Paper Fury

See, here’s the thing: I love series and I also get so stuck before I manage to finish them.

It’s probably a talent honestly, like my other talents of convincing my family we need to make complex desserts on the weekend or how I can put a pen down and then lose it to the 4th dimension. Celebrate your talents, ok? No matter what.

Now don’t get me wrong: I do love series! I want to support series! I know we all tend to go “oh I should just start it when all the books are out!” but that can also horribly backfire, because if the book doesn’t get the sales = publishers might not even finish publishing it. So. I’m aware of that.

And yet…I still start reading = forget what’s happened between books while waiting for the next one = die a slow painful agonising death.

So today I’m going to list 10 series I love but am also thoroughly STUCK in the middle of and so I keep saying “OH YEAH I’LL FINISH THAT SOON” which is an outright lie. But I’m cute so you can forgive me.

I’ll get to them soon, I swear.

TOP TEN TUESDAY: Series I’d Like to Finish Someday

 

1. TALON SERIES

DRAGONS ARE ACTUALLY ME. I read Talon and Rogue as soon as I could get my grubby little claws on them. I even bought Soldier straight away!! And didn’t…read it. Mm hmm. That was like back in 2015. I don’t even know if 2015 is even a real year since it was so long ago. It’s probably made up. How am I supposed to remember what these books are even about.

There’s like two more books out and yet I languish here. Doing naught.

2. PRINCE OF THORNS

This book is so messed up. It’s features the nastiest little monster ever. Like I’m not even kidding. You want to put this kid in a box and then put that box in another box, and then mail it far far away from you. * But somehow I STILL ENJOYED THE BOOK.

But I got really really confused in one point, ended up having no idea what was going on, and therefore haven’t read the sequels. I need to reread and just…??? Go on??? So easy and yet??? Here I am not doing it.

 

* If you understood that reference, SHOUT OUT.

3. CHRONICLES OF THE UNHEWN THRONE

Full disclaimer: I stopped ON THE BRINK OF THE FINALE. Why? Whyyyyy??? Emotions ok. I absolutely love this series so much I felt my soul part from my body, pack a bag and a fandom shirt that says “I <3 The Unhewn Throne” and just take off to be obsessed forever. And I can’t even deal with that much intense love for a series. So obviously I stopped reading! Smart!

Yeah I know. I can’t even with me too. I’m going to finish it this year though, I SWEAR. I just love it so much that I…avoid it???

 

4. SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT

I own at least 3 more of these books that I could read!! I read up to book 6, and I really love these books. They’re full of dry black humour and magic and skeleton men and a heroine who takes no shenanigans from ANYONE. So like, Cait, why did you stop.

There are two reasons: (1) these books are HUGE and they exhaust me just thinking about 500+ pages, and (2) I was recommended to read them by a friend who, since then, I had a really ugly falling out with (over lies unfortunately, as is the internet way) so I kind of never feel like restarting the series. But I will…someday.

5. LUNAR CHRONICLES

Now I did actually read all 4 main books…just not the stort story finale collection, Stars Above, or the second of the comic series. And as much as I loved the books when I was reading them…since then, I’ve (a) stopped really feeling it?!? like maybe I grew out of them?! and (b) also read Heartless and Renegades and was so dreadfully disappointed I could’ve dropped my sandwich and cried. Which is a big deal. I have to be quite devastated to drop a sandwich.

6. THE FALCONER SERIES

I LOVED THE FIRST BOOK SO MUCH! It was also a surprise…like it’s sassy and full of murder-faes and otherworldly fae boys and a fierce heroine who will befriend brownies and stab monsters. It’s such a me book. And it’s Scottish! My #1 life goal is to move to Scotland and find a castle and haunt it!! So like!! AMAZING. Plus all the books are out.

SO OBVIOUSLY I STOPPED READING.

I genuinely have got nothing. The sequel is on my kindle and everything. I have a problem ok.

7. INKHEART

You know those childhood series you loved and you’re like, “OH wow! Why didn’t I finish that? I should totally finish that!” But you’re also paralysed with doubt in case you don’t like it because you’re old and gnarly now???

ME @ MYSELF.

Also these books are like 7100 years long each and I swear the older I get, the less attention span I have. Sometimes I even start a blog post and then end up sprinting 40kms across the Pacific Ocean for no reason at all except: sQUIRREL.

8. THE TRIALS OF APOLLO

I REALLY LOVE RIORDAN BOOKS. I also have this huge problem where I read the first two Percy Jackson series when they were both completed. No wait time. Nada. Just complete straight gnawing them whole and forgetting nothing. But now having to wait the year between has me totally forgetting EVERYTHING.

I’ve read two Apollo books but I don’t even know whaaaattttt’s going onnnnnn now. Also same with Magnus Chase really. Plus the two have merged in my brain so I’m like trying to catch up on Apollo Chase and you can imagine this is a problem.

 

9. GAME OF THRONES

Now I’m sure you’re saying, “Um, Cait, it isn’t out yet, you’re fine.” So this is 74% of a relief, but ALSO there are like short stories and companion books that exist apparently?! I fail to see why they exist instead of the author actually writing the next book in the frikkin’ series. But having PUBLISHERS and THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE and even A SHOW waiting on you???? Go finish tho.

Also my chances are 100% certain I will have forgotten everything by the time Winds of Winter is out. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ THANKS FOR THE DOOM.

10. IRON FEY

I CHEAT. Because I haven’t even started this one! Unless you can count me, about 7 years ago, picking one up in the library and reading the first chapter, but then being all, “I’ll borrow this later.” Then I moved cities. So I no longer HAVE a library. And I own like the 2nd and 4th/5th books?? Some unholy combination due to a library sale. BUT NOT THE 1ST.

Honestly I just like to suffer apparently.

But I love faeries. I love stabby. I love tricksters. And why haven’t made an attempt to obtain book one and start?

WHEN I FIND THE ANSWER I’LL LET YOU KNOW.

I swear there is so much to do and read, it’s easier to just to scream in a pit and have an existential crisis.

 

 

alright ‘fess up: what are some series you’ve paused halfway through?! have you ever grown out of a series before all the books were published? (and link me to your TTT posts and I’ll stop by!)

For safety’s sake, it is very important to take a book with you wherever you go.

You might need it to protect yourself from an unexpected apocalypse, or use it as a disguise to hold in front of your face while you flee a crime scene, or use it to save a seat, or read it or (most importantly) hide behind it if someone tries to talk to you.

Now I actually don’t like reading outside the house, because I don’t like outside the house. (Like why is it there????) However, I do always bring a book! Or 3 or 7! Never know what will happen so be prepared, right?! And I thought today would be a great time to tell you about some books I have read when someone pried my cold dead claws off my house and dragged me outside.

I’m also notoriously proud of myself for even remembering which books I’ve read where, because I have the memory of a fractured cantaloupe.

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Awaken the Travel Bug In Me…and look, this sort of fits the prompt??! Let’s go with this, I’m doing great.

 

1. ROYAL BASTARDS → READ IN A TENT IN BUNDABERG

This was nearly a year ago exactly! And I recall being so proud of myself for actually reading an eARC on time. This never happens!! I clearly was not myself!! Anyway, I also remember vividly reading this while camping because we were moving house, aka 2000kms away, and our freaking car bROKE DOWN.

So we were stuck in the middle of the Australian East coast, in a caravan park, with our furniture who knows where…and I read Royal Bastards.

Which was quite funny and good and I liked it! I also blinded myself using my kindle as my only light in a pitch black tent. So that’s Reason #98928 I hate camping.

2. TWO TOWERS → READ IN NANING, CHINA

Look I say “read” loosely, because I literally took this book as my only read to China * …(this has got to be like 8 or so years ago) to FORCE MYSELF TO READ IT. I ended up watching Despicable Me on a like 10cm wide MP3 player screen 60 times instead to just avoid the freaking thing.

This News Just In: TOLKIEN IS A NO FOR ME.

I also hate Despicable Me now???? hOW unforeseen, Cait, good job. Anyway, I at least read about half of it before I died and my ghost ascended so this counts.

 

* And yes this was my only overseas trip! My family went for 1 month because I had a sister living there and there was much to enjoy and also so many people and I’m kind of traumatised and will never never never travel again.  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

3. THE FOXHOLE COURT TRILOGY → ON A ROADTRIP

In February we took a roadtrip down to visit my sister in NSW and I read these on the way. And by “read” I mean: I SUDDENLY GOT OBSESSED AND WANTED TO DO NOTHING BUT READ AND READ AND NO ONE TALK TO ME I AM A BOOK.

Also roadtripping + reading = very hard for me as I get carsick. So it’s more like “reading while my dad stops to get coffee” or “reading while my parents set up the caravan” or “reading at night in a tent because none can stop me”.

(Also I maybe just bought the paperbacks of these from American Amazon and literally sold my unborn first 9 children to cover postage. But WORTH IT.)

