Mid Year Book Freak Out

Hello fellow bookworms! It’s been a while… I always start the year with the best intention of keeping my blog up to date, but it’s been a whirlwind start to the year for me. By the time I’ve realised one month has ended, we’re already in the middle of the next, so even my monthly reading updates have been sparse (putting it lightly!) However, I’m hoping the second half of the year will be different, and I have a few exciting post ideas which I can’t wait to write! Planning on keeping future posts shorter and sweeter, so I’ll have time to write more content and make it easier for you lovely people to enjoy the posts. I love this little space on the internet I have, along with my bookstagram, to interact with you all and chat about books. I enjoy the time I spend writing for you, and I will be prioritising this in the second half of this year as a form of self-care, because nothing is better than spending an hour or so gushing about my favourite books, which is what I’m here to do today, with a roundup of what I’ve read so far in 2021…

Best 2021 Book So Far

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

Best 2021 Sequel So Far

The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness

New 2021 Release You Are Yet To Read

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year

The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman (September 16th)

Biggest Disappointment of 2021 So Far

The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George

Biggest Surprise of 2021 So Far

Tales from the Inner City by Shaun Tan

Newest Favourite Character

• 

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Viola (from Chaos Walking)

Book That Made Me Cry

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

Book That Made Me Happy

The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green

Favourite Film/TV Adaptation of 2021 So Far

Virgin River (adapted from the book by Robyn Carr)

(Same as last year, still just as good!)

Most Beautiful Book Purchased in 2021 So Far

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy

Book I Need To Read by the End of 2021

A Darker Shade of Magic (this is the same as last year… and the year before… oops! It’s a must this year…)

So that’s a snapshot of 2021: Part One, and I can’t wait to see what Part Two will bring, especially now I’ve been reminded of the books I really should have read by now! I’d love to know what you think of the books I’ve read so far, and any recommendations for the rest of the year is always welcome.

Until next time…

Jade 🙂

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Mid Year Book Freak Out

Hello fellow bookworms! How on earth is it July already?! We’re half way through the year, and I think we can all agree it’s not been the easiest six months for anyone! However, we’ve had the gift of literature to help us through! It’s now the perfect time to reflect on how the reading challenges are going, and generally freak out about the books we have (and haven’t) read. This is always a super fun post to do, because it gives me the chance to look back at all the books I’ve read so far this year and put them up against each other in metaphorical fights to see who will win and be crowned my favourites (or least favourites) in each category. So, here we are, this is what I think about the books I’ve read in 2020 so far…

Best 2020 Book So Far

Vicious by V.E. Schwab

Best 2020 Sequel So Far

The Hand on the Wall by Maureen Johnson

New 2020 Release You Are Yet To Read

Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare

Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year

A Beautifully Foolish Endeavour by Hank Green (July 7th)

Biggest Disappointment of 2020 So Far

Normal People by Sally Rooney

Biggest Surprise of 2020 So Far

Toffee by Sarah Crossan

Newest Fictional Crush

Marco from The Night Circus

Newest Favourite Character

Stevie Bell

Book That Made Me Cry

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Book That Made Me Happy

This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay

Favourite Film/TV Adaptation of 2020 So Far

Virgin River (adapted from the book by Robyn Carr)

(The TV show is so much better than the book in my opinion – I DNF’d the book!)

Favourite BookMuffin Post of 2019 So Far

The Bookish Bucket List Tag or my Bookworm Survival Kit post series!

Most Beautiful Book Purchased in 2020 So Far

The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell

Book I Need To Read by the End of 2020

A Darker Shade of Magic (this is the same as last year oops it’s a must this year…)

So that’s a snapshot of 2020: Part One, and I can’t wait to see what Part Two will bring, especially now I’ve been reminded of the books I really should have read by now! I’d love to know what you think of the books I’ve read so far, and any recommendations for the rest of the year is always welcome.

