TAG TIME: Goodreads Book Tag

I saw this tag on Alex’s blog Mybookworld24 and thought it would be a fun post to do this rainy Thursday, all about Goodreads, which (let’s face it) we all love to hate.

Send me a friend request if you want to connect on Goodreads.

1. What was the last book you marked as read?

Treading the Uneven Road by L M Brown, a fantastic short story collection set in Ireland.

2. What are you currently reading?

Same as yesterday, so I feel like I am repeating myself, Haha!

 

3. What was the last book you marked as TBR?

The Fox Woman by Kij Johnson. The cover just intrigued me and the synopsis sounds pretty interesting as well.

4. What book do you plan to read next?

Either Eucalyptus by Murray Bail or The Summer of Impossible Things by Rowan Coleman.

5. Do you use the star rating system?

Yes, I have to convert my 7-star system into Goodreads 5-star system.

6. Are you doing the 2019 Reading Challenge?

Yes, I always set it to 50 books. I have gone past that.

7. Do you have a Wish List?

On Goodreads? Is there such a thing? No. On Amazon I think I made one once, but I can’t remember when I last updated it.

8. What book do you plan to buy next?

Probably Darkdawn by Jay Kristoff. I am reading Godsgrave right now and eventhough I am struggling a bit, I am enjoying the story.

9. Do you have any favourite quotes and would you like to share a few?

I like a lot of Oscar Wilde quotes, but this one is my favourite.

10. Who are you favourite authors?

William Horwood and Robert Jordan for sure. I have read many books by both. I also love Jane Austen quite a bit and The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is probably my favourite book.

11. Have you joined any groups?

Yes, several. The one I am most active in the Fantasy Buddy Reads one.

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That’s it from me – join me on Goodreads if you like and I will try and not to say the same things as I did the day before 😂🤣 I did badly…

 

 

TAG TIME: The Mid-Year Book Freak-Out Tag! (2019)

I have seen this tag all over the shop – and probably you have as well! Thought I would run through this tag today 🙂

-THE QUESTIONS-

1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2019.

I had three 7*-books so far this year, which is pretty good going! Two of those were fiction; The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and  A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman, and one non-fiction, which was Centaur by Declan Murphy and Ami Rao. Maybe A Man Called Ove has the slight edge? I adored it!

 

2. Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2019.

Maybe The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden? I really loved The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater as well.)

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

I can’t think of anything in particular.

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

I am looking forward to reading Darkdawn by Jay Kristoff, though I am yet to read Godsgrave – I will probably read the latter in July or August.

5. Biggest disappointment.

Maybe The Hating Game. Every person I look to for book tips loved it so much, but it was just ok for me. Sure, it’s a cute hate-to-love romance, but there was nothing particularly new about it. Also, Dare by Natalia Jaster, since I had loved the first book Trick so much and its follow-up really fell flat.

6. Biggest surprise.

I guess I was really surprised by how much I loved This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen.

7. Favourite new author. (Debut or new to you)

I definitely want to read more by Fredrik Backman!

8. Newest fictional crush.

I don’t tend to have fictional crushes. I am quite fond of Poet from Trick though. 😁❤

9. Newest favourite character.

See previous question. 😜

10. Book that made you cry.

Centaur by Declan Murphy and Ami Rao. I can’t even imagine what Declan and his family have gone through.

11. Book that made you happy.

Adulthood is a Myth by Sarah Andersen. So funny, so true!

12. Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received)

I bought a beautiful illustrated edition of A Game of Thrones by George R R Martin, even if I have vowed not to continue the series until the author actually has announced firm dates for the next book. I still don’t believe he ever will. I still could not resist this book though…

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

See my 2019 TBR!

TAG TIME: Fall Time, Cozy Time Book Tag

Thank you to Siobhan over at her Novelties blog for tagging me earlier today for this wonderfully seasonal book tag. I haven’t done a tag for a while, so I thought I would get to it right away.

1. Crunching Leaves: Pick a book that has reds, yellows and oranges on it.

I think The Artisan Heart by Dean Mayes has a very autumnal cover and includes said reds, oranges and yellows. I could not think of a more fitting cover…

2. Cozy Sweater: It’s finally cold enough to wear warm, cozy clothing. What book gives you the warm fuzzy feelings?

I would go for the original Shannara series by Terry Brooks. Definitely the book version of comfort food for me.

