tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23224877497449071562024-03-09T06:07:26.387+11:00Printed WordsPrintedWords&http://www.blogger.com/profile/13892083399228335228noreply@blogger.comBlogger393125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2322487749744907156.post-27773500052200728712021-06-14T19:00:00.001+10:002021-06-14T19:00:00.260+10:00A Song of Wraiths And Ruins Is One Of Its Kind<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZM7S3hXOBwXGab5iMptoN_upnxZPMrI7lGdeRFhfiBlKfHzoNQTQBKSGhhO_YCzqaW6kcer6px27g59Cx1cwlSNK4wfrJWk6pc-buUh5CLqChyx7TOCue493auzNfbbwy3vQeNKLvKqg/s1000/a+song+of+wraiths+of+ruins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="662" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZM7S3hXOBwXGab5iMptoN_upnxZPMrI7lGdeRFhfiBlKfHzoNQTQBKSGhhO_YCzqaW6kcer6px27g59Cx1cwlSNK4wfrJWk6pc-buUh5CLqChyx7TOCue493auzNfbbwy3vQeNKLvKqg/s320/a+song+of+wraiths+of+ruins.jpg" /></a></div><br />Title: </b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49629448-a-song-of-wraiths-and-ruin?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=iZOxOqtr0P&rank=1" target="_blank">A Song of Wraiths and Ruins</a></i><div><b>Series: </b>A Song of Wraiths and Ruins #1<br /><div><b>Author: </b>Roseanne A. Brown </div><div><b>Publication Date: </b>June 2nd 2020<blockquote>For Malik, the Solstasia festival is a chance to escape his war-stricken home and start a new life with his sisters in the prosperous desert city of Ziran. But when a vengeful spirit abducts Malik’s younger sister, Nadia, as payment into the city, Malik strikes a fatal deal—kill Karina, Crown Princess of Ziran, for Nadia’s freedom.
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But Karina has deadly aspirations of her own. Her mother, the Sultana, has been assassinated; her court threatens mutiny; and Solstasia looms like a knife over her neck. Grief-stricken, Karina decides to resurrect her mother through ancient magic . . . requiring the beating heart of a king. And she knows just how to obtain one: by offering her hand in marriage to the victor of the Solstasia competition.
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When Malik rigs his way into the contest, they are set on a course to destroy each other. But as attraction flares between them and ancient evils stir, will they be able to see their tasks to the death?</blockquote>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Review</span></h3><p>Note: I wrote this review sometime last year, but never published it (don't ask me why).</p>
<p>A Song of Wraiths and Ruins was one of my most anticipated reads of 2020. I was really excited to dive into a world that included something I had never heard of in books - African Mythology. That was perhaps the most persuasive factor in my excitement for ASOWR release. In fact, it was actually my favourite aspect of the book. Not only did it lend a hand in making the plot much more intriguing, I also felt like I had gained something by learning about the different gods and cultural traditions of each tribe. It truly was an eye opener and one that I was respectfully in awe of.</p>
<p>I will also be honest and say that if it wasn't for this rather fascinating element, I may not have continued past the first 150 or so pages. Bear in mind that I did have rather high expectations for ASOWR. However, as much as Brown's writing was rich - I really enjoyed the world building, being able to envision the scenery and the characters appearance - I felt like the plot was slow, which resulted in a lack of engagement. For most of the first half, I didn't feel compelled to be concerned about what the characters did or which direction the plot went.</p>
<p>It wasn't until the plot was building towards the conflict (midway) and Karina and Malik began to interact with each other that I started to become invested. In fact, the moments between the two characters were my favourite. In particular, the dialogue they shared made the events and the emotions between them feel more real. I don't think I've ever enjoyed dialogue in a book as much as in ASOWR.</p>
<p>Once we got down to the last 200 pages of ASOWR, I was totally hooked. It was hard not to root for our protagonists as a pair and individually. The action had kicked in and the pacing had picked up, creating that exciting and gripping atmosphere I was after. There was also a particular moment between the two main characters that essentially changed my mind about the entirety of the book.
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</p><p>I cannot wait to see what happens to the both of them and again, much like how I felt about A Song of Wraiths and Ruins, I am eagerly awaiting its sequel!</p></div></div>
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<i class="fa fa-star fa-4x starcolor"></i><i class="fa fa-star fa-4x starcolor"></i><i class="fa fa-star fa-4x starcolor"></i><i class="fa fa-star fa-4x starcolor"></i></div>PrintedWords&http://www.blogger.com/profile/13892083399228335228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2322487749744907156.post-34346189681131860892021-02-04T20:44:00.002+11:002021-02-04T20:44:38.700+11:00REVIEW: The Island by C.L Taylor<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQafWvpojStouwg9kujDjvpO13zj4dk6utJqnJq11RvtqKnneQHgVvch15TMlvli4LdX26QRDnOWDxmtve9kLAb5fFPLQk5-AGWsnoLKDetchFBjLT1oxUlLByID6PssqjLdb3GKQTsgo/s475/45895038._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQafWvpojStouwg9kujDjvpO13zj4dk6utJqnJq11RvtqKnneQHgVvch15TMlvli4LdX26QRDnOWDxmtve9kLAb5fFPLQk5-AGWsnoLKDetchFBjLT1oxUlLByID6PssqjLdb3GKQTsgo/s320/45895038._SY475_.jpg" /></a></div><br />Title:</b> <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45895038-the-island">The Island</a></i><br />
<b>Author:</b> C.L Taylor<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> 21st January 2021<br />
<b>Genre:</b> YA Thriller
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<blockquote>Welcome to The Island. Where your worst fears are about to come true…<br />
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It was supposed to be the perfect holiday: a week-long trip for six teenage friends on a remote tropical island. But when their guide dies of a stroke leaving them stranded, the trip of a lifetime quickly turns into a nightmare.
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Because someone on the island knows each of the group’s worst fears. And one by one, they’re coming true. Seven days in paradise. A deadly secret.
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Who will make it off the island alive?</blockquote>
<center><h3><span style="font-size: x-large;">Review</span></h3></center>
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<center><i>Disclaimer: I received a copy of *The Island* in exchange for an honest review.</i></center>
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I was really excited to dive into this once I got my hands on it. The mistake I made was reading right before bed because not only could I not put it down, I scared myself in the process as well.
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<i>The Island</i> takes a hold of you and won't let go and there are three factors that contribute to this: <div><br /></div><div><b>1. </b>The pacing of the story - it's quick to pick up and remains intense until the very last moment. I was captivated and didn't realise I had kept turning the page until 2 hours later, I had finished the entire book. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>2. </b>The setting, which created a creepy and suspenseful atmosphere - a tropical island is usually known as paradise but Taylor is able to convey how quickly it can also turn into an isolated and threatening place. I was awestruck by the vibrant and lush setting, much like the characters, before starting to see the dangers around every corner, the longer the characters spent on the island. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. </b>The characters' observations - this is another tick against Taylor's writing as she was able to manipulate my emotions through the lens of the narrators (there are two in this story). I'm still contemplating why she chose to include those two perspectives but it did make me stop and think as to who was the more reliable narrator. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was shocked by the ending and thoroughly enjoyed my reading experience at the time. I felt like beyond just being a thriller novel, Taylor was also able to address some really important themes such as trauma, grief and mental health, bringing awareness to these topics and how we should be generating conversation and showing more care to the people around us. I will say though that looking back now, as I finished this a few days ago, the plot wasn't as "hole-proof" as I thought. There are some moments where I can now say didn't read as well or were a little questionable. In fact, I can pinpoint a moment where the characters could have made a different call and things would have turned out for the better. It didn't really make sense to me why the characters never pointed it out. </div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, I think if you are a thriller fan, *The Island* will be right up your alley. It's got the suspense, mystery and engagement a thriller needs.</div>
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<br />PrintedWords&http://www.blogger.com/profile/13892083399228335228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2322487749744907156.post-39706321599203467402021-01-06T19:19:00.004+11:002021-01-06T19:19:41.289+11:0021 Books I Want To Read In 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXfzqQUhOi8F4FtYGtoM8WIVycmcHod7LxdGPWuEE7wM_cg4UhVu5x_G3yAJZzu5AZPYV2OB96ynIdyDcwK3Z8qm-R_miMV5JaOM5nWwzXh0nGkIYd0Ag7_MfB0aA01DChGU9DqlGM7Q/s1600/POST+BANNERS+%25281%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXfzqQUhOi8F4FtYGtoM8WIVycmcHod7LxdGPWuEE7wM_cg4UhVu5x_G3yAJZzu5AZPYV2OB96ynIdyDcwK3Z8qm-R_miMV5JaOM5nWwzXh0nGkIYd0Ag7_MfB0aA01DChGU9DqlGM7Q/s16000/POST+BANNERS+%25281%2529.png" /></a></div><br />The time has come for a new Yearly TBR. I've gone for 21 not just because it is 2021 this year but also because last year I read 20 books and so the extra 1 will be somewhat of an achievement for me. <p></p><p>If you've seen my reading list from last year then you might recognise some of the titles on this list - I didn't get to as many as I had wanted to. </p><p>I tried to select a wide range of books, from fiction to non-fiction, various genres and a mix of diverse authors. In a sense I am trying to read intentionally. So without further ado.</p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2021 TBR LIST</span></h3>
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<div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Books Mentioned</span></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBIvvLeqwGk8zJuRAXqf5bu8hXvg2drjo0mPZrya7WHD7pxNEYcZNwoeMN_4F9MrXKru-OUxbJwzMC_ZUFjSNBaptG9Jd2jk-GU7POpPlAaVjoaFht0KwTSY2H9tANcOe51QgCE-HFtE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2021-01-06+at+7.14.57+pm.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="766" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBIvvLeqwGk8zJuRAXqf5bu8hXvg2drjo0mPZrya7WHD7pxNEYcZNwoeMN_4F9MrXKru-OUxbJwzMC_ZUFjSNBaptG9Jd2jk-GU7POpPlAaVjoaFht0KwTSY2H9tANcOe51QgCE-HFtE/w640-h640/Screen+Shot+2021-01-06+at+7.14.57+pm.png" width="640" /></a></div>The full list can also be found on my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/5941595?shelf=2021-reading-list&view=table" target="_blank">2021 Reading List Shelf</a><br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What Do You Want To Read This Year?</span></h3>PrintedWords&http://www.blogger.com/profile/13892083399228335228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2322487749744907156.post-9307556118470208962020-12-30T18:02:00.001+11:002020-12-30T18:02:25.283+11:002020. That's it, that's the title.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr29908R1bdXiCsN_6b11TmQy2e8mWruvfT0m3PFR_RhDCivu60_oOPWg5R5YIGDMfQIE5DYht7D2V1_Dq7KMoxzCtrMGYE6V69DEngzEQ3_jgoxHMo98xNVgwMgQbRJhUe55MJ1cgCUY/s1600/POST+BANNERS.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="560" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr29908R1bdXiCsN_6b11TmQy2e8mWruvfT0m3PFR_RhDCivu60_oOPWg5R5YIGDMfQIE5DYht7D2V1_Dq7KMoxzCtrMGYE6V69DEngzEQ3_jgoxHMo98xNVgwMgQbRJhUe55MJ1cgCUY/w640-h320/POST+BANNERS.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>Honestly what can be said about 2020 that hasn't been said already? I have spent a good amount of time throughout this year reflecting on what 2020 has come to be but also more specifically, how it has affected and ultimately changed me. </p><p>I sat down and thought of some words that I could use to describe this year for me: <span style="font-family: inherit;">tumultuous, unexpected, challenging, learning, self-care, adapting, being alone, healing, appreciating, perspective, overcoming. </span>Of all these words, I was happy to see that healing and appreciating made the list. </p><p>Yes, 2020 was a difficult year on so many levels, but personally for me, it was also a year of taking the time given back to us and finding purpose for it. It allowed me to slow down and really reconnect with the passions I had been too "busy" for, work towards goals I had put off and most importantly become more self aware of where I was mentality and how best to heal. </p><p>One of the passions that I fell back in love with was reading! And not just that but blogging. Ironic because I haven't posted since October but consistency has never been my strongest suit on here. Oops. I am so, so proud of myself for being able to actually enjoy reading again as well as reaching a total of 20 books. It probably doesn't seem like much compared to many other readers out there but considering the previous years I barely read anything, 20 books is a great achievement for me. I can also say that I read some high quality books that pushed me to think critically, reflect and learn. </p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Year of Reading</span></h3><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">These were the 20 books I read this year</span></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DURYqonzyx8-XQc6TW3evSgNL-dCSAnKZ_u3vmox1JsOzNRkyACCuOowFHgjZlKui6gKIM7iXaryBdHC6ZbCBMe4Vu_I3EmD053a4eV4YoPuiCNo3ONfoASSGNBZDcpCeW8tId9oItE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-12-30+at+5.34.20+pm.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="629" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DURYqonzyx8-XQc6TW3evSgNL-dCSAnKZ_u3vmox1JsOzNRkyACCuOowFHgjZlKui6gKIM7iXaryBdHC6ZbCBMe4Vu_I3EmD053a4eV4YoPuiCNo3ONfoASSGNBZDcpCeW8tId9oItE/w535-h640/Screen+Shot+2020-12-30+at+5.34.20+pm.png" width="535" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Quick Stats</span></h4><p style="text-align: center;"></p><ul><li>11 were YA books</li><li>4 were Middle Grade </li><li>2 were Non-Fiction</li><li>May and June were my biggest reading months, finishing 5 books in each month. </li><li>6 five star reads</li><li>13 new authors</li><li>I read 4/13 of my <a href="https://www.printedwordsand.com/2020/02/my-2020-reading-list-finally.html" target="_blank">2020 Reading List</a></li></ul><p></p><div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">My Top Five Books</span></h4></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Final Thoughts</span></h4><br /><div>Like I said, I felt like I read some really great quality books, especially with my average rating this year being 4-4.5. It could be that I have an easier rating system but I thoroughly enjoyed every read and they all remain memorable to me. I tried to broaden my range of books, from genre to authors and I want to continue to do so. I'm glad I read books from Australian authors set in Australia as well as discovered new authors that I now want to continue supporting. I wanted to read some classics but didn't get to it, however, was happy to have read some non-fiction. I definitely dropped off reading by the end of the year (October onwards) but doing this review actually makes me quite excited for 2021 and what I will end up reading! </div><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">How Was Your Reading Year?</span></h3>PrintedWords&http://www.blogger.com/profile/13892083399228335228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2322487749744907156.post-91223211128174833532020-10-06T17:06:00.000+11:002020-10-06T17:06:10.239+11:00Five Shows I've Been Loving RecentlyInterrupting our usual Tuesday schedule of Top Ten Tuesday posts, I instead wanted to share what shows I've recently been watching and have to come love.
