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The Fury July // Quitting ARCs (!?!) 10,000 on #Bookstagram (!!!) and post topic requests

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fury july

Guess what?! I’m FAMOUS.

Well, shh, let me pretend anyway. But firstly I reached 10,000+ followers on instagram which is KIND OF A BIG DEAL FOR ME. I’ve always seen those accounts with 10K and thought, “Well that’s what happens when you’re famous and have a fairy godmother probably and drink tea out of golden teacups”. BUT LOOK AT ME I’M HERE! Minus the golden teacups! But still!

And secondly, I’ve officially been quoted inside a book!! It’s the latest printing of The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl. So therefore, I am now incredible.

(And famous for sure.)

(Oh let me dream.)

ANYWAY! Moving forward! I’ve also been a reading machine this month and devoured 25 books. Most were awful. And it’s made me seriously consider quitting receiving review-books. ARCs and I have the kind of relationship where we’re quite excited to meet and share a mango smoothie…but then we rapidly dissolve into wanting to stab each other. #awkward BUT MORE ON THAT LATER! First I have books to flail over and news to share!

 

Also huge thanks to everyone who reads my recaps. I know I ramble but…I seriously love writing these!!

 

 

the stack
july book haul (3)

LIBRARY, BOUGHT & WON

(My book order HAS NOT ARRIVED ergo this is probably what the apocalypse feels like.)
  • PAPER AND FIRE (#2): I won this from the fabulous Jenna! And it’s so beautiful I cannot even with the levels of gorgeousness here. (PS. Those are dragons on the cover. DRAGONS.)
  • THE BOY MOST LIKELY TO: oh thank the library for FINALLY BUYING THIS (even though they shelved it as adult??? wut now) and it was cute and adorable and Tim is such a tragic sassy cinnamon roll. <3 ★★★★
  • THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER: This will be my first Jennifer L Armentrout read!! Bless my library!
  • STUNG: 50cents at a library sale? I’LL TAKE THE RISK. Even though the cover is harping on about it being the next Hunger Games. Oh please stop.

 

july book haul (2)

REVIEW COPIES & ARCS

(thanks to Bloomsbury, Penguin Teen, Allen & Unwin, Walker Books, and Simon & Schuster)
(all unsolicited)
  • AND I DARKEN: This is ridiculously glorious. SO STABBY. Gender bent Vlad the Impaler historical retelling and you need it. ★★★★
  • MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN: I assume I got sent this because of the new movie-cover?? And as far as movie-covers go..it’s not bad! (I’m still confused why Johnny Depp isn’t in this Tim Burton movie? WHAT IS THIS LIFE.) Unfortunately I read Miss P’s two years ago and thought it was pretty bland. It wasn’t even creepy??? ★★
  • ELSEWHERE: I speculate this is being reprinted because it, too, is an old book. So random fact: I hate DNF’ing books. I literally never do it. YET THIS IS ONE OF THE ONLY BOOKS I’VE EVER DNF’D. hahahah. Oh dear. I may retry it, since I tried it like 4 years ago. ★
  • THE BOOK THAT MADE ME: This is an anthology with a gazillion (mostly Australian?!) authors contributing. LOOKS FUN.
  • THE BOUNDLESS SUBLIME: A cult book…my least favourite trope unfortunately.
  • NERVE: Another old book being reprinted (in honour of the movie!) and honestly…it wasn’t very thrilling for a thriller. BUT I AM A PICKY GRAPE. ★★

 

 

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  • QUEEN OF SOMEDAY: This was a freebie. Extremely cool, right?! Anyway, it’s about Russia and hopefully it’s about a girl finding more clothes than just frolicking about in clouds.
  • TELL ME SOMETHING REAL: This was one my “need-it-or-die” list and I got approved on Edelweiss! HUZZAH. It involves a pianist! #win
  • THE ARCHITECT OF SONG: This is by one of my most favourite authors of ever, who PERSONALLY CONTACTED ME TO ASK IF I WANTED AN ADVANCED EARC. I died. I mean, I said yes first, then I died.
  • THE FEMALE OF THE SPECIES: Because Mindy McGinnis is awesome.

instagram

I OFFICIALLY REACHED 10,000 FOLLOWERS ON INSTAGRAM!!! I AM SO RIDICULOUSLY HAPPY.

Well actually it’s 11,000 now. #SoFabulous I honestly never thought this would happen so CUE EXCITEMENT FROM ME.

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monthly stats

(Click covers to read the reviews!)

I’m supposed to only read 20 books per month. Keep the stress down, you know? (I’m a chronic over-achiever here, okay??!) WELL I READ 25 SO I HAVE FAILED MY GOALS.

 

N U M B E R    R E A D?

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B E S T    B O O KS?

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This section is reserved for 5-star reads…I HAD EXACTLY NONE. LET ME WEEP ON YOUR SHOULDER. I’m used to at least one 5-star!! #crying

W O R S T    B O O K S?

445044 (1) 23127048 25202767 the monstrous child 27173613 sophie someone the book of pearl 26074194 24885790 29231437 27280428 25431123

D I S A P P P O I N T M E N T S?

445046 26153925 29753111 the pain my mother sir tiffy cyber boy and me girl out of water

G O O D    S U R P R I S E S?

one would think the deep and i darken 8694389 Forgetting Foster | REVISED FINAL COVER x 2 (18 April 2016) 30965236  26891896 9409469 28756053

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T O P    P O S T S:

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I N T R I G U I N G    S E A R C H E S:

  • “what kind of characters you shouldn’t kill” — THE DOG, DANGIT. DO NOT KILL THE DOG. All humans are okay to be knocked off, though. Go wild.
  • “worst types of characters” — the ones that kill the dogs.
  • “i can’t be a fangirl anymore” — Why? ARE YOU DEAD??? Even then I fully believe in fangirling in the afterlife. Don’t let the haters get to you.
  • “why did chaol die” — wAiTTTT hE dIDN’t????? Or what version did you read that I did not?????
  • “high school books without romance or violence” — But I ask you…what’s left without a little kiss or a little stabbing?????
  • “is fangirling normal at age 50?” — Considering I’m not even halfway there, my opinion is most likely void. Although I envision myself fangirling at 50, if that helps. I’ll probably be fangirling at 99 and then die of a feels attack.
  • “intj bullied” — but see that’s the thing with being an INTJ! If someone is mean to you…. SMITE THEM. I am a true problem solver.
  • “my friend says i read too much books” — Simple solver is to have ONE LESS FRIEND.
  • “what kind of authors are there” — People lie and say there are “nice” authors who smile politely at children and engage in small talk. But. #LIES The only kind of author is the one that sips the tears of the readers for breakfast, consumes souls, and laughs evilly long into the night. OH WAIT. There is one other kind: ghost writers. They’re dead probably.
  • “intj world domination” — Oh, me?O9k8a
  • “penalties if you break rules in a desereted island” — Well, I suppose you die of hunger or thirst or like a coconut falls on you and kills you? IDEK, mate. Be safe if you’re on a desererereted island.

AND MY NEW FAVOURITE:

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WHO CAN KNOW THOUGH??? It’s a mystery to us ALL.

 

for sale

GOOD NEWS! Society6 is having FREE shipping this weekend!

R.I.P. your self control basically.

Also here are some lovely photos humanoids who’ve purchased my designs have shared with me!! Aren’t they kind?! AREN’T MY THINGS BEAUTIFUL? (Spoiler: yes.)

book blogger mug - promo book dragon - tote promo bookish tote - promo currently procrastinating promo

 

elsewhere

And now for aaaaaall the news from around the bookish realms during July!

A U T H O R S

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I N T E R N E T    N E W S

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B L O G G E R S

 

my life

  • Like I said: worst reading month of ever. I do blame it on the ARCs. I requested one and got about 20. That is…that is too much. And after battling 14 ARCs and still having a million on my TBR — I’m considering something drastic. I’m probably going to quit taking ARCs altogether. THIS KIND OF BREAKS MY HEART. This was my #2 reason for book blogging!! (The #1 reason was, obviously, world domination and that’s still going strong.) But I’m not enjoying these ARCs and I never get a chance to read books I choose for myself. SO HERE WE ARE. So far I’ve resigned from 4 publishers reviewing-lists. I’m considering going the whole hog.
  • I am, apparently, all or nothing.
  • I feel a little lost.
  • WHAT HAVE I DONE.
  • #help
  • (Let me know how you handle ARC overwhelm because I AM IN DIRE NEED HERE.)
  • (And to be perfectly clear: I have nothing against ARCs! I don’t even know why I keep getting so many unsolicited. I’m really grateful, but simultaneously really stressed out hahhhahhaha. #dead)
  • But in happier news I have plotted out my NaNoWriMo novel! Um…yes, I’m aware it’s not quite even August. It’s not too soon, right???
  • I’m also reworking the 7-book fantasy series I started when I was 15. I’m sure this is a terrible horrible no good very bad idea AND I’M SO EXCITED. The original is horrible, let’s not discuss it. But this????? This is glorious. It will be possibly be adult/new-adult trilogy and quite dark and involve creating monsters. Because what else do you do in your spare time?
  • I also finished the outline for my epic fantasy, A Throne Named Death, WHICH I TALK ABOUT A LOT but it’s got magicians and it’s Russian so no one minds I’m sure. The outline ended up as 10,000-words though. How did this happen????? Someone RESTRAIN ME FROM TYPING. Needless to say the outline is like 94% my amusing myself with my stunning wit. No one ever said the writing life was for the sane. Also apparently the furniture in this book has cantankerous opinions.Screen Shot 2016-07-24 at 6.40.32 PM
  • Actually, my computer took that “restrain me from typing” request seriously and my “B” and “O” keys refuse to work half the time. I can’t break my computer. I CAN’T. I NEED IT. MY COMPUTER IS MY LIFE FORCE RIGHT HERE.
  • Also I finished my outline for my adorable contemporary called The Boy Who Steals Houses. The pinterest aesthetic is yellow, I don’t know why.
  • So basically I’ve been plotting/outlining about FIVE BOOKS in July. You may now refer to me as the Ideas Queen and then cry with me because I need 984 more days in this year so I can write them all.
  • My parental made the comment of “you should get rid of some books because you don’t want to live in a room so full of books you can’t move do you?” HAHAHHAHHAHAAHHAH…but, I do.
  • My fabulous critique partner Emily made my day with this comment on my latest book:Screen Shot 2016-07-23 at 7.18.16 PM
  • My critique partner is the best, by the way. PS. Yes, it went to my head.
  • I AM CO-HOSTING A #BOOKSTAGRAM CHALLENGE!! And I need you!! I do. Look at me begging with my adorably cute puppy-dog eyes. You don’t have to be an Aussie to join, just use these prompts and the hashtag #AusYAChallenge and go wild, fiends.
  • And I actually admit my photos in this post haven’t been the best. This is because I was simultaneously photographing books and babysitting this cute lump and yelling at my dog to stop stealing my props and inserting his own toys. It’s been a hectic day. atticus - behind the scenes bookstagram atticus babysitting
  • AND LASTLY! Do you have post requests for me??? Because I had a writing-post request from some twitterers and it came to my attention that maybe you too might have some requests! Ergo feel free to shout out in the comments! ABOUT ANY KIND OF POST! For instance:
    • a tutorial you’d like?
    • a writerly question you want my sage advice on (Even though I PRETTY MUCH KNOW NOTHING JON SNOW BUT I LIKE MAKING OPINIONS ANYWAY. SO GOOD TIMES.) 
    • specific blogging tips
    • or even just something you’re dyyyying for me to talk about in general. I am listening. (I can’t make promises, but I’ll TRY.)

 

 

CHAT

SO FIENDS! time to discuss!! any post requests for me??? did you buy a delicious book this month? WHAT WAS IT?? how do you feel about ARCs…want them or are overwhelmed by them? anyone else preparing stupidly early for NaNo?? basically just tell me how your July was because I love chatting with you!! I TOTALLY DO. IT’S MY FAVOURITE.

