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The Perpetual Page-Turner

The Perpetual Page-Turner

Book Recommendations and Book Lists For Adults And Kids

Home | most popular posts | Top Ten YA Books To Read When You Need Something Light & Fun!

Top Ten YA Books To Read When You Need Something Light & Fun!

May 7, 2013 - Updated May 7, 2019 // 44 Comments

toptentuesssTop Ten Tuesday, as  always, is hosted at my other blog — The Broke & the Bookish

This week’s topic: Top Ten Books When You Want Something Light & Fun

I realized, in looking through all the books I’ve read, that I read a lot of dark books apparently. I do think  I’ve gained a better balance lately in the past year or so with reading some light and fun ones to break up some of the heavier ones.  I did notice even in some of my “light and fun” picks they are still dealing with a semi serious life issue but the general feel is more light and fun.  Another interesting thing? Most of my light and fun picks are more romance-y.

TTT5-7Image1Image122

1. The Statistical Probability Of Love At First Sight by Jennifer E.Smith: This was so cute & romantic and I read it in one day.

2. Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway: This was one of the most  fun books I’ve ever read — it made me laugh in a way that only Jessica Daring has succeeded.  Definitely a fun one  when you need something light and cute!

3. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins:  There  is some serious in  the book but overall  the feel is light and fun and romantic. Not complete fluff but it’s definitely one I reread when I need a pick-me-up.

4. Also Known  As by Robin Benway: What is more fun than a teenage spy! I could not stop smirking while reading this one. It made for a perfect gym read besides the fact I looked psychotic all smiley on the treadmill.

5. How My Summer Went Up In Flames by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski: I  LIKED this one but didn’t love it but it was still something that was incredibly light and fun that I would recommend to people. Especially if you like road trip books. Despite some of my problems I can’t deny how absolutely fun this book was!

6. Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt: This was really sweet and fun and I read it in between two heavier books  and it was  PERFECT. Made me smile and I loved  the family aspect of this one!

7. All I Need by Susane Colasanti: This honestly was just a good read for me — not great — but it was light and fun and I wouldn’t hesitate to someone looking for something light and romancey even with some things that might be bothersome about it. It was one of the more lighter and fun reads I’ve read recently.

8. Over You by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus: This one was really fun as a honeymoon read and it was perfect because I needed something just fun and light. There are things about this one that I had to suspend my disbelief but it was just FUN and I didn’t need to think  much of.

9. Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard: This is one of my favorite YA contemporaries and I think  that it has a lot of depth compared to the rest of the ones I’ve listed but it still is really fun and light. Definitely makes you think a bit but still not super heavy.

10.  Ten Things We Did  (and Probably Shouldn’t Have) by Sarah Mlynowski: This was FUN. A pretty outlandish plot, I’ll be honest, and my belief had to be suspended a few times but this was pretty light and fun despite some issues dealt with. The MC will irritate you and make you want to be like GIRL WISE UP! but I really enjoyed this one.

So tell me…what are some books you would recommend when I need something  light and fun?? I honestly never read many light and fun books before the past year or so.

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Filed Under: most popular posts, Top Ten Tuesday Tagged With: lists, Top ten list, Top Ten Tuesday

About Jamie

Jamie is a 32 year old married lady (with a new baby!!) who is in denial that she's actually that old to be a married lady and a mom. When she's not reading you can find her doing Pilates followed by eating ice cream, belting out Hamilton (loud and offkey) and having adventures with her husband, daughter and rescue dog.

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  1. Kelly @ Belle of the Literati says

    May 7, 2013 at 12:04 am

    Oooh, Audrey, Wait! I’ve gotta read this one…you are the contemporary queen so if you love it I’ve gotta read it 🙂 Also, TSPoLaFS ALMOST made my list! LOVE that book, I read it in one day too! And I’m actually reading This Is What Happy Looks Like right now! Going Vintage was a good choice, too! Very fun and funny. 🙂

    Reply
  2. KM says

    May 7, 2013 at 12:06 am

    TEN THINGS has been on everyone’s list I’ve seen so far! I obviously need to read that book. o_0 I love Jen Smith’s book too! Gah, talk about wish fulfillment – how awesome would it be to sit beside Oliver on a plane ride to London? 🙂

    Reply
  3. ashley says

    May 7, 2013 at 12:10 am

    I’ve legit been waiting for your list. Because I knew they would be the type of books that I need to read NOW. Thaaaaaanks.

