Winter Reading List

 

Winter is finally and officially upon us. I am crossing my fingers hoping for snow as well as preparing for a very festive, quiet Christmas. This time of the year is perfect for bundling up in bed with some socks and blankets, a cup of hot chocolate resting nearby, and a good book in your hand. No season conjures such cozy feelings. The dark, cool weather crafts the ideal book reading and movie watching scenario. Here are the six books I want to read this wonderful season. 

Comfort Reads

The past few months have been trying. Living through a pandemic is certainly a strain as daily life has been permanently altered. Many people are experiencing more anxiety and fear than they have previously. During quarantine, reading became a more popular activity due to the extra time on hand. What is more perfect than reading a comforting book that allows you to escape into another life for a while? I  have found myself reaching for some comforting books myself. These are the kind of novels that make you feel at home, where you are relaxed and at ease, which is precisely what we need right now.  

3 Movies I Have LOVED Recently

Even with movie theaters still closed due to the pandemic, I have been watching tons of films. I love a good story--that's one of the reasons I adore reading so much. Movies are a perfect combination of my love of plot and photography (or cinematography). Between Netflix, Disney+, Redbox, and all of the other platforms available to rent or purchase movies on, there is no shortage of content to enjoy. Here are five spectacular movies to watch this weekend.

Best Book Couples

 

I would not dub myself as a "romantic," per say. Romance as a genre is one I tend to avoid. Plots with magic and action appeal to me more than those centered around a relationship. However, I am human, and there are some couples in my favorite books that I simply adore. We all have those couples that we root for or "ship." I suppose you could say this is a list of my fictional OTPs. 

The Best Middle Grade Book Series for All Ages

We all have those books we read as a child and have held dearly in our hearts ever since. These are the books and memories that we look back on fondly. Yet, some middle grade or children's book series are entirely enjoyable at any age. I read some of these as a kid, yes, but some I read as a teen or an adult. My older age did not diminish my adoration for these books. Everyone, old, young, or somewhere in between, can read and appreciate these ones.

2020...a Look on the Positive Side

At the start of this year, we dreamed of a fresh beginning for a new decade. People joked about a Roaring Twenties repeat and moving forward with good intentions. We were going to grab onto life and march decidedly into the coming year. In January, I left on my first international flight alone to study abroad for a semester in Edinburgh, Scotland. Two and a half months later, the pandemic was hitting us in full swing and I got called home to the USA. All of my upcoming travel and study plans were tossed out of the window. Thus began months of ongoing quarantine. I suppose this year did not go as intended, huh?

Autumn Reading List

Autumn: the season of campfires, pumpkins, and sweaters. It is a time for cozying up in bed with a good book or settling down with popcorn to watch a scary movie. Summer fades into world of Halloween, schoolwork, and spices. The heat will linger until the first fall chill chases it away for the rest of the year. Personally, I love autumn. I cannot wait to enjoy a good s'more and bake some pumpkin cupcakes. As usual, I am sharing a short list of books I hope to read this season. With my university work I never know when I will have time for reading but I still try to make it a priority when I can. 

The Most Annoying Book Characters of All Time

Do you ever become so annoyed at a character that you want to throw the book against the wall? Or maybe punch said character in the face if only to knock some sense into them? Honestly, a character can make or break a book. Some books feature such amazing, interesting characters that I can't help but be pulled in. But some have protagonists that I find to be so infuriating that it makes reading the book nearly impossible. Also, this is all in jest so if I mention one of your favorite characters, don't worry! We all just have different preferences.

Is Chain of Gold Worth Reading?

Cassandra Clare has dominated the YA sphere for years with her shadowhunter novels. I, like many others, adored her Mortal Instruments as a teen. As she expanded the world into more and more additional series, doubt grew over me. Were there really more stories to tell or was this a cash-grab? With The Dark Artifices, I was sure she had more to say. The characters were new, the plot was intense, and her writing was better than ever. But do I still feel the same way after reading the newest installment and series, Chain of Gold? (P.S: this review is spoiler free for CoG but not for the other series).

My Favorite Female Authors

For years, women were (and often still are) disrespected as authors. Many would utilize a pseudonym or their initials rather than their full name to make their gender less obvious to the reader. But women make up so many of my favorite authors and are invaluable to literature. This post is meant to celebrate female writers by showing off my favorites. 

