Runs on Coffee and Cream

As a mood reader, the fall season makes me want to deep dive into fantasy books. Something about the dark, fantasy universes fit with the cozy fall season. I also decided to throw in a fall-themed romance book because the title won me over and I can't scroll social media without seeing the book cover. This is my fall book list. 

 

Let's be honest, my backlog of books to be read on my Kobo is insanely long. But, more and more books keep being released that I MUST have. November's new book releases are no exception. These are the titles I'm most wanting to pick up. 

My book wish list is HUGE. Thankfully, I have an e-reader so it's more affordable than buying physical copies. Here are my May release book picks:

Emma is obsessed with books. We started a library for her before she was even born and we've added a ton of books since. Within her collection of books, we've acquired some seasonal books. One of her absolute favourites is a Halloween flip book - Halloween is Here! So I thought it might be great to share some book recommendations in case other parents are looking for some non-candy Halloween gift ideas.

Way back in 2016, there was a blog prompt that I followed and used in my blog content - 5 Fandom Friday (you can read my past posts here). It was my my favourite blog prompt list because not only was it geeky, but it made me actually think about some of my geek interests. I had to dissect some of the shows I loved or books I read. I really enjoyed creating content with the prompts.

Well, it's back and I couldn't be more excited! When The Sartorial Geek announced it today, I clicked on the link right away to check out the prompts. And now I'm pumped to have something to help get my creative juices flowing again. I've been brainstorming about blog content lately and this news couldn't have come at a better time!

As I read more and more books I'm finding authors that I like and will stick with no matter what. There are a few books I'm really looking forward to finally reading in 2017 by these authors.

1. Marissa Meyer

The author of The Lunar Chronicles, Marissa Meyer is releasing the first book of her new series, as well as a graphic novel.

Wires and Nerve Volume 1


The graphic novel follows Iko, the adorable android from The Lunar Chronicles series. I'm SO excited to read this.

The Gatlon School for Vigilantes

"There are two rival schools in Gatlon City: the respected and exclusive Morris Academy that has turned many an evolved youth into celebrity superheroes, and the Gatlon School for the Gifted, which has a slightly less impressive reputation. Students of Gatlon tend to be relegated to minions, placeholders, or—at best—sidekicks."

This is the first book in The Gatlon Trilogy. Honestly, the synopsis has me thinking X-Men and this doesn't bother me at all. I want to read this series so bad.

2. Veronica Roth

Veronica wrote the Divergent series, and though the series took a nosedive towards the end, I still really enjoyed the universe she created.

Carve the Mark


"On a planet where violence and vengeance rule, in a galaxy where some are favored by fate, everyone develops a currentgift, a unique power meant to shape the future. While most benefit from their currentgifts, Akos and Cyra do not—their gifts make them vulnerable to others’ control. Can they reclaim their gifts, their fates, and their lives, and reset the balance of power in this world?"

Yet another sci-fi fantasy novel set in a dystopian future where people are born with 'gifts'. I'm hoping not to be disappointed with the first book of her new series. I loved how Divergent sucked me in and I flew through the book. I'm really hoping this series is just as enthralling.

3. David Arnold

So I've only read one other book by David Arnold, Mosquitoland. But I absolutely adored it. The story, the characters, it was all good.

Kids of Appetite


"Victor Benucci and Madeline Falco have a story to tell.
It begins with the death of Vic’s father.
It ends with the murder of Mad’s uncle.
The Hackensack Police Department would very much like to hear it.
But in order to tell their story, Vic and Mad must focus on all the chapters in between.

This is a story about:

1. A coded mission to scatter ashes across New Jersey.
2. The momentous nature of the Palisades in winter.
3. One dormant submarine.
4. Two songs about flowers.
5. Being cool in the traditional sense.
6. Sunsets & ice cream & orchards & graveyards.
7. Simultaneous extreme opposites.
8. A narrow escape from a war-torn country.
9. A story collector.
10. How to listen to someone who does not talk.
11. Falling in love with a painting.
12. Falling in love with a song.
13. Falling in love."

