From Meltdown to Let Down

Disclaimer: Mental Health is as diverse as people are, please keep that in mind while reading. Your mileage may vary. Oh, one more thing, mind the harsh language…

 

Hiya friends, welcome back. I know this is going to be shocking but there is more to me than being a bibliophile, and because of that I’ve decided that Monday’s here shall forever more be known as Mental Monday. Well, now that we’ve established that…let’s get mental.

Maybe the best way to start this is to explain what I mean, I have GAD (three letters that simply mean everything scares me, also known as Generalized Anxiety Disorder) and a panic disorder, causing just enough panic to make me agoraphobic. (I know, right?!?! Could I really be any cooler?)

Basically, my brain likes to overanalyze everything and then deduce that the obvious response is fight or flight. I have spent the last 5 years trying to get control of this with no medications. I mean, I like the TWD as much as the next person, but I don’t like being a zombie. That doesn’t mean that I haven’t tried to use other things to cope, mostly booze, which didn’t help me at all.

When I was first diagnosed my family and friends had no idea what was happening to me, neither did I honestly. I can still remember the first panic attack I ever had, it was outside a restaurant and I was convinced I was dying. My parents kept telling me to “Just breathe,” but I couldn’t, I couldn’t stop the overwhelming feeling that I was suffocating in my own skin. I figured it was just a one-time thing and went about my business as usual.

Until it happened again, this time in a store.

I knew something was up, and I knew I needed to figure it out. I made an appointment with a doctor and was told, “It sounds like you had a panic attack. It was probably just residual stress from everything that’s been happening in your life. It’ll pass.” It didn’t fucking pass, in fact, they got worse. Another doctor visit and they decided to try medication, saying it would help. It did not help, it just made it worse. Another doctor, another pill, another moment of false hope. I gave up on meds after that. (Side Note: Just because they didn’t work for me doesn’t mean that I believe they don’t work for anyone. If they do help you, I’m so jealous and yet so happy for you that you found relief.)

Cut to now.

I have plans tonight!!! I’m supposed to go see a show, one that I’ve wanted to see for a VERY long time, and there is the anxiety. I am so worried that I’m going to panic in a room full of strangers, who probably could care less what the hell is happening to me, but my brain says, “everyone will see, you’ll be embarrassed, people will KNOW!” Did I mention that I really want to go?

UPDATE: The show got fucking canceled. Can you believe that? I was so determined to go and enjoy myself and then wham, cancelation. Did you know there is an emotion that makes you feel really bummed out when something like that happens? I didn’t know that, I actually had to ask if it was “normal” to feel let down when you were, in fact, crazy anxious and panicky all week.

I don’t really know how to end this honestly, welcome to my brain. Until next time…

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Book Review: Magic Bites

Hiya friends, welcome back. Prepare yourself for my first ever book review…dun dun dun. Let’s jump right in, shall we?

Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, #1)

Ilona Andrews

When the magic is up, rogue mages cast their spells and monsters appear, while guns refuse to fire and cars fail to start. But then technology returns, and the magic recedes as unpredictably as it arose, leaving all kinds of paranormal problems in its wake.

Kate Daniels is a down-on-her-luck mercenary who makes her living cleaning up these magical problems. But when Kate’s guardian is murdered, her quest for justice draws her into a power struggle between two strong factions within Atlanta’s magic circles.

The Masters of the Dead, necromancers who can control vampires, and the Pack, a paramilitary clan of shapechangers, blame each other for a series of bizarre killings—and the death of Kate’s guardian may be part of the same mystery. Pressured by both sides to find the killer, Kate realizes she’s way out of her league—but she wouldn’t have it any other way…(Amazon)

My Final Thoughts:

It’s no great secret, judging by my last post, that I am a massive fan of bad ass female characters, the tougher and mouthier the better. Kate Daniels is the embodiment of that very description, a tough as nails merc determined to find who killed her guardian. Throughout this story, you meet a wide variety of interesting characters, from the Beast Lord to a teenaged werewolf to a creepy vampire. Now I know what you’re thinking if you’re anything like me, “werewolf and vampire, oh hell no I read Twilight, that was enough for me,” but trust me when I tell you to give this book a chance. I adored the witty banter between the characters, and loved even more how Ilona wrote about magic in a way that didn’t leave me wishing for Harry Potter (quite difficult to do with a Potterhead like me). If I had to find one negative in this book it was that it left me with a few unanswered questions, but all in all, that’s not bad because it makes me want to read the rest of this series. On my scale, I’d rate this book 5 feels, it gave me all of them my friends.