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Comments

  1. It sucks you didn’t receive any books to shout across the hills about *sympathy wails*; I think maybe moving away from ARCs for a couple months might be a welcome break, and you’d finally get to choose ALL YOUR OWN BOOKS *twirls in delight*

    Congratulations for 10000 on bookstagram! I’m basically talking to a celebrity now *nervously shudders* can I have your autograph, maybe? *SELLS ON EBAY FOR THE DOLLAR*

    Awww your dog/lump are so adorable, I love that you ended up just making them props because you couldn’t handle it!

    For me, July has been pretty good book-wise… I mean, I haven’t read very much (*grumbles about holiday*) but I’ve been enjoying everything I managed to get to this month. And I’VE PLANNED OUT MY AUGUST, AND I’M SUPER STOKED FOR IT *confetti everywhere*. I know my plan will probably dissolve, but at least now I have some sort of goal?

    (PS – the #AusYAChallenge looks fabbbb)

    Reply

    • Isn’t it just the worst?! *goes to sob in the corner* I hate it when I don’t get to flail! I LOVE TO FLAIL OVER BOOKS. And I feel like maybe quitting ARCs for this year might be helpful? And then reassessing next year? I just want to read some books that I WANT TO READ for a while!

      Definitely talking to a celebrity. *flips hair majestically*

      Dog/lump are so cute. <3 So unhelpful, but the cuteness factor AT LEAST HELPS WITH THAT.

      Ohhh yay for being planned out for August already! YOU ORGANISED THING.😂 Goals are great! I LOVE GOALS! GO YOU WITH THE GOALS!

      Reply

  3. Yay! Congrats on your Instagram, you totally deserve it! All your photos are gorgeous. <3

    My July has consisted of frantically trying to figure out how to end my WIP. All my characters are confident and preparing to pull off this 'plan' but somehow they forgot to tell me what exactly this plan is. Whoops. XD I aso can't wait to see what this dark fantasy series of yours is about. 😀

    Reply

    • OMG THANK YOU. *flings confetti in the air and dances in it*

      Ohhh, good luck figuring out your ending. THEY CAN BE HARD BEASTS. Characters and their little secret plans though, omg. Would it kill them to communicate??! (Well…probably.😂) Hopefully I’ll do a post on it soon! BECAUSE I AM ALL THE EXCITE.

      Reply

  4. HOW HAVE YOU PLANNED FOR NANOWRIMO ALREADY??????? CAIT ARE YOU WOMAN OR ARE YOU WRITING MACHINE (i’m leaning towards writing machine run by dragons… mostly because everything is made better by dragons, as you say.) I absolutely love that little snippet of your outline?? I should work on my outline for if I plan to try NaNoWriMo again this year. first I gotta decide on which project I want to work on… HELP ME.

    BUT YAY CONGRATS ON HITTING 10,000 FOLLOWERS ON BOOKSTAGRAM I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU! I’m gonna try to participate in #AusYAChallenge, but that means going through the few books I have with me here. or I could wait till I get to my parents and then steal – I mean borrow – my sisters’ books as well for the photos… it means I’ll be behind on the posting the photos but… decisions, decisions.

    FREE SHIPPING ON SOCIETY6???? HELP MY SELF-CONTROL HAS DISAPPEARED. do I go and order things now or…

    Reply

    • I DON’T KNOW. IT’S TOO EARLY, ARA. WHAT HAVE I DONE. *sobs* I think I am a writing dragon machine??? At least that’s definitely going to be the title of my memoir someday because #reasons. EEEEP THANK YOU ABOUT MY OUTLINE.😂 I love outlining. It’s so ridiculously fun. Honestly outlining + pinterest storyboards = my greatest writing joy sometimes. :’)

      OMG I’M SO GLAD YOU’RE JOINING IN THE CHALLENGE!! *shrieks happily* Definitely steal borrow books. That will be glorious.

      And I did say RIP your self control… :’)

      Reply

  5. Post request: How to get up after a MASSIVE blogging slump. I used to blog EVERY DAY and now I’m down to, like, one/twice a month. WHICH SUCKS, because I adore blogging, but UGH. I’m struggling SO HARD. (and it’s killing me.) Eeeeeee, 7 book fantasy series??! YES PLEASSEEE.

    Reply

    • *adds that to to-do list* Actually I TOTALLY GET SLUMPING. I mini-slumped after reading such a ton of meh books.😂 But awk, I have totally missed reading your blog, Kara. I KEEP CHECKING FOR NEW POSTS. (No pressure or anything.😂) Slumping is the worst, gah, it’s so depressing. *sends you encouraging cake*

      Reply

  7. Is that cute lump Jupiter?! I am still requesting THE TWO POSTS I HAVE BEEN REQUESTING FOR OVER A YEAR NOW… A Day In the Life Of Atticus Bean and Cait’s Backyard Australian Wildlife Safari (wait… can you have safaris in Australia or is that only on the continent of Africa). How about The Wildlife With Cait. Ha ha! I loved Elsewhere, the premise was fresh and I recall loving the MC. I should read it again. I say just forget the unsolicited ARCs. I am doing a one ARC a month personal challenge next year, but it won’t include highly anticipated books I would be reading anyway, so I figure it will end up being two ARCs a month. I was getting basically no personal reading done and my ARC free summer has proven to me how much I need the break because I am loving having no real schedule aside from buddy reads. CONGRATULATIONS on all of your achievements! Onward and upward! 🙂

    Reply

    • YES! THAT IS MY LITTLE JUPITER! (actually funny story: my dad was playing peekaboo with her today and we discovered she doesn’t actually know her name is Juniper. hahaha. SO IT’S NOT JUST ME STRUGGLING WITH IT. She only answers to Juni and Jupey…yes, I call her Jupey. 😂)

      OH BUT I DID DO AN UPDATE ON ATTICUS IN MY LAST MONTHLY RECAP!!! SO THAT SORT OF COUNTS, RIGHT?!? I’ve been considering doing a room tour so I could encourporate my backyard with that…omg I SAW A KOALA YESTERDAY!! Just sayin’. 😉

      I think the Aussie publishers expect us to do the unsolicited ARCs though.😳 Like I once got an email that sort of indicated that you’d be terminated if you didn’t send in reviews within 3 weeks of release or something and it was scary.😂 I’m SO behind on books I actually want to read and it’s breaking my heart. *CUE WAILS* I kind of want to kick ARCs for the rest of this year (except for requesting on Netgalley because I can choose that) and then reassess next year maybe?

      Reply

  8. Wow, so many amazing accomplishments this month! It sucks that you didn’t like the books you read though. I really hated Queen of Hearts as well. When it comes to ARC, I usually try my best to request only books that have high ratings on Goodreads so as to limit them and also find ones that I would have higher chances of enjoying. Anyway, good luck! 🙂

    Kim @ Divergent Gryffindor: BLOG || VLOG

    Reply

    • Queen of Hearts was SUCH a disappointment, argh argh…so many cliches and it didn’t even feel like Wonderland! MY HEART BREAKS.

      I wish I COULD just request ARCs…but all these unsolicited ones are what kills me.😭 Sounds like you have a wise method going!!😂

      Reply

  9. CAIT PLEASE TELL US HOW YOU MAKE THOSE GLORIOUS STAR THINGS.

    Oh, also, I’m glad my comment didn’t go to your head. HA. And thank you kindly for mentioning me. From a famous Bookstagrammer, no less. It is my ultimate goal to get to 10k followers. Because I just feel like when you have a K, you’ve made it, you know?

    OOOH, good luck with the ARC-resigning. I don’t read NEARLY as many as I used to, but I do love to keep up with the Aussie YA (and I couldn’t possibly afford to buy all of them). And plus, most ARCs are paperbacks. Terrible for Bookstagram :’) :’)

    *whispers* I’m obsessed.

    Reply

    • OKAY THAT WOULD BE A GRAND POST IDEA ACTUALLY. *adds stars to the to-do list*
      And you definitely keep me calm and humble. 😉 Good job.
      Do you get like a gazillion unsolicited ones too?? I mean, I’m sure they send them to all of us Aussies, but it just seems like DOUBLE the amount of last year. I don’t even get a chance to request anymore because I’m drowning in books. GAHHHH. I want to read some of the books I CHOOSE. Although I 100% agree it’s good for keeping up with the Aussie books.😂 My library isn’t too shabby at buying Aussie new releases tho…so I will still have hope there!
      (And heck yes, paperbacks on bookstagram? Pfft. Also I’m such a snob and hate it when ARCs don’t have their covers yet.😂😂 BOOKSTAGRAM FAILS.)

      Reply

  10. Let’s casually ignore the fact that July ever happened… And never mention Camp NaNo 2016 (April OR July) ever again…
    On the bright side, I read Frozen Charlotte.
    YOU HAD NO FIVE STARS?!? Have some sympathy. Have all the sympathy.
    The fact that you appear to have a folder on Scrivener dedicated entirely to names just made my day. Do you always use different names, or do you sometimes find yourself using the same ones over and over? I LOVE looking for names, but I have several that I just seem to have an affinity for.

    Reply

    • Yup. Let’s skip July. I think it was an entire waste of space.😂 I didn’t even have any writing projects going I MEAN WUT EVEN WAS THE POINT OF JULY. *gives you cake in condolences for NaNo* On the bright side, also, though, you reminded me I should read Frozen Charlotte.

      And YES. That Scrivener file is like my “ideas” file, so it’s 100% for random research I do, names I collect, and book ideas I’m developing. And when the book ideas get big and strong enough, I let them out into the wild (aka their own scrivener files😂) and write them from there. BUT YES OMG I LOVE COLLECTING NAMES IT IS MY FAVOURITE THING. And…okay, confession: I have huge name crushes. I wish I could just use the same names sometimes because I LOVE THEM. And after you’ve written 20 books, you start to get a little low on names. Ahem. I actually use a lot of variations? I don’t worry about IT TOO MUCH because like what are the chances of all these books getting published? Zlich.😂 So I’ll just change names if they do. But I have waaaay too many M names…like Misha/Mikael/Michael/Milo/Mo….Oops.

      Reply

  12. CONGRATS ON 10K!!! And are the last 2 volumes of death note really a disappointment because ;’-( I still have 3 volumes left, but AHH! I love reading these posts by the way! LOVE YOUR BLOG TO DEATH!

    xoxo, Rawan M from RMAI

    Reply

    • UGh Death Note just went WAY DOWNHILL. I’m still so annoyed about it! The first volumes were GENIUS. *sobs* The ending is pretty weird too….let me know what you think of it!😂

      OMG THANKYOU. THAT IS THE NICEST THING TO HEAR. HAVE SOME CAKE, MY NEW FRIEND.

      Reply

  13. Caken, but you ARE famous. SERIOUSLY YOU NEED TO ACTUALLY ACCEPT THIS. You’ve been blogging for what, five years? You are EVERYWHERE ON THE INTERNET, you’re fun and hilarious and NICE AND KIND. You have made a name for yourself in the reader world. I mean, hello, why do you think you’re getting 20 unsolicited ARCs? BECAUSE PUBLISHERS KNOW YOU HAVE LIKE EIGHT MILLION FOLLOWERS. And I read your review of Air Awakens (side note: AUGH I WAS THINKING OF READING THAT SERIES but nope not anymore) and even when you write a one or two star review and your entire review is literally ALL THE THINGS YOU DIDN’T LIKE somehow you still manage to not sound like you’re bashing the book or the author. You’re just so informative and ALSO THE WAY YOU WRITE IS SO YOU. Even your raging reviews are amusing to you read because you’re so //you//. You ARE. LITERALLY. FAMOUS. OKAY?

