This post came to me while watching one of Brittney Crabb’s videos (if you don’t follow her and you love spooky stuff and manifestation type of videos- check her out!) and she was talking about how, ever since she was a child, she would imagine herself and tell herself and her mother that she was going to be on red carpets and meet all of these celebrities- and it happened to her! Seeing all of this success and all of these amazing things happen to her has been wonderful!
But it got me thinking about a child’s imagination and their fearlessness when it comes to their hopes and dreams. If a child wishes to be a chef, a nurse, or a dinosaur stomping through a town of alphabet blocks- they are what or who they say they are. No one can tell them otherwise!
When we hit a certain age, society (and sometimes even people in our lives) to tell us to stop daydreaming and to make sure that our heads aren’t always stuck in the clouds… why? Why do we do this to people and even to ourselves? I feel incredibly blessed to have grown up with a mother who also isn’t afraid to dream big and who isn’t afraid to encourage me and my siblings to dream big as well and to go for what we want.
Why does there have to be a cut-off point for our dreams? Why do we have to deny ourselves from even thinking about things that bring us joy? Because they’re ”unrealistic scenarios? Says who! Brittney’s video really cemented the idea that even as adults, we need to be more fearless in our thinking and dreaming. If your current reality is far from what you want it to be- it’s okay to dream of something bigger and better for yourself. Even if dreaming is just something that brings you comfort. Sometimes it’s enough for me to go on home decor websites and look for different utensils and decorations for my dream home. Sometimes that’s the boost I need in order to have a happier day.
This post was a bit rambly but I hope it serves some of you somehow.
A while back I had decided to read all of the Goosebumps books for nostalgia’s sake and I’ve been having an absolute blast! This is my first time jumping into this series, but I grew up on Goosebumps, Scholastic, Scholastic book fairs, etc. So, this series in particular fills me with warmth and joy. There’s 62 books total in the Goosebumps series, which is a ton, but I’m flying through them. Can’t wait to get into Stine’s other series/books as well!
These are gonna be mini reviews because like I said, there are tons of books in this series. Either way, I hope that I’ve brought back some memories for all of you or that I’ve given you the Goosebumps bug!
Here we gooo…
#1.
Title:
Welcome to Dead House
Synopsis:
Amanda and Josh think the old house they have just moved into is weird. Spooky. Possibly haunted. And the town of Dark Falls is pretty strange, too. — But their parents don’t believe them. You’ll get used to it, they say. Go out and make some new friends. — So Amanda and Josh do. But these creepy new friends are not exactly what their parents had in mind.
Because they want to be friends…
…Forever.
Author:
R.L. Stine
Series:
Goosebumps, #1.
Pages:
128
Publisher:
Scholastic
Date Published:
July 1992
Started:
3/8/2021
Finished:
4/12/2021
Rating: 💀💀💀💀
My Thoughts:
I LOVED the atmosphere in this book! Spoiler alert: if I loved a particular book in this series more than others, it’s most likely due to the atmosphere. This one just felt so dark and sinister even without the plot details. The thought of children succumbing to any kind of disease or whatnot is horrifying. A+ for using the atmosphere and setting! (I preferred the tv episode, though!)
Dr. Brewer is doing a little plant-testing in his basement. Nothing to worry about. Harmless, he says. But Margaret and Casey Brewer are worried about their father. Especially when they…meet…some of the plants he is growing down there. Then they notice that their father is developing plant like tendencies. In fact, he is becoming distinctly weedy-and seedy. Is it just part of Dr. Brewer’s ‘harmless’ experiment? Or does Dad have more than just a green thumb…?
Author:
R.L. Stine
Series:
Goosebumps, #2.
Pages:
122
Publisher:
Scholastic
Pub Date:
July 1992.
Date Started:
11/19/2022.
Date Finished:
11/19/2022.
Rating: 💀💀💀💀
My Thoughts:
This was creepy! I found the tv episode to be creepier but even so, this book really caught the tone and the essence of one of the biggest fears a child could have- not being able to trust an adult in their lives. For that fear to be put in them by a parent especially and having them switch up in such an abrupt way, is extra horrifying.
Discover the original bone-chilling adventures that made Goosebumps one of the bestselling children’s book series of all time!
Something scary is happening in GOOSEBUMPS HORRORLAND, the all-new, all-terrifying series by R. L. Stine. Just how scary? You’ll never know unless you crack open this classic prequel!
