I have been wanting to reread these stories all over again and tab them up. Well, this week I finally did it because I stopped myself from feeling guilty about rereading when I have so many others I need to get to on my shelf. I am so glad that I stopped caring and did. This story continues to be a 5 star read.

5stars

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter, #2)

So, not only did I reread one of the Harry Potter books, I reread this one as well. I read them both in two days and it was magical. I wish I had more time this week to continue. I think I will go for one a month at least in the next few so I can tab more of my books up. Then when more Hufflepuff editions come out I can transfer them.

5stars

Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy: The Story of Little Women and Why It Still Matters by Anne Boyd Rioux

Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy: The Story of Little Women and Why It Still Matters

If you have been around for any point on my blog you will know I love Little Women with all of my heart. This pasty summer I was lucky enough to visit the house in which it was written. While I was there I picked up this book and I finally read it for Nonfiction November. I found a lot of this book to be wonderful, I learned a lot about Louisa and her family even though I have read about her in the past. Part 2 and 3 are better considered a historiography of the story and how it was viewed as a book throughout time, which I loved! I think some parts I could have done without, but overall I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about this story and the women who penned it.

4stars

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told

I happened to put this on hold at my library after watching an interview of these two. While I have been a fan of both of these humans for years I never really read much about them. When it became available I picked it up and dived right in. I really liked the way this book is told as if it is a conversation. You get true picture of their relationship and their personalities. It gives the story life and it made me fly right thorough it. I you are interesting in either one of these humans I highly suggest picking up this comedic memoir.

4stars

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The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman

The Rules of Magic

I have had this book on hold at my library since I read Practical Magic a few months ago. So far I am really enjoying this prequel and I am already mad because I am emotional about the events that have happened already. How does Alice Hoffman get me like this every time I read one of her books? Once again it is a magical story of a family that you can’t held but love and root for.

A Noise Downstairs by Linwood Barclay

A Noise DownstairsI am barely into this book because I am a horribly buddy-reader this week. I have read about 9% and I am already curious to see where this novel goes. I have no doubt that this is going to be a wild book that will cause me to gasp in shock a few times.

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Books Added

The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton

The Clockmaker's Daughter
I decided to pick up this novel because I have been hearing so many great things about it. I also feel like I am going to want a larger read for the winter time. I loved that this teased a but of a mystery, but also the fact that it is set in the past and I love a good historical fiction.

“My real name, no one remembers. The truth about that summer, no one else knows.

In the summer of 1862, a group of young artists led by the passionate and talented Edward Radcliffe descends upon Birchwood Manor on the banks of the Upper Thames. Their plan: to spend a secluded summer month in a haze of inspiration and creativity. But by the time their stay is over, one woman has been shot dead while another has disappeared; a priceless heirloom is missing; and Edward Radcliffe’s life is in ruins.

Over one hundred and fifty years later, Elodie Winslow, a young archivist in London, uncovers a leather satchel containing two seemingly unrelated items: a sepia photograph of an arresting-looking woman in Victorian clothing, and an artist’s sketchbook containing the drawing of a twin-gabled house on the bend of a river.

Why does Birchwood Manor feel so familiar to Elodie? And who is the beautiful woman in the photograph? Will she ever give up her secrets?” –goodreads.com

Slipping: Stories, Essays, & Other Writing by Lauren Beukes

Slipping: Stories, Essays, & Other Writing

I came across this author a few years ago when I was either reading about Stephen Kings recommended books/authors or when I was looking at his twitter feed, sadly I cannot remember. Since then I have read 2 of her books and wow, they are a trip. She is a gift author and when I saw this edition on sale I knew I needed to get my hands on it. She is a great thriller writer and I feel like she is not talked about enough at times.

“A Punk Lolita fighter-pilot rescues Tokyo from a marauding art installation. A young architect’s life is derailed by an inquisitive girl who happens to be a ghost. Loyalty to a favorite product can be addictive when it gets under your skin.

