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The Perpetual Page-Turner

The Perpetual Page-Turner

Book Recommendations and Book Lists For Adults And Kids

Home | Monthly Rewind | Is It Really Over??

Is It Really Over??

December 2, 2013 - Updated May 7, 2019 // 15 Comments

Image From November

20131202-081148.jpg
Holiday drinks + the start of holiday season!!

November In One Word

MOVIES

5 Things That Happened In November:

1. I went to the movies more this month than I have the whole year. Saw Catching Fire twice and The Book Thief once!
2. I got to spend 5 days with my dad, stepmom and little sister during Thanksgiving. Such a relaxing week!
3. I finally had Shake Shack for the first time ever! DELISH!
4. I walk/ran a 5K Thanksgiving morning — one that I was ill prepared for. As in I hadn’t run AT ALL. Woooow am I out of shape! Plus it was like 15 degrees out so my lungs BURNED. Literally thought I was going to keel over and die.
5. I reconnected with two old friends and it was great! Lots of weight lifted off my shoulder regarding how things were with them.

6 Songs That Were Most Popular On My Ipod This Month:

I put all my Monthly Rewinds In a Spotify playlist so you can listen to them here now ! I also have a November 2013 playlist filled with other AWESOME songs that wouldn’t fit on here. I have a VERY eclectic taste in music so you are bound to find something!

 

1. Ya Never Know — Terraplane Sun: 

2. Back To You — Twin Forks — This was on the show Reign. Addictive show + GREAT music!

 

3. Like Real People Do — Hozier

4. Girl You’re Alright — Paul Otten — Also from Reign. SO GOOD.

5. Little Games — The Colourist

6. Lights and Camera — Yuna

Honorable Mention: Say Something by A Great Big World + Christina

Top 3 Books I Read This Month:

1. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
2. Hate List by Jennifer Brown
3. Something Strange & Deadly by Susan Dennard

Most Popular Review This Month

We Were Liars by E. LockhartI’m so happy you guys are excited about this one! I try to save my utmost enthusiasm for my absolute FAVES so you all believe me when I FREAK OUT so I’m glad that came through with my Save the Date review of We Were Liars.

Most Popular 5 Blog Posts Overall This Month

1. If We Were Having Coffee — I love you guys for the response to this post. I’m planning on making it a regular thing every other month or something.
2. The Rise of Co-Bloggers — Very, very interesting discussion!
3. What Makes You Re-Read A Book? : This was so interesting to read about what makes YOU guys decide to reread a book!
4. One Of the Hardest Questions For A Bookworm To Answer: This is why you guys are my people!
5. Reshelved : A new feature in which I share what I put down and also what I ended up taking back to the library (because I suck at reading within due dates)

3 New Obsessions In November

1. The tv show Reign on The CW! Oh my goodness. It’s not historical accurate and I don’t caaaaare. It’s addictive and CUTE BOYS.
2. This new social networking site for book bloggers: Ashley from Nose Graze, the genius behind the AMAZING book blogger plugin I use, just launched a new site for book bloggers — forums, groups and more! You should sign up and then let’s be friendsies.
3. Trader Joe’s Candy Cane Green Tea — I normally switch up the tea I drink every day but I’ve been binge drinking this one!

3 Things I’m Looking Forward To In December

1. CHRISTMAS!! Pretty much all the holiday things that go along with that — music, family time, Christmas candy and baking, Christmas movies and getting our Christmas tree!!
2. Book club Christmas party!
3. Really getting down to work on a new project!

Favorite Quote From A Book I Read In November

“People do it all the time–assume that they “know” what’s going on in someone else’s head. That’s impossible. And to think it’s possible is a mistake. A really big mistake. A life-ruining one if you’re not careful.”
― Jennifer Brown, Hate List
“I will not always be happy, but perhaps, if I’m lucky, I will be spared the agony of adding pain to the world.”
― Meg Rosoff, Picture Me Gone


5 Posts I Starred In My Reader That You Should Check Out

1. Life Has Big Plans For You — Because sometimes you just need to hear this!
2. Why “I’m Not Sure” Is An Acceptable Answer — I always feel like I have to have the answers to everything and this post reminded me that 1) I don’t obviously and 2) that’s okay to admit it
3. Gayle Forman’s post on endings: Love this post and agree with so much of it!
4. This beautiful post from Magan — Yep. Made me cry.
5. Turning A Book Into A Commercial Empire: Very thought provoking post from Rachel! LOADS to think about! Not sure I have a definitive opinion right now but very well articulated and I definitely agree with some of it!

