tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86963296756094524072024-03-14T21:38:07.230+10:00nuggets of niamhbooks. thoughts. life.Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8696329675609452407.post-91047633684018769142019-02-19T11:00:00.000+10:002019-02-19T17:52:19.231+10:00hidden #loveozya gems // top ten tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzJAiA-SmhOB5tMxHnfXD1XYlR-2QAq-EbM3tAAonp8lqUvPkzrfpiPpDLqZvEGcb8WFjT9pcAJD_vQstkoClEi4OWWQz_0lF3pMH3MF8qMaI2Nl5A7RgfLLbEQFEdwyvxOyYfdxp-Ic/s640/hidden-gems.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am so glad to be a part of the book blogging community. I love that it gives me (and everyone else) the freedom to gush about our favourite books without judgement. And that it's full of kind-hearted individuals like yourself who always take the time to read and comment nice things.<br />
<br />
A subject that is regularly discussed in the book community is highly-anticipated releases. While I like discussing "popular" books as much as the next book blogger, I also really enjoy promoting less well-known novels as well. Those "hidden gems", if you will. Last year, in particular, I read quite a few lesser-known novels that I absolutely loved!<br />
<br />
And that just so happens to be the topic for this week's Top Ten Tuesday! All of the books on my list have fewer than 1000 ratings on Goodreads (which is ridiculous, because they're amazing!) and apart from the very first book, the rest are all by Australian authors (which on one hand is great because it means I'm reading more #LoveOzYA, but on the other hand not so great because it means that Aussie authors aren't necessarily receiving the best exposure...).<br />
<br />
So today I'm pleased to be able to share some hidden #LoveOzYA gems that I really enjoyed and I hope that it inspires you to pick some of them up! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by <b><a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" target="_blank">Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl</a></b>, with a new topic to respond to every week.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="39354084" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1537540194l/39354084.jpg" width="211" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39354084-fierce-fragile-hearts" target="_blank">Fierce Fragile Hearts</a></b> by Sara Barnard</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(131 ratings)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the recently-released companion novel to Barnard's bestseller <i>Beautiful Broken Things</i> and it is absolutely amazing so I don't expect it will remain a hidden gem for long. Check out <b><a href="https://nuggetsofniamh.blogspot.com/2019/02/fierce-fragile-hearts-blog-tour.html" target="_blank">my review</a></b> from my stop on the #AusYABloggers blog tour.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="35267346" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1496152950l/35267346.jpg" width="206" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35267346-night-swimming" target="_blank">Night Swimming</a></b> by Steph Bowe</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(213 ratings)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A quirky YA contemporary set in a quintessential Australian country town, feat. cute friendships, an adorable f/f romance, and a pet goat called Stanley.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="35492492" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1503957988l/35492492.jpg" width="209" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35492492-take-three-girls" target="_blank">Take Three Girls</a></b> by Cath Crowley, </span><span style="font-size: large;">Simmone Howell and</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Fiona Wood</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(571 ratings)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is a wonderful story about the importance of female empowerment and supportive friendships and is just brimming with hopefulness and positivity.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="25580726" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1432285852l/25580726.jpg" width="218" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">4. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25580726-becoming-kirrali-lewis" target="_blank">Becoming Kirrali Lewis</a></b> by Jane Harrison</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(177 ratings)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A charming yet sometimes uncomfortable exploration of identity, indigenous rights, and racism in 1980s Australia.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="39808535" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1524244645l/39808535.jpg" width="208" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">5. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39808535-city-of-lies" target="_blank">City of Lies</a></b> by Sam Hawke</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(870 ratings)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The only non-YA novel on this list, <i>City of Lies</i> is a debut high fantasy full of poison, lies, and political intrigue that keeps you guessing until the very end. I can't wait for the sequel!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="28052476" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1481018099l/28052476.jpg" width="205" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">6. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28052476-the-secret-science-of-magic" target="_blank">The Secret Science of Magic</a></b> by Melissa Keil</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(711 ratings)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A sweet and innocent tale of first love between two highly adorkable, nerdy MCs. It's by no means the best book ever written, but it's about SCIENCE and MAGIC, which are two of my favourite things.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="38581969" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1526007403l/38581969.jpg" width="206" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">7. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38581969-the-art-of-taxidermy" target="_blank">The Art of Taxidermy</a></b> by Sharon Kernot</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(132 ratings)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is a beautiful middle-grade verse novel about love and grief. Every word projects such stunning and vivid imagery that you truly feel like you're actually there in post-WWII Australia.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="32334268" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1475458891l/32334268.jpg" width="209" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">8. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32334268-valentine" target="_blank">Valentine</a></b> by Jodi McAlister</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(579 ratings)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Featuring a smart and sassy female protagonist and mysterious and murderous supernatural beings, this is an urban fantasy that ticks all the boxes! Also, the third and final book in the series, <i>Misule</i>, just came out so now is the perfect time to binge-read the trilogy!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="35901105" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1521480092l/35901105.jpg" width="208" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">9. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35901105-the-brightsiders" target="_blank">The Brightsiders</a></b> by Jen Wilde</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(680 ratings)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Brightsiders</i> is the colourful and diverse queer coming-of-age story that I didn't realise I needed in my life. And therefore you need in your life, too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="39674509" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1522287872l/39674509.jpg" width="212" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">10. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39674509-after-the-lights-go-out" target="_blank">After</a></b><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39674509-after-the-lights-go-out" target="_blank"> the Lights Go Out</a></b> by Lili Wilkinson</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(324 ratings)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A gripping, intense, and suspenseful survivalist story set deep in the Australian outback. The setting and themes reminded me a lot of <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8601327" target="_blank">Tomorrow, When The War Began</a></i> by John Marsden.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Have you read any of these books? Or have I encouraged you to give them a chance? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to leave a link to your TTT so I can find out about YOUR hidden gems! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Niamh, xo.</div>
Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8696329675609452407.post-59659531306274867402019-02-15T11:00:00.000+10:002019-02-15T11:00:06.355+10:00Fierce Fragile Hearts // Blog Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="870" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI38-e_DqJRsZq5tU0HFjiXSuN1LCfn9m8xjjab-ThaSgJjt6qupxMwTo4T2mCZn36NATha-n1istVRCe2fwrHHI5286hZ6hZLgVgucturbcNk7jFo7zXqbma3XIhkraZR0Vy4JMvG5lk/s1600/Fierce+Fragile+Hearts+tour+logo.png" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1537540194l/39354084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="39354084" border="0" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1537540194l/39354084.jpg" width="264" /></a><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39354084-fierce-fragile-hearts" target="_blank">Fierce Fragile Hearts</a> by Sara Barnard</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Published: 12th February 2019 by Macmillan Children's Books<br />
Format: Paperback<br />
Pages: 384<br />
ISBN: 9781509852888<br />
RRP: $16.99<br />
Trigger warnings: abuse, depression, PTSD, suicide<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">★ ★ ★ ★</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="background-color: #f1f1f1; padding: 10px;">
<i>'This time around, I'm going to be so much better. I'm going to prove to them that it was worth waiting on me.'</i><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><i>Fierce Fragile Hearts</i> is the stunning companion novel to Sara Barnard's YA bestseller <i>Beautiful Broken Things</i>. It is about leaving the past behind, the friends who form your future, and learning to find love, in all its forms.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: transparent;">Two years after a downward spiral took her as low as you can possibly go, Suzanne is starting again. Again. She's back in Brighton, the only place she felt she belonged, back with her best friends Caddy and Rosie. But they're about to leave for university. When your friends have been your light in the darkness, what happens when you're the one left behind?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5A5LV-h5eux4Webc-P7BesJFxwAQe6zZWjV4BYG1CwbGW9KWYt_NGgoPMKESxy_UjSg2llLE3UXhPmFCQrx-uQXNJQ_eqAP7kyzD8pp7HeU_7QOuQMCHN4Anp04F1jvLlcyynVipQ3g/s640/IMG_3562+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"When someone knows you've been broken, all they see is the cracks. The knowledge colours everything, an extra filter between you and the world."</blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
First off, can I just say, <b>what a gorgeous novel</b>.<br />
<br />
Whereas <i>Beautiful Broken Things</i> is Caddy's story, this sequel is very much Suzanne's. In <i>Fierce Fragile Hearts</i>, we follow Suze – through all her highs and lows – as she navigates life as an independent 18-year-old.<br />
<br />
Returning to Brighton, Suze is reunited with the town and the friends she loves. However, she soon realises that her friendship with Caddy and Rosie is not quite the same as it had been when she left: they've all grown up. And when they both move away for university, Suze believes she's on her own.<br />
<br />
Then she meets Dilys, her 79-year-old neighbour. Dilys is generous and kind-hearted and immediately takes Suze under her wing. They bond over their shared love of music and eventually, for once, Suze actually lets somebody in. Dilys truly <i>sees</i> Suze and their relationship is by far the purest thing on this planet.<br />
<br />
Relationships, both platonic and romantic, are dominant themes within <i>Fierce Fragile Hearts</i> and Barnard captures them expertly. In particular, the way she writes the intensity and complexity of the constantly shifting dynamics between teen girls is highly reminiscent of my own (and I'm sure many others') experiences during adolescence.<br />
<br />
But relationship dramas are not the only issues that Suze has to deal with. With only a part-time job at a coffee shop and a small government allowance, she quickly learns how expensive it is simply to live: rent, bills, food... it all adds up. For a topic that affects many young adults around the world, it's rarely addressed in YA fiction so I really appreciated its inclusion here.<br />
<br />
And, of course, there's the almost constant underlying concern that the next problem that arises may just be too much for Suze. That she simply won't be able to cope with it all. This is something that Suze herself acknowledges, but it also frustrates her.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"But really, what it does is remind me that he <i>does</i> worry about me, that I'm a person to be worried about, and that he thinks him worrying about me is something I make him do on purpose. And that all sucks, to be honest."</blockquote>
<br />
<i>Fierce Fragile Hearts</i> is not a novel about "curing" mental illness. It's about acknowledging your past yet not letting it define you as you move forward in your life. It's about the importance of having a good support system and both asking for accepting help when you need it. At times it can be heart-wrenching, but at its core, it's a tender and hopeful story about friendship, coping and growing up.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Thank you to Pan Macmillan Australia for kindly providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoGXUX9LJmvQ6r6i-t7V9NPwR8ChFp7Xy2OhVXm4dj9HDJrs0BfY82F7VAoU512A8dXtfCBnq1Fx289rVVgdX1QXB_hKE4zXjZYRJgX7cpHdtkYG9MTU5lxbl9kc_dvPK69ojA-MvQjU/s640/IMG_3546.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://panmacmillanapi.blob.core.windows.net/pmapi/e12a8195-4610-4b2d-fa9f-08d58e45775c/contributors/aeb2eae6-a0da-4ec9-a08a-08d5dcddecdf/original_400_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image for Sara Barnard" border="0" height="213" src="https://panmacmillanapi.blob.core.windows.net/pmapi/e12a8195-4610-4b2d-fa9f-08d58e45775c/contributors/aeb2eae6-a0da-4ec9-a08a-08d5dcddecdf/original_400_400.jpg" width="320" /></a>Sara lives in Brighton and does all her best writing on trains. She loves books, book people and book things. She has been writing ever since she was too small to reach the "on" switch on the family Amstrad computer. She gets her love of words from her dad, who made sure she always had books to read and introduced her to the wonders of secondhand book shops at a young age.<br />
<br />
Sara is trying to visit every country in Europe, and has managed to reach 13 with her best friend. She has also lived in Canada and worked in India.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Twitter: <b><a href="https://twitter.com/saramegan" target="_blank">@saramegan</a></b> | Instagram: <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/saramegan87/?hl=en" target="_blank">@saramegan87</a></b> | Website: <b><a href="http://sarabarnardofficial.tumblr.com/">sarabarnardofficial.com</a></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You can check out the other <i>Fierce Fragile Hearts</i> blog tour stops <b><a href="https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/2284-2/?fbclid=IwAR3GeEV_26KC0_zGoNOxDduLEB25fv9M7QZNQHojLqrseIFHHeQWmc4TOYY" target="_blank">here</a></b>.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Niamh, xo.</div>
</div>
</div>
Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8696329675609452407.post-28867790623042617472019-02-12T08:00:00.000+10:002019-02-12T08:00:01.105+10:00favourite couples in books // top ten tuesday<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CVUE2Tpm9DTLPpfNvfy0IQK1icTrY6QHSWjzpKqIzujPsNe1z7DyJkzJB8pyNbU2sNyWcX5d_Z-kMNqA2ttbW1KL5gDJZxV_oSYCSlJqXKWWz0flr36aRo2fbaUZCa_W-h2fEjWfq7Q/s640/couples.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
When it comes to romance in books, I can either take it or leave it. If it's done well, I'll eagerly jump on that 'ship, but if it's not... er, what's the point?! That being said, I'm a sucker for both fun, cutesy relationships and angsty, drama-filled romances alike. In fact, the more extreme the better!<br />
<br />
This week's Top Ten Tuesday topic is "Favourite Couples in Books", and with Valentine's Day just around the corner, it's the perfect time for some swoon-worthy GIFs! (I had so much fun putting this post together!) </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So without further ado (and in no particular order), here are my favourite bookish couples! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by <b><a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" target="_blank">Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl</a></b>, with a new topic to respond to every week.</span></div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://giphy.com/embed/l4pTbsT3ofGM7II5a" width="480"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/shadowhunters-freeform-shadowhunters-season-2-l4pTbsT3ofGM7II5a"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1. Magnus and Alec from <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23164819-city-of-bones" target="_blank">The Mortal Instruments</a></b> by Cassandra Clare</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="19174917" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1386404196l/19174917.jpg" width="211" /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Cath and Levi from <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19174917-fangirl" target="_blank">Fangirl</a></b> by Rainbow Rowell</span><br />
<br />
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="203" src="https://giphy.com/embed/122E4WYjecBUDm" width="480"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/twilight-eclipse-alice-cullen-122E4WYjecBUDm"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Alice and Jasper from <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4687635-twilight" target="_blank">The Twilight Saga</a></b> by Stephenie Meyer</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="36544848" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1540798465l/36544848.jpg" width="211" /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">4. Monty and Percy from <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36544848-the-gentleman-s-guide-to-vice-and-virtue" target="_blank">The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue</a></b> by Mackenzi Lee</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://giphy.com/embed/yNi7F84D0jry9uDH3A" width="480"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">5. Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy from <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1889.Pride_Prejudice" target="_blank">Pride and Prejudice</a></b> by Jane Austen</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<img alt="763588" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1388204220l/763588.jpg" width="185" /><br />
<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/anne-hdlvRg6CbmPio"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">6. Anne and Gilbert from <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/763588.Anne_of_Green_Gables" target="_blank">Anne of Green Gables</a></b> by L. M. Montgomery</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="198" src="https://giphy.com/embed/HYo2KR9CdDbC8" width="480"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">7. Katniss and Peeta from <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6053292-the-hunger-games" target="_blank">The Hunger Games</a></b> by Suzanne Collins</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="203" src="https://giphy.com/embed/122E4WYjecBUDm" style="text-align: start;" width="480">
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/twilight-eclipse-alice-cullen-122E4WYjecBUDm"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="36162553" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1504269390l/36162553.jpg" width="199" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">8. Zuzana and Mik from <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36162553-night-of-cake-and-puppets" target="_blank">Night of Cake and Puppets</a></b> by Laini Taylor</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<img alt="Image result for love simon ferris wheel gif" height="199" src="https://data.whicdn.com/images/314342322/original.gif" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">9. Simon and Blue from <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24926015-simon-vs-the-homo-sapiens-agenda" target="_blank">Simon vs. the Homosapiens Agenda</a></b> by Becky Albertalli</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="24851136" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1451500620l/24851136.jpg" width="212" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">10. Cristina, Mark and Kieran from <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24851136-lady-midnight" target="_blank">The Dark Artifices</a></b> by Cassandra Clare</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Do you like reading about romance? Or do you prefer books that focus on platonic relationships? And do we share any favourite fictional couples? Let's chat! Don't forget to leave a link to your TTT so I can sneak a peek at your list as well! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Niamh, xo.</div>
Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8696329675609452407.post-3436349248105096542019-02-08T11:00:00.000+10:002019-02-08T11:01:38.408+10:00i went on a turtle trek // travelog<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZJ9HpGotZy0SeIMo1ONiK0-fN66GQUSJhurioiKLIK1Hc_q21Jnl-J9xUi6_pNvpYqC-wA51_2Vz61LFO_Sx1Nm7v3tq5vnRVPUGbmDszGDM4nqQCBeSgfJMWo3MP47-_GLqaOOErpU/s640/turtle-trek.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGT-sipkgr9THA-kqIqU23utjP0SnzojqNC-ulHUDuTK01b9yqcTYDl0G15Wy8WPrPnMpnij9LfOFj1BmMN-Nyfmr1rXgAQfvRWCLL9Dg1slGX3BfK5a_geoi2GIYnc2GzRPP9Zdo9Hk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-02-08+at+9.06.50+am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="1073" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGT-sipkgr9THA-kqIqU23utjP0SnzojqNC-ulHUDuTK01b9yqcTYDl0G15Wy8WPrPnMpnij9LfOFj1BmMN-Nyfmr1rXgAQfvRWCLL9Dg1slGX3BfK5a_geoi2GIYnc2GzRPP9Zdo9Hk/s400/Screen+Shot+2019-02-08+at+9.06.50+am.jpg" width="400" /></a>Today's post is a little bit different... As I mentioned in my <b><a href="https://nuggetsofniamh.blogspot.com/2019/02/its-finally-end-of-january-amcurrently.html" target="_blank">January wrap-up</a></b>, I recently went on a super exciting trip: I joined 40 Girl Guides and six other Leaders on a week-long excursion to Mon Repos to observe nesting marine turtles and their hatchlings and I want to tell you all about it!<br />
<br />
Mon Repos is a small locality on the east coast of Australia, about 300 kilometres north of Brisbane. Every year between November and March, it is a temporary home to hundreds of endangered loggerhead turtles as nesting mothers lay their eggs and, later, the hatchlings emerge onto the beach.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a name='more'></a><br />
The Mon Repos Conservation Park has a dedicated Turtle Centre where visitors can learn all about marine turtles and the conservation and research programs that scientists and rangers have developed to protect them. During nesting and hatching season, you can also join a guided tour to observe these creatures in the wild.<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO855XoJj34oN5ripdo-93SNbkaf03XCDqfdXr_262RBH1-iQPIY5TZxvDTatOzCRgB93fApwZTOzurt_bsN8Vo4B0eFxx6NkoV36X9KOIa8_upBLxVnhg4kz81_2cL0iqcHFMPuOppD0/s1600/IMG_3130+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO855XoJj34oN5ripdo-93SNbkaf03XCDqfdXr_262RBH1-iQPIY5TZxvDTatOzCRgB93fApwZTOzurt_bsN8Vo4B0eFxx6NkoV36X9KOIa8_upBLxVnhg4kz81_2cL0iqcHFMPuOppD0/s400/IMG_3130+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a>That's what we did. Over the course of three nights, we were lucky enough to witness both stages of this ancient life cycle and I was even chosen to form part of the human tunnel to guide the hatchlings down to the water's edge! It was a truly magnificent experience!<br />
<br />
During the days, we also visited Mystery Craters, 35 oddly-shaped craters that are believed to be 25 million years old and remain an unsolved phenomenon; The Bundaberg Barrel, where you can sample all 18 different flavours of locally-produced ginger beer; Hinkler Hall of Aviation, an educational centre featuring interactive exhibits on local aerospace pioneer Bert Hinkler; and Flying High Bird Sanctuary, the largest free-flight aviary in Australia with more than 2000 birds.<br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
