The Mid-Year Freakout Tag

The Mid-Year Freakout Tag is an annual tradition in the "BookTube" world where people make videos to do a mid-year summary of what they've read so far. Basically, ending with everyone freaking out realizing that the year is half over and no one has read all of the books they intended to so far.

Oddly enough, I never did this tag when I made YouTube videos. But, when I saw it floating around lately and I needed a blog post for this week... I thought it would be fun to give it a go!

Original Creators:

Chami from ReadLikeWIldfire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03gz6...

Ely from Earl Grey Books: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_Wh0...

Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

QUESTIONS:

1. Best book you’ve read so far this year?

UGH. You had to start with the hardest question? Really? I've read so many good ones! How do I pick?????

I'll instead, share my favorites from each month. Because I can't pick only one and YOU CAN'T MAKE ME.

January- Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kauffman (YA Science-Fiction)

February- An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole (Historical Romance)

March- Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi (YA Fantasy)

April- A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare (Historical Romance)

May- The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross (YA Fantasy)

June- Song of Blood and Stone by L. Penelope (Fantasy/Romance)

July - the month isn't over so you'll have to wait and see!

2. Best sequel you've read so far this year?

That's another tough one! But, I do have to say I'm still thinking about and loving Tessa Ever After by Brighton Walsh which is the second book in her Reluctant Hearts series. It's my favorite out of all four and I'm IN LOVE with Jason!

3. New release you haven't read yet, but want to?

Way to make me feel guilty cause... there's so many!

Right now, I'm really wanting to dig into Dread Nation by Justina Ireland. It was a Kindle Daily Deal recently so I have it sitting on my iPad waiting for me. I also have Chloe Neill's most recent novella, Slaying It on my iPad, as well as Charlie N Holmberg's newest book, Veins of Gold.

So many books - so little time.

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year?

Well... considering I'm reading one Throne of Glass book per month leading up to the release of the final book, Kingdom of Ash, at the end of October... it's safe to say that's my most highly anticipated book this year. 

But some others I'm excited for...

• Wild Hunger by Chloe Neill (Urban Fantasy) 
• What if it's Us? by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera (YA Contemporary)
• Lethal White by Robert Galbraith (JK Rowling) (Mystery)
• Catwoman:  Soul Stealer by Sarah J Maas (YA Fantasy/SciFi),
• Jack of Hearts and Other Parts by Lev AC Rosen (YA Contemporary)
• Vengeful by VE Schwab (Sci-Fi) 
• A Duke by Default by Alyssa Cole (Contemporary Romance) 
• The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee (YA Historical/Fantasy)

5. Biggest disappointment?

People are probably going to hate me for this one... but The Cruel Prince by Holly Black (YA Fantasy). I was super curious about this book, and SO MANY people were gushing and raving about it. But... I don't know! It didn't grab me. I read maybe the first 50 pages or so and I didn't care about the characters or plot. So, I didn't finish it. 

6. Biggest surprise?

I definitely have to say the The Queen's Rising was the biggest surprise! A friend of mine read it and messaged me saying I HAD to read it too. I'd seen it around and had a feeling I'd enjoy it. But I loved it SO MUCH MORE than I ever anticipated! I need the next one immediately. But sadly... I have to wait until March of 2019. 

Also, isn't that cover gorgeous?

7. Favorite new author (debut or new to you)?

This is another tough one. I've read a lot of debut fantasy authors the last couple of months, and they are all KILLING IT. I've not just been enjoying their books, but LOVING them. The Poppy War by RF Kuang, Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse, Song of Blood and Stone by L. Penelope, Children of Blood and Stone by Tomi Adeymei, and of course The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross. I want to read all of the books these authors write!

But I also am reading my first Morgan Matson book (YA contemporary) and it is completely delightful and I understand why everyone loves her so much! I've discovered Tessa Dare who writes historical romance and can't wait to keep going with her books. Then Alyssa Cole who's written both historical and contemporary romance has also become a favorite!

8. Newest fictional crush?

Ooooooo well there's so many to pick from...

I really loved James from Fortune's Flower by Anetha Lawson. He was like a 19th century Indiana Jones! What's not to love?

I'm still crushing on Jason from Tessa Ever After by Brighton Walsh. How can I not with a guy who'll dress up for tea parties for his love interests daughter? Swoon.

Then, I just finished The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal and Elma's husband is THE BEST. I would totally marry a man like him. They are the ultimate #relationshipgoals. 

9. Newest favorite character?

I guess I need to accept the fact that ALL of these questions are hard... It's just that I've read 57 books so far this year. So... that's a lot of characters to pick from. That being said:

I really loved Grimm from Dreamer's Pool by Juliet Mariller. He's slightly terrifying while also being a big teddy bear and I want to give him a hug and tell him everything is going to be okay. 

Rin from The Poppy War by RF Kuang was strong and stubborn and I loved her.

Xandra from God Save the Queen by Kate Locke is a total bad ass and I love her dedication to her family.

The vampire Constantine from Sunshine by Robin McKinley I'm completely fascinated by and I wish there was a sequel.

I'm currently reading Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson and I am LOVING Emily and Frank. They're both adorable!

10. Book that made you cry?

Okay, this question was hard because once I thought about it, there weren't many books from this year which have been sad or made me super emotional so far. (Other than some re-reads, but I want to talk about new books I've read.)

The ending of Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse (Urban Fantasy) kind of gutted me!

While A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J Maas (New Adult Fantasy) was not her best, there were moments that totally broke my heart!

Then, Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman (YA Sci-Fi) definitely had some tear jerker moments!

11. Book that made you happy?

So many!

New Heights by Quinn Anderson (Contemporary Romance) had me grinning from ear to ear from page one!

A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare (Historical Romance) was literally laugh out loud funny!

The Plastic Magician by Charlie N Holmberg (New Adult Fantasy) made me SUPER happy because her Paper Magician trilogy is one of my favorites and I loved going back to that world and seeing guest appearances from those characters!

12. Favorite book-to-film adaptation you saw this year?

LOVE, SIMON WHICH WAS BASED ON SIMON VS THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA BY BECKY ALBERTALLI! OBVIOUSLY.

Granted... it's the only adaptation I've seen this year. But it was still very well done and will always be number one in my eyes. 

13. Favorite video you have done so far in this year?

Considering I haven't made any videos and only written blogs this year.... I'm really proud of my Flash Fiction series. I haven't been keeping up with it as much as I'd like, but what I have done I think is really good. 

14. Most beautiful book you've bought so far this year (or received)?

The Children of Blood and Bone cover is fantastic! 

Shadowsong is just lovely.

I LOVE the new cover for Vicious.

15. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?

Too many... You don't even want to know how many books I have sitting unread on my Kindle app! But here's my top priority books:

• Dumplin' by Julie Murphy (YA Contemporary)
• Ghost Rebellion by Pip Ballentine and Tee Morris (Steampunk)
• The Autumn Throne by Elizabeth Chadwick (Historical)
• An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir (YA Fantasy)
• The Burning World by Issac Marion (Zombies)

Anyone else have reading goals they've made this year? Are you accomplishing them? What have been some of your favorite books so far? What are you excited to read in the last half of the year?

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Books Worth a Re-Read

I am a huge fan of re-reading books. Granted - I read faster than most and average about 6-10 books a month. So... I can afford to slip in a re-read here and there. I love being able to revisit favorite characters and stories. Many times I end up noticing things I didn't before and appreciate the work and detail the author puts into the book. 

Here's some of my favorites to read over and over again!

The Night Circus* by Erin Morgenstern

This is one of my all time favorite books. After Harry Potter, it's The Night Circus. Which means, this book and I are in a very committed long-term relationship. Ever since I first read it, I've re-read it at least once a year. There are so many nuances and details that you end up missing the first time around, and I've had friends who when they read it the first time they liked it. But then when they read it a second time they loved it even more because they were able to see more threads and how the magic and the competition worked. So, I always encourage people that if they are able, give it a re-read. 

Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda* by Becky Albertalli

Again - another all time favorite book. I could read it a million times and never grow tired. The reason I'm adding to the list though is not just because of my personal preference. I loved it the first time around, following Simon's journey to figuring out who Blue was. Then, maybe a few hours after I finished, I started to read it a second time. It was SO FUN to go back and see all of the clues as to who Blue was! 

Any Favorite Series

I'm not giving a specific book series for this because everyone has their own favorite! Lately, I've been re-reading the Throne of Glass* series by Sarah J Maas leading up to the release of the final book in October. It's been so awesome to go back to the start and I am picking up on SO MANY little details and clues I missed before. Hints at characters to come, plot lines, world building elements, etc. This has happened for me with many book series and I think if you find one you really love, it's 100% worth going back and reading them again because you can see everything from a big picture point of view and see all of the threads and elements which were being built up from page one book one that you may have missed the first time around. 

Pick a Different Format

Again, this isn't a specific book. But, I've found that sometimes I like to re-read a book, but choose a new format. If I read the physical book the first time, maybe the second time I'll listen via audio. Or vise versa. When I first tried the Kate Daniels* series by Illona Andrews I listened to the first book via audio. I was not a big fan. It was okay... but not great. But, friends kept on saying how awesome the series was! So, I tried it again, but this time as a physical book. It was so much better! 

Or, other times I loved the book the first time around, but want to experience it in a new way. A classic example would be Harry Potter*. I've read all seven via the physical book, but the audio is fantastic and fun to listen to as well! I also have read the book Illuminae* by Jay Kristoff and Amy Kaufman via the hardcover physical book, but the audio has a full cast and some other elements which the physical book does not have. (And vise versa.) So, I know at some point I'm going to read it again, but this time via audio.

My Lady's Choosing* by Kitty Curran and Larissa Zageris

This book is a new discovery for me and it is SO MUCH FUN! If you like romance - you need this book in your life! 