In her edgy and satiric debut collection, award-winning South African author Lauren Beukes (The Shining Girls) never holds back. Ranging from Johannesburg to outer space, Beukes is a fierce and captivating presence in the literary landscape.” –goodreads.com

For Better and Worse by Margot Hunt

For Better and Worse

This was my Book of the Month pick of November, the reason I picked this book out of all the others was simply the description. How can I not want to read about a couple that plans the perfect murder and not want to read that happens and ensues from there? Also, I was curious to see how the author portrays their son who sadly is a victim of an awful crime.

“Till death do us part

When they fell in love back in law school, Natalie and Will Clarke joked that they were so brilliant, together they could plan the perfect murder. After fifteen rocky years of marriage, they had better hope they’re right.

Their young son Jacob’s principal is accused of molesting a troubled student. It’s a horrifying situation—and the poison spreads rapidly. One night before bed, Jacob tells Natalie he is a victim, too. In that moment, her concept of justice changes forever. Natalie decides the predator must die.

To shelter Jacob from the trauma of a trial, Natalie concocts an elaborate murder plot and Will becomes her unwilling partner. The Clarkes are about to find out what happens when your life partner becomes your accomplice—and your alibi. “-goodreads.com 

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Wrap Up

A Week in Review | October 14th -October 20th

bookishluna4 Comments

a week in review

This ween in October, I started a few books, but I didn’t really finish any and that is alright with me. I have a lot going on and I had a lot of late nights working on projects and such so getting any reading is wonderful.

Books I Finished

Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi

Emergency Contact

I just wanted to update you from last week on this book. I was not enjoy it at all and I really did not like some aspects of this book in its use of slut shaming even if it was not “serious” I just didn’t think it did anything to further the plot and there were better ways a high school age individual could have been immature and worded things. I DNF’ed this and unhauled it.

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Scythe by Neal Shusterman

Scythe (Arc of a Scythe, #1)

Currently I am about 75% way through this book and I am still enjoying it. I am curious to see what happen to the two main characters and how the story ends. I was thinking about this when I started reading the book, but more so now. I really hope a love interest doesn’t become the main focus of this book or it will honestly most likely ruin it for me. I think that is one of the main reasons why I stoped reading so much YA, if I wanted romance I would read a romance novel.

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing

So I have about 2 more days to finish this book and I am only about 70 some odd pages in to this. I am enjoying it a lot more than I thought I would originally. I am really glad that Hank decided to write an adult book because I feel like if it was YA the story would have been a lot different and I really like how the characters are in their early twenties and have graduated college or university. I always love reading about people in this age group.

In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware

In a Dark, Dark Wood

So my library audiobook became available for this book and I was so excited I could not wait to jump in a read it. So I have been listening to it every change I have gotten since. I am really loving the atmosphere of this book and the cast of characters. As I am reading this I feel like I am just waiting for the shoe to drop and find out what actually happened in the dark, dark wood. I can’t wait to finish this, but I will also be sad to see this book end. Ruth Ware is one of my favorite authors and I will have no more unread books of hers.

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NEXT BOOK

I just want to focus on finishing the books I have started at this point in the month honestly. lol.

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Wrap Up

A Week in Review | October 7th -October 13th

bookishluna6 Comments

a week in review

Another week of October is complete, where is the time going? I keep feeling like every time I turn around it is a day later than I thought it was. It is also getting chillier where I am. I think it is officially indoor sweatshirt weather and fall jacket time. This week I went out and bought myself a new one and I am in love with it. I have been wearing it every day. What is the weather like for you currently, has the season finally started to change? Anyway, here is my weekly book wrap-up.

Books I Finished

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

We Have Always Lived in the Castle

I have been hearing about this book since finding out Shirley Jackson was an author. I can see why We Have Always Lived in the Castle is one of her most talked about novels. It is eerie, but not in a traditionally sense. The truth can be a bit surprising and the atmosphere was just wonderful. Even though her novel is so short, she is a master of creating a setting that you can feel. I really enjoyed this novel and I suggest it for anyone who wants to be creeped out, but not by monsters.