Until next time…

Jade 🙂

The Book Blogger Oldie Tag

Hello fellow bookworms! I’ve blogging on and off now since 2015, and while there have been times when it’s been more difficult for me to write posts, I’ve loved writing the reviews, compiling the lists and tackling the tags which have come my way. Holly over at Nut Free Nerd tagged me to do the Book Blogger Oldie tag, originating in the depths of YouTube and making it’s way into the blogosphere, so here we are…

1. How long have you been part of the book blogging community?

When I first counted it was 6 years but it’s only just over 5 years (should I be doing this tag, I feel like a bit of a fraud…!) It feels like a lot longer, I’ve done an entire degree, been in my first publishing job for over a year and a half, and realised my dream of studying literature.

2. What was your biggest misconception before starting a book blog?

To be honest, the beginning of my blogging experience was such a blur. I’d won a prize draw to receive a book in exchange for an honest review, and I wanted to put that review somewhere other than the Waterstones website, so I did! I think the main thing I thought was ‘it will be easy to write the posts and it will be easy to get the followers and people to like and comment’. Needless to say, it wasn’t! Posts take hours to write, edit, and format, audit takes a lot of interaction and getting your blog known to start getting a following.

3. How do you think book blogging has changed since you first started?

When I first started, I thought the whole online book community was just made of bloggers. Then I realised vlogging and bookstagram was a thing and was amazed the community was so big! I don’t know whether it’s just where I spend most of my time now, but I’ve noticed a lot of people using Instagram more than writing full blog posts. I think this is great, especially for people who want aesthetically pleasing photos and slightly less text… it’s definitely good for the visual stimulation we all need.

4. What is your favorite book blogging memory?

Writing my review for Lord of Shadows, it took me about a week to write and ended up being over 3,000 words! I loved the Shadowhunter novels so much and remember completely immersing myself in this review.

5. What are some books that you were introduced to because of book blogging?

Sooooo many! I can’t name them all!

6. What is something that frustrates you about book blogging?

When things don’t align the way I want them to on my posts, or when I decide I want my blog to look a certain way, but there’s not a theme that looks exactly the way I want I WordPress…

7. What is your hope for the future of book blogging?

I hope more people come and join the fun, and we continue to introduce everyone to new (and old) books, discuss our latest reads, support each other, and do what we do best… read!

I’m tagging people I’ve been following since the dawn of time BookMuffin…

1. A Little Blog of Books
2. Pages and Tea
3. Readage: Snapshots from a Reading Life
4. Book Lovers Blog

Take care everyone.

Until next time…

Jade 🙂

The Bookish Bucket List Tag

Hello fellow bookworms! I was recently tagged by Holly over at Nut Free Nerd to take part in this very exciting book tag. As soon as I saw the post and the questions my mind started whirring and thinking about the answers I would give, and at point of writing I still haven’t fully answered all the questions so we’ll see how this goes!

The Rules:

1. Link to the creator in your post (Madison’s Inkwell)

2. Link to the person who tagged you

3. Tag as many people you want

4. Have fun!

 

 

1. What books or series that intimidates you (because of length, density, subject) would feel like an accomplishment to finish?

Probably the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. I acquired the whole series last year and now I have all the books together it’s just so long! I’d have to be in a real fantasy mood to get through them all, and maybe read some books in between as well!

 

2. What author would you like to coauthor a book with?

I would love to write with John Green, his thought processes and philosophical hints throughout his stories are so interesting and I’d love to get to know his writing methods. Also, Laura Purcell is an incredible writer and does amazing things with words. She wrote my favourite book of 2019 (The Corset) and I’d love to co-author with her!

 

3. If you could interview any author for your blog, who would it be? What’s one question you would ask?

It would have to be J.K. Rowling, and I can’t pick just one question, I have so many! I’d love to know all the secrets about the Harry Potter universe that haven’t yet been revealed… do you think she’d tell me how the Fantastic Beast films are going to end (besides Dumbledore and Grindelwald’s epic duel)?

 

4. As a writer, what genre is out of your comfort zone that you’d like to conquer someday and write within?

I’m not a writer really, as much as I’d like to be, but I do have stories that I’d love to write. I think Historical Fiction is definitely out of my comfort zone both in reading and writing, but it would be so rewarding, mainly due to how much I’d learn in the research process.