    But on the flip-side, yes I think quitting on ARCs is a great idea. Even if you take it up again in a few months or years or in your next lifetime, your time is your own. If you want to read only books you actually want to and focus on your writing more or WHATEVER YOU WANT: go for it, babe. You aren’t obligated to take ARCs just because publishers know you’re such a great reviewer. You need a break and quitting on ARCs is the best place to start. You’re doing so many things all the time, you do need to calm down and take a rest XD

    OKAY now that this INFJ is done telling you to take care of yourself XDDDD OKAY BUT BLESS YOU YOU INCLUDED A LINK TO A BULLET JOURNAL POST EXCUSE ME WHILE I GO INHALE IT.

    Okay but Chaol didn’t die, did he???? ALSO are you gonna read that novella thing Maas said she was going to write about Chaol? BECAUSE I AM TEMPTED but I want to know if you are or not. I legit don’t care one little dust mite about anything related to ToG BUT CHAOL STILL HOLDS A PART OF MY HEART. That poor child.

    Also that search about fangirling when you’re 50: CAN WE JUST THINK FOR A MOMENT about the fact that a lovely 50 y/o lady probably//maybe searched that??? AND THAT SHE IS MAYBE A SECRET FANGIRL BUT SHE DOESN’T SHOW IT BECAUSE SHE’S 50 AND THE WORLD WOULD THINK SHE’S STRANGE? I need to find her so I can flail with her. She certainly came to the right place though XD Your blog is like, Fangirling World.

    (okay now that I’ve written a comment about as long as a blog post itself, I’ll go now XD bye)

    Reply

    • AWWW, SHUCKS, LISA, YOU’RE MAKING ME BLUSH.😂 *flails happily* 8 million followers though…hahahhah. YES OF COURSE I DO. I mean, just a few less, but not much, so we might as well round up. And you miiight like Air Awakens? But honestly, I felt like it was a giant waste of potential. I mean, she worked IN A LIBRARY AND WAS MAGICY and it failed so bad. Bleh. (Plus awkward and underdeveloped love triangle bleh.) Ahem. But omg you have no idea how good it is to hear that my low-star-ratings aren’t ragy/awful reviews. BECAUSE I LIVE IN DREAD OF BECOMING A “MEAN BLOGGER”. Like I don’t like a lot of books?? But I don’t want to be horrible about it. And I still want to give my opinion. SO THIS IS SUPER ENCOURAGING THANK YOU, LISA, YOU PRECIOUS BEAN.

      And YES! Like what’s to say I can’t quit ARCs for the rest of this year??! I’m only supposed to read 200 books and I’ve already read nearly 150.😂 And I have TONS of books I want to write. SO. I could sign up for ARCs again next year maybe, right?!

      You are such a good mothering thing, honestly. So sensible.

      Chaol DID NOT DIE!! I mean, bad stuff happened to him but he didn’t die.😂 And…well…like I don’t think I ever want to read SJM again, honestly. I feel betrayed!?? It’s weird. It’s just my favourite characters got ruined (I WISH they’d been killed; that would’ve been so much better honestly)…but if the reviews come in and say Chaol/Aelin get back together then I MIGHT RECONSIDER. But I don’t know.🙈🙊

      And omg I agree!! The possible 50 year old googling is so wonderful. :’) Or it could be a younger-bean wondering if they have a time limit on fangirling? EITHER WAY IT’S HILARIOUS AND I HOPE THEY DON’T STOP. I should honestly put that on a mug: Fangirling World.😉

      Reply

      • (I have not been waiting for your reply all day XD) I’M SO GLAD YOU’RE ENCOURAGED AND BLUSHING. THAT WAS MY AIM XDDD (my personal opinion is that you need to be loved on more often but anyway *ahem*)

        YES I AM BETRAYED TOO. Like I love Chaol because bby child but… UGH yes I just don’t even want to give SJM the time of day to read her books. And by now Chaol doesn’t even deserve Celaena//Aelin so I think I would be even more peeved if they DID get back together. AUGH IT’S JUST SUCH A HUGE DUMB MESS OF EW.

        I think I miiiiiiight still check out Air Awakens and just see about it? ALSO THOSE COVERS I MEAN SERIOUSLY. But if you so badly didn’t like it, then it prob won’t be a 5 star for me.

        Reply

  14. I would love you to do a post about how blogging has affected your personal life (if you want), or about how books (or maybe just one particular book) has changed how you see the world. Also more baking posts maybe? I bought the Trials of Apollo and Lost and Found (but Brooke Davis) I haven’t read either yet because the TBR is tooooo long. Also school started. I don’t really get ARC’s except from a friend of my parents who owns a bookshop *occasionally* when we’re in NZ, so I don’t feel stressed about them at all and am quite happy reading whatever I want. My July was lovely. Mountains and then a little bit of service in Bihar (India’s poorest state) and lots of blog post and book review writing and now school and stress and seeing friends and meeting new people and AV and hanging out with my family. I don’t do NaNo (at least I haven’t yet) but this month I’ve done some worldbuilding for a fantasy and now have to decide if I want to write that or a contemporary set in a (Thai?) international school first. Because I go to an international school and the only representation I’ve seen of it is in Anna and the French Kiss and they’re not all like that.

    Reply

    • THESE ARE SUCH GOOD IDEAS SHANTI, OMG, THIS IS WHY YOU ARE THE BEST. *gives you half a cake crumb because unfortunately I ate the rest* I would do more baking posts but I don’t even bake that much ahhahah.😂

      Omg, there’s ANOTHER Lost & Found? Why are all the books called that these days. I feel like I know of at least 4 now….or maybe 3. Which isn’t really “all the books” but pfft, let me be hyperbolic.

      Ohhh your July does sound nice! MOUNTAINS! And that’s super awesome you were doing stuff in Bihar! And I’ve been enjoying your (and Shar’s!) creative and awesome blog posts as usual. Honestly your blog is amazing. I just feel like I SHALL SAY THAT RIGHT NOW BECAUSE IT IS TRUE.

      You should definitely write a book about an international school because THAT WOULD BE AWESOME and quite frankly I think we just need more YA books set in different countries. DO IT, SHANIT. *fetches popcorn to motivate you*

      Reply

  15. You quit taking ARC? I used to be jealous with bookblogger who got ARC.. Now, I realized it is not always fun. I support whatever decision you made as longvas you are happy 🙂

    You have plotting for nanowrimo? Wow it is awesome! I hope everything went well for you. Thank you for sharing and inspring 🙂

    Reply

    • Aww, thanks, Hana! I haven’t quit ENTIRELY.😂 So far I’ve halved who I’m signed up with and possibly I’ll go a bit further. Or not. I can’t decide. AGH. AGONY!😂 But yes! I think it just depends on the blogger and life and all those things. 🙂 Being happy as a blogger is definitely important.
      Oh thank YOU for always leaving such nice comments!!

      Reply

  16. There’s absolutely none you can rave about this month?! Really?! Sad…there’s always at least one in my book…

    OK. I had something to say but totally forgot..goodness! Yikes. O..my buys every month tends to be the ones I LOVE when I read them from arcs, ebooks or borrowed from the library that I MUST OWN and the ones I receive from box subscriptions. This month I bought THE GIFTING series from KE Ganshert. Absolutely loved! The audio version is also fabulous!

    Reply

    • AGH I KNOW. I mean, I did have some 4-star reads and I will flail over The Boy Most Likely To and The Gray Wolf Throne…but the didn’t knock my socks off, you know?? IT’s SO SAD.

      Ohhh audiobooks are THE BEST.😂 If they didn’t take so long to listen to (and weren’t so expensive hahah), I swear I’d do mostly audiobooks. THEY ARE LIFE.

      Reply

    • The Dog and The Lump ARE THE CUTEST OF EVER. Although the Lump moves considerably slower which is good because she ended up taking off with some of my props too. I mean, srsly, is the whole world against my bookstagraming? Sheesh.😂 THANKYOU ALSO!

      Reply

    • SO TRUE. And actually super wise advice.😂 I think ARCs are awesome but I also think maybe it’s time I took a break. I can always sign back up next year or something, right?! Once I get on top of this current TBR…

      Reply

  19. Dude, it’s so cool that they featured your quote in a book. Like, what even? #famous But I do find it kind of odd that no one told you about this? I mean, can you even use someone’s quote to promote your book without asking first?

    Congrats on Bookstagram! I super duper want to do the challenge you’re hosting. So it’s on my raider! But, let’s be real, I have been slacking on the internet lately. I probably appear to have been murdered.

    All of your story ideas sound so amazing and fabulous. I must clap for you.

    I can believe you’re asking for requests because, I kid you not, I was just thinking of a post I’d like to see from you. Ang guess what? Now that you mention it it’s gone. Poof. Right out of my head. I have no idea what I wanted to ask for. I guess I’ll get back to you on that one. :/

    Reply

    • OMG HELLO STRANGER!! IT’S BEEN A LONG TIME! *shrieks* *gives you welcome back cake*

      About the quote: haha, I have no idea. I’m guessing it’s on goodreads so maybe it’s public domain? Idek.😂 It does seem weird but also exciting so I won’t lose sleep over it.

      Doooon’t be murdered. I MISS IT WHEN YOU’RE NOT AROUND TO CHAT WITH. <3 I shall wait anxiously to see if you bookstagram with me.

      Well if the post-request magically comes back…YOU KNOW WHERE I AM. 😂

      Reply

  20. Being quoted in a book & over 10K followers on Instagram DEFINITELY means #famous. Aww that best books section looks very empty indeed… but that GIF 😀 Aren’t you the least brutal problem solver? Do I need to make a Cait quote list: “I AM A PICKY GRAPE”. “I died. I mean, I said yes first, then I died.”. “Smite them”. ARCs – “all or nothing”. Ahhh Cait aren’t you always plotting? Whether it’s a novel… or world domination. I don’t receive many ARCs so I would love more. Gimme gimme. But you are overachieving and if it’s stressing you out, just forget about them. Enjoy the books you want to read!! My reading month has been so much better than the last. We don’t talk about my reading with June.

    Reply

    • AW YESSSSSS. FAME COME TO ME. *twirls gloriously* 😂

      And I think we can all agree my “problem solving” methods are probably not…recommended. (But yet, effective? :’) Also I could probably write a whole book of my insane quotes by now. I’ll be a NYT bestseller for it FOR SURE.

      AND YES I AM ALWAYS PLOTTING SOMETHING DEVIOUS. It’s so fun and relaxing. :’)

      I hope August works out a better/easier reading month at least.😂 And I hope your good reading streak continues! Yes…let’s not talk abut June either hahha. #ohdear

      Reply

  21. First of all, CONGRATULATIONS FOR THE 10K FOLLOWERS YAYYYYYY!!! Also, you were contacted by A.G freaking Howard. That is so cool!! On the other hand, I’m sorry this is such a lousy reading month for you though. Hopefully August would be 1000x better! I planned to quit Teen Wolf but then I heard this would be the last season so I guess I’ll stick with it. PLEASE BRING ALL THE CAST BACK. ALLISON. ISAAC. THE TWINS. EVERYONE. I WANT THEM ALL *cue the sharpay gif* And I don’t know… I think Divergent just tried too hard?? Which is why the last one was such a mess. I’d love to hear you rambling about… I don’t know… All your favorite bookish stuffs? I think it would be awesome!

    Reply

    • FDJSKALD I KNOW. SHE IS LIKE MY HERO AUTHOR I JUST WANT TO FLAIL FOREVER. *shrieks* Ahem. That’s the kind of ARC reading I want to be in on.😂 And I do hope August turns out to be a month of epicness because I really need it before I slump. Bleh.

      I miss Isaac so bad omg. But Stiles is my favourite, so as long as he doesn’t die, I should be okay haha. 😂

      My favourite bookish things? SOUNDS FUN. I can always be counted on to ramble bookishly. IT IS MY LANGUAGE.

      Reply

  23. I used to get drawn in arcs too and it sucks, because as you said I didn’t have time to actually read sth I wanted it. I missed the feeling of reading for myself. Also, I really want to read your wattpad story but I can’t find your account and the link doesn’t work for me. What’s your user name?
    One last thing, love your wattpad.