    Reply
  4. Merin @ Read and Reviewed says

    May 7, 2013 at 12:15 am

    #4 and #5 are on my list, too, and I easily could have put Audrey, Wait! on there as well. I really love Robin Benway’s books!

    My TTT post

    Reply
  5. DannyBookworm says

    May 7, 2013 at 12:16 am

    Ah Anna and The French Kiss was so wonderful! Such a beautiful book!!
    And this is the second time I see Audrey, wait — I have never heard about this book but now I must check it out :))

    Most light reads are definitely romance, but I just read No Angel (Same author as Fang Girl) and they made me crack up!! Paranormal comendy 🙂 awesome!

    Reply
  6. Lucy @ The Reading Date says

    May 7, 2013 at 12:22 am

    Robin Benway writes the funnest books! Going Vintage and Ten Things sound awesome too. Thanks for the light and fun recs 🙂

    Reply
  7. Sara (of the Page Sage) says

    May 7, 2013 at 12:27 am

    Audrey, Wait! is tops on my list. It’s one of my favorite books. Also Known As is also fantastic. I would have put Anna and the French Kiss on my list, but I unfortunately don’t have a copy of my own, so I don’t tend to go for it when I need a light read. Ten Things and Wanderlove are both great books. I haven’t read All I Need yet, but it’s by Susane Colasanti so it must be good!

    My TTT

    Reply
  8. marissa | Rae Gun Ramblings says

    May 7, 2013 at 12:40 am

    Stephanie Perkins made my list. I’m excited to hear good things about Also Known As I’ve been excited to get to that one

    My Top Ten

    Reply
  9. Janus @ The Blair Book Project says

    May 7, 2013 at 12:46 am

    Anna and the French Kiss is on my list too. There’s just so much about that book to love, and yet it’s very simple. I want to read Going Vintage and Statistical Probability… hopefully I get to them soon.

    Thank for sharing!

    Janus @ The Blair Book Project

    Reply
  10. Chrissi Reads says

    May 7, 2013 at 12:53 am

    I noticed that the books I read doing usually have a serious issue underlying. I also have The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight on my list too. It’s such a cute read!

    Reply
  11. Christianna says

    May 7, 2013 at 12:58 am

    This is a great list! I realized when I was making mine that I read a lot of dark books too. So I’m glad we could both come up with some!
    My TTT

    Reply
  12. Sara @ The Hiding Spot says

    May 7, 2013 at 1:02 am

    Loved your list! There are quite a few on there that I’ve read & loved but forgot about and now really want to reread! I need to gain some balance as well… I have Going Vintage on my Nook and am going to try to read it soon. 🙂

    http://thehidingspot.blogspot.com/2013/05/top-ten-books-when-you-need-something.html

    Reply
  13. Ashley @ Backstage Book Lover says

    May 7, 2013 at 1:11 am

    Statistical Probability, Ten Things and Anna and the French Kiss are all some of my favourite lighter reads. There are a few on your list that I’m dying to read this summer because they seem like they’d be perfect to read sitting outside on a sunny day.

    Reply
  14. Alyssa says

    May 7, 2013 at 1:16 am

    Great list! I’ve basically been wanting to read all of them, especially 1, 3, 5, and 7 🙂

    My Top Ten

    Reply
    • Alyssa says

      May 7, 2013 at 1:42 am

      Sorry I accidentally deleted my post so i had to rewrite it!

      This is the new link
      My Top Ten

      🙂

      Reply
  15. jodie says

    May 7, 2013 at 1:46 am

    I will have to add some of these onto my TBR list, and try something a bit different, thanks 🙂

    Reply
  16. Kayleigh says

    May 7, 2013 at 2:09 am

    I just read Anna and the French Kiss this past week and LOOOOOOVED it! Such a cute little read.

