Tag: Wrap Up

Wrap Up

Wrap Up | January 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 2The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air, #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.

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Where the Crawdads SingWhere 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!

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A Midsummer Night's DreamA 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

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Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, SpyBonhoeffer: 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.

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Middle Mark Books 2

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?

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Wrap Up

Middle Mark | January 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!

Read 2

Crime And PunishmentCrime 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.

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The Morrigan: Celtic Goddess of Magick and MightThe 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.

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The Dutch HouseThe 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.

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Revised Widow's Weeds and Weeping Veils : Mourning Rituals in 19th Century AmericaRevised 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.

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MythosMythos 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.

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Farmhand, Vol. 1: Reap What Was SownFarmhand, 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.

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Farmhand, Vol. 2: Thorne in the FleshFarmhand, 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.

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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?

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Wrap Up

Wrap Up | December 2019

bookishluna5 Comments

Monthly Wrap Up

Hello and welcome to the last wrap up of 2019. It is hard to believe that New Years Eve is right around the corner and 2020 is about to begin, a new year and decade. Anyway, I wanted to wrap up my reading  year and take this time to wish everyone a wonderful, safe, and happy New Year. I hope all your dreams and goals come true for each and everyone of you. Now, on to the books!

Bringing Down the Duke (A League of Extraordinary Women #1)Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a wonderful read, when I opened it I stayed up past my bed time on multiple occasions. I loved the setting and time period this is set in. I also really enjoyed the cast of characters. I am so happy that this is a series.

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Quidditch Through the AgesQuidditch Through the Ages by Kennilworthy Whisp

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fun way to jump into the HP world without reading the entire series for the 6th time. I do love seeing these books around, it really makes you feel like you are in the wizarding world being able to read books that existed within it.

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Strange PlanetStrange Planet by Nathan W. Pyle

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received this as a gift from my friend, we always send these comic back and forth to one another so it was the perfect gift. If you enjoy the illustrators work already you will continue to enjoy these quirky aliens. I read this fairly quickly and it was got a few giggles out of me. Great book to flip through now and again.

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Great Goddesses: Life Lessons from Myths and MonstersGreat Goddesses: Life Lessons from Myths and Monsters by Nikita Gill

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great collection of poetry from Nikita Gill. I loved that fact she took inspiration from Goddesses, it really felt powerful. Even though she used these well explored characters, she really made them her own. She is still one of the few poets that I genuinely enjoy reading.

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Currently Reading 2

I am currently in the middle of The Fiery Cross  by Diana Gabaldon, it is the 5th book in this series. Since it is so far into the series I don’t want to say to much, but I am enjoying what I have read so far. This is a series I take my time to read, they are truly tomes.

Next on my currently reading list is The Morrigan by Courtney Weber. I picked this up about a week ago and I really am enjoying reading the myths surrounding this goddess. The writing is really well done and the author seems very well researched on not just her own feelings, but feelings of others when talking about this goddess.

Middle Mark Books 2

Wow, I managed to read 11 books this month. I am honestly very surprised since I was in such a slump in Novemeber, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be doing any reading at all this month.

What was your favorite read of the month or year?

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Wrap Up

Blogmas | Middle Mark | December 2019

bookishluna5 Comments

Middle Mark

Hello and welcome to my mid-month check in! I am so excited to say the first half of December has been such an improvement reading wise than last month by a long shot. I was worried I was going to be ending the year in a slump, but it seems like that is not the case. So, on to the books!

Intuitive Tarot: 31 Days to Learn to Read Tarot Cards and Develop Your IntuitionIntuitive Tarot: 31 Days to Learn to Read Tarot Cards and Develop Your Intuition by Brigit Esselmont

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I have very mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand I though it was very informational and good for a beginner. On the other hand it started rubbing me the wrong way with the amount of self promotion in this book.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I am all for authors and stuff making money, but reading this book I was pulled out of reading about tarot to get essentially an ad to go to the authors website to download something, read something, or join something I need to pay for. There are at least 31 bolded urls in the book. At least 14 of them are for something you pay additionally for. So, the author is getting money via sign ups after free trials or outright purchases or sign ups for a course and ad revenue due to increase traffic.