 

4. LONG WAY DOWN → IN A COFFEE SHOP

This book is actually in poetry-format so it’s so so short and you can totally read like HALF while waiting for your coffee order to come in!! This is amazing because by the time your coffee gets there, you’ve destroyed your heart and soul and mind reading this gut-wrenching book.

Good job, me. Very smart. Always read grief stories in public. What could go wrong.

 

 

5. DIVERGENT → SOME TEEANGERDOM CAMPING TRIP

I don’t even remember honestly why we went (this was in 2013 I think?)…even though “UGH WHY” is my first reaction whenever someone says the word “camping”. Look I’m not trying to be dramatic, but WE HAVE HOUSES AND WHY SHOULD WE LEAVE THEM TO SLEEP BETWEEN SOME GLORIFIED SHEETS ON POLES WITHOUT A REAL BED FOR “FUN”?????????????

I’m so confused. Who started the idea of camping. Bring them to me. I want to roast them in a pot.

Anyway, I also destroyed my copy of Divergent, totally gouged the back out. And people don’t think camping is evil, sheesh.

6. HORSERADISH → IN A…UM…BOOKSTORE

Look, I was careful. And this has got to be when I was like 13 or something?! But I couldn’t afford to just buy books and I was obsessed with Lemony Snicket and was left (read: ran away whilst parents shopped) in a bookstore for a while, so I read the whole thing!

It’s all verses/sayings so it probably took like 10 minutes haha.

And I promise I was so so careful and didn’t break the spine at all.

But still. Evil little Paper Fury.

 

 

7. THE ISLE OF THE LOST → IN THE CAR

While my mum was in a shop called “Rainbow Wholefoods” and if this doesn’t tell you everything you need to know about my family, WHAT WILL. She was probably buying organic zucchini.

However this store also often gave us free Moon Balls! They kind of look like this. And I would do unspeakable things for those, they were delicious.

Anyway, she was off with organic zucchini. I was in the car after a wholesome library haul, and I picked up this book which is, arguably, the STUPIDEST and also worst book I’ve ever read. Fond memories.

8. MY LIFE NEXT DOOR → AT THE LIBRARY

Well…only a few chapters because I was also babysitting my two nieces and one nephew and in retrospect I probably should’ve been watching them??? But they’re all still alive. The have most of their limbs attached. I don’t know what more you want from me.

Also, this book, had a STICKY DUBIOUS STAIN on the plastic library covering. It was the kind of stain you couldn’t hold the book without touching. It was the kind of stickiness you wanted to cut your whole arm off after touching. Look, this says something about how good the book was — because I kept reading.

But talk about being violated. MY BONES ARE GAGGING RIGHT NOW IN MEMORY.

9. GAME OF THRONES → WHILE WALKING

I love walking! I go for a run in the morning + a walk in the afternoons (and then I return quickly back inside, believe me). Before I had a dog, I used to listen to audiobooks while I went. This is great multitasking, plus Game of Thrones is 48728 hours per book. SO! I had to be clever to get through these tomes.

I want to also say it’s really weird walking down the street while the book is loudly talking about gruesome murders, zombies, incest, and blooooooood. I mean, I’ve got headphones on.

BUT STILL. YOU WONDER IF OTHER PEOPLE KNOW.

10. HOW TO LEAD A LIFE OF CRIME → AT MY SISTER’S HOUSE

This was back in 2013!! Aww!! Little tiny tiny me!! Anyway, for some reason I cannot remember, I was staying overnight at an older sister’s house??? 0/10 do not like staying at other people’s houses. Anyhow, I recall reading this covertly because the cover is kind of, um, well…CRIME.

Look, I am dark and nefarious (despite the rainbows around here) and I do pretty terrible things like tell my little sister there’s no more chocolate while eating the last piece. But I’m not actually out to lead a life of crime! That’s aaaall on the title. The fact that my family seemed to think the title was pretty normal for me says…nothing.

Anyway, the book had some great tips, not knocking the knowledge I gleaned. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ What can I say.

 

do you have any memories of being out-of-the-house reading a specific book?!? tell me!! and do you read often while you’re out? and do you like camping or is it evil?

Names are really very important in books, I remind myself, as I forget literally every single one.

No, truly, I am horrible at names. Look at my family, for instance…I don’t even know what’s going on there. I have 5 siblings, 2 parents, 7 nieces/nephews, a dog, and a partridge in a pear tree. The partridge is ok. I call him Frank. I also call a ton of my niblings “Frank”. I cautiously say “hey you” to just about everyone else. I even misspelled my own name once and just sat here staring at it wondering what I did.

I’m really really really bad at names ok.

So if I can’t even get a grip on names of REAL LIFE HUMANS…book characters ain’t got a chance. But I want to point out why book characters’ names are really hard to remember?! I mean look:

 

• often YA is written in 1st person (I actually prefer 3rd, by the way) so we don’t even SEE the protagonist’s name!!
• there are a lot of the same names out there so they blur, mate
• I read too fast…we all know this. I can’t kEEP UP with me.
• if a name is super unfamiliar OR super average, my brain just goes “DELETE.”
• authors get super fond of like ONE letter and they use it to much and I die trying to tell Sal and Sam apart.
• I actually spend a lot of time misreading names…like my childhood hill to die on was Henry Huggins’ dog being named Risby (it was Ribsy) I fought this valiantly with my sister. I was wrong, obviously. Did it stop me? No.
• I’m also like that old grandpa who just yells wildly a name that sounds sort of similar and goes with it. Is your name Devon or Darren or Declan? IT’S ALL THE SAME.

So obviously I’m going to sit here and make a list of demands I ask for when it comes to book character names. Which is ironic for someone who forgets names all the time but OH WELL.

 

Linking up with Top Ten Tuesday: Best Character Names

1. THEY CAN’T ALL START WITH THE SAME LETTER.

Look as I say this, I do have a book with two minor characters starting with the same letter. So we can open up this entire list by yelling at me. bUT. As a general rule I avoid this like I avoid lettuce. (Which I’m intensely good at. Ask my family.) But look there are 26 letters in the alphabet. USE THEM, PLEASE, OH DEAR BOOKS.

I seriously read a book with a Maddox and a Maddison and mostly I am dead.

However it can work if the characters are super different and introduced differently and rarely take up scenes together. Cress and Cinder for instance (from The Lunar Chronicles)…I’ve never had a problem with them! But they’re actually rarely in the same scene. So. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

2. A LITTLE BIT O’ A THEME IS NICE.

Like names that sort of go together?! Like a nice patchwork quilt. Get all those colours melding like me into the wall when I’m expected to socialise. Self five. Like I enjoy how The Hunger Games had a lot of THINGS as names (Primrose, Clover, Glimmer, Thresh, etc. etc.)

One complaint (out of MANY lol lol I’m sorry) I had with Iron Gold was how there was a character called Liam. But everyone else is like Darrow! Sevro! Cassius! Ephraim! DUDE, HOW DID LIAM GET IN THERE.

3. I KIND OF LOVE WHEN NAMES DEFY “GENDER RULES”

I don’t quite know why names “have” to be so gendered anyway. Eat me. * I am totally happy to read Angel as a boy and Devon for a girl!

PS. Actually most of my own books feature gender-neutral character names and it is something that pleases me muchly so.

 

* Actually I am very salty. I would probably not be healthy for anyone to eat.

4. SHORT NAMES ARE KIND OF MY FAVOURITE.

Less letters to forget. It’s really helping me out here. Although that saying, I generally only pay attention to the first 2 letters in a name anyway so…yeah, well my bad.

5. NICKNAMES = NO GO, PLEASE DON’T, I LITERALLY BEG OF YOU

This is the quickest way to have me run screaming underneath the opera house until someone throws a chandelier. I just can’t. If a character gets introduced as a name —> KEEP THAT NAME. Like it’s okay if your character’s being called Jon and their full name is Jonathon…just don’t switch it around constantly on page, ok?! (Unless they’re being yelled at.) Consistency is key for baking cakes and using nicknames!

6. SOME NAMES SHOULD BE ON THE “TOO TIRED TO REUSE” LIST.

Because they come up a lot. I love you Simon, I do, but wHICH ONE AM I TALKING ABOUT. Simon in Simon Vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda. Simon from Shadowhunters?? There’s a Simon in Furyborn, Simon Snow from Carry On, Simon in Spiderwick, Simon in Nanny McPhee.

SIMON SAYS WE NEED TO STOP GOING WITH SIMON.

7. I LOVE NAMES THAT HAVE SIGNIFICANT MEANING IN BOOKS!

Okay I confess this happens in both my upcoming novels. Beck from A Thousand Perfect Notes simplifies his name because he’s embarrassed, and Sam from The Boy Who Steals Houses gets constantly misnamed as “Samuel” when it’s not his true full name. I have thing here ok.

