(AKA the week my baby brother got into college!!!! :D)
FINISHED READING: 5! (yeah, I’m kind of surprised by that number as well haha)
Queen of Air and Darkness (The Dark Artifices #3) by Cassandra Clare
UGGGH! *bangs head against wall* That’s it. That’s my review. [3*]
Dumplin’ (#1) by Julie Murphy
Whoo!! Yes!! My Bookish Giveaway win came through!! Because let me tell you, Willowdean is my homegirl! Loved her humor. Loved her sense of being. Loved loved loved her. Also, um, hello Bo 😉 [5*]
(P.S. The Netflix movie adaptation wasn’t so great )
Heart Berries: A Memoir by Terese Marie Mailhot
A memoir unlike any I’ve ever read or listened to before. Mailhot talks about her experience as a Native American woman and her mental illness. An unexpectedly poetic style. Took a bit of getting used to. But a nice experience. Even though the subject matter was a bit tough at times. [3*]
Lady Susan/The Watsons/Sanditon by Jane Austen
Three semi-finished manuscripts. Lady Susan is written in epistolary form and has an evil MC. The Watsons gave me Northanger Abbey and Mansfield Park vibes. Sanditon has a half-mulatto character. The most diversity I’ve ever encountered in a Jane Austen novel. It would have been interesting to see what she did with the character. [3*]
The Bride Test by Helen Hoang
I got an ARC through First to Read and I am forever thankful because I devoured this book! Esme is a strong, single mother who takes every opportunity offered to better herself and provide for her family. Adored her. And I absolutely swooned over Khai. Full Review To Come 😉
CURRENTLY READING: 0
As of writing this post, nothing haha. I just finished reading The Bride Test so I’m not reading anything at the moment.
Thank you Sahi @ My World of Books for nominating me!!! She’s participating in a Marvel-a-Thon reading challenge this month so be sure to check into her blog for her latest update!
It always makes my day when I’m tagged in anything, especially an award. So, thank you thank you thank you!! And don’t forget to check out Sahi’s blog!!
Rules:
Thank the blogger who nominated you in a blog post and link back to their blog.
Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you.
Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and ask them 11 new questions
List the rules and display the sunshine blogger award logo in your post/or on your blog
Sahi’s Questions For Me:
1. What book do you think made you into an avid reader?
This is a very good question haha. I don’t think it was one particular book but a whole bunch of ’em. But growing up I reread this book alot.
It was one of the very few books in my home and I made do with what I had (No one in my family is really into reading).
2. If you got the chance to interview your favorite author, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Ha! I know the answer to this one. I would be too awe-struck and shy to say anything.
3. What’s the book that is on top of your summer TBR?
Well, it was Ari and Dante. Um, right now I want to re-read Gidget by Frederick Kohner and maybe start Red Rising and Summer Sisters?
4. What do you like the most about being a blogger?
The blogging community. I know pretty much everyone gives this answer. But it really is such an amazing community. I love being a part of it ❤
5. Have you ever bought a book purely based on it’s cover and which one was it?
Haha yes! Um… There are a few but I’ll go with Arcadia by Lauren Groff
6. Are there any classics/books that you think everybody should read and why?
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Sadly the themes are still relevant today…
7. Have you read a hyped book that disappointed you a lot?
Anna and the French Kiss! I’ll have a review of that whole series up soon… Let’s just say I am most definitely not a fan.
8. Which book characters do you want to be best friends with?
So many! There is the obvious trio of Harry, Ron and Hermione haha. Um, Ari and Dante. Cinder and her crew…
9. What’s your favorite genre and why do you like it?
YA and Classics, I guess. YA appeals to my love of drama and happily ever afters. Classics because I love history and the stories have withstood the test of time. Amazing!
10. Do you like going to the bookstore or buying books online?
Bookstore! Definitely. I very, very rarely buy books online. And even then, only e-books. If I want to buy a book I go to the store. I’m old school that way haha 😉
11. What book would you like to recommend to me?
1. Would you rather travel back in time and alter history or go to the future and find out how and when you die?
2. Think of your favorite word. Recommend a book whose title corresponds with a letter in your favorite word. (For example, if your favorite word is CAN, you would recommend 3 books. One book title that begins with C, another title that begins with A, and a title that begins with N).