Now, like I said, I can totally get wanting to want to drive more people to your site. The problem is with how frequent and how it is presented in the text. It seriously pulled me out of my reading so many times. Also, one of the free items was a 6 page download that could have easily been added to the book already. Now, at first I thought this might be because the author wanted to only present new things in the book, but that is not that case. There were a few things I read on the website already that were also in the book. (Example Day 22: Creating a Sacred Space).

Now, with that all out of the way. The information in this book is really informative and I think it is broken down very well. The information is done in short bursts and you have activities you can work with to get a hands on experience. It really is wonderful for beginners. If you don’t mind bolded self promotion throughout your reading experience and you have not read a lot on the website I say give it a go.

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A Constellation of RosesA Constellation of Roses by Miranda Asebedo

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

*Book given for review by Wunderkind PR*

“I thought this was an amazing read, it could easily be one of my top books of the year. As I have said the author is very talented. Her writing is well balanced and easily creates a world and characters that the reader can fall into with out a problem. I was engaged in the story from page one and I wanted more when it was over. I highly recommend this book to anyone.” Blurb taken from my full review you can find here: Blurb taken from my full review you can find here: Book Review | A Constellation of Roses by Miranda Asebedo

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Bury What We Cannot TakeBury What We Cannot Take by Kirstin Chen

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a really was an interesting and eye opening book. It was a good read and I appreciate the author writing a story like this. Sadly, towards the end of the book I started to like it less and less.

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The Light Between OceansThe Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The premise was interesting, the setting was wonderful, the story was average for me. There were parts I really enjoyed and parts that were just blah. It was a interesting read like I said, it really makes you think about what some people will do when they really want something so badly.

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Wayward Son (Simon Snow, #2)Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I lost interest pretty quickly in this one. I have been reading it on and off since September and it is a shame since I was looking forward to this book for a long while. I even picked it up fill price at the bookstore. It was just dragged out and I feel like a lot of what happened, happened for the sake of something happening. I don’t know, it is hard to put into words.

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The Bear and the Nightingale (Winternight Trilogy, #1)The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a lovely book, I really loved the folklore that is throughout the story. The writing is beautiful and imaginative. I plan on getting the next book in this series from the library.

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Currently Reading 2

I am currently reading 4 books right now and I really want to finish at least three of them before the end of the month. I am hoping the time off I have coming up will help.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling, 49%

Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore, 43%

Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb, 4%

The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon, 3%

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Wrap Up

Wrap Up | November 2019

bookishluna8 Comments

WrapUp12:17

So, this month was really a bad reading month, not because I read bad books, but I barely read. I have no idea what has happened to me, but I have not been interested in a lot of the books on my shelf and more interested in other things I have been putting off for a long time. While I am very happy with exploring those parts of me, I miss reading and the adventurers. Anyway, here are the very limited books I read this month and my thoughts with a bonus of what I am currently reading.

Read 2
It Would Be Night in CaracasIt Would Be Night in Caracas by Karina Sainz Borgo

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this novel from BookCon 2019 for free from the publisher.

This was such a powerful read. It was raw, it was powerful, and it told a very important story. It is filled with heart breaking content, it was an emotional roller coaster. I was sad, angry, and outraged so many times while reading this. The story is really one that needs to be shared because so many people around the world live in these conditions, whether it would be one aspects of the story or all.

The writing goes back and forth through a timeline of a young girl living in Venezuela during very uneasy times. She is faced with that seems like impossible circumstances. I read this book in a single day because I needed to know how Adelaida’s story ended. I will say that this is not for every reader if you find human suffering, violence, and tense situations unbearable to read about.