 But I love this in books!! Like:

• Julian Blackthorn in Lady Midnight hates his childhood nickname of “Jules” and Emma uses it to put distance between them.
• Gansey from The Raven Cycle goes by his last name because his first name is, um, Dick.
• Kell from A Darker Shade of Magic doesn’t even KNOW his full name. He only has his initials: K.L.
• Puck from the Scorpio Races has a real name of “Kate” and I’m not actually sure why she goes by Puck??? But I like it.
• Neil in The Foxhole Court has significant feelings/memories attached to his old name (Nathaniel…yeah he’s great at undercover names haaaa) and when he’s traumatised, he slips back into referring to himself as his old name because he associates it with pain.
• In Here Lies Daniel Tate, we never even find out the main character’s REAL name because he is so good at having no identity. He’s literally blocked it so he is Nobody when he’s not running a con.

8. I AM 100% IN FAVOUR OF CULTURES EXPRESSING THEMSELVES THROUGH NAMES TOO.

Diversity is taking over YA and it is glorious to see other cultures and their names marching down the hill to devour the bookstores. GOOD ON THEM. I struggle with names, yes, sure…but I want it to be just as normal in YA to see “Emma” as it is to see see names like Aru, Kiko, Miel, Lada, and Twinkle.

 

9. FANTASY KEYBOARD SMASH NAMES STILL … WOUND ME MORTALLY.

I can’t even with Eragon. I just…like if you asked me what the actual country is called, I would very confidently say, “Algeasfasdkh.” And I still maintain in Throne of Glass her name is Celery Sardine. And in Of Fire And Stars?? I’m still trying to cope with Dennaleia and Amaranthine.

AND DON’T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON GAME OF THRONES. Danarygygyg Targygyggy is a great character but also: why.

10. I CAN’T DEAL WHEN SOMEONE I KNOW IN REAL LIFE HAS THEIR NAME IN A BOOK.

Is it just me or is it super weird?! The only time I’ve come across my name (CAIT) has been in Three Dark Crowns and it was for 2 sentences for some old grandmother who died probably. It was sooo weird. And in Gallagher Girls one of them has the same name as my brother and THAT’S JUST WEIRD. Also my niece’s name is Eva, and you know how often the derivatives of EVE come up in books.

It’s doomed. I can never concentrate. My relatives have ruined so many names for me. Useless creatures, they are. I suffer.

most importantly: have you ever seen YOUR name in a book?! is it weird?? do you have any pet peeves or particular loves when it comes to book character names???

Are you ready to feel happily ATTACKED by your TBR pile?! Hands? Hands? Can I see a show of hands?!! Whooo!

Oh stop crying, you’ll be fine. Look 87% of being a book blogger is casually taking up necromancy so that you can keeping coming back to life and finishing off your TBR pile. Or adding to it. I’m not judging your afterlife priorities. The remaining 11% is trying to convince your post to format nicely and I guess there’s 2% of actual, you know, reading or whatever.

Anyhow I’m very keen today to make a list of some upcoming YA releases I’m monstrously excited for.

I did a post earlier this year, covering January – May releases. So let’s add to that mess!

 

Linking up with Top Ten Tuesday for “Books I’d Love to Get Early”

Also this is how I keep track of the upcoming releases I want to read! Because Goodreads is a black hole basically, so we’ve migrated back to paper ‘n’ ink style. My unicorn notebook is actually the cutest thing.

• THE SURFACE BREAKS: Okay but an actual retelling of the dark original Little Mermaid? #YAS My fins are ready. Also is that cover not something you want to eat?! I want to eat.
• I WAS BORN FOR THIS: I adoooore Alice Oseman and I’m so keen for this. Plus it’s orange (“SUNSET ORANGE, PEETA”) so I’m in love.
• ALL OF THIS IS TRUE: A writer steals actual teens’ lives and secrets and writes about them, which sounds AWFUL and also I 100% believe it would happen.
• THE QUEEN UNDERNEATH: This just sounds like a fun fantasy with a motley crew of unlikely heroes. Also maybe people live below ground?? My hobbits! Arise!

 

• THE SMOKE THIEVES: My favourite author is BACK and hopefully will smash hearts and souls and minds, etc. Not that I have those left after Half Bad.
• LEGENDARY: Ohhh so I got sent an ARC aaaand it actually has my name on it. Best thing ever. I didn’t even have to work and got my name on a book cover WOOO. Anyway I hear Tella is narrating and 10/10 glad because Scarlett needed some cheese with that whine.
• LIFELIKE: Is that a HONEYCOMB. Anyway I’m excited! Jay Kristoff!!
• SHIP IT: This is about fandoms and queerity (shh it’s a word) and I’m super excited and hoping it’s a happy wholesome book?! I need more good fandom experiences in books!

AKA THE MOST IMPORTANT MONTH OF THIS WHOLE YEAR BECAUSE LOOK:

My debut, A Thousand Perfect Notes, comes out on the 7th. And you want to know how freakishly surreal it is to be able to say this?!? Get an umbrella. I’m going to cry all over you. Now go love me and pre-order (links here!) because that means (a) my dark soul will burst into glitter, and (b) you will get to see MORE books from me in the future! I am only a smol author OK, so this is really important (!!).

alsoI’mexcitedandfreakingoutabitholyhecklookhowclosereleasedayis

 

Anyway…other books are coming out too. Not that they’re obviously important. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

   

• THE BIRD AND THE BLADE: So reviews seem mixed?! I think it’s based on a tragic opera? But anyway! It’s a Chinese retelling and has riddles and wars!
• WHISPER OF THE TIDE (#2): I loved the first book with smugglers and pirates and I need this yesterday.
• CITY OF BASTARDS (#2): The first book was so fUNNY!?? I love sassy fantasy romps and also I think the first had a subtle stab in the feels. Must reread.
• A LITERARY TEA PARTY: Ohhh I’m so excited for Alison’s cookbook!! She’s an epic blogger who does book foodie recipes so basically I love her and THIS IS THE BEST. (Also PS. we’re doing an epic collab closer to our books’ release dates!)

• ARROW HEART: I think this is modern?! But with GODS and a girl is cursed to make the boy who falls in love with her into a mindless slave. I mean. Seems fun but apparently she’s distressed.
• FINAL DRAFT: It’s about a writer!! I need writer books by writers about writers SO WHINE ABOUT WRITING.
• SOMETIMES AFTER MIDNIGHT: Queer Prince Charming, I mean. Also uses the internet to find the owner of “the shoe” which seems fun.
• RUNNING WITH LIONS: OMG I’M SO KEEN it sounds like The Foxhole Court?!?!!? With childhood bestfriend/crushes returning and hearts being wrung around and I just !!!

  

• LITTLE DO WE KNOW: Alriiiight so the story sounds like two best friends fighting, which I actually don’t usually like. BUT. The author’s other book, Every Last Word, was incredible so HI. I am here anyway. My TBR hates me already so what the heck. Also quilling on the cover!! Ah!!
• THE ART OF ESCAPING: This is about escape artists! A girl is obsessed with Harry Houdini (possibly f/f??) and leads a double life doing escaping performances and I am KEEN.
• WILD BLUE WONDER: I think this is magical realism?!? Which I adore (also loved the author’s debut) so I am here for blue and wonder.
• THE UNBINDING OF MARY READE: Pirates!! I am here for pirates!! (I also think it’s f/f!?) And honestly if it has Calico Jack and Anne Bonny in it, then I’m pack my bags. I’m sailing.

 

• SMOKE AND IRON (#4): I’m freeeeaking OUT! Book #3 ended on such a cliffhanger and I swear this series is one of my favourite. Magical libraries, murder and mayhem! #SantiAndWolfeForever
• FAWKES: Ok but just so you know I am famous…the author is my friend! EEEP. Anyway, she sent me a copy so I actually have this gorgeous book. It is (surprise!) about assassinating the King of England and that is so fun.
• CONTAGION: Monsters and murder in space?! Like it doesn’t sound original (lol lol) but I’m still here for it. Also that COVER.
• BRIGHT WE BURN (#3): I am here to see my prince and love Radu get a happy ending (NOT MEHMED) and honestly I’m terrified Lada will die. Help. Also she is so epic but kind of looks like the witch in suicide squad.

But you do you, Lada. I won’t judge.

   

• KILL THE FARM BOY: This better make Princess Bride references is all I can say. And I think it’s a total parody?! But I want it.
• SEA WITCH: Look we are being #blessed with mermaids recently and I am a fan.
• SPINNING SILVER: Someday I will tire of fairy tales BUT IT IS NOT THIS DAY. I think it’s adult though?? But regardless, she turns things to gold and I’m hoping for some life tips.
• HEART OF THORNS: I’m here for girls with knives and witches.

   

• THESE REBEL WAVES: Piiiiirates. Honestly I should read the blurb, but who needs to do that when you know THERE WILL BE PIRATES.
• THE FOREST QUEEN: I think a girl runs into the woods for justice and to help the commoners, so I’m here hoping this is a genderbent Robin Hood. And !! that !! cover!
• MIRAGE: I thought it was fantasy, but maybe it’s sci-fi?! But anyway there’s evil kingdoms and a hateful Prince/Pauper body swap!
• SEAFIRE: MORE PIRATES. I seriously love 2018. Anyway it’s like this all-girl-pirate-crew but then they might need to take on a boy to save or ruin them. I’d say skip the boy but ya know. Accidents happen.

