BookWormin'

My last post was in March, so my blogging schedule has been just about the same as always - non-existent.  But, as usual, lack of blogging doesn't mean lack of reading!  Here's my 2018 summed up in books.  (For my full list, check out my 2018 Reading List .) According to my goodreads profile (add me as a reading buddy!), I read 108 books this year! 10 of those books were in e-books format, meaning I read them on my Kindle or using the Kindle app There are 53 different authors on the list Speaking of authors, Nora Roberts was the most popular - I read 13 of her books I managed to resist for once and didn't read any books more than once this year (although I did reread some books I've read in past years; ACOTAR is too tempting). During the months of May and July , I read 20 books - the most I read in a month this year September and October were my slowest months - I read ONE book each of those months I know I'm not great at blogging on specific bo

There is a huge debate in the literary world and book lovers are extremely vehement about defending their side (which is of course the correct side).  The question?  Book vs. movie. As book lovers, we've been burned before.  The Percy Jackson movies were honestly a wreck, and extremely disappointing after all the time I devote to loving those books with my whole heart.  Hunger Games can go either way really, because a lot of it was correctly done, but at the same time there were definitely changes made.  Harry Potter is iconic, and personally I feel like it's one of the best to movie transitions every (although extreme fans will point out inconsistencies, such as Lily and Harry's eyes).  And of course there was this scene... Image found on google.com So the point is, there are a lot of different ways a movie adaptation of a book can go.  It can be good, it can be the bane of the bookworm's existence.  In some rare cases, it can be neither, and go from a good boo

A devotional is defined as something "of or used in religious worship."  Even if you're not religious, stick with me, because this is important in more ways that one. In many situations, a devotional is a book designed so that there is one short reading for each day of the year, often with an introduction giving background to the readings and use of the devotional, and each month might have its own intro as well.  Typically, the readings are prayers with a short reflection.  Often, the pages are only half full -  it really is just a short thing to read daily and reflect on; it's not meant to drag on and emphasize and reemphasize the same point over the course of five pages. In my perspective, a devotional is so important in daily life. From a religious standpoint , it's wonderful to be able to greet each day with a new prayer and reflection meant specifically to guide me through the day and color my viewpoint of the events that happen.  I often forget to mak

I finally got around to reading Wonder by R. J. Palacio , and let me tell you, it is such a wonderful book (pun intended).  The main character, August aka Auggie, is endearing and honest and through his eyes we see a lot and understand a lot about the world we live in.  We also get to experience the story through the point of view of multiple characters - not just Auggie, but also his sister, her ex-best friend, Auggie's best friend, Auggie's sister's boyfriend, and a few more friends.  They're all connected by Auggie, and each new perspective tells us more about the character speaking but also more about August himself and how different people perceive him. Image from target.com Really, that's what the story is all about.  The way so many different people see one person, and all the thoughts that interconnect and overlap, crossing one way and doubling back.  We see the nitty-gritty details and feelings when someone first notices Auggie's facial deformity

Have you ever felt as if you were in need of a miracle?  The Soria family of Bicho Raro, Colorado, can grant you one.  Or, half of one, at least.  The first miracle is performed by the Saint of the family. This is the miracle that reveals your inner darkness.  The second miracle is one only you can perform - understanding the darkness and banishing it.  Pilgrims visit Bicho Raro all the time to have a miracle performed.  Unfortunately, many of them are stuck in Bicho Raro, unable to leave before the second miracle, yet unable to solve their darkness. Photo credit is mine Here is a thing the Soria family wants: for the pilgrims to perform their miracle and move on.  Here is a thing the Soria family cannot do: interfere with the second miracle.  Any Soria who interferes with the second miracle in any way immediately falls prey to their inner darkness.  For safety's sake, the family stays away from the pilgrims, providing them with shelter and necessities and nothing else.  This

There are many book blogs out in the  wild nerd yonder , and most of them, such as Modern Mrs. Darcy, do annual reading challenges.  (If you're interested, the Modern Mrs. Darcy reading challenge for 2018 is  here .)  Sometimes, like for MMD, the list is categories or types of books, such as a book from a favorite author or a book from the banned books list.  Other times, there are actual titles, like you can see on the visual reading challenge listed  here  that I posted about. I'm sure many of you are aware of the popular TV show, Gilmore Girls , especially since it's triumphant return recently for Netflix's A Year in the Life.   The mother and daughter duo, both named Lorelei Gilmore, are quirky and adorable while also dealing with life's ups and downs in their small town of Stars Hollow and the larger world of college and careers.  The younger Lorelei, known to all as Rory, is a model student and, like myself, an avid reader. Photo found on google.com May

The Raven Cycle book two Image from goodreads.com This book continues the story of the Aglionby boys and Blue Sargent that Maggie Stiefvater spins in the first book, The Raven Boys .  While the story again focuses on Gansey's quest to find a dead Welsh king, Glendower, there are many new developments. Gansey is getting further away and yet closer than every before as there are problems with the ley line in Henrietta.  Adam is dealing with the consequences of the deal he made with Cabeswater, as well as the other challenges his life presented to him in the form of his anger, his bills, and his feeling of inadequacy.  And of course there is Ronan Lynch.  Ronan has revealed his power of pulling things from his dreams, and Gansey feels this brings them closer to the location of Glendower, who always traveled with a magician.  Ronan is not so willing, and the objects he pulls from his dreams are rarely pleasant and often unintentional and dangerous. Incredible Ronan art by @eh