    Reply
  17. Heather says

    May 7, 2013 at 3:45 am

    I’m definitely going to bookmark this page for when I need a pick me up. I’ve been recommending The Rosie Project to everyone I know since finishing it. If you need another light and fun book this is definitely the one to go for, and if you’re not tempted then hopefully my review will win you over! X http://tea-drinkingbookloverdiary.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/a-review-rosie-project-by-graeme-simsion.html

    Reply
  18. BarefootMedStudent says

    May 7, 2013 at 3:48 am

    I’ve only read Anna but I do really want to read Wanderlove. The others… I’ll maybe read, at some point. I don’t do to well with light books, it took me forever to do my list!

    Reply
  19. VeganYANerds says

    May 7, 2013 at 5:03 am

    I have to agree with 3! And I really want to read 2, 5, and 6!

    Reply
  20. Ciska says

    May 7, 2013 at 6:02 am

    It is clear I need to visit this blog when I need a light and fun read!

    Reply
  21. Lori says

    May 7, 2013 at 6:21 am

    I love so many of your choices! Ten Things was such a fun read. And Audrey! <3 <3

    Reply
  22. Michellle says

    May 7, 2013 at 8:44 am

    Anna, Audrey, and Ten Things made my list this week too!!! I really want to read How My Summer Went Up in Flames and Also Known As. They are definitely high on my to-read list!!

    Reply
  23. Yara @ Once Upon a Twilight! says

    May 7, 2013 at 9:19 am

    Tons of great choices listed! Who doesn’t love St. Clair!!!

    Reply
  24. Candice @ The Grown-Up YA says

    May 7, 2013 at 9:28 am

    Yay, cute list! I’ve seen Also Known As on SEVERAL lists this morning; makes me want to read it even more!

    Reply
  25. Jasprit says

    May 7, 2013 at 9:59 am

    These are some brilliant picks Jamie, I always reading light and fun books over the summer, so some of these will be perfect! Thanks for sharing a great list with us! 🙂

    Reply
  26. Karen White says

    May 7, 2013 at 10:18 am

    I loved #s 2 & 10, so will have to check out the others!

    Reply
  27. Jacque says

    May 7, 2013 at 10:26 am

    Awesome list!! I loved Anna. Ten Things We Did, Also Known As, and Statistical Prbability are all on my TBR list. I really need to get to those. I’m pretty sure I added Also Known as when you recommended it in a comment for another Top Ten list.

    Here is my TTT: http://jacquesbooknook.blogspot.com/2013/05/top-ten-things-to-read-when-you-need.html

    Reply
  28. Lianne @ caffeinatedlife.net says

    May 7, 2013 at 10:29 am

    Awesome list Jamie! I haven’t read any of these books but I’ve been meaning to read The Statistical Probability of Falling in Love and Going Vintage, been hearing wonderful things about them 😀

    Reply
  29. Meghan says

    May 7, 2013 at 10:35 am

    I can’t believe I forgot to put Jennifer E. Smith on my list! I love her. I also really liked 10 Things We Did and Probably Shouldn’t Have, but I didn’t really care for the other two books I read by Sarah Mlynowski.

    Reply
  30. Alexa Y. says

    May 7, 2013 at 10:45 am

    Just seeing Wanderlove on this list made me smile. I do adore that book! I need more travel-based or travel-inspired YA books in my life, since it’s always fun to explore a new place or to travel right alongside the characters. Great picks overall though Jamie!

    Reply
  31. Milka@AnonymousAficionados says

    May 7, 2013 at 10:49 am

    I have Audrey,Wait! and Anna and the French Kiss on my list as well, and pretty much all the other books on yours are on my TBR/wish list pile.
    Great blog btw! 🙂

    Reply
  32. Chachic says

    May 7, 2013 at 11:23 am

    Anna and the French Kiss is also included in my list! 🙂 I had fun reading Wanderlove as well. And this is the second post that I’ve seen featuring Going Vintage so I probably have to read that book as soon as I grab a copy.

    Reply
  33. Christina (A Reader of Fictions) says

    May 7, 2013 at 1:16 pm

    Oh good, I just finished How My Summer Went Up in Flames, and I agree with you. I did like it, and it was a light, fun read, but couldn’t love it because Rosie needed to be punched in the face. Haha. The only other one I’ve read is The Statistical Probability, which was fun, but a bit too rushed for me, though I should have known from the title. Oh, Sarah Strohmeyer writes fun, fluffy YA!