3. Who would win in an arm wrestling game, you or your best friend?
4. When was the last time you binge watched a show and what was it?
5. What place would you never ever want to visit?
6. Have you met any celebrities before, and if so, who?
7. Do you hear yanny or laurel? (If you have no clue what I’m talking about, click here, listen to the audio recording, and then come back and write your answer 🙂 )
8. Is there anything you miss about your childhood?
9. What is your favorite music genre?
10. What would be the title of your autobiography?
11. What is the first/oldest memory you remember?
Once again, THANK YOU Sahi ❤
And no pressure on anyone to participate!
Happy blogging everyone! 😀
Thank you Sophia Ismaa for tagging me! I thought long and hard about doing this tag because most of the characters I relate to are pretty depressing. So while this post starts off that way, I think it picks up lol.
Thank whoever tagged you – Thank you, Sophia Ismaa
List 5 characters who you are most like and explain why
Tag other bloggers
1. Charlie
I found my book!!!
Sigh. Okay, 4 years ago I was in a really dark place and I wound up in the hospital. This is the first book I read afterwards and getting to know Charlie helped me cope with what was going on in my life. Never have I related to a character so much. It’s depressing but I love him. And when I met Stephen Chbosky all I could do was stand there like an idiot while he signed my book. I said absolutely nothing to the man. So, I’ll do it right now. Thank you Stephen Chbosky for creating Charlie and giving a voice to all wallflowers in the world. Thank you for writing a book that has had such a great impact on my life. Thank you, thank you thank you!!!
2. Anne Elliot
Like Anne, I am the middle child. And like Anne, I’ve had to learn to not put aside my own feelings. To not be completed swayed by the opinions of others.
3. Emily
Her best friend is a social butterfly that is always trying to get her out of her comfort zone. Hence the lists. I am Emily. And like her, I too have a friend that is always getting me to go out and try new things. She makes my life so much more interesting. And she puts up with me, so how can I not love her? ❤
4. Lane Kim
I’m kind of cheating with this one lol
I loved Rory and while I could obviously relate to her book obsession, it was her best friend Lane that I could see myself in. Lane grew up with a strict mother (same!), has an alternative music taste (same!) and a best friend that her mom doesn’t really approve of (same girl, same!).
5. Bess Marvin
Tag yourself! I’m Bess, the one on the left
I like to think I’m the voice of reason amongst my friends haha. And like Bess, when push comes to shove, I set aside my fears and help my friends out.
So… I’m a mess. Thanks Sophski 😛 I’m crying and laughing over here haha. Kind of cathartic though. Not gonna lie. I realize this post was a little depressing. So no one worry, I’m fine. Seriously 🙂
I TAG:
My buddy Sophski 😛 @ Sophia Ismaa Writes tagged me in this. Basically you have to go through all the unread books you own and determine whether you’re still interested in reading them or not. Initially I thought it would be difficult because of all the books I bought last month. So I decided to cheat. Just a little bit. I mean, I bought the books recently so of course I’m interested in reading them. Right? Right. Besides, I’ve already talked about them before.
Okay, so taking out the hauled books from last month, I am left with only a handful of books. Apparently I’m pretty good at reading the books I own haha.
Enough rambling, let’s get to it (book covers link back to their goodreads page).
First up, is this book. I remember having to buy this book for a Religious Studies class in college. But I don’t think we even read it. I kept it though, so I guess I was interested in reading it at some point. Now… eh.
Verdict: Somewhat interested. It’s historical so it does appeal to me in that sense.
Ah, okay. So I’m low-key obsessed with Princess Diana. Who isn’t? And I bought this book when Borders had their big “going out of business sale”. It’s full of photographs and I can’t believe I forgot I owned it.
Verdict: Definitely still interested. I was flipping through the pages before I started writing this post.
Sophia, you might like this one! “It is a psychology of women in the truest sense”. Confession time. I was planning to donate this book without having read it. My friend’s mom gave it to me when she was moving. And I judged the book by it’s title. Now, I’m finally reading the goodreads description haha.