A few facts about Loggerhead turtles:</div>
<ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XNnZ9vYNy3BP5RWLpmTwOekMZ_OU6fdqHHpgLdyOvV2sQi3uziSpnVnGe_-VOTw6tcqVX1Vc0oQzahL39zS5shusWnQzmPw8Qxqwq5eQIM4bKxp0lrSb0Xw52NGHWX6p-efypK1X62o/s1600/IMG_3134+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XNnZ9vYNy3BP5RWLpmTwOekMZ_OU6fdqHHpgLdyOvV2sQi3uziSpnVnGe_-VOTw6tcqVX1Vc0oQzahL39zS5shusWnQzmPw8Qxqwq5eQIM4bKxp0lrSb0Xw52NGHWX6p-efypK1X62o/s400/IMG_3134+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<li>Nesting turtles lay an average of four clutches every two to three years and each clutch consists of around 120 eggs</li>
<li>The temperature of the sand surrounding the nest dictates the sex of the turtles – warmer temperatures (~32°C, like at Mon Repos) produces females, cooler temperatures (~28°C) produces males</li>
<li>After incubating for about 80 days, hatchlings emerge from their eggs and dig through the sand to the surface, usually at night when the darkness increases their chance of escaping predation</li>
<li>However, only 1 in 1000 hatchlings will survive to reach sexual maturity</li>
<li>The nesting turtle that we saw was estimated to be about 38 years old but they have a lifespan of 47–67 years</li>
<li>She was about 100 centimetres long and was estimated to weigh about 150 kilograms – a little over average</li>
<li>This was her fourth recorded laying season (her last one was in 2014)</li>
</ul>
<div>
All in all, I had an absolutely amazing week! If you ever have the opportunity to visit Mon Repos, I would highly recommend the trip. It is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that I will remember for years to come.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<br />
Did I help you learn something new about Loggerhead turtles? Or have you ever experienced any awesome animal encounters? Tell me your stories in the comments below so I can start planning my next trip! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Niamh, xo.</div>
</div>
</div>
Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8696329675609452407.post-2238913282917136422019-02-05T11:00:00.000+10:002019-02-05T11:00:16.092+10:00Upcoming releases I'm unsure about // Top Ten Tuesday<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYZt9pd79m0eNqV5j9OwETmbxUyJXe8kIjpxCw6O8apfgY_xLKB7EIvUQrj97O1Kyn8XARk3jzXylKWtEQR3FykZVMp5yjDX_HF46pKRHMxQPtjw_qqsCbnhIl0mWsbnAftiVT061k0E/s640/upcoming-releases.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
At the beginning of every year when I begin to compile my list of highly anticipated upcoming releases, I inevitably add way more than I could ever possibly read. This year was no different.<br />
<br />
I recently shared my <b><a href="https://nuggetsofniamh.blogspot.com/2019/01/most-anticipated-2019-releases-top-ten.html" target="_blank">top ten most anticipated 2019 releases</a></b>, featuring predominantly sequels or new books by authors I'm already familiar with, and my aim is to read most, if not all, of those books at some point this year. Of course, there were many others that didn't make that list, including quite a few debut novels. Some, such as <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36613718-enchant-e" target="_blank">Enchantée</a></b> and <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36430989-descendant-of-the-crane" target="_blank">Descendant of the Crane</a></b>, narrowly missed out and I will definitely be trying to read them as soon as possible after they are released, but others I'm not so sure about yet... </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by <b><a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" target="_blank">Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl</a></b>, with a new topic to respond to every week.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="35614314" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1531930744l/35614314.jpg" width="211" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35614314-the-weight-of-our-sky" target="_blank">The Weight of Our Sky</a></b> by Hanna Alkaf</span><br />
(Expected publication: 5th February 2019 – today!)<br />
<br />
I've seen this getting a lot of traction recently, most notably for its #ownvoices Malaysian rep. It sounds interesting but I'm not a huge historical fiction reader (unless it's more of a historical fantasy) so it's not the kind of book I'd usually pick up.<br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="39863237" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1530209192l/39863237.jpg" width="212" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39863237-the-ruin-of-kings" target="_blank">The Ruin of Kings</a></b> by Jenn Lyons</span><br />
(Expected publication: 5th February 2019 – today!)<br />
<br />
This epic fantasy is marketed for fans of George R. R. Martin, Robin Hobb, and Brandon Sanderson – so that alone makes me excited. Also the fact that it has a dragon on the cover! Buuut... can it really compare to such greats?<br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="37868550" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1529810717l/37868550.jpg" width="211" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37868550-the-antidote" target="_blank">The Antidote</a></b> by Shelley Sackier</span><br />
(Expected publication: 5th February 2019 – today!)<br />
<br />
The premise of this sounds so cool and I'm very intrigued but it has received super mixed reviews thus far so I'm sceptical.<br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="37868569" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1528832670l/37868569.jpg" width="213" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37868569-we-set-the-dark-on-fire" target="_blank">We Set the Dark on Fire</a></b> by Tehlor Kay Mejia</span><br />
(Expected publication: 26th February 2019)<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmT3SYwGCZvzFLTo_18Cvnw?&ab_channel=BooksandLala" target="_blank">Lala @ BooksandLala</a></b> recently read this and while she <i>liked</i> it, she didn't <i>love</i> it. Based on the synopsis, I thought it would predominantly be about the main character's time at this special finishing school for girls but apparently that only forms a tiny fraction of the plot? And now I'm unsure.<br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="40390513" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1532618555l/40390513.jpg" width="213" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40390513-when-the-sky-fell-on-splendor" target="_blank">When the Sky Fell on Splendor</a></b> by Emily Henry</span><br />
(Expected publication: 12th March 2019)<br />
<br />
I absolutely adored Henry's writing in <i>A Million Junes</i> but aliens <i>reeeally</i> aren't my thing so I'm undecided about whether I'll pick this up or not.<br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="36118682" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1539378101l/36118682.jpg" width="210" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36118682-wicked-saints" target="_blank">Wicked Saints</a></b> by Emily A. Duncan</span><br />
(Expected publication: 2nd April 2019)<br />
<br />
I haven't heard much about this one so I just don't feel like I know enough to make a decision about whether I want to read it or not?<br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="39863306" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1527042963l/39863306.jpg" width="208" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">7. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39863306-the-sword-and-the-dagger" target="_blank">The Sword and the Dagger</a></b> by Robert Cochran</span><br />
(Expected publication: 9th April 2019)<br />
<br />
I don't know why I'm on the fence about this one because a Christian princess, her fiancé, and a Muslim assassin embarking on a quest together sounds absolutely awesome! I think I'm just concerned that it can't possibly live up to my expectations.<br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="30075662" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1544661994l/30075662.jpg" width="210" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">8. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30075662-aurora-rising" target="_blank">Aurora Rising</a></b> by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff</span><br />
(Expected publication: 7th May 2019)<br />
<br />
I love Jay and Amie's separate works and although I haven't read <i>The Illuminae Files</i> yet, it's at the top of my TBR! This one, however, just doesn't hold the same kind of intrigue for me. (But let's be honest, I'll still probably pick it up!)<br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<img alt="35583527" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1539796761l/35583527.jpg" width="211" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">9. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35583527-there-s-something-about-sweetie" target="_blank">There's Something About Sweetie</a></b> by Sandhya Menon</span><br />
(Expected publication: 14th May 2019)<br />
<br />
<i>When Dimple Met Rishi</i> wasn't my favourite. I wanted to love it but I didn't and I'm afraid the same thing will happen with this one.<br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="36683928" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1542641950l/36683928.jpg" width="212" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">10. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36683928-spin-the-dawn" target="_blank">Spin the Dawn</a></b> by Elizabeth Lim</span><br />
(Expected publication: 30th July 2019)<br />
<br />
This one made it on to a lot of people's most anticipated lists this year and I can understand why. However, I just can't wrap my head around the idea of a <i>tailoring competition</i> being the main premise of the plot. Maybe it's because I personally don't care about clothes that much?<br />
<br />
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So there we have it! These books have piqued my interest but for one reason or another, I'm not yet convinced whether I should read them or not. And, to be honest, with all the books on my TBR at the moment, as well as other recent/upcoming releases that I'm more excited about, it's pretty unlikely that I'll pick any of them up this year.<br />
<br />
BUT I COULD BE PERSUADED! If you've read an ARC of any of these books or know any additional information not included in the Goodreads synopsis, let me know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below! Let's chat! Are you also on the fence about any of these books? Or are they on your most anticipated list? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Niamh, xo.</div>
Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8696329675609452407.post-26014570993150437092019-02-01T11:00:00.000+10:002019-02-01T11:00:09.551+10:00it's finally the end of January // #amcurrently<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28hSf3KPNSomBcVsdcK9Hk1hho_Ow5LHk248ebpKdsGjTMMchoGQc5p5BzDkfEFCFzKfWO1BubnnH5SbwyMznPV-GHCfwW_-p6HolejPmRfi7kNfwOY5jvf9w0zA8SrejV1fvDNMThmA/s640/amcurrently-january.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
Can you believe that we've finally made it to the end of January?! It honestly feels like it lasted for at least 79 years, not 31 days! Crazy.<br />
<br />
And it's been an... interesting month. I've had A LOT going on in my life, mostly revolving around job applications and interviews, but I'm happy to report that I was offered and have accepted a full-time position that I will be commencing very shortly! Yay!<br />
<br />
In other news, my family celebrated my grandmother's 80th birthday at the beach earlier this month and I also went on a week-long trip to a conservation park up north to observe nesting turtles and hatchlings! I'm planning on writing a whole blog post about that experience, but for now, let me just tell you that it was truly amazing! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">#amcurrently // reading...</span></h2>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Okay, I'm not going to lie, January was a TERRIBLE reading month for me. I actually only read four books this past month, as <i>Lady's Guide</i> was technically a 2018 read (it just didn't make it into my December wrap-up). To be fair, though, the average length of those four books is 612 pages, so in that respect, it's not too shabby.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">recently read:</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(Covers link to my Goodreads review if it exists!)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2470615413" target="_blank"><img alt="40221509" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1530524677l/40221509.jpg" width="132" /></a> <img alt="36396013" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1518282878l/36396013.jpg" width="129" /> <img alt="Image result for factotum dm cornish" height="200" src="https://d1w7fb2mkkr3kw.cloudfront.net/assets/images/book/lrg/9781/8629/9781862916937.jpg" width="129" /> <img alt="819967" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1321640932l/819967.jpg" width="127" /> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30214330-queen-of-air-and-darkness" target="_blank"><img alt="30214330" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1510447095l/30214330.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> ★★★★☆ </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">★★★★</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">★</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★★★<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">☆</span>☆</span> </span><span style="color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">★★★<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">☆</span>☆</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span style="color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">★★★<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★</span></span><span style="color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">★ </span><br />
<br /></div>
- - -<br />
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">new to the TBR pile:</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After my extraordinarily large December book haul, I felt I had to limit my book-buying a little bit last month. I did and I only bought three books! Which I'm really proud of! <i>The Disasters</i> was included in <b><a href="http://theyachronicles.com.au/" target="_blank">The YA Chronicles</a></b> December box and I am SO IN LOVE with the colour of the cover! I just don't think there are enough purple books in the world. </div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43085305-ranger-s-apprentice-the-royal-ranger-3" target="_blank"><img alt="43085305" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1543815426l/43085305.jpg" width="128" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41166936-the-disastershttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41166936-the-disasters" target="_blank"><img alt="41166936" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1537803499l/41166936.jpg" width="132" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42428253-the-wicked-king" target="_blank"><img alt="42428253" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1540370606l/42428253.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I also reserved a copy of <i>The Name of the Wind</i> from my library in preparation for the February meet up of the book club I participate in, <b><a href="https://twitter.com/NameOfTheBook" target="_blank">The Name of the Book</a></b>. </div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2913377-the-name-of-the-wind" target="_blank"><img alt="2913377" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1472068132l/2913377.jpg" width="130" /></a><br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">#amcurrently // watching...</span></h2>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I really made an effort at the beginning of the year to catch up on a few of my favourite TV shows: I finally finished watching <i>Chilling Adventures of Sabrina</i> (love it!) and then I binged the final season of <i>A Series of Unfortunate Events</i> (so good!).<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I also got completely sucked into the <i>Tidying Up with Marie Kondo</i> craze. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="251" src="https://giphy.com/embed/5YiRHZtcSeiEyOpSV7" width="480"></iframe></div>
<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/mess-messy-marie-kondo-5YiRHZtcSeiEyOpSV7"></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am unapologetically platonically in love with Marie and her show! It is quite possibly my new favourite thing since <i>Queer Eye</i>! It gives me those same feel-good vibes and was super motivational! I'm not at all ashamed to admit that I completely KonMari-ed my wardrobe after watching it and, oh my gosh, does it look good now! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Would highly recommend if you're into tidying and organisation like I am! (Don't judge, I find it calming!) </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">#amcurrently // playing...</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Although it was a pretty full-on month, I still managed to find a bit of time for gaming. My brother received the new Assassin's Creed game for Christmas so I've been playing this at every available opportunity!<br />
<br />
<i>Assassin's Creed: Odyssey</i> is set in the Golden Age of Ancient Greece and places much more emphasis on role-playing elements than previous instalments. The player adopts the role of either Alexios or Kassandra, a <i>misthios</i> (mercenary) attempting to unite their family and uncover a malevolent cult during the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://giphy.com/embed/wKzT0wvryxtip6VMQS" width="480"></iframe></div>
<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/assassinscreed-assassins-creed-odyssey-acodyssey-wKzT0wvryxtip6VMQS"></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The world is massive and the visuals are absolutely stunning – it's definitely my favourite in the series so far! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
- - -<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">#amcurrently // thinking about...</span></h2>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Being an adult is terrifying and difficult. Hear me out:<br />
<ul>
<li>Being an adult means having a job but this is <i class="">waaay</i> easier said than done. </li>
<li>First of all, you have to find a position that is a) available, b) within your qualifications and skill set, and c) NOT AN ENTRY-LEVEL JOB NEEDING 5+ YEARS EXPERIENCE. </li>
<li>(YES, APPARENTLY THAT'S A THING.) </li>
<li>Nevermind whether this position is actually in the field that you're interested in. That's too much to hope for. </li>
<li>If by chance you manage to find a suitable position, YAY, it's time to apply! </li>
<li>But writing job applications takes SO LONG. </li>
<li>I don't know how anyone is ever able to get a job whilst already working/studying because a single application literally takes half a day. </li>
<li>Also, it is SO STRESSFUL. </li>
<li>(I cold-emailed a few people in my quest to find a job and it is probably the scariest thing I have ever done.) </li>
<li>But if you're not overshadowed by at least 15 other people who look better than you on paper, you might be fortunate enough to be offered an interview! </li>
<li>CUE EVEN MORE STRESS. </li>
<li>And after all this, chances are you won't be successful. Which SUCKS. </li>
<li><i>Aaand</i> then you have to repeat the process all over again. </li>
<li>WHAT A NIGHTMARE. </li>
</ul>
Having said all that, my job search experience was much smoother and nowhere near as long as I expected it to be based on what I had heard from others. For that, I am immensely grateful. But it was still super hard and nerve-wracking so I needed to have a little rant to get all that off my chest. I'm done now. Thanks for listening.<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<br />
Leave me a comment and tell me about what you've been up to (and what you've been reading!) in the month of January! Did you feel like last month lasted forever? What exciting things have been going on in your life? Do you have any horror job search experiences? </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Niamh, xo.</div>
</div>
Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8696329675609452407.post-72892230289606621152019-01-29T11:00:00.000+10:002019-02-01T13:02:45.638+10:00my audiobook TBR pile // Top Ten Tuesday<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfvHwdA_HbsqVtXVgEjDGpp9xZNjcdcdQsUlmnshvB9xDVR1x-A9Ybp9s9igMjrvkhtc966nHLtR-ZnxiD-0_2sl98xbclFSmrH1PZEbOdt4rLtQSUA8raovMHD1TlRzi_wvtKDbc9XY/s640/audiobook-tbr.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
Somehow another week has passed us by and it's time for a new Top Ten Tuesday post! Today's topic is "The Ten Most Recent Additions to My To-Read List" but I've decided to do something a little bit different...<br />
<br />
If you're a regular visitor to this blog, you'll know that at the end of every month, I do a wrap-up post including any new books I acquire during that month. However, I often forget to include audiobooks that I borrow from the library. So rather than just repeating myself and listing the books I received for Christmas (because I've barely bought any since then!), today I'm sharing my current audio reads and a few that are next on my to-read list! </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by <b><a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" target="_blank">Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl</a></b>, with a new topic to respond to every week.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>~ currently reading ~</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So I'm currently kind of reading three audiobooks... I started listening to <i>Sinner</i> earlier this month but unfortunately, my library loan expired so I haven't been able to finish it yet. Then I couldn't decide between <i>Autoboyography</i> and <i>All the Crooked Saints</i> so now I'm alternating between the two. </div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="28919058" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1490425916l/28919058.jpg" width="211" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1. <b class=""><a class="" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28919058-autoboyography" target="_blank">Autoboyography</a></b> by Christina Lauren</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="18406862" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1386955513l/18406862.jpg" width="211" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18406862-sinner" target="_blank">Sinner</a></b> (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #4) by Maggie Stiefvater</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="30025336" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1500451773l/30025336.jpg" width="212" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30025336-all-the-crooked-saints" target="_blank">All the Crooked Saints</a></b> by Maggie Stiefvater</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>~ series to continue ~</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been meaning to continue <i>The Diviners</i> series for a while now but, to be honest, I'm low-key terrified to keep reading. I think I'll save it for Halloween... Conversely, I can't wait to get my hands on <i>The Burning Maze</i> but the audiobook isn't available at my library yet! In the meantime, I'm planning to binge the rest of the <i>Alex Rider</i> series after reading the first book, <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/819967" target="_blank">Stormbreaker</a></b>, on a complete whim the other day. </div>
</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="25985241" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1498737891l/25985241.jpg" width="213" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">4. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25985241-before-the-devil-breaks-you" target="_blank">Before the Devil Breaks You</a></b> (The Diviners #3) by Libba Bray</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="28446860" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1461721157l/28446860.jpg" width="208" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">5. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28446860-point-blanc" target="_blank">Point Blanc</a></b> (Alex Rider #2) by Anthony Horowitz</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="36518231" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1519387814l/36518231.jpg" width="208" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">6. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38205471-the-burning-maze" target="_blank">The Burning Maze</a></b> (The Trials of Apollo #3) by Rick Riordan</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>~ new series ~</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And after I finish all those other books/series, there's just a few more I'm planning on listening to via audiobook:</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="30095464" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1462464739l/30095464.jpg" width="213" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">7. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30095464-the-bone-witch" target="_blank">The Bone Witch</a></b> by Rin Chupeco</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="17234658" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1400166295l/17234658.jpg" width="211" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">8. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17234658-a-thousand-pieces-of-you" target="_blank">A Thousand Pieces of You</a></b> by Claudia Gray</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="28962906" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1471010109l/28962906.jpg" width="211" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">9. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28962906-stalking-jack-the-ripper" target="_blank">Stalking Jack the Ripper</a></b> by Kerri Maniscalco</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="39722196" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1522914606l/39722196.jpg" width="210" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">10. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39722196-an-ember-in-the-ashes" target="_blank">An Ember in the Ashes</a></b> by Sabaa Tahir</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What books have you recently added to your TBR pile? Do you listen to audiobooks? If so, what one(s) are you currently reading? Let me know in the comments below and leave a link to your TTT so I can check it out!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Niamh, xo.</div>
Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8696329675609452407.post-22180785193211716612019-01-25T11:00:00.000+10:002019-01-29T10:55:05.382+10:00Aussie book tag<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileZd_GG6zBkHrKCQxV1-AN3qYqmBtgP81P-xw2dtVi9IhQy2Tieu5M3ZrxXbUp3q3895RvGMQ7_uuU2kfT4-xIt21aO0jxDKvtuc04qy67WubQtO_DlAEz6-u2qqACrLXAMSTr2WCg_c/s640/aussie-book-tag.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
Tomorrow, the 26th of January, is Australia Day: a holiday (kind of similar to Fourth of July, I think) in which we commemorate the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet on Australian shores and, as a result, the country's establishment.<br />
<br />
It is a bit controversial, though. It's known as Survival Day by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and allies, and there has been a significant push in recent years to change the date due to the callous treatment that Indigenous Australians endured at the hands of British colonists.<br />
<br />
However, while it's important to remember the more negative aspects of our history and acknowledge the suffering of Australia's First Peoples, at its heart, Australia Day is a celebration of everything great about being Australian and the country we are fortunate enough to call home. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And one thing that definitely deserves to be celebrated is Australian literature! I was looking for inspiration for an Australia-themed book post when I stumbled upon the aptly named <b>Aussie Book Tag</b> so, of course, I decided to hop on board! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(Except I had to make it a bit harder for myself so I've only included books written by Australian authors!) </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Aussie Book Tag was created by <b>Julia @ Picnic Reads</b> and <a href="https://happycomesfirstblog.wordpress.com/" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Ngoc @ Happy Comes First</a> and I viewed it on <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz6MrhtdBJU&ab_channel=LittleBookOwl" target="_blank">Caz @ Little Book Owl</a></b>'s YouTube channel. Unfortunately, the original post no longer seems to exist.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>KOALA: a character you want to cuddle all day long</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="33123322" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1480049948l/33123322.jpg" width="212" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ardent, the Royal Dog, from <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33123322-frogkisser" target="_blank">Frogkisser!</a></b> by Garth Nix</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not only is Ardent an adorable and energetic young dog (I imagined him as a one- or two-year-old Golden Retriever) but he also TALKS!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>VEGEMITE: a book you <strike> </strike><strike>love</strike><strike> </strike> hate that everyone else <strike> </strike><strike>hates </strike> loves</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="827326" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1429429945l/827326.jpg" width="210" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/827326.Remembering_Babylon" target="_blank">Remembering Babylon</a></b> by David Malouf</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Although I personally <i>love</i> vegemite, I know lots of Aussies who don't so I decided to switch this prompt up a bit. David Malouf is a hugely respected, award-winning Australian author and <i>Remembering Babylon</i> is actually a Man Booker Prize Nominee (1993) but I had to read it for school and absolutely HATED it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>SOCCEROOS: favourite fictional squad</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="13045888" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1356485367l/13045888.jpg" width="208" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Herons from the <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13045888-the-outcasts" target="_blank">Brotherband Chronicles</a></b> by John Flanagan</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Would this be a post about #LoveOzYA books without mentioning at least one by John Flanagan? No, it would not. I've said it before and I'll say it again, The Herons are #squadgoals.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>SOUTHERN CROSS: most recent 5-star read</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="39674509" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1522287872l/39674509.jpg" width="211" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39674509-after-the-lights-go-out" target="_blank">After the Lights Go Out</a></b> by Lili Wilkinson</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I <i>think</i> this was my most recent 5-star #LoveOzYA read? But either way, the Australian outback is the perfect setting for an end-of-the-world dystopian story and this one ticked all my boxes!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>PATRIOTISM: favourite book by an author from your country</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="30969076" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1467940475l/30969076.jpg" width="207" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30969076-nevernight" target="_blank">Nevernight</a></b> by Jay Kristoff</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This probably comes as no surprise given it was my absolute favourite book of 2018, but don't get me wrong, this question was tricky. How am I supposed to choose just a single favourite book by an Australian author? Previously, I probably would have said either <i>Ranger's Apprentice</i> or the <i>Tomorrow</i> series, but now Jay's <i>Nevernight</i> officially takes the cake.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>ECHIDNA: a book you like to look at, but physically hurts to read</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="31364316" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1470542115l/31364316.jpg" width="213" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31364316-songlines" target="_blank">Songlines</a></b> by Carolyn Denman</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Sigh</i>. This cover is gorgeous but unfortunately the insides do not match. The combination of the hate-to-love and destined-to-be-together tropes was cringy at best and physically painful at worst. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">NED KELLY: a book that is really grim, but an iconic must-read</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="8601327" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1309783851l/8601327.jpg" width="208" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8601327-tomorrow-when-the-war-began" target="_blank">Tomorrow, When the War Began</a></b> by John Flanagan</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The absolute grimmest. But for sure one of the most iconic #LoveOzYA stories ever written. In fact, the <i>Tomorrow</i> series really paved the way for the young adult genre in Australia.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">GREAT BARRIER REEF: a book that had you gaping in awe</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="30336056" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1467678461l/30336056.jpg" width="208" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30336056-words-in-deep-blue" target="_blank">Words in Deep Blue</a></b> by Cath Crowley</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Okay, maybe I wasn't quite <i>gaping</i>, but I was definitely in awe of the sheer beauty of both Cath Crowley's writing and the narrative she weaves. As the cover proclaims, <i>Words in Deep Blue</i> is a love story, but not just in the conventional sense: it's also an ode to books themselves.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>PAVLOVA: a light and fluffy book you can't help but love</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="28245707" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1488881057l/28245707.jpg" width="213" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28245707-queens-of-geek" target="_blank">Queens of Geek</a></b> by Jen Wilde</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This book is fun, fabulous, and packed full of diversity! Although it deals with some contemporary issues, it's still a light and entertaining read and I loved it!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">MILO: a genre/author you reach for to help get you out of a reading slump</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="6456514" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1280563742l/6456514.jpg" width="205" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6456514-the-ruins-of-gorlan" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">John Flanagan</span></a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm sorry, I have to mention John Flanagan again. Actually, you know what, I'm not sorry! His stories never fail to pull me out of a reading slump! Particularly the original <i>Ranger's Apprentice</i> series.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you are Australian or live in Australia, do you celebrate Australia Day? Or does your country have a similar national holiday? Let's chat! And if you've done the Aussie Book Tag, leave me a link to your post so I can see what books you highlighted! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Niamh, xo.</div>
Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8696329675609452407.post-56403084533199094462019-01-22T11:00:00.000+10:002019-01-29T10:55:25.301+10:00Books I meant to read in 2018 // Top Ten Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfCxxHee2a2Jg8EJ2XJSB9jzuQ29KUn1Q_VZAGNt2bCG0OBV-TsRVQqgbJDpEM1DjNhn43lJHXXClGvOTXqAMq_mIjNBUIdVFWoD7VC2j6eo_-vhd0ySd6A1WkP5o-Kr3vNRj5b9Nuwg/s640/meant-to-read.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Every year, no matter how much I read, there are always books that fall by the wayside. Books that I start but never get around to finishing and ones that I never pick up in the first place. 2018 was no exception.<br />
<br />
I began last year with great intentions: to read every day, limit my book-buying habit, and focus on the books already on my TBR. I didn't exactly <i>fail</i> at any of those goals (although I DEFINITELY could have done better!) but there were a lot of books that I meant to read and just... didn't.<br />
<br />
Here are ten books that I should have read in 2018 (and will hopefully read this year): </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by <b><a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" target="_blank">Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl</a></b>, with a new topic to respond to every week. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="33844385" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1495261738l/33844385.jpg" width="211" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33844385-flame-in-the-mist" target="_blank">Flame in the Mist</a></b> by Renée Ahdieh</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="25985241" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1498737891l/25985241.jpg" width="213" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25985241-before-the-devil-breaks-you" target="_blank">Before the Devil Breaks You</a></b> by Libba Bray</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="36389267" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1515762319l/36389267.jpg" width="207" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36389267-a-thousand-perfect-notes" target="_blank">A Thousand Perfect Notes</a></b> by C. G. Drews</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="38423521" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1517981244l/38423521.jpg" width="210" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">4. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38423521-ace-of-shades" target="_blank">Ace of Shades</a></b> by Amanda Foody</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="26047310" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1458934456l/26047310.jpg" width="212" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">5. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26047310-rebel-of-the-sands" target="_blank">Rebel of the Sands</a></b> by Alwyn Hamilton</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="834702" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1178762865l/834702.jpg" width="208" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">6. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/834702.The_Kite_Runner" target="_blank">The Kite Runner</a></b> by Khaled Hosseini</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="13519397" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1337978469l/13519397.jpg" width="210" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">7. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13519397-throne-of-glass" target="_blank">Throne of Glass</a></b> by Sarah J. Maas</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="9329354" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1357609842l/9329354.jpg" width="209" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">8. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9329354-the-way-of-kings-part-1" target="_blank">The Way of Kings</a></b> by Brandon Sanderson</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="35111722" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1494463192l/35111722.jpg" width="209" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">9. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35111722-the-undercurrent" target="_blank">The Undercurrent</a></b> by Paula Weston</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="17415470" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1361797381l/17415470.jpg" width="205" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">10. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17415470-the-5th-wave" target="_blank">The 5th Wave</a></b> by Rick Yancey</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Let's chat! What books did you mean to read in 2018? Have you read any of the books on my list? If so, which should I prioritise in 2019? Leave me a comment and a link to your TTT so I can check out your list as well! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Niamh, xo.</div>
Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8696329675609452407.post-27346750451990095912019-01-18T11:00:00.000+10:002019-01-18T11:00:05.209+10:00new year bookshelf KonMari // book unhaul<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaztXthglowcRj-A8jPgqmmXMkc3eLraOdCOS4dIEAE-8AuzQhnavKhnTiG7I9Zw0pAr6qUfrFscT2ygls-kSt7qSPbjFbUA3SAIPap8ibHJxc_rgqkW9AymHAFunNSeHUamwxjy79JQ4/s640/unhaul.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
When it comes to letting go of books, I am... not good. Case in point, I've been considering unhauling most of these books for at least two years now and just... haven't.<br />
<br />
BUT I recently watched <i>Tidying Up with Marie Kondo</i> and honestly, it was inspiring! After KonMari'ing my clothes and feeling much better for it, I decided it was also time to part with the books that no longer sparked joy for me. So here they are! </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10345824-the-princess-diaries" target="_blank"><img alt="10345824" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1296548698l/10345824.jpg" width="126" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3060415-take-two" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="177" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqwOqas0te_m7KI9uk4np03DP1GlFyvy21xleAs9Ui4gDUdvKVROr2QRHJRywzW8nv1OGhAcMO9pQsSQhlxE0aAjuZKjRpk_aWd0szJfCP4-lOi-1w-iZAqiP4j5ueOmVuOYZE0oeVLA/s200/167645747.0.m.jpg" width="131" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10346868-third-time-lucky" target="_blank"><img alt="10346868" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1296548817l/10346868.jpg" width="132" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1586548.Mia_Goes_Fourth" target="_blank"><img alt="1586548" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1185509259l/1586548.jpg" width="130" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I received the boxset of the first four books in <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10345824-the-princess-diaries" target="_blank">The Princess Diaries</a></b> series as a birthday or Christmas gift when I was about ten-years-old but I never enjoyed them quite as much as the movies. I've been holding on to them ever since but I have absolutely no interest in rereading or continuing with the series so it's time to say goodbye. </div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/70997.The_Starthorn_Tree" target="_blank"><img alt="70997" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1437290897l/70997.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I remember absolutely LOVING <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/70997.The_Starthorn_Tree" target="_blank">The Starthorn Tree</a></b> in primary school but I never continued with the series and all these years later, I've lost interest.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1457908.Igraine_the_Brave" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="1457908" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1348198340l/1457908.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
<br />
Conversely, I didn't really enjoy <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1457908.Igraine_the_Brave" target="_blank">Igraine the Brave</a></b> – I think it was intended for slightly younger audiences – and although I hold great affection for some of Cornelia Funke's other works, I feel no need to hang on to this one.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1175893.Tunnels" target="_blank"><img alt="1175893" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1320969639l/1175893.jpg" width="128" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2871839-deeper" target="_blank"><img alt="2871839" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1345026120l/2871839.jpg" style="text-align: justify;" width="130" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6113686-freefall" target="_blank"><img alt="6113686" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1348627355l/6113686.jpg" style="text-align: justify;" width="130" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7327214-closer" target="_blank"><img alt="7327214" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1408937688l/7327214.jpg" style="text-align: justify;" width="131" /></a></div>
<br />
I read a good chunk of the <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1175893.Tunnels" target="_blank">Tunnels</a></b> series – four out of six books ain't bad! I've been holding onto these books for years in anticipation of eventually finishing the series but it's been almost ten years and I just... haven't. To be honest, I have zero interest in it now (and I don't think I cared for it much to begin with).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1058948.Endymion_Spring" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="1058948" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1347322613l/1058948.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have no recollection of <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1058948.Endymion_Spring" target="_blank">Endymion Spring</a></b>, which I think is reason enough to let it go.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22510983-girl-online" target="_blank"><img alt="22510983" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1410112710l/22510983.jpg" width="141" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22510983-girl-online" target="_blank"><b>Girl Online</b></a> was a slightly more recent purchase – I was in the UK when it was released and as a fan of Zoe's, I decided to pick it up and see what it was like. Unfortunately, it wasn't the best and then there was that scandal about the ghostwriting and, well, I just don't need it taking up precious room on my shelves. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/962540.The_Dragon_s_Eye" target="_blank"><img alt="962540" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1391517669l/962540.jpg" width="136" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3546923-the-dragon-diary" target="_blank"><img alt="The-Dragon-Diary-by-Dugald-A-Steer-9781848770959-Paperback-2010" height="200" src="https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/uiQAAOSwOkxbxhyA/s-l500.jpg" width="131" /></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/962540.The_Dragon_s_Eye" target="_blank">The Dragon's Eye</a></b> and <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3546923-the-dragon-diary" target="_blank">The Dragon Diary</a></b> stem from a time when I was completely obsessed with dragons. I was about eleven-years-old and made it my mission to collect all the <i>Dragonology</i> books. I'm going to keep all the others, but these novels were just... not great. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36150246-the-pastor-s-kid" target="_blank"><img alt="36150246" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1504093770l/36150246.jpg" width="133" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31364316-songlines" target="_blank"><img alt="31364316" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1470542115l/31364316.jpg" width="133" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39903491-it-ends-with-you" target="_blank"><img alt="39903491" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1524258799l/39903491.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These last three books were all sent to me by the author or publisher as part of the (now defunct, at least here in Australia) Goodreads Giveaway system. Whilst I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to read and review them, unfortunately, I just didn't enjoy them as much as I would have liked to. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36150246-the-pastor-s-kid" target="_blank">The Pastor's Kid</a></b> and <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31364316-songlines" target="_blank">Songlines</a></b> had interesting premises but just weren't for me, and <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39903491-it-ends-with-you" target="_blank">It Ends With You</a></b> was intriguing but I didn't agree with some of the narrative choices and overall it just made me mad, which I don't think was the author's intention. You can read more of my thoughts on it in <b><a href="https://nuggetsofniamh.blogspot.com/2018/11/it-ends-with-you-review.html" target="_blank">my review</a></b>.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At this stage, these are all the books that I will be donating to charity, although there a few more that I may also get rid of before the end of the year.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Let's chat! Have you read any of these books? If so, did you enjoy them? How do you decide which books to unhaul?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Niamh, xo.</div>
</div>
Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8696329675609452407.post-26438570948877563062019-01-15T11:00:00.000+10:002019-01-20T15:10:00.334+10:00New-to-me authors in 2018 // Top Ten Tuesday<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdfZWJO5eoMF2rtGVFRbKmb7nTHN06VdIVUGIMwVZFQhxpfxM0BjfpRIi_rC-eWIgU9wtuQ9pQmxLOgF61MUahGgw3xjEcfwFUFh6ISovMwccloPJ2nUhpl5RSLHLsMi4cEcTKCrvgt0/s640/new-authors.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
Not only did <b><a href="https://nuggetsofniamh.blogspot.com/2019/01/2018-reading-statistics-year-in-review.html" target="_blank">I read a lot of books in 2018</a></b>, but I also discovered quite a few new favourite authors!<br />
<br />