It's a pick your own adventure romance novel. Yeah. Just like when you were a kid - only with smut. So... not just like when you were a kid... please don't let your kids read this book.

First, it's hilarious. It takes all of the romance tropes we're overly familiar with but pokes fun at them. (So, even if you aren't a fan of smut, you still might like it because it makes fun of all of that!) I was laughing out loud as I read!

When I sat down to read this book I chose one path and followed it, with the intention of going back later to pick another path and see where it went when I was done. I figured each story line had maybe 2 or 3 different endings. WRONG. Each story line had AT LEAST 3 different directions they could go - and went in VASTLY different ways. (And yes, there are options for a female/female relationship too!) I thought I could breeze through it in one evening. Nope. 

This is a book where you want to read it over and over again - because it will take you a long time to find each scenario and path. I can see this as a book I keep and when I need a palette cleanser or something fun to read really quick, and picking it up and choosing a new direction each time. Trust me, it'll last you awhile!

Holiday or Seasonal Books

Like many people, I have my favorite movies I watch every holiday season. But, I also have started a small collection of books I'll read each year too! Particularly if they are on the shorter side of things. Some of my favorites are A Christmas Carol* by Charles Dickens, My True Love Gave to Me* edited by Stephanie Perkins,  and Dash and Lily's Book of Dares* by Rachel Cohen and David Levithan. 

But it doesn't have to be just December or winter holidays! Maybe there's a book that always puts you in the mood for summer, or you have favorite spooky reads for when Halloween comes around. 

What are some of your favorite books that you could read over and over again?

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Like what you read? Consider buying me a coffee.

And if you're ready to buy books...* (Good through July 18)

10% Off Your Order with Code AFFJULY

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June Reading Round-Up

June's reads were full of fantasy! Which, fantasy is usually a staple in my reading lists as it is. But this month I read almost exclusively fantasy. (With a couple of contemporary romance novellas in honor of Pride this month.) Particularly of the epic variety! 

Some notes on how I do wrap ups:  I rate books on a 1-5 star scale. (1= worst book ever why did I read this?; 2= did not enjoy; 3= this was good!; 4= I really liked it! 5= OMG LOVED THIS IT'S THE BEST EVER!) For the most part, you're going to see 3-5 star ratings from me and not a lot of negative simply because if I don't like a book, I'm not going to finish it.

*This post contains affiliated links. 

Song of Blood and Stone (Earthsinger Chronicles #1) by L. Penelope

• Genre: Fantasy Romance (Own Voices)
• Format:  Library Hardcover
• Rating:  4.5 Stars

Quick Summary:  When ruthless soldiers take shelter in Jasminda's home, she falls for one of the spies, Jack. Together they escape captors and save their homeland, Elsira. 

This book was somewhat on my radar and one day as I was picking up a hold from the library, I saw it on the new releases shelf and figured "why not?" Coincidentally, my friend Caitlin (BookChats on YouTube) recently picked it up from her library as well so we did a buddy read. Oh goodness! Both of us are OBSESSED.

Song of Blood and Stone definitely is a romance and has some of the same beats as others in the genre, but if you aren't a fan of romance don't fear - there is a great balance of the romance and the fantasy elements so you'll really enjoy it still! There's magic, adventure, a quest, royalty, secrets, plot twists - all of those things you want in an epic fantasy! The romance was wonderful, and I loved Jack and Jasminda. (There was one moment where Jack was slightly too possessive for my taste, but it was resolved well. I just hope it doesn't become a recurring thing in future books.) But, then you also have a lot of themes about black lives matter, refugees, family, and duty that really ring true. Particularly in the world today.

What makes things really interesting is that L. Penelope originally was a self-published author. She has some paranormal romance books (which I'm picking up ASAP) and then this one was picked up by a publisher, they edited it, then re-released it. So, if you see reviews from a few years ago - that was when this was self published. A lot has changed since then!

Now, I'm eagerly waiting the second book - but Goodreads doesn't have a release date yet! When is it coming out?????

You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  Romance, fantasy, African culture inspired fantasy, Black Lives Matter, secret relationships, royalty, independent female characters, inner-racial relationships

Trigger warnings:  On page sexual assault, violence (against adults and children), loss of parents, war, racism

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The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of her Own Making (Fairyland #1) by Catherynne M. Valente (Re-Read)

• Genre:  Middle Grade Fantasy
• Format:  ebook
• Rating:  3.5 Stars

Quick Summary:  September is taken away by the Green Wind to Fairyland where danger and adventure awaits.

I read The Girl Who Circumnavigated... a couple of years ago because a friend of mine, (My Name is Marines on YouTube) LOVED it and gave me a recommendation. I know a ton of other people love this series as well. I liked it the first time around, but didn't love it. Then, another friend of mine a few weeks ago invited me to join our local library's book club and this was their pick for June. I said I'd give it a go. I liked it a lot more this time around! Maybe the first time I was in a weird mood? Who knows. But, I definitely see more of why so many people have been raving about this series.

It's so whimsical, September is strong and courageous while still being real, all of the characters are fun and unique (there's a wyvern who is actually a library), and I loved all of the author's plays on words and the thoughts about children, being courageous, losing your heart (and whether or not children have one!), and growing up. 

You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  The Chronicles of Narnia, The Wizard of Oz, and other books about children running away to magical lands, whimsy, fantasy, middle grade, adventure, 

Trigger warnings:

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The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang

• Genre:  Epic Fantasy (Own Voices)
• Format:  Library Hard Cover
• Rating:  5 Stars

Quick Summary:  Against all odds, Rin gains acceptance to the most elite military school in the country, is chosen by one of the gods, and must save her people. 

Oh this book was so fantastic! Everyone has been raving about this book and with good reason! 

Poppy War could have gone the Harry Potter route where Rin goes to school and each book covers one year of her time there. But, it didn't. The first half or so is when Rin is preparing to go the school and when she's there. Her school years somewhat are crammed together, but it doesn't feel rushed at all. Then the second half is focused on her time in the military during the war. 

Rin is such a headstrong and driven character - almost to a fault, and I love seeing the pros and cons to this aspect of her personality. The use of magic was unique and something you as the reader need to grapple with on how "moral" it is (Drugs... basically. Which I enjoyed that inner struggle, at least for myself. It made me think about the book more than I would have otherwise.) The other characters were complex and interesting. The world was intense. 

It took me longer to read this book than I anticipated, and it's not necessarily a fast read. But once I had the opportunity to sit and dig deep, I couldn't put it down!

You'll like this book if you also enjoy: Mulan... but A LOT darker, low fantasy, Chinese history, Chinese folklore, academy settings, military and war stories, feminism

Trigger warnings:  drug use and abuse, violence, sexual assault, rape, torture, child abuse,... basically ALL the trigger warnings. 

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Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3) by Sarah J Maas (Re-Read)

• Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
• Format:  Hardcover
• Rating: 5 Stars

Quick Summary:  Celeana travels to a new land to confront the truth of her heritage. 

Continuing on with my Throne of Glass re-read before the final book in October!

Heir of Fire is one of my favorites of the series. We get introduced to awesome new characters. (Hey there, Rowan and Mannon.) We learn more about Celeana's past, and I love the journey Dorian starts on. As I was re-reading HoF, I realized that Sarah J Maas excels at writing books about emotional recovery. 

In the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, the best book is the second one where Feyre is struggling with PTSD, depression, and getting out of an abusive relationship. The heart of the book is her recovery and coming out stronger in the end. I would say HoF is similar in this way. Celeana is at one of her all time lowest points emotionally at the start of the book after all which has happened in the previous books. The heart of her journey in HoF is learning to face her inner demons and come out stronger at the end. Which is why it's one of my favorites.

Also- Mannon, witches, and wyvrns. The first time I read this book I was like "who are these witches and why do I care" but now I'm all "MANNON IS MY QUEEN."

You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  epic fantasy, witches, dragons (wyvrns to be specific), the other Throne of Glass books, stories about someone learning to use magic

Trigger warnings:  PTSD, demon posession, violence, abuse

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Fearless by Shira Glassman

• Genre: Contemporary Romance Short Story
• Format:  ebook
• Rating: 3.5 Stars

Quick Summary:  A band mom falls for the high school's orchestra director. 

I realized about half way through the month I hadn't read anything in honor of Pride and I felt like a terribly ally. So, I found some novellas to read.

This one was cute! It gave me high school band flashbacks, but I loved that it was about the adult chaperones and not the students. It just felt a bit rushed at times. 

You'll like this book if you also enjoy: contemporary romance, F/F relationships, sweet/clean romance, novellas, snowed in plots, single moms

Trigger warnings: none I can think of? Being stranded in a hotel during a blizzard?

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Knit One, Girl Two by Shira Glassman

• Genre: Contemporary Romance Short Story
• Format:  ebook
• Rating: 4 Stars

Quick Summary:  Knitter Clara teams up with local artist, Danielle, for a yarn project. Romance ensues!

I liked this one even more! It's the same author as Fearless and too cute! It didn't feel as rushed, but still would have loved even more!

You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  knitting, F/F relationships, own voices, cats, artists, sweet/clean romance, contemporary romance, novellas

Trigger warnings:  Again... none I can think of. Identity theft?

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New Heights by Quinn Anderson

• Genre: Contemporary Romance Novella
• Format:  ebook
• Rating: 5 Stars

Quick Summary: Opposites attract when two men meet at an airport and their flight is delayed.

And the novellas just kept getting better! This couple was so cute, I thought I was going to die. It was this great setting of being trapped in an airport due to delayed flights, opposites attract, prank war, and romance. I was rooting for them and shipping them before they even met! It was also longer than the other novellas, so it didn't feel quite as rushed. It was the perfect length.

You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  airports, opposites attract, M/M relationships, prank wars, hate to love

Trigger warnings:  Again... none really unless you have PTSD from delayed flights.