3. Fall Storm: The wind is howling, and the rain is pouring. Pick your favourite book or genre to read on a stormy day. 

I HATE stormy days as we live in a very exposed house, so I want to something light and easy. Either some light hearted YA of some sort or a bit of feel-good romance. Nothing too deep.

4. Cool, crisp air: What cool character would you like to trade places with?

Not sure. I think Mat Cauthon in The Wheel of Time series is pretty cool.

5. Hot apple cider: What is an under-hyped book that you want to see being the next big thing?

I love the Gryphon Riders series by Derek Siddoway, which is a self-published YA fantasy series. I am hoping to read the last book this month. The first two were excellent.

6. Coats, Scarves and Mittens: The weather is turning cold and it’s time to cover up. What’s the most amazing book cover you have seen this year?

Easy! Circe by Madeline Miller. Both the naked hardback and the dust jacket are stunning!

7. Pumpkin Spice: What’s your favourite fall time snack to eat while reading?

At the moment I just want to eat crisps… Like, all the time! Does that count?

8. Warm, Cozy Bonfire: Spead the warmth! Who are you going to tag?

I will tag Abbey, Destiny, Meggy and Rita  and anyone else who wants to do this tag. If you have already done so, please tag me, so I can read your answers!

 

TAG TIME: Bookshelf Scavenger Hunt

Time to explore my bookcase in search of the following books:

1. Find a book by an author with the letter ‘Z’ in their name.

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (2 Zs in his name – bonus points?!)

2. Find a classic.

Well, I have a Classics shelf, so that’s easy! The first one I grabbed was Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. I have not read this one yet. Saving it for autumn.

3. Find a book with a key on it.

I looked and looked but did not find. FAIL!

4. Find something on your shelves that is not a book.

I have a little octopus bath dude sitting on my shelf for some reason!

5. Find your oldest book.

I have a bunch of children’s books that I have owned the longest, but the book that is physically the oldest is The Soul of a Bishop by H G Wells from 1917. I found it for €1 in the local charity shop. I am yet to read it.

6. Find a book with a girl on the cover.

Yeah, this is an easy one, as I have a few. I went for Little Women by Louisa M Alcott. Still haven’t read it – shame on me!

7. Find a book with an animal on the cover.

Choose the first book I could find, which is my new copy of Bambi (Felix Salten).

8. Find a book with a male protagonist.

You can’t get any more protagonisty than Rand Al’Thor in The Wheel of Time Series. Let’s go with The Eye of the World.

9. Find a book with only words on the cover.

Took me a while but I have The Burial at Thebes that only has words on the cover.

10. Find a book with illustrations in it.

Thornhill (Pam Smy). This was such an interesting book, somewhere between novel and graphic novel. A bit like a YA picture book.

11. Find a book with gold lettering.

I actually used quite a few books in this challenge with gold lettering, but did not want to repeat myself. I went for my beautiful copy of Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie. Definitely a cover buy!

12. Find a diary.

Nope. No diaries. None at all. I used to have Bridget Jones’ Diary, but I am not sure what happened to it. As for now: FAIL!

13. Find a book written by someone with a common name.

I finally settled on Longbourn, as both Jo and Baker are pretty common names. I haven’t read this book yet, but I am looking forward to sometime soon!

14. Find a book with a close-up of something on the cover.

I found Outsider by John Francome, which has a close-up of a horse ribbon.

15. Find the book from the earliest time period.

The books set in the earliest time period I have are the Earth’s Children series by Jean M Auel. Set in prehistory. I re-read The Clan of the Cave Bear this year.

16. Find a hardcover book without a just jacket.

Finally an excuse to show of my gorgeous copy of A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare).

17. Find a teal or turquoise coloured book.

I will go with The Nest, even if the turquoise colour is a bit on the pastel side. I bought this at the airport sometime last year, fully intending to read it. I still haven’t.

18. Find a book with stars on it.

I had a few, but I went for The Muse by Jessie Burton. Another one I have not read yet!

19. Find a non-YA book.

My favourite book of the year so far:

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SHOW ME YOURS!

 

TAG TIME: Mid Year Freak Out Book Tag

So I have read 49 books so far this year, which is only one away from my Goodreads goal of the big five oh (50!).