For some time I was rewatching good old comfort shows just as a way to pass time. However, I finally decided it was time to find some new series to get into and I've been thoroughly surprised by how much I've enjoyed the following shows.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz46UduGGONy8jJ1vJQrB0P6TXA5zzUeo3-XebymE4outt1uVFukO3RCpLvHTmomwljnc_qAgzMIBFicoac95P1w5GwaiOtWv6LGXpWA2Nn2rrFIkX2J4PkdUGeGhu2Sti5nx8XIMaUww/s2048/Raised-by-Wolves-Key-Art.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1382" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz46UduGGONy8jJ1vJQrB0P6TXA5zzUeo3-XebymE4outt1uVFukO3RCpLvHTmomwljnc_qAgzMIBFicoac95P1w5GwaiOtWv6LGXpWA2Nn2rrFIkX2J4PkdUGeGhu2Sti5nx8XIMaUww/w216-h320/Raised-by-Wolves-Key-Art.jpeg" width="216" /></a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1. <i>Raised By Wolves</i></span></b></h4><div>Source: Binge </div><blockquote><i>"After Earth has been destroyed, androids must raise children on a mysterious planet. Meanwhile the burgeoning colony of humans threatens to be torn apart by religious differences." </i></blockquote><p>Hands down, this has been the most bizarre show I've come across. For those familiar with Scott Ridley, you most likely would be aware of his particular writing and visual styles. I, however, have never watched anything produced by him. So yes, I was in for a huge shock, which I loved. The strangeness of it all kept me invested in the show, thinking "surely it can't get worse", and was proven wrong every episode. There's a lot to think about regarding religion, morals, nature vs. nurture and what makes you really human, which I really appreciate. I'm not just consuming the show, I'm actually engaging with the content. I also want to applaud the actresses and actors for delivering incredible performances so far. I cannot wait for season 2!</p><p style="text-align: right;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSYWvZrBjhH7QLJt-fbioSUJcYUWEL0uD-RMIxZgwtqLC8k_JqJYFbayhSzH2NAV9imJEYi-oaTEqdnjUOtkb7I2MySkFBU4z5ChIQ6tDOJadsnf2BCUrDviR_fzD3kP2QkUnpqjZCdw/s640/netflix.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSYWvZrBjhH7QLJt-fbioSUJcYUWEL0uD-RMIxZgwtqLC8k_JqJYFbayhSzH2NAV9imJEYi-oaTEqdnjUOtkb7I2MySkFBU4z5ChIQ6tDOJadsnf2BCUrDviR_fzD3kP2QkUnpqjZCdw/s320/netflix.jpg" /></a></div></div><h4 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><b>2. <i>Carmen Sandiego </i></b><i>(Season 3)</i></span></h4><div style="text-align: right;"><span><span>Source: Netflix </span></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: right;"><i></i></p><blockquote><i>A master thief who uses her skills for good, Carmen Sandiego travels the world foiling V.I.L.E's evil plans - with help from her savvy sidekicks. </i></blockquote><p>My girl is back! If you didn't already know, I am an avid fan of the <i>Carmen Sandiego </i>series on Netflix. I did feature it in my "<a href="https://www.printedwordsand.com/2020/05/five-movies-tv-shows-that-will-delight.html">Five Movies & TV Shows That Will Delight Your Inner Child</a>" post and mentioned how much of 12 year old I really am for loving animated series and movies. I find every episode enjoyable, for its adventurous nature alongside learning tidbits about the different countries she travels to, which is essentially the whole point of the Carmen Sandiego franchise. It's a shame that season 3 wasn't as long as the previous ones, however, the show has been renewed for a fourth season so yay!</p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScdo_Hi9Pv6aLb8avlL8Nbrbum7EFnURMpaq9hq9KaeeF72mek-QZQmHOGZnkeK55TGT7AiWXwL87gzYCLUI3PepITPsqRFwc-wVa0GQuCzxvRPvt2RCE6paDotTxuXdRYE9sOVgJPNE/s659/MV5BZjBmNTI2ZDEtOThhMy00OTkyLTg5Y2ItMTUxMzU4NWI1MzhhXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyODc0OTEyNDU%2540._V1_.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="471" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScdo_Hi9Pv6aLb8avlL8Nbrbum7EFnURMpaq9hq9KaeeF72mek-QZQmHOGZnkeK55TGT7AiWXwL87gzYCLUI3PepITPsqRFwc-wVa0GQuCzxvRPvt2RCE6paDotTxuXdRYE9sOVgJPNE/w229-h320/MV5BZjBmNTI2ZDEtOThhMy00OTkyLTg5Y2ItMTUxMzU4NWI1MzhhXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyODc0OTEyNDU%2540._V1_.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">3.</span><i style="font-size: large;"> </i></span></b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"> <b>Sweet Magnolias</b></span></i></h4><div>Source: Netflix</div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>Lifelong friends Maddie, Helen and Dana Sue lift each other up as they juggle relationships, family and careers in the small, Southern town of Serenity.</i></blockquote><p>I've only finished the first episode but already I'm in love. I am a sucker for TV shows revolving around small towns and the lives of the people living in it. There's comfort in seeing how these towns people bind together to protect each other but underneath is drama just waiting to burst out and threaten everything they are familiar with. The three ladies, Maddie, Helen and Dana Sue definitely play a large part in me being invested (only after one episode) in the show. I've found their friendship endearing, wanting to be part of this trio and only hope the best for them. Also, the colouring of the show is quite satisfying to the eye, which is an added bonus. If you're a fan of <i>Good Witch</i>, which I am as well (no surprises here), this would be right up your alley.</p><p style="text-align: right;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDI3bf36V1BJWeKDWcpiT-YcCxSvQ3F8fxZoD_E82Vu1ZQEEf5tKBejiUm8zZP0VCqZ8U9SNaUA4ra-PA4nU5vaAggksR-_5xfcSuWKHnKbCcbsJMQNWteaMH7DbD8K0VSjLe_UA6iUpI/s2048/MV5BOTI5Y2M3NmQtNDg5ZC00OTQ0LWEzOGYtMjM4Zjg0YzY0M2I0XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjkwNzEwMzU%2540._V1_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1382" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDI3bf36V1BJWeKDWcpiT-YcCxSvQ3F8fxZoD_E82Vu1ZQEEf5tKBejiUm8zZP0VCqZ8U9SNaUA4ra-PA4nU5vaAggksR-_5xfcSuWKHnKbCcbsJMQNWteaMH7DbD8K0VSjLe_UA6iUpI/w216-h320/MV5BOTI5Y2M3NmQtNDg5ZC00OTQ0LWEzOGYtMjM4Zjg0YzY0M2I0XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjkwNzEwMzU%2540._V1_.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><b><div style="text-align: right;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">4. <i>Good Omens</i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Source: Prime Video</span></div></b><p></p><p style="text-align: right;"><i></i></p><blockquote><i>Aziraphale and Crowley, of Heaven and Hell respectively, have grown rather fond of the Earth. So it's terrible news that it's about to end. The armies of Good and Evil are amassing. The Four Horsemen are ready to ride. Everything is going according to the Divine Plan ... except that someone seems to have misplaced the Antichrist. Can our heroes find him and stop Armageddon before it's too late?</i></blockquote><p>Based on Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchet's novel <i>Good Omens</i>, you'll find Michael Sheen and David Tennant delivering a rather spectacular and humorous performance of a devil and angel trying very hard to stay on Earth - even if it means going behind the back of their "team". I actually read the novel awhile back and would have to say this is another rare moment where the visual adaptation has made me appreciate the book more than what I originally thought of it. I found when I read it that there was a lot going on and it did become hard to keep track of (review here). However, the TV show does a great job in laying out the characters and plot line, making it a lot more understandable. A big part of that is having a narrator walk you through it all. </p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbTo7KpnpALSsa6wcd079T4cuoJYG3B3FbUIpgB4bf6nk3U7mm9HlrTEpkfEcVw9WpS0jI69pMKxumvhojWpf1fCBkHn-2jN5mQvjfMnFhSJKJ0lits57gCW0PmWnP_4BTTK22LTplbM/s430/criminal+minds.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="297" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbTo7KpnpALSsa6wcd079T4cuoJYG3B3FbUIpgB4bf6nk3U7mm9HlrTEpkfEcVw9WpS0jI69pMKxumvhojWpf1fCBkHn-2jN5mQvjfMnFhSJKJ0lits57gCW0PmWnP_4BTTK22LTplbM/s320/criminal+minds.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">5. </span><i style="font-size: large;">Criminal Minds</i></span></b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>(too many seasons) </h4><div>Source: Prime Video</div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>Profilers who analyse the most twisted criminal minds</i>. </blockquote><p>This is a re-watch for me. It's been awhile since I've seen the show so I picked up where I left off and then went back to season 1 to do it all over again. If anything, <i>Criminal Minds</i> is very much a guilty pleasure for me, which is utterly strange to say considering how gory and disturbing it is. I managed to binge basically 14 seasons in 4 weeks before my dreams started morphing into serial killer dreams. That made me slow down slightly. Still, I find this show fascinating for seemingly being able to open up the mind of a very troubled person to understand why they commit such crimes and keeping me on the edge of my seat every episode. Of course I am totally aware that this show is overly dramatised and not all cases can be solved in a 45 minute time frame but it makes for a thrilling watch. </p><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What Have You Been Watching Recently?</span></h3>
<br />PrintedWords&http://www.blogger.com/profile/13892083399228335228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2322487749744907156.post-30061429634617500092020-10-04T13:30:00.001+11:002020-10-04T13:30:06.904+11:00Why You Should Read The Firebird Series Now<b>Series Title:</b> <i style="font-weight: normal;">Firebired</i>
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<b>Author:</b> Claudia Gray
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<b>Publication Years</b>: 2014 - 2016 <div> <br />I was meant to write this review as soon as I had finished the series, which was just about 2 months ago (if I'm not mistaken). However, despite me wanting to write a raving review, I got stuck multiple times on how best to express how much I adored it all. So I let myself sit with it and really mull over my thoughts. I've finally been able to point out three reasons as to why you should read the <i style="font-weight: normal;">Firebird</i> series now.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4edxoLQo-7hTGC9yyPpLmhy82IcT5ZeCSa4wg7IODxgbEQro6qATAt4_2Ej6J2jjYrNlLEjEg2XMCcsjdVU91mqKB3dw5z0VaUt6Nk5o0cqtbVmjNKl7Oh0oIBQ0wEAiweHzlKDXNi8/s1600/10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4edxoLQo-7hTGC9yyPpLmhy82IcT5ZeCSa4wg7IODxgbEQro6qATAt4_2Ej6J2jjYrNlLEjEg2XMCcsjdVU91mqKB3dw5z0VaUt6Nk5o0cqtbVmjNKl7Oh0oIBQ0wEAiweHzlKDXNi8/w133-h200/10.jpg" width="150" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNBb8EQ8lB2mtX7Eb49qhR2bnyC6VqFgmZ7lQte3B4lkmc8p9RV76A7cIY4K-UNct-7XrRU5fKaNEE6xZ6-GA0wRGdR8u4hJQlZyxiBuncb-1FDesfCLS8n_aKmHH9xeKidoNMIWbtIo/w133-h200/100.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="150" /><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWG7lmyQqMNamb530zaMry-0bTJNSVVmOsloGXl81RFBVkxvS8W7FKrs0WE3_oNXKxHW2iD5fqxwj2wfRWMnN7i72gbuv5n9EgubIACjkjdDFhw9HDrNhdzbbT61bU6sDQhlEHf_9YWnU/w133-h200/1000.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="150" /></div><div></div><div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Review</span> </h3>
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<b>1. Gray's impressive world-building.
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Gray's exploration of parallel universes gave way to some of the most exciting and memorable world-building I have come across. It's already a great feat in my eyes to produce one solid world for a story, let alone the 2 to 3 different dimensions the characters travel to and fro in each book. As I read, I felt like I was being transported into each universe with the characters. I could envision every aspect that made each world uniquely it's own - the experience was vivid and realistic. This alone made reading the <i style="font-weight: normal;">Firebird</i> series exceptionally thrilling and fun. </div><div>
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<b>2. The amount of thinking and reflecting involved.
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Setting her story amongst various dimensions also invited a whole lot of thinking and reflecting on my end. There were so many questions regarding morals, how to determine right and wrong, evil and good and whether you could really justify bad decisions if you have good intentions? I love reading novels that force me to really assess each scenario and decision and action made by the characters, because it means I become invested. I put myself into their shoes and think, think hard, about what is ahead.
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Moreover, I spent a lot of time reflecting on the idea of multiple dimensions really existing in real life. Obviously, this is taking the tool out of the plot and not really necessary when you're reading, but I found it interesting to take the situations in the book and questions Gray was posing and applying it to my own life. What would I do and how far would I go to save the people I love? Equally, if there were multiple Traceys out there, I would like to hope that they are living healthy and prosperous lives. </div><div>
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<b>3. Magueritte and Paul's relationship
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I wouldn't say I usually read a book purely for the romance aspect, unless it's a romance of course. However, I was very invested in Magueritte and Paul's relationship throughout the entire read. It came down to the idea of destiny. Would Magueritte and Paul, after facing so many difficult challenges and running through different universes, meeting those versions of themselves, still find each other again? Will destiny play it's part in their relationship? That question was deeply embedded in the series. It became hard not to think about and slowly I was caught up in wanting to see them grow, learn about and from each other and ultimately, find the happiness they deserve. </div><div><br />
To read my review for the first instalment, <i style="font-weight: normal;">A Thousand Pieces Of You</i>, see <a href="https://www.printedwordsand.com/2020/05/review-thousand-pieces-of-you-firebird.html" style="font-weight: normal;">here</a>. </div><div><br />
<center><b>Favourite Book:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <i>A Thousand Pieces of You</i></span></center>
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</span><center><b>Book Ratings</b></center>
<center style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17234658-a-thousand-pieces-of-you?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=v5dEMKx6qz&rank=1">A Thousand Pieces of You</a></i>: 5/5</span></center>
<center style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17234659-ten-thousand-skies-above-you?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=v5dEMKx6qz&rank=2">Ten Thousand Skies Above You</a></i>: 4/5</span></center>
<center style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28960100-a-million-worlds-with-you?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=v5dEMKx6qz&rank=3">A Million Worlds With You</a></i>: 4.5/5</span></center>
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</span><center><b>Series Rating</b></center>
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<center><i class="fa fa-star fa-4x starcolor"></i><i class="fa fa-star fa-4x starcolor"></i><i class="fa fa-star fa-4x starcolor"></i><i class="fa fa-star fa-4x starcolor"></i><i class="fa fa-star-half fa-4x starcolor"></i></center></div></div>
<br /></div>PrintedWords&http://www.blogger.com/profile/13892083399228335228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2322487749744907156.post-18303856664705693142020-09-29T18:30:00.001+10:002020-09-29T18:30:03.027+10:00Top Ten Tuesday: Book Quotes I Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxv6jeZ_h42B4T7RqgJDock6WbX7C4gTA0hfoEIvqq6WjHFvC8JdhV-A5zZdt7voX2RxnHP2zflff0b7KzQDpKC76pc1hfiG5oEg25Jee7AU7RZHHwAHggFaI4Jm8itjhJNzrRarntn4I/s1600/6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxv6jeZ_h42B4T7RqgJDock6WbX7C4gTA0hfoEIvqq6WjHFvC8JdhV-A5zZdt7voX2RxnHP2zflff0b7KzQDpKC76pc1hfiG5oEg25Jee7AU7RZHHwAHggFaI4Jm8itjhJNzrRarntn4I/s1600/6.png" /></a></div><div class="separator"><br /></div><center><a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/">Top Ten Tuesday</a> was created by <a href="http://www.brokeandbookish.com/">The Broke and The Bookish</a> in June of 2010 and was moved to <a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/">That Artsy Reader Girl</a> in January 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.</center>
<br />This is an immensely difficult topic to discuss. For all the books that I have read, I'm sure I like at least 2 to 3 quotes in there, so imagine choosing just 10? In all honesty, it stressed me quite a bit.
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<center><h3><span style="font-size: x-large;">Top Ten Book Quotes I Love</span></h3></center>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Oh, the Places You'll Go!</i> by Dr. Seuss</p><blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"><i>You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the one who'll decide where to go.</i> </p></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>The Lover's Dictionary</i> by David Levithan</div>
<blockquote style="text-align: center;"><i>"corrode", v. <br />I spent all this time building a relationship. Then one night I left the window open and it started to rust.</i></blockquote>
<i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavendar</i> by Lesyle Walton</div></i><blockquote style="text-align: center;"><i>She spent her days trying to forget the sound of his voice, her nights trying to remember.</i></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The White Queen</i> by Philippa Gregory </div>
<blockquote style="text-align: center;"><i>So I wait for nothing, knowing full well that I am waiting for nothing. But somehow I cannot help but wait.</i></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Call Me By Your Name </i>by Andre Aciman </div>
<blockquote style="text-align: center;"><i>And yet, out of the blue, a moment would erupt so suddenly between us that the words I longed to tell him would almost slip out of my mouth.</i></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><i>All The Bright Places</i> by Jennifer Niven </div>
<blockquote style="text-align: center;"><i>I learned that there is good in this world, if you look hard enough for it. I learned that not everyone is disappointing, including me.</i></blockquote>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Atonement </i>by Ian McEwan</p><blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"><i>We go on our hands and knees and crawl towards the truth.</i> </p></blockquote>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>A Monster Calls </i>by Patrick Ness</p><blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"><i>There is not always a good guy. Nor is there always a bad one. Most people are somewhere in between.</i> </p></blockquote>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Alice in Wonderland</i> by Lewis Carroll</p><blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"><i>You're mad, bonkets, completely off your head. But I'll tell you a secret. All the best people are.</i> </p></blockquote>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>American Gods</i> by Neil Gaiman</p><blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"><i>There was a girl, and her uncle sold her. Put like that it seems so simple.
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No man, proclaimed Donne, is an island, and he was wrong. If we were not islands, we would be lost, drowned in each other's tragedies. We are insulated (a word that means, literally, remember, made into an island) from the tragedy of others, by our island nature and by the repetitive shape and form of the stories. The shape does not change: there was a human being who was born, lived and then by some means or other, died. There. You may fill in the details from your own experience. As unoriginal as any other tale, as unique as any other life. Lives are snowflakes- forming patterns we have seen before, as like one another as peas in a pod (and have you ever looked at peas in a pod? I mean, really looked at them? There's not a chance you'll mistake one for another, after a minute's close inspection) but still unique.
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Without individuals we see only numbers, a thousand dead, a hundred thousand dead, "casualties may rise to a million." With individual stories, the statistics become people- but even that is a lie, for the people continue to suffer in numbers that themselves are numbing and meaningless. Look, see the child's swollen, swollen belly and the flies that crawl at the corners of his eyes, this skeletal limbs: will it make it easier for you to know his name, his age, his dreams, his fears? To see him from the inside? And if it does, are we not doing a disservice to his sister, who lies in the searing dust beside him, a distorted distended caricature of a human child? And there, if we feel for them, are they now more important to us than a thousand other children touched by the same famine, a thousand other young lives who will soon be food for the flies' own myriad squirming children?
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We draw our lines around these moments of pain, remain upon our islands, and they cannot hurt us. They are covered with a smooth, safe, nacreous layer to let them slip, pearllike, from our souls without real pain.
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Fiction allows us to slide into these other heads, these other places, and look out through other eyes. And then in the tale we stop before we die, or we die vicariously and unharmed, and in the world beyond the tale we turn the page or close the book, and we resume our lives.