Evan visits an eerie old toy store and buys a dusty can of Monster Blood. But then he notices something weird about the slimy green ooze. It keeps growing. And growing. And growing.
And all that growing has given the Monster Blood a monstrous appetite. .
Author:
R.L. Stine
Series:
Goosebumps, #3.
Pages:
128
Publisher:
Scholastic
Date Published:
September 1992
Date Started:
11/19/2022
Date Finished:
11/19/2022
Rating: 💀💀
My Thoughts:
I wasn’t too hyped about this plot. It was just very… meh. I liked the idea of the sorceress/witch but it just felt a bit out of place in this one. I don’t know…
Greg thinks there is something wrong with the old camera he found. The photos keep turning out . . . different.
When Greg takes a picture of his father’s brand-new car, it’s wrecked in the photo. And then his dad crashes the car.
It’s like the camera can tell the future–or worse. Maybe it makes the future!
Author:
R.L. Stine
Series:
Goosebumps, #4.
Pages:
132
Publisher:
Scholastic
Date Published:
November 1992
Date Started:
11/22/2022
Date Finished:
12/11/2022
Rating: 💀💀💀💀
My Thoughts:
Another installment with a great concept! The whole idea of seeing your very-tragic future play out in pictures is a terrifying thought and I thought it was really well done!
Gabe just got lost – in a pyramid. One minute, his crazy cousin Sari was right ahead of him in the pyramid tunnel. The next minute, she’d disappeared.
But Gabe isn’t alone. Someone else is in the pyramid, too.
Someone. Or some thing.
Gabe doesn’t believe in the curse of the mummy’s tomb. But that doesn’t mean that the curse isn’t real.
Does it?
Author:
R.L. Stine
Series:
Goosebumps, #5.
Pages:
132
Publisher:
Scholastic
Date Published:
January 1993
Date Started:
12/12/2022
Date Finished:
12/12/2022
Rating: 💀💀💀💀
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this installment in this series solely for the vibes. I feel like Egyptian/tomb setting really set the mood for the whole story. Gabe was a great main character along with his cousin. Even if the “rivalry” side plot is a bit overdone at this point in the series. I don’t feel like the TV episode does this story justice at all.
On Max’s birthday, he finds a kind of magic mirror in the attic. It can make make him become invisible. So Max and his friends start playing “now you see me, now you don’t.” Until Max realizes that he’s losing control. Staying invisible a little too long. Having a harder and harder time coming back. Getting invisible is turning into a very dangerous game. The next time Max gets invisible, will it be…forever?
Author:
R.L. Stine
Series:
Goosebumps, #6.
Pages:
139
Publisher:
Scholastic
Date Published:
March 1993
Date Started:
12/13/2022
Date Finished:
12/13/2022
Rating: 💀💀
My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed the concept of the reflections being an evil version of the kids. But this book just got extremely repetitive. Most of the book was just them using the mirror and having a competition, even when they knew something was up. Wasn’t my favorite out of the series so far.
When twins Lindy and Kris find a ventriloquist’s dummy in a Dumpster, Lindy decides to “rescue” it, and she names it Slappy. But Kris is green with envy. It’s not fair. Why does Lindy get to have all the fun and all the attention? Kris decides to get a dummy of her own. She’ll show Lindy. Then weird things begin to happen. Nasty things. Evil things. It can’t be the dummy causing all the trouble, Can it?
Author:
R.L. Stine
Series:
Goosebumps, #7.
Pages:
134
Publisher:
Scholastic
Date Published:
May 1993
Date Started:
12/13/2022
Date Finished:
12/15/2022
Rating: 💀💀💀
My Thoughts:
This was creepy. Dolls are ALWAYS creepy… what’s up with Stine’s beef with dogs?? And I wasn’t happy about the constant fatphobia in this book. It seems to be a theme in Goosebumps books.
Lucy likes to tell monster stories. She’s told so many that her friends and family are sick of it. Then one day Lucy discovers a real, live monster: the librarian in charge of the summer reading program. Too bad Lucy’s told so many monster tall tales. Too bad no one believes a word she says. Too bad the monster knows who she is . . . . . . and is coming after her next.
Author:
R.L. Stine
Series:
Goosebumps, #8.
