2021 Book Releases I Am SO Excited About

Typically, I am not the best at tracking all the new book releases: what they are, when they come out, who wrote them, etc. I tend to rely on other bloggers or Goodreads to find new releases. Strolling through the bookstore and perusing the shelves to find new books is also so much fun. But sometimes I end up missing books I would absolutely love, such as sequels to current favorites or a beloved author's upcoming novel. This year, I decided to spend some time browsing Goodreads and blogs to create a list of 2021 book releases I am so excited to read when they come out.

5 Books I Want to Read in 2021

Wow, I have never been so excited for the new year. 2020 flew by at a breakneck pace while also seeming to last a hundred years. We were all thrown through loops nearly every single day, so here's hoping that this year will bring some much needed peace and quiet. For me, reading allows me to escape the current moment and dive into a world of fiction. This hobby has been a lifesaver for many lately. So, as usual, I have a list of books in mind that I would like to read in 2021.

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.

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.