It’s TAG TIME for those of us who like the aesthetic pleasantness of the number three!
Or for those of us who struggle to count much higher than 3??? Look, all I’m saying is that I’m on this earth to read books and write them and sip my readers’ tears out of fancy teacups. I am not here to count very high.
Anyhow, I am making you suffer blessing your lives with a tag today! I stole this off instagram and then, predictably, added a few of my own questions in because I’m a rebel and incorrigible.
(And also I’m in the midst of WRITING A DRAFT, THE FRESH MONSTROUS HELL IS THIS. Hence I’m behind on comments! Behind on reading! Have no review for today! Am starting to smell colours! Everything is fine!)
3 FAVOURITE AUTHORS
Welcome to question ONE, where a small Paper Fury is already sweating and having an absolute bucket load of regrets. (SERIOUSLY WHOSE IDEA WAS THIS TAG????) I have so so many favourite authors…sobbing…but we’ll go with:
- Maggie Stiefvater: INDISPUTABLY. I love every single thing she writes and somehow those stories mean the most to me and stay with me.
- VE Schwab: Who is like writing-style goals !! and life goals !! and sometimes I just want to dissolve into A Darker Shade of Magic and never never come out.
- Cassandra Clare: I just love the Shadowhunter world so badly. It hits me hardest when she incorporates diversity (particularly disability! because most books/series seem to forget that’s part of the diversity umbrella?!) so beautifully and has a bunch of tragic kids just dOING THEIR BEST and probably breaking the world. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ We all have those days.
Honourable Mention Because I Am The Worst
Sally Green, Laini Taylor, Patrick Ness, Adam Silvera, Holly Black, Jay Kristoff, Neal Shusterman, John Green, K Ancrum, Jenny Han, Becky Albertalli, Anna Marie McLemore, Stephanie Garber, Leigh Barudgo
3 WEIRDEST THINGS USED AS A BOOKMARK
Ok but literally (1) MY DOG…he was not impressed and moved directly after, making him the worst bookmark ever. (2) A spoon, but I did lick it clean, but yet. (3) My sister’s hair. She does have an awfully long braid and we were kids and it seemed logical at the time.
Use actual bookmarks??? HAHAHA YOU MUST BE JOKING.
3 SERIES BINGED
- The Foxhole Court trilogy…honestly I so rarely binge and then I started reading the first book (it was free on Amazon) on a long traumatic roadtrip (roadtrips are traumatic because I am away from my darkness, my books, my WiFi). I actually could not stop reading!? I was buying and downloading the sequels as soon as the car stopped. I read them ALL IN A WEEK. Which is so freaking unheard of.
- Percy Jackson series: this was a few years ago but I read them all super fast. I have no idea which series what happened in. It is a Percy shaped blur.
- Chaos Walking trilogy: ok FUN STORY (and by “fun” I mean “crying”), I read The Knife of Never Letting Go about 3 years ago. It ruined me so bad that I promplty gave it 5-stars and banished it. I TOOK 3 YEARS TO RECOVER. Then the 10th Anniversary editions came out and I was sent some for review so like…I need to read??? Speedily??? I actually ended up audiobooking (shh it’s a word) them and LOVE LOVE LOVE. Still am damaged! But it was great actually reading a trilogy back-to-back, no years of waiting, my heart screaming out of my chest! 10/10!
3 CHARACTERS YOU LOVE
- August Flynn from This Savage Song: he is the softest monster™ and I also really connected to him in this page where he described, basically, a sensory meltdown. (Sensory issues are huge for me.) It was SO REALISTIC and spot on and I know it was a paranormal monster thing — but isn’t that when stories mean the most?! When they give you something relatable but also, there’s magic.
- Ronan Lynch from The Raven Cycle: LOOK I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHY. He’s nasty but soft, and he’s abrasive but kind. The entire existence of Ronan is a complicated mess and I just love him.
- Lada from And I Darken: at three years old she had a knife and was threatening to bite a continent and if that’s not the most relatable thing ever, what is?? I love Lada. I’m terrified of her. I’m also just in full appreciation of how unbelievably wild she is. Antiheroine of the century. BE YOU, LADA.
3 UNPOPULAR BOOKISH OPINIONS
- I don’t like Sarah J Maas books and every time someone recommends one to me, I LOSE YEARS OFF MY LIFE. However I don’t go about proclaiming my dislike! I am content to be chill about it — just doooon’t recommend I “just try them again”. Please. Save yourself and me.
- I DON’T UNDERSTAND BOOKISH CANDLES. I also can’t stand scents (I prefer cents) but I just??? Why are we putting fire near books??? Did you not see what happened to the Library of Alexandria.
- I think people need to learn how to use trigger warnings. They’re vital for many people’s safety! But they are NOT synonymous with “this book is bad”. A book that deals with suicide or abuse or death doesn’t make the book bad…it’s just bad for people who will go into a very dark place because of it. Use trigger warnings properly!
3 POPULAR BOOKISH OPINIONS
I feel like we always just go with the unpopular ones?! So here, take a cake crumb, and let me confess how many times I frolic with the crowd:
- I love hyped books! I mean sometimes they are unripe cheese, but like !!! I will read all the hyped books thank you!!