My Favorite LGBTQ+ Characters

In celebration of this year's Pride Month, I have decided to share a list of some of my favorite queer characters from books that I love. Whilst compiling this list, I came across an unfortunate conclusion: there are simply not enough LGBTQ+ characters! And especially not enough lesbian, transgender, or bisexual ones. If you have any recommendations for books featuring more LGBTQ+ characters, let me know!

Movies I Have Been Watching + My Thoughts

Let's cut to the chase: I have been using my sudden free time to mindlessly absorb a ton of media. I compiled a list of *some* of the films I have watched since quarantine began to give you my thoughts on them. 

Summer Reading List

Unpopular opinion: summer is my least favorite season. I despise heat and my English rose skin does not deal well with harsh sunlight. Also, bugs love to bite me and shorts are always too short. The only reason I look forward to summer each year is summer break. However, I will be taking two summer courses this time around (which are now online). Will I have as much free time to read? Probably not. But I still have a few key novels I want to pick up this season. 

Classics I Haven't Read But Really Need To

I am not usually a classic literature reader. Fantasy will always hold reign as my favorite genre. The classics I have read were either forced upon me in school or were simply different kinds of classics (i.e. the science fiction ones). Brave New World and The Picture of Dorian Gray are amazing. But as a self-professed reader and book lover, many people are shocked that I haven't read anything by Jane Austen or the Bronte sisters. Honestly, they haven't interested me much due to their general plots. Recently I have admitted to myself that I really ought to just do it and read the books. 

Why I Won't Be Reading the New Sarah J. Maas Book

For years, Sarah J. Maas has been a staple author in the online book world. She rose to popularity through her Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses series. Due to their addictive and entertaining nature, I managed to read all of these. However, I agree firmly with the camp of people who generally dislike SJM books. I don't think they are horrible but they are certainly not the best. I guess I just don't understand the hype. Therefore, I have decided to boycott her new publication, House of Earth and Blood. (P.S.: if you love SJM, that is great! She is just not my cup of tea).

Skyward is Epic Science Fiction

Listen, I am a fantasy lover all the way. But being a lifelong nerd means I also adore science fiction. Brandon Sanderson, one of my favorite fantasy authors, released his first sci-fi YA book in 2018. I finally got around to reading it this year and (SPOILERS) I loved it. Skyward is epic, action-packed, and suspenseful. Plus, there are talking space ships, aliens, and a cute slug. If I haven't convinced you to read it yet, keep on reading.

10 Movies to Watch in Quarantine

Like everyone else stuck in quarantine right now, I have watched a lot of movies and television shows. In fact, a few weeks ago I compiled a list of Netflix shows to binge during isolation. Now, I have created a list of movies! However, these are not all available on Netflix (but I wish they were). I have not had this kind of free time since summers in middle school. The experience is both relaxing and absolutely boring. So if you have run out of things to watch and need some fun movie recommendations, look no further! I also want to say a BIG thank you to all the essential workers right now, including all medical personnel. 

Books to Read in Quarantine (ft. some amazing bloggers)

Almost all of us are stuck in quarantine right now, unable to work, go out, or do anything other than sit at home and worry. I have been doing a lot of baking, watching Netflix for hours on end, writing, and reading. Honestly, there isn't a better time to get some reading done than right now. I decided to reach out to some fabulous book bloggers and ask them to contribute a quarantine book recommendation! So without any further ado, here is a list of books you should read during quarantine from some of my favorite bloggers. 

The Song of Achilles Made Me Cry

In 2019, I read and loved Madeline Miller's newer release, Circe. It was one of my favorite books that year and frankly, of all time. I am a huge classics nerd. It started off with reading the Percy Jackson series as a child and had developed into a fascination with all things ancient. My minor in university is classical studies. So I was obviously stoked to pick up The Song of Achilles, which is Madeline Miller's debut novel. I expected to love it, of course, but I didn't expect it to make me emotionally unstable. 

