Wrap Up

Wrap Up | January 2020

January 31, 2020January 29, 2020 bookishluna8 Comments

Wrap Up

Wow, the first month of the year is a wrap, 2020 is off to a great start reading wise. I managed to read a total of 11 books, which is just an amazing reading month over all. On top of that I think I might have found a contender for one of my favorite books of the year already. I know it is too soon to really tell, but I really truly loved a book I read this month, more details about that below and mini summaries of all the books I read this month along with some fun stats I am keeping this year.

Read 2 The Wicked King by Holly Black

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have to admit I am totally that person that puts off reading the second book in a series because I always think it is going to be a filler book. I was convinced that this too was going to be a filler book, but I was wrong.
This was a real whopper of a book, I buddy read this with someone and I have to say our conversation did not dampen on most days. A lot of stuff happens in this book and it really kept me guessing. Holly Black takes her riddles and truth spinning to the max and I am always trying to figure out what the characters are really saying. She is so talented with her words.
As for the actions in this book, let me just say wow. I don’t want to ruin anything, but you can bet I have the third book here ready to read.

View all my reviews

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“So, am I am writing this I just finished this book and I have to say I absolutely love it. This is actually my first 5 star read of 2020, which is super exciting. I am also going to take this time to apologies about the gush fest this post has now turned into.

First thing I really liked was the choice of time period. While it does have a wide range and is told by jumping back and forth, I think the time period was a great choice for a few reasons. The first being alluding to civil rights and Jim Crow laws. There were a few time in this book that I just teared up or flat out cried at. The second aspect being the hard topic of abuse. I feel like the author did a good job of handling such a hard topic. It didn’t shy away from it, it was a hard honest look at it. I really liked that the author didn’t just comment on one social issue, but a few.” More at Someone Picks My Books | Aunt Edition & Series Return!

View all my reviews

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“I have to start this off by saying I am really happy to have started this year long challenge with this play in particular, the main reason being I actually enjoyed it. Yes, I am surprised to say that, but so grateful. I really was worried going into this thinking I was going to dislike everyone of his works, but that was not the case. A Midsummer Night’s Dream was actually really enjoyable and has made me more excited about this entire process.” – More at 2020 Shakespeare Challenge | January

View all my reviews

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was an absolutely remarkable story about a very remarkable person who went and did something that many did not and would not do during WW2. I really enjoyed learning about Bonhoeffer and his life. I have already recommended it to quite a few people in my life because it was such a powerful read and so well done.

View all my reviews

Middle Mark Books 2

Crime And Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Morrigan by Courtney Weber, rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett, rating: 3 of 5 stars
Revised Widow’s Weeds and Weeping Veils by Bernadette Loeffel-Atkins, rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mythos by Stephen Fry, rating: 4 of 5 stars
Farmhand, Vol. 1: Reap What Was Sown by Rob Guillory, rating: 4 of 5 stars
Farmhand, Vol. 2: Thorne in the Flesh by Rob Guillory, rating: 4 of 5 stars

Beat the Backlist 2

Start of 2019: 51

Current: 43

Reading Stats

Number of Books: 11
Number of Pages: 3,195
Fiction: 8
Nonfiction: 3
DNF’ed: 0
Ebook: 0
Audiobook: 1
Paperback: 6
Hardcover: 4
Library: 2
Owned: 9
5 Stars: 1
4 Stars: 7
3 Stars: 3
2 Stars: 0
1 Star: 0

What was your favorite read of the month?

What was the last book you read in January?

Sign Off 2020

Tumblr | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Wrap Up

Middle Mark | January 2020

January 15, 2020January 14, 2020 bookishluna10 Comments

Middle Mark

Hello and welcome to the first Middle Mark post of 2020! I cannot believe that we are already halfway through the month. If you are new here, Middle Mark is where I talk about the books I read the first half of the month with mini reviews and what I am currently reading.

I have to say, I am starting 2020 on a really good note. I have been doing a ton of reading and I have been so inspired to just keep going. I have read a wide array of genres from graphic novels to Russian classic literature and nonfiction of mythology. I am truly all over the place with my mood reading and I am embracing it fully. Now, without more rambling, on to the books!

Crime And Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Going into this novel I new it was well known, but had no idea what it was about. Having now finished it I will say I did not expect such a start to the novel. With that surprise out of the way I really enjoyed how the novel explores guilt and morality. It was a very interesting read and I did not feel like there was too much fluff in it. The ending was a bit much, but it was nice to see as well. Overall, a good book to start off 2020.

View all my reviews

The Morrigan: Celtic Goddess of Magick and Might by Courtney Weber

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very good insight into the Celtic goddess who I previously knew nothing about. This book was well written and broke down the subject matter very nicely. I really like the history aspect of this book, the main reason behind picking it up, but it was a lot more. I love reading about individual experiences and thoughts on her as well.