 

• FINDING YVONNE: This is about a violinist!! And she might not get into the conservatory, which sounds stressful so let’s be stressed.
• WHITE RABBIT RED WOLF: The blurb is tiny but basically = math prodigy + anxiety disorders. I relate to one of those things a lot already and it ain’t the math.
• BRAVE ENOUGH: This is about an unenthused ballerina and a boy with an addiction and the cover looks like it splattered paint everywhere. My eyes are hearts.
• CITY OF GHOSTS: Our queen and saviour SCHWAB is back with a middle-grade book about a girl who sees ghosts and it sounds very Schwabish.

 

• DARKDAWN (#3): I still haven’t read Godsgrave yet (sobsob) and I’m totally sure Mia is gonna die but oh well.
• THE CURSES (#2): For some reason it’s been 2 years since the first book!? Which I really did love eep. So hopefully this is as dark and messy and creepy.
• IGNITE THE STARS: Look it has RAINBOWS. Anyway it’s apparently “perfect for fans of the Lunar Chronicles” and has a dark fearsome outlaw who is secretly a 17 year old.
• THE LANTERN’S EMBER: Witches and immortal boys and deals with the devil!

• THE DEEPEST ROOTS: It’s about three super close friends + magical healing / fixing things…and I just love magical realism so my opinion is: !!!
• SUMMER BIRD BLUE: I loved the author’s Starfish! But there’s an anxious girl + it’s set on Hawaii + a surfer boy + writing songs and music!
• AND THE OCEAN WAS OUR SKY: It’s Patrick Nessss!!!!! What else is there to say!! (Also is it illustrated?!?)
• NOT EVEN BONES: The pitch is literally: “Dexter meets This Savage Song in this dark fantasy about a girl sells magical body parts on the black market — until she’s betrayed.” AND I’M SO IN I CAN’T EVEN.

• UNBROKEN: This is an anthology of stories about disabled teens BY disabled authors! I’m so excited. I think this is going to be incredible!
• A BLADE SO BLACK: An #ownvoices black Alice in Wonderland. YES.
• RULE: Three girls are gonna be QUEEN…I mean, why can’t they share it, but I guess sharing isn’t so fun.

 

• FOR A MUSE OF FIRE: Look it’s got smuggler sand puppet shows and magic AND I love this author.
• THE DARK DESCENT OF ELIZABETH FRANKENSTEIN: As much as I love Keirsten White…this cover is a frikkin horror and I hate it. Hahah. #DecidesToBuyTheEbook
• VENGEFUL: OMG IS ALL I CAN SAY OMG. Eli and Victor are back and I think this book murdered Schwab (from seeing what she went through writing it wow) so I’m guessing it’ll nicely murder us too.

did i mention any you hadn’t heard of yet?! tell me what you’re SUPER excited for!! and how do you keep track of upcoming releases? or do you just cry and let your tears form book titles?

Because sometimes I forget even my own name, I’ve decided rereading books is a fantastic idea.

No really, I typed my name as “Kate” once and then got confused because it didn’t look right + followed that up with an identity crisis + decided to forever change my name to Nick so I can just be the Fury we all know could lead the Avengers just fine. So that’s the story of how I’m ABOUT TO CHANGE MY NAME.

But that aside, we need to talk about rereading. And also how I very nearly have no memory of this place, or that place, or any place whatsoever. And while you’re probably sitting here, picking raisin toast crumbs off your shirt while you read, and thinking, “Ok so you reread books, Cait. I clap for you. This post is going to be very short because it’s done now.”

Well NO! Because why write a simple statement when I CAN COMPLICATE IT X 62. (I’m so excited. We all love my blog.)

I want to talk about the pros vs cons of rereading books. Because trust me: there’s a gnarly dark side.

And even if there wasn’t a darkside, I’d find one, because I’m dramatic. #AM #A #WRITER

TOP TEN TUESDAY: Books I Could Re-read Forever

I’ll also include some of my favourite rereads at the end because I’m a little goblin rebel but I TRY to behave with the prompts once every 56 working days.

1. IF YOU HAVE THE MEMORY OF A HOLEY TEA KETTLE = IT’S LIKE READING A WHOLE NEW BOOK ANYWAY.

I love this because I unfortunately remember nothing about anything. I will literally go to the bathroom to put on my watch and then go clean the bathroom instead. But HEY! A memory like this = you get to live so much cheaper! I can amuse myself endlessly with the same books, the same 3 foods, and have the same songs on repeat since 2013. Are you even meant to remember anything in life?? Haha. Silliness.

 

2. IT’S ACTUALLY COMFORTING BECAUSE IT’S LIKE VISITING OLD FRIENDS.

I mean if you find visiting old friends comforting, because sometimes that’s terrifying, especially if they’ve taken up living in a gingerbread house and eating small children. What?? I’m sure we all have old friends like that??? But regardless: KNOWING (a little haha; bad memory remember) what’s going to happen is comforting! It’s nice to know you’re for a good read. Also can be good if you’re very stressed or anxious.

 

3. FEELINGSSSSSS

When a book really REALLY means something to you, rereading it just dredges up all those feelings. And who doesn’t want to lose themselves in 10 buckets worth of eMOTIONS over characters of your past!?? Some people probably have emotionally-stable hobbies! But that’s funny! Why would you want that!

 

4. IF IT’S PART OF A SERIES, IT’S HANDY TO REFRESH WHAT HAPPENED IN THE FIRST BOOKS.

Which is basically me, every single time a series comes out. And I know some people say “Oh I’ll wait until all the books are out and then read them together” which is a GREAT idea. But publishers will actually cancel series if they don’t get the sales. So like???? Buy them when they’re new too haha. (I mean, obviously if you have the funds! Not everyone does.) ANYWAY –> I love doing a series marathon before a next book comes out. You can watch all the little babies grow up PLUS actually admire the author’s foreshadowing.

 

5. IF YOU’RE A WRITER, YOU CAN FOCUS MORE ON LEARNING FROM THE BOOK AND PASS IT OFF AS “WORK” WHILE YOU EAT 18 CUPCAKES.

Writers = MUST BE READERS. And books are our best teachers. I go into books with that perky idea of “Oh! I’ll take mental notes and learn as I read!” and then 6 seconds later I’m emotionally devastated by some ship and I’m putting characters in Hogwarts houses and I’ve speed read the finale to see if my babies died or not. In other words: I’m a useless hedge.

Rereading —> you know what’s going to happen (vaguely?!) —> you can focus on gleaning writing tips.

1. YOUR TBR PILE WILL KILL YOU IN YOUR SLEEP.

Nothing makes a TBR’s day than you delicately balancing two newly bought tomes on top of the 3989 already there…and then rereading Harry Potter. LIKE SLEEP WELL TONIGHT, FRIEND, BECAUSE YOUR TBR IS SHARPENING KNIVES OFFICIALLY. Rereading obviously takes away from reading new books and how. are. we. supposed. to. read. them. all.

 

2. YOU MIGHT ACTUALLY HATE IT THE SECOND TIME ROUND.

Which happens to me for books I’ve read 4+ years ago. WOW my tastes have changed. And then suddenly I realise something I loved is heckin’ problematic and it’s like a truck just backed over my heart and I’m an emotionally wounded pancake. ThaNKS for tHAt. So do you risk a reread??? Or keep your fond memories???

 

3. THE FAMILIARITY CAN ACTUALLY BE BORING SOMETIMES.

Because “been here, done that”…you know that dull boring middle bit is coming so you’re in no rush. And then suddenly you only read 1 book this week because you weren’t desperate to know what happens and YOUR GOODREADS GOAL STARTS SCREAMING AT YOU AND YOU PANIC AND FLEE TO ICELAND AND BECOME A SHEEP INSTEAD. (This isn’t hyperbolic. I’m sure it happens.)

 

4. YOU JUST DON’T HAVE THE TIME ANYWAY BECAUSE TIME DOESN’T GROW ON TREES, MATE.

Rereading would be NICE but also owning a pirate ship would be NICE and we don’t always get what we want. If you only have time to read, say, 4 books per month…it’s stressful rereading and knowing you’re missing out on new books.

 

5. THERE CAN BE A WAR OF EXPECTATIONS AND WHO WANTS TO FALL INTO THAT MARMALADE JAR OF DISAGREEMENT?

Full disclaimer: Marmalade is gross and don’t fight me on this or I’ll bring a bread and butter knife and we’ll duel. It’s just gross. Everyone who loves it:

OK MOVING ON —> There can be pressure to reread before you consider yourself a “true fan”. Like some people reread a book 10+ times and I’M IN AWE and then I remember I call Patrick Ness a “favourite author” and I’ve NEVER reread any of his books. At all. So am I a fan??? Crisis intensifies???? Leave me alone with my raisin toast and my nightmares???

