Book Blogger Confessions Tag

 

It has been a while since my last confession… I mean tag 😉 So I figure I should just jump straight to the good bit! Thanks so much to the lovely Sophie for tagging me to do this one! She runs a brilliant book blog with such varied content- from reviews to writing to crafts! Definitely recommend you check her out 🙂

RULES:

• Answer these questions truthfully.
• Once you’re done, tag 5 other book bloggers to answer these questions next.

1. Which book, most recently, did you not finish?

I actually find it really hard to DNF, so I was proud of myself for giving up on Otherworld. It was a very, very average ripoff of Ready Player One. And I’m not sorry for giving up on it!

2. Which book is your guilty pleasure?

Hmm I don’t know that I ever feel guilty, so I’m going for something that is more pure pleasure…

3. Which book do you love to hate? 

Hard question, cos I kinda hate hating things most of the time. I’ll admit I do enjoying hating on Fifty Shades of Grey from time to time- there’s just a lot of entertaining stuff out there making fun of it.

4. Which book would you throw into the sea? 

I’ll admit I trawled through all my lowest rated books on Goodreads, looking for something that sounded appropriate, so I guess I’m giving The Old Man and the Sea a watery death because it sounds punny! I feel a bit mean about this, because it’s not a fate it truly deserves, given it’s actually a good book and the only justification I have is that I don’t click with Hemmingway’s writing style… which isn’t really a justification at all. Ah well- I guess I’ll just have to drown in my own guilt 😉

5. Which book have you read the most?

Easily, the Hobbit.

6. Which book would you hate to receive as a gift? 

I don’t know that there’s anything… beyond Mein Kampf. I think any scenario where you receive this (or anything in this vein) as a gift would be pretty disturbing. Like, the thought process behind this would either be “Happy birthday- I think you’re a Nazi!” or “Happy birthday- from your friendly neighbourhood Nazi!”

(I realise there is probably a perfectly sensible answer to this question and I’ve just gone off the deep end, haven’t I?)

7. Which book could you not live without? 

Well, I’ve already mentioned The Hobbit, so I think I’ll have to go with another of my most formative reads: The Idiot. Not necessarily Dostoevsky’s best, but it’s left a deep impact on me ever since I read it.

8. Which book made you angriest? 

I can safely say that As I Lay Dying makes me so hot under the collar that I might spontaneously combust. Now, I’ve been told that I don’t get this book’s brilliance. Apparently, writing 56000 words on why language is insufficient to convey meaning is a stroke of genius and not the pretentious bilge I took it for. Silly me. Granted I do understand that I was supposed to buy into the post-structuralist “everything is meaningless so we might as well all curl up and die” view a long time ago- alas I am too “foolish” to have taken that to heart 😉 I must therefore issue an apology to the intelligentsia powers-that-be who like to pontificate on whether chairs are indeed chairs/whether dogs are dogs/whether language is a useful tool to communicate: I guess I couldn’t have been more wrong. Clearly I am a grunting-cave-dweller for thinking language fulfils its function pretty well. Clearly it is smart to obfuscate meaning in order to make the point that meaning is impossible to find- that’s not a manipulative tactic at all and TOTALLY proves there’s no meaning… in this work at any rate 😉  (Wow- that got more sarky than I intended- see what I mean about this making me sizzle with rage?)

9. Which book made you cry the most?

Recently, that would be Sadie. I can barely talk about this without getting emotional, so I’m just going to suggest listening to the audiobook version if you can and move on before I tear up…

10. Which book cover do you hate the most?

I don’t know why, but I feel so so bad picking out ugly covers. Still, I have to admit, I’m not crazy about the original City of Bones cover.

That’s all for now- I tag: Journey into Books, Hammock of Books, Kristin Kraves, Meltotheany, Literary Latte, CJR Brit and the Book Prescription

And I want to know- do you agree or disagree with any of my answers? And what books makes you sizzle with rage? Let me know in the comments!

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Mid Year Freak Out Tag #3

 

Wow how is it the middle of the year already?!? Where has time gone?! I wasn’t tagged for this, but I was reminded of this annual tradition by the lovely CJR Brit, the brilliant Bibliophalgist and the fab Graphic Novelty– so do check our their posts! Oh and by the way, there will be cheating with the answers, cos I’m a cheeky monkey and can’t help myself 😉 

Best Book You’ve Read Yet in 2019

This would’ve been an impossible choice- but I got round it by seeing what I wasn’t using in other answers 😉 So stayed tuned, cos there are some *fab books* to come!

Best Sequel You’ve Read So Far in 2016

Okay I may be going with two, but they’re by the same author, so it doesn’t count right?!

