Summer TBR Wipeout – Update (2)

August 5, 2018 Ali@abookishlife11 Comments

Oops I’m afraid I’m a little bit late in posting my second progress update for Candid Cover’s Summer TBR Wipeout but I have a really good excuse, I was busy reading 🙂 I actually can’t believe that we’re more than two thirds of the way through this 7 week challenge as it seems hardly any time since my introductory post at the start of July where I set myself the goal of reading 21 books. I will admit that finishing 21 books from a list was probably never going to happen (I’m too much of a mood reader) but it has proven to be great motivation. So how have I done since my last update, read on and find out.

Read / Currently Reading

I’m actually pretty happy with my reading progress since my last update, yes I’ve wandered off my list a bit (that was always going to happen) but since my last update I’ve finished 8 pretty brilliant books, including a couple I gave 5 stars to.

A Closed and Common Orbit (Wayfarers #2) by Becky Chambers – 5 Stars – Yep you read that right, 5 out of this world stars. I absolutely loved the second book in Chambers Wayfarers series. There’s a bit more of a story than the first book and it’s more contained giving me a greater connection to the characters and making me much more emotionally invested. I cried a lot and I just loved it.
Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig – 4.5 Stars – Another great read, the only thing holding me back from 5 stars is that while I loved how Haig pulled together scientific theory, facts, psychology and his own experiences, I’m not sure I could say there’s anything new in it. It’s very readable, informative and uplifting but I wouldn’t necessarily say I learned anything new, other than I should worry about robots.
The Princess Bride by William Goldman – 4 Stars – My first wander off course but it’s one of my fave books so I’m pretty sure it’s allowed. Only 4 stars though I’m afraid as this was an abridged audio version and while Rob Reiner’s narration was great it felt a little rushed and he didn’t do any of the voices (inconceivable).
Spare and Found Parts by Sarah Maria Griffin – 4 Stars – Roughly based on Frankenstein but with a futuristic, post apocalyptic type setting. It took me a little while to warm up to main character Nell, and to get my head around a world without technology (the horror) but it’s a very dark and intriguing story that makes you think (and that’s never a bad thing).

To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo – 3.5 Stars – I don’t think I was in the right mood for this book as while I loved the concept (a little mermaid retelling) and found it an engaging read it never really wowed me the way I thought it would. I do think it was me and not the book though
The Mermaid by Christina Henry – 4 Stars – Yep another mermaid book but this time with a dash of historical fiction thrown in. It’s a much more serious read and a lot more depressing but has more depth and feeling in it. Also I’m kind of obsessed with the whole Barnum thing so it was fascinating to see him portrayed in a very different way.
As You Wish by Cary Elwes & Joe Layden – 5 Stars – Another wander off the TBR for exactly the same reason as the previous one, my true love of The Princess Bride. I love the film so I was always going to love this look behind the scenes. I swear I’ve been boring everyone senseless reciting Elwes anecdotes about cast and crew. Sorry everyone.
Every Heart A Doorway by Seanan McGuire – In progress – OK I’m not quite finished this yet but I only have an hour to go so I’m counting it. Another book not on my list but it is one I’ve been wanting to read for ages so when my hold came in from the library I grabbed it and started immediately and I’m really enjoying it.

Up Next

There are only a couple of weeks left of the challenge so it’s doubtful I’m going to finish every book on my original list but I would really like to read the following four books.

I am however going to replace the other books from my existing list with the following three. The first, The Travelling Cat Chronicles fits a task on a team challenge I’m doing, Down Among the Sticks and Bones is the sequel to Every Heart a Doorway and The Governess Game I received from NetGalley and can’t resist reading asap.

So that’s where I’m at. Unlike when I posted my first update I’m feeling a lot more positive and upbeat about my progress, maybe reading Haig’s Notes on a Nervous Planet has actually helped 🙂

Have you read any of the books on the list? What did you think of them? Are there any on my list I’ve tempted you to pick up?