    Reply

    • YES I really miss reading for myself…gah. I mean, I love the privilege of ARCs and all, but YES I do miss just reading whatever I want to read.

      OH and sorry about the wattpad account! I only had it up for a short time to get some feedback but then I took my story down. I’M SO SORRY! I’ll have news on what I plan to do next with wattpad soon though!

      Reply

  24. I love your aesthetic! How did you come up with it? I’m trying to find my blog’s aesthetic but there are too many things i like… maybe you could do a post about that?

    Reply

  25. Your titles are THE BEST. Seriously, they make me want to read allllll your books! And I have a thing about Russia, so A Throne Named Death… MUST READ. If you ever need an extra beta reader or someone to line edit for you… I would loooove to! And if you need any help with the Russian language, I know a bit about it and speak some of it. 😀

    And I understand you stopping with the ARCs! I can tell that’s overwhelming at times, especially when the books aren’t ones you particularly want to read.

    Reply

    • THANKYOU.😂 I honestly struggle with titles SO MUCH so it’s like such a relief when they actually work out hhaha. Ahem. Omg you know Russian?! I shall definitely be coming to you! It’s only vaguely influenced, but I’d still like to know more Russian things! (If you have any book recommendations for me, too, like Russian ones…I will definitely be listening.😂)

      Oh and for sure! The Inspired by Books post I did last Tuesday was part of a linkup anyway, so it was a universal prompt to use. GO FOR IT. 😀

      Reply

      • Well, they’re gorgeous! 😀 I wouldn’t say I’m an expert, but I know the alphabet pretty well (which is way different from English), and I’m working on building up my vocabulary. I actually haven’t gotten to read that many Russian books… they’re really hard to find. 🙁

        Awesome! I’ll definitely be doing it, then! Books have inspired me to do a lot of odd things. 😉

        Reply

  26. It’s totally not too soon to starting plotting for NaNo! I have a few ideas for what I want to write this year for it, and now might be a good time to figure out some of the details, that way, I’m ready when November rolls around.

    There was a two-year stretch where I requested a lot of ARC”s from netgalley, and I like a lot of the ones I’ve read. But over the last couple of years, I haven’t requested as many, because I wasn’t enjoying them as much as I thought, so that’s when I knew it was time to take a break. Now I just request the ones I really want to read, and occasionally I’ll request something random that looks interesting- it definitely took a weight off my shoulders!

    Congrats on 10,000 followers!

    Reply

    • OH GOOD. We can be over-organised for NaNo together.😂 *hi fives* And yes, it takes out the panic when November actually comes right?! (Just hopefully I don’t get unenthused before it gets here hahahha….*gulps*)

      I think taking breaks of things like ARCs is probably not a bad idea! At least until I catch up right?!? I wish I could just request what I wanted though, because then I could request how many I could handle…and not get swamped with SO MANY. Argh. Unsolicited ARCs definitely have their downsides.

      THANKYOU!!

      Reply

  27. Okay, so I realized I forgot to comment on post ideas, and then I saw THE LUNAR CHRONICLES COLORING BOOKS. WHAT. MUST. HAVE. THOSE. NOOOOOWWWWW. And I’m not even a fan of all the coloring book stuff…

    I think it would be really cool if you did a snippet post of some kind… I’d love to read more of your writing!!!

    And is it okay if I steal the Inspired by Books post that you did? That looked like a lot of fun!

    Reply

  28. XD Yeah I’ve been plotting my NaNo novel. It’s going to be great?

    My July was fantastic. I read tons of books (always a good thing), walked along the beach (which never happens), and still died over WAITING FOR THE RAVEN KING. LIBRARY GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER. What is this waiting? I do not like it. XD Though I did get Calamity so #silverlining.

    Reply

    • I’M SURE IT’LL BE GREAT! YAYYY!! *throws confetti over both of us*

      Ohhh bechaes are wonderful. WONDERFUL. I haven’t been walking on a beach since like…January.😂 But tbh it’s kind of too cold at this point. And omg your library is withholding the gloriousness that is the Raven King from you?! HOW RUDE.

      Oh oh I need to read Calamity. But I’m also scared. Because Fireflight only ended in PAIN and TEARS.

      Reply

  29. Wow! Congrats on 10K! You go!!

    Get this. I bought… wait for it… 15 FREAKIN BOOKS THIS MONTH. From a used bookstore all within 12 bucks or so. Cool or what? These are all amazing classics too! Bought one new book… well, the book is not new, but it’s a new book… umm, did that make any sense? =/

    So, uhh, I want request a post on writing. Basically, I want to give it a shot. But it’s like, I have a general plot in mind, but I don’t know how to make a book out of it… i don’t know where to even start! I can get away with writing non-fiction these days, and well, I’m not hoping to one day become an author or anything, but say I want to just write it for myself… it’s a personal challenge.. but if I cannot even begin… well, you get the picture… I don’t know… does anyone else suffer from the same problem as me? To elaborate on that a little… I said I have a general plot in mind, but it’s not really the plot… it’s more like… a part of the bigger plot. But the details are still missing, and I guess the into and conclusions will be part of the whole plot, and will depend on them too…

    Gahh, I would go take a creative fiction writing course if I had money to pay for it… which I don’t … so you are my only hope, Cait. Help me out =(

    Reply

    • THANK YOU, MALIHA!! *twirls happily*

      Omggg, so many books so cheap! YOU ARE THE BOOK BARGAIN QUEEN!! I really wish my library would do another library sale.😂 That would be helpful….because clearly I never have enough books ahem. (#lies I have too many books SAVE ME FROM MYSELF MALIHA)

      So like how to develop a book idea into something writeable? Because that would make a GRAND post and I shall put it on the list for sure! And I do understand that feeling of wanting to write something but not knowing how. Like I develop plots super fast now, but I’ve had tons of practise. So I’ll try to figure out how to write a simple how-to post!!

      I think writing courses are helpful for, like, HOW to write but if you don’t have the “WHAT to write” sorted, it can be a bit overwhelming anyway.

      Reply

  30. CONGRATS, CAIT! 10k Instagram followers makes you so so famous. (I’m at 9k myself, and 10k was my ultimate goal when I started, so now I’m getting VERY VERY EXCITED. !!!!!!) I bought a few books this month, but haven’t read any of them YET. They include: The Demon King, The Secret History, Mockingjay (my third copy), A Little Life, My Lady Jane, and The Rose and the Dagger! have you read any of those?? Also yes to the ARCs thing. I’m slightly behind, but I’m participating in #ARCAugust to help myself get caught up! I’m going to read almost ONLY ARCs in August (get it?? That’s why the name is ARC August!! *leaves*) And so that way I won’t get stressed. When I first started blogging I was OBSESSED with Netgalley and Edelweiss, and just went *requestrequestrequest* BUT NOW I HAVE LEARNED AND CALMED DOWN. So they don’t overwhelm me as much anymore. But I TOTALLY see where you’re coming from, and I think that’s a great idea! I’m very impressed with your NaNo plotting. I haven’t been writing AT ALL *cries* but hopefully be November I will just POUND THE WORDS OUT. we’ll see. My July was pretty good!

    Reply

    • OMG THANK YOU, AVA. <33 And you will be there so soon!! *cheers for you* The Demon King is like THE BEST THO. I'm reading the finale right now *shrieks* And The Rose and the Dagger is like my "I am ashamed I haven't read it yet". 😂 Oh and ARC August is like a really good idea. I probably should do a challenge like that....buuuut...I get so distracted by library books.

      And YES I learned to calm down on Netgalley too! I actually only let myself go on like once a month and request like 2 books. I do like requesting books and doing the reviews! But I just wish I could choose the books, you know?! It's hard. Merp. Maybe quitting for this year and reassessing next year might help.

      I'm so glad you had a good July!! 😀

      Reply

  31. I forgot that you’d tried to read Elsewhere. It’s one of my least favourite books. I think part of the reason is that it had so much promise, with the premise and everything… but then it went and got stupid (and it was poorly written besides).

    I don’t think I could deal with all those ARCs, either. I mean, this year has been a slow one for reading, anyway. So all those books added to the TBR pile would just be so much stress!

    Reply

    • When I looked up my dnf-review on Goodreads again I saw you’d commented and agreed with me.😂 *hi fives*

      IT IS SO MUCH STRESS. Plus it’s panicky because my pile of books-I-actually-want-to-read is just getting bigger and I feel so guilty when I want to re-read because I feel like I should be reading these ARCs. GAH.

      Reply

  32. All your posts are so fun and upbeat and make me smile.

    Post Requests/Ideas. I have not read your archives (yet) so apologies if you’ve already done these

    – Cover Re-imaginings – Which are your favorite and what series / books deserve a cover upgrade
    – Process description for your quote designs. Also, do you buy one of all your mugs? If not, how do you resist?
    – Nitpicky things that bother you in a book. AKA, (5 Stars except for the bit where [insert pet peeve])
    – When you outgrow or move away from Books, Authors, Genres
    – How to find a book of the right color to fit in your book rainbow shelves
    – Favorite Book Crafts, and how to accept that it’s okay to disassemble books for art
    – How to find homes for books no one wants to take ( This might connect with the previous )
    – What to do when a book looks good but you can’t even with the cover
    – Book Characters from different worlds you want to see hanging out together
    – The pain of books that do not fit a standard shape and don’t fit / look right

    Reply

    • Aww, thankyou, Law! YOU MAKE ME SMILE.😂

      Omg these are SUCH GOOD IDEAS THANK YOU FOR THIS. Honestly this is like the best. *squawks* And honestly I can tel you right now I will 100% be talking about the pain of books that DON’T FIT. Like why aren’t books all the same height at least???? It’d make life so much easier.

      Reply

  33. Cait, congrats on the book quote and the Instagram followers, that is seriously goals! I get a lot of ARCs unsolicited as well, but I only read them if I’m interested. I mean it’s great to discover new books but you shouldn’t feel obligated to read something you didn’t sign up for you know? I think they expect that anyway. I’m sorry for the terrible reading month and hope you get to read some fantastic books next month! Also I love your recaps.

    Reply

    • I’m never sure if the publishers expect it or not. I sometimes get emails like “are you reading this book” and I mena, I guess it’s not like ‘WE WILL BURN YOU IF YOU DON’T’ but then I got that email from Allen & Unwin that said if you don’t review books within 3 weeks or something they’ll terminate your account. WHICH SCARED ME.😭 So much pressure erk.

      Aww, thankyou about my recaps! I SERIOUSLY LOVE PUTTING THEM TOGETHER.😂

      Reply

  34. I had a nice July! I read the first five books in the Saga series by Brian K. Vaughan. IT IS AMAZING! You NEED to read them, they are so good. OHMYGOSHTHEYAREBEAUTIFUL! I love ARC’s, I get some, I’ve only ever asked for one though. I like them though, shower me with ARC’s. I have this beautiful ARC of The Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard, it is in a see through case with red velvet under it. It came in the mail the day after I pre-ordered the official copy though. Grrrrrr… it’s okay though, now I have a cool copy with red velvet and a signed official copy. I wish I could get my hands on a Sarah J. Maas ARC, I don’t even know if those are real though. I finished the Raven Boys series this month, and Maggie Stiefvater is a cruel bean. I want more of all the characters!

    Reply

    • OH YAY FOR NICE JULYS, LEAH!! I am so glad!! And omg powering through a series is an awesome feeling.

      OHhhh, an ARC coming with a Velvet Case?! OKAY WHY DON’T THEY DO THAT IN AUSTRALIA, THAT’D BE SO AWESOME.😂 Actually once I got sent an ARC with tissues…that was…encouraging. bahhahah.

      Maggie Stiefvater IS a cruel, but glorious bean. <3 I love her and yet she continually destroys my heart with her books. WHAT IS THIS LIFE.