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Ogre Enchanted (Ella Enchanted, #0.5)Ogre Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

*Book given for review by Wunderkind PR*

View full review here: Book Review | Ogre Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

“Overall, I really have to say I enjoyed this book. I really like the twist on the fairytale of declined marriage proposal where someone turns into a monster. I also really like the writing style and the main character and her protrayed as an ogre. I feel like the author did an amazing job merging the idea of the ogre with such a dedicated, self assured character. In my eyes if you read and were interested by the description you should give this book a try. It is an interesting story in a really interesting world created by a talented writer.”

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The Long TakeThe Long Take by Robin Robertson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have to say that this is one of the better books shortlisted for the Man Book Prize in 2018. I really enjoyed the format being utilized, it really set the feeling of the story for me. This book really talks about a very difficult topic that many have to deal with PTSD and having known someone who suffered with it first hand, I feel like the author did a great job portraying how it can affect some people. PTSD affects many, but can affect each person differently.

This book really had a feel to it that I think sticks to a reader, I feel like I will bee thinking about it for sometime. It is encompassing and consuming in a way. I also like how the author portrays the internal feelings struggles of the main character to the external society/city. It was veery interesting to read. There are many dark topics in this novel/poem, so if PTSD, drug use, and other dark themes are something that can bother you, I would stay away. If that is not the case it is a powerful read for sure.

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Currently Reading 2

Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore, so far I am really enjoying this historical fiction cute love story. I am currently at 43% and I can see this being a 4 or 5 stars at this point. I can see that the author knows about the time period and the writing style is wonderful.

The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon, since this is the 5th book in the series I am not going to say too much, but I am enjoying how I am just dropped right back into the world without missing a beat or too long of a reintroduction. I am only one chapter in, but since I have read this far, you can see that I enjoy the writing, even though it can be graphic at times. 

Bury What We Cannot Take by Kirstin Chen, this I am not far in at all, 6% total, so I don’t have much of an option either way. I will say that I am excited to continue so that is a good sign. I will also say that I think this story is going to get dark, but I feel like it will be really powerful as well. 

Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb, I am only 4% into this one. This is an ebook of mine so I wont be making my way through it too quickly, but from what I have read so far the author has really made an impression on me. The writing is beautiful and I am already kinda attached to the main character. 

Beat the Backlist 2

Current TBR: 34

Backlist TBR: 0

What was your favorite book you read this past month?

Did anything you read surprise you?

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Wrap Up

Wrap Up | Spookathon/October 2019

bookishluna5 Comments

Monthly Wrap Up

Hello and welcome! This month I decided to put my readathon wrap up and my monthly wrap up together for a couple of reasons. The first being I didn’t want to post two wrap ups so close together and the second is that I don’t think I would have had enough in my posts on their own. But, either way I am going to fill you in on all of the reads I have read this month for general reading and readathon reading!

-Spookathon-

  1. Read a thriller– The Institute by Stephen King
  2. Read a book with red on the cover– Mapping the Interior, might I add this is a beautiful cover and an amazing story?
  3. Read a book with a spooky word in the title– Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde & Other Stories
  4. Read a book with a spooky setting – The Institute by Stephen King
  5. Read something you wouldn’t normally read– Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, not halloween like at all so I wouldn’t normally read it this time of the year.

I might have used a few books to cover more than one prompt, but I did it! Not against the rules in my opinion!

Read 2
Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell (Images of America: Pennsylvania)Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell by Robert W. Sands Jr.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of my favorite nonfiction series of sorts and this one was no exception. Images used and their accompanying descriptions and stories added to a wonderfully framed narrative of both Independence Hall and the Library Bell.

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Mapping the InteriorMapping the Interior by Stephen Graham Jones

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such an eerie atmospheric read, I can really see why it is compared to The Haunting of Hill House, but it is very much its own unique story as well. Even though this was such a sort story, I was attached to the main character very early on. Since this is so short I don’t want to say much, but if you enjoy horror I think you will really enjoy this.

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The InstituteThe Institute by Stephen King

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was another wonderful King novel. It is different from his other works, but it is just as creepy. It did not take me too long to feel for the young main characters. The horrors that they saw and had to live through is just heart wrenching. There were quite a few times my heart sunk when I thought something bad was going to happen or if I thought something wasn’t going to work out.