What sort of things were noteworthy for you in November? New obsessions? Any new song recs?? Best books you read this month? Great posts I missed on your blog? Tell me! 🙂

 

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Filed Under: Monthly Rewind Tagged With: best books I read november 2013, best music November 2013, best of November 2013, book recommendations, Monthly Rewind, music recommendations

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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Comments

  1. Lucy @ Queen of Contemporary says

    December 2, 2013 at 12:56 pm

    I must read The Book Thief soon – even my mum is hassling me to read it! I’m not sure if it’s out in cinemas in the UK yet, because I haven’t heard anything about it. I’ll have to have a dig around for info.
    I also think the Book Blogging site is way too addictive. I never get anything done anymore! I’ve really enjoyed getting to know more people through it and talking to bloggers I maybe don’t talk to as much as I’d like to.

    Sounds like you had a great November, Jamie! 😀

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      December 2, 2013 at 2:35 pm

      Yes Lucy!!! READ IT. I agree with your mom :))

      It is SO addictive. I have had to limit myself because I want to like start so many threads and groups lol

      Reply
  2. Ellen says

    December 2, 2013 at 3:03 pm

    I am reading The Book Thief today, actually! It’s been hard to put it down to write my post for today, actually 🙂 I picked it up because of your recommendations! I loved your If We Were Having Coffee post. It just…it helped to know we’re all in this together. Love your recap!

    Ellen
    http://canireadeverything.blogspot.com/2013/12/november-2013-monthly-rewind.html

    Reply
  3. Megan says

    December 2, 2013 at 3:54 pm

    I adore your posts! Keep doing what you’re doing. 🙂

    Reply
  4. Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader says

    December 2, 2013 at 3:54 pm

    First of all, I just have to mention how much I enjoy your monthly wrap-up posts, Jamie. I can only imagine how much work must go into them, but please know it’s well worth it! Plus, it’s a really great way to encapsulate all the biggest and best things about any given month, and is a great resource if you ever want to look back at a particular period in time later on.

    It’s official: I need to read The Book Thief, particularly now that the film has been released. I never watch a film adaptation without first reading the original source material, and I’ve heard such wonderful things about both I clearly need to make this a priority. Honestly, I think fear is what’s ultimately holding me back. People seem to associate the story with such staggering emotion, and I’m not sure I’m equipped to handle it yet. It and the hype are what are holding me back at this point. That said, I’ve owned a copy of the novel for well over a year now. It’s time I get over it!

    Speaking of books I need to read, I’ve already marked We Were Liars‘ release date on my calender. Between you and April and I’m absolutely dying to read this story! I think what intrigues me most about it is the ambiguity of what the story actually involves. I still have little idea what it’s really about, and I love that! Sometimes there’s nothing better than going into a novel entirely blind, and I trust your judgement. It really sounds like the sort of story I would enjoy and I can’t wait to read it! 😀

    Reply
  5. Maya says

    December 2, 2013 at 4:24 pm

    I’m a relatively new to your blog and I just wanted to say that I really love it! I spent about an hour today reading previous posts and reviews and they’re really good 🙂 I’ve added We Were Liars to my TBR list – it sounds like something I’d love so thanks for introducing it me. Have a great December!

    Reply
  6. Emmah says

    December 2, 2013 at 5:13 pm

    I know Suzie from Twin Forks! Oh, and Reign is perfection. Accents, cute boys, gorgeous clothing.
    I’d say check out Little Mix’s new song “Little Me”. It’s SO good!

    Reply
  7. Tara says

    December 2, 2013 at 7:20 pm

    DUDE I LOVE REIGN TOO!!!!!!! I don’t even care that there are so many things wrong with it because it’s just so good.