There is only one thing left to say, until next time…

Woman Crush Wednesday…

Hiya friends, welcome back. First, let me apologize for how late this post is tonight, my stupid brain has been sabotaging me at every turn this week. In my personal life, some things have been going a little wonky, between the sabotaging brain and a few other things it took me a while to decide what to write. But, alas I caught a break and the brain gave me an idea. I bet you’re curious now so let me explain, in my life, I am surrounded by amazing people, half of which happen to be some tough as nails women. Between the women in my family and the women I am lucky enough to call my friends, I seriously know some real-life superheroes. So, in honor of them, I give you this, my version of Woman Crush Wednesday, some of my all-time favorite bad ass ladies. Enjoy my friends…

 

Hermione Granger

Yes, this is obviously where I start. Hermione, with her books and cleverness, is hands down one of the best female characters ever written. This witchy genius knows that the answer to any question can be found at the library, that just speaks to my soul. She’s a fierce friend, and not afraid to be herself even when being herself makes her the least popular person in the room.

 

Katniss Everdeen

The girl on fire. Who doesn’t like Katniss, even if Peeta and Gale can get a bit annoying (don’t judge me, they seriously annoyed me at some points). I mean she literally sacrifices herself for her sister, if that doesn’t make you bad ass I don’t know what does. She becomes the face of a rebellion and stands up to a corrupt system, all because people needed hope.

 

Elizabeth Bennet

Smart, strong, and mouthy. In this time women weren’t good for anything except to marry, yet Lizzie bucked against all of that. Yes, she eventually falls in love with the handsome Mr. Darcy, but until that point, she outright refuses to conform to what everyone thinks a woman should be. She speaks her mind and to me that is something that should be celebrated no matter what.

 

Dicey Tillerman

At 13 her mother abandons her and her siblings in a mall parking lot, and instead of waiting to be found and risk being split up into separate foster homes she decides their best bet is to walk to a cousin’s house. Throughout this book, Dicey becomes everything from a caregiver to a protector. I don’t know about you but at 13 I could barely take care of myself let alone three younger humans, that makes her bad ass in my book.

 

Arya Stark

I shouldn’t have to explain this one, but I will. She’s tough, smart, and witty as hell. Between you and I, I would not want to meet Arya in a dark alley with her trusty “Needle.” She’s a warrior and makes no excuses for it, she doesn’t want to be like Sansa and sew, she wants to fight like her brothers. Come on people, she’s epic!!

 

Well, there you have it friends, five seriously bad ass female characters who deserved some praise. If you lovely people have any to add let me know. Until next time…

The Riddikulus Post

Hiya friends, happy Monday! So I totally meant to plan a good blog post for today, I was hoping to review Magic Bites, but stupid anxiety had other plans for me. I need something fun and easy to do, so Harry Potter tag it is. The second I saw this tag I knew it was for me, I’m a massive Potterhead and quite proud of that fact. Sit back, grab a butterbeer and let’s see if you agree. If you don’t, feel free let me know what you feel different about.

 

1) Favourite book?

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I know a lot of people will disagree with me on this but hear me out before ya get all judgmental face. I will stand by this one being my favorite book based simply on the fact that this is where Snape’s loyalty comes into question. In the previous books we know he hates Harry, but Dumbledore refuses to say one false word against him. This book makes it clear Snape is playing both ends against the middle because he’s still one of the big bad’s best Death Eaters. There’s a reason they released book marks with the question, “Is Snape good or evil?”

2) Least favourite book?
This is an annoying question for me, I hate to talk bad about this series. If I had to pick it would probably be Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Don’t get me wrong, the whole Triwizard Tournament is pretty cool, I mean dragons, merpeople, and a massive maze full of magical goodness … epic in and of itself. Cool magic aside, this book is so full of teenage angst, I could almost feel the acne forming. Seriously everything from Ron being all hacked off that Harry’s name came out of the goblet, to everyone trying to find dates to the Yule Ball. Ahhh the joys of adolescence.

3) Favourite movie?
Oh, this is a tough one for me to choose. If I’m honest, I love them all in their own special way, yes, I’m a nerd and I am completely okay with that. I would have to say, and I know I’ll get dragged for this, but it would have to be Half-Blood Prince. There are some seriously humorous moments in this movie, “Why is it, when something happens, it is always you three?”