New Release You Haven’t Read Yet But Want To

There are loads, but this one is everywhere right now and it’s tempting me: 

Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year

I am literally jittery every time I think about this!!

Biggest Disappointment

No surprises: Atlas Shrugged. Wow, that was painfully hard to get through.

Biggest Surprise

I had a sneaking suspicion I’d like Truly Devious, yet I was surprised by quite how much I enjoyed it! (and how much I want to read on!!)

Favourite New Author

Going with the lovely C. G. Drews/Cait from Paper Fury– I read both her books this year and absolutely loved them!! I look forward to whatever comes next 😀

Newest Fictional Crush

Gotta be Cardan from Cruel Prince– I wasn’t totally sure about the romantic chemistry until I read Wicked King and now he’s got his claws into me!

 Newest Favourite Character

Anyone in a Reid novel. This is gonna be a really strange answer, because I feel like I have a really complicated relationship with these characters, but they just feel so real to me and deserve a *round of applause*.

Book That Made You Cry

Easily Sadie. It reduced me to a puddle on the floor.

Book That Made You Happy

Night of Cake and Puppets had me grinning from ear to ear!

Favourite Book to Film Adaptation

Just caught Good Omens on Prime and thoroughly enjoyed it- but more on that another time 😉

Favourite Post You Have Done This Year

Hmm probably How (Not) to Read Reviews– made myself laugh/*cackle maniacally* when I wrote it 😉

Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought This Year

Hands down this lovely copy of King of Scars (which also counts as a new release I still need to read…)

What Books Do You Need to Read by the End of the Year

*Coughs awkwardly* Some of you may notice books that have been there a while (years, guys, it’s been years…)

Moving swiftly on… I tag:

Kelly @Another Book in the Wall, Katie @Never Not Reading, Rivermoose Reads, Journey into Books, Dani @Perspective of a Writer, Bookworm Muse, Hammock of Books, Sophie and Bookmark Your Thoughts

That was fun- I didn’t even cheat as much as I thought I would 😉 Anyway, what are the best books you’ve read this year? Which ones made you laugh and which ones made you cry? Let me know in the comments!

My Good Reading Habits

Ever since I shared my bad reading habits eons ago, I’ve wanted the opportunity to clear my name and explain I do have some good habits too… mostly 😉 That’s why I was super excited when the marvellous Mim Inkling tagged me to do this one!

#1 Reading *anywhere*

This can also be sorta bad, cos I’ve been known to walk and read… even in the street (yeahhhh I read dangerously, don’t do that). But it also means I get a lot of reading done, especially on commutes and travelling. I’ll happily squeeze reading into any part of my day if I can!

#2 Finishing series… eventually

Obviously, being a series finisher has had it’s downsides- I’ve definitely stuck with some series longer than I should, YET I can say that, even if it takes me years, if I commit to a series I am going to finish it dammit! (or maybe just buy the whole thing on kindle and say I will eventually 😉 )

#3 I’ll read anything!

I’m pretty open-minded when it comes to genres/ideas/authors- so I’d gladly pick most books up. Doesn’t mean I’ll like them, but I’ll give them a go. That said, I’m getting better at…

#4 Picking books I know I’ll like

In part thanks to knowing my tastes better, however this is also largely thanks to all of *YOU*. Because of blogging, my average rating is going up and up. I find it so much easier to weed the duds out of my TBR and find some real gems I can genuinely get excited about.

#5 Using the library lots!

 

Tbh I wish just one of the libraries I visit looked like this…

This is pretty self-explanatory: libraries are awesome + monkey likes to go to the library = good reading habit! And it also proves my point that you don’t have to break the bank to get reading!

#6 Contributing to the circle of book life

This is quite an involved one, so let me explain. Obviously, I love buying books, but I’ve also gotten to be something of an expert when it comes to unhauling (see exhibit A), and I’m also good at then purchasing other’s unhauled second hand books- thereby the Great Circle of Book Life continues!

#7 Being a book pusher

I freely admit to spreading book addiction! Sharing books and getting readers hooked on series is my jam- I cannot help myself your honour!

Okay I’m not sure I actually cleared my name there- some of these seem suspiciously like bad habits… I wonder if you guys can do any better- I tag:

Katie @Never Not Reading, Paperback Piano, Bookstooge, Lucinda, Kelly, Misty, Angelica, Rivermoose Reads, Bookmark Your Thoughts and Kristin

And anyone else that wants to do it! Also what’s your best reading habit? Let me know in the comments! 