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Currently Reading:

Dreamer's Pool (Blackthorn and Grimm #1) by Juliet Mariller

• Genre: Epic Fantasy
• Format:  mass market paperback
• Rating: 4.5-5 stars as of right now, unless something drastically changes in the next 100 or so pages.

Quick Summary: Blackthorn gets a chance at a new life as a healer and teams with one of her prison-mates. 

I was sucked into this book from the first chapter! The main character, Blackthorn, is so fierce! I don't always connect with characters whose main motivation is revenge, but she comes from it more from a justice perspective which I really liked. Then Grimm is one of those big terrifying criminal type of characters, but at the same time you just want to give him a hug and tell him everything is going to be okay. Oran was my least favorite point of view character. Which was odd because he was one of those "I'm a prince but I'm also a hopeless romantic and a genuinely good guy who wants to do good for my people" types. But, was a tad over the top for me where he kind of felt like an idiot. Yet, I was never not rooting for him. So, there's that. 

A lot of this book focuses on women's rights and rape culture which was hard to read at times, but I think was very well done. 

Unless something goes terribly wrong in the last 100 pages or so, I'll for sure be wanting to pick up the next book!

You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  Irish Folklore, Fae, Healers, fantasy that feels more historical, multiple POVs

Trigger warnings:  (As of the first 300 pages, most of these are off page but definitely talked about, sometimes in detail) rape, violence, torture, loss of spouse and child, prison

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12 Audio Books for Your Next Road Trip

First - an announcement! I decided to start sharing my short stories on WattPad! I'll publish my flash fiction here on the blog first. But then I'll share them to WattPad. It's a great place to post and read fiction and I'm really excited to build a platform there! You can follow me by clicking here. 

Long ago (so like... a few months), I was a part of a thing called Booktube. Basically... people on YouTube who talked about books. I burned out on it a bit and that was when I switched back to blogging, which has been good for me. But, some of my friends host Monthly Recommendations on Goodreads where each month there is a topic and people share their recs for said topic. It's open to people who blog too and I realized the other day... there is literally zero reason why I can't still participate in Monthly Recs here on the blog. 

So... here I am!

This month we're talking about favorite audio books. Which is perfect because I associate audio books with travel and driving, and what better time than summer to be planning what you'll listen to on your next road trip? When I had a longer commute to work, I realized it was a ton of wasted reading time so I started to listen to audio books and podcasts. I loved it! My commute for work these days is much shorter, so I mainly listen to podcasts now because they're faster to get through. But I still download audio books to my phone here and there. It's such a great opportunity to experience a book in a different way. 

You absolutely don't need to be in the car or on a road trip when listening to books - of course. That's simply my favorite way. Even when I'm road tripping with friends and family, sometimes it's fun to have an audio book to listen to along the way. Once, I listened to an audio book when I had to fly and it was completely delightful because the whole trip I could close my eyes, shut out the world, and listen to my book.

I have a lot of friends as new moms love to listen to audio books because it's the easiest way for them to read while taking care of their baby, some people listen while working out, other while doing things around the house, etc. 

The Night Circus written by Erin Morgenstern, Narrated by Jim Dale

• Genre: Historical Fantasy
• Length: 13 hours 39 min

This is one of my favorite books of all time - so it must go at the top of the list. Jim Dale is also the narrator for the Harry Potter books (which, you should listen to those as well if you haven't yet because it brings the books to life n a whole new way!) and he's the absolute perfect person to narrate The Night Circus. 

It is a book full of magic, romance, mystery, and everything that is beautiful and wonderful in this world. This book follows two magicians who, since childhood, are pitted against one another in a magic competition where a circus which only opens at night is the arena. If there is only one audio book you ever listen to, make it this one. 

The only hitch is that the narration does go back and forth between years and locations, so be sure you're paying attention at the start of each chapter so you know what year and location you are in.

Neil Patrick Harris:  Choose Your Own Autobiography written and narrated by Neil Patrick Harris

• Genre: Autobiography/Memoir
• Length:  7 hours 15 minutes

Some of my favorite audio books are memoirs which are narrated by the authors. In fact, I read celebrity memoirs almost exclusively as audio books because I love feeling like I'm sitting down and hanging out with the author as they tell me their life story. 

I loved Neil Patrick Harris' memoir! It's a bit tricky to listen to because it's set up as a "choose your own adventure book" where you do the "to pick this ending jump ahead to..." sort of thing. Which, this is still an option in the audio book if you aren't driving and have your hands available to skip around to different pages and chapters. However, it still totally works and makes sense if you don't because you can listen to it straight through and hear all of the alternate endings of the chapters. 

He also has exclusive audio clips in the audio book you can't get in the regular book, so that's pretty awesome as well.

A Madness So Discreet written by Mindy McGinnis, narrated by Brittany Pressley

• Genre:  Young Adult Historical
• Length:  9 hours 34 minutes

When I talk about books by Mindy McGinnis, I always want to remind you to not let the "young adult" label turn you away from her work if you aren't a fan of YA. Yes, it is a YA book. But, a majority of her fan base are adults and her books don't always have the same tone of other YA's. They're very gritty and deal with some intense topics. (Not that other YA books don't, but it's slightly different with Mindy's books.)

This was the book I listened to on an airplane a couple of years back. It was the day after the election and usually I enjoy flying, but that day I just wasn't in the mood for dealing with people. This book was the perfect solution. I loved closing my eyes and letting the narrator take me away with the story. (Also, the subject matter and story was kind of perfect for how I was feeling that day. So, if you were like me a pretty sad that day, this book is for you!) A Madness So Discreet is still one of my favorites by Mindy McGinnis. I wish she would write a sequel so badly!

The Paper Magician Trilogy by Charlie N Holmberg, narrated by Amy McFadden

• Genre: New Adult Historical Fantasy
• Length:  7 hours 25 minutes (the first book- The Paper Magician)

When I first read The Paper Magician series it was via audio book and I was so into the final book, I switched back and forth between the audio and the Kindle version so I could keep reading no matter what. But, switching to the "regular" book was weird after listening to the audio for so long! Not that the "regular" book was bad, it wasn't at all! I think it just shows what a great narrator Amy McFadden was for the series!

This trilogy is my favorite of all of Holmberg's books, and I loved the spin-off as well. It's fun, magical, sweet, but also has some dark twsists that I loved! Also, I've heard Disney has picked up these books so... I say get on the train!

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz, narrated by Lin-Manuel Miranda

• Genre:  Young Adult Historical (Technically it's historical... it takes place in the late 1980s)
• Length:  7 hours 29 minutes 

The first time I read this book, I read it via a "regular" paper back and completely fell in love. It's another one where yes it's young adult, but I firmly believe that even if you don't typically like young adult you'll like this book. It's beautiful, heartfelt, honest, and the characters are some of my favorites. It totally deserves all of the awards it was given!

Then... I heard Lin-Manuel Miranda narrated the audio version. Naturally, I checked it out of my library and listened.

If Lin-Manuel Miranda doesn't convince you to listen, I don't know what will. 

Binge written and narrated by Tyler Oakley

• Genre:  Autobiography/Memoir
• Length:  7 hours 16 minutes

I adore Tyler Oakley and love his videos and his podcast. So, when he released a memoir I was all over it. I went back and forth between the hardcover and the audio and both were great! I loved his stories (even if some of them made me feel like a concerned parent and I was like "please be careful and make good and safe life choices...") and getting a deeper insight into his life. 

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, narrated by Rosamund Pike

• Genre:  Classic
• Length:  11 hours 35 minutes

Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite classic novels! I've seen nearly every adaptation roughly a million times. When I saw Audible had a narration by Rosamund Pike (she was Jane in the 2005 movie) I was all over it! I loved how she told the story and really nailed each character! Sometimes it's odd hearing a female voice read a male character, but with her when she did the men's dialogue it wasn't weird at all! 

There are times when it is hard for me to read classic novels because the writing style is so much different than what authors use today, so audio books can help with that!

The Selection series by Kierra Cass, narrated by Amy Rubinate

• Genre:  Young Adult Romance/Dystopian
• Length:  8 hours 7 minutes (the first book- The Selection)

Now, The Selection series, it is completely 100% young adult. If you don't like fluffy YA that takes place in a dystopian America and is basically The Bachelor with royal teenagers filled with love triangles and drama - you can pass on this one.

But if that sounds appealing to you, you'll LOVE The Selection. A friend of mine read it a few years ago and told me to read it and to text her all of my reactions because she thought they would be funny. I had so many feelings and reactions to these books, and it was 100% filled with fun. I listened to all three on audio and enjoyed every moment. 

Shades of Milk and Honey written and narrated by Mary Robinette Kowal

• Genre:  Historical Fantasy
• Length:  7 hours 37 minutes

Do you know what's just as awesome as authors of memoirs reading their own books? Authors reading their own novels as well. Thankfully, Mary Robinette Kowal has a history in puppetry, so she's an amazing audio book narrator! She does the best voices and it feels like she's reading you a bed time story. 

Shades of Milk and Honey is the first in her Glamourist Histories series, but it doesn't end in a cliffhanger and is it's own complete book so if you don't want to dedicate yourself to a whole series, you'll still enjoy this one. It's basically like reading a Jane Austen book - but with magic!

The Cormoran Strike novels by Robert Galbraith (JK Rowling), narrated by Robert Glenister

• Genre:  Mystery/Thriller/Detective
• Length:  15 hours 54 minutes  (the first book - The Cuckoo's Calling)

I only listened to the second and third books of this series on audio - but they were fantastic so I'm confident the first book is just as good on audio as it is in print form!

I'm not usually a huge fan of mystery and thrillers, and when it comes to detective stories I prefer them as movies or TV shows. These books are one of the exceptions and I simply adore them! They each have their own "flavor" and theme, but the third one so far is my favorite. It was creepy (which I'm usually not a fan of) and exciting. So much so that once I missed my exit coming home from work because I was so engrossed, and once I had to turn it off and wait until I got home to keep going because I was getting so creeped out! (But in a good way.) I need the next book as soon as possible.