So now that we can all thoroughly panic because my pros vs cons list was even!

Self-five, me, I did a good job.

Obviously the ultimate thing about rereading is: DO WHAT YOU WANT, LOKI. But I love it. I’ve started loving it last year and now my list of things I want to reread is so crushingly long that my TBR has actually hired a hitman. Which won’t help the situation at all? But you try talking sense into it. Our relationship is on the rocks.

 

 

Because I obviously have NOTHING TO DO THIS YEAR with my book coming out + edits for my next book + blogging + a TBR with already 50 million books on it + life in general haha. No, let me add REREADS TOO.

Oh Cait…oh Cait haha you ridiculous creature.

so are you a rereader? is there a book you’d LIKE to reread but you’re scared you’ll won’t love it as much??! and (importantly) have you ever misspelled your own name?

Book blogging is absolutely excellent because you discover so many books! That you haven’t read! And will never have time for! Oh hello crushing weight of expectations!

No I’m not crying, that would be…someone else.

Look I complain about TBR piles a lot, and this is the part where I should apologise and promise to blog about something else soon but — HA! Surprise! I’m going to continue with the TBR Horror Theme™.

I just have to mention that before book blogging, I was like, “Eh, yeah I’ll read as many books as I possible can.” And now after book blogging, I’m like, “I MUST READ 9 x MORE BOOKS THAN I POSSIBLY CAN.”

I know some people don’t like that attitude, but eh. I want to eat and experience all the art I can in my puny lifespan. FIGHT ME, I’M NOT SORRY.

Now as much as I love blogging, it takes great pains to remind me of all the books I haven’t read. And today I want to (shamefully) list the POPULAR YA BOOKS I haven’t read yet.

When I started blogging 6 years ago, I actually sat down with lists of the most popular YA books and did my best to get through them (library willing, haha, I’m broke) but there are still??? So many famous books??? And I’m behind and need 78 lifespans to catch up???

 

translation: here are my weak excuses.

• I literally haven’t had the time. C’mon! I’m doing my best here and I actually had a slow start to YA since I didn’t even start reading it until I was 16. Some of us are late bloomers. I have no idea what I actually did from 13 to 16…ate the curtains and drew fantasy maps and shouted about dragons. So not much has changed except I read more YA.
• I’m not super interested in some??? Some famous YA books have me giving that awkward-teeth-clenched-smile of “Sure I’ll read it haha or maybe burn my left eyebrow off first.” Look it’s mostly the goopy-eyed ones that really don’t catch my attention, famous or not.
• I am attracted to shiny new things. I’m like a magpie and bowerbird and dragon all mashed into one tiny 5’1 foot human-pretending creature of the night. It’s very exhausting. Feed me cake. But I just really really REALLY like new books! Plus I’m super tired of a lot of the old tropes/cliches. Also newer books are more diverse, hello that’s what I want to read about.
• The hype is scary, ok. It is. You can’t look at me and say it’s not absolutely terrifying to read a famous book, hate it, and then find the fandom eaTING YOU ALIVE LIKE LITTLE PIRANHAS. I’m fragile and special. I can’t take disappointing people.

TOP TEN TUESDAY PROMPT: Books That Have Been On My TBR the Longest and I Still Haven’t Read

(Little creative license being taken here HA. But when have I followed the rules perfectly pfft.)

(Excuse the amount of eBook taken photos…I’m still on holidays at my sister’s house and therefore away from my bookshelf. #Suffering)

1. DELIRIUM BY LAUREN OLIVER

I actually own one of this trilogy that I snabbled at a library sale. Why? BECAUSE IT’S ORANGE, PEETA. And I needed orange books for my bookstagram. However I still haven’t read it.

WHY HAVEN’T I READ IT YET: There biggest reasons are probably that I’m wORN OUT by dystopian. I’m literally a super tired shoe that’s walked the dystopian road too long and just sat down thrown a small tantrum because: tired. And also I don’t own book 1 and that also seriously puts a damper on things.

WILL I READ IT SOON? Probably not. Yes, time for an awkward pause. But I will read it SOMEDAY!

2. VAMPIRE ACADEMY BY RICHELLE MEAD

This author is quite super famous, but I’ve not really followed her rise to the burning glory?! And I feel like the blogosphere doesn’t speak about her so much anyway?? Or maybe I just missed it while I hang out with the bloggers who talk excessively about cake. (BURN @ ME.)

WHY HAVEN’T I READ IT YET: Mostly because I read two other books by Richelle Mead (Soundless and The Glittering Court) and I found the first hella problematic and the second so dumb (the girl ran away from an arranged marriage to a contest for an…arranged…marriage. Right.) So it’s not inspired me to read more from her. Plus I’m not a huge fan of vampires.

WILL I READ IT SOON? I’m tempted to say “never” but we all know I’ll cave and try it ONE DAY.

3. SABRIEL BY GARTH NIX

I feell ike this might be more famous in Australia circles because look at that!! AUSSIE AUTHOR. Also this is so so so old…1996. Like I’m not even sure dinosaurs had completely died out by that point. And I know FOR SURE the toaster wasn’t invented.

WHY HAVEN’T I READ IT YET: I’m a little worried the oldness will equal a style I’m not super fond of. And I knoooow Shanti keeps quietly glaring at me for my failing here (I’M SORRY SHANTI, I STILL APPRECIATE YOU) I also don’t want to disappoint a friend’s recommendation! And, tragically, I forgot to read it before I moved and now I have no library.

WILL I READ IT SOON? Yes!! This year, I promise!! I will obtain it somehow!

4. ERAGON BY CHRISTOPHER PAOLINI

Okay confession: I tried to read it when I was about 15. And I sent it back to the library for some reason I can’t remember. Possibly because it was over 300 pages and I have the attention span of a gnat drowning in lasagna. However every blogger I meet (mostly on bookstagram but also Olive! Hi Olive! Sorry Olive!) who hears I like dragons, immediately says, “HOW DARE YOU HAVE NOT READ ERAGON”…like I know. I’m ashamed of me too.

WHY HAVEN’T I READ IT YET: It’s huge and I’m lazy. I even own it. Wow I have no excuse.

WILL I READ IT SOON? I’m actually not sure!??!? I’d like to say this year, but I’d also like to say I’m eating cheesecake right now. I am not, fyi.

5. ARTEMIS FOWL BY EOIN COLFER

Again! I could’ve sworn I read the beginning in my wayward youth and then sent it back to the library for rEASONS I DON’T REMEMBER. Possibly because I borrow like 3148 books at once and can’t read them all. So clever, Cait, so smart.

WHY HAVEN’T I READ IT YET: Actually I’m not sure I’ll like it anymore. I mean snarky genius thief SOUNDS like my kind of book, but I know it’s fairly youngishly-written??? I’m old and gnarly. Yesterday I ate soup for lunch and took a nap. I’m turning 83 for my next birthday.

WILL I READ IT SOON? I doubt it, since I don’t have a local library anymore and I wouldn’t buy it.

6. ALL THE BOOKS BY TAMORA PIERCE

I’m pretty sure you’re supposed to grow up reading these and I did not. Fail.

WHY HAVEN’T I READ IT YET: Firstly I don’t own them, although I’m sure I could online-library them if I got my brain together. But hahahah HAHAHA. Someone’s asking a lot. Secondly, like with Artemis Fowl, I’m concerned I’m too old! I like my fantasy bloody and I think this is more on the younger-teen side.

WILL I READ IT SOON? Noooo. I feel like this ship has possibly sailed and I’ll never get to them. Tell me if I’m making a huge mistake?!

7. HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD

I’m not even the world’s biggest Harry Potter fan…ugh I’m sorry. But I love love love the Hogwarts Houses and spend 87% of my life sorting things and people and boxes and dogs into Houses. But I didn’t grow up with the series and I think it just didn’t have the same magic for me? Don’t get me wrong! I still do like ti. But my ratings range from 3 stars to 5. Soooo.

WHY HAVEN’T I READ IT YET: It’s not even by JK Rowling! I mean! Plus so many people have said it’s ridiculous and reads like fanfic and do I need that spoilery milk in my life? I don’t think so, mate. Plus I’m very disenchanted with how Rowling is acting online. I wish she’d let Harry Potter go and write something else for kids… (YOU CAN’T CLAIM DIVERSITY UNLESS IT’S ON THE PAGE. THE END.)

WILL I READ IT SOON? I mean, I might read it one day??? If it fell in my lap for free ha.

8. ALL THE BOOKS BY SARAH DESSEN

I feel she’s this constant staple and popular YA author who has a lot of fans but is also a little bit lowkey?? Because I don’t hear anyway rave about her books now, but I do hear people speak fondly of them.

WHY HAVEN’T I READ IT YET: Actually fluffy contemporaries aren’t my thing. If the whole point of the book is a romance then my eyes glaze over and I’d rather eat a glazed donut. At least something glazed is good.