Some of these authors I adored from the very first page and others had to really work for my love. But either way, these ten authors and their books have ensnared my heart forevermore!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by<b> <a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" target="_blank">Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl</a></b>, with a new topic to respond to every week.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37772713-the-cruel-prince" target="_blank"><img alt="37772713" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1514627474l/37772713.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1. Holly Black</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was my first Holly Black book but I can safely say that it won't be my last!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30336056-words-in-deep-blue" target="_blank"><img alt="30336056" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1467678461l/30336056.jpg" width="130" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35492492-take-three-girls" target="_blank"><img alt="35492492" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1503957988l/35492492.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Cath Crowley</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Words in Deep Blue</i> and <i>Take Three Girls</i> were both unexpected favourites of 2018, so it's only fitting that Cath Crowley is included in this list.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30763950-a-million-junes" target="_blank"><img alt="30763950" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1487956862l/30763950.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Emily Henry</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Emily Henry's lyrical prose is haunting and beautiful and I can't get enough!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30969076-nevernight" target="_blank"><img alt="30969076" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1467940475l/30969076.jpg" width="129" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34696801-godsgrave" target="_blank"><img alt="34696801" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1497544390l/34696801.jpg" width="126" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36998210-lifel1k3" target="_blank"><img alt="36998210" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1519280227l/36998210.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">4. Jay Kristoff</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For me, 2018 was the year of Jay Kristoff and 2019 is shaping up to be no different!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36544848-the-gentleman-s-guide-to-vice-and-virtue" target="_blank"><img alt="36544848" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1540798465l/36544848.jpg" width="132" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40742905-the-gentleman-s-guide-to-getting-lucky" target="_blank"><img alt="40742905" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1533146078l/40742905.jpg" width="132" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40221509-the-lady-s-guide-to-petticoats-and-piracy" target="_blank"><img alt="40221509" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1530524677l/40221509.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">5. Mackenzi Lee</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I need more stories about the Montague siblings!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32334268-valentine" target="_blank"><img alt="32334268" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1475458891l/32334268.jpg" width="130" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34100652-ironheart" target="_blank"><img alt="34100652" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1507759757l/34100652.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">6. Jodi McAlister</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Valentine</i> is one of my new favourite urban fantasy series and I can't wait to read more of Jodi's stories in the future!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23573418-i-ll-give-you-the-sun" target="_blank"><img alt="23573418" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1464514809l/23573418.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">7. Jandy Nelson</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't believe it took me four years to pick up this gem! It was beautiful and NEED to read <i>The Sky is Everywhere</i> as soon as possible!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23569787-akarnae" target="_blank"><img alt="23569787" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1417096136l/23569787.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">8. Lynette Noni</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Akarnae</i> is full of everything that I love about YA fantasy and I can't wait to read the rest of the series!<br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17162156-miss-peregrine-s-home-for-peculiar-children" target="_blank"><img alt="17162156" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1480130624l/17162156.jpg" width="126" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23164983-hollow-city" target="_blank"><img alt="23164983" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1429175859l/23164983.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">9. Ransom Riggs</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I didn't quite manage to get to <i>City of Souls</i>, but the mysteriousness and clever use of multimedia in the <i>Miss Peregrine</i> trilogy cemented Ransom Riggs as one of my favourite new discoveries of 2018.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38143401-the-hate-u-give" target="_blank"><img alt="38143401" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1538510121l/38143401.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">10. Angie Thomas</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will read anything that Angie writes from now until I take my dying breath.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Which authors did you fall in love with in 2018? Any that I've included in my list? Let me know in the comments below and leave a link to your TTT so I can discover even more new favourite authors in 2019! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Niamh, xo.</div>
Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8696329675609452407.post-50119825973998722672019-01-11T11:00:00.000+10:002019-01-20T15:07:21.080+10:002019 reading & blogging goals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcTok8daN6ebs_YUIF_bDrzXuS9IvesoZimgKcnt8SIVfwQw4dFftGUDAk7cnPbT93HL8dHln6iQ23begKNna14ldJlxRz00ZZYa9GC9GBY1lXVXLLCPxOkRDaO8x7pST3evO0wl8SRY/s640/goals.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
January is a time of new beginnings; a chance to start the year fresh and in the way that you want it to continue. For me, 2019 is going to be a year of change. And this year, I've actually set myself some New Year's Resolutions.<br />
<br />
I always enjoy reading about others' goals for the New Year but have avoided making them myself in the past. I put a lot of pressure on myself to complete any goals I set (no matter how lofty), and when I inevitably <i>don't</i>, the feelings of bitter disappointment and failure are discouraging, to say the least. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But this year will be different. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This year, I've set myself <i>achievable</i> goals. Goals with specific monthly and/or weekly targets that are less intimidating and that I can realistically complete. Today I'm sharing my five goals for my reading and blogging life in 2019. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
- - -<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Read 52 books</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Even though <b><a href="https://nuggetsofniamh.blogspot.com/2019/01/2018-reading-statistics-year-in-review.html" target="_blank">I read 101 books in 2018</a></b> and would love to top that in 2019, I'm anticipating that I will have less time to read this year due to changes in my personal and work life. Accordingly, I've set my Goodreads Reading Challenge to 52 books – this equates to one book per week and I think this is a realistic and achievable goal for me. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Read 24 books I already own</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since I discovered the book blogging community, I've accumulated A LOT of books that I haven't yet had the chance to read. 68 of them, in fact, and I'd like to reduce this significantly. But rather than simply saying I'd like to "read more owned books", I've set myself a definitive goal to read at least 24 of the books that are already on my shelves. That's two per month and again, I think this is achievable. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Finish 3 series I already own</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some of the unread books I own are actually entire series, oops. So, following on from my first two goals, this year I'm challenging myself to binge-read three of the series' that I already own:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="13519397" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1337978469l/13519397.jpg" width="131" /> <img alt="17670709" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1365589649l/17670709.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="133" /> <img alt="20617636" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1398369003l/20617636.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="130" /> <img alt="23848145" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1426000177l/23848145.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="132" /> <img alt="29559052" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1463176678l/29559052.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="132" /> <img alt="33306347" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1497987643l/33306347.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="129" /> <img alt="39340341" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1531435931l/39340341.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="129" /> <img alt="18315788" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1405249641l/18315788.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="130" /></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13519397-throne-of-glass" target="_blank"><b>Throne of Glass</b></a> by Sarah J. Maas</span></span></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="36657850" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1517483937l/36657850.jpg" width="130" /> <img alt="36657875" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1511598253l/36657875.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="130" /> <img alt="36657882" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1511598408l/36657882.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="130" /></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36657850-the-knife-of-never-letting-go" target="_blank"><b>Chaos Walking</b></a> by Patrick Ness</span></span></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="17415470" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1361797381l/17415470.jpg" width="128" /> <img alt="16131534" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1411162960l/16131534.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="130" /> <img alt="24955557" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1462091483l/24955557.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="130" /></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17415470-the-5th-wave" target="_blank"><b>The 5th Wave</b></a> by Rick Yancey</span></span></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">
</span><span style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
If I complete all three of these series, then I will have read 14 of the 24 owned books that I'm aiming to read this year. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Maintain my current blogging schedule</b></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I currently publish content on this blog twice per week and I'm happy and settled in that routine. However, with the upcoming life changes that I'm anticipating, I'm not sure how much time I will be able to devote to blogging going forwards. My aim is to maintain my current schedule but depending on what happens, I may have to reevaluate this goal in the future. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">5. Be more involved in the blogging community</span></b></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is my only goal that isn't associated with a numeric value. It's also the goal that I think will be most challenging for me to sustain (time-wise) on a daily or even weekly basis. Regardless, I'm going to make more of an effort this year to participate in the blogging community. I'm proud of the fact that I always reply to <i>every single</i> comment on my blog posts and I will usually return the favour if you leave a link to your blog (or if it's linked on your Google+/Blogger profile). Even if it takes me a week to do it. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But I want to do more. I want to discover new book blogs, and if I love them, I'm going to say it! I'm going to be more generous with my likes on Instagram and, overall, just be more openly supportive of other content creators. Because I know how much time and effort we devote to our channels and what a good feeling it is to receive a positive comment or a retweet. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I hope that by setting more specific and achievable resolutions, I will have a more positive goal-fulfilling experience in 2019. Also, by sharing these goals with you today, I hope that I will be held more accountable to actually complete them. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What are some of New Year's Resolutions that you've set yourself for 2019? Are they similar to mine? Let me know in the comments below and let's support each other so that we all achieve our goals this year! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Niamh, xo.</div>
</div>
</div>
Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8696329675609452407.post-24554884015805316402019-01-08T11:00:00.000+10:002019-01-08T11:00:13.178+10:00Most anticipated 2019 releases // Top Ten Tuesday<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTNVLlj8qdTLqMIErWQgH0n10xkAfVDtXtJMj4lnJco4rRKo4AcF_tLIdUNfmoMXw03qcIsW262Yv2hxr9Gh-8-SRGSsg0OqjdpBT8pHuOhJ7ayYpum7xV8QlyObxY-_LM8eY4Xjgrvw/s640/2019+releases.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
Possibly my favourite thing about the New Year is seeing everyone's lists of highly anticipated upcoming releases. In fact, this is actually the main way I find out about a lot of soon-to-be-published books (and also the reason why my TBR pile is so big!)<br />
<br />
We all know that the publishing industry is MASSIVE. The volume of books released every year – even just YA – is terribly overwhelming, so it's hard to stay on top of newly-released sequels, let alone books by entirely unfamiliar debut authors! As such, the majority of my highly anticipated releases this year are, unsurprisingly, sequels or books by authors I've previously read. BUT I have also included two debuts!<br />
<br />
Of course, this list could easily be twice or even three times as long (especially with all of Jay Kristoff's upcoming releases!) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by <b><a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" target="_blank">Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl</a></b>, with a new topic to respond to every week.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="36404262" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1543371280l/36404262.jpg" width="208" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">10. </span><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36404262-what-i-like-about-me" target="_blank">What I Like About Me</a></b> by Jenna Guillaume</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Expected publication: 26th February 2019)<br />
<br />
I love Jenna's Buzzfeed articles and her tweets are hilarious so I just know this is going to be great!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="42041911" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1537855471l/42041911.jpg" width="221" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">9. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42041911-four-dead-queens" target="_blank">Four Dead Queens</a></b> by Astrid Scholte</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Expected publication: 26th February 2019)<br />
<br />
I'm super excited to pick this one up as it's been getting so much buzz!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="40046096" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1527627020l/40046096.jpg" width="210" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">8. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40046096-the-priory-of-the-orange-tree" target="_blank">The Priory of the Orange Tree</a></b> by Samantha Shannon</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Expected publication: 26th February 2019)<br />
<br />
One word: DRAGONS.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="40604737" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1529948368l/40604737.jpg" width="211" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">7. </span><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40604737-sherwood" target="_blank">Sherwood</a></b> by Meagan Spooner</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Expected publication: 19th March 2019)<br />
<br />
A genderbent Robin Hood retelling – YES, PLEASE!! Also, I love this cover!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="40375245" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1541807974l/40375245.jpg" width="239" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">6. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40375245-wayward-son" target="_blank">Wayward Son</a></b> by Rainbow Rowell</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Expected publication: 2019)<br />
<br />
I didn't know how much I needed this until I found out it was happening. (Sidenote: is Baz... Harry Styles???)<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="40655454" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1530102005l/40655454.jpg" width="208" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">5. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40655454-misrule" target="_blank">Misrule</a></b> by Jodi McAlister</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Expected publication: 5th February 2019)<br />
<br />
I have limited recollection of what happened in the first two books but I know I loved them and also that <i>Ironheart</i> ended in a WICKED cliffhanger!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="35887567" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1518828924l/35887567.jpg" width="211" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">4. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35887567-on-the-come-up" target="_blank">On the Come Up</a></b> by Angie Thomas</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Expected publication: 5th February 2019)<br />
<br />
Having only recently read <i>The Hate U Give</i>, I was a bit late jumping on the Angie Thomas bandwagon but on it I am! I'm excited to see what she does in her follow-up novel!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="30295312" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1528915777l/30295312.jpg" width="216" /> <img alt="17699853" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1544763041l/17699853.jpg" width="212" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30295312-the-red-scrolls-of-magic" target="_blank">The Red Scrolls of Magic</a></b> and <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17699853-chain-of-gold" target="_blank">Chain of Gold</a></b> by Cassandra Clare</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Expected publication: 2nd April 2019 and 19th November 2019, respectively)<br />
<br />
In 2019 we will be blessed with not one but <i>two</i> new Shadowhunters series! One featuring Magnus and Alec and the other following on from <i>The Infernal Devices</i> – I can't wait!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="42428253" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1540370606l/42428253.jpg" width="212" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42428253-the-wicked-king" target="_blank">The Wicked King</a></b> by Holly Black</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Published: 8th January 2019)<br />
<br />
This is out TODAY! So hopefully I can pick this up ASAP!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="37587820" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1522160104l/37587820.jpg" width="210" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37587820-darkdawn" target="_blank">Darkdawn</a></b> by Jay Kristoff</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Expected publication: 3rd September 2019)<br />
<br />
AHHHHH!!!!!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So many exciting new books! And it looks like February and March are going to be busy reading months for me! Three books due for release on 26th February alone! Also, four of the books on this list are by Australian authors, which makes me really happy!<br />
<br />
What are your most anticipated releases of 2019? Are you looking forward to any of the books that I've listed? Let me know in the comments below and leave a link to your TTT so I can check it out (and add even more books to my TBR, lol)!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Niamh, xo.</div>
Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8696329675609452407.post-8245209633427613192019-01-04T13:00:00.000+10:002019-01-04T13:00:01.440+10:002018 reading statistics // year in review<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeq8o4cUujxj_X3awLv1icxu-C3k7RxSVf1MOebQZDm9AD0wm0vfxFkHG4IIu_J7YFBKu4qyRRhulnb0JJVvrIdfU9ne5LOCiBOV2oeZWBWtv0suskNfpEV22AxYqT72u38m6rV3GKOf4/s640/2018+reading+stats.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
I'm not going to lie, I've been really excited about this post for a long time now.<br />
<br />
Being the nerd I am, I get an odd sense of pleasure from a well-formated Excel spreadsheet with fancy formulas and appealing graphs. So much so, that I used one to keep track of my reading last year. When I told people this, they all responded with varying degrees of incredulity ("What's the point?" "Why are you wasting your time?") BUT let me tell you, it was immensely useful and I now have a complete record of all the books I read in 2018!<br />
<br />
And I also get to share all the fascinating statistics with you!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<a name='more'></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I read 101 books in 2018, absolutely smashing my Goodreads Reading Challenge and reading more than I've ever read before! I am so, so proud of the amount of reading I accomplished last year! (Even though I didn't even make a dent in my TBR pile, oops!)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Of the 101 books that I read, 16 of them were rereads, and 15 were sequels that I read for the first time in 2018.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="131" data-original-width="650" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjYJzW3k6XTrIwEJYP9XtbpWxdOh3J2MTMGIvomEp6gD0kt2yV6sq1pYbkIoN6hG5f3VieXYgoUHhps-fBputsCqNExbqjsQmMivh6k9UmOecX-oNIUFd7ylrul0aj2sJwXCB-4uLd1w/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-01-04+at+8.00.02+am.png" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="166" data-original-width="653" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69MFV2MVTe2vKrEkzqNiW-I2Uyog_uCsu4JFz0O9Z360zuxbz9XHiYZ3vBDv6jKxh3Ttw7i1m4roQ-DHju-9Bs-cTJ8tik-Wajdq5VJY4sgH1jUQrLxx0g8JFCkm1V-_NyMZh80MxA1A/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-01-04+at+7.55.08+am.png" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Thanks, Goodreads, I'm really not but I appreciate your support.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-o_pnhK_5NqYjadPfFIAodxECq6ClNfZMuzs3UK3M58VMN0rjqJDIn6LT0k4UBok0OI6GgVijat4hhv5ovpjbHaf1zuX-IK1h6-brXyZXZluZFgb-92bwfGJwJvXVhfw6IR3u28hs5XA/s1600/Star+ratings.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-o_pnhK_5NqYjadPfFIAodxECq6ClNfZMuzs3UK3M58VMN0rjqJDIn6LT0k4UBok0OI6GgVijat4hhv5ovpjbHaf1zuX-IK1h6-brXyZXZluZFgb-92bwfGJwJvXVhfw6IR3u28hs5XA/s1600/Star+ratings.png" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Star Rating</span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Overall, I'm pretty impressed with the books I read in 2018. My average rating was 4.1 stars, meaning that I really enjoyed the majority of the books I read!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I didn't rate any books 1 star, although perhaps I should have. I'm not the most critical reader, so my ratings tend to either skew high (if I loved the book) or hover around the 3-star mark (if it was just okay).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Genre & Category</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unsurprisingly, the vast majority of books I read were young adult. Also unsurprisingly, half of them were fantasy (including urban fantasy, high fantasy and magical realism). I think I read more historical fiction and sci-fi than I have in previous years, but less contemporary.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZIb7Ifr-yzCuHkWFDHsoMfZP8RCNWYp-qVDX7ZzG-J3XpKcf5iwXlqOd7-OFUpmvRecZ8Jpu1eGOAq233hq3gfbvVjam9671SY0RRYvAFcbZQKIHXIS1V-ETUMzgE1JbxI3h5JTYYeM/s1600/Genres.png" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71ipF572k2Cz8KIHz0MrFb1oocli5Yueky2C2Ly6RrKG1N-PhgQaIZmElLNei-0XTusLMxoilDRxJB7QpLrQn9_bC7mpPEp7INBzEFNolQVLdA9mZ8vhDYmxF0xxVP2tacmvUmJ4VqH8/s1600/Category.png" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVFYXbXid21OBjN9FDz591UHr6B6vzNX3Dv-KDfLbYYD1LV_vkHUbEqGwsPTDvebYmk6fMLciBeuASDU83alhatd3YS1I_obbQ0vFBV1D_XJKNZU3wPu2b3dNGrjlKdr8EDLAb9ThlFI/s1600/Year+published.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVFYXbXid21OBjN9FDz591UHr6B6vzNX3Dv-KDfLbYYD1LV_vkHUbEqGwsPTDvebYmk6fMLciBeuASDU83alhatd3YS1I_obbQ0vFBV1D_XJKNZU3wPu2b3dNGrjlKdr8EDLAb9ThlFI/s1600/Year+published.png" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Year Published</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