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A life that is, like any other, unlike any other.
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And the simple truth is this: There was a girl, and her uncle sold her.</i> </p></blockquote>
<center> I'm not going to lie, inserting in an entire passage is cheating the whole "quotes" thing, but this still remains as memorable to me as the first time I ever came across it.</center><center><br /></center>
<center><h3><span style="font-size: x-large;">What Are Your Favourite Quotes?</span></h3></center>
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PrintedWords&http://www.blogger.com/profile/13892083399228335228noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2322487749744907156.post-46460599748473979852020-09-24T20:08:00.002+10:002020-09-24T20:08:17.256+10:00The Waiting List: A Dozen New Releases To Look Forward To In October<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiBjzjxWgDt5rXpKvcWXQV0NjaepBc2U9XsoYjywojkJssinEBlSrvJgtH7CH-F6V2HpCyIQNo51MM70RIa298070CG6z66eA8c9Z1CZ4TApoy4_o8-H9G-sN9crG8J5E3v4QCWr5O7E/s1600/5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiBjzjxWgDt5rXpKvcWXQV0NjaepBc2U9XsoYjywojkJssinEBlSrvJgtH7CH-F6V2HpCyIQNo51MM70RIa298070CG6z66eA8c9Z1CZ4TApoy4_o8-H9G-sN9crG8J5E3v4QCWr5O7E/s16000/5.png" /></a></div></center><center><b>The Waiting List</b> is a feature hosted by <a href="https://www.printedwordsand.com/">PrintedWords&</a>, to highlight some of the new, exciting releases for the upcoming month!</center>
<center><br /></center><h3></h3><h3><center><span style="font-size: x-large;">October Waiting List</span></center></h3>
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<b><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Young Adult</span></b></h4></b><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1375" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-EgjBD9_JU3GRUyiNdw0JzdLLI0sZg5I6OhMQOUsbMeaPA809VK69vOT4RA4oxMMxYOVXhHCNm8GqRsVLLBMg794LgUEDNa2gboWntghMjT5ZkVybrBhkCbV9V98KIADJHbHtYNH82U/w134-h200/50892349.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="120" /><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1350" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGTdvsGiV-xRGmoXEiaaUGe15k8OUq6-u8FcG9uen3kMboDn-0Xdp1UIe6NjnI0nxzLHzaJizkTK7WEFzWSIXqBVidg8LC_bIKJIojC6BaJS9Au3ok9E2MJzx9aglouF1efVaFt8N0N4/w135-h200/50228263.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="120" /><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_w1Q3ENNIJNgmLBnOQs5sItfyjU61BAqaHy_YR4Pg3anrbqXKsvqpk4OuEiuw7i_b8aZ0RrK-VgIJ02S692DkQnCCmkx42z2bVR1GwVsVkf16EuBotDsrOwAgQjsgB8Lkrkmh8ehL7E/w134-h200/42248889._SY475_.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="120" /><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="230" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlwGYBdruSxDdS3ixeMoITH_mwBr76H_YLwQg2qSCzF6aNQJsZyQt8RTQSRkAZJD7lsCfzy8R0wWgE6yhRQT-DwqQqfvH6HVMp1qfJCM3D66MiRz1LqXYDcta6LTISPofzHS5QnOyZC0/w133-h200/44327422.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="120" /><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="312" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPdz4hqobmf8gDCncPfgCnAUqWeaCiBU7zRbM66LpqlNpyBaw3Ud3Wrv37-smoPDA4jHGB0fr8gk5-7rrfrws_Kp113588SuaZ01UepmHt7mS-MyCFQ5_OU1-6gRh7IG50j8FcxX3R-w/w131-h200/45441584.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="120" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div><b>1. </b><b style="font-style: italic;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50892349-magic-lessons">Magic Lessons (Practice Magic #1)</a> </b>by Alice Hoffamn </div><div><b>Genre:</b> Paranormal/Historical Fiction </div><div><b>Release Date: </b>October 6th, 2020 </div><div>Maria follows the man who has forsaken her to Salem, Massachusetts and it is there that she realised she has not only caused herself distress but also cursed her entire family. How can you not want to read this?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>2. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50228263-we-were-restless-things">We Were Restless Things</a> </i>by Cole Nagamatsu</div><div><b>Genre:</b> Mystery/Thriller </div><div><b>Release Date: </b>October 6th, 2020</div><div>Three friends set out to find the truth of how the death of someone they loved happened. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42248889-beyond-the-ruby-veil">Beyond the Ruby Veil</a> (Beyond the Ruby Veil #1) </i>by Mara Fitzgerald</div><div><b>Genre: </b>Fantasy </div><div><b>Release Date:</b> October 13th, 2020</div><div>Queer, dark YA fantasy. That is all. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>4. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50358031-leave-the-world-behind">Simmer Down</a> </i>by Sarah Smith </div><div><b>Genre:</b> Contemporary/Romance</div><div><b>Release Date:</b> October 13th, 2020</div><div>We're talking food and love all packed into one book? Sign me up right now!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>5. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45441584-magic-dark-and-strange">Magic Dark and Strange</a></i> by Kelly Powell</div><div><b>Genre: </b>Fantasy </div><div><b>Release Date: </b>October 27th, 2020</div><div>This made my most anticipated release for the last half of 2020. Catherine has the ability to wake the dead, so that they may fulfil any final actions they could not do whilst alive. However, for every hour they are brought back, Catherine loses an hour from her own. One night, after being assigned a task and enlisting the help of Guy, they stumble upon the body of a boy who is very much still alive. <br /><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Middle Grade</span></b></h4></div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJfMFtzgDby3iOXhlUppokcj6wr2C2QHwiPOcH8YCcg8RYwCRvuQDbNyjalnOJc5cgoppF0MOzdHaFzM3gAFylBwHBh7NFM09knOc3OKXj0Bg4F0_ngbgTFtTnPb9l4ztUsoKqGB5xXY/s1279/49247292.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="801" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJfMFtzgDby3iOXhlUppokcj6wr2C2QHwiPOcH8YCcg8RYwCRvuQDbNyjalnOJc5cgoppF0MOzdHaFzM3gAFylBwHBh7NFM09knOc3OKXj0Bg4F0_ngbgTFtTnPb9l4ztUsoKqGB5xXY/w126-h200/49247292.jpg" width="126" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="613" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwUKNaOfM3eP1CBV1KGmDlug3TORMHAEuoeTelqLAmAhtx5qaWr575mkJ2XVv5Fi8M00IlJT5xGNZ89dmvV6tijEgZLvwerFB0C7gApDXMnLVcn8IWsWF4a9xSxdayH97i1PAV4yx2Ew/w153-h200/52165391.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="153" /></div></b><b><center></center><div><b></b></div>6. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="[https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49247292-over-the-woodward-wall](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49247292-over-the-woodward-wall)">Over the Woodward Wall </a></i>by A. Deborah Baker<div><b>Release Date: </b>October 6th, 2020</div><div><div><br /></div><div><b>7. </b><b style="font-style: italic;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52165391-cinders-and-sparrows">Cinders and Sparrows</a></b> by Stefan Bachmann</div><div><b>Release Date:</b> October 13th, 2020</div><div><br /><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Adult Fiction</span></b></h4></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhere1iI5YDhcuz2UqCbzry9f3JVfkE9T4uGWDiOszXNP8O3HDyPfgT60oFhifeCokyR_0g7K1nGBNlXyrvt92oAzNdijw0Gs8iC0vRkGHqA7D8IwMhiMNNI_8c-i1eUhhIwJGWXtwgv6g/s2048/50358031.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1349" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhere1iI5YDhcuz2UqCbzry9f3JVfkE9T4uGWDiOszXNP8O3HDyPfgT60oFhifeCokyR_0g7K1nGBNlXyrvt92oAzNdijw0Gs8iC0vRkGHqA7D8IwMhiMNNI_8c-i1eUhhIwJGWXtwgv6g/w132-h200/50358031.jpg" width="120" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_13IYmyltS9cNTtcUhQcao0AYQNIw3d_3KLYbH01ytr8dEfcnWIWkRGYFcjaKo751v_FjeEIR-nKDrtCPC-Dnsl5VZrY5rx9zIVIbPyX5fqhfqSPu5obl-r9PBLT0_2sXprsxcy8PjV4/s2048/50496918.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1360" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_13IYmyltS9cNTtcUhQcao0AYQNIw3d_3KLYbH01ytr8dEfcnWIWkRGYFcjaKo751v_FjeEIR-nKDrtCPC-Dnsl5VZrY5rx9zIVIbPyX5fqhfqSPu5obl-r9PBLT0_2sXprsxcy8PjV4/w133-h200/50496918.jpg" width="120" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyo9nZa5IxINC4v9E4Kga2uRSREv0juqeAZdmyDraSk7Uwoye4MwII-rG47RJjacDW6T7wCYBvpFoZeGY6OYidcYtNghM7IjOVb5Hhc4S_0rmRMyBIxqjETTW0ENOPheoyGpmP7CT4-M/s475/50892360._SY475_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyo9nZa5IxINC4v9E4Kga2uRSREv0juqeAZdmyDraSk7Uwoye4MwII-rG47RJjacDW6T7wCYBvpFoZeGY6OYidcYtNghM7IjOVb5Hhc4S_0rmRMyBIxqjETTW0ENOPheoyGpmP7CT4-M/w133-h200/50892360._SY475_.jpg" width="120" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtlWQgbwpgFDCEjRSviuIVlAhCjCeIWrpInnlZ74o-az9UdU8Cg4XRO7GwUkKKRtQyJR_sJgT-SF2U5XM1I1aDqBru69yCPda72BNGlRPdokj3vJ_wkH8Y9x4FypcoL5FX8dECXg3xaw/s2048/42440919.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1347" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtlWQgbwpgFDCEjRSviuIVlAhCjCeIWrpInnlZ74o-az9UdU8Cg4XRO7GwUkKKRtQyJR_sJgT-SF2U5XM1I1aDqBru69yCPda72BNGlRPdokj3vJ_wkH8Y9x4FypcoL5FX8dECXg3xaw/w131-h200/42440919.jpg" width="120" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDW3triVZX-_5shRr3tv2tL_hDYgqZV6VBX4s1rH67SuqcLBI1arz0hZb5uQ7x9611_1DcbEOtQJF7tv4nndyWCfsyxc7yM-gWWMd9xpkUrxi_Elu_NfI8IV_WwhOhR0LvFGXtjKf80Ek/w134-h200/44416393._SY475_.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="120" /></div></div><div><b></b></div><div><b>8. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50358031-leave-the-world-behind">Leave the World Behind</a> </i>by Rumaan Alam</div><div><b>Genre: </b>Thriller</div><div><b>Release Date:</b> October 6th, 2020</div><div>A family's vacation away from civilisation is interrupted mid-way when a couple arrives at their vacation home claiming to be the owner of the place. With a sudden blackout and no access to technology can the family trust this supposedly harmless couple?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>9. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50358031-leave-the-world-behind">Spoiler Alert</a> </i>by Olivia Dade</div><div><b>Genre:</b> Romance </div><div><b>Release Date:</b> October 6th, 2020</div><div>I am ultra excited to get my hands on this. I'm not much of a romance reader but to think that the actor of a famous TV series who is also a secretly popular fan fiction writer for the series ends up dating his number fan just got to me. </div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">10. </span><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50892360-black-sun">Black Sun (Between Earth and Sky #1)</a> </i>by Rebecca Roanhho</div></div></div><div><b>Genre: </b>Fantasy </div><div><b>Release Date: </b>October 13th, 2020</div><div><br /></div><div><b>11. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50358031-leave-the-world-behind">Come On In</a> </i>by Various Authors</div><div><b>Genre:</b> Anthology </div><div><b>Release Date:</b> October 13th, 2020 </div><div>This also made my most anticipated releases for 2020, combining a number of stories about immigration and what comes with it. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>12. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50358031-leave-the-world-behind">The Twelve Dates of Christmas</a> </i>by Jenny Bayliss</div><div><b>Genre: </b>Romance </div><div><b>Release Date: </b>October 13th, 2020</div><div>I need Christmas, and I need it now. I'm officially done with 2020 at this point. </div>
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<h3><center><span style="font-size: x-large;">What Are You Looking Forward To Reading?</span></center></h3>PrintedWords&http://www.blogger.com/profile/13892083399228335228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2322487749744907156.post-38429140560605880222020-09-22T20:36:00.005+10:002020-09-22T20:37:36.021+10:00Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Want To Read In Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxv6jeZ_h42B4T7RqgJDock6WbX7C4gTA0hfoEIvqq6WjHFvC8JdhV-A5zZdt7voX2RxnHP2zflff0b7KzQDpKC76pc1hfiG5oEg25Jee7AU7RZHHwAHggFaI4Jm8itjhJNzrRarntn4I/s1600/6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxv6jeZ_h42B4T7RqgJDock6WbX7C4gTA0hfoEIvqq6WjHFvC8JdhV-A5zZdt7voX2RxnHP2zflff0b7KzQDpKC76pc1hfiG5oEg25Jee7AU7RZHHwAHggFaI4Jm8itjhJNzrRarntn4I/s1600/6.png" /></a></div><div class="separator"><br /></div><center><a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/">Top Ten Tuesday</a> was created by <a href="http://www.brokeandbookish.com/">The Broke and The Bookish</a> in June of 2010 and was moved to <a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/">That Artsy Reader Girl</a> in January 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.</center>
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We've stepped into spring here in Australia, which makes me absolutely happy to greet warmer weather and clearer skies. Albeit, we're still stuck inside, but it's nicer sitting in front of a window with the sun shining through rather than feeling like I want to be in bed to hide from the cold all the time. So with this change in season, what books will I be looking forward to reading? Here are 10 books I would love to get through this spring!
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<center><h3><span style="font-size: x-large;">Top Ten Books I Want To Read In Spring</span></h3></center>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVl-W0opqZa5n_cVSMHCGSM0V4f9RkDKir5XCJSpiFhEv9KaxmO07t2C1WSwo7euDT8ZYLNHSmgLMkGrBGkgP7jseG4FMNdsMgvTCBt1N2jzJpb2E0o2KJjsPczldzz3svtbgZns2awqA/s1600/coconut+children.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="261" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVl-W0opqZa5n_cVSMHCGSM0V4f9RkDKir5XCJSpiFhEv9KaxmO07t2C1WSwo7euDT8ZYLNHSmgLMkGrBGkgP7jseG4FMNdsMgvTCBt1N2jzJpb2E0o2KJjsPczldzz3svtbgZns2awqA/w131-h200/coconut+children.jpg" width="120" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="255" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkV-LOESl1Ej_6QeZ1DHfSdfsVjXOkbm5Xz5hfXf0K-6eyEN0yOIYl3NHSHm-67HZU1zWtefVKItLl4zBThT7duOK5r9Lir7q07Azu7EiH6DHNAP6T1Vyd4BTqPQ1YXX3rIk17vFVnDA/w127-h200/through+the+woods.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="120" /><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsemaoIqIOHNcmjJWGvJqyg62iFFtn0wd0ClXHRTXRu94G5jQKTr7E2ktuIgpyUv_ztJSTIJ9wOCqReD2HWDz4t8CULk68-bm21s1nXA9o-eORC4Xpbbd9H5pouOBZR-9pqWQJuYhn-eU/w130-h200/clap+when+you+land.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="120" /><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BJEWy9oXyn-5AgYfPoopRKBrm9PBM_2UWbvkFKZaIRp7Ld6gHDwAkeN6sl08Ef5mOAPMDUWxX-f4PYCj7HmGCjpAWec-HbiJuTBbpnEXhSrLsPiNbdcfTJHI_8KqTDQgwtcDEWkoW7o/w133-h200/they+both+die+at+the+end.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="120" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDcF2x18JLsR2_cS6i7bAwjZbF_BPr_VcuVFCYaSGVulGN9He7nC503vtlmJ_Ie6d_ZpqZG41EyUwp2FwfRPs8tlJ3Js721SeVP26q_qz5esxiKMMKA6_-GNnLSMJVzLQv0qLHOrU60c/s2048/bf.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1334" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDcF2x18JLsR2_cS6i7bAwjZbF_BPr_VcuVFCYaSGVulGN9He7nC503vtlmJ_Ie6d_ZpqZG41EyUwp2FwfRPs8tlJ3Js721SeVP26q_qz5esxiKMMKA6_-GNnLSMJVzLQv0qLHOrU60c/w130-h200/bf.jpg" width="120" /></a></div><br /><div>
1. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36982742-the-coconut-children"><i><b>The Coconut Children</b></i></a> by Vivian Pham
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Ever since I found out about Pham's creation, I was captivated by the idea of following a first generation Vietnamese-Australian through her coming of age story. To make it better? It's set in Cabramatta, Sydney - a suburb that is relatively similar to the one I've grown up in. How much of myself will I see Sonny I wonder?
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2. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42597125-the-way-through-the-woods"><i><b>The Way Through the Woods: Of Mushrooms and Mourning</b></i></a> by Long Lit Woon
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I bought this book on a whim, liking the feeling, the weight of it in my hand. It could be that I believe Woon has much to offer through her recount of suddenly losing her husband and finding herself not only having to navigate through grief but also being in a foreign country without any family or friends.