 

Marvel Avengers Book Tag

Cos I’m in the Marvel mood, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to do a themed bookish tag! And fortunately there’s a tag on every topic, so I didn’t have to look for long 😉 Thanks so much to the wonderful Sam @Rivermoose Reads for (rather conveniently) tagging me to do this one!

Iron Man – a book that made you laugh out loud: 

AHA! This book is a hilarious fake-memoir, based around Steve Coogan’s fabulously funny character Alan Partridge. 

Captain America – a book that sends a positive message:

This is a wonderful book full of vital, life lessons- if you haven’t read it, I can’t recommend it enough!

Thor – a book with a character’s strength you admire:  

I just love the strength of the women in this book. 

Black Widow – a book with a kick-ass female protagonist: 

I feel like I mention this book every other week now- but I can’t help it! Nona typifies *the best* attributes of the kickass character! Edgy and sharp and with hidden depths, she is an awesome heroine!

Hulk – a book that made you incredibly angry:

This. Is. Terrible.

Hawkeye – an underrated book you think more people should pay attention to:

So sad how few people have read this gem of a poetry collection outside of Hungary.

*BONUS* Loki – a book with a twist or surprise that tricked you: 

*No spoilers*- even if this book is by no means new, I still think the impact of the twist will blow most readers away! (plus it’s a book with evil Phaeries- need I say more? 😉 )

That was a fun one- hope you enjoyed- I tag:

Mim Inkling, Reading Hobbit, Bibliophalgist, Hammock of Books, Arubun Written, The Candid Cover, CJR the Brit and The Storyteller

And anyone else that wants to do this! Also, on the subject of great team-ups, what’s your favourite cast of ensemble characters? Let me know in the comments!

 

Soul Ripping Romance Tag

Well, here we are again: Valentine’s Day *dun dun duuuun*. Seems like the perfect opportunity to talk about some truly devastating-soul-ripping romances 😉 Thank you so much to the wonderful Nel @Reactionary Tales, the lovely Kat @ Life and Other Disasters and the fantastic Sam @Rivermoose Reads for tagging me to do this. They all run *brilliant* blogs about books, life and TV- I highly recommend you check them all out!!

THE RULES

• Thank the person who tagged you and create a pingback to the original author – Nel at Reactionary Tales.
• Share at least 5 (but more are welcome) romances that tugged your heart strings. They can be from books, movies, TV shows, manga; anything you can think of! They can be examples of sad tears, angry tears, happy tears or a combination of all three.
• Nominate 5 (or more) people to share their emotional traumas
• (Note: Try not to spoil the story for your readers in case they would like to check out these romances on their own)

MY SHIPS

Romeo and Juliet– an old ‘un but a good ‘un. I know a lot of people aren’t a fan of this tale as old as time or these particularly young star-crossed lovers, but I defy anyone to find a more beautifully written romance!

Jon and Ygritte– there are most definitely times in the show when I wish it could go back to this.

Ross and Demelza– I love this relationship with everything I have, but wow, it’s as tumultuous as the Cornish sea.

Arwen and Aragorn– I know not everyone is in love with this, however I remember being captivated by their loyalty to each other in the film (and Tolkien’s notes) and I’d describe this as one of my first ever ships. And I would sail it to the Undying Lands.

Lily and James Potter– I know everyone has a lot of (LOUD) feelings about all the relationships in the Harry-Potter-verse nowadays- nonetheless for me, no matter what happened while they were teens, I always believed in their enemies-to-lovers romance (and be devastated by their tragic end).

Dorian and Sorscha (or Dorian and Manon- basically Dorian with anyone 😉 )- dude simply can’t catch a break- and I love Maas for making me suffer so through his romantic entanglements (but also why’d you keep doing this to me?!!)

Warner and Juliette– I really didn’t ship this when I started the series- yet Mafi COMPLETELY turned this around and now I see theirs as a poignantly sad love affair.

Evelyn Hugo and the one she loves (*if you’ve read the book you’ll know who that is but I won’t spoil it for the rest of you*)- I don’t want to give away anything about this gorgeous mystery romance!! I guess you’ll just have to go and read it for yourself if you want to find out what I’m talking about 😉

I TAG: 

Beth, Zezee, Lucinda, Mim Inkling, Book Beach Bunny, Kat @Novels and Waffles, Rivermoose Reads, Katie and Journey into Books

And that’s all for now! Do you have any fictional romances that straight up break your heart? Let me know in the comments!

Power Couples Book Tag

It’s that time of year again… the time when I catch up on all my romance-themed tags 😉 Thank you so much to the awesome Sam @Rivermoose Reads for tagging me to do this one!

