Top Ten Tuesday: Characters That Remind Me of Myself

Hello Top Ten Tuesday!

I can’t say I know any character that exactly reminds me of myself. I can think of a few who may present an aspect that would remind me of how I am.

So this list may be scatter-brained. Lets see what happens. Might be a few spins on things because I am only so clever.

And yes, I know I could do a backlist version, but I personally have made it a goal to push myself outside my comfort zone. In this way, I’m trying to do the post regardless because it causes me to think a bit more about my choices.

Lara Jean from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

She’s a baker, I’m a baker. Though granted she can bake cookies and THAT IS SERIOUSLY WHAT I’M WORST AT BAKING. I’m trying though.

Feyre from A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Feyre goes through some really crappy things, but I’m focusing on the fact she got away from a male who never saw her true worth and who she thought she loved. I went through the same kind of thing before I met my husband (and y’all, I’m so glad I went through that storm to get to him).

Hazel from Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren

Hazel reminds me of myself because she’s often been described as having a flair for the absurd, but also owning who she is. Do I dance in the middle of an aisle when my jam comes on? YES. Does my husband think I’m silly? YUP. But I never want to lose doing this simple silly things in my life.

Lira from To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo

I believe I was a mermaid in another life. My obsession is strong, so Lira reminds me of all the things I love about the ocean and its mysteries.

Max from Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

I live in fantasy books and often I find myself wishing they were real. Max reminds me of myself because he’s able to dive into his imagination like I often enjoy every time I pick up a book.

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen by Christopher McDougall

This isn’t a character (it’s non-fiction), but this book reminds me of myself. I am passionate about the benefits of being a runner and this book re-kindled that for me when I read it.

Laila from The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi

Laila reminded me of a “team mom” type of persona. She actively makes sure all of her family are taken care of and have what they need. I have always acted like this with my family. They come first.

Elizabeth from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than a book! — When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.”

Yup, that sums that up.

Rasmira from Warrior of the Wild by Tricia Levenseller

As Rasmira faces her battles in the wild, the phrase warrior of the wild is used. Like the title it reminds me of how determined she is to face the problems before her. We all have our own wild and I often find myself remembering this quote to persevere.

Love you Forever by Robert Munsch

This book reminds me of the kind of mother I hope my children remember. Because oh how I love my babe (and any future children we’re fortunate to have).

Y’all, I did it! Have you read any of these books? What’s a book that reminds you of yourself? Lets talk in the comments!

Instagram || Goodreads

Top Ten Tuesday: Inspirational/Thought-Provoking Book Quotes

Howdy y’all! Happy Top Ten Tuesday to all.

Okay, I’m not a reader that writes out a lot of quotes or remembers them for that matter. The way I came up with these quotes today was in all honesty, remembering books I enjoyed. The only book quote I religiously remember is the first one from, A Court of Mist and Fury. The following are quotes I looked up from Goodreads that stood out to me from some of my favorite books.

“There are good days and bad days for me — even now. Don’t let the hard days win.”

– A Court of Mist and Fury (ACOTAR #2) by Sarah J. Maas

“If you give up what you want most for what you think you should want more, you’ll end up miserable.”

– The Hero of Ages (Mistborn #3) by Brandon Sanderson

“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.”

– Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

“The dark does not destroy the light; it defines it. It’s our fear of the dark that casts our joy into the shadows.”

– The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown (I’m clearly a big fan of hers)

“Don’t think of introversion as something that needs to be cured.”

– Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

“Each scar marks me as a survivor. A warrior of the wild.”

– Warrior of the Wild by Tricia Levenseller

“Unknowing ignorance is preferable to informed stupidity.”

– Warbreaker (Warbreaker #1) by Brandon Sanderson

“You don’t have to be fast. But you’d better be fearless.”

– Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

“We turn memories into stories, and if we don’t, we lose them. If the stories are gone, then the people are gone too.”

– What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon

“But maybe it’s better to go after something, and not get it, than to not even try.”

– The Crimson Crown (Seven Realms #4) by Cinda Williams Chima

And this is only a small portion of the quotes I could have chosen. Isn’t it amazing how words from all of these books we read affect us? Going back and doing this was actually really enlightening. Like remembering dear friends who hold wise words.

Do you like any of these quotes? What is one of your favorite though-provoking quotes?

Instagram || Goodreads

Blog Award: The Liebster Award

I was nominated by TheGeekishBrunette for this award! She is so sweet and I’ve loved following her blog and Instagram! Definitely make sure to check her blog out and give her a follow.