I thought it would be a good opportunity to do this tag and think about the books I have read so far! 🙂

1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2018.

Circe by Madeline Miller. I am not sure what it was about this book, but it was pretty great. The writing, the story, just magical and amazing! Now I need to read Song of Achilles! I also really loved Assassin’s Quest (Robin Hobb) and Nevernight (Jay Kristoff) a lot.

2. Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2018.

I have not been reading a ton of series, but I would say Royal Assassin, by Robin Hobb. I am loving this series!

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

I have heard nothing but good things about Lifel1k3 by Jay Kristoff, so maybe that one. To be fair, I don’t read a ton of new releases and if I do, they tend to be via NetGalley.

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

Nope, nothing springs to mind. Sorry!

5. Biggest disappointment.

Golden Son by Pierce Brown. I was so ready to fall in love with the Red Rising series and the first book was not what I expected, but I liked it, but then the second book was more what I wanted, but it just fell flat for some reason… So frustrating! Argh!

6. Biggest surprise.

Flow by Clare Littlemore. A self-published dystopian YA series and this first book was just fantastic!

7. Favourite new author. (Debut or new to you)

Either Madeline Miller (Circe) or Jay Kristoff (Nevernight) probably.

8. Newest fictional crush.

I don’t tend to have fictional crushes. Let me think… Nope… nothing… Man, I’m boring!

9. Newest favourite character.

I loved Mia in Nevernight a lot. I thought quite a few characters in that book were pretty interesting.

10. Book that made you cry.

I know I have cried a few times and I know Persuasion by Jane Austen was one of them.  And probably Happiness by Aminatta Forna.

11. Book that made you happy.

What Kitty Did Next by Carrie Kablean. This was such a fun continuation of the Pride and Prejudice story.

12. Favourite book to film adaptation you saw this year.

Haven’t seen any! I guess I watched The Handmaid’s Tale, which is pretty amazing.

13. Favourite review you’ve written this year.

Not a review, but my favourite post was the one about the Readers’ Bill of Rights.

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

Circe by Madeline Miller. The hardback copy is soooooo gorgeous! Plus the naked hardback is just so pretty as well!

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

Too many! I do want to finish some series though, so I want to read Assassin’s Quest (Robin Hobb) to complete the Farseer Trilogy and Bloodfire Quest and Witch Wraith (Terry Brooks ) to complete the Dark Legacy of Shannara series. Oh and Godsgrave (Jay Kristoff), which I got on offer on my Kindle for £1.99 a couple of days ago.

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If you have not done this (very popular) tag yet, please consider yourself tagged!

Liebster Award

Thank you to Emily at her wonderful blog Reaching While Rooted for nominating me for the Liebster Award. Check out Emily’s blog, read her insightful reviews and fun tags and all that jazz. Follow her if you do not do so already!

(Apologies, Emily, that it has taken me an age to get round to answering your questions!)

Rules for Accepting the Award:

1. Write about it on your blog and thank the person who nominated you. Write a bit about their blog.
2. Display the ward on your blog
3. Nominate 5 or 10 blogs which you feel deserve it
4. Let the nominees know you nominated them.

Don’t forget to to create 10 new questions for the nominees to answer. Notify your nominees and provide a link to your post so that they will know what to do. Once you are done, come back here and post the link so I can check your answers!

Emily’s questions and my answers:

1. What inspired you to create a blog.

A friend asked me whether I had read a certain book (I can’t remember which one) to which I replied, “Yes.” Friend: “When?” Me: “Ummmm.” Friend: “What did you think of it?” Me: “I can’t quite remember…”

Basically to avoid the above, I thought it would be fun to document the books I read and what I thought of them.

2. If you could quit your day job, what would you do instead?

Well, I quite my day job four years ago (has it really been four years???!!!! Maybe three and a half…) when I decided I simply wanted to enjoy being a mum to my (now) five-year-old daughter for a while. After childcare costs I really was not earning enough to make it worth it. We are about to open a holiday cottage though, which I will be taking care of. I thought I would spend lots of time reading and I do spend some time doing just that, but my time tends to fill up anyway with all sorts of nonsense. I kind of like it that way. 🙂

3. A portal opens up to another land or time in your room. Where does it go?

Oh dead, I don’t know. Maybe Australia. I spent ten months there about fifteen years ago and fell in love with the country. There are areas I would love to explore a bit more.