I'm actually super impressed with the number of new releases I read last year! Although surprise surprise, the vast majority were backlist titles, particularly from 2016 and 2017. I still have a lot of backlist books to catch up on, but hopefully I can read even more new releases in 2019!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVE7D1nSFIWgiODgBnhP_cvvzpV6ebfPIl0diFYdBZNJCWMdp2G_X2nQiOddsiLtpFszkmv5-Crwcnl5qf4hFat5ssjSWaePA_Fi9iCBGYAXB8nWV_-uQyZO1_UPsS3_Jn6dGENUC_Wtw/s1600/Pages.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVE7D1nSFIWgiODgBnhP_cvvzpV6ebfPIl0diFYdBZNJCWMdp2G_X2nQiOddsiLtpFszkmv5-Crwcnl5qf4hFat5ssjSWaePA_Fi9iCBGYAXB8nWV_-uQyZO1_UPsS3_Jn6dGENUC_Wtw/s1600/Pages.png" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Page Length</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The average length of the books I read in 2018 was 369 pages, which is about what I would expect given the size of most YA books. However, almost half the books I read in 2018 were more than 400 pages long! I'm kind of shocked? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The shortest book I read was <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36460398-the-threads-we-weave" target="_blank">The Threads We Weave</a></b> by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner (a <i>Starbound</i> novella; 41 pages) and the longest was <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28433404-lady-midnight" target="_blank">Lady Midnight</a></b> by Cassandra Clare (699 pages). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjync7kruxs-ctJ5C8vLVQafi3FTFPsx79_VijbgSQCPrB1QXelTw4D8jkk-4AmDABeHpTDwjrcX9MHAZW1u06j6e_pNH_5gDkPFP6eak3_vPQVb04_0CORZ6HfTkPBpH0tGPyMCKUnDyw/s1600/Format.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjync7kruxs-ctJ5C8vLVQafi3FTFPsx79_VijbgSQCPrB1QXelTw4D8jkk-4AmDABeHpTDwjrcX9MHAZW1u06j6e_pNH_5gDkPFP6eak3_vPQVb04_0CORZ6HfTkPBpH0tGPyMCKUnDyw/s1600/Format.png" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Format</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The majority of books I consumed in 2018 were paperbacks, however I listened to an unprecedented amount via audio. I made the most of every free moment to read, listening to audiobooks rather than music during commutes and whilst exercising. 2018 was basically the year of audiobooks! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Author Gender & Nationality</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
This is perhaps one of the most interesting statistics and one that I am very proud of: more than half of the books I read in 2018 were written by female authors! YAY for supporting female creators! Also, a third of all the books were written by Australians (double YAY!) but together with American and British/Irish authors, this equated to 92%. Sadly, it seems that my reading in 2018 was not hugely diverse, but this in part reflects the state of the mainstream publishing industry. Hopefully I can improve on this in 2019! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIWlD7LQMpNTRpW-mlg6qysir6cAw6tSo0RbDBFQJwk_0ZcTaw0y-G6WJLvIJkvktXBnvH1G3TDXS-N37AzFiTzclB_tAKMxieCpIgoQRSY44xUhYXtvYiFbp6zygcJgY9sr5TRaPdcc/s1600/Author+gender.png" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_KCfsb_5tjmtuUfUKDbFKrK58gpMr98KndN8B23wcVik7-CFji1V3ueUWazHvwDhq9OiwtKcvVQ_hKxUOEAPnmS8oLS1Ibb9v8bp_WaVEVw861oNZVTi-d1rJt9KxhkJ32JiRoldXsOw/s1600/Author+nationality.png" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
LOOK AT ALL THOSE NUMBERS! I think my brain is about to turn into smush. But it is so interesting to look at all these stats and I'm looking forward to being able to compare everything this time next year! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
How many books did you read in 2018? Did you manage to complete your reading goal? Let's chat about our 2018 reading statistics! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Niamh, xo.</div>
</div>
Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8696329675609452407.post-70308114697403725032019-01-01T11:00:00.000+10:002019-01-01T11:00:00.668+10:00Best & worst of 2018 // Top Ten Tuesday<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjliF0Ff1QhZXxZ_pwSaGALkIQXo10TUglPY5SxwE8DvtUmoevroaDZgix8YVym-2fq-eMCwjdwd2TfzKHY4_aa5yV5fR53Gz1eV8mK_Gd8QDm4OeO7t4FhI2UyXl1dVMotvec13qDE8/s640/2018+best-worst.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
Happy New Year! </blockquote>
2019 has officially arrived, although it will take me a few weeks to adjust to the changeover of the calendar year. Does anyone else CONSTANTLY write the wrong date at the start of a new year?!<br />
<br />
Now that 2018 is actually over, it's time for me to reflect on the year that was and look back on all the books that I read in the past twelve months. A full summary of my reading stats will be going live on Friday, but first up – the best and worst of 2018!<br />
<br />
The books that made my "Best of 2018" list are those that I absolutely loved and now class as favourites, while the books on the "Worst of 2018" list were ones that I didn't enjoy or found disappointing (most were actually 3-star reads that simply didn't live up to expectations). These are not necessarily books that were published in 2018 but are all ones that I <i>read</i> (for the first time) last year. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by <b><a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" target="_blank">Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl</a></b>, with a new topic to respond to every week.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>~ Best of 2018 ~</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="24493726" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1446187333l/24493726.jpg" width="207" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">10. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24493726-the-tournament-at-gorlan" target="_blank">The Tournament at Gorlan</a></b> by John Flanagan</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
It wouldn't be a list of favourites without including at least one <i>Ranger's Apprentice</i> book! This one following young Halt takes the cake!<br />
<br />
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="30336056" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1467678461l/30336056.jpg" width="208" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">9. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30336056-words-in-deep-blue" target="_blank">Words in Deep Blue</a></b> by Cath Crowley</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
A book set in a bookstore with well-developed characters and a sweet romance, <i>Words in Deep Blue</i> is a beautiful story.<br />
<br />
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="32334268" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1475458891l/32334268.jpg" width="209" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">8. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32334268-valentine" target="_blank">Valentine</a></b> by Jodi McAlister</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
This book has it all: murderous fey, snarky girls, and grumpy (but soft) boys. Perfect!<br />
<br />
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="16099442" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1350829925l/16099442.jpg" width="208" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">7. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16099442-how-i-live-now" target="_blank">How I Live Now</a></b> by Meg Rosoff</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Confession time: I'd seen the film (starring my fave Saoirse Ronan) at least half a dozen times before reading this so this story has a special place in my heart.<br />
<br />
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="29283884" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1492601464l/29283884.jpg" width="211" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">6. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29283884-the-gentleman-s-guide-to-vice-and-virtue" target="_blank">The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue</a></b> by Mackenzi Lee</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
What a hilarious, entertaining adventure! Also Monty and Percy are the best. And the audiobook is brilliant!<br />
<br />
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="10626594" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1461209661l/10626594.jpg" width="209" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">5. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10626594-the-scorpio-races" target="_blank">The Scorpio Races</a></b> by Maggie Stiefvater</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Maggie Stiefvater's beautiful lyrical prose + a cold, wet island + bloodthirsty horses = YES, PLEASE.<br />
<br />
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="38143401" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1538510121l/38143401.jpg" width="208" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">4. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38143401-the-hate-u-give" target="_blank">The Hate U Give</a></b> by Angie Thomas</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
The hype is real with this one. Very topical and well worth a read.<br />
<br />
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="37772713" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1514627474l/37772713.jpg" width="213" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37772713-the-cruel-prince" target="_blank">The Cruel Prince</a></b> by Holly Black</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
More murderous fey! Are you sensing a pattern here?<br />
<br />
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="19174917" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1386404196l/19174917.jpg" width="211" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19174917-fangirl" target="_blank">Fangirl</a></b> by Rainbow Rowell</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Cath, the anxious little introvert, is so completely relatable and Levi is an adorable little (big) cinnamon roll.<br />
<br />
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="30969076" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1467940475l/30969076.jpg" width="207" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30969076-nevernight" target="_blank">Nevernight</a></b> by Jay Kristoff</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
There is no question that <i>Nevernight</i> is the best book in existence. Jay Kristoff is a god. But if you need convincing: a smol, stabby girl goes to assassin school to become an assassin and there is lots of blood and gore and smut.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>~ Worst of 2018 ~</b></span><br />
<br />
<img alt="28458598" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1475687488l/28458598.jpg" width="213" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">10. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28458598-when-dimple-met-rishi" target="_blank">When Dimple Met Rishi</a></b> by Sandhya Menon</span><br />
<br />
Everyone raved about this one so I had such high hopes. The romance was cute but the story had so much more potential.<br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="33312976" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1484642188l/33312976.jpg" width="206" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">9. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33312976-wreck" target="_blank">Wreck</a></b> by Fleur Ferris</span><br />
<br />
Mysteries and thrillers can be so hit or miss and <i>Wreck</i> was just mediocre.<br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="33123322" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1480049948l/33123322.jpg" width="212" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">8. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33123322-frogkisser" target="_blank">Frogkisser!</a></b> by Garth Nix</span><br />
<br />
I think I would have really enjoyed <i>Frogkisser!</i> when I was younger – it was fun but a tad juvenile and not the quality that I expect from Garth Nix.<br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="587293" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1442494334l/587293.jpg" width="202" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">7. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/587293.Peter_Pan" target="_blank">Peter Pan</a></b> by J. M. Barrie</span><br />
<br />
This just didn't live up to the Disney version in my eyes.<br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="32737127" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1477341317l/32737127.jpg" width="216" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32737127-unfiltered" target="_blank">Unfiltered</a></b> by Lily Collins</span><br />
<br />
I really like Lily Collins as an actress and as a person, but her memoir felt a bit formulaic and wasn't as good as other celebrity autobiographies that I've read.<br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="23203252" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1460211196l/23203252.jpg" width="211" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23203252-a-shadow-bright-and-burning" target="_blank">A Shadow Bright and Burning</a></b> by Jessica Cluess</span><br />
<br />
Meh. Just another tropey YA fantasy.<br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="18692431" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1450515891l/18692431.jpg" width="211" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18692431-everything-everything" target="_blank">Everything, Everything</a></b> by Nicola Yoon</span><br />
<br />
I <i>really</i> didn't like how the story was resolved and everything else was kind of average.<br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="31364316" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1470542115l/31364316.jpg" width="213" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31364316-songlines" target="_blank">Songlines</a></b> by Carolyn Denman</span><br />
<br />
<i>Songlines</i> had such an interesting premise (incorporating both Christian and Indigenous Australian beliefs) but I wanted more from the story. It also fell into common tropes, so, no thanks.<br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="26721568" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1452349399l/26721568.jpg" width="211" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26721568-the-problem-with-forever" target="_blank">The Problem With Forever</a></b> by Jennifer L. Armentrout</span><br />
<br />
Maybe I made a mistake by listening to the audiobook of this, but the main character's voice was <i>so</i> whiny and I just couldn't deal with her constant negative introspection.<br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="39903491" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1524258799l/39903491.jpg" width="203" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39903491-it-ends-with-you" target="_blank">It Ends With You</a></b> by S. K. Wright</span><br />
<br />
Another mystery novel that fell short. The premise of <i>It Ends With You</i> was solid but some of the narrative choices were dodgy and unrealistic and, to be honest, it made me a little bit mad. You can see my full review of the book <b><a href="https://nuggetsofniamh.blogspot.com/2018/11/it-ends-with-you-review.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.<br />
<br />
<br />
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This was <i>HARD</i>. Picking just a few favourite books and trying to list them in order is practically impossible! I think next time I might have to break it down by genre... Even choosing least favourites is difficult!<br />
<br />
What were some of your favourite books in 2018? What books were you most disappointed by? Do you agree/disagree with any of my picks? Let me know in the comments below and leave a link to your TTT so I can check it out! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Niamh, xo.</div>
Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8696329675609452407.post-55350174040530023792018-12-28T11:00:00.000+10:002018-12-28T11:00:07.762+10:00Goodbye December, Adios 2018 // #amcurrently<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWgZUG4vE5G1JVphxvWUzodFbrfJAA1q1mGtSi3nCkSzEYbhM6u3o5W-lCTKtIfOaOFBr3fZvtbwUGU3Q9DejocAfKqj9bwsL90ajNRFo5jYZsorlEb6ThUZdnFvbX-0XegchJrHgCJU/s640/goodbye.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
I had a wonderful Christmas, thank you for asking, and I hope you did, too! I was well and truly spoilt by my family with lots of lovely gifts (including a few books!) and we had an absolutely amazing Christmas lunch! I'm honestly still a bit full from all the food I've eaten over the past few days...<br />
<br />
But now that Christmas has been and gone, we've come to the end of December, and with it, the end of the year. Can you believe that 2018 is over?!<br />
<br />
For many, now is the time to reflect on the year that was and look ahead to the next. Personally, though, I need a little more time to come to grips with it all, so today, I'll just be looking back at what happened during the month of December. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#amcurrently // reading...</b></span></h2>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's been a bit of a weird reading month for me. I read a couple of books in less than a day and then took more than a week to read a few others – I don't know what's going on! BUT I've read eleven books so far this month (well, eight novels and three [four?] short stories/companion books), and with a few days left, I might still have time to squeeze in one or two more... We'll see what happens!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">recently read:</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(Covers link to my Goodreads review if it exists!)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="35660288" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1508160675l/35660288.jpg" width="124" /> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1481400028?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1" target="_blank"><img alt="19174917" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1386404196l/19174917.jpg" width="132" /></a> <img alt="35651113" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1510268075l/35651113.jpg" width="129" /> <img alt="40742905" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1533146078l/40742905.jpg" width="132" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">★★★★☆ </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">★★★★</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">★</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★★★★☆</span> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★★★<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★ </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif;"><img alt="31298846" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1469914836l/31298846.jpg" style="color: black; font-family: Times;" width="130" /> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2614361211?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1" target="_blank"><img alt="28433404" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1485360729l/28433404.jpg" width="131" /></a> </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2044674067" target="_blank"><img alt="6469765" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327922931l/6469765.jpg" width="129" /></a> <img alt="30724132" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1476734515l/30724132.jpg" width="131" /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">★★★★☆ </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">★★★★</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">★</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★★★<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">☆</span>☆</span> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★★★<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">☆</span> </span></span><br />
<div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2541206751?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1" target="_blank"><img alt="38464781" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1526945578l/38464781.jpg" width="133" /></a> <img alt="35901105" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1521480092l/35901105.jpg" width="130" /> <img alt="14287546" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1405474703l/14287546.jpg" width="127" /><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">★★★★☆ </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">★★★</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">☆</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">☆</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★★★<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">☆</span>☆</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
- - -<br />
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">new to the TBR pile:</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
December was a bad month for my TBR pile (or a good one, I guess, depending on which way you look at it). Amongst my purchases was <i>The Rift</i>, which was included in <b><a href="http://theyachronicles.com.au/" target="_blank">The YA Chronicles</a></b> November box, along with a super awesome moon lamp!</div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38464781-undying" target="_blank"><img alt="38464781" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1526945578l/38464781.jpg" width="133" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38126009-ash-princess" target="_blank"><img alt="38126009" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1522724203l/38126009.jpg" width="132" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37802612-the-rift" target="_blank"><img alt="37802612" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1525508558l/37802612.jpg" width="128" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The next six books were all gifts from various members of my family, so I'm very grateful to them for continuing to support my reading habit, even though I apparently already have more than enough books (according to them, anyway).</div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38647488-shout-out-to-the-girls" target="_blank"><img alt="38647488" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1522258348l/38647488.jpg" width="156" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39904695-the-red-fox-clan" target="_blank"><img alt="39904695" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1524275663l/39904695.jpg" width="130" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36562460-a-map-of-days" target="_blank"><img alt="36562460" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1525303068l/36562460.jpg" width="128" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34066431-strange-the-dreamer" target="_blank"><img alt="36187690" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1520154702l/36187690.jpg" width="130" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37378443-scythe" target="_blank"><img alt="37378443" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1512984509l/37378443.jpg" width="130" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39296212-thunderhead" target="_blank"><img alt="39296212" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1525470870l/39296212.jpg" width="130" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;">And of course, in addition to all of those, I also picked up a few library books. I FINALLY have </span><i>Queen of Air and Darkness</i>! Except I still need to finish my re-read of <i>Lord of Shadows</i> that I am for some reason procrastinating? Like I want to read QoAaD so much that I <i>don't</i> want to read it?? WHY???</div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25437747-beautiful-broken-things" target="_blank"><img alt="25437747" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1503826515l/25437747.jpg" width="132" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30214330-queen-of-air-and-darkness" target="_blank"><img alt="30214330" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1510447095l/30214330.jpg" width="132" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lastly, many thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia for sending me an ARC of <i>Fierce Fragile Hearts</i> to review as part of the upcoming blog tour! (Look out for that early next year!)</div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39354084-fierce-fragile-hearts" target="_blank"><img alt="39354084" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1537540194l/39354084.jpg" width="132" /></a><br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">#amcurrently // watching...</span></h2>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am SO behind on most of the TV shows that I usually watch. I don't know why, but over the last few months, I just haven't really been interested in them? I did, however, binge season four of <i>Fuller House</i> when it was released on Netflix earlier this month – the 20-minute episodes are all silly and cheesy but entertaining and super easy to watch.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://giphy.com/embed/3o7aCYibbBxjMVfjTa" width="480"></iframe></div>