The Liebster Award Rules:

  1. Acknowledge the blog that gave it to you and display the award
  2. Answer 11 questions that the blogger gives you
  3. Give 11 random facts about yourself
  4. Nominate 11 blogs and notify them of their nomination
  5. Give these blogs 11 questions to answer

What is the weirdest book you have read?

While my husband loved this series, I unfortunately thought it was just to strange for me. I thought it was odd and weird and wasn’t for me.

Favorite book to movie adaption?

ALL TIME favorite book to movie adaptation (The Kiera Knightly version).

What is your favorite book series, and why?

SJM’s ACOTAR series is my absolute favorite. The story that Feyre goes on really hits me in the feels every time. I love the emotions, the plot, the characters, the romance, everything. It has yet to get old to me in any way.

If you could collide two book worlds together, what would they be and why?

Okay, I’m not even really sure which ones. But an interesting concept would be somehow combining a Sci-Fi book like The Illuminae Files with something full of fae (i.e. The Cruel Prince, etc.).

Just thinking about faeries dealing with flying spacecrafts is making me chuckle.

Who is your favorite book couple?

Oh of course, Feysand.

If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Guys I’m beating a dead horse, A Court of Mist and Fury. I could re-live that romance all day.

Besides reading, do you have another hobby?

I absolutely love running! Unfortunately at this time I’m still in a boot so I can’t do anything but arm weights. But hopefully I’ll be healed in the next few months.

I also love baking muffins! I make them often and for everyone.

What is a favorite quote of yours?

“There are good days and bad days for me — even now. Don’t let the hard days win.”

Morrigan – ACOMAF

Favorite book genre and why?

All things fantasy! I love reading worlds that I have no way on conceiving myself. It’s nice to be taken away from the real world for a bit while reading.

What was the last book you gave 5 stars?

Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating. This book was so cute y’all!

You are to go on a date with your favorite book boyfriend/girlfriend, who is it and what would your date consist of?

Since we already know my love of Rhysand, I’ll go with Rowan Whitethorn. Y’all I have no idea what we would do. I’m too starstruck by even the thought of these males being real to concentrate on a date. I’m also a fan of really simple dates. Dinner and a walk through a bookstore. I’m not sure what a date with a fae might consist of, I wouldn’t be mad about it though haha.

11 Random Facts About Me:

  1. I am terrified of flying. I take so much Dramamine before I even get near the terminal. It’s unfortunately hindered me from traveling.
  2. I was bitten by a Copperhead (very poisonous snake) 2 weeks before I got married.
  3. I got married really young (20 years old!) and we’ve been together for 7 years.
  4. I played year-round competitive basketball for 15 years, but didn’t want to play in college.
  5. I love painting/crafting, but haven’t gotten to do it much since I had a baby.
  6. I’m left handed (so is my husband — we’re cool).
  7. I am a true Southerner and NCAA football is my religion (GIg ’em Aggies).
  8. My favorite spice is Lemon Pepper, and I put it on almost everything.
  9. I am a roller-coaster fanatic and love theme parks!
  10. My perfect place to live is a bungalow on the beach.
  11. I am obsessed with french fries, the best kind you ask? Chick-fil-A.

Okay, going a little off the path here and only nominating 5 bloggers and giving 5 questions. Holy mackerel 11 is a lot!

I’m tagging:

Book Allure || LaureGalie || #Bookish (Bibliophile Prints) || The Wolf and Books || Reader Fox

And here’s the questions:

  1. Who was your favorite childhood author?
  2. Do you judge a book by its cover? Or give it a chance?
  3. Who would be your best pal from a book?
  4. Where is the strangest place you’ve read a book?
  5. You’re stranded on a desert island: what book do you bring?

Now that my mind feels like mud from trying to be creative with my questions, no pressure in participating! Just wanted to spread the love.

Instagram || Goodreads

Book Tag Saturday: 20 Questions

Good morning. Hope you have a great weekend planned!

I’m hopelessly falling apart and do not remember where I got this from, but hey! That’s okay. If you know I’ll gladly tag them in and credit the original author!

How many books are too many in a series?

Hmm, even when I LOVE a series, I still want it to end before the wait time gets crazy. So I’d say, AT MOST, 6 or 7 books. And it better be a stunner, like Throne of Glass or Falling Kingdoms.

I’m afraid the longer the series goes on that I may fall out of love with it and nobody wants that!!? Better to end things before the situation gets dicey.

How do you feel about cliff-hangers? 

I’m not a huge fan of them. But there’s also levels of cliff-hangers. There’s the ones that are at the end of chapters that don’t quite leave you hanging since it’s really easy to keep going.

The ones where the book leaves you hanging and wanting more, but also that things are fine.