- Hardcovers are better. What can I say. They stand on their own like strong, intelligent, independent young creatures.
- Spin-off series are actually awesome. I mean, I know a ton of people who roll their eyes at the next Shadowhunter or Riordan book announced buuuut I LOVE IT. (Except Harry Potter. That needs to chill out now.) I also am in 5000% appreciation of any author who has enough fans that publishers will actually sign them spin-off series. That’s huge! Mad respect to Bardugo and Stiefvater and the 604th Riordan book!
3 FAVOURITE BOOK COVERS
I’m not even going to pretend to behave here.
did you see what I did there with a certain red butterfly book??? I CANNOT BE STOPPED.
3 BOOK GOALS FOR THE YEAR
- Get super caught up on ARCs so I actually start 2019 without seven years of guilt screaming at me.
- STOP FEELING GUILTY FOR READING LESS. (I’m so struggling with writing + reading all the books of ever and I used to be like the Super Reader but this year I’m struggling so bad! I want to not freak out about it!? It doesn’t actually matter. If I enjoy myself = then I’m doing fine.)
- Listen to more audiobooks! I love them, but then find myself not listening as much right now?! I want to finish at least one (if not 2!) per month for the rest of the year!
I love this!what a snappy tag! I think my favourite authors are Laini Taylor, Michelle Cooper and Garth Nix. Popular opinion: commercial fiction deserves respect and to be confident sidered in the same way literary fiction is. Unpopular opinion: if the author says a character is gonna die or has died that has to be the truth otherwise it’s just cheap emotional manipulation.
I definitely expected to see Garth Nix mentioned here.😂😂 And I do think authors should kill of characters if they promise to, but like…also…I get soft and fragile and like my faves to live.😂
Oh wow! I just discovered your blog, so nice! I love ranting about books, this must be a perfect place for me to chill =)
I’ll go along with your tags (awesome idea btw), even if it IS difficult.
—3 Favourite Authors:—
1) I’m not going to be original here, J.K. Rowling made my childhood and my life-goals. I binge-read the HP series almost every year. Can’t help it.
2) Licia Troisi: I don’t know if you guys have read “The Chronicles of the Emerged World”.. in case you haven’t, just go! Read! I love her portraits of strong, female characters, and yet the omnipresent feeling of fragility.
3) WHY IS IT SO HARD TO CHOOSE, let’s say Terry Brooks and call it a night. (In case you were wondering why Tolkien wasn’t named here, the answer is because, for me, he’s above all this. Can’t even consider otherwise, I’m too old school on Fantasy).
—POPULAR BOOKISH OPINION: easy, here. I will never stop being a Gryffindor. But they must be extra careful when preparing sequels.
UNPOPULAR BOOKISH OPINION: ah, guys, I read “Shadow Hunters” and liked it a lot, but Clary just needs to think of something else beside Jace, at least for a while. Gosh, girl.
i actually find myself agreeing with your unpopular opinion even though a year ago i may or may not have aggressively come at you for it. as a 14 year old, obsessing over Jace seemed like w worthwhile hobby even when the world was ending but as a 17 year old, i find that i don’t actually like Clary at all.
Haha! I completely relate, don’t worry! When I was 14, I got angry at anybody who spoke ill about elves (or spoke without knowing what they were speaking about)! ^_^’
Clary isn’t a bad character, just too…Jace-centred.
Aww thank you so so much for reading and commenting!! It’s really nice to meet you! *sends welcome cake*
And omg definitely love Harry Potter! It’s such a classic right?! And haha I’m a Slytherin but yay for Gryffindors too!
Ow, cake!! *launches herself to eat cake*
I like Slytherins, my bf is Slytherin too, haha! I’m a peculiar Gryffindor, I love all the houses anyway ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I love reading your posts, it’s so easy to relate! But really, choosing only 3 authors is a Cruciatus Curse…
Top 3 authors:
Lucy Maud Montgomery – All time favorite author. I admire how she develops plot and introduces character. And she’s FUNNY. Also, Anne of Green Gables shaped my approach to writing and my love for the environment. I enjoy the screen adaptations of the classic, AGG; but it doesn’t come close to the words of L. M. Montgomery.
N.K. Jemisin – She is brilliant. The Fifth Season made me realize I want to read adult fantasy. And take a break now and then but – you know – “these are my people”. Love her.
Third one is hard because so many are tied in forth place but number 3 isn’t really filled. If I had to choose, I’d say Havilah Cunnington, Lisa Bevere, and Steven Furtick. They are tied in third place. They write non-fiction. Their books tug at my heart strings and it feels like a letter from a friend.
Unpopular bookish opinion: I DNF LOTR The Two Towers. The LOTR books could have been shorter. I love LOTR. I’ve seen the movies a million times but I struggle to get through the books. I appreciate their literary value as a poet and lover of prose but IT”S JUST SO LONG. And the chapters go on forever. And the journey is slow. There are other books with equally long chapters – if not longer – but things are happening and the pace is intriguing. LOTR’s pace is sooo slow. I love it but like maybe the audio book.
Popular: I like candles. So if they have bookish themes, even better.
