[Book Review] Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi is an absolutely heartbreaking story about hardship and unfairness. However, it is also a beautiful story about family and love.

The first two chapters set the story. In one chapter we meet Effia, who marries a white man. In the second chapter we meet Esi, who is enslaved and taken to America. Though they never had the chance to meet, Effia and Esi learn that they had a sister out there in the world. The novel then follows the children of these two women through many generations. With each chapter, we see how slavery affected each of them.

This book had been on my TBR for quite a while, so when it was picked for our second book club read, I was so excited.

Of course, I had heard quite a bit of hype around this book, so I treaded carefully when I began reading. I am very happy to say that this book surpasses that hype.

Note: THERE WILL BE SPOILERS.

3 November Book Releases I Can’t Wait To Read

Phew, November sure snuck up on me! I'm so excited for the holiday season, but I'm definitely not ready to say goodbye to October... 

At least I have these three books to look forward to!

[Book Event] Meeting Joe Hill

On a unusually warm and blustery day in October that was threatening rain, my friend Amber and I headed to Gibson's Bookstore in Concord, New Hampshire to attend a book talk. The presenter? Mr. Joe Hill.

If you've been following me for awhile, you know how often I rave about Joe Hill. I've been meaning to do a few re-reads so I can write up reviews of the books I had read before starting this blog. So stay tuned for that!

I had been looking forward to this talk for months, and it was even more incredible than I could have imagined!

[FLYTIP] Improving Your Bookish Photos

Welcome to another FLYTIP post!

FLYTIP is an original feature hosted by FLYLēF. The purpose is to share blog design graphics and advice, as well as encourage related discussions.

The topic for Saturday, October 28th is:

Open Topic || Discuss anything bloggish or bookish from a creative point of view.

So I have decided to discuss a few ways to improve your bookish photos. Let's jump in!

[Book Blogger Hop] Favorite Halloween Snacks

Book Blogger Hop: Halloween Edition!

Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer, where you answer a question and join a "hop". The purpose is to help bloggers discover and get to know one another.

For this week's question, Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer asks:

Candy Corn, a chocolate bar, or popcorn. Which of these snacks are your favorite to eat while reading?

[Book Review] In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware

In a Dark, Dark Wood is an awesome page-turning psychological suspense novel!

I almost didn't give this one a try. I had heard numerous people rave about it, but I was so hesitant because I didn't enjoy The Woman in Cabin 10 at all.

Thankfully, I was surprised by this book! While it still had some of the irritating elements of the first book from Ruth Ware that I had read, I really enjoyed this one!

Let's dive in!

[Book Tag] The Spooky Would You Rather Book Tag

When I saw Lii of Girl Hearts Books post this book tag, I immediately wanted to dive in! This was such a fun tag, I highly recommend taking part!

[Book Review] Girl of Glass by Megan O'Russell

Girl of Glass by Megan O'Russell is an intense story about a girl trying to find her place in a chaotic dystopian world. And I know, the word "dystopian" may make you want to tune this one out. It almost got me too, but just let me say one more thing; this book had a lovely unique premise that I really enjoyed!

Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way. 

BEWARE, there will be very slight spoilers below!

[Book Review] Switched by R.L. Stine

Switched by R.L. Stine is a very intense story about two teenage girls. I found it a bit overly dramatic, but totally captivating! I just love R.L. Stine's work!

This is a book that would be great for a readathon! I read it in about an hour.

[Comic Review] Nancy Drew And The Hardy Boys: The Big Lie #1

When I first heard that this crossover was going to be released, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it! But when I found out that it was digital only, it slipped deep down into my TBR list... Unfortunately this one didn't live up to my expectations. However, I think the series as a whole has potential!

[Book Review] Dragons Love Tacos 2 by Adam Rubin & Daniel Salmieri

Dragons Love Tacos 2 by Adam Rubin & Daniel Salmieri is a wonderfully humorous book about a boy and his dog that go back in time to a taco party to grab a taco to plant a taco tree.

Before jumping into this book, I definitely recommend checking out the first (click here to read my review of Dragons Love Tacos).

[Book Review] Humanity's Hope by Pembroke Sinclair

Humanity's Hope by Pembroke Sinclair is a story that takes place once the world has begun to level out after the zombie uprising.

Zombie novels can be tricky. In my reading experience, I have seen a number of authors handle it really well, while others totally tanked... In this case, I think the author put a fun twist on the zombie! I absolutely loved the first half of the book, but unfortunately, I didn't really care for the second half.

Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way. 

[Book Blogger Hop] Favorite Scary Movie

Book Blogger Hop: Halloween Edition!

Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer, where you answer a question and join a "hop". The purpose is to help bloggers discover and get to know one another.

For this week's question, Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer asks:

Off the book topic - What is your favorite scary movie?

[Book Review] When I Am Through With You by Stephanie Kuehn

When I Am Through With You by Stephanie Kuehn is a suspenseful story about a group of high schoolers that take a camping trip that will change them forever.

This is a story that really makes you think both as you are reading, and long after turning the last page.

Stephanie Kuehn is definitely an author that I will be keeping an eye on. I cannot wait to read more of her work!