A couple that share big passions and goals

Darrow and Mustang (or Darrow and Eo if you think about it 😉 )

A couple that love and respect each other

Zuzana and Mic 

#romancegoals

A couple that is stronger together than apart

Henry and Rachel

A huge part of this exquisite book is rediscovering what you’ve lost… including romantic love 🙂

A couple that wholly support each other

Kaz and Inej

Even in criminal endeavours 😉

A couple that is genuinely cute together

Simon and Blue

I think the exact word to describe them is: squeeee-omg-so-cute!! (okay that’s a few words mashed into one, but in internet-speak that counts as one word)

I tag: Kat, Nina, Way Too Fantasy, Luci, Emily, Sofii, Bibliophalgist, CJR the Brit, Mel and Jill

And anyone else that fancies doing it! What’s your favourite bookish power couple? Let me know in the comments! 

Unpopular Opinions Tag #2

Hello all! Long-time no tag! Annnd I’m choosing this opportunity to do one I’ve done before BUT I always have more unpopular opinions knocking about PLUS I was tagged again by the lovely Katie @Never Not Reading so thank you for that! ❤ And just to start out with an uncontroversial opinion: if you’re looking for an awesome blend of reviews, discussions and memes run by a gorgeous person, then what are you still doing here? GO CHECK HER OUT!

Ok, you’re back- awesome, right?

Now let’s get to the things you might not like so much…

A POPULAR BOOK OR BOOK SERIES THAT YOU DIDN’T LIKE

I’m just baffled by its popularity (and the fact that the average rating on GR is 4.13- how?!!? Were we reading the same book?!?!)

A POPULAR BOOK OR BOOK SERIES THAT EVERYONE ELSE SEEMS TO HATE BUT YOU LOVE

I frickin loved this book. Now I get some of the criticism about it being slow, but I don’t see it deserving quite the low rating that it has on GR.

AN OTP THAT YOU DON’T LIKE

Such a hard question, cos I’m generally okay with what’s canon and I’m pretty sure I used up all my answers last time. I guess it makes sense to go with the one I’ve fallen out of love in the last few years and that’s… Jon and Dany.

To be fair, I feel like I never should have shipped this one to begin with, but once it played out on screen, my brain just went EWW and I’ve been trying to blot out the fact I once wanted this ever since.

A POPULAR BOOK GENRE THAT YOU HARDLY REACH FOR.

This is an increasingly tricky question the more I reach outside my comfort zone. I think my bog-standard answer for this right now is westerns, cos I just haven’t read one (and can’t think of anything else!)

A POPULAR/BELOVED CHARACTER THAT YOU DO NOT LIKE

Deep breaths everyone: Wonder Woman.

Now I’m not going off the comics, so don’t @ me, but both her iteration in the movie and the recent Bardugo book came across to me as complete Mary Sues annnnd I’m not digging it. Soz!

A POPULAR AUTHOR THAT YOU CAN’T SEEM TO GET INTO

I’m literally going to go with the most controversial choice I can think of- CONSEQUENCES BE DAMNED! (seriously though, please don’t attack me 😉 ) And that’s… Stephen King.

His writing style and I do. not. gel. And yes, I’ve given his work enough chances, and no, it’s still not for me.

A POPULAR BOOK TROPE THAT YOU’RE TIRED OF SEEING

Ach I still want to go with my one from last time (the Mary Sue/Marty Stu)! Especially cos it’s been plaguing stories worse than ever!! (which makes no sense, cos it’s been years, WHY IS THIS GETTING WORSE?) I guess the other trope I’m tired of seeing at this point is the Chosen One. Although, again, this comes back to wanting better characters.

A POPULAR SERIES THAT YOU HAVE NO INTEREST IN READING.

Gosh I gotta admit there are lots of these. And this is coming from someone with poor impulse control when it comes to books (most of the time: I see book, I want book, I read book 😉 ) Here’s a few:

 

 

(don’t hold me to this though, I keep seeing a couple of these about and it takes a lot not to cave 😉 )

THE SAYING GOES “THE BOOK IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN THE MOVIE”, BUT WHAT MOVIE OR TV SHOW ADAPTATION DO YOU PREFER MORE THAN THE BOOK?

Erm is it bad that I have *so many* answers? For me, it can really go either way- sometimes I hate adaptations, sometimes I love them. The most recent time I preferred the movie was Crazy Rich Asians- not that the book was bad per se, but I had mad-fun watching the film 😀

I tag: Bookstooge, Lucinda, Rivermoose, Journey into Books, Modern Witch, Naty, *May Contain Spoilers*, Starry Sky Books, Cade, Roaring Bookworm and Keira

And anyone else that wants to do it! So what did you think about my unpopular opinions? Agree or disagree with any of them? Let me know in the comments!