Pages:
137
Publisher:
Scholastic
Date Published:
May 1993
Date Started:
12/15/2022
Date Finished:
12/17/2022
Rating: 💀💀💀💀
My Thoughts:
As frustrated as I was with the parents at first- because even though they didn’t have to believe that their daughter was seeing a monster, she kept insisting that she didn’t wanna go visit and stay alone with this man anymore- I was not expecting that twist! Loved it!
Welcome to Camp Nightmare It’s the little camp of horrors! Next summer you’ll stay home … if you survive! Billy thinks that life at camp is a bit creepy, but when other campers start to disappear and his parents do not answer his letters, Camp Nightmoon becomes Camp Nightmare.
Author:
R.L. Stine
Series:
Goosebumps, #9.
Pages:
136
Publisher:
Scholastic
Date Published:
July 1993
Date Started:
12/17/2022
Date Finished:
12/20/2022
Rating: 💀💀💀💀
My Thoughts:
I didn’t think things could get darker after Stay Out of the Basement, but clearly, I was wrong! Woooow. This was a ride. There’s something so sinister about you being the only to know that something’s wrong and that you can’t trust the people around you, especially as a child. The twist at the end felt a bit like a cop-out, though. It felt incredibly out of place. But I still really enjoyed myself and found myself on the edge of my seat while reading. There were so many tense scenes!
Hannah’s neighborhood has gotten a little—weird. Ever since that new boy moved in next door.
But when did he move in? Wasn’t the house empty when Hannah went to sleep the night before? Why does it still look so deserted?
Hannah can’t get any answers from her new neighbor. He just keeps disappearing in the oddest ways. And he’s so pale…
Is Hannah being haunted by…
…the ghost next door?
Author:
R.L. Stine
Series:
Goosebumps, #10.
Pages:
124
Publisher:
Scholastic
Date Published:
August 1993.
Date Started:
12/20/2022
Date Finished:
12/29/2022
Rating: 💀💀💀💀
My Thoughts:
This was another surprisingly dark read by R.L. Stine. The subject matter left me a bit shook but I still enjoyed it. The characters were likable (except for the bullies, of course.) and the idea of a spirit having a mission to save another person is really heartwarming. There were a couple times where the setting was a bit hard to follow but it didn’t really take away my enjoyment of the story.
This might be a long one so let’s just get to it, shall we?
Title: Jerry the Squirrel: Volume One
Genre: Humor/Middle Grade
Synopsis: Jerry is a Squirrel. Jerry is also an inventor. The problem is that Jerry’s inventions rarely work out the way he wants them to. Join Jerry the Squirrel on his fun and wacky adventures in the world of Arestana as he deals with annoying neighbors, out-of-control slippers, and a tyrannical Squirrel-boss whose only leadership quality is his amazing hat. This collection of ten stories is perfect for some fun reading as a family, as bedtime stories, or just to sit back and enjoy a good read! #bewarethechicken (more info)
Series: N/A
Author: Shawn P.B. Robinson
Pages: 132
Publisher: Brainswell Publishing
PubDate: 3/7/2018
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thoughts: This was a delightful book! Surprisingly short, I finished it in less than a day. It was full of adventure and hilarious mishaps, courtesy of Jerry and his very interesting neighbors. I thought that the author adding his own family into part of the story was such a lovely touch as well. And the illustrations were adorable!
Title: Texts From Mittens (The Friends and Family Edition)
Genre: YA/Graphic Novel
Synopsis:
The Internet’s favorite text-happy cat is back at it–with a little help from his friends.Follow along with Mittens as he enjoys hilarious, snark-filled text volleys with his cast of quirky friends and family: Earl (the “filthy hound”), Stumpy (the best friend), Drunky Patty (the usually tipsy next-door neighbor), Grandma (giver of treats), and Fiona (Mitty’s girlfriend). Based on Angie Bailey’s virally popular blog, Texts from Mittens: The Friends and Family Edition is feline humor at its finest. (more)
Series: N/A
Author: Angie Bailey
Pages: 152
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
PubDate: 9/3/2019
Rating: 😹😹😹😹😹
Thoughts: Ahh so cute! It was so funny to read from ”a pets’ perspective”, haha. I thoroughly enjoyed each of their personalities and I think the text messages were such a creative way to write a book revolving around pets. I found myself chuckling many times. So adorable!
Title: Please Return Norbert M. Finklestein
Genre: Middle Grade/Adventure
Synopsis:
Have you ever wondered, “What in the world is my teacher thinking?” You may not know it, but this very journal you now hold in your hands is the key to answering your question once and for all. As long as you can keep a few secrets.