 

5. What specific edition of a book would you like to own someday? It could be rare, a first edition, an anniversary edition, signed, or one with a cover special to you, etc.

A signed first edition printing of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, because I have over a million pounds to buy one…

 

6. Are there any books or bookish items that you’d like to collect?

The Penguin Clothbound Classics are gorgeous and would look so nice as a collection, but I don’t read many classics and wouldn’t want them to go to waste (I have one, Alice In Wonderland) but I won’t read it because I don’t want to damage it!) I’d also love to collect the different editions of Harry Potter (this is slowly becoming a Harry Potter themed post…), there are so many nice designs and box sets out there, if I only I had space to put them… (the above are the jacket covers from Nerdy Ink, which are to die for! You just get the jackets, but needless to say we all probably have copies to spare which we can wrap these around – link to buy on picture)

 

7. Name one bookish place you’d like to visit. (Not somewhere you’d like to visit because of a book and not a fictional place within a book. A library, bookstore, etc.)

There is a bookshop in Buenos Aires called El Ateneo Grand Splendid, and as soon as I laid eyes on it I knew I had to go! This bookshop is housed within a converted theatre, originally constructed in 1919. It still has so many of the original features, plus space for study, and plenty of books! You see more pictures here (highly recommend)

 

8. Name one bookish event you’d like to attend. (A festival, a signing, a book fair, etc.)

I’ve always loved to go to BookExpo and BookCon in the US, although I think I’d find it quite a stressful experience! But I’ve also never been to a book signing which I’d love to do as well This a complete lie I work for a publishing company I go to signings and author talks all the time and just completely forgot when I wrote the first draft…

 

9. Your WIP is getting published and designing the cover is solely up to you. What does it look like?

I’m hold my first degree in Graphic Design so I’m going to be the pickiest author you’ve ever worked with mwahaha honestly authors can be very fussy when it comes to their covers, but to be fair, it’s their book, the have the right to be! I’m not going to design anything partly because I don’t want to embarrass myself with my underdeveloped design skills (yes, despite my degree) but also I would spend hours designing something and I don’t really have that kind of time, so here are some covers I would love to have as my own…

I want something simple but really effective. I love the line drawings in the first two, and it should have really clever use of typography, with a bit of gold foiling to finish it off and make it look stunning!

 

10. What’s one thing you’d like to accomplish within the bookish world? As a writer, reader, blogger, whatever you want.

My current goal is to complete my MA in Children’s Literature and hopefully go on to successfully complete a PhD! I’ve always love studying, education and academics, so this would be an ideal path for me. I’d also like to have more books on my Read shelf compared to my TBR shelf on Goodreads but that’s quite a big ask…

 

 

I tag…

Holly @ Belle of the Library

Kristin @ Kristin Kraves Books

Isla @ A Whisper of Ink

May @ Forever and Everly

Trista @ Overflowing Bookshelves

… and anyone else, if you see this and wish to partake feel free!

 

 

I’ve really enjoyed completing this tag, it’s given me a lot to think about which wouldn’t have otherwise and got me excited about books, bookish collections and bookish places. I’d love to know what your thoughts are on my selections and whether I’ve we’re on the same wavelength with any of them, so please free to leave a comment below!

Take care everyone.

Until next time…

Jade 🙂

The Stay Home Reading Tag

Hello fellow bookworms! While in isolation, I attempted to take part in the Stay Home Reading Rush, run by Ariel Bissett and Raeleen Lemay. This was my first Reading Rush and I took part mainly on Instagram, and I had the best time! It was a lot of fun to do the picture challenges, as well as having an excuse to do a lot of reading. This wasn’t a full length read-a-thon, it ran across four days, Thursday to Sunday, which worked out great for me because I have Friday afternoons off work now and the whole weekend to get stuck in to some books! The Reading Rush have also planned this fun tag post which you can do to celebrate the read-a-thon and let other people know what you’ve been reading and how you’re doing during the four days!

 

 

How is your reading going while staying home?

