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. 

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.

Ah, self care. It wasn't until I became a Mom that I realized how important it was. I was quickly consumed by my new role in life and my postpartum anxiety that I had to step back and find some ways to take care of myself.

This week's 5 Fandom Friday prompt is incredibly important for everyone's health and it can include such a variety of things because everyone and every mood can dictate a different way to self care; treating yourself to a fancy coffee, getting your hair done, face masks at home, a bubble bath, a big bowl of ice cream.

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!

My first convention of the year is in about 2 weeks which means I'm in full-on sewing mode. So if I disappear on social media or seem a bit grumpy, it's because I'm tired and a little stressed. Sorry. To get me through the stress right before a convention, I find myself getting lost in audio books and music. It helps me zone out and just sew.

City of Heavenly Fire

I finally listened to the last book in The Mortal Instruments series, City of Heavenly Fire. It was a good ending to the series and had a few twists that had me quite invested in the story. I don't feel sad that the series is over. It was a good time in the series to wrap things up. However, I am now interested in reading the other series that take place in the same universe; The Bane Chronicles, The Infernal Devices, The Dark Artifices. I really like the world Cassandra Clare has created and I'm ready to become connected to other characters in this universe.

Source

Love

Lana Del Rey released a new single and video last week. To say I'm obsessed is an understatement. This new single has led me to listening to her previous albums on repeat. They have been providing a great soundtrack while I get lost in sewing. Though I keep coming back to 'Love' to listen to at least a few times each day.



What have you been loving lately?
xo Jen

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 finished up a new audio book a couple days ago - Every Day by David Levithan.  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.

It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day."

Over the past month I have found myself obsessed with two new comic book series that I'd like to recommend.

Paper Girls
"SAGA writer BRIAN K. VAUGHAN launches a brand-new ONGOING SERIES with superstar Wonder Woman artist CLIFF CHIANG! In the early hours after Halloween of 1988, four 12-year-old newspaper delivery girls uncover the most important story of all time. Stand By Me meets War of the Worlds in this mysterious young adult adventure."

When I first started issue 1, I instantly liked the comic - the time period, art style, writing. It wasn't until the end of the issue that I got hooked though. Things happen, hints are given, characters are introduced - all to set up the main story arc. That was it, I had to keep reading. I've devoured the first 4 issues. So far, I'm completely loving this series. 


Lady Killer
"Josie Schuller is a picture-perfect homemaker, wife, and mother-but she's also a ruthless, efficient killer! She's balanced cheerful domestic bliss with coldly performed assassinations, but when Josie finds herself in the crosshairs, her American Dream life is in danger! "

As soon as I saw the cover of this trade I knew I wanted to read it. It's such a great combination - a 50's housewife who's a trained assassin. It didn't take me long to get through all 5 issues and I really wish there were more. Josie is such a badass and I found myself just loving all the outfits, settings, and all the little details that made the story come to life. 


I'm currently reading through some trades that I found at a good price - Catwoman and Birds of Prey. What are you reading?
xo Jen

*All quotes are from comiXology, where all these comics are available in digital format*

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