Mr. Finkelstein is your average middle school English teacher…who just happens to moonlight as a professional wrestler. Norbie would like to keep this little part of his life a secret. He’d much rather endure the daily bullying he takes from students like Jimmy Baker, a world-class bubblegum flinger, and perform as the personal gopher for inept colleagues like Coach Seam and Principal Rubrick. It’s easier that way. Out of the spotlight and under the radar: the story of Norbert’s life… (more)
Series: None
Author: Frank Morelli (w/ Frey Alexandra’s illustrations)
Pages: 236
Publisher: INtense Publications
PubDate: 9/10/2019
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thoughts: I loved it! Norbert is such a sweet guy, so kind and helpful to everyone around him-almost to a fault. I loved his relationship with his mom and the growth that he and his students experienced throughout the story. It also helped that I’m a huge wrestling fan so that was fun to read as well!
Title: The Wacky Wizard Wars
Genre: Children/Adventure
Synopsis:
A power-mad High Born witch forms a new army of wacky wizards and witches who lost the last war. It’s a tough job. This brainless bunch prefers to guzzle gibber juice and clobber each other rather than follow orders.
To boost her army, the witch ensnares covens of modern-day witches, who are innocent, ordinary folk. But Mortor, the worst High Born wizard, reappears and snatches her leadership. Desperate to share power, the witch lures Mortor into a farcical ceremony that ties these two High Borns together for eternity… (more)
Series: None
Author: Christina Clarry & Maxine Alan-Hart
Pages: 214
Publisher: Matador
PubDate: 7/28/2019
Rating: 🧙🏻♀️🧙🏻♀️🧙🏻♀️
Thoughts: The adventures that the kids got up to were mostly fun to read. Some of it seemed a bit dark for a Children’s read but I liked it! Anything with magic and witches, I’m there!
Title: Locked Box
Genre: Romance/Erotica
Synopsis: What happens when you accidentally get locked in the evidence room with a man you’ve been lusting after for years? Julia Bennett is a good girl. She wouldn’t go near a married man. Especially not one she works with. No matter how handsome he is… (more)
Series: Bennett Sisters
Author: Eve Dangerfield
Pages: 290
Publisher: Eve Dangerfield Books
PubDate: May 2021
Rating: 💋💋💋💋
Thoughts: Eve never misses, does she? My lord this was hot, angsty and lovely all in one. The characters did get a bit childish at times but, thankfully it wasn’t too overwhelming. I was reeeally rooting for them as the story progressed. The dirty talk was a HUGE bonus but that’s to be expected in an Eve Dangerfield book.
Title: Not Your Shoe Size
Genre: Romance/Erotica
Synopsis: Kate McGrath knows the daddy situation has changed. For one thing her kink’s gone mainstream (what up, internet!) For another, her relationship with Ty, AKA Daddy, has growing pains. After years of protecting herself with faux-girliness, Kate finally feels like a woman. She wants Ty to treat her like a grown up (bedroom excluded, obviously), but emancipation is the first fantasy her daddy doesn’t seem able to fulfil… Tyler Henderson is happy with things the way they are. And if they have to change, why can’t Kate marry him? That would be nice. And make him look like less of a dirty old man. He’ll fight to keep Middleton where she is, but he isn’t counting on a daddy rival, a man from Kate’s past who would be more than happy to take her off his hands… Jealousy combines with mistaken identity to throw the status of one of Romancelandia’s top five D/LG couples (at least!) into turmoil. Ty and Kate need to find common ground, but love is a dangerous game, no matter what your age… (more)
Series: Act Your Age
Author: Eve Dangerfield
Pages: 128
Publisher: /Eve Dangerfield Books
PubDate: 1/21/2020
Rating: 💋💋💋💋💋
Thoughts:
It was so lovely to revisit Ty and Kate’s relationship. It made me sad to see them in such a rocky phase and to see Kate realize what Peterson was doing all those years ago, but still, I really enjoyed this sequel! I loved seeing Kate come into her own and find her voice along with some balance in her life. A beautiful end to this story!
Bonus: the sexy times were… well, sexy! haha!
Title: Ice Planet Barbarians
Genre: Sci-Fi/Romance
Synopsis:
You’d think being abducted by aliens would be the worst thing that could happen to me. And you’d be wrong. Because now, the aliens are having ship trouble, and they’ve left their cargo of human women – including me – on an ice planet.