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3. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52516332-clap-when-you-land"><i><b>Clap When You Land</b></i></a> by Elizabeth Acevedo
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I was lucky enough to win a copy of <i>Clap When You Land</i> and am desperate to get through this as soon as I can. It sounds like a heartwrenching tear-jerker, which both frightens and draws me in.
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4. <b style="font-style: italic;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33385229-they-both-die-at-the-end">They Both Die At The End</a> </b>by Adam Silvera
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Ok, what's with me and books with deep and meaningful themes this spring? <i>They Both Die At The End</i> has actually been on my radar for the past year and I finally got my hands onto it. Having read one of Silvera's other books, I expect to also feel so much pain and heartbreak, but also love for the story he brings to life.
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5. <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41020406-the-black-flamingo">The Black Flamingo</a></i></b> by Dean Atta <div>Both the premise of this and its cover come across as equally gorgeous to me. Michael takes us on his journey of self-discovery, learning of labels and how to identify with them.</div><div><br /></div><center><div><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ95R9Q-J4o4_cPQIxg9M8Ze5flGP9ut2zUNMAsCgV9xY2hTwXKxfKUP1KM9w05J9YCdvb-UHTe4HFY0u8Bc0jtwd_SnH1PHD_76i5TqHgSP10Y9pGruDkzdudbPmmmgEUjnBXxquBzy8/w130-h200/astonishing+colour.jpg" width="120" /><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8QCmWQoNN_ovARUfS4FV42wDjA5KhKV64dmLrVutZTZ2Efrlj0D3xFWKEqvFN1tS5TpAc2UGKzXkewphgEB6gPOWyPYl96MOxegVX1pdlpBKH5G8mQOD-JbfsqZWGCdNQ4YoNPbqQzo/w132-h200/the+city+we+became.jpg" width="120" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vU5CmMcFHZ_9US6_YX__YmDfoRKPTChxxcc7KJSGSleT9CtUfaCRl2T4lhg4AiSctgIPxXA7Bnbt094r4ZRg9Zab36WPmgtjBkneZrpskhyOLUfidxlI5yr1cqpy3r9AZkVTvWH-6L4/s475/boy+swallows+universe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vU5CmMcFHZ_9US6_YX__YmDfoRKPTChxxcc7KJSGSleT9CtUfaCRl2T4lhg4AiSctgIPxXA7Bnbt094r4ZRg9Zab36WPmgtjBkneZrpskhyOLUfidxlI5yr1cqpy3r9AZkVTvWH-6L4/w131-h200/boy+swallows+universe.jpg" width="120" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tHYz4Udn7Hc6SI3mHyerbz_1d2vAbybK7IfT49ULUGR_1ekWBrs9-NhxcuP_jSpkFMcIuqFh5SwOOPC6NloSsIu6DpnzsSzLMAgq2XGHRGfCDzBM5VQMsT6mLa96olKHem0o6J1Sxxg/s475/here+i+am+.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tHYz4Udn7Hc6SI3mHyerbz_1d2vAbybK7IfT49ULUGR_1ekWBrs9-NhxcuP_jSpkFMcIuqFh5SwOOPC6NloSsIu6DpnzsSzLMAgq2XGHRGfCDzBM5VQMsT6mLa96olKHem0o6J1Sxxg/w134-h200/here+i+am+.jpg" width="120" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvE0p5fI5XYQqKbgRhjkn2yTKlz-GCoodUgdv_VOVeCh0jqzndWWw2JeFG-h-rW4ECJgkc7mlbAS8bDHvVxoc_ZwECfvhN7E-tACe9k8vBPYZwgAeHvJy7LOl5RTXutUFklJ0-9sk9uT8/s1600/rose+under+fire.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="230" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvE0p5fI5XYQqKbgRhjkn2yTKlz-GCoodUgdv_VOVeCh0jqzndWWw2JeFG-h-rW4ECJgkc7mlbAS8bDHvVxoc_ZwECfvhN7E-tACe9k8vBPYZwgAeHvJy7LOl5RTXutUFklJ0-9sk9uT8/w133-h200/rose+under+fire.jpg" width="120" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></center><div><div>
6. <i><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35604686-the-astonishing-color-of-after">The Astonishing Colour of After</a></b></i> by Emily X.R Pan
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X.R Pan incorporates a little magic in the form of a mysterious red bird, which leads a young girl, fresh from the loss of her mother, to the country where her family's story started. I've read reviews on how <i>The Astonishing Colour of After</i> depicts strong views and values that are closely associated to Asian cultures and that's a major reason as to why this has made my TBR.<br />
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7. <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42074525-the-city-we-became">The City We Became</a> (Great Cities #1)</i></b> by N.K Jemisin <div>I star the five star reviews and bit the bullet with this one. It's a mix of sci-fi and urban fantasy, which I probably don't read enough of, so here I am dabbling in something a little out of my comfort zone but exciting nonetheless. </div><div><br /><div>8. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37558445-boy-swallows-universe"><b><i>Boy Swallows Universe</i></b> </a>by Trent Dalton </div><div>Another Australian based book that I have been meaning to read. Dalton delivers a contemporary revolving around a young boy named Eli who is attempting to learn and grow in life, whilst being surrounding by environments and people who aren't exactly going to guide him in the right direction.</div><div><br /></div><div>9. <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31434269-here-i-am">Here I Am</a></i></b> by Jonathan Safran Foer </div><div>I've been meaning to read another Safran Foer novel and of course my ambitiousness has decided to dive right into this hefty sized book. I know absolutely nothing about <i>Here I Am </i>but I don't really mind. Here's to being surprised. </div><div><br /></div><div>10. <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17262236-rose-under-fire">Rose Under Fire</a> </i></b>by Elizabeth Wein</div></div></div><div>I am wholeheartedly in love with <i>Code Name Verity </i>by Wein that I immediately knew I would have to read <i>Rose Under Fire</i>. Wein features strong, independent women to tell stories of friendship that really tug at your heart. I cannot wait to get to this.</div></div></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What Are You Planning To Read This Season?</span></h3>
<br />PrintedWords&http://www.blogger.com/profile/13892083399228335228noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2322487749744907156.post-88476081897447163952020-09-20T19:00:00.007+10:002020-09-20T19:47:29.017+10:00Tilly & the Lost Fairytales Changed My Opinion On Its Entire Series<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CdbUDIComgZBA6Y10cjxbDFfWRp95zaksasShMTgrrftXaOHC1YA9_a30U3I2gwk5xxkX0PHTx_QV4vNnK2kMLqGeKaxTxj5t5dSsOtE9l2eagvC6kz57SFkaceAOeeyx16mhTohugw/s439/pages%2526co2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CdbUDIComgZBA6Y10cjxbDFfWRp95zaksasShMTgrrftXaOHC1YA9_a30U3I2gwk5xxkX0PHTx_QV4vNnK2kMLqGeKaxTxj5t5dSsOtE9l2eagvC6kz57SFkaceAOeeyx16mhTohugw/s320/pages%2526co2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Title:</b> <i>Tilly the Lost Fairytales</i><br />
<b>Author:</b> Anna James<br />
<b>Series: </b><i>Pages & Co #2</i><br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> September 19th, 2019<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42427479-tilly-and-the-lost-fairytales">Add to Goodreads</a>
<blockquote>
<i>A magical adventure to delight the imagination. The curl-up-on-the-sofa snuggle of a series from a uniquely talented author.
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Tilly Pages is a bookwanderer; she can travel inside books, and even talk to the characters she meets there. But Tilly’s powers are put to the test when fairytales start leaking book magic and causing havoc . . .
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On a wintery visit to Paris, Tilly and her best friend Oskar bravely bookwander into the land of fairytales to find that characters are getting lost, stories are all mixed-up, and mysterious plot holes are opening without warning. Can Tilly work out who, or what, is behind the chaos so everyone gets their happily-ever-after?</i></blockquote>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Review</span></h3>
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The second instalment in <i>Pages & Co</i> has proved to be much more enjoyable and memorable. Tilly and Oskar make their return after learning of their wonderful bookwandering abilities. This time they're armed with all the information they need in order to travel in and out of books as safely as possible. Or so they thought. Tilly and Oskar are thrust into an entirely unusual and highly dangerous situation, inviting what I had hoped would happen in the first book of this series - adventure, excitement and intrigue.
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As <i>Tilly & the Bookwanderers </i>(review <a href="https://www.printedwordsand.com/2020/05/what-i-thought-about-tilly-and.html">here</a>)<i> </i>had already outlined the world, character and how the magic of bookwandering worked quite thoroughly, I greatly appreciated how little recap was involved in <i>Tilly & the Lost Fairytales</i>. Instead, I was almost immediately transported into the adventure that awaited our duo and enjoyed the pacing of the story. James' writing was also a lot better, in the sense that this time, rather than feeling like I was being told of what was happening, I could visualise each scene, the characters actions and emotions. This led to me feeling as though I was part of Tilly and Oskar's journey, that instead of a duo, I was part of a trio. This was exactly what I was after from this story, and any middle grade novel for that matter. The feeling of being part of a quest with the characters, immersing myself in the challenges and excitement that comes with it. That's really all the fun in reading middle grade stories. <div><br />
I thoroughly enjoyed what James brought to this series this time around, flying through the book in one sitting. I've also learnt quite quickly that the Tilly's story is in fact not a stand-alone like I initially thought nor is it a duology, which I told myself was the case. Instead, the <i>Pages & Co</i> series is a trilogy and am eager to get my hands on the latest release, <i>Tilly and the Map of Stories</i>, to be part of Tilly and Oskar's next adventure.
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<br />PrintedWords&http://www.blogger.com/profile/13892083399228335228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2322487749744907156.post-65035356065972077892020-09-15T19:55:00.006+10:002020-09-15T19:56:38.389+10:00Top Ten Tuesday: Book Covers with POC & Black Characters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxv6jeZ_h42B4T7RqgJDock6WbX7C4gTA0hfoEIvqq6WjHFvC8JdhV-A5zZdt7voX2RxnHP2zflff0b7KzQDpKC76pc1hfiG5oEg25Jee7AU7RZHHwAHggFaI4Jm8itjhJNzrRarntn4I/s1600/6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxv6jeZ_h42B4T7RqgJDock6WbX7C4gTA0hfoEIvqq6WjHFvC8JdhV-A5zZdt7voX2RxnHP2zflff0b7KzQDpKC76pc1hfiG5oEg25Jee7AU7RZHHwAHggFaI4Jm8itjhJNzrRarntn4I/s16000/6.png" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(55, 53, 47); white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Top Ten Tuesday was created by <a href="http://www.brokeandbookish.com/p/top-ten-tuesday-other-features.html">The Broke and The Bookish</a> in June of 2010 and was moved to <a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/">That Artsy Reader Girl</a> in January 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.</span></span></p><p>This week's <u>Top Ten Tuesday</u> is a Cover Freebie, so I wanted to highlight <strike>10</strike> 12 (yes I am cheating) beautifully illustrated covers that feature coloured and black characters. I am loving how the book publishing industry is opening up for owned-voice stories and for non-white readers to see representation of them on covers. Covers are linked to Goodreads</p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Top Ten Book Covers With POC & Black Characters</span></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39828159-i-love-you-so-mochi?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=z4AXZTKuWB&rank=1"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyVaqQbX9bVOmNN2VVMNmHXNk-nUoKIKrsIx6lL0EBzZls028upBBHE5bH-vDToNcd2-fqExpmqybpHoadZ2qcus__yWKAUR8zwO2Us-xuutSO4e3JMeo2g3YVSqJXdN2AuZIZwhZw5U/w134-h200/i+love+you+so+mochi.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="134" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35398627-other-words-for-home?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=cNoy1vbIid&rank=1"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNBuzAW26XuBnRXjTL608Nx3bXjvCzFuKQZEzd7YDGpHbsuIWnZl4KZ06PDHfSvln_7OShSatfgV_38Bowme5tHdfNvTatVnyvHreCDbJBk0-b9fQr6grSc7yb8v9S7L75gXZGlMhchA/w133-h200/other+words+for+home+.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35442710-color-me-in?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=XcRa8OngXc&rank=1"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWwQxcQmUS3U845fWOw3OzK3Dm51cwKaa9pll2Y5zZAr9CpS0jnoKf4aP3C0Tn9IaRzwht6g7hnyHOo_53AA1XtqipjgIWvGauZ21Z2rBHiux4eeILKUN5kPEvlzjbg5upGBT6DQFtiY/w134-h200/color+me+in.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="134" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45800564-the-black-kids?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=F3c88Y2qLn&rank=2"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWAu0dGTCPguvMRl49DrT9x4cR828FGDp2bP8znD6q8bUiAY44lQNrpe2rGES_2FJhlzv4IKZUpWaTmp7j7LqXzYBp7RdErkaPiIIFiT3uWhn4jZ8ChTZHXp_tNC4eX6lODDupDXI9Zo/w134-h200/the+black+kids.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="134" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52781202-star-daughter?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=XocE6jNyIb&rank=1"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cOuvTiyJlAc1M7lNuiqhfQTzqzf64GEfMsDjycu857SroKIHHBlMRqN7LVQTD_q8lmleAIcGSI9O5V-5a7ZNZNFIS4x5sIFVzwg9fFMnfDIHZkvWaaSIXjdOKE5nJI4emCgoXqi0FK0/w133-h200/star+daughter.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41453635-butterfly-yellow?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=yQsbfVddiI&rank=1"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymLVSYdHvVDkbmT1jbIjhH_8cIB-Da3EE7CZc9G62yAb7qM0raU-XCammyUfXbjd_sqrza58VIVrSqLbP5eAwtXmJEaWx9ypYeFRtoSau1N5lxdyigqHbw070fvwpAyOEh4PpePNiHIc/w133-h200/butterfly+yellow.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="133" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23559994-loveboat-taipei?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=iQAkqzVr9c&rank=1"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="312" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfwSf_Wiy-sP7J7P8lT_yVJCXnz0_LaeF_4aQ_duWiQTXn6zJAxlS2UUDFpZDrVLQIYnxGssQGzO-W-62aoUJ7xkS4VWNgSG7oBT7Q-kULayKxoJ7c0hjy9E1M2fl7ZBVkR1W0jRn0O4/w131-h200/loveboat+taipei.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41020406-the-black-flamingo"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2n9Jb-cMXNxscS-J1iqsH2HZ5Zn1mN0DC6mS81O-gom7JkJO2aU1MzQRidaTNRen-BkDjWWHEANmdBmU1uRo5MzBkUmoJaX7Gl1gJyoQMCRSVn9h_Bvtym4rAfBUq66RBCWQ8czsXxI0/w145-h200/the+black+flamingo.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="145" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34214624-under-the-broken-sky?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=tnS26z8BBh&rank=1"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cHpgD7o09PIl_aB_055FkFOn8BJLnyS5hMFe5u5athmZ9T-uDhrTZoYKIOJ2zFcrmXHmwdQe5OPlJAdzocqb36Zi-wPmS4ib1TVMB86fizH2zNbhpz1YFjkeel4lfM3q6UsujxtfsJs/w133-h200/under+the+broken+sky.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="133" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53152636-mexican-gothic?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=ZL9rBHKK1E&rank=1"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPqCRpzz19_tUdgcJg002M0XIcnXjDlrlZM24vA4o3-lXmsHttjwtFaQ8ofVXxqSZc0fyMIW6JCYan8rU5O2npEbPC67jICf1IAmFNWNy6NNRvfmUCJ6TYb1wjhNO5Dxo9wolLkhnmLU/w135-h200/mexican+gothic.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="135" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49629448-a-song-of-wraiths-and-ruin?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=sukn7hE8Kt&rank=1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="662" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUA97EDAS1GpGb5wyj1jtmHCmhIj0q9EnUJlVX_Ta11d_17-XAmsfUtEnm1dzWHR-FfU5Uqls349IrWN0Z6cAVkrFQmVb8uL8TyFCw-SNOU3yRYCJwIawSHKzSjWbzv7NX_FVForwDuU/w133-h200/a+song+of+wraiths+of+ruins.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45554589-forest-of-souls?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=sJE6ISXeam&rank=1"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIkmtEfQul8GK5h_is7uD7cb_pD9ow9jDnd18Pntfd52t5XHXrpp2klbov_9dBMWw8F0a9GWCHgNXIqpwpMit8Iy6boULwDcTEBnOuAFeaT8ndXPSD6QFlmT61rmkjwk1G64DIv2mwcA/w134-h200/Forest+of+Souls.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="134" /></a></div><br /><center>There are so many more covers that could go on this list. I had heaps of fun compiling this list. </center><div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What Are Your Favourite Diverse Book Covers? </span></h3><br /></div>