4) Least favourite movie?
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, they just left so much out. Where was the sphinx in the maze? No mention of Hermione letting Madam Pomfrey carry on when fixing her teeth? Just really good moments that were missing. Also, Dumbledore asks Harry calmly in the book, in the movie he basically screams it in his face. Winky???

5) Favourite quote?
“You sort of start thinking anything’s possible if you’ve got enough nerve.” Thanks for that reminder Ginny.

6) Favourite Weasley?

Fred and George, or Gred and Forge. They’re basically one person, right? They’re the ultimate troublemakers, and that speaks to my inner mischief maker.

7) Favourite female character?
I have two, Molly Weasley and Luna Lovegood. Molly is seriously badass, everything a female character should be. I just love her! Then on the flip side, you have Luna, this character just speaks to me. I’ve been called quirky and unique, and honestly Luna is the very definition of those two words.

8) Favourite villain.
Oh man! I’d say Lucius Malfoy. When he appears in the Chamber of Secrets, he really is quite a formidable foe. He sneaks that diary into Ginny’s cauldron, causing that entire plot to unfold. Then as the story progresses he pops up at the Quidditch World Cup and is so snippy, reminding you that he really shouldn’t be trifled with. Then as all bad guys do, he inevitably falls from grace when Voldemort strips him of everything right down to taking his wand. He goes from cutting this imposing figure to just being a scared man who wants to save himself.

9) Favourite male character?

Ron or Neville, it’s kind of a toss-up for me. Ron is really the epitome of loyalty, even with the moments in Goblet of Fire and the Deathly Hallows, he is so freaking steadfast in his loyalty to Harry. I mean I think we all want a friendship like that between Harry and Ron. Then there is Neville, the boy who lost everything because Voldemort, was petrified of Snape, and always seemed to have the worst luck, and yet he still found the courage in himself to face them both.

10) Favourite professor?
McGonagall, hands down. She’s tough, but you know she has a soft spot for those kids. Plus, I really love how she never backs down from Umbridge.

11) Would you rather A) wash Snape’s hair or B) spend a day listening to Lockhart rant about himself?
I don’t think I could listen to Lockhart drone on about himself for an hour, let alone a day. I’d have to say wash Snape’s hair, I’ll take greasy hair over bleeding ears any day.

12) Would you rather duel A) an elated Bellatrix or B) and angry Molly?

How is this even a question, an elated Bellatrix does not scare me nearly as much as an angry Molly, and it’s safe to say Bellatrix is crazy.

13) Would you rather travel to Hogwarts via A) Hogwarts Express or B) Flying Car?
Hogwarts Express. Seriously a nice, comfy compartment with all those sweets off the trolley, sign me up.

14) Would you rather A) Kiss Voldemort or B) give Umbridge a bubble bath?
Kiss Voldemort. I can’t be the only person who wonders what it would be like to kiss a guy with no nose. Does that make me weird? Probably does, but the alternative is Umbridge in a bubble bath, no thanks. Pucker up Snakeface.

15) Would you rather A) ride a Hippogriff or B) ride a Firebolt?

Easy, Firebolt all day. I’m super clumsy but I’d take my chances just to have a go on that broom.

16) Is there a character you felt differently about in the movies?
Draco. In the books, he comes across as this whiny, spoiled brat, in the movies Tom Felton made him all that but somehow made my urge to punch the character less. It was a pleasant difference.

17) Is there a movie you preferred to the book?
I don’t think so, I love the books, and there are some parts in them that I really found myself missing in the movies.

18) Richard Harris or Michael Gambon as Dumbledore?
Not a fair question, both were portraying the same character. Yes, the way they did so was different but both were amazing. C’mon Dumbledore is an epically complex character, and both actors did him justice.

19) Your top thing (person or event) that wasn’t in the movie that you wanted there the most?
PEEVES!!!! He was seriously hilarious, and annoying, and just everything! I really wanted him to be in the movies, but alas …

20) If you could remake any of the Harry Potter movies which would it be?
More than likely Goblet of Fire, I already listed all my missing parts in it so I won’t reiterate it.

21 Which house was your first gut feeling you’d be a part of?

Gryffindor. I’m not smart enough to be a Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff just didn’t incite anything in me, and I’d never go dark side so Slytherin is out. That just leaves Gryffindor, the house of the brave, and I’m pretty brave (unless it’s dark, and then all bets are off).

22) Which house were you actually sorted into on Pottermore?
Gryffindor, see I told you it was meant to be.

23) Which class would be your favourite?
I think I’d totally love Defense Against the Dark Arts. Who doesn’t want to learn how to fight dark wizards? Plus, I’m a brave Gryffindor so that’s like my calling, right?