And the only native inhabitant I’ve met? He’s big, horned, blue, and really, really has a thing for me… (more)
Series: Ice Planet Barbarians, #1
Author: Ruby Dixon
Pages: 188
Publisher: Self Pub
PubDate: 4/3/2019
Rating: 👽👽
Thoughts: That was an absolute experience. I don’t particularly care for insta- love or for instantly fated mates but, this was fun… except for that outta-nowhere assault scene. I thought it was so out of place and unnecessary. And I will also say, at times the main female character got on my nerves. She was extremely childish at times and of course, there’s the fact that she’s living it up with a hot alien while her fellow captives are still in trouble.
Title: Barbarian Alien
Genre: Sci-Fi/Romance
Synopsis:
Twelve humans are left stranded on a wintry alien planet. I’m one of them. Yay, me.
In order to survive, we have to take on a symbiont that wants to rewire our bodies to live in this brutal place. I like to call it a cootie. And my cootie’s a jerk, because it also thinks I’m the mate to the biggest, surliest alien of the group.
BARBARIAN ALIEN is a sequel to ICE PLANET BARBARIANS. You do not have to read both in order to understand the plot, but the story will be richer if you do! (more)
Series: Ice Planet Barbarians, #2
Author: Ruby Dixon
Pages: 248
Publisher: Self Pub
PubDate: 7/24/2015
Rating: 👽👽
Thoughts: I love me a good ole “hate-to-love” romance, but this was a bit much. Liz was so hot and cold and so mean to Raahosh that it made me a little dizzy. I appreciate the fact that she was very strong-willed but, at times it translated as her being incredibly childish and frustrating. I didn’t care for him literally kidnapping her as well and as hot as some of the sex scenes were, this book was severely lacking in the consent department- even if Liz did make it a point to mention it. Raahosh just wasn’t likable during the whole first half of the book, and by the second half, it just felt like I was reading a completely different book.
Another pretty damn good reading month for me! I can’t wait to know if yall have heard of any of these books or if you do end up checking them out!!
Hi, guys! I thought I’d update you all on my reading stats for January 2022. It’s been a minute since I’ve read this much in a month so I’m super happy! Also, I read a TON of Science Fiction… Since I’ve long decided not to have two separate blogs for the genres I read, this is gonna be a mix of Science Fiction, Paranormal Romance, and Middle Grade. I’ll divide the posts into those separate genres.
Science Fiction/Graphic Novel(s):
Title: Saga Volume 1
Synopsis: From New York Times bestselling writer BRIAN K.VAUGHAN (Y: THE LAST MAN, EX MACHINA) and critically acclaimed artist FIONA STAPLES (MYSTERY SOCIETY, NORTH 40), SAGA is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the worlds. When two soldiers from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war fall in love, they risk everything to bring a fragile new life into a dangerous old universe... (more)
Series: Saga, #1
Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Pages: 160
Publisher: Image Comics
Pub Date:10/3/2012
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Thoughts: I would’ve given it 5/5 if it weren’t for some of the language that is used in this book. The story itself and the illustrations are great- I thought the illustrations really made the story come alive. I’ve never seen illustrations that were so creative and imaginative yet incredibly jarring. I really enjoyed it!
Title: Saga Volume 2
Synopsis: Collecting the epic second storyline of the smash-hit series Entertainment Weekly called “the kind of comic you get when truly talented superstar creators are given the freedom to produce their dream comic.” Thanks to her star-crossed parents Marko and Alana, newborn baby Hazel has already survived lethal assassins, rampaging armies, and alien monstrosities, but in the cold vastness of outer space, the little girl encounters her family’s greatest challenge yet: the grandparents.(more info)
Series: Saga, #2
Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Pages: 144
Publisher: Image Comics
Pub Date:7/2/2013
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Thoughts: I’m surprised that I enjoyed Vol 2. even more than I enjoyed vol.1! I can see myself growing attached to some of these characters and the world(s) they come across. I’m still absolutely in love with the illustrations as well! They got even weirder which I didn’t think was possible. And I love the social commentary and the conversations about love sprinkled into the story! It tackles a lot of serious topics in a great way.