View all my reviews

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a story filled with family grief, journey, and things coming full circle. It is written beautifully and the characters for the most part were interesting. I will say I did not enjoy the story of the mother for some reason and I was angered at the whole college situation, but I don’t want to say more than that. I don’t want to spoil anything. I can see why so many people love this book, it was good, but I feel like some things were too perfect if that makes any sense.

View all my reviews

Revised Widow’s Weeds and Weeping Veils : Mourning Rituals in 19th Century America by Bernadette Loeffel-Atkins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fascinating read. While today this is not an easy topic to discuss it is interesting to explorer just how much mourning played in the lives of humans only a few hundred years ago. This small book covers quite a bit from clothing, food, home decor, and more. It goes into symbolism, ways to remember loved ones, I honestly could keep going. It is apparent that the author is knowledgeable.

View all my reviews

Mythos by Stephen Fry

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such a wonderful retelling of the classic Greek Myths. While I am very familiar with a lot of these stories, the random comments and little additions of Fry make them magnificent. This is well organized and Fry tells these in a way a Greek Myth beginner can easily jump into the tails. I highly recombined this collection of tails of you are interested in it, even slightly. The humor is spot on.

View all my reviews

Farmhand, Vol. 1: Reap What Was Sown by Rob Guillory

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A dark and imaginative science fiction tale. For me, this was a very original graphic novel that explore a medical break through and its impact on a family. The plot line was great and the art was beautiful. I really am enjoying how they are exploring different aspects of how this breakthrough could impact this family, this world, and their relationships with each other and others. Like I said, this a dark one and I can see it getting even more grim. I can’t wait to jump into the next volume.

View all my reviews

Farmhand, Vol. 2: Thorne in the Flesh by Rob Guillory

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am very glad that I had the second volume ready to go after reading the first and this did not disappoint. The plot continues to be interesting and imaginative and thee artwork continues to really lend itself to the story. The story has gotten a bit more dark and family relationships continue to evolve. I am excitedly and impatiently waiting for the release of Vol.3. I can easily say this graphic novel series is one of my favorite I have read.

View all my reviews

Currently Reading 2

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, 39%

The Wicked King by Holly Black, 28%

The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon, 3%

What was the last book you finished? What book are you currently reading?

Sign Off 2020

Tumblr | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

To Be Read

TBR | Spookathon

October 13, 2019September 22, 2019 bookishluna9 Comments

ToBeRead12:17

Hello everyone and welcome to my second TBR of the month. A few weeks ago I saw BooksandLala’s post announcing her Spookathon readathon, if you want to take a look you can find that here: #SPOOKATHON 2019 ANNOUNCEMENT. Anyway, I have never taken part in this readathon and I was looking for one to join, so I thought, why not?

I just want to take some tine to go over the challenges, time frame, and most importantly the books I plan on attempting to read.

-Dates-

This readathon will take place from October 14th – 20th, a Monday to a Sunday. I don’t know about you, but I love when a readathon ends on a Sunday because it is my day off and I can do a ton a reading and end on a high note.

-Challenges-

Read a thriller
Read a book with red on the cover
Read a book with a spooky word in the title
Read a book with a spooky setting
Read something you wouldn’t normally read

-My TBR-

The Widow of Pale Harbor by Hester Fox

Outside the Gates by Molly Gloss

Skin Deep by Liz Nugent

The Wicked King by Holly Black

Mapping the Interior by Stephen Graham Jones

Are you taking part in this readathon or any readathon this month?

What book did you love that took place in a spooky setting?

Tumblr | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Tag |I Should Have Read That Book

March 12, 2019March 9, 2019 bookishluna8 Comments

TagTimel12:17 Tagged by Liz over on Travel in Retrospect, Emma over on The Terror of Knowing, and JJ over on Ever the Crafter . Their blogs are just as amazing as they are. When I saw that they tagged me in this I was so excited about it. I love the idea of this tag. Liz, Emma, and JJ are, like I said amazing, but their blog are filled with fun posts and great bookish posts. You should check their blogs out as well as check out how they answered this tag.

On to the tag!

-Rules-

Thank the person who tagged you and link back to their post
Link to the creator’s blog (booksnest.co.uk) in your post
Answer the questions below
Tag 10 others to take part
ENJOY THE TAG!

-My Answers-

A book that a certain friend is always telling you to read

Thunderhead (Arc of a Scythe, #2)

I will have to say that Reg and Jenna have been telling me to read the second book in the Scythe series by Neal Shusterman. The first book in the series was a buddy read, I enjoyed it at the time and I still think it was a very good book, but for some reason I am putting off reading Thunderhead. Maybe one day!