24) Which spell do you think would be most useful to learn?

Riddikulus, come on this one is self-explanatory. I’d love to blast my anxiety like a boggart.

25) Which character do you think you’d instantly become friends with?
This is probably the easiest question on here, I’ve said it from the beginning I would most definitely be friends with the twins. I’m always up for pranks and hijinks, like I said mischief makers.

26) If you could own one of the three Hallows, which would it be?
The Resurrection Stone, death is a terrible thing. I know from the story that it probably wouldn’t work out for the best, but it would be nice to bring back the people that I’ve lost in my life.

27) Is there any aspect of the books you’d want to change?
Yeah, I would have loved for there to have been a moment between Harry and Draco at the end, sort of like an understanding. That moment of we’ve been through some stuff together, but it’s all in the past. I know they were mortal enemies, but in the end, did it really matter?

28) Favourite Marauder?
I like the three that didn’t turn out to be lying, backstabbing jerks. Mooney, Padfoot, and Prongs! Separately they are all pretty wicked in their own right, put them together and that just sounds fun.

29) If you could bring one character back to life, which would it be?
Another easy one, Fred. As much as I ugly cried for Dobby, I would use the resurrection stone to bring Fred back. I don’t think George could ever be truly happy without Fred, I’m almost positive that saying “two peas in a pod” was made for them.

30) Hallows or Horcruxes?

While horcruxes are cool, the idea of splitting your soul freaks me out a bit, therefore I am going Hallows. Master of Death has a pretty cool ring to it, don’t ya think? I bet I could pull it off.

 

I gotta say this was a seriously fun tag to participate in. I know you’re supposed to challenge people, so I challenge all of you. Until next time…

 

Bothering the Biblio

Hiya friends welcome back. The other night, while talking with a friend, somehow the conversation moved to books. (Don’t give me that look, I wasn’t the one navigating, I was simply a passenger in this conversation) We started off talking about all the reasons why we love reading, and how amazing books are. Being as my friends love to pick on me for being an avid reader, the conversation quickly became, “Ways to annoy the Bookworm.” What follows is the list we compiled and why I find them so annoying.

 

The Changing of the Covers

If you’re anything like me you know exactly what I’m talking about, and you’re rolling your eyes already. Let me explain, an author spends a great deal of time writing their literary masterpiece, it hits the bestsellers list and then something amazing happens…it gets optioned. Now you know what’s coming next…the inevitable changing of the covers. There was nothing wrong with the original cover, they’ve just decided now that it’s a movie or a television show it ought to reflect those characters. So, this book that you read before it was all cool and motion pictured, now lies between two covers with actors on it. I’m not saying that this detracts from the story, and it’s wonderful that it grabs a new audience, but seriously the cover still had the title on it. You want them to know it’s now all fancy and you can watch it, how about slapping one of those “Now a Major Motion Picture” stickers on it?

 

The Difference between a Bookworm and a Monster

Do not, I repeat, do not dog ear my pages. You know that saying, “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned,” well I will put that to shame if you bend a page in my books. A true bookworm knows that anything, except for food, can serve as a suitable bookmark. Here are some tried and true bookmarks to save you some hassle…. receipts, index cards, a corner torn from a magazine cover, hell I’ve even used a candy wrapper before. Anything will work, just don’t bend the corner over.

 

The Bait and Switch

This one might not be as clear just from the name, let me walk you through this one. We’ve all had that moment in the bookstore, where you pick up a book that has caught your eye and read the blurb on the jacket. This is followed by a sense of euphoria when you believe you have found your next reading adventure. You take the new book home and settle in for an incredible story, only to get three chapters in and realize…” hold the phone, this book sucks…the bastards tricked me.” That my friends is the bait and switch, and allow me to be the first to apologize if you have ever encountered this. If not, well then you are quite the lucky reader.

 

The Disappearing Character

Imagine you’re reading a novel and you are introduced to this incredibly intriguing character. You spend the rest of the story waiting to get the answers to that character, only to realize he/she is nowhere to be found. Two chapters of a character, leaving you with questions that need answers, and now you’ll never get them. Why? Why give me a character and then poof take them away? What purpose does that serve? But what happened? You’ll never know, and that sucks!

 

The Waiting Game

Finding a series that you love is a great moment, the prospect of more than one book to fall in love or hate with a cast of characters is heady. I don’t know about you guys, but I tend to devour books at an alarming rate when I really love them. Reading that quickly inevitably leads to arriving at the end of the available books and having to wait a year for the next installment. UGH…just thinking about this makes my eye twitch.

