Tag: goodreads

Book Tag Saturday: The Currently Reading Tag

GoodeyReads7 Comments

I’ve seen this tag floating around, but not sure who created it initially. If you happen to know I’d love to credit that blog!

For real though, I am SO SORRY to be slacking on my Saturday tags. Wow, I noticed I haven’t posted any for 3+ weeks. It’s been a rough time in our household. I have depression that gets really bad every few months and with my leg injury + getting sick I have run myself into the ground.

Positive note though is that I have some new options for treatment. Hopefully getting a different blood test and seeing a specialist (we’re pretty sure it’s no longer just a stress fracture in both legs). Anywho, here’s the answers to this tag!

How Many Books Do You Usually Read At Once?

Two to three. It depends on what I’m reading, but I DO keep it to only one per device. So I’ll have an audiobook, a physical book, and a digital book going at one time generally (or audio + e-book OR physical). That way I can keep things straight.

How Do You Decide When To Switch Between Multiple Reads?

When I finish it? I rarely stop reading and pick up a different book. I either finish or DNF before I move on. If I’m involved in a book I don’t want to switch.

Do You Ever Switch Bookmarks Partway Through A Book?

WHAT IS THAT MADNESS? NO.

I have one bookmark. It’s a dinosaur holographic one from good ol’ Hastings (RIP). I’ve had it for a few years, and I hope to always have it.

Where Do You Keep the Book(s) You’re Currently Reading?

Wherever I am. No really, sitting on the couch? My book is underneath (hiding it from toddler). Riding in car? It’s in my lap/purse. I can’t help it. My husband calls them my comfort items. He gets me y’all.

What Time Of Day Do You Read The Most?

Before bed. Baby bedtime is at 7 PM. I usually work on my blog til 9 or so then read until 12 PM. Then I’ll get up before she wakes to read some more. It’s too complicated reading with her awake right now (which is fine! It’s a season of life). I like to make sure she’s getting the attention and communication she needs.

How Long Do You Typically Read In One Session?

1-3 hours. I take breaks every 2 chapters though. Either to scroll through Instagram or get up for a snack, drink, bathroom break, etc.

Do You Read Hardbacks With the Dust Jacket Off?

Do you read with them on?

Do you not fear damaging those beautiful jackets!?

The answer is yes, I take it off before even opening the book.

What Position Do You Mainly Use To Read?

I sit in our chair (with ottoman) most often. Other times I read on my side.

Do You Take Your Current Read With You Everywhere You Go?

I mentioned this in a previous question, but yes. It’s my comfort item. I like to make sure I have a book anywhere I go.

How often Do You Update Your Goodreads Reading Progress?

I update regularly when I start/finish reading a book. I don’t take the time to update my progress as I read though. I think it’s tedious and unnecessary. I want to see book reviews, not random babble as you finish the book so I don’t post mine either haha.

Keeping it simple this week and doing a short tag and not tagging anyone. Trying to get back into a groove so feel free to do this one and tag your answers in it!

What are some of your bookish habits? Lets talk in the comments!

Instagram || Goodreads

Top Ten Tuesday: The First Ten Books I Reviewed

GoodeyReads8 Comments

Once upon a time, before I started a blog and an Instagram, I began writing tiny reviews for books I had read.

And thus, my obsession began.

I scrolled back through my Goodreads to find these baby reviews and thought it’d be funny to show them along with the Top Ten Tuesday’s theme.

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

My review: ☆☆☆☆

I liked this book! Definitely one of those “finish in a day” types. I thought the story was inventive and it took me awhile to grasp what exactly was going on. Not something I would normally choose, but glad I did for a change of pace. Would definitely recommend to a friend.

Little Women (Little Women #1) by Lousia May Alcott

My review: ☆☆☆

** spoiler alert ** I can’t get over the fact that I felt it should have been Jo and Laurie who ultimately ended up together. I didn’t think this book was anything spectacular. I enjoyed some of the funny quirks from the author through different characters, but I grew tired of the randomness of the stories and chapter and chapter of how they’ll do better next time!

A Different Blue by Amy Harmon

My review: ☆☆☆

While I LOVE all of the other Amy Harmon books I’ve read, I felt this one was almost too much drama. It was one thing after another and I could see each one coming. I’ll still read her books, but for this one I definitely wasn’t as big of a fan as I have been of her others!

Our Dark Duet (Monsters of Verity #2) by Victoria Schwab

My review: ☆☆☆☆

If there’s one thing you can count on from Schwab, it’s that she has no problem killing off characters. Which I actually like because it’s different from how most authors write. Now, I wouldn’t want it this way ALL the time, but it’s nice when there’s a dark side. 😉

I enjoyed this book and thought it was a good ending to the duology. I will definitely continue to read Schwab’s books! It was evil, and filled with internal struggles that gave the characters more depth from the first book.

Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

My review: ☆☆☆☆

I really enjoyed this book! It as a good historical fiction novel. Kinda Great Gatsby-esque. I loved the way it was narrated (after I got use to it, haha). The characters were intriguing and unique.

Outliers: The Story of Success

My review: ☆☆☆☆☆

Phenomenal book! My husband and I both enjoyed reading this over the weekend and discussing all of the topics. It really makes you think.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

My review: ☆☆☆☆☆

I had originally shelved this book as ‘eh, I’ll read that eventually, but I’m not really feeling it right now…”. I’m so glad I finally picked it up because it was SO GOOD. It was heartbreaking, yes, but also told beautifully. I actually enjoyed the way it was narrated, it added an additional layer to the story. All should read!

Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brenè Brown

My review:☆☆☆☆☆

I love reading Brene Brown’s books! I always think they’re insightful and current. She keeps me interested by adding stories to the data that helps drive the point home. I often think ‘oh goodness, that IS me!’ over and over when I’m reading. Definitely recommend!

The Marsh King’s Daughter by Karen Dionne

My review:☆☆☆

I really just couldn’t get into this book. I did finish it still because I was intrigued enough to know what happens at the end, but I felt there were a lot of flaws. It drove me batty that she kept going back and forth incessantly about whether or not she loved her father. I get the author was trying to convey the struggle, but it just came off annoying to me. There’s more reasons I could list, but I definitely think I should have just borrowed this book rather than bought it. Oh well, on to the next!

Flame in the Mist (Flame in the Mist #1) by Renèe Ahdieh

My review:☆☆☆☆☆

SUCH A GOOD BOOK. I love a good plot twist. Why do I have to wait for the sequel!?!?

There ya have it! The first 10 books I reviewed. Wow, how time (and practice) can make things better! Have you read any of these? Lets talk in the comments!

Instagram || Goodreads

Bookish Discussion: The Lowest Rated Books On My Goodreads

GoodeyReads11 Comments

Scrolling through the pages I follow I saw that Ally Writes Things had posted about the lowest rated books (on Goodreads) and what she rated them.

Y’all. THIS WAS A BRILLIANT IDEA.

So here I am, definitely doing this. Let’s go. This will be a handful of the lowest rated books based off of Goodreads and then what I ended up rating them. I hope to do one with the highest rated books from my GR as well, future post alert!

Things I’d Rather Do Than Die by Christine Hurley Deriso

Goodreads Rating: 3.25 || My Rating: 2.50

You can actually find my review for this here. Though please pardon the baby blog formatting as it was one of the first Netgalley reviews I ever did. I could not believe this book at all. It tried way too hard to create drama and purpose, but not. Just no.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith (original story from Jane Austen)

Goodreads Rating: 3.29 || My Rating: 4.00

I can’t help it, I thought this book was fun. I even loved the movie (and that never happens!). It’s quirky, ridiculous, but that’s the whole point if you ask me.

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Goodreads Rating: 3.39 || My Rating: 2.00

Granted, I read this in high school so it probably deserves a re-read to get a new rating, but I have NO DESIRE to do this.

The Dysasters (The Dysasters #1) by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Goodreads Rating: 3.41 || My Rating: 2.00

If you want to see a rant filled review: click here! My first physical ARC was unfortunately…an absolute dud. Really, a dud. *sigh*

Beowulf by Unknown (Seamus Heaney — Translator)

Goodreads Rating: 3.43 || My Rating: 3.00

This was another read in high school. I remember thinking it was fine overall. Interesting enough.

The Zookeeper’s Wife by Diane Ackerman

Goodreads Rating: 3.45 || My Rating: 3.00

Tried my best to enjoy this because I thought the story was amazing, but unfortunately the way this was portrayed I couldn’t get into the story. I hardly remember it now because I scanned so much of it.

Evenfall (Shadowfire #1) by Gaja J. Kos & Boris Kos

Goodreads Rating: 3.51 || My Rating: 4.00

This was my version of a tale of two books. The first half almost had me DNF but then somehow the second half was astounding enough for me to think highly of it. I’m actually excited for the second book! (AND ALSO SHOUT-OUT TO THIS GORGEOUS COVER Y’ALL)

Have you read any of these? Did you love them more than their average rating? Lets talk in the comments!

Instagram || Goodreads

Top Ten Tuesday: Things That Make Me Pick Up a Book

GoodeyReads8 Comments

Helllllllo readers!

Welcome back to Top Ten Tuesday. Today we’re discussing things that make me pick up a book. There’s a handful of reasons I decide to read a book. Check them out below!

A beautiful cover.

I am a sucker for a pretty cover. But I’m also not particular about a cover. I think so many covers are gorgeous. I just love all the covers *shrugs*.

A well crafted synopsis.

This is super important. I want the book to suck me in based off of the summary. I want to know just enough to make me want to read it.

A solid Goodreads rating.

I would consider this probably one of my highest factors for me. I will generally pick up anything with a 3.60+ rating. If it’s lower, it takes a bit more convincing for me.

A recommendation from a friend.

If someone I know recommends me a book, I figure they truly think I’ll enjoy it. And they loved it too, so I respect that opinion and want to check it out for myself.

A new book by an auto-buy author.

I have a fairly big list of authors that I will buy anything from them. And if I hear they have a new book coming out, YOU BETTER BELIEVE I pre-ordered that stat.

Seeing it often on Bookstagram/Blog.

If I see a book absolutely everywhere sometimes I can’t resist. And if it also has a gorgeous cover, those photos are going to make me want to read it.

Fear of missing out.

Hype, hype, hype. This explains itself.

Need of an anxiety/stress reliever.

I’m grateful to have a husband that gets me. When I am seriously having the worst day, he takes the babe, goes to the park and lets me read for an hour to detox. It truly calms me and I feel centered again.

Continuation of a series.

This should be a given. You need that next book? YOU GET THAT BOOK.

The perfect weather.

I am a big mood reader. And honestly, depending on the weather the day I’m starting a new book will influence what I end up choosing! Some days call for a long fantasy read, others call for a short rom-com.

What makes you pick up a book? Were any of these on your list? Let’s talk in the comments!