    Reply
  34. Renae @ Respiring Thoughts says

    May 7, 2013 at 2:02 pm

    Aw, I definitely agree on Statistical Probability and Wanderlove—I did like Going Vintage, too. I’m going to have to look up some of these other ones. I REALLY want to read something by Susane Colasanti, especially.

    Reply
  35. Hollie @ Music, Books and Tea says

    May 7, 2013 at 2:37 pm

    The couple on your list that I’ve read I definitely agree with! The ones that I haven’t are ones I’ll definitely be checking out really soon, especially Wanderlove, as I’ve heard it’s an incredible book.

    Reply
  36. Christa says

    May 7, 2013 at 2:38 pm

    Statistical Probability is always my go to feel good book. I’ve heard good things thought about !0 Things We Did and Wanderlove so maybe I’ll check them out this summer!

    Reply
  37. Christina (BookTasty) says

    May 7, 2013 at 4:30 pm

    I completely forgot about TSPoLaFS! I can’t believe it because it’s perfect for this topic! Arrrggghhh. I really do want to read Going Vintage and How My Summer Went Up in Flames too! 🙂

    Reply
  38. Annie says

    May 7, 2013 at 4:49 pm

    DEFINTELY WANDERLOVE!!! Oh my, if I could read that book forever, I would… It’s just so sweet and homey, cozy and lovely. Simply the best book to read on a rainy day with a nice, soft blanket and a mug of cocoa. Yum!

    Reply
  39. Rachael @ Rachael Turns Pages says

    May 7, 2013 at 4:57 pm

    Great List. I haven’t read any of those books yet, but I plan to read Anna.

    Reply
  40. Stephanie Allen says

    May 7, 2013 at 5:13 pm

    I had a hard time with my list, too, mostly thanks to my affinity for fantasy and dystopian/post-apocalyptic. Anything that doesn’t involve dynastic conflict, teenagers, or zombies is light and fun for me, I guess…

    Reply
  41. Brandy says

    May 7, 2013 at 5:38 pm

    I loved Audrey Wait!. It was one of those that surprised me with how much there was to love about it. Going Vintage made my list too.

    Reply
  42. Janita (Book, Interrupted) says

    May 7, 2013 at 5:49 pm

    I definitely need to read Also Known As!! I’m seeing it everywhere, and it looks awesome. Awesome list 🙂

    Reply
  43. Amanda the Book Slayer says

    May 7, 2013 at 8:16 pm

    Great list. I have to say that I don’t really read many light & fun reads either. I found looking through my list that I enjoy drama filled books.

    Reply

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Elder millennial. Cries a lot, always down a rabbit hole.
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A book recommendation for all my historical fictio A book recommendation for all my historical fiction readers - The Briar Club by Kate Quinn. My holy grail historical author came through for me again. I can’t express how much I cared for and was pulled into the lives of these women living in a boardinghouse in DC during the McCarthy era just as much as I was racing to find out what happened in this house. The tension mounted as we got to what actually happened?? Masterful. Truly. #historicalfiction #bookrec #bookrecommendation #historicalfictionbooks @williammorrowbooks
Made a fun family day out of Independent Bookstore Made a fun family day out of Independent Bookstore Day and hit up new faves @maveybooks and what used to be my second home when I lived closer @childrensbookworld which was so nice to be back home 🥹🥹

Book shopping is great but I can’t express how incredible building community is and indie bookshops do just that. I always wanted my own version of Cheers and, while not a bar where everybody knows my name, CBW was that place for me for almost a decade when I built community by going to YA book events there and moderating events. And while I am not able to get there as often as I was before I became a mom and we moved further away, It’s been so special to be able to share this beloved space with Riley.

These indie bookshops are so vital to our communities and I know everyone’s situation is different so this isn’t to shame but That Website can’t replace what can be created in these book spaces. Shop local when you are able! #indiebookshop #bookshop #bookshopping #independentbookstore
Ok technically I’m lying. My last read was technic Ok technically I’m lying. My last read was technically ATMOSPHERE but I feel like between my stories and my dedicated post to it, I’d rather talk about the book I read before it but didn’t update y’all on.