<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/netflix-season-3-full-house-3o7aCYibbBxjMVfjTa"></a><br />
I've also been making the most of the holiday season by watching as many Christmas movies as I possibly can! <b><a href="https://nuggetsofniamh.blogspot.com/2018/11/where-did-november-go-amcurrently.html" target="_blank">Back in November</a></b>, I watched <i>The Princess Switch</i>, and since then I've seen <i>The Holiday Calendar</i> (meh), <i>A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding</i> (boring), <i>Christmas Wedding Planner</i> (cute), and <i>Dear Santa</i> (kinda creepy but also cute). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And also <i>Dumplin'</i>, which isn't a Christmas movie but is SO GOOD! If you haven't watched it already, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Image result for dumplin movie poster" height="400" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMDMyNzQyMjgtZTM2NS00ZjQwLThjYTMtZDlhOTNhNTMzNTkwXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMDA4NzMyOA@@._V1_.jpg" width="270" /></div>
</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">#amcurrently // thinking about...</span></h2>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Holy moly. How is it 2019 in just a few short days?! I am not prepared.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<br />
Leave me a comment and tell me about what you've been up to (and what you've been reading!) in the month of December! Did you receive any of the books on your Christmas wish list? Are you ready for the New Year? Or are you feeling a bit overwhelmed like I am?</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Niamh, xo.</div>
</div>
Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8696329675609452407.post-9490450704057648112018-12-25T11:00:00.000+10:002018-12-25T11:00:00.345+10:00books I hope Santa brings me // Top Ten Tuesday<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9XDLoEq3vZ91AU-97gZcjr0lXSsjwvnbUdj08EpMi5w0zxIudunENdZxcnRX46VPxKF_mw4xOvaQ4pBn9EcHFk_4JMwH0DsnByZG63TGOSpOmYN7JdKXoFBDxkUtFe-y4MBcmrzzNhY/s640/santa.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Merry Christmas, everyone! </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
By the time you're reading this, Christmas Day will be in full swing in my house! We will likely be beginning to prepare lunch ahead of the arrival of our guests and I definitely will have already opened all of my presents! Fingers crossed that at least a few of them will be books!<br />
<br />
This is the wish list that I gave my family this year (complete with specific editions as well, of course!), so I hope that I'll have found a few of them under the Christmas tree this morning!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by <a href="http://thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" target="_blank"><b>Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl</b></a>, with a new topic to respond to every week.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
- - -<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="23437156" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1459349344l/23437156.jpg" width="211" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23437156-six-of-crows" target="_blank">Six of Crows</a></b> by Leigh Bardugo</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="15839976" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1461354651l/15839976.jpg" width="209" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15839976-red-rising" target="_blank">Red Rising</a></b> by Pierce Brown</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="36389267" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1515762319l/36389267.jpg" width="207" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36389267-a-thousand-perfect-notes" target="_blank">A Thousand Perfect Notes</a></b> by C. G. Drews</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="39904695" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1524275663l/39904695.jpg" width="208" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">4. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39904695-the-red-fox-clan" target="_blank">The Red Fox Clan</a></b> by John Flanagan</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="18051352" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1372086141l/18051352.jpg" width="212" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">5. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18051352-to-all-the-boys-i-ve-loved-before" target="_blank">To All the Boys I've Loved Before</a></b> by Jenny Han</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="23395680" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1443433956l/23395680.jpg" width="211" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">6. <b><a class="" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23395680-illuminae" target="_blank">Illuminae</a></b> by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="21882134" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1397110604l/21882134.jpg" width="206" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">7. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21882134-sabriel" target="_blank">Sabriel</a></b> by Garth Nix</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="22055262" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1400322851l/22055262.jpg" width="212" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">8. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22055262-a-darker-shade-of-magic" target="_blank">A Darker Shade of Magic</a></b> by V. E. Schwab</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="28954189" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1456172676l/28954189.jpg" width="211" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">9. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28954189-scythe" target="_blank">Scythe</a></b> by Neal Shusterman</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="29748925" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1459436163l/29748925.jpg" width="208" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">10. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29748925-strange-the-dreamer" target="_blank">Strange the Dreamer</a></b> by Laini Taylor</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<br />
What gifts are you hoping to receive this Christmas? Do we have any of the same books on our wish lists? Let me know in the comments below and also tell me how you celebrate the holiday! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Niamh, xo. </div>
</div>
Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8696329675609452407.post-2885190691047236922018-12-21T11:00:00.000+10:002018-12-21T15:55:29.454+10:00The Twelve Days of Christmas // Tag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsB_RezbIhrdTG1qKCN7kG9P9gDhuZEeMg1ttvLLycuuQ-Gl-xU4bmrBLFCPNDCMuFYgcnaPmYVTye6hHQEATx3tKpga2czAou2E20I09yImXYFVd_RZEPiBH0rhLinl4CnOtz6KtP5KY/s1600/12daystag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsB_RezbIhrdTG1qKCN7kG9P9gDhuZEeMg1ttvLLycuuQ-Gl-xU4bmrBLFCPNDCMuFYgcnaPmYVTye6hHQEATx3tKpga2czAou2E20I09yImXYFVd_RZEPiBH0rhLinl4CnOtz6KtP5KY/s640/12daystag.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With Christmas now only a few days away, what could be more appropriate than a fun, festive-filled tag?!<br />
<br />
The Twelve Days of Christmas Book Tag is based on the song of the same name and the aim is to select a book that fits the theme of each line of the song.<br />
<br />
So without further ado (and with very little context), let's commence! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Twelve Days of Christmas Book Tag was originally created by <a href="https://fallingdownthebookhole.com/2014/12/01/12-days-of-books-tag-original/" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Ashley @ Falling Down the Book Hole</a> and I was tagged by <a href="https://dinaratengri.com/2018/12/the-twelve-days-of-christmas-book-tag/" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank"><b>Dinara </b><b class="">@ Dinara Tengri</b></a><span style="color: inherit;">.</span></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">"On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: a partridge in a pear tree."</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">The partridge stood alone in the pear tree. What is your favourite standalone?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="19174917" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1386404196l/19174917.jpg" width="211" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19174917-fangirl" target="_blank">Fangirl</a></b> by Rainbow Rowell</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">"On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: two turtle doves."</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">Love is in the air! Who is your OTP?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="36162553" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1504269390l/36162553.jpg" width="199" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Zuzana and Mik from <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36162553-night-of-cake-and-puppets" target="_blank">Night of Cake and Puppets</a></b> by Laini Taylor</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">"On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: three French hens."</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">In the spirit of threes, what is the best trilogy you have read?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="6053292" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1353517172l/6053292.jpg" width="209" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6053292-the-hunger-games" target="_blank">The Hunger Games</a></b> by Suzanne Collins</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">"On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: four calling birds."</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">Since series usually consist of four or more books, what is your favourite series?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="23164819" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1410090108l/23164819.jpg" width="208" /> <img alt="8688066" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1280584726l/8688066.jpg" width="212" /> <img alt="24851136" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1451500620l/24851136.jpg" width="212" /> <img alt="23598679" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1416640392l/23598679.jpg" width="212" /> <img alt="32718466" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1477044972l/32718466.jpg" width="213" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">All of <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23164819" target="_blank">The Shadowhunter Chronicles</a></b> by Cassandra Clare (I know this is kind of cheating, shh!)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">"On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: five golden rings."</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">One ring to rule them all! Who is your favourite villain/antagonist?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="827968" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327917009l/827968.jpg" width="208" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Mrs Coulter from <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/827968.Northern_Lights" target="_blank">Northern Lights</a></b> by Philip Pullman</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">"On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: six geese a laying."</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">Creation is a beautiful thing. What is your favourite world?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<img alt="72193" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327190600l/72193.jpg" width="203" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Wizarding World from the <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/72193.Harry_Potter_and_the_Philosopher_s_Stone" target="_blank">Harry Potter</a></b> series by J. K. Rowling</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">"On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: seven swans a swimming."</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">Who needs seven swans when all it takes is one good animal sidekick to make a hero rock! Who is your favourite animal sidekick?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="1393280" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1393788964l/1393280.jpg" width="207" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sapphira from <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1393280.Eragon" target="_blank">Eragon</a></b> by Christopher Paolini because DRAGONS!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">"On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: eight maids a milking."</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">Milk is so 18th Century! Which book takes food/beverages to a whole new level?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<img alt="838892" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1443308752l/838892.jpg" width="208" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/838892.Charlie_and_the_Chocolate_Factory" target="_blank">Charlie and the Chocolate Factory</a></b> by Roald Dahl is an obvious choice</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">"On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: nine ladies dancing."</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">Dancing is just one skill of a lady! Who is your favourite kickass female lead?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="763588" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1388204220l/763588.jpg" width="185" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Anne from <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/763588" target="_blank">Anne of Green Gables</a></b> by L. M. Montgomery</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">"On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: ten lords a leaping."</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">Leaping lords? Who is your favourite leading lad?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<img alt="6456514" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1280563742l/6456514.jpg" width="205" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Will from <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6456514-the-ruins-of-gorlan" target="_blank">Ranger's Apprentice</a></b> by John Flanagan</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">"On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: eleven pipers piping."</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">Where would we be without music? What is your favourite book or bookish thing that deals with music?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><img alt="6990472" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1311702290l/6990472.jpg" width="213" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6990472-if-i-stay" target="_blank">If I Stay</a></b> by Gayle Forman really resonated with the strings player in me</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">- - -</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">"On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: twelve drummers drumming."</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">Drum roll, please... What is your favourite read of this year?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<img alt="30969076" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1467940475l/30969076.jpg" width="207" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30969076-nevernight" target="_blank">Nevernight</a></b> by Jay Kristoff</span><br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm not going to tag anyone specifically because it's so close to Christmas now, BUT if you'd like to get involved, consider yourself tagged!<br />
<br />
Have you participated in The Twelve Days of Christmas Book Tag? Or another fun holiday-themed tag? If you have, leave a link to your post in the comments below so I can check it out! It's never too early to start getting inspiration for next year!<br />
<br />
<br />
Niamh, xo.</div>
Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8696329675609452407.post-90083461903860987502018-12-18T11:00:00.000+10:002018-12-18T11:00:00.232+10:00unachievable summer TBR // Top Ten Tuesday<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Ugq9wSupwG3O_ujRcjXitmmft5inTtXSZvqFNOqBQUijHXS07To9yRF0xzmJ5smb6x6AUb5fNI5JOYW00xz_IsMtB9qWJYavEc6HbNkG_pHYwOUWiK4XCcdG9mbVYdBK1HDSIxiyR2w/s640/summertbr.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
I swear no matter how many books I read, my TBR pile never shrinks. It just continues to grow and grow until it becomes multiple piles and, oh no, now it's a sea of books and I can't see the floor anymore.<br />
<br />
But that's not what this post is about. Not really. Although my TBR "pile" does somewhat resemble a small ocean, today I am discussing just ten (well, eleven) books that I'm hoping to read this summer.<br />
<br />
I mentioned a few weeks ago that I tend to gravitate towards contemporaries in the summer months, however, I've since realised that I have A LOT of fantasies to catch up on. So it looks like some of those contemporaries may have to take a backseat.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, I'm excited to read each and every one of the following books so if that's any indication, then it's going to be a great summer! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by <b><a href="http://thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" target="_blank">Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl</a></b>, with a new topic to respond to every week.</span></div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="25437747" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1503826515l/25437747.jpg" width="211" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25437747-beautiful-broken-things" target="_blank">Beautiful Broken Things</a></b> by Sarah Barnard</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Beautiful Broken Things</i> has been on my radar since it was announced as one of Zoella's book club picks in 2016. I haven't had a chance to read it yet but I'm hoping to pick it up sometime over the next few months in preparation for the release of the upcoming companion novel, <i>Fierce Fragile Hearts</i>!</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="2967050" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1395739879l/2967050.jpg" width="210" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2967050" target="_blank">The Truth About Forever</a></b> by Sarah Dessen</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I always enjoy Sarah Dessen's books so when I saw this one at a secondhand shop (in the old cover style like the ones I already owned!) I just had to pick it up. Now I need to read it.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="27235365" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1445264325l/27235365.jpg" width="208" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27235365-when-we-collided" target="_blank">When We Collided</a></b> by Emery Lord</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>When We Collided</i> was a bargain-buy from a book outlet store a year or so ago, and although I haven't read an Emery Lord novel before, the synopsis sounded intriguing. As a contemporary, if I don't read it this summer, it'll most likely end up sitting on my shelves for another whole year!</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="36859561" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1513565206l/36859561.jpg" width="210" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36859561-children-of-blood-and-bone" target="_blank">Children of Blood and Bone</a></b> by Tomi Adeyemi</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you're a regular visitor to my blog, no doubt you'll have noticed <i>Children of Blood and Bone</i> on multiple of my TBRs over the past few months. I actually started reading it in August and got halfway through but wasn't feeling it so put it down. As one of the hottest YA novels of the year and being someone who dislikes DNFing books, I really feel like I ought to give it a second chance!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="40221509" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1530524677l/40221509.jpg" width="212" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">5. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40221509-the-lady-s-guide-to-petticoats-and-piracy" target="_blank">The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy</a></b> by Mackenzi Lee</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I LOVED <i>The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue</i> and the sequel novella <i>The Gentleman's Guide to Getting Lucky</i> so I was ecstatic to receive <i>Lady's Guide</i> in <b><a href="http://theyachronicles.com.au/" target="_blank">The YA Chronicles</a></b> October box. This is one I want to read ASAP!</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="36134048" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1510079139l/36134048.jpg" width="211" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36134048-whisper-of-the-tide" target="_blank">Whisper of the Tide</a></b> by Sarah Tolcser</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I mentioned last week in my list of <b><a href="https://nuggetsofniamh.blogspot.com/2018/12/series-i-need-to-finish-top-ten-tuesday.html" target="_blank">Series I Need To Finish</a></b>, I've been trying super hard to keep up to date with sequels this year. So I'd really like to continue this streak and finish the <i>Song of the Current</i> duology over the summer!</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="38464781" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1526945578l/38464781.jpg" width="213" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">7. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38464781-undying" target="_blank">Undying</a></b> by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Again, it would be great if I could cross this series off the list as well!</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="12042324" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1310907149l/12042324.jpg" width="208" /> <img alt="7710333" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1442029687l/7710333.jpg" width="212" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">8. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12042324-catching-fire" target="_blank">Catching Fire</a></b> and <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7710333-mockingjay" target="_blank">Mockingjay</a></b> by Suzanne Collins</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Real talk: <i>The Hunger Games</i> is probably my favourite trilogy of all time. It's well-written and fast-paced and equal parts thrilling and heart-breaking. I reread the first book a few months ago so it's high time to reread these two as well!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="38309671" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1517372460l/38309671.jpg" width="211" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">9. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38309671-reign-the-earth" target="_blank">Reign the Earth</a></b> by A. C. Gaughen</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Reign the Earth</i> is a diverse fantasy that I feel hasn't received the hype it probably deserves. With the sequel, <i>Imprison the Sky</i>, set for publication in January, I'd really like to get to this one soon!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="2913377" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1472068132l/2913377.jpg" width="208" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">10. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2913377-the-name-of-the-wind" target="_blank">The Name of the Wind</a></b> by Patrick Rothfuss</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
An absolute classic of the fantasy genre (yet one that I have yet to read), <i>The Name of the Wind</i> is the February pick for the book club that I participate in. In fact, it's actually the inspiration behind<b> <a href="https://twitter.com/NameOfTheBook" target="_blank">The Name of the Book</a></b>'s name!</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
- - -</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