Science Fiction/Erotica:
Title: Morning Glory Milking Farm
Synopsis: Violet is a typical, down-on-her-luck millennial: mid-twenties, over-educated and drowning in debt, on the verge of moving into her parent’s basement. When a lifeline appears in the form of a very unconventional job in neighboring Cambric Creek, she has no choice but to grab at it with both hands… (more info)
Series: Cambric Creek, #1
Author: C.M. Nascosta
Pages: 198
Publisher: Meduas Editoriale
PubDate: 8/3/2022
Rating: ⭐⭐
MyThoughts: This one definitely skirted a couple lines for me. I’m not one to kink shame but, I had to mentally imagine a more human form for this guy in order for the sex scenes to hit the spot LOL! 2 stars solely because of the really hot dirty talk, though! Definitely an interesting read…
Title: His Human Nanny
Synopsis: My indentured servitude is almost over and freedom is a heartbeat away!
Until some alien guy buys me because he needs a nanny, quick. What the actual f@ck? I’m not even good with kids. I’ve never changed a diaper in my life. But the beings at the employment agency won’t listen. “Hew-mans are hot right now. Everyone wants a hew-man nanny.” Great. And since there isn’t another human available… I’m hired on the spot.
MyThoughts: Not sure what I expected when I found out about this book through a YouTuber. Aegir is absolutely adorable! I love how much he cares for his children and his family. He’s easily one of the sweetest male love interests I’ve ever read about. Riley… wasn’t my favorite. The whole “I don’t know how attractive I am” trope isn’t one I really enjoy and it made her come off quite annoying. And there was also the insta-love aspect of it that I didn’t care for along with a lot of repetitiveness in the writing. I would’ve been fine if they were both just perpetually in lust with each other and that’s it. Two stars just because I loved Aegir so much, haha!
Paranormal/Erotica:
Title: Feed
Synopsis: Thismonster wants to get under more than just her skin…
Avirinhas a dirty little secret.
She hates her fae coworker – but that’s no surprise. Not when Pye’s tattoos and easy-going attitude clash with her pencil skirts and rigid expectations. Those strict rules help her maintain a corporate appearance so no one catches onto the truth of what she is… (more info)
Series: Hunger Duet, #1
Author: Aveda Vice
Pages: 62
Publisher: Bad Bite LLC
PubDate: 5/28/2021
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
MyThoughts: That was perfection. Aveda has such a way about packing on the heat and I’m SHOOK. It was sexy, very unique and it ticked off all my boxes (BDSM, orgasm denial, breathplay, and more.) *chefs kiss*
Title: Skin
Synopsis: The last time Harbinger felt someone’s touch was seven years ago. Cursed with the ability to soak up information through her skin, she focuses on loaning out her services and keeping the world at arm’s length. Easier said than done when she’s partnered with the gargoyle Jasper Flint…(more info)
Series: Fangs With Benefits, #2
Author: Aveda Vice
Pages: 54
Publisher: Bad Bite LLC
PubDate: 7/16/2021
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
MyThoughts: If you enjoy paranormal creatures, size difference, praise kink, dirty talk & soft doms I think you’ll love this one! There’s heavy touch starvation throughout this story because of the heroine’s abilities, so that adds some extra heat to this story. Loved it!
Middle Grade/Adventure/Humor (graphic novels):
Title: Codigo 7: Descifrando El Codigo Para Una Vida Epica (Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life)
Synopsis: Life at Flint Hill Elementary School may seem normal, but seven friends find themselves on a path to crack the code for an epic life. Whether they’re chasing their dreams on stage, searching for an elusive monster fish, or running a makeshift business out of a treehouse, can these heroes find a way to work together to change their community? (more info)
Series: This book is a standalone.
Author: Bryan R. Johnson & Cynthea Liu
Pages: 240
Publisher: Candy Wrapper Inc.
PubDate: 5/26/2019
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
MyThoughts: This was a hit! I thought this book was funny and heartwarming, all the while it gave important life lessons that I think kids of all ages should learn. Confidence and responsibility were just two of the lessons within this book. All in all, it was a super quick and fun read! I read the Spanish version of it and I was not disappointed! (I was approved for this book on Netgalley and my opinions on this book are my own.)
Title: Snug Harbor Stories
Synopsis: The follow up to the Eisner-nominated collection of Wallace the Brave comics, featuring beautifully illustrated scenes of childhood imagination, friendship, outdoor exploration, and adventure.