      Reply

  35. You should try DNFing more. haha I know, I know, some people can’t really get themselves to do it, but it sounds like it would free up some time for you! At any rate, you do you! I like ARCs and review books but I am trying to limit myself. I don’t really request much and I hardly ever get unsolicited, so besides my BEA books, I have more time to read what I want and I love that.

    -Lauren

    Reply

    • AGH IF ONLY I COULD.😂 I just get too twitchy with unread books lying around honestly. hehh. I wonder if it’s just Australia that goes a bit over-board with the unsolicited ARCs?? I don’t even get to REQUEST any these days! Which saddens me because there are sooo many books out there I actually want to read. 😂

      Reply

  36. I request that you get to Beautiful People again…..soon…..PLEASE…….????????!!!!!!!!!!! :O :I

    Reply

  37. You’ve read 25 books this month and you didn’t love a single book? That’s so unfortunate. Maybe the book gods hate you. Kidding! :p I think you need to stay away from ARCs, for now. I mean ARCs are fabulous and awesome and I love getting them but they can be a bit overwhelming at times. Been there. 🙁 I actually have a stack of ARCs that I haven’t read and reviewed yet and most of them are 2013-2014 ARCs. Oh gods. I feel so terrible. That’s the result of going into a year long blogging and reading slump. :(( That’s why I decided to join the #ARCAugust to read at least half of those pile. 🙂

    Cait, you write such amazing and funny posts. You never fail to amuse and amaze me with your awesomeness. Have fun conquering the world! Hahaha. 😀

    Reply

    • Well I *did* have several 4-star ones so THAT AT LEAST IS GOOD!!😂 It wasn’t 1000% doom and gloom, but I really miss the blow-your-mind kind of books. I usually have at least one! *cries to self*

      I think ARCs can give us the tendency to slump…with the pressure and all and especially if they’re unsolicited. eek. I mean, ARCs are wonderful and a privilege and all, but breaks from them are good too.😂

      Omgg, THANK YOU FOR SAYING THESE NICE THINGS, ALYSSA. IT HONESTLY MAKES MY DAY. <3

      Reply

  38. Congrats on 10000 Instagram followers!! That is amazing! Tell us all your secrets! I did enjoy your bookstagram post the other day, but I’d love to know what you’re doing to attract so many followers. Are you going out liking/commenting on a bunch of pictures? Or maybe using some golden hashtags? I am making this an official post request. 🙂

    And I totally get what you mean about ARCs. Sometimes I feel like they’re more stressful than they’re worth. Especially unsolicited ones. I don’t get nearly as many as you, but when I do get them and it’s not something I wanted or are really interested I just don’t know what to do with it. And even the ones I request… it’s so hard to keep up. I haven’t read a single BEA book yet and I feel terrible about that, but life’s just been so busy.

    Reply

    • Oh that is a good post suggestion! Thanks for that Rebecca! (Although tbh I have no idea how I even get followers except by posting a lot and taking good quality pics hahahha.😂 #clueless) ahem. Golden hashtags is probably definitely the answer. *nods*

      Sometimes I feel like the unsolicited ones are have an 80% chance of being awful?! Like I feel bad for thinking that! But I never love them. *sighs* It seems pointless to keep being on a mailing list when I like basically 1 in 10 unsolicited books. *cries*

      Reply

  39. I am still trying to figure out how to get Arc’s and your quitting them, I understand though, you seem to be drowning in books.

    Reply

  40. Ohhh you read A LOT this month and that’s impressive! But I totally understand why you want to quit ARC to be able to read what you really want, I’m sure your have some books on your personal TBR. Although, SOME is probably an understatement hahaha 😛 and I’m sorry that of all the books you read this month, none of them deserve a 5 star rating, that’s bummer 🙁 alsoooo I really want to read And I Darken because I’ve been hearing SO MANY GOOD THINGS about it!! and I’m gonna be participating on your bookstagram challenge! I’ve taken the photos for some of the prompts but I’m taking some more soon! 😀

    Reply

    • I have like 60 books on my personal TBR that I want to read.😂 Not to mention my library!! I miss just being able to devour the entire library at will. Gah. So maybe I’ll take the rest of this year off and reassess next year, right?!? BUT YOU SO NEED AND I DARKEN!! IT’S JUST THAT GOOD!!! And I’m so so glad you’ll do the challenge! *flings confetti*

      Reply

  41. Congrats on the 10k milestone. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer person 😀
    Someday, I’d like to get there too. My 2016 goal is 5K and things are moving slowly but I am just hoping that one day, I’ll post pics that resonate and will jumpstart my follow-rate so I’ll hit my goal by year end and work on the 10K milestone too.
    Keep posting that awesome content.

    Reply

    • Aww, Karen! That’s SO SWEET of you to say! *blushes* I hope you hit your 5K really soon! *fingers crossed* I feel like posting quite frequently and joining in challenges does help boost follower counts too? At least it did help me!

      Reply

  42. I’M SO SORRY YOU DIDN’T HAVE ANY 5 STAR READS! D: *cries with you and gives you cake* That is a sadness and a tragedy and I hope you find LOTS of good books to read soon. <3

    10K (11K!) on Instagram. I. am. impressed. BUT AT THE SAME TIME NOT SURPRISED WHEN ALL YOUR PHOTOS ARE LIKE THAT. *drools* Seriously, you're magic or something.

    Being quoted inside a book is the BEST. GO YOU!

    PAPER AND FIRE LOOKS GORGEOUS! *collapses* I still need to read Ink and Bone. #readerfail

    Whoa, A.G. Howard asked you to be an EARC reader? COOL! …I also for some reason always assumed said A.G. Howard was a guy. *twitch* Probably because "Howard"? OOPS. My bad. 😛

    Your search result replies are A+ as per usual. XD

    You have plotted your NaNo novel! :O Applause for you! I admire your readiness. XD AND REWORKING YOUR OLD 7-BOOK FANTASY SERIES SOUNDS ADMIRABLE. AS DOES FINISHING THE OUTLINE FOR YOUR RUSSIAN MAGICAL FANTASY. Basically I approve 10000% of all your writing things. <3 I looooove hearing about your writing. 😀 …I also have a theory that you probably have been having ALL OF THE INSPIRATION because your reading this month was so lousy and your brain was probably craving brilliant and enjoyable stories and so was likely needing to make them up. *nods* (I've been having all the story ideas lately too, so you're not alone. *collapses under plot bunnies*)

    I'm super impressed at your ability to do amazing photography (it's still amazing what are you talking about) with your dog and babysitting. Wow. ALSO ADORBZ. Atticus is all "Caiiiit stahp playing with your books and play with ME". <3

    Oh my word. Cait. You're considering quitting ARCs. O_O I have to pause a moment and read those words again because the shock. But at the same time… I totally do not blame you one tiny percent. I have been watching your ARC overwhelmedness and lack of joy for awhile now with a bleeding heart and I totally see where you're coming from. I also see where the publishers are coming from because if I was a published author I would 10000% hope you read my book because even if you hated it, it would get awareness and your review would likely be amusing anyway. XD And if you loved it… gosh, think of the sales climbing! Ahem. But if you're not enjoying it, and it's crowding your life, by all means, do what you need to do! *many hugs* I don't want you to be a sad bean, my favorite Cait Fury. <3

    I, sadly, do not have tips on how to handle ARC overwhelmingness, since I get overwhelmed with only like a dozen review books in a year, and mostly ones I ASKED for at that… but then, I don't read as fast as you and I don't "enjoy" writing reviews per se since I'm a perfectionist and spend ten thousand years on each one. *cough* But I've been getting overwhelmed with review books and ARCs and beta books, some that I've asked for, some that I haven't, and all at that mostly ones I'm really excited about… but I still have realized I don't have any "me" time for reading things I WANT to read, and I've had writer's block since December, likely because I'm not giving myself time to think about me and writing since I'm so busy fulfilling obligations. …That was a long ramble and not totally related. Sorry! I guess I'm just trying to say that I understand, and if I got 20 ARCs in a month I would die. XD Especially if they were all unsolicited and if I wasn't enjoying them. GOODNESS NO.

    So whatever you do, I will support you!!!! Do what you have to for your own sanity. If you want to resign from ARC reading except for a select few you're excited about and actually request — THEN DO SO! If you even want to take a few months to a year or longer off from ARC reading and then go back to it eventually, do that too! Whatever you need to do! I totally applaud you for taking your life in your own hands, regardless of what your decision is. And if you need to shriek at me or are ever overwhelmed and need encouragement or just a listening ear, I'd be glad to be there for you. <3 *many huggles*

    I'M SORRY FOR THE LONG COMMENT YOU DON'T HAVE TO REPLY OR ANYTHING. I just want you to know you I care and stuffs and that I'm sorry you're going through this and that you're awesome and I totally support you. <3 I sincerely hope your reading life will take an upward climb! ALL THE HUGS TO YOU CAIT!!!! <333

    Reply

    • OMG YOU MUST NOT BE SORRY FOR LONG COMMENTS. <333 I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. (And of course I want to reply.😂 I'm a bit slow this week [ahem, erm, like 7 days slow] BUT I'M HERE NOW!!)

      But YES. AG Howard is a girl.😂 (Anita Grace Howard, I believe, and btw Grace is my middle name SO I'M WELL ON THE ROAD TO FAME BY NAME ALONE. #logic) And omg the cover for Paper & Fire just makes me want to run off and marry it at dawn. Is it even legal for books to be so gorgeous? I cannot even. *hugs it*

      I'm in shock too over the ARCs!! Like, not even joke that they were the TOP reason I really got my blog going in the bookish direction.😂 (It used to be more writerly.) But I still love books and I love absolutely love collecting them…but it does seem depressingly pointless when I like basically 1 in 10 ARCs. *cries* I feel like if I take SOME time off and then reassess next year? That might help? I’m still joined up with about 5 publishers, but that’s half as many as before. So hopefully that at least slooooows the amount of unsolicited books I get. I just started panicking every time the mailman turned up with a package.😂 NOT GOOD.

      Also I think it’s awesome how thorough and wonderful you are with your reviews and what ARCs you choose to request and read!! YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL.

      *shares cake with you because you are fabulous*

      Reply

  43. Ahhh, congrats on 10K!! (And that quote!)
    The Problem With Forever cover mY HEART.
    FREN. I FEEL YOU. Other than Song of Achilles, this month has been horrible to me in terms of books. First my favorite characters betray me, and then I am unable to escape a 1400+ page book, and then the top book on my TBR is MIA from literally every bookstore ever……*sigh*
    The moment a dog dies I shut the book. This is a fact.
    *SOB-SCREAMING* LES MISERABLES IS BEING MADE INTO A SIX PART BBC SERIES AND I HAVE LOST THE ABILITY TO EVEN. *aggressively prays for POC representation*
    I’d love a tutorial on how to write from multiple POVs without the reader getting overwhelmed! This is a huge issue I’ve been having in my writing lately.

    Ellie | On the Other Side of Reality

    Reply

    • THANK YOU, ELLIE, YOU KIND BEAN. And omg isn’t that Problem with Forever cover just DIVINE?!?!? I can’t wait to read it for cover alone basically.😂 Oh oh I really want to read Song of Achilles. I feel like if I take a break from ARCs I can start reading some of these books I keep saying “I want to read that” but never having a chance! THE TBR IS JUST SCARING ME SO BAD.

      WOOOOOW, I’M SO HAPPY FOR THE LES MIS FANS!! YAYYYY!!!

      Omg that would be an EXCELLENT POST TOPIC. *adds to list*😂 Thank you, Ellie!1

      Reply

  44. I think I might be secretly in love with that cover of Paper and Fire. *.*

    Nothing wrong with taking a break from ARC’s. You should be able to read the books you want to read as well. I mean, you swallow so many books a month and you still don’t get a chance to read your own books. I mean, that are a lot of arcs you go through so publishers should be pretty pleased with you. So you completely deserve a break away. I think everyone will understand that.
    While arcs sound like fun I never request any except on netgalley and even there it is a very small amount. When I started blogging I knew I never wanted to have a huge stack of arcs. I’d rather spend my time on the books that really interested me and that made me buy them.