The Trouble With Anna — I enjoyed this delightful little historical romance about a heroine who is carving out her independence only to find out, when her grandfather dies, that he tied her inheritance/future to marrying her best friend’s brother — a not-so-happy surprise for both of them. I could understand why they both had some guardness/walls up and I enjoyed watching them slowly start to lower them.

Mayhem and the Mortal - I’m not too far into this romantic fantasy but it is one of my most anticipated that came out last month and I’m excited to dig in more.

Hamnet — I know, I know. For April I decided not to make a traditional TBR list of books I wanted to read but instead give myself some prompts to guide my reading (bc I’m overwhelmed with all my choices at hand) without feeling rigid. One of the prompts was to read a book I HAD TO BUY but is still unread. So going to finally get to it. Have you read this one or watched the movie?

What are you currently reading?
I had been waiting for the perfect time to read th I had been waiting for the perfect time to read this one after Random House sent me a finished copy as TJR is a longtime auto-buy author.  I found myself caught up in all the space joy and wonder and feeling quite parasocial about the Artemis crew...I decided now was the time.

I had no idea what I was getting into.

I hadn’t really known what it was about but I didn’t really need to given its TJR & the fact it was 1980s NASA & astronauts.

But this book was about love to me - romantic love, platonic love, familial love, love for something bigger than yourself, love for the person you are & are becoming, love in the face of obstacles, love for what lights you up.

Having been invested in real life astronauts & their journey lately really made this book even more vivid to me — seeing the bonds of the crew so deeply, feeling the fragility that exists while they are doing this wondrous & crazy thing that often still boggles my mind that we can do.

And, hardest to put into words, that feeling of awe in the expansive nature & capabilities of love & the universe that I felt when a husband named a crater after his late wife which doubly helped me understand how Joan & Vanessa felt looking back at earth.

It made me sob & feel everything about being a human so deeply basically from that Frances/Joan phone call at 86% of the way through until the final words. Like could not breathe.

*might be a tiny bit spoilery so beware:

I think the way she wrote this was so impactful bc we start out knowing something bad happens &it’s not even that far when we know that some of them def won’t make it back & some are alive in peril.

I was like “oof” when *it* happens early on. But each and every chapter where we learn more about these ppl & their relationships felt agonizing & I was retroactively grieving for them more deeply every turn of the page.

The hurt and grief just compounds from a moment that was sad from the jump to something that had dug in deep to me.

To know what happens right before this mission makes the mission control bits even more excruciating. Makes the peril a character is in hit even harder than just “oh that must be scary!”. 

I loved it. I needed it bad.
The theme of Q1 was “just go with it” — it being m The theme of Q1 was “just go with it” — it being my reading whims, quirks and troubles.

Interesting things:

1. January started out rough. I only read 1 physical book and leaned very heavy into audiobooks only. At first it was distressing that my brain -thanks to current events and their effect on my mind - couldn’t work out how to sit down and read with my eyeballs but I was like…let’s just roll with it and wait for it to pass. So I waited and enjoyed a ton of audiobooks.

2. I don’t think I’ve ever read so many thrillers and mysteries in a quarter. It’s a genre I love but I’m normally quite more balanced. However, it’s what I was craving and what my brain was tolerating so…I just went with it.

3. I have always been a reader led by my moods (both how I feel reading wise and personally). This quarter was FERAL. Like the most feral mood reading ever. I couldn’t even categorize it. I’d decide on one book enthusiastically and suddenly I was like…absolutely not that.

4. I read way less fantasy than normal which was WEIRD but I felt like I also wasn’t surprised given my brain space.

5. I really started to resent people even more who said “it’s a book account stop talking about politics etc”. Babe, I’m a human who gives a shit but ALSO this has and always been an account of MY reading life. And my reading life was profoundly affected by the things that were going on in this country. Like they have been before - whether it’s been current events or things like having a kid, being depressed, slumps, etc.

6. I return to the fact that, for me, I am happiest when I pay attention to my reading whims. The end of the month I had a very specific reading mood (wanted time travel element but not a heavy time travel book) and I decided to pick up A Rip Through Time at the end of the month and I’m now halfway through book 4. Having the best time ever!!! 