Talking as Fast as I Can written and narrated by Lauren Graham

• Genre:  Autobiography/Memoir
• Length:  4 hours 38 minutes

If you are a fan of Gilmore Girls and/or Parenthood and you haven't listened or read this book yet, why haven't you? It's wonderful, fun, and I loved hearing more about how Lauren Graham became an actress and her experiences on set. 

A plus is that it's pretty short. I listened to this on a quick road trip and it was the perfect timing!

The Diviners by Libba Bray, narrated by January LaVoy

• Genre:  Young Adult Historical Paranormal/Fantasy/Horror
• Length:  18 hours 14 minutes

For my grand finale we have one of the best audio books I have ever listened to! This is another one where if you enjoy paranormal/horror/fantasy/history, but not young adult - don't turn away from this book because it's labeled YA! I think anyone who enjoys these genres will like The Diviners!

I listened to this in October for Halloween and it was the perfect pick. It was creepy and mysterious, but so much so that I couldn't sleep at night. Our main character Evie is fun and delightful, and I am in love with this inclusive cast of characters! The narrator does each voice so well, which is difficult because this book has a BIG cast! She also has moments where she has to sing and sometimes with audio books that can feel awkward, but in this one it's completely perfect. I have zero complaints about this book and I can't wait to listen to book 2!

There you have it! 12 audio books for you to listen to on your next road trip - or whatever it is you're up to and you want something good to listen to!

Do you listen to audio books? What are some of your favorites?

Ready to read? Check out this promotion from Barnes & Noble:

Fiction Beach Reads only $10

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Like what you read? Consider buying me a coffee.

May Reading Round-Up

May was an ... interesting... month for me. I feel like my emotions and energy level has been all over the place lately. But, that's the great things about books, right? Nothing like the lives of fictional characters to distract you from your own life. 

Am I right?

Let's get to it then.

Some notes on how I do wrap ups:  I rate books on a 1-5 star scale. (1= worst book ever why did I read this?; 2= did not enjoy; 3= this was good!; 4= I really liked it! 5= OMG LOVED THIS IT'S THE BEST EVER!) For the most part, you're going to see 3-5 star ratings from me and not a lot of negative simply because if I don't like a book, I'm not going to finish it.

A Court of Frost and Starlight (A Court of Thorns and Roses 3.1) by Sarah J Maas

• Genre: New Adult Fantasy Novella
• Format: Hardcover
• Rating: 3.5 stars
• Plot Summary: Everyone in Pyrithian is preparing for the winter solstice. 

Being the Sarah J Maas fangirl that I am, it's probably no surprise that this was a highly anticipated book for me. ACOFAS serves as a transition between the ACOTAR trilogy and the upcoming books set in this world. 

If you want a novella filled with adventure, plot twists, and a lot of things going on... you're not going to like ACOFAS. Simply stated, there really isn't much of a plot whatsoever. However, if you want to pop in and check up on your favorite characters to see how they're doing after the events of ACOWAR with a side of holiday fun ... you'll like this novella. It's as simple as that.

Personally, I think this novella fulfilled what it needed to. Is it her best work? No. But, I'm glad she wrote it because we can fill in the gaps between the books and see where everyone is and we can just jump right in when the next full length book comes out Although, there might be other novellas on the way as well? I'm not entirely sure how it's all going down and when what is being released.

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  the other ACOTAR books, holiday stories, romance, sexy times, found family, squad goals, fantasy, fae
• Trigger Warnings:  PTSD, memories of war, depression, aftermath of abusive relationships

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Fortune's Flower (Passport to Romance #1) by Anetha Lawson

• Genre: Historical Romance
• Format: ebook
• Rating:  4 stars
• Plot Summary:  Artist Lily agrees to one last adventure before bending to her parents wishes of marrying.

I decided to tackle this book next because of how much I enjoyed Lawson's novellas in December. This was a complete delight - and I think it featured one of my favorite heroes thus far. (He's like a 19th century Indiana Jones! How could you not love that?) 

The flirting and banter was so cute and fun. There's something about historical romance flirting that I sometimes prefer over the contemporary romances. Since the culture is so much more "proper" than ours, they had to be a tad more clever in how they flirted and I love seeing how they can play with words. 

There was travel, adventure, and scheming plot twisting villains! With historical romance I've been reading hate-to-love stories a lot lately, and this was more of a forbidden love because of the class system which was a nice change. Definitely want to read her other books!

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy:   class difference trope, travel adventures, historical romance, Indiana Jones
• Trigger Warnings: assault

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Every Which Way but Dead (The Hallows #3) by Kim Harrison

• Genre: Urban Fantasy
• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Rating: 4.5 stars
• Plot Summary:  Rachel deals with the aftermath of working with demons and putting away Cincinatti's big bad. 

I don't know why it takes me so long to continue on with this urban fantasy series because it is just SO SO GOOD. The Hallows series has some of the best characters (Jenks!) and I love how I can see these different relationships bonding and changing and growing while being challenged as well. It's one of the huge draws for me. I want to keep reading the books because I want to see the friendships and romantic relationships equally. Even the relationships with the villains are FASCINATING. 

The plot and world building are fantastic as well - don't get me wrong. Those pull me in so much and I want to see what happens next! I wish I could say more but you know... spoilers for the first two books.

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  bi-sexual rep, vampires, witches, fae, urban fantasy, demons
• Trigger Warnings:  torture, emotional and physical abuse, blood, explosions, near drowning

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The Plastic Magician (The Paper Magician #4 - Spin Off) by Charlie N Holmberg

• Genre: New Adult Fantasy
• Format: ebook
• Rating:  4 stars
• Plot Summary: Alvie begins her apprenticeship as a Polymaker Magician and helps create a new invention. 

This was another highly anticipated release for me. I LOVED the Paper Magician trilogy and was ridiculously excited when I heard she was writing a spin-off book.

You do not need to read the Paper Magician trilogy to read this book. They take place in the same world, and you may have some great appreciation or understanding of some elements of this book if you have, but it's not needed to understand the story and she does a great job of explaining the world and magic system. 

It had a very different plot than The Paper Magician, which I liked. In a sense the stakes weren't quite as high, or at least not as you normally would see in fantasy. But it felt so realistic and a story which could happen to anyone. Just with magic. Which was so great!

I loved the new characters and we did get a cameo from some old favorites which made me very happy. AND we had some disability rep and conversation which was so awesome! On top of that, our heroine was super nerdy and loved math, engineering, and knew how to work cars - while in the early 1900s! How great is that?

I breezed through this book and I hope we get even more!

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy:   The Paper Magician trilogy, magic, historical fantasy, books in the UK, disability rep, innocent/clean romance, women in STEM 
• Trigger Warnings: amputation

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Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) by Sarah J Maas - Re Read

• Genre: YA Fantasy
• Format: Hardcover
• Rating: 4 Stars
• Plot Summary:  Celeana begins her work a the king's champion. 

I'm still going through my re-read of the Throne of Glass series before the final book is released in October. I'll admit, I didn't pay as close attention as I did the others. But, I've read the early books so many times I figured it was okay. It made me super excited to get to the later books which I haven't read as much though. 

As I've said with Throne of Glass and The Assassin's Blade, it's a lot of fun to go back and see all of the pieces Maas was putting together all the way at the start. So many details I didn't notice or didn't think were important have all new meaning. The best part though is knowing more about the character arcs. I see more now of how she was building the characters, why certain people don't end up together, why one character had to do a specific thing, etc. Since I know more of where it's headed, it all makes so much more sense. 

If you are reading the Throne of Glass series for the first time, this is the order I recommend reading them in:

• Throne of Glass
• Crown of Midnight
• Assassin's Blade
• Heir of Fire
• Queen of Shadows
• Empire of Storms
• Tower of Dawn

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  the other Throne of Glass books, high fantasy, fae, young adult, romance, friendships, assassins
• Trigger Warnings: brutal murders, allude to sexual and physical abuse, beheading, loss of loved ones

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The Queen's Rising (The Queen's Rising #1) by Rebecca Ross

• Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
• Format: Library Hardcover
• Rating:  5 stars
• Plot Summary:  Brienna finishes her training in the Passions, but her path doesn't lead where she expect.s

Pardon me while I fan girl flail a bit.

My friend Trina from BookTube told me to read this book so she would have someone to fan girl with, and now I'm asking the same of you. This was such a wonderful surprise of a book!

It has a lot of your "typical" fantasy tropes. Magic school! Lost princess! Prophecy! Visions! Abandoned by a parent!! But.... ahhhhhhhh I loved what Rebecca Ross did with them. The main character was so relateable and was one of those strong women, but that didn't mean she went around killing everyone either. She had a great balance of trying to figure out who she was and what she wanted while still having agency and making her own choices. The found family element was one of my favorites too! 

I was pretty wary of one romance plot line because it did involve a teacher and a student - but I think she handled it well. Nothing happened between them until after they were no longer teacher/student.

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  fantasy, lost princesses, magic schools, slow romance, squad goals, found family, coming of age
• Trigger Warnings: loss of parents, violence, war

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Second Position (District Ballet Company #1) by Katherine Locke

• Genre: Contemporary New Adult Romance
• Format: ebook
• Rating:  4 stars
• Plot Summary: A prima ballerina and her ex reunite four years after a car crash which changed their lives forever. 

This book was not quite what I expected. It was very good! But much more intense than I anticipated. Which... I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised. It's about two ballet dancers who were in a car accident and reunite four years later. But, being considered a contemporary romance, I was still expecting it to be somewhat light-hearted. (Don't worry, there's still a HEA!) I was simply anticipating more of a Center Stage or Step Up story. 