I am reading so much while at home! I’m missing out on my reading time during my commute and I’m very much making up for it. It is such a great tool for escapism and I seem to be neglecting other things I could be doing to get more reading done…

Where have you been reading at home?

I did a tidy up during the first few days at home and made myself a book nook where I’m doing a lot of reading, but I’m yet to make it really comfortable (because it has pile of books in it!) so I’ve also been a lot in bed and a little bit outside as well when we had some warm weather over Easter.

Best book you’ve read during isolation?

I’ve read a few really good books since I started my quarantine on March 17th:

• The Hand on the Wall (Truly Devious #3) by Maureen Johnson
• One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
• Toffee by Sarah Crossan

What’s your favourite feel good book?

Harry Potter will always by a feel good book/series for me, or The Book Thief, which I feel is quite relevant at this time, being all about the power of books and reading in times of fear and uncertainty.

Book you wish you could buy or borrow from the library?

I really want to buy Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare, as it’s the perfect time to read big books now, but it’s hardback and it’s still so expensive!

Author you want to shout out during this time?

Sarah Crossan! I read Toffee in a day, I couldn’t put it down. Her writing is incredibly powerful and there are some really amazing stories running through the poetry. It’s my first YA poetry book and I will definitely be reading more!

What is your Reading Rush TBR?

I didn’t really plan a proper TBR for this read-a-thon, partly because I didn’t think I’d get a lot of time to read, but here’s a few books that I have on my immediate TBR that could fit the prompts:

• Read a book with a house on the cover – Toffee (read)
• Read a book in the same room the whole time – I’ll Give You The Sun (currently reading)
• Read a book set somewhere you wish you could go – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, obviously Hogwarts (currently listening)
• Read a book that will make you smile – Little Women (currently reading/listening), or any of the above

I don’t think I’ll finish all of these but I feel accomplished knowing I finished just one book over the read-a-thon! I’m really enjoying I’ll Give You The Sun and I love reading along with audiobooks as I find I get through them a lot quicker.

 

 

I’ve also completed all four Reading Rush Instagram challenges so I’ve put my photos down below just for fun…

        

 

I hope you’re all taking care of yourself and still managing to get plenty of sunlight. Don’t forget to take time for yourself, especially if you’re living with others and don’t have a lot of privacy. Your mental health is as important as your physical health! I found this cut gif I thought summed up our bookish community quite nicely…

Keep in touch, and take care everyone.

Until next time…

Jade 🙂

The ‘Netflix Originals’ Book Tag

Hello fellow bookworms! It’s tag time, and this tag, inspired by the Netflix Book Tag from Whitney @ A Darker Shade of Whitney, is the Netflix Originals Book Tag! There is no doubt that Netflix produce some amazing original series that you’re unlikely to get anywhere else, so it’s always worth finding someone who has a Netflix account and kindly asking them to make you a profile so you can catch up on all the great shows everyone’s talking about having a subscription to avoid missing out on these brilliant shows! While you’re at it, maybe you can enjoy some of these books too…

 

 

Umbrella Academy

A book with super powers

The Mara Dyer trilogy by Michelle Hodkin

This trilogy is incredible! The first book is really something but the series develops so well and the story is perfectly complex to devour all three books very quickly. I didn’t really enjoy the first book in the sequel series from Noah’s point of view, but the original series is great. The mysterious powers and the characters learning to control them makes for a really interesting concept, and the further into the series you get, the deeper and more interesting it gets (kind of like Umbrella Academy, which you should definitely watch if you haven’t already!)

 

Sex Education

A book with awkward teen romance

The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli

I loved this book so much, it’s such a quirky YA contemporary romance, and of course, Becky Albertalli is an incredible YA writer I knew I was going to love this book. There was the perfect mix of confident and shy characters to create a mashup of interesting relationships and the perfect ending filled with love and family.

 

You

A book with lots of books

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

This is one of my all time favourite books, and I think books being a massive part of the story is a big factor in my enjoyment. The characters are extremely well developed and the era of war is so sensitively written to evoke the perfect mix of sadness and frustration. I will recommend this book to everyone who crosses my path!