    Reply
  8. Patty says

    December 2, 2013 at 10:35 pm

    Reign = SO SO GOOD! And we’re only two episodes in here. I’ll definitely have to check out those songs from it, I was thinking the music sounded pretty awesome 🙂

    Reply
  9. Wendy says

    December 2, 2013 at 11:55 pm

    Jamie! You have AWESOME taste in music. I found myself listening to every song you posted (rather than listening for a few second then going on to the next one). Questions: How do you come across new music? Also, can I have your Spotify username so I can follow you? I tried clicking on the playlist link within your post and was sent to an error page. I’d love to keep up with the playlists you create.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      December 3, 2013 at 12:45 am

      Why thank you! I come across new music in so many ways — honestly a lot is just being plugged in to the music scene (aka spending wayyyy too much time haha), hearing stuff on shows I love and exploring further, friends with great taste also. Mostly I just search. I find things I like and then I see what those bands listen to, who opens for them, music blogs on occasion. I have no method to my madness haha. I just have always been obsessed since high school when I used to scour record shops for new music.

      My spotify is itsahitinsweden. Let me know if you can’t find me!

      Reply
  10. Alex says

    December 3, 2013 at 3:44 pm

    Oh my goodness, Reign is SO addictive (and I’m right with you – it’s so historically inaccurate but I love it anyway). Love the song choices you picked from the show. I’ve had “Back to You” on repeat for weeks now, it seems.
    I’ve also seen Catching Fire twice and The Book Thief once. CF I could watch over and over and over. It was so amazing! The Book Thief though…meh, not so much. It just didn’t pack the emotional punch of the book (although Geoffrey Rush as Hans = fantastic).

    Reply
  11. Elizabeth says

    December 4, 2013 at 1:29 pm

    AHHH you watch Reign?! I can’t stop watching it!! I actually started watching it BECAUSE of the soundtrack. Have you listened to London Grammar’s Wasting my Young Years? It’s basically the best thing ever. And I also went to the theaters more this month than the rest of this year – by watching Catching Fire twice hahah. IT WAS SO AMAZING. I still have a freak out moment every time I see something related to it!

    Reply
  12. Alexa Y. says

    December 6, 2013 at 6:06 pm

    This year is just FLYING by! I can’t believe we’re already in the early days of December. Anyway. I’m glad that you finally read Something Strange & Deadly! Isn’t it amazing? I’ve loved that one since I read it earlier this year 🙂

    Reply
  13. Jessica Lawlor says

    December 10, 2013 at 10:38 pm

    Thank you for including me again! I really love reading your monthly posts- the variety of what you include is so fun and interesting to read 🙂

    Reply

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perpetualpageturner

“Why is it so hard to pick my next read?” — “Why is it so hard to pick my next read?” — she says as she is surrounded by piles on piles of books on the floor and desk and packed on her bookshelf and book cart. (Partner @berkleypub - thanks for the review copy).⁣
⁣
I managed to pick my next read, as chronicled in these photos, but it was not easy with so many options! 

Decided to go with a most anticipated book of 2022 for me from an author who has written books I’ve really enjoyed.
⁣
I am about halfway through and cruising along because I NEED to figure out if Joseph is the worst or what really is going on here in this story that starts with 3 women being stood up by the same guy on Valentine’s Day.  I feel like there is something more to this one but I can’t quite put my finger on it yet! ⁣
⁣
Hoping to finish it this weekend! What are you reading this weekend? And do you have trouble picking your next read? How do you choose amongst all the options?
Sunshine on my face and a mass market fitting perf Sunshine on my face and a mass market fitting perfectly in my hands.⁣…
⁣
Truly felt like there were zero things more joyful than the warm sun on my face after colder, dreary days and remembering how much I love the feel of reading a mass market paperback. It’s probably a very specific little joy of mine and I definitely reveled in it today.⁣
⁣
But the real big joy has been rereading this book and experiencing it all over again before @bridgertonnetflix season 2 — especially the Pall Mall scene. And something to do with a 🐝 😅 iykyk⁣
⁣
With all the joy I’m getting out of this reread it makes me wonder why I don’t prioritize rereading like I used to before I started blogging 10 years ago.⁣
⁣
In my head I just want to experience all the new stories and try to make a dent in my TBR but I forget, until I do it, the genuine pleasure in revisiting old companions and how it’s a different side of reading one can experience — the nostalgia, the person I’ve become since reading the book and the way I approach a book already knowing what happens. Well the general sense of what happens because my memory is 💩!⁣
⁣
Anyways that’s what I’m up to currently. Trying to finish this up so I can pack my books for a short trip I’m going on later this week. My first ✈️ since 2019!⁣
⁣
Whatcha reading? Do you reread often? And tell me a little teeny tiny joy from your day.
If I was a person who made Reels I would somehow m If I was a person who made Reels I would somehow mash up the “screaming, crying”  Blank Space clip with the “emotional damage” refrain to the Bastille’s Pompeii to let you know how I feel after the last few chapters of #TheGildedCage !!⁣
⁣
And if you don’t understand what that means, I’m sorry 😅⁣
⁣
But woo boy do I need the third installment of this series!!! But I also think I’m going to be even more emotional damaged after that one soooo.⁣ 
⁣
Seriously, one of the best simple joys of my life is the feeling of being so wholly and totally invested in a series that you have to remind yourself it’s fiction lest you spend all day in bed crying about the devastated look a character had on their face — a face you didn’t even see with your own two eyes but you are so invested that you feel nauseous and gutted like you sure did.⁣
⁣
Just me orrrrrr?⁣
⁣
No but for real. If you love YA fantasy, go start #theprisonhealer so you can be caught up when The Blood Traitor comes out in June (and be my emotional support person for the duration of reading it). I love these characters and I dying to see what happens next. 