Happy reading everyone ❤

Summer TBR Wipeout – Update (1)

July 15, 2018July 14, 2018 Ali@abookishlife4 Comments

Doesn’t time fly when you’re taking part in a reading challenge 🙂 It seems like only yesterday I posted my introductory post for Candid Cover’s Summer TBR Wipeout but it seems we’re already more than two weeks into the 7 week challenge so it’s time for a progress update.

Read / Currently Reading

Time does seem to have gotten away from me a bit so I haven’t finished as many books as I’d hoped by this stage (note to self: don’t sign up for a reading challenge when you’re trying to sell & buy a house) but on the positive side I have at least managed to stick to the list. The following books I’ve either finished or have made a good start on.

Grey Sister by Mark Lawrence – 4.75 Stars – I absolutely loved this sequel to Red Sister. There’s lots of action, a few unexpected twists and some fantastic character development. I especially love the relationships between the characters in this story, they’re just wonderful. Not sure what’s holding me back from giving it the full five stars but there’s something I can’t quite put my finger on (maybe just that the author keeps killing off my fave characters or that I’m going to have to wait almost a year for the next book even though it’s already written)
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang – 4.5 Stars – A funny and wonderfully sweet romance with a main character who has autism. It’s kind of a gender switched Pretty Woman with our MC hiring an escort to teach her how to be in a relationship. I loved both leads and the relationship between them but did get a little frustrated with the lack of communication at times. For a debut though it’s pretty impressive and I certainly learned a lot about autism.
The End We Start From by Megan Hunter – 4 Stars – This was a very short but completely unique read about a woman trying to keep herself and her newborn baby alive when the southern parts of the UK flood. It has a very quirky style to it, it’s very much inside the head of the MC, with very little in the way of descriptions, detail or dialogue (the other characters are referred to by their initials only) but there’s something about it that made it difficult to put down.
The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers – In Progress – I’m currently around half way through as I’m writing this post and really enjoying this story of a mixed species spaceship crew making a long and dangerous journey. The characters are incredibly likeable and even though there’s not much in the way of story it’s pretty addictive reading.
Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig – In Progress – I started this about a week ago and am currently about a quarter of the way through. Haig’s a great writer but this real story of his battle against depression and anxiety is a challenging read for me so I’m dipping in and out.

Books Added/Removed

I know it’s not been long but yep, I think I need to switch some books around on the list.

A Closed and Common Orbit (Wayfarers #2) by Becky Chambers – Added – Given I’m going to see Becky Chambers on the 24th July for the launch of the third book in the Wayfarers series I think it’s probably a good idea for me to read the second book. Plus I’m really enjoying the first book 🙂
The Power by Naomi Alderman – Removed – I was planning on reading this as part of a buddy read starting today but as I’m midway through another couple of books and have quite a few others to read in the next 9 days I don’t think I’ll have time. It’s staying on my TBR but probably won’t be read as part of this challenge.
Zenith by Sasha Alsberg & Lindsay Cummings – Removed – The negative reviews for this are really putting me off reading it so with all of the other books on my TBR I’m really excited about I’m going to knock it off the list. I may change my mind if loads of people tell me it’s brilliant but that seems unlikely.
Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella – Added – I meant to include this in my original list but felt like the 21 books I already had on it were more than enough. Kinsella is however one of my fave authors and I managed to snag a copy from the library so I’ll definitely be reading this at some point. And I need a bit more romance on this list 😉

So that’s my progress to date, it’s actually kind of freaking me out that I haven’t read more (I blame the weather). Hopefully I’ll have made a bit more progress by my next update around the end of the month.

Have you read any of the books on the list? What did you think of them? Have I made the right decisions to drop a couple off the list or would you recommend I keep them on there? Feel free to leave comments and links to your summer TBR below.

Happy reading everyone ❤

Summer TBR Wipeout 2018 – Introductory Post

July 1, 2018June 30, 2018 Ali@abookishlife24 Comments

Yep it’s that time of year again where I start freaking out about how many books are on my TBR and decide to take part in Candid Covers Summer TBR Wipeout.