 

Tidying Up with Marie Kondo

A self help/wellbeing/lifestyle book you recommend

Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig

All of Matt Haig’s no fiction books are so meaningful, I read Reasons To Stay Alive a few years ago and it there are a few sections which really strike something, and again in Notes on a Nervous Planet, there are chapters that you can dip in and out of which makes it an essential book for anyone who suffers from any mental illness, no matter how severe or mild, or just if you need a pick me up on a down day. The best thing it’s smaller than most books so it’s easier to carry around.

 

Lucifer

The best villain

Sebastian Morgenstern (City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare)

How can someone so evil be so attractive whilst doing it, he’s like a magnet?! Sebastian is one of my favourite villains in Cassie’s books, there is just something about his manner and his way of seeming kind of nice even when he’s so evil… does this even make sense?

 

Stranger Things

A book set in an ‘other-worldly’ place

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

Oh my goodness this book is amazing! This book involves the perfect amount of time travel and body hopping that makes you forget that you’re in a rural British setting. The complete and utter bonkers nature of the house and what keeps happening to the main characters is so bizarre, it really is like stepping into a new world. If you haven’t had a chance to pick this up I highly recommend it, especially if you’re an Agatha Christie fan!

 

Black Mirror

A book with scarily realistic virtual reality/artificial intelligence

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

This was my first sci-fi book and it definitely encouraged me to read more in the genre. It took me a while to get into it but by the time I was half way through I was hooked and so captivated by this story that was written so incredibly well it could have been true! The idea of AI dominates the story by making the reader really think about how computers may be starting to control our lives and the way we think… scary stuff!

 

Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life

A desperately awaited sequel/book from a favourite author

Turtles All The Way Down

I’m a massive John Green fan, so when I found out he was releasing a new book after what felt like several thousand years, I was ecstatic! I was so excited, and this book definitely did not disappoint. The writing style was even more intelligent than his previous books, but still just as engaging with a perfect balance of story and meaning. A highly recommended book by many who love YA fiction.

 

 

This is a BRAND NEW tag created by moi so if you enjoyed reading then please feel free to spread it around and do it yourself if you fancy, and add some stuff too if I’ve missed your fave Netflix Original series! I really hope you enjoyed this tag, share your love in the comments below and let me know what you think of the books I’ve chosen 🙂

(All gifs from GIPHY and belong to their respective shows)

Happy blogging…

Jade 🙂

 

My Life In Books Tag

Hello fellow bookworms! It’s been a while since I’ve done a tag post, and I came across this one on Kristin Kraves Books and I just had to do it because it looked like loads of fun!

Find books for each of your initials

Count your age along your bookshelf, what book is it?

I’m not next to my bookshelf at the moment so I guessed…

Update: I counted and I was only 3 off my guess! It’s meant to be Catching Fire!

A book set in your country

A book set somewhere you want to travel to

Book cover in your favourite colour

Book(s) you have the fondest memory of

Book you had the most difficulty reading

Book on your TBR that will be your biggest accomplishment when you finish it

That’s all for today, if anyone fancies adding another tag post to their never ending post list, then consider youself tagged! I hope you enjoy writing this as much as I did!

Until next time…

Jade 🙂

Reader Problems… We All Have Them

Hello fellow bookworms! It’s been a while since I’ve had time to do a tag (any post really!); it’s been a busy end to the year, but hopefully more posts will come over Christmas time! The creator of this tag is About To Read over on YouTube, the link to her video is at the end of this post!

How do you decide what book to read next?

I’m very much a mood reader, so if I’m reading a stand-alone, I just pick up whatever I feel like reading. If I’m reading a series, I usually read them all in one go, instead of staggering them with other books. I’m also quite a seasonal reader, so there are certain books I enjoy reading at different times of year. For example, I’m really into Young Adult Contemporary at the moment, for something light hearted at this festive time of year!

If you’re not enjoying a book, do you DNF it, or do continue to the very end?

I hate DNF-ing books, I really do try and push through it! However, I have been trying to do the opposite, so I can continue to read the books that I do enjoy.