Ahh I liked reading this and finding out why you like your favourite authors! I really need to read some of NK Jemisin’s books yet eep.
And omg I totally DNF’d the Two Towers haha. I like the movies SO much but not the books…that’s probably a bookworm taboo but oh well. 😂
I know. I reread a lot of books in high school and only recently started reading “new” things so sometimes it’s like can I call myself a bookworm if I haven’t read the classics? Or if I DNF’d LOTR? And I recently audiobooked The Alchemist and it was like OK. My brother LOVED it and he’s the reason I read it but it really wasn’t all that. Maybe because it’s considered a classic and it’s won awards, I thought I’d be wow’d. And I want to review it because I’ve read a lot this year I just haven’t reviewed anything, but I feel kinda bad for not liking it.
Hardcovers also don’t bend and wrinkle like paperbacks do.
And humidity doesn’t kill them! BEST bonus.😍
Popular Opinion I Agree With: Maggie Stiefvater is an actual mythical creature
Unpopular Opinion: ACOTAR is really bad and Harry Potter needs to stahp
3 Top Authors: Timothy Zahn (all hail the Star Wars king), Christopher Paolini (legit my life’s goal), and Brian Jacques (if he were still alive, I think I’d adopt him as a grandpa).
MAGGIE STIEFVATER IS MAGICAL AND GLORIOUS. 😍 And I like Harry Potter, but kind of think JK Rowling is ruining a bit? I don’t know eep.
People keep telling me to read Sarah J Maas, and I’m just profoundly uninterested in those books. They sound like a lot of kissing and romantic angst. Not my thing. I guess that’s an unpopular opinion. My popular opinion is loving hardcovers. They’re so pretty!
I kind of get tired with how often people tell me to just “give Sarah J Maas books another go!” I’m like…life is too short for that mate, I’m done.😂
Oh no, now you’ve put us on the spot. The pressure. The pressure! *flails*
Popular Opinion (just to be contrary): Paperback books are better. They’re all light and flexible, don’t make your muscles scream out in agony when you hold them with one hand, and they don’t make my shoulders fall off when I carry them around in my purse.
Unpopular Opinion: I’m usually disappointed by massively hyped books. I don’t know why! Maybe I’m broken? I go in expecting to love them every time, especially since I often love the premise or the idea of them, but it seems like I’m generally disappointed.
Top three authors:
Fredrik Backman – This man’s words are gold, and his ideas are just absolutely beautiful, and I would sell my soul to be able to write like him. Or maybe sell someone else’s. I’m a bit partial to mine.
Neal Shusterman – Have you read the Arc of a Scythe series, though? I rest my case.
Terry Pratchett – He was one of the first reasons I fell in love with comedic fantasy. The Discworld is brilliant, and I’m more than a little in love with Death. xD
SO MUCH PRESSURE, GOOD LUCK WITH THIS STRESSFUL POST. 😂
And honestly paperbacks are sometimes way easier to read, so I won’t argue hahaha. I just prefer owning hardcovers, which obviously doesn’t work out for me. Bah haha.
Neal Shusterman is SO GOOD. Everyone needs to try Scythe! I also love his books Unwind and Challenger Deep and Bruise.
I actually like tags more than reviews so this was very much a gift today.
For an unpopular bookish opinion I could talk about a book I didn’t like but I’m going to be original and say I rated The Death Cure five stars on Goodreads and have no regrets about it.I
For popular I’m huge fan of The Lunar Chronicles and Six of Crows, wow, it’s like they’re popular because they’re really good, who’d a thunk it.
And too three favorite authors is really hard but I’d have to say
Marie Lu: it was Legend that got me into YA and I love all of her books and well forever anticipate the release of everyone of them
Leigh Bardugo: I have yet to meet a Leigh Bardugo book I didn’t like
Rick Riordan: Percy Jackson got me into reading in general and Camp Halt-Blood was my first bookish obsession but strangely I can’t marathon his books very well, I actually inhaled Percy Jackson, Heroes of Olympus, and Trials of Apollo which wasn’t fair for ToA because it gave me impossibly high hopes and when it didn’t meet them I took it out on the book and recently I decided “maybe it’s me” and said “I’ll try it again”, and that is why I’m like three books behind on Riordan and I would like to thank everyone who can’t KEEP THEIR MOUTHS SHUT AND SHOUT SPOILERS FOR A CERTAIN SOMETHING IN THE BURNING MAZE!!!!!! THANK YOU FOR SPOILING ME AND NOT LETTING ME FORGET IT!!!!!
Ahh I’m glad you enjoyed this! And omg I rated The Death Cure 5-stars too.😂Most people probably have it on a pyre, but like…it’s called the DEATH cure. What did we expect.😂
I’m so glad you love Riordan so much too! I basically devoured most of his books in one year so they’ve blurred SO bad, but I just remember being really happy while reading them! (Noooo to spoilers though.😭😭)
THERE IS NO UNIVERSE WHERE I’M NOT GOING TO DO THIS TAG. I love it so much my other blogposts are crying because I have to prioritize this. I’ll be posting mine this week. Hopefully.