Anyways, tell me how your reading life was in Q1! Fave books? Biggest surprises??
New historical fiction books on my radar for April New historical fiction books on my radar for April and I feel like there is quite a bit of variety. Any of these on your TBR? #historicalfictionbooks #historicalfiction #newbookrelease #newbookreleases
Being someone who reads based on their ever shifti Being someone who reads based on their ever shifting reading moods (sometimes very feral) makes library holds and tbrs very hard. It’s the worst when 5 weeks ago I would have gobbled the library hold up but now when the hold comes in I’m like…I think not. #readersofinstagram #readerproblems #librarylife #librarybooks #moodreader
I love when I just absolutely nail it on the first I love when I just absolutely nail it on the first try when trying to satisfy a super specific reading mood - Kelley Armstrong’s A Rip Through Time definitely nailed what I wanted. Time travel but didn’t really want too time travely…just more of a vibe or catalyst for some fun. If you love a good mystery, some time travel shenanigans and a great cast of characters, I highly recommend this book. #bookrec #bookrecommendation #bookreview #mysterybooks #historicalmystery #kelleyarmstrong
🌸 Some romances on my personal radar for April. 🌸 🌸 Some romances on my personal radar for April. 🌸

Beyond excited for a new Kate Clayborn, Kasie west, rainbow Rowell, Jenn Bennett and Beth O’Leary - I’ve enjoyed these authors in the past.

My historical loving heart is most excited for The Duke and How To Fake It In Society.

I love an emotional romance so The Art of Loving You is high on my list plus I’ve heard great things about this author.

I’m intrigued by Fast Lane especially since it’s being adapted for a tv series. I’m seeing comparisons to Elle Kennedy’s Off Campus series which I did love!

Which new romance books are piquing your interest or are on your TBR? #romancebooks #newbooks #romancebooktok #romancereader
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Jamie is a 32 year old married lady (with a new baby!!) who is in denial that she's actually that old to be a married lady and a mom. When she's not reading you can find her doing Pilates followed by eating ice cream, belting out Hamilton (loud and offkey) and having adventures with her husband, daughter and rescue dog.

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A book recommendation for all my historical fictio A book recommendation for all my historical fiction readers - The Briar Club by Kate Quinn. My holy grail historical author came through for me again. I can’t express how much I cared for and was pulled into the lives of these women living in a boardinghouse in DC during the McCarthy era just as much as I was racing to find out what happened in this house. The tension mounted as we got to what actually happened?? Masterful. Truly. #historicalfiction #bookrec #bookrecommendation #historicalfictionbooks @williammorrowbooks
Made a fun family day out of Independent Bookstore Made a fun family day out of Independent Bookstore Day and hit up new faves @maveybooks and what used to be my second home when I lived closer @childrensbookworld which was so nice to be back home 🥹🥹

Book shopping is great but I can’t express how incredible building community is and indie bookshops do just that. I always wanted my own version of Cheers and, while not a bar where everybody knows my name, CBW was that place for me for almost a decade when I built community by going to YA book events there and moderating events. And while I am not able to get there as often as I was before I became a mom and we moved further away, It’s been so special to be able to share this beloved space with Riley.

These indie bookshops are so vital to our communities and I know everyone’s situation is different so this isn’t to shame but That Website can’t replace what can be created in these book spaces. Shop local when you are able! #indiebookshop #bookshop #bookshopping #independentbookstore
Ok technically I’m lying. My last read was technic Ok technically I’m lying. My last read was technically ATMOSPHERE but I feel like between my stories and my dedicated post to it, I’d rather talk about the book I read before it but didn’t update y’all on.

The Trouble With Anna — I enjoyed this delightful little historical romance about a heroine who is carving out her independence only to find out, when her grandfather dies, that he tied her inheritance/future to marrying her best friend’s brother — a not-so-happy surprise for both of them. I could understand why they both had some guardness/walls up and I enjoyed watching them slowly start to lower them.

Mayhem and the Mortal - I’m not too far into this romantic fantasy but it is one of my most anticipated that came out last month and I’m excited to dig in more.