I'm super excited to read this book. Not only does the synopsis sound interesting but it's also vague to the point of mysterious. Hopefully there will be a character or two that I bond with in this book, like in Mosquitoland.

4. Lauren Graham

Yes, THE Lauren Graham. I just finished up Lauren Graham's autobiography, Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls, and Everything in Between, which I adored by the way. Because of this book I was informed Lauren had written another book.

Someday, Someday, Maybe


"A charming and laugh-out-loud novel by Lauren Graham, beloved star of Parenthood and Gilmore Girls, about an aspiring actress trying to make it in mid-nineties New York City."

The story sounds fun, especially since it takes place in the 90s and I can relate to all things 90s. I'm expecting it to be a fun, easy read.

What books should I add to my to-read pile for 2017? I will take all your recommendations!
xo Jen

*All quotes and pictures are from Goodreads*

As I've stated in numerous posts, I LOVE Goodreads. If you're an avid reader, you need an account. The app is my favourite since I can add books I want to read on the go or when a friend recommends a book to me. It also has a wide range of comic books listed too so you can also keep track of comics through your account.

My reading goal for 2016 was to read 30 books. I did it! I actually read 41 books since I was counting comic trades along with novels and audio books.


Some of my favourite books that I read in 2016 were:

• Every Day by David Levithan
• The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney
• Lady Killer Graphic Novel
• I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson
• Harry Potter and The Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne

Did you do a reading challenge last year? Are you doing one for 2017?
xo Jen

I wish I had more time to read. There are so many fantastic books out there that I have on my never ending to-read list. And there's new books being released constantly that sound so good.

Another Day

Earlier this year I shared my love for a book I had read: Every Day by David Levithan. I finally got around to reading the follow up book: Another Day and yet again I fell in love with the story.

Source

The premise:
"Every day is the same for Rhiannon. She has accepted her life, convinced herself that she deserves her distant, temperamental boyfriend, Justin, even established guidelines by which to live: Don’t be too needy. Avoid upsetting him. Never get your hopes up.

Until the morning everything changes. Justin seems to see her, to want to be with her for the first time, and they share a perfect day—a perfect day Justin doesn’t remember the next morning. Confused, depressed, and desperate for another day as great as that one, Rhiannon starts questioning everything. Then, one day, a stranger tells her that the Justin she spent that day with, the one who made her feel like a real person…wasn’t Justin at all.

In this enthralling companion to his New York Times bestsellerEvery Day, David Levithan tells Rhiannon’s side of the story as she seeks to discover the truth about love and how it can change you."

I haven't been reading as much as I'd like to lately. I'm too tired at night and I find myself falling asleep in the middle of sentences. But I have been able to squeeze in a few audiobooks over the last month. 

Never in my life have I had so many books on the go. I have two novels on my bedside table that are both partially read, an audiobook over half way done, and a graphic novel sitting on the floor that hasn't been touched in a couple of weeks.

This is what happens when new books are released and I can't stop myself from starting them even when I have books on the go already.


1. The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney (audiobook)

I needed a new audiobook and this book has been in my face constantly. Chapters Indigo has been advertising it like crazy in their emails so I looked to see if there was an audiobook. There is and I'm enjoying it thoroughly. It's a great story, very interesting, and I'm enjoying all the characters.

2. The Importance of Being Married by Gemma Townley (novel)

I picked this book up at a garage sale and it's been sitting on my shelf forever. I thought it was time to read it and that it would be the perfect light book to read throughout Summer. Even though the story isn't too complex, I'm still really enjoying it. It's an easy read and I've found myself hooked on the story line and main characters. Unfortunately I've put the book aside while I read the next book in my list.

3. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne (novel)

As I shared before, I picked this book up on its release day and haven't had the chance to finish it with how busy I've been. This book will be read before anything else however because I want to continue with the Harry Potter story.

4. Black Widow: The Sting of the Widow by assorted writers (graphic novel)

This is a compilation of Black Widow comic books that jumps through the years. I've only read the first couple of comics in this book but it's fun to see how the styles change from comic to comic depending on the year. Black Widow has easily become one of my favourite characters and I'm enjoying reading more of her history.

On top of the above list, there's a handful of novels, comics, and audiobooks I'm itching to get to so I'm expecting this crazy list of books to stay heavy for a while.

What are you reading?
xo Jen

*All quotes and pictures are from Goodreads*

Most of the time the weather dictates what genre of book I want to read. In the cold, darker Winters I'm all over fantasy and sci-fi stories. But come the sunny, warm weather I have a longing for books about friendships, romance, coming-of-age stories, and if the setting takes place near a beach? Even better! I've been on the hunt for some Summer reading material and I think I've come up with the start of my to-read list.

The Square Root of Summer by Harriet Reuter Hapgood
"Gottie H. Oppenheimer is losing time. Literally. When the fabric of the universe around her seaside town begins to fray, she's hurtled through wormholes to her past:

To last summer, when her grandfather Grey died. To the afternoon she fell in love with Jason, who wouldn't even hold her hand at the funeral. To the day her best friend Thomas moved away and left her behind with a scar on her hand and a black hole in her memory.

Although Grey is still gone, Jason and Thomas are back, and Gottie's past, present, and future are about to collide—and someone's heart is about to be broken."

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
"Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.

What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane.

Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that.

What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they're going to change the other for all time."

Maybe someday…"

But sometimes, unexpected things can happen—things such as the catering job at Wish, with its fun-loving, chaotic crew. Or her sister's project of renovating the neglected beach house, awakening long-buried memories. Things such as meeting Wes, a boy with a past, a taste for Truth-telling, and an amazing artistic talent, the kind of boy who could turn any girl's world upside down. As Macy ventures out of her shell, she begins to question her sheltered life. 

Is it really always better to be safe than sorry?"

But the show must go on and The Disenchantments weave through the Pacific Northwest, playing in small towns and dingy venues, while roadie- Colby struggles to deal with Bev's already-growing distance and the most important question of all: what's next? "

Being there puts her at risk of bumping into Hallie, her former best friends (that is, before Gemma ruined her life). But people don't hold grudges forever. Do they?

Gemma intends on making amends, but a small case of mistaken identity causes the people she knew years ago—including Hallie and her dreamy brother, Josh—to believe she's someone else. As though the summer wasn't complicated enough already."

Well, there goes another month. I'm so ready and looking forward to the next couple of months. I'm pumped for the Summer. We've already been experiencing Summer weather which has been great. And the thought of afternoons at the beach, swimming in the lake, and heading to Algonquin for camping has me so excited.

I have plans to head to the beach or park numerous times this Summer with a blanket and a book. I found these books second-hand which were an amazing find.


I recently picked up a couple of new Tsum Tsums. How adorable are they?!


Mail has been fun lately too. I received this super amazing Mega Man plushie that I won through a giveaway. He's incredibly well-made by Monster Factory.


I also received the cutest tea snail!


The cats have been extra lazy with the hot weather.

The sunshine has given me new found energy and motivation. I'm absolutely thrilled to be able to spend time outside.


xo Jen

I've stated in previous posts my love for Goodreads. The Goodreads app on my phone is the best because I can add books to my to-read list right on the spot when I'm in a book store or a friend recommends something to me in conversation.

This year I challenged myself to read 30 books. But since I'm counting graphic novels and comic book trades, I think I might have underestimated the books I could read.

Right now I'm sitting at 18 books finished.

2016 Reading Challenge

Jen has read 18 books toward their goal of 30 books.

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18 of 30 (60%)

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