[Top 5 Wednesday] 5 Books That Feature Zombies

Top Five Wednesday is hosted by Thoughts on Tomes. For those of you that are interested in taking part, check out the Goodreads group here: Top 5 Wednesday.

This week's prompt:

October 18th: [paranormal creature of your choice]
--Here is the previously mentioned paranormal creature topic. This topic will revolve around one type of paranormal creature of your choice. So books featuring vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, demons, fae, zombies, etc.

So of course I picked Zombies!

Let's dive in!

[Top 10 Tuesday] Ten Yummy Foods Mentioned In Books

Top 10 Tuesday is created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's prompt is: Top Ten Yummy Foods Mentioned In Books.

Does a character eat something you'd love? Or maybe the book takes place in a bakery/restaurant that makes yummy things? You could also talk about 10 of your favorite cookbooks if you don't read foody books.

Let's dive in!

[Graphic Novel Review] Wytches Vol 1

Wytches Volume 1 is an absolutely stunning and wonderfully written graphic novel about a family and the darkness that won't leave them alone.

I loved every second of this read. If you're into darker, spooky, graphic novels, you're going to love this!

[Book Review] Little Monsters by Kara Thomas

I absolutely loved The Darkest Corners, so when I saw that Kara Thomas had a new book, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it! This book did not disappoint.

Little Monsters by Kara Thomas is an awesome young adult mystery/thriller with dark elements of deception, manipulation, distrust, and jealousy, but also upbeat elements of love and family.

Kara Thomas is such a skilled writer when it comes to YA Suspense and Mystery! I cannot wait to see what she does next!

[FLYTIP] Make Your Mark: My Favorite Bookmarks

Welcome to another FLYTIP post!

FLYTIP is an original feature hosted by FLYLēF. The purpose is to share blog design graphics and advice, as well as encourage related discussions.

The topic for Saturday, October 14th is:

Bookmarks aren't just for saving your place in a book. They are artistic expressions. Share your expression with 5-10 bookmarks.

[Book Blogger Hop] My Favorite Horror/Suspense Author

Book Blogger Hop: Halloween Edition!

Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer, where you answer a question and join a "hop". The purpose is to help bloggers discover and get to know one another.

For this week's question, Kitty @ Vicarious Bookworm asks:

Who is your favorite horror/suspense author and why?

[Top 10 Tuesday] Ten Fall Book Covers

Top 10 Tuesday is created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

To me, a fall book cover can either totally scream fall when you look at it, or it can be one of three colors; orange, yellow or maroon. :)

[Comic Review] Big Mushy Happy Lump by Sarah Andersen

Big Mushy Happy Lump by Sarah Andersen is a wonderful collection of adorable and incredibly relatable comics. 

I flew right through this book and felt incredibly sad when I reached the end. I hope to see more from Sarah soon!

(Shout out to Heather of Heather's Reading Hideaway and her fiancé for putting this on my radar!)

[Book Blogger Hop] Halloween Classics

Book Blogger Hop: Halloween Edition!

Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer, where you answer a question and join a "hop". The purpose is to help bloggers discover and get to know one another.

For this week's question, Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer asks:

Bram Stoker's Dracula and Marry Shelley's Frankenstein are both considered classics. Have you ever read either of them? 

[Book Review] We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart is a fantastically addictive read, but also a terribly sad story about a young girl and a summer that changed everything!

To put it best, "There’s not even a Scrabble word for how bad I’m feeling right now…" but not in a negative way! This book just really hit hard, even though this was my second read through!

I read this for the first time with a friend, knowing absolutely nothing about it when I dove in. I highly recommend doing the same if you can!

When this book was picked for our first book club read, I was so excited to read it again! When I got home from our meeting, I immediately went to Amazon and ordered myself a copy.

3 October Book Releases I Can’t Wait To Read

Whoops! I'm a bit late to the game here for this post. Better a bit late than never, right? :)

[Book Blogger Hop] Sleeping With Books?

Book Blogger Hop

Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer, where you answer a question and join a "hop". The purpose is to help bloggers discover and get to know one another.

For this week's question, Maria @ A Night's Dream of Books asks:
Have you ever slept with a favorite, beloved book under your pillow, or cradled in your arms?

[Book Review] Aaru by David Meredith

When I saw one of my favorite book bloggers, Lauren of Always Me, review this book, I immediately wanted to give it a go!

Click here to check out Laurens review.

Luckily, soon after I had commented on her blog, the author reached out and offered me an honest review exchange. Needless to say, I in as soon as I could!

Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way. 

[Wrap-Up] September 2017

Phew! September flew right by! I didn't get nearly as much reading done as I had planned... I actually returned two books to the library before I had even cracked them open!

But oh well, I still had one heck of a reading month!

[Book Review] The Broke-Ass Bride's Wedding Guide by Dana LaRue

The Broke-Ass Bride's Wedding Guide by Dana LaRue is a hilarious and incredibly helpful book that can help ease you into wedding planning mode!

I picked this up a few months after our engagement, but before we started really getting into the weeds of wedding planning. If you can, I highly recommend picking this up soon after getting engaged, before you let the stress of wedding planning kick in.

However, if you've already hit the wall of stress, you have to go get this book right away! Trust me. It really helped me! How? I'll explain in a minute.

Let's dive in!