I don’t want to say to much because I feel like this novel is best read when you don’t know too much. It is well written and the plot is a roller coaster and unique. I also felt true emotion while reading this.

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Moby-Dick: or, The WhaleMoby-Dick: or, The Whale by Herman Melville

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a very dense book, it was not 100% what I expected. I felt like it was going to be more of a tall tale, but it ended up being so much more explanatory of the progress of whaling. At times I just wanted it to get to the action, if that makes sense.

Other than this I can see why this book is a classic, it is an interesting tale, but keep in mind it is a product of its time.

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Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde & Other StoriesStrange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde & Other Stories by Robert Louis Stevenson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really love the Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde so I was really excited to read some more by this author. I was really happy with my reread, I enjoyed the story as much as I have in the past. The other short stories varied, but overall I enjoyed them as well. If you enjoy Jekyll and Hyde, I think you will enjoy the rest of these stories.

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Middle Mark Books 2

Beat the Backlist 2

Current TBR: 33

Backlist TBR: 0

I FINALLY FINISHED ALL OF THE BOOK I BOUGHT BEFORE 2019 STARTED!

Did you have any 5 star read this month?

Were you surprised by anything you read?

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Wrap Up

Middle Mark | October 2019

bookishluna1 Comment

Middle Mark

Hello and welcome to my mid month check in! I am so excited to share some of these books with you. I have read a few five star reads, which is all I can ask for while reading!

I  will say that this month I do have one book I technically read in September, but I finished it on the last day of the month and it did not make into my wrap up.

Read 2
The Quite Nice and Fairly Accurate Good Omens Script BookThe Quite Nice and Fairly Accurate Good Omens Script Book by Neil Gaiman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was so nice to read this script. I am a huge fan of the original novel by Gaiman and Pratchett and I have to say that Gaiman did a wonderful job with this adaptation along with all the cast a crew involved. It was such fun visiting this story for third time this year.

If you enjoy reading scripts and enjoy this story, I suggest you give this a go as well.

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In the Tall GrassIn the Tall Grass by Stephen King

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very imaginative, gruesome novella. It was so vivid in my mind while I read it and I can see the influence of both Stephen King and Joe Hill. It is very dark and twisted and if gore doesn’t bother you, I suggest this quick read.

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The OverstoryThe Overstory by Richard Powers

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a very interesting read for sure, I can see why it has won awards and shortlisted for others. The idea is very thought provoking, involving individuals who have a very strong with nature and more specifically the trees. At first all these stories seem unconnected, more like a short story collection, then slowly they start to come together as the need to protect the forest grows larger.

I have to say, I enjoyed the first half of this book more than the second half. The first half has so much of a personal connection with nature and trees and it was great learning about all of these families and individuals. For me it started to get less interesting when things got mushed together. I am not sure if it is because it seemed to be more “preachy” or the individual stories that drew me in kinda for the most part fell to the side and were only a plot device instead of the story. It seemed to loose the magic and the soul of the story.

With that aside the writing was done very well, I am curious to get into other works of this author.

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The Tea Dragon FestivalThe Tea Dragon Festival by Katie O’Neill

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was once again another wonderful graphic novel by Katie O’Neill. I love the artwork, but the story is beautiful as well. I always want more after reading her works, this is no exception. I really loved the fact that sign language was used in this book, how everyone was so different, but everyone cared so much.

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Currently Reading 2

Wayward Son (Simon Snow, #2)I am about 45% through this book, I am enjoying it so far and I am curious how it is going to progress and end. I have to say I really loved this nighttime edition from Barns and Nobel. It makes it seem much more dark especially since one of the main characters is a vampire.

The Institute

I am exactly 50% though this book and I am loving it so much. I am really excited and worried about what it to come because I stopped reading at such a cliff hanger part. Also, I really love this edition and I am learning more and more of what is represented on the cover.