4stars

Tropic Of Cancer by Henry Miller

Tropic Of Cancer

So, this was a really weird book. While I did read the entire thing I can’t really tell you what happened if that makes sense. As the story progresses it does get a little more coherent, but it never becomes tame in any shape way or form. I would never have read this book on my own that is for sure, the description is not something I would normally be drawn to. I honestly can’t really suggest this book to anyone though.

2stars

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Scythe by Neal Shusterman

Scythe (Arc of a Scythe, #1)

So I am buddy reading this book and at first I feel a little behind it. I did not think I was going to like it a lot so I kinda put it off and read 3 other books last week. Well, when I finally picked it up this week I read 200 pages mainly over one day. I loved one of the characters and the shock I felt at the twist left me floored! I need to keep reading this as soon as I can, but I don’t want to read too far head of everyone else.

Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi

Emergency Contact

This week I started to read this book, I finally got up the courage because there was so much talk about this novel. So far, I am not thrilled at all. Literally on the first page there was already someone calling someone else a  slut. Are you kidding me? Then one of the main characters is aggravating and I just felt like all I was reading was whining.  I just don’t really want to read anymore of it. So, I might be DNFing this. I will update you on what I decide to do next week.

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NEXT BOOK

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing

This month I need to read this as part of the BN Book Club, so I think it is about time to pick it up. I am a bit worried I wont like it because I know I like Hank Green from his videos and what not. I am also worried what the older individuals in the BN Book Club are going to say about this book mainly because it deals with YouTube and social media where I think some people are going to have a trouble adjusting to that point of view when it was something that many people did not grow up with or was not mainstream when they were younger.

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Wrap Up

A Week in Review | October 1st -October 6th

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a week in review

October has been off to an amazing start. First there has been blogoween, which has been a blast. Them it is getting cooler, the nights are getting longer, and I can now light a bunch of autumn smelling candles and not get laughed at for burning apple scented things in the middle of the summer. Also, my reading this week has done very well. I read more than I thought I would and I started a book I have been wanting to read for the past few months and I have been saving it for October. Without more of a delay, here is my reading week.

Books I Finished

The Outsider by Stephen King

The Outsider

I absolutely adored this Stephen King novel. It was the perfect mixture of the real world and the monsters and paranormal beasts that I look for in one of his books. Not only was the monster interesting and I liked how it was pulled from myths and such, but the characters felt real. I really enjoyed seeing a lot of another character I never thought I would see again. I nearly yelled in joy when that happened. Now, I will say that there is a very, very graphic crime that happens that is really appalling. So if that kind of stuff gets to you it might not be the read for you.

Salem’s Witch House: A Touchstone to Antiquity by John Goff

Salem's Witch House: A Touchstone to Antiquity

So I was super excited to read this book, I ended up being disappointed. The book was more of a history of who lived in the house and what stores it had been and less about the role it had during the Salem witch trials. While it was interesting I found the name it be a tad bit misleading so it left be just feeling like I missed out on something. If you know nothing about the history of the house and such, this would be a good read for you.

The Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger by Stephen King

The Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger

I just picked this up and happened to put it on hold as an audiobook at my library and it became available within a day or so. I ended up flying through this novel very quickly since it was under 300 pages, nearly unheard of when dealing with a King novel. I will admit that I am intrigued by this series when I thought I would have absolutely no interest in it. It is very different from what I thought it would be, but I was also not totally in love with it as well. Over all this was an okay read, there really was no horror it was more of a slow burning science fiction. You can easily see that this is a set up book for the series. I found myself enjoying the characters and worlds created here.