Have you read this series yet? Last book series that had you SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP because of the EMOTIONAL DAMAGE it inflicted?
A real life reading photo because I couldn’t be A real life reading photo because I couldn’t be bothered to make it pretty — mismatching fuzzy sucks, coffee almost gone and Christmas pajama pants that are super old.⁣
⁣
But y’all Black Cake is so good!! I’m almost halfway through and I know it’s A Choice to declare it one of the best books I’ve read all year but I’m feeling bold based on how it’s going.⁣
⁣
I love a good family story (especially one with a family secret!) and this is top notch. The writing is 👌🏻 and I know I’m going to be screaming when the pieces come together!⁣
⁣
In other news, I’m 65% of the way through The Dry by Jane Harper and I’m enjoying it so much that I ended up staying on the treadmill twice this weekend after my allotted time was over just so I could keep listening.⁣
⁣
Will and I FINALLY started Ted Lasso this weekend. It is a damn delight!! For all the hype and praise, it has overdelivered for me which is kind of shocking because normally hype is scary. I told Will that I feel like all the praise hasn’t even come close to how much I could love it. We are only 7 episodes in so no spoilers!⁣
⁣
I’m kinda mad we sat on starting it for so long but at the same time I think the timing is right to help me see my way out of this February funk I have found myself in the past couple weeks.⁣
⁣
Anyways, hope everyone is having a good weekend! Have you read Black Cake or The Dry? Where are my Ted Lasso fans at? I’m happy to join your ranks! Also please tell me your fave character bc I am finding it impossible to pick this far!
No but seriously every year I contemplate organizi No but seriously every year I contemplate organizing a search party for one Katjay Millay who wrote one beautiful and amazing book and then...vanished.

Like for real. She wrote a tweet in 2015 that she was taking a few weeks off and then.... no tweets, no new books. Radio silence.

I hope she’s okay, for real, and that she knows I obsessively stalk Goodreads/Twitter/the internet to make sure I haven’t missed new book news from her at least twice a year. 🥺

Is there any author who you’ve been waiting forever for a new release from??

I’d also like to add YA author Sarah Ockler to this list! Last release was 2015 😭😭
Ahhh some of my absolute OG young adult faves are Ahhh some of my absolute OG young adult faves are becoming movies/tv shows soon! And one of them is out TODAY!⁣
⁣
The Sky is Everywhere — it’s out today on AppleTV+ and I can’t wait to sob my brains out. One of my absolute most favorite books ever by one of my all time favorite authors. It’s gorgeous and heartbreaking in its poignant depiction of grief, first love and healing — all woven together in Jandy’s signature gorgeous, lyrical writing.⁣
⁣
Along For The Ride (out April 22) — one of a handful upcoming @sdessen books being adapted in the near future and I can’t wait! These books are so near and dear to my heart.⁣
⁣
No release dates yet for The Summer I Turned Pretty tv series (the ultimate coming of age summertime story!) or The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight (the cutest meet cute of all meet cutes all set in 24 hours) but I am HYPED and have all my fingers crossed for 2022 🤞🤞

Have you read any of these? Anyone else hyped for these adaptations.