Second Position was packed with issues the characters were dealing with. From what I could tell, they were all handled very well. Granted, I don't know anything about most of these issues. (They're all listed below in the trigger warnings.) Even the disability rep I can't say a whole lot on because it was about amputation which is not something I've experienced.

Although, the one thing about the advisability rep that I really connected to was talking about how you can't always rely on your body and depend on it the way others can. That's something I have a hard time expressing to people who ask me about why my disability is such a big deal, and it was awesome to have it in this book so I could be like "Yes! That's what I'm talking about!"

I definitely enjoyed this book and was rooting for the characters the whole time. I liked how hard they had to work at the relationship. It made it feel very realistic. 

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  reading about mental health in relationships, disability rep, dancers, serious contemporary romance
• Trigger Warnings:  depression, amputation, car crash, negligent parents, eating disorders, anxiety, PTSD, miscarriage, suicidal thoughts, alcholoism

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Dirty Little Secret (On Goodreads as My Strongest Weakness) by Brighton Walsh

• Genre: Contemporary New Adult Romance Novella
• Format: ebook 
• Rating:  3 stars
• Plot Summary:  A college football star and a punk rock film maker have a secret relationship.

After Second Position, as much as I liked it, I needed something light and fluffy. Especially since I also was reading Crown of Midnight and that book has some emotionally intense moments too. 

Brighton Walsh is always exactly what's needed when this happens!

This novella was super easy to get through and a lot of fun. It was odd because it talked a lot about cliques and social groups in college, but it felt a bit too much like high school for me. But, the couple was sexy and cute and that's what ultimately matters. Particularly when it's such a short novella.

And yes, I did have the song "Dirty Little Secret" by All-American Rejects stuck in my head the entire time I was reading. 

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  novellas, opposites attract romance, secret romance, 1990s, college settings, punk rock girls, athletic guys
• Trigger Warnings: loneliness, peer pressure

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Currently Reading:

Head On (Lock-In #2 - stand alone follow up) by John Scalzi

• Genre: Science Fiction
• Format: Library Hardcover 
• Plot Summary:  A famous athlete with Hayden's Syndrome suddenly dies in the middle of a pre-season game. 

I read Lock-In last year and while it wasn't my favorite, it was good and I liked the exploration of disability in a futuristic (but not too futuristic) world with a fictional syndrome. So, I was curious about the sequel. When I saw it sitting on the new arrivals shelf at the library, I thought I'd pick it up. 

While it is a sequel/follow-up to the first book, you can read it on it's own. 

I haven't gotten very far yet, but it's interesting. The opening was a bit boring because it was this "sports article" talking about the game and the athlete. I could have skipped that and gone right into chapter one. Beyond that, so far so good. 

What did you all read in May? Have you read any of these books? Have any recs for what should be on my June TBR?

Also, I’m hosting a giveaway for a $25 Amazon gift card on my Instagram!  https://instagram.com/p/BjVgfXTlxtL/

Check out books everyone should read! Find the best summer reads at B&N

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*This post contains affliated links.

Let's Talk About New Adult Books

From time to time when you read my end of the month reading round ups, under "genre" you'll find me describe a book as "New Adult."

I've been on the Internet for some time now, and for the last several years been active in the book community on the Internet. Therefore, there are many book and writing terms I come across which I read, and I understand immediately what it means. I know and understand the lingo. 

So, when I am chatting with friends and I bring up terms such a "new adult" and my friends are like "what are you talking about?" - it throws me off a it. I tend to forget that not everyone is like me where they live on Instagram and Twitter.  When I thought about it, I realized that when I use this term in my reviews, readers may not know what I'm talking about. 

Over the last couple of months, I've seen a lot of discussion about the "new adult" genre. What it is. What it isn't. What people think it should be.

"It's just an excuse for young adult to have explicit sex scenes!"

"Why is this book shelved as young adult when it's new adult?"

"What is New Adult????"

These are some of the things I tend to see floating around when this discussion comes up.

If you've hung out around my Twitter, you've probably seen that I have also chimed in with my own opinions. And well... I have OPINIONS. 

Mostly stemmed from my being selfish as my current work in progress I'd consider "new adult." But as of right now, it wouldn't be shelved as such. I'll go more into that later. For now, let's dig into what New Adult is, where it came from, what it isn't, and what I think it should be.

What IS New Adult Anyway?

Officially, New Adult fiction is a sub-genre within romance. Yes - romance specifically. Not any other genre. JUST ROMANCE. 

It was created by romance writers/publishers/editors to specify a younger age range. They are books about college-aged protagonists in their first intense relationship- but very adult relationship. Sometimes, this age will spread to mid to late 20's. (I read this through the Nelson Literary Agency Newsletter a couple weeks ago.) 

Therefore, when you are querying an agent with your brand new shiny manuscript - if your new adult book isn't part of the romance genre, your book is NOT new adult. Sorry to burst your bubble and ruin your hopes and dreams. But as of right now, that's how it is.

Examples of books that are New Adult:

• The Reluctant Hearts Series by Brighton Walsh
• The Ivy Years series by Sarina Bowen
• The Off-Campus series by Elle Kenedy

So... why does it seem like New Adult is just trashy romance books?

Well... because that's what they are. They are a sub-genre of romance. 

What New Adult is NOT

This brings us to my next point. There seems to be a disconnect where readers and writers assume that just because a book's protagonist is no longer a teenager, they aren't necessarily dealing with the same issues dealt with in adult books, and the prose might read like a young adult novel, it must be New Adult.

According to the publishing industry - this is incorrect. 

Books people label as New Adult but are not would be:

• A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J Maas
• Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
• Let's Talk About Love by Claire Kann

These books may have romantic elements to them - but they are not strictly romance novels. Therefore, according to the publishing industry, they are not New Adult.

Make sense?

In My Humble Opinion, What New Adult Should Be

"But Emily, you label books as "New Adult" in your reviews all of the time, but they aren't romance!" I hear you say.

Yes. I'm aware. 

Because I'm of the stance that it's time we expand how we define New Adult books. When I look around on the Internet, people seem to really be craving this genre/age range. Something that's like a young adult books but deals with more mature issues, while not being a full out "adult" novel. For me, I love the young adult genre and the writing style. It can talk about deeper issues, but in a way that doesn't put me to sleep. (Not that all adult novels put me to sleep - that's not the case by any means!) But sometimes I want something that is similar, but more about people my age or closer to my age. Or, I think about books I would have loved to read when I was in college or just graduated college. If New Adult was a thing back then, I would have devoured it. 

Or, more selfishly, I think about the novel I'm working on at the moment. If I have it completed, I would love to submit it for Pitch Wars at the end of the summer. But, I would have to pick between Young Adult and Adult. It's not a full out romance, so New Adult wouldn't fit. Even when I someday query it, I'm going to have to pick between the two, even though I genuinely don't see it as either one.

My youngest "main character" is 18, all of the others are in their early to mid-20's. None of them are in school. They're dealing more with issues such as their future, marriage, etc. It can be violent and yes... they may even have sex. (Gasp!) Not that young adult doesn't deal with these issues - especially when the book is fantasy. But the way it's dealt with in a New Adult book is going to be very different than in a Young Adult book. Yes, perhaps I could push it toward adult, but I genuinely don't see that as my audience.

Or,  think of books such as A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas. It's so similar to mine in that none of the characters are teens and it deals with and handles certain issues in a way which I personally don't consider to be for the young adult genre. The same goes for her later books in the Throne of Glass series. But there are a ton of others like this as well, and not just fantasy. Let's Talk About Love, Wintersong, The Paper Magician, Just One Day, Grave Mercy... all of these are about characters in that "in between" time when they are no longer a teenager, but they aren't a "full" adult  yet. 

However, I do understand the conundrum. New Adult started as romance, and it would be incredibly difficult and take a very long time to create a whole new genre. When you think about it realistically, that's a lot to ask. 

Because technically, young adult is children's literature. Yup. You read that correctly. According to the publishing world and the way it's set up, young adult is still children's literature. Therefore, a sub-genre that is part of adult publishing would have to make the jump to children's. Or children's would have to make the jump to adult. It would be ridiculous.

So... I have a suggestion for a compromise.

When I walk into my local bookstore (usually Barnes and Noble) you find the different sections divided up. Children's usually has a whole corner to themselves. Then you have a couple of shelves for Young Adult. Then there's a whole part of the store for general fiction (adult) that's divided up by genre. Usually something along the lines of Fiction, Romance, Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, on occasion I've seen Western.

But, even on those few shelves for young adult, there's a bit of division. You'll see one portion for new releases, another for Fantasy, for awhile there was Paranormal Romance, etc. That way, customers could more easily find the genre and style of book they're looking for within the young adult/adult/children's section.

Why can't we do something similar for New Adult? In the young adult section, have a few shelves dedicated to "older young adult" or "new adult" so readers who want those stories can easily pick them out. Or perhaps do this in the adult section of the store/library. It wouldn't have to completely revolutionize the publishing industry. Just some rearranging so people can see the difference between a book intended for a younger audience, and a book that is for an older audience.

Wait... are you talking about censorship for young adult? That's not right!

I agree. I'm not a fan of censorship by any means. 

But I am talking about marketing books according to what's age appropriate. I mean... I've gone to places where a Sarah J Maas book will be shelved in the same section as Nancy Drew.

Um... no. That's not right.

A person can like and enjoy books covering all genres and age ranges. I know full grown adults whose favorite books are middle grade. I know teens who read adult novels. There is nothing wrong with this, and in fact I think this should be encouraged. Most teens know how to self-censor anyway. When I was in high school, a friend of mine let me borrow a historical romance novel. (A bodice-ripper if you will.) I was so scared I was going to read something I would be uncomfortable with, I didn't get past the first chapter. I knew what I would and would not enjoy. 

Probably because I thought all romance writers were like Ms. Perky in 10 Things I Hate About You.