4. What is your least favourite genre?

Horror. I get nightmares easily and don’t really like gore.

5. What is your favourite animal?

Horse – no contest!

6. What’s your favourite hobby when you are not reading?

I love writing, even if I am not that great at it. I love horse riding, but have not done it much in recent years. I do love watching a bit of telly of an evening too. Well, that’s about the gist of my terribly exciting life.

7. It’s time for a vacation. Who is your travel partner?

My husband and my daughter of course!

8. Do you have a life philosophy? If so, what is it?

Be yourself and and do listen to others, but don’t let them live your life for you. Be strong and don’t be afraid to say no!

9. You find a time machine and travel ten years back in time. What advice or life affirmation would you give yourself?

See question 8. It took me long enough.

10. What is one thing you love about yourself?

Oh, yeah, sure, go in with the hard question last! I love that I have learned to simply love myself. That single thing has changed so much. When you love yourself and allow yourself to make mistakes, you can be a far better support to others. No, I am not perfect, but neither as anyone else and actually, I am pretty all right 🙂 Deep, right!

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The blogs I want to nominate are:

Marta at The Cursed Books
Kat at Crazy Life with Doc and Bam
Megan at The Cozied Reader
Regina at Bookish In Bed
Abbey at Three Cats and a Girl

And these are your questions:

1. What is your one favourite book (no whole series, a single book!)?
2. What is the first book you remember loving as a child?
3. Do you have any pets? If so, do share!
4. Pink, purple or blue?
5. Favourite ever book cover?
6. Is there a popular book you did not like?
7. What is it you like most about blogging?
8. Do you use Goodreads, and if so, how many books are on your Goodreads TBR?
9. Fairies or unicorns?
10. Lord of the Rings or Jane Austen?

I know these questions are quite random, but I would love to see your answers, so let me know when you have gotten round to doing this one!

Tag Time: Anything But Books Tag

I was tagged by the lovely Abbey at Three Cats and a Girl. Do check out her lovely blog if you haven’t already!

Name a cartoon that you love.

Octonauts – my 5yo daughter can now name the most obscure sea creatues because of that cartoon and I love it too!

What is your favourite song right now?

Favourite songs change almost daily, but I have been on a ‘euphoria’ song kick recently. I seem to love listening to songs that make me feel energised and happy at the moment. The ones I have been playing on repeat are ‘Ready To Start’ by Arcade Fire and ‘Burn’ by Ellie Goulding. I am not really one for dance music, but for some reason I love Ellie’s music.

What could you do for hours that is not reading?

Browsing the Internet/watching Youtube videos. I try and restrict myself, as it’s way too addicting. Same reason I don’t play video games anymore. I think I have an obsessive streak in my nature. Otherwise, horse riding. I have not it much in recent years and I miss it so much! Also, daydreaming/thinking – I could waste hours just staring into space.

What is something that you do that your followers would be surprised by?

I play an online horseracing game called Equination. In it you can breed and race your own horses. I have been playing it for nine years!

What is your favourite, unnecessary thing to learn about?

Anything related to nature and history. Useful yes, necessary? No.

What is something unusual you know how to do?

Thanks to the trees that got blown over recently I am a deft hand at splitting wood now!

Name something you have made in the last year.

Too many Hama bead artworks with my daughter 🙂 Oh, and I have handsewn a patchwork cushion cover from fabric sample squares. It’s in the background of this picture!

What is your most recent personal project?

Getting our holiday cottage on the market soon. I am writing (and thinking about) the sales text for it. And a name for it – so hard!

Tell us something you think of often.

I often wonder why I worry so much. I am a rational person and I know worrying does not change an outcome of an event, so there is no point worrying, right? And yet, I do, constantly. It drives me nuts!

Tell us something that is your favourite, but make it oddly specific.

No biscuit is better with milk than the humble plain chocolate digestive.

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I would like to tag the following lovely bloggers:

Clarissa @ Quirky Lady Bookworm

Rose @ Stuckinfiction

Megan @ The Cozied Reader

And of course if I haven’t tagged you and you want to do this tag, consider yourself tagged!