 

BFMYWF (Best Friends Making You Wait Forever)

I’m talking about the time between recommending a book and when they finally finish reading it. Meanwhile, I’m just sitting quietly, waiting for them to finish so we can talk about it. I pass the time by asking the typical questions…” What part are you at?” “Do you like it so far?” “Got a favorite character?” When all I really want to say is, “Why the hell are you taking so long to read it. It’s so good, I couldn’t put it down. A turtle could read faster than you, but don’t worry I still love you. Are you done yet? Are you? Are you?” But, then there is the moment when they do finish, the dam breaks, and you just bombard them with everything. Ahhh, bliss.

 

There you have it, 6 ways to annoy a bookworm (namely me!). You can let me know of any I missed, it’d be nice to know I’m not the only weird one. Until next time…

Story Effects…

Hey friends. I’m sure all of us have read books that have stayed with us for one reason or another. You know what I’m talking about, those stories that left a lasting mark? Well, this is exactly what Tiffany Crystal and I have been talking about recently, so we decided to do a collaboration about some of the effects stories have had on us. Hope you enjoy the humor here…(and yes I can even laugh about it now).

Ugh! There was this book that was the epitome of cool back when I was in elementary school, “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark”. There were quite a few creepy stories in it, but one story will always stick out, “The Red Spot.” This story scared the hell out of me, I’d be prepared to testify under oath in a court of law (sorry, I’ve been watching A LOT of Law and Order) that this is where my fear of spiders started. This story talked about how a girl woke up one day with a red bump on her face. When she asked what it was her mother told her it was a spider bite. Simple enough, right? Yeah, no. After the bump started growing they decided to go to the doctor to get it checked, them being worried about an infection and all. In the end, the doctor got busy and they were never seen. That night the boil split open while the girl was in the bath and thousands of baby spiders flooded out (blech), the next morning she was found dead from all the spider bites.

Now I’m not sure if you’re an arachnophobe like me, but then again, I’m not sure you even need to be for the idea of this story to give you the willies. Now let’s remember I read this book when I was maybe 8, it messed me up. I had this irrational fear of spiders crawling in my ears and laying their eggs. You know how most kids have their parents check for monsters under the bed? Yeah well, I made my father perform S.W.A.T like tactical type sweeps of my bedroom to check for spiders. Looking back now and reading it again, it doesn’t really pack the same punch as it did when I was 8, but spiders and I are still not going to be hanging out any time soon.

Well, there you have it friends, one story that left me with something. If you guys have any of your own to share, please do. Oh yeah, don’t forget to check out Tiff’s half of this, you won’t be disappointed. Until next time…

The Women of Fantasy

Hey friends! Maybe I should start this post with a disclaimer…I have cramps. I’m pretty sure there’s like 5 of you out there, and most of you are female so we all know what those words mean, and it sucks! That being said, let’s talk recommendations. Here are three of my most recent author recommendations from the one and only Tiff (two shout-outs in a week).

 

Anne Bishop

Now first off urban fantasy isn’t a genre I’m well read in (haha that was an unintentional pun, but I’ll take it). I’m a little iffy about this author choice, but the blurb for the novel ‘Written in Red’ has gotten my attention at least. Not to mention we all know how I feel about series, and The Others series has 6 novels which is right up my alley.

As a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut—a gift that feels more like a curse. Meg’s Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard—a business district operated by the Others.

Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she’s keeping a secret, and second, she doesn’t smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she’s wanted by the government, he’ll have to decide if she’s worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow. (Amazon)

 

Ilona Andrews

Ok, judging by the blurb for the Kate Daniels series, this author writes all the things I love. A badass female lead, check. A series, check. Magic, check. How have I never read this before?

When the magic is up, rogue mages cast their spells and monsters appear, while guns refuse to fire and cars fail to start. But then technology returns, and the magic recedes as unpredictably as it arose, leaving all kinds of paranormal problems in its wake.

Kate Daniels is a down-on-her-luck mercenary who makes her living cleaning up these magical problems. But when Kate’s guardian is murdered, her quest for justice draws her into a power struggle between two strong factions within Atlanta’s magic circles.

