Did anyone else feel like July dragged?
As in, dragged along like a rock tied around a snail shell while the little creature treks it’s way across a mile long field while avoiding circling birds.
Because I sure do.
As always, this is going to be a long post, so get comfy and enjoy!
PS. It’s really rather difficult to hold this many books. They’re heavy and slide around, you know!
So in the month of July I read 8 books – considering I usually read one book a week and TWO of the books I read were really quite large, I’m quite chuffed with that!
Never Fade
by Alexandra Bracken
Rated 2/5 stars – [Review]
Well, I’ve been going off a lot of the series I used to love lately, and this is proof of it. Before christmas I reread the first book in this series and rated it 4.5/5 I think, but now…I just don’t really like dystopian any more, it seems. Or at least not this series. I didn’t really like reading it, but you know. It had that many “plot twists” it became predictable and seemed to be trying too hard.
Amazon | Goodreads
Wuthering Heights
by Emily Bronte
Rated 4.5/5 stars – [Review]
This really surprised me.
I’m always hesitant when it comes to classics, because they take me so much longer to read, but this one…I loved it! It was easy to understand (apart from one character’s accent, but there were notes to help) and the Victorian drama kept me amused. I love how words used to mean so much more back then.
Amazon | Goodreads
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before
by Jenny Han
Rated 4/5 stars – [Review]
Surprisingly, I read this book in a day. As I’m always mentioning, I’m a really slow reader so that doesn’t happen often.
But this was a light hearted, cute and fluffy read. While I didn’t agree with Lara Jean’s choices, it was entertaining to read about, and I loved the family dynamic!
The Next Together
by Lauren James
Rated 3.5/5 stars – [Review]
Finally, I’m getting through the books I’ve been meaning to read for months! So, this one was a real mystery to me, and I really enjoyed the “reincarnation” aspect of the story. It’s got history, it’s got romance, it’s got a lot of question-inducing events. The only thing that bothered me was the fact that NONE of my question were answered. AARRGGGHHH!
Replica
by Lauren Oliver
Rated ??? /5 – [Review will be up closer to publication]
Hodder & Stoughton very kindly sent me an ARC of Replica, a book that had been on my radar the second I learnt about the “flip book” formatting.
Well, the intrigue didn’t let me down and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I only had one issue with some of the relationships formed, but that’ll be explained more in my review. The review will be up in September, so stay tuned!
Amazon | Goodreads
A Monster Calls
by Patrick Ness
Rated 3.5/5 stars – [Review]
Ahh, another quick read. I got this book not long ago, wanting a quick read and a sort of graphic novel. I DID enjoy the book very much, and adored the art inside. But for me, it really wasn’t what I was expecting and the atmosphere created by the art didn’t seem to match the story all that well. I think I’ll end up rereading it in the future though, and maybe I’ll be more invested then.
Amazon | Goodreads
Beneath Wandering Stars
by Ashlee Cowles
Rated 3/5 stars – [Review]
Well, it’s safe to say I had mixed feelings about this one. I liked it, but it was a very different reading for me…about a pilgrimage. There’s no action, it’s just a journey and a lot of life lessons. But enjoyable. A short book, but a long read.
See what I mean about mixed feelings?
I adore the cover though, so there’s that *shrugs*
Amazon | Goodreads
Dragonfly In Amber
by Diana Gabaldon
Rated ???/5 stars – [Review will be up soon!]
By far my longest book of this month, I managed to finish this one yesterday, just in time for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
I really enjoyed this one, but not quite as much as the first book, which is a bit of a shame. Obviously, I’ll explain more in my review, which will be up in the next few days!
Amazon | Goodreads
I preordered Harry Potter and the Cursed Child a while ago, and since it’s the release day tomorrow I’ll be down there as soon as the bookstore opens (they DID say they’ll text me when I can come and pick it up, but I’ll be going, text or no).
So, if all goes to plan, I’ll get Cursed Child tomorrow, and then I’ll start reading it in the evening! *whispers* and probably for most of the night.
Amazon | Goodreads (PS. Amazon sell it for half price. Just in case you haven’t ordered it yet!)
Discussions:
Let’s Talk…Readathons. Do They Do Anything For You?
Let’s talk…Genre stereotypes and the clouding of judgement (+ some recommendations!)