Yes, I did watch that movie every day one summer between my sophomore and junior years of high school. Yes, I still maintain it's one of the best movies ever. Fight me.

The point is - I knew what I was and was not comfortable reading. So, if a teen picks up a book and aren't a fan of the content, they'll probably put it down. However, that romance book my friend let me borrow was never shelved in the young adult section. It was very clearly in the adult romance section. 

When I go to the romance section and see shirtless men on the covers, I know what sort of book I'm picking up. But if when I was younger and I was browsing the young adult section and picked up a book that seemed interesting and then half way through there's this super explicit or violent scene that isn't found in other young adult books, I probably would have felt very betrayed and gotten into something way over my head that I wasn't ready for. That's just not fair. 

Having a section to give me a heads up that there would perhaps be content suited for a more mature audience, is something I probably would have found useful, and something I still would today. That way, the reader can choose to read it and decide if they're ready for it themselves. (Although, not all New Adult necessarily has explicit and violent content.)

And people are asking for this genre. They want it to be a real thing. I'm all for romance novels and have zero problems with New Adult being part of that genre. But I'd love for it to have a chance in other genres too. Characters on the brink of adulthood, on their own for the first time, figuring out life. I simply want the book and publishing industry to see that. 

From what I can tell, independent authors can do this and are pushing those boundaries. Which is awesome! But the traditional publishers need to catch up. People always seem to be worried about the traditional publishing industry and it keeping up with the times. I'm not saying adding New Adult to the mix will fix those problems. But embracing new ideas like that could be something helpful. 

That's why in my reviews I classify some books as "New Adult" even if technically they aren't classified as such. That way, people can see what the age range the protagonist is and it's focused more on that in between time of life. 

So, what are your thoughts? Have you heard about New Adult books? Have you read any? Which do you like? Do you think the publishing industry needs to expand in this genre?

Want to start reading New Adult (or any other books for that matter)? Click the link below!

(Affiliated link - I get a teeny tiny commission if you use it. But don't worry - no one is sponsoring this post! No one told me to write about New Adult books in exchange for anything! All of these thoughts are my own and I came up with this topic because of conversations I've been having with people.) 

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April Reading Round-Up

I know I probably say this every month - but April seriously flew by. I feel like I blinked and suddenly it was May. Is it just me? 

But, at least the weather is FINALLY starting to feel like spring. Here in Chicago, I think the high is supposed to be close to 80 degrees. Which feels like summer to me... but I'll take it over the snow and freezing weather we had most of April! I'm not one to complain a ton about winter taking forever to leave, because we're in Chicago. It could potentially snow in May sometimes. Yet... even for me this was a bit much. This was one of the coldest Aprils we've had in a long time. 

ANYWAY. Onto books. I started seven books and finished six, and I can honestly say that I enjoyed them all except for the one I didn't finish. Which, I suppose I do genuinely enjoy most of the books I read, since as time has gone on I've gotten a good sense if I'll like something or not when I pick it up. 

Some notes on how I do wrap ups: I don't include plot summaries because the publisher can summarize them much better than I can. If you want to know the plot summary, I've left an Amazon affiliated link in the book title so you can check it out. I rate books on a 1-5 star scale. (1= worst book ever why did I read this?; 2= did not enjoy; 3= this was good!; 4= I really liked it! 5= OMG LOVED THIS IT'S THE BEST EVER!) For the most part, you're going to see 3-5 star ratings from me and not a lot of negative simply because if I don't like a book, I'm not going to finish it.

A Night to Surrender (Spindle Cove #1) By Tessa Dare

• Genre: Historical Romance
• Format: ebook
• Rating: 4.5 Stars

For the last few months I've seen a lot of my book friends talking about Tessa Dare and how her books are SO GREAT. I downloaded this one, the first in her Spindle Cove series FOREVER ago, but haven't picked it up until now. 

Well...

IT WAS SO GREAT.

I was literally laughing out loud at moments in this book. It's this awesome opposites attract/battles of the sexes/could be labeled hate-to-love romance in Regency (I think) England. The hero and heroine were both fantastic and really sexy. It was feminist, had disability rep (our hero was wounded in a war), a fun cast of side characters I can't wait to get to know in future books, and I love the setting of Spindle Cove where women go when they don't fit in "normal" society and can learn to accept themselves for who they are and build confidence. 

I can't wait to continue with the series!

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  battle of the sexes, opposites attract, historical fiction, soldiers, feminism, steamy romance
• Trigger Warnings: amputation and explosion

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Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1) by Sarah J Maas (Re-read)

• Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
• Format: Hardcover
• Rating: 4 Stars

And I'm continuing my re-read of the Throne of Glass series in preparation for the final book coming out in October! (Sob.) I'm basically a mess when it comes to reading this series. Even though the intense stuff hasn't happened yet, I read a single chapter in this first book and I'm ready to cry because I'm seeing all of the little pieces Maas has been putting together and all that she's built up. I read it and I'm like "MY PRECIOUS BABIES YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT'S COMING." 

Are her books flawed? Yes. But I just adore them still and I'm unhealthily attached to these characters. 

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  assassins, high fantasy, epic fantasy, love triangles, rags to riches, competitions, political intrigue, action/adventure
• Trigger Warnings:  starvation, slavery, torture, loss of parents, violence

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Kushiel's Dart (Kushiel's Legacy #1) by Jaqueline Carey (Temporary DNF)

• Genre: Epic Fantasy
• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Rating: NA

This is the one book I didn't finish. At first, it was a temporary choice because there were other books I wanted to get to and I'd go back to it when I was done with those. However... the more I think about it, the more I lose interest.

Which, is incredibly disappointing for me. I've heard such great things about this fantasy series. It's about courtesans and assassins, this big epic fantasy world, it's sexy and unique, there's a strong female leading character etc. All of these things are things I enjoy in books! But the whole book I was kinda... meh.

The world, characters, and plot definitely have their interesting moments. But I still found myself bored and waiting for something to happen. Then something would happen and I'd be really excited... but then it was anti-climatic. I'm all for character driven books, and not always plot driven. I also know with these long epic fantasies, you need to be patient and a lot of times you get a big pay-off in the end. But when plot points you've been waiting for for over 500 pages arrive and it just is "meh," that doesn't give me much hope for the following 400 pages. (No, I'm not exaggerating, this book really is that long.)

I haven't given up complete hope on this book yet. But, we'll see if I get back to it. 

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy:   slow burn plot/romance, epic fantasy, character-driven, BDSM (kind of... I thought it was super tame for all of the warnings I got about that particular element of the sotry)
• Trigger Warnings:  pain, torture, violence, negligent parents, BDSM moments, sex as religious expreience

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Second Chance Charmer by Brighton Walsh

• Genre:  Contemporary Romance
• Format: ebook
• Rating: 3.5 Stars

After being disappointed by Kushiel's Dart, I went to one of my new go-to authors for something light and fun. Enter Brighton Walsh's newest book! It just came out in March or April and it was exactly what I needed.

It's not my favorite book of hers (that goes to Tessa Ever After) but it's everything you'd want in a Brighton Walsh novel. SUPER sexy, fun, and a dual POV narrative. My one big critique is that I wish we had seen more of the couple with their relationship, and not just the sexy times. For me, for the sexy times to work, I need to see that the couple has an actual relationship too. We know they have one because they were high school sweethearts, but because that was in the past we didn't get to see it on page as much. But, I was convinced by the end so I guess that's all that matters. 

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy: This kind of reminded of a Sweet Home Alabama type of story where they were high school sweethearts, he was a bad boy, it takes place in the south, etc. 
• Trigger Warnings:  abandonment, negligent parents

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Given to the Earth (Given #2) by Mindy MicGinnis

• Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
• Format: Hard Cover
• Rating: 4 Stars

This is the sequel to Mindy McGinnis' other fantasy book, Given to the Sea. Out of Mindy McGinnis' books I've read, Given to the Sea wasn't my favorite. However, I love this author and want to support her, and it was interesting enough that I wanted to know what happened next. Honestly, I think I liked this second installment more than the first.

Maybe because she got more into the stride of writing fantasy? Maybe it was because I knew more of what to expect from this author when it came to fantasy? Who knows. But I really enjoyed it. I liked where each of the characters went ("like" being used loosly because some of the end completely broke my heart), I liked the direction the story went, and how it was mostly about a people simply needing to learn how to survive when their land is failing them. Yes, it had the political stuff, but that wasn't the main focus the way it is in other fantasy books. It was much more focused on the character development which I appreciated. 

Also, don't judge Mindy McGinnis' books because they're young adult. A majority of her readers and fans are actually adults. 

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy: character-driven fantasy, shorter fantasy, 
• Trigger Warnings: rape culture (although that theme was not as prevalent as it was in the first book), mental illness, cheating and affairs, violence, harm to animals

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Leah on the Offbeat (Creekwood #2) by Becky Albertalli

• Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
• Format: Hard Cover
• Rating: 4 Stars

With the first book, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda being one of my favorites EVER, it's probably no surprise the sequel, Leah on the Offbeat was one of my most anticipated books of 2018. 

It did not dissapoint!

I loved seeing all of my favorite characters in their senior year preparing for their futures. THE PROM DINNER WAS LITERALLY ONE OF MY DREAMS FULFILLED. I loved how Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was the musical the characters were in because that too was my musical my senior year of high school. I also loved that Leah got to be in the spotlight! (Bi-sexual rep!)

The reason why this book is four stars is because compared to Becky's other two books, I didn't enjoy and relate to this one quite as much. Also, I felt the beginning was a bit scattered, and the ending rushed. However, compared to other books of the same genre I'd give this 4.5-5 stars.