The Masters of the Dead, necromancers who can control vampires, and the Pack, a paramilitary clan of shapechangers, blame each other for a series of bizarre killings—and the death of Kate’s guardian may be part of the same mystery. Pressured by both sides to find the killer, Kate realizes she’s way out of her league—but she wouldn’t have it any other way…(Amazon)

Tamora Pierce

This author I’ve already started reading, and I don’t regret it. I’ve started with Sandry’s Book, which is the first in the Circle of Magic series.

In Book 1 of the Circle of Magic Quartet, gifted young weaver Sandry is brought to the Winding Circle community. There she meets Briar, a former thief with a way with plants; Daja, an outcast gifted at metalcraft; and Tris, whose connection with the weather unsettles everyone, including herself. The four misfits are taught how to use their magic, but when disaster strikes, it’s up to Sandry to weave together four different kinds of power to save herself, her friends, and Winding Circle. (Amazon)

 

 

If you guys have read any of these suggestions, let me know! Stay tuned for my reviews. Time for some aspirin and a heating pad. Until next time…

 

 

 

Books by the Bundle

Hey friends, welcome back. I love to read that has already been established, and if there is one thing I love more than a single book, it’s a series of books. Getting to stay with characters for three or more novels just solidifies my love for them even more. Let’s just say I have some pretty epic story lines to share with you guys, in no particular order. I hope you enjoy.

 

Rizzoli and Isles (Tess Gerritsen)

Number of Books: 11, with the 12^th coming in August of 2017

This series is based around a homicide detective (Jane Rizzoli) and a medical examiner (Maura Isles) in Boston. While this series was eventually turned into a television show on TNT, I highly recommend reading the novels. The two main characters are not only strong and highly intelligent in their own unique ways, but they’re also vulnerable and broken. For some reason, they work well together, and their relationship is as interesting and compelling as their own personal stories.

 

Women’s Murder Club (James Patterson)

Number of Books: 15, with the 16^th coming in May, 2017

A series centered around four female friends, all with jobs centered around the justice system. Detective Lindsey Boxer, Dr. Clare Washburn, crime reporter Cindy Thomas, and defense attorney Yuki Castellano (in the first four books Jill Bernhardt, a district attorney was the fourth member). These four friends meet for margaritas and discuss their jobs, which most of the time all center around the same case. Every book in this series kept me reading until late in the night, so beware of that.

 

Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling)

Number of Books: 7

We have undoubtedly all heard of this series at some point or another, I mean it’s everywhere. The novels center around a young wizard and his faithful band of cohorts, as they navigate school and stand against the most feared dark wizard of all time. In the seven books, we journey with Harry through time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, all while learning about his past and his fated future. If you’re interested in the fantasy genre and don’t mind a bit of YA, seriously read this series…you won’t regret it (and if you do just blame me!).

 

The Chronicles of Narnia (C.S. Lewis)

Number of Books: 7

This is another series which most people have heard of, read, or at least seen The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. While the series does primarily center around Pevensie siblings, in the first book The Magicians Nephew you learn all about Narnia and how it came to be. These novels have it all, “far off places, daring sword fights, magic spells, a prince in disguise.” (Obviously, Belle is my favorite princess. Let’s be serious, have you seen that library?) If that doesn’t appeal to your inner childlike wonder I honestly don’t know what will.

 

Alex Cross (James Patterson)

Number of Books: 24, but I’m sure more are coming

Are you seeing a pattern yet? I love a good mystery crime series. Dr. Alex Cross has a PH.D in psychology, concentrated in abnormal and forensic. Throughout the series, Alex struggles to find a balance between his work and his family. Again, this series has been made into movies, first starring Morgan Freeman (Along Came a Spider, and Kiss the Girls) later Tyler Perry (Alex Cross). I actually suggest watching these movies after you read the series, as far as adapted movies go they aren’t too bad.

 

Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Rick Riordan)

Number of Books: 5 (but there are I’d recommend any of his series)

I’m sure again that most of you have seen, or heard of this series. Percy is a teenager who finds out that he is a demigod, meaning one of his parents is a God. The books introduce us to Camp Half-Blood, which serves as a sort of training facility for demigods.  Throughout the books, Percy learns what it means to be a demigod, all while fighting against the forces of evil.

 

Inkheart (Cornelia Funke)

Number of Books: 3

Obviously, the shortest series in my list, but don’t let that fool you it’s still packed with all the right stuff. This story follows a girl named Meggie and her father Mo, who both possess a special gift. Once this gift is uncovered it’s a proverbial Pandora’s Box, and there is no way to undo what it does. This series was a suggestion from a woman working in the bookstore in my town and I’m glad I listened to her, I’ve read them numerous times and they never get old. (Side Note: skip the movie. I own it, and had high hopes for it, but alas I was let down.)