I did this last year and for the first time ever found myself actually sticking to a reading plan (well mostly). The challenge runs until 12th August and you don’t have to have a blog or website, just be willing to post on social media somewhere or other (instagram, facebook etc) and you could be in with the chance of winning a book of your choice up to a value of $20USD 🙂 If you’re interested you have until July 5th to sign up here.

So with only around 7 weeks how much can I read?? Well yet again I’m completely over committing (it’s supposed to be a challenge after all) with a mix of ARC’s, backlist books and new releases. I’ve tried to include a mix of genres so I have lots of options (I’m a mood reader) to make it easier for me to stick with it, so here we go.

NetGalley ARCs

Yet again my NetGalley shelf is getting out of control (there are just too many good books) so my focus over the next few weeks is going to be getting my ratio back up above 80% and reading some of those that have already been published (rather than just the shiny new ones).

Grey Sister by Mark Lawrence – I recently finished the first book in this series, Red Sister, and loved it so looking forward to starting this today as a buddy read. I don’t think it’ll be a quick read but the world building is amazing and fighting nuns…. need I say any more?
Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody – I keep bumping this down my list because I’ve been down on YA fantasy but everyone keeps telling me I have to read it… so I will 🙂
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang – I thought my list needed a bit of romance and I’ve heard some wonderful things about this one.
The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M Danforth – Have to confess I hadn’t heard of this one until I spotted it on NetGalley and found out it was being adapted into a movie. Very excited to find a book featuring a F/F relationship.
In Bloom by C.J. Skuse – Think British female version of Dexter with a lot of dark humor and you’ve pretty much got In Bloom. This is the sequel I’ve been waiting on.
Grist Mill Road by Christopher J. Yates – This was a bit of a random NetGalley pick but sounds like an interesting premise.
The Sea Witch by Sarah Henning – A Little Mermaid retelling from the POV of the villain. Count me in… although I have noticed I seem to have a few mermaid type stories… hmmm
The Light Between Us by Katie Khan – The publisher offered me this as I enjoyed Khan’s previous book and given it features time travel I couldn’t really resist.

Author Events

I have tickets to a few author events over the next couple of months and while I’m very excited about all of them I have to confess I haven’t necessarily read all of the books by the authors. In a few cases I haven’t actually read any of the books by the author so I think maybe I should…

The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers – 24th July – Hmm getting tickets to an event where you haven’t read a single book by the author was probably not my wisest idea but it’s a series I’ve wanted to start for a while so this gives me an excuse.
The Falconer by Elizabeth May (25th July) – I met May at an event last year and have heard nothing but great things about her trilogy.
To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo (25th July) – Another book I bought but haven’t found the time to read despite being very excited about it
Zenith by Sasha Alsberg & Lindsay Cummings (25th July) – This seems to have a lot of negative reviews which has made me a bit wary of picking it up. I suspect if I’m short on time this will be the book that slips off the list.
Vicious by V.E. Schwab (2nd August) – I’ve been putting this off till nearer the release date of Vengeful but would love to read before I get the chance to see Schwab in August.
Lost Boy by Christina Henry (2nd August) – Henry is actually promoting her latest book The Mermaid (which I also hope to read) but I’ve had Lost Boy sitting on my bookshelf for a while so would love to read it too.
Spare and Found Parts by Sarah Maria Griffin (2nd August) – I loved the sound of this one (a modern Frankenstein story) and was tempted by the cover.
How to Stop Time by Matt Haig (25th August) – I am very excited about this event as I’m a huge fan of Haig and everything he does to raise awareness of mental health issues. I’m hoping to read a few more of his books before I go (including Notes on a Nervous Planet which is the one he’s promoting) but this is the one currently sitting on my bookshelf.