Mapping the Interior

I am about 32% through this short story. It is a very eerie story so far and I am LOVING the atmosphere so much. I am also really enjoying the story being written by a Native American and having those ties within it. I am very much looking forward to seeing how this author is going to finish this book and honestly, I hope this author has more works because I want to read them.

What has been your favorite read so far this month?

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Wrap Up

Wrap Up | September 2019

bookishluna15 Comments

Monthly Wrap Up

Hello and welcome to my monthly wrap up! This month was a bit overwhelming, but I read a lot more than I thought I would be able to read and I even read a few 5 star reads! I still cannot believe we are now officially into fall and within the last three months of 2019. It is time to make sure all of these yearly goals done, but before that I need to share what I have read, on to the books!

Read 2

PumpkinheadsPumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story line was very cute and adorable. I might have audibly said awe a few times while reading this. The illustrations were great, I loved the color choices for the story as well. This was a great start to the autumn seasons.

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The Bad Death of Eduard DelacroixThe Bad Death of Eduard Delacroix by Stephen King

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a brutal one, but it added a lot to the story. I am moving on to the next one right away.

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Night JourneyNight Journey by Stephen King

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am moving on the the next one right away, I need to know how this story ends!

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Coffey on the MileCoffey on the Mile by Stephen King

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This finally installment really had me feeling for the characters a lot more than I had when I first started reading this serialized novel. It came full circle in a way I did not see coming and had an element I did not see coming either, but a very good choice in my opinion. This was a great story even though I hated a few characters with a passion.

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The Favorite DaughterThe Favorite Daughter by Kaira Rouda

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The main reason I personally did not enjoy this was due to the narrator. I could not take more than a half an hour at a time listening to her. I am not really sure what to say, the idea is really interesting, but for me this is a case of a really annoying narrator.

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Middle Mark Books 2

Beat the Backlist 2

Current TBR: 30

Backlist TBR: 1

What was your favorite book you read this month?

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Wrap Up

Middle Mark | September 2019

bookishluna7 Comments

Middle Mark

Hello again and welcome to my Middle Mark post where I give mini reviews of the books I have read in the first half of the month. This one is actually going to include a book I finished on the last day of August as well since I didn’t finish it in time for my wrap up post. Anyway, here are the books I have read so far in September!

Read 2

The Turn of the KeyThe Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

* I received this book from publisher via netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review.*

This is my parcial overall review, if you want to see all of my thoughts please see my post: REVIEW | The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware

Overall, I think this is a fantastic thriller. It has the atmosphere, the setting, an unreliable narrator, and wonderful characters in addition to a wonderful plot. If you enjoy thrillers or any of the things I mentioned in this post, I really think you should give it a try. I will also add, that I liked it so much I bought a final copy of this book so I can tell more people about it.

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Tin ManTin Man by Sarah Winman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tin Man was a story I kept walking away from and coming back to. I unhauled it thinking it couldn’t live up to its description only to buy it again a year later and actually reading it within the month after purchasing it. I am happy to say that I enjoyed this story. It is a mixture of heart breaking and heart warming. I really liked how the author touched on some pretty hard topics and it had a bit of a historical fiction feel to it and gave me a look into society only a few decades ago. I have to say, this book gave me the bug to view more of van Gogh’s work as well.

I feel like if you like the description, this book will not disappoint you.

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The Tea Dragon SocietyThe Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’Neill

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very cute graphic novel with a very sweet message to it. On top of the wonderfully cute story, the illustration style was beautiful and just perfect for this story. If you enjoy happy feeling, cute, and wholesome stories I feel like you would really enjoy this graphic novel. The only downside was I think it was kinda rushed and I would have loved to know more about the lessons and the society.

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The Salt PathThe Salt Path by Raynor Winn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I picked this book up last month and read it already, I don’t know who I am anymore. Anyway, the main reason I read it so quickly is due to the fact that this was such an interesting sounding memoir. I have to say I really enjoyed learning about Raynor and Moth and their journey and following along with the hard time and the victories.

While I did like this book and I feel like it is a beautiful memoir and I am glad I read it. I just felt that the last 4th for some reason dragged for me. It might be the pacing or my mood changed in general, but I did enjoy this book and if you like nature, adventure, and want to read a memoir I suggest it.