 

Well, there they are, seven of my absolute favorite series. If you read any of them, let me know what you think either way. Also, if you’ve got any suggestions let me know, I’d love to give them a shot. Until next time my friends….

Books for the Pool

Brace yourself, summer is coming (I know, I’m hilarious.) Yesterday was the first hot ass day we’ve had so far, and try as I might I couldn’t write this post. I had no idea of what to write about, it’s like my brain was on a mushy sabbatical. Finally, after a conversation with a friend, I had my idea, use the heat…so that brings us to this post. Hot new releases…we’re pretty clever, aren’t we Tiff? Yeah alright, enough with the terrible jokes, let’s dive right in (oh pools…nice cool pools) to my most anticipated releases for the summer.

The Trials of Apollo: The Dark Prophecy

by Rick Riordan

(Release: May 2, 2017)

Holy crap, if you’ve never read a Riordan book you are missing out on something great. While being punished by his father Zeus, Apollo is banished to earth in the form of a pimply-faced teenager named Lester. The thing that sticks out to me about this series is our main character is an actual god. Apollo is charismatic and humorous, and he’s not shy about telling you all the other things that make him wonderful. It’s because of this that I honestly can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in this series.

Gwendy’s Button Box

by Stephen King

(Release: May 28, 2017)

The King of Horror takes us back to Castle Rock, Maine, with this novella about twelve-year-old Gwendy Peterson. After reading the blurb about this book I’m left asking myself…What happened to cause Gwendy to have nightmares about the stranger in the small neat black hat? I’m sure after purchasing this book I’ll have to lend it to my dad, he’s a bigger SK fan then I am, I mean where do you think I got it from?

16^th Seduction

by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

(Release: May 1, 2017)

I started reading the Women’s Murder Club series about 4 or 5 years ago on the suggestion of my mother, who is a diehard fan. I fell in love with Detective Lindsey Boxer, reporter Cindy Thomas, medical examiner Clare Washburn, and defense attorney Yuki Castellano. I mean seriously who doesn’t love strong female characters?

Seven Stones to Stand or Fall: A Collection of Outlander Fiction

by Diana Gabaldon

(Release: June 27, 2017)

Ok, so I’ve been reading Outlander and I can’t be the only person in love with Jamie? I want this book to add to my collection, and I shall have it. According to reports this will be a book of short stories and include two new novellas. If the previous Outlander books are anything to go by, this is going to be an epic addition to anyone’s bookshelf.

House of Names: A Novel

by Colm Toibin

(Release: May 9, 2017)

I’ve already touched on this release in my last post but it bears repeating. After reading Brooklyn I knew I would read whatever this author wrote. It’s safe to say I’m waiting with bated breath. T-minus 22 days and counting….

Let me know of any books you’re looking forward to this summer, one can never have too many books to read by the pool or at the beach. Till next time friends…

Welcome to The Biblio Feels!

Hiya, let’s do a quick intro, shall we? I’m Nikki, if you were to ask anyone about me they’d surely say I am a NERD! I love to read and what better way to embrace my love than to write about it. I was surfing the web when I found the A to Z Bookish Survey tag on The Perpetual Page-Turner, and I knew it would be the perfect jumping off point.

Author you’ve read the most books from:

I read the entire Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene. That’s 64 books in the original series, which I started reading at 10 and quickly devoured. You can probably second that with Franklin W. Dixon who wrote The Hardy Boys series, which has 58 books in the original series. Even back then I liked a good mystery.

Best Sequel Ever:

Oh man, who the hell knows?!?! I couldn’t pick just one so here are a few of my favorites: Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scott Card, The Scorch Trials by James Dashner, Kiss the Girls by James Patterson,

Currently Reading:

I am constantly reading more than one book at a time, currently, I have 5 on the go. Zeroes by Scott Westerfield, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, The Birthday Girls by Pauline Lawless, and the token romance Dark Lover by J.R. Ward. (Side Note: I’m always reading the Harry Potter series.)

Drink of Choice While Reading:

I’m a pretty simple girl, therefore, water is usually my drink of choice, but I won’t say no to a cheeky soda.

E-reader or Physical Book?

I like them both, I’m not fussy. Don’t get me wrong there is nothing like a new book in its physical form, but I love my e-readers because they are handy and compact. I can literally carry an entire library with me anywhere, and when you read like I do that can only be a good thing.