East of Eden by John Steinbeck

East of Eden

I was so excited to read this since I read The Red Pony and reread Of Mice of Men this year. I really enjoy John Steinbeck’s writing style, it just seems to flow. This is one of the bigger novels of his that I have read and I really enjoyed this novel that spanned multiple generations. I can see why my uncle says it is his favorite book and that I needed to read it.

The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born by by Peter David, Robin Furth, Jae Lee, Richard Isanove, Stephen King

The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born

So, right after reading the novel I decided to read the graphic novel adaptation. I guess you would call it an adaptation? If I am wrong please let me know. Anyway, I really liked that the graphic novel is a bit different, well has a different story to tell completely. But, at the same times it isn’t. It is really hard to explain in this little blurb, I think I might just do an entire post comparing them. Any who, I really enjoyed this and it bought the world visually more to life for me and I can picture what happened in the book even more vividly than I could before.

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We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

We Have Always Lived in the Castle

I finally started to read We Have Always Lived in the Castle. Apart from The Haunting of Hill House, which I LOVE, this is the second most talked about book of Jacksons. So I am very happy to have started this. So far I am really enjoying the feel of this book and I am excited to see where it goes.

Tropic Of Cancer by Henry Miller

Tropic Of Cancer

So my aunt gave me this book with no explanation other than saying she wanted to know what I thought about it. So far I think this book is all over the place and VERY stream on consciousness. It is a very weird book, but I am curious to see where it goes because I think it honestly can go in any where.

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NEXT BOOK

To Be Determined, I honestly have no idea what I am in the mood to read right now.

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Wrap Up

A Week in Review | September 23th-30th

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a week in review

This month has been a roller coaster of reading. Some weeks I read next to nothing and other weeks I finished  more than one book. I am happy to say that I feel like I am ending this month on a good note. If you want to go through all of the wrap ups for this month I will link them for you to explore.

A Week in Review | September 16th-22nd, A Week in Review | September 9th-15th, and A Week in Review | September 1st-8th

Books I Finished

The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne

The Heart's Invisible Furies

This book was so beautiful and yet so heart breaking. I think this is going to be a book I think about from time to time in the future and it may even be one of my favorites from this year. This novel brings you through a very interesting time of history through the eyes of a man and his mother. There were references to WWII, the AIDS epidemic and the stigma that came with it, and much more. I felt raw emotions while reading this and I really cannot recommend it enough. I truly wanted to take the main character in and take care of him.

Hangsaman by Shirley Jackson

HangsamanShirley Jackson is one of my favorite writers, she wrote one of my all times favorite books, The Haunting of Hill House. This book is very different from that. It follows a young lady that is a very unreliable narrator during her first few months of college. Now I will say I was not blown away by this book and I cannot pin point the exact reason. I don’t know if it was due to the story line not living up to the description or is it just not a great story written. All authors have a book here and there that is not as great as their others. I will admit I did really enjoy the fact I felt that at times I was reading something akin to The Yellow Wallpaper and the atmosphere at times. I also found myself really disliking a character so much I wanted someone to throw an encyclopedia at them, ahem Jenna.

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

The Sun Is Also a Star

I found myself enjoying this book for the most part, but I also felt that a lot more could have been done. I am not sure if this is because I was mad at a particular character, I may have yelled a bit, or because I just did not like the insta love so much. I have not read YA in a long time and I think that is part of the reason why I don’t. A lot of YA has a lot of tropes I just am sick of. But, I will say that the over arching or underlying, depending on how you look it, theme is an important one to have seen.

The Navigator’s Touch by Julia Ember

The Navigator's Touch (The Seafarer's Kiss, #2)

Now, I don’t want to go into too much detail here because I wrote an entire review, REVIEW | The Navigator’s Touch by Julia Ember. But, I will say that I really enjoyed this retelling that pulled from Norse mythology and Peter Pan. It was unique, had flawed unreliable characters, and the world that Ember created had just the right amount of magic. Also, I want to add that I received this book from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. DividerI am Still Reading

The Outsider by Stephen King

The Outsider

I have 50 pages left and I need to type this and then go to sleep. So be prepared to see this book cover one more time with my full thoughts. I will say I am loving this book so much more than I thought it would. I loved seeing past characters from King’s other books pop up and the mixture of our world with a little bit other is just great in this one.