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  young adult contemporary, coming out stories, high school seniors thinking about the future, cute/sweet romance, any of Becky's other books.
• Trigger Warnings: racism... and I can't think of any others

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A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3) by Sarah J Maas (Re-Read)

• Genre: New Adult Fantasy
• Format: Hard Cover
• Rating: 4 stars

In preparation for the novella coming out May 1st (today!!!!) that is the bridge between the A Court of Thorns and Roses trilogy and the spin-off books, on a whim I decided to re-read the trilogy to catch up. Because apparently I don't have enough Sarah J Maas in my life.

I liked this book more upon my re-read of it than I did the first time. Which, I've learned happens a lot with Maas' books. Not that I don't enjoy them the first time, but for some reason when I go back it's even better. 

That being said, it's a good conclusion to the trilogy and I like where everyone ends up. But at the same time, there could be more. Which is ridiculously vauge, but it's the best way I can describe it. With certain elements it's like Maas goes for something, and then backs off just slightly. Even if it totally rips our hearts out, sometimes I wish she would really GO FOR IT. 

I know... that probably doesn't make any sense. But it's the best I can do at the moment without giving away spoilers. Haha. 

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  Sarah J Maas' other books, romance, sexy times, fae, war stories, squad goals, a lot of shippable couples, epic and high fantasy
• Trigger Warnings:  war, violence,  not great diverse representation, PTSD, breaking of bones, abusive romantic relationship

What did you all read in April? Anything you think I'd like? Have you read any of these books? If you've read Kushiel's Dart, is it worth my finishing?

Also, if you're buying some books - check out this offer from Barnes and Noble, good May 9-15, 2018!

Take 10% Off Your Order with code YESWAY

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Like what you read? Consider buying me a coffee. 

March Reading Round-Up

Okay, did March completely fly by for anyone else? Because I felt like I blinked and March disappeared. It wasn't even like I was super busy or anything! Maybe I was too distracted by the 10 books I read this month. Who knows!

Anyway. It was a decent reading month for me. Most of what I read I really enjoyed, but I didn't really have a new book which I FELL IN LOVE WITH either. 

Some notes on how I do wrap ups: I don't include plot summaries because the publisher can summarize them much better than I can. If you want to know the plot summary, I've left an Amazon affiliated link in the book title so you can check it out. I rate books on a 1-5 star scale. (1= worst book ever why did I read this?; 2= did not enjoy; 3= this was good!; 4= I really liked it! 5= OMG LOVED THIS IT'S THE BEST EVER!) For the most part, you're going to see 3-5 star ratings from me and not a lot of negative simply because if I don't like a book, I'm not going to finish it.

Life is too short to read books you don't like, right? Right. 

Let's get to it then and let me know if you've read any of these books and what you read in March!

Sunshine by Robin McKinley

• Genre: Urban Fantasy/Horror
• Format: ebook
• Rating: 4 Stars

Reading Sunshine took me way longer to read than I anticipated. Not because it wasn't good, it was just a time issue and I had library books I needed to read first! 

Sunshine was a really unique vampire book. It's one of those that reads more like a traditional fantasy than an urban fantasy, so I would definitely put it more in the same vein as Interview with a Vampire than Chicagoland Vampires. McKinley had a stream of consciousness style which was a great way to be introduced to the world. It felt much more natural than a bunch of random info dumps. But at the same time, it slowed down the pace in some places where something would be happening and the character would go on a tangent in her mind and I'd be all "JUST TELL ME WHAT HAPPENS."

Overall though, I really enjoyed Sunshine. It was magical, mysterious, and made me crave more by the end. (Which, the end was SUPER abrupt.) I wish there was a sequel!

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy: Interview with the Vampire, Robin McKinley's other books, not much romance (some "tension" and the main character does have a BF, but it's not a romance by any means)
• Trigger Warnings: PTSD, kidnapping, blood and gore, violence

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Shadowsong (Wintersong #2) by S. Jae-Jones

• Genre: New Adult Historical Fantasy
• Format: Library Hardcover
• Rating: 3.5 Stars

I was hesitantly excited to read Shadowsong. I read Wintersong last year because S. Jae-Jones (JJ) is a host on one of my favorite podcasts, Pub(lishing) Crawl, and I really wanted to support her book. I liked Wintersong, but didn't LOVE it. Yet, I was curious to see where she would take the characters in the sequel so I picked it up. 

Overall, I enjoyed Shadowsong a bit more than Wintersong. I loved how more of the focus was on her brother and we got to see that relationship, and we saw how Leisel was dealing after the events of the first book. We never think much about what happens to characters after the experience something strange and magical in a fantasy book, so I was glad that was in here. It was very focused inward, vs. outward plot points and dealt more with psychology instead of action. Which is also refreshing for a fantasy novel. 

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy: 
• Trigger Warnings: Depression, Bi-polar disorder, suicidal thoughts

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Paige in Progress (Reluctant Hearts #3) by Brighton Walsh

• Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
• Format: ebook
• Rating: 4 Stars

Shadowsong ended kind of heavy for me, so I decided to jump into something light and fun and Paige in Progress definitely delivered! Paige was so fun to read about in Tessa Ever After, and it made me excited to read her story next. 

Paige isn't your typical romance heroine where she's inexperienced and insecure around men. She isn't afraid of her sexuality and isn't afraid to show that there's more to her than just blonde hair and a hot body! Then Adam was a great hero and a total romantic - the opposite of Paige! Which made for a fun story. 

Tessa and Jason are still my favorite couple in this trilogy, but I really liked Paige and Adam too!

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy: Alyssa Cole books, falling for the older guy you knew growing up, one night stand turned relationship, more athletic characters
• Trigger Warnings:  promiscuity, one night stands, divorce

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God Save the Queen (The Immortal Empire #1) by Kate Locke

• Genre: Urban Fantasy/Steampunk
• Format: Library Hardcover
• Rating: 4 Stars

God Save the Queen is one of the most unique settings I've seen in an urban fantasy/steampunk series. It's inspired by Victorian London, but takes place in an alternate universe modern-day society where the nobility are immortal and the country is run by vampires, goblins, and werewolves. It's a great mix of modern and past, which at times was confusing, but still fun!

There was a bit of a romance, and as the story progressed it came more to the forefront, but the main focus was on the mystery and her relationship with her sister and mentor.I liked how the romance felt a bit more natural than you'll see in other books of this genre. 

It does get pretty gory though. For the most part, I can handle violence in fantasy books. But towards the end when it was the "final showdown" it was really hard to read and I wished it was a TV show or movie so I could close my eyes! 

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy: Gail Carriger novels, urban fantasy, steampunk
• Trigger Warnings: violence, death of parents and siblings, abandonment of parent

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A Princess in Theory (Reluctant Royals #1) by Alyssa Cole

• Genre: Contemporary Romance
• Format: Library Mass Market Paperback
• Rating: 4 Stars

I'd been waiting all of February for A Princess in Theory! It just released at the end of the month and I was so excited when my library got it since I enjoyed An Extraordinary Union by the same author so much. 

Some great things about this book was that it featured a woman who was also a scientist, I loved the play on those spam emails about people from other countries needing your information, and the whole secret of him being a prince and she didn't know it.  I also loved when we saw his culture!

Her transition into falling for him could have been a bit smoother though. For a character who is so "anti-love" she fell for him a bit too fast. Which, it's a romance, I get that you're going to have more "insta-love" but it wasn't believable to me. Some people weren't a fan of her best friend, and she was pretty awful. But, I also liked how it felt like a REAL friendship that isn't always perfect. 

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy: romances about royalty, secret identities, women in STEM fields, own voices
• Trigger Warnings: abandonment and death of parents, back story dealing with being a foster child

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The Assassins Blade (Throne of Glass #.01-.05) by Sarah J Maas - Re-read

• Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
• Format: hardcover
• Rating: 5 Stars

With the final Throne of Glass book being released in October, I needed to start my final re-read of the series! I'm reading one book a month leading up to the release in chronological order. If this is your first time reading the series, I suggest reading them in this order:

• Throne of Glass
• Crown of Midnight
• Assassin's Blade
• Heir of Fire
• Queen of Shadows
• Empire of Storms
• Tower of Dawn

Honestly though, as long as you read it before Queen of Shadows, and before Empire of Storms for sure, you should be good to go. But, this was how I read them the first time, and I thought it was perfect. At least in my personal opinion. 

This compilation of novellas is actually one of my favorites of the series. It builds on the world so much, we see back stories, and now that I know what happens it's SO FUN to go back knowing how she ties in all of these characters.

Except the end will ALWAYS gut me. EVERY TIME. 

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy: the other Throne of Glass books, assassins, high fantasy
• Trigger Warnings:  violent death of loved ones, sexual assault, violence

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Magic Shifts (Kate Daniels #8) by Illona Andrews

•  Genre: Urban Fantasy
• Format: Library Hardcover
• Rating: 4 Stars

Then it was time for me to jump back into post-magic Atlanta with Kate Daniels! But compared to the previous two books this one was... underwhelming. Don't get me wrong. Kate Daniels at this point will almost always be superior to other books and I always really like them. I had all of the feels, I loved seeing where Kate and Curran and The Pack were after the events of the first book, the monsters and lore were great, the humor was on point, and it was a fun fast read. Just not quite as good as some of the previous books.

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  Urban fantasy, alpha male romance, bad-ass female leads
• Trigger Warnings: terrible parents, violence

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Children of Blood and Bone (Legacy of Orisha #1) by Tomi Adeyemi

• Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
• Format: Hardcover
• Rating: 4.5 Stars

This book was one of my most anticipated of 2018! And I'm not alone in this. I've been hearing so much hype for this book for MONTHS, maybe even years when Adeyemi signed with a publisher. It's a young adult fantasy inspired by West African culture and mythology featuring a total BA character and there's magic, and gods and goddesses, and a slow burn romance, and this big epic plot and world... it's great. 

The only reason I didn't give it a full five stars is because it took me a lot longer to really get into the story than I anticipated. I enjoyed the whole thing, but my focus was kind of all over the place and even though I liked the beginning, I didn't love it.