Fictional Character You Probably Would Have Actually Dated in High School:

This question gave me some trouble, I had to honestly think really hard about this. I would say either Fred or George Weasley from Harry Potter. It’s no secret that I was a class clown in school, and I absolutely fell in love with them the first time I read the books.

 Glad You Gave This Book A Chance:

Taliesin by Stephen R. Lawhead. This is book one in the Pendragon Cycle, and it’s amazing. This series was suggested to me by a friend, I totally went into it thinking it wasn’t going to be my type of thing, man was I wrong!

Hidden Gem Book:

Ready Player One by Ernest Kline. If you are a massive nerd like me I seriously recommend this book. The references in this book alone make it worth reading, not to mention the actual plot is just epic.

Important Moment in your Reading Life:

The second I realized that reading could silence my anxiety and stop a panic attack dead in its tracks. I realized I could escape into another world when reality wanted to be an ass, it was the very definition of a life saver.

Just Finished:

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, told ya I’m always reading it. Soooo good!

Kinds of Books You Won’t Read:

I’ll read anything really, but when it comes to anything non-fiction I generally only read what is suggested to me. (Thanks, Dad.)

Longest Book You’ve Read:

If I’m being honest it’s probably Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix which weighs in at a hefty 870 pages. (Can you say Potterhead.)  

Major book hangover because of:

I think the worst book hangover I’ve ever had was probably after reading Me Before You by JoJo Moyes. That book ripped my heart out, I literally sobbed while reading it. Isn’t it funny how books can make you feel so many emotions? I didn’t read anything for a few weeks afterward, I needed time to soothe my emotions.

Number of Bookcases You Own:

Ok, don’t judge me with this…I own one 3-shelf bookcase which is currently sagging under the immense load of books it holds. The reason I only own one bookcase is because I live in a rather small one bedroom apartment, any more bookcases and I wouldn’t have room to do anything else. Once we buy a house there will be many more purchased and filled to the brim.

One Book You Have Read Multiple Times:

The Pigman by Paul Zindel. Story time…I learned to read at 3, see reading is a lifelong love. Most kids at that age carry around a blanket or a teddy bear, but not me I carried around my brother’s ratty old copy of The Pigman. I didn’t read it then obviously, back then it was mostly Little Golden books about puppies and Cinderella, but I carried The Pigman everywhere. Whenever I’m feeling particularly nostalgic I will read it again. Current count is up over a 100.

Preferred Place To Read:

Usually, I read whilst snuggled up on the couch or in bed, but let’s be truthful I will read anywhere, anytime.

Quote that inspires you/gives you all the feels from a book you’ve read:

“It was her habit to build laughter out of inadequate materials.” – John Steinbeck (The Grapes of Wrath)

“You sort of start thinking anything’s possible if you’ve got enough nerve.” -Ginny Weasley (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix)

Reading Regret:

Probably not reading The Lord of the Rings before I saw the movies…I know, I know how could I? I swear I’ll read it soon.

Series You Started And Need To Finish(all books are out in series):

The Wizard of Oz. I got the entire series for Christmas and while I’ve started them, I’ve yet to finish it. It’s on the TBR list, so it’ll get finished I’m just not sure when.

Three of your All-Time Favorite Books:

• Any of the Harry Potter books, take your pick.
• To Kill a Mockingbird
• The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Unapologetic Fangirl For:

Harry Potter! If you haven’t realized I’m a massive Potterhead, and damn proud of it.

 Very Excited For This Release More Than All The Others:

House of Names, by Colm Tóibín, hands down. I’ve read Brooklyn and was blown away, I cannot wait for this book!

Worst Bookish Habit:

Trying to figure out the story in my head instead of just letting it unfold while I read. It’s annoying to everyone around me, myself included!

X Marks The Spot: Start at the top left of your shelf and pick the 27th book:

Memoirs of a Monster Hunter by Josh Gates. Ahhh, Destination Truth on SyFy was an amazing show, and damn do I miss it.

Your latest book purchase:

The Godwulf Manuscript by Robert B. Parker, the first book in the Spenser series. My mom loves them and keeps telling me to read it so I bought it.

ZZZ-snatcher book (last book that kept you up WAY late):

The Birthday Girls…I just wanted to read a chapter to unwind and then I’d be in bed by 11. Yeah, that didn’t happen, at 4 am I was still reading. I had to make a conscious decision to put the book down, and it killed me to do so. Needless to say I’m almost done.

 

Well, that ends the fun for now, boo! I hope my answers gave you some insight into who I am, and what I love to read. See ya next time…