Also, for the past few years, I’ve kept a running list of books becoming movies/tv shows for the year. Head to my bio to check out the list! I try to update it weekly and keep on top of it all but life ya know 😆 but I try!
Is this a book club? I think we just started a boo Is this a book club? I think we just started a book club. Or maybe just a @jenniferesmith appreciation club?? (partner @randomhouse )⁣
⁣
Either way, after loving Jennifer E. Smith's YA books for years, it's been a real treat to also read her debut picture book with Riley (we loved!!) as well as her adult debut out in 3 weeks!⁣
⁣
⁣So let me tell you about that adult debut — The Unsinkable Great James!!

This one just was the perfect warm-hearted read for a cold and gloomy January.

A perfect setting to escape into (Alaska), a tender-hearted meet cute and a poignant look at the shared grieving experience of those left behind.

I was initially drawn, like I always am, to the daughter losing a mother storyline and an exploration of that grief but I was so taken by the father/daughter relationship between two people who were left untethered by losing the person who held their family together.

Greta and her father don't see eye-to-eye on basically anything when they are thrown together on this Alaskan cruise, a trip Greta's father and mother were supposed to take, and you can feel the tension of their long-standing tumultuous and fractured relationship -- a relationship that feels like its hanging in a balance and could not recover.

The two are both hurting so much from this loss  and it took my breath away at times in how true it rang to be in your own grief bubble and feeling like the loss is yours and yours alone while forgetting about the others shouldering their own piece of this loss. I loved watching them very slowly SEE one another.

I can't say enough good things about this one -- great setting, Greta's music, the meet-cute, the messy and imperfect nature of family and love. Definitely recommend!⁣
I was on a hot reading streak and now for the past I was on a hot reading streak and now for the past few days I get all cozy in bed to read at night and am asleep by 4 pages in. Will got a kick out of waking up to me basically spooning my kindle. Ebbs and flows, y’all.⁣
⁣
Let’s do a little reading update with an edition of Last, Current & Next.⁣
⁣
Last - The Girl With the Louding Voice: Adunni is by far one of the most memorable voices I’ve read in a book in a very long time. Her hope and resilience in the face of some awful situations kept me turning the pages and rooting for her. I can’t believe it took me so long to finally read it. Highly recommend!⁣
⁣
Now - Deep in Providence (thank you @fiercereads ): I’m about halfway through after I carved out some time to read early this morning and I’m enjoying this story of grief, love and magic. I’m nervous about these girls trying to resurrect their dead friend though! When I put it down today I was getting a little creeped by some things happening.⁣
⁣
Next - The Kiss of Deception: I’m rereading the first book in this YA fantasy series because it’s been forever and I really wanna finish the trilogy. I’ve been really wanting to go through series I’ve left unfinished for years (not for lack of interest but because I suck at juggling all the series I start) so this is one of them. I remember loving it so I’m excited to dive in and binge. 

Whatcha reading? Have you read any of these? Anyone else on the struggle train with reading at night right now?
Braved the downpour to get my library holds. I hop Braved the downpour to get my library holds. I hope they are worth it! Please tell me they are!⁣
⁣
This is also, before I get to the stack,  an appreciation post for my tiny library and wonderful librarians.⁣
⁣
They normally open at 9am during the week —except Fridays. Did I remember that? Nope. So I was I was SO proud of Riley and I for getting our butts in gear to be for around opening time to drop off a stack and get my new ones.⁣
⁣
And alas, I go to open the door and it’s locked. Now I’m holding Riley’s hand, two tote bags full of books, an umbrella that I’m trying to keep over the both of us, mind you. I’m thoroughly confused until it hits me that it’s Friday.⁣
⁣
So I’m like, welp, guess we are just dropping off in the bin so I try to grab my books out and put them in one-handed while juggling the umbrella and less than enthused Riley.⁣
⁣
Mercifully the door opens and  our children’s librarian takes pity on us and lets us in to drop off and pick up the holds.⁣
⁣
Is this what being a VIP as a celebrity feels like?? Sure feels like it to me 😆 for real though, it pays to be a regular and have a cute kid in tow who is being pelted with rain.⁣
⁣
Anyways excited about this stack but especially Wahala, Daughter of the Moon Goddess and How High We Go In The Dark the most.⁣
⁣
Also have been meaning to snag The World Gives Way after @jordys.book.club recommendation!⁣
⁣
Have you read any of these? Any that you think were definitely worth the rain-soaked journey for??⁣
⁣
Alright now I’m off to curl up and read on this rainy, dreary day which is really what I think a day like this is meant for.
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More 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.