AHHH CAIT I’M SO SORRY FOR TAKING YEARS OFF YOUR LIFE. I will not recommend sjmaas to you anymore. I swear it on my black soul. I get why you dislike her now so I won’t push her to you again. Please forgive this dragon.
Anywaay, WHO ROLLS THEIR EYES AT UNCLE RICK’S SPIN-OFFS BECAUSE I’M SERIOUSLY GOING TO POP THOSE EYES OUT. KELL MARESH STYLE. I will read all Riordan books until I’m all shriveled up and white.
Unpopular opinion: Reading reviews before reading the book is not healthy. At least for me. There are lots of negative reviews that can bias a bookdragon’s judgment toward a book. Positive reviews entail high expectations that can possibly make a bookdragon PRESSURED to like the book. I avoid as much book reviews before reading a book. I save them for after.
Popular opinion: THE TBR PILE PROBLEM WILL FOREVER ENGULF US AS LONG AS WE LIVE.
Top 3 authors are J. K. Rowling, Rick Riordan, and…. Huh can’t decide the third. I’ll have to think on it first. WHY MUST I SUFFER LIKE THIS.
omg you don’t need to say sorry about SJM recs!😂 I actually don’t remember you pushing her at me? You’re fine.😂*sends you cake* And omg I LOVE RIORDAN BOOKS AND HE IS A BLESSING TO THIS UNIVERSE.
Also agreed that reading too many reviews before reading the book isn’t…great.😂I feel like they make me too biased too? I’d rather read reviews AFTER.
THERE IS NO ESCAPE FROM THE TBR.
Um. Let’s see… An unpopular bookish opinion of mine would be that a classic is not automatically good or worth reading simply because it’s a classic. Anyone who disagrees can go and read Pamela. (The ultimate curse…) A popular one would be ALL THE SPIN-OFFS. 😉
Haha I agree about classics!😂Sometimes I wonder how they get chosen?! (SPIN OFFS ARE GREAT.)
Ooh this is seems like a fun tag! I might steal it lol 🙂 Though I totally relate to stealing a tag and being all excited to do it, then reading the first few questions and being like… “why did I think this was a good idea. I have so many regrets”. Anyway, an unpopular bookish opinion? Hmm… I prefer paperbacks to hardbacks! I always find hardbacks harder to handle and read, plus that paper sleeve thing that some of them have is basically the bane of my existence. It always sort of slides off or gets ripped when you’re reading or else you take it off and then lose it or I DON’T KNOW. (I’ve had bad experiences with hardbacks, okay? I am scarred.)
A popular opinion of mine would be… I tend to like hyped books when I read them! I mean, books are usually hyped because they’re something new and original, or they have really important themes or messages, or they’re just really damn good… There are some books that I think are a bit over-hyped but on the whole, I tend to like hyped books 🙂
Andrea @ https://spaceshipsvampiresandsecretagents.blogspot.com/
Totally can’t wait to see your answers! And omg I know though, right?! It seems fun and then you start to realise you have to make all these horribly difficult decisions.😂 WHO MADE THESE. THIS IS TORTURE.😂
I prefer READING paperbacks but OWNING hardcovers…which obviously is completely not working out for me.😂
I love hyped books too! *hi fives*
Love this post!! The tags are the best 😊
My top 3 authors are:
Allie Condie – I love her writing style
Marie Lu – her characters are really fun and interesting
Markus Zusak / Suzanne Collins – I’m putting them combined because their books are masterpieces I could read over and over again but never get tired of them!
My Popular Bookish Opinion is that I love hardcovers with beautiful special edition covers and whatnot. The more beautiful the cover, the more I love the book!
My Unpopular Bookish Opinion is that I’m not a Cassandra Clare fan 🤷♀️ Her books just never really interested me I guess. Maybe I’ll try them again sometime but for now… I’m fine without them.
Thanks for another fabulous post, Cait!!
Ahh yes I like Markus Zusak too! I just got his newest book in the mail and I’m SO stoked omg. (Also I adore Suzanne Collins and I’m so sad she doesn’t write anymore.)
I LOVE THIS. It’s so clever and awesome!! But it’s so hard to pick aghhh. Let’s see here… I looove Tomi Adeyemi, Marissa Meyer, and Sabaa Tahir. I love love triangles, have a love/hate relationship with diversity/rep, and I’M THE SAME ABOUT CANDLES. I mean I like them but I never burn them?? Also I’m sensitive to most scents too. Hardcover is def the best, the same about hyped books, and the book is (almost) always better than the movie (this one is sorta unpopular too ig).
Lovelovelove this post, Cait!!