Verdict: Interested!
Well, I was a young and ambitious student 😉 . Yes, that is War and Peace. In Italian. smh. I bought this book one night while strolling through Palermo. It was 5 Euro!
Verdict: Still interested. Not in this copy though haha. I’m keeping it but I need to buy an English version.
I bought this book right after I finished reading The Stranger. That was a great little novel and I was eager to read more by Camus. And then as luck should have it, I found this book at my library’s bookstore.
Verdict: Interested!
I am also low-key obsessed with the Kennedy’s. It took me years to find this book. And it’s been years since I bought it. It is a highly-detailed account of President Kennedy’s assassination and the days following it. Please don’t judge me by this book’s condition! It looked like this when I bought it.
Verdict: Insanely interested. Haven’t gotten around to it because it’s a looong read.
I found this book at a bus stop! It’s a bit of a home-ec guide. There’s things inside like “how to make your own jam”, “how to tie a tie” and “how to waltz”. It’s pretty cool, from what I’ve seen.
Verdict: Interested. I don’t think it’s one of those books you actually have to sit and read. It’s a guide. I should acquaint myself with the subjects it covers though.
My friend gave me this book haha. Her boss gave her this book and another. She kept the other. It’s a self-help book. That’s all I know about it.
Verdict: Not interested. But maybe one day I will be?
I bought this book only a few days ago. Since I haven’t mentioned it before, I figured it should go on this list. Now, I have seen the movie adaptation. But I didn’t even know it was based on a book until The Cozy Pages did a post on this books various covers not too long ago. (I’m not a fan of this cover though! 😦 )
Verdict: Interested! I kind of love the movie.
Another book I recently bought. My friend owns a copy and wants us to read it together.
Verdict: Hesitatingly interested. I’ve seen the movie but I didn’t really like it?
* I should mention that I did leave some books out. Ethnographies, school texts, stuff like that *
I TAG: Anyone and Everyone that wants to participate!
You know, as I was digging through my books I realized there are a few that I know I read, but could not remember one single detail about. That will probably be a post for another day haha.
“Mystery Blogger Award” is an award for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts. Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates. They are one of the best out there, and they deserve every recognition they get. This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging; and they do it with so much love and passion.
– Okoto Enigma
THE RULES
Put the award/logo image on your blog
List the rules
Thank whoever nominated you and provide a link to their blog
Mention the creator of the award and provide a link as well
Tell your readers 3 things about yourself and answer the questions provided by your nominator
Nominate 10-20 people for the award
Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog
Ask your nominees any 5 questions of your choice, with 1 weird or funny question (specify)
Share a link to your best post(s)
LETS TALK ABOUT ME
1) I like to sniff things. No, not drugs or anything like that. I pick things up and smell them. (So yes, I am familiar with the smell of various books).
If you hand me a piece of paper, I will sniff it. If I pick up a rock? Sniff. It’s weird, I know. I like to think I do it because my sense of smell is strong haha.
2) I had a dream journal phase. Dreams have always fascinated me. Nobody really knows the reason we dream. And for the longest time, I could never remember my own. Sometimes I would wake up scared, or crying, and I had no memory of why. I read somewhere that writing down what you did remember of your dream, no matter how small, would eventually help you recall more details. So for 2-3 years I kept tabs on them. I went from remembering absolutely nothing to instances where I could recollect multiple dreams from one night. Then I quit. 😕 My dreams were kind of violent and scary. Oftentimes, depressing. I still have that journal. But ignorance is bliss, I guess.
3) I have a small penny collection. I collect wheat pennies which are the really old pennies that look like this:
Some are highly valued (mine aren’t haha). A lot of them were produced so they’re pretty easy to find if you really look for them.
FRANKIE’SQUESTIONS FOR ME:
1. If you could only read either the beginning of a book for the rest of your life, or the end of a book for the rest of your life, which would you pick and why?
I think I would go with reading the beginning of the book. I can always make up my own ending. Right? Although knowing me, this would annoy me like no other. I need closure haha.