A book that’s been on your TBR forever and yet you still haven’t picked it up

World Without End (Kingsbridge, #2)

The longest book on my TBR would be World Without End by Ken Follett. I purchased it on Apr 06, 2018. This is the second book in the Kingsbridge series so I don’t want to say to much about it. I read and loved the first one so I think I will like this one just as much. I am planning on reading it in April so it will not remain on my TBR much longer.

A book in a series you’ve started, but haven’t gotten round to finishing yet

The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air, #2)

I could just say the last two books I just talked about honestly, but I still need to read The Wicked King by Holly Black, the second book in The Folk of the Air series. I really enjoyed the first book, The Cruel Price and I have always enjoyed her writing. I am waiting to read this for when I sit down for an entire day to read because I can easily read hers in a day.

A classic you’ve always liked the sound of, but never actually read

Middlemarch

I thin one classic that I have always wanted to read, but just have not gotten around to it as of this point would be Middlemarch by George Eliot.

A popular book that it seems everyone but you has read

The Night Circus

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, it seems to be really popular for a decent chuck of time. I have read the description a few times over the years and it has never called out to me personally. But, I can see that people love it so that is wonderful.

A book that inspired a film/TV adaptation that you really love, but you just haven’t read it yet

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)

Well, the only book to film/TV adaptation I have watched and not read the book of would be Game of Thrones and I was sick of it before the first reasons was done. I just could not get into it for some reason, because of that I have never read the books or even attempted to try to.

A book you see all over Instagram but haven’t picked up yet

Daisy Jones & The Six

I keep seeing Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid. While I do own it because I LOVED her last book, I have yet to start reading it. This is another book I want to wait until I have a little more down time to read so I can really get into it without having to take frequent breaks.

-I Tag-

Divider 2

Feel free to consider your self tagged as well!

SignOff12:17

Tumblr | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Hauls & Unboxings

Book Haul | January & February 2019

February 22, 2019February 17, 2019 bookishluna12 Comments

So, this year I restarted by read 5, buy 1 and so far it has been going really well last month I didn’t really haul many books so I decided to combine January and February. I will say that the challenge is going really nicely. My owned TBR is currently sitting at 37 books, which I am very proud of. I am well on my way to get into the teens, which is my ultimate goal. Anyway, I am going to stop blabbing on and on and get to the book!

-Pre Read 5, Buy 1-

The Wicked King by Holly Black

The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air, #2)

So I love Holly Black and I really enjoyed reading the first book in this series, The Cruel Prince. I had this book preordered and it was placed before the new year and also because I was really excited about it I needed to preordered it. Anyway, I am really excited to get to it in the near future.

-Post Read 5, Buy 1-

Washington Black by Esi Edugyan

Washington Black

I decided to pick this up for Black History Month… oops I read it in January because I could not wait and I really liked it. If you want to see my full review of it please go to my Monthly Wrap Up | January 2019 it was really enjoyable and I really do suggest it.

Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb

Assassin's Apprentice (Farseer Trilogy, #1)

So, I have been eyeing starting this series for some time and I finally decided to pick it up. I have been wanting to get more into adult fantasy and right and left people have said to give Robin Hobb a try and I read the description and it sounds really interesting.

Early Riser by Jasper Fforde

Early Riser

So this book is from my Book of the Month | February 2019 post I did a few weeks ago. Like I said in the post, this book is a science fiction read nothing like I have read before. It reminded me of a recent movie with Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence where they wake up in space and everyone else is asleep. On top of that I would really like to hibernate sometimes so I can live through the characters lol.

Divider 2

Have you read any of these books? Are any of them on your TBR? Which one would you read first?

SignOff12:17

Tumblr | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Let's Talk

Lets Talk | Five Star Predictions

February 7, 2019February 7, 2019 bookishluna9 Comments

So, for readers there is nothing better than a 5 start book. As I read more and more I have been able to determine if I will like a book, but I find it harder to predict a 5 star read. So, I wanted to flex that muscle a little and really take a hard look at my TBR and see if I can predict some 5 star reads.

When I rate a book 5 stars it means a few things. First, the plot and characters were really enjoyable. It was not completely predictable and flowed nicely. Characters were not annoying or if they character has a fault it is to display a particular lesson or commenting on something else through their writing. I have to find myself surprised, angry, happy, excited, elated in combination or separate. The characters need to be distinct. But, overall I need to enjoy the ride, then entire ride.

My Predictions

The Overstory by Richard Powers

After reading this description I knew I needed to have this book. It seems like a mixture of magical realism and science? Also, kind of a sad future we may be heading for? It seems like a warning letter to what we as a planet to become and honestly, I just really love the idea of this book so much.

The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker

I picked this as a Book of the Month book late last year and I vividly remember it being the second description I read and knowing right away that I needed to have it. It tells a story of women throughout history who have done so much for the world, but have remained silent, it seems like a historical fiction of sorts.