Other Books

These are the books I’ve been wanting to read or am curious about but never seem to find the time to read because I’m focusing on ARCs. Hopefully if I include them on this list I’ll have to read them 🙂

The Power by Naomi Alderman – I’m reading this as a buddy read which I think starts next week (I should probably check that). It’s one I’ve been curious about for a while.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller – I absolutely loved Circe so this is on my have to read as soon as possible list. I have however been warned it’s sad so maybe not one for the train.
The End We Start From by Megan Hunter – Spied this one in the library and despite some decidedly mixed reviews I borrowed it.
The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden – I read the first book in this series and wasn’t wholly convinced but everyone seems to say this is better so fingers crossed.
Surface Breaks by Louise O’Neill – A Little Mermaid retelling, I couldn’t resist. I’m just waiting on my library hold to come in.

So that’s the plan. It looks like a lot of books but I’m treating it as a goal to aim for rather than a must achieve. If I slip or wander I’m not going to beat myself up too much.

Have you read any of the books on the list? Any you think I should ditch or switch for something else? Do you have a summer TBR list or do you prefer to just read whatever you feel like? Feel free to leave comments and links to your summer TBR below.

I seem to have given myself a lot of reading to do so I’m off to curl up in bed with my first book.

I’ll probably emerge around the 15th July with an update on how I’m doing. Wish me luck and happy reading everyone ❤

Summer TBR Wipeout – Wrap Up Post

August 14, 2017 Ali@abookishlife8 Comments

Sooo around 6 weeks ago I signed up for Candid Cover’s 2nd Annual Summer TBR Wipeout and wow time has really flown. I can’t believe it’s all over but unfortunately it is and it’s time for my wrap up post.

In my introductory post I set myself the target of reading 21 books over the period knowing it was unlikely I’d manage them all but willing to give it a go. So how did I do?

Read

I would definitely class myself as a mood reader so sticking to a plan is almost impossible for me (getting my excuses in early). Other than a couple of slips however I did manage to stick pretty close to it and finished 14 of the 21.

Out of these 14 I don’t think there were really any bad reads (well maybe one) and I enjoyed just about everything. The definite highlights however were The Marriage Pact by Michelle Richmond, The Rome Affair by Karen Swan and We Were Liars by E Lockhart but special mentions should also go to The Monsters of Verity series by V.E. Schwab and Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy (and maybe a few others too)

Outwith the list I also finished another 4 books taking my grand total read to 18

I’m really, really happy I deviated as Big Sexy Love by Kirsty Greenwood turned out to be my absolute favourite read of the summer and I suspect will be one of my favourite reads of the year. The title makes it sound a bit Fifty Shades but I promise it’s not (there’s almost no sex). It’s more of a Sophie Kinsella or The Hating Game type romcom but a really emotional read. The MC’s BFF is dying (this is in the blurb so not spoilery).

Artemis by Andy Weir I just couldn’t resist as soon as I received the ARC (and it’s brilliant) and Ilona Andrews was a bit of escapism (my list was lacking some paranormal romance).

Still to Read

So with 14 of my 21 done I should still have another 7 left but I decided to knock a book off the list (it was a book club read I didn’t fancy) so have 6 still left on my TBR.

With the exception of The Scandal I think I’ve hit all of the release dates of my ARCs so there’s no mad panic on these (although I really want to read asap). I’m thinking I may do a Fall TBR Bingo 🙂

So that’s it, it’s officially over 😦 I want to say a big thank you to Candid Cover for hosting, I’ve absolutely loved it and sign me up for next year.

Happy reading everyone!

Summer TBR Wipeout – Update 2

July 31, 2017 Ali@abookishlife14 Comments

Where on earth has the summer gone. It feels like no time at all since I posted my introductory post for Candid Cover’s Summer TBR Wipeout and there are now only a couple of weeks left until the challenge ends on 13th August.

Despite some initial reservations about actually having to plan (the horror) I’ve absolutely loved this challenge. I’m most definitely a mood reader but it’s been great to at least keep an eye on some of the due dates and also have a look to see what everyone else has been reading.

I’m not entirely convinced it has in any way reduced my TBR (I’ve added far more books than I’ve read) but I think I may keep up the planning so I’m going to combine this post with my August TBR.