You’re behind on your Goodreads Reading Challenge, and the end of the year is near! Do you accept your fate or try your best to catch up?

I’m really trying to catch up on my Goodreads Challenge, and I haven’t given up in previous years, but I think I’ll ending up accepting my fate this year (I’ve already had to change my goal 3 times!)

The covers of a series on your bookshelf don’t match, what do you do?

I keep searching for books that match… isn’t that what everyone else does?

I can’t stand when my book series covers don’t match, and I’m constantly on the look out to find ones that match, even if I have to get them second hand!

Who do you turn to when you need to complain about a bad book that everyone else seems to like?

I tend to rant to one my family members or friends who I know doesn’t really care what I’m saying, but even if they’re not listening, at least I’ve got my anger about the book out!

You’re in public and you’re about to start crying over a book, what do you do?

Hmm, this is a tough one, because I tend to cry at most books! I don’t often read in public, but if I was in this situation, and I could myself welling up, I would promptly close the book and wait until I was at home so I could fully embrace my emotional state!

The next book in a series has just been released, but you can’t remember a thing about the last book! Do you re-read the first book, look up the synopsis or just pretend you remember and read the sequel?

I’ll be too excited about the release of the sequel to re-read the previous book, so I usually just look up a detailed synopsis, this usually sparks my memory of what has happened already in the series.

No one is allowed to borrow your books! How do you let them down gently?

I’ll only lend out books to people I know will a) keep them in good condition and b) return them back to me! If I don’t want to lend you my books, I’ll just say that I don’t lend books because I’m very protective over them and want to keep them in good condition. Or I just say I don’t own the book/it’s on my Kindle (which I never use!)

How do you get over a reading slump?

Reading slumps are an actual nightmare! I tend to pick up a book I’ve read before and know I like to get me back into the reading mood, or I just take a break, watch some TV and do stuff that’s not reading. I usually find I miss having a book in my hands soon enough!

All of your highly anticipated books are being released at the same time! Do you buy them all, or prioritise some over others?

I’ve never actually been in this situation, but I would probably prioritise certain books over others (that would be a lot of money if they were all released in hardback!) I’d decide which one I would want to read first and then buy them as I finish one (maybe, if I could exercise some self control) I think it also depends on the author, I would obviously prioritise my favourites!

Once you’ve bought those highly anticipated books, do you pick them up straight away, or surrender them to your shelves for a year?

I would read my most anticipated one straight away! If I know a book’s being released that I’m desperate to read, I make sure I’ve finished my current read before the release date so I can dive right in (and finish that day usually!)

So those are a few of my problems and habits as a reader, I’m sure we all share some of these difficulties! Let me know in the comments if you have any of the same problems as me!

Until next time…

Jade 🙂

All gifs from giphy.com

Link to original tag creator: https://youtu.be/7SfhSV-L3eo

Unique Blogger Award

Okay, not so much a tag post, but oh well…

Hello fellow bookworms! Thank you to Holly over on Nut Free Nerd for tagging to do this award, it always feels a little bit special when I get tagged to do these posts 🙂

Award Rules

• Share the link of the blogger who has shown love to you by nominating you.
• Answer the questions.
• In the spirit of sharing love and solidarity with our blogging family, nominate 8-13 people for the same award.
• Ask them three questions.

The Questions

Do you have a favorite book genre?

When someone asks what books I like to read, I feel a little bit pressured into thinking I can only like one certain type of book. However, like a lot of us here, I cannot pinpoint just one genre! I enjoy reading Young Adult fiction and crime thrillers, I’d say they are my main two, but I also love fantasy novels and general fiction, and the occasional memoir as well.

How do you feel about what is considered to be “classic” literature?

Good question! Firstly, I am not the kind of reader who will bend over backwards trying to understand a classic book. If I’m reading it and not understanding what is going on, I will probably put it down. That being said, there are some books that are considered classics that appear on my all time favourites list, such as To Kill a Mockingbird. I’m not ashamed to say that I haven’t got round to reading Jane Eyre or Pride and Prejudice, but they are books I hope to tackle some day. I think that classic books will constantly be changing. In 20 years, classic literature will have a completely different meaning to what we consider to be classic now.