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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“Why is it so hard to pick my next read?” — “Why is it so hard to pick my next read?” — she says as she is surrounded by piles on piles of books on the floor and desk and packed on her bookshelf and book cart. (Partner @berkleypub - thanks for the review copy).⁣
⁣
I managed to pick my next read, as chronicled in these photos, but it was not easy with so many options! 

Decided to go with a most anticipated book of 2022 for me from an author who has written books I’ve really enjoyed.
⁣
I am about halfway through and cruising along because I NEED to figure out if Joseph is the worst or what really is going on here in this story that starts with 3 women being stood up by the same guy on Valentine’s Day.  I feel like there is something more to this one but I can’t quite put my finger on it yet! ⁣
⁣
Hoping to finish it this weekend! What are you reading this weekend? And do you have trouble picking your next read? How do you choose amongst all the options?
Sunshine on my face and a mass market fitting perf Sunshine on my face and a mass market fitting perfectly in my hands.⁣…
⁣
Truly felt like there were zero things more joyful than the warm sun on my face after colder, dreary days and remembering how much I love the feel of reading a mass market paperback. It’s probably a very specific little joy of mine and I definitely reveled in it today.⁣
⁣
But the real big joy has been rereading this book and experiencing it all over again before @bridgertonnetflix season 2 — especially the Pall Mall scene. And something to do with a 🐝 😅 iykyk⁣
⁣
With all the joy I’m getting out of this reread it makes me wonder why I don’t prioritize rereading like I used to before I started blogging 10 years ago.⁣
⁣
In my head I just want to experience all the new stories and try to make a dent in my TBR but I forget, until I do it, the genuine pleasure in revisiting old companions and how it’s a different side of reading one can experience — the nostalgia, the person I’ve become since reading the book and the way I approach a book already knowing what happens. Well the general sense of what happens because my memory is 💩!⁣
⁣
Anyways that’s what I’m up to currently. Trying to finish this up so I can pack my books for a short trip I’m going on later this week. My first ✈️ since 2019!⁣
⁣
Whatcha reading? Do you reread often? And tell me a little teeny tiny joy from your day.
If I was a person who made Reels I would somehow m If I was a person who made Reels I would somehow mash up the “screaming, crying”  Blank Space clip with the “emotional damage” refrain to the Bastille’s Pompeii to let you know how I feel after the last few chapters of #TheGildedCage !!⁣
⁣
And if you don’t understand what that means, I’m sorry 😅⁣
⁣
But woo boy do I need the third installment of this series!!! But I also think I’m going to be even more emotional damaged after that one soooo.⁣ 
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Seriously, one of the best simple joys of my life is the feeling of being so wholly and totally invested in a series that you have to remind yourself it’s fiction lest you spend all day in bed crying about the devastated look a character had on their face — a face you didn’t even see with your own two eyes but you are so invested that you feel nauseous and gutted like you sure did.⁣
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Just me orrrrrr?⁣
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No but for real. If you love YA fantasy, go start #theprisonhealer so you can be caught up when The Blood Traitor comes out in June (and be my emotional support person for the duration of reading it). I love these characters and I dying to see what happens next. 