Then the ones where your JAW DROPS and you SHOUT at your book. Those are actually the ones that drive me batty. It often feels like a ploy to get the next book (and sometimes, months later after thinking about it I don’t want it anymore anyways). I’m given time to consider the entire book as a whole.

Hardback or paperback?

Hardback. But mostly for aesthetic bookshelf purposes. Paperbacks are really nice to carry around out and about, but there’s something about a hardback. I love the feeling of finishing it and sliding it onto the picked out place on my shelf. Bookdragon much? Hoarding my bobbles.

Favorite book?

If you’ve even seen one of my posts, you would know this fact. I love this book. It makes me happy.

Least favourite book?

Ooo, to be put on the spot like that. I’m not sure how often I hate books, because I try to find at least one redeeming quality. The most recent one I didn’t like was…

Surprised? Not really. because my rant-y review is here.

Love Triangle… Yes or No?

HARD PASS.

The moment I get a whiff of one I start to get skeptical. It better be the best dang arrangement and plot to make me be okay with it. I am unbelievably picky in this department.

A few that worked out would be ACOTAR, The Kiss of Deception series, The Infernal Devices.

The most recent book you couldn’t finish? 

This is one of those books where I saw everyone reading it, and everyone loving it, yet I COULD NOT get behind the romance. I’m kinda sad about it because I love a good romance. I’m 34% of the way in, is it worth it y’all?

A book you’re currently reading?

Josh & Hazel: absolutely LOVING this and need to finish this post so I can get back to it.

Warbreaker: Listening through Audible and thinks it’s wonderful! I’ve been enjoying listening whenever I get a chance.

The last book you recommended to someone? 

Uhm, that’s a good question. Oh wait!

I told a friend about this series yesterday and she’s excited for it! We both love when historical fiction plays into fantasy books.

Oldest book you’ve read (based on publication date)? 

It appears to be The Odyssey, written in 8th century B.C. That or Beowulf was written in 1000 AD.

So yeah, that’s a long time ago.

Newest book you’ve read (based on publication date)? 

So new it’s not even officially released yet! (review)

Favourite author? 

Quick list of some of my auto-buy authors:

  • Sarah J. Maas
  • Leigh Bardugo
  • Marissa Meyer
  • Laini Taylor
  • Amy Harmon
  • Colleen Hoover
  • Brene Brown
  • Cassandra Clare
  • Stephanie Garber
  • Tricia Levenseller
  • Tahereh Mafi
  • Brandon Sanderson

Whoa that list got out of hand. But as you can see, there’s a lot.

Buying books or borrowing them?

BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY.

I am a book hoarder. I know it, I’ve accepted it, my husband has accepted it, so I’m in the clear. Now, I do borrow from the library a ton too. But I’m a sucker for a new book. Especially when said book is on sale.

A book you dislike that everyone else loves? 

Oh you wanna hear my biggest unpopular opinion? HARRY POTTER. I’ve tried. I did not succeed. My husband plans to read them to our babe when she’s older. So maybe I’ll get the magic then, but until, I will keep on keepin’ on not being a Potterhead.

Bookmarks or dog-ears? 

I let my friends/family borrow books from my “library.” You want to know the first and only two rules?

  1. Do NOT break the spine.
  2. Do NOT bend the pages.

And that’s it. So I’d say I’m a bookmark person. I also have been using the same bookmark for 5 years from that long lost land of Hastings. Oh how I miss it!

A book you can reread over and over?

ACOMAF.

I’ve already mentioned my favorite book. I do read it often and will continue to do so.

Can you read while listening to music? 

If it has no words, or is the real quiet, simple “coffeehouse” music.

One of my favorite playlist (that I’m even listening to right now) is “Your Favorite Coffeehouse” by Spotify.

Multiple POVs or one POV? 

ALLLLL the POVs.

My favorite versions are when there’s a romance involved and getting it from the other’s perspective. SO PRECIOUS.

I love hearing things from all sides. It really rounds out the story for me.

Do you read a book in one sitting or over multiple days on average?

It depends on the book, but now that I’m a Mom it’s usually over multiple days. That being said, I generally finished with 2-3 night reads. So I go through a lot during the week.

During nap-time I take my own nap (no shame here) and read before she wakes in the AM and after she goes to bed.

I also tend to read books 400+ pages and that’s really hard to read in one sitting and I don’t want to rush too much through it.

Who do I want to tag?

Nobody! If you want to do this feel free too. Let me know, I’d love to see your answers if I’m not already following you!

How do you feel about these answers? Do you agree? Lets talk in the comments!