Ahh yes Tomi Adeyemi is so talented and I’m so excited about her books too! And haha I will leave you with all the love triangles.😂 (But I’m so confused how you could…not like diversity? 😳)
Candles are just confusing. 😂 And like what’s the point if you don’t burn them? BUT ALSO DON’T BURN THE HOUSE DOWN OR THE BOOKS. *is unnecessarily anxious about fire and books* 😂
Yess for sure!! 🙂 It’s not that I don’t like diversity… I looove it and definitely want more rep! I just feel like, as a white person, I don’t really have an opinion and can’t talk ab it bc I’ll be labeled as racist. Also, I feel like in a lot of books, rather than celebrating more diversity, it becomes a “white vs everyone else” scenario. I know that unfortunately, many white people are racist and that’s TERRIBLE, but we’re not all that way, and I feel like it becomes a blanket statement. Idk my two cents. xD And I apologize in advance if anything I say seems racist or mean… that’s not the intent. Like I said I NEVER talk about it because I’m a chicken. XD
Yes they are. I don’t want to burn them bc then they’ll run out (or burn down books AGH) and they’re so pretty I just don’t want to ruin them. XD
I love this post & tag! It’s so cute.💓I couldn’t help laughing when you said all the Percy Jackson books were “a Percy shaped blur.” Honestly, that’s so true…they’re just a giant silhouette of Percy and Annabeth for me and there’s no telling what plot belongs to what book.😂
I think an unpopular book opinion is that I LOVE the Chosen One trope. I know it’s overused, but it always reminds of Harry Potter, and I’m just that much of a Potterhead. XD Then for popular opinion…hmm, I’ll have to say I love hyped books, like you did. They just always end up being so good, and I looked forward to them, making them 1000x better!
Great post, Cait!
I also like the Chosen One trope! xD
Ahhh thank you, Olivia! I’m glad you enjoyed it! And omg Percy is fantastic. I Love him.😂
And aww I’m glad you do love the Chosen One trope! I’m kind of tired of it, BUT at the same time I do love Harry Potter! And also Kell from A Darker Shade of Magic. So it can be done well.😂
ooh I love this tag! It’s nice and simple . . . but also not.
Favorite authors- (oof I’m still exploring so this is very flux)
-Marissa Meyer–because she is a GENIUS and her Lunar Chronicles (the only ones by her I’ve read so far) are a work of GENIUS as well
-John Green–because why make it nice when you could make it hurt (also writing contemps that I actually like)
-K. A. Emmons–because her writing is SO AMAZING and her imagery is amazing and her as a person is amazing and everythinggggggg (at the risk of getting books chucked at my head, I recommend her books!!! There are only two!!!!)
It seems simple but then…SECRETLY IT IS TORTURE.😂For someone who hates decisions I have no idea why I chose to do this.😂
JOHN GREEN IS FANTASTIC.
Ugh picking three favorite authors is the worst thing to do, ever? And book covers? There are TOO MANY, I completely understand that you couldn’t stop at three, but I love all of your choices so, so much. I haven’t read all of Schwab’s books, but the ones I’ve read, I loved. She is A MASTER of world-building and I admire that so, so much. Also yes for August, I LOVE HIM and he is so preciousssssss. <3
I definitely feel guilty whenever I'm not reading as much, but what matters is that we are reading when we can and when we want to, that we are enjoying ourselves, because thats what we read, right, to loveeeee it and that's what we should remember always 😀
Loved this post! <3 <3
I just like didn’t even pretend not to pick 94082 book covers there.😂 I mean I CHOSE this tag and am still ignoring the rules. I’m so great ahh ahah.😂
And Schwab is incredible! I’m so glad she writes so much too because I can’t get enough of her books!
Oh gosh. Favorite authors…this is like the hardest question in the universe. Let’s go with…Marissa Meyer. Her books were what got me into YA fiction. Kerri Maniscalco, because her books are the perfect mix of everything I love – history, kickass female heroines, classic literature…I wish there were more of her books but I’m sure they’ll be coming along! Ummm…okay, deviating from YA, I absolutely adore Katherine Arden’s Russian-inspired historical fantasies.
Popular opinion: I am obsessed with bookish merch of all types. Including CANDLES, yes, but mostly tote bags and t-shirts.
Unpopular opinion: I despise the Red Queen series. BLARGH.
Is it okay to borrow this tag?
Ahh I only just recently read Stalking Jack the Ripper but I LOVED IT and I just reserved book 2 from the library eep!!
I will give you all the candles then.😂But omg mugs though, right?! I love bookish mugs! (Also I’m with you on not loving Red Queen!)
OF COURSE GO FOR IT!!
I’m right there with you about Sarah J. Maas! I read Throne of Glass and didn’t like it, read ACOTAR and thought it was okay, but felt no need to read the series. But so many of my friends tell me to keep going. But why would I continue with either series if I don’t have interest in them??
I also LOVE spin off series. Honestly, if I hear a series has spin offs I’m even more interested. I love when there’s spin offs for romances too, just so I can see all my OTPs thrive. <3 LOL I love how you just said to hell with it for the cover question. I would do the same thing….there are just too many covers to choose from!!
Yeah agreeeeed. I also don’t like it when I say “I don’t like this series” and then people tell me to read it anyway. Like why?! Life is too short for that.😂😂
Spinoffs are SO FUN especially if it’s a character I love ahh!!
I was just…not there for the cover question.😂I can’t believe I CHOOSE tags with rules and then ignore them. SO TYPICAL, CAIT.😂
I don’t like love triangles, which is both a popular and an unpopular opinion! (Shall we call it controversial?)
Great answers! I will be doing this tag!