What has been your favorite experience blogging so far?

Blogging has been a winding road for me! Starting out was one of the best feelings, because I could finally express my feelings about books to people in the wide world that actually cared about what I had to say. Taking a break recently was also an important step in my blogging ‘career’, as I had so much to do in life that blogging seemed like a last priority. However, coming back into blogging earlier this year has been so much fun, and  I would have say my favourite experience about blogging is being able to talk to loads of other book loving people I never would have met otherwise! Discussing books and bookish things has become a part of my life I don’t ever want to be without!

Who’s Been Tagged?

My apologies in advance if the people I tag have already done this post. Please don’t feel like you have to do it, think of this more as an appreciation of your blogging supremeness…

• Jo @ JJBookBlog
• Corina and Tijuana @ Book Twins Reviews
• Kristin @ Kristin Kraves Books
• Pages and Tea Blog
• Breeny @ Breeny’s Books
• YOU

Yes, you! I you like what you see and wanna I’ve this post a go, then go for it!

Your Questions

1. What was the last 5 star book you read, and why was it a 5 star read?
2. Do you have certain genres you like to read in different seasons?
3. What was your favourite required reading book at school?

That’s it for today! I can’t wait to see everyone’s posts, and thanks again to Holly for the nomination! Do you have a favourite book genre, or are you a well-rounded reader? What’s your opinion on the classics, and do you have a favourite blogging experience? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time…

Jade 🙂

 

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Harry Potter Book Tag

Hello fellow bookworms! I haven’t done a tag post in a while, and it’s Thursday, so why not! I’ve been in such a Harry Potter mood recently with the 20th anniversary celebrations and September 1st ’19 Years Later’, and I’ve seen so many book-tubers and bloggers do this tag, I really want to give it a try myself…

Favourite Book

Up until a few weeks ago, I would have always answered this one with Goblet of Fire but I’ve recently done a re-read of Half Blood Prince and my favourite books are fluctuating…

Favourite Movie

I used to have a tradition where I would watch Chamber of Secrets the night before my birthday every year! It’s strange because I’m a fan of neither spiders or snakes, but I loved this film.

Least Favourite Book

Of course I don’t dislike any of the books, but if I had to choose one, Prisoner of Azkaban has the least Voldemort storyline progression.

Parts of the Books/Movies That Made You Cry

Are you ready for this list:

• When Harry finds out he’s a wizard
• When Harry first sees/arrives at Hogwarts
• When Sirius says Harry can move in with him
• Cedric’s death
• Sirius’ death
• Harry and Ginny’s first kiss
• Dumbledore’s death
• Dobby’s death
• Fred’s death
• Lupin’s death
• Tonks’ death
• EVERYONE DYING!
• The end

Favourite Character

Hermione, of course! Her work ethic is so motivating, and she is such a relatable character. Hermione is the fictional character I would also want to be, or be friends with!

What would your Patronus be?

I took the Pottermore test twice (accidentally on my friend’s account), and the first time I got a Dolphin, but the second time, on my profile, I was given a Mink. I’m very pleased with this, my favourite animal is an otter, and they’re similar animals, so I’m happy!

If you could choose a Hallow, which would you choose?

Definitely Invisibility Cloak! I wouldn’t want the pressure of having the Elder Wand, and the Cloak would come in handy a lot!

What House would you be in?

Hufflepuff of course! I don;t think I could ever be anything else (apart from maybe a little bit of Ravenclaw…)

Have you played any of the video games?

Considering I can barely work an Xbox or turn on a Playstation, I’m gonna say no…

If you were on a Quidditch team, which position would you play?

SEEKER!

Were you happy with the ending?

Yeah, I think so. There’s a few things I’m a bit iffy about (Albus Severus Potter, seriously Harry can you not be more imaginative?) but I can’t fault JK Rowling’s decisions.

How much does Harry Potter mean to you?

Too much to put into words!

I hope you enjoyed today’s tag, and I would love to know some of your Harry Potter favourites in the comments below!

Until next time…

Jade 🙂