WILL I READ IT SOON? I definitely want to try at least ONE of her books. Someday!!

9. I AM NUMBER FOUR BY PITTICUS LORE

There’s a movie of this isn’t there? I feel like I did see it and it has aliens and the most cliche-white-surfer-dude-bro-blonde-guy ever and I just…eh.

WHY HAVEN’T I READ IT YET: I don’t own it AND it doesn’t actually interest me wow.

WILL I READ IT SOON? I want to read the first book at least because I feel bad for having seen the movie and not read the book. I’m just….I’m getting to it. Some of us are swamped.

10. CARVE THE MARK BY VERONICA ROTH

Back in the day, I REALLY loved Divergent! But I always thought the writing style was a little unemotional…but I still preordered this one because duh. Veronica Roth is so freaking famous.

WHY HAVEN’T I READ IT YET: Alright I haven’t been living under a rock. When it came out it was VERY controversial, with huge outrages and outcries in the book community for racism. I’d preordered so when I heard I was like: “Oh…well that’s a nope.” I also had it one photo and actually got hate email for owning it. So…I actually was scared to even try it. Plus I don’t want to hurt people if it’s a harmful book. But I did watch this vlog by Francina Simone (who is a POC vlogger) and wow and heck did she dismantle the accusations. So now I would like to try it. Cautiously?

WILL I READ IT SOON? I actually hope to read it this year buuuut I get distracted a lot AND I’m aware a lot of people have been harmed by it so I’m in no way ignoring that. But I really respect that vlogger and she had some very different opinions to everyone else. So soon???

Soooo, fantastic fail here, but I couldn’t for the LIFE OF ME figure out how to embed my quiz.

Usually I make quizzes with Playbuzz, but this time I did it through Buzzfeed because I wanted that checklist thingie. So you’ll just have to excuse me here and go follow the link to take the quiz and see how many popular YA books you’ve read! It’s just a list of 50 books and tick which ones you’ve read!

It’ll take you to a new window so be ye aware.

Take the quick checklist here.

And don’t forget to COME BAAAAACK and tell me what you scored!

do you tend to read popular books just to know what the fuss is about?? what are some super famous books you haven’t read yet?! (no shame here!) and if you did the quiz, how many books did you tick off as read???

 

(Also OBVIOUSLY there is no shame on this blog if you like popular YA books or not!! Be you, fine fiend. Let’s just chat.)

I’ve always had an extraordinarily bad memory. I think??? I’m not sure.

At least I’m extraordinary at something, ok. Look for the positives. NO ONE is as good at being bad as me! #SlytherinPositivity Although I’m fully aware this backfires when it comes to books, because not remembering what you read is super awkward.

But I don’t understand why people get so judgy about it?!? People say “Oooh if you can’t remember what you read THEN YOU’RE POINTLESS.” Well, no. I don’t remember what I ate in 2002 and yet it kept me alive.

Take that, fiend.

Plus look we just compressed a couple hundred UNIVERSES into our head and you get a bit full up there after a while and things start rattling and screaming in the attic. I think this is super admirable even if none of us remember why.

Love the bookworm life! Love it!

But before we go on, let’s just make a quick list about why forgetting everything you read is still pretty awkward. I like lists. I’m addicted.

• People say “Oh I’m reading that book you recommended 3 years ago!” and then you die quietly. Mostly because who remembers what they recommended 3 years ago?!?! NO ONE!! (Okay maybe someone? But we’re not here to talk about functional people.)
• When someone says “hey did you read this book?” To which you reply “Of course I loved it!” And then they try to discuss it with you and like…maaaate. Back up. Unless I read it in the last fortnight this conversation is not sustainable. I’m just going to say yes and use a lot of emojis because I’ve got nothing.
• Sometimes you accidentally get books by authors you forgot you didn’t like. Raise thine hand if you have done this and wept.
• You can have such FIERCE love for a book!…with no idea why. Which actually is frustrating because who has time to do all the rereads that life requires?!?

Today I’m listing 10 books I keep saying “I LOVE !! SO MUCH !!” but I have really no freaking clue why anymore.

This is absolutely as awkward as you think it probably sounds. In a well-ordered universe I’d definitely reread these favourites immediately. But unfortunately the universe is NOT well-ordered and I can tell because (A) publishers are still printing stickers on covers and ruining life, and (B) I tried to flip my scrambled eggs into my bowl but gravity interfered and they ended up everywhere except my bowl.

The world has fallen.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Really Liked But Can’t Remember Anything/Much About

Oh and total disclaimer…I’m listing more recent books I’ve read since I started blogging. Because if we dive back into my childhood, it’s like one big blank space. WAS I EVEN A CHILD??? I DON’T REMEMBER.

1. LAMENT / BALLAD BY MAGGIE STIEFVATER

WHEN DID I READ IT: the year of childhood, 2013

WHAT DO I REMEMBER: Faeries? James’ sass. Actually James dressing exactly like Maggie Stiefvater so I SEE THAT AUTHOR SELF-INSERTION THERE. Dee played the harp. Someone’s car broke down (?! seems a theme in Stiefvater books). They ate chips. (I’m doing my best but oh wow send help.)

HOW DOES THIS MAKE YOU FEEL: (This is SUCH a nice question. Go me for caring about my feelings.) Maggie Stiefvater is my #1 favourite author and I genuinely can’t even with myself for the fact that I haven’t reread these recently!?? These are also her first two ever books, so not as good as The Raven Cycle. Alsooooo. The 3rd book never came out. Haha. Yes let me cry.

2. THE COLDEST GIRL IN COLDTOWN BY HOLLY BLACK

WHEN DID I READ IT: the year of ancientness, 2014

WHAT DO I REMEMBER: That this was the first vampire book I actaully liked! And….aaaaaand??? Yeah that’s it. I’m 99% sure there was like a “party” where teens got drunk and vampires ate them but they never knew? Also there was Gavriel who I liked but CAN’T REMEMBER WHY. I think he was super out of his mind the whole time. My people.

HOW DOES THIS MAKE YOU FEEL: Oh wow very bad. I love Holly Black…am in total adoration but I just??!?? I gOT NOTHING.

3. THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME BY MARK HADDON

WHEN DID I READ IT: wow I was such a tiny grape but 2013

WHAT DO I REMEMBER: That it was one of my first experiences reading about autism and I really loved it and related…with no idea why at the time. AH, CAIT, YOU’RE SO CUTE. (I had no idea I was on the spectrum too until like 3 years later.) Also there was a dead dog and Christopher (holy heck I remembered his name) hated the colour brown and I got nothing else.

HOW DOES THIS MAKE YOU FEEL: Okay so I’ve actually heard this book is NOT good autism rep. Which is confusing because it resonated with me, an autistic individual?! Buuuut that was back in 2013. So I really really want to reread it and see how I feel now! I do not own it, however, so this is a slight puncture in my plans.

4. TAKEDOWN BY ALLISON VAN DIEPAN

WHEN DID I READ IT: when I was so smol in 2013

WHAT DO I REMEMBER: That it was like about street gangs?? And…and…well nope. That’s all I got.

HOW DOES THIS MAKE YOU FEEL: I ACTUALLY GENUINELY REMEMBER NOTHING. This book is on my 5-star Goodreads shelf. And yet I remember nothing. And I tried to re-borrow it from my library before I moved but apparently I was the only one who read it in the last 5 years and they GOT RID OF IT. Rude.

5. THE ARCHIVED BY VE SCHWAB

WHEN DID I READ IT: only in 2016!

WHAT DO I REMEMBER: Okay here me out, 2016 was a very stressful year. I’m not sure why (???) but definitely going to blame my lack of memory on that because it seems plausible. (I make every year stressful, it is my talent.) But holy heck I just remember the narrator (WHAT WAS HER NAME?!) giving people muffins and also rounding up the dead bodies and there was an Owen and I liked him.

HOW DOES THIS MAKE YOU FEEL: Sooooo bad. I mean think of bad and then multiply it by AT LEAST 4. This is my favourite author!! This wasn’t even that long ago!! My brain is Swiss Cheese!!

6. MORNING STAR BY PIERCE BROWN

WHEN DID I READ IT: again in 2016 (look I tell you, that year was hopeless for memories apparently)

WHAT DO I REMEMBER: SO MUCH OF NOTHING. Basically my #1 memory is Sevro threatening to go to war for chocolate and Darrow being very tired. But in my defence (which is a defence made up solely of crayons and crying and croutons…because of the alliteration mostly and also because 2016 was a stressful year) I don’t actually absorb sci-fi very well.

HOW DOES THIS MAKE YOU FEEL: Not surprised at all, actually. Which is why (SURPRISE!) I’m rereading this as we speak before Iron Gold comes out to hit me in the face with more awesome complex plots I love but also do not heckin’ understand. (Audiobooks save lives!! Mine at least!!)

7. THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS BY CASSANDRA CLARE

WHEN DID I READ IT: I devoured all 6 in 2014 and wow I’m proud of myself in retrospect

WHAT DO I REMEMBER: I remember it as like one big bowl of congealed Shadowhunter sass and demon blood and thaaaat’s about it. Like I’m so confused about who Jace is. Doesn’t he have 4 identities and names?? Did I hate Sebastian? Did Magnus have a torrid affair with a vampire once? DID SIMON DIE AND COME BACK A FEW TIMES OR IS THAT ANOTHER SERIES???

HOW DOES THIS MAKE YOU FEEL: You know how when you try to drink a glass of water and miss your mouth and suddenly you are having a spontaneous shower? Yes. Look I love this series! SO MUCH. It’s one of my all-time favourites and Lady Midnight just wrapped my heart in loving barbed wire and pulled it out of my chest (this is a good thing??? I think??) but the books are all merged together for me. I really want to reread this year!!

8. THE WRATH AND THE DAWN BY RENEE AHDIEH

WHEN DID I READ IT: the year of our pineapple, 2015

WHAT DO I REMEMBER: That I liked it! That I wanted Tariq to eat a horseshoe and die. That Shazi was epic and there was a reason Khalid was awful. Magic? Demons? Hey wasn’t there a magic carpet?! Also how did it end: I HAVE NO IDEA.

HOW DOES THIS MAKE YOU FEEL: Like this is totally the reason I never read the sequel…which I will do!! I loved the first book, five-stars all the way, but I cannot pick up the sequel without rereading this first. Send me 8 more hours per day and 12 MORE EYEBALLS.

9. PRINCE OF THORNS BY MARK LAWRENCE

WHEN DID I READ IT: oh surprise! 2016!

WHAT DO I REMEMBER: Just that Jorg was a little piece of unpalatable compost and like the actual WORST SLITHERING CREATURE and somehow that was really interesting to read about. I have no idea what the plot was except they went into a mine or something at one point. I think Jorg got scared so he killed someone to help himself chill out. In retrospect: what the fork.

HOW DOES THIS MAKE YOU FEEL: Well I want to finish the trilogy and I can nary do that while I have no idea what went down in the first. So it makes me feel like a reread AND also like questioning my life choices, because this was like the most evil 14 year old kid ever?!???

10. ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES BY JENNIFER NIVEN

WHEN DID I READ IT: waaay back in 2014, and you might know it was actually published in 2015. Yes, you little detective marshmallow. I read it 6 months early as an ARC because apparently I don’t understand release dates.

WHAT DO I REMEMBER: I mean, lots! But also fragments. Like I just know this book sTOLE MY HEART (and then smashed it, but okay then) and it was about depression and bipolar and I pretty much cried and I NEVER CRY. So this is a big deal. But not…much…else. I hear people talk about it and my usual response was: “I loved it too! But what even happened I don’t know!”

HOW DOES THIS MAKE YOU FEEL: It’s my “favourite”. IT IS. I keep saying this! I have literally no clue how the story went down! I’m going to reread it this year or bust my left eyeball with furiously intense staring at it sitting on my shelf instead. This seems productive.

‘fess up — how long do you generally remember books?? is there a sequel you’re avoiding because you don’t remember book 1?!? also do you get scared to reread books in case you’ve lost your love for it???

Unlike my ability to chill, which I’m totally never going to find, I discovered some incredible authors in 2017!

Even though I like to pretend I could be Sherlock Holmes someday, the honest truth is: I’m very bad at finding things. If you put a really nice inky pen in my hand, I will absolutely lose it 2 seconds later. It’s not even my fault. It’s rude that inanimate objects don’t sit still when told.

However, I still HAVE managed to discover some incredible authors in 2017 that were completely new to me. Some of them are debuters so it makes sense that they’re new and green and just crawled out of the damp dark earth where all writers come from. However some are new because I didn’t read them until JUST NOW. Probably because they were hiding from me. Ridiculous. I am not scary. I put my battle axe down just now and sometimes I even brush my hair to stop looking like a mad scientist.

I’m great.

I’m also linking up with Top Ten Tuesday for their prompt “Top Ten New-To-Me Authors I Read In 2017”.

And also like HOLY HECK I didn’t realise The Broke And The Bookish were closing down?!? This is the second-to-last TTT prompt and then it’s moving hosts. I’d cRY except I’m a Vulcan. And I feel bad for all the times I’ve cheated doing this prompt. Which has been, like…all of them. Wow, Cait.

But omg please no one leave me here to think up my own blog topics. No one deserves that horror experience.

 

 

1. MACKENZIE LEE

Definitely one of my new FAVOURITE AUTHORS OF EVER despite having only read…um…one of her books. But The Gentleman’s Guide To Vice And Virtue is definitely everything perfect in this world. And pfft, you know what? I don’t let little technicalities like “I could’ve read more of her books by now but I haven’t because I live with my head in a bucket” get in the way of a wholesome and life-consuming adoration. And I’ll have you know that I did in fact go and buy her first book, This Monstrous Thing, pretty much right away.

Even if I still have not read it.

Look do I look like a functional human to you?? No. Keep the wild expectations down there, son.

I will absolutely and definitely read everything she ever writes forevermore.

2. AMANDA FOODY

I’m an absolutely complete fangirl and dork, but I used to blog on a writing-co-blog with Amanda and some others back in the day (I’M FAMOUS) and we’ve chatted on twitter a few times! And by “chatted” I meant I came crying about I’m Going To Be An Author I’m Panicking Is There An Island In The Bermuda Triangle I Can Retreat To™. Anyway. She is absolutely lovely and also coincidentally writes freaking amazing books. Daughter Of The Burning City is all super dark carnivals and magic and murders. My favourite things. Also it features a Slytherin sassy conniving magic boy love-interest who is also asexual which is something I really really want to read more of. UGH this book was too good.

And Ace of Shades comes out in April and I’m so freaking EXCITE.

3. NIC STONE

Now, again! Only a debut author so it is 599% logical that I only discovered her book, Dear Martin, this year. But I just want to point at it and say “LOOK. GOOD AND IMPORTANT BOOK WHY IS NOT EVERYONE READING IT.” I feel it’s one that’s going underrated?! So behold.

And one thing I really really loved about her style is how concise and succinct it is. Her debut is so short and punchy that it doesn’t even give you a second to lose concentration. And the topics are obviously incredible and needed.

I mean. Don’t sleep on this one.

 

4. LAURA TIMS

I full on picked up her second book, THE ART OF FEELING, on this wild whim because I reeeeally want to read more books featuring disabilities. AND HOLY HECK WHAT BUCKET HAVE I BEEN LIVING IN?!?! I can’t get over how much I laughed! And had vastly feels-stabbing emotions. Like I was not prepared. I just thought this’d be the average contemporary.

Oh I am am sweet summer paper fry. <— my new nickname by the way

Least to say I need her other book called PLEASE DON’T TELL which is a phrase I shout a lot, usually directed at my TBR when I’m adding to it and sobbing because I have books from 2013 on there I should’ve read by now.

5. CHRISTINA LAUREN

This is actually two authors: Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. And there is a 99% chance I do NOT want to read their other books which seem to be pretty much erotica hah hha hahaha. Wow. I want to go far far away now. But anyway, I wanted to put them on this list because I FREAKING LOVED AUTOBOYOGRAPHY AND I WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT.

It’s about writers, which is a huge reason it resonated with me + there’s queerness and author shaped panic and it discusses religion (particularly the problematic sides) and all these things just…gah. I have emotions. I have been hit. NEW FAVOURITE.

6. HANNAH MOSKOWITZ

So I read TEETH this year which surprisingly isn’t about the dentist. Although I really put off mentioning it because when I shout, “TEETH IS AN AMAZING BOOK!!!” it sound like a dentist’s memoir and ew.

But the actually book is about mermaids and disabilities and mental illness and queer magical fish and really really sad boys and juST IT WAS GOOD. Bonus: it wants to rip your heart out.

So she’s written an absolute heckin’ ton of books I have not read and my TBR hates me but I’m interested particularly in A HISTORY OF GLITTER AND BLOOD because the title sounds fun.

7. ANNA-MARIE MCLEMORE

I actually read all THREE of her books this year!! Due to me procrastinating her first two books for no reason at all because that’s who I am as a person

Least to say I’m suuuuch a fan. Her writing is the most gorgeous thing you will ever eat. I didn’t like WHEN THE MOON WAS OURS so much because it had 0% of a plot…although still freaking gorgeous. But THE WEIGHT OF FEATHERS = ugh I’m obsessed. And WILD BEAUTY!?? I want to live in it. Magical boys in magical gardens and witchy girls who can grow flowers at will and my hEART beating messily.

And she writes disabilities and queer people and different races and it’s so good and her writing is mAGIC. 

8. CRISTIN TERRILL

I read HERE LIES DANIEL TATE this year and let’s just say: this book wants to throw your brain for a froot loop. And you’ll thank it. Which is totally messed up. Like my mind?!??? It has been played with.