It definitely is like a controversial one, right?! Like most people I meet HATE them, but they still get published so clearly someone likes them.😂
oh my god. I LOVE how you always steal Instagram tags and use them for posts. If that is not the most clever thing ever, I don’t know what is.
ALSO LMAOOO @ YOUR REFERENCE TO THE LIBRARY OF ALEXANDRIA. I LOVE THAT. Personally I probably wouldn’t enjoy bookish candles except to look at their pretty colors and maybe only light them if they have a YUMMY scent.
I will take the accusation that it’s clever…when really it’s me being absolutely DEAD FOR INSPIRATION.😂😂 AHhh I need to do some proper blogging brainstorming lmao.
hahaha also need to get caught up on my ARCS I am literally the worst at that I’m always like ooh look a shiny new book that doesn’t come out for another 3 months I must request it an then I get approved and I’m like ok going to the bottom on my reading pile… haha I have no self control. Also SO many beautiful covers asking for just three is quite literally IMPOSSIBLE. Also VE Schwab would definitely make my top three authors bc she is queen! I’m also gaining a whole lot of respect for Holly Black rn probably due to my obsession with dark, emotionally damaged characters BECAUSE I CAN. Amazing post Cait 🙂
I’m SO behind on ARC reading at the moment, I’m kind of just sprinting away from all my life problems here.😂 I’m sure that’ll work out for me just fiiiine.
Omg Schwab though!! SHE IS PERFECT.
Loved the post! I think one unpopular opinion is that I hate love triangles, and the popular opinion is that I actually love scented candles (Yeah I get the whole library of Alexandria thing, but these candles smell like heaven. How can you say no to the smell of Hogwarts Library or Hogwarts Feast? 😉 ) My favourite authors would be, O Henry, George Orwell, and Jane Austen.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this!! And omg hating love triangles is totally a pOPULAR opinion though.😂 I never meet anyone who actually likes them?!
And honestly I just hate scents at all, so I will leave you with aaaall the candles.😂But I would like to actually be AT a Hogwart’s feast adjfkasld. That would be delicious.
Ahh I love this tag! I don’t like SJM books either, andd I’m also not impressed with The Lunar Chronicles 😅 I’d love to try a bookish candles though, I think it gives life to the character 😀
I did like the Lunar books at the time, but I think if I read them now, I wouldn’t be so invested.😂
Hmm.. top 3 authors would be…. 1) SARAH J MAAS (i am aware that you don’t particularly like her but like), 2) Cassandra Clare… and 3) tied between John Green and Rick Riordan 🙂
Popular bookish opinion: RICK RIORDAN SHOULD WRITE FOREVER (i dont actually know if this is a popular opinion but i iwll pretend it is and murder anyone who says otherwise we’re good)
Unpopular bookish opinion: Lara Jean is just an overrated wattpad-style cliche romance? like, so many people seem to love it, but i find it rather boring and predictable tbh.
CASSANDAR CLARE THOUGH. *hi fives* We will agree on that forever at least haha. And also omg agreed about your Riordan opinion. He can just be immortal and write forever right??? This is fine.😂
I love this tag so much!!!
The Shadowhunter world will always have a special place in my heart – it’s sooooo amazing and Cassandra Clare is such a LEGENDDDD!
Hardcover books are wayyyy better than paperbacks (lets all be real), my hardback editions are each little prized possessions! Wonderful post as always Hun 🙂
Grace Louise || http://www.gracelouiseofficial.blogspot.co.uk/
Aren’t hardcovers just absolutely everything?! SO OBSESSED WITH THEM.
I think I stared at your favourite three authors for like ten minutes before saying to myself “honestly, I have no clue” and reading on, haha. I just can’t decide. Rick Riordan is definitely in there and I’d love to put Stiefvater and Schwab on the list as well but I haven’t even read that many of their books yet??? So, ahhh??? (If I had to narrow it down I’d say John Green, Cassandra Clare, Rick Riordan – maybe)
I think my unpopular opinion is that I honestly do not care if I have different editions of books that are a trilogy/series. Only two of my Raven Cycle books are the same kind of edition and I own Lady Midnight as a hardcover and Lord of Shadows as a paperback. In my rainbow bookshelf very few books that belong together actually stand together so… whatever, I guess? It has never really been an issue for me. But if you order your shelf by author or series or something then I understand why stuff like this can cause nightmares and trauma.
It’s a horrible horrible question.😂Honestly this post was so stressful WHY DO I EVEN DO THIS TO MYSELF. lmao. And John Green and Rick Riordan and Cassandra Clare are amazing ahhh.
And omg I am SO opposite you with the matching books.😂I must have them match. But at the same time, it does matter less to me in the aesthetic look because I do rainbow shelves. Buuuuut. I like matchy.
If I ever use bookish candles they’ll be used for light when the power goes out (the way my country’s electricity company is going I think that’ll be soon and many times) so why spend money on them? Other bookish merch I get – like totes and bookish pins and definitely bookish mugs.
Three Favourite Authors:
Rick Riordan – Seeing a protagonist who has ADD do extremely well in the book world? That helped me so much with my ADD self-esteem.
Cornelia Funke – THe Inkworld!!!!