The end is such a cliffhanger though and I really want to read more!

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy: epic fantasy, West African culture, multiple POVs, slow burn, political intrigue, magic
• Trigger Warnings: VERY violent, child abuse, violent death of family members, tyrannical political figures

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Our Love Unhinged (Reluctant Hearts #3.5) by Brighton Walsh

• Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
• Format: ebook
• Rating: 3.5 Stars

After the epic and heartbreaking end of Children of Blood and Bone I needed something quick and fun so... time for another Brighton Walsh book! This is the final book in the Reluctant Hearts series, a novella, and we go back to focusing on Cade and Winter's relationship.

I liked seeing Cade and Winter get their happy ending and seeing where the other characters went. But, it also cemented that they are my least favorite couple in the series. I like them, and root for them. But Tessa and Jasen are definitely my favorite and I wished I could see more of them! Cade and Winter are a tad too co-dependent and insecure for my taste. But again, I never not rooted for them. So... I guess that didn't' ruin my enjoyment of it too much.

There was one moment that bothered me though, where they had a bachelor/bachelorette party and when the girls came back drunk Adam mentioned something about all of the things Paige would want to do and I'm like "UM SHES DRUNK DON'T DO ALL OF THE THINGS SHES SAYING SHE WANTS TO DO."

Beyond that. It was fine. Not my fave of the series, but glad I read it.

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy: couples where one person is super emotionally closed off, tattooed heroes, weddings, the other Reluctant Hearts books
• Trigger Warnings: implying sleeping with someone when they're drunk, parental abandonment

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A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1) by Sarah J Maas - Re-read

• Genre: New Adult Fantasy
• Format: hardcover
• Rating: 4 stars

I have so many unread books on my shelves and on my Kindle app. But... I've been in the mood for this series and it was calling to me and the next book comes out at the beginning of May. So... I gave in and re-read A Court of Thorns and Roses. What's interesting is that I appreciate this first book more upon multiple reads because I see everything Maas is building and preparing for the rest of the series and it's pretty great. 

Also, Sarah J Maas announced on Instagram that a movie is definitely in the works. It's the SUPER early stages. They don't even have a director yet. But still! AHHHHHH. As I was reading I kept on seeing it on the big screen and it could be so EPIC. But some scenes are super violent and disturbing so... I might have to close my eyes sometimes once it does happen. 

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy: epic fantasy, fairy tale retellings, fae, Beauty and the Beast, Tamlin, romance, the heroine rescues the hero
• Trigger Warnings: violence, poverty, hunting, murder, starvation, torture

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Currently Reading:

A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2) by Sarah J Maas, Re-Read

• Genre: New Adult Fantasy
• Format: hardcover

I wasn't going to keep going with the series right away... but I had a few days left of March and couldn't decide on another book to read so... yeah. 

But this is the best one of the series, so how could I resist?

• You'll like this book if you also enjoy: fairy tale retellings, Hades and Persephone, romance, adventure, fantasy
• Trigger Warnings: abusive relationships, violence, torture

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Why Representation in Media Matters (To Me)

It's Saturday night and I hop into my car after seeing the movie, Love, Simon. It's no secret I'm a Becky Albertalli fangirl. I've read the book, Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda five times, have cried over The Upside of Unrequited, pre-ordered Leah on the Offbeat, and I met Becky at YallFest in 2016. (Twice. She follows me on Twitter now and patiently and kindly puts up with all of my flailing.) The movie was all I had hoped it would be. Of course there were a couple of minor tweaks I would have made, but nothing that ruined my enjoyment and appreciation of it. I laughed and cried and one of the best moments was when the theater erupted in applause at the big romantic scene towards the end. Nothing could warm my heart more. 

Thank goodness for friends who don't judge too harshly when a grown woman gushes about her "precious baby Simon" and how she wants to "squish his cheeks and give him a hug." 

As I opened up "Simon's Playlist" on Spotify and drove home, I couldn't help but think about how glad I am this movie and book exists. There are so many kids (and adults) who will, and already, have gotten so much out of it. I think of the friends I've known who are somewhere on the LGTBQIA+ spectrum and how much media like this would have meant to them when we were in high school.

Because while Simon is one of my favorite books and I loved the movie - this story isn't for me. It's for them. I'm so happy they have it.

As I drove, my mind wandered to the books, movies, and TV shows that are for me. The ones that deal with the types of representation which would reflect who I am. I've talked about this topic before and more of my personal reasons for representation in media on my now abandoned YouTube channel. It was in response to a video My Name is Marines made, which was much better done than mine. 

I want to revisit this topic, but here on my blog. My video was fine, but not as good as I want it to be, and I tend to write out my thoughts better than speaking them sometimes. Go figure. 

For a long time, I purposely avoided anything which featured a character who had a disability because whenever I saw any, it was terrible. The character had no depth, all they ever talked or thought about was their disability (sorry, I don't wake up thinking about it every single morning), and they were always this weird-perfect-better than everyone else-someone we should all aspire to be- and only existed to be inspirational-being.

No thanks.

I also never saw a character who had a condition I could fully connect with. They would be blind, or deaf, or permanently in a wheelchair, and I was none of those things. I have Osteogenesis Imperfecta which basically means I break my bones a lot and have short stature. (I'm 4'2.) For most of my childhood, I had braces and a walker. Then in jr. high I didn't need braces anymore, but we did get a wheelchair because that was an easier and safer way for me to travel long distances and to carry my books through the school hallways. Even then, I wasn't in it permanently. And none of the characters I saw had short stature the way I did. Then, when shows like Little People, Big World, came out, I was able to connect with them on a certain level. But we have completely different conditions, so it still didn't quite fit the bill.

As I thought about it, I realized it went deeper than this though. Part of me felt I wasn't allowed to enjoy media featuring disabilities. 

My strongest memory stemming to this is from the 1996 summer Olympics. Naturally, all of us kids were excited about it and all summer talked about our favorite Olympians and moments. One day, I was with some of my friends and we were listing our favorite gymnasts. My answer was Kerri Strug. 

The other girls, who were very familiar with my disability and all of my injuries which sent me to the ER several times a year, rolled their eyes and said "you only like her because she got hurt."

Embarrassed, I tried to defend myself by saying that I also thought she was a good gymnast. But it was no use. Already, my opinion was regarded as not valid. 

I wish someone had told me "So what if you only like her because, like you, she's experienced extreme pain but also had to keep going and push through it?" 

Because it's a completely valid reason to admire someone.

Yes, I understand we were in fourth grade and kids can be ridiculous. But, we also can't deny that sometimes what appears to be the smallest things from childhood stick with us for a long time. Even in college my friends would tease me about my love of Snow White, and said it was only because the dwarfs were short like me.

Later in my 4th grade year, I picked up a book called Midnight in the Dollhouse by Marjorie Filley Stover.  It was a novel about a young girl living in post-Civil War time and broke her hip, then during the healing process was confined to her bed for three months. To pass the time, her family got her a set of small dolls and a dollhouse for her to play with. (Of course, the dolls came to life and had adventures.) This book ticked so many boxes for me. I was an avid reader of the American Girl books, so historical fiction was my jam. Then, I loved to play with my dolls and create elaborate stories for them. But on top of it, was a character I could connect to. 

A majority of my childhood was spent with broken bones, having to stay in bed for long periods of time, and needing to find something to do. I remember I was even excited because when the character healed, her left leg ended up being slightly shorter than her right leg. I had the same thing!

While she didn't have the exact same situation as I did, for the first time I had a character I could see myself in. I didn't even realize how much I was craving for a story where I could say "me too!" until I read one.

But, I never tried to seek any more out. Maybe I thought it was a fluke, and for the most part, it kind of has been. Because whenever I did see or read something with a character who had a disability, it wasn't done well.

How awesome it would have been for me to read a book about a kid with braces on their legs. Or now as an adult to read a book about a character with a disability and it doesn't end with them dying, or moaning and groaning about their situation all of the time, or being so perfect and inspirational it's impossible to connect.

Which, we are coming along in that area. But we still have so far to go.

Then, I think about all of the other areas in my life I could see more in media. A big example was when I read The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli. The premise is about a teenage girl who has had 26 crushes, but never a boyfriend. 

As a perpetually single person, this book resonated with me on a deeper level than I had anticipated. She expressed feelings and insecurities I had back then, and even now as an adult, when it comes to relationships I never fully admitted to myself. So often we read stories about people who are in relationships and have had relationships as though it's assumed EVERYONE has had these experiences. I want more stories about the rest of us.

Or, when I read Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit  by Jaye Robin Brown. It was so refreshing to see a book featuring characters who are Christian - but also aren't complete jerks like you usually do. AND it wasn't a "Christian" book either. (Don't even get me started on Christian books.)

Or books about sisters.

And platonic friendships.

 And healthy families. 

It's amazing how even us writers tend to write awful stories about writers. (Example - Rory writing her book in Gilmore Girls:  Year in the Life. I rolled my eyes so hard it hurt.) 

Then, there's also the point of that we don't have to be like a character in order to learn from the story. When I go back to Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda, I think of how much I learned and connected to the book. No, I'm not a gay teenage boy. I have no idea what that's like, I'll never have to come out to my family, or experience someone blackmailing me about my sexuality. But, there were still so many other elements of the book that I could relate to when I was in high school, and I was able to see something from a different point of view. 

That's the beauty of storytelling. We see through someone else's eyes. 

I've been watching a lot of Queer Eye on Netflix lately, and so much of it is about just this. People who are completely different from one another learning from each other. 

There's power in learning and seeing the perspective of someone different than you are.

And there's power in seeing yourself in a story. Just think of all of the black kids right now who are watching Black Panther and feeling empowered by it. Think of all of the women who felt the same when they watched Wonder Woman.

That's why representation matters.

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