Let’s Talk…Slaying my way through YA judgers *cough* possibly a rant *cough*
Let’s Talk:Cursed Child hopes, Fantastic Beasts movie and general wizarding wonders!
Random:
Confession: I… am a stereotypical bookworm *and the crowd gasps with horror*
Just a few of the reasons why you should carry a book around with you everywhere you go
Sunday Status: Self inflicted readathons when there’s really just not enough time
Milestones:
400 FOLLOWERS! + Get To Know Me (and a ghost story?)
Just a quick note to say…I’ve changed my blog design!
Just another quick note to say…My Art page is up and running!
Just a quick note to say…I’ve made a bookish snapchat!
So. Life in general.
The only thing I can think of that’s NOT book related is how much worse my panicking has gotten recently. I mean, I worry about things all the time anyway, and lately there seem to have been a lot more things to panic about. Mainly though, it’s job related. I’m trying to find a part-time job, and have been trying for a very long time now. And up until now, I’m failing. But even thinking about the job process scares the living daylights out of me, so naturally, I panic. *sigh* It seems to be a lot worse lately, but…well, I don’t know. This was mainly towards the start of the month, whereas now I haven’t panicked quite so much lately, so there’s that.
Now, onto nicer things.
My blog reached 400 followers! Which is incredible, so thank you all so so much! There’s even more of you now, so who knows when the next milestone will be?
I did some more bookish fan art – this time a “Lady of the Night Court” painting, inspired by A Court of Mist and Fury. You’ve probably already seen this, because it’s on my art page as well as my Twitter, but just in case you haven’t, here’s a close up:
Speaking of my art page, that gives me a VERY nice segway into my next point…
I’ve made quite a few changes lately when it comes to my internet presence. I feel like it’d take WAY TOO LONG to talk through them all, so I’ll bullet point:
◊ Near the start of the month, my blog was redesigned. No doubt you’re all used to this now.
◊ I added an art page to my blog.
◊ I edited my “About” page slightly.
◊ I changed my Twitter username so that it matches my blog name (now @ frolic_fiction)
◊ And the most recent, I made a bookish/blogger snapchat! This one I’m really excited about (probably because it only started on Friday), and so far I’m LOVING IT. It’s mainly book related, as you would have guessed, but there’s also blog updates, random things and my cat. Plus my face and dodgy accent (ahhh, if only I was one of those English people who sounded slightly posh).
If you’re interested, please feel free to add me! I love updating my story and seeing what you guys are up to too 😀 Username “frolic_fiction”
And finally…
I finished my Goodreads Challenge!
I set it at 50 because like I always say, I usually read one book a week, and with there being 52 weeks in a year, it seemed like a great goal for me (one without any pressure).
And then I read a lot more than usual, basically. I’ve just been SLAYING my way through those books recently 😀
Compared to my usual self at least. Other people read wayyyy more than me, but we’ll ignore that fact for now. I’m doing great.
I’m really intrigued to see what my percentage will be on the reading challenge at the end of the year 😆
So there we have it! My month of July, all wrapped up!
As always, I applaud you if you managed to make it this far
Have you read any of the books I read in July? What did you think?
How many books did you read this month? Which was your favourite of the month?
Did you buy any new books? How many and which ones? (feel free to link your haul!)
Did any interesting events happen this month for you?
Visit anywhere nice?
What are you currently reading, going into the month of August?
Let me know in the comments!
Wuthering Heights is fantastic! It was a little confusing at first because the characters have similar names, but once I got into it I loved it. Replica looks really interesting– can’t wait to see your review!
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It is! I definitely didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did 😀 The names were so confusing though at first haha 😆
Glad you’re looking forward to my review of Replica!
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Great month, you have smashed your reading challenge! I wonder how many you will have ended up reading by the end of the year XD
I’m sat reading this whilst waiting for the Amazon Delivery man to deliver The Cursed Child, it says its coming today and its out for delivery but its 4 o’clock and I NEED IT haha!
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I’m wondering that too! Seems like it’ll be a good reading year 🙂
I hope your book turns up soon!!
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I won a copy of Replica on Twitter and I’m intrigued to read it when it turns up; I don’t know if I’ll find the
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flipping annoying though. Congrats on completing your GR challenge!
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Thank you!
Personally, I don’t think flipping the book over will be annoying for you unless you keep alternating sides – then it might because a bit too much!