So, um, this list is actually wildly unachievable. But who doesn't love setting themselves lofty goals that are completely unattainable and then being absolutely devastated when things don't go as planned?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">No? Just me?</span><br />
<br />
Have you read any of the books on my summer TBR? Would you recommend them? What books are on your TBR this season? Let me know in the comments below and leave a link to your TTT so I can pop on over for a visit and check it out!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Niamh, xo.</div>
Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8696329675609452407.post-22904519763178984602018-12-14T11:00:00.000+10:002018-12-18T16:41:47.975+10:00most anticipated YA book adaptations of 2019<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zz7q68h1veUpKWkUAm0JQRM4B4nBLl9NmoB8ZhU7uJeyjOipGTBrQ0Ffa1s9HxR9IuWxvbTprpM7CZtwSAy4pYj1LZSbgMJdAOydqzAnOxuZ0SbG5D_2b9trSfouQ86l6_Gjt9Km2jI/s640/2019adaptations.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
2018 has been THE year for YA adaptations, with films such as <i>A Wrinkle in Time</i> and <i>Ready Player One</i> finding huge success at the box office and Netflix's <i>To All the Boys I've Loved Before</i> and <i>Dumplin'</i> also extremely popular with audiences. I myself absolutely loved TATBILB and watched it multiple times shortly after it was released!<br />
<br />
I was also lucky enough to see an advanced screening of <i>Love, Simon</i> earlier in the year, which I adored! Both films received critical acclaim for the performances of their lead actors and actresses and were also lauded for their diversity – something not often accurately represented in blockbuster films.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, apart from TATBILB, <i>Love, Simon</i> and <i>Maze Runner: The Death Cure</i> (which we won't talk about), I haven't had the chance to watch any other 2018 YA adaptations yet. But I'm hoping next year will be a different story! Because there are some seriously amazing YA adaptations scheduled for release in 2019! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Release dates are correct as at 14/12/18.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<img alt="Image result for a series of unfortunate events season 3 poster" height="320" src="https://pmcdeadline2.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/series-of-unfortunate-events-key-art.jpg?w=605&h=896" width="216" /> <img alt="297792" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1518835363l/297792.jpg" width="239" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/297671.The_Bad_Beginning" target="_blank">A Series of Unfortunate Events</a></b> – Season 3 returns to Netflix on 1 January</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Season 3 will conclude the Netflix adaptation of the popular book series by Lemony Snicket, commencing with Book the Tenth: <i>The Slippery Slope</i>. I really enjoyed the books when I was younger and Neil Patrick Harris as Count Olaf is just the perfect villain!</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="Amandla Stenberg in The Hate U Give (2018)" height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZDVkMWJiMzUtNjQyOS00MGVmLWJhYmMtN2IxYzU4MjY3MDRmXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNzA5NjIzODk@._V1_SY1000_CR0,0,675,1000_AL_.jpg" width="216" /> <img alt="32075671" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1535002553l/32075671.jpg" width="211" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32075671-the-hate-u-give" target="_blank">The Hate U Give</a></b> – in theatres on 1 January (Australia)</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been really looking forward to this one, especially since reading the book, and I thought somehow I had missed it. But no, the film just hasn't been released in Australia yet! Someone please explain to me why we have to wait an extra THREE MONTHS???</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="2118745" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1277071696l/2118745.jpg" width="204" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Chaos Walking – in theatres on 28 February (Australia)</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Chaos Walking,</i> the adaptation of <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2118745.The_Knife_of_Never_Letting_Go" target="_blank">The Knife of Letting Go</a></b> by Patrick Ness, is the latest <strike>victim</strike> star of the YA dystopia trend. I haven't read the book yet (although it's on my TBR!) but I can only hope that the film franchise is treated better than <i>Divergent</i> was.</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="Cole Sprouse and Haley Lu Richardson in Five Feet Apart (2019)" height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjM4OTE2NTk5Nl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwOTQ2MjU2NjM@._V1_SY1000_CR0,0,674,1000_AL_.jpg" width="215" /> <img alt="38926328" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1534693322l/38926328.jpg" width="212" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38926328-five-feet-apart" target="_blank"><b>Five Feet Apart</b></a> – in theatres on 22 March (USA)</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This one is a bit unusual in that the film isn't actually an adaptation of the book – both were pitched together. The synopsis sounds like it's in a similar vein to <i>The Fault in our Stars</i>, so if that's anything to go by then it's sure to be a box office hit.</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="Hero Fiennes Tiffin and Josephine Langford in After (2019)" height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNWVkNWFkMDUtNTdiYS00Mjg2LWE5ZjQtNTgwN2UwODBjNmM1XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNTYyOTIxOTg@._V1_SY1000_CR0,0,671,1000_AL_.jpg" width="214" /> <img alt="22557520" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1438077259l/22557520.jpg" width="206" /> <img alt="After Wattpad" height="320" src="https://static.businessinsider.com/image/55b7f6a4dd08958f7f8b4695-400/image.jpg" width="204" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22557520-after" target="_blank"><b>After</b></a> – in theatres on 12 April (USA)</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
LOL. So I actually read <i>After</i> back in 2013 when it was just a One Direction fanfic uploaded one chapter at a time to Wattpad. It was... not well written. But it wasn't too bad compared to other things online and suffice it to say, I got hooked. And now I'm a <i>teensy</i> bit curious to see what the film is like.</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="20549288" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1399077994l/20549288.jpg" width="210" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6. Pretty Little Liars: <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20549288-the-perfectionists" target="_blank">The Perfectionists</a></b> – premieres 13 May (USA)</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am trash so you can guarantee that I will be watching this as soon as it is available in Australia. (Also, I just noticed that the German title of the book literally translates to "lies have long legs" and I thought that was tremendously amusing.)</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="28763485" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1459793538l/28763485.jpg" width="212" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">7. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28763485-the-sun-is-also-a-star" target="_blank">The Sun is Also a Star</a></b> – in theatres on 17 May (USA)</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The Sun is Also a Star</i> is an adorable romantic contemporary and I think it will translate really well to film! It also features diverse characters so it's exciting to see that more of these types of movies are being made!</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="Ferdia Shaw in Artemis Fowl (2019)" height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjI2NzE5MzQ4N15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNDEwNDM4NjM@._V1_SY1000_CR0,0,675,1000_AL_.jpg" width="216" /> <img alt="11849469" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1345799806l/11849469.jpg" width="222" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">8. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11849469-artemis-fowl" target="_blank">Artemis Fowl</a></b> – in theatres on 28 November (Australia)</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have been waiting for this movie for my entire life so they better have done a good job! Again, though, why does Australia have to wait an extra four months?</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="18460392" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1404331702l/18460392.jpg" width="210" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">9. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18460392-all-the-bright-places" target="_blank">All the Bright Places</a></b> (filming; slated for 2019 release)</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>All the Bright Places</i> was arguably the biggest YA contemporary novel of 2015 so it's no surprise that it's being adapted into a film. Given some of the negative responses to <i>13 Reasons Why</i>, I'm interested to see how they will approach the topic of suicide in this movie.</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="440391" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1519353935l/440391.jpg" width="214" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">10. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/440391.Drachenreiter" target="_blank">Dragon Rider</a></b> (filming; slated for 2019 release)</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
DRAGONS. I used to be obsessed with dragons. And this book is all about a boy who gets to <i>ride</i> a dragon so basically, this was my dream. I had no idea this was being made into a film until very recently but I'm super excited!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What did you think of the YA adaptations released this year? Are you looking forward to any of the upcoming movies and TV series that I've mentioned? Or do you steer clear of book adaptations altogether?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Niamh, xo.</div>
</div>
Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8696329675609452407.post-54773301060031304962018-12-11T11:00:00.000+10:002018-12-11T11:00:02.975+10:00series I need to finish // Top Ten Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHT6_q3rU3nm4KhbJ4Yv3dquiLlY9h9oUhztNrHJWoXeoNyqRwG0OXUI4CJBZ2-1MWf-A6CZl2sWmX4_XqIjVDYdrk-x_ShgmgWjhBIkKqTFi51I3bCw2QizkO1SyM_yGlXBMC7n9bonI/s640/unfinishedseries.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love a good series – the longer the better! But with all the enticing shiny new releases that just keep popping up on Goodreads and Bookstagram, it can be hard to keep up with sequels to that series you first started reading five years ago. </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
Especially if you're like me and are TERRIBLE at remembering what happened in the first two or five or TEN books. </blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Because then you need to reread. And as enjoyable as it can be to revisit the first few books in one of your favourite series, it takes <i>sooo long</i>. And who has time for that with all the shiny new releases?! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Over the past year or two, I've made a concentrated effort to try and finish part-read series. In fact, just the other day I finally caught up on<i> Brotherband</i> by John Flanagan and am now continuing the <i>Monster Blood Tattoo</i> trilogy by D. M. Cornish – a series I started in PRIMARY SCHOOL but never completed. Whoops. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But of course, I also read multiple *new* books this year, so, um, I still have lots of series that I need to finish...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by <b><a href="http://thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/">Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl</a></b>, featuring a new topic to respond to every week.</span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="30214330" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1510447095l/30214330.jpg" width="212" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30214330-queen-of-air-and-darkness" target="_blank">Queen of Air and Darkness (The Dark Artifices #3)</a></b> by Cassandra Clare</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
ARGH I'm still waiting for my library hold to become available! (It says the book is still on order?) But in the meantime, I'm rereading the first two books in the trilogy because I am the worst and I can't remember a single thing that happened.</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="38464781" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1526945578l/38464781.jpg" width="213" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38464781-undying" target="_blank">Undying (Unearthed #2)</a></b> by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After reading and really enjoying <i>Unearthed</i> at the beginning of the year, I preordered <i>Undying</i> so that I could read it (and therefore finish the duology) as soon as it was released. But, um, that hasn't happened yet. SOON, I PROMISE.</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="41086595" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1540200044l/41086595.jpg" width="208" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41086595-archenemies" target="_blank">Archenemies (Renegades #2)</a></b> by Marissa Meyer</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pretty much the same sitch as above except <i>Renegades</i> has become a trilogy so I don't know whether I should read it now or wait until the third and final book is released... Thoughts??</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="36134048" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1510079139l/36134048.jpg" width="211" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36134048-whisper-of-the-tide" target="_blank">Whisper of the Tide (Song of the Current #2)</a></b> by Sarah Tolcser</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Song of the Current</i> was another 2018 read and as it's only a duology, it's probably a good idea to read this one soon while I can still vaguely remember the plot of the first book.</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="26077971" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1444461918l/26077971.jpg" width="200" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26077971-raelia" target="_blank">Raelia (The Medoran Chronicles #2)</a></b> by Lynette Noni</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With the finale <i>Vardaesia</i> scheduled for publication in February 2019, now is the perfect time to binge-read the rest of the series in preparation for what I'm sure will be an epic conclusion!</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="24935433" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1423946464l/24935433.jpg" width="209" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24935433-the-dying-of-the-light" target="_blank">The Dying of the Light (Skulduggery Pleasant #9)</a></b> by Derek Landy</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I <i>think</i> I'm up to book nine? I honestly don't know. Hence why I started rereading the series earlier in the year. But my library only has the first four books on audiobook so I just... stopped?</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="11199165" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1303615415l/11199165.jpg" width="208" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">7. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11199165-spiral" target="_blank">Spiral (Tunnels #5)</a></b> by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another series I started in primary school (thanks to the Scholastic Book Club – who remembers that?!) and never finished. At this point, I'm not even sure I want to finish it; I don't remember it being... the best.</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="320220" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1441000028l/320220.jpg" width="232" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">8. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/320220.The_Peskie_Spell" target="_blank">The Peskie Spell (Fairy Realm #9)</a></b> by Emily Rodda</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Fairy Realm</i> was one of my absolute favourite series when I was little but for some reason, I never read the last two books? For the sake of completion, I'd really like to finish the series one day.</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="77393" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1383067787l/77393.jpg" width="191" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">9. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/77393" target="_blank">Anne of Windy Poplars (Anne of Green Gables #4)</a></b> by L. M. Montgomery</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For someone who counts <i>Anne of Green Gables</i> as one of their favourite series of all time, it's embarrassing that I've never gotten around to reading beyond the original trilogy. Although I have heard that the follow-up books aren't quite as good. Has anyone read them and can tell me if they're worth it?</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<img alt="12111823" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1465341854l/12111823.jpg" width="210" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">10. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12111823-the-winds-of-winter" target="_blank">The Winds of Winter (A Song of Ice and Fire #6)</a></b> by George R. R. Martin</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Okay, yes, I'm aware that this is just wishful thinking. Who knows when George will actually finish writing the book – I've heard it's over 1500 pages long! In fact, is this even the real cover??</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Do you keep on top of newly-released sequels? Or do you have a small stack of unfinished series in your TBR as well? And am I the only one who can never remember the plot from one book to the next so has to reread everything? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Let me know in the comments below and feel free to leave a link to your TTT post as well! I'm keen to check out what everyone else chose to write about for this week's freebie topic!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Niamh, xo.</div>
</div>
<ul>
</ul>
Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8696329675609452407.post-81190806656894375542018-12-07T11:00:00.000+10:002018-12-07T11:00:56.199+10:00Bridge of Clay // Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLfBljLfSY-fknadxmgXk6AggJqXni_3d1c8IvLDYszRVNRphWbBeaFC5TbOIpr5EBrrn07BBtLpEGfSOx60IlJHsZy94yo5ge5ZOgXU6s_0vvNf0qTQI8N8oFhwQ2Urg7A5104kLq5Q/s640/bridgeofclay.jpg" style="display: none;" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1520972713l/39217968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="39217968" border="0" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1520972713l/39217968.jpg" width="264" /></a><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39217968" target="_blank">Bridge of Clay</a></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> by Markus Zusak</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Published: 9th October 2018 by Picador Australia<br />
Format: Paperback<br />
Pages: 592<br />
ISBN: 9781760559922<br />
RRP: $32.99<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">★ ★ </span></span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">★ </span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">★ </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: #f1f1f1; padding: 10px;">
Bridge of Clay is about a boy who is caught in the current - of destroying everything he has, to become all he needs to be. He's a boy in search of greatness, as a cure for memory and tragedy. He builds a bridge to save his family, but also to save himself. It's an attempt to transcend humanness, to make a single, glorious moment:</div>
<div style="background-color: #f1f1f1; padding: 10px;">
A miracle and nothing less.<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't know when and I don't know how, but at some point <i>Bridge of Clay</i> sucked me in and then turned around and hit me right in the feels.<br />
<br />
There is no denying that this is a Slow™ book. One of the slowest. And at almost 600 pages long, it's an absolute brick. <i>Bridge of Clay</i> is pretty much entirely character-driven; in fact, with all the jumping back and forth between different characters and events in the past, for a long time, it's unclear what the plot actually is.<br />
<br />
So let me tell you. It's about Clay (the fourth of five brothers) and his relationships: with his brothers, his mother, his father, and a girl called Carey; and how these relationships helped shape not only his life but the lives of everyone else as well. At its heart, it's simply a story about growing up; about life, love, and loss. And it's beautiful.<br />
<br />
Although it was a bit of a hard slog to get through the first 200-odd pages, it was so worth it. The story of quiet, unassuming Clay Dunbar's life is both touching and heart-wrenching. And the poetic prose, although unusual, illustrates once again just how talented a writer Zusak really is.<br />
<br />
It's unlikely that <i>Bridge of Clay</i> will achieve the international success or critical acclaim of <i>The Book Thief</i>, but if you're patient and willing to put in the effort, you too might fall in love with the Dunbar boys.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<br />
Markus Zusak is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the multi-award-winning novels <i>The Underdog</i>, <i>Fighting Reuben Wolfe</i>, <i>When Dogs Cry</i>, <i>The Messenger</i>, and <i>The Book Thief</i>. He has been translated into more than forty languages and is commonly lauded as one of the most successful authors to come out of Australia.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Niamh, xo.</div>
</div>
</div>
Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8696329675609452407.post-70013913847761208082018-12-04T11:00:00.000+10:002018-12-04T11:14:53.935+10:00summer recommendations // seasonal reads // Top Ten Tuesday<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpg6iJQRwEsd4JtKbz5Qx_kA7xhOwwsCsmVy41mLpY6n90pRq3WAoy-7ZxhCsIptkA-z-59oQKO3UPUui5nHxK58BqL8hYrB4Cu5gOnBrCkQQvkL9trBf3fM31wQV6DEU0eOfgKae1Uc/s640/summer+recs.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
Summer has well and truly arrived here in Australia. At least where I live. We've already had multiple days of 35°C+ weather and it's only the start of December. All I can say is thank goodness for air conditioning!<br />
<br />
During the warmer months, I tend to read a lot more contemporaries. I couldn't tell you why, but they're just not something I reach for in winter. As a result, I have a bit of a backlog of contemporaries on my TBR at the moment (more on that in a few weeks!). And today I thought it would be a great idea to add EVEN MORE to that list! So for this post about the perfect summery books, I'll be discussing five that I've read and loved, and five that I've yet to read but think would be ideal for this season!<br />
<br />
Spoiler alert: Despite only last week raving about how much I like <b><a href="https://nuggetsofniamh.blogspot.com/2018/11/platonic-relationships-in-books.html" target="_blank">platonic relationships in books</a></b>, I can't look past a cute summer romance! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by <b><a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" target="_blank">Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl</a></b>, featuring a new topic to respond to every week.</span></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1310265782l/214438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="214438" border="0" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1310265782l/214438.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="210" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">1. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214438.The_Sisterhood_of_the_Traveling_Pants" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants</a> by Ann Brashares (read)</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>"Four very different friends. One pair of magical pants. And a summer apart..."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Featuring beautiful and complex friendships (and maybe a romance or two!), <i>The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants</i> is a realistic coming-of-age story that literally everyone can relate to.</div>
<br /></div>