Jonathan Stroud – I’m reading the Lockwood and Co series now and I love it? Also trying not to read it at night. I am George and George is me.
I admit I LOVE bookish mugs so freaking much. Probably too much.😂I don’t tend to buy them though, just whine softly and pet my laptop screen with all the wanting of tall the mugs.😂
RICK RIORDAN IS A GIFT and I love love how he gives us heroes with disabilities. BLESS. Also omg I love the Mirrorworld books by Cornelia Funke. She’s incredible!
I’m with you on Ronan. He is preciously complicated.
I used to bitch about spin-of series milking that cash cow, but I realized later (aka as I became an adult ew) that authors need to make money. And there are obviously still plenty of people interested in reading those books so authors shoudl totally go for it.
He IS so complicated and messed up and I love himmmmm.
And agreed about spin-offs! I don’t like it when people hate on them. It’s like VERY rare for a publisher to even give the author a chance so like all the props to the author if they get it! There are some spin-offs I have 0% interest in, but then I just don’t read them.😂No harm done.😂
It’s been quite a while since I read one of your blog posts (4 weeks I think) and of course I happened to stumble upon the moST STRESSFUL ONE. I can’t be expected to choose only 3 authors? This is madness tbh.
But I do really like Leigh Bardugo. I loved Six of Crows and her writing improved so much from her first trilogy! Also she wrote Nikolai, so there’s that.
And obviously I love your writing!! (I’ve only read a sample because I’m waiting for the hardcover for ATPN.) And your blog!! You write a blog post so well it’s amazing!!
And then there’s Victoria Schwab. I was in this huge reading slump for 3 months (I still read books during that time, but not many) but then last week I picked up the Shades of Magic trilogy, and I’m binging it, and wHY DIDN’T I READ THEM SOONER. I heard there’s a sequel series but I didn’t check out the goodreads page because I really don’t want to spoiled.
I’m nearly done with A Gathering of Shadows and I’m so in love (and also screaming because I love everyone too much and don’t want them to get hurt.) I do wish I read them before, but it’s so magical reading them for the first time so I never want them to enddd. (I wouldn’t mind 300 pages of the characters drinking tea and exchanging banter tbh.)
Ps. Anyone know can I find another version of Kell’s coat because I kind of fell in love with it (I’m sure it’s normal to fall for fictional objects?)
I’M SORRY FOR ALL THE STRESS HERE. But just know I’m stressing too.😂(Why do I even WRITE THESE POSTS?! *sweats*😂)
Nikolai is an actual gift to this universe. I think Siege and Storm was pretty freaking perfect ahhh. But yeah I didn’t really like the conclusion of the Grisha trilogy. I am fussy.😂
SCHWAB IS PERFECT AHHHHHH. And omg I’m so excited she’s writing more in the ADSOM world. We are being blessed. *happy sigh* (I WANT KELL’S COAT. I think I love his coat more than him but like that’s…normal.)
oooo, I’m definitely going to have to do this tag! I admire you actually sticking to 3 things for most of the questions. My 3 favorite authors off the top of my head are Mindy McGinnis, Maurene Goo, and Rachel Lynn Solomon, but I’m already thinking of so many more I feel bad for leaving out. As for opinions: I totally agree with you that spin-off series are great, but I have the pretty unpopular opinion that paperbacks are better. I love hardcovers aesthetically, but paperbacks just feel so much nicer to hold!
Excellent!! I can’t wait to read your version! And omg I LOVE Mindy McGinnis too! Her books make me think so so much.
Unpopular opinion: I reeeeally struggled with Six Of Crows (but I swear I really really did want to love it).
Popular opinion: Audio books are amazing, especially if you have a disability!
Favourite Authors:
1. Enid Blyton because childhood.
2. Patricia Cornwell because I just love the Scarpetta series and could read them over and over again.
3. I can’t decide between all the incredible YA and fantasy authors so I refuse to pick, haha.
Yesss audiobooks ARE so good!! Absolute lifesavers and should NEVER be dissed as “not reading”!!
Aww I’m glad you have a childhood favourite author in there!!
Yeeeessssss more audiobooks! MORE I SAY! I recently ran into someone who insisted audiobooks didn’t count as reading and it made me a grumpy gorilla.
I agree with about bookish candles! I also don’t understand what makes them actually bookish. Do you put them next to a book for them to become bookish or do they have to be named or associated with a book? Who decides what characters smell like and why is it always a good smell? Don’t some of these characters smell bad? I don’t know, I don’t get it. To be honest that probably is what happened with Alexandria. Some moron with an open flame just because they wanted to smell their new candle.
I can’t believe people diss audiobooks?! Like are eBooks not reading either since they’re not on paper *eye roll* SOME PEOPLE. Let us just enjoy books.😂
And omg I can’t with candles.😂Although I appreciate it that some people love them! Like we should all just love what we want. :’)
um….hhhhhow did you pick your three favorite authors???? tell us your secrets. I am too indecisive. Tho I’m going to have to pick real soon because I am 100% doing this tag soonish!!! (I’ll link back to you since you added questions and also are just deserving of all the links <3)
heY IT’S HARD. I DIDN’T DO WELL. I listed like 9489 at the end there. 😂 (Aww I look forward to reading your answers!!)