A Love Letter to Edinburgh

In January, I shipped myself off to Edinburgh, Scotland. It was not only my first solo trip, but my first trip out of my home country. I was filled with a jumble of emotions: excitement, fear, hope. This trip was the starting point of life's big adventure. Due to the current pandemic situation, I was called back home mid-March by my home university, effectively cutting my study abroad session short. I spent two and a half months living in Scotland, which is half the time I was meant to be there for. I miss it and although I am disappointed that I had to return home, I had the time of my life. I made memories and friends that will stick with me for the rest of my life, and I am so grateful for that opportunity. 

The Queen of Nothing: A Disappointing End to a Good Series

Last year I broke down and read Holly Black's extremely popular series, The Cruel Prince and its sequel. I found them to be very fun reads and highly enjoyable, but not perfect. Nevertheless, I had high hopes for the final installment in the trilogy, The Queen of Nothing. But I was ultimately disappointed with this book. I listened to the audiobook version since I am now in Edinburgh and spend a lot of time walking around or on the bus. The audiobook was definitely very nice and I recommend it for those who prefer that format. But the content within was lackluster. Also, this is a spoiler-free review!

Netflix Shows to Binge-Watch During Self-Isolation

Raise your hand if you waste way too much time endlessly binge-watching shows on Netflix? I am one hundred percent guilty of this. Truthfully, Netflix shows help me procrastinate doing my university work. But especially now that there is a pandemic occurring, people are in need of some quality distractions. I myself am self-quarantining after returning home from Scotland and have spent all of my time watching movies, YouTube videos, reading, and playing the new Animal Crossing. So here are some awesome shows to watch during this odd time of life.

Harry Potter Tour in the Scottish Highlands

In case you missed the memo, I am currently studying abroad for a semester in Scotland! I have had the most amazing time so far, from visiting the Edinburgh Castle to sitting in the cafe where J.K. Rowling first wrote Harry Potter. Speaking of Harry Potter, my childhood love for the series has been reinvigorated since coming to the place of its conception. So when a Harry Potter themed tour of the highlands popped up, I just had to go. I also vlogged the experience if you want to give that a watch.

10 Best Books of the Decade

I just realized today that I have been writing 2019 on all of my school papers for the past few weeks. For some reason my brain simply refuses to accept that is indeed a new year. But it is not just a new year, but a new decade. I was nine years old when 2010 began and I will be turning twenty soon. Obviously, a lot of the books I read at the start of the decade will not be included here (hello, cringey dystopian/vampire obsessed tween Erin). In fact, I am only including the best books that I read in the past ten years that were also released within the decade. 

Review: is Ninth House Leigh Bardugo's Worst Book?

In October of 2019, beloved YA author Leigh Bardugo released her first adult novel, titled Ninth House in reference to its occultist themes. Like many other fans of Bardugo's Grisha and Six of Crows series, I was very excited for its release. However, some readers found themselves disappointed by the new book and its dark, disturbing contents. I, on the other hand, loved it. Spoiler alert: this is going to be a (mostly) positive review. 

Books I Want to Read in 2020

2020 is here, which means the start of a new reading year. Although I do not create a goal of a certain amount of books to read, I do have a list of a few select novels that I would like to squeeze in between studying and traveling. I brought most of these with me to Scotland, as I am studying abroad in Edinburgh for the first half of the year. But some, I'll sadly have to wait until I return home. 

Studying Abroad in Edinburgh

Surprise, surprise, I am currently not in the USA, but in Scotland! I applied to study abroad at the University of Edinburgh for a semester last fall and was incredibly excited to find out I had been accepted. By the time this post goes up, I will have been in Scotland for a fair couple of weeks already. It has been a blast and although I miss home, I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. 

Cozy Winter Reading Recommendations

Perhaps this is an unpopular opinion, but winter is one of my favorite seasons. I adore snow, sweaters, and all things that come with this time of the year. The mood is just so...cozy. I want to go ice skating, drink hot chocolate, and bake cookies. Thanks to winter break from university, I have more time to actually read. But right now I am recommending books for you to pick up this winter.

The Best Books of 2019

Every year seems to slip by even more quickly than the last, with this one having disappeared in the blink of an eye. Somehow I am a college sophomore and will be turning twenty years old in 2020. Maybe it's just because I have been watching so much Peaky Blinders lately, but I am definitely hoping for a roaring '20s repeat. I have a lot of good things awaiting me in this new year and new decade, including some fantastic books. But for now, let's talk about the nine best books I read in 2019.