Think “Peanuts” if Charlie Brown were less of a mope or “Calvin & Hobbes” if Calvin weren’t a bit of a psychopath. “Wallace The Brave” is about a family. There’s Dad, a fisherman, Mom, a gardener, their almost feral young son Sterling, who never met a bug he wouldn’t eat, and his older brother Wallace, a rambunctious, imaginative kid big on exploring. Mostly we see the world of the strip through Wallace’s eyes, a sleepy East Coast beach town called Snug Harbor… (more info)
Series: Wallace the Brave Collections, #2
Author: Will Henry
Pages: 176
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
PubDate: 9/24/2019
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
MyThoughts: Absolutely adorable! This was such a quick and delightful read. I loved the illustrations and the characters- mainly Amelia, her wit was absolutely hilarious. It was a great look into the chaotic ideas and thoughts that run through a child’s head and how far their imagination will take them. Loved it! (this was a Netgalley approval and all my opinions on this book are my own.)
Non-Fiction/Politics:
Title: Juror Number 2: The Story of a Murder, The Agony of a Neighborhood
Synopsis: This riveting memoir recounts the author’s experience on a jury in a murder trial and his subsequent investigation of the conditions in East Harlem that led young people to be involved in drug-selling and criminal activity. Besides the trial itself, the book is the story of the failures in NYCHA housing projects, the schools and the criminal justice system, and the efforts of a handful of educators, nonprofit leaders and criminal justice reformers to find pathways to success for these young people. (more info)
Series: This is a standalone.
Author: Efrem Sigel
Pages: 144
Publisher: The Writers’ Press
PubDate: 11/16/2020
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
MyThoughts: I don’t usually read memoirs. Those are very few and far between in my TBR, but I enjoyed this one for the most part. I think it raised a very important issue which is that of racial inequality, especially within the economic and justice systems. The statistics given in this book were overwhelming and at times hard to follow, but I think it was a necessary read for anyone looking to learn about these racial inequalities. (This was a Netgalley approval and my opinions on this book are my own.)
Holy crap! I am back with my first review of 2022! I hope you all had a wonderful and safe Holidays.
Let’s do this! First review of many, I hope!
Title: Saga, Vol. 1 (Saga, #1)
Synopsis: When two soldiers from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war fall in love, they risk everything to bring a fragile new life into a dangerous old universe.
From bestselling writer Brian K. Vaughan, Saga is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the worlds. Fantasy and science fiction are wed like never before in this sexy, subversive drama for adults. (info)
My Thoughts: I was definitely thrown in for a loop with this one. And I really enjoyed it! The language is a little outdated as to be expected since it was published in 2012 but, regardless of that I really enjoyed it. Marko and Alana are wonderful as a couple- their banter is top notch and they were bad-ass!
Another aspect I really enjoyed were the illustrations. The characters are completely outlandish with televisions for heads, giant heads on armless torsos… and so much more. Very imaginative!
But I can honestly say I’m okay with that. I’m okay with not posting everyday or even once a week or once a month. Writing and reading fiction is my passion but blogging started off as a hobby and I’d like to keep it that way. I struggle with wanting to update this blog every single day, but I’ve realized more and more that I want to write about things that excite me rather than just posting just to post. If anyone loses interest on this blog because of that, then so be it. I wanna make writing my career and I’m currently working towards that (in school, writing my book, etc.) but I want to keep this blog as what it really was from the start- another way to express myself and talk about the things I’m passionate about without it all feeling like a chore. I’ve read a couple books this year and I might review them on here. I might not. We shall see!
I’m not sure why I was inspired to tell y’all this but, if you read this til the end and if you’ve continued to stick around through my absence (if you’ve even noticed hahaha!) thank you!
I noticed that yall really enjoyed the last post that I made where I just kinda talked to you guys about things that were happening and how I was feeling and I really enjoyed writing it.
So of course I thought, why not do it again?
So here I am.. I started Intro To Literature on the 28th of June and I can’t how much time has flown by since then.
This class I’m taking now calls for a bit of academic writing which, I’ll be honest, is not my favorite type of writing. But surprisingly, I’m having fun with it!
The reading material is interesting, the assignments aren’t long (though they are thought provoking) and so far, I don’t feel stifled or suffocated as far as my creativity goes.
It is still a little intimidating, though. And I did get a little discouraged at a small critique on my last assignment but I quickly pulled myself out of that mindset and reminded myself that it’s never too late to learn and to grow as a writer and as a person. And it’s okay that there are some things that I need to work on. There’s always room for improvement.