I loved your description of Ronan, haha. I adore the spiky little cinnamon roll, as well. And I CANNOT WAIT for his Dreamer trilogy. Like, my life is currently on hold, just waiting for those damn books. I need them. NEED.
A lot of your favourite covers are very nice. I actually cannot with the US cover for This Savage Song? I think it may be the darkest, prettiest thing in existence. Also, The Wicker King cover is perfection and represents the book so well and if I ever get published I want MY cover to represent my book as much as that one does.
Top three authors is HARD. 1) Libba Bray, 2) C.S. Pacat, and 3) Erica Crouch (even though she doesn’t really even write any more and that breaks my HEART).
I’m so freaking excited for Ronan’s books hahh.😍Like I don’t usually go out of my mind these days with excitement over something? (I’m old and gnarly. 😂) But I’m desperate for those. Especially since I think Maggie Stiefvater is going to give us some seriously sharp epic car-racing girls too omg.
The Wicker King is too perfect for this world I LOVE IT TOO MUCH.
Aww that’s sad that you have a favourite author who isn’t writing anymore. 😭 I always am scared my favourites will stop.
An unpopular opinion of mine is…I don’t like Rainbow Rowell’s books?! I read Fangirl and found it meh…same with Eleanor & Park. THIS MAKES ME SAD. I WANT TO LOVE THEM.
And yes, hardcovers are my favourite too. I was reading This Savage Song in paperback the other day, and I got so invested in the book that I forgot to take care as to NOT BREAK THE SPINE…but I ended up breaking the spine. I’m sad. AND CLEARLY A MONSTER.
Aww😂I do love her books but E&P is not really a favourite tbh? I liked it but not ADORED it, you know?
Ohhh This Savage Song is so good though. 😍 It also probably fits with it to break the spine since it lIKES TO BREAK HEARTS.
Popular Bookish Opinion: I WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO MARRY SIX OF CROWS AT DAWN IT’S A GREAT BOOK YES YESSSSS.
Unpopular Opinion: Here’s the thing I just don’t like reading books under 200 pages because they never tell the story to the full extent and I cry.
Top 3 Authors: Leigh Bardugo, Cassandra Clare, and Sabaa Tahir!
Fantastic post Cait! I cracked up laughing and your choices are SPOT ON.
SIX OF CROWS IS EVERYTHING I WANT 9 MORE THANKS.
And I actually DO like really short books, but I often feel like I want more. 😂So I understand. Under 200 pages doesn’t really get there right?!
Afjdsakld I’m so with you on Leigh Bardugo and Cassandra Clare!!
Such a fun tag! I might have to do this on my blog, too. Though maybe that’s a bad idea since I’m already struggling to name three authors…though Leigh Bardugo is definitely in my shortlist, too!
It’s a genuinely horrible question right?! Like maybe…top 13 authors.😂
It’s literally so hard to name my top 3 but I know at least I have my top two down–I’m kind of just waiting for a third author to come and really make me fall in love with them to secure that third spot?? But my top two are SJM and Jay Kristoff…I guess I’d say my third fav is Leigh Bardugo, but I’ve also been really loving Stephanie Garber and Laini Taylor. A popular opinion is that I love SJM, lol but an unpopular opinion is that I’m not a HUGE fan of Cassandra Clare–I’ve only read the first three TMI books and I thought they were good but not mind-blowing. I really want to read the rest though because I feel like her books will get better as I go along.
JAY KRISTOFF IS GREAT!! And Leigh Bardugo would be a great third!! Omg but I admire Laini Taylor so much, right?! She’s so so good.
Lol I know more people who DON’T like Casandra Clare.😂But I love her!
Unpopular opinion, I too, dislike SJM. To a degree. I have so many problems with her books and I could start listing them down for you, but I like to believe I’m above that. (lol I’m not.) I strongly dislike her books and don’t get the hype surrounding them. The praise for it being one of the best fantasy series out there is false. That’s gonna be a NO FOR ME, FOLKS. SORRY. Not for me. Popular opinion, bookmarks are better than dog-eared pages. Though I’m not against you if you do. You do you.
Three favorite authors? Leigh Bardugo, V.E. Schwab, and I’m still on the look-out for a third author who will blow my very being away. Any suggestions?
Wooo I’m not alone.😂😂 I strongly dislike them too and I’m really frustrated how they’re called YA? Like I’ve read actual ADULT books that are less explicit.
AFjdslakd I love Leigh Bardugo and VE Schwab so much. You have very very good taste in authors here. 😉 (I suggest Maggie Stiefvater ahh!)
I love this tag! Definitely going to be doing a rendition once I find time! Ahh top 3 authors…Katherine Arden, Brandon Sanderson, and Amy Harmon? But there are so many others!!
It’s SO hard to pick favourite authors.😂Like the actual most torturous question hahah. (I need to read Katherine Arden’s book!)
THIS IS A BRILLIANT TAG HOW HAVE I NOT HEARD OF IT BEFORE
can i please steal it
like pleaseeeee. *puppy eyes* *howls until you cannot resist me*
Of course!! 🎉🎉