    Reply

    • I am not-so-secretly in love with that cover AFJDSAKLDJ I JUST CANNOT EVEN WITH THE COLOURS. *hugs its*

      And I feel like maybe if I just take the rest of this year off and then reassess next year?! That might help! And heheh, I do think the publishers are super nice, which is why it’s so hard to send back so many negative reviews. Gah. SO YEAH. I do like requesting on netgalley/edelweiss though because at least then I have a choice on what I get!😂

      Reply

  45. CAIIIIT! So many books outlined ahahaha. xD I got a fresh new idea yesterday to add to my contemporary series, so huzzah productivity! BUT omg I want to read all of yours. Obviously. And I get why you’d resign from reviewer lists! Totally. 🙂 And I got Tell Me Something Real too. But also Long May She Reign which sounds like a real Cait-like book.

    Reply

    • OMG SO MANY BOOKS. I’m literally drowning in things I want to write! I don’t even know how to prioritise anymore.😂 And I saw you posting a list of your contemporary titles on twitter and omg so exciting!! I think it’s cool how they’re all in the same world. 😉 I just requested Long May She Reign SO FINGERS CROSSED. I want to have more opportunity to read ebooks that I CHOOSE hahah, hence I need to quit on some of these physical ARCs lists.😂

      Reply

        • IT’S SO HARD TO KNOW WHERE TO START. *sobs* I’m actually working on two duologies (and by “working” I mean making pinterest boards 😂) for two totally separate fantasy stories BUT set in the same universe. So I don’t have to have so much new world building hhahahaha #cheating

          Reply

  46. ARCs can really be a problem. I mean, I love it when I can get my hands on something I anticipated a lot early. But then there’s the expectation that you’ll review all sorts of other stuff, often not even stuff you’re interested in, and it piles up and piles up. In a way, I’m a little glad my only relationship with publishers is via bookbridgr and Netgalley. But then I see people getting stacks of review copies from Tor or something and arrghhh. Waaaant.

    Reply

    • Unfortunately YES ARCs can get far too overwhelming.😩😭 And I mean, technically I read quite a lot so I can’t imagine how people cope when they only read a few books per month. I just wish I wasn’t sent so many unsolicited ones! I know what kind of books I’d like and gah, I rarely get them. BUT AH WELL.😂 I don’t mean to whinge or anything! I think taking a break might be good for me hahah.

      Reply

  47. Basically, this is the most helpful recap ever, so thanks for that! SO MANY EXCITING NEWS. TLC coloring book? ME WANT. Becky Albertalli selling two more books? Literally the best news I’ve heard in July, because Simon was EPIC, perhaps the best Contemporary I’ve ever read. The Everything, Everything movie better be as adorable as the book was or I’m out – the whole ‘plot twist’ and sorta mystery aspect of the novel was terrible, so they better not make it the most important part of the movie. The Divergent movie news… this whole thing wouldn’t have happened if they hadn’t divided the third movie into two parts. That said, I’m the WORST person to judge the movies, because I gave up on them after the first. What’s up with this tv show thing, though?? Is this going to be the new trend after Shadowhunters?? Please, no.
    Congrats on reaching 11000 insta followers – you totally deserve it with all those gorgeous pictures. I’m usually not a big fan of such colorful pics, but *-*
    The Female of the Species sounds so freaking amazing and I loved A Madness So Discreet by Mindy McGinnins, so I can’t freaking wait. Also, every single A. G. Howard novel sounds epic, so WHY haven’t I read any of her books?? What am I doing?
    I used to request tons of review copies, but they made me SO ANXIOUS – so now I’m only requesting/accepting very few. Having to read certain books killed the fun out of blogging, especially because I felt extra-bad when I disliked/had to DNF something. I KNOW, CRAZY.
    I’ve only read With Malice from your reads, and man, was it a disappointment. I think I rated it 3 stars, but it was more of a 2.5. How dare they advertise that novel as the next Dangerous Girls? I don’t even know why I believe in these comparisons anymore, after The Girl on the Train apparently being the next Gone Girl, according to some genius. *eye roll*
    Amazing post!

    Reply

    • YOU ARE MOST WELCOME. I’m just flailing that you’re enjoying my recap. 😀 AHHHHH. DAY MADE. And absolutely YES Simon Vs is such an amazing book and I’m glad the author is getting tons of recognition for it. :’) And I’m actually in the minority for Everything Everything and I thought it was terrible hahahh. *hides* But Olly was cute so there is that. :’) AND OMG YES, RIGHT?!? They totally mangled Divergent by trying to make it bigger than the fanbase was even interested in. *sigh* I laughed my way through Insurgent and quit after an hour. SO.😂

      PLEASE PLEASE TRY AG HOWARD!! I love her books. <3 She has a Phantom of the Opera retelling coming out in January *SHRIEKS*

      And I totally think cutting back on whatever makes us anxious blogging = excellent idea. *nods* Because it just sucks the joy out of blogging right? Ugh. I just wish I could only request what I wanted. It's all these unsolicited ones that are killing me. *sobs* I HATE sending back negative reviews to the publishers!!

      Duuude YES UGH... With Malice was NOT the next Dangerous Girls GAHHHH. I hate when they market all thrillers like that these days. They're just not living up to it!!

      Reply

  49. Caiiiiiiiitttt how do you read 25 books but also write but also post but also bookstagram but also exercise but also work????? I need a post on your time management skills. That’s what I would like to request. ALSO SO MUCH CONGRATS ON 11K!!!!

    I LOVED Huntley Fitzpatrick’s first two books but I actually ended up DNFing The Boy Most Likely To and now I CAN’T EVEN REMEMBER WHY BUT IT HURTS TO THINK ABOUT?

    Reply

    • I DON’T KNOW. I HAVE SKILLS, ZOEY.😂 Okay but I do work from home so I can kind of work my hours around whatever. #winning Aaaand I don’t really sleep, ahem. WHO NEEDS SLEEP THOUGH ANYWAY. *walks around like a zombie*

      Omg my heart is BROKEN that you didn’t like The Boy Most Likely To.💔 BROKEN. I tell you.

      (hahah I’m just kidding.😂)

      Reply

  50. Aww, I’m sorry you had kind of a sucky reading month. I can’t even fathom how overwhelming it must be to receive so many ARC’s, let alone then have to go through + find most of them to be disapointing. 🙁
    Congrats on 10,000 on instagram!! That’s an insane achievement, and you so deserve it. ^-^
    My reading month was fairly good. I’m not getting through as many things as I feel like I should, but besides that I’m doing alright. (For whatever reason it seems I finish more books in months when I’m stressing over schoolwork??? Which is insane but I think it makes me more conscious to read whenever I have free time?? I don’t know.)
    THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER WAS FANTASTIC. Plus, the cover is sooooooo freaking gorgeous. Jennifer’s writing is always so addictive, and I’ve loved the majority of the books I’ve read from her.
    I finally bought the rest of the Red Rising trilogy, + then the Game of Thrones books this month. So far A Game of Thrones is much better than I even thought it would be. The only downside is that aLL THE BOOKS ARE SO BIG. I get so stressed just looking at the monsters on my shelves.
    YOUR DOG IS THE CUTEST THING OF EVER OKAY. So precious. <3
    I don't have any specific post recommendations, but I do always love when you share more about your WIPs/snippets. I always want to read more of your writing. <3

    Reply

    • It is seriously overwhelming sometimes, gah, but I feel like quite a little ungrateful grape to not appreciate them?! It’S SO HARD SOMETIMES GAH. I think a break will be good and I can reassess next year what I want to do!
      I’m so glad you had a pretty good reading month though! *cheers* And honestly when I go on holidays I don’t read very much either haha. I think it’s because I read when I’m stressed too. *hi fives for our grand escapism methods*

      I JUST FINISHED THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER AND I’M SO SO SO IN LOVE WITH IT JAFDKSLADJ. So precious. My heart is broken, of course. BUT STILL.

      Game of Thrones is DAUNTING. But worth it!! You gotta get through that 2nd book though, because bk 3 is EVERYTHING. Bk 2 is like boring as anything unfortunately.😂 I’m glad I read them via audio though, so I didn’t have to freak out over the size. (I mean, a 40+ hour audiobook is still scary but at least I don’t have to read it myself hhaah)

      Omg THANK YOU about my writing/snippets. <3 I hope to do one of those posts again soon!!

      Reply

  51. Woohoo!! Congrats on 10k! That’s really, really awesome! I’m sad you didn’t like Queen of Hearts since I bought it for myself for my birthday and haven’t read it yet. Uh oh. I’ll probably still give it a shot. It sucks when all of the ARCs you get are bland and boring. Hopefully you’ll get some truly amazing ones soon!
    ~Sara

    Reply

    • Oooops, I hope you enjoy Queen of Hearts better than I did! I nearly bought it last week actually and then LUCKY my library bought it. I’m kind of glad haha. Ahem. But the cover is awesome, right?! So it’s still a bookstagram win. :’) #priorities

      Reply

  52. I literally lol’ed during this post. You are hilarious! I’ve never read an ARC, but I hope to get to where you are someday. I am honestly wondering how you managed to read 25 books in one month! I’m lucky if I have time to read 3-4!

    Reply

    • THIS MAKES ME VERY HAPPY, JAMIE. THANK YOU. :’) I am kind of a speedy reader that’s for sure hahah. But a lot of these were just 300-pages so I usually got through them in an evening.😂

      Reply

  53. You did it again! How are you so awesome? Your like a blogging queen, I will admit, a part of me wishes I was like you. I wish you could sprinkle some of your awesomeness and send it my way. My July was horrible, I hardly read or blogged. You could say life happened and well I just had no desire to blog anything or be on social media! I wish I had your creativity, your blog topics are awesome and oh your writing, I LOVE it, its so funky and fantastic just like you.

    Reply

    • *packages up some awesome and mails it to you via dragon* hehe JUST KIDDING BECAUSE I’M 100% SURE YOU ARE AWESOME ALL ON YOUR OWN, ANESSA. :’)

      Omg but *shares cake with you after your awful July* I didn’t have the best July either tbh. So I hear you! Let’s how August is kinder to us both?! But omg THANK YOU for saying such nice things in this comment. Honestly it’s SO encouraging!!

      Reply

  54. Well I got several delicious books!! 😀 Illuminae, All The Light We Cannot See, etc. I really enjoyed Illuminae which I was worried may have been slightly over-hyped but holy shit, it was amazing. Um I want ARCs but I get easily overwhelmed (especially with school starting in a few weeks) so I’ve stopped requesting them. That, and I don’t have the time & energy to keep growing my blog (the way I used to) and so, most of my requests are declined anyway. I’m not preparing for NaNo but I started writing another WIP. I mean I was super excited about it and now…..err…not so much but I’m trying to reignite that excitement so I can be productive & get shit done before I’m stuck in school again. LOl July was pretty exciting tbh because I went to the US (for the second time ever) & it was….intense??? NYC was really vibrant & cool and I did a one week summer course on writing at NYU. So July was lots of traveling & making friends & reading 😛 It’s too bad you didn’t enjoy most of the books you received….I feel like it wouldn’t be such a bad thing to take a break from ARCs if you aren’t enjoying most of them. (You’re just wasting your time ://)

    Reply

    • YESSSS ILLUMINAE IS EVERYTHING! I was worried I wouldn’t like it when I first read it.😂 The first 100-pages sort of terrified me and then = soooo much love omg.

      OH good for you starting another WIP! I hope you get your excitement back though! I have a horrible habit of being equally excited about aLL my stories so picking between them?? = impossible. It’s a curse honestly haha. Ahem.

      OH THE US. WOW!! Congrats on that!

      Reply

  55. When you publish A Throne Named Death, I’ll be the first in line to buy it! 😛 (please no love triangle, please lots of realistic and loving friendships and a super brilliant MC with a razor sharp mind and who is not gorgeous and who is not The Chosen One. And seriously, I will be the first in line.)