 

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NEXT BOOK

To Be Determined!

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Wrap Up

A Week in Review | September 16th-22nd

bookishluna10 Comments

a week in review

This week I surprisingly finished 2 books. I am not sure how I was able to do that with all of the personal things that happened to me this weekend. I did not think I would be able to concentrate on anything or really find time to get on the computer, but it actually really helped me a lot in the few min. here and there that I found I needed to fill up.

Books I Finished

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air, #1)

I was partially surprised that I liked this novel as much as I did, I also put the second book on hold at my library already. Oops! With all of the hype surrounding this book when it first came out I was a little worried. While, I have always enjoyed Blacks writing, when a book is hyped I always become suspicious. I am happy to say that in my eyes this book deserves the hype. I enjoyed that the character was not “saving the world” like a typical YA politically driven novel. Honestly, I hate when novels are like that now. Might be why I have moved away from reading YA. I also loved the use of myths and other folklore that was used to develop this world. Also, the ending make my head spin, I really came to care for and respect the main character and how human she felt.

A Fierce Glory by Justin Martin

A Fierce Glory: Antietam--The Desperate Battle That Saved Lincoln and Doomed Slavery

This past week I started and finished A Fierce Glory, overall I really liked it. I thought it was a well written and unique way to look at the Battle of Antietam. If you want more information and a full review you can find that here, REVIEW | A Fierce Glory by Justin Martin. I recommend this book to those who want to read more nonfiction because it is not a detailed account of troop movements, it focuses on the people and the big picture.

I am Still Reading

The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne

The Heart's Invisible Furies

I am officially 74% through this novel and I am heart broken! This book has been such an emotional rollercoaster, I just want to take the main character and protect him from everything. Sadly, I can’t and I need to watch him make life decisions, some I agree with and others I did not and the unplanned happen. There are a few times where I cheered for the by chance things that happened while others I wanted to throw the book. John Boyne has written a great novel and if you are looking for something that is beautifully written and heartfelt I am already recommending this book, just get some tissues if books make you cry.

Hangsaman by Shirley Jackson

HangsamanShirley Jackson’s Hangsaman has been such a great read, as I have said the past few weeks. Sadly, I did not get a chance to read more of it this week because I really wanted to. Life got in the way, but I really want to know what happens to the main character because of the description I know something will happen to her, but they don’t tell you what! It is like waiting for the shoe to drop and that really is adding to the story in my opinion.

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

The Sun Is Also a Star

I only just started this book, but so far I am really enjoying the novel. I really like the family so far and I like the formatting of the book. Also, can we just look at that cover? It is beautiful. Also, I wanted to yell already, why do people have to be so harsh and cruel for no reason at all? Nicola Yoon is great at writing novels that make you feel.

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NEXT BOOK

Under the Dome by Stephen King

Under the Dome

So last week, or a few weeks ago I posted on twitter to ask what Stephen King book I should read and those that voted for the most part picked Under the Dome. I am very excited to get to this novel because I want to watch the adaptation and that fact that I have heard so many great things. I remember when I saw this in the bookstore and I needed to have it. The small little town looking peaceful and strikingly beautiful, while contrasting with the eerie dome over it.

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*A Fierce Glory by Justin Martin was given to myself by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own and honest.

What did you read this week?

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Wrap Up

A Week in Review | September 9th-15th

bookishluna4 Comments

a week in review

This week has been very busy, but for a lot of great reasons. I started a new adventure, a few family celebrations are coming up, and a few other things that took up a lot of my time this week. Even with all that I was able to finish one book this week and I continue to make progress on the other three books I am reading.