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Coffey's HandsCoffey’s Hands by Stephen King

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This 3rd one was emotional as hell. I was sad, horrified and completely irate at times. Since this is the 3rd one, that is all I am going to say. Well, maybe I will tell you to read this.

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Aquicorn CoveAquicorn Cove by Katie O’Neill

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very cute graphic novel with a very good message. Also, when I call it cute I am referring to both the illustrations, but also the story. While it does have a dark element I found myself thinking or saying awe. Wonderful graphic novel.

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Currently Reading 2

Coffey on the MileCoffey on the Mile (The Green Mile #6) by Stephen King. I am currently working my way through my serialized editions of The Green Mile. I am really enjoying my experience so far, but this is the last one so I am really excited to finish because I am curious about how the ending will go. 

Also, can I just point out that this is cute mouse on the cover, if you have read any of this you will know the significance of this adorable critter.

What has been your favorite read so far this month?

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Wrap Up

Wrap Up | July 2019

bookishluna12 Comments

Monthly Wrap Up

Another month, more books read! I have to say I read a lot more this month than I thought I was going to. I think the main reason for this was the #24in48 readathon I took part in. I had such a blast spending two days just dedicated to reading and relaxing. I ended up reading a total of 10 books this month. I have not read that much in a while,  so I am super excited. Following the #24in48 I took reading a little slower due to the fact I did not want to put myself into a slump right before #NEWTsReadathon2019! Anyway, here are the books that I have read this month and a few mini reviews.

Read 2

Don QuixoteDon Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is quite long, but I laughed a ton. I had no idea how funny and goofy this story was before reading it. I wish someone told me this sooner because I would have read it a long time ago. I will say the audiobook really saved this book for me. While I did enjoy the story and the adventure reading it physically was a bit slower and blah. When I downloaded the audiobook from my library and followed along it really came to life. I am also surprised at how this book held up, I really was expecting it to be more of a relic and distant.

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Red, White & Royal BlueRed, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book made me laugh, tear up, grunt in frustration, and even sing some Panic at the Disco. This was a really enjoyable novel that is in fantasy land, but also showcases the hard discussions that people sometimes have to make. I was rooting the entire time for our main characters and for reelection.

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The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, #6)The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am so excited to have finally starting reading The Chronicles of Narnia series in its entirely. This is a great place to start and to see the birth of this magical world and story. The writing flows and I love that it is to the point and not dragged on. I am very much going to continue reading.

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Death in the Air: The True Story of a Serial Killer, the Great London Smog, and the Strangling of a CityDeath in the Air: The True Story of a Serial Killer, the Great London Smog, and the Strangling of a City by Kate Winkler Dawson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very interesting account of both a serial killer and the great London Smog. Both of which, were killers. This was a very sad time for London and I think the author handled this topic very well. It gave equal attention to the effects of the fog on the health, safety, and the political climate. It also went into great detail of a serial killer who was targeting women at the same time. The book covered the crimes as well as the court cases, which I think she did a great job with.

Another thing I really liked was that the author really summed up the book. She noted how things changed after the fog and the murders. She followed how things changed decades later as a direct result on the families, political thought, and energy resources.

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The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia, #1)The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is really interesting how I have forgotten so much of the story since the last time I read this book, but it felt like I was going home to an adventure. It was great great fun to annotate my feelings this time around being in my 20s and being so many years after publication. While there were parts I can for sure see the time period very clearly in this book, I still very much enjoyed the adventure.

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The Mouse on the Mile (The Green Mile #2)The Mouse on the Mile by Stephen King

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well, I have to say that I have enjoyed this second part of The Green Mile. I can also say that this book truly ends the build up and world building. At the very end things truly start to happen and I can’t wait to jump into part 3 to see what is going to happen on E-Block.

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Middle Mark Books 2

Beat the Backlist 2

Current TBR: 38

Backlist TBR: 2

What was your favorite book you read this month?

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