Summer TBR Wipeout – Update 1

July 16, 2017 Ali@abookishlife11 Comments

For the first time ever I’ve decided to make an attempt at planning my reading so I’m participating in the second annual Summer TBR Wipeout hosted by Candid Cover. The challenge started on the 1st July and runs until the 13th August and I’m hoping will motivate me to finally make a dent in my ever increasing TBR.

I posted an introductory post at the start of the month and today it’s time for my first progress update. So how have I done…..Read More »

Summer TBR Wipeout – Introductory Post

July 2, 2017 Ali@abookishlife17 Comments

Otherwise known as the post where I freak out about how many books I need to read over the next few weeks. I know, it’s terrible being forced to read lots and lots of lovely books but somehow I’ll struggle through 🙂

I don’t usually do a TBR post, I’m never that organised, but when I spotted Candid Cover was hosting the second annual Summer TBR Wipeout it seemed like a good way to get motivated and finally knock some books off my ever increasing TBR.

The challenge runs until 13th August and if you want to join in you can here

I have a ridiculous number of books on my TBR (maybe 400, I’m scared to do a proper count) so as I’ve only got 6 weeks I thought best be at least kind of sensible and pick some of the ARCs with pending release dates and other books I’m keen to read sooner rather than later.

So here we go

NetGalley ARCs

I currently have 41 books sitting on my NetGalley shelf, *hangs head in shame*, so it’s safe to say I have a bit of a backlist. Before I get to work on that I really want to clear off the following upcoming releases.

The Rome Affair by Karen Swan – Due 13th July
Daughter of the Burning City by Amanda Foody – Due 25th July
The Marriage Pact – Due 27th July
Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker – Due 8th August
Yesterday by Felicia Yap – Due 10th August
The Scandal by Frederick Backman – Due 10th August

Readers First

Because I clearly don’t have enough pressure in terms of ARC’s I recently joined Readers First which gives you a chance every week to win books before they’re released. All you have to do is read a first look (about the first 30 pages) and give your first impression and you’re entered into a draw to win a copy. You also collect points for writing first impressions and reviews which you can exchange for books. I currently have the following books I need/want to read.

Don’t Close Your Eyes by Holly Seddon – Due 6th July
Close Enough to Touch by Colleen Oakley – Due 6th July
Tall Oaks by Chris Whitaker – Released

Author Events

So August has turned into a month of many author events for me (currently 10) due to a combination of the Edinburgh Book Festival at the end of the month and lots of authors being on tour (they should really plan better and spread their events). Thankfully some of the authors I’m going to see (Victoria Aveyard, Patrick Ness, Alwyn Hamilton) I’m all up to date on but others I’m either behind or haven’t read a single book (oopsy) so I’m going to try and catch up over the next 6 weeks.

This Savage Song & Our Dark Duet by V.E. Schwab – 1st August
We Were Liars by E Lockhart – 2nd August
Wing Jones by Katherine Webber – 2nd August
Maresi by Maria Turtshaminoff – 19th August
The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black (or pretty much any Holly Black book) – 19th August
Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy – 19th August
The Boy on the Bridge by M.R. Carey – 20th August
NOS 4R2 by Joe Hill – 20th August

Other Books

Book club books, Fairyloot books, new releases and just general books I’ve had sitting on my shelf for a while. You can see a rather large collection of these in my header image but these are the three I really want to read (ok not the last one but definitely the other two)

Now I Rise by Kiersten White – released 6th July in UK
Roar by Cora Carmack – Fairyloot
Waiting for Columbus by Thomas Trofimuk – bookclub on 14th July

Phew, that’s a lot of books.

I’m not sure 21+ is a realistic target (particularly due to my tendency to wander off track) but it’s supposed to be a challenge and there are a lot of books on this list I’ve wanted to read for ages so I’m looking forward to it.

Are there any on the list you’ve read and would recommend? Any you’d avoid? Particularly interested in recommendations for Joe Hill, Derek Landy and Holly Black books as they are completely new authors to me and I may switch what I read from them 🙂

Anyway, it looks like my next 6 weeks are going to be super busy so I’d better get reading. Wish me luck and I’ll post an update around the 15th.