Runs on Coffee and Cream

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.

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."

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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Last year I decided to do the Reading Challenge on Goodreads. I picked 25 books to read over the course of a year. I didn't exactly finish it. I read 24 books, though I started my 25th book before the year was over - Winter by Marissa Meyer. And no one wants excuses, but I started this book over the busy holidays and the audio book is 23 hours long so I haven't finished it yet.

For 2016, I've picked 30 books for my reading challenge. I think it'll be an easy enough goal because there are SO many books and comics I'm excited to read. I will be making a point of adding the graphic novels I read this year too. Last year I failed to keep track since I read a lot digitally and I just didn't think to add them.

If you want to set your own Reading Challenge or add me on Goodreads, please do! Goodreads has become one of my favourite sites and apps that I frequent often. I love seeing what my friends are reading or adding to their to-read list. I've come across so many books that I want to read this way. Plus, I can see what books are really popular when 3 or 4 different people who don't know each other have added the same book to their list.

I cannot even begin to list all the books I want to read here but these are the titles that I'm most excited to read:

Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas

"After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin."

I have heard about this series over and over again. I definitely want to finally read it this year. 


Every Day by David Levithan

"Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl.
There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere."

I find that my love for reading and listening to audio books comes and goes a bit. When I'm watching a really good TV show, maybe a nostalgic one (like Gilmore Girls), then I'd rather have the TV on when I'm sewing than listen to an audio book. It's the same in the evenings. I might choose Animal Crossing New Leaf or to play a video game with Adam than read a book.

Then I'll start a book that grabs my attention and sucks me in and all of a sudden I'm back into reading and listening to audio books again. This happened to me with Mosquitoland last month. With that being said, I'm so excited for a bunch of novels.

These are the books that are at the top of my pile to read or listen to:

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson
"In her new book, FURIOUSLY HAPPY, Jenny explores her lifelong battle with mental illness. A hysterical, ridiculous book about crippling depression and anxiety? That sounds like a terrible idea. And terrible ideas are what Jenny does best."

When I get an email from my best friend about this book and how amazing it is, I know I need to read it. This book might be moving to the very top of my pile. 


All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
"Theodore Finch is fascinated by death, and he constantly thinks of ways he might kill himself. But each time, something good, no matter how small, stops him.
 
Violet Markey lives for the future, counting the days until graduation, when she can escape her Indiana town and her aching grief in the wake of her sister’s recent death.
 
When Finch and Violet meet on the ledge of the bell tower at school, it’s unclear who saves whom. And when they pair up on a project to discover the “natural wonders” of their state, both Finch and Violet make more important discoveries: It’s only with Violet that Finch can be himself—a weird, funny, live-out-loud guy who’s not such a freak after all. And it’s only with Finch that Violet can forget to count away the days and start living them. But as Violet’s world grows, Finch’s begins to shrink."
Half the time, Simon can’t even make his wand work, and the other half, he sets something on fire. His mentor’s avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there’s a magic-eating monster running around wearing Simon’s face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here—it’s their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon’s infuriating nemesis didn’t even bother to show up."
Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won’t approve of her feelings for her childhood friend–the handsome palace guard, Jacin. But Winter isn’t as weak as Levana believes her to be and she’s been undermining her stepmother’s wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that’s been raging for far too long."

In the past couple of years I have started reading a lot more. My renewed love for reading came from all the new comic book series that have come out and that I was introduced to (Runaways, Lumberjanes, Ultimate Spider-man, etc.). As well as being introduced to audio books. Because of these things, I read every day.

I came across the Goodreads site through IGGPPC. I didn't use it much at first but it's become one of my favourite sites (and app!) over the last few months. It is the perfect site to search for books, whether by genre, author, most popular, etc. and it's ideal to keep to-read lists. I used to keep a note on my cell phone of books to check out. Now I just add them to my Goodreads account.

Over the last month I've noticed friends on Goodreads making reading challenges for 2015 so I decided to set a goal as well. I set my own reading goal for 25 books. I considered doing the 50 book challenge but because I don't log the individual comics I read, I thought 25 books or comic trades would be attainable. So on top of the books and graphic novels I keep track of on Goodreads, I'll also be reading 5 individual comics on average weekly.

I appreciate all book recommendations and I'm open to a lot of genres, though I've been partial to Young Adult over the last year or so.

These are a few books that I'm looking forward to reading this year:

Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews

I picked up the first four books in this series at a thrift store this past weekend. My Mom has always talked about this series and how she really enjoyed reading it so I thought I'd give them a go and then pass them on to her to read again.




What book are you enjoying or looking forward to reading?
xo Jen