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I’ve read 11 books and I’m currently reading The Evolution of Mara Dyer, so that will be my first book for August. 😀
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Great months for you too then! I really need to read The Evolution of Mara Dyer, so I’ll keep an eye out for your review!
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Yeah, this month was great! 🙂 I hope you enjoy The Evolution of Mara Dyer when you get to it! I’m only about 50 pages in and addicted. 😀
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That’s great!!
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😀
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YAY, congratulations on finishing your Goodreads reading challenge! I’m SO close – I think 10 books til I reach 50. Maybe I’ll bump it up to 75 once I get to it. :3 Shame that you didn’t like Never Fade! I own the Darkest Minds, but I just haven’t picked it (for reasons unknown even to me). I hate books that throw plot twist after plot twist; it really does seem like they’re trying too hard to be edgy. Ha. That’s the main problem I had with Falling Kingdoms too- nothing was stable. I need SOME stability.
Wuthering Heights is one of my favorite classics, mainly because Heathcliff is such a complicated, nuanced character! Glad you enjoyed it. Also, Replica has a really pretty cover. XD
~ Aimal @ Bookshelves & Paperbacks
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Thank you!! I was going to bump mine up too, but nahhh. I’ll just see what number I manage to get to and then base next year’s challenge from that 🙂
I hope you end up enjoying The Darkest Minds if you get round to it! I really loved the first one but just left it too long. I get what you mean about needing some stability – too many plot twists can just make it hard to read!
Heathcliff is certainly quite a character! Never quite knew what to think of him haha 😆
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Oooh you read quite a few good books this month!! I’ve just spent the past two weeks reading Harry Potter… only two more to go! (Then Cursed Child!!!) Also, congratulations on 400 followers! And yay for your snapchat – I’m loving it so far, you’re a natural. Haha yeah I get what you mean about accents… I kinda wish I had a slightly posh English accent too 😂
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Two weeks full of Harry Potter? Sounds AMAZING! 😀
And thank you so much – about the followers AND the snapchat haha! It’s especially nice to know someone’s enjoying the snapchats I do, since talking to a camera is all a bit new to me 😀
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Congrats on finishing your Goodreads challenge! That’s pretty impressive considering it’s only July (almost August I guess!), I think I’ve got about 8 books to go on mine. I also read The Next Together this month and I think I gave it the exact same rating as you. It was an enjoyable read, but I felt that some of the dialogue came off as cliched and the ratio of information expressed to the maintenance of mystery was imbalanced a lot of the time. By this I mean that there were times when the story required more information to maintain the fluidity of the plot but we weren’t given it, yet there were other times when the narrative suffered from info dumping when it didn’t need it. That was my take on it, but I wondered if you felt that too? 🙂
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Thank you! I’m sure you’ll manage to finish yours in the next month or so 😀
And I definitely felt the same! I felt like things were sometimes explained in a really odd way – like there would be really short sections from one time period trying to cram LOADS of information about the mystery in…and then the next minute, there’s pages and pages of another time period, revealing only the smallest detail? Surely it’d be the opposite way round but *shrugs* who knows!
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Awww congratulations for hitting 400 followers and completing your reading challenge! I wish I could read as much as you did, but time is rather limited. Haha.
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Thank you! I read quite slowly but I’ve had a lot of free time lately so that’s how I’ve done it 🙂 just a lucky month!
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July was a really good month for you, congrats! I’ve only read A Monster Calls and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, and my thoughts on them were basically the opposite to yous. Hated TATBILB and loved A Monster Calls (although I don’t have the illustrated version). The fact that you finished your Goodreads challenge as well is amazing! I’m still 7 books ahead on 36/50 so I’m hoping to get mine finished soon, but 2016 has turned out to be my slowest reading year so far.
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I just published my July wrap up on my blog too! read 7 books in July, which I was sooo pleased with, as I’m a slow reader too! My favourite book of the month was Girl Up by Laura Bates; made me think about so much and has stuck with me since, would definitely recommend it 🙂
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Sounds amazing! I’ll definitely check out Girl Up 🙂
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I’m sorry to hear you didn’t like Never Fade because I really loved the whole trilogy, one of my faves. ❤
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I really do think that if I had read it when I first picked up the series, I’d have loved it. Unfortunately, I seem to have grown out of it though. I’m glad you liked it nevertheless!
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