    I LOVE YOUR BLOG CAIT. It’s absolute genius and you’re hilarious and awesome. Oh yeah, and your bookstagram. SO. MUCH. PRETTY. Do you have any tips on starting a successful bookstagram, if you’re an average uni student without a personal library and must therefore resort to devious means to read the new reads; basically, if you don’t have too many books lying around? I want to start a bookstagram with a side order of hand lettering–do you think that would work? Any advice would be appreciated!!!

    Reply

    • oMG THANK YOU.😂 I just need to, you know, do that tiny thing called writing it. GAH. But it’s probably my NaNoWriMo project AND I AM ALL THE EXCITE. There is no love triangle! I totally attest to that. Except the MC is gorgeous SO FORGIVE ME. I JUST LIKE PRETTY THINGS.😂

      *flails happily* THAT IS SO KIND OF YOU TO SAY! HONESTLY! I SHALL JUST SQUEE NOW. I actually have done a post on start-up tips for bookstagram here if you’re interested. 😀 And have you thought about library books for taking photos? I also take photos of my iPod sometimes with book covers ontop since I don’t have an eReader. 😂

      Reply

  56. OMG! I just found out that the movie Nerve is originally a book? It’s because of one of the pictures you featured on this post! I’m like squealing weirdly here in the office. My boyfriend and I was supposed to watch it yesterday but we couldn’t due to movie schedules. 🙁 But my friends agreed to watch it with me tonight! So exciiiited! 😀

    I saw your rating on Goodreads and I don’t know if I want to read it or not. Hmmmm. Hopefully I like the movie, have you watched it yet?

    Congratulations on being famous, Queen Cait! 😀 Your plans on world domination has finally come true!

    Reply

    • YES! Nerve is a movie. 😀 I thought the book/movie must’ve been coming out at the same time? But Nerve actually came out in 2012 I think.😂 Let me know if it’s a good movie?! I’m curious about it even though I thought the book was pretty bad haha.

      Reply

      • I finally figured out how to reply to your reply! 🙂

        Anywayy, I did enjoy the Nerve movie! What I didn’t like about it is the romance, I think it was way too played out and it didn’t fit the theme. I wish it focused more on the dares. Is that scenario similar to the book? 🙂

        Reply

  57. Ok, looking at your ARCs, I’m kinda glad that as a blogger for slovak publishing houses I’ll get around three ARCs per month. And even those are difficult to handle! But I totally get you and it’s not good when you’re overwhelmed by arcs and not being able to read what you really want to read. Reading should be mostly fun. But arcs are delightful creatures, I must admit. 😀
    Also, I dived into the Raven Boys this month. Finally!!! That book was screaming with happiness after two years sitting on my bookshelf. And I was sooo pleased with the story that I immediately bought the rest of the series. Well, bookdepository is taking time with the Raven King but hopefully, he will arrive soon. Cait, you were right because the book was as good as a desert on a lazy day. 🙂

    Reply

    • Haha, YES. It gets a bit much. *dies under a pile of ARCs* I don’t know if this is typical for all Aussie bloggers? I should find out tbh ahem. I know I’m not technically required to read them ALL but I actually feel really guilty/unsettled with too many unread books around. So it’s like my mental health needing to take a break and quit for a while.😂 But ARCS ARE GOOD!! Absolutely love them! Just not … so many. hhah. Ahem.

      ZOMG I’M SO GLAD YOU LOVE THE RAVEN BOYS. MY DAY IS MADE. THIS IS THE BEST OF EVER. *shrieks with fangirling glee*

      Reply

  58. Ahhh, I loved with Malice and Michael and Mina! Oh well, that’s what reviewing is all about! God, 11,000 instagram followers — which well not surprising because your pictures are beyond awesome and I kind of sit and go: how does she do that?! Congrats!

    Reply

  59. “I can’t be a fangirl anymore” is probably the most devastating search term I have ever seen! Like I just want to hunt this person down and shake them while asking “WHYYYYYYY?!!” repeatedly…

    I think I need to get myself those US editions of Ink and Bone and Paper and Fire. Because I have never seen such beauty in my life. NEVER. Also I bought myself The Problem with Forever the other day because I just couldn’t resist the cover. I actually did a more whimper of want when I saw your photo and then remembered that I now own it and can stroke it all I want. It’ll be my first Jennifer L. Armentrout as well so I’m excited to see how it goes.

    Have a great August, Cait! Don’t read too much XD

    Reply

    • I KNOW RIGHT??! So sad. I hope that ex-fangirl has realised THEY DO NOT EVER NEED TO STOP!! Ahem. But yesss, the US editions of the Great Library series are just everything. AHHHH. Good thing the stories are good too, but omg those covers = I need to love them forever. And I just finished The Problem With Forever AND OMG IT WAS SO SO GOOD. It was my first JLA book too and so so good. (Yes I’m just going to keep repeating that hahahha.)

      Hope your August is awesome too. 😉

      Reply

  60. Your posts are always long but it’s never been tiring to read the entire thing. Haha. ARCs could be overwhelming, but I guess one of the better ways to cope is to limit your requests for those you’re really really really interested in – either you get it or you die. I tend to decline the review requests if I’m not so sure about it, and yes it hurts, because they’re free, but I think my reading time is way more precious. Hope it helps!

    Reply

    • Omg tHANK YOU, CLARA! That actually is super encouraging. hehehe. 😂 I mean, I DO try to write a little less but I think I’m just getting more long-winded the more I blog. gah. I’ll work on it. Ahem.

      But see the problem is I’m not even requesting books!! NONE OF THESE ARE REQUESTED. The publishers just send them. Which I’m really lucky about, I know, and I feel like such a grapefruit for complaining but yeah. I only WISH they were requests so I could refuse but yeah. They don’t even give me a chance to say yes or no 🙁

      Reply

  61. So much news! 😀 Ugh I can’t comment on all of it. But I did want to say that I’m sorry that you had no 5 star reads last month. That’s so sad. 🙁 And congrats on all the instagram followers!

    Reply

  62. hahah. I totally know what you mean, actually. I’ve considered closing my review requests. Because I occasionally request books via NG etc, and they’ve gotten more frequent. Sometimes. I forget to post a post when I’m supposed to. Gah. Stressful. Totally relate.

    I recently finished Tell Me Something Real, actually!! It is so GOOD, so excited for your thoughts on it!

    Reply

    • It is stressful!! I think we book bloggers do SUCH A LOT and probably get overwhelmed super easy because of it.😂 I might just try to cut myself off several publisher’s list this year and reconsider next year?! Apparently 2016 is a BIG year for books.

      OMG I’m so glad to hear that about Tell Me Something Real! I SO need a good read hahah.

      Reply

  63. Congrats on reaching 10,000 instagram followers! That is beyond amazing. I don’t blame people though. Your pictures are awesome. I am so sad that you didn’t read any great books. That is so sad! I have had those months too. And I keep saying I am going to take a break from requesting ARCs. I have so many to read and I can’t read all the other books I own because of them. But then I see a pretty book that I just have to have and, you know . . . I just can’t help myself.

    Reply

    • THANK YOU CYNTHIA. :’) It’s really exciting honestly, eeep, I just never thought I’d actually get this far! But GAH, YES. So sad. But so far August has had a 5-star read so my drought has broken! WOOOO.

      I do understand.😂 I was actually only looking through an upcoming publisher’s catalogue today and then I was like “wut Cait no”.😂

      Reply

  64. If you’re thinking of cutting out ARCs why not just try devoting only one or two months out of the year to them? The rest of the time, READ YOUR OWN BOOKS 😀

    Reply

    • I could do that! I do feel bad though, because like they arrive with their publishing-dates there and I think publishers expect them to be read promptly. And GAH. SO MUCH PRESSURE. *hides*

      Reply

  65. Love it Cait! I’ve been catching up on your blog posts today (because I was away for a week, battling mosquitoes and horseflies in the great Canadian North! – actually I was on Haida Gwaii for a week, but it is kind of North Canada). I picked up And I Darken (new, fresh, hardcovered dollop of goodness that almost broke my bank account :’) ) and then I saw you had written a very positive review about it and I was so excited… so I devoured half of the book before I left, and now it’s been tormenting me for a week and I can’t wait to start reading it again (it was too big to bring on the plane with me and I didn’t want it to get soiled camping in the boonies).
    Sounds like you’ve been very busy with reading, which – in my humble opinion – is a very good thing to be busy with. I’ve been going through Maas’ Throne of Glass series for the first time (I’m hopelessly behind the masses – haha get it – on this one) and I’m dying of impatience as I wait for my library hold on Heir of Fire to come through (there are like 3 people ahead of me 🙁 I wish they would hurry upppppp!!).
    Anywho, I look forward to finally catching up with all your posts – you’ve been horribly productive… ugh… and I’m only slightly obsessed with reading EVERY. WORD. you write >.< so now there goes the rest of my day, lol!

    Reply

    • AHH THANK YOU, SQUEAKS! Ugh to battling mosquitos and horseflies though. That sounds decidedly unpleasant. BUT AND I DARKEN IS AN EXCELLENT LIFE DECISION. I APPROVE. *nods empathetically* Isn’t it so epic though?! And intense. Lada is like TERRIFYING…and awesome.😂

      And YES very busy reading! Trying to get on top of these ARCs…and kind of only dented the pile, even after all of these, omg. So yep. I definitely need an ARC break. 😂 I hope the library gets in the next ToG book for you soon!

      *whispers* I don’t actually feel like I was very productive this month hhahah. BUT STILL. Lots of books! BUT DUDE YOU SAY THE NICEST THINGS I’M JUST GOING TO BE HERE FLAILING. <3

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  66. First of all CONGRATS on becoming instafamous (that IS what they call it, right, or am I making this up???). Secondly, I’m sorry you had a bad reading month but WOW you read a lot (even if they WERE disappointing). I agree SO MUCH about Miss Peregrine’s Too Long Title. I didn’t find it scary or that interesting at all, and it was a MAJOR disappointment because of the hype. I don’t think I will be continuing the series, honestly. I was ALSO not happy with Everything, Everything…but I DO like Rue, so… I would LOVE to be able to read a 7 book epic fantasy written by you!!!!!!! Especially if you are the next Maggie Stiefvater (aka my inspiration for everything, really). I would like a post about writing! Tips/tricks, killing off characters…anything really. Hope you have a FABULOUS August!

    Reply

    • THANK YOU ERIN. <3 Instafamous is like a glorious word so I'm keeping it. :') And zomg YES I was like on reading fire this month....trying to get a handle on that enormous pile of ARCs.😂 And honestly, I DIDN'T EVEN DINT IT REALLY. Hence I'm quitting so many publishers hahah. Ah, but I mean, I'll take a break and maybe sign back up next year?

      Miss Peregrine's is just so me. :/ I don't understand why it's so well loved??? BUT WHATEVER. I'm still interested in the movie!😂

      OMG.😂 YOU MAKE ME SMILE SO MUCH. SERIOUSLY COMMENT = MY DAY MADE. And a post on killing characters? Omg, yes. That is totally up my alley. :')

      Reply

  67. CAN I JUST SAY THAT ANYTIME YOU BLOG IS MY FAVORITE TIME??:? I bought many delicious books! I finally got my hands on the audiobook of A Gathering of Shadows and I am BEYOND excited to start it!! ARCs are my favorite. and don’t tell my evil villain enemies but THEY ARE ALSO MY WEAKNESS. (basically me + edelweiss = early christmas). so I want them but they also overwhelm me occasionally? I need to plan for nanowrimo ugh. I have no idea what I’m going to write. I nearly failed last year and I also failed camp nanowrimo so I’m discouraged about it. MY JULY WAS GOOD.