Have you read this series yet? Last book series that had you SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP because of the EMOTIONAL DAMAGE it inflicted?
A real life reading photo because I couldn’t be A real life reading photo because I couldn’t be bothered to make it pretty — mismatching fuzzy sucks, coffee almost gone and Christmas pajama pants that are super old.⁣
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But y’all Black Cake is so good!! I’m almost halfway through and I know it’s A Choice to declare it one of the best books I’ve read all year but I’m feeling bold based on how it’s going.⁣
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I love a good family story (especially one with a family secret!) and this is top notch. The writing is 👌🏻 and I know I’m going to be screaming when the pieces come together!⁣
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In other news, I’m 65% of the way through The Dry by Jane Harper and I’m enjoying it so much that I ended up staying on the treadmill twice this weekend after my allotted time was over just so I could keep listening.⁣
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Will and I FINALLY started Ted Lasso this weekend. It is a damn delight!! For all the hype and praise, it has overdelivered for me which is kind of shocking because normally hype is scary. I told Will that I feel like all the praise hasn’t even come close to how much I could love it. We are only 7 episodes in so no spoilers!⁣
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I’m kinda mad we sat on starting it for so long but at the same time I think the timing is right to help me see my way out of this February funk I have found myself in the past couple weeks.⁣
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Anyways, hope everyone is having a good weekend! Have you read Black Cake or The Dry? Where are my Ted Lasso fans at? I’m happy to join your ranks! Also please tell me your fave character bc I am finding it impossible to pick this far!
No but seriously every year I contemplate organizi No but seriously every year I contemplate organizing a search party for one Katjay Millay who wrote one beautiful and amazing book and then...vanished.

Like for real. She wrote a tweet in 2015 that she was taking a few weeks off and then.... no tweets, no new books. Radio silence.

I hope she’s okay, for real, and that she knows I obsessively stalk Goodreads/Twitter/the internet to make sure I haven’t missed new book news from her at least twice a year. 🥺

Is there any author who you’ve been waiting forever for a new release from??

I’d also like to add YA author Sarah Ockler to this list! Last release was 2015 😭😭
Ahhh some of my absolute OG young adult faves are Ahhh some of my absolute OG young adult faves are becoming movies/tv shows soon! And one of them is out TODAY!⁣
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The Sky is Everywhere — it’s out today on AppleTV+ and I can’t wait to sob my brains out. One of my absolute most favorite books ever by one of my all time favorite authors. It’s gorgeous and heartbreaking in its poignant depiction of grief, first love and healing — all woven together in Jandy’s signature gorgeous, lyrical writing.⁣
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Along For The Ride (out April 22) — one of a handful upcoming @sdessen books being adapted in the near future and I can’t wait! These books are so near and dear to my heart.⁣
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No release dates yet for The Summer I Turned Pretty tv series (the ultimate coming of age summertime story!) or The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight (the cutest meet cute of all meet cutes all set in 24 hours) but I am HYPED and have all my fingers crossed for 2022 🤞🤞

Have you read any of these? Anyone else hyped for these adaptations.

Also, for the past few years, I’ve kept a running list of books becoming movies/tv shows for the year. Head to my bio to check out the list! I try to update it weekly and keep on top of it all but life ya know 😆 but I try!
Is this a book club? I think we just started a boo Is this a book club? I think we just started a book club. Or maybe just a @jenniferesmith appreciation club?? (partner @randomhouse )⁣
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Either way, after loving Jennifer E. Smith's YA books for years, it's been a real treat to also read her debut picture book with Riley (we loved!!) as well as her adult debut out in 3 weeks!⁣
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⁣So let me tell you about that adult debut — The Unsinkable Great James!!

This one just was the perfect warm-hearted read for a cold and gloomy January.

A perfect setting to escape into (Alaska), a tender-hearted meet cute and a poignant look at the shared grieving experience of those left behind.

I was initially drawn, like I always am, to the daughter losing a mother storyline and an exploration of that grief but I was so taken by the father/daughter relationship between two people who were left untethered by losing the person who held their family together.

Greta and her father don't see eye-to-eye on basically anything when they are thrown together on this Alaskan cruise, a trip Greta's father and mother were supposed to take, and you can feel the tension of their long-standing tumultuous and fractured relationship -- a relationship that feels like its hanging in a balance and could not recover.

The two are both hurting so much from this loss  and it took my breath away at times in how true it rang to be in your own grief bubble and feeling like the loss is yours and yours alone while forgetting about the others shouldering their own piece of this loss. I loved watching them very slowly SEE one another.

I can't say enough good things about this one -- great setting, Greta's music, the meet-cute, the messy and imperfect nature of family and love. Definitely recommend!⁣

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