2. Recommend me books with titles that start with the first letter of each letter in your name. (For ex: five letters in your name equals five book recs)
Okay this one was incredibly tough. I have a Y and a Z in my name! I was going to make it easy on myself and use my actual name, Susan. But I like a challenge. So here we go. (The links go to their Goodreads page).
3. Do you think there are any cons, or negative effects, of being an avid reader? Please explain your answer either way.
Negative effects? Nope! Impossible! Um how about a quote?
Books can do many things, but not everything. We have to live the important things, not read them.
– Nina George, The Little Paris Bookshop
I have noticed that by prioritizing my reading I have less of a social life. Not that I was a social butterfly before. But I just have less time to go out and about in the world.
4. How often do you post on your blog? And do you have a posting schedule/plan?
I post 2-3 times a week. I alternate between a Tuesday/Friday schedule and a Monday/Wednesday/Friday schedule.
Monday is a TBR book.
Tuesday/Wednesday a reading challenge book
Friday a NancyDrew book
5. (Weird/Funny Question) What’s the strangest place you’ve ever taken a book with you?
The bathroom probably. Although I think it’s fairly common amongst bookworms… ?
So… I never thought I would make a post like this because frankly, I don’t spend a lot of time buying books. It’s pretty rare actually. I am always at the library borrowing books. Physical, electronic, and audio. Seriously, I love my local library. It has some amazing resources to feed my reading addiction.
Anyway spending $20 on a book I can get for free at the library isn’t a Sophie’s Choice type of situation. Those $20 can go to my groceries. Besides, I have absolutely zero room. The books I already own are stored in boxes.
Then I discovered my library’s used bookstore. Every once in a while, I would stroll in and buy one book. Maybe two. But lately, my friend has gotten into reading and wants to build up her little library at home. Hallelujah! Which means, I had to show her the ropes when it came to bargain shopping for books. So the past two weeks have been a book buying whirlwind!
I bought all of these books for about $20-$25 dollars. That’s the price I would have paid for one book at my local indie bookstore!
I paid $3 for this at a Goodwill Bookstore. $3!! And I actually bought this a few days ago on what would have been Maya Angelou’s 90th birthday, April 4th. Kismet?
Vida Winter is a reclusive author who has made up life histories for herself. As she begins to ail, she decides to finally tell the true story of her life. I’ve seen a lot of mixed reviews on this one. But the premise is interesting. And it’s supposed to be a love letter to reading so I’m willing to give it a try.
In this memoir Alice Sebold recounts her brutal rape and all of its horrid aftermath. This book was recently added to my TBR when Online Offal posted about it not too long ago. In these times, it seems like a pertinent read.
A novel about two best friends who meet in the summer of 1977. A look at a friendship through the years. My friend chose this book for me. It seems right up my alley and it was only $1 at a Salvation Army thrift store. So sure, why not give it a read.
In 1843, Grace Marks is found guilty of murder. But she has no recollection of the events. A mental health expert is tasked with helping her unlock those hidden memories.
The Netflix show convinced me to get this book. I thought the show was great so I can only imagine how amazing the book must be!
A look at a group of female African-American women that helped the space program get launched. Haven’t read the book or seen the movie. *ducks for cover* I know, it’s about time I get to it.
About a married couple who go to a dinner next door. Some kind of crime occurs which leads to secrets being told and the “unraveling of a family”. This has been on my TBR for a while now.
A woman has a brief affair with a man. Then he and his family end up dead. And this woman’s own family may be in danger.
My friend actually bought this book haha. But the premise caught my attention. So I kept it. In all fairness, I should mention that we traded books. I let her keep my $2 copy of The Nightingale. Aka one of my favorite books!! (St. Peter I hope you remember my unselfish deed).
Three Australian girls become pen pals with guys from another school. The story is told through letters, email, etc.
A $1 impulse buy *shrugs shoulders*
The Sound and the Furyby William Faulkner A story about the formerly Aristocratic family, the Compson’s. Told using various narrative styles. I’ve been wanting to read this for a while now. I think I’ll be getting to it soon. Hopefully.