Books I Finished

The Tommyknockers by Stephen King

The Tommyknockers

Finishing this long novel had me feeling like I conquered something huge. I will openly admit that if I did not have the audiobook I would never have finished this novel. While I love a lot of King’s writing, this one is a bit of a bust for me. I did a bit of researching to see if I was the only one or not, but it seems I am not. I have to admit that this article [link] explains my feelings as well as says my thoughts on this novel very clearly.

It is all over the place, longer than it needs to be by a lot, and just seems to loose the king flair that I enjoy.

I am Still Reading

The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne

The Heart's Invisible Furies

I will say I have read another 100 pages of this novel and it is still hurting my heart, but it so good as well. It is funny to say something is so wonderful when it truly makes your heart ache. Also, that fact that it can affect me so emotionally is a true testament to this novel. I don’t find myself to be this affect by books often. I will be continuing to read this novel and I hope to give you all a small review soon.

Hangsaman by Shirley Jackson

HangsamanShirley Jackson’s Hangsaman has been such a great read, this novel is different than the others I have read by her. But, because it is different and still wonderful it truly is a testament to her writing and story telling ability. I also really enjoy that the setting, at least up until about 50% into the book, is a college/university setting.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air, #1)

This week I have finally picked up The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. At this time I am about 41% through the novel and I have really been enjoying it. I am really enjoying the political and social structure of this novel and I find that I really enjoy the main character. Normally with these types of novels I find the main characters annoying, but I find I can relate on some level as well as see that her motivation is more realistic in a sense.

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NEXT BOOK

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

The Sun Is Also a Star

I was lucky enough to meet Nicola Yoon at bookcon this past year. Since then I have been wanting to read The Sun is Also a Star. A long time ago I remember hearing about this story, two young people meeting and having a budding friendship or more. Sadly, one is being deported. I found just that part of the description really intriguing because I can only imagine the impact of finding someone and then having them ripped away. Let alone, the stress of leaving a county, not because they want to, with your entire family when that is all that you know.

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Wrap Up

A Week in Review | September 1st-8th

bookishluna6 Comments

a week in review

This week I did not finish a single book, but I did do a great deal of reading. I started three different books, two are buddy reads so I will be reading those all month long. The last one I plan on finishing early next week. Anyway, even though I didn’t finish any books, but I did read a total of 607 pages.

I am Still Reading

The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne

The Heart's Invisible Furies

I have been wanting to read this for about a year and I am so glad that I started reading it. So many people have told me that they have really enjoyed this novel, but it is heart breaking. Even though I am only 150 pages in, I can already see what they all mean. I am loving it so much, but it really and truly hurts my heart. I am looking forward to see where this story is going and to see if my predictions come true.

The Tommyknockers by Stephen King

The Tommyknockers

This book has been on my owned TBR shelf the longest of all of my books for a few reasons. The first being that it is one of the largest I have yet to read by Stephen King. The second reason being I was kinda on the fence if I would like it. The description of this novel leaves me intrigued, but I was not really drawn to read it right away. Now that I am 400 pages into it, I can safely say that I am enjoying it and I wish I did not put it off this long. I still have hundreds of pages left, but I do see myself continuing to enjoy it.

Hangsaman by Shirley Jackson

Hangsaman

I am about a fourth of the way through this novel and so far I am really enjoying it. I only picked this up recently, with about 4 other works by her. I just love her work. So far this is not letting me down in any shape, way, or form. I am enjoying her plot and I can’t wait to read even more. Also, may I add that I love the covers of Penguin Modern Classics?

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NEXT BOOK

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air, #1)

I recently received this audiobook from my Library after being on hold since it released earlier in the year. I have about another week and a half to listen to it before it returns itself so I want to get to it ASAP, but I wanted to finish The Tommyknockers first. I am really looking forward to reading another book by Holly Black. I have enjoyed her writing very much in the past and I don’t see how this one could be any different. Fingers crossed!

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