Hamnet — I know, I know. For April I decided not to make a traditional TBR list of books I wanted to read but instead give myself some prompts to guide my reading (bc I’m overwhelmed with all my choices at hand) without feeling rigid. One of the prompts was to read a book I HAD TO BUY but is still unread. So going to finally get to it. Have you read this one or watched the movie?

What are you currently reading?
I had been waiting for the perfect time to read th I had been waiting for the perfect time to read this one after Random House sent me a finished copy as TJR is a longtime auto-buy author.  I found myself caught up in all the space joy and wonder and feeling quite parasocial about the Artemis crew...I decided now was the time.

I had no idea what I was getting into.

I hadn’t really known what it was about but I didn’t really need to given its TJR & the fact it was 1980s NASA & astronauts.

But this book was about love to me - romantic love, platonic love, familial love, love for something bigger than yourself, love for the person you are & are becoming, love in the face of obstacles, love for what lights you up.

Having been invested in real life astronauts & their journey lately really made this book even more vivid to me — seeing the bonds of the crew so deeply, feeling the fragility that exists while they are doing this wondrous & crazy thing that often still boggles my mind that we can do.

And, hardest to put into words, that feeling of awe in the expansive nature & capabilities of love & the universe that I felt when a husband named a crater after his late wife which doubly helped me understand how Joan & Vanessa felt looking back at earth.

It made me sob & feel everything about being a human so deeply basically from that Frances/Joan phone call at 86% of the way through until the final words. Like could not breathe.

*might be a tiny bit spoilery so beware:

I think the way she wrote this was so impactful bc we start out knowing something bad happens &it’s not even that far when we know that some of them def won’t make it back & some are alive in peril.

I was like “oof” when *it* happens early on. But each and every chapter where we learn more about these ppl & their relationships felt agonizing & I was retroactively grieving for them more deeply every turn of the page.

The hurt and grief just compounds from a moment that was sad from the jump to something that had dug in deep to me.

To know what happens right before this mission makes the mission control bits even more excruciating. Makes the peril a character is in hit even harder than just “oh that must be scary!”. 

I loved it. I needed it bad.
The theme of Q1 was “just go with it” — it being m The theme of Q1 was “just go with it” — it being my reading whims, quirks and troubles.

Interesting things:

1. January started out rough. I only read 1 physical book and leaned very heavy into audiobooks only. At first it was distressing that my brain -thanks to current events and their effect on my mind - couldn’t work out how to sit down and read with my eyeballs but I was like…let’s just roll with it and wait for it to pass. So I waited and enjoyed a ton of audiobooks.

2. I don’t think I’ve ever read so many thrillers and mysteries in a quarter. It’s a genre I love but I’m normally quite more balanced. However, it’s what I was craving and what my brain was tolerating so…I just went with it.

3. I have always been a reader led by my moods (both how I feel reading wise and personally). This quarter was FERAL. Like the most feral mood reading ever. I couldn’t even categorize it. I’d decide on one book enthusiastically and suddenly I was like…absolutely not that.

4. I read way less fantasy than normal which was WEIRD but I felt like I also wasn’t surprised given my brain space.

5. I really started to resent people even more who said “it’s a book account stop talking about politics etc”. Babe, I’m a human who gives a shit but ALSO this has and always been an account of MY reading life. And my reading life was profoundly affected by the things that were going on in this country. Like they have been before - whether it’s been current events or things like having a kid, being depressed, slumps, etc.

6. I return to the fact that, for me, I am happiest when I pay attention to my reading whims. The end of the month I had a very specific reading mood (wanted time travel element but not a heavy time travel book) and I decided to pick up A Rip Through Time at the end of the month and I’m now halfway through book 4. Having the best time ever!!! 

Anyways, tell me how your reading life was in Q1! Fave books? Biggest surprises??
New historical fiction books on my radar for April New historical fiction books on my radar for April and I feel like there is quite a bit of variety. Any of these on your TBR? #historicalfictionbooks #historicalfiction #newbookrelease #newbookreleases
Being someone who reads based on their ever shifti Being someone who reads based on their ever shifting reading moods (sometimes very feral) makes library holds and tbrs very hard. It’s the worst when 5 weeks ago I would have gobbled the library hold up but now when the hold comes in I’m like…I think not. #readersofinstagram #readerproblems #librarylife #librarybooks #moodreader

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