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</center>PrintedWords&http://www.blogger.com/profile/13892083399228335228noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2322487749744907156.post-89460992175842331642020-09-07T19:54:00.000+10:002020-09-07T19:54:03.685+10:00Talking Personal: What The Last Five Months Have Looked Like<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GsHFUtY3biU93tz3A0DbQREU6oLdx0azClqCYpNNqtzAPfpYJtPgk86CWIpl9u26kvLoGfp5x90jRl1ANKhAj3wj9EuD-Ut8uQr3nJx068Jfp99lgma87lBJsndi3ijOL0-ILuZyovY/s1600/2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="560" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GsHFUtY3biU93tz3A0DbQREU6oLdx0azClqCYpNNqtzAPfpYJtPgk86CWIpl9u26kvLoGfp5x90jRl1ANKhAj3wj9EuD-Ut8uQr3nJx068Jfp99lgma87lBJsndi3ijOL0-ILuZyovY/w500-h250/2.png" width="500" /></a></div><p>I'm probably not the only one to say this and most likely you're sick of hearing this, but it's absolutely mind-blowing that we are now in September. </p><p>Since my last Talking Personal, not a lot has happened in my own personal life, but more so the world itself. Especially in Victoria. COVID-19 has really reared it's ugly side and with that brings a whole host of emotions, chaos and whatever else that could be wrong this year. Still, I'm trying not to dwell on the negatives. Even if some days aren't as great as others. So what have I been doing?</p><p>Well, I got stood down from work, so I've had 5 months of trying to fill out my days.</p><p>I re-found my love for reading. I read and read and read and read. So much reading during the months of April to July. It was so enjoyable and pushed me to reconnect with the book blog and booktube community. There's been some great people I've gotten to know because of it! And of course with reconnecting with booktube it means I've been filming videos again. Something I didn't realise I was missing until I restarted. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbo_XNnWBP11YKmBZ1M7XcAuMkB-XYq2Pd3UId6se0tVyN7hzdRofbMZL6V83lHyjQIMmF0GrNJQYZ610GyNftf1lNzB_WcNZFz19qODNxqYt9TUT32jp0GdSPDXOddFOZQviy4GTKeE/s5472/IMG_3554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3080" data-original-width="5472" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbo_XNnWBP11YKmBZ1M7XcAuMkB-XYq2Pd3UId6se0tVyN7hzdRofbMZL6V83lHyjQIMmF0GrNJQYZ610GyNftf1lNzB_WcNZFz19qODNxqYt9TUT32jp0GdSPDXOddFOZQviy4GTKeE/w500-h281/IMG_3554.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><p>I was able to reflect on myself and my goals, including 2020. Yes, this year hasn't turned out the way anyone has wanted it to be. Yet, to be frank, I lost control of the last 2 years of my life and couldn't see a way out. So being able to sit back and really deep dive on who I am and what I want really allowed me to realise that there are some things that will happen out of my control, but what matters is the actions and behaviours that I exhibit within these restraints that work towards goal progression. I am really proud of myself for being able to tick off each goal, no matter how small, in the last few months. It's shown me that I am capable of achieving what I set out to achieve. </p><p>I watched a lot of Korean dramas for a few months, and started a Korean drama review blog. Unfortunately, it's collecting dust at the moment, as I've now moved over to rewatching <i>Criminal Minds</i>. When it comes to TV shows/movies I really cannot multitask or watch different ones at the same time. In line with Korean dramas or Korean culture I guess, is my attempt at re-learning Korean. It hasn't been as consistent as it should be when you're learning a language but I'm getting there. Slowly. </p><p>Still, there's been a lot of eating, lying around and having a terrible sleeping pattern. Alongside getting dolled up for random photoshoots (don't laugh) and then finally, and the most recently, giving myself a haircut. I took scissors to my hair 2 weeks ago and I loved every moment of it. If anything, it means I've learnt a new skill that'll save me some money in the future!</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj81re50MVo9889VbV5gD0NBaOgx6aEJV0eSEuivncXV2AiqpbKxLtLrC4tVOfeWlh8cKkFOFjj172-6gxQuXvZwIl3x6ioX8RJvN1jkKFLMMptjI82RADBV_OkHa3zTQgkk6Hq3uN1lQ/s2048/CDD82912-4CC9-4D6A-BADB-4C3653D9D22B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj81re50MVo9889VbV5gD0NBaOgx6aEJV0eSEuivncXV2AiqpbKxLtLrC4tVOfeWlh8cKkFOFjj172-6gxQuXvZwIl3x6ioX8RJvN1jkKFLMMptjI82RADBV_OkHa3zTQgkk6Hq3uN1lQ/s320/CDD82912-4CC9-4D6A-BADB-4C3653D9D22B.JPG" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7nBnwFlYGo_DCiCIIJzgRuweQeDZsI9GcKOi9pFaUHQVO2QD0FV50qNv2mGaiYsBuFsN84RcJWYAUtHltlu8y5BIrAs5QgI2exy2SLGoXXYOfq2e3DwZxyovQIs4CLQNGcZPBKY7iss/s320/IMG_5623.JPG" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Sc-g5puBNcu3RAOAIwcHo0luXwyk7t2BzDu77-3JFtrRt-U5d-wjAZiFySxK6VeAhUtnUFNvXTZJFzouz8WWS0ondKxAnZYAGhKMyTrqjhbY-4zXqLY_Y62CgDITFat3wb7br_dwaLA/w180-h320/09D866DF-8241-40D6-AE8F-40EBDF57C052.JPG" width="180" /></div><p></p><p>I've been trying to see this as time given back to me. Time, a lot of time honestly, that you wouldn't expect to have until retirement really. I try to ask myself when I'm feeling unmotivated and dejected, how would I feel/what would I think looking back on this time now and how I spent it. Don't get me wrong, this isn't easy, if anything the extension of the lockdown makes it harder to stay positive and motivated. Everyone's feelings are valid. You don't have to be cheerful and energetic everyday. We've been deprived from the things that humans normally thrive on as well as added stressors that make it more difficult. But this is the situation we've found ourselves in. We can only do so much with what we have. It's a matter of what you want to do and how you want to face each day. </p><p>Sending love and good vibes to everyone out there. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
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</center>PrintedWords&http://www.blogger.com/profile/13892083399228335228noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2322487749744907156.post-31872566345762878182020-09-04T18:11:00.003+10:002020-09-04T18:19:07.973+10:00The Animal Crossing Book Tag <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6lJsrI6l82No8Hll1y6pzAyv_sSGXThRvNoTdvymWBx0zretECEWoe9TwwyeYJU4JIy3p6Vq4HtAifvnMqsp7wcYrhLmYjEGUPK4GDVofTOjqKM4LqLRGNH21g-KTfbvBHpjOzTPbZM/s1600/ANIMAL+CROSSING+%25287%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6lJsrI6l82No8Hll1y6pzAyv_sSGXThRvNoTdvymWBx0zretECEWoe9TwwyeYJU4JIy3p6Vq4HtAifvnMqsp7wcYrhLmYjEGUPK4GDVofTOjqKM4LqLRGNH21g-KTfbvBHpjOzTPbZM/s1600/ANIMAL+CROSSING+%25287%2529.png" /></a></div>
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Sure enough I have found myself caught up in the ISO phenomenon that is <i>Animal Crossing. </i>I'm definitely new to the game, but have watched my brother play it before the Switch release. Surprisingly, I've come to enjoy it quite a lot although my progress in the game is a lot slower than what I've seen from others. Anyways! I saw Jenna from <a href="http://www.happyindulgencebooks.com/2020/04/30/animal-crossing-book-tag/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=animal-crossing-book-tag" target="_blank">Happy Indulgence</a> complete the tag and had to jump on board. </div>
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<b>The Rules</b></div>
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<li>Please link back to the original creator of the tag, <a href="https://bookishthingsandtea.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Bookish Things and Tea</a></li>
<li>Answer the following Animal Crossing themed book questions</li>
<li>Feel free to use McKenzie's graphics (which I have), but please don't take credit for them </li>
<li>Tag some friends to spread the love!</li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've had <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8127.Anne_of_Green_Gables?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=BDVZyw9nre&rank=1">Anne of Green Gables</a></i>, both the novel and series (not the Netflix one), on my shelf for awhile now. I keep meaning to read it but have been avoiding it for some reason. The new Netflix adaption has definitely piqued my interest more so it's now moved up on my priority of books to read. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAZDExw8lrY3WyO6X2ol_3pOCEs9nQluFvVQ6GwubsF84czoH71PQSkYcB9nPmvxTKooEkQ7W76tGwhFzTwy1gH0eDL-7603dTzFGlE4rxOSxv9Uo2V64qL90GfHRQ8F1eEOhEbum8VA/s1600/animal-crossing_-wild-world1-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="1528" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAZDExw8lrY3WyO6X2ol_3pOCEs9nQluFvVQ6GwubsF84czoH71PQSkYcB9nPmvxTKooEkQ7W76tGwhFzTwy1gH0eDL-7603dTzFGlE4rxOSxv9Uo2V64qL90GfHRQ8F1eEOhEbum8VA/s640/animal-crossing_-wild-world1-2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Such a particular question to ask and honestly, not an easy one to answer but I'd have to go with <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17849112-world-after?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Cki2FWYBzf&rank=1">World After</a></i>, which is a bit of an older read but the second book to the <i>Angel Fall </i>series. To be fair I haven't actually read the ending to this series yet, but whilst the first book was okay, the second book grabbed my attention straight away and finally got me excited about the entirety of the series. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEu-SOh-9DK0wG8QmYK8tJRtYJj-xP45qTsUEBz1Y3HTFdEZa_O5sLFaSD0V8sC2Ab2RPGyjh2nuRHjv3KfqBNbywpew9hLMOKlaGPL57qAcv7ZE6NpZDjhZXQuqL7KSxE5WObOigyQv8/s1600/animal-crossing_-city-folk.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="1528" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEu-SOh-9DK0wG8QmYK8tJRtYJj-xP45qTsUEBz1Y3HTFdEZa_O5sLFaSD0V8sC2Ab2RPGyjh2nuRHjv3KfqBNbywpew9hLMOKlaGPL57qAcv7ZE6NpZDjhZXQuqL7KSxE5WObOigyQv8/s640/animal-crossing_-city-folk.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's hard not to go past the <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22055262-a-darker-shade-of-magic?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=MnQ9kz9G03&rank=1">Shade of Magic</a> </i>series with this one, as V.E Scwab takes world-building to such an exciting and creative level. She introduces the notion of parallel worlds, London in this case, with a touch of magic, that makes the world's that much more fun to read about. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlrmUNMkRkWCZw1JKCxNe8v64Vj7jODiZ80cTJ2KrC6jQ5OEu-CnTvkuEMCqEjUaqqfv_ByqAmZ_KBAJ-vfLt2jmLvrWGHoczZjoHGfLwqNQzQh7FPyyU97drV9ciH8wvvSDpd2nWz78/s1600/animal-crossing_-new-leaf.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="1528" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlrmUNMkRkWCZw1JKCxNe8v64Vj7jODiZ80cTJ2KrC6jQ5OEu-CnTvkuEMCqEjUaqqfv_ByqAmZ_KBAJ-vfLt2jmLvrWGHoczZjoHGfLwqNQzQh7FPyyU97drV9ciH8wvvSDpd2nWz78/s640/animal-crossing_-new-leaf.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have and will continue to rave about <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41088582-after-the-flood?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=ZbnQ3XGRCe&rank=1"><i>After the Flood</i>,</a> a debut novel from Kassandra Montag that speaks volumes on climate change, the end of the world and what that may mean for us, whilst also exploring themes of sacrifice, loyalty, guilt and family ties. It's a thought-provoking and emotional read. I wrote a full review on it, which you can read here, to know more of what I thought about it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91JaVZi_mqYvKMMNzPYf6wtEHZQFjU5F-kVUF75JACX5T51Q18BdQFcN0xLDtIaQZD4h-5ZvoDGZDNu-0O2J6Ch6Djr7jwAVj6DTNze3NaR9RwNcLXMn2pw2a63Q87eUZsf56_Neq7lE/s1600/animal-crossing_-isabelle.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="1528" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91JaVZi_mqYvKMMNzPYf6wtEHZQFjU5F-kVUF75JACX5T51Q18BdQFcN0xLDtIaQZD4h-5ZvoDGZDNu-0O2J6Ch6Djr7jwAVj6DTNze3NaR9RwNcLXMn2pw2a63Q87eUZsf56_Neq7lE/s640/animal-crossing_-isabelle.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Is it too easy to say <i>Harry Potter</i> with this one? If I did have to choose another book then <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4706044-scatterheart?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=OnZgYTJ0T4&rank=1">Scatterheart</a></i> is my next choice. I read <i>Scatterheart</i> in year 7 and can't seem to forget how much I really liked it and what it aimed to deliver to readers. It's a gorgeous story of learning to be strong and finding yourself in the midst of trouble, whilst also having a rather heartwarming romance play out. Also, I appreciated that it was set during the colonisation of Australia, just to highlight Australia's history. </div>
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If we're talking characters, then Neil Gaiman's <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30165203-american-gods?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=LZYBMphaag&rank=1">American Gods</a></i> is a standout for its eclectic group of gods that the story involves. They each have such different characteristics that jump out at you and remain memorable, especially Mr. Wednesday and the god who is represented as a baby gangster. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJv3QEnMflKNUs7nLFflCufl6ikLQ0O2CM09BA4i7eJKvWAt5Gu6LFO1wC8do-UXOM3ho1on2dLgYB2y-PG0KJb21A7cRRTuJ_c5wg16ZNdQoR2aNjG8GGuAIW-1dUrRXXGoQFIt6dBJA/s1600/animal-crossing_-pitfall.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="1528" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJv3QEnMflKNUs7nLFflCufl6ikLQ0O2CM09BA4i7eJKvWAt5Gu6LFO1wC8do-UXOM3ho1on2dLgYB2y-PG0KJb21A7cRRTuJ_c5wg16ZNdQoR2aNjG8GGuAIW-1dUrRXXGoQFIt6dBJA/s640/animal-crossing_-pitfall.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is such a controversial selection but Sarah J Maas' <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17927395-a-court-of-mist-and-fury?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=0SV3NLJ01u&rank=1">A Court of Mist and Fury</a></i>, the whole series really, I could go without and did honestly. I never finished ACOMF because of the direction it was heading and how much it bothered me. Even now I wouldn't think to revisit it. I still like her <i>A Throne of Glass </i>series though so don't @ me just yet. </div>
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Where do I even start with this? If we're talking Adult historical fiction, I will always recommend <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37470.The_Other_Boleyn_Girl?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Iv7SYKr7a2&rank=1">The Other Boleyn Girl</a></i> because that was the first historical book that introduced me to the genre and made me fall in love with it. I do acknowledge it's dramatisation, based on a lot of speculation, but it made for a rather thrilling read. If we're looking more at YA historical fiction, if you could call it that, then there is <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19063.The_Book_Thief?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=zC4J6xqItk&rank=1">The Book Thief</a></i>, an absolutely beautiful read. </div>
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I'm not sure I know enough bloggers who haven't done this to tag them, but please, if you're interested definitely go ahead and share with me! I would love to read your answers. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Quick note: I wrote this post a few months back but for some reason never shared it!</span></div>
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PrintedWords&http://www.blogger.com/profile/13892083399228335228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2322487749744907156.post-77474047980436692262020-08-28T18:39:00.002+10:002020-09-16T14:52:44.395+10:00The Waiting List: 10 September Releases To Look Out For<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiBjzjxWgDt5rXpKvcWXQV0NjaepBc2U9XsoYjywojkJssinEBlSrvJgtH7CH-F6V2HpCyIQNo51MM70RIa298070CG6z66eA8c9Z1CZ4TApoy4_o8-H9G-sN9crG8J5E3v4QCWr5O7E/s1600/5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="560" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiBjzjxWgDt5rXpKvcWXQV0NjaepBc2U9XsoYjywojkJssinEBlSrvJgtH7CH-F6V2HpCyIQNo51MM70RIa298070CG6z66eA8c9Z1CZ4TApoy4_o8-H9G-sN9crG8J5E3v4QCWr5O7E/w560-h280/5.png" width="560" /></a></div></center><center><b>The Waiting List</b> is a feature hosted by <a href="https://www.printedwordsand.com/">PrintedWords&</a>, to highlight some of the new, exciting releases for the upcoming month!</center><center><br /></center><h3></h3><h3><center><span style="font-size: x-large;">September Waiting List</span></center></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_G0Wp3eSDEhX0IteUV7mKjHEConylSvBhXvdzwWpy6m-VewODBz_Y89tLBkdk255VEtxc4YfOEg5FrBaM_KHuccUA8ToYExa5H9eXsfeh8ZK2EOfE9u0dIAC5I2ZyeM2JTm56xka7kgs/s1340/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_G0Wp3eSDEhX0IteUV7mKjHEConylSvBhXvdzwWpy6m-VewODBz_Y89tLBkdk255VEtxc4YfOEg5FrBaM_KHuccUA8ToYExa5H9eXsfeh8ZK2EOfE9u0dIAC5I2ZyeM2JTm56xka7kgs/s640/2.png" width="640" /></a></div><center><br /></center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>1. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49151299-punching-the-air">Punching the Air</a> </i><b>by Ibi Zoboi & Yusef Salaam</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Genre: </b>YA Contemporary/Poetry</center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Release Date: </b>September 1st, 2020</center><center style="text-align: left;">This is probably one of my most anticipated releases for this year. I recently discovered Zoboi through <i>American Street</i> and have fallen in love with the way she tells her stories. I am really looking forward to reading's Zoboi and Salaam story and what they have to share with the world. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>2. </b><i><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53174067-skyhunter">Skyhunter</a> (Skyhunter #1) </b></i><b>by Marie Lu </b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Genre: </b>YA Sci-Fi</center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Release Date:</b> September 29th, 2020</center><center style="text-align: left;">I will be honest and say I haven't read a Marie Lu book yet, but this sounds like it could be great fun to read. Lu creates a dystopian world in which the Karensa Federation only has the country Mara left to conquer. Except Talin Kanami, a member of Mara's elite fighting force, isn't ready to give up so easily. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>3. </b><b style="font-style: italic;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49397758-grown">Grown</a> </b><b>by Tiffany D. Jackson</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Genre: </b>YA Mystery/Thriller</center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Release Date:</b> September 15th, 2020</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Enchanted Jones, an aspiring singer, gains the attention of R&B artist Korey Fields at her audition. She thinks she's about to make her dreams become a reality. Then one day she wakes up with blood on her hands and Korey Fields is dead. Who killed Korey?</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>4. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50729853-watch-over-me">Watch Over Me</a></i> <b>by Nina LaCour</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Genre: </b>YA Contemporary/LGBQT+</center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Release Date:</b> September 15th, 2020</center><center style="text-align: left;">Mila agrees to move to an isolated farm, enjoying beingalone. What she didn't expect is the ghosts from previous residents at the farm, still consumed by the trauma of their past. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>5. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48829708-to-sleep-in-a-sea-of-stars">To Sleep in a Sea of Stars</a> </i><b>by Christopher Paolini </b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Genre: </b>Science Fiction</center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Release Date:</b> September 15th, 2020</center><center style="text-align: left;">Many readers will know of Paolini and the famous <i>Inheritance Cycle</i> series. This time he returns with a Sci-Fi novel, in which Kira Navarez is thrust into a war amongst the stars, something she never expected to happen. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxFADXlf5DisUWuHclZ0D1X1xKaH7h_TB7qxyIyC6C6RaXAzpuwYMpsWNqLKFy5qW9gpG7p7GIuFZ0bSVSesbuxL7hirZyUfBTHd-YxNNmN_qbopa2hou74pqEjyt4CoOnvvXUJAfaTA/s640/3.png" width="640" /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>6. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49398072-when-no-one-is-watching">When </a></i></b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49398072-when-no-one-is-watching">No One is Watching</a> </i><b>by Alyssa Cole</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Genre: </b>Thriller/Mystery</center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Release Date:</b> September 1st, 2020</center><center style="text-align: left;">Sydney starts to notice many of her neighbours in Brooklyn are disappearing, with For Sale signs placed overnight at a rapid rate. Sydney and her neighbour Theo starts to do some digging, beginning to learn of the secrets around their neighbourhood including what gentrification can do and what other conspiracies lie in wait. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>7. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49398057-who-i-was-with-her">Who I Was With Her</a> </i><b>by Nita Tyndall </b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Genre:</b> YA Contemporary & LGBQT+</center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Release Date: </b>September 15th, 2020</center><center style="text-align: left;">This hits maybe a little too close to home, and I guess that's why it's on my list. I've found myself leaning more towards books with situations I may have experienced or have some similarities, only to see how the characters react and respond to these situations. I guess it's more for me to learn and reflect on my own behaviours and emotions. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>8. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49934666-we-are-not-free">We Are Not Free</a> </i><b>by Traci Chee</b> </center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Genre: </b>YA Historical Fiction </center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Release Date:</b> September 1st, 2020 </center><center style="text-align: left;">This also made my most anticipated releases for the last half of 2020. Fourteen young teens are rounded up amongst 100,000 other people with Japanese ancestry and sent to incarceration camps. They work together to bring down the injustices and racism that have placed them in this dangerous situation. I expect this to be an impactful and thought-provoking read. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>9. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49780289-early-departures">Early Departure</a> </i><b>by Justin A. Reynolds</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Genre: </b>YA Contemporary & Fantasy </center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Release Date:</b> September 22nd, 2020</center><center style="text-align: left;"><i>Early Departure</i> combines fantasy with contemporary to deliver a story about friendship, interwoven with loss, grief and love.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><i><br /></i></b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>10. </b><i><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40550366-blood-honey">Blood & Honey</a> (Serpent & Dove #2) </b></i><b>by Shelby Mahurin</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Genre: </b>YA Fantasy </center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Release Date:</b> September 1st, 2020</center><center style="text-align: left;">The second instalment to the <i>Serpent & Dove </i>series, which I'm sure many people are excited for. Personally, I do have the first book but haven't read it just yet. Maybe knowing that this is coming out soon will push me too.</center><br /><h3><center style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What Are You Excited To Read In September?</span></center></h3>
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PrintedWords&http://www.blogger.com/profile/13892083399228335228noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2322487749744907156.post-84543817709397968342020-08-03T20:30:00.000+10:002020-09-16T15:08:49.214+10:00Monthly Wrap Up | July Absolutely Flew ByJuly really did fly by in a blink of an eye and all of a sudden it's August. Honestly, I can't say anything exciting happened in July, so much that I almost forgot I even read any books. To my surprise I did have a somewhat great reading month, which I go in in my wrap up video!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">On The Blog</span></h3>
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<a href="https://www.printedwordsand.com/2020/07/its-been-8-years-on-here-so-what-does.html" target="_blank"><b>Blog Anniversary</b></a></div>
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PrintedWords& turned 8! I celebrated by sharing "What Blogging Means To Me Now" and hosting an international giveaway. </div>
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It ends in a weeks time so definitely enter. Good luck!</div>
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<b>"The Waiting List"</b></div>
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Five new <a href="https://www.printedwordsand.com/2020/07/the-waiting-list-five-exciting-july.html" target="_blank">July releases</a> I am excited for. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Reading Wrap Up</span></h3>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.printedwordsand.com/2020/07/why-i-almost-didnt-finish-ballad-of.html" target="_blank">The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes</a> </i>(<i>Hunger Games #0</i>) by Suzanne Collins</div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.printedwordsand.com/2020/07/parachutes-is-book-you-need-to-read-now.html" target="_blank">Parachutes</a></i> by Kelly Yang</div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.printedwordsand.com/2020/07/three-reasons-why-american-street-is-my.html" target="_blank">American Street</a></i> by Ibi Zoboi</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Monthly Book Haul</span></h3>
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I definitely bought more books than I read this month, oops.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">What Books Did You Read In July?</span></h3>
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PrintedWords&http://www.blogger.com/profile/13892083399228335228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2322487749744907156.post-69240234464829892712020-07-30T17:58:00.001+10:002020-09-20T13:54:47.825+10:00Three Reasons Why American Street Is My Favourite Read Right Now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9gFwxpRK9h5fS0f-CD73CfzaXBfyYBzifwsNjmbUhowmOnvkDMsMA80wAz0Ta2sZqIwAxPwRirSXHd5E321YmoTRUygfNM1wuDFyyrDbV84tebzggQIHF9mLi43SIs5HPniQi7Prb6Y/s1600/american+street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9gFwxpRK9h5fS0f-CD73CfzaXBfyYBzifwsNjmbUhowmOnvkDMsMA80wAz0Ta2sZqIwAxPwRirSXHd5E321YmoTRUygfNM1wuDFyyrDbV84tebzggQIHF9mLi43SIs5HPniQi7Prb6Y/s320/american+street.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<b>Title: </b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30256109-american-street?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Dg75Rxu25f&rank=1" target="_blank">American Street</a></i><br />
<b>Author: </b>Ibi Zoboi<br />
<b>Publication Date: </b>February 14th, 2017<br />
<b>Genre: </b>YA Contemporary<br />
<blockquote><i>On the corner of American Street and Joy Road, Fabiola Toussaint thought she would finally find une belle vie—a good life.
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But after they leave Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Fabiola’s mother is detained by U.S. immigration, leaving Fabiola to navigate her loud American cousins, Chantal, Donna, and Princess; the grittiness of Detroit’s west side; a new school; and a surprising romance, all on her own.
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Just as she finds her footing in this strange new world, a dangerous proposition presents itself, and Fabiola soon realizes that freedom comes at a cost. Trapped at the crossroads of an impossible choice, will she pay the price for the American dream?</i></blockquote>
<h3><span style="font-size: x-large;">Review </span></h3>
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TW: racism, classism, domestic abuse, emotional abuse, graphic and explicit scenes, violence, use of drugs</center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I loved this book so much that I've decided to include in my Blog Anniversary giveaway to celebrate PrintedWords& turning 8! You can enter this international giveaway <a href="https://www.printedwordsand.com/2020/07/its-been-8-years-on-here-so-what-does.html">here</a> and celebrate with me!</span></center>
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PrintedWords&http://www.blogger.com/profile/13892083399228335228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2322487749744907156.post-9173479535259831572020-07-24T16:14:00.001+10:002020-07-24T16:14:09.743+10:00It's Been 8 Years On Here! So What Does Blogging Mean To Me Now?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">HAPPY 8TH ANNIVERSARY TO PRINTEDWORDS&</span></h3>
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It really does feel surreal to say that I have had PrintedWords& for 8 years now. I started this blog in 2012 and since then it has been a somewhat turbulent but very memorable journey. So here's a post to reminisce, celebrate and reflect on what blogging means to me now!<br />
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I will admit that even though I've reached the 8th year anniversary, there has definitely been stages, long stages, where I didn't post regularly or disappeared altogether. I've written posts before about my lack of commitment, falling out of love with reading and feeling the pressures of posting. The last 3 years I would say was when I really stepped away because I was forgetting why I had started PrintedWords& in the first place.<br />
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I had a rather successful time with my blog during 2013 to mid 2015. It was so exciting, connecting with other bloggers, finding my numbers increasing and receiving attention from book publishers and authors. Looking back I think I got swept away with the highs of "success". I put pressure on myself to keep up with the new books, trends and what I thought content should look like to keep seeing increases in numbers rather than what I enjoyed myself. Gradually I began to stop reading books, visiting other book blogs and posting on my blog. I basically pretended like PrintedWords& didn't exist.<br />
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So why am I back now? If I'm being honest, it's because I now have the time. As soon as the pandemic happened and we ended up in lockdown, I had to find things to do with my time. So reading it was. The one past time that I grew up with quickly became my saving grace and I learnt to love it again. Sounds dramatic I know, but it's been such a blessing amongst the chaos of the world.<br />
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What blogging means to me now is something I'd never thought I'd ask myself 8 years onwards. It's definitely been a lengthy journey and I'm surprised by how much blogging on PrintedWords& has actually become a learning curve for me as well. What I want is to be genuine. If I can't be myself online then how do I stay true to myself in person? I want this blog to really showcase who I am, what I am passionate about and be a place where if people do come and visit, they can feel comfortable and find enjoyment in reading what I have to share.<br />
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So here's to 8 years of reading and writing reviews and hopefully many more to come! Thank you to every single reader that has come past PrintedWords& in the last 8 years. And those will see this in the future, welcome!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY</span></h3>
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Before you go! I want to celebrate by gifting 3 people a copy of my recent 5 star reads.<br />
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I've particularly loved <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30256109-american-street?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=UOtVtkPljJ&rank=1" target="_blank">American Street</a></i> by Ibi Zoboi, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46258515-parachutes?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Bq0q4ApZxR&rank=1" target="_blank">Parachutes</a></i> by Kelly Yang and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25870194-sister-heart" target="_blank"><i>Sister Heart</i> </a>by Sally Morgan. Three winners will be selected at random to win one out of these 3 books!<br />
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<i><b>American Street</b></i> is set in Detroit, US following a girl name Fabiola Toussaint who migrates from Haiti to the US to live with her Aunt and cousin.<br />
<i style="font-weight: bold;">Parachutes</i> explores the lives of two girls, Claire and Dani, from vastly different backgrounds as they navigate through high school life.<br />
<i style="font-weight: bold;">Sister Heart</i> is a fictional recount of a young Indigenous Australian girl who is taken from her family by the Government and sent to an institution to have Western values and education instilled in her.<br />
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Just some things to keep in mind:<br />
<ul>
<li>Must be over 18 to enter</li>
<li>Make sure Book Depository ships to your country.</li>
<li>Giveaway ends 10th August, 2020</li>
<li>You can enter in all 3 giveaways, however should you be randomly selected for more than 1 giveaway, you will get to choose which book you prefer and I will randomly select another person for the other giveaway. </li>
</ul>
The giveaway is international so get to entering!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thank You & Good Luck!</span></h3>
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PrintedWords&http://www.blogger.com/profile/13892083399228335228noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2322487749744907156.post-69153440972457407232020-07-09T15:59:00.003+10:002020-07-09T15:59:48.748+10:00The Waiting List: Five Exciting July Releases<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiBjzjxWgDt5rXpKvcWXQV0NjaepBc2U9XsoYjywojkJssinEBlSrvJgtH7CH-F6V2HpCyIQNo51MM70RIa298070CG6z66eA8c9Z1CZ4TApoy4_o8-H9G-sN9crG8J5E3v4QCWr5O7E/s1600/5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="560" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiBjzjxWgDt5rXpKvcWXQV0NjaepBc2U9XsoYjywojkJssinEBlSrvJgtH7CH-F6V2HpCyIQNo51MM70RIa298070CG6z66eA8c9Z1CZ4TApoy4_o8-H9G-sN9crG8J5E3v4QCWr5O7E/s1600/5.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.printedwordsand.com/p/the-waiting-list.html" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">The Waiting List</a><span style="text-align: center;"> is a feature hosted by PrintedWords&, to highlight some of the new, exciting releases for the upcoming month!</span></center>
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July has a number of book releases to look forward to but the following five titles sound incredible to me. Note that these release dates may vary depending on your country. I've noticed that Australia's releases have been later than U.S scheduled dates.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">July Waiting List</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxvZeu1HKz8BNHV7HcxU18N760r8EH7tEcs2_hxdcikrehLBgOtjViyflprriAiCeiFKGuhb33yr29tRxu7M4O3qiZwcYvgXRmaCogqPJD3FadkK2P8W7KjlP_nVLb_2YygzgtOpVIWU/s1600/cinderella+is+dead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxvZeu1HKz8BNHV7HcxU18N760r8EH7tEcs2_hxdcikrehLBgOtjViyflprriAiCeiFKGuhb33yr29tRxu7M4O3qiZwcYvgXRmaCogqPJD3FadkK2P8W7KjlP_nVLb_2YygzgtOpVIWU/s1600/cinderella+is+dead.jpg" width="131" /></a><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51079282-cinderella-is-dead" target="_blank">Cinderella is Dead</a></i> by Kaylnn Bayron</b><br />
<b>Genre:</b> YA Fantasty/Fairytale Retelling<br />
<b>Release Date: </b>July 7th, 2020<br />
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Set 200 years after the ball that Cinderella attends, it is now an annual tradition and girls will present themselves, waiting to be chosen by men who are looking for a wife. The girls who aren't selected are never heard from again. Sophia is determined not to follow through. At the ball she meets Cinderella's last descendant, Constance, and her step sisters. They come together to try and dismantle this tradition but along the way discover a secret that changes the story of Cinderella's happily ever after.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSQb1ywe3jacyOakUQ1cyuvJ2Cc1BH-rOJpgkj7son713bUxzelr3gkpv7INUZmxs48fyqa_FoQfbi2aeGmqkwlXS6D-miIJqcqxwbhRAZ6R_Ok0vLfrR3cBdOBJtju_8nZnQaUFIA6Q/s1600/girl%252C+serpent%252C+thorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSQb1ywe3jacyOakUQ1cyuvJ2Cc1BH-rOJpgkj7son713bUxzelr3gkpv7INUZmxs48fyqa_FoQfbi2aeGmqkwlXS6D-miIJqcqxwbhRAZ6R_Ok0vLfrR3cBdOBJtju_8nZnQaUFIA6Q/s1600/girl%252C+serpent%252C+thorn.jpg" width="131" /></a>If this doesn't pique your interest I don't know what will?!<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51182650-girl-serpent-thorn" target="_blank"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Girl, Serpent, Thorn</i> </a><b>by Melissa Bashardoust</b></div>
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<b>Genre:</b> YA Fantasy</div>
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<b>Release Date: </b>July 7th, 2020</div>
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Soraya is poisonous. She hides herself away in the castle to make sure everyone is safe. Then the day of her twin brother's wedding arrives and she must decide if she wants to continue hiding in the shadows or find answers herself. There's a demon in the dungeon who holds answers and a young man in the castle who doesn't fear her. Can Soraya really find out whether she's human or monster?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00OV3-DTGWIj8IBm7HhX3gH_wrUcHYjeeIudDSdMqND_9_isV96W7kI-VoQ5a4RvfNsxThWWcixIDpbrG5b-479naAeJVB6PUxwkNqns7QJTNSiA80r4qZlY9LR0w3STowa8FoSrhBdc/s1600/the+storyteller%2527s+daughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00OV3-DTGWIj8IBm7HhX3gH_wrUcHYjeeIudDSdMqND_9_isV96W7kI-VoQ5a4RvfNsxThWWcixIDpbrG5b-479naAeJVB6PUxwkNqns7QJTNSiA80r4qZlY9LR0w3STowa8FoSrhBdc/s1600/the+storyteller%2527s+daughter.jpg" width="133" /></a>
<b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50182335-the-storyteller-s-daughter" target="_blank">The Storytelling's Daughter</a></i></b><br />
<b>Genre:</b> YA Fairytale Retelling<br />
<b>Release Date: </b>July 14th, 2020<br />