But so far I’ve been getting really good grades on all my assignments and I hope it continues. I’m having a lot of fun with this class and I can’t wait to see what next for me!
What have you guys been up to? Let me know in the comments!
I just wanted to come on here to talk about the books I’ve read so far this in June and July. It’s been a minute since I’ve been hungry for reading so, feeling the need to write these mini reviews makes me very happy!
Some of these I DNF’d but I felt like talking about them regardless..
(click on the titles for the synopsis of each of these books)
My Thoughts: First of all.. woah. This one was.. woah.
It started off super intense right off the bat and the author touched on very serious issues throughout the book (blackmail, assault, men in power, etc). Very prevalent issues occurring even still to this day. Rush is a soft dom even though he can get brutal if need be (meaning: if she asks him to. And damn does she ask him to…whewww.) and Bree is lovely. She’s headstrong but also vulnerable and together they make a beautiful couple who put everyone else’s needs before their own. Loved it.
My thoughts: I had high hopes for this one but unfortunately, it really disappointed me. The home invasion concept was great but the execution was lacking. It felt like the author started off with one idea then it just went completely sideways.
The main protagonists were characters I rooted for but, the decisions made by the author for clear shock value just left a bad taste in my mouth. I don’t think I’ll pick up anything else by Tremblay.
Thoughts: Loved the short poems. Other than that, I found it kind of condescending and all over the place. From what I know, this book started off as just those short poems but it was decided to be released as a full length novel and that disconnect definitely shows in the writing toward the middle. I ended up just reading the poems and skipping the rest.
My thoughts: Soft doms, a unique gym, sexy spanking scenes and body positivity done the right way. Wonderful. Beautiful. Another hit by Brianna Hale. Hale is slowly becoming one of my fave authors! This book is a part of the Dom Fitness series but I don’t think you have to read the other one in order to enjoy this one. Definitely recommend!
Hi everyone! if there’s anyone still keeping up with me, that is. haha!
It’s been a minute, I know. But I’ve been trying to figure things out.
This isn’t a book review and there may not be consistent book reviews on this blog.. and that’s okay. Sometimes I wanna review books and sometimes I just wanna talk.
If the ”life update” or ”personal” type posts aren’t your cup of tea, that’s absolutely okay! Not everything is for everyone.
Like I said, I’ve been trying to figure things out. More importantly, my future.
For a long time I thought I didn’t know what I wanted out of life. But this year I’ve realized that that’s not the case.
I love reading, writing, music, going to concerts, events, promoting hard working people, and just anything creative, really.
So recently I made the brash decision to register into University in order to pursue a degree in Creative Writing & English!
I’m not one to pick up the phone and take the initiative, especially when it comes to speaking to absolute strangers (it really depends though) but, I did it. And I got in!
So if everything goes smoothly in 4 years time, I will have a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing & English (with Fiction Writing as my concentration).
As for music, I plan on pursuing a degree (maybe a Bachelors or Masters) in Music Management, specializing in promotion.
For the longest time I participated in street teams, talked about my favorite artists on social media, followed my faves to the every corner of the world in order to experience things I could’ve only imagined. And I love it so I thought, ‘why am I not pursuing this if I can?’
If I have the opportunity to have a flourishing career, whether its writing on the side or creating my own publishing company and doing artist promotion/marketing as a full time job or vice versa, why wouldn’t I at least try? Maybe it’ll be more than I can chew but maybe it won’t be!
For a while I felt stuck. At a standstill. Like I didn’t know where my life was headed. Until I realized that I was at a standstill out of fear.
Writing and music related jobs don’t have the track record for being the most consistent jobs on the planet and I think that part was what was holding me back, aside from my kind of shy nature.
I was feeling very discouraged and insecure about my passions and whether or not I had the power to allow those passions to flourish.
But for the first time in a long time, I’m excited for the future that I’m creating for myself and I have myself to thank along with my super supportive mom and friends who always encourage and support me to go after the things I love. I know that that’s unfortunately not the reality for many people, but I’m so grateful that is for me!
I’m so glad my stubborn ass listened to them for once and I got out of my comfort zone and took the steps I needed to take in order to create the life I want for myself.
As for this blog, I fully intend to continue posting consistently whether it’s book reviews or just talking to you guys.
Follow along in my journey if you so wish..
xoxo, Gigi. 💋
P.S: Have you ever gone out of your comfort zone? Tell me in the comments! ❤
As Read As A Doornail 