    Reply

    • ZOMG LUCY. *blushes* This honestly is so so encouraging AJFSDKALD THANKYOU. And omg AGOS is amazing!! I hope you love it. <3 There is much more Rhy in it, which gladdens my cold dead heart because I love Rhy so freakishly much. And also Kell is kind of a bit of an anti-hero now, isn't he? VILLAINS AND ANTI-HEROES FTW.

      I'm glad your July was good!! WOOOOT!!

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  68. re: Paragraph Numero Uno.

    So, you’re saying you have a fairy godmother?

    After that, I just got lost dreaming about why I DON’T have a fairy godmother.

    I continued reading, but my normal LOL’s were half-hearted and by the bottom I had spiraled into a well of depression and fury at the world. Paper fury.

    Good day to you and to your fairy godmother..

    (And my deepest sympathies about the poor reading you had to endure! Wait! I forgot I’m being indignant and oozing paper fury! I take my deepest sympathies back. )

    Reply

  69. WOW! Lots of books to get through. I am sorry you had no 5 star reads this month, that sucks! I have stopped feeling overwhelmed by ARCs and I’m not sure why. I think it is the fact that I have been slumping so hard lately that I have kind of giving up caring, which kind of feels like a good thing but probably isn’t. CONGRATS ON 11K ON INSTAGRAM! You’ll be at 20K soon I am sure!

    Reply

    • Omg, that is sad though. *sends hugs and encouraging cake* I feel like blogging has a LOT of expectations and it’s not always really fair?!? Like any other blog-niche gets paid for all the advertising they do. We do it for free. NOT to open that can of worms or anything.😂 But I think all the expectations is a big cause of the reason book bloggers get overwhelmed/done with it all. *sighs*

      AWWW, YOU ARE SO NICE. <333

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  70. oh my GOSH kait this post made me giggle. i was in my living room with my family when i was reading the search results part and i read one then BURST OUT LAUGHING. then i stopped. and read another. then LAUGHED HARDER AGAIN. good news- it made me laugh. bad news- my family now think i’m a loony probably. I BLAME YOU FULLY.

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  71. But really, who IS “Cait Paper Fury”? Maybe they meant it on like, a super deep level. I kid, I kid, I love that one the most of ever. I haven’t checked mine in ages, I should! I try to stay away from the Google Analytics because ummm I had driven myself pretty insane for awhile there. Anyway. I am deeply saddened that you hated Air Awakens. I mean, it was my least favorite of the series, but I still loved it, haha. Plus, I hate that you had such a crap reading month in general. My July sucked pretty hard too. I read two books that were GOOD, but not like… fun. One was The Book Thief (so, WWII) and the other was about 9/11, so not exactly a barrel of laughs anywhere. August needs to be better.

    10K on Instagram is amazinG! Congrats, lady 😀 And plotting for NaNo is okay! I have actually been thinking about it myself- trying to at least have some direction in mind for when the time comes. As for ARCs…. I JUST told Holly the other day that I was quitting, but I think I meant blogging in general- or, not BLOGGING, but all things promotional-ish. Like, I want to not have to feel obligated anymore. I want to post when/if I feel like it. BLAH. Though, unsolicited shit can sit there forever, honestly. I try to find it a better home, but if I can’t… meh. To be fair, I get VERY few unsolicited ARCs (I get very few in general, now that I think about it 😂) but it IS still a pressure, and if you aren’t having fun with it, then I think it’s definitely for the best to put the kibosh on it.

    I can’t really think of any questions/topics, because my mind is generally useless/tired. Maybe you can tell me why you are so good at managing your time, and I am actual rubbish? Also, why I can never really use “rubbish” in real life because I feel like you need a pretty (read: non-American) accent to say “rubbish” properly. But I can use it ALL DAY on the internet. Boom.

    Reply

    • Probably it was definitely meant on a super deep level. Or else maybe I’m just *that* famous that they’d heard of me but didn’t know me. :’) I wonder if they stayed after reading a few posts or ran away screaming? ALL THESE INTERESTING QUESTIONS. :’)

      We can all just agree that July needs to reconsider it’s life choices when it comes to books. BECAUSE IT WAS ALL-ROUND DISAPPOINTING OMG. But good news is August is looking up! YAY. (And sorry for hating Air Awakens.😂 I feel so bad!! I did, at least, like that it was set in a library.)

      Eeeep, if you do NaNo, I shall be here to cheer for you!! 😀

      I totally think it’s okay to consider quitting the promo part of blogging at times. Like I freak-out a bit that I won’t have enough books to read if I do this.😂 And then I remember MY ENTIRE FREAKING LIBRARY and all those books I say “Oh I want to read that” but never do because tiiiiime. And what’s to say I can’t sign back up for ARCs next year or something, right??! *nods* So if you decide to cut back/quit ARCs too, we can have a small party with cupcakes and then read whatever we want.😂 (Also IDEK why but the unsolicited books all tend to be awful hahaha. Oh dear.)

      MANAGING TIME??? WHAT CONFUSING PHRASE IS THAT.😂 Ahem. Just kidding. I do not manage my time very well at all. But seriously, Americans can’t say rubbish? WHAT DO YOU SAY??? Rubbish is a staple exclamation in our house. Although I admit it doesn’t sound really fearsome when you’re angry and yelling “WELL THAT’S JUST RUBBISH” hmm.

      Reply

  72. EVERY TIME I read the title of this post, I read “The Fury Jury.” It conjures quite the vicious mental image which is no doubt what you were going for 🙂

    Reply

  73. Wow! You’ve been busy plotting books! Congrats! They all sound really good. Especially the contemporary one; it sounds adorable and fun.

    The 7 book fantasy? *whispers* Is that the one with Milo? Because I LOVE THAT ONE! I mean, I love the first book of that one. Ahem, anyhow, I think it’s awesome that you’re reworking it! That world always fascinated me. One day I’m going to see it on the shelf and have a fangirl moment in the middle of the bookstore.

    Dying of a feels attack at age 99. XD Yeah, I would probably do that too. If I make it out of my mid-life feels crisis. . .

    Reply

    • Soooooo many books omg. What am I doing, Ashley? WHAT AM I DOING. And YES the 7-book fantasy series was the one with Milo. <3 I almost forgot you'd read that ahhhhhhh!!!! You did so many epic edits on that and honestly helped me with my writing. I LEARNT SO MUCH, ASHLEY. JUST SO YOU KNOW YOU PROBABLY DESERVE A CROWN OR SOMETHING. I'm going to change the series enormously though. :') Make it, like, scarier and darker and adultier probably, and also a trilogy, because apparently people don't like 7-book series?? Like why. Pfft.

      Med-life feels crisis. 😂 THE BEST.

      Reply

  74. CONGRATS ON ALL THE INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS CAIT! Your pictures are beautiful and #goals so you deserve it (and more followers) Also congrats on finishing all the outlines 😀 My brain doesn’t stop thinking up ideas either but somehow I managed to restrain myself from actually planning them out haha (so far anyway) Also #protectdogs because why *looking at you Patrick Ness*

    Reply

    • THANKYOU! *flails happily* But omg planning out books IS SO FUN. Well, actually, sometimes I procrastinate doing it.😂 But If I don’t I end up forgetting everything…and then hating myself for it later hehe.

      *glares at Patrick Ness forever*

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  75. Maybe instead of denying ARCs altogether, you could tell your contacts that you will only be reviewing books you’ve requested OR books that truly catch your eye and the others will be donated to a local library or something? It’s a shame that you feel so much pressure to read them ALL when you don’t even ask for them!

    Reply

    • Eeep, I could’ve done that.😂 I only ended up quitting from half. And I still am signed up to like 5 or 6 publishers, so we’ll see how it goes *nods* But that WOULD’VE BEEN A LOGICAL IDEA OMG. Although I don’t feel like I can donate ARCs to the library?? Just because when they have the wrong covers and all…right? I don’t even know. The rules for ARCs are complicated. *panics*

      Reply

      • Here in the US, a lot of people donate ARCs to their local libraries and then the libraries use them for giveaways and such (not to put on the shelves). Not sure if you could do that where you are. I’ve actually never done it – I’ve just heard of others doing it.

        Reply

  76. GUESS WHAT GUESS WHAT I MET MAGGIE! SHE SIGNED TDT! WE CHATTED! I LOVE HER I LOVE HER

    Also did you know, new Skulduggery in 2017!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ~I scream and canter about for approx 29858 years~

    Congrats on the insta, it looks absolutely gorgeous. And your books all sound great, ESP THE THRONE. Love it! I started a new book on Monday, I LOVE MY LIFE. (And my characters. Mostly my characters.)

    Reply

    • ZOMGGGG YOU MET MAGGIE STIEFVATER!!! I AM DYING HERE!!!! THAT IS THE BEST YOU LUCKY PINEAPPLE YOU. *flings confetti everywhere* Also I did hear about Skulduggery. AFJDSAKLD MORE SKULDUGGERY!!! Like, what is this glorious year we are in. :’)

      Reply

  77. I can’t hold myself from fangirling over Deathless! It’s so beautiful and amazing! I also appreciate it enormously for taking upon Russian folklore 😍😍😍

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  78. You know, sometimes I think ARCs are wonderful but at the end of the day I’m quite content to just read what I want. I hate how ARCs put stress onto your reading schedule – but at the same time I recently discovered some awesome books that a publisher pushed towards me and went, hey I think you might like these (there was a dragon in one like omg my reputation precedes me (it’s called Immortsl Writers – I think)). But if you don’t want to do ARCs for now then my advice would be to just not do them – Tis your life my gal. You can also go back to it an there are so many other books to read and review – personally I’m a fan of rediscovering books from a few years ago that sort of slipped through the cracks and disappeared.

    Reply

    • OH I agree! I’ve read so many books via ARCs that I probably wouldn’t have picked up on my own…and they were GLORIOUS AND I WAS SO HAPPY TO READ THEM.😂 So maybe I’m just going to take a bit of a break this year and see what happens next year? (And I’m still signed up to a few publishers at least so there’s that.)
      AHHHH DRAGON BOOKS THO!! I wish I got sent dragon books. My life would be MADE then. :’)

      Reply

  80. Hi! Can you make a post about how to start ARCs? Like you said you worked for publishers but how does this happen? Sorry im dumb!

    Reply

    • You are not dumb! It’s not a thing everyone is born knowing, right?!? I don’t have a tutorial on my blog, but if you google there are TONS of helpful detailed tutorials on how to sign up for ARCs!

      Reply

  81. YES, YES YES! I am so glad you picked up The Problem with Forever Cait! 🙂 I know you’re going to absolutely love it. <3 And I am so excited to see what you think of The Female of the Species and Tell Me Something Real as I’m really looking forward to both of those. Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous recap! <3

    Reply

    • I DID LOVE IT!!! OMG Zoooooooe. The Problem with Forever was amazing. (Yes yes just say “I told you so”😂) And YES I’m so excited for the Female of the Species and Tell Me Something Real. I’ll probably only review them on goodreads, but I’ll let you know how they go!

      Reply

  82. You’re prepared for NaNo already?! And wow, a 10,000 word outline??! You are a superhero with hidden powers, plain and simple. 🙂
    I don’t know how you read so many books and post such great blog posts at the same time. Do you have any tips or advice to give on how you manage to both read/write so much and keep up with blog posts?

    Reply

    • GAH I KNOW. TOO MUCH PREPARATION. And I just finished another outline…so now I have options for NaNo and this is going to do my head in. 100% guaranteed.😂 #dead

      Ohhh, okay so for just keeping up…I DON’T EVEN KNOW. I only blog about 3 times a week now (sometimes 4 if I’m feeling industrious) and I try to have posts organised and scheduled beforehand. Otherwise I just tend to do things quite fast, I think?😂

      Reply

      • A second outline?! What kind of superhero are you?!
        Haha, well I look forward to hearing how NaNo goes for you and which outline you’ll choose. 🙂

        Organizing and a schedule does sound like it’d make things easier. (Though I’m still convinced you have some type of speedy superpower. 😉 ). Thanks for the tips!

        Reply
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