- - -<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1445447278l/26116514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="26116514" border="0" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1445447278l/26116514.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">2. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26116514-the-season-of-you-me" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">The Season of You & Me</a> by Robin Constantine (unread)</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This book gives me all the classic American-summer-camp vibes! It also sounds like it has some good disability rep* and I think it could be a really sweet story!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I really hope it's <i class="">good</i> rep. I haven't seen any reviews that actually discuss it, so if anyone has read the book and/or can speak to the accuracy of the rep, please let me know! If it's problematic, I don't want to read it.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1276962724l/7182579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="7182579" border="0" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1276962724l/7182579.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">3. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7182579" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Along for the Ride</a> by Sarah Dessen (read)</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Along for the Ride</i> is a story about a summer of beach parties, food fights, boys and fun – and getting to know oneself in the process!</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
- - -</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1368722144l/17623975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="17623975" border="0" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1368722144l/17623975.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">4. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17623975-just-one-day" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Just One Day</a> by Gayle Forman (unread)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ever since <i>If I Stay</i>, I've wanted to read more of Gayle Forman's work. And this one seems like it'd be a perfect summer read!</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1402749871l/21882188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="21882188" border="0" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1402749871l/21882188.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">5. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21882188" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">We Were Liars</a> by E. Lockhart (read)</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This one, shockingly, is NOT a contemporary romance! <i>We Were Liars</i> is a twisty mystery-thriller but set against the backdrop of a private island (and with all the barbeques and swimming), it's the perfect non-contemporary for the season!</div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1444760820l/26244548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="26244548" border="0" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1444760820l/26244548.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">6. <a class="" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26244548-wanderlost" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Wanderlost</a> by Jen Malone (unread)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A summer of European travel. Check. A secret identity. Check. And a cute holiday romance. Check. THIS NOVEL HAS IT ALL.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1458871394l/29415084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="29415084" border="0" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1458871394l/29415084.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">7. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29415084-the-unexpected-everything" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">The Unexpected Everything</a> by Morgan Matson (read)</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The Unexpected Everything</i> is the ultimate summer contemporary! IT FEATURES DOGS!!!</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1475687488l/28458598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="28458598" border="0" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1475687488l/28458598.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">8. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28458598-when-dimple-met-rishi" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">When Dimple Met Rishi</a> by Sandhya Menon (read)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A diverse (!) hate-to-love romance set against the backdrop of a college summer program. A little nerdy but hella adorable! I can't wait to read <i>There's Something About Sweetie</i> as well!</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1383128735l/18741152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="18741152" border="0" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1383128735l/18741152.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">9. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18741152" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Anna and the French Kiss</a> by Stephanie Perkins (unread)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been wanting to read this one for so long! A swoony romance with a gorgeous French boy? SIGN ME UP!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1452081385l/25756328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="25756328" border="0" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1452081385l/25756328.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">10. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25756328-love-gelato" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Love & Gelato</a> by Jenna Evans Welch (unread)</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Two words: <i>love</i> and <i>gelato</i>. Need I say more?</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At some point, this list turned into a list of European travel novels but I'm not apologising. I LOVE travelling and obviously reading about other people's adventures is the best way to travel without actually leaving the house! But for some reason, my travels never feature romances with cute boys... <i>sigh</i>.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What books do you think make the perfect summer reads? Have you read any of the ones on my list? Do you want to? Let me know in the comments below!</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Niamh, xo.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8696329675609452407.post-51883877553345438392018-11-30T12:00:00.000+10:002018-11-30T12:00:15.679+10:00where did november go? // #amcurrently<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjUDXGmuaxIT-_yyV3FdB2bsP9Rp1tjikmOwASBKPp4Ij0L6jS3FJYZt9fCxiYjAhz09VjkaYVXmdpOBWFgbF_PoTVz8TZEnyHCwWpPdCklBIupQur-6WBvIdoJLB5oQKpnNwka49CzU/s640/november.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Um, did I blink and miss November? Or maybe I took a nap one day and woke up a whole month later? Seriously, where did this month (and the rest of this year!) go?!<br />
<br />
The first two weeks of November were super busy for me: I was in charge of planning and organising a two-night camp for the Girl Guide unit that I run. This was the first time I've ever done anything like this and it was all just a little bit stressful. And A LOT of work! But, thankfully, everything went really well (minus a small hiccup involving a possum and a fuse box) and it ended up being a great weekend! Although, I was completely exhausted by the end of it!<br />
<br />
The last two weeks have been a little more relaxing. In the lead up to the holiday season, I've been catching up with friends and also starting to prepare a few things for Christmas. It's never too early to start brainstorming gift ideas, after all! But I've also been allowing plenty of time for myself – keeping up with my reading, obviously, and getting reacquainted with the PS4... </div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>#amcurrently // reading...</b></h2>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
While I didn't read quite as many books in November as I did in October, it was still an excellent reading month for me! I really enjoyed every single book I read this month, which is amazing! Two were rereads (<i>Slaves of Socorro</i> and <i>Scorpion Mountain</i>) and three were actually 2018 releases!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Look at me, pretending to be a good book blogger and trying desperately to keep up with recent releases.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">recently read:</span></b></h3>
(Covers link to my Goodreads review if it exists!)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<img alt="27209701" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1444904329l/27209701.jpg" width="130" /> <img alt="31363336" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1470524264l/31363336.jpg" width="157" /> <img alt="22021387" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1398739882l/22021387.jpg" width="132" /> <img alt="39674509" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1522287872l/39674509.jpg" width="132" /> <img alt="23235680" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1410927170l/23235680.jpg" width="133" /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★★★★☆ </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★★★★☆ </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★★★★☆</span> </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★★★<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★</span> </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★★★★☆</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2583135625?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1" target="_blank"><img alt="39217968" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1520972713l/39217968.jpg" width="132" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2113930185?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1" target="_blank"><img alt="37772713" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1514627474l/37772713.jpg" width="133" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1928805490" target="_blank"><img alt="38143401" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1538510121l/38143401.jpg" width="130" /></a> <img alt="30232454" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1463639063l/30232454.jpg" width="128" /><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> ★★★★☆ </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★★★<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★★★<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★</span> </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★★★<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">★</span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -<br />
<h3 style="text-align: start;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">new to the tbr pile:</span></b></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So after hauling only two books in October, I may have gone a little bit crazy this month...<br />
<br />
<i>Archenemies</i> was a preorder and <i>The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy</i> was included in <b><a href="http://theyachronicles.com.au/" target="_blank">The YA Chronicles</a></b> October box, along with a printed and bound copy of <i>The Gentleman's Guide to Getting Lucky</i> novella.</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26077971-raelia" target="_blank"><img alt="26077971" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1444461918l/26077971.jpg" width="125" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40653215-whisper-of-the-tide" target="_blank"><img alt="40653215" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1537690618l/40653215.jpg" width="132" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40221509-the-lady-s-guide-to-petticoats-and-piracy" target="_blank"><img alt="40221509" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1530524677l/40221509.jpg" width="132" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40742905-the-gentleman-s-guide-to-getting-lucky" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40742905-the-gentleman-s-guide-to-getting-lucky" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1533146078l/40742905.jpg" width="132" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41086595-archenemies" target="_blank"><img alt="41086595" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1540200044l/41086595.jpg" width="130" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I also acquired <i>One of Us is Lying</i> from a friend who was unhauling some books, and was lucky enough to win the first three books in the <i>Tales of a New World </i>series by P. C. Cast! Many thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia and <b><a href="https://sarahfairbairn.com/about/" target="_blank">Sarah @ The Adventures of SacaKat</a></b> for hosting the giveaway! I'm looking forward to picking these up sometime in the near future (hopefully)!</div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32887579-one-of-us-is-lying" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32887579-one-of-us-is-lying" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1485770678l/32887579.jpg" width="130" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32184253-moon-chosen" target="_blank"><img alt="32184253" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1474594969l/32184253.jpg" width="134" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35890206-sun-warrior" target="_blank"><img alt="35890206" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1507584547l/35890206.jpg" width="130" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41086599-wind-rider" target="_blank"><img alt="41086599" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1539310230l/41086599.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -<br />
<br /></div>
<h2>
<b>#amcurrently // playing...</b></h2>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://giphy.com/embed/39hsEz8LhQ3jhr9CpZ" width="480"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/spyro-39hsEz8LhQ3jhr9CpZ"></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, um, as I mentioned earlier, I've been giving the PS4 a really good workout recently. I picked up the Spyro Reignited Trilogy when it was released on the 13th of November and have been playing it constantly ever since*. It is GREAT.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*That may be a slight exaggeration given that I have also been reading. And blogging. And eating. And sleeping. </span><br />
<br />
If you didn't know, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy is an updated and remastered version of the three original Spyro games from back in the day, similar to the re-release of the original Crash Bandicoot trilogy last year. I loved the Crash games but I think I might love Spyro even more!<br />
<br />
I prefer Spyro's more open style of gameplay: although each level has a definite beginning and end, it's more circular so there's a lot more freedom to wander around at your own will. Most of the levels don't even have to be completed sequentially! I've actually finished the first two games already and now I'm about ready to tackle the third instalment!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>#amcurrently // thinking about...</b></h2>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Tomorrow is the 1st of December, which means it's officially CHRISTMAS! <span style="font-size: large;">CHRISTMAS!!</span> <span style="font-size: x-large;">CHRISTMAS!!!</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="361" src="https://giphy.com/embed/8muFpxW47Gr3W" width="480"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/christmas-the-grinch-8muFpxW47Gr3W"></a></div>
<ul>
<li>In my family, we have a rule that Christmas doesn't begin until December, so tomorrow is when we'll put up our tree and all the decorations!</li>
<li>Or rather, it's when <i>I</i> will put up our tree and decorations, because, let's be honest, no one else cares about it nearly as much as I do.</li>
<li>It also means that it's finally an appropriate time to start watching holiday movies! I can't even tell you how excited I am for Netflix's sequel to <i>The Christmas Prince</i>! </li>
<li>Although, I may or may not have already watched <i>The Princess Switch</i> last week...</li>
<li>(It was ridiculous but also SO great, in case you were curious!)</li>
<li>BUT I can't relax just yet – I still need to finalise my Christmas shopping!</li>
<li>Choosing gifts is honestly the most difficult thing. Will mum like this fragrance? Does dad need a new pair of socks?</li>
<li>IT'S SO HARD.</li>
<li>Also, every time you go to the shops in December I swear you take your life into your own hands. It's an absolute zoo.</li>
<li>Only zoo animals are more polite and less dangerous.</li>
<li>And don't get me started on the screaming children.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, on that note, I think now's a good time to wrap up this post. Leave me a comment and tell me all about what you've been up to (and what you've been reading!) in the month of November! Are you ready for Christmas? Or does all your Christmas prep happen on the 24th of December??</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Niamh, xo.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8696329675609452407.post-10290063924399790222018-11-27T11:00:00.000+10:002018-11-30T12:43:37.715+10:00platonic relationships in books // Top Ten Tuesday<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXY1yKri09XHCSNzB4domQo8xUkH6WlnWrXWPLokc1F5f2NFapD8tLVPh9Q09A59WQCJC9FlcaJiV39QYB0odcX8Fpm4jQo7DjY-YHmIiDr1IYDRcdyEJUdSBOXEi70U9iduiEgTOp6fY/s640/platonic.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
Let's face it, book friendships are often better than book romances. I'll choose a story with a well-developed, beautiful friendship over one with a sappy, romance-heavy plot any day. Plus, non-romance books aren't plagued by annoying, overused tropes like the brooding-bad-boy-with-a-dark-secret or insta-love. I mean, who ever heard of insta-friendship?!<br />
<br />
Platonic relationships are as diverse as the fish in the ocean: every friendship, every family is unique. So there's really no limit to the kinds of platonic relationships you can encounter in novels. Some of my favourites make me so happy (or sad), even now just thinking about them!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by <a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl</a>, with a new topic to respond to every week. </span></div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="431" src="https://giphy.com/embed/RoYVneUYAAxZm" width="480"></iframe><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. Anne and Diana from <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/763588.Anne_of_Green_Gables" target="_blank">Anne of Green Gables</a></b> by L. M. Montgomery</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Diana is Anne's first friend in Avonlea and, unlike most other folks, she accepts Anne for who she is right from the very start. Their friendship is pure and innocent and lasts long after both girls grow up. They truly are kindred spirits.</div>
<div>
<br />
- - -</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Will and Halt from the <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6456514-the-ruins-of-gorlan" target="_blank">Ranger's Apprentice</a></b> series by John Flanagan</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Will and Halt have such a special relationship that matures and evolves as Will grows up and the series progresses. Halt comes to love Will as the son he never had, and Will Halt as the father he once lost. When one is in peril, the other will stop at nothing to save him, which, come to think of it, forms the basis of the plot of at least two books.</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="258" src="https://giphy.com/embed/uDsKyihjOheSY" width="480"></iframe><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Jess and Leslie from <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38693.Bridge_to_Terabithia" target="_blank">Bridge to Terabithia</a></b> by Katherine Paterson</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm honestly tearing up right now just thinking about this book and their friendship. It's just so beautiful and heartbreaking. I don't even have the words to describe it.</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. The Herons from the <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13045888-the-outcasts" target="_blank">Brotherband</a></b> series by John Flanagan</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The bond between the eight outcast boys, the gruff one-handed warrior, and the dead-shot girl is an integral part of this series. In fact, the crew of the <i>Heron</i> are really like a family. What more can I say? John Flanagan just has a knack for creating excellent (and often hilarious, banter-filled) relationships between his characters.</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="294" src="https://giphy.com/embed/1blxUFzjUg3NS" width="480"></iframe><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5. Humans and dæmons from the world of <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/827968.Northern_Lights" target="_blank">The Northern Lights</a></b> by Philip Pullman</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Does this count given that dæmons are the physical manifestation of one's soul? You know what, I don't even care because the relationship between a person and their dæmon is so special. I'm still salty that dæmons don't actually exist in real life.</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6. Skulduggery and Stephanie/Valkyrie from the <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6622569-skulduggery-pleasant" target="_blank">Skulduggery Pleasant</a></b> series by Derek Landy</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Skulduggery Pleasant and Valkyrie Cain's relationship is complicated and disguised by A LOT of dry humour. In the beginning, Stephanie just wants to learn magic and impress Skulduggery, but soon she becomes drawn into his dangerous world and learns more about his past and his morally-grey character. Skulduggery, on the other hand, initially only puts up with her as a kind of curiosity, I think, and because he feels he owes it to her uncle (rather than a sense of responsibility) to look out for her. However, gradually their relationship morphs into a kind of (outwardly grudging) mutual respect and deep down they really care about one another.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And, wow, clearly I have a lot of thoughts about this one because I have written a small essay, oops.</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://giphy.com/embed/LlDThmR0uJqRa" width="480"></iframe><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">7. Lena, Carmen, Tibby, and Bridget from <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214438.The_Sisterhood_of_the_Traveling_Pants" target="_blank">The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants</a></b> by Ann Brashares</span><br />
<div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These four girls are so different – they each have entirely unique personalities and interests – but the way that they become, and then are able to remain, friends is such a lovely story. Their relationships with one another are complex but that just makes them all the more special.</div>
</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">8. Ady, Kate, and Clem from <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35492492-take-three-girls" target="_blank">Take Three Girls</a></b> by Cath Crowley, Fiona Wood, and Simmone Howell</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This book is all about strong, female friendships and the importance of standing up for one another. Just like in <i>The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants</i>, Ady, Kate, and Clem are very different people. But they eventually come to realise that they are stronger together and that it's their differences that make their unlikely friendship so powerful.</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="313" src="https://giphy.com/embed/WdO1f7dSOKnRu" width="480"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/the-hunger-games-thg-katniss-everdeen-WdO1f7dSOKnRu"></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">9. Katniss and Rue from <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6053292-the-hunger-games" target="_blank">The Hunger Games</a></b> by Suzanne Collins</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Y'all know why this one has made the list. Why are so many of the best relationships so devastating?!</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">10. Emma and Cristina from <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24851136-lady-midnight" target="_blank">The Dark Artifices</a></b> trilogy by Cassandra Clare</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm not going to lie, I can't remember much from <i>Lady Midnight </i>or <i>Lord of Shadows</i>. I do know, however, that I LOVED Emma and Cristina's friendship! But, um, I can't recall why. Imma reread the first two books now before <i>Queen of Air and Darkness</i> is released...</div>
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Let's chat! What are some of your favourite platonic relationships in books? Do they make you happy (or sad) when you think about them? Let me know in the comments below and feel free to leave a link to your TTT so I can check it out as well!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Niamh, xo.</div>
</div>
Niamhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15989548961295833492noreply@blogger.com26