Basically this book is an excellent thriller about a con artist masquerading as a missing boy and he gets into a lot of mESS he didn’t anticipate. It’s beautiful. Everything hurts.

And I need to read ALL OUR YESTERDAYS like…yesterday. (Shh, Zoe, I know you’re saying I told you so.)

9. JASON REYNOLDS

Now I know he’s so so famous but for some reason I hadn’t heard of his books until this year?! Look this is what I mean about not paying attention. But here I am now. Late again, but I brought cake, so please forgive me.

I borrowed ALL AMERICAN BOYS on a whim from the library and woahhhhh it was good. It was published in 2015 too and look at me reading backlist titles. Anyway this is another really important book (also #BlackLivesMatter and #OwnVoices) and dives into current issues in America. No I’m not American but I watch you guys set your hair on fire so I like to be informed.

I want to read LONG WAY DOWN and MILES MORALES!

 

10. ADAM SILVERA

DEFINITELY ONE OF MY FAVOURITE NEW-FOUND AUTHORS. Plus he’s really awesome on twitter and writes fast first drafts (#RELATE) and just everything about his books is fantastic and unusual. I really love the unusualness ok.

I’m pretty sure he drinks readers’ tears for breakfast but we all have our side hobbies.

I haven’t read his debut MORE HAPPY THAN NOT yetttt, but I love HISTORY IS ALL YOU LEFT ME and THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END. Ugh I really love them. Definitely going to reread this year.

did you find any new favourite authors last year in 2017?!?? and have you read/want to read any of these ones?? tell me favourites!! and do you lose everything you touch?? i must know.

There are so many things that are downright better in books.

For instance: delicious chocolate factories. Or magical schools. Or any human ever. Honestly people are just better when they’re not real, is probably what we’re trying to say here. But anyway. Books are a blessing to our existence because they provide us with worlds that are just better!

I can definitely guarantee with about 8% surety (because I’m CONFIDENT in myself) that you’ve read a book and at some point thought: “Wow I wish I lived here.” Whether it’s because the world is full of magic or adventure or dragons or just has a world where they actually fill up the potato chip packets instead of making you pay for half a bag of air.

THE POINT IS we’re often very very in love with worlds that don’t exist!

And there are obviously types of worlds that make our hearts flutter faster or else make us pause, think for 3 seconds, stretch our neck out like a turtle and shout: “nO THANKS.” Today I want to list 5 bookish settings I love VS 5 that I hate. Because #BALANCE.

And there’s a quiz at the end (!! I’m wonderful to you !!) to find out what type of bookish setting YOU would be in if your life was a YA book.

I’m also linking up with Top Ten Tuesday for their prompt “Ten Bookish Settings I’d Love to Visit” which is vaguely what this post is about ha ha hahahaha. I’m sorry.

1. OLD LIBRARIES OR CURIOSITY SHOPS

Just give me buildings full of dusty secrets and curious objects that are probably magical and will kill you if you get too close. I love the old and tired and boxes full pocket watches and ancient books and old letters and strange waistcoats. Just try and tell me the aesthetic is nOT EVERYTHING GOOD IN THIS WORLD.

Also fun fact: I’m so allergic to everything I just mentioned above. Like wow if you want to kill me, literally lock me in an old library. I will inhale and die. #FunLifeWithAllergies Clearly I have to read about it to satisfy my aesthetic soul???? WHAT IS THIS LIFE.

     

2. THE DARK FORESTS AND GARDENS

I HAVE SO MUCH LOVE FOR THE DARK CREEPY WOODS I CAN’T EVEN. I mean, they’re so exciting! Will you go in and then come out? Are there monsters there? Will a faerie still your soul? Do the trees speak Latin? Are there anxious monsters in the trees? Is that flower going to kill you? Is there a witch stuck somewhere in there because they have a terrible sense of direction and can’t get out??

WHO KNOWS. EXCITING. I want to read 20 million books set in forests. No no! Do not doubt this goal of mine! It could be worse anyway — I could be collecting dead bugs or something please appreciate how lucky you are.

     

3. SUPER RICH, LAVISH CASTLES

You know how our lord and life, Flynn Rider, says, “Guys, I want a castle”??? Well that’s literally me too. SO! I like to read about these to fulfil that need deep in my soul. Also just the rich lavishness is GORGEOUS to read about. Like let’s have everything be jewel-encrusted and your bathtub is a swimming pool and we eat croissants at all hours of the day.

I also love the added bonus of throwing kids who are raised here into those dark forests so they can have anxiety. OR!! Putting poor waifs into this settings so they end up eating the soap and sleeping in the linen closet.

    

4. STRANGE LITTLE TOWNS WITH WEIRD STUFF GOING ON

There’s nothing quite as lovely as those little towns where everything is quaint and the milkshake place has vintage cups and then — BOOM, ACTUALLY WEREWOLVES LIVE IN THE FOREST AND THERE’S A CUT IN THE WORLD THAT LEADS TO THE SPIRIT REALM. I love it. I adore it.

FUN FACT: I actually live in a tiny town and I’m still waiting for the magic to present. So far at one end of my street there are paddocks of cows, and at the other end of my street is the centre of town. This sometimes makes me cry but okay. And even though I have both (a) mountains, and (b) cornfields, which are BOTH proven to be where magical oddities happen — so far the only weird thing that’s gone down is me balancing two bookshelves on top of each other and they haven’t fallen and killed me yet.

     

5. CIRCUSES, FESTIVALS, AND CARNIVALS

Because if you see this happening in a book you know (a) someone’s going to get randomly murdered, and (b) there will be MAGIC, MURDER, and MAYHEM. I’ve really only started reading about these, but I love it?! I love how sinister it can be and then everyone exists on popcorn and toffee apples and wonders why they’re so cranky all of the time. Low blood sugar, you fools. Eat some iron. Anyway. I’m so so all for the oddballs and the curiosities and the misfits. I love misfits.

I, personally, am a bit of a misfit because sometimes I can’t seem to match my socks.

 

(Note: I have MANY books that I love that do have these settings! I just don’t gravitate or choose them willingly…but bribe me with donuts. Like that could help.)

1. SCHOOLS AND CLASSROOMS

Maybe this is because in my wayward youth I actually homeschooled but holY HECK do people actually find books set 80% in a classroom fun??? Don’t we want to escape the notorious classroom when we read?? I honestly can feel some of my brain melting and sliding out my ears whenever I realise a book has a HUGE focus on a prison setting.

OH HAHA DID I SAY “PRISON”?? I meant school.

 

2. PRISONS OR REHAB CENTRES

But speaking of prisons — I hate them too. Look it’s just boring. There’s not much plot to sustain in a small cell. You just get to be alone with your thoughts, and newsflash: no one wants that. I do like prison breaks and I don’t mind the small flutter in and out of bars, but just don’t LEAVE ME HERE in a book where the setting is so stagnant that a 100-year-old pond has more active social life.

3. DYSTOPIAN FACTION SETTING THINGIES

Is it just me or do I hate on dystopians recreationally these days?? I’M SORRY. I TRULY AM!! I do have love for some dystopians! But just the ones where we’re all sitting in a hole underground or in like a bunker and everyone wears white jumpsuits and eats cream corn (I just threw up a little) and conspires against the evil government…I just feel a little like whitewash was poured into my eyes. IT’S BORING. I don’t want endless hallways in a science lab!! It just don’t work for me!!

 

4. ABSOLUTELY EVERYWHERE BECAUSE ROADTRIPS

See road trips can be awesome (See: The Gentleman’s Guide To Vice And Virtue which I will absolutely climb onto your hat and shout about how good it is) but a lot of the time I fall apart because (A) there are SO many settings that nothing gets described really well, or (B) a lot of it is set in the same sort of places, like a weird hotel room or a car or if it’s fantasy it’s some forest and an inn of bedbugs, or (C) the plot is also dull because alllll thatttttt walkingggggg.

I hate reading about people walking. I love walking, but it is very very boring to watch, ok.

 

5. RICH PEOPLE’S HOLIDAYS TO PRIVATE ISLANDS OR WHATEVER

This is usually because said rich people spend the entire time getting drunk, accidentally falling into love-hexagons, and then murdering each other. I mean that CAN be interesting, but usually I despair for humanity and end up needing to run up Mt. Everest and scream at the sky. It just annoys me. Make good decisions, kids. Put on sunscreen and stop ruining your livers and DON’T KILL ANYONE WITH THE SILVER WEAR OMG IT’S NOT THAT HARD.

Now imagine you are the protagonist of a YA book? What setting would your book take place in?! Lucky for YOU, I exist and am here to tell you everything with a quiz that can’t possibly go wrong!

I’m so reassured already!!

 

 

so tell me what settings YOU love and make your little heart flutter? And are there any you avoid / hate? how did you go in the quiz? what setting would your book take place? TELL ME ALL!