Bringing Down the Colonel by Patricia Miller

I got this book as a gift and I love it so much. I have heard whispers of this case, but I am very excited to learn more about it. Since it is was one of the first major cases of a women coming forward and saying she was assaulted by a man in power. It seems like it will be a very hard hitting factual book.

The Mars Room by Rachel Kushner

I will be 100% honest here. I am basing this off of the cover. I know, don’t judge a book by the cover, but the vibe I am getting from the cover has me really excited. Also, to be fair I would not have bought this book if it was not part of my Reading Goals | Reading a Shortlist. But, I am very happy I did because the description is interesting as well.

The Wicked King by Holly Black

I really loved the first book in this series, The Cruel Prince, and I have love quite a few of Holly Blacks novels in the past. So, I think it is safe to say that I will love this one as well.

What was your last 5 star read? What do you think about my predictions?

Tumblr | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Lists & Recommendations

Lists | Top 9 Books I Want to Read in 2019

January 6, 2019January 6, 2019 bookishluna7 Comments

Lists

So every year there are always a few books I am really excited to read. I make it a semi-goal to read them by the end of the year because I have a very good feeling I am going to like them all very much. While a lot of people have been posting the 19 books I want to read, I am going to keep mine at 9 because I don’t want to just throw some books in that I am not nearly positive I will love. So, where are the books I really want to read in 2019!

Divider

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

The Priory of the Orange Tree This is a book I am very much interested in. I have read a few of Shannon’s books in the past and I really enjoy her creativity and her writing. When I found out she was writing a standalone I was very much excited. Between the teasers and cryptic tweets from her as well as the mention of forbidden magic, I was pulled in and I preordered the book.

Bringing Down the Colonel: A Sex Scandal of the Gilded Age, and the “powerless” Woman Who Took on Washington by Patricia Miller

Bringing Down the Colonel: A Sex Scandal of the Gilded Age, and the "powerless" Woman Who Took on Washington

So, this is a little sneak peak or a throw back to my Christmas Haul. I am unsure of when I am actually going to post this so it could go either way. Anyway, I received this from someone at work and I have to say they really surprised me by picking a book I love the sound of. This is a nonfiction account of one of the first women to sue someone of power during the gilded age in the USA. I am curious to see how this topic is handled and if it becomes biased.

The Wicked King by Holly Black

The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air, #2)

This is another book I have preordered and I am excited to get it in the new year. I have always liked Holly Black and I read the first book in this series a few months ago. I ended up liking it more than I thought I would and decided I was going to jump into this continuation. I want to know how two characters in particular deal with one another. I wish I could say more, but I don’t want to spoil anything.

Stalin’s Daughter: The Extraordinary and Tumultuous Life of Svetlana Alliluyeva by Rosemary Sullivan

Stalin's Daughter: The Extraordinary and Tumultuous Life of Svetlana Alliluyeva

This is a novel I picked up in my local independent bookstore. I just happened to be roaming and I came across it. This book has a bit of buzz around it and I read the description and I am very much interesting in learning more about the daughter of one of histories more notorious figures. It seems to be pretty straightforward and I am judging on its size is going to be very detailed.

The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton

The Clockmaker's Daughter

I picked this up from Book of the Month a few months ago and I really want to get to it. It seems like a mix between a historical fiction and a thriller and I am excited about it. I mean, I love history and I have been really enjoying thrillers, how can I not like this book? On top of that I have been hearing quite a few wonderful things about it.

The Overstory by Richard Powers

The Overstory

So this book has a very interesting dejcitption. There is mentions of scientists, near death experiences, strangers, and talking trees. While that seems all over the place, it kind of is, but when you read the entire description it sounds a lot better. Anyway, I picked this up on a whim mainly because it sounds like it has to do with nature and protecting the last of the forests on Earth. Plus, how can you not be pulled in when all those things are mentioned in the same description?

The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker

The Silence of the Girls

This is a kinda historical fiction, at least I think it is. It talks about women throughout history doing this they feel they need to for one reason or another. While this is not nonfiction I have heard that they author has done a very good job of bringing a lot of the feelings and events that plagued women during various time periods. I am keen on reading this very soon and I have heard great things.

The Bird’s Nest by Shirley Jackson

This is the next Shirley Jackson I really want to read. Last year I have discovered her works and I have enjoyed all and some I absolutely loved! This book seems to follow a girl who is gaining more and more personalities that are more and more extreme. I am unsure if this will be about mental illness or not since the author writes horror and its could be possessions, but I am very curious to find out how Jackson is going to shape this story.

The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

Murder mystery, Freaky Friday, and thriller all mixed into one has me very interested. The description of the book just says there are 8 days and 8 witnesses and the. main character needs to figure out who the killer is by reliving the day over and over again, but from different bodies. I am think this is very clever and interesting way to write a murder mystery/thriller and I am really excited to see how it was executed.

Divider