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The Perpetual Page-Turner

The Perpetual Page-Turner

Book Recommendations and Book Lists For Adults And Kids

Home | Monthly Rewind | Monthly Rewind: October 2017

Monthly Rewind: October 2017

November 1, 2017 - Updated May 7, 2019 // 16 Comments

 

WHERE DID OCTOBER GO??? No really…somebody send a search party because I don’t know where the hell it went. It was here one moment and gone the next.

mr1a

 

 

 

Follow me on Instagram to see more images from my month.
Also you should follow my personal account — @jamielee841 — if you want to see even more!

 mr2a

1. I turned 32: My birthday was the 15th and I, unfortunately, spent it with a sick little baby. Poor Riley got her first cold. BUT we ordered takeout and had ice cream and snuggled with Riley (and she weirdly slept an 8 hour stretch even while sick so happy birthday to me). I can’t believe I’m 32 though…like where did my life go?? (I’m so dramatic, I know).

2. We finally did some Fall activities & Miss Riley celebrated her first Halloween — For most of October it was grossly hot (and I LOVE summer/warm weather) and I was so not feeling all the normal fall activities…but the Saturday of my birthday weekend we went to a Fall festival with my sister and her fam and celebrated my birthday. It was a good time!

 

3. I really dove headfirst into blogging again: I’ve always been a proponent of blogging breaks to help boost creativity and the blogging mojo and my “maternity leave” certainly did the trick. I’m finding myself eager to blog these days and have something for myself when Riley naps. It feels really nice to be back and writing on this site.

4. Riley and I went to lots of storytimes at the library: I took her when she was like almost 2 months but what a difference a month or so makes…she was so much more engaged with storytime. I mean, she’s still the youngest there by far but she is so alert and looooved watching the bubbles that the librarian was blowing.

 5. We binged season 2 of Stranger Things: I didn’t think we were going to be able to watch it as quickly as we did but all hail Riley queen of naps for letting us. SOOOOOOO GOOD.

 

mr3

I put all my Monthly Rewinds in a Spotify playlist so you can listen to them here !

Now that I have a commute again I’ve actually listened to music!

 

1. Clouds — New Politics

2. Waking up the Giants — Grizfolk

3. Should I — Phoebe Ryan


4. Comatose — The Brinks

5. Made of Water — The Lighthouse and the Whaler

6. Milk — The 1975

 

 

 

Check out the rest of my October playlist for more of what I was listening to this month!

 

mr4

Welllll I only read one book in October BUT IT WAS AMAZING SO.

 

They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera: Seriously, Adam’s books are amazing and you NEED to read this one!

 

 

 

mr5

The “reviews” of books I’ve read to Riley!

 

mr10

“There has to be more to life than just imagining a future for yourself. I can’t just wish for the future; I have to take risks to create it.” They Both Die At The End

 

mr6

I actually blogged a decent amount this month!

1. On Identity: Thanks for sharing a bit of yourselves, too, in the comments. And all the encouragement <33

2. If We Were Having Coffee: LOOOOOVED catching up with you all! If you haven’t already…come catch up with me! Would love to know what’s going on in your life!

3. All The Books I’ve Read Riley So Far: Loved sharing the books Riley and I have read so far! Will probably do more of these posts even though picture books haven’t been a thing I’ve ever written about on here. BUT ALAS…life changes.

4. Retail Therapy: Fall Vibes — Glad to be doing some Retail Therapy posts again. And SOOOO happy to be wearing sweaters and boots and scarves and all the FALL THINGS now that Fall decided to act like Fall.

5. Spring Book Releases I Read: Suuuper belated but HEY…better late than never??

 

mr12

Maybe my Odds and Ends posts?

mr11

 

1. Slow Cooker Black Bean & Rice Soup: Planning to make this next week!! Fall = slow cooker season in this house.

2. 15 Ways To Display Photos in Your House: I realized Will and I are TERRIBLE about putting photos up so my personal goal in the next couple months is to do so! Loving the inspiration here!