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In the kingdom of Westfallen, everyone is born with a Gift. Except for Cosette. Her attempts to hide this misfortune causes her to be summoned to the King, demanding she use her Gift for a planned war. Desperate for a solution, she hears whispers of an old king who might be able to grant her freedom. But when she tries to enlist the help of Rumpelstiltskin, she finds him trapped in a dark curse and Cosette now has to find a way to save not just herself but Rumpelstiltskin as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYE7fChIj51jqmIZZiBxblmj8Mc10N-xbi45fkh2f9G9rPboyw21xQhSpbI2A8sFZLsDg82_oYR4OA8tObxtCHOtt9EfTfBIt_NyN8PWAyM26tJKBn-ZkhAP-rAyEq1DoSK1s5hbCVXrE/s1600/the+year+of+the+witching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1059" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYE7fChIj51jqmIZZiBxblmj8Mc10N-xbi45fkh2f9G9rPboyw21xQhSpbI2A8sFZLsDg82_oYR4OA8tObxtCHOtt9EfTfBIt_NyN8PWAyM26tJKBn-ZkhAP-rAyEq1DoSK1s5hbCVXrE/s1600/the+year+of+the+witching.jpg" width="131" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49789629-the-year-of-the-witching" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">The Year of The Witching</a><b> by Alexis Henderson</b></div>
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<b>Genre: </b>Fantasy, Paranormal</div>
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<b>Release Date: </b>July 21st, 2020</div>
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Immanuelle Moore lives in Bethel, a land that dedicates their life to the Father, and the word's of the Prophet. Her family has been shamed after finding out her mother has had a relationship with a stranger outside of the land. One day Immanuelle finds herself lured into the Darkwood where four powerful witches were killed by the first prophet. Their spirits hand over a gift to Immanuelle, her mother's old diary. And in this diary she finds secrets and truths that spark a new journey and life for Imannuelle.<br />
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I came by someone's explanation of this as Salem (<i>The Crucible</i>) meets<i> The Handmaid's Tale </i>and yes, I'm here for it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomBO2cxeqoXBzSphgkCWCeGHjap32kTTCkpBkh6sCgb5YfKSczOrrf2Fx2-8BtxkJJyqzGwvOCSA460b_io3JZhQOSquOrCfDEjywfip8I9rLw2di93oj6WIobEB-b66gEn3oJjb-5D4/s1600/this+is+my+america.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomBO2cxeqoXBzSphgkCWCeGHjap32kTTCkpBkh6sCgb5YfKSczOrrf2Fx2-8BtxkJJyqzGwvOCSA460b_io3JZhQOSquOrCfDEjywfip8I9rLw2di93oj6WIobEB-b66gEn3oJjb-5D4/s1600/this+is+my+america.jpg" width="132" /></a>
<i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52855111-this-is-my-america" target="_blank">This is My America</a> </i><b>by Kim Johnson</b><br />
<b>Genre:</b> YA Contemporary<br />
<b>Release Date: </b>July 28th, 2020<br />
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Tracy Beaumont's father has been on death row for 7 years. She's been desperately trying to help him because she knows he's innocent, except time is running out. Then her brother, Jamal, is arrested for the murder of a white girl. Tracy starts investigating Jamal's relationship with Angela. It's up to her to save her family whilst uncovering the racism that has been deep rooted in her town.<br />
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This is a must read.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">What Release Are You Excited For This Month?</span></h3>
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PrintedWords&http://www.blogger.com/profile/13892083399228335228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2322487749744907156.post-85258250968193870802020-07-07T20:14:00.000+10:002020-09-16T15:01:34.086+10:00Parachutes Is The Book You Need To Read Now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYWgJv32D0HIm6H11UidIqSBrQfQe3FpiBBnGGzV2C19hMfs-wezSLl1gnGUmC-obhvvMwWj44U2IiYZXmSPe1I-jEhg6NMYIm_GCm9fo2jwFnR8Y2aNy9IUgwQR9YV_g1t8Ch5n2kOE/s1600/parachutes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1511" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYWgJv32D0HIm6H11UidIqSBrQfQe3FpiBBnGGzV2C19hMfs-wezSLl1gnGUmC-obhvvMwWj44U2IiYZXmSPe1I-jEhg6NMYIm_GCm9fo2jwFnR8Y2aNy9IUgwQR9YV_g1t8Ch5n2kOE/s320/parachutes.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<b>Title: </b><i>Parachutes</i><br />
<b>Author:</b> Kelly Yang<br />
<b>Publication Date: </b>May 26th, 2020<br />
<b>Genre:</b> Young Adult Contemporary<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46258515-parachutes" target="_blank">Add to Goodreads</a><br />
<blockquote>
They’re called parachutes: teenagers dropped off to live in private homes and study in the US while their wealthy parents remain in Asia. Claire Wang never thought she’d be one of them, until her parents pluck her from her privileged life in Shanghai and enroll her at a high school in California. Suddenly she finds herself living in a stranger’s house, with no one to tell her what to do for the first time in her life. She soon embraces her newfound freedom, especially when the hottest and most eligible parachute, Jay, asks her out.
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Dani De La Cruz, Claire’s new host sister, couldn’t be less thrilled that her mom rented out a room to Claire. An academic and debate-team star, Dani is determined to earn her way into Yale, even if it means competing with privileged kids who are buying their way to the top. When her debate coach starts working with her privately, Dani’s game plan veers unexpectedly off course.
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Desperately trying to avoid each other under the same roof, Dani and Claire find themselves on a collision course, intertwining in deeper and more complicated ways, as they grapple with life-altering experiences. Award-winning author Kelly Yang weaves together an unforgettable modern immigrant story about love, trauma, family, corruption, and the power of speaking out.</blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Review</span></h3>
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TW: sexual harassment, sexual assault, racism</div>
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PrintedWords&http://www.blogger.com/profile/13892083399228335228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2322487749744907156.post-29768773374919458802020-07-05T18:40:00.000+10:002020-09-16T15:01:33.978+10:00Why I Almost Didn't Finish The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRF1dvE1UJ4IwjHMV2Pk0q7PiVOlUPH2-CuzY1ulLHpimwxp62CoATZI65azzu37b2-c3F7IX7TOvPDlP-WmrY-yN-O3KECFCBJIGXAYanB1ED3CDK0BJlm-1gkydXv2D051pFOEYbc3k/s1600/51901147._SX318_SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRF1dvE1UJ4IwjHMV2Pk0q7PiVOlUPH2-CuzY1ulLHpimwxp62CoATZI65azzu37b2-c3F7IX7TOvPDlP-WmrY-yN-O3KECFCBJIGXAYanB1ED3CDK0BJlm-1gkydXv2D051pFOEYbc3k/s320/51901147._SX318_SY475_.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<b>Title: </b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51901147-the-ballad-of-songbirds-and-snakes?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=NYViziUCj9&rank=1" target="_blank">The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes </a></i><br />
<b>Series:</b> The Hunger Games #0<br />
<b>Author: </b>Suzanne Collins<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> May 19th, 2020<br />
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<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capital, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to outcharm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute.<br /><br />
The odds are against him. He's been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined -- every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute... and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Review</span></h3>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rating</span></h3>
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PrintedWords&http://www.blogger.com/profile/13892083399228335228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2322487749744907156.post-56414008248210928962020-07-01T19:10:00.003+10:002020-07-01T19:10:43.673+10:00Monthly Wrap Up | I Completed My Reading Challenge in June!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UG7ko86sLzJS7Apag04NDDsKJ3rkeeBzBwxj6muz9Jm_dgwRH4uJtfvCUsnlA799x2N1RMqrEHhJ0IAXGZSqDiSonp-AAa0q65jgnmS4SN3ajZCltlXSksGbwsEM5j3gvMv5ZpP-ypo/s1600/4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="560" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UG7ko86sLzJS7Apag04NDDsKJ3rkeeBzBwxj6muz9Jm_dgwRH4uJtfvCUsnlA799x2N1RMqrEHhJ0IAXGZSqDiSonp-AAa0q65jgnmS4SN3ajZCltlXSksGbwsEM5j3gvMv5ZpP-ypo/s1600/4.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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June's come and gone and we're now into the later half of 2020, which sounds both entirely crazy but also not? I don't hold expectations for the rest of the year, in that I don't expect 2020 to turn out a certain way. Rather, I want to instead, be able to finish this year and say hey, amongst all the chaos in this world, I still set sight and worked towards the goals that I want to achieve. This leads me into announcing that I completed my 2020 reading challenge. YAY! I set a goal of 12 books to read, which isn't a lot, but in the last 6 years I've barely been able to complete a reading challenge so this makes me super happy and proud of myself. Anyways without further ado, this was my June! </div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">On The Blog</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.printedwordsand.com/2020/06/how-we-can-help-blm-movement.html" target="_blank"><b>How We Can Help the Black Lives Matter Movement</b></a></div>
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Black Lives Matter. I stand by the Black community and the anti-racism fight. Systemic racism and injustice needs to be eradicated, and has to be done through collective effort. This point is a compilation of resources, donation sites, petitions, educational sources that I have come across over the past few days. A lot of these have been put together by Black people, which I am highly grateful for because the onus is really on us to seek further information and educate ourselves.<br />
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<b>I Discuss:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.printedwordsand.com/2020/06/lets-talk-how-life-experiences-have-re.html" target="_blank">How Life Experiences Have Re-Shaped My Reading Journey</a></div>
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<b>"Top Ten Tuesday"</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.printedwordsand.com/2020/06/top-ten-tuesday-books-ive-added-to-my.html" target="_blank">Books I've Added To My TBR & Forgotten Why</a><br />
<a href="https://www.printedwordsand.com/2020/06/top-ten-books-i-want-to-read-during.html" target="_blank">Books I Want To Read During Winter</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Reading Wrap Up</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Reviews</span></h3>
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<i><b>Tales from a Tall Forest</b></i> by Shaun Micaleff<br />
<i><b>Catch a Falling Star</b></i> by Meg McKinley</div>
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-double review <a href="https://www.printedwordsand.com/2020/06/double-review-tales-from-tall-forest.html" target="_blank">here</a>-<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Monthly Book Haul</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">How Was June For You?</span></h3>
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PrintedWords&http://www.blogger.com/profile/13892083399228335228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2322487749744907156.post-32380586839331887012020-06-21T18:12:00.000+10:002020-06-21T18:12:43.987+10:00Double Review: Tales from a Tall Forest & Catch a Falling Star<center style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKX1m7ZUpHzAz3tBlpwTCQX9xeo87AxpdnkI67qa15g0AHa6wikiLBFcvZm7WdUcs8luIBs_9GZ1sg92wTneYm95V1WY0O80tOJOaHOi1rXdaVNqNbuzrl-CbNv7J0hFRdiCmUFSiGZE/s1600/tales+from+a+tall+forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKX1m7ZUpHzAz3tBlpwTCQX9xeo87AxpdnkI67qa15g0AHa6wikiLBFcvZm7WdUcs8luIBs_9GZ1sg92wTneYm95V1WY0O80tOJOaHOi1rXdaVNqNbuzrl-CbNv7J0hFRdiCmUFSiGZE/s200/tales+from+a+tall+forest.jpg" width="153" /></a><b><div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Title:</b> <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36196513-tales-from-a-tall-forest" target="_blank">Tales from a Tall Forest</a></i></div>
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<b>Author: </b>Shaun Micaleff</center>
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<b>Publication Date: </b>October 16th 2017</center>
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When an innocent princess wanders into the forest, she finds herself trapped between a wolf with a ravenous appetite and a sweet little house with a secret. Meanwhile, a desperate fisherman enters into a very bad bargain with a power-hungry monkey. And meanerwhile still, a tiny tricksy tailor promises a promise that not even the most magic of beanstalks can help him escape.</blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVxUTAu-aQIm1hAxcWsvOIQtyOTm7mmW-E2M9AgoE-Gr-Qy-erslvXMgeyQeIkIQ5T-TaHexLXClO2VIrM7z9VMqd8hb0G7z_Rp9q4pSOHR8dqM1P-bedhD8DRj7UfHZbTd8A3LcI6Mg/s1600/catch+a+falling+star.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="181" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVxUTAu-aQIm1hAxcWsvOIQtyOTm7mmW-E2M9AgoE-Gr-Qy-erslvXMgeyQeIkIQ5T-TaHexLXClO2VIrM7z9VMqd8hb0G7z_Rp9q4pSOHR8dqM1P-bedhD8DRj7UfHZbTd8A3LcI6Mg/s200/catch+a+falling+star.jpg" width="130" /></a><b><div style="text-align: right;">
<b>Title:</b> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42182477-catch-a-falling-star" target="_blank"><i>Catch a Falling Star</i></a></div>
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<b>Author:</b> Meg McKinley </center>
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<b>Publication Date: </b>March 1st 2019 </center>
<blockquote>
It's 1979 and the sky is falling. Skylab, that is. Somewhere high above Frankie Avery, one of the world's first space stations is tumbling to Earth. And rushing back with it are old memories. Things 12 year old Frankie thought she had forgotten. Things her mum won't talk about, and which her little brother Newt never knew. Only ... did he? Because as Skylab circles closer, Newt starts acting strangely. And while the world watches the sky, Frankie keeps her own eyes on Newt. Because if anyone's going to keep him safe, it's her. But maybe this is something bigger than splinters and spiders and sleepwalking. Maybe a space station isn't the only thing heading for calamity.</blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Review</span></h3>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">My latest reads, </span><i style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Tales from a Tall Forest </i><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">and </span><i style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Catch a Falling Star,</i><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"> are both from Australian authors. I thoroughly enjoyed both, with </span><i style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Catch a Falling Star</i><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"> surprising me most.</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-center;" /><br style="text-align: -webkit-center;" /><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Check it out what I thought of both in my double review below.</span><br />
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PrintedWords&http://www.blogger.com/profile/13892083399228335228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2322487749744907156.post-32900360246520125762020-06-16T21:32:00.000+10:002020-06-16T22:17:31.740+10:00Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Want To Read During Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxv6jeZ_h42B4T7RqgJDock6WbX7C4gTA0hfoEIvqq6WjHFvC8JdhV-A5zZdt7voX2RxnHP2zflff0b7KzQDpKC76pc1hfiG5oEg25Jee7AU7RZHHwAHggFaI4Jm8itjhJNzrRarntn4I/s1600/6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="560" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxv6jeZ_h42B4T7RqgJDock6WbX7C4gTA0hfoEIvqq6WjHFvC8JdhV-A5zZdt7voX2RxnHP2zflff0b7KzQDpKC76pc1hfiG5oEg25Jee7AU7RZHHwAHggFaI4Jm8itjhJNzrRarntn4I/s1600/6.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Top Ten Tuesday</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> was created by </span><a href="http://www.brokeandbookish.com/" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">The Broke and The Bookish</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> in June of 2010 and was moved to </span><a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">That Artsy Reader Girl</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> in January 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.</span>
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I may have cheated with this list, considering it's only asking for 10 but I've included series, in particular fantasy series as "one" read. I tend to associate winter with longer and denser reads though, which would explain my wanting to read more fantasy, as well as any book that I know weighs a ton. Something about the idea of getting into bed with a cup of warm tea and a nice, chunky book paints the perfect winter night image for me!<br />
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<u>Top Ten Books On My Winter TBR</u><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigkQ6MKlOoqB5PaBga8El65m3Y_lIqP7rK2bOfQ-mo1ZMiP1DFTBV8N_pRdK7Hb6cbmNmURgfgfu8rFsWADmS3UXrgz69BIRGmtjjpvlgdX2MRqkCeadp_VlBZdZc0roSSJ05i6tLgfM/s1600/death%2527s+mistress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigkQ6MKlOoqB5PaBga8El65m3Y_lIqP7rK2bOfQ-mo1ZMiP1DFTBV8N_pRdK7Hb6cbmNmURgfgfu8rFsWADmS3UXrgz69BIRGmtjjpvlgdX2MRqkCeadp_VlBZdZc0roSSJ05i6tLgfM/s1600/death%2527s+mistress.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZmYVDufGh-txmTnZpiNuTyWc7M_Oes9N3TJvf3Bq0A2d2WIjTijOCNijKdrwO3XkPdOEFv3oWXmf1WvZ4GY_5WtJPLmU3Z0A7kxRXbxNkdqpQJ0_80t7ZbXlWYuIt77pXLG4n3BT3-s/s1600/rebel+of+the+sands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZmYVDufGh-txmTnZpiNuTyWc7M_Oes9N3TJvf3Bq0A2d2WIjTijOCNijKdrwO3XkPdOEFv3oWXmf1WvZ4GY_5WtJPLmU3Z0A7kxRXbxNkdqpQJ0_80t7ZbXlWYuIt77pXLG4n3BT3-s/s1600/rebel+of+the+sands.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSR4QspbuhnW1hJL2ugrGoNGl5iFNKe8ShEA1JxjDPu3Q117E2yjUX5-8hqUW1AoMFwz24wL3wvwOqsjqO97jx2gtuqn05BSO3uDva3UZpg8KiVJdoKHCo2naiJSWvroz0R8DI23GU8c/s1600/the+lie+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSR4QspbuhnW1hJL2ugrGoNGl5iFNKe8ShEA1JxjDPu3Q117E2yjUX5-8hqUW1AoMFwz24wL3wvwOqsjqO97jx2gtuqn05BSO3uDva3UZpg8KiVJdoKHCo2naiJSWvroz0R8DI23GU8c/s1600/the+lie+tree.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
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<b>1. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/178768-sister-of-darkness-the-nicci-chronicles" target="_blank">The Nicci Chronicles</a> Books 1-3: </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29939366-death-s-mistress?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=0M8LXJ8Kae&rank=3" target="_blank">Death's Mistress</a>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34626503-shroud-of-eternity" target="_blank">Shroud of Eternity</a> </i><b>and </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37534888-siege-of-stone" target="_blank">Siege of Stone</a></i> by Terry Goodkind<br />