Written by the woman who ghost-wrote the original Nancy Drew stories! And as a former Girl Scout, I had to buy it. It has only 3 ratings on Goodreads, no reviews.
A self-help book dealing with the law of attraction. My two-year old picked this out for me haha. She has great taste when it comes to picking out her own books. So I trust her judgment. Although all the bad reviews on Goodreads is making me hesitate.
I remember reading LadySusan before and not liking it a lot. But I did need this book for my Jane Austen collection. A $1 buy from my library’s used bookstore.
🎉 This is my first blogging award. Ever. So I’m pretty excited right now. A big THANK YOU to Catherine @ This is One for the Books for the nomination!!
THERULES
If you are nominated, you’ve been awarded the Versatile Blogger Award
Thank the person who gave you this award
Include a link to their blog
Select 15 blogs/bloggers that you’ve recently discovered or follow regularly
Finally, tell the person who nominated you 7 things about yourself
LETS TALK ABOUT ME
1)I created my blog while I was watching Casablanca. Hence the name. It’s inspired by one of Bogey’s lines in the movie:
2) I am not tech savvy. At all. Which is why my blog is as basic as it can be. Honestly, some days I can barely work my phone. So if any of you techy people want to help a girl out, I would really appreciate it! ☺
3) When I was in college I studied abroad in Italy for about 4 months.
Siena, Italy
It was the first time I had ever been on a plane (sort of), left the country (again, sort of) and traveled anywhere by myself. It is to this day one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done in my life.
4) When I was almost 2 years old I was briefly kidnapped in an airport. My sister was the one who first told me this story. I didn’t believe her though. I thought she was just being a mean older sibling. A few years later, I overheard my mom telling one of her friends the story, and I realized that my sister had not lied to me after all. Apparently a man grabbed me from my mom’s arms and proceeded to run away with me. He sat me down next to a group of kids as he got ready to board a flight with me (this was the early 90’s, so pre-TSA). My mom had chased after the guy, so she quickly found me and rescued me. Who knows where I would be now if my mom’s momma bear instincts hadn’t kicked in.
5) Classics are my jam. I like classic books, movies, tv shows, music, etc. I don’t know. There’s something about old things that draws me in.
6) I like spoilers.
I do not mind them one bit. In books, movies, whatever. Chances are that by the time I get to said book or movie, I will have forgotten what the spoiler was. And if I haven’t, then it’s something I can look forward to. Sometimes the spoilers are what get me interested in a book or movie in the first place.
7) A bookish confession. *takes a deep breath* When I was in middle school I read the first Harry Potter book and didn’t like it *immediately ducks for cover* The movies on the other hand, I loved. It wasn’t until after I graduated from college that I decided to sit down and give the series another try. Now I love Harry Potter and understand the hype. I appreciate the magical world that JK Rowling created.
Ah! Seriously harder than I thought it would be! I want to thank Catherine once again and encourage everyone to check out her fabulous blog! Her latest post was on Literary Themed Restaurants Around the World. Yeah. I said her blog was fabulous!! 😉
UGGGH! *bangs head against wall* That’s it. That’s my review. [3*]
Whoo!! Yes!! My Bookish Giveaway win came through!! Because let me tell you, Willowdean is my homegirl! Loved her humor. Loved her sense of being. Loved loved loved her. Also, um, hello Bo 😉 [5*]
) 
A memoir unlike any I’ve ever read or listened to before. Mailhot talks about her experience as a Native American woman and her mental illness. An unexpectedly poetic style. Took a bit of getting used to. But a nice experience. Even though the subject matter was a bit tough at times. [3*]
Three semi-finished manuscripts. Lady Susan is written in epistolary form and has an evil MC. The Watsons gave me Northanger Abbey and Mansfield Park vibes. Sanditon has a half-mulatto character. The most diversity I’ve ever encountered in a Jane Austen novel. It would have been interesting to see what she did with the character. [3*]
I got an ARC through First to Read and I am forever thankful because I devoured this book! Esme is a strong, single mother who takes every opportunity offered to better herself and provide for her family. Adored her. And I absolutely swooned over Khai. Full Review To Come 😉