3. How To Stop Being A Technology Junkie: I love technology. I really really do! So great for so many things in my life. BUT…like this blogger I’m finding it a little how ridiculous how much I’m on my phone for me personally. And I complain so much about not having time to do things I want to do but HELLO why am I scrolling on my phone for as much as I do (I’m not brave enough to track how much I’m on my phone like this blogger was). This post was perfect to get me thinking about how I could do less scrolling and maybe tackle more things I want to do and have a better balance with technology.

4. A Secret To A Happy Marriage: Omg this post was so precious! I loved their advice!

5. As Far As We Dare: This post really resonated with me — for many reasons. There’s a thing Will and I have been discussing and discussing on end and I haven’t made a move because I don’t feel I’m daring enough to do it.

 


mr8

1. Tailwind: I posted a little about this here and I’m still obsessed with using this and, since that post, discovered the Tribes beta feature which I am LOVING. Seriously, bloggers/instagrammers, check it out!!

 

2. My two new Old Navy sweaters:– I was on the hunt for some new sweaters and Old Navy was having a good sale on them when we went into the store so I got two — a yellow one (you can see it above in the picture from the pumpkin patch) and this grey one. Super comfy!!

 

3. Lollies & Lace: I loooove their clothes for babies! Look how cute this romper is! We have another one of their rompers I can’t wait for her to be able to fit in!

baby romper

 

mr9

 1. Going to another JBF sale: I talked about the Just Between Friends consignment sale recently but Will and I are on the hunt for a jogger and I’m looking to add some things to Riley’s wardrobe. Will doesn’t get as concerned about how much I buy Riley when half of it is from consignment sales haha. Then I’m free to buy whatever else I want from other places!  Plus, babies literally grow out of stuff SO FAST it’s not worth buying all of it full price. Or the poop all over it and you can’t get the stains out.
2. Thanksgiving: I THINK we are going up to my dad’s for the holiday which will be nice because my baby sister hasn’t even met Riley yet and my stepmom only saw her when she was like 3 weeks old so it will be nice!
3. Bad Moms 2 outing: Going to see Bad Moms 2 with a moms group my friend is a part of! Trying to actually get out of the house!

 

mr12

Favorite cold weather thing?

I literally hate cold weather but I’m trying to focus on all the things I love like sweaters, boots, flannel pjs and fluffy blankets.

 

 

lets-talk

Pick a category (or 5… or all of them) and tell me what went on in YOUR life this month!! What sort of things were noteworthy for you this month? New obsessions? Any new song recs?? Best books you read this month? Great posts I missed on your blog? Answer to my question of the month?

 

[This post contains affiliate links which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a very small percentage of the sale that helps go towards maintenance of this site, feeding my book buying madness and allowing me to do giveaways from time to time ]

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Filed Under: Monthly Rewind Tagged With: 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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  1. Emmah says

    November 1, 2017 at 4:33 pm

    I really enjoyed (even though it creeped me out) “The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer”! I didn’t read much in October, so. I’d been really busy with helping my parents clean out my grampa’s mobile home (he died back at the end of Sept)! Now all we have left to do is to fix it up some and clean it… then put it up for sale. And then all the other estate stuff, ugh. We have A LOT to sell.

    New shows I’m enjoying this Fall… The Gifted, The Good Doctor, and the WIll & Grace revival!!

    NEW SONG RECS!! The entirety of Niall Horan’s debut album, Flicker. Omg, it’s SO good!! My favorites off of it are definitely… Seeing Blind, This Town, and You & Me!

    Favorite cold weather thing? Finally being able to drink all the hot tea! Also all the Christmas lights!! OH AND THE BUGS GOING AWAY.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      November 3, 2017 at 10:00 am

      I only ever read the first one!! I think I need to re-read it and then continue on with the series. So sorry to hear about your grampa <333 HUGS.

      YES HOT TEA. And omg yessss the bugs have been crazy around here and I'm glad they are finally gone. That IS a good thing about colder weather.

      Reply
  2. Louise says

    November 2, 2017 at 1:28 am

    Happy belated birthday! 🎉 I didn’t read very much in October either because I’d been finishing up my postgrad degree and it ate up all of my reading time. But I’m hoping to get back on track this month because now I have all the time in the world 🙂

    My favourite cold weather thing is just cold weather in general. I don’t like hot weather because I don’t like showing off my arms and legs or getting all sticky and sweaty so I pretty much live in autumn/winter clothes all year.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      November 3, 2017 at 9:59 am

      Thank you!! OOOOH yay for finishing up your degree!! What is your degree in?? It feels like such freedom after you work your butt off at the end of the semester!! May you enjoy much reading time!!

      Haha so we are opposites weather-wise. BUT I do have to agree…it’s kind of nice not to have to show off my legs bc I don’t always feel like shaving them. It’s a pain in the summer to always feel like I need to shave them (I mean, I don’t HAVE TO…but I personally don’t prefer wearing dresses when I have hairy legs).

      Reply
  3. Lindsay says

    November 2, 2017 at 5:23 am

    Happy birthday! I turned 32 in October as well. You say where has October gone, I say where have the last 32 years gone!! 😉 Also, Riley is adorable!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      November 3, 2017 at 9:57 am

      Happy belated birthday to you too!!! HOpefully 32 will be an amazing year for both of us!! And lol seriously…WHERE HAVE 32 years gone??? I feel like we can’t be that old yet??

      Reply
  4. Sim @Flipping Thru the Pages says

    November 2, 2017 at 9:19 am

    I missed your Wrap-up posts 🙂 In fact, you are the inspiration for my wrap-up posts too 😀 Riley is so cute seriously and she looks great in each and every dress? And please tell me the secret that how you are so fit again after giving the birth?
    We celebrated Diwali this month which was pretty great as it is my favourite festival.

    I am not a fan of cold weather too 🙁

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      November 3, 2017 at 9:55 am

      YAY thank you for saying that! I love doing my wrap up posts!!

      YEAH…I’m totally that mom now but MY BABY IS SO CUTE IT IS RIDICULOUS. And I literally have no idea….at my 6 week checkup I was like 7 or 8 lbs away from my pre-baby weight. I didn’t even breastfeed for that long so idk how that happened esp since I wasn’t even allowed to go for walks and stuff until 6 week checkup. WHO KNOWS. Genetics maybe??

      I am not familiar with Diwali (I feel dumb saying that!)…off to Google to educate myself!! I’m glad you enjoyed it though!!

      Reply
  5. La La in the Library says

    November 2, 2017 at 10:26 am

    It’s so nice to have you back blogging! Riley is as cute as a bug. 💖

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      November 3, 2017 at 9:52 am

      THank you <333 It's nice to be back!!

      Reply
  6. Michelle says

    November 2, 2017 at 12:54 pm

    That “as far as you dare” post definitely made me stop and think. It made me realize just how much I have not dared to do much of anything these days. I will be looking to change that this month!

    Keep posting those pictures of Riley! She is just so precious! (Also, you look AMAZING! Based on those fall fest pictures, motherhood agrees with you!)

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      November 3, 2017 at 9:52 am

      RIGHT?? That post just stopped me in my tracks!! So much to think about!

      And THANK YOU!! <3 It's hard to deal with my postpartum body (even though I did drop most of my baby weight) but things are erm...softer? haha. BUT I pushed out a huge baby so I am awesome...my body is amazing! (this is what I have to keep telling myself!!)

      Reply
  7. Sam@WLABB says

    November 2, 2017 at 7:31 pm

    I am on cuteness overload with all these adorable baby pictures! Glad to hear you two are having so much fun.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      November 3, 2017 at 9:50 am

      Thank you <3333 I'm glad you are enjoying the baby pics bc I have officially become that mom who feels compelled to post pics all the time. OOPS.

      Reply
  8. Annemieke says

    November 5, 2017 at 3:39 am

    Such cute pictures of Riley. I followed your personal account with my own (mamaenmerijn) because cute baby pictures, haha.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      November 5, 2017 at 9:36 am

      Thank you! <3 Just followed you, too!!

      Reply

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Friends don’t let friends be without a good book. Let’s be friends?
Elder millennial. Cries a lot, always down a rabbit hole.
Blogger since 2010👇

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.

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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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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