Okay, so technically this is 3 books but they belong to one series that I'm trying to get into. <i>The Nicci Chronicles</i> is a, somewhat, continuation of Goodkind's well known fantasty <i>Sword of Truth</i> series. It follows the character Nicci on her adventures after the end of the previous series. I read up and was told that apparently I can read this series without reading the other so hopefully that is the case!<br />
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<b>2. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24934065-rebel-of-the-sands?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=waFHHfHGys&rank=1" target="_blank">Rebel of the Sands</a> </i><span style="font-weight: bold;">Trilogy </span>by Alwyn Hamilton<br />
I happened to buy the entire series for a super low price so now I have all three and am ready to follow Amani as she attempts to cross the desert to escape her town, Dreamwalk. She's on a quest to escape her pre-destined fate and I'm hoping that I'm swept up on an exciting adventure as Amani finds freedom.<br />
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<b>3. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23592175-the-lie-tree?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=KMz6HY3Aki&rank=1" target="_blank">The Lie Tree</a></i> by Frances Hardinge<br />
Funny how this has made an appearance on my list when I only bought it <i>yesterday</i>. Yeah, oops. I picked up it purely because I really enjoyed Hardinge's writing and story development in <i>A Face Like Glass. </i>This follows Faith as she tries to unravel the mystery behind her father's death, and it involves a talking tree as well. Apparently.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRN76cyfA4yLv8CjzwEbf0VB1AoLxpPn_iUdf4wcJ3MSCwDsqNorBgSdxOOxI0siznr5oMQaezQT3DREQ4SH9sxah4w1s91Z0NgK7wZyx-WZdzI8wETJzTrSAHfDCi11RRMwqXJ2AcSM/s1600/a+brief+history+of+seven+killings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRN76cyfA4yLv8CjzwEbf0VB1AoLxpPn_iUdf4wcJ3MSCwDsqNorBgSdxOOxI0siznr5oMQaezQT3DREQ4SH9sxah4w1s91Z0NgK7wZyx-WZdzI8wETJzTrSAHfDCi11RRMwqXJ2AcSM/s1600/a+brief+history+of+seven+killings.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctxV2gNe17_lD3_RkOoxuO6p10KeH-rFZMDOblCx_YczxA2Ci5zYSbjQ9lPiWMGGh8peVfgWspthPMeHPrqAFRHnFrAvfTrAmK3bXcIhlYvGvvrqGQOm_0nZ2sZ37hh_A9WMm4g_bpgQ/s1600/east+west+street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="304" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctxV2gNe17_lD3_RkOoxuO6p10KeH-rFZMDOblCx_YczxA2Ci5zYSbjQ9lPiWMGGh8peVfgWspthPMeHPrqAFRHnFrAvfTrAmK3bXcIhlYvGvvrqGQOm_0nZ2sZ37hh_A9WMm4g_bpgQ/s1600/east+west+street.jpg" width="135" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQOGWMRk-meurw1pJzgsqPys6i-atd0noWq-Cra82AXSq24V5bzLi4G1ItwftVlz0PhxTZTtZ3TQFW1aspozhcSBAVGZyG_ydKl91hlRHRj_abDx7k1ibmQYA0ggzpeU-blCiKKDznv4/s1600/the+hate+u+give.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQOGWMRk-meurw1pJzgsqPys6i-atd0noWq-Cra82AXSq24V5bzLi4G1ItwftVlz0PhxTZTtZ3TQFW1aspozhcSBAVGZyG_ydKl91hlRHRj_abDx7k1ibmQYA0ggzpeU-blCiKKDznv4/s1600/the+hate+u+give.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
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<b>4. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27068666-east-west-street?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=OR4O3gjvRB&rank=1" target="_blank">East West Street: On the Origins of "Genocide" and "Crimes Against Humanity"</a> </i>by Philippe Sands<br />
I added this to my 2020 reading list, which is basically made up of 13 books I want to complete by the end of the year (you can find the full list here). <i>East West Street </i>is a non-fiction read set during WWII and something I have been wanting to read for years now but keep putting it off. It's now or never.<br />
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<b>5. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20893314-a-brief-history-of-seven-killings?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=IJMbymvSvX&rank=4" target="_blank">A Brief History of Seven Killings</a></i> by Marlon James<br />
The premise of this revolves around the attempted assassination of Bob Marley during the 1970s, something that I was made aware of whilst watching a Netflix documentary. Marlon James presents a fictional recount of the complexities of the political landscape and overall difficult times across a number of years.<br />
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<b>6. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32075671-the-hate-u-give?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=YIMMqtpj4h&rank=1" target="_blank">The Hate U Give</a> </i>by Angie Thomas<br />
I also added <i>The Hate U Give</i> to my 2020 reading list at the start of this year, and am determined to now read it even more.<br />
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<b>7. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30117284-carve-the-mark?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=km7xThzg8e&rank=1" target="_blank">Carve the Mark (Carve the Mark #1)</a> </i>by Veronica Roth<br />
Also, the second book, if possible - <i>The Fates Divide</i>. I've had <i>Carve the Mark </i>on my shelf for way too long to justify keeping it if I don't give it a go. The pressures on.<br />
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<b>8. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8694389-deathless?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=HtqzyouA3L&rank=1" target="_blank">Deathless</a> </i>by Catherynne M. Valente<br />
A re-read but I feel like it's time, not only because it's winter and <i>Deathless </i>is set in St. Petersburg during it's blistering cold, but also because it's been so, so long since I last read it that I'm sure I would appreciate it more now than before.<br />
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<b>9. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62291.A_Storm_of_Swords?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=sUJK1ZTjs9&rank=1" target="_blank">A Storm of Swords</a> </i><b style="font-style: italic;">(A Song of Ice & Fire #3) </b>by George R.R Martin<br />
Is this the year I continue on with this series? Also, now that I think about it, it's actually been so long since I last read the 2nd book that now I'm not sure if I can even continue to read-on? What to do?!<br />
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<b>10. </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/45363-the-twilight-saga" target="_blank">Twilight</a> </i><b>Series</b> by Stephanie Meyer<br />
Ok, look I'm sorry. It's ridiculous but I know I want to read <i>Midnight Sun</i> when it's released so to prepare myself, I have to re-read <i>Twilight</i>. The last time I read this series would have to be maybe 6 years ago so this is definitely going to be something else.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">What Do You Want To Read This Season?</span></h3>
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Today's post has been something I've been thinking about for awhile now. I feel like in the last 12 months, I've come to realise how big of an impact life lessons, views and values we develop overtime and personal encounters are in our reading journey. I believe that for everyone who enjoys reading, it isn't ever really just a hobby or an activity to past time, but rather an act of building connections/relationships with books and finding out what your reading style and choices are as well as the overall experience that you're after.<br />
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I discuss, at length (oops) how I've noticed my reading has changed, whether for the best or the worst, and where I sit with my reading journey right now.<br />
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What Has Your Reading Journey Been Like?</span></h3>
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PrintedWords&http://www.blogger.com/profile/13892083399228335228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2322487749744907156.post-18388897945757023232020-06-09T21:02:00.002+10:002020-06-09T21:02:25.648+10:00Top Ten Tuesday: Books I've Added To My TBR & Forgotten Why<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Top Ten Tuesday</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> was created by </span><a href="http://www.brokeandbookish.com/" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">The Broke and The Bookish</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> in June of 2010 and was moved to </span><a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">That Artsy Reader Girl</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> in January 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Top Ten Books I've Added to my TBR and Completely Forgotten About</u></b></span></div>
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I swear this scenario applies to every single book I've added to my TBR list, or in my case, my "interest" shelf on Goodreads. I actually reserve my "To Be Read" shelf on Goodreads to keep track of the books on my shelf (IRL) that I haven't read, and the "interest" shelf for books I want to buy or read eventually. Here are 10 (out of 242 lol) that I don't quite remember why it piqued my interest:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RNkeSEk8ydNJhamECUbVrYnMRcapR187Nd-ulawUWO977VTdZD4DSUFxycTNaZSgmN_mwXZxy5G-zNXV0PqD8wGcRzPiCMxZkN0wxy5dOR3EkOch-2xcTE5hSgaICRc-5klFR3VEfq0/s1600/what+we+saw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RNkeSEk8ydNJhamECUbVrYnMRcapR187Nd-ulawUWO977VTdZD4DSUFxycTNaZSgmN_mwXZxy5G-zNXV0PqD8wGcRzPiCMxZkN0wxy5dOR3EkOch-2xcTE5hSgaICRc-5klFR3VEfq0/s320/what+we+saw.jpg" width="211" /></a>
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<b><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20922826-what-we-saw" target="_blank">What We Saw</a> </i></b>by Aaron Hartzler</b></div>
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YA Contemporary - Released: 2015</div>
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<i>What We Saw</i> is based on a real life story, which might be why I decided I wanted to read it. It depicts a story of a girl named Kate who left a party thinking she knew exactly every detail of the night, only to realise that there were so many facts she had forgotten or maybe facts others want to bury.</div>
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<b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16527.Daughter_of_Fortune" target="_blank">Daughter of Fortune</a> </i></b>by Isabel Allende</div>
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Historical Fiction - Released: 2006</div>
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One, this is a translated novel and two, it is a romance historical fiction. I've read translated novels before so qualms there but historical fiction NOT set during the Tudor times is a step outside of my comfort zone for sure so I'm not quite sure what past me was thinking. In saying, the story is about an orphan girl who falls in loves and follows the boy of her dreams towards the goal of finding gold. Surely everything goes right for them, right?</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13330771-hallucinations" target="_blank"><b><i>Hallucinations</i></b></a> by Oliver Sacks</div>
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Non-fiction - Released: 2012</div>
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I added this to my TBR in 2016 apparently, which was definitely not when I was into non-fiction so I have no clue where I even stumbled upon this from. I did some psychology study in 2015 so maybe that influenced my wanting to read about the human brain and hallucinations. Do I want to read it now? Look, probably not.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpBKWw3wfq9pI11rDlcGyrOpw5tAjbIrqxvWCMgey5Ls74__OvBWipXkzp_zW8PRQ4v58VGhHLejzmjShE52jbW7DNnQQtk4fd4zhrPX5gtXSb1tfegv-xOz4T50xhk2v-K6QGh1BhqE/s1600/Shallow+Graves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpBKWw3wfq9pI11rDlcGyrOpw5tAjbIrqxvWCMgey5Ls74__OvBWipXkzp_zW8PRQ4v58VGhHLejzmjShE52jbW7DNnQQtk4fd4zhrPX5gtXSb1tfegv-xOz4T50xhk2v-K6QGh1BhqE/s320/Shallow+Graves.jpg" width="209" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22663629-shallow-graves" target="_blank"><b><i>Shallow Graves</i></b></a> by Kali Wallace</div>
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YA Mystery - Released: 2016</div>
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As much as I couldn't recall ever coming across <i>Shallow Graves</i> I will say I'm not surprised I was intrigued by this. It tell the story of a girl named Breezy who wakes up a year after leaving a party, unsure why she's at her grave and why there is a dead person already lying in it. Honestly, thank you to this topic because 100% I will be reading this.</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6759.Infinite_Jest" target="_blank"><b><i>Infinite Jest</i></b></a> by David Wallace Foster</div>
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Adult Fiction - Released: 2005</div>
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The blurb is better at explaining the novel:</div>
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Set in an addicts' halfway house and a tennis academy, and featuring the most endearingly screwed-up family to come along in recent fiction, Infinite Jest explores essential questions about what entertainment is and why it has come to so dominate our lives; about how our desire for entertainment affects our need to connect with other people; and about what the pleasures we choose say about who we are.
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Right now I'm just asking myself how I came by this ...?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sxelDuixehp41qWwfn1HEOQ2E932IDMHxCqCQSUvRfPGINu7Fimn5rRBA5DqM-0tf5G6ygChiuXm0SWSIkmc0dOl_c43YOkP0amLV3k1jTku4aF5A6qOxWzrH2wspIXgXzexiOpdlBw/s1600/love+interest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sxelDuixehp41qWwfn1HEOQ2E932IDMHxCqCQSUvRfPGINu7Fimn5rRBA5DqM-0tf5G6ygChiuXm0SWSIkmc0dOl_c43YOkP0amLV3k1jTku4aF5A6qOxWzrH2wspIXgXzexiOpdlBw/s320/love+interest.jpg" width="209" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31145148-the-love-interest" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31145148-the-love-interest" target="_blank"><b><i>The Love Interest</i></b></a> by Cale Dietrich</div>
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YA Contemporary/LGBT - Released: 2017</div>
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I cannot believe past Tracey would be into a book called <i>The Love Interest</i>, but then I read the synopsis and was like ah, okay, I see. The title doesn't really give away what the story is truly about, two secret spies who are labelled "Nice" and "Bad". Their mission is to get close to a girl in the real life, but they're competing against each other. The catch? Whoever the girl doesn't choose will die. Cool, cool, cool, cool.</div>
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<b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32806592-muriel-avenue-sluts" target="_blank">Muriel Avenue Sluts</a> </i></b>by Maggie Hasbrouck</div>
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New Adult - Released: 2016</div>
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I am also at a shock that this was added to my list but also not really. In fact, I really kind of want to read this now. The premise involves Julia Turnbow who is about to follow her mum's footsteps to become a sex worker for the exclusive world of the Philadelphia's Muriel Avenue Sluts. Amongst it all she has to deal with issues of abuse, betrayal and a whole lot of other issues she never thought she would face.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCmKeqeEuaOKK_m6RIBtTHrzZOCwJ3Gk4k_ms3gaNbXw9EXPnGUE5IvvSL1w7sYW7X77fxfwxHN7mhsZ9kTRTczbcbKsrHQhdfD2qYB2nazTGsSlDW4zihZm-8NQ7mML-UdzJi77nSYs/s1600/the+waiter+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCmKeqeEuaOKK_m6RIBtTHrzZOCwJ3Gk4k_ms3gaNbXw9EXPnGUE5IvvSL1w7sYW7X77fxfwxHN7mhsZ9kTRTczbcbKsrHQhdfD2qYB2nazTGsSlDW4zihZm-8NQ7mML-UdzJi77nSYs/s1600/the+waiter+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCmKeqeEuaOKK_m6RIBtTHrzZOCwJ3Gk4k_ms3gaNbXw9EXPnGUE5IvvSL1w7sYW7X77fxfwxHN7mhsZ9kTRTczbcbKsrHQhdfD2qYB2nazTGsSlDW4zihZm-8NQ7mML-UdzJi77nSYs/s320/the+waiter+.jpg" width="198" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34499221-to-kill-a-kingdom" target="_blank"><b><i>To Kill a Kingdom</i></b></a> by Alexandra Christo</div>
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Fairytale Retelling (<i>The Little Mermaid</i>) - Released: 2018</div>
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I'm a total sucker for fairytale retellings so no surprises here. More surprised I never got around to reading this, but it takes <i>The Little Mermaid</i> and makes "Ariel" or in this case Princess Lira into a character who didn't necessarily want to be human and how she learns to find the middle ground between family ties and what the heart wants.</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29456569-lifel1k3" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29456569-lifel1k3" target="_blank"><b><i>LIKEL1K3</i></b></a> by Jay Kristoff</div>
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YA Sci-Fi - Released: 2018</div>
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I haven't ready any Jay Kristoff books so I definitely think this was added on a whim according to the usual hype around rather famous YA authors. I'm not sure I'll be reading this but we'll see.</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38095087-the-waiter" target="_blank"><i><b>The Waiter</b></i></a> by Matias Faldbakken</div>
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Historical Fiction - Released: 2018</div>
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Another historical fiction, translated novel. I guess even though I hadn't read anything of the sort, I really wanted to back then? This sounds super intriguing though, detailing a waiter's experience as he caters towards The Hill's, a famous restaurant in Oslo, wealthy diners. His day turns into disarray as a young lady arrives to meet someone she knows at table ten.</div>
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Overall, I would have to say I don't really remember ever coming across any of these titles or even what they were about until this post. If anything it means I can weed out what I really would like to read now and what I'm no longer interested in.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">What Books Have You